After a year spent indoors, the Jewish Educational Center’s Sixth Annual Golf Outing on July 19 was its most anticipated. A crisp, sunny Monday morning greeted the 100-plus supporters, community members, business owners, friends and alumni, and raised more than $75,000 to benefit the students of the JEC’s three divisions.
The lively fundraiser was held at the prestigious Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains and co-chaired by board member and parent Brian Ness and fellow parent Jeff Kimmel. Ness, who welcomed everyone, paid special tribute to their longtime friend and former co-chairman, Alex Krause, whose untimely passing devastated the JEC community just two months ago and whose contagious joy is and will always be painfully missed.
Breakfast and driving range began early with volunteers and guests in high spirits, followed by a late morning “Kiddush Club,” complete with cholent, potato kugel, whiskey bar and freshly rolled cigars. Shortly after midday, a shotgun start commenced not just the tournament but also grilling on the course throughout the afternoon. Concluding with a cocktail dinner reception, awards ceremony and raffle, this year’s Golf Outing was one for the ages.
New and familiar faces competed, enjoyed, interacted and networked both on and off the green. Alongside some of the members of JEC’s Board of Trustees—Dr. Steven Singfer, Joshua Fisch, Melissa Rothenberg Kapustin, Brian Ness—were longtime supporters and friends David Saginaw, president of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest; Howard Rabner, CFO; Steve Levy, president of the Jewish Community Foundation; and Jason Cury and his team from the Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education. Golfers also included administrators, lay leaders, alumni and faculty, including JECHS Principal Rabbi Ami Neuman and JEC Boys Middle School Assistant Principal Rabbi Ben Pomper. Long drive contest winner was alum and current JECHS chemistry teacher Akiva Shulman, with a drive of 318 yards.
Ness was proud to point out that “among the golfers and supporters were JEC alumni from the 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s and even 2020. Aside from the monetary success of the fundraiser, the loyalty and support of former students is a unique testament unto itself and speaks volumes about the JEC’s lasting impact.”
For 80 years, the Jewish Education Center has maintained a commitment to providing a high-caliber general and Judaic studies education. The immortal mantra of JEC’s founder, Rav Pinchas Teitz, z”l, “Learn Torah, love Torah, and live Torah,” underscores the organization’s sacred obligation of providing a Jewish education regardless of a family’s ability to pay. The JEC’s approach to providing financial assistance is imbued with compassion and support. As such, they proudly ensure that no child is denied the opportunity to grow within the framework of Torah. Proceeds from the golf outing will go towards the JEC Scholarship Fund to further the support provided to those in the JEC family.
Thank you to golfers and sponsors Melissa Rothenberg Kapustin and family from The Rothenberg Law Firm; Jeff Smulevitz of The Bell Team at Morgan Stanley; Northfield Bank; the Kahane Family; Adam Stein of Stein, Adler, Dabah & Zelkowitz; Brian Ness and members of his team at PwC; Jeffrey Kimmel and associates from the Law Office of Jeffrey Kimmel; Zvi Zinstein of Mike’s Bistro: and representatives from CIJE, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, and the JCC of Central New Jersey.
According to Kimmel, “This outing was our best yet. Everyone enjoyed the golf, camaraderie, and the sumptuous food stations situated around the course that they have come to love and expect from an institution they both love and respect.”
By Tamar Sullivan
