Congregation Beth Emeth held its Centennial Gala Dinner Dance at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington on Saturday, April 29, 2006. It was a black tie optional evening that saw approximately 150 guests enjoy a cocktail reception followed by a catered dinner and dancing to the music of the Ken Ulensky Orchestra.

The formal part of the event began as soon as the guests were seated for dinner. It included welcoming remarks by Congregation President Richard Goldbaum, the presentation of beautifully mounted certificates of appreciation presented to past Temple presidents by Gala Committee Chair Leslie Goldenberg, a humorous commentary on the presentations by Dr. Henry Schenker, and some reflections offered by Rabbi Peter Grumbacher.

The past congregation presidents who were honored included Albert Green (1968-1972), Constance Kreshtool (1972-1975), Leo Zeftel (1975-1977, Harold Snyder (1977-1979), Richard Karfunkle (1979-1983), Henry Schenker (1983-1987), Manfred Katz (1987-1990), Lawrence Isakoff (1990-1993), Michael Joseph (1993-1997), Susan Rohrbacher (1997-2001), and Esther Timmeney (2001-2005).

Both President Goldbaum and Rabbi Grumbacher praised the wisdom and energetic service provided by these Temple leaders and both men spoke briefly about their vision of the future, alluding to the success of the current Beth Emeth Capital Campaign which has raised $ 4 million of its projected goal of $4.5 million. The funds are intended to expand and revitalize the Congregation’s fifty year old home at 300 West Lea Boulevard in Wilmington for the next generation of congregants.

After these brief formal presentations, an evening of dining, music, dancing, laughter, and celebration ensued. Those who attended carried away a happy memory of this celebration marking the first hundred years of Beth Emeth’s presence in our community.