On Sunday, May 1, over 220 people attended a cocktail and dessert reception at Temple Judea in celebration of Rabbi Todd Chizner’s 10th anniversary as the synagogue’s spiritual leader. The evening included a number of speakers who extolled Rabbi Chizner’s virtues from a variety of perspectives, including North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, who presented the rabbi with a proclamation recognizing his dedication to the community and leadership. Bosworth was joined by Town Councilwoman Anna Kaplan and Town Clerk Wayne Wink. Rabbi Chizner also was presented by Temple Judea President Susan Goldklang with a citation from Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and gifts from the congregation, including a plaque honoring the occasion that will be placed on the reading table in the temple’s sanctuary.
Among those who spoke about Rabbi Chizner were former temple president Henry Levy, who was on the committee that selected Rabbi Chizner, Cantor Abbe Sher, who offered a roast about her experiences with the rabbi, and board member Dr. Vincent Guerrera.
In addition, Irving Roth, the director of the Holocaust Resource Center at Temple Judea shared his feelings about Rabbi Chizner, while Dana Wagner, the temple’s youth group president, presented him with a photo album commemorating a charitable project completed in his honor by the religious school students guided by the school’s director, Lauren Resnikoff. Rabbi Chizner and his wife Lauren spoke as well before the introduction of comedian Keith Barany, who entertained the gathering. Food and music rounded out what those in attendance described as an extraordinary evening.
Co-chairs Stan Goldklang and Jeanne Bradensten thanked all who helped to bring the event to fruition as well as those who advertised in the that was displayed throughout the night and can now be seen on the temple’s website, temple-judea.com. Speaking on behalf of the congregation, Goldklang noted that the large turnout was a testimony to Rabbi Chizner, explaining, “We’ve been continually inspired by the teaching and spiritual guidance that Rabbi Chizner has provided.”
For his part, a clearly-moved Rabbi Chizner said to the adoring audience, “I am grateful to all for the ten years of support for me and Temple Judea. I hope and pray for the continued healthy and strength of our vibrant synagogue community.”
For more information about Temple Judea, its clergy and programs, contact Maxine Peresechensky, executive director of Temple Judea at 516-621-8049 or at maxexec@temple-judea.com. Temple Judea is at 333 Searingtown Rd., Manhasset.
