Temple Judea recently held its annual gala, a bright and exciting evening to meet and greet friends old and new and raise funds for the many projects planned year round.
The gala is in contrast to the many of Temple Judea’s projects.
During the year, most of the activities are quiet, somber, and thoughtful, where people gather to pray, to learn, to meet to solve problems, to nominate new officers, to review recent projects that require evaluation, and to learn about the innovations of the developing technology-based Hebrew school, where many state-of-the-art materials and concepts are introduced within the scope of the Jewish experience.
The Gala was truly a different experience.
Circling the attendees in the bright ballroom were serving tables with lavish delicacies. It was an opportunity for people to enjoy sumptuous foods, see each other in a social setting, reestablish old relationships, and make new friends. Steven Belfer, Temple Judea’s talented pianist, provided music, adding to the festive air.
Rabbi Todd Chizner and Cantor Deborah Jacobson circulated among the members and their guests, welcoming them and offering greetings..
For the second half of the evening, all were invited into the Sanctuary for presentations to the honorees, Doctors.Eric and Marleen Donnenfeld, and Dr. Stanley Goldklang and Susan Goldklang.
Each of the honorees’ families was introduced by their grown children, who acknowledged the strong influence Temple Judea had on each of them in their growing-up years.