Mom To Discuss Son's Death In Terrorist Attack: Essex County Fundraiser

Writer and activist Devorah Halberstam will share the story of the terrorist attack that took her 16-year-old son, Ari, at the 23rd annual Evening of Roses fundraiser of the Sister Rose Thering Fund for Education in Jewish-Christian Studies at Seton Hall University on Sunday, May 1.

According to a news release, Halberstam’s life’s transformation, motivated by the memory of her son, led her to support victims worldwide and co-found the Jewish Children’s Museum.

The annual event honors the memory of Women of Valor Sister Rose Thering and Trustees Ellin Cohen of Maplewood and Mary Vazquez of West Caldwell, who both passed away in 2015.

The evening will include a special recognition of retiring SRTF administrator Marilyn L. Zirl of Livingston, who worked closely with Sister Rose since her arrival at the university in 2000.

The event will also feature a musical performance of Psalm 133 by Israeli composer Moshe Knoll and featuring soprano Allison Charney, violinist Ani Bukujian, pianist Craig Ketter and narrator Jordan Charney.

The event will also recognize the generosity of Luna Kaufman, founding trustee and chairperson emerita, and commemorate the inauguration of the Luna Kaufman Endowed Scholarship.

The program begins at 1:30 p.m. in Jubilee Hall Auditorium on the Seton Hall University South Orange campus, 400 South Orange Ave, South Orange.

For tickets and information, contact the Sister Rose Thering Fund office, (973) 761-9006, or marilyn.zirl@shu.edu. Tickets can also be purchased at the event.

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Photo via Seton Hall University: Devorah Halberstam