DAVID ROTH, PRESIDENT

New York, NY

David (Dudi) Roth and his wife Esther made Aliyah to Israel from the United States in 1996 in search of a meaningful future…

Theirs could have been considered an idyllic existence in terms of economic and social standing, if not for a painful void, the absence of a child, casting an ever-present shadow over their tranquil lives.

During their search for a miracle despite all the odds, and never exhausting their energies, resources and prayers to attain this objective, a light dissipating the darkness finally took form. It shone through in its entirety when, after twenty-one years of childlessness, their request was finally, finally, fulfilled. Dudi and Esther became the proud parents of a little girl!

Now it would have been wonderful for the elated couple to be celebrating and excitedly fussing over the baby with pink bows and ribbons, like all new mommies and daddies. However, this was not meant to be, at least not until much much later.

The long-awaited bundle of joy weighed a mere 1 pound- 1 ounce and started her journey confronted by many difficult challenges. First and foremost, the baby couldn’t hold down food. Without proper nourishment, how would the precious seedling blossom and grow into a healthy child? The precariousness of the situation filled them with intense anguish, threatening to undermine the joyfulness of the event. Here they had finally arrived at the doors of parenthood; yet there was so much adversity to deal with. Time was of essence. They prayed fervently and searched their souls for some kind of special merit (z’chut) that would effect a positive change in the baby’s state of health.

While contemplating the key difficulty, which obviously was “Food”, they had a brilliant inspiration. A friend had established the relief organization “Meir Panim” in answer to a scourging hunger problem, feeding thousands of hungry children and adults. Knowing that it is especially appropriate to get involved with Tzedakah and Good Deeds during times of stress, illness, and the like, Dudi Roth decided to assist him in this venture and thus hopefully be worthy of Divine compassion.

To make a long story short, little Ruchama survived and is thriving beyond all expectations. The Roths wholeheartedly believe that it is indeed in the merit of participating in the humanitarian mission of Meir Panim, that their precious girl has conquered all obstacles and continues to imbue their lives with special joy and gladness.

Mr. Roth travels extensively to represent Meir Panim and spread its ideals. He speaks from the heart and to the heart, with charm and pathos. He is dedicated heart and soul to the cause with relentless energy and enthusiasm that is both contagious and hard to match. Thanks to his commitment and devotion, Meir Panim has been able to extend help to thousands more hungry children and adults in Israel.

mimi rozmaryn

Mimi Rozmaryn is Meir Panim’s Director of Global Development where she connects supporters all over the world with the work of Meir Panim in Israel.

Born and raised in New York City, Mimi graduated from University of Maryland in 2003 and began her career in the Jewish non profit world.

Years of experience at Hillel’s Headquarters in Washington DC and Baltimore’s Jewish Federation prepared her to take on her current role.

After moving to Israel in 2018 with her husband and three boys she was connected to Meir Panim where she feels as comfortable serving meals to patrons as working behind her desk and in meetings.

Her favorite part of her position is the ability to see the impact of the organization’s mission in the faces of each person and sharing this special place with the world.

CANTOR AVI ALBRECHT

Avi Albrecht has appeared in almost every major city in North America, Israel and Europe, and enjoys standing ovations wherever he performs. His repertoire is extensive and varied, and his rich baritone is equally suited to performing Broadway favorites, Yiddish standards, and Italian arias in addition to his inspirational cantorial singing. He has appeared with major symphony orchestras such as the Baltimore Symphony, Prague Symphony Orchestra, Jerusalem Symphony and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

A composer as well as a singer, many Cantors sing his melodies during their Sabbath and High Holiday services.

Avi is the Cantor of the prestigious Beth Tfiloh Congregation in Baltimore, MD, the largest Modern Orthodox synagogue in America. He is known for his devoted spiritual leadership and his dedication to Israel. He is a tremendous asset to the Baltimore community and to Meir Panim.

CANTOR OFER BARNOY

Cantor Ofer Barnoy emigrated from Israel in 1977 and received voice and music education at McGill Conservatory in Montreal and the Peabody Institute in Baltimore. He has served four congregations in New York and Cleveland, Ohio and for the past 18 years has served at Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn heights, NY.

Cantor Barnoy cherishes his occasion to meet Pope John Paul II when he attended the Vatican as a member of a delegation of 40 rabbis and cantors on a mission to show Jewish appreciation to the Pope for his close ties with the State of Israel. Cantor Barnoy has published a recording named “I Love Shabbat” and is working on his next recording project which will include his many original compositions in Hebrew and English. Cantor Barnoy is a member of the Cantors Assembly of America and is currently serving a term on their Executive Council. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Friends of Meir Panim Organization which advances the cause of alleviating hunger and poverty in the State of Israel.

CANTOR AARON COHEN

Cantor Aaron Cohen is the Chazzan of Woodbury Jewish Center since 2001. Cantor, performer, educator, community leader, and family man, Cantor Cohen is truly an inspirational voice. His warm, rich voice; upbeat, engaging style; and delightful repertoire of melodies inspires connection to Judaism, community and encourages congregants to participate, filling the sanctuary with prayer. Cantor Cohen’s love for Judaism, Israel and the fostering of community shines in his delivery of his prayer services, his teaching, and his daily interactions with and support for all congregants.

Cantor Cohen brings his heart and soul, humor and hard work to every aspect of synagogue life, in teaching children and adults. CantorCohen’s love of music, teaching, and learning extends beyond the geographical boundaries of Woodbury—he’s organized and led four congregational trips to Israel with 250 congregants!

Cantor Cohen is a proud recipient of the Israel Freedom Award and has been honored by the State of Israel Bonds. He is the recipient of the Keter Shem Tov award, an honorable Citation from both the New York State Senate and the office of the town of Oyster Bay, a Citation award from Senator Kemp Hannon, an award from the Nassau County Executive. All of the above for his years of outstanding service to the Jewish community. Cantor Cohen’s prayer CD has received awards from the Metropolitan region of the United Synagogues as a teaching CD for both children and adults. He is active in countless organizations and proudly serves on Meir Panim’s board.

JENNIFER GROSS

Considered a valued member of the Board of Directors of American Friends of Meir Panim, Jennifer Gross’ outstanding dedication and enthusiasm for the cause is both laudable and inspiring.

Jennifer came to visit and volunteer at Meir Panim in November of 2003. Observing the dire situation first-hand, she immediately decided to get involved.

Jennifer was instrumental in co-hosting the first American Friends of Meir Panim parlor meeting and has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization, while also engaging the help of friends and family.

She resides in New York with her husband Saul and children Atara, Michael, Matthew, Lauren and Jason.

Education:

Graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts with honors in Political Science.

Business Affiliations:

Managing Director and Head of Business Development at Archview Investment Group, a capital structure opportunity hedge fund headquartered in New York.

Communal Affiliations:

• UJA-Federation of New York Board member, Co-Chair Investment
• Management Division, Co-Chair Designate Women’s Executive Circle
• Northwestern University Hillel Board Member
• American Friends of Meir Panim Board Member
• JFNA National Young Leadership Cabinet Alumni

Jennifer’s integrity, personality, sincerity and loyalty make her a genuine asset to the organization. It is an honor for us to have a person of this caliber sit on our Board.

MARTIN E. LEVINE

Martin E. Levine previously served on two not-for-profit boards, resigning approximately 2 1/2 years ago to dedicate more time to his family and business (which he officially launched in 2012).

The boards were as follows:

• Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County – 12 years – main function on the board was to help raise awareness of the center as well as funds for operations.

• Shelter Rock Jewish Center – 25 years – was Financial Secretary for the first two years and thereafter Martin served as First VP for Religious Services.

Martin’s professional background includes being in the private and public accounting world for 6 years. During that time he received his MBA and CPA. In 1984, Martin went into Financial Planning where he earned Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designations.

Martin’s newest business venture launched in 2012 with two partners is called 4Thought Financial Group. 4Thought is an independent (registered with the SEC) advisory firm, which provides financial planning and investment management. The firm is based in Syosset, NY.

Martin is married to Allison for 37 years, and they have one daughter Alexandra and now a wonderful son-in-law, Calvin Vu.

ADRIANNE ROTH

Education
Graduated University of Maryland

Business Affiliations
Oversees Private Client Relations at International Jet Interiors®, a private-jet refurbishment company located at MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, NY
Owner, Consciously Beautiful® Cosmetics Brand

Communal Affiliations
Woodbury Jewish Center Executive Board Member, Corporate Secretary
Inspire Bright®, a 501C(3) non-profit organization focused on teens helping teens Board Member
American Friends of Meir Panim Board Member
Adrianne is married to Eric H. Roth and has two beautiful daughters, Rachel and Jillian