(Courtesy of Fair Lawn Jewish Center) Fair Lawn Jewish Center/Congregation B’nai Israel will host its Annual Gala on Sunday, June 23, at 4:00 p.m., in the ballroom (10-10 Norma Avenue, Fair Lawn). This year’s honoree is Michael D. Baer, who just finished a two-year term as synagogue president.

Baer and his wife, Robin, joined the Fair Lawn Jewish Center/Congregation B’nai Israel in 2005. Prior to serving as synagogue president, Baer developed curriculum for the religious school, served as a seventh-grade Hebrew School teacher, and even served as principal of the Hebrew School for a short time. In 2006, Baer joined the board of directors, and the executive committee in 2008.

He is a practicing attorney, having earned a law degree at Pace University School of Law. In his spare time, Baer serves on several nonprofit boards, including Areyvut, Breaking the Chain Through Education and Nechama Comfort.

Baer was born in Jackson Heights, Queens, to Holocaust survivors. He grew up in Englewood Cliffs. In 1995, he and his wife moved to Fair Lawn, where they raised their two children, Julia and Jessica.

If you are interested in purchasing a ticket to the gala or advertising in the gala’s ad journal, please call the synagogue’s office at 201-796-5040.