With a steady hand, keen intellect and expansive experience, Shmuel Goldfischer has been instrumental in leading the Jewish Educational Center through a period of resurgent growth.  His professionalism, credibility and love of the JEC make him an incredibly special alumni and lay leader.  A graduate of JEC’s class of 1971, Shmuel grew up in the Elizabeth community, served on the JEC’s Middle States Accreditation Planning Committee and has been a member of the JEC Board of Trustees for nearly a decade.

 

While a student at JEC, Shmuel was the G.O. Treasurer, Junior Class Vice President, Chess Club Chairman, Manager if the JV Boys’ Basketball Team, Manager of the Championship Softball Team, Voice Announcer of the Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team, Recipient of the  Youth-in-Government Day, Service Award and recently served as a collaborative leader for the ‘Class of ’71’ 50th Reunion.

 

Shmuel’s volunteerism does not stop with the JEC.  Inspired to service by the legacy of his parents and his time at the JEC Shmuel’s volunteerism is well regarded throughout the state and nation.  Shmuel is a past board member of National Business Officers Association and an active member of the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools.  He is the recipient of the 2015 Will Hancock Unsung Hero Award, which is given to business officers who have made extraordinary contributions to their schools; recipient of the 2024 Ken White Distinguished Business Officer Award, the NBOA’s highest honor, for his work as a leader, mentor and role model throughout the national independent school business officer community, and was awarded the 2026 NJAIS Service Award, which recognizes individuals for significant contributions, leadership, and service to member schools and the association.

 

Shmuel is married to Annie (nee Schwartzein) Bruriah class of 1972 who both fondly recall their wedding in the then new Bruriah Ballroom.  Together, they have two daughters and four grandchildren.  Shmuel is the son of Zev and Haddasah Goldfischer z”l, and brother to Shoshie, Chaya and Sholom z”l, Shmuel sees family and community as the core of his identity.

 

We wish Shmuel a sweet mazal tov on his retirement after decades of leadership and service at Newark Academy and thank him for his steadfast leadership and support for the JEC and affection for his alma mater.  Shmuel’s good name is a credit to his dear parents, his beloved family and the entire JEC community.  He is a most fitting recipient of this year’s Keser Shem Tov award.