SCOTCH PLAINS — Jonathan Jaffe, Jonah Leske and Sophia Loewenthal, members of Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in Scotch Plains, were honored as “Man of the Year” and “Youths of the Year,” respectively, at the Northern New Jersey Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs December 8 event, held at Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael in Springfield.
Mr. Jaffe is a past president of Congregation Beth Israel’s Men’s Club and a long-time synagogue volunteer. He resides in Scotch Plains and is the founder of Jaffe Communications, Inc., located in Cranford. Jonah and Sophia are juniors at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School; both teens give of their time in support of CBI.
Mr. Jaffe served as CBI Men’s Club president during the pandemic, tasked with coordinating religious and other programming during a difficult era of social distancing. He created online programming, such as having a professor conduct a Zoom call about the life and times of Bruce Springsteen. He also planned fun outdoor activities, such as a cornhole tournament and a micro brewery tour, which are both now popular components of CBI’s annual Men’s Club calendar.
“My greatest interest in Men’s Club was focusing on ways in which our members can engage synagogue youth in new, fun and interesting ways,” Mr. Jaffe said. “For example, we held a Hanukkah event during religious school, when some goodnatured Men’s Club members dressed as Macabees and interacted with the students. I also moved CBI’s ‘Youth of the Year’award from highschool seniors to high-school juniors so they can include the accolade on college applications. I’m pleased to see that practice continue with Jonah and Sophia awarded this year.”
Jonah and Sophia were chosen as “Youths of the Year” because both teens have continued to give back to the CBI community since completing religious school in eighth grade. For several years, both students have volunteered as Madrichim (teachers’ aides), serving as role models for younger students. In addition, Jonah and Sophia continue to spend time in synagogue life, either through attending CBI’s Hebrew High School program, Darcone, or by reading Torah and/ or Haftarah at CBI services.
Jonah and Sophia also participate within the larger Jewish community. At Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, Sophia has served as president and Jonah sits on the Executive Board of the Jewish Student Union. Both teens worked as camp counselors at Camp Yachad, the Jewish day camp run by the Jewish Community Center of Central New Jersey in Scotch Plains. Jonah additionally is active at the regional level of the Jewish teen organization, BBYO, and traveled to Israel in the summer of 2023 through its Passport program.
The Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs presents awards annually to recognize volunteers at Conservative Jewish synagogues who have been active leaders within their communities. Congregation Beth Israel is affiliated with The United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism and has an active Men’s Club and youth program. For synagogue information, call (908) 889-1830.
