Reesa and Gerald Niznick
Reesa and Jerry Niznick have been members of VBS for 53 years. The Niznicks dedicated the VBS Niznick Sanctuary in the late 1980’s, gave the initial gift for the architectural fees to kick off our synagogue renovation project, and gave one of the lead gifts for the sanctuary’s renovation. Reesa and Jerry are actively involved in many philanthropic endeavors in Los Angeles, Canada and Israel. In 2018, the University of Manitoba Dental School was renamed the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry. Jerry received Honorary Doctorate degrees from the University of Manitoba and Tel Aviv University and an Honorary Fellowship from Hebrew University.
Jack (z"l) and Rita Sinder
Jack (z”l) and Rita Sinder have been members of VBS for 63 years. Jack chaired numerous VBS construction projects, including eight years hands-on to build our classrooms, Sher Lopaty hall, the synagogue entry, other major portions of the synagogue, and the Sinder Parking lot. Rita was president of numerous Jewish organizations. The Sinders endowed the VBS Midrasha high school program and are long-time supporters of AIPAC, American Jewish University, the Wiesenthal Center, the Jewish Federation, and Israel Bonds. Jack and Rita were primary donors to the VBS building campaign, generously funding the renovation of our front entrance, atrium and main corridor, and the Feinstein Outdoor Chapel.
Irene and Howard Levine
Irene and Howard Levine have been deeply committed to Jewish education and to our Jewish future, strengthening VBS for over 57 years. They made the initial transformative gift to the VBS building campaign that funded the construction of the VBS Levine Community Center, used by our children now and for decades to come. Howard served as the first president of the VBS Day School as well as president of Camp Ramah. Howard and Irene have been generous donors to Camp Ramah, the American Jewish University, and to UCLA, establishing the Movement Disorders program in the David Geffen School of Medicine.
Nancy Sher Cohen and Jeff Levine
Building Campaign Co-Chairs Nancy Sher Cohen and Jeffrey Levine, both Past Presidents of VBS, were instrumental in spearheading our multi-phase Capital Campaign. Over the last 15+ years, Nancy and Jeff have mobilized the leadership, sold the vision, raised the funds, and remained strategic partners in our efforts to plan for our future. Together they’ve helped build beautiful sacred spaces that transformed VBS and its campus. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude for their years of hard work, dedication and inspired leadership. We are delighted to recognize them this year.
Gala Reservations
