Activist Devorah Benjamin Surprised With Royal Birthday Party

By COLlive reporter
Photos: Mendy Krief/COLlive

The stage was set: The Big Ben, red phone booth, black cabs, double-decker buses, black taxis, teapots with personalized tea cups and delectable iconic treats including waffles, scones and more.

The English-themed party was complete with the Imperial Crown, Royal Robe with ermine fur, Royal Guards with bearskin hats, a fleet of Royal Cars, and honorary badges. There was also the Union Flag at full mast.

And then the “Queen of the celebration” walked in – Mrs. Devorah Benjamin, the British-born tireless wedding organizer and advocate who assists chassanim and kallahs on their special day.

Benjamin runs the Keren Simchas Choson v’Kallah (KSCVK) organization. Her family and friends organized a birthday party to celebrate her upcoming 50th birthday on the 28th of Tishrei.

“Her total dedication and commitment to the community are legendary,” one of the participants commented. “From arranging the vendors to assisting throughout the day of the wedding. She keeps focus on minute details.”

During the daytime, she is often seen on Kingston Avenue as she raises funds to hold honorable weddings for those who can’t fully afford it. Young children passing by with their parents donate to her bucket and practice the Mitzvah of Tzedakah.

Unsuspectingly, Devorah entered the room and was surprised by what awaited her. Her daughter then ceremoniously placed a “Royal Crown” on her head and put on a “Royal Robe.”

“We wished her a shnas brocho v’hatzlacha b’gashmius u-b’ruchnius and arichas yomim v’shana tovos in the best of health for her and her husband and partner Shmuel Benjamin including nachas from their children Mushky and Yosef,” a participant said.

Not being one to keep the focus on herself for too long, Benjamin used the party to announce a new fundraiser for KSCVK.

A raffle celebrating her birthday will offer a 1.09 CT Diamond solitaire H Clarity – SI 1 kindly donated by Rabbi Velvel Oster and family. The drawing will be on the 5th night of Chanukah. Tickets are only available at kscvk.org