CNT Gala 2025 Honorees

Art Friedman

Art Friedman grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. Art was raised in a Reform Jewish community. He and his family had a long legacy of involvement in Jewish life in Louisville.

He moved to Palos Verdes in 1976, where he joined Congregation Ner Tamid. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Michigan and his law degree from DePaul University in Chicago. Following six months of active duty in the U.S. Army, he served in the Army Reserves, achieving the rank of Captain. Art built a distinguished career as a CPA at Arthur Andersen, where he became a senior partner, specializing in tax and handling international responsibilities in Asia and South America. 
 
Art’s commitment to CNT has been unwavering, and his legacy of service continues to inspire our community. He was a member of the CNT Board of Trustees. Art served as Treasurer in the 1990s, enhancing the synagogue's financial operations, and he chaired the Audit and Finance Committees. He was also Treasurer of the Men’s Club and part of the original Endowment Committee. Beyond CNT, Art has held leadership roles with PS Business Parks, City of Hope, the Palos Verdes Lions Club, and Camp Shalom. He continues to be a major donor and supporter of the Norris Theater in Palos Verdes.
 
Outside his professional and community commitments, Art’s hobby is magic, and he has been a member of the Magic Castle for over 30 years. He was married to his late wife, Franky, for 54 years and is the father of four and grandfather of three. He enjoys life in Palos Verdes with his longtime companion, Karen, as active members of the CNT community.

Adrianne Kaufman

Adrianne Kaufman grew up in Los Angeles as a first-generation American, the daughter of Hungarian and Romanian parents and the granddaughter of four Holocaust survivors. Her family’s history shaped her upbringing, as her parents emphasized the importance of Jewish traditions. To instill these values, they enrolled Adrianne in Orthodox day school and high school, ensuring that religion was a cornerstone of their home.

Adrianne pursued her education at California State University, Northridge, where she served as president of Hillel House, further deepening her connection to her Jewish identity.

Adrianne and her husband Richard joined Congregation Ner Tamid (CNT), where Adrianne began her teaching career as a 6th-grade teacher and worked as a substitute teacher for many years. Their children attended preschool, religious classes, and all had their Bar Mitzvah’s at CNT.

Throughout her years at CNT, Adrianne has served as a trustee on the board, is currently in her second (non-consecutive) term as Sisterhood President and has held the position of Membership Vice President. Her life-long commitment to volunteering reflects her upbringing and has extended to being PTA President of Montemalaga Elementary School, a board member of Vistas for Children charity, and a member of the South Bay Marine League Tennis Board. It further serves as an example to her three sons, illustrating the importance of giving back to the community.

Outside of her work with CNT, Adrianne enjoys playing tennis, going to the gym, and spending quality time with close friends and family. She expresses that being at CNT feels like home, a sentiment that has remained true throughout her many years of involvement.