2025 Gala Ad Journal

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Congratulations Adrienne and Andy An honor well deserved for all that you have done for Congregation B’nai Tikvah and our community at large.

We are so happy to be able to share the evening with you!

Have fun!!

Love, Bobbi and Marc

Fr H o o m n o Ou re r es

A HOME IS WHERE YOUR HEART IS….

We moved to New Jersey from points “north” (Winnipeg and Minneapolis) to establish our home together and establish our own set of roots. We knew that our home must extend beyond the walls of a house but encompass the community we would be adopting.

We quickly found a home at Congregation Bnai Tikvah. It is here that we built a strong community of love and laughter, fulfilling the needs for an extended family.

As often quoted, at CBT, You Can! And we did! We established friends to share our lives with, share laughter and joy with, celebrate simchas and be able to turn to for support in times of need. B’nai Tikvah became a second home for us.

To Elyse, Bobby, Molly and Judah: you are the lights of our lives, and the Northern Lights could not shine without you here. Thank you for making the journey from Chicago to share in our celebration.

To our friends and family who have come from near and far, thank-you for joining us tonight to share in the joy of celebration.

To those unable to join us tonight but have sent their best wishes and through your words and thoughts, became a part of our celebration. We know you are here in spirit.

To the committee who has worked so tirelessly to ensure that we have a true “gala celebration”, thank you!

Finally, to everyone at Congregation B’nai Tikvah that has helped to make this our second home: a place where our hearts reside.

With many thanks, Adrienne and Andy

February 22, 2025

7:00 to 8:15 Cocktail Hour Silent auction, lottery board, money tree & raffle open 8:15 Ballroom opens for dancing 8:45 Welcome / Motzei 9:30 Main course served 9:45 Speeches and gift presentation 10:30 Silent auction closed 11:00 Silent auction winners posted Lottery board/money tree winners announced Raffle winners announced Party on, enjoy dessert 12:00 Midnight Get home safely!

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Dear Adrienne and Andy, Like the northern lights that were so visible this year, you have had a memorable impact on our congregation through your involvement and leadership over the years. Choosing the two of you to be honored this year was an easy decision and we are so happy that you accepted. Once we knew that you were to be our honorees, our wonderful gala committee was quick to get to work to create an event worthy of the couple we would be honoring.

This beautiful evening we are all enjoying is the outcome of many hours and dedication to our synagogue so that we could highlight all of your many accomplishments.

In your forty years as members of our congregation you have given of yourselves with full hearts in every aspect of our synagogue life. Your leadership roles have been many.

Adrienne, from Youth Chair, Board Member, Board Secretary, Vice President, and synagogue President, and Andy from Men’s Club Treasurer, Board Member, Assistant Treasurer and Synagogue Treasurer - you have been a backbone of leadership of Congregation B’nai Tikvah. It is not just CBT that has benefitted from your leadership and expertise, your generosity to volunteer has benefited the Federation in the Heart of New Jersey and JNF as well. You allow your passion for our community to guide both of you and we are so grateful for all that you have done and continue to do.

As parents, you raised Elyse in the heart of this CBT family, naturally modeling Jewish practice, volunteerism and leadership. Today she and Bobby have a beautiful family of their own where they both are continuing on the path of Jewish observance and volunteerism.

L’dor v’dor at its finest.

Thank you to the hard working, dedicated members of the gala committee: Marci and Marty Abschutz, Diana Schimmel Avena, Marc Binder, Gale and Marc Dillman, Melissa Fisch, Cindy Gittleman, Danny Greenberg, Renee and Steve Juro, Michele Melcer, Ruth Anne Koenick, Marcia and Barry Nathanson, Marcia and Jeff Schwartz, Dave Shultz, and Amanda Uniman. A very special shout out to our CBT Executive Director Lesley Lewkowicz!

Thank you Adrienne and Andy for being the bright stars in our sky. Enjoy the celebration tonight as we honor you and all that you have brought into our community. Tonight is your night to shine.

Nancy Asher-Shultz Bobbi Binder 2025 Gala Co-chairs

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I first met Andy and Adrienne 17 years ago at a time of great sadness. Adrienne was saying kaddish for her father, of blessed memory, and she and Andy were regulars at the minyan. As a newcomer to the community, I had no way of knowing if I would continue to see them after the mourning period was over.

Little did I know that Andy and Adrienne would be a ubiquitous presence in the synagogue, at services and in the lay leadership. Ubiquitous and extraordinarily beneficial. Over the course of time, the Rosses have played virtually every role in the synagogue, and have done so with dedication and distinction.

At B’nai Tikvah and beyond. The entire Jewish community has benefited from the presence of Adrienne and Andy. The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey has been guided by their insights and values, and today they are playing a national role in the Jewish National Fund.

To the extent that they are representatives of B’nai Tikvah to the broader community, we have every reason to be proud.

What more could one want in our synagogue members? Just one thing: to be exemplary parents and grandparents. The legacy Adrienne and Andy are leaving is not just a matter of pride and celebration for us. It is an enduring testament to the generations that have gone before, and an enduring gift to generations to come.

On behalf of all of us, I wish Adrienne and Andy a hearty mazal tov and yashar kochachem. And a very sincere, personal and professional, thank you.

B’shalom, Rabbi Robert L. Wolkoff

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February 22, 2025-25 Chesvan 5785 Dear Adrienne and Andy, I’m so glad that we are finally honoring you, it is so well deserved and thank you for allowing us to shout out our appreciation.

You are a rare couple who is always available, contributing in every way imaginable, always present at Shabbat Services, Sunday night minyan, and beyond, as long time board members and officers, including a Presidential term and countless years watching over our finances. You are regular supporters of all of our programs and events, from religious school dinners, concerts and comedy nights to Israel events, building the Sukkah and always helping to smooth the rough edges of building our B’nai Tikvah-Jewish Community. If it's on the CBT calendar, Adrienne and/or Andy either attended or volunteered to make it a reality. There is never a second thought.

You have always poured your hearts and souls into assuring the success of B’nai Tikvah and our entire Central Jersey Jewish community with the intention of ensuring B’nai Tikvah’s ability to serve and impact Jewish families. Your thoughtfulness and insight are remarkable, I know that I can always depend on your good advice and encouragement.

Your daughter Elyse has always been your shining light and an inspired spirit. Like you, she is becoming a leader in her community. Together, Elyse and Bobby are continuing your families; the Ross’s, Spigelman’s and Weiss’s inspiration and legacies with acts of chessed, kindness not to mention their very cute and sweet children Molly and Judah! Can you believe that you are so fortunate and so blessed by G-d?

Whether we see you in shul at a simcha or it's just Adrienne and Stacey on one of their kosher supermarket trips or Andy keeping me informed about the latest baseball news, you always make me glad knowing that we count on you as our friends.

We thank G-d for all that you are inspired to do and we wish you continued joy.

B’Simcha Cantor Bruce Rockman

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What a wonderful evening we are all having, honoring our friends Adrienne and Andy Ross. We send a special thank you to our Gala Committee, headed again

by Nancy Asher Shultz and Bobbi Binder, with a committee that is comprised of B’nai Tikvah members who continue to work with joy throughout this evening.

Andy served as Men's Club Treasurer for many years before becoming CBT’s Synagogue Assistant Treasurer, Treasurer and, finally, a Board Member for at least 15 years. Adrienne served as Youth Chair, School Committee, Secretary, Board Member, Vice President and then President from 2017-2019.

At the suggestion of many past Gala attendees, we made the cocktail hour longer so we could enjoy the delicious hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a chance to visit and chat with so many friends who are all part of this celebration.

When asked to allow us to honor them, they really had to think about their answer for being honored, since it is not part of their makeup. Both Andy and Adrienne live by the teachings of their parents, who taught them the importance of volunteerism and living a life based on the values of a Jewish home; that is how they raised their daughter, Elyse: “If I am only for myself, what am I?” And… “You are not required to finish the work, yet neither are you permitted to desist from it."

We all know why Adrienne and Andy are being honored this evening and let us share a few interesting reasons.

They married in May of 1983 and moved to NJ in July where Adrienne began work at ER Squibb (now Bristol Myers Squibb).

They spent their first Yom Tov at CBT as guests of Norman Z'l and Arlene Uroff.

They joined CBT in November 1984, becoming an integral part of B’nai Tikvah, which continues through today.

Here are a few examples:

We are honored to share this evening with their many friends and family who have joined together to honor our CBT Northern Lights, Adrienne and Andy Ross.

Ruth Anne Koenick and Marty Abschutz Co-Presidents

Br So un ut sw h ic k

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Congratulations Adrienne and Andy An honor well deserved for all that you have done for Congregation B’nai Tikvah and our community at large.

We are so happy to be able to share the evening with you!

Have fun!!

Love, Bobbi and Marc

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MAZEL TOV TO THE HONOREES AS WE CELEBRATE THEM AT THIS YEAR’S CBT GALA! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR YEARS OF DEDICATION TO AND LOVE FOR OUR SHUL! ALL THE BEST, DIANA SCHIMMEL AVENA & THE LADIES AT MKSS

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Thank you for all your contributions to our Congregation B'nai Tikvah family.

Gordon & Meryl

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MAZAL TOV ADRIENNE AND ANDY! THANK YOU FOR BEING SHINING STARS FOR ISRAEL AND THE JEWISH COMMUNITY ALLISON & DAVID NAGELBERG

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Congratulations to Adrienne and Andy for this honor.

Thanks for your many years of service to B'nai Tikvah.

Dave and Les Offenberg

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We express our appreciation and gratitude to Adrienne and Andy Ross whose many years of service to Congregation B'nai Tikvah have strengthened the congregation and have helped CBT navigate choppy waters during difficult times.

Further, your friendship has made our days in South Brunswick and at CBT both joyous and rewarding.

With all our admiration, thanks and respect.

LouAnne and John Wolf

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Adrienne and Andy Thank you for being the guiding stars of B’nai Tikvah Your contributions to our causes will continue to shine for generations to come, lighting the way for others to follow We appreciate all that you do With love, Keith and Tammy

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Andy and Adrienne We have watched you lead our Jewish community for many years.

The example you set is something that makes us proud!

Thank you.

Arlene and Mitch Frumkin

(Andy, you epitomize what Jewish philosophers have always said, “Behind every vocal woman is a silent but guiding man”)

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Adrienne & Andy Mazel Tov on this wonderful honor!

Truly deserved.

Anonymous

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Our very best wishes to our dear friends Adrienne and Andrew Ross on this most deserving honor We are thrilled to be able to share this special night with you Mazel Tov! Keep up the good work!

The Masts Judy, Jonathan, Jordan, Allison and Harris

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Mazel tov Adrienne and Andy on this well deserved recognition as our northern lights.

You lead by example with all you that do for our CBT family and the extended Jewish community. Tonight is time to celebrate all that you have given.

Nancy Asher-Shultz and David Shultz

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Mazel Tov to Adrienne & Andy, our Northern Lights Gala honorees!

Thank you for your passion, dedication, hard work, generosity, and lifelong devotion to our beloved Congregation B’nai Tikvah. We are so appreciative of all you do!

All our love, Amanda & Harry Uniman

Celebrating the remarkable Rosses, whose dedication and generosity inspire us always.

The Board of Directors of Congregation B’nai Tikvah

There’s one important thing we learn from the Northern Lights:

SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS, AND YOU FILL THE WORLD WITH YOUR LIGHT!

Thank you, Adrienne and Andy, for all you are and for all you do.

Mazel tov from Rabbi Wolkoff, Alex, Joseph, Dahlia, Nalle the Big White Floof, and Trotsky the Little Rebel

Mazel Tov to Adrienne and Andy Ross The 2025 B’nai Tikvah Northern Lights Gala honorees.

For all you have brought to CBT, Well Deserved!

Congregation B’nai Tikvah Sisterhood

B’nai Tikvah Sisterhood, an affiliate of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, is committed to providing programs and activities to educate, entertain and instill a sense of pride in Judaism. We welcome all women of our community to participate. Sisterhood provides a place for you to make new friends and fosters opportunities for individual growth and leadership.

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Congregation B’nai Tikvah Men's Club would like to thank the Ross family, CBT’s Shining Stars, for always putting CBT on the correct orbit.

Adrienne & Andy, Thank you for your years of leadership and service to B’nai Tikvah.

Janice & Art Baer Marcia & Gary Wesalo

Adrianne and Andy, we salute you.

You both show what it means to be a good Jew … from synagogue volunteering to JNF and beyond.

With all the people you have made a great bond (no pun intended).

Keep up the good work to benefit all.

We hope you enjoy the gala and have a ball.

Gale & Marc Dillman

Mazel Tov to Adrienne and Andy!!

We are so happy they chose to honor you. You put your hearts into everything you do and always with a smile. May you have the strength and vision to continue to be such a vital part of your community.

Love you, Rik and Daniel

MAZEL TOV ADRIENNE AND ANDREW YOUR LEADERSHIP, SERVICE AND PASSION SHINE L’DOR V’DOR

LOVE VICTOR AND SHELI JACOB, COREY AND JONAH ANDREW, ALIYA, ORLY AND SIMON DAVID, NICOLE AND HUNTER

Mazel Tov to Adrienne and Andy!

Lisa and Jeff Tannenbaum

With gratitude for Adrienne and Andy's exceptional dedication to Congregation B'nai Tikvah.

Caryl & Danny Greenberg

Adrienne & Andy Ross Mazel Tov! With gratitude for your philanthropy that positively impacts lives both here and in Israel.

Phyllis Chancy Solomon

Adrienne and Andy Ross…

… Two stars in our world

Cheryl and Howard Hoffman

You are both to be honored for your unwavering commitment to B’nai Tikvah. You have both worked tirelessly to make our synagogue a better place.

Hats off to both of you.

Joe Plotnick

Adrienne and Andrew My warmest Mazel Tov for all you have done and will continue to do.

Rachel Silverstein

Congratulations to Andy & Adrienne!

A well-deserved honor for your hard work and dedication.

Congratulations Adrienne and Andy on a well-deserved, special honor recognizing your many accomplishments.

Barrie & Glen Kassan

Adrienne and Andy B’nai Tikvah wouldn’t be the same without you.

Thank you for all you do.

Joyce and Gerald

ANDY and ADRIENNE THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR B'NAI TIKVAH! Joel & Joyce Gerbman // Bill & Ellie Greenberg // Dave & Nila Mason // Gary & Helene Tinkel

Northern Lights Loss. CBT. GAIN!!!! Mazel Tov to Adrienne and Andy Ross! Love, Natasha Rosenbaum

Mazel Tov to Adrienne & Andy Ross, for this well-deserved honor! May you continue to shine your bright light upon all of us who are so fortunate to benefit from your dedication to Congregation B’nai Tikvah.

May you go from strength to strength. Michael Greenfield

With Thanks for all your dedication and insightful contributions over the years to Congregation B’nai Tikvah and Jewish Federation.

Ann Gold

To my friends at B’nai Tikvah, I miss not being there with you.

Herbert Mars

Mazel Tov and Congratulations to Adrienne & Andy Ross for your devotion to B’nai Tikvah and its congregants. Susan Pomerantz

Mazel Tov to Adrienne and Andy on this well-deserved honor. From Sandy and Larry Richek

Mazel tov to Adrienne and Andrew! - Ellen and Larry Indik

Adrienne & Andy: Many thanks and much gratitude for all you do for the CBT community!

Congratulations, Rose & Jeff Berger

We want to wish Adrienne and Andy a wonderful night of celebration.

Thanks for all you do for B’nai Tikvah. Have fun celebrating!

Vicki and Burt Bauman

Adrienne and Andy, Thank you for your years of service to B’nai Tikvah and the Jewish community. We are proud to be members of the synagogue community with you! Ronnie and Jerry Levine

Mazal Tov Adrienne and Andy. May you go from strength to strength.

Laura and Howard Waksman

Best wishes to our dear friends Adrienne & Andy. Congratulations on being chosen as Congregation B’nai Tikvah’s honorees!

Marcy & Steven Cohen

In addition to being Northern Lights, you are truly our North Star!

You’ve consistently provided CBT direction, guidance, stability, and purpose, a compass that shows the path forward, with an optimistic and inspirational attitude. With love and admiration, the Pinskys

Mazel Tov on this honor! We miss you in Brunswick Heights.

Love, Renée and Steve

Congratulations Adrienne and Andrew! Best wishes on this welldeserved honor. Lois Shulman and Jerry Kaminsky

Mazel tov to Adrienne and Andy Ross! Thank you for all you do for the B’nai Tikvah community. You are wonderful role models for the next generation! Love, Amy, Jason, Tyler & Seth Black

Best Wishes --- Beverly Heller

Dear Adrienne & Andy, For your many years of hard work for B'nai Tikvah I salute you. Mazel Tov, Ilene Karp

Congratulations on being chosen as this year’s honorees.

Michele and Dave Greenfield

Mazel Tov Adrienne and Andy! Thank you for your many years of dedication to the CBT family. Renee & Steve Juro

Congratulations on this very deserved honor!

Susan Miller

Dear Adrienne and Andy, Thank you for all the time you have given and the leadership you have provided to B’nai Tikvah.

We know that it is much appreciated by everyone!

With love, Sarah, Ian, Gabe and Lacey Schwartz

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