Welcome to town: Dr. Benjamin Lombardo

By Benjamin Weiss

Favorite Mitzvah/holiday: Cooking for others.

Cherished Jewish memory: Listening to my temple choir sing as a young boy. It was the first time I could remember feeling the presence of G-d.

Jewish app on phone: Chess.com (we have always had a strong presence in the chess world).

Go-to Yiddish or Hebrew word: Mishegoss (Yiddish for craziness, lunacy, foolish behavior or situation).

Historical Jewish figure: Albert Einstein.

Afamily story: My surname is Italian, and because I’m of Jewish-German origin, friends at school would call me Lombardo-shtein. We got the name because my father was given up for adoption at birth and was taken in by an Italian family in the Bronx. He only learned about his Jewish lineage in his 30s. When I was born, it was important to him to raise me Jewish and give me what he didn’t get.

Chabad: Chabad were my neighbors all throughout medical school in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. A pleasant surprise to find you here in Arizona too!

Chesed (kindness):

When I see patients, I strive to give my utmost presence and heartfelt attention to everyone. I feel that regardless of whether I am able to treat what ails them, to be seen and heard is medicine in itself.

Happiness: Beautiful surroundings and good company.

Hobbies: Dancing, Tai Chi, meditation and hiking. Comfort food: Potatoes of any kind.

Kvetch: My residency schedule!

Kvell / nachas: Synchronistic meetings.

Your claim to fame: Was highly ranked in the U.S. as a foil fencer during my teens.

Something you’re looking forward to… Spring in Tucson!