Born in Israel, Aron came to America as a young man. From humble beginnings, Aron's work ethic, vision and perseverance quickly advanced him to partner and then owner of Whul, Shafman & Lieberman, in Newark, NJ. Aron has considerably expanded the company, and is broadly recognized as a leader in the produce distribution industry.

Barbara grew up in Canada and graduated McGill University with a degree in computer science. She and Aron have raised four lovely children: Michael, David, Adam and Jessica.

Barbara and Aron sit on various boards of organizations advocating for religious, humanitarian and social causes. Aron is a trustee at the Rabbinical College of America, whom they have generously supported for many decades. They are pillars of the Bergen County Jewish community, where they have founded the "Beth Aron Forem Chabad" in Tenafly, NJ.

The Rabbinical College is privileged to honor the Forems and recognize their service to the community at this year's National Founders' Gala - Celebration 50!

Arthur Schechner has a long heritage of Community service. His great grandfather, Isaac Schwarz, was (in the 1860's) the first Rabbi of both B'nai Jeshurun and Oheb Shalom, currently two of the most prominent Congregations in NJ.

A graduate of Syracuse University, Arthur entered the family insurance business and, over a 65 year career, built it into one of the major insurance firms in New Jersey.

Locally, Arthur founded, and was first President of, The Jewish Community Housing Corporation. He was Board Chair of the Daughters of Israel Geriatric Center, and, for 23 years, Board Chair of The Hebrew Free Loan of New Jersey, among many National, State and local charitable affiliations.

Among the array of Arthur's multi-faceted pursuits, his favorite and most important is his wonderful family. After the passing of his cherished Judi, of blessed memory, Arthur is deeply thankful for his beloved Cynthia and is very proud of his children Marjorie and Tom Gart and Michael and June Schechner, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren, all of whom continue the family legacy of Tikun Olam.

The Rabbinical College is proud to honor this New Jersey icon.

For over two years, the world was rocked by a deadly pandemic, and New Jersey was an early flashpoint. For over two years, our New Jersey community witnessed Atlantic Health System's bravery, medical expertise and breathtaking tenacity in protecting us all from this ubiquitous scourge. The Rabbinical College of America is proud to offer public thanks to the 18,000 men and women - G-d's healing angels - whose front-line efforts protected our public health, often at the risk of their personal safety

We are privileged to honor a senior leader of this incredible organization, Dr. Steven Sheris, as the face of the health cavalry he so ably leads.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Sheris has dedicated his personal and professional life to caring for patients and for health care providers. His is a life defined by service, first as a physician in the United States Navy where he attained the rank of Commander, then Chief Medical Resident at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and now as both a practicing cardiologist and physician leader at Atlantic Health System. Part of Atlantic Health System for two decades, Dr. Sheris now serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Physician Executive, Atlantic Health System and President, Atlantic Medical Group.

A native of Freehold, NJ and a graduate of Rutgers University, Dr. Sheris is a Past President of The Synagogue of the Suburban Torah Center in Livingston and is blessed with a loving family including his wife Ilene, daughter and son-in-law Arielle and Joey Litz, sons Daniel and Jordan, and grandsons Gabriel and Jonah.

The RCA feels fortunate for the opportunity to express our deep thanks to Atlantic Health and Dr. Sheris, by bestowing this well-deserved honor.