Torah Academy of Bergen County will hold its Annual Scholarship Breakfast on Sunday, June 7. Honorees this year are Leora Fineberg and Jeff Levine, both being honored for their years of dedicated volunteer service to TABC. Leora has served on both the TABC Executive Board and Board in a number of capacities, including working on the Open House, the Annual Dinner, the Chanukah Luncheon, the Scholarship Breakfast and a myriad of other school functions. Most notably, Leora has made a tremendous impact as a member of the Education Committee through her involvement in developing the Special Services Department, including the new Learning Center, at TABC. Miriam Berman, Chair of the TABC Education Committee, commented, “Leora’s devotion to TABC, along with her intelligence, diligence, critical thinking skills, persistence and charm have served to make her one of the most valuable members of the education committee since its inception. I am thrilled that she is being honored at the scholarship breakfast.” Leora and her husband, Marty, are the proud parents of five children, two of whom are TABC graduates.

Dr. Jeff Levine, a member of the TABC Board for the past 10 years, has provided valuable counsel and advice to his fellow Board members and the Administration, always in a thoughtful and constructive way and always with a willingness to help when asked. Jeff is a loyal supporter and an advocate for TABC within the school and in the larger community. He also serves as the school’s volunteer sports photographer, providing TABC with incredible sports action shots throughout the year. “Jeff is a dedicated parent who has been attending games and taking incredible pictures for over a decade,” reflected Mo Fuchs, Director of TABC Hockey Operations. “We are grateful for his contributions on a number of levels.” Etiel Forman, former TABC President, added, “There was never a time Jeff said no to a request to help our school. That kind of service is invaluable.” Jeff and his wife Sheryl are the proud parents of five children, four of whom are TABC graduates.

TABC is also proud to announce the inauguration of the Bruce Ritholtz z”l Scholarship Fund. Bruce Ritholtz A”H, a beloved friend, TABC alumni parent and community member, was instrumental in launching the TABC Capital Campaign that enabled the school to build its beautiful new campus. He and his wife, Michelle, whose son, Dani, graduated in 2014, have dedicated so much time, energy and resources to TABC and many other worthy community causes. Naming the Scholarship Fund in his memory is a special and meaningful way to honor Bruce’s legacy and support Jewish education. When asked about how she feels about TABC launching this fund, Michelle replied, “I was touched that the school wished to honor Bruce A”H in this way, especially because he never sought recognition for his efforts. It was a labor of love and he was incredibly grateful for the excellent education and close connection with the rabbeim that Dani had at TABC. He has set an enduring example for our children.” Rabbi Yosef Adler, Rosh HaYeshiva commented, “Scholarship and Breakfast both are fitting tributes to Bruce A”H. On scholarship—he was always concerned with assuring that every student has the opportunity to take advantage of TABC’s education because he witnessed the impact it had on his son Dani. On breakfast,” he added with a smile, “Bruce was a great schmoozer who enjoyed sitting down with you with some good herring to inquire about your life.”

TABC President Nachum Barishansky summed it up, “TABC offers over $1 million in need-based scholarships each year. Charitable contributions to the Scholarship Fund in honor of Leora, Jeff and in memory of Bruce A”H, will enable us to continue to provide our young men the opportunity to share in all the wonderful benefits of a TABC education, and allow our school to achieve and grow in academic excellence while remaining financially accessible to our families. And it is especially meaningful to do this while honoring two well-deserving individuals, as well as paying tribute to a special community leader who we lost too soon.”

Members of the community are invited to invest in the next generation of Jewish leaders by contributing to the Bruce Ritholtz z”l Scholarship Fund. Information can be found at tabc.org/scholarshipbreakfast or by contacting Sharon Rifkind at [email protected].