(Courtesy of Cong. Etz Chaim) On Sunday, June 18, Congregation Etz Chaim of Livingston celebrated the shul’s 21st anniversary with its annual barbecue celebration. The casual family affair featured amusement park rides and entertainment for the children, along with a celebration of the shul, in a wonderful outdoor atmosphere.

The shul honored outgoing co-presidents Neil Kaplan and Alan Schall. The two were recognized for their stellar work on behalf of the shul over the last two years. They were also commended for their very brief weekly shul announcements from the pulpit. Stephen Goldman was given the community service award for always going above and beyond the call of duty to make sure the shul runs smoothly every single day.

All three honorees were given special recognition by the mayor of Livingston, Ed Meinhardt, who attended the event and presented each with proclamations.

The highlight of the evening (before the heavens opened) was the announcement by Rabbi E. Samuel Klibanoff that Cong. Etz Chaim has engaged Dr. Erica Brown to serve as the community scholar for the coming year.