Three local women were presented with awards for their leadership, service and contributions at the NCJW/Essex Annual Installation and Awards Evening, which took place on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at Cedar Hill Country Club in Livingston, NJ.
Leslie Lavinthal of Florham Park, NJ, was the recipient of the NCJW/Essex Service to Section Award, recognized as a member of NCJW/Essex whose generosity and resolute work as a volunteer has changed the lives of women, children and families. Lavinthal has been a steadfast and productive member of NCJW/Essex for 45 years. Initially drawn to the organization because she was new to her neighborhood, she found the women to be intelligent and committed to community service. She has held multiple leadership positions including Co-Chair of the Back 2 School Store, Vice President of the Center for Women, and currently Assistant Treasurer. She has loved the hands-on opportunities, such as helping women at the Career Closet. With her training as a special education teacher, she has especially enjoyed helping children attending the Back 2 School Store and supporting young children who have suffered losses through the peer support group, Rainbows.
Elisa Madorsky of Livingston, NJ, was the recipient of the Henrietta Weiser Emerging Leader Award, presented by NCJW/Essex to a promising member who has demonstrated leadership potential. Madorsky has worked tirelessly in her commitment to NCJW/Essex and demonstrated talent at taking on leadership roles. She first became involved at the Back 2 School Store in 2014 and has since increased her involvement with this event as well as others. She spearheaded a Lunch and Learn on gun violence prevention with Sandy Hook Promise, and later joined the Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, working to bring art supplies to victims of trafficking housed at Covenant House in Newark. Additionally, she chaired Mitzvah-in-a-Minute (MIM), offering quick community service projects that make a difference, and in 2018 assumed the role as Vice President of Advocacy, a position she will continue in the year to come.
Marion Medow of Livingston, NJ, was the recipient of The Hannah G. Solomon Award, presented by NCJW/Essex to an individual who has changed the lives of others through leadership efforts and service on a community level. Medow has consistently stepped up to lend a hand during her many years in New Jersey – in her synagogue, Hadassah, the Livingston PTA and Jewish Family Service of MetroWest (JFS) where she recently completed her term as President from 2016-2018. A strong advocate for reducing the stigma of mental health issues, Medow first learned about JFS through NCJW’s participation in the launch of the Rachel Coalition, a division of JFS. Her work at NCJW/Essex has spanned a broad cross-section including chairing fundraisers as well as community service initiatives. From 2004-2006 she served as President, the culmination of her many years of active participation in the section.