Getting to Know Sheila and Frosty Gardner

For decades, Frosty and Sheila Gardner have been dedicated members of Temple Emanu-El, engaging in various aspects of congregational life. Here they share their experiences, insights and the impact of Temple on their lives.

What first brought you to Temple Emanu-El, and what has kept you involved over the years?
Sheila: We started here when our children were young, in the late 1960s. All three of them had their b’nai mitzvahs here, and they were married here, too. This place has always been our home. We’ve gone through various clergy transitions, but our connection to the temple has remained strong.
Frosty: Our connection deepened when Rabbi David Stern was selected as the senior rabbi. It was a bold move by the congregation because he was a young man at the time. Seeing the Temple make such a decision really solidi ed our trust in the leadership here. We got to know Rabbi Debra Robbins in 1995 and she has been there for us in so many ways. She led my adult b’nai mitzvah class, which was incredibly meaningful.
Sheila: She’s just always been there. Whether for life cycle events or just when we needed guidance, she’s been someone we trust and respect. Even when we had questions about burial, she met with us and helped us through it. That’s the kind of person she is — always available, always supportive.

How has your involvement at Temple evolved over time?
Sheila: I have been involved with Judaic Treasures and various committees over the years. Frosty had his bar mitzvah here as an adult in 2000 and I had my b’nai mitzvah in 2001; they were big milestones for both of us.
Frosty: After that, I continued studying Hebrew and started reading Torah at Lefkowitz Chapel services on a regular basis. Sheila reads Haftarah, too. This became a real touchpoint for us. I also got involved in the Brotherhood, which has been a great way to stay engaged.

What are some of your most memorable experiences at Temple?
Frosty: We love the friendships we’ve built through Lefkowitz Chapel’s Saturday morning services. When we don’t attend, we sit at home wondering what to do with ourselves because it’s become such an integral part of our lives. Café Emanu-El has been a lot of fun, it’s been a wonderful way to meet new people, many of whom I had never seen before despite being part of the Temple for so long. A lot of us have known each other for decades — some for over 60 years — because our kids grew up here together. But there are also new faces, people who have recently moved to the area, many of whom are looking for a sense of belonging. We look forward to it, it gives us something to plan for, a reason to get out and stay engaged.

What makes Temple unique?
Sheila: The clergy. Without question, they are always here for us. Each rabbi brings something special, and Rabbi Stern, in particular, has been a central figure in our lives for a long time. He even taught our youngest daughter’s Confirmation class in his first year at Temple.
Frosty: Another great thing is that, even though the congregation is large, there’s always a way to find your niche. Whether it’s through study groups, Café Emanu-El, Brotherhood or Sisterhood, there’s something for everyone.

What advice would you give to someone looking to deepen their connection at Temple?
Sheila: Get involved. Even if it’s just attending Friday night services once or twice a month, or finding a program that interests you. But you have to try more than once — you won’t feel connected overnight, but with time, you will.
Frosty: There are so many different groups and committees to join, depending on your interests. The Brotherhood was a great way for me to meet people. It can feel overwhelming at first because of the size of the congregation, but once you find your place, it feels like family.

Written by Thomas Booe | Originally published in the March/April 2025 edition of The Window.