Our Story

How it all began...

You know, we aren't rightly certain. We have been a part of each other's lives for so long it is hard to remember. Sometime in 2006, we may have met at a Jconnect Shabbat service. Or, we may have met at Herzl-Ner Tamid First Friday Shabbat service. We became friends at a Jconnect Eastside dinner at Big Time Pizza – this we both agree upon.

After being friends for over two years, Leah kidnapped Phil and his visiting friend, Ethan, for a tour of Seattle. It was after this heinous crime that our week of first dates began: Leah asked Phil out to a Jconnect 2nd Friday Shabbat service, Phil invited Leah over for dinner and a movie, Phil stopped by for a quick meal before bowling, Leah invited Phil to Mamma Mia, and they haven't stopped since.

The best "first date" was our trip to Victoria, British Columbia to celebrate Phil's birthday and our 18 month anniversary. It was there that Leah accepted Phil's proposal. And now, we both look forward to celebrating our love with our families and friends in Seattle on 10-10-10!

Phillip Arthur Saltzman

Phil was born in Sacramento, California to Dr. Larry and Sharon Saltzman. Phil and his sister, Jennifer, grew up competing each morning to be first to read the funnies. Phil's curiosity started at an early age. His interests have been varied throughout hi s life: coupon cutting and his first invention at age 5 (coupon filing box), creating fruit leather which won a blue ribbon in the California State Fair, sailing, pinball, camping, and investing in the stock market. However, it is Phil's interest in video games that has taken him the farthest. A BS in Computer Science from Northwestern, a master's degree in Entertainment Technology from Carnegie Mellon University has led Phil to Seattle, and to the love of his life.

Phil is currently exploring a whole new set of interests with Leah and can't wait to see what's on the next level.

Leah Pauline Weinstein

Named for her great-grandmother, Leah was born in Fort Worth, Texas to Jerry and Leryl Weinstein. She grew up reading and creating stories, spending summers in Galveston, Texas with her grandmother's family, and learning the importance of a hard earned dollar sorting nuts bolts and screws in the family hardware store. Leah earned her BA from the University of Texas at Austin (Go Horns!). After working for American Airlines, Leah accepted a position with Expedia as a Fare Filing Specialist and she moved from Texas to Seattle.

When Leah isn't spending quality time with Phil, cheering the University of Texas Longhorn football team, torturing the cats with string and tuna fish, she can be found volunteering. She also loves kayaking, exploring new places, and spending time with friends.