(Courtesy of Congregation Anshe Chesed) Last week congregants and friends of Linden’s Congregation Anshe Chesed celebrated the community and honored four individuals who have made a tremendous impact on the community at the 108th anniversary shul dinner. As Rabbi Yossi Katz phrased it, “we ate together, we laughed together, and we came together as a community in the way that Anshe Chesed does!” After two years of missing the warm, in-person celebration due to COVID, this year’s dinner surpassed all expectations. “It was a wonderful night, where our members and supporters came back to an in-person dinner for the first time since 2019,” stated Anshe Chesed president Andy Van Houter. “The food was great, the company was better, and the dinner was as successful as previous years.”
Linden’s 9th Ward Councilmember Armando Medina was awarded the inaugural Community Service Award, as a token of appreciation for his involvement in our shul and the broader community. Hadassah (Das) Zell received the Outstanding Service Award, in appreciation for all of the time she dedicates to coordinating kiddushim and spearheading shul events. Evan and Janet Leibowitz received the Young Leadership Award, as a recognition for their leadership in multiple shul activities. “We look forward to celebrating many more years of their involvement in the community,” stated Katz.
The dinner also celebrated the shul’s growth over the recent years. Under the direction of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Katz, Van Houter, Anshe Chesed treasurer Leah Lipetz and the rest of the dedicated board, several young families have joined the community and made Linden their home. Jonathan Falk, a new member of Anshe Chesed, reflected that “not only is Linden convenient and affordable, it is a warm and dynamic community.”
The dinner was made special by the tremendous efforts of many people, under the leadership of Samantha Van Houter and Ellen Winetsky, the dinner committee co-chairs. Their creativity and vision ensured the dinners’ success and made it a special night for the honorees. “Our honorees have worked so hard for our community and we really wanted them to feel our appreciation,” stated Samantha Van Houter.
Anshe Chesed would like to thank Josh Murad of Riverdale Kosher Caterers, who was a pleasure to work with, and Linden Mayor Derek Armsted and Councilman Armando Medina for their attendance and continued support. Thank you to everyone that attended and everyone that supported the annual dinner campaign.
