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
Mazal Tov!!
Shnas Hotzlocho Uberacha!!
She does a TON for our community
אין עליך!
שנת ברכה והצלחה!
U should continue what u do in the best of health for u & ur husband!
Chaim & Freida Shpigelman
Many healthy years and many hasunos!
Only Simhas!
We are in the middle of preparing our third chasuna with Devorah and there are no words for what she does!
Mazol Tov Devorah what an amazing Simcha May you continue to go from Strength to Strength doing your wonderful work!!
Deborah is the Best best person ever in our community.
May Deborah do this for many many more year’s to come!
And make people smile as she does always, no matter what’s on her plate.
We all need to learn from Deborah. Ahavas Yisroel.
Deborah there’s absolutely no words to describe you.
Keep up the good work!
Congratulations to a true queen. Wishing Deborah many happy years!
A beautiful birthday bash for a wonderful woman. Belated happy birthday, Devorah! Thank you for your hard, dedicated work. May you have many more chasunahs to help this year.
I’VE SEEN YOU MANY TIMES IN ACTION, AND I MUST SAY THAT YOU ARE ONE OF A KIND!!!AD MEIAH VIESRIM!!! F. Chein.
I have know Devorah since childhood. She has grown into a supreme example of chessed, determination and so much more. What a beautiful tribute to her from her loving daughter. Devorah is one in a million!!! SR
Dear Devorah! In awe of your chesed! A well deserved party.. Happy 50 th and many more spectacular years with your dear husband & family! Good health & plenty of joy
Happy birthday (belated!) Such a lovely party & it’s great to see so many familiar faces celebrating with you.
You all kept a good secret! i would have loved to join and give Queen Devorah a warm HUG!!!!!