Montclair Resident Earns Award For Serving Jewish Community

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A Montclair resident recently earned an award for serving the Jewish community as part of an annual celebration in Essex County.

Jill Hirsch, the district director for the Office of U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and Rabbi Marc Katz of Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield were given Star of Essex awards during the 2023 Essex County Annual Jewish Heritage Celebration on Tuesday.

The event recognizes the “influence and positive impact that Jewish people have had, and continue to have, on the economy and culture of Essex County.”

According to a statement from Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., here’s why Hirsch earned an award this year:

“Jill Hirsch is currently the District Director for the New Jersey Office of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11). She oversees the operations of the District Office as well as supervises constituent and political outreach. Hirsch started her career in the child welfare field working as an attorney with the Legal Aid Society in New York City representing children in abuse, neglect, custody, guardianship, termination of parental rights, adoption, and juvenile delinquency proceedings. She has expertise in special education law, advocating on behalf of foster children. In 2017, she helped launch the Mikie Sherrill for Congress campaign as Political and Outreach Director.”

Hirsch lives in Montclair with her husband John and their two children, Jude and Leo. She is active in the Montclair community and served on the board of CASA for Children of Essex County. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with honors and has a joint degree in law and social work from Washington University in St. Louis.

“I am really honored to receive this award,” Hirsch said. “Community service always has been central to our families’ lives, and I am so proud of the work we do with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill to help constituents.”

DiVincenzo said that Hirsch and Katz have both been influential members of the community – and for good reason.

“Their commitment to serving the Jewish community and improving the lives of Essex County residents, their leadership, and dedication to public service is to be praised,” he said.

• See Related: Bloomfield Rabbi Earns Star of Essex Award

The Essex County Jewish Heritage Celebration is part of a yearlong series of programs initiated by County Executive DiVincenzo to recognize and celebrate the diversity of Essex County. Other cultural celebrations celebrate African American Heritage, Irish Heritage, Italian Heritage, Jewish Heritage, Latino Heritage and Portuguese Heritage.

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