Honoring Our Very Own!

Recently, I had the great pleasure of attending the New York Metro Region Federation of Jewish Men’s Club 34th Annual Chaverim Kol Yisrael Awards Dinner, honoring individuals from various synagogues across our region, including FOUR of our very own special individuals from Hollis Hills Bayside Jewish Center…

Man of the Year – JAN KATZ

Youths of the Year – JORDANA CHAZAN- DAVID LANDAU – ZACH ZABIB

I was truly kvelling! What a beautiful and inspiring afternoon we all shared as we paid tribute to these very special individuals that we are fortunate to call our very own HHBJC family. Our shul had four tables at this Awards Dinner and we were all so proud to be supporting our HHBJC honorees and were elated to watch them receive the honors they so deserve.

JAN KATZ – Mazal Tov for the honor bestowed upon you. You have been the V.P. and President of our Temple’s Men’s Club and a very active member for nearly a decade. I think the ruach, education and tradition you experienced at the Yeshivah of Flatbush has only contributed to the wonderful person you are. You have been instrumental and key in arranging so many Men’s Club activities for us to enjoy at HHBJC. You are so deserving of this honor! You do everything with a smile and the programs you organize involve so many. You are a wonderful person, a devoted husband to Melanie.. who is also so active at our shul, and you are always there for our community. Thank you!!

JORDANA CHAZAN – A special young lady who follows in the footsteps of her parents, Karen & Ira. She is a testament to her parents’ character and devotion to Jewish tradition & involvement. Jordana is involved in so many aspects of community and Jewish organizations. She has been actively involved in USY and currently serves as Communications VP for the Sababa. She is the founder & Co-Captain of the Dance Team at Solomon Schechter of Long Island. She is a member of the Moot Beit Din Team at the Schechter School of Long Island and Peer Connections for Freshmen. I know she will continue her mission of leadership and keeping our Jewish heritage alive and strong. Jordana was a member of my choir and I am so proud of her and pleased to see the fine young lady she has grown to be.

DAVID LANDAU – A fine young man who is very involved and already contributes so much to community. To his parents, Diane and Arnie, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. You have truly shown him the importance of community and dedication. David holds a leadership role in USY and is also very active in our congregation on so many levels. He is recognized for his musical excellence & contribution to the student based theatrical productions.  David plays many instruments and writes his own music. To think, he got started in my choir… He comes to shul every Shabbat and I love watching the way he helps his Grandma. David is a special young man and I am so proud of him. I know he will continue with his leadership roles and his musical abilities and will make an impact on keeping Jewish tradition strong.

ZACH ZABIB – To Zach’s mother Natalie…He is following your path and is always there for our synagogue. I know you are so proud of him. Zach is very involved in USY and is passionate about Israeli related activities and interests. He is Divisional President of Sababa & the Israel Awareness Club President at his school. He always comes to Shabbat services and has learned so many valuable skills & can lead many different services. Zach is a wonderful young man who lights up our sanctuary. I am so proud of his active role in so many aspects of Jewish Culture, love of Israel and community. I am sure that Zach will continue to be a shining light for our community and the Jewish community at large.

As always, Thank You to Bob Fogel! You are a true leader who creates many programs for our Men’s Club & is continuously there for our Synagogue!

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Anna Solasz, granddaughter of our dear members Rose & Sam Solaz and daughter of Mark and Corey Solaz, who was also honored at the NY Metro Federation Region of Jewish Men’s Club Awards Dinner for her leadership and commitment to community & Jewish Tradition. I am so proud of you Anna and Mazal Tov to you and your beautiful family.

This event was so special and dear to my heart. I am so proud of all the honorees who are part of our HHBJC family. There were so many people who attended this honoring from many different congregations across the region. I was so proud to be there with Rabbi Wise as Clergy for our Synagogue.

I look forward to sharing Passover with all of you, here at our Synagogue. Rabbi Wise will be in Israel celebrating Pesach with his family so I will be in shul this year with you. Come and join us as we daven together the many Passover Prayers. I can’t wait!

REMINDER…Approximately 2 weeks after Passover, we will start our “Leading a Shabbat Service”. Those who are interested, give me a call directly or call the synagogue office.

CHAG SAMECH to everyone! For those who will be home for Pesach I look forward to seeing you in shul, for those who will be away, I look forward to seeing you when you return.

See you in Shul.

Cantorially always,
Cantor Sol Zim