The Young Israel of Teaneck (YIOT) will celebrate its annual dinner on Sunday, May 7. This year’s guests of honor will be Leora and Daniel Lowe. The Charlie Gartenberg Memorial Service Award will be given to Shira and Zack Goldglantz.
The Lowes moved to Teaneck 14 years ago. “While I did grow up near Bnai Yeshurun, we didn’t really know the Country Club side of town,” shared Leora. “When we were looking to buy a house, we came to spend a Shabbos here and it was Teaneck but also different. I really liked how warm and close-knit the community was.”
Daniel reflected, “As an ‘out of towner,’ I was immediately drawn to the small town feel of the YIOT. There’s such a strong sense of community here. Even though this is Teaneck — one of the densest frum areas in the country — relatively speaking, it feels like we are in our own ‘midbar.’ People really look out for one another in a way that reminds me of growing up in Savannah.”
Both Leora and Daniel have been extremely active members of the YIOT and served on the shul board and taken leadership roles on a variety of committees and projects. Daniel, a physician, currently leads the YIOT adult education Committee and served on the YIOT medical advisory committee during the height of COVID. Leora co-chairs the YIOT Chesed Committee, was on the mechitza committee during YIOT’s recent expansion, and ran the High Holiday groups when her children were younger.
During COVID, Daniel tried to find ways to continue the community learning programs. “First of all, we have a thoughtful and hard-working adult education committee, which helped keep people engaged when we were in lockdown. We brought in a variety of speakers on Zoom and we launched our first (of now four!) Pesach Torah Journals. Led by a wonderful Talmud chacham in Rabbi Krohn, we are a community of people focused on learning and growth in Torah. I’m so proud to be a part of it, and particularly excited that a lot of the proceeds from the dinner will go to our adult education programming.”
Leora is very proud of her work on the mechitza committee. “We all felt differently about mechitzas,” said Leora, “but we learned the laws with Rabbi Krohn, visited other shuls and today I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it turned out. We found something that made everybody feel good at the end and we accomplished something wonderful.”
YIOT President Michael Gutlove told the Jewish Link, “The Lowes lead by example. They show up, they get involved and they encourage their friends to get involved.”
Charlie Gartenberg, z”l was a founding member of the YIOT. He gave of his time, money and expertise and did it with simcha. In his memory, each year the shul looks for a person or couple who exemplify his midot to receive the Charlie Gartenberg Memorial Service Award. This year’s recipients, Shira and Zack Goldglantz, moved to Teaneck five years ago and immediately got involved with the shul. Zack co-chaired the Men’s Club for two years and Shira is currently co-chairing the Sisterhood. They’re both active members of the security committee and regularly participate in discussions relating to new initiatives for the shul.
“We both feel strongly about the security of the shul. Unfortunately, we’re all aware of the occasional attacks on U.S. synagogues and how they always seem to feel so close to home. We feel it’s our duty to contribute to keeping our shul safe.” said Zack. “With the Men’s Club, it was a great way to get integrated with the shul. Growing up, I remember watching my dad chair the Men’s Club in Hollywood and how those events always brought people together. I wanted to be able to provide the same for our community with fun events that appealed to all age ranges.”
Shira shared, “Investing in our community is a very high priority for us, and it’s such a worthwhile place to devote our time.” The Goldglantzes also wanted to set an example for their kids that it is important to help out wherever possible.
Shira also grew up on the other side of Teaneck while Zack is from Hollywood, Florida. “When we were looking for a house, we heard such great things about YIOT. People would tell us that it was the most ‘out-of-town’ feeling community in Teaneck. Once we moved here, we saw how special this place truly is and looked forward to raising our family here.”
According to Gutlove, “Similar to the late Charlie Gartenberg, z”l the Goldglantzes don’t wait to be asked to do something. When they see something that needs to be done, they roll up their sleeves and do it.”
YIOT Rabbi Beni Krohn said, “We are thrilled to be able to honor Daniel and Leora Lowe and Zach and Shira Goldglantz. These two couples are shining examples of how investing your time and energy in your community can make such a difference in the lives of others. Each of them has been willing to give of their unique talents to so many areas of our shul. We feel so indebted to them, and it is a special privilege to honor them at our upcoming dinner.”
To make a reservation for the dinner or place an ad in this year’s journal email [email protected] or visit www.yiot.org/form/yiot-dinner-2023 .
By Sara Kosowsky Gross
