SHOMREI TORAH’S ANNUAL GALA TO HONOR STUART SKOLNICK

Shomrei Torah, the Wayne Conservative Congregation, is proud to announce that its 2012 Gala Honoree is Stuart Skolnick, a man who has devoted an enormous amount of time and talent to the Congregation.  On Saturday, March 3 beginning at 7:30 pm, Stuart will be honored at Shomrei Torah’s Annual Gala with music, dancing, delicious food, and open bar.  The couvert for the evening is $109 per person. A commemorative Ad Journal will also be presented in Stuart’s honor.  For information on how to place an ad or how to substitute ads for the couvert, please contact the synagogue office at 973-696-2500 or office@ShomreiTorahWCC.org.  Ads are due by February 11.

As Chair of Shomrei Torah’s Ritual Committee for the past six years, one of Stuart’s responsibilities is to help plan the details for the celebration of each Shabbat and holiday at Shomrei Torah. He makes certain that ritual ushers are present at each Bar and Bat Mitzvah to assist with aliyot (honors) so that services run smoothly.  An expert in Torah reading, Stuart has taught in Shomrei Torah’s Adult School and for many years was responsible for making certain that Shomrei Torah teenagers were prepared for their High Holiday Torah readings and learned the special trope. Stuart also serves as one of Shomrei Torah’s Bar Mitzvah tutors and the results of his expertise are evident when his students lead services.

Stuart frequently leads davening (praying) with his inspiring and beautiful voice on Shabbat mornings and steps in for Rabbi Mark in July when the Rabbi is on vacation.  On Shabbat Stuart can often be heard leyning Torah, chanting Haftarah, or delivering D’vrei Torah (commentaries).  It is because of Stuart’s efforts and vocals that Friday Night Live (Shomrei Torah’s instrumental Kabbalat Shabbat) came to be. His assistance on and to Shomrei Torah’s Strategic Planning Committee was also immeasurable.

For the past two years, Stuart has served as Shomrei Torah’s High Holiday Cantor and dedicated himself by studying and preparing for this important role. And what a wonderful job he did.  The Congregation was extremely moved by his presentations.

Stuart is a kind and caring man who lovingly explains, teaches and helps so many Shomrei Torah members understand and connect to Jewish traditions. His calm and even temperament makes working with him in any capacity a joy and a privilege. The Congregation is truly blessed to have Stuart and his family as a part of the Shomrei Torah family.

For more information about the Gala or Ad Journal, please contact the synagogue office or view the synagogue's website at www.ShomreiTorahWCC.org.  Follow Shomrei Torah on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/shomreitorahwcc) and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ShomreiTorah).  Find out why Shomrei Torah’s motto is “Celebrating Tradition, Embracing the Future!”