(Courtesy of Young Israel of East Brunswick) The Young Israel of East Brunswick celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala dinner on May 4 at the Double Tree by Hilton Tinton Falls- Eatontown. A sold-out ballroom honored the founders as well as guests of honor Francine and Carey Tajfel and Suri and Steve Moskowitz, recipients of the Elaine Heumann-Ruth Amkraut, a”h Gemilat Chesed Award.

The evening began with comedian and shul member Joseph Shmulewitz serving as master of ceremonies and bringing the crowd to tears with his description of the shul over the past few years. Shmulewitz joked how “efficiently the shul was running as if DOGE had entered the picture.” It seemed as if no arm of the shul was left “unscathed” but had the entire room, including the rabbis, laughing.

The Tajfels remarked how humbled they were to be asked to be honored but in reality, the shul and Jewish community in the Greater New York/New Jersey owes them more than just this honor for all they have done. Fran has served on many boards, gave legal advice and served on the Freedom Campaign and Carey led three renovations including this present most beautiful one.

Interspersed were two beautifully done videos that interviewed the four members that (literally) built the shul 50 years ago. The Moskowitzes were honored for the tremendous amounts of chesed they have done throughout the years. Suri has served on many shul boards and led (women’s) chevra kadisha and bikur cholim for many years. Steve started the Daf Yomi shiur, and led the (men’s) chevra kadisha and rabbi search committee. Suri and Steve were surprised with special remarks by Emily Grossman.

Dave Rabinowitz, who founded the shul and served as president four times, commented, “This was such a magical evening and the best dinner we have ever had. To celebrate our history and be so invigorated about our future made this so memorable.” Ariella Zurndorfer, one of the shul’s many new young families, had an amazing time. “I learned so much about the shul from the founders on the video and how important it is to volunteer and sacrifice on behalf of this wonderful community.”