November 18, 2005

It’s Showtime for Yachad:
‘Academy Awards’ to Highlight December 5, ‘Oscar’ Benefit Event

Monday, December 5, 2005 5:30-7:30 p.m.
American Airlines Theatre
227 West 42 Street, New York City

The “YACHAD OSCARS” will present “NJCD Academy Awards” for leading performances in support of young people with disabilities, at a unique benefit and awards ceremony to be held on Monday evening, December 5, at the American Airlines Theatre, 227 West 42 Street. This innovative event will celebrate the Jewish community’s dedicated individuals who have consistently delivered outstanding performances on behalf of Yachad/NJCD.

“Yachad,” the flagship program of the Orthodox Union’s National Jewish Council for Disabilities (NJCD), provides unique social, educational and recreational programs for individuals with developmental, learning and physical disabilities.

There will be a pre-theater buffet reception from 5:30-7:00 p.m. and a “curtain call” at 7:30 p.m. Following the program there will be dessert and dancing. Every guest will receive a “Playbill,” listing the distinguished “Who’s Who” in the cast, along with personalized “advertisements” in honor of the evening’s Oscar winners.

“This creative event will provide an excellent opportunity for our community to support the extraordinary work of Yachad,” declared Stephen J. Savitsky, OU President. “I anticipate a large and enthusiastic audience.”

Andy Statman, the acclaimed Klezmer musician, and Cindy Marvell, known as America’s first lady of juggling, will provide the entertainment.

According to Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, Director of Yachad/NJCD, “This is a unique program which has never been done before and it promises to be an award-winning event. Helping to create the mood for this awards and benefits ceremony, honorees will be receiving ‘Oscars’ for the programs that they help support.”

The Yachad Oscar winners are:

• Community Leadership Award: Gail and Binyamin Rieder-- “Binyamin has been a loyal advisor and coordinator and always went the distance while working with Yachad. His wife Gail is a member of NCSY, and together they are very communally involved and oriented,” said Steven Spira, NJCD chair.
   

• Family Leadership Award: Esther and Jackie Schlanger and Family-- “The Schlanger family has been involved in the many family programs workshops that Yachad puts together,” said Mr. Spira. “They are a model for other families to become more involved. The Schlangers maximize all their potential as a family.”
   

• Summer Program Leadership Award: Eileen Prensky-- According to Mr. Spira, Mrs. Prensky is one of the most enthusiastic NJCD volunteers. “Eileen wholeheartedly pitches in at every Yachad event,” he said. “She knows what needs to be done and then jumps right in and does it!”
   

• Community Leadership Award: Chari and Martin Roth--“It’s wonderful to see children with disabilities given the opportunity to socialize and participate in Shabbat services while enjoying being with their peers,” says Mrs. Roth. “I grew up participating in Shabbatonim and valued sharing the joys of Shabbat with new friends. I am delighted that the Yachad members are getting the same opportunity.”
   

• Vocational Leadership, Chantal and Alan M. Rocoff, Esq.-- "Alan Rocoff and his team of legal professionals partnered with Yachad in striving to reach our goal of uncompromised quality in matching our clients with appropriate employment opportunities. The Law Offices of Alan Rocoff, under the leadership of his chief of staff, Mrs. Chantal Rocoff, are a most valued resource, having hired three different people through the NJCD Department of Vocational Services,” said Mr. Spira.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Elaine Grossman, at 212.613.8350 or salvite@ou.org.

* * *

The Orthodox Union, now in its second century of service to the Jewish community of North America and beyond, is a world leader in community and synagogue services, adult education, youth work through NCSY, political action through the IPA, and advocacy for persons with disabilities through Yachad and Our Way. Its kosher supervision label, the , is the world’s most recognized kosher symbol and can be found on over 409,000 products manufactured in 83 countries around the globe.

www.ou.org

Comments? Requests? Questions?

Orthodox Union Department of Communications and Marketing David Olivestone Director Stephen Steiner Director of Public Relations Main Office: 11 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 Phone: 212.613.8318 Fax: 212-613-0763 E-mail: steiners@ou.org  |  media@ou.org

OUPR Archives Recent statements to the press: 2003  |  2002  |  2001  |  2000  |  1999  |  1998