Barbara and Marvin Wachspress have shared a remarkable journey together — one that spans more than six decades of marriage, family, community, and service. Both grew up in New York as the children of hardworking immigrant parents, excelling in school and graduating high school at just 16. Though they were knew each other as teenagers, their relationship blossomed in college, leading to a marriage that has now lasted 67 years.
Throughout their lives, Barbara and Marvin placed family, community, and creativity at the center. Marvin, often known as “Mr. Fix-It,” passed down his love of building and repairing by working constantly on projects around the house with his children. Barbara, equally renowned for her social activityis also known for her cooking, from her signature family birthday cakes to preparing her sons' entire bar mitzvah weekends, and even volunteering in the kibbutz kitchen the couple volunteered at during summers in Israel after retirement. Together, they shared their talents and contributed many valuable skills to the kibbutz community.
As lifelong educators, they brought the lessons of the classroom and youth group leading into their home, nurturing open and meaningful relationships with their grandchildren. Their story weaves together early involvement in the Young Judaea Zionist youth movement, leadership as community founders in West Hempstead, volunteering in Israel, and finally the fulfillment of their dream of making Aliyah to Jerusalem.
Told in two episodes, this life story podcast explores how Barbara and Marvin’s devotion, resilience, and love have shaped not only their own lives, but also those of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
This is the story of Barbara and Marvin Wachspress, Episode 2.
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