PILLARS AWARD

What a wonderful celebration yesterday as Jessica and I received the Pillars Award From the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center. The three pillars are 1) On Learning; 2) On Service and 3) On Acts of Kindness. The Mayor of Albany Declared it Jessica and Alan Day, We received proclamations from the US Congress, NY State Senate, NY S Assembly and Albany County. The highlight of the event was being introduced by our daughter, Alexandra, and having all of Jessica's siblings, their spouses, our niece and nephew, my college roommate, and many dear friends and colleagues attend.

Below are my acceptance remarks:

I would like to extend our congratulations to the Safrankos and Davidoffs on their receiving the Pillars Award and want to express how pleased we are to be sharing this day with them. We also want to congratulate Janet Andrade, who we both have had the pleasure to work with, on being named the Susan Spheen SAAJCC employee of the year. Mazel Tov to the Applebaum and Bellin Award winners, Emily Kurlander, and Max Ginsburg. I want to thank the people who nominated us, those who voted for us, all of the Honorary Committee members, those who took out ads, the sponsors, those who made donations, and those who purchased tickets. Thanks to the Pillars Committee, Joslyn and the staff.

When Jessica and I moved to the Capital Region 33 years ago, we joined the SAAJCC because as part of the Jewish Community. Even though at first we did not use the facilities, we felt it was very important to support the J. The SAAJCC is a vital jewel in our community that is promoting Jewish values in the inner city. To continue to do so, it needs all of our support whether it is through membership, volunteerism, or charitable contributions.

Almost 100 years ago, in 1925, in Sharon Springs, NY, a town just over an hour west of Albany, five-year old Harvey Richer fell off the third story roof of his grandfather’s hotel and suffered significant nerve damage to his left arm and right leg. Harvey was lucky in that his cousin, Dr. Henry Kessler of the famed Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation, was the greatest orthopaedic surgeon of his time. After spending months in and out of the hospital undergoing over fifteen major cutting-edge surgeries such as pioneering tendon transplants, over twelve years, Harvey discarded his wheelchairs and braces and was able to walk again without the aid of any devices. Whenever I would complain about anything, my dad would tell me to go down to the hospital where I would find many people who were much worse off than me.

Despite the setbacks, because he was able to walk again, my dad always considered himself, and spent the remainder of his life giving back. He co-founded the Temple and Library in my hometown of Clark, NJ. He was President of the Lions Club, B’nai B’rith, the New Jersey Chapter of the Leukemia Society, and many other worthy organizations, culminating in his being named both Honorary Mayor of Clark, NJ and B’nai B’rith Citizen of the Year.


My earliest memories involve my Mom, Ethel, driving senior citizens to all kinds of doctors’ appointments. Through her presidency of the Temple’s Sisterhood, working the Temple’s Bingo, or her involvement with B’nai B’rith Women and later ORT, she demonstrated the importance of community service.

So thanks to my parents, the great role models of my life, community service is part of my DNA. I am humbled by this Pillars Award and accept it in the memory of my beloved parents, Ethel and Harvey Richer, who set the shining example.

As I reviewed the photos of the previous Pillars award winners, I am particularly proud to join two of my great mentors, Bob Herman and Alan Iselin, both of blessed memory, who both taught me so much, as well as several friends and neighbors who have previously received this prestigious recognition. It is beyond special to share the recognition with Jessica

It does take a village, and while time doesn’t permit me to acknowledge by name all of the many people who have helped me along the way, including the many colleagues with whom I have served, I want to recognize my friends and family who are here with us today with a special shout out to Jessie’s siblings and their spouses, my niece and nephew, and my college roommate, all who all traveled distances to be with us.

Finally, the real unsung heroes of community service are the members of the immediate family who sacrifice time with their loved ones so that their loved ones can serve. To that end, I want to express my deepest love to the Love of My Life, Jessica (it’s always exciting to ride her coattails), and to our wonderful daughter Alexandra who did a fantastic job of introducing us.

Ethel Lazarowitz Richer
11/2/1924 - 1/27/2016

My mom played a large roll in my life. I have created a separate page devoted entirely to her, please visit to get to know more about her!

I attended Arthur L Johnson High School in Clark NJ.

Below, you will find a list of other members who have been inducted.