On Sunday, April 7 Sinai Temple Men’s Club held its 32nd Annual Burning Bush Gala, honoring Sinai Temple members Sharona & Daniel Nazarian and Julie & Michael Silberstein. The Burning Bush Awards are presented annually to deserving men and women of the Sinai community who represent strong Jewish values, unwavering support of Israel and a deep commitment to giving back and tikkun olam. This year’s recipients are pillars of Sinai Temple, represent strength in community, and are deeply defined by their Jewish identities.
Both awards were presented by Max Webb Senior Rabbi of Sinai Temple, Rabbi David Wolpe, who spoke of the Nazarians’ incredible commitment to family and the Silbersteins’ enduring spirits and embodiment of community. Both couples were celebrated for their unwavering leadership within the walls of Sinai Temple and beyond.
The evening also highlighted and raised funds for Emergency Volunteers Project, a 100% volunteer-based non-profit organization that trains and deploys U.S. firefighters to combat flames and crises in Israel. Approximately twenty firefighters joined Sinai Temple members and guest for the Gala. Many of them spoke of their deep love and commitment to the state of Israel. Over $80,000 was raised during the dinner in direct support of EVP.
Additional program highlights included a welcome by Eitan Weiss, Acting Israeli Consul General, moving remarks by Adi Zahavi, Founder/Director of EVP, and firsthand accounts from EVP firefighters, many of whom hail from Greater Los Angeles. Both the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills Fire Chiefs were in attendance at the Gala of over 300 people.
The 2019 Burning Bush Gala was co-chaired by Men’s Club members Faranak Rostamian and Shimon Ben-Poorat, in consultation and collaboration with Acting Men’s Club President, Farshad Rafii.
To learn more about the Burning Bush Gala and Sinai Temple Men’s Club, contact [email protected].
