Photos: Benams Photo
Over 350 supporters, friends and dignitaries crowded Manhattan’s Edison Ballroom to celebrate the National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE) 76th Annual Awards Dinner. The evening hosts were Jerry, Allan and Jay Wartski.
The organization honored Attorney Mark Frey as Man of the Year, Sarah Wartski as Woman of the Year, and developer Jacob and Monica Frydman as Guests of Honor. New York City Council Member Mark D. Levin, chair of the council’s Jewish caucus, was honored together with the other 13 members of the Caucus for their work on behalf of the city’s Jewish communities.
Sarah Warski is the granddaughter of philanthropist and hotelier Jerry Wartski, and represents the third generation of the family’s support of the NCFJE. A special video presentation by Jacob Frydman highlighted the accomplishments of the Jewish Released Time Program, the Machon LeYahadus and crisis counseling some of the activities that won him over to the organization.
“There’s some incredible energy here tonight,” said NCFJE chairman Rabbi Shea Hecht, “I’m always very proud and very humbled at the show of support. I feel blessed that this organization has such wonderful friends.”
Jewish comedian, Modi, provided comic relief for the evening, taking the stage after dinner and keeping the crowd in stitches. Modi is a long-time friend of the organization and has entertained at previous NCFJE events.
NCFJE was founded in 1941 by the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn to teach Torah to public school students through the Jewish Released Time Program.
Today the organization is also known for crisis intervention services and its work with at-risk youth. In recent years, the organization has turned its focus upon the needy families in its home community of Crown Heights.
these are the Rebbes soilders!! its amazing to see the crazy dedication and iberbegebenkiet amogst these special guys!
The video on release time was beautiful and inspiring.
You were always very nice, and had such a kind soul. Hope u r still like that.
A
Wonderful nachas for us to see our children Sholom and Pessy supporting the great work of the Hecht family as I was in yeshiva with Sholom Ber chavrusa and our connection with Baila Hecht nee Sufrin is legendary
We love you!!! You are awesome!!!
– ZS