Herb Ruben: He inspired, guided and advised

Herb Ruben was known for his passion, energy, compassion and wisdom, and he made a huge impact on many lives as the executive director of the Peninsula Counseling Center, as a member and president of Congregation Beth Emeth and simply as a friend.

Ruben, 87, of Long Beach, who died of cancer on May 20, was not only a leader in the mental health field during his 52 years as executive director of PCC, but someone who other leaders leaned on for guidance and advice.

Rabbi Elliott Skiddell, the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Emeth, first spoke to Ruben on the phone in 2006. Skiddell was in Israel, and Ruben contacted him about leading the Reconstructionist congregation. That May, the two men met. The relationship that blossomed made a multifaceted impact on Skiddell’s life.

“He was a very important part of my life through the congregation, professionally, in the community and very much on a personal level,” Skiddell said of Ruben. “During the building sale, I called it a time of mini transitions, and it was Herb’s steady hand and wise counsel that really helped us stay the course as difficult decisions had to be made.” In 2012, the congregation sold its Hewlett synagogue, and it is now leasing space in Central Synagogue in Rockville Centre.

Hewlett resident and former PCC board President Jay Greenbaum’s involvement with the PCC began after he met Ruben a decade ago through Congregation Beth Emeth. “He was immersed in everyone’s lives — he cared about everyone he met,” said Greenbaum, who called Ruben “brilliant and passionate.” “He seemed to do the work of five people all at one time.” Greenbaum said he would miss Ruben’s insights on many diverse subjects and his ability to connect with those of different generations.

Audrey Goodman, PCC’s community relations coordinator, first got to know Ruben about 35 years ago, she recalled, when she was seeking advice on whether she should send her child to camp. At the time, Ruben was a social worker with a private practice, in addition to leading the PCC.

“That was the beginning of a very long friendship,” Goodman said. “That was Herb. He was just constantly always giving advice to people.”