Joseph and Harriet Tabak of Highland Park receive a silver megilla case from Lee Livingston, president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, at the Aug. 13 Vanguard event, as keynote speaker Mayor Cory Booker of Newark looks on.
Photo courtesy Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County
August 26, 2008
Jeffrey Tabak said dedication to family and community is something that was passed down through generations in his family.
“I grew up with all four of my grandparents, so I really remember how much time they gave to their community,” he said.
It was therefore no surprise that his parents, Joseph and Harriet Tabak of Highland Park, took that lesson to heart supporting such divergent institutions as the Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth and St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, where Joseph chairs the board of trustees.
“All of us are proud of them and learned a lot from them,” said Jeffrey Tabak speaking Aug. 13 at the Vanguard event of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, where the elder Tabaks were given an award for their dedication to federation and the Jewish community.
“We feel we are so lucky our own children can see their grandparents honored and they are learning tzedaka and the importance of giving back to the community from them,” said Jeffrey. “Dor l’dor — from generation to generation”
Joseph and Harriet Tabak have been involved with federation more than 40 years. Harriet has chaired numerous federation events, is a life member of its board, and spearheaded many events for its Women’s Philanthropy. She has chaired the Lion of Judah Endowment and has herself reached the Emerald level.
Joseph is an honorary board member at the Highland Park temple — where the couple received the Chaver Award — a trustee of the Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva in Edison, a member of the World Presidents’ Organization, past chair of Israel Bonds, and a recipient of the State of Israel Peace Medal.
He also is board chair at the McCarrick Care Center and Community First Bank.
He received the Bishop’s Award and two years ago was given a papal knighthood in the Order of Pope Saint Sylvester, becoming the first non-Christian in the 25-year history of the Diocese of Metuchen to receive the honor.
The Tabaks, who have been married 53 years, have two sons, Jeffrey and his wife, Marilyn, and Steve and his wife, Cathy, and five grandchildren.
“Federation is so important,” said Joseph in accepting the award from president Lee Livingston. “When you make contributions to things that are important to you, you feel good about it. We are honored to accept this award.”
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