Rabbi Bennett Miller of Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple in New Brunswick, center, presents an award from Rutgers Hillel to Lee and Lanny Livingston during Hillel’s June 1 annual dinner.
Photos by Debra Rubin
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June 9, 2009
Several hundred people gathered to view Rutgers Hillel’s future and to celebrate those whose vision and dedication are ensuring that that future remain bright.
Guests at Hillel’s annual gala, held June 1 at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston, were treated to an interactive 3-D presentation — narrated by Hillel executive director Andrew Getraer — of the $15 million new Hillel building.
They also honored those whose commitment has helped bring that building to fruition and student “rising stars” who may someday take on those roles. About $6 million has been raised, with construction slated to begin next year.
“It’s important for there to be a strong Hillel at Rutgers for there to be a next generation of leadership,” said Roy Tanzman, president of the New Jersey State Association of Jewish Federations.
Tanzman, former president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, and his wife, Brenda, chaired the dinner.
The “rising stars” honored at the dinner were Gabe Homa of Livingston, Jordana Ornstein of Elizabeth, Hilary Neher of South Orange, and Zach Wilder of Mount Laurel.
Getraer announced that the Shabbat dinner program at Hillel would be named the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County Shabbat dinner program in recognition of a $12,000 grant received from that federation to underwrite the meals. Hillel serves 6,500 such meals annually and is looking for other sponsors to help underwrite the costs.
“Our goal is provide a free Shabbat meal every week to every Jewish student who wants one,” said Getraer.
Lee Livingston, president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, said, “Middlesex federation clearly recognizes the significance of a weekly Shabbat meal in reinforcing Jewish continuity for these kids, instilling a sense of connection to the greater Jewish community.”
Four students active in Rutgers Hillel received Rising Stars awards at the annual dinner June 1, from left: Gabe Homa of Livingston, Hilary Neher of South Orange, Jordana Ornstein of Elizabeth, and Zach Wilder of Mount Laurel.
Hillel was recognized for its contributions to the Rutgers community, receiving several ROSCAR (Rutgers Outstanding Student Celebration and Recognition) awards.
Its Darfur solar-powered cooker event, which raised $800 to save the lives of Darfurian refugees, earned it the Outstanding Community Service Outreach Program award. The Eric F. Ross Peer Network Engagement Program received Outstanding Education Academic program award.
Rabbi Esther Reed, associate director of Jewish Campus Life, was given the Arrigo O. Rogers Advisor of the Year Award.
Dr. Gary Steinbach, an Edison obstetrician-gynecologist and president of the Jewish Family and Vocational Service of Middlesex County, was presented with the 2009 Rabbi Julius Funk Alumni award.
Steinbach has served as chair of the youth committee at Congregation Neve Shalom in Metuchen and as vice president of the Rutgers Hillel Foundation board of directors.
He said it seemed strange to “be recognized for doing what you’re supposed to do.”
“I do it because it’s what my parents taught me,” he added. “I do it for my children. They get it.”
Also honored were Livingston and his wife, Lanny, of East Brunswick; Robert and Phyllis Kuchner of Westfield; and Philip and Gina Brod Vinick of West Orange.
Lee Livingston is also a former president of Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple in New Brunswick, treasurer of the Jewish Social Service Committee of New Brunswick and Highland Park, and a state vice chair of the Anti-Defamation League.
Lanny Livingston, operator of an interior design company, works with abused horses and to preserve historic sites, particularly those dealing with black history. She was formerly on the Anshe Emeth board and serves on the board and architectural committee of Rutgers Hillel.
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