On Saturday evening, March 5, Ma’ayanot parents, students, alumnae and friends will gather at Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck for Ma’ayanot’s annual dinner. This year’s dinner is unique in that it both marks the culmination of a year of celebrating Ma’ayanot’s 20th anniversary, and it is dedicated to the memory of Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, zt”l, who served as Ma’ayanot’s posek from the school’s very inception. Indeed, this milestone anniversary provides a fitting occasion to collectively reflect and appreciate the extent to which Rav Aharon’s early support for Ma’ayanot’s unique vision for Jewish women’s education enabled the school to take root and flourish over these last 20 years.
This year’s dinner also affords the Ma’ayanot community the opportunity to honor seven extraordinary honorees.
Tim and Ria Levart are being honored with the Keter Shem Tov Award for their unyielding commitment to Ma’ayanot’s mission, growth and success. They have been extremely generous financial supporters of the school, helping to secure both current school needs and, through the recent establishment of a legacy gift, future school sustainability as well. In addition, Mrs. Levart has served as a member of Ma’ayanot’s executive board, board of trustees and education committee, and she is a founding chair of Ma’ayanot’s vibrant adult education committee. Finally, Ria served on the school’s assistant principal search committee in 2009, and on the board nominating committee in 2015.
Rabbi Mark and Chumi Gottlieb are being honored with the Amudei Ma’ayanot Award for the significant and numerous ways in which they have contributed to all aspects of life at Ma’ayanot. Mrs. Gottlieb has served on the board of directors and on numerous parent committees, including the school’s recruitment and open house committees. Rabbi Gottlieb has worked closely with the administration, first as a member and then as chair of Ma’ayanot’s education committee.
Doug and Shera Dubitsky are being honored as Parents of the Year for their tireless devotion to enhancing Ma’ayanot’s academic community. In addition to working on school recruitment events, Mrs. Dubitsky has generously shared her professional expertise by consulting on curriculum development for important teenage issues. Mr. Dubitsky has left his important mark by serving, for many years, on the school’s dinner fundraising committee.
Dr. Julie Goldstein, Jewish history chair and senior grade encounter coordinator, will receive the Teacher of the Year Award. Dr. Goldstein’s captivating and profound passion for Jewish history enables her students to engage deeply and to develop a sense of a personal encounter with Jewish history. The Ma’ayanot community is thrilled to recognize the significant contributions of this outstanding educator.
The entire community is invited to this year’s 20th Anniversary Dinner to celebrate Ma’ayanot’s significant place within the world of Modern Orthodox education, and to honor Rav Lichtenstein’s role in making Ma’ayanot’s unique vision a reality for the young women of the community. For more information or to register for the dinner please contact Pam Ennis at [email protected] or 201-833- 4307, ext. 265.
