Honorees
Didi and Adam Hutt have become an inseparable part of the fabric of Great Neck Synagogue, both through their devotion to Torah and community and through their literal proximity - living right next door to the shul. Adam’s path, from Queens and Lawrence to a life grounded in learning and mitzvot, reflects a sincere and steady spiritual journey. A dedicated participant in the daily minyan and a fixture of the Beit Midrash Minyan each Shabbos, he brings quiet strength, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility to our kehilla. His thoughtful presence and genuine commitment to the shul’s wellbeing are felt by all who daven alongside him.
Didi, raised between Israel and Montreal and shaped by a strong legacy of Jewish education and communal service, brings warmth, kindness, and a contagious positivity to every corner of Great Neck Synagogue. Whether welcoming new families, supporting community initiatives, or simply elevating the spirit of those around her, she reflects the best of what a Jewish community can be. Together with their children - Mitchell, Rachel, Noah, Joshua, and Kayla - the Hutts embody the heart and soul of our shul, and it is our privilege to honor them for the example they set and the genuine goodness they contribute to Great Neck every day.
Abe and Ariella Sedgh married in 2014 and joined our GNS community soon thereafter where they immediately became devoted members.
Abe is the son of Susan and David Sedgh, also past dinner honorees. His family moved to Great Neck in 1996 and immediately became members of GNS becoming pillars of our community. Abe graduated from SUNY Albany in 2006 (B.S. Accounting) and from Baruch College in 2007 (M.S.T. Taxation). Abe has spent his entire 20 year career at PwC where he is now a Partner in the Banking-Capital Markets Tax Practice providing reporting, compliance, and consulting solutions to public and private clients. Abe is an active member in the synagogue, including serving on the general board and currently on the executive board as our Treasurer for the past combined 10 years. He also was a part of our Chazzan and Rabbi Search Committees in recent years.
Ariella is the daughter or Sharona and Oriel Balakhane, also members of our GNS community for the past 11 years. Ariella grew up in Great Neck and graduated from Hunter College in 2016 (B.S. History). She then worked as a pre-school teacher before ultimately choosing to be a full time Mom. Over the years, Ariella has volunteered at GNS and at North Shore Hebrew Academy.
Together, they have three children: Elijah (6 years old and student at NSHA), Delilah (4 years old and student at NSHA), and Alaia (1). Abe and Ariella are known for their consistent dedication to our community and for their warm and humble approach to engaging with our members and serving the community.
We are thankful for all that Abe and Ariella have done for the Great Neck Synagogue and are proud to have them as Guests of Honor.
Steve Zuckerman was born in 1944 as the third child to Philip and Evelyn Zuckerman of New Rochelle. Steve’s parents founded the Young Israel of New Rochelle and the Westchester Day School where Steve attended. While a student at City College, Steve had a regular chavruta with Rav Reuven Feinstein and later with Rav Dovid Feinstein, and he often drove Rav Moshe Feinstein around NYC in his Chevrolet convertible.
Steve met Shellie Feinerman at Grossinger’s Hotel, they married in 1968 and immediately moved to Great Neck. The Feinerman’s were one of the early Great Neck Synagogue families in the 1950’s and were very involved in GNS and the formation of the North Shore Hebrew Academy. Steve and Shellie have four sons Glenn (Heidi), Brett (Robin), Ross and TJ (Erica) and 11 grandchildren. Glenn and Heidi’s children are 5th generation GNS members.
Steve has dedicated a large part of his life to the enhancement of religious Jewish life in Great Neck. In the late 1970’s he foresaw the orthodox growth in Great Neck, and he mapped the route of the Great Neck Eruv and had it built. He was also instrumental in building the Old Mill Road gymnasium. In the early 1980’s, Steve together with Phil Machnikoff, zt”l started the GNS participatory minyan now known as the Beis Midrash minyan. Steve was president of NSHA from 1980-1986 during which time the yeshiva bought the Cherry Lane campus, expanded the building and increased enrollment from 300 students to 700 students. Steve started the Cherry Lane minyan to service the Kings Point community. Steve has been a GNS board member for several terms spanning two or three decades, has slowly read Eicah and Maftir Yonah for 30+ years, and has the insurmountable record for the most lifetime appearances at the GNS kiddush club. In 2012, Steve created the Great Neck Scholars Kollel for retirees to learn Torah each morning after minyan. Steve has compiled and distributed weekly Divrei Torah sheets for many years and has released three printed editions of “Insights from the Sedra” for the extended community to enjoy. Steve and Shellie have been an integral part of the growth of the Great Neck Synagogue and the Great Neck community for almost 60 years.