Beth Sholom’s Annual Gala

Congregation Beth Sholom celebrates another year of meaningful religious experiences, community programming and participation in the broader local and Jewish community with its Annual Gala Feb. 21 at 4 p.m.

This year’s festive gala will honor four exceptional community members based on Judaism’s three pillars: Torah (education), avodah (religious service) and gemillut chasidim (acts of kindness). The congregation will honor Doctors Jonah and Rashmi Licht for their support of Jewish education in Rhode Island, Dr. Stuart Rappaport for 26 years of leading the synagogue in prayer as a High Holy Days cantor, and Dr. David Mandelbaum for his dedication in running Judy’s Kindness soup kitchen, providing meals to anyone in need, out of the synagogue. These individuals not only support and inspire the synagogue, but also serve as leaders throughout their professional and personal communities.

The congregation’s spiritual leader, Rabbi Barry Dolinger, noted, “far from the top-down model so common in Jewish life these days, CBS is truly a community of engagement, participation and shared responsibility. It’s genuine, impassioned and growing in new and exciting ways. The Annual Gala is a great opportunity to highlight some of the holy work that makes our community robust and resilient, honoring the deserving honorees and pausing to celebrate in gratitude together.”

The gala will be held at Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. Doors will open at 4 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at 4:30, followed by dinner at 6 and the awards ceremony at 6:30. Live musical entertainment will be provided by the Fishel Bresler Band. Food is supervised by RI Kosher, formerly VAAD of RI. Tickets are $70 per person, with a discounted $50 rate for seniors (ages 60 and over) and students (ages 25 and under). Purchase early-bird special tickets before Feb. 3 for $60. For more information and to purchase tickets: bethsholom-ri.org/gala

STEPHANIE HAGUE lives in Providence and is a member of Congregation Beth Sholom.