(Courtesy of Etzion Foundation) The Etzion Foundation will host a virtual “dinner” on Sunday morning, June 6. In addition to highlighting its honorees, the dinner will pay tribute to Moshe “Moshko” Moskovic, founder of Yeshivat Har Etzion and Migdal Oz and the visionary behind Gush Etzion, who passed away this past year at age 96.
The theme of the 2021 Etzion Foundation Virtual Dinner is “Generation to Generation,” featuring video and awards presentations to Yerachmiel and Gitta Koppel and family; Dr. Ari ‘95 and Naomi Wiesen; and Rabbi Dr. Avi and Dena Block MO ‘04, families that have been an integral part of Yeshivat Har Etzion and Migdal Oz over multiple generations.
Guests of Honor:
Yerachmiel and Gitta Koppel
Yerachmiel and Gitta Koppel embody what it means to be a Gush family, and have a long-standing relationship with both Yeshivat Har Etzion and the Stella K. Abraham Beit Midrash for Women at Migdal Oz, dating from their very first visit to the Yeshiva in 1970. Since then, the Koppels have been strong partners and supporters of the yeshiva. Over the past 50 years, Yerachmiel and Gitta’s children and grandchildren have attended Yeshivat Har Etzion and Migdal Oz, continuing the relationship with Yeshivat Har Etzion and Migdal Oz over three generations. Yerachmiel and Gitta live in Israel, surrounded by their children Moshe and Channah Koppel, David and Shira Koppel, and Bibsi and David Zuckerbrot, and their grandchildren.
Communal Leadership Award:
Dr. Ari (YHE ’95) and Naomi Wiesen
Dr. Ari and Naomi Wiesen have a long-standing relationship with Yeshivat Har Etzion and Migdal Oz. Ari began a family tradition as the first of many siblings and siblings-in-law who attended both Gush and Migdal Oz. The values and philosophies of Har Etzion have influenced the Wiesens personally and in their community roles. The Wiesens are part of a core group that founded and continue to lead the Community Beit Midrash (CBM) at the Fuchs Mizrachi School (FMS) in Cleveland, Ohio. Ari is a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic. In addition, both Ari and Naomi volunteer their time, professional skills and expertise in the local day school, in nonprofit organizations, and on medical advisory boards. In recognition of all they do in their community, Ari and Naomi are receiving the Communal Leadership Award.
Educational Leadership Award:
Rabbi Dr. Avi and Dena Block (MO ’04)
Rabbi Dr. Avi Block is the mashgiach ruchani and member of the Judaic Studies faculty at the Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy of Connecticut. He holds a Ph.D. in psychology, and has been practicing for several years in the New York public school system and privately as a clinical psychologist.
Dena Block (nee Katz) is the director of admissions at Maayanot High School in Teaneck, where she also teaches Talmud and halacha. She currently serves as the Steinmetz Bernstein Alexander Yoetzet Halacha at Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, Connecticut, and mentors newly certified yoatzot halacha. The Educational Leadership Award recognizes Avi and Dena Block for their growing impact and educational influence in the Jewish community.
Alumni Milestones
This Virtual Dinner will also mark the 20th anniversary of the 1999 and 2000 classes of Yeshivat Har Etzion and the 10th anniversary of the 2009 and 2010 classes of Migdal Oz.
The event is co-chaired by Attara and Asher Meir ’86 and Rachel Rothner-Stark and Ezra Stark. The alumni co-chairs are Gavri Butler ’99; Zev Nagel ’00; and Penina Bernstein MO ’10.
For more information, or to register for the Virtual Dinner, go to www.thegushdinner.org, or call 212-732-4874, or email [email protected].
