News
April 23, 2025
The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Announces Major Gift from The Russell Berrie Foundation
A generous gift to the endowment establishes the Myron Rosner Music for All Scholarship
The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades announces the establishment of the Myron Rosner Music for All Scholarship at the Thurnauer School of Music, made possible through a generous gift from The Russell Berrie Foundation. This new scholarship will allow young musicians from diverse backgrounds to access an exceptional music education, ensuring that Myron Rosner’s passion for music and inclusivity continues to inspire future generations.
Myron Rosner, a long-time trustee of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, was a beloved member of the Bergen County community. Born on April 1, 1937, in Teaneck, New Jersey, Myron was a lifelong resident of Bergen County and a talented lawyer with a deep love for history, storytelling, and Jewish life. He also was a founding Trustee of The Russell Berrie Foundation, advancing its philanthropic vision for nearly 40 years. He passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024, surrounded by his family.
A passionate advocate for cultural investment, Myron often reflected on the evolution of Jewish life in Bergen County, recalling the challenges of discrimination in his youth and the importance of fostering diversity and opportunity for all. He firmly believed that the Jewish community thrived when people of all backgrounds had the chance to grow and flourish together.
In the Thurnauer School of Music, Myron found an organization that matched these values and he was a dedicated supporter for many years. At Thurnauer, children of all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, religions, genders, and abilities learn together, fostering a safe and supportive environment where students connect through the power of music. Over 400 students receive an exemplary music education each year, and over 25% of student tuition is covered by scholarships and other financial aid.
Myron cherished the opportunity to support these young musicians and took great pride in attending their concerts, always eager to share glowing reviews. This scholarship embodies his legacy of generosity, passion, and belief in the power of music to unite different communities.
“From its very beginning, so much of the Foundation’s values, vision, and impact were shaped by Myron’s unshakable commitment,” said Angelica Berrie, president of The Russell Berrie Foundation. “Nothing made him prouder than helping children from every background gain a top music education through the Thurnauer School of Music. We’re thrilled that Myron’s passion will continue to reverberate in the beautiful music of the children who benefit from this scholarship.”
“At the Thurnauer School,of Music each student is celebrated as an individual and as an artist—a vision Myron championed wholeheartedly,” said Dorothy Roffman, Director Emeritus of the Thurnauer School of Music. “We are grateful to The Russell Berrie Foundation for ensuring that current and future students will benefit from Myron’s values and vision.”
The gift is a continuation of a long relationship between the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades and The Russell Berrie Foundation. As we celebrate our 75th Anniversary, we are grateful for the Foundation’s transformative support, which has served to elevate our mission to be the centerpoint of Jewish life in Bergen County. We will celebrate the establishment of the Myron Rosner Music for All Scholarship at our Founder’s Day Concert on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 6:30pm, at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Carli Bushoven, Senior Marketing Director – Marketing & Communications, Kaplen JCC on The Palisades, 201-408-1409
ABOUT KAPLEN JCC ON THE PALISADES
Deeply rooted in Jewish values and tradition, the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades is a vibrant home for the Jewish People that welcomes all and cultivates the social, intellectual, physical, and spiritual well-being of the entire community.
ABOUT THE JCC THURNAUER SCHOOL OF MUSIC
In an environment of personal success, friendship and fun, the Thurnauer School of Music promotes the understanding, performance and enjoyment of music at the highest levels, enriching lives throughout northern New Jersey and beyond. As one of New Jersey’s leading community music schools, the JCC Thurnauer School of Music, as part of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, is open to everyone with a desire to learn about music.
ABOUT THE RUSSELL BERRIE FOUNDATION
The Russell Berrie Foundation expresses the values and passions of its founder, Russell Berrie, through social investments in innovative ideas. Focusing primarily on Northern New Jersey and Israel, the Foundation invests in visionary leaders and organizations working to cultivate thriving Jewish communities, build bridges across differences, strengthen a Jewish and democratic Israel, and drive treatment breakthroughs and a cure for diabetes.