On December 15, Project Ezrah will hold its annual dinner at Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood. Project Ezrah has helped thousands of families in and around Bergen County who require financial assistance and job placement. In addition to these primary goals, Ezrah provides families with resources, benefits and other life-sustaining aid. The success of this treasured organization is increased by the tremendous support of its community partners.
This year’s dinner will honor six couples from our local communities who continually extend themselves to help others. Gloria and Harold Gellis, Robin and Mark Hoenig, Chana and Jordan Katz, VV and Shmiel Ramras, Dalia and Ed Stelzer and Rabbi Andrew and Dr. Sara Markowitz have dedicated themselves to Project Ezrah and the invaluable service it provides.
Rabbi Andrew Markowitz, associate rabbi of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fair Lawn, and his wife, Dr. Sara Markowitz, feel blessed to be involved in the lives of so many community members. Unfortunately, some find themselves in vulnerable, difficult financial situations in which they never expected to be, feeling lost and unclear as to how to get themselves and their family to a better place.
“Knowing that Project Ezrah exists in our community lets us feel a sense of comfort and safety. Project Ezrah offers concrete skills, support and a set of resources to help people get back on their feet and to a point of success. Project Ezrah is one of the most important organizations in our community. We believe that our community supports Project Ezrah financially or through giving their time, to ensure that everyone around us knows that we are there for them,” said Rabbi and Dr. Markowitz.
Executive Director Robert Hoenig has been visiting area shuls on Shabbat, offering congregants insight into the important work Project Ezrah is doing. “The good news is the economy is on the rise,” said Hoenig. “Nevertheless, there is still an overwhelming amount of families in our community who rely on Project Ezrah assistance.” With a small yet dedicated staff, Project Ezrah strives to help as many people as they can. Hoenig believes through community support greater goals can be achieved.
The dinner will begin at 8 p.m. and promises a warm and welcoming ambiance. There are no assigned seats, allowing guests to mingle with old and new friends while indulging in a delicious buffet dinner. There will be a short video presentation after which the honorees will accept their awards. A decadent dessert will conclude the evening.
The couvert to attend the dinner is $360 per couple and $180 per individual. For reservations or further information, please visit www.ezrah.org or call the office at
201-569-9047.
By Andrea Nissel
