The Young Israel of St. Louis upcoming Annual Gala Dinner will take place on Wednesday, June 5, at the Clayton Plaza Hotel in Clayton. This year’s event will honor long-standing members Dr. Hilton and René Price for their many years of dedication and service to the shul and community. Additionally, Elie and Aliza Freilich will be awarded the prestigious Keter Shem Tov Award for their exceptional contributions to the community.

Hilton and René Price have been integral members of the shul community for over four decades, serving in various leadership roles, including past presidency and board membership. Hilton, a renowned radiologist, has served as Chief of Radiology at Christian Hospital for 28 years and continues to practice at Washington University’s Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology. René, with a master’s in counseling, has worked at Meramec Community College and has been an active member of the Women’s Division and numerous community organizations. Together, they have raised three children and are proud parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.

Dr. Elie and Aliza Freilich, recipients of the Keter Shem Tov Award, are being recognized for their extraordinary commitment to Torah, tefillah, chesed, and leadership. Elie, an oral surgeon at Mid America Oral Surgery, and Aliza, a financial analyst advisor at Express Scripts, have quickly become an integral part of the Young Israel family since moving to St. Louis in 2019. They are proud parents of two young children.

Rabbi Moshe Shulman of Young Israel praised the Prices, saying, “Hilton and René have been at the heart of our shul community for many years. They are deeply respected by all members of the community, and by all ages! Their love for Israel and the Jewish people is particularly significant this year, as they begin their preparations to make aliyah. This is our chance to thank them for all they have given to St. Louis and to Young Israel through the years.”

Max Oppenheimer, president of Young Israel’s Board of Directors, praised the Freilichs, saying, “They represent the core values of Young Israel of St. Louis. They are a powerhouse couple that bring infinite energy wherever they go. We are just fortunate that they share that energy with our shul.”

The Gala Dinner, chaired by Jonty and Juli-Ann Felsher, promises to be a memorable evening, celebrating the honorees and awardees. The event will feature a tribute journal, chaired by Judy Haber and Elissa Schachter, recognizing the contributions of the honorees and awardees. For more information and to reserve your spot at this special event, please contact the shul office at 314-727-1880 or email: [email protected].