Author draws sellout crowd to EMUNAH event in Teaneck 5/22/08

Completely absorbed by the haunting tale of acclaimed author Lucette Lagnado, over 100 people filled the magnificent Teaneck home of Joanne and Ephraim Zayat. This EMUNAH Libby Kolb Chapter Evening of Inspiration was held to commemorate the 10th Yartzheit of Libby Kolb, a past president of this Teaneck EMUNAH chapter, and after whom the chapter is named. Ms. Lagnado discussed her memoir, “The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit,” a deeply affecting portrait of her family and its journey from wartime Cairo and its circuitous journey to the United States. She is also an investigative journalist for the Wall Street Journal, and a recent winner of the prestigious Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature. The response was so overwhelming that the event committee had to close reservations well in advance of the scheduled date. “It was an absolutely incredible response,” said Ronnie Faber, EMUNAH representative. “People came out not only because they loved the author, but also to pay tribute to the memory of Libby Kolb, and to support the Libby Kolb Center for Creative Arts in the EMUNAH Torah and Arts High School in Jerusalem. The young women in this wonderful Creative Arts Center are the beneficiaries of the success of this evening,” said Mrs. Faber. The eclectic crowd made for an effervescent evening, and one which was a highlight for the Teaneck community. A delicious buffet dinner of Sephardic food complemented the Middle Eastern theme, and most of the dishes were prepared by the EMUNAH volunteers. The success of the event can be attributed to the talent and leadership of the committee; Hila Abenain, Joyce Bendavid, Ronnie Faber, Estelle Glass, Dena Heller, Sharon Kolb, Rivkie Lerner, Mindy Orlinsky, Susan Sklarin, and hostess, Joanne Zayat.