Temple Sinai dances and dines through decades
By ALAN SMASON, Exclusive to the CCJN
As a professional who is used to making predictions for a living, weather forecaster David Bernard could not have predicted just how many wig changes and costume adornments he would make as part of his volunteer gig as the emcee for the Temple Sinai annual gala last Saturday, March 3.
WVUE Fox 8 TV’s meteorologist David Bernard dons an Elvis wig to reminisce about Temple Sinai in the 1950s. (Photo by Alan Smason)
The festive celebration held in the Teal and Stephen Goldring Pavilion at 6227 St. Charles Avenue, celebrated the synagogue’s past with pictures depicting past leadership in its rabbinate and its administration.
As Bernard recounted the decades through music and photos, pianist Harry Mayronne played accompaniment for Angie Z, the French Quarter Fairytale, an internationally-renowned singer and jazz performer, who specializes in songs of the past. Dancers Tammy Clark Duke and Alex Thomas provided visual emphasis with dazzling dance displays of popular dances from each decade.
As the decades of the 1940s gave way to the 1950s, Bernard placed an Elvis wig on his head and continued to recount the history of Temple Sinai during that decade. Various headware of varying descriptions followed – from an Afro wig to a disco-styled wig to a sideways worn baseball cap evocative of the hip-hop generation of the 1990s.
Clark and Thomas enthusiastically danced as entertainment for the crowd, while Angie Z and Mayronne performed popular songs from each decade.
Harry Mayronne at the piano with singer Angie Z. (Photo by Alan Smason)
Earlier in the evening, Rabbi Matthew Reimer presided over the presentation of awards to honor three Temple Sinai couples for their dedication to the synagogue over the years. Jennifer and Jack Benjamin, Jr. were noted for having served in various capacities at the synagogue, but additionally in other Jewish and civic endeavors.
Amy Gansiburgh-Haspel and John Haspel were recognized for their volunteer activities that have benefited a wide cross-section of charities including Second Harvest Food Bank, Bridge House/Grace House, the New Orleans Recreation Department and KaBOOM!
Pamela and Rob Steeg were cited for their dedication to Planned Parenthood, the New Orleans Early Education Network and the Oschner Health Foundation as well as other city and cultural boards like the New Orleans Museum of Art and WWNO Radio.
A silent auction benefited the synagogue. The dinner was catered by the Marriott Hotel on Canal Street.
