Project S.A.R.A.H.’s 14th annual breakfast is around the corner, but this year we are doing things differently. The breakfast was originally confirmed to take place on May 17, but we were faced with the decision to postpone, delay or change the format of this breakfast due to the circumstances. Knowing the heightened need for our services at this time, our team decided to take the plunge into uncharted territory and turn our event into a virtual breakfast.
This is our only major fundraiser for the entire year and we rely on these funds to help provide vital services. During the pandemic, the need for our services has become even greater. Our wonderful honorees have agreed to the changed format because they understand the importance of our work. Please mark your calendar and join us in recognizing them and the work of Project S.A.R.A.H.
Charles and Medina Popper, our guests of honor, have been heavily involved in the Englewood community for that past 40 years. As president of Shomrei Emunah in the mid-1980s, Charles helped build the first Englewood mikvah. They first learned about Project S.A.R.A.H. through Medina’s major involvement with the Englewood mikvah, when she arranged for their attendants to participate in annual training sessions on identifying possible domestic abuse victims.
Rabbi Daniel and Mrs. Leah Feldman are the recipients of our Rabbinic Supporter Award. They are the Rabbi and Rebbetzin of Ohr Saadya of Teaneck. Rabbi Feldman also serves as Halachic advisor to ORA, the Organization for the Resolution of Agunot. Mrs. Leah Feldman holds an MSW from NYU School of Social Work and serves as the administrator of the Beit Midrash of Teaneck.
Yeshivat Frisch’s Kahal Tzedakah Organization will be receiving a newly created award: The Youth Impact Award. It is a student-run tzedakah organization. Each year, the approximately 100 student members choose the charities that will benefit from their annual Chanukah tzedakah drive. They have chosen Project S.A.R.A.H. twice as the recipient of the money they have raised.
While we will not be able to meet in person to enjoy a delicious breakfast, we will host a virtual meal with Susie Fishbein, a renowned kosher cookbook author. She will give us a live demonstration of one of her tasty breakfast specialties and you are welcome to cook breakfast along with her without even leaving the comfort of your own kitchen. We’d love to see your breakfast creation––please send pictures to [email protected] and your breakfast will be featured on our website.
In addition, you will be invited to hear a remarkable presentation by an outstanding panel of presenters. Pamela Jacobs, executive director of the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence, will share with us information on the state’s response to domestic violence during the pandemic. Attorney Susan Wiesen will speak about legal relief available to victims and noted psychologist David Pelcovitz will offer his unique perspectives and experiences. Senator Loretta Weinberg, who has done so much for our community and who has helped Project S.A.R.A.H. get state funding, will leave us with a special message.
We look forward to you joining us at the breakfast this year. To register, please visit projectsarah.org. Feel free to call us at (973)777-7638 with any questions, or email us at [email protected].
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Shira Pomrantz, LCSW, is the director of Project S.A.R.A.H.
