For Julie and Bryan Rubenstein of Beachwood and Jerry Aizen of Solon, the Jewish Learning Connection has enriched their lives and sparked the beginning of a journey to become more connected to Judaism.

Bryan Rubenstein, tennis director at Beechmont Country Club in Orange for 26 years, and Julie Rubenstein, a pet therapist, as well as their 17-year-old triplets attend JLC services, classes and events at JLC’s Waxman Torah Center in University Heights and elsewhere. They had their kitchen kashered (cleansed) by JLC, enjoyed Shabbat meals with JLC rabbis and their families, and found fulfillment in each step taken on their Jewish journey.

“We’ve incorporated it into who we are,” Julie Rubenstein said. “It has taught us to be better people and understand the soul that is inside of us.”

Aizen said he receives similar inspiration and friendship from JLC.

“About 15 years ago, a friend insisted I come to learn with him in a class,” said Aizen, CEO and founder of A New Image Heating and Cooling in Warrensville Heights. There he met associate director Rabbi Moshe Stoll. “We instantly became very good friends. I went from being totally nonobservant … to being very traditional.”

At JLC, “I have enjoyed my relationship with the rabbis over the years,” said Aizen, who with his wife, Cindy, maintains a kosher home and hosts guests for Shabbat, and in his Sukkah each year. “They’ve become part of the family.”

JLC will honor the Rubensteins and Aizen with the Guardian of Torah Award at JLC’s 24th anniversary desert reception, Sunday Nov. 4, at Beechmont Country Club. The annual event is the primary source of revenue for JLC.

The Rubensteins are “classic examples” of Jewish people who became much more interested and involved in Judaism, according to Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum, who founded JLC 24 years ago and serves as director. “They became very close to us. Their entire family has been involved in a journey toward observance.”

“Jerry (Aizen) took an interest in JLC and is very involved in the Chabad community.”

“The people we’re honoring are all exceptionally well-liked,” said JLC associate director Rabbi Moshe Stoll.

JLC reception planners Rick Diamond, Brian Fox and Armond Waxman added their praise in the invitation to the celebration.

“From what began as a weekly study session with Rabbi Stoll, Jerry and his wife, Cindy, have become active members in the community, especially at Chabad of Solon, where Jerry is a mainstay. We are proud of Jerry and his family’s growth in Judaism, and his sincerity, kind nature and involvement.”

The Rubensteins “have been on a journey of Jewish discovery since their triplets Hannah, Emma and Jonah were born 17 years ago,” the board members said. “The whole family has been actively involved in Jewish learning and activities in many organizations.”