Dr. Harvey Kesselman
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE – Beth El Synagogue will be holding a community celebration May 31 to honor retiring Stockton University President Dr. Harvey Kesselman at the shul located at 500 N. Jerome Ave.
In addition to testimonials honoring Kessleman, Stockton University Professor of Music Dr. Beverly Vaughn will serve as mistress of ceremonies. The event includes numerous musical performances by area choirs and choruses with an emphasis on diversity and education.
Rabbi Aaron Krauss, who has been Beth El’s spiritual leader since 1983 and has worked to foster brotherhood among religions, said the synagogue has had a long relationship with Stockton University, which was founded in 1969 in Atlantic City and held its first classes in 1971. Since it was formed, the university has been committed to cultural diversity and creating a vibrant community. It grew to include its 10,000-student campus in the Pinelands of Galloway Township, and under Kesselman’s leadership has come full circle, expanding again to include the beachfront campus in Atlantic City.
“Dr. Kessleman, as leader of Stockton, has had wonderful contributions to the community over the years, including obtaining university status for the small college that had its roots in Atlantic City,” Rabbi Krauss said.
Living up to the educational institution’s first motto, “Plant yourself where you can grow,” Kesselman was a member of Stockton’s first graduating class of 1,000 students, and has served his entire educational career at Stockton.
“Dr. Kesselman has always had a deep connection to our congregation,” Rabbi Krauss said. “Beth El started as the Community Synagogue of Atlantic City, and some of our earliest discussions was to bring a four-year college to Atlantic City. That was accomplished through our intergroup relationships with other religious institutions and the community.”
According to event Chairwoman Marilyn Kessler, the event is open to the public. The congregation is expected to host as many as 400 people for the celebration.
General admission tickets are $25, and students with school identification can attend at the reduced ticket price of $10. Tickets will be available at the door for the program portion of the event, which starts at 7 p.m.
“We have about two dozen volunteers from the temple working hard to make the event a success,” she said. “Other synagogues, churches and organizations have been invited and we hope to have a nice presence for Dr. Kesselman on May 31.”
Margate Police Department will provide security for the event.
A cocktail reception with priority seating will be held starting at 6 p.m. Tickets for the reception are $125 per person and must be purchased in advance. The reception includes drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
The congregation is also preparing an ad book of well-wishes from supporters.
For more information, to purchase an ad or to reserve tickets for the reception, call Beth El Synagogue at 609-823-2725 or email bethelsynagogue.com.
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