Summer Benefit: A Spectacular Evening of Unity, Inspiration, and Giving Back Amidst Torrential Downpours

This past Sunday, August 18th, the Center for Jewish Life in Sag Harbor, held its annual summer benefit, which highlighted the power of giving, Building For A Brighter Tomorrow and standing in solidarity with Israel.

The event was graciously hosted by Jared and Mindy Epstein at their home in Water Mill. In a picturesque setting, under the late evening sky, guests mingled, enjoyed delicious bites and came out in support of the center which serves as a beacon of light, education, spirituality and Jewish culture to the residents and visitors of the East End.

Although the light drizzle progressed into torrential downpours, guests were not deterred from coming out or staying. The evening's festivities carried on under a beautiful tent reminiscent of the tent of Abraham our forefather, who dedicated his life to welcoming guests into his desert oasis and inspired them about living for a higher purpose, which are features emulated by the Center for Jewish Life in Sag Harbor.

Rabbi Lerman senior began the evening by pointing out the significance of the day on the Jewish calendar- Tu B’av- a day that marks joy, love, unity and rebuilding even stronger than before, and moving from sadness over the destruction of the temple to joy. He blessed the attendees with blessings of success, health, and happiness, “beyond our wildest dreams.”

Ske Ostreicher and Ken Fishel served as co-master of ceremonies for the program. DJ Avi Medina provided energetic music for the evening. He also shared about his harrowing experiences escaping terrorists at the Nova music festival in Israel on October 7th. He encouraged the audience to stand united, strong and proud in the face of antisemitism and challenges.

The evening’s honorees were presented with their awards, each leaving a powerful message of the importance of activism.

Jean Shafiroff recognized for her philanthropy work shared that philanthropy is not strictly about money, it can also be giving of your time and overall giving of yourself in micro and macro methods.

Harley Lippman, honored with the Defender of Israel Award, shared with the audience that in the face of larger than life obstacles there are always solutions and this is the approach he utilizes when advocating on Israel. He also emphasized that we are stronger than our enemies and should not fear them. Israel shall and must defeat its enemies similar to how the Nazis were vanquished after World War II. He concluded with “Am Yisorel Chai!”

Joel Mesler, Champion of the Arts award recipient, explained how Judaism impacted his artwork and perspective as an artist. Yoel Sharabi, enchanted guests with live renditions of Modern Israeli, Classic Yemenite, and popular Chassidic tunes

Rabbi Berel Lerman, director of Center For Jewish Life shared about the center’s quest for a permanent home and its Building For A Brighter tomorrow capital campaign to help make that vision a reality. Several people in attendance responded with generous pledges towards the capital campaign.

The presenters and honorees underscored the importance of the center’s work of building Jewish life and culture in the Hamptons. Despite the torrential downpour, all guests had an enjoyable and meaningful evening, the rain did not dampen the high spirits and emotionally uplifting evening.