Eileen and Sam Terzi
Guests of Honor
Sam and Eileen Terzi have been devoted members of Shaare Zion for over 25 years, a community that has been the heart of their family’s spiritual and social life. For the Terzis, Shaare Zion is more than just a synagogue—it’s a place where faith, tradition, and lifelong friendships thrive.
Sam grew up in Midwood, Brooklyn, surrounded by the vibrant Syrian Jewish community. His father, Jack Terzi, z”l, was a beloved man who founded and ran the Children’s Minyan at Shaare Zion of Brooklyn, leaving a lasting legacy of Torah, Chesed, and love for Hashem. Sam’s mother, Naomi, was raised in Israel surrounded by a loving family. She has instilled in her children a love and commitment to Medinat Yisrael.
The youngest of the three children of Henry and Joyce Stern, Eileen grew up in Kew Gardens and attributes her extensive tzedakah, middot, and fervent Zionism to her upbringing. The Sterns are pillars of their Yeshivahs and Synagogues in both Kew Gardens and Bal Harbour, Florida.
Together, Sam and Eileen are the proud parents of extraordinary children—Jack, Naomi, and Aron Lichtschein, and Ian. All their children are graduates of North Shore Hebrew Academy/Yeshiva Har Torah, which solidified their commitment to Jewish education. Their children, along with their grandson Sammy, embody kindness, empathy, and a drive to make the world a better place, bringing immense Nachat to Sam and Eileen. Their household is a beautiful tapestry of Ashkenazi and Sephardic values, where the love for Torah and tradition is celebrated through shared customs, deep learning, and joy.
For the Terzis, Shaare Zion has been a constant source of strength and inspiration. It’s here that they’ve celebrated life’s most joyful milestones, found solace during challenging times, and cultivated bonds that feel more like family than friendship. They are deeply grateful for a congregation that has supported and enriched their lives, rooted in shared values and unwavering faith.
As they look to the future, the Terzis feel blessed to continue growing and celebrating with Rabbi David Bitton and this extraordinary congregation.