MYRA & DAVID GUTIN
This year, the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey (JFED) will honor Myra and David Gutin with the H. Richard Dollinger Community Service Award, and Jason Levine with the Shellie Greenspun Young Leadership Award at the 100th Annual Meeting. The meeting will take place virtually on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.
The H. Richard Dollinger Community Service Award is bestowed upon individuals who have provided outstanding service to the Jewish community, along with exemplary leadership and dedication to Jewish communal life.
Honorees Myra and David Gutin have served in various roles throughout the Federation system for many years. Both have served as the president of Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and currently serve together on the Federation Board—and these are only a few of the many ways that the couple has participated in Federation work over the years. David, for example, was president of Jewish Senior Housing and Healthcare Service, Inc. They have also given back to the Jewish community in other ways. Both have served as the chair of local day school Kellman Brown Academy and David was president of Cong. Beth El.
JASON LEVINE
“Growing up, I always saw my parents volunteering at our synagogue and in the community. Involvement and giving back were guiding principles in both their lives and I understood that these ideas should be important in my life. It was natural to become involved when we arrived in Cherry Hill,” said Myra. “I have tremendous respect for all the agencies of Federation and other Jewish institutions in our community. I learned early on that their initiatives helped scores of people. It is my honor to be part of that work, and I hope to continue volunteering in the years ahead.”
David shared additional sentiments. “I feel strongly that others built a strong community that my family and I enjoyed. Now I have a responsibility to continue that tradition for those now here and for future generations,” David said, noting, “Sharing this award with Myra is so special. We have been partners in community involvement throughout our marriage, supporting each other’s passions and activities. To be getting this honor together, named for Dick Dollinger who we both knew and respected, was both unexpected and gratifying. Hopefully this will encourage other couples to do what we have done—find areas of activity in our community where you can share your expertise, your passion, and your love for the future of the Jewish people with others who see this as a priority.”
David also shed light on one of his favorite parts of being involved in the community. “One of the things that has given me the most satisfaction is the opportunity to mentor future leaders in the community as they enter into this sacred work of both building and strengthening our community. I hope to be able to continue to do that for many years to come,” David said.
The Shellie Greenspun Young Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have been identified as an emerging leader, have demonstrated commitment to Jewish life, and are dedicated to the purposes of the Jewish Federation.
Jason Levine is on the Board of the Jewish Federation and currently chairs the Planning and Visioning Committee. Over the past few years, he has also been active on the Campaign Cabinet, and he chaired Super Sunday the past two years.
“I am honored and humbled to be receiving an award that so many titans of our Jewish community have received in years past, including my law partner and mentor Rick Goldstein,” said Levine.
Levine also reflected on how his childhood impacted his involvement in the community.
“As a child, I watched my mom actively engage in our Jewish community; it was part of her everyday life. She was active in our synagogue and was president of The Jewish Community Voice Board. My engagement follows in her footsteps,” he said. “Growing up in Southern New Jersey, I have always been comforted by the fact that we have a vibrant, robust Jewish community. The core of our community, and the glue that holds it together is JFED. At a time of rising anti-Semitism and changing demographics, I am involved to help ensure the long-time viability and success of our Jewish community.”
Community members can register for the Annual Meeting to show support for honorees at jewishsouthjersey.org/annualmeeting2022
For more information, contact Andi Goldman at (856) 751-9500, ext. 1209 or agoldman@jfedsnj.org.
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