(Courtesy of Cong. Israel of Springfield) On Sunday, June 14, Congregation Israel of Springfield will host its first ever virtual gala tribute to honor seven distinguished community leaders.
This event will take the place of Congregation Israel’s annual dinner and raise funds to cover the yearly operating costs of the shul, facilitating the important religious, educational and communal programming that compose the core of Jewish life in Springfield.
Led by Rabbi Chaim Marcus, Congregation Israel’s leadership prioritized the importance of uniting as a community to celebrate and recognize the contributions of the gala’s honorees when planning this event. While the community is unable to come together in person during this unprecedented time, all members of the shul have been invited to join this meaningful event.
The evening will pay tribute to Guests of Honor Sharon and Avi Borenstein, recipients of the Rabbi Israel E. Turner Memorial Award in recognition of their service to Congregation Israel. Since their arrival in Springfield over four decades ago, the Bornsteins have become integral members of the community. Sharon and Avi have served as president of the board, sisterhood president, gabbai and on multiple committees in addition to conceptualizing a myriad of programs and events that have become longstanding shul traditions.
Congregation Israel is also pleased to honor Josh and Michal Geiger with the Young Leadership Award. Josh and Michal came to Springfield to serve as the shul’s youth directors and since their tenure ended, have remained active leaders with a focus on chesed and educational programming. The Geigers are well-known in Springfield for their incredible hospitality, regularly opening up their home to community members and visitors.
Danielle Pepper will be honored with the Aishet Chayil Award. From her role as past president of the sisterhood to serving as an integral member of the annual dinner and journal committee, Danielle’s meaningful commitments to the Springfield community are valued by the members of Congregation Israel.
In recognition of his years as a dedicated member of Congregation Israel’s daily minyanim and the expertise he lends serving as the shul’s financial secretary, Howard Gluckman will be honored with the Edward Konigsberg Memorial Award.
Finally, Avi Stern, longtime youth leader, proud member and ba’al koreh at the shul’s early minyan and volunteer Sukkah builder, will be honored with the Joseph Tammam Memorial Youth Community Service Scholarship Award.
For more information about reservations for this special event or to place a tribute ad to support Congregation Israel of Springfield, please visit: https://www.wizadjournal.com/cisannualdinnerjournal2020/.
