Congregation Beth Sholom honors community leaders at annual gala

PROVIDENCE – On a beautiful evening filled with warmth and celebration, Congregation Beth Sholom hosted its annual gala at the Dwares Jewish Community Center, honoring the remarkable contributions of its members and the enduring spirit of its community.  Specifically, this year’s honorees included Marvin Stark and Miriam-Abrams Stark, Jess Larko, and Drs. Yitz Schleifer and Talya Benoff.  Nearly 120 guests gathered at the event, including prominent figures such as Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and his husband Jim, State Representative Rebecca Kislak, and Congressman Gabe Amo, all of whom came to celebrate the congregation’s achievements and its vital role in the broader community.

The gala highlighted how Congregation Beth Sholom, though modest in size, has grown into a vibrant hub that exemplifies the power of a supportive and tight-knit community. The evening’s theme centered on the congregation’s commitment to pluralistic collaboration, bridging Jewish and other local institutions, and fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation and love. Multiple speakers noted that Congregation Beth Sholom is not only a source of deep religiosity but also a surprising and welcoming space for all, regardless of background or belief.

Rabbi Josh Bolton, executive director of Brown RISD Hillel, served as the evening’s emcee, bringing his signature warmth and humor to the event. The program featured inspiring words of Torah from the congregation’s Rabbi Barry Dolinger and Rabbi Emily Goldberg Winer, who reflected on the congregation’s journey and its enduring impact on the lives of its members and the wider community.

As the congregation continues to grow and innovate, it remains a shining example of how a small but mighty community can make a profound difference, rooted in deep faith and religiosity, collaboration and a commitment to inclusivity. Mazel tov to all the honorees and to the entire Congregation Beth Sholom family!

Submitted by Congregation Beth Sholom