Nusach Hari B’nai Zion is hosting its 118th Anniversary Dinner on Sunday, Dec. 3 at the Clayton Plaza Hotel. Hors d’oevres will be served at 5:30 p.m., and the dinner and program will begin at 6:30 p.m. The guests of honor are Drs. Jay Pepose and Susan Feigenbaum. The HaKaras HaTov Award recipients are Marcela Morgensztern and Nancy Rush. The Israel Advocacy Award recipient is Stuart Klamen.

Pepose and Feigenbaum have proven themselves to be active members and strong supporters of NHBZ and have also helped to grow the Chabad of Chesterfield. In addition, Feigenbaum helped create a Hillel chapter both at Maryville University and at University of Missouri St. Louis. The couple are ardent advocates for Israel and have been stalwart contributors to many Israeli educational political and medical organizations.

Pepose has a B.S. and M.A. degrees in biology from Brandeis University, and an MD and Ph.D. from University of California Los Angeles. He trained in ophthalmology at the John Hopkins Medical Center. In 1999, he established the Pepose Vision Institute, a world-class organization offering “tomorrow’s treatments today” through its commitment to clinical studies. 

Feigenbaum holds dual degrees in economics and Near Eastern and Judaic studies from Brandeis University. She also has a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her professional career began as a member of the faculty at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, Calif. In St. Louis, she was a professor of economics at UMSL, where she was named a Curators’ Distinguished Professor.

The couple has been married for 44 years and are the parents of four children: David, and triplets Max, Sam and Morissa.

Marcela Morgensztern and Nancy Rush are both recipients of the HaKaras HaTov Award. This award is presented in gratitude of the good that they have done for NHBZ and the Jewish community at large.

Morgensztern has made major contributions to NHBZ through holding various positions, including as a current co-chair of the Chesed Committee where she has been instrumental in planning community lectures. She has also served as a member of the synagogue’s board and as Chair of the Outreach Committee. She and her husband Daniel are the parents of three boys: Alan, David and Michael.

Rush is also a current co-chair of the Chesed Committee where she has been greatly appreciated for delivering shiva trays and meals for the sick. She is also a member of the synagogue’s board and has served as a board member of Aish HaTorah. A licensed realtor, she and her husband Jason are the parents of four children: Melanie Rush, Ethan Belau, Adam Rush and Noah Belau.

Stuart Klamen is one of the most visible supporters of Israel both within NHBZ, but also in the St. Louis community. His efforts have led him to work with many organizations, including the NHBZ Israel Committee, the Bergson Group and St. Louis Friends for Israel. He also serves as the congressional liaison for Christians United for Israel. Klamen brings pro-Israel events to the Missouri region, including arranging for nationally recognized speakers. His lobbying activities resulted in one of his biggest accomplishments to date: the passage of the very important Anti-BDS legislation in Missouri. 

For more information about NHBZ’s Anniversary Dinner, call 314-991-2100, ext. 2.