Early in the evening, the kids from our religious school presented a memory box they have been working on,collecting memorabilia from this moment in time, to be set aside and reopened fifteen years hence, at the temple’s 175th Anniversary. Among the treasures will be an invitation to the gala, the dinner journal and a DVD commemorating the history of Union temple, up to and including the 160th Anniversary festivities. Thanks are due our Religious School Director, Dr. Ann Landowne, for supervising this project.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz presented a proclamation naming April 18, 2009 as Union Temple’s 160th Anniversary Celebration Day and a citation honoring our President, Doris Klueger. The Temple received another proclamation in its honor from Representative Anthony Weiner. City Council Member David Yassky addressed the group, with laudatory words about the proud tradition of this Temple, as did a representative from the office of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.

Over dessert, the glittering crowd was treated to “So You Think You’re A Union Temple Maven?” , a game show testing members’ knowledge of the history of Union temple. The members did pretty well.Each of the honorees was presented with a gift, a beautiful Havdalah service fashioned of colored art glass. Zeva Rischko introduced her friend, honoree Dr. Marvin Lieberman; Mike Wolfson spoke for Henry Singer, and Marvin Polonsky for Doris Klueger.

This all could not have come together without help. Our Temple beautification experts - Zeva Roschko, Karen Guccione and Ralph Julius - really came through, providing gorgeous table decorations on a tight budget. Denise Waxman spun together the video loop of current and archival photos illustrating the history of Union Temple.

Demetria Royals documented the evening in film, and is working with Jerry Bunke on the DVD. Our thanks to them all. The 160th Anniversary Committee gives special thanks to Temple Administrator John Golomb, for his tireless and cheerful help throughout the long planning process.

We are grateful to Past President Hortense Hurwitz, for the perspective she lent to the proceedings. And special thanks to Rabbi Linda Goodman, for her insight, counsel and encouragement every step of the way.

Only 15 years until the next Gala!

-Beatrice Hanks

Happy birthday to Union Temple! The Union Temple 160th Anniversary Gala was held on April 18th and what a wonderful evening it was.  A full house turned out to help mark the occasion including noted local politicians such as Borough President Marty Markowitz and City Council Member David Yassky.  But the highlight of the evening were the special honors bestowed upon our very special long time Union Temple members UT President Doris Klueger, Vice President Henry Singer and trustee Dr. Marvin Lieberman. Their hard work has helped to bring about a real renaissance in recent years at the Temple. We congratulate them and look forward to many more great years for them and the temple. Many thanks go to the 160th Anniversary Committee that worked so hard to put together such a wonderful celebration.  Kudos to Abe Barnett, Mark Silverstein, Jerry Bunke, Arlene Greendlinger, Beatrice Hanks, Hortense Hurwitz, Nicole Lebenson, Peggy Lebenson, Demetria Royals, Steven Segall, Erica Spry, Jake Tamarkin and Alyssa Weinstein.

Have you noticed how beautiful the outside of our Temple looks? The Beautification Committee is responsible for the new railings: Jane Fields Becker found the handsome antique planters and Winston Johnson painted them. Then Jane purchased and planted the bushes and geraniums in memory of her father, George Fields. For the fall and winter seasons new plants will be needed to survive the cold. I hope to memorialize Joe Roschko with hardy, handsome plants. Should you wish to in this tradition next spring, call me (718) 783-7232.

-Zeva Roschko