Naomi & Dan Benator-Pillar of Kindness
Dan and Naomi’s connection with Chabad Enrichment Center of Gwinnett began in 2008 when they were looking for a kehillah (congregation) for their oldest son’s Bar Mitzvah. The family’s search took them to many synagogues in North Atlanta, but Dan and Naomi knew they had found a new spiritual home because when their son Jordan, then 11, walked into Chabad of Gwinnett and met Rabbi Yossi, he stated clearly, “This is the place.” They say they owe their son a debt of gratitude because at Chabad the whole family found the love, warmth and friendly environment they were searching for. Rabbi Yossi and Esther have guided the family through simchas, transitions and losses, and the Benator family values every person they come into contact with through Chabad. Dan works as a Director in Information Technology for Home Depot. Naomi has worked in communications and technology for nonprofits and healthcare and is now a homemaker who loves her volunteer work coordinating art projects for the youth of Chabad Enrichment Center of Gwinnett’s Hebrew school. They have two sons: Jordan and Leo.
Lea & Eyal Livnat-Pillar of Leadership
Lea and Eyal are founding members of Chabad of Gwinnett. They recently celebrated their 20th anniversary and have three children, two boys and a girl: Idan, Daniel and Ella. Lea was born in Belgium. She graduated from Oglethorpe University with dual degrees in in Business Administration and Marketing. Eyal was born in Zefat, Israel and is the 7th generation on his mother’s side to be born there. Currently he is a builder and real estate developer. Lea and Eyal have not only been actively involved in Chabad of Gwinnett, they are also very committed to the Atlanta branch of AIPAC, Jewish schools and other synagogues, and other charities.
Meir Peretz-Pillar of Light
Meir our Gabbai, was born in Israel. He attended the local Chabad Yeshiva in Nazareth, Israel before his five years of military service in the Golani Unit. After his service, he traveled the far East before joining his brother in Atlanta. He has worked at GDE Restorations for thirty years and is now a very well-loved senior project manager in charge of exterior painting of commercial buildings and large apartment complexes. Meir and Tracy share their anniversary with Chabad of Gwinnett. On September 11 they will have been married twenty-six years. They have 3 sons: Ben, Matthew, and Michael.
Marcy Saucedo-Pillar of Service
Marcy and Joseph Saucedo (obm) began with Chabad of Gwinnett in 2006 after returning to Buford from a three-year stay in Plantation, Florida. They found a second home with Rabbi and Esther Lerman and the congregation. Marcy is a self-employed graphic designer who contributes her design skills to the congregation. She is blessed with two sons, Alex (married to Flora) and David, and three beautiful granddaughters – Taylor, Sydney and Ava.
Benjamin Ventimiglia-Young Leadership Award
Benjamin Ventimiglia started teaching Hebrew School at Chabad of Gwinnett 7 years ago, when his family moved back to Georgia right after his Bar Mitzvah in Israel. He currently goes to Georgia Tech, double majoring in Computer Engineering and Mathematics, and works part time at the Georgia Tech Research Institute in their Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory. He also organizes events and gets Jewish students involved with Jewish life on campus Benjamin Ventimiglia started teaching Hebrew School at Chabad of Gwinnett 7 years ago, when his family moved back to Georgia right after his Bar Mitzvah in Israel. He currently goes to Georgia Tech, double majoring in Computer Engineering and Mathematics, and works part time at the Georgia Tech Research Institute in their Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory. He also organizes events and gets Jewish students involved with Jewish life on campus with both the GT Chabad and Hillel leadership teams. Benjamin is committed to helping form a vibrant Jewish community in both Chabad of Gwinnett and the Georgia Tech campus.