Emunah Los Angeles holds Circle of Life Benefit Dinner

The Los Angeles Region of Emunah of America held its Gala Benefit Dinner at the Sephardic Temple on December 19th, drawing a large crowd who came in support of the honorees and to recognize of the accomplishments of the Emunah organization. The evening served as an opportunity to pay tribute to Maureen and Dr. Larry Eisenberg, Guests of Honor, and Caroline Weiss and Ariela Weintraub, Young Leadership Awardees.

Maureen and Dr. Larry Eisenberg have staunchly supported the award-winning Emunah Torah and Arts High School, a unique high school which combines a Jewish curriculum with studies in the creative arts.  The Eisenbergs dedicated the Lillian Grossman Science Laboratory in the high school and are now establishing a new performing arts center there to enrich the creative and learning experience for the students. Rabbi Elazar Muskin, Rabbi of the Young Israel of Century City, presented the couple with the award.  

Caroline Weiss and Ariel Weintraub were recognized for their dedication to the children who live at Bet Elazraki children’s home, having spent their summers volunteering with the children.  

A special guest speaker, Mali, Z., inspired the guests with her personal story.  She shared how she came to live at Bet Elazraki Children’s Home with her sister and her experience growing up there. “I graduated the children’s home  strong and resilient, with a high school diploma and with a full toolbox for my future,” she said. “Today I have a big family – the Emunah family.”

Emunah maintains a network of over 250 social welfare and educational programs throughout Israel, caring for the whole circle of life, from infants to seniors.  According to Karen Spitalnick, Emunah National President, “All Emunah projects share a common theme: instilling Jewish values with the utmost compassion and an excellent level of care, run by a first rate staff of professionals. The dinner celebrates a year of accomplishments for Emunah, with a sense of gratification that thousands of children have been given a new chance for a better life; families who have relied on Emunah’s social services have been helped; and lonely seniors have been comforted.  These efforts are particularly important during last few months which have been very difficult for the Israeli people,” she added.

Chairpersons for the evening were Felice and Arieh Greenbaum, Marlene and Gerard Einhorn, and Bernice Gelman.  The Dinner committee consisted of Shira & Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn, Aliza and Yitzi Greenbaum, Rachel and Akiva Greenfield, and Pamela and Michael Talansky.