Chabad of Western Monmouth County will hold a gala banquet to celebrate 25 years of service to improving the quality of Jewish life in central New Jersey’s communities on May 19 at 5 p.m. at The Heldrich, New Brunswick.
“Inspiring Generations” is the theme for the event, which will honor people who have helped make Chabad’s programs and activities a reality, according to a press release.
Chabad will be recognizing Manalapan Mayor Susan Cohen and her husband, Eli Cohen, of Manalapan; Cheryl and Dr. Scott Metzger, of Marlboro; and Bella and Simon Zelingher, of Morganville; along with holding a memorial tribute to the late Audrey Strumeier.
Founded in 1986 with the arrival of Rabbi Boruch Chazanow and his wife, Tova, in Manalapan, Chabad’s mission is to inspire personal growth through the teaching of Torah and the experiences of Jewish culture and tradition, according to the press release.
Susan and Eli Cohen have been offering support to Chabad of Western Monmouth County for more than 20 years. Eli, who is a local builder, was instrumental in the construction of the shul (synagogue). The couple, who have been married for 37 years, have a son, Erik, daughter-in-law, Tammy, and a 5-year-old grandson, Ari.
Dr. Scott and Cheryl Metzger are raising proud Jews who love Israel, and are following in the footsteps of Scott’s father, the late Dr. Bruce Metzger, in support of Chabad. Scott, a pain management physician, currently serves as a councilman in Marlboro, and Cheryl is an interior decorator. Their children are Jake, 17, Ben, 16, Sam, 13, and Olivia, 11.
Retired after long and successful careers, Simon and Bella Zelingher have not retired from their dedication to Chabad. From attending Shabbat (Sabbath) services and the weekday morning minyan, to raising funds for the construction of the shul, Simon, an electrical engineer who was vice president of a major telecommunications company, has been an active member of Chabad for 20 years. Beginning as a graphics/fashion designer and crafts book author, Bella had a second career in information technology/ computers. Her creativity enhanced several Chabad fundraising projects, including the Kiddush Club and the first Purim Shalach Manos project.
Their family includes a son, David, and his wife, Shifra, and their twin sons, Joey and Sammy, 4; and a daughter, Debra, and her husband, David Sutton, and their children Lilly, 7, Sophia, 5, and Marc, 2.
According to Jeff Strumeier, his late wife, Audrey, was a unique wife, mother and daughter who loved life so much, who only thought of others and not herself. She taught her family and friends the meaning of courage and how to face adversity with dignity.
In Audrey’s memory, Chabad and the Strumeier family, which includes their daughters, Jaime and Shana, have undertaken to dedicate Audrey’s Place, a retreat for teens and families to be able to benefit from the warm and inspiring programs offered in the community by Chabad.
Reservations for the gala may be made by calling 732-972-3687 by May 10.