March 5, 1999/17 Adar 5759, Vol. 51, No. 23
Silvers praised for efforts to spread TorahRabbi Chaim Silver and his wife, Naomi, who together run the Orthodox Young Israel of Phoenix, will be honored with the Harbotzas Torah award this Sunday, March 7, in New York City as part of Torah Umesorah's 55th annual banquet.Yehoshua Berinstein, director of Torah Umesorah, the National Society of Hebrew Day Schools, says the award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions in spreading Torah throughout the United States. He says the board chose the couple because they are "extremely competent, energetic (and) ambitious ... and are extremely selfless in their desire and self-sacrifice to increase the level of Jewish education in Phoenix. I think they have a rare mix of personal qualities and academic scholarships that make them ... an ideal team for a (growing) community such as Phoenix." While Berinstein notes that Rabbi Silver has a rare combination of Torah scholarship, personal magnetism, concern for others and leadership skills, Silver says: "If it wasn't for my wife, I personally would not be able to accomplish anything. I owe everything I am to her." Naomi Silver, says Berinstein, has been instrumental in drawing the Young Israel community to their open home because of her warmth and kindness. "We did not do this in the pursuit of any honors. We have a desire to help our fellow Jews and we feel that God gave us certain talents and we want to use them as best we can," Rabbi Silver adds. The Silvers have been involved with Torah Umesorah, specifically its Project Seed, for approximately three years. Project Seed provides the opportunity for young couples and yeshiva students to travel to Jewish communities throughout the world and share their knowledge of Torah and Judaism. For more information on the banquet or the organization, call (212) 227-1000. |
