More than 150 attended The Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey's Inaugural Dinner.

This year event honored Marilyn and Gerry Flanzbaum - the Partnership 2000 chair for Arad-Tamar.

Marilyn and Gerry Flanzbaum's dedication and commitment to the Jewish community has been woven into all aspects of their lives through actions, deeds, and words. They both are past presidents and vice presidents of Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey and, between the two of them, have chaired such committees as strategic planning, JCRC, personnel, and allocations. Gerry also has served as campaign chairman.

In addition to the prestigious positions held within Federation, Marilyn sits on the board of and/or holds positions at the National Council of Jewish Women, United Jewish Communities, Hebrew University, and New Jersey State Civil Rights Commission. Gerry has held positions at the New Jersey Advisory Council on Holocaust Education, New Jersey State Holocaust Victims Memorial Commission, North American Jewish Student Appeal, and the Anti-Defamation League. And the list goes on! Marilyn and Gerry are members of Temple Har Shalom, Warren; Congregation Beth Israel, Scotch Plains; and Temple Sholom, Plainfield.

Marilyn and Gerry's lives are wholly linked to the Jewish Community. They have each traveled to Israel more than 50 times and it is their connection to the Jewish Homeland that helps keep them grounded and focused on what is important. "Our lives are centered around Judaism. We have received so much from this connection. We believe, to quote Winston Churchill, that 'You make your living by what you earn; you make your life by what you give away.'"

The Inaugural raised $118,000 towards the 2001 UJA Federation campaign and over $20,000 for a special Education program in Arad.

Shvat 5761 - February 2001