MANALAPAN – Justin Diament, a student in the 2017 Confirmation Class at Temple Shaari Emeth, has been named the winner of the seventh annual Dr. Milton R. Gross Memorial Confirmation Class Award.
Justin, who is the son of Jenine Tankoos and Michael Diament, wrote an essay titled “The Greatest Challenge to the Jewish Community Today and What Can We Do To Change It?” He received a $500 Israel bond for his winning effort, according to a press release.
Justin accepted his award at the Shavuot service that was conducted by the members of the temple’s Confirmation Class on May 30.
Tracy Gross of East Brunswick, a temple member and daughter of long-time Freehold resident Dr. Milton R. Gross, presented the award to Justin.
The award is granted Dr. Gross’ family to honor his memory. Dr. Gross had been a Shaari Emeth member since 1966, the year the congregation was founded. He passed away in 2010.
“I am so proud of Justin, who is one of the shining stars of our wonderful Confirmation Class,” said Rabbi Melinda F. Panken, the senior rabbi of the Reform Jewish congregation, “and I am grateful for the generosity and commitment of Dr. Gross’ family and for the scope and depth of his contributions to synagogue life for over four decades. His memory is for a blessing.”
