Annual MWJDS Winter Lights Gala
Please read why your support of our Winter Lights Gala is so valuable for MWJDS, the community, and you.
Sixth Annual MWJDS Winter Lights Gala
Carol Ann and Armand Epstein of Framingham are the evening’s honorees at The MetroWest Jewish Day School (MWJDS) sixth annual Winter Lights Gala. The event is on Sunday, December 6, 2009 from 5:00pm - 9:00pm, at Temple Shir Tikva in Wayland. The Winter Lights Gala is a celebration of the Epsteins’ role in the local Jewish community, Jewish education and its role in guaranteeing our strong future. The event is expected to sell out again this year, reflecting the strength of Metrowest as a wonderful place to raise a Jewish family. Proceeds from the event benefit the school’s tuition assistance program.
As long-time Metrowest residents, Carol Ann and Armand have been pillars in our community. In Framingham, the Epsteins raised their three daughters, Jodi Robin Epstein (deceased), Sari Reich of Canton and Danielle Epstein of Boston. Carol Ann has been a Temple Beth Am Sisterhood member for many years and chaired the original Boutique Nights. Armand was a Brotherhood member for many yeas as well. In 2004, the Epsteins became founders of MWJDS, where Carol Ann is a board member. Carol Ann has also held many leadership roles over the past 30 years for Aid for Cancer Research, including holding the presidency for several terms and as the Annual Luncheon chairperson. Armand, who served as a Framingham town meeting member and as president of the Blue Hill Country Club, was a senior tax partner at Arthur Anderson in Boston and a founding managing partner of Wealth and Tax Advisory Services in Boston.
The gala has earned a reputation as a wonderful evening, with top-quality entertainment, food, and schmoozing. Highlights of this year’s gala include renowned comedian (and veteran of the IDF) Joel Chasnoff, a delicious dinner by Catering by Andrew, a silent auction with outstanding items, including a family vacation in Israel. Online bidding is open to everyone and available during the weeks leading up to the gala. To participate, go to http://www.mwjds.org/auction. For more information, please contact or call 508-620-5554.
Fifth Annual MWJDS Winter Lights Gala
Last year’s Winter Lights Gala was on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at Temple Shir Tikva in Wayland. The event honored Myra and Robert Snyder, who have worked for many years to nourish Jewish life in Metrowest. Famed director and actor Michael Allosso presented an intimate cabaret of Broadway songs. He was joined by nationally-recognized performers, including Tony-nominated singer Maureen Brennan. To learn about other development and sponsorship opportunities, please call our Development Office at 508-620-5554 or email .
Fourth Annual MWJDS Winter Lights Gala
This Winter Lights Gala was held on Sunday, January 6, 2008 at Gann Academy. We commemorated the school’s fifth anniversary and honored Harvey Lowell, President and CEO of Jewish Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Carolyn Keller, founding Head of School of MWJDS. In addition, the premier dance company Collage, an international folk-dance ensemble, performed a unique program created just for the gala.
Third Annual MWJDS Winter Lights Gala
Our third Winter Lights Gala: A Celebration of the Arts was held on Sunday December 10, 2006, at Gann Academy in Waltham. We celebrated our accomplishments and honored Harvey and Marsha Chasen of Framingham for their years of dedication to our community and their special commitment to our school. The evening included an elegant cocktail dinner and a one-of-a-kind improv performance directed by Michael Allosso. Proceeds from the gala will go toward tuition assistance.
Second Annual MWJDS Winter Lights Gala
The second annual Winter Lights Gala: Celebration of the Musical Arts was held Sunday evening, December 11, 2005 at Temple Shir Tikva, Wayland. Rabbi Donald M. Splansky of Framingham's Temple Beth Am, a respected spiritual leader in Metrowest for more than 20 years, was recognized for his commitment and accomplishments in strengthening our community. The program celebrated the musical arts with a one of a kind performace featuring Cantor Scott Sokol and an ensemble. Attendance exceeded 300 guests.
First Annual MWJDS Winter Lights Gala
MetroWest Jewish Day School of Framingham celebrated its first fund raising Gala, "Winter Lights: A Celebration of the Arts" on Dec. 4, 2004 at the Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham. The night honored the Ark Builders of Temple Israel of Natick as the Ark was dedicated that night. The Ark Builders of Temple Israel of Natick, a group of volunteers who "worship through woodworking," constructed an Aron Kodesh, a holy ark, to house the Torah for the MetroWest Jewish Day School. The Gann Academy Jazz Ensemble performed and Radio personality Jordan Rich was the emcee for the evening. There was a silent auction and finely crafted Judaica by well-known artists was available for purchase. Support of this event contributed to the tuition assistance program.