Page 14 - The Jewish Voice - February '24

Page 14, The Jewish Voice

Local Happenings from page 13 Over 60 men attended the Men’s Club meeting, which ourselves from harm. “The myth of the defenseless Jew
included a barbecue dinner where members were able to is no more. We are strong and well-prepared and we will
the history of our community to serve in this distinguished mix and mingle and get to know each other. Rabbi Dovid be sure to protect ourselves from anyone who tries to
role. For the one-year term, she will serve as co-chair Vigler spoke about the Torah commandment to defend harm us or our people.”
alongside Bobby Gibbs of Dallas.
In this role, Wayne and Gibbs will be focused on A Musical Event Not to Be Missed
strengthening and enhancing the Cabinet’s impact and
participants’ ability to serve the Jewish community in Temple Emanu-El of Palm Beach’s Annual Concert on
a moment when leadership is needed to face once-in-a- February 22 at 7 p.m. will feature three of the greatest cantors
generation challenges. in North America – Cantor Meir Finkelstein (Temple Emanu-
“Now, more than ever, it is important to make sure El of Palm Beach), Cantor Gideon Zelermyer (Montreal),
that we have security for all Jewish people, support for and Cantor Chayim Frenkel (Los Angeles). These incredible
Israel, advocacy to stop the hate and antisemitism, are artists will perform the most popular and beloved songs from
fostering a connection to community, and that we continue Broadway, American classics, and Israel.
the work to care for the Jewish people in North America Cantor Finkelstein became the esteemed cantor at Temple
and around the globe,” Wayne said. “We have seen over Emanu-El in 2022, bringing with him a career spanning
the last three months that we need to stand up, use our over five decades across the United States and started in the
voices, call out dangerous behavior, and make changes. United Kingdom at age 14. His talent extends far beyond
Never again is now. Leadership during critical times is his cantorial responsibilities; he also composes and records
more important than ever.” contemporary Jewish liturgical music. In addition, he had a
For more than six decades, the Cabinet has helped form successful career as a Hollywood composer and arranger,
Jewish leaders and philanthropists and currently boasts has collaborated with Steven Spielberg on a documentary
more than 480 members and 4,300 alumni across North (for which he received a Cable Ace Award nomination), and
America who foster flourishing Jewish communities is an authority on the history of Jewish liturgy. His beautiful
around the globe. Members inspire the next generation voice and inspirational compositions bring a heartwarming
of global Jewish leaders toward philanthropy, communal spirituality every Shabbat at Temple Emanu-El.
engagement, and activism. In 2023, they raised nearly Cantor Zelermyer has performed worldwide as both
$4 million for their local Federation annual campaigns, a featured soloist and with his synagogue choir; his
representing the largest Cabinet campaign in Jewish performances and recordings have received critical acclaim.
Federation history. He also collaborated with the late Leonard Cohen on “You
Wayne currently serves on Jewish Federation of Palm Want it Darker” on Cohen’s Grammy award-winning final
Beach County’s Board of Directors and the Board for album. Zelermyer’s distinctive style blends traditional prayers
Women’s Philanthropy. She also serves on the Israel & with modern harmony. In addition to serving as cantor at
Overseas Committee, chairs the Budapest Committee, and Congregation Shaar Hashomayim in Montreal for the last
serves on the JCC Budapest Steering Committee. Wayne, 16 years, he is much sought after and frequently sings the
who converted to Judaism, is also a trustee for Jewish national anthem at Centre Bell and Fenway Park.
Women’s Foundation of the Palm Beaches and is a proud Cantor Frenkel has been the executive producer of
graduate of its Emerging Leadership Program, Mandel numerous recordings, including Cantor Finkelstein’s
Leadership Institute, and currently is in the inaugural class oratorio and compositions. Among his numerous
of the Wexner Heritage Program for Jewish Palm Beach. achievements is creating a book and CD of one of Frenkel
She is a past winner of the Robert S. and Ceil N. Levy and Finkelstein’s recordings, a gift of healing to those
Young Leadership award as well as the Acknowledging affected by terrorism. Frenkel has showcased his rich,
Your Impact Award through Women’s Philanthropy. warm tenor voice at renowned venues such as Carnegie
Wayne also co-founded and chaired Kol Isha, the young Hall and produced a concert in NY’s Central Park. He has
women’s philanthropy group. served as cantor at Kehillat Israel in Los Angeles for the
Among the most philanthropic young leaders in the last 38 years.
community, Wayne and her husband, Hawkeye, are
Founding Community Visionaries, a distinction to recognize
leaders who contribute $1 million or more to Federation as
part of Campaign for the Future, the boldest fundraising
initiative in the local Jewish community’s history. With
a goal of $250 million by 2026, Campaign for the Future
addresses the growing needs of one of North America’s
largest communities for today, tomorrow, and forever.
Ben Schindler, managing director of the National
Young Leadership Council, emphasized the Cabinet’s
need for strong leadership at this moment in time:
“Generations of Cabinet leaders have shaped the Jewish
community, and we are thrilled that Beth and Bobby
will bring their passion and their ability to inspire our
members in serving the Jewish community in the coming
year,” Schindler said. “With war raging in Israel and
antisemitism spiking in North America, there could not
be a more critical time to double down on investing in
our Jewish leaders through Cabinet. Beth and Bobby are
the right leaders for this moment.”
Guns, Gear, and Guys

The Men’s Club at Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens
recently held an event to bolster security and safety with
Florida’s only criminal defense attorney who is also a
national certified firearms instructor.
Cory Strolla, Esq., focuses his practice in the area of
criminal defense and firearm offenses. He is a national
certified firearms instructor for pistol, rifle, and shotguns.
Cory presented multiple machine guns, semi-automatic
weapons, and handguns, which he allowed the men to
handle as he spoke about how to use them efficiently and
safely. He also presented other accessories such as night
vision goggles, silencers, and more.

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