Judie and Neal Lewis arrived in Las Vegas in 1979

Judie and Neal Lewis arrived in Las Vegas in 1979 from Encino, CA after meeting in Los Angeles and getting married in 1970. Judie is originally from Philadelphia, PA where she taught elementary school after graduating from Temple University with a Masters Degree in Education. After moving to Los Angeles, Judie continued her studies at Cal State Northridge in Special Education becoming a teacher of the deaf and hearing impaired. Both Judie and Neal are fluent in American Sign Language.

Judie & Neal Lewis at the Torah Walk - March 26, 2000

Neal is originally from Milwaukee, WI and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, moving to Los Angeles in 1968. He is a licensed CPA in Wisconsin, California and Nevada. Neal has served on several boards, including Midbar Kodesh Temple. He is a Past Board Member of Stephen S. Wise Temple in Los Angeles, CA and Past Board member and Treasurer of Sierra Vista Ranchos HOA, Las Vegas. Neal is retired after owning his CPA business for almost 3 decades with Judie as his Business Manager for 25 years. Retirement for Neal means being a realtor associated with Coldwell Banker Premier Realty and currently sitting on the board of Capri by the Sea HOA in San Diego, CA as a member and treasurer. Neal and Judie enjoy collecting art, cruising, and beach time in San Diego.

Judie and Neal have 2 adult children and 4 grandchildren, all very active at Midbar Kodesh Temple. Shira is married to Adam Wood and they have a son Max and daughter Kate. Shira is currently the Co-president of Midbar Kodesh. Jeffrey is married to Becky Nathan Lewis and they have 2 daughters Olive and Ella. All four grandchildren attended MKT ECC and now Religious School. Becky is active in the ECC and is currently heading up programming and volunteering for Midbar. Max just celebrated MKT’s first Zoom Bar Mitzvah and is part of USY. Kate participates in Kadima. Judie and Neal feel fortunate to have all the grandchildren nearby.

Neal and Judie became members of Midbar Kodesh shortly after inception with services at Thurman White Middle School. Next was a storefront on Eastern Ave and then on to Cactus Garden. In March 2000 they helped carry the Torah from Cactus Garden to our permanent location on Paseo Verde. Neal and Judie donated the first Memorial Menorah in 1996, which moved with us to each location and is now located in the chapel. Judie continues to keep the memorial board current. Neal is a past MKT board member and was Treasurer of the synagogue. They participate in many synagogue activities.

Judie said that “Midbar Kodesh is a comfortable place to call our spiritual home. It has become an intricate part of our family life as our children and grandchildren are also involved and active. Rabbi Tecktiel is always welcoming. We have been participating in several of the streaming opportunities from Friday night services to Sunday Trivia during quarantine. We look forward to being together, in person, with our Midbar family.”