East Meadow Jewish Center honors longtime employees

Congregants at the East Meadow Jewish Center attended a Shabbat lunch on Jan. 21 to honor two employees who played invaluable roles in the congregation. Stanley Bodson, head custodian for 44 years, and Hector Martinez, assistant custodian for 23 years, retired this year.

More than 100 center members listened to the rabbi and congregants express their appreciation and dedication to Bodson and Martinez. Each man received a plaque and gifts as a thank you for their service and shared heartfelt speeches.

Bodson was born in Poland and came to the United States in 1966. He was the head custodian at the East Meadow Jewish Center since his arrival in the country. He played an integral role in renovating the daily chapel in 1983. His education as an engineer was utilized in immeasurable ways to maintain the synagogue.

Martinez worked with Bodson in routine work and emergency situations. He worked the night shift and kept the nursery school, Hebrew school and main building clean, safe and ready for congregants.

The East Meadow Jewish Center wished Bodson and Martinez well deserved retirements.