Last Monday evening, the Jewish Heritage Center (JHC) hosted its much-anticipated annual dinner, marking 36 years of incredible growth. The night was filled with inspiration, unity, and profound gratitude, as attendees came together to express their appreciation and support for all the JHC has done for the community as a whole, and for each individual personally.
Looking around at the diverse group of attendees, it was clear to see the wide-reaching impact of the JHC. The room was filled with people at vastly different stages of life, growth, and observance, yet all were united by their connection to the Center.
The dinner paid special tribute to Rabbi Dov Wolowitz, a pioneer in the world of kiruv and the founder of the JHC. He noticed the hundreds of thousands of assimilated Jews in his own backyard on Long Island, but unlike all the others who saw, clucked their tongues, and moved on, he decided to do something.
His burning passion led to the founding of the JHC, with its mission to reach his Jewish brothers before losing them to assimilation.
Although he is no longer with us, Rabbi Wolowitz’s legacy continues to live on through the remarkable work of the organization. Every Jew brought closer to Yiddishkeit and every family connected to the Center is all his z’chus.
Working alongside Rabbi Wolowitz were two remarkable people, Rabbi Naftali Portnoy and Rabbi Moshe Turk.
As directors of the JHC, they brought the dream and vision of Rabbi Wolowitz to fruition, dedicating their lives to klal Yisrael and kiruv.
Rabbi Moshe Turk, a passionate talmid chacham with unparalleled ahavas Yisrael, and incredible kochos ha’nefesh, was the first to join Rabbi Wolowitz, with the title of director.
One year after Rabbi Turk took on the role, Rabbi Naftali Portnoy brought his incredible vision, leadership qualities, and passion for helping klal Yisrael to the JHC, and joined as co-director.
Together, they were the drive behind the JHC’s unstoppable growth. It was under their leadership that the JHC took shape and morphed into a thriving, multifaceted organization that transformed the lives of over 25,000 Jews. They worked tirelessly and continuously, adding more programs, starting more initiatives, opening additional centers, and creating an environment where all Jews, no matter their level of affiliation, felt welcome.
The dinner was a perfect opportunity to honor them and all the work and dedication they’ve invested in the JHC.
Thirty-six years after its founding, there has been a remarkable resurgence of Torah in America, with the JHC playing a pivotal role in this mass-scale reconnection.
But their work is far from over.
As mentioned at the dinner, the organization has ambitious plans for establishing a new campus in the heart of Nassau County, reaching even more Jews and facilitating additional growth.
It was truly incredible to see the outpouring of people who credited their transformations to the JHC and to catch a first-hand glimpse of the work they do.
As the JHC continues to expand its reach and impact, it reaffirms its commitment to showing up for klal Yisrael and making a difference.
