Les Friedman is the owner of Northern Valley Affairs at Temple Emanu-el in Closter, N.J., the newest facility in the family-owned Bernstein and Friedman kosher catering company. His grandfather, Philip Friedman, started the business during the Depression.

Les, who has a culinary background, has been in the catering industry since he was 15 years old, starting as a busboy and working his way up through waiter, bartender, maítre d, manager and now owner.