Honoring Distinguished Leaders in Healthcare, Education & Community Service
New Brunswick, NJ — With heartfelt pride and great anticipation, the Chabad House Jewish Student Center at Rutgers University, together with its ten affiliate Chabad Houses serving Central and Southern New Jersey, is delighted to announce the 47th National Founders Anniversary Dinner, to be held Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Grand Ballroom of Chabad House, 170 College Avenue, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
This year’s gala will bring together community leaders, supporters, alumni, students, and friends to celebrate more than four decades of Chabad House’s extraordinary growth, impact, and Jewish educational programming at Rutgers University—home to the largest Jewish student body of any public university in the United States.
Chabad House is deeply honored to share that President Donald and Melania Trump have personally sent a congratulatory letter to Chabad House and to this year’s distinguished honorees, recognizing their accomplishments and service to the community.
Chabad House is privileged to recognize three outstanding honorees whose achievements, leadership, and service exemplify the values of dedication, compassion, and community responsibility:
Leslie (Les) D. Hirsch
President & CEO, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System
A nationally respected healthcare executive with over 45 years of service, Les Hirsch has led major hospital systems across New Jersey, Louisiana, Colorado, and beyond. Currently President and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, he has been recognized by the American Hospital Association, the New Jersey Hospital Association, NJBIZ, ROI-NJ, and multiple national organizations for his leadership and contributions to healthcare. Hirsch has served on numerous boards, including the AHA Board of Trustees, the NJHA, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, and the Hope Through Education Foundation, where he was honored as Person of the Year.
Dr. Arkady Broder, MD, AGAF, FACG, FASGE
Vice Chair, Department of Medicine; Chief, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology — Saint Peter’s University Hospital
A nationally recognized gastroenterologist and academic leader, Dr. Broder is widely respected for advancing medical education, clinical excellence, and patient-centered innovation. He serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and is a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Dr. Marni Kaplan Broder, DPM, FACPM, DABFAS
Founder & Sole Practitioner, Podiatry & Ankle Center of Excellence (PACE)
Dr. Marni Broder is an acclaimed podiatric surgeon and sports medicine specialist known for her compassionate, individualized approach to patient care. Board-certified in foot and ankle surgery and podiatric medicine, she is a strong advocate for community wellness, educational outreach, and preventive healthcare.
Together, Drs. Arkady and Marni Broder are beloved community leaders deeply committed to medical education, charitable initiatives, and strengthening families and communities across New Jersey.
A Celebration of Impact and Vision
Now in its 47th year, Chabad House continues to expand its educational, social, and spiritual outreach to:
This mega-center remains the largest Jewish student facility on any public university campus worldwide.
Rabbi Yosef Carlebach, Director of Chabad House, will reflect on the year’s accomplishments, outreach initiatives, and the center’s essential role in supporting Jewish life at Rutgers and throughout New Jersey.
For dinner reservations, journal ads, or more information, please contact: Rutgers Chabad House — (732) 296-1800 • dinner@chabadnj.org
