JCRS hits high note at Hyatt fundraiser
By ALAN SMASON
Celebrating Jewish contributions to popular music, nearly 500 community members turned out to celebrate the Jewish Children’s Regional Service’s (JCRS) 160th anniversary on Saturday night, March 7 at the Imperial Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
From left, music director Harry Mayronne, Chris Wecklein, Mary Viguera, Victoria May, John Reeks and Bruce Miller. (Photo by Alan Smason)
WVUE meteorologist Bruce Katz served as master of ceremonies through the night, introducing members of two area Jewish families and three foundations that have had remarkable influence over JCRS, the oldest American Jewish children’s social services organization.
Honored for their dedication to JCRS were the five generations of the Cahn family and the Klein family, both of whose family members received assistance from the JCRS and have in more recent years established programs or served on the organization’s board. Jimmy Cahn spoke on behalf of his family and received a special award designed by famous Judaica artist Gary Rosenthal from outgoing JCRS president Leon Rittenberg, III.
Elias Klein, who along with brother Ike escaped the Holocaust and received care through JCRS, spoke on the important work JCRS has done and continues to do. They established the Klein/Broniatowski College Assistance Fund named for their original family surname and also their Americanized “adopted” name. Rittenberg also presented Klein with a similar award to Klein.
The Goldring Family Foundation and the Woldenberg Foundation were both acknowledged for the impressive philanthropic work they have achieved in the Greater New Orleans area and for their vision in creating a legacy through their commitment to Jewish causes. Magnolia Liquor Distributor and Sazerac Company founders Stephen and Mathilde Goldring and Malcolm and Dorothy Woldenberg were cited for their past donations that today are carried forward by Billy Goldring and his children, Diane Franco along with her husband Alan and Jeffrey Goldring with his wife Walton. Both Francos and Jeffrey Goldring accepted the award from Rittenberg.
Hank Greenwald added comments about Jewish performers and composers throughout the program. (Photo by Alan Smason)
The final recipient of the night was the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, which created the popular PJ Library administered by JCRS. Although Grinspoon could not attend the dinner, Tamar Remz, a spokesperson for his foundation, accepted the award on his behalf.
Remz stated that PJ Library donates 400,000 books each month in four languages and to five countries in order “to bring families together.”
The remainder of the evening turned ever more musical as the areas two cantors and cantorial soloist performed two selections together. Temple Sinai Cantor Joel Colman and Touro Synagogue David Mintz were joined by Gates of Prayer cantorial soloist Victoria Cohen May.
After the two cantors left the stage, May remained to welcome music director and pianist Harry Mayronne to the Imperial Ballroom stage. Mayronne accompanied singers Chris Wecklein, Mary Viguiera and May as they performed a number of popular tunes connected to Jewish composers or performers.
The list of songs included the Andrews Sisters “Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen,” Fannie Brice’s “Second Hand Rose,” Barry Manilow’s “Weekend in New England,” Melissa Manchester’s “Midnight Blue” as well as Marci Heisler and Zina Goldrich’s “Taylor the Latte Boy.” Others given homage were Carole King, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Beastie Boys and the Kiss.
The evening ended with “Water in the Well” written and most often connected to Debbie Freedman, the late Jewish song composer, whose influenced in the modern world of contemporary Jewish song is legendary.
Accompanying the singers were drummer and former JCRS president Bruce Miller, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra clarinetist John Reeks and bassist Mark Brooks. Hank Greenwald provided commentaries in response to questions from the singers about performers and composers and lyricists. Jon Broder served as the manuscript writer and executive producer.
Earlier in the evening, Rabbi Ed Paul Cohn of Temple Sinai, delivered a dvar Torah on the significance of the work JCRS does and likened it to an aspect of the recent Purim holiday.
