This fund honors the memory of Richard Harris who grew up at Temple Sinai and went on to become an active member as an adult. “Richie,” as friends and family knew him, grew up in West Oak Lane, attended Hebrew School at Temple Sinai, and became a Bar Mitzvah and confirmant here. He was very fond of telling the story about his Bar Mitzvah—in March, 1958—during the “storm of the Century, ” when despite record snow and ice, Shabbat services began on time and everybody made it!

After completing his radiology residency in 1974, Richie and his wife, Renée, moved to Upper Dublin where he became involved in the growth and development of Temple Sinai’s new Dresher home. In the 1970’s, he marched with fellow congregants from West Oak Lane to Dresher, carrying the sacred Torah scrolls for dedication in the new sanctuary. He served as a member of the Board of Directors, an officer of the Men’s Club, and an usher during the High Holidays. His involvement with Temple Sinai gave him roots in the community, where he was also active in the Abington Physicians group of Bux-Mont Jewish Federation and through which he visited Israel several times. His children both became B’nai Mitzvah at Temple Sinai, both were confirmed here, and his granddaughter, Rachel Harris, is lovingly named in his memory.