Congregation B’nai Tikvah, North Brunswick, has been selected to receive four Solomon Schechter Awards for Excellence in Synagogue Programming from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, New York City.
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is the association of conservative congregations in North America consisting of approximately 700 affiliated synagogues.
Ruth Ann Koenick, president of B’nai Tikvah, said the congregation is honored to be recognized by United Synagogue for excellence with four Solomon Schechter Awards. The awards received by B’nai Tikvah include:
• Gold Award in Workshop and Ritual for the “Answer Cancer with a Prayer Program.” The non-denominational program held in 2008 paid tribute to the many who have lost their battle with cancer, honoring their courage, while helping ease the pain of the families left behind
• Gold Award in Celebrations and Dedications for REJOICE, a Central New Jersey Jewish cultural and music festival held in 2008. The second annual Rejoice Festival will be held Sept. 13 in South Brunswick
• Gold Award in Performing Arts for Sons of Tikvah Band led by the congregation’s cantor Bruce Rockman
• Honorable mention in Family Education for Family Shabbat/Torah Trope/Minchah and Munchies Programs, education and celebration programs.
The Schechter Awards recognize excellence in synagogue programming and to help spotlight models that other synagogues might emulate.