NCFJE Honors Rebbetzin Hecht

Close to 800 friends, supporters, admirers and well-wishers attended the National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE) 75th Diamond Jubilee Awards Dinner at the elegant ballroom of Pier 60, in Chelsea Piers in Manhattan.

The gala dinner commemorated and celebrated the 75 years of the NCFJE and 25 years since the passing of Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht OBM, who was the face and voice of the organization for nearly half a century. NCFJE designated 75 precious ‘Faces of Distinction’, and honored them with a special citation which noted their association with the NCFJE, and their contribution, involvement – big or small – which made the organization the success that it is.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and electricity as the guests entered the reception room where the Sefer Torah was being completed in honor of Rebbetzin Chave Hecht, sponsored by Mr. Ira Rennert, who served as the Dinner Chairman for the 75th Diamond Jubilee Celebration.

The Sofer inscribed the final letters in the Sefer Torah at the request of the invited guests who were thrilled to be able to participate in the special Mitzva of writing a Sefer Torah.

The last few words were inscribed by the Honorees of the Dinner, and then the final letters by Mr. Ira Rennert, who also recited the blessing of Shehechiyanu. The Torah was lifted up for the Hagbo Ceremony by Honorary President Dr. Steven Rubel, and then was rolled closed in the Gelila procedure by Honorary President Mr. Charles Kupferman.

The festivities then began with the singing and dancing around the Sefer Torah, which was carried under the spread out Chuppa.

The first person honored with carrying the Sefer Torah was Mr. Ira Rennert, and then it was passed to his sons-in-law, followed by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Others shared in carrying the Torah from the reception area through the ornate hallways of the hall and finally the Torah was placed on a place of honor on a specially prepared table in the ballroom where people immediately went over to kiss the Torah and, also, some took pictures standing next to the Torah scroll.

Mr. Ira Rennert, is the sponsor of the Jonas and Sadie Rennert Ivy League Torah Study Experience (ILTSE) and his generous support through the years, has enabled the NCFJE to carry on many of its very important educational programs.

Mr. Neil Kupferman, Esq., NCFJE President, opened the evening followed by Rabbi Moshe Hecht who recited the invocation. Rabbi Chanoch Hecht introduced the politician Dias Line-up and each elected official introduced themselves. Congresswoman Grace Meng was presented with the Distinguished Leadership Award.

Following a video presentation of the history of the Hecht-Rennert connection and the beginnings of NCFJE withthe Released Time Program, Rebbetzin Chave Hecht introduced Mr. Ira Rennert. Mr. Ira Rennert warmly welcomed the guests and introduced a video-message from Israel Prime Minister, Benjamin Natanyahu.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer greeted the crowd and expounded on his history over many years with the Hecht family and spoke how we Americans must stand side by side with Israel. He was followed by NY State Senator John J Flanagan who gave words of support to the work of the NCFJE.

Rabbi Shimon Hecht then presented Rebbetzin Yettie Schochet a beautiful original piece of art in memory of Rabbi Dr. Immanuel Schochet, obm., who was the senior scholar in residence for 25 years for the Ivy League Torah Study Program.

Rabbi Shloma Leib Abramowitz presented the Health and Healing Award to Dr. David Zagzag, followed by Rabbi Sholem B. Hecht and Rebbetzin Channah Hecht presenting the Community Building Award to Yosef and Batsheva Popack. Rabbi Sholem B. Hecht took the time to extol the great virtues of Yosef Popack and his family and all the support they provide to support the work of the NCFJE, especially Machne Yisrael Day Camp and other areas of need for the Jewish community.

Throughout the evening there were video clips showing of the work done by the NCFJE, highlighting the Released Time Program, Toys for Hospitalized Children, Machne Yisrael Day, and other projects.

After dinner was served the program continued with Rabbi Shea Hecht speaking about Ira Rennert. He spoke about his generous support to the NCFJE over the many years with the hopes and blessings for the two families to continue through the next generation. He announced Mr. Ira Rennert’s pledge this year of $250,000 and encouraged the 800 guests to all pledge generously to help cover the yearly NCFJE budget of close to $14 million dollar.

The final honor was held for the Guests of Honor, Rabbi Lord Jonathan and Lady Elaine Sacks. Rabbi Lord Sacks was the keynote speaker and mesmerized the crowd with his riveting speech. They were presented with a magnificent plaque including a $50 bill and a five pound note that were originally given to Rabbi J.J. Hecht, obm., by the Rebbe with many Brochos of hatzlocha attached with it.

It was clear that the hundreds of people who had gathered together to give honor to the work of the NCFJE, were all so very receptive to the commitment that was being made on that night to continue, expand and make the work grow and reach out to more and more students, more and more needy people, and more and more projects of kindness, goodness and education to serve the Jewish community.