Nearly 200 people attended a celebration that marked the 10th anniversary of the Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County on April 10. The gala was held at the Battleground Country Club, Manalapan.
For the past decade, the Jewish Heritage Museum, in the historic Levi Solomon barn in the Mount’s Corner shopping center, Freehold Township, has been educating, enlightening and preserving the Jewish history of Monmouth County involving immigration, escaping oppression, contributing to the community, and opening doors to freedom through workshops, exhibits and performances, according to a press release.
That commitment to service and loyalty to those the museum serves was reflected in the celebration, which was co-chaired by Phyllis Solomon and Helene Cohen, and highlighted by special guests including Cantor Gabrielle Clissold of Monmouth Reform Temple, Tinton Falls, who inspired the audience with her rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from “Carousel” and longtime musician and entertainer Vic Schioppo.
Also at the event, “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present and Building the Future,” 17 people who have been instrumental in the early establishment and growth of the museum were honored for their courage, tenacity, commitment and love, according to the press release.
The honorees were Gloria Berman, Michael Berman, Helene Cohen, Gary Cohen, Mel Druin, Linda Friedman, Bernard “Nardie” Hochberg, Jean Klerman, Charlotte Kruman, Gloria Landy, Sid Marshall, Barbara Michaels, Rabbi Sally Priesand, Elaine Ruda, Caryl Sills, Charles Sills and Rabbi Brooks Susman.
The first decade’s achievements were highlighted in a video montage, produced by honoree Sid Marshall, which included an interview and tour of the building as it was being renovated and designed for the museum’s use. The montage noted that the museum has presented nearly 250 programs, exhibits and events during these 10 years.
In conjunction with the museum’s anniversary, the Township Committee in Freehold Township issued a proclamation declaring April 11, 2016 as Jewish Heritage Museum Day in the municipality.
