Beth Tzedec continues to solidify its reputation as a hub for community gatherings, and the recent Unplugged with Alex Edelman event was no exception. On Sunday, April 14th, our community had the privilege of hosting a special evening with Alex Edelman, a renowned comedian, writer, and producer fresh off his Broadway tour for 'Just For Us.' The event was a resounding success, drawing attendees from far and wide.

The festivities kicked off with a VIP reception and dinner to honor our generous sponsors. Over 65 guests gathered in the Mezzanine for a heartfelt celebration, complete with a l'chaim and a sumptuous dinner catered by Apex. The Topper Family, in honour of Renee Topper's 90th birthday, graciously sponsored the event, joined by other esteemed sponsors including Guardian Partners Inc. (Comedy Set Sponsor), Vector Financial (Fireside Chat Sponsor), The Jay & Barbara Hennick Family Foundation (Hotel Sponsor) as well as all of our Platinum and Supporting Sponsors.

One of the evening's highlights was Alex's presence during the VIP reception. He warmly greeted guests, taking the time to engage with each attendee personally and graciously posing for photos.

As the event unfolded in the Main Sanctuary, a crowd of over 1,100 eagerly awaited Alex's performance. His insightful humor and poignant commentary had the audience in stitches, demonstrating his remarkable talent and charisma. Following his comedy set, Alex engaged in a Fireside Chat with Jewish Canadian musician and broadcaster Talia Schlanger. Despite the lighthearted atmosphere, Alex shared poignant reflections on his upbringing and the universal human experience.

Throughout the evening, Alex emphasized the importance of dialogue and connection, especially in the face of conflicts affecting Israel and the Jewish community. His message resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the power of empathy and understanding.

The event concluded with a special Pub Night for our Generations Members, providing an opportunity for further camaraderie and community building. Over 100 attendees gathered in the Mezzanine, enjoying snacks and refreshments while reflecting on the evening's memorable performances.

This successful event was made possible through the dedication of our Board member Pearl Berman and the generous support of our sponsors, donors, and staff. “Unplugged” exemplified Beth Tzedec's core values of fostering connection and gathering as a community, marking a significant milestone in our calendar.