Matt Schwartz
Name: Matt Schwartz
Age: 53
How long have you been a member of The Temple? 25 years
Why did you decide to join The Temple? Cindy and I joined shortly after moving to Louisville. I grew up at Adath Israel downtown so it was easy to come home! We then proceeded to meet many of our lifelong friends through the Temple preschool and family holiday events. My parents, Gail and Buddy, were both very involved in Temple life and leadership and our family continued that tradition.
What do you do for a living? Lead a growing insurance brokerage with my brother Scott – personally, I focus on wellness, benefits and related support services.
What is your favorite holiday? Sukkot – we’ve raised a sukkah for 20+ years and it’s fun to bring in new people to enjoy all the photos we’ve gathered – and now post – over the years.
What is your favorite Temple memory? My children’s Bar & Bat Mitzvahs
What is your favorite Jewish food? Strudel – I remember – at age 6-8-10 – covering the entire kitchen table rolling out dough with my mom.
What is the farthest you’ve traveled? Tibet
How do you like to celebrate special occasions? Definitely with family and friends in tow – I love sharing experiences and creating memories.
How did you meet your spouse or partner (if you have one)? She was sitting on the couch, living in my old apartment. I came by to collect some mail I hadn’t received. Voila!
What are some of your hobbies and interests? I love live music – listening to it and creating it! In fact, my band from college still connects after what seems just a few short years to write new music and play … every chance we get.
What is your favorite volunteer activity? I really enjoyed being President of The Temple, helping map a course for future success and sustainability
What was your first car? Do you miss it? 1972 Dodge Dart (it was formerly Alison Roemer’s grandmother’s car)
Do you have a favorite sport and/or sports team? Big college basketball fan
Do you have a hidden talent? musician
Do you have any pets? 3 small, needy, but friendly, dogs – Uno, Lola and Dobby.
Have you lived anywhere besides Louisville? Tampa, Charlotte and DC area
What is your favorite Louisville restaurant? Al Watan
Why did you give through LIFE & LEGACY? If not me, who? The Temple has been very important to the life of my family. It seems obvious to me to do what I am able and give back – beyond current giving, it is “easy” to commit to more significant and impactful giving through estate planning. This is how I pay back my parents and grandparents who did what they were able years ago. I am now modeling generosity to my kids as well!