(Courtesy of Yeshivat Noam) The Yeshivat Noam Annual Dinner hosted a packed house with over 700 guests at Congregation Keter Torah. Everyone could feel the aura of warmth and excitement in the room.
The event opened with welcoming remarks by the president of the board of trustees, Binyamin Rieder.
Then a hysterical “Megillah” spoof enabled the crowd to feel entertained and relaxed. The original script, written by Ari Wartelsky, with adaptation, direction and production by the creative team who lead the “Mobile Graduation” in 2020: Rabbi Chaim Hagler, Ed Stelzer, Chanan Vogel and Ari Wartelsky. The video professional behind the scenes was Noam parent Matt Engler. The spoof illustrated the “over the top” dreams of Ed Stelzer’s desire to receive “perks” and “fanfare” as a dinner honoree. Without missing a beat, the video committee made those dreams into a reality with the arrival of two 12 foot tall dancing, electronic robots to dance the honorees to the stage. (Generously paid for privately, and not with school funds) The excitement in the room was palpable as the attendees stood up and joined in the dancing!
The dinner continued with a beautiful tribute to the deserving honorees. Beautiful paper cuts by Dena Levie were presented to each of the fantastic honorees: Enid Anziska, the Bonei Noam Award; Rabbi Jeremy Hellman, Faculty Recognition Award; Dalia and Ed Stelzer, Community Service Awardees; and Mindy and Dovid Warshawsky, Guests of Honor.
Place cards, centerpieces and event details were elegant and memorable thanks to the Dinner Co-Chairs: Shifra Bendheim, Estee Hirsch, Dina Silverberg and Becky Schmutter. Behind the scenes, Lisa Mandelbaum, dinner chair emeritus, helped tremendously with many dinner logistics. Some of the amazing vendors who made this event special included: Petaks Catering, Ulrich Studios, Triple S. Studios, MW- Event Lighting, Miro Printing, Teaneck Flowers and Lauren Frohlinger Graphic Design Services.
The dinner is a celebration of funds raised to provide scholarships and fund educational excellence. Thank you to the Annual Campaign Co-Chairs, Greg Eliason, Dina Gielchinsky and Dovid Katz, along with the Annual Campaign Committee: Joshua Chaitovsky, Daniel Finn, Daniel Fischer, Josh Geffner, Rabbi Chaim Hagler, Michael Hurtes, Adina Kontorovich, Ilya Kontorovich, David Landman, Binyamin Rieder, Gitty Rozner, Aaron Safier, Eliza Skoczylas, Amy Vogel and Joseph Westreich. With their leadership and efforts, the campaign was able to raise over $1.2 million dollars.
Yeshivat Noam’s Annual Campaign is ongoing. Every dollar is appreciated! To make a donation to Jewish education, contact Amy Vogel, director of development and communications, at 201-261-1919 x126 or go to www.yeshivatnoam.org
