Bogolyubov Headlines UK Dinner

By COLlive reporter
Photos: Blake Ezra Photography

A record number of 560 guests gathered at the London Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square for the annual stylish and inspiring gala dinner saluting the people and activities of Chabad Lubavitch UK on Tuesday, September 30.

The theme of the evening was ‘ONE’ alluding to Chabad’s core principle of caring for and providing for every Jew regardless of background or philosophy or level of commitment.

The event highlighted the acheivements of Shluchim Rabbi Nachman and Fradel Sudak, sent by the Rebbe to the UK in 1959. Guest of Honor was London-based Ukrainian philanthropist Gennadiy Bogolyubov.

“Chabad is directly responsible for allowing and empowering so many people to practice their religion and celebrate their religious holidays freely, openly and proudly,” wrote Blake Ezra, a blogger whose team was “delighted” to photograph the event.

Dinner Chair Lana Saffrin Betesh opened the evening by recounting how Chabad was there for her family in the hours before her father’s passing, in whose merit she dedicated her work on the event.

Emeritus Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks presented a Lifetime Acheivement Award to Mrs. Fradel Sudak honoring her achievements and those of her late husband, Head Shliach Rabbi Nachman Sudak obm.

Their extraordinary dedication, support and love for the creation and continuity of Chabad UK is recognized at more than 35 centers, educating, supporting and reaching out to thousands of people in the UK each year.

In his speech, Rabbi Sacks recalled hearing the Rebbe’s Tekios – shofar blowing – in 770, saying they were a “joyful sound.” Chabad Lubavitch taught people to enjoy Judaism, he explained, asking “who would believe that thousands of British Jews would be dancing in the street with a huge menorah in Trafalgar Square? Or having a shot of vodka before the speeches?” he quipped, after the crowd was encouraged to say L’Chaim at the beginning of the event.

A special video was produced about the guest of honor, and an award was presented to Mr. Bogolyubov by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos, who flew in from New York for the event.

Mr. Bogolyubov was also recognized for his work in establishing Chabad of Belgravia, London. Many of his friends attended the event, some flying in from the United States and Ukraine, including Head Shliach Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.

After a video about Chabad in the UK, a speech was given by Richard Loftus.

Each guest was presented with a ‘Passport’ to Jewish Life, which contained the contact details of every Chabad House around the world, so wherever they go, from London to Kathmandu, a warm welcome awaits them in their travels.

Rabbi Benzi Sudak, Executive Director of Chabad UK, gave an address outlining the scope of Chabad’s achievements and their plans for the future, welcoming the many new faces among the guests. “We have a new army of supporters,” he said.

Rabbi Sudak thanked the guest of honor, saying that when Lubavitch had faced problems in Britain a few years ago, Mr. Bogolyubov “reached out to me and said, ‘I want to help you.'”