(Courtesy of CIS) On Tuesday, March 21, members and supporters of Congregation Israel of Springfield (CIS) gathered for the shul’s annual dinner at Crystal Plaza in Livingston. The event featured an engaging and memorable program, an extravagant buffet dinner followed by a dessert reception, and the opportunity for the community to socialize and celebrate the evening’s seven distinguished honorees.

The dinner paid tribute to guests of honor Jennifer and Joel Shulman, recipients of the Rabbi Israel E. Turner Memorial Award, in recognition of their contributions to Congregation Israel. Since becoming members of the shul 34 years ago, Jennifer and Joel have made an indelible impact on the community, dedicating both their time and skills on multiple programs. As well-respected architects, they have supported the design and construction of shul renovations, youth spaces and Mikvah Yisroel. The Shulman’s love of the community is shared by their own children, as well as the many relatives who have joined them in making Springfield their home.

Congregation Israel also honored Michelle and Eytan Burstein with this year’s Young Leadership Award. Both Michelle and Eytan are passionate about giving back to the community and have held many leadership roles during their time at CIS. Eytan currently serves as co-chair of the adult education committee and treasurer of the mikvah, where Michelle is co-president. Michelle is also responsible for organizing Rabbi Marcus’s weekly women’s parsha shiur. The Bursteins have deep roots in Springfield and have the privilege of sharing their community with four generations of Michelle’s family.

This year’s Aishet Chayil Award recipient was Sheila Hanover. Since moving to Springfield in 1994, Hanover has volunteered her time and talents across many shul-wide programs connecting new and longstanding community members. Most recently, throughout her tenure as Sisterhood president, Sheila has spearheaded a myriad of programs and events, bringing together the women of CIS.

Victor Dishy was honored with the Edward Konigsberg Memorial Award in recognition of his daily presence at CIS minyanim, as well as his contributions to the shul on the health committee, as a participant in the Semichas Chaver Program, and as co-editor of the Yizkor book.

Zevi Nusbaum was named the recipient of the Joseph Tammam Memorial Youth Community Service Scholarship Award. Nusbaum has been a member of CIS since birth and is now a dedicated shul minyan attendee, serves as a chazan in the early Shabbat minyan, and is a beloved youth group leader for the children of CIS.

For more information about Congregation Israel, visit www.congregationisrael.org.