The New England Rabbinical College celebrates award recipients

The New England Rabbinical College (NERC) hosted its 27th Annual Dinner on Sunday, Feb. 23.  The dinner was held in the Korn Auditorium of the Providence Hebrew Day School, with approximately 150 people in attendance. The local community and many out-of-town visitors turned out in support of the Yeshivah and its honorees. Those attending were rewarded with an inspiring and entertaining evening.

Rabbi Raphael Schachter, a teacher at the New England Hebrew Academy in Boston and an alumnus of NERC who resides on the East Side, acted as Master of Ceremonies. He began by introducing Rabbi Eliezer Gibber, dean, who gave the opening greetings and D’var Torah. The common thread among the evening’s awardees was their commitment to the active study of Torah despite hectic work schedules and community commitments.

Rabbi Yosef Lipson, associate dean of the college, presented this year’s Alumni Achievement  Award to Mr. and Mrs. Aron Pfeffer of Pittsburgh, Pa. Mr. Pfeffer is an alumnus who maintained strong ties with his Providence mentors.  He is involved in a leadership capacity with many organizations in his community. In accepting his award, Mr. Pfeffer stressed that the fundamental message that he received from NERC is the importance of accompanying Torah study by good deeds.

The honor of “Parents of the Year” was bestowed upon Mr. and Mrs. Yirmiyahu Zoberman of Toronto, Ontario.  Mr. Zoberman is himself an alumnus of NERC, which made the award even more meaningful.  He spoke with approval of the expansion of Providnce’s Orthodox Jewish community, noting that many alumni have chosen to settle in Providence to remain in close proximity to NERC.

The “Pillar of Torah Award” was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Shammai Weiner by Mrs. Weiner’s father, Dr. David Luchins.  Dr. Luchins spoke of how proud he is of his children and the lifestyle that they have chosen to lead.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Weiner are involved in every local organization, and loving-kindness is the central theme in their home.  In accepting his award, Mr. Weiner spoke of his family’s long history in the Providence community, his father’s sacrifice for Judaism and the importance of the continuity of the Rabbinical College for the vibrancy of the community.  Mr. Weiner’s father, Mr. Alfred Weiner, also received an award.

The evening concluded with a special presentation to Mr. Yona Dering, who recently retired from his position as the maintenance director.  He served the College for almost three decades and is beloved by past and present students alike.  Scores of alumni united to sign the special plaque that was presented to him.

CHANA FAIGA TWERSKY (cftwersky.nerc@gmail.com) is Administrative Director at Yeshivah Gedolah of Providence.