NEW HAVEN – The Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven will honor two of its long-time leaders at the organization’s 39th annual brunch meeting on Sunday, May 31, 10:30 a.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven in Woodbridge. Samuel Faiman and Rhoda Zahler Samuel will be recognized for their visionary leadership, commitment and generosity to the organization.

Faiman, who is 98 years old, is credited with conceiving and singlehandedly soliciting donations in 2005 for an endowment benefiting the Jewish Historical Society.

Samuel, who has held many top offices at the Society, including that of president, is now working with all of the historical societies in the Ethnical Heritage Center to create cultural heritage tours of New Haven’s neighborhoods.

“I can think of no more deserving individuals than this year’s honorees who have done more to advance the mission of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven,” said Albert Harary, president of the Society.

The Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven has collected an extensive archive of original documents and artifacts that can be accessed at its office on the campus of Southern Connecticut State University.

Paul Bass, editor of the New Haven Independent (newhavenindependent.org) will emcee the May 31 brunch; composer and pianist Gary Lynes will entertain. The event is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven.

Admission to the kosher dairy brunch is $36/Society members, $40/nonmembers. For information, call (203) 392-6125 or visit JHSGNH@yahoo.com.