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ABOUT JCF  |
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| WAYS TO GIVE |
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| HOW WE HELP |
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| CALENDAR |
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| RESOURCES |
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| ISRAEL & THE WORLD |
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Boris and Alla Lipkin, originally from Kharkov, arrived in Newburgh, NY in 1978. They were the first family sponsored by the Federation of Great Orange County, in upstate New York. Today, Boris, President and CEO of Therma-Wave, Inc. is a respected leader in the semiconductor equipment industry, who has previously held executive and management positions at ASML, Silicon Valley Group, Varian Associates, and IBM. Alla is an accomplished musician and a co-founder of the award-winning Bay Shore Lyric Opera Company. The couple lives in Menlo Park and has a son (Dmitry, 36) and daughter-in-law (Kiersten, 36). Over the years, Boris and Alla have contributed to the Jewish Community Federations on both the East and West Coasts. Alla and Boris share their views on life, work, and the Jewish community. Q: What was it like arriving in the United States?Boris & Alla: It was really exciting and uncertain at the same time. We did not know what to expect, we did not speak much English and we did not have any money. Luckily, the Jewish Federation of Great Orange County made us feel very welcome. We were not afraid of hard work. We both had university degrees and established professions in Kharkov — Boris being a young engineer and Alla being a concert pianist — so starting from scratch was difficult, but we were committed to making the most of our situation and creating a better life for our son, Dmitry.Q: How did you get started in the United States?Boris: On my fourth day in the country, I went to work as a laborer at a local factory in upstate New York, earning $3 an hour. Since we were the first immigrant family in the area locals were fascinated with us, and within a few months of our arrival a journalist wrote an article about us in the local newspaper. An IBM recruiter happened to catch the article, found our story intriguing, and tracked me down for an interview. Needless to say, I did not know much about IBM, nor did I know anything about the interviewing process. After getting advice from the neighbors and having to borrow a button-down shirt, I met with five people in a single day at IBM. IBM hired me, and the rest is history.Alla: My story is quite different. After months of various jobs from McDonalds to Macys’ elevator attendant, I hesitantly responded to an advertisement in the newspaper for a Professor of Music position at the State University of New York (SUNY). I never expected to get even an interview, but I did. During my first interview, Dr. Olson, head of the music department, never even asked me to play the piano, which is unheard of for any position within the music industry; we just talked. Leaving his office, I was sure there was no chance. Then, a few weeks later, he invited me back and offered me the job. I was so excited, that I left his office without asking anything about it or even thanking him. He had to follow up with a phone call to make sure I wanted the job. It all worked out and I spent 12 years at SUNY as a music professor. Q: What is your business philosophy?Boris: It’s O.K. to make a mistake; it’s not O.K. to make the same mistake twice.Alla: Complete dedication to the cause: you’ve got to give it all you got. Q: What keeps you competitive?Boris: My drive to continuously differentiate myself.Alla: A sincere desire to be the best within myself. Q: What is a measure of your success?Boris: Earning the trust of others and delivering results.Alla: Having wonderful friends and family around you. Q: What are some of your formative experiences?Boris: Growing up, playing chess taught me that life is like a chess game: the more you can think through each move, the better you can position yourself against the competition.Alla: Both sports and music were part of my growing up years, and one thing I learned early in life is that great results don’t happen overnight – they are the culmination of your true dedication and disciplined hard work on a daily basis. Q: What is your greatest accomplishment?Boris: Being awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and ringing the closing bell at NASDAQ on the same day! [Editor’s Note: The Ellis Island Medal of Honor recognizes distinguished Americans who have made significant contributions to the nation’s heritage. Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients are selected each year through a national nomination process, are sanctioned by the United States Congress, and are listed in the Congressional Record. To date, six former U.S. Presidents have received the medals.]Alla: Convincing my family to come to the U.S. Q: What is one word that best describes you?Boris: Decent.Alla: Optimistic. Q: What is your favorite quote?Boris: If your roof is on fire and your dog is on the run, you don’t chase the dog.Alla: Quit while you’re ahead. Q: What is so important about money?Boris & Alla: It’s about opportunities: being able to provide for your family; working not because you have to, but because you want to; having the privilege to give back to your community; and helping others establish themselves.Q: What is your secret for raising responsible children?Boris & Alla: Reinforcing family values was very important to us. We primarily focused on education because it broadens your horizons, and on honesty because the truth is always easier to remember. Also, we tried being very supportive of our son, and we constantly urged him that it’s O.K. to try; even though you may fail, we are behind you no matter what.Q: What is your involvement with the Jewish community?Boris & Alla: We’ve been very fortunate to share our success with the Jewish Federation in a number of different ways. Aside from the monetary contributions to the Annual Campaign, we spend considerable time serving on various committees. Most recently, Boris was elected to the Federation’s Board of Directors, and Alla has joined the Women’s Alliance Board of the South Peninsula.Q: How did you get involved?Boris & Alla: From our very first paycheck we gave back to the Federation: $36 in cash, since we did not have a checkbook, yet. In Jewish tradition, the number 18 represents the Hebrew word “Chai” — life. Our first contribution of $36 was a double “Chai”. We were so thankful for the support and warm welcome of the Jewish community. We consider it a privilege to give, and with the first opportunity we had, we gave back.Q: Why are you involved with the Federation?Boris & Alla: As an umbrella organization, the Federation has a far greater capacity to make a difference. For example, neither one person nor a single agency can have the level of financial resources, the vision and direction, the name recognition that an overarching organization such as the Jewish Federation has. Together -- under the umbrella we are truly one. Q: What have you gained from your involvement?Boris & Alla: We've gained immense satisfaction learning about our roots and connecting with our people. It brings us great pleasure to be a part of the Jewish community and have the knowledge that we are helping many others both locally and around the world to get a similar satisfaction. Q: What does the concept of giving to the community mean to you?Boris & Alla: It’s about giving time, contributing money and bringing up responsible children who will continue the traditions.Q: In your opinion, what makes a great community?Boris & Alla: A great community is the one that’s able to bring people from all walks of life together, to create a sense of openness and equal communication. Everyone who wants to get involved is truly able to make an impact.Q: What is one thought you’d like to leave our readers with?Boris & Alla: Take advantage of the opportunity presented to you: an opportunity to get involved and give something back. Giving is truly a privilege. There are many ways to give; find your own way of what it means to you to be a part of something very special!
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