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(L-R) James Mason, a TSTI Member; and Max Weinberg, drummer of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, participated in the Temple’s “Magic in the Night” fundraiser. |
Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel
432 Scotland Road
South Orange, NJ 07079
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Release Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Media Contact: Caryl Bixon-Gordon (201) 796-7788
E-Street Band Drummer Max Weinberg joins Synagogue Members for Memorable Night of Sleight of Hand and Mentalist Feats
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J., August 19, 2014 – Members of Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel in South Orange came together for an evening of magic and mentalism at the Reform synagogue’s “Magic in the Night” fundraiser. The event, which included a silent and live auction, offered the fun of close-up sleight of hand, mentalist feats and an appearance by musician Max Weinberg, the drummer from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. Weinberg donated a week’s stay in his Tuscan villa and personally auctioned it off at the event; he added tickets and backstage passes to an upcoming Springsteen show as the bidding increased.
Event chair Russell Kaplan noted that the Springsteen tie-in was relevant and meaningful. “We searched song lyrics for an appropriate name for the program and came upon this one from Springsteen’s Thunder Road album,” said Kaplan. “Of course, he’s also from New Jersey, and Max Weinberg is a former member of our synagogue, so the whole thing felt like bashert,” he added, referring to the Yiddish term for “destiny” or “preordained.”
Weinberg, who grew up in TSTI and has fond memories of his experiences there, was more than happy to support the temple’s fundraising efforts. “He was incredibly gracious,” said Kaplan. “Everyone at TSTI is grateful for his generosity, both in terms of the amazing gift he donated as well as the time he spent with us at the event.”
Magicians appeared both onstage and at dinner tables throughout the evening, and attendees bid enthusiastically on an array of vacations, high-end merchandise, jewelry, fine wines, golf outings, and sports and theater tickets. The fundraising committee posted the auction items online in advance so that those who could not attend the event as well as members of the wider community could place a bid.
Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel is a vibrant Reform congregation located at 432 Scotland Road in South Orange, N.J. The school offers Jewish preschool, Religious school, teen programs, lifelong learning for adults and a full complement of religious services and cultural programs each month. TSTI serves member families from Maplewood, the Oranges, Livingston, Millburn, Short Hills and surrounding areas. To learn more, visit http://www.tsti.org/.
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