(Courtesy of CAT) On June 1, Englewood’s Congregation Ahavath Torah will have their annual dinner in the newly renovated outdoor garden. This year’s dinner will feature musical guest Shulem Lemmer and pay tribute to three very deserving honorees.
Albert Naggar, z”l, was born in Egypt in 1921. By the time he graduated college in 1941 he was fluent in English, French, Italian and Arabic. His early career was selling fabrics around the Middle East and representing various Egyptian fabric mills to European buyers. He continued as a sales representative for the largest Egyptian manufacturers of Egyptian cotton until 1967.
Following the Six Day War between Israel and Arab countries in 1967, Mr. Naggar was arrested on account of being Jewish. He was given the choice of being expelled or going to an internment camp. After spending six months in jail, Mr. Naggar left for the United States. At the age of 45, he opened his own import/export company and made a successful career in the apparel sourcing industry.
Mr. Naggar and his wife Vicki did not have children, but supported many Jewish charities between their homes in New York and Brazil. They were dear friends of Albert Allen, one of the founders of the Sephardic minyan (later renamed the Benaroya Sephardic Center), and spent many Shabbatot in Englewood. Over the years, Albert and Vicki became close to many community members and they were the lead donors of the first home of the Sephardic minyan which was in the back of the Ahavath Torah campus. After Vicki’s death, Albert stayed close to the Englewood community and was a frequent and beloved visitor.
Congregation Ahavath Torah and The Benaroya Sephardic Center acknowledge with eternal gratitude the Naggars’ generosity, kindness & encouragement that paved the way for the continued growth of the Englewood Sephardic Community at Ahavath Torah for years to come.
George Feintuch has been the unofficial executive director of Ahavath Torah for as long as many in the community can remember. The answer to most questions asked about CAT procedures, practices and history are typically resolved with “just ask George.”
George has given his time, energy and heart to our shul and community for 55 years. He served as president of CAT for three years and VP for six years, along with countless years as a member of the board, and he is currently still an active member. George has also served on most, if not all of, CAT’s committees, including finance and religious services. George led CAT’s annual member mission to Israel “Kum Hithalech Baaretz,” overseeing every detail of each trip. George was heavily involved in infrastructure planning for the new building, and oversaw the transition from the old building to the temporary structure where our shul dwelled comfortably during the three year construction period.
George has always been willing and able to do whatever is needed to ensure things are running smoothly. You can just as easily find him reviewing major contracts as you can in the kitchen getting kiddush ready each Shabbat. He and Barbara, z”l, were CAT’s original catering managers, and he led the kiddush committee in the old building.
While George can exhibit a firm hand and adherence to organization, he is sensitive to every member’s individual needs. When it comes to CAT, George is irreplaceable. Therefore, we know we will continue to use his time and advice from a (short) distance as he and Diane start their new chapter in Fort Lee.
Jeff Jacobs is our shul and community “Local Hero.” Often called upon, never too proud and never one to say no. Jeff always answers the call and brings his time, energy, creativity and “get things done” approach to our shul.
Coming out of COVID, he worked to design socially-distanced indoor and outdoor minyan configurations followed by his efforts to plan out and manage operations of our tents and seats for the 2020 High Holidays.
Jeff volunteered for CSS in the past and has co-chaired the youth committee for the past four years. He brings great ideas and utilizes his one-of-a-kind approach to ensure our children have the best possible programs and events. His humor and his unique style are unparalleled and only matched by his commitment to the Englewood community.
To join Congregation Ahavath Torah in honoring Mr.Naggar, z”l, Mr. Feintuch and Mr. Jacobs, please visit www.ahavathtorah.org/dinner
