Cohen Hillel Academy has announced plans for its annual Gala, to be held Monday, October 11, at the JFK Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. The evening will feature the political humor and satire of The Capitol Steps, a Washington-based troupe of Congressional staffers turned songwriters.

As part of the Gala celebration, Margie and Jerry Somers will be honored with the Dr. Bennett I. Solomon Community Leadership Award. The Award was established to honor the memory of Cohen Hillel Academy’s beloved principal, and to recognize extraordinary commitment made by individuals to Hillel Academy and the community.  

“Margie and Jerry embody the spirit of the Dr. Bennett I. Solomon Community Leadership Award. They are deeply involved in the Jewish community and have worked tirelessly on behalf of so many organizations. We invite the entire community to join us in saluting their leadership and enjoying an entertaining evening,” said Ken Schulman, Head of School.

Margie and Jerry have held positions of leadership on both the local and national level. Jerry, a retired partner from Goodwin Procter LLP, is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Jim Joseph Foundation, and has been instrumental in securing for the North Shore numerous scholarship and campership funds for Jewish pre-school and day school education and Jewish overnight camping, as well as funding for the establishment of the North Shore Teen Initiative. He currently serves as a member of the boards of trustees of Cohen Hillel Academy, Temple Emanu-El and the North Shore Teen Initiative. Nationally, Jerry served as Chairman of the Board of the Union for Reform Judaism, and as a member of the Board of Governors of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

Margie has been a board member of the Jewish Federation of the North Shore’s Women’s Division and Temple Emanu-El, and has been a dedicated volunteer for a variety of social action agencies, including Juvenile Aids, the ESL Program and My Brother’s Table.

The Hillel Gala was created over 20 years ago and serves as the major fundraising event for the school. Funds raised support the school’s educational programs and scholarship efforts. Starting with the success of the first Gala in 1988, a sold-out performance of Peter, Paul & Mary, the Gala has featured a variety of celebrity entertainers, including Bill Cosby, Mandy Patinkin and Roberta Flack. Gala events have also been held in conjunction with performances of “Beauty and the Beast,” the “Lion King,” “Wicked,” and “Jersey Boys.”

There will be a Benefactor and Patron Gala Reception following the show. Ticket and additional information about this year’s Gala can be obtained through the school. Call 781-639-2880 or contact Diane Knopf, Director of Development, at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).