Akiva Mensh, recipient of the Eitan Shapiro Young Leadership Award at the upcoming Beth Aaron Dinner, shared, “Beth Aaron is not only a place to daven, but a place where we make lifelong connections and become part of something bigger.” Beth Aaron’s Annual Dinner, to be held on Sunday, March 2 at Ahavath Torah in Englewood, will be just that—an opportunity for members and friends to connect and celebrate together in a festive setting as part of a big and cohesive kehilla.
Hosting its 53rd Annual Dinner, Beth Aaron is known throughout the Teaneck community as a welcoming and inviting shul. Located off Route 4 on Queen Anne Road, it attracts daveners from several geographic areas. Led by noted Morah D’Asra Rabbi Larry Rothwachs, together with the peerless Rebbetzin Chaviva, Beth Aaron attracts all ages and generations. In fact, among its members are several multigenerational families. Guests of Honor Gabrielle and Avi Silverberg are part of one such family.
Prior to joining Beth Aaron in 2013, Gabrielle and Avi Silverberg attended Yomim Noraim services at Beth Aaron together with Avi’s parents, members Lynn and Dov Silverberg. Gabrielle recalled a particularly meaningful drasha by Rabbi Rothwachs that so inspired her that when their third child was born, they decided to officially join Beth Aaron. They were particularly drawn by the unique youth programming and other learning and social opportunities.
As sisterhood co-president for the past several years, Gabrielle has helped plan and implement many women’s programs. She is involved in the youth committee as well, where she initiated the Snack and Learn program and runs it along with Avi. Every year, the Silverberg family, including children Noah, Benyamin and Shaina, run the shul’s matzah sale out of their home, excitedly welcoming the deliveries on huge pallets. Gabrielle has also been an active participant in the shul’s mishloach manot program, overseeing its creative design. The Silverberg children have themselves been actively involved in the shul through serving as youth leaders, decorating the shul for holidays and all around “helping.”
Professionally, Gabrielle serves as the director of planning for the Betesh Group. As a parent of children in Yeshivat He’atid, she offers her support to the school in various capacities. Avi is a president at Publicis Collective, contributing his leadership and expertise to the organization.
When approached to be this year’s Guests of Honor at the Beth Aaron Dinner, the Silverbergs accepted, although hesitantly, realizing that through this honor they can potentially motivate others to become involved.
This year’s Shelley Leffel Service awardees are Elizabeth (Lizzy) and Peter Globus. The Globus family, which includes their five children, moved to the Beth Aaron community 10 years ago. Peter immediately became involved in the Men’s Club with a particular enthusiasm for the kiddush committee. When Men’s Club President Moishe (Mo-B) Singer served as president of the shul for two years, Peter took over the running of the Men’s Club. He can be seen greeting participants at the Shabbat kiddush with a warm and welcoming smile. Beth Aaron appreciates all the big and small things that Peter and Lizzy do for the kehilla in their own quiet way.
Professionally, Peter is a director of data insights at L’Oreal. In addition, he has volunteered to teach several classes for Project Ezra. Lizzy is a special education instructor in the Paterson School District.
The Eitan Shapiro Youth Leadership awardee, Akiva Mensh, 17, is currently a senior at Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA), where he spearheads a “Business in Booming” club. His interest in entrepreneurship has honed his skills in responsibility, innovation and teamwork. His family’s move to Beth Aaron fulfilled their search for a vibrant and welcoming community. Even before becoming a bar mitzvah, Akiva volunteered at the shul kiddushim, very proudly donning his Men’s Club apron. On Fridays, Akiva works in the shul’s office, where he assists with the newsletter and other activities. When approached to be honored at the shul dinner, Akiva accepted readily. “Saying yes was an easy decision. It is my way of showing hakarat hatov to a community that has given me so much and maybe inspiring others to become involved.”
Rabbi Rothwachs said he “is looking forward to the upcoming dinner as a special opportunity to honor remarkable individuals and families who contribute so meaningfully and immensely to the community.” Beth Aaron President Pinny Wechter is equally excited to show the shul’s hakarat hatov“for the time and many talents that the honorees have contributed to enhance every aspect of Beth Aaron.”
At the dinner, the awardees will be gifted with an originally designed papercut created by Micol Bayer of Micol Design from Israel. Raffle tickets for exciting prizes will be available for purchase. In addition to the gourmet buffet dinner and video presentations, an entertaining and creative game is being planned.
To reserve your spot at the Beth Aaron Annual Dinner, to be held on Sunday, March 2 at Ahavath Torah in Englewood, beginning at 5 p.m., go to
bethaaron.org/dinner.
