Honoring Lee and Albert Kovner

The Jewish Community Foundation of Central PA honors Kesher Israel Congregation’s Lee and Albert Kovner (z’l)

Nearly 20 years ago the majority of Kesher Israel’s (KI) endowment fund arrived in the form of a “blessed” surprise bequest gift. What we knew of Jerry Fromm (z’l) was that he was single, regularly attended Friday night services, and owned Chrysler stock. When his gift arrived nearly 20 years ago it was immediately placed into an endowment fund of which we have been good stewards over the years. KI’s endowments help to support our congregation and provide for the perpetual care of our cemetery.

During their lifetimes Charlie (z’l) and Eunyce Press created an endowment fund to benefit causes they care about including KI for which we are grateful.

Lee and Albert Kovner (z’l) were great benefactors for KI during their lifetimes. Whenever we asked them for gifts they helped. Our community is fortunate that the Kovners and other family members chose to create Funds at the Foundation which have funded trips to Israel for our teens, Jewish education, help for those in need and more. Through these Funds their tzedakah is eternal! Kesher Israel has been blessed over the years by their generosity and like their funds our gratitude will be eternal.

Our endowment assets are managed by the Jewish Community Foundation of Central Pa. We are looking forward to continuing to work with the Foundation to build our endowments.

“Lee and Al Kovner set the stage for giving at Kesher Israel, leading the way for others to contribute significant funds for the support of KI,” stated Sam Levine as he presented the award to Norman Gras on their behalf. “While I didn’t know the Kovners, I am told that they were known as quite the givers…wanting to make sure that there would be strong funding for the future.“