Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Mercer

Jerry and Phyllis Kurshan

Jerry And Phyllis Kurshan
Jerry And Phyllis Kurshan

“One can be Jewish simply because one is born Jewish… But to be counted as a Jew, one must make a contribution to being Jewish. The real significance of being a Jew is to live the precepts of a Jewish life. It is to give more than mone: to give something of oneself to the synagogue.”

Jerry Kurshan spoke these works at The Jewish Center of Princeton on the 60th Anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah. And these words clearly epitomize the lives of Jerome and Phyllis Kurshan.

Jerry and Phyllis were part of a dedicated group of 25 families who in December 1949 founded what would become The Jewish Center of Princeton. Both Jerry and Phyllis were active in the congregation throughout their lives. 

Jerry served on the board including as a Vice President. He was the first President of the Men’s Club and for over 20 years once, he retired, Jerry was the key volunteer at the Jewish Center Adult Library.

Phyllis taught at the Religious School, was a founder and leader of the Silver Circle, and a core organizer of the Classical High Holiday service.

They both attended Shabbat services regularly and were always present to give their ideas and opinions at the TJC Annual Meeting. Each of them was honored by being chosen TJC Congregant of the year; Jerry in 1997 and Phyllis in 2003.

They were engaged in other Jewish organizations, Jerry served as President of United Jewish Appeal and in 2006 he was recognized by being a recipient of the Jewish Federation Princeton Mercer Bucks Community Service Award.

Their lives were filled with connections and contributions to our Jewish Community.

Life & Legacy Beneficiary:
The Jewish Center