Touro Fraternal Association installs officers, board members

CRANSTON – Touro Fraternal Association, the largest independent Jewish fraternal order in New England, with more than 600 members, kicked off its 98th year with the installation of its officers and board members for 2014-15.

The newly elected lodge officers and board members officially assumed their leadership roles at the association’s annual installation dinner held recently at Touro’s headquarters, 45 Rolfe Square. They were led by Jed Brandes of Cranston, board of directors chairman; and Alan Lury of Sharon, Mass., vice chairman, both of whom were elected to second terms.

Installation ceremonies were presided over by Robert D. Miller, board chairman emeritus, installing officer, and Andrew Gilstein, past president, master of ceremonies.

Incumbent board members installed for additional three-year terms were Jeffrey Davis, Adam Halpern and Michael D. Smith. Andrew Liss was elected to his first term on the board.   

On the lodge level where terms are one year, Marc Gertsacov was elected president of Harmony Lodge; Barry Ackerman, vice president; Andrew Shuster, secretary; Lester Nathan, treasurer; Max Dinerman, inside guard, and Ried Redlich, faithful guide.

At Friendship Lodge, Andrew Liss is president; Max Guarino, vice president; Richard Cohen, secretary; Michael Levin, treasurer, and Ried Redlich, faithful guide. 

The general elections were held at Touro’s annual meeting in May.

At the board’s organizational meeting in June where Brandes and Lury were elected, the board named Gertsacov association secretary and Steven Waldman association treasurer.