An evening of inspiration at Sinai Schools’ annual benefit dinner
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- Diane, left, and Ron Strobel receive a work of art created by a Sinai student from Esther Lerer, Sinai vice president and a long-time member of its executive committee and bsoard.
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- Alumni speaker Ezra Grauberd, center, with his parents Josh and Jennifer Grauberd.
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- Honoree Yakov Karasick, right, receives a work of art created by a Sinai student from Moshe Weinberger, past president of Sinai and a long-time member of its executive committee and board.
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- Honoree Elizabeth Kratz receives a work of art created by a Sinai student from Rabbi Dr. Yisrael Rothwachs, Leo Brandstatter z”l Dean of Sinai Schools.
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- Leo, Dina, Eli, and Mendy Herskovich on stage after the premiere of “Eli.”
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- Itzik Dadya, Avraham Fried, and Yakov Karasick during the kumzitz.
On Saturday, February 28, the Sinai Schools held its annual benefit dinner.
It originally had been scheduled for Sunday, February 22, but had to be rescheduled at the last minute because of that day’s blizzard. Hundreds of people rearranged their plans with just a few days’ notice to join for an evening marked by gratitude, inspiration, and a powerful reaffirmation of Sinai’s mission.
At the dinner, Sinai honored extraordinary people whose dedication reflects the heart of its mission.They are:
Yakov Karasick, a member of Sinai’s first cohort of students and beloved Sinai ambassador for more than 40 years;
Elizabeth Kratz, editor-in-chief and associate publisher of the Jewish Link, recognized for her unwavering support of Sinai and for establishing the Dr. Alexander Kratz z”l Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of her late husband to ensure that more families are able to benefit from all that Sinai has to offer; and
Ron and Diane Strobel, celebrated for their decades of communal leadership and hands-on partnership; Ron has been a Sinai vocational partner, helping students build skills and confidence.
A highlight of the evening was the premiere of Sinai’s newest documentary, “Eli,” which told the story of a remarkable Sinai student and his devoted parents, Dina and Leo Herskovich. The film provided an intimate and powerful look at Eli’s journey, showcasing the shared commitment between his family and Sinai’s educators and therapists as they work together to help him reach his potential.
This year’s alumni speaker was Ezra Grauberd, whose reflections as a Sinai graduate offered a living testament to the impact of a Sinai education and the bright futures it helps make possible.
The evening also included the premiere of “Give Your Child the Tools to Succeed,” a film in which Sinai students and parents described how the school has helped them thrive.
The night ended with a kumzitz led by Avraham Fried and Itzik Dadya, accompanied by Ari Greene and members of the BaRock orchestra, including Yakov Karasick.
Sinai’s work is possible only because of the broad and generous support of the community. Contributions to its annual campaign will allow Sinai to continue to provide exceptional secular and Jewish education in the highly individualized manner children with disabilities need to thrive.
There are videos and more photos from the dinner at www.sinaidinner.org.
Please share the videos widely. The second it takes you to send someone this film may help a family find the help they need to transform the life of their child.