Dear Members and Friends of Congregation Shomrei Emunah:

Each year Shomrei Emunah’s Ad Journal honors congregants who have had a significant impact on our community.  It is my privilege to inform you that this year’s honorees are the people of Shomrei—the volunteers who bring solace, safety and joy to our congregants and to others in the wider community through the Mensch Squad and IHN (Interfaith Hospitality Network).  And this peaceful army of mensches is led by our own Dale Russakoff who has kept these vitally important services going at Shomrei.

Dale came to Shomrei in 1994 when she, Matt Purdy, and their sons: Sam and Adam moved to Montclair. Like many young families, Dale brought Adam to Shomrei’s preschool and was drawn into the community. It didn’t take long for the Russakoff/Purdy’s to begin volunteering as a family for the IHN hosting week; and soon thereafter, Dale became the co-chair of the program, so that Shomrei’s commitment to IHN would continue. Dale joined the Mensch Squad because an elderly Shomrei member needed care and transportation. When the Mensch Squad needed a new leader to keep it going, Dale stepped in again to ensure that Shomrei was there for our congregants. Dale steps in when there is a need…and keeps us moving forward…and thus makes space at Shomrei for each of us to give of ourselves, and feel joy in return. Dale lives our values—when there is a call for help— her response is that of Hillel “…But if I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?”

The Ad Journal is an opportunity to acknowledge Dale’s efforts and those of all the mensches and IHN volunteers who work alongside her by placing an ad in their honor.  

Also printed in the Journal are “L’dor Vador” (“from generation to generation”) listings. These special pages, listing our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, represent generations of Shomrei families. Add your family’s names to the golden chains that symbolize our continuity as a Jewish community.

To place an order for the Ad Journal or L’dor Vador listings, please visit shomrei.org/adjournal. The order deadline is February 1, 2018.

Dale Russakoff and Shomrei’s army of volunteers have given so much to Shomrei Emunah. Please also  join me in thanking them in-person. Our Honor Night Dinner will be Saturday, March 3, 2018. Ticket information will be coming soon. I hope you will join us for the Celebration!

Sincerely yours,
Fern Heinig
President Shomrei Emunah

Editor’s Note:  
The Mensch Squad is made up of more than 60 dedicated men, women and teens who are always on call to perform acts of kindness for members in need. Dispatched and coordinated by email, our Mensch Squad volunteers visit the sick, drive Shomrei members to medical appointments, help put together shiva minyans, cook meals for members sidelined by injuries or illness, run errands for new parents, provide rides to shul, and much more.  Dale is the leader of the Mensch Squad.

The IHN is a partnership of Synagogues and Churches in the area that take turns housing local families in need of immediate shelter. Volunteers at Shomrei, coordinated by co-chairs Dale Russakoff and Shirley Grill, set up accommodations, cook meals and help keep children happy and occupied while their families are sheltered in our shul.  Shomrei will be housing families this Dec 23-31.  If you would like to volunteer to help, please sign up at shomrei.org/ihn.