Ohav Sholom Journal 2009

Congregation Ohav Sholom

Journal Dinner May 31, 2009 Honoring Michele & Kenneth Gartner Pauline & Stewart Ratzker

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM THE MERRICK BELLMORE SYNAGOGUE 46TH ANNUAL JOURNAL DINNER DANCE HONORING

MICHELE AND KENNETH GARTNER PAULINE AND STEWART RATZKER MAY 31, 2009 HEWLETT – EAST ROCKAWAY JEWISH CENTER

COVER DESIGN BY MIMI WOHLBERG -- MITZVAH GEDOLAH --

‫מצוה גדולה להיות בשמחה תמיד‬ It’s a big Mitzvah to always be happy Journal Dinner Dance Theme:

“It is a Mitzvah to always celebrate with Joy”

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

PROGRAM Master of Ceremonies .......................................................... Irwin Duftler President’s Remarks ........................................................... Brian Bertan Message to Pauline and Stu Ratzker ............................ Rabbi Wohlberg Guest of Honor Remarks...................................... Pauline & Stu Ratzker Message to Michele and Ken Gartner ........................... Rabbi Wohlberg Guest of Honor Remarks..................................... Michele & Ken Gartner

JOURNAL COMMITTEE Brian Bertan David Hauser Matthew Lerner Adam Marchuck Aaron Needle Peter Tannenbaum Mario Wilkowski Susan Wilkowski

Special thanks to: Rosemary Hart

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

CONGREGATION OHOV SHOLOM

OFFICERS Brian Bertan, President Adam Greenberg, Executive Vice President Ken Duftler, Vice President, Ritual & Education Steve Gochman, Vice President, House & Properties Mario Wilkowski, Vice President, Fund Raising Rebecca Moldwin, Vice President, Social Activities Barry Birnbaum, Treasurer Ira Balsam, Financial Secretary Adam Marchuck, Recording Secretary Ron Bekore, Corresponding Secretary

PAST PRESIDENTS Herb Kronish A”H Murray Schneider, A”H Earl Price A”H David Hirsch Ronald Berkley Nathan Fagan, A”H Irwin Duftler

Abraham Greenberg Irwin Stricker Herman Kroshinsky David Zwerin Joanne Brumberg Henry Cohen Gerald Gold

Stanley Fish Mark Yedlin Mark Strauss David Safon, A”H David Denenberg Robert Stein Peter Tannenbaum

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Noam Baruch Lawrence Berger Debby Braunstein David Cepler Larry Fensterstock Gary Friedman Kenneth Gartner Steven Goldschein Brian Green Les Grussgott

David Hauser Jeff Hauser Susan Joffe Ira Kolko Irving Liebowitz Nathan Litman Malcolm Markowitz Seth Miller Fran Moshkovski Aaron Needle

Gabrielle Pauly Michael Richheimer Michael Rosenbloom Morton Rothstein Daron Rubensohn David Schlachter Steven Simon Martin Spar Stewart Sternbach Carol Zimmern

HONORARY TRUSTEES Harry Adwar Herman Alexander William Egert

Hirschell Levine Stephen Werbel

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ‫שמע בני מוסר אביך ואל תטש תורת אמך‬ Hear my son the conduct of your father and do not forgo the teaching of your mother.

Proverbs 1:8 Our sages tell us that this famous proverb, while literally addressed children, is actually a directive to parents asserting their obligation to teach and instill values to their offspring.

Tonight we recognize two very special families who fulfilled this imperative. The Gartners and Ratzkers distinguish themselves not only by their service to our synagogue and community but through their children’s participation as well. They are exemplars because they have transmitted their commitment and faith l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation.

Michele, with her co-honoree Pauline, for many years organized the prepared for distribution our Purim Shaloch Manot – a major fundraiser for our Sisterhood. She faithfully works at bingo selling admissions and greeting our customers. Ken is a past member of the Executive Board and currently serves on the Board of Trustees. He is a gifted speaker who thoughtfully articulates Torah principles and their relevance as an adjunct Shabbat lecturer. Both Ken and Michele have shared their talent with Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway as well.

The Gartner brothers are equally active in Ohav Sholom. Adam is Editor-in-Chief of the Shofar, Sam as a Youth Leader and Jonathan as a frequent volunteer and social organizer for the teenagers.

Pauline and Stewart Ratzker served simultaneously as Sisterhood and Men’s Club Presidents.

Pauline is a regular bingo worker equally comfortable selling games or serving in the kitchen.

Stewart keeps our synagogue physically fit and strong through his fencing and martial arts programs and spiritually fit on occasions when he presents his afternoon dvar Torah. He organizes and shops for our Tikkun Leil Shavuot program. Our children know Stewart as the go-to person for their Shabbat Sweets.

The Ratzker children, David, Lauren and Molly were each President of the National Council of Synagogue Youth and established programs to bring children to Merrick for Shabbat and other events. Many visitors have been welcome to the Ratzker home for Shabbat and Yom Tov. Our teachings espouse kindness and generosity, wisdom and learning, work and responsibility, faith and belief. Those who devote their lives developing these midot and applying them receive appropriate honor. We are especially grateful that we can celebrate with our good friends, the Ratzker and Gartner families, this festive evening.

Brian Bertan

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

MICHELE AND KEN Michele and Ken Gartner moved to Merrick in 1984 and joined Ohav Sholom in 1985. For the nearly quarter of a century since, they have been an integral part of our shul, and we are grateful for their commitment, support and friendship.

A graduate of East Meadow High School, the State University of New York at Buffalo and Buffalo Law School, Michele practiced with a New York City law firm, was an Adjunct Professor at New York Law School while raising a growing family and then was appointed Public Administrator of Nassau County. Michele is now an Assistant Deputy Counsel for the New York State Unified Court System.

A trial and appellate lawyer, Ken is a name partner in the Mineola law firm of Lynn, Gartner & Dunne, LLP, as well as a Special Professor of Legal Ethics at Hofstra Law School and an Adjunct Professor running the Judicial Clerkship Clinic at Touro Law School. He previously spent 7 years as an elected criminal and civil trial judge in the Nassau County District Court, and before that had been a partner and associate at major firms in Mineola and New York City. Ken defends and advises judges and attorneys on grievance and ethics matters, and is a chair or member of various national and state Bar Association committees. He also coaches high school mock trial teams, having taken four different teams from HAFTR and Calhoun High Schools to the finals of the 50school Nassau County tournament, including two county champions. Ken is a graduate of Buffalo Law School, SUNY Buffalo, and Elmont Memorial High School.

Michele is a dedicated bingo worker. Under the leadership of Michele and Pauline Ratzker, the Shalach Manos program for years produced beautiful Purim packages. She has also served on several financial committees at HAFTR. Ken has been a frequent speaker at Ohav on Shabbos mornings, sharing fascinating sermons with the congregation. He serves on the Board of the Rabbi Jeremiah Wohlberg Institute of Adult Jewish Studies, is a past member of Ohav’s Executive Board, and has been a member of the Board of Trustees for almost 25 years.

Ken has chaired Ohav fundraisers for institutions such as HANC, YESHA, Yeshiva University, and UJA, has provided legal counsel to Ohav Sholom and HAFTR, and spent over a decade as a HAFTR Board member.

During that time, Ken chaired or served on the HAFTR Board of Education and Executive Board selection committees.

Their commitment has been shared by their sons. Adam, a HAFTR graduate, has spent over ten years – including the years when he was away attending college – as the editor-in-chief of the Shofar, Ohav’s weekly enewsletter. He originated the concept of using the Shofar as a fund-raising tool, and also helps lead Ohav’s “Save our Scrolls” and “Sponsor a Shas” campaigns. Scheduled to soon enter law school, Adam serves as Ohav’s webmaster, and has co-chaired Ohav’s conversion to paperless communication. Sam, also a HAFTR graduate, is pre-med at college, where he is active in the Orthodox community, attends daily minyan, and is a gabbai at Chabad, where he also regularly leyns. Sam was also a Shofar editor, and spent years, while in high school, as leader of Shabbos youth programs at Ohav. Jonathan, scheduled to soon leave for college, has been a faithful attendee at Ohav on Shabbos mornings, spends time with his close group of Ohav friends, and is a willing volunteer for Ohav activities.

We are proud of the many accomplishments of Michele and Ken Gartner and kvell as we see their wonderful sons follow in their footsteps. They are an extraordinary family and we are thankful for all they have done for Ohav Sholom over the years.

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

PAULINE AND STEWART It is fitting that Stewart and Pauline Ratzker met in a campus succah at SCSC. Having a succah on campus was an idea conceived and led by the Organization of Jewish Students, a group Stu created to amplify the quality of Jewish life at school. Then and now, Stu and Pauline are committed to both a life filled with yiddishkeit and to community service.

Since the Ratzker’s moved to Merrick in 1987 they have been involved in almost every aspect of Synagogue life. Pauline and Stewart have been members of the Board of Trustees and have held titles of Presidents and Vice Presidents of Sisterhood, Men’s Club and Ohavim. Additionally, Stu was a member of the Executive Board. Pauline has been in charge of preparing Kiddishes, designing and creating the beautiful Shalach Manot packages for sisterhood, making extraordinary costumes for Purim, and assisting in Bingo. Stewart prepared Devar torahs for Shul during the Rabbi’s vacations, ran the Tikun Leil Shavuot program, and even did small, but important things like help roll the Torahs and change the synagogues proroket before the holidays.

Besides assisting with or building on established programs in our shul, Pauline and Stewart created new programs that have shared their personal interests with the Ohav Sholom community. Stewart is the former Director of The Eshkol Chapter of Les Amis Du Vin, an internationally based Wine Society.

He brought leading experts on wine and Scotch to our shul to teach classes. Stu is also a black belt of Shotokan Karate and an avid fencer. He started the “Summer Fencers at Ohav,” where he not only instructed, but also invited great fencing masters and martial artists to visit, teach and sign books. Pauline is a certified Art Teacher and frequently led arts and crafts programs for our children.

In addition, she taught Judaic Art classes at the Merrick Hebrew High School, the Hebrew School at Temple Beth Am and many other Yeshovot.

Together, Pauline and Stewart spent many evenings working as professional youth directors. They ran programs for synagogues all over Long Island including Oceanside Jewish Center, Bnai Israel of Freeport, Baldwin Jewish Center, South Huntington Jewish Center, and Glen Cove Jewish Center.

There’s one more important job that Stewart does at Ohav, and he often says it is the one that gives him the most pleasure. Stu is the Shabbos Candy Man, and children gather around him each Shabbos to tell him a Devar Torah and collect their Sabbath Sweets.

Besides their involvement with Ohav Sholom, Stewart and Pauline own and run the design and construction companies in midtown Manhattan B & F Architectural Support Group Inc., Advance Construction Group, and B & F Painting and Decorating Co. Inc. Their children, David, Lauren and Molly have inherited their parent’s creativity and leadership qualities. They have each held the title of President of the National Conference of Synagogue Youth and have been on the national and regional boards. They are proud of their parent’s projects and often invite teens from all over Long Island to participate.

We applaud the many achievements of Pauline and Stewart Ratzker and enjoy seeing their wonderful children become involved, community minded young adults. The Ratzkers are a special family and we are grateful for all of their contributions to Ohav Sholom.

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

Thank you for selecting us, together with our friends, Pauline and Stu Ratzker, as your honorees for this year’s annual journal dinner. For us, the honor holds special meaning.

When one makes the journey from non-observance to an observant lifestyle, as we have, with its attendant restrictions and limitations, not every old friend or family member is always fully understanding, tolerant, and accepting. On Shabbos, or the Yomim Tovim, there are no “other places” to spend them, or to go – this is it. Under such circumstances, one’s synagogue community becomes an important wellspring of support, and the relationships within that community even more crucial, than might otherwise be the case.

It has been our great good fortune to have found many hands extended in friendship over the past almost quarter century, as our family, and each of us as individuals, grew, changed, and went through life’s passages -- trying ones, including the loss of two parents, uncertain ones, such as multiple career changes, and satisfying ones. It was this feeling of friendship, most of all, which kept us here, and which we continue to treasure.

It was here that we experienced the birth of our three wonderful sons, saw them grow, watched the friendships which they established, were able to share the pride we felt at their bar mitzvahs and other accomplishments, and felt fortunate to see Adam, Sam, and Jonathan mature into the young men we could only dream they would become. “It takes a village” has become a cliché, but there is no mistaking the fact that in today’s uncertain world, whose values sometimes seem to have become unmoored, it is the community in which we live – the synagogue we attend, the friends they made, the yeshivot in which they learned -- which provided the context in which the values we hold dear could be imparted and take root.

It was from individuals in this community that we learned to lead the daily davening, began to experience gemara learning, and had the chance to expand our knowledge of traditional Jewish practice. It has been gratifying to see the growth of Orthodox institutions, as the seeds planted by this synagogue continue to flourish for the betterment of us all.

Whatever magical quality it is which draws us to this synagogue, it would be impossible not to acknowledge the role in fostering it played by its Rabbi for an unimaginable 46 years – Jeremiah Wohlberg. He has been there for b’rit milot, bar mitzvahs, funerals, unveilings, and other life passages, all with sensitivity and a masterful flair. We thank him warmly.

This evening is an opportunity for us to thank all of you for what you’ve meant to us, and to help the synagogue community which has sustained our family. It means a great deal.

Thank you, Michele and Ken Gartner

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

When Pauline and I were looking for a place to raise our young family we asked the then Director of NCSY Rabbi David Orlofsky about the best places to live in Long Island and Merrick and Congregation Ohav Sholom came out on the top of his list. We checked out the communities that he recommended and we found we agreed with him Merrick was the best place for us, and I don’t think we have ever regretted that decision.

Pauline and I would like to thank our friends here at Congregation Ohav Sholom for honoring us at this Journal Dinner Dance. Our community has always been an important part of our lives so being honored by you is especially gratifying to us.

We have always believed in tikun olom (making our world better) beginning in our own home and community. So to be recognized here in front of our parents, children and you here is really extraordinary.

Not too long ago before our son David got married, Rabbi Wohlberg met our Brooklyn Mahutin and as he reached for positive things to say about us to them, he told them about our role in reaching out to others. When he said that to them I thought to myself that may be true but this is really is not just our story buy really the story of this congregation.

We might have started outreach programs, but the Yedlin’s did it before us. We may have had made contributions here, but we were never alone. There was always the Joffes, the Cohens, the Braunsteins, the Denenbergs, the Tawils, the Zimmerns you really can go on and on. This community has been a very special place for us and a wonderful place for us to have raised our family.

We take a very special pleasure in seeing this new generation of leadership.

Pauline and I have been blessed to enjoy a special relationship with generations of children and adults who grew and grew up in our shul, and we want you to know that even when you said you appreciated us we appreciated you more than you could guess.

Once again, thank you,

Stewart and Pauline Ratzker

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

BINGO COMMITTEE IRA KOLKO, CHAIRMAN

TEAM CAPTAINS BARRY BIRNBAUM DAVID CEPLER DAVID DENENBERG ADAM GREENBERG ARNOLD ABRAMOWITZ HERB ABRAMOWITZ JACOB AMOUYAL RICHARD BARTEN RON BEKORE DAVID BITTMAN SUSAN BLOOMFIELD PETER BRODY ALLEN COHEN BERNARD COHEN RANDY & IRA COHEN KEN DUFTLER ADAM EGERT WILLIAM EGERT ARNOLD FLEISCHER GARY FRIEDMAN MICHELE GARTNER PHIL GLICKMAN STEVEN GOCHMAN DOREEN GOLD MATT GOUN JACK GRABER

ROB STEIN PETER TANNENBAUM MARIO WILKOWSKI FRAN & BRIAN GREEN STEWART GREENBERG JAY GREENBLATT DAVID HAUSER JEFF HAUSER ALAN JASPER MYRON KATZ LEE KAUFMAN ELI KRAUT ALAN KREIGER MATTHEW LERNER HAROLD LEWIS IRVING LIEBOWITZ NATHAN LITMAN MIRIAM MARGULIES ALAN MENDELOWITZ SOL MESHOLAM RON METVINER SIDNEY MICHELMAN AARON NEEDLE MARLENE & JOSEPH NEURINGER ALAN PLAFKER

PAULINE RATZKER MICHAEL RICHHEIMER MICHAEL ROSENBLOOM SARAH RUBENSOHN STUART SIEGEL JUDY & STEVE SIMON GARY SKALL JEFF, MIRIAM & DAVID SMITH JESSE STRICKER WALLY STURM COREY WAJNRAJCH MICHAEL WAJNRAJCH SHIRLEY WECHSLER ALAN & BEVERLY WEINSTEIN HAIM WEINSTEIN SEYMOUR & GLORIA WEISS MARK WEITZ AL WIEN STEVEN ZANG BERNICE ZOBACK EILEEN ZUCKERBERG DAVID ZWERIN

BELL JARS NAT KING

HERB LASK

BINGO KITCHEN PENNY AMOUYAL ANDREA BERIS BRIAN BERTAN RISE EGERT SAMANTHA FRIEDMAN JUDY GELERNTER BARRY GOCHMAN

FREDDA LASK, LAURIE FENSTERSTOCK, CHAIRPERSONS LES GRUSSGOTT BARBARA HUDSON BONNIE MARKEL BRURIA MERMELSTEIN DANIEL & JACOB MERMELSTEIN JARED, AMANDA & RACHEL NOSSEN MAXINE TANNENBAUM

LISA SAFON BARBARA SAKS SHERI SMART MIA WAJNRAJCH SHIRLEY WIEN MILLIE WURMAN

PLATINUM SPONSOR

To all of our good friends, Thank you for choosing us for this special honor Thank you for coming and sharing this evening with us.

Thank you for supporting us in this meaningful way.

And most of all, Thank you for being the friends that you are.

To our wonderful sons, Adam, Sam, and Jonathan, Thank you for reflecting so well on us – You inspire us to be better than we otherwise could.

Love, Michele and Ken

PLATINUM SPONSOR

We at HAFTR Give a hearty Mazel Tov to our dear friends Michele and Kenny Gartner On a well deserved honor.

Nikki and Elliot Feit Sandra and Ruby Maron Varda and Teddy Selinger Marilyn and Lee Wallach

GOLD SPONSOR

Congratulations to Pauline and Stu Ratzker From your friends at

Kaufman Organization 450 Seventh Avenue New York, NY, 10123

SILVER SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSOR

Tonight Congregation Ohav Sholom Shines Brightly with the Light of Celebrating with 2 Lovely families

Michele & Kenneth Gartner And

Pauline & Stewart Ratzker Both Families live the true Values of our Torah They are Observant & Learned And Love our People.

May Hashem continue to Bless them & Their Families with Naches & Good Health Love & Respect Always – Doreen & Gerald Gold

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

To Stewart and Pauline Ratzker You’ve been such wonderful parents and role models for us.

Mazal Tov on this well deserved honor.

We love you.

David, Shani, Yehoshua, and Daniel Ratzker

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Congratulations Mom and Dad, Mazel tov on this wonderful honor.

Thank you for bringing us to Congregation Ohav Sholom, which has so enriched our lives.

You are great role models.

Thanks for everything!

Love, Adam, Sam & Jonathan

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

To our Great Parents and Grandparents Pauline and Stewart Ratzker, We are so proud of you.

Thank you so much for everything you do for us.

Mazel Tov Love, Lauren, Michael, Dinah, & Akiva

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

Mazel Tov Stewart and Pauline We’re so proud of your commitment to the Community

Your Cousins, Yaakov and Chavi Firestone Shimon and Chani Friedman Moshe and Esther Hauben

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Mazel Tov to

Michele & Ken Gartner and

Pauline & Stewart Ratzker Your love of Judaism and of our synagogue shine through in all you do

Sisterhood of Congregation Ohav Sholom Sisterhood Board 2008 – 2009 President ..................................................... Rona Birnbaum Vice President, Kiddush .................................... Robin Hauser Asst. VP Kiddush & Shalach Manot ................Hope Greenberg Treasurer........................................................ Sheri Balsam Financial Secretary ................................... Debbie Braunstein Co-Vice Presidents, Programming........................ Roni Cohen ............................................................... Ilissa Schoenberg Gold Cards .............................................. Hinda Abromowitz Past Presidents Lynda Bekore Pauline Ratzker Molly Strauss Reba Ruthenberg Hope Greenberg Rochelle Berger Carol Zimern Ann Zimern Betty Gordon

Sari Fish Gloria Utrecht Edith Wolff Bobby Bernstein Sylvia Rogowsky Joan Berkley Miriam Baruch Carol Novick* Susan Cohen

Dorothy Katz * Roslyn Rubin * Ruth Price Miriam Glass Edie Deane Eleanor Newman Marlene Neuringer Barrie Segelstein *

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

Congratulations and Mazal Tov To our honorees Michele and Ken & Pauline and Stu For years of outstanding dedication, devotion, and hard work.

Congregation Ohav Sholom’s Men’s Club Gary Friedman............... President Dan Seid................. Vice-President Ron Bekore Jay Greenblatt Abe Klein David Zwerin Past President

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Mazel Tov To Michele & Ken And Pauline & Stu On this well deserved honor

Sheri and Ira Balsam

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Mazel Tov to Michele and Ken & Pauline and Stu

On this well deserved honor Your commitment and dedication to Ohav Sholom Is an inspiration to us all.

Alison and Stu Siegel

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Warmest congratulations to our partner, Ken Gartner and to Michele, and the rest of their family, On this well deserved honor

From all their friends and colleagues at

Lynn, Gartner & Dunne, LLP

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Congratulations to Ken and Michele Stu and Pauline For Your Much Deserved Honors!

Lynda and Ron Bekore

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Congratulations To our Very Special Honorees and Friends Pauline and Stewart Michele and Ken We are all so Lucky to Know Them

Love Sheryl, Steve, Ivy and Andrew Zang

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

Mazel Tov To the Honorees

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Mazel Tov Michele and Ken Thank you for everything you do to help our shul.

Love, Jessica, Matthew, & Shira Chaya Lerner ***** To our friends and adopted family Pauline and Stu Mazel Tov on this well deserved honor.

Whether it's welcoming a new person to the community or giving out treats, you know how to put a smile on our faces.

Love, Jessica, Matthew, & Shira Chaya Lerner

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

To our special friends Michele and Ken Gartner And Pauline and Stewart Ratzker Thank you for your continued leadership, compassion, commitment and dedication to Congregation Ohav Sholom!

Our children have enjoyed growing up with your children, spending Shabbat, Yomim Tovim, and Hebrew school together.

You all have always demonstrated lives filled with love and understanding of Jewish values.

Mazel Tov! Janice and David Cepler Adina, Aron, Michal & Jamie And Lucille Goldman

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

BEST WISHES TO OUR GUESTS OF HONOR

MICHELE & KEN PAULINE & STEWART FOR THEIR EFFORTS ON BEHALF OF OUR SYNAGOGUE SANDY & IRWIN DUFTLER

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Stewart & Pauline

Your Dedication to Ohav and the Merrick community is legendary And your helping hands extend to many ofther communities as well Your door is always open to anyone who needs you

Shani and David, Lauren and Michael, and Molly

Have learned well by example of service, responsibility and love Dinah, Yehoshua Daniel and Akiva are sure to follow To know you is to love you.

But to be related to you‌ is truly a blessing

Mazel Tov on this well deserved honor

Debby & Eli Horowitz

Naomi & Brian Nadata

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

Mazel Tov To The Honorees

Fran & Herb Alexander

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

In Loving Memory Lisa Spar From the Spar Family Marty Kathleen & Steve Wendy & Jeff Isabella Rose & Alexa Paige Lori & Brett Zoe Bliss & Eden Joy

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Mazal Tov To Our Good Friends Michele & Ken Pauline & Stu On This Well-Deserved Honor

Syma & Maurice Baran

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

To Our Good Friends Pauline and Stewart Michele and Kenny

Mazel Tov To Two Deserving Couples Your Commitment and Love To our Shul helps make it what it is – A home away from home for everyone Your honor is richly deserved.

Thank you for all you do for our Shul.

With All Our Love Ann, Carol, Hillary, Howard Rachel and Zachary

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Congratulations & Best Wishes to Michele & Ken Gartner And Pauline & Stu Ratzker David and Lillian Hirsch

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

Congratulations To Michele & Kenneth Gartner

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

Mazel Tov To the Gartners And the

Ratzkers From The Litmans

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Mazel Tov to our dear friends Michele & Ken Gartner On this well deserved honor.

You are true role models For your children, your community and Klal Yisroel.

We also wish Mazel Tov to Pauline & Stu Ratzker On their well deserved honor.

With Love, Bea & Joel Hoffman Sheila and Mel Finkelstein

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Congratulation to: Michele & Ken Gartner And Pauline & Stu Ratzker Best Wishes to Congregation Ohav Sholom For continued success

SENATOR CHARLES J. FUSCHILLO, JR.

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Congratulations and Best wishes to our Honorees Michele and Ken Gartner and Pauline and Stewart Ratzker On this well deserved honor.

We are thankful for your dedication to our shul.

Janet, Aaron, Jordan, Ilana and Brian Needle

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

It is with tremendous pleasure that we Congratulate our friends Michele and Ken Gartner And Pauline and Stew Ratzker

Mazel Tov!

Love, Linda, Steve, Ali, William and Jacqui Berkowitz

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Congratulations To Pauline & Stewart Ratzker Many thanks for your faithful devotion and tireless efforts For your work at Ohav Sholom Love, Fredda & Herbert Lask

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

To our awesome honorees: Michele & Ken Gartner Pauline & Stew Ratzker Thank you for the many years that you have all enriched our shul with your hard work, and our congregation with your never-ending service and concern for the Ohav community.

May Hashem continue to give you the strength to provide such a wonderful example of community service and chesed for your wonderful children and grandchildren.

With much love, Hope & Adam Greenberg and Family

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

Mazel Tov and Best Wishes To The Gartner and Ratzker Families

Arlene and Dan Lewis

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Mazel Tov To Michele & Ken And Pauline & Stu

On this well deserved honor For four commitment to our Shul

Rona & Barry Birnbaum Aaron & Emily

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Mazel Tov To Michele & Ken Gartner And Pauline & Stu Ratzker Thank you for all you do Brynn and Jeffery Dacher & Family

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

To Michele and Ken Gartner & Pauline and Stu Ratzker Congratulations and Best Wishes From Marina & Henry Tawil

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

MAZEL TOV

KEN & MICHELE

MINDY & FRED HIRSH

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Dear Pauline and Stewart, Congratulations on receiving this wonderful honor We are proud to call you family and to see you recognized for your Dedication and commitment to your community.

Love, Mindy, Jeff, Rachel, Sara, Shelley, Brian, Andrew, Matt, Michael and Tyler

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

Congratulations and best wishes to the honorees: Michele and Ken Gartner And Pauline and Stewart Ratzker Our dear friends who bring honor to Ohav Sholom, and contribute so much to the community.

‫טום שם משמן טוב‬ ‫קהלת‬ Charles and Yetta Selengut Rabbi Yehoshua and Debora Marchuck

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Congratulations to Michele and Kenneth Gartner Pauline and Stewart Ratzker Seth and Ellen Miller

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

Our warmest wishes to Michele & Kenneth Gartner And Pauline & Stewart Ratzker On their well – deserved honor Chichi & Len Brumberg

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Dear Michele, Ken, Pauline and Stewart.

Thank you for all you do for our Shul.

Mazel Tov on this honor.

Molly and Mark Strauss

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

MAZAL TOV Carol & Steve Goldschein

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Congratulations to Michele & Ken Gartner and Pauline & Stu Ratzker For your dedication and devotion to Congregation Ohav Sholom.

You have truly earned this honor.

Phil and Rita Salzman

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Yasher Koach to Michele and Ken Gartner and Pauline and Stewart Ratzker On this well deserved honor and acknowledgement of your dedication to our Synagogue.

May you go from strength to strength!

From Roberta and Steven Gochman and Debbie and Adam Marchuck

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

To our most deserving honorees Kenny & Michele Stew and Pauline Our very best wishes on this much deserved honor Rob & Rebecca Moldwin & family & Belle Hecht

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Congratulations and Best Wishes To our great friends Michele and Judge Ken Gartner Their public service, community work, and personal character, have been an inspiration!

* * * * Jackie and Judge Ed Maron

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Congratulations to

Michele and Ken Gartner And Pauline and Stu Ratzker For this very deserving honor.

Your devotion and dedication to our Shul and community does not go unnoticed and is very appreciated.

Trudy and Sammy Adwar And Judy and Harry Adwar

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

Two Dynamic Duo Familes We are pleased to joi the many Ohav families honoring

Michele & Ken Gartner Pauline & Stewart Ratzker They’re always involved in synagogue activities They’re always ready to be asked for something more They’re always offering to take on another responsibility Where do they find the time?

Busy people fine the time for important jobs.

Marsha & Peter Brody

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER  MAY 31, 2009

Pauline and Stewart

Congratulations on this well Deserved honor.

It’s always our pleasure to support and recognize your many accomplishments.

We feel fortunate to call you our Sister and brother, Our aunt and uncle.

Mazal Tov All our love Marjorie and Marty Adam, Sara and Shawn, Amy

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM JOURNAL DINNER ď‚ť MAY 31, 2009

Mazal Tov to Michele and Kenny Gartner and to Pauline and Stewart Ratzker Two couples who have truly shown their love and devotion to their community and to Klal Yisrael Gail Daitch Loren and Stuart Daitch and family

Congratulations to the Gartners & Ratzkers on this well deserved honor Bert Robbins

‫מזל טוב‬ Michele and Ken Gartner Pauline and Stewart Ratzker Mazal Tov to each of you and your families. Only the best and only smachot.

From Robin, David, Ian, and Logan Hauser From Phyllis, Jeff, Dani, Bryan, and Mia Hauser You are each role models for our entire community, and your dedication is second to none.

Pauline and Stewart Ratzker Michele and Ken Gartner

‫מזל טוב‬

Best Wishes to Michele & Kenneth Mary Bading John B. Harwell

In Honor of the Ratzker family, For all their great work on behalf of our synagogue.

From, Rabbi Herman And the Officers of the West Side Jewish Center

Congratulations to the Gartner & Ratzker Families An Honor Well Deserved Edie Deane & Family

Mazel Tov to our dear Friends Pauline and Stu Michele and Ken On this well deserved honor Fran and Dror Moshkovski Ari, Reuven and Miriam

Mazel Tov To Our Friends Ken & Michele Garner And Stewart & Pauline Ratzker Thank You for All of Your Hard Work For Ohav Sholom Edie & Rob Stein

Mazel Tov To Michele and Kenneth Gartner And Pauline and Stewart Ratzker

David S. Zwerin and Family

Kenneth and Tikvah Levin Wish a hearty Mazel Tov To the two very deserving couples: Michele and Ken Gartner And Pauline and Stu Ratzker Dear Michele, Ken Pauline and Stu: Congratulations on this great honor!

Best Wishes, Ilissa, Ben and Gabrielle Schoenberg Benjamin Schoenberg, DMD Implant, Cosmetic and General Family Dental Care 100 Veterens Blvd. Massapequa 516-798-5901

Congratulations and Best Wishes to Michele & Ken Gartner And Pauline and Stewart Ratzker Well Known Names at Ohav

‫מזל טוב‬ To Honorees

Michele and Ken Gartner, Pauline and Stewart Ratzker

You inspire us with your commitment to Torah, dedication to our Synagogue and service to our Community.

Linda, Brian, Matthew, Benjamin & Daniel Bertan

To our good friends

Michele and Ken AND Pauline and Stu

Mazel Tov! We’re so happy to celebrate with you!

Love, Cara, David Denenberg

To My Wonderful Children Pauline & Stewart Ratzker Keep Up The Good Work!

From Dad, Robert Ratzker

Mazel Tov to Michele & Ken And Pauline and Stu Your dedication and commitment to our Shul is unparalleled.

Sue, Mario Hannah, Mia & Brian Wilkowski

Mazel Tov to Ken and Michele and Stu and Pauline on receiving this well deserved honor.

Sarah, Daron, Hannah, Alana, Rubensohn

Mazel Tov to the Gartner & Ratzker Families Thanks for all you do for Ohav Sholom Lettie & Steve Werbel

Mazel Tov to the Gartners and Ratzkers On this well deserved honor.

Thank you for all that you do and have done for Ohav.

Love, Fay & Kenny Duftler

Congratulations & Best Wishes To Michele and Ken Gartner!

From your friends Lois and Elliot Schissel

To the Gartners Mazel Tov Debora & Elliott Grossman

Congratulations From Rick & Alisa Altabef

‫מזל טוב‬ To my wonderful children Stewart & Pauline Ratzker From your loving mother Evelyn Elbaum

Mazel Tov To Pauline and Stewart Ratzker We fondly recall the wonderful Shabbat and simchas that we Have spent together. We hope that we will always share good times In good health with good friends.

Love, Sydelle and Rob Knepper and Family

To Our Esteemed Honorees Mazel Tov on this well-deserved honor.

May you continue to go from strength to strength, and may we continue to benefit from your devotion to our congregation.

Carolyn and Larry Galinkin

Access Staffing Is proud to support Congregation Ohav Sholom

Congratulations to the honorees Michele and Ken Gartner And

Pauline and Stu Ratzker

Manhattan 360 Lexington Avenue 8th Floor NY, NY 10017 212-687-5440

Long Island 25 Melville Park Road Suite 115 Melville, NY 11747 631-777-2800

Congratulations to Michele and Ken On this great honor Mr & Mrs. Simon Lippa

THE LAW FIRM OF SANDBACK, BIRNBAUM & MICHELEN CONGRATULATES MICHELE & KENNETH GARTNER A Lawyer’s Lawyer and a Gift to the Community 200 Old Country Road Mineola New York 11501 516 248-8000

2 Penn Plaza New York New York 10121 212 517-3200

www.lawoncall.com

“The highest form of wisdom is kindness” The Talmud Best Wishes to Ken and Michele Gartner

~ Robert Conforte and Dina Cain ~

Congratulations to Michele and Ken For an honor so richly deserved, We admire and respect what you’ve accomplished, with your family and in your community.

Love, Mom, Dad, Andrew, Joni, Alex and Justin

Stewart and Pauline

The definition of MENSCH or MENSCHETTE is someone to admire and emulate, someone of noble character, one who does good deeds. A MENSCH is the kind of person you can always count on in the time of need.

I admire both of you tremendously for caring so much for other people because whatever you do or whatever you accomplish it is from the heart.

Mazel Tov for this great honor that has been bestowed upon you this day.

I LOVE YOU BOTH and I am proud Pauline, to be your brother and Stewart, I am proud to be your brother-in-law.

STAN

To our dearest friends,

The Gartners

and

The Ratzkers

We are thrilled to be able to celebrate this occasion with you

Mazal Tov

Penny & Jacob Amouyal

Yasher Koach to

MAZEL TOV

Michele & Ken

Michele and Ken Pauline and Stu

And Pauline & Stu

Sari and Stan Fish

Mazel Tov and best wishes to four very deserving Ohavians.

Herb and Hinda Abramowitz

May you continue to be an example for the community Aaron and Betsy Stein

Mazel Tov to Michele & Ken and Pauline & Stu On this well deserved honor

Mazel Tov Pauline and Stu And Michele and Ken Gail & Richard Stamler and Family

Mazal Tov To an Outstanding Couple Pauline & Stewart Ratzker – Our Machatonim May you be blessed with good health and continued nachas from your family.

Dr. Joseph & Dina Stein

Mazel Tov To Michele and Kenny Pauline and Stewart On this well deserved honor Judy and Steve Simon And family

Thank you

Stu Ratzker Congregation Ohav Sholom & Men’s Club For Hosting Long Island Swords Fencing Club

MAZEL TOV TO MICHELE & KEN GARTNER WHO EXEMPLIFY THE BEST VALUES OF OUR PEOPLE AND RICHLY DESERVE THIS HINOR KAREN & ROY SIMON

MICHELE AND KEN GARTNER BEST WISHES ON YOUR SPECIAL EVENING MARY AND EUGENE CAMMARATO

MAZEL TOV to the Gartners on this well deserved honor!

Amy & Ilan Mosery And Family

We are so proud of you Aunt Pauline & Uncle Stewart!

We admire your hard work & thank you for being such wonderful role models as active members of the Jewish community.

Love your nieces & nephews, Elissa, Scott, Adam, Sara, Shawn, Jocelyn, and Amy

Mazel Tov to

Mazel tov to

Michele and Kenneth Gartner

Pauline and Stu Ratzker on this honor.

On this well deserved honor May you continue to go from strength to strength.

Shirley and Frederick Lubcher

Kol HaKavod to

Ken & Michele Best Wishes and Congratulations from

The Gartner Family Henry, Amy, Peter, Teddy & Aaron Robert, Devorah & Bethanie

The Flock of Sigals Mike, Judy, Malka, Shoshana and Estee

Mazel Tov Pauline, Stu, Michele and Ken Congratulations on this well deserved honor.

You are wonderful individuals, true friends, always giving of yourselves with a full heart and wonderful role models for your children and grandchildren.

May you and your families always be blessed.

Love always, Lisa, Jenny, Keith and Noah Safon

Shop Online, Support Ohav!!!

Ohav has partnered with a site that gives cash back to our Shul from your shopping.

BEST WISHES! Mickey & Ron Metviner

Check it out at http://www.ohav.org

Best wishes,

From your friends at Bingo Bugle Newspaper Long Island Edition 516-797-0224

Mazel Tov to Pauline and Stu Ratzker on this honor.

May you continue to from from strength to strength.

The Flock of Sigals, Mike, Judy, Malka, Shoshana, and Estee

Congratulations Michele and Ken Gartner Best Wishes From Barry and Sandy Fox

TIFFANY CLEANERS 1623 Merrick Road Merrick, NY, 11566 516-377-0082

Largest Kosher Selections in L.I. Visit us @ www.MABWINE.com

LONG ISLAND BINGO MAGAZINE 1-800-572-1726

Dr. Gary Shore Internal Medicine NEW Office Location 31 Merrick Ave. Suite 230 Merrick, NY 516-378-2820 Hours by Appointment, Mon-Sat

Otto’s Sea Grill Mazal Tov to the honorees!

Love from Susan and Sam Joffe.

STORE #279 1686 MERRICK ROAD MERRICK, NY, 11566 JAY SCHWATZ STORE MANAGER 516-377-0226 Fax 516-377-0887

Mazel Tov To All the Honorees Steve & Muriel Cohen

Mazel Tov to: Michele and Ken Gartner And Pauline and Stu Ratzker Dr. Joseph & Marlene Neuringer

Best Wishes From Natural Beauty Fence Wantagh, NY 516-785-3202

North Bellmore Dental Assoc., P.C. 1179 Newbridge Road.

North Bellmore, NY, 11710 516-221-2271 Merrick Collision & Towing AUTO BODY COLLISION REPAIR CENTER KENNY - MANAGER

9 Kees Place Merrick, NY, 11566 Day – 516-623-9250 Night Towing 516-221-1919

Ken & Michele: Mazel Tov! To Michele and Kenneth Gartner Denise and Bob Sher

The Law Firm of Ezratty, Ezratty & Levine, LLP applauds the efforts of Michele and Ken Gartner And congratulates them for their devoted support of such a worthy institution

Congratulations on your special honor!

Love – Barbara & Jeff Braunstein

Best Wishes Ken & Michele From Ellen & Jeff Wice

IN HONOR OF MICHELE & KENNETH GARTNER

Mazel Tov to the

COUSINS, FRIENDS, AND INSPIRATIONS FOR MAKING THE VALUES & PRACTICES OF OUR TRADITION COME ALIVE.

Gartner & Ratzker Families

YASHER KOACH. WITH LOVE, STEVEN WEINER & ROBIN BEZARK, CATIE WEINER, EMILY WEINER

Bea Schneider

Mazel Tov to the Honorees Fred and Miriam Margulies

Mazel To To our friends Michele & Ken The Ruthenbergs

Greetings Irwin, Hannah, DD, & Truli Halpern M/M Jerry Levine In honor of Pauline & Stewart Ratzker

Check out http://www.ohav.org to see an interactive copy of the Journal and to find out what is going on at Ohav Sholom