Keter Torah awards Torah awards
The Officers and Executive Committee of the Congregation are pleased to announce that the Twenty First Annual Judith Kaufman Hurwich Keter Torah Award will be presented to Sharon Garfunkel and Sarah Klar on the second day of Shavuot, June 3, 2025. The practice of conferring such an award is to appropriately recognize women in our congregation on the holiday when we celebrate the lives of two great Jewish heroines, Naomi and Ruth. It offers us an opportunity, as part of a religious ceremony, to express our appreciation for the services rendered to our community by women.
The award is named in memory of Judith Kaufman Hurwich, daughter of Rita and Benjamin Kaufman, of blessed memory, mother of our former members — yibadlu l’chaim tovim — Meryl Jaffe and Adam Hurwich, and grandmother of three former Ramaz students: Talia, Leah, and Zev Hurwich. Her family continues her tradition of fostering opportunities for women to study Torah.
Sharon Garfunkel
I came to KJ in the middle 90s and soon thereafter met a very persuasive older gentlemen, Edward, who saw in me a fellow questing Neshama and insisted that I come to the KJ Beginner’ s Minyan, led by George Rohr.
George was extremely impactful, and I stayed Soon, after I volunteered to give the upcoming week’ s D’ var Torah, I was approached by a friend’ s mother who said she wanted me to meet someone and then introduced me to long-standing KJ member Asher Levitsky. We clicked and a bit later were married by Rabbi Haskel Lookstein in a beautiful ceremony on the KJ roof, twenty-one great years ago.
I’ ve remained committed to the KJ Beginner' s Minyan all these years. (Somewhat of a misnomer as we ’ re not all beginners). We’ ve celebrated smachot and sorrows, welcomed converts, shared Torah study sessions and dissected the Parsha under the warm and inspiring leadership of Rabbi Daniel Kraus.
As I took on more responsibility, I eventually became the Director of Ushers for the well-attended High Holiday Beginner’ s Service in the Lindenbaum Gymnasium at the Ramaz Middle School. We welcome many non-Members and make them feel at home We can welcome up to 500 men and women at that service, so be sure to recommend us to friends and neighbors who are looking for High Holiday inspiration!
Fundamentally a 'People Person,' I’ ve also assisted the KJ family by serving as a Shabbat Lobby Greeter, welcoming members and directing visitors on busy Shabbat mornings when a friendly face and helpful guidance makes all the difference.
My KJ activism took me to the doorstep of Sisterhood more than a dozen years ago, working on many of their events until I became a Chairperson of the Boutiques. This was a good match which played on an interest of mine stemming from my extensive Retail background.
Professionally, I took my Psychology and Economics educational background to the marketplace, with a strong interest in Market Research I have always been interested in why and what people buy My work experience runs the gamut from large corporations such as Nabisco and other name brand businesses to having my own store on the Upper East Side where I retailed and wholesaled handcrafted artisan clothing and accessories, primarily from South America.
I’ ve been a manager at Bergdorf’ s, a Gift and Jewelry buyer at The Jewish Museum, an advisor to many entities and individuals, and have always been involved in handcrafted jewelry and accessories which I continue to sell privately. Currently, I’ m in sales at Fox’ s - now in a big new store on 74th Street and Third Avenue. As you can see, I was born to sell.
The Sisterhood Boutiques contribute significantly to Sisterhood’ s fundraising efforts. Money is made from the sale of tables to vendors, with no additional percentage taken from their sales. Vendors are carefully vetted for our audience and a large percentage of vendors are returnees. I’ ve been a vendor, and it’ s great! The friendships I made while volunteering for Sisterhood are precious, no one more so than the late Roberta Stetson with whom I shared the Presidency
Many have asked about my dear friend, KJ member Bonnie Dietrich. Bonnie came to KJ about 25 years ago and was converted by Rabbi Josh Lookstein. KJ was her Jewish family. She taught piano to many KJ children, organized Musical Salons for the KJ Men' s Club, and volunteered in the KJ Food Pantry. When Bonnie developed Dementia at the start of Covid, her circle and I arranged her coming here and I would be with her every Shabbat and Holiday morning. Those times together meant a lot to her and me, and it was through them that I learned to appreciate the gift of Chesed that primarily enriches the one performing it. Emulating God is inspiring, and KJ' s credo stresses that commitment.
At KJ I have found family, friendship and meaning, for which I am grateful.
Sarah Klar
Born and raised in Orange County, California, Sarah Klar has always wanted to be surrounded by Judaism and nurture her commitment to giving Her move to New York was driven by an innate desire to find a community where she could truly give back—a place where warmth, unity, and shared purpose could connect.
After the arrival of her first child, Sarah made a conscious choice to settle on the Upper East Side, seeking a neighborhood that reflected her values and her aspirations for meaningful community involvement.
involvement. It was just before Covid that she, her husband Nachum, and their son found a true home in KJ Synagogue. From the start, they were welcomed with warmth that resonated deeply. The vibrant energy and genuine connections of the community captivated them, inspiring a desire to become a part of it.
Sarah’ s dedication to fostering unity and kindness within her community is truly inspiring. She served as President of Kesher for two years, during which she dedicated herself to creating impactful, community-building events. Her leadership was characterized by a heartfelt commitment to bringing members closer together, nurturing bonds of friendship, and mutual support. Her efforts exemplify a true leader who understands that a strong community is built on genuine connection and compassion.
Beyond her leadership roles, Sarah’ s innate kindness shines brightly through her personal acts of chesed. She began baking homemade challah for those in need throughout the community—an act of warmth and generosity. Whether offering comfort during difficult times, financial hardship, illness, or personal struggles; her homemade challot served as a tangible expression of care and solidarity Her children, joined her in this mission, decorating cards and personally delivering them across the city.
Sarah and her husband exemplify a life dedicated to helping others. Their ongoing efforts and
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