The Young Israel of West Hartford is excited to host its annual fundraiser on Sunday, May 18, at Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield. The evening promises to be a heartwarming celebration of leadership, legacy and community, honoring two remarkable couples for their profound contributions to Jewish life in Greater Hartford and across Connecticut.

The community will celebrate Miriam and Rabbi Tuvia Brander for 10 years of visionary leadership and devoted service. Since arriving in West Hartford a decade ago, the Branders have infused the community with warmth, energy and purpose, driving a decade of dynamic growth, welcoming new families, and establishing Young Israel as a spiritual home for Jews across the region.

Rabbi Brander’s leadership extends beyond the synagogue, overseeing the West Hartford community eruv, serving as posek for New England Jewish Academy, serving on the boards of the Hartford Kashrut Commission and Mikveh Bess Israel, co-chairing the Jewish Federation’s Israel and Overseas Investment Committee, and spearheading communal initiatives locally and for Israel. Recently, he joined the West Hartford Police Department as a volunteer chaplain.

Miriam Brander, a communal powerhouse in her own right, serves as chief operating officer of Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the region’s social services network. As Young Israel’s beloved rebbetzin, Miriam is celebrated for her inspiring mentorship of young women, her legendary hospitality, and her indispensable leadership across a wide range of Jewish institutions.

Young Israel will proudly present the inaugural Legacy Builders Award to Evelyn and Bob Harris, pillars of the community for nearly 60 years. As founding members of the synagogue, the couple helped lay the foundation for Jewish life in West Hartford. Bob’s distinguished medical career, alongside his leadership in Jewish education, and Evelyn’s real estate work and years of devoted volunteerism, have left an indelible mark on the community. Their legacy continues to flourish through their five children, 13 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

The Annual Dinner promises to be an inspiring evening honoring those who have helped build a strong, vibrant Jewish future for West Hartford and beyond. This year’s tribute committee — Beth Schiro and Stephen Bayer, Faygie and Aaron Beller, Elise and Michael Black, Jill and Rob Dulitsky, Rona Gollob, Miriam and Rabbi Yosef Gopin, Harold Grinspoon and Diane Troderman, Tali and Stephen Kest, Debbie and Khen Raviv, Debbie Chameides and Rabbi David Small, Gayle and Steven Temkin, and Jessica and Eric Zachs — invite the community to join in marking this momentous moment. Tickets and sponsorships are available at youngisraelwh.org/dinner2025.