JCHC Chronicles - Fall 2013

NEWSLETTER CONTENTS

Chronicles FALL 2013

Letter from the President ...................................1 JCHC Senior Chorus ...........................................1 Letter from the CEO ...........................................2 Plaza Awarded Top Scores ..................................2 Ushering in the New Year ...................................2 Happy New Year from JCHC ..............................3 Village Fun With LEGO® Blocks .........................3 Your Donation Makes a Difference .....................3 Annual Dinner Meeting Sponsors .......................4 Lester’s 7th Annual Western Day ........................4 Residents Renew Old Connections .....................5 Residents Enjoy Community Outreach ................5 Tips for Creative Living .......................................5 Watch for our New Website ...............................5 Tributes ...............................................................6

JEWISH COMMUNITY HOUSING CORPORATION OF METROPOLITAN NEW JERSEY 760 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052 | 973-731-2020 | www.jchcorp.org

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Last month, I had the pleasure of participating in a young real estate professional’s (REX) mission to Israel. In five short days, our group traveled throughout the country doing and seeing as much as many people do and see in two to three weeks, including visiting several military installations and meeting members of the IDF. As always, my time in Israel was wonderful. And as always, I was moved by the commitment the soldiers have to their country. Even though military service is compulsory, the majority of the soldiers I had the honor of visiting with expressed the same thought in many different forms—if not us, then who?

While of a much smaller magnitude, although no less important, that same sentiment applies to the Jewish Community Housing Corporation.

If not us, then who will provide quality housing for the Jewish seniors in our community? If not us, then who will provide communal kosher meal programs that allow all Jewish sects of our community to dine together?

If not us, then who will continue to educate our seniors to ensure that even as their bodies may grow older, their minds grow clearer? The JCHC does all of this and more.

Going forward, however, we cannot continue to just coast along doing what we have always done. Our challenges are great. Most notably, the senior population in our buildings is aging in place. And taken on its own that is excellent news. So where are the challenges associated with this? One of the challenges is that these seniors need more physical care and attention than our younger residents. Another challenge is that we need to continue to create programming that will engage our residents without taxing them. And yet another challenge is that we cannot provide enough housing for the many Jewish seniors looking for quality, affordable homes.

We are responding to these challenges, as we always do. Over the last several months, our professional staff, led by our COO Laurie Loughney, has taken a comprehensive look at what our options are to continue to physical and medically care for our oldest residents. I have asked our Board to form an ad hoc committee to evaluate these options and find the best way to implement them. My expectation is that our residents will start to see some of these ideas implemented within the next several months. Our committees that work on programming, in conjunction with our on-site staff, are continuing to offer meaningful activities that enlighten and engage our residents without putting an undue burden on their minds or bodies.

And we are ever aware of the growing need for affordable, quality housing in a Jewish community. The waiting list at some of our communities is many years long. Our vacancy rates are virtually 0% at each of our buildings. And yet the number of Jewish seniors in our Greater Metrowest community continues to grow. So we continue to look for development opportunities that will allow us to build more housing.

We are actively pursuing two options right now while continuing to source others. While a new community will not be built overnight, I am confident that we are moving in the best interests of our seniors.

Unlike the Israeli Defense Forces the JCHC does not have to defend a nation against those determined to destroy it. We do have to remain vigilant, however, against an enemy that we have created. I believe that we have been so successful doing what we do that we raise the bar every day that we continue to operate. And my expectation is that we will always exceed that bar. Our staff, our Board, and our residents would have it no other way.

I will not have an opportunity to see many of you personally before Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur so I’d like to wish everyone L’Shana Tovah.

May the new year bring everything you wish for and more President, Board of Trustees

JCHC Senior Chorus is the Hit of our Annual Dinner!

Harold Colton-Max (center), CEO of the Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey, with Jay Murnick, president of the JCHC Board of Trustees, and Jodi Murnick.

JCHC’s Board of Trustees hosted its Annual Dinner in June at Crystal Plaza in Livingston. In attendance were the organization’s board members, senior staff members, sponsors, and officers from the tenant associations of all four of our communities.

New board officers and board members were installed and attendees heard from Jay Murnick, the current board president and CEO Harold ColtonMax. Employees who were marking milestones of five, ten, and twenty years of employment with our organization were honored. But the hit of the party was the entertainment provided by the JCHC Senior Chorus, which performs every year at the event.

The JCHC Senior Chorus is directed by music teacher Ronnie Weinstein of Short Hills, who has volunteered her time since starting the choir nearly 20 years ago. This year’s choir members were from The Lester Senior Housing Community and Jewish Federation Plaza. They met with Weinstein weekly for eight months prior to the event to learn various American standards, show tunes, and Yiddish songs. The Senior Chorus was accompanied by guitarist Barry Ottenstein, who also volunteered his time at rehearsals and the performance.

The JCHC Senior Chorus entertained attendees at the organization’s Board of Trustees Annual Dinner. The singers have performed at every annual gala and receive standing ovations for their performances.

The choir performs in three-part harmony and features several singers in solos and duets. Of their hard work and dedication Weinstein said, “It’s definitely the high point of the evening and we hope that next year, more residents from the other communities will get involved.”

Harold Colton-Max agrees. “It truly is the hit of the annual dinner,” he said. “Having the residents perform, as well as having the officers of each tenant association attend the event, brings to life the true meaning of JCHC’s mission—to provide vibrant community living that enhances and enriches the lives of seniors.”

Thanks to our generous sponsors, the event raised more than $55,000 to help support our mission, which includes providing quality resident activities.

The occasion also initiated the 25th anniversary celebration of Village Apartments of the Jewish Federation, which will mark its silver anniversary in October. In honor of the upcoming special anniversary, the tables bore the names of South Orange streets and the centerpieces were colorful LEGO® block windmills that Village residents and guests constructed the prior week (see story from Village Apartments).

2

LETTER FROM THE CEO

The Potential Pitfalls of Tax Simplification for Nonprofits and Affordable Housing A few months ago, most of us finished the joyless task of filing our income tax returns. We spent hours looking through documents and filling out forms with complicated rules (or hired someone to do it for us) to determine how much we will be paying to federal, state and local government. And in another few months, we can look forward to repeating this exercise all over again.

This has led to calls for many years to find some way – any way – to simplify the tax code. More recently, the plea for simplification has taken the form of proposals to eliminate tax breaks. These proposals also have the attractive feature of increasing tax revenue and reducing the federal deficit.

While there are certainly tax loopholes that should be closed, there is also good reason that we should be very cautious about how we should proceed. Eliminating all of them would have unintended negative consequences for the nonprofit sector and the providers of affordable housing, senior or otherwise.

Nonprofit organizations like the Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey rely upon charitable contributions from individuals in order to provide certain services for those in need. As society has recognized that the private sector does not and government can not meet all the needs of those less fortunate for food, medical care, housing and more, we have provided nonprofits – the “third” sector – with certain tools to help fill that gap. Of course, with the economic events of the last five years, nonprofits have already had to do more work with less money.

Perhaps the most important tool that we give nonprofits is the tax deductibility of donations. According to the organization Independent Sector: “While Americans give to charitable organizations for many reasons, studies show that tax policy greatly influences when donations are made, and allows for more and bigger gifts.” They note that in 2008, Americans “claimed deductions for charitable contributions totaling nearly $162 billion, or 70 percent of the $228 billion contributed to charitable organizations by individuals” and further that “the power of the tax incentive can also be seen in the timing of charitable gifts – more than 20 percent of annual online giving occurs on December 30 and 31.”

As readers of the JCHC Chronicle know, our residents benefit from the donations that the organization receives. For example, just last year we were able to purchase a new bus to transport our residents for food shopping and other important trips which was paid for wholly through charitable contributions.

Therefore, we have reason to be concerned by proposals to eliminate all federal and state tax breaks if it does not leave intact the tax deductibility of charitable contributions. In fact, even proposals to cap the amount of itemized deductions can have a negative impact on charitable giving and the ability of nonprofit organizations like the JCHC to do its vital work to meet the needs of senior citizens for quality housing with services.

The tax code is also used to encourage the development of affordable housing for low-income households. In fact, the largest source of funding in the United States comes as a result of the Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. Started in 1986, according to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the LIHTC “finances about 100,000 units of affordable housing and creates approximately 95,000 jobs in the construction and property management industries.”

The LIHTC brings in a tremendous amount of private investment into the area of affordable housing and costs very little in foregone tax revenue, with the program itself only projected to cost $6.4 billion total in 2013.

With the cutbacks in virtually every other program (LISC estimates that the LIHTC is involved in 90% of all affordable housing in the U.S.), the JCHC is now looking to the tax credit program to develop more affordable housing for senior citizens the in the Greater MetroWest area.

With waiting lists at our affordable properties literally years long, it is more important than ever that the JCHC and other affordable housing developers not lose this vital program.

Therefore, as we hear legitimate calls for getting rid of tax breaks and loopholes that only benefit a small group of people and have limited economic benefit to reduce the federal deficit, we should make certain that our policy makers do not eliminate or reduce beneficial incentives in the tax code to meet vital societal needs. In other words, beware of sweeping proposals that may have the unintended consequence of undermining the viability of nonprofit organizations and the development of affordable housing. Let’s not throw out the baby with the bath water!

Chief Executive Officer

Jewish Federation Plaza Awarded Top Scores from Real Estate Assessment Center for Superior Operations, Infrastructure Jewish Federation Plaza was awarded the high score of 97 points out of 100 by the Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC), a division of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during its inspection earlier this summer. REAC inspectors perform a detailed analysis of all life and safety issues in buildings that provide affordable housing, such as Jewish Federation Plaza. A REAC score of 97 has been realized by only two other affordable housing buildings in New Jersey in the past three years. The property was noted for its superior operations and infrastructure.

CEO Harold Colton-Max acknowledged Terrence Roselle, the JCHC’s regional facilities director, for the many upgrades and systems enhancements that earned Jewish Federation Plaza such a high REAC score.

“In the past four years, Terrence has introduced new technologies and improved systems which have in turn improved our residents’ lives,” he said. “One example is the web-based work order system that has increased accuracy, accountability, and has helped response times for repairs and maintenance, which helps keep small problems from becoming larger. Terrence has also overseen state-of-the-art upgrades to our buildings’ elevators and boiler and HVAC systems to provide the best possible equipment and comfort level for everyone at Plaza.”

The hard work put in by our Regional Facilities Manager Terrence Roselle and his team yielded a very high REAC score at Jewish Federation Plaza this summer.

Terrence said that his stewardship of the 33-yearold community presents some interesting challenges not only in terms of updating older systems but because Jewish Federation Plaza comprises four distinct buildings connected by a promenade. He noted that it takes a cohesive team to get the job done without undue disruption to residents’ daily lives.

“It is always exciting when we achieve a good REAC score. What is more exciting to me is that all the hard work we put in benefits our residents.

I can’t tell you how many residents say ‘good job’ or ‘thank you’ to our staff for our services. We in Facilities are a team that always works together to make sure all our buildings are running well. It’s part of our commitment to the organization,” said Terrence.

Colton-Max noted that there’s more than the promenade that connects the residents at Jewish Federation Plaza. “Connections are made here through the neighborhoods found on each floor, by attending synagogue together, by going to dinner each night in our beautiful dining room, or participating in the various community programs we offer.” Site Manager Freyda Pineles agrees. “This is the result of Terrence’s team, the residents, and other JCHC staff working together for the benefit of the residents to create a beautiful home for everyone here.”

JCHC Communities Usher in the New Year with Sweet Tastes and Talks As part of our Creative Living series of programs, we’ve added something special for our residents to celebrate the start of the Jewish New Year. Our Apples and Honey Tasting program will feature an interactive presentation in which attendees will learn how the sweet combination became associated with Rosh Hashana and information about honey through history. Everyone will sample different types of apples and honeys and talk about their favorite combinations as well as memories about the holidays. The tables will be decorated with baskets of crisp apples and everyone will take home a goody bag to enjoy after the program. Apples and Honey Tasting will take place on Monday, September 9 at Lester and Tuesday, September 10 at the JCC of MetroWest New Jersey for residents of B’nai B’rith, Village, and Plaza.

3

Fun With LEGO® Blocks Connects Village Residents and Friends with Two JCHC Events

The Management and Staff of Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year L’shana tova tikateyvu v’tichateymu May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a good year and may it be sealed!

Through our commitment to honoring and continuing Jewish traditions in our communities, the JCHC offers our residents a selection of services, festive meals, and holiday activities to celebrate the High Holy Days. From Rosh Hashana through Simchat Torah, we have something special planned for our residents to usher in the New Year together.

Architect Stephen Schwartz of SWS Architects in Livingston shows a resident how to build a LEGO windmill.

Our communities will offer a wide range of services at Village Apartments (joined by residents from B’nai B’rith Federation House), Jewish Federation Plaza, and Lester Senior Housing Community. Each residence will observe Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah. We’ll have services (and shofar blowing, of course!), Kiddush and parties in the community sukkahs, and celebrate the annual completion of reading the Torah and starting anew. We’ll post and distribute schedules for each community so everyone has the opportunity to observe their treasured traditions as they desire.

Residents of the Village Apartments of the Jewish Federation were joined by area youngsters, family members, staff, and JCHC board members for some intergenerational fun and learning with LEGOs in mid-June.

Architect Stephen Schwartz of SWS Architects in Livingston gave a presentation about wind energy before leading one of his Building Blocks workshops, in which participants built colorful windmills out of the interlocking blocks. The finished projects became the centerpieces for the Board of Trustees’ annual gala the following week.

Thanks to charitable donations from our supporters—generous individuals, foundations, and sponsors—the JCHC is able to fulfill our mission of providing quality housing with services for seniors in the MetroWest area. That generosity has enabled us to improve the quality of life of our residents and even save lives.

The program was part of the kickoff for the upcoming 25th anniversary celebration of Village Apartments, which will be formally observed on October 3 with the theme “Come Home to our Village.”

Schwartz is a JCHC Board Member and the Decorations Chair for the anniversary event. His Building Blocks workshops are an interactive, creative Everyone enjoyed fun with LEGOs, including Site way for multiple Manager Cheryl Kasye and a young volunteer. generations to learn about their communities’ architectural heritage. “This was indeed a multi-generational program—participants spanned the ages of 4 to 94!” said Cheryl Kasye, site manager.

As we work to maintain and enhance our offerings, we hope we can count on your support. Please consider giving as a Friend of the JCHC and help us continue to make a difference for so many older adults. To make a donation, please go online to www.jchcorp.org or fill out the form below.

“The motto of ‘Come Home to our Village’ was clearly represented in tonight’s event,” said Harold Colton-Max, CEO of the JCHC, about the LEGO workshop. “Village Apartments is more than an apartment building—it is a true community where seniors and area residents of all ages can come together to build relationships and share programs in many different ways.”

Happy, healthy New Year to you all!

Your Donation Makes a Difference

Mail to: Jewish Community Housing Corp of Metropolitan NJ | 760 Northfield Avenue | West Orange | NJ | 07052 or donate online at jchcorp.org

Name Address City

ST

I would like to give a gift of $

Zip Code

to the Friends of JCHC to support the JCHC’s work

Payment Options:

Check made out to “Friends of JCHC” enclosed Charge my credit card

Card #

Visa Mastercard

Discover American Express Exp. Date

Card holder’s name Signature Gifts to Friends of JCHC are fully tax deductible.

760 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052 | 973-731-2020 | www.jchcorp.org

4

The Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan NJ gratefully acknowledges our 2013 Annual Dinner Meeting Sponsors

Local Cowpokes Enjoy Lester’s 7th Annual Western Day

DIAMOND Capital Building Maintenance Corp. – CBMC C r a i g ’s P l u m b i n g & H e a t i n g C o I n c .

Investors Bank Midstate Services, Inc. P i r o , Z i n n a , C i f e l l i , P a r i s a n d G e n i t e m p o , P. C .

Stellar Private Systems, Inc. WithumSmith+Brown

Platinum R&G Landscaping, LLC

Gold Accessible Home Health Care S. Bertram, Inc. D e L a g e L a d e n / To s h i b a B u s i n e s s S y s t e m Donand Construction Corp.

Fox Rothschild LLP M a n d e l b a u m , S a l s b u r g , L a z r i s & D i s c e n z a , P. A .

McCarter & English, LLP Omland Engineering Associates, Inc.

A r c h e r & G r e i n e r, P. C .

Andrew and Sharon Chavkin C h u c k ’s E n t e r p r i s e s Culinary Depot DiCarlo Distributors Essex Security Locksmith Frankoski Construction Co. Homewatch CareGivers Majewski/Jones Architects Nagel Rice, LLP R & J Control Slade Elevators State Home Improvement

Friend ADP Anonymous Back Home Safely Barcor Heating & Cooling, LLC Bayada Nursing D r. Ve r o n i c a B i k o f s k y DUSO Foods Forst Contracting The Goldstein Partnership Lamel Design My Media Consultants New Jersey Siding and Windows Pronto Repairs RestoreCore S a m Te l l Stage One Coiffures Thyssenkrupp Elevator Va l l e y N a t i o n a l B a n k Patrick J. Whalen, Attorney-at-Law

Owned and Managed by the Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey

Bronze

Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey 760 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052

AITS, LLC Cooper Roofing D o v i d ’s F i s h M a r k e t Irvington Senior Apartments Lancaster Pollard Mortgage Company PNC Bank South Orange Disposal Co. Va l c o u r t B u i l d i n g S e r v i c e Victory Pest Control

Scan here for more information

Silver

Residents of the Lester Senior Housing Community welcomed family and friends to the 7th annual Western Day on June 23. Over 400 people of all ages attended the lively event, which featured a full kosher barbeque with all the fixings, a bluegrass band, and line dancing with a professional dance instructor. Children enjoyed pony and carriage rides, face painting, and more as visitors ate, sang, danced, and toured the community.

5

Plaza Residents Renew Connections with Old Friends

Tips for Creative Living in our New Educational Series

Sandye Garrison (left) enjoyed spending some time with her old friend, Helen Labowitch, who now lives at Daughters of Israel.

Sandye Garrison, the president of the Tenants Association of Jewish Federation Plaza was not about to let a few miles stand in the way of long-time friendships, so in July she spearheaded a group trip to nearby Daughters of Israel to visit old friends who now live there.

Garrison (left, in photo, with her friend, Helen Labowitch) and 15 other Plaza residents brought gifts of African violets and loving memories to about a dozen of their former neighbors from Plaza, who now live at the skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility on Pleasant Valley Way. She worked with Rachel Block, Director of Activities at Daughters of Israel and Ann Marie Bass, JCHC Activity Coordinator, to put together the July 9 visit.

Our residents appreciated the visit and the gift of flowers so much.

Garrison conceived of the visit as an opportunity for the friends to celebrate their long-time connections and enjoy socializing with each other. “It was wonderful, so warm and filled with hugs and kisses; we held hands and talked to each person,” she said. “Everyone was so happy to see us. It was exactly what we wanted this visit to be!” She added that when the group got back on the bus to return to Federation Plaza, “everyone agreed it was a mitzvah, so lovely.”

Rachel Block, of Daughters of Israel agreed. “Our residents appreciated the visit and the gift of flowers so much. Everyone who shared in the day felt it was really great and a big success.”

B’nai B’rith Residents Enjoy Community Outreach from Oheb Shalom Congregation Oheb Shalom in South Orange is making sure residents at the South Orange B’nai B’rith Federation House enjoy some extra kosher groceries every month, through its Bobrow Kosher Food Pantry.

Volunteers at the synagogue pack up hundreds of bags of pantry staples every month to distribute to area residents. Many of the bags—with a variety of non-perishable items such as canned goods, cereal, pasta, beans, juice, and more—are delivered to the B’nai B’rith community in South Orange to help residents stretch their grocery budgets a little bit and to use as needed.

The gift of kosher food reflects years of community service from both sides. Many residents at B’nai B’rith had been active in their communities for years, such as Fran Meyers, who has been volunteering at the Bobrow Kosher Food Pantry every month for 20 years. She started helping there when she moved to B’nai B’rith and joined Congregation Oheb Shalom.

At the Bobrow Kosher Food Pantry, Fran sets up the tables for checkin and distribution for recipients who pick up their monthly packages, and helps coordinate the packing. She is bringing her experience and organizational skills to B’nai B’rith to make sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently when the bags arrive at the building. She’ll be assisted by the management team at B’nai B’rith, which includes Ann Marie Bass, Activity Coordinator and Carolyn Schonthal, Administrative Assistant.

Meyers also serves Oheb Shalom as a Shabbat usher, on the welcoming committee, and on the board of the Simcha Seniors, the synagogue’s senior activity group.

JCHC’s Creative Living Series offers free interactive presentations for older adults on various aspects of living an engaged, creative, and active lifestyle during retirement. In addition to presenting these programs in our communities, the series is available free of charge to senior centers and other organizations throughout Essex and Morris counties. Topics offered include: • “Apples and Honey for a Sweet New Year,” a sampling and history of the symbols of the Jewish New Year • “The Art of Chocolate,” which covers the history of chocolate and chocolate art around the world • “Alone in the Kitchen” on how to create delicious meals for one • “The High Line of New York” about the elevated freight lineturned-greenway • “The History of the Tea Pot” • “Coffee from Around the World” Essex County seniors enjoyed a presentation on The Art of Chocolate by Mark Sinclair, JCHC’s Community Liaison Coordinator, on July 9 at Congregation Agudath Israel of West Essex in Caldwell. The lecture was offered through our collaboration with the JCC MetroWest’s Lifelong Learning enrichment program for seniors.

Mark shared information about chocolate’s role in world and American history and discussed the history of chocolate sculpting and Chanukah gelt (coins). Mark also talked about how Israel is becoming the newest source for world-renown boutique chocolatiers (who knew?!). As part of the interactive workshop, attendees shared their personal memories of getting and enjoying Chanukah gelt and other delicious moments in their own lives.

They later received chocolate samples to take home and were encouraged to try and compare the sweets. According to Mark, “The group had fun, they learned something new, and greeted their ‘homework assignment’ with a lot of enthusiasm.”

Watch for our New Website!

We’ll soon be updating our website with a whole new look and lots of interactive features.

We hope to go live with it this fall—as always, visit www.jchcorp.org for our latest news and information.

Bryna Stone, B’nai B’rith Site Manager, said that, “The residents are very pleased about receiving the packages and the nice way both communities are able to work together. This is a wonderful addition to life at the South Orange B’nai B’rith Federation House.”

760 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052 | 973-731-2020 | www.jchcorp.org

“Friends of JCHC” Tributes Given by

Sent to

Martin and Ruth Barber

Sharon and Alan Saltzman

mazel tov, get well and in memoriam On occasion of

The birth of their granddaughter Charlotte Jane to children Scott and Anna Saltzman Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Andrew and Lisa Abramson The birth of their new grandson Ryan Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Mr. David Spiegel The passing of Gail Spiegel Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Howard and Laurie Taylor The birth of their new grandson Noah Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Howie Cohen Wishes for a speedy recovery Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Gary and Vicki Squires Jeffrey’s engagement Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Jeff and Noreen Punia The marriage of Adam & Melanie Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Sharon and Stephen Kepniss The birth of their new grandson Austin Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Ilene and Jeffrey Greenbaum The birth of their new grandchildren Aiden & Zev Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Selma and Marty Friedman The birth of their new grandchildren Bella & Mac Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Robyn and David Schlossberg The marriage of Dana and Daniel Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Andy Lynette The passing of his mother Rosalie Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Harriet Greenberg The passing of her mother Rose Ingber Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Sylvia and Alan Lebowitz The wedding of Lauren and Lee Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Alan Lebowitz The passing of his brother Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Scott Maier The celebration of his special birthday Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Barry and Carol Eckenthal The birth of their new grandson Asher Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Dan and Judy Schwartz The wedding of Dana and Jordan Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kelin The birth of their new grandson Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Edna Goldhamer The birth of her new grandson Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Uzy Goldhamer The birth of his new grandson Andrew & Sharon Chavkin Tal and Rachel Goldhamer The birth of their new son Harold and Nomi Colton-Max Roberta Zweifler The passing of her father Gordon Ruben Harold Colton-Max Erica and Steve Needle and family Erica’s being installed as president of the JCC of Scotch Plains on June 10, 2013 Michael and Allison Diamond Mr. Gerald Weiss and family The passing of his wife Ravitte and Don Ginsberg Jay Murnick Receiving Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest 2013 Julius and Bessie Cohn Leadership Award Barbara Groner and Karen Sandler Sharon and Alan Saltzman The birth of their granddaughter Charlotte Jane to children Scott and Anna Saltzman Barry & Cherie Herman Sam and Lynn Pepper The birth of their first grandchild to Robert and daughter-in-law Danielle Barry & Cherie Herman David Brooks The passing of his mother Eleanor Brooks Laurie and Pat Loughney Roberta Zweifler The passing of her father Gordon Ruben Laurie and Pat Loughney Sharon Gordon and Family The passing of her father-in-law Jay and Jodi Murnick Debra and Joshua Rednik The passing of his grandmother Helen Rednik Jay and Jodi Murnick Maxine Myers The birth of her great grandson to Chaya and Shneor Gamliel Jay and Jodi Murnick Roberta Zweifler The passing of her father Gordon Ruben Jay and Jodi Murnick Dr. Joshua Schor The passing of his father Joseph Martin Schor Jay and Jodi Murnick David Brooks The passing of his mother Eleanor Brooks Jay and Jodi Murnick Paula and David Saginaw The passing of her mother Sylvia Fried Jay and Jodi Murnick Adam and Mara Kimowitz The birth of their son Albert Samuel Jay and Jodi Murnick Rebecca and Brian Pollack The birth of their son Bennett Asher on July 23, 2013 Elaine Pincus Roberta Zweifler The passing of her father Gordon Ruben Sharon Saltzman Roberta Zweifler The passing of her father Gordon Ruben Sharon Saltzman Jay Murnick Receiving Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest 2013 Julius and Bessie Cohn Leadership Award Cookie Schneiderman Roberta Zweifler The passing of her father Gordon Ruben The Schneidermans Mr. and Mrs. Richard Brenner The passing of mother Joy Robbins Cookie Schneiderman Stephen Schwartz Recovery from surgery Cookie Schneiderman Mrs. G. Cohen The passing of her husband Gene Cookie Schneiderman Mr and Mrs Joel Pearlberg The Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter Brenna Cookie Schneiderman Mr and Mrs Ed Rosenthal The marriage of Blair to Kevin Stephen and Bunny Schwartz Jay Murnick Receiving Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest 2013 Julius and Bessie Cohn Leadership Award Pat Sebold Roberta Zweifler The passing of her father Gordon Ruben Pat Sebold Jay Murnick Receiving Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest 2013 Julius and Bessie Cohn Leadership Award Pat Sebold Sharon and Alan Saltzman The birth of their granddaughter Charlotte Jane to children Scott and Anna Saltzman Pat Sebold Sam and Lynn Pepper The birth of their first granddaughter to Robert and Danielle Karen Secular Roberta Zweifler The passing of her father Gordon Ruben Karen Secular Jay Murnick Receiving Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest 2013 Julius and Bessie Cohn Leadership Award Roberta & Walter Zweifler Renae Risman and Family The passing of Jerry Lewkowicz Roberta & Walter Zweifler Arleen and Dick Muney The Bat Mitzvah in Israel of their granddaughter Hannah *To send a Tribute, contact Marcia Feldman at 973-530-3966 or MarciaF@JCHCorp.org.