(Courtesy of Emunah) Emunah of America will hold its virtual annual dinner on Monday, November 1 at 8 p.m. The program will be hosted by actress Rona-Lee Shimon, known for her work in the acclaimed Israeli show “Fauda,” and include Israeli mentalist Lior Suchard, Broadway star Alex Brightman and Belz Hasidic singer Shulem Lemmer. Our esteemed Honorees, deserving volunteers who embody the theme Changemakers, will be celebrated in recognition of their outstanding efforts in support of Emunah’s mission to help families in Israel break the cycle of distress.
National President Debbie Bienenfeld said the honorees were chosen for their lifelong commitment to Emunah. “The honorees have dedicated themselves to the Emunah cause. In addition to leading busy, active lives within their professions, communities and families, these wonderful volunteers still find time to help our most worthy organization. We could not accomplish our mission without them.”
Johanna Guttman Herskowitz, chairman of the board, said: “As Israel struggles to emerge from the pandemic, we must support the vulnerable families who, more than ever, are losing their place in society. The annual Emunah dinner raises much needed funds to help provide the resources, education and therapy needed for this challenge. We also want to honor our members who work tirelessly on behalf of Emunah.”
Emunah operates over 160 projects including five residential homes for children at risk, 125 day-care centers, 11 crisis counseling centers, four high schools for girls, a women’s shelter, a senior social center and a women’s art college, serving over 10,000 individuals daily.
Shifra (Drazin) and Dani Bendheim of Teaneck are the recipients of the Dor L’Dor Award. Shifra is on the presidium of the Emunah Libby Kolb chapter and has helped to organize numerous events including teas, boutiques and a cookbook luncheon. She is originally from Montreal, Canada, and grew up in a family that has supported and voluntarily given their valuable time to Emunah over the course of several generations. Shifra and Dani’s son, Sam, has continued the tradition by volunteering as a summer counselor in the Kol Hanearim summer program in Emunah’s residential homes.
Rabbi Mitchell M. Hurvitz, senior rabbi of Temple Sholom in Greenwich, Connecticut, will receive Emunah’s Community Service Award. Rabbi Hurvitz and the Greenwich community have been longtime supporters of the Emunah Sarah Herzog Children’s Center in Afula, Israel. He has visited the home many times, and together with his community has raised significant funds for the children-at-risk living in the Afula residential home.
Our Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Shirley Singer, a”h posthumously, will be accepted by her children, Sharon Katz and Pauline Reimer. With the support of her husband, Jack Singer, a”h, Shirley worked tirelessly and was a stellar fundraiser for Emunah. She volunteered initially for the Crown Heights Emunah Rachel Bergmann Chapter and then became involved with the Sarah Herzog Chapter in Brooklyn. She held many leadership positions in Emunah including executive director, executive vice president and senior director of philanthropy. Shirley helped build Emunah from its early years to where it is today.
This year’s dinner also introduces Emunah’s Changemaker Kids, celebrating today’s youth who are making a difference for children in Israel. These amazing Changemakers completed chesed projects to raise money for kids who are less fortunate. Liz Gindea, dinner co-chair, added: “The most rewarding thing to see is that these fine young men and women have modeled their behavior on the values taught to them by their parents and grandparents.”
Careena Parker of Englewood, dinner co-chair, said the decision to hold the dinner virtually was made to ensure the safety of the thousands of Emunah supporters throughout the country who want to participate. “The virtual format allows us to continue sharing our support for Emunah together. Our outstanding entertainers and worthy Honorees will ensure a meaningful and entertaining evening.”
To register for the Emunah Virtual dinner, visit www.emunahdinner.org.
