It was a night to remember as over 50 alumni of the JEC, RTMA and Bruriah braved the elements to attend an exclusive JEC Network reunion at the posh New York City rooftop at The Lyric. The 360 degree scenery was stunning but it was no match for the bright smiles and excitement that permeated the indoor lounge, where most of the attendees congregated to escape the frigid temperatures and high winds.

“The weather was not great,” said Andy Schultz, JEC Director of Institutional Advancement and organizer of the event, “but that didn’t stop dozens from coming out in support of their alma mater and to reconnect with former class and teammates.”

Indeed, mini reunions with boisterous hugs and enthusiasm took place throughout the evening with the alumni representing over four decades of JEC graduates.

Doron Greenspan, RTMA graduate from the class of 2007, and his wife Ashley (nee Schulman), Bruriah Class of 2007, represent just one of well over 100 alumni couples. Doron spoke of the importance of supporting the JEC’s student scholarship fund and shared how the education provided by the JEC, RTMA and Bruriah go far beyond the classroom and that relationships forged last a lifetime.

His words echoed true for attendees who were hoping to network for business and even social purposes. Rabbi Shraga Schofield, longtime rebbe at the RTMA, who is a regular at the Alumni Network events was especially gratified by the turnout and although most opted to stay indoors, he enjoyed the delectable buffet samplings outside on the deck with several former students who were all bundled up.

The event was co-chaired by Sammy Rosenzweig, RTMA Class of 2008 and Shira Teichman (nee Erlich), Bruriah class of 2007 and was hosted by Michael Cellar, RTMA Class of 2008. The trio worked hard to ensure that no detail was left out and it was a classy, elegant affair through and through. Stay tuned for information about other upcoming Alumni Network events and join us for the Mrs. Chaya Newman memorial event at Bruriah High School on motzei Shabbat, December 17, also hosted by the JEC Alumni Network and featuring Justice Ruchy Freier, the first Chassidic female judge in the United States. For more information, please view the JEC’s facebook events page at Facebook.com/TheJEC or contact [email protected].