By Gillian Klawansky, South Africa Jewish Report
Despite the challenges it faced in the run-up to Miracle Drive 28, which took place on Tuesday, Chabad House delivered a night of entertainment with an overriding message of hope.
A total of R18.6 million ($1.56 million) was raised through the dinner as well as annual donations. As a result, Chabad’s Miracle Drive is now poised to shine even more light on the people it uplifts and supports.
However, there was much drama in the days leading up to the event, held at the Sandton Convention Centre and attended by about 1,750 people. First, caterers Stan & Pete lost their kashrut licence just 6 days before the annual premier charity gala dinner. Then, headline act musician Johnny Clegg canceled.
What does one do in such a situation?
“You can either fall apart or you can put your trust in the Almighty, as the Torah says you should,” said Miracle Drive founder and director Rabbi David Masinter during his address to the audience.
“There are always bigger issues. You just keep focused, you do what you have to do and things work out miraculously. After that, you call up Catering By Riva, Stan Smookler and Brent Varcoe from Bidfood, and you make it their problem! Then you call Choni G and mystery musical guest Vusi Mahlasela and you say: ‘The entertainment is your problem!’ And things work out for the better. I’m also so grateful to all the kosher butcheries that rallied behind me.”
Indeed, all those called upon took potential problems and turned them into solutions.
It turned out to be an evening underpinned by positivity. Culinary concerns were laid to rest as everyone dined on delicious smoked salmon, chicken and vegetables, and decadent chocolate desserts.
The Miracle Drive spurs Chabad’s charity work through programmes that help to make a positive difference in the country and projects designed to uplift our community’s vulnerable children, as well as the elderly.
In addition to their donations, Miracle Drive dinner attendees were given the gift of doing their own acts of kindness. Robby Stoller of Dangee Carken footwear brand conceived the idea of sponsoring a pair of children’s shoes for each couple who attended to donate to someone less fortunate and help give them direction in life.
“Every morning we make a brocha on our shoes – because it’s the direction of our shoes today that determines the rest of our lives. If we get our direction right today, we’ll achieve what we have to,” said Rabbi Masinter. “Let’s change our world for good!”
Echoing this message of hope and kindness at the dinner were the two guest speakers: community leader Rabbi Avraham Tanzer, the founding rabbi of Glenhazel shul, and Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba.
Among the top prizes on the night were the Nissan X-Trail, valued at R480 000, and a R200 000 Yamaha grand piano.
Even if their was a hurricane in Johannesburg,
it could never stop Dovid Masinter from doing his great Peulos that he continually does in Sth. Africa.
Rabbi Micholel Avraham HaKohain Katz of Chabad Illovo and Rabbi Masinter B”H have it together. Little fanfare yet they get the job done. Continued success and blessings beyond limit. The Rebbe”s soldiers soldier on! Chag Kosher VeSameach