Over 300 enthusiastic friends of Chabad of China filled the exquisite ballroom of the Aberdeen Marina Club in Hong Kong to celebrate the 26th anniversary of Chabad of China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Spice of Life was the theme of this year’s annual event and the program focused on the different spices that Chabad adds to the lives of thousands of Jews throughout this region.
A fascinating historical overview of Chabad, entitled “Chabad: Changing Jewish Landscapes”, was presented through sand-art produced by an artist in Russia. This was kindly facilitated by Rabbi Chaim Danzinger of Rostov who served Chabad of China for a number of years as a bochur.
Two unique awards were presented to community supporters and activists. The Tree of Life award was give to Mr. Ephraim and Hannah Zion for their generous support since the very inception of Chabad of China. The Hineni award was presented Mr. Rafael Aharoni for his selfless dedication to multiple Jewish causes. In keeping with the theme, the honorees were presented with magnificent havdalah sets custom made for the event by Mr. Gary Rosenthal.
During the dinner, Rabbi Mordechai Avtzon, Head Shliach to China announced the appointment of the the newest Shluchim to China. Rabbi Yisrael and Menucha Lieberman in Kunming and Rabbi Dovi and Sara Henig to Chengdu.
The evening was further enhanced by the incredible performance by world-class violinist Daniel Ahaviel from Israel. His wide repertoire of music and breathtaking musical skills had everyone at the edge of their seats.
The response from this dinner was overwhelming as people left feeling that they had been treated to an extraordinary event. “Chabad has certainly raised the bar” said the organizer of another major community annual event. “How am I ever going to match this one?”
So many people commenting. I used to go to the Far East 30 years ago. Nothing there yiddishkeit wise. Rabbi Mordy used to tell us his dreams of Chabad all over Asia. We thought he was a little crazy with these ideas but hey, he was giving us a heimish Shabbos so we listened. Didn’t understand how they could sned him and a new wife but respectfully kept silent. Now we tip our hat. This pioneer showed us Litvaks that the Rebbe’s vision should be respected for it WILL come to be.
Yalevay
Formerly UK now US always grateful
Go LIFSHY! U LOOK AMAZING!!! UR DOING AN AMAZING SHLICHUS JOB IN LANTAU! Love ur worcester family
Our good friend in Manhattan.
Wow-who’s the sand artist? That’s real artistic talent! Looks like a lively crowd.
You are the best!!
I miss seeing you
What a chosid and a real mentch.
[email protected] he helped getting us a video
Wow! its over 25 years ago since we spent time in Diamond Head ,Hawaii glad to see his commitment to chabad is strong as ever please visit us soon
Naftali
Gramercy Park, NY
They are the most amazing people.
The first shluchim in China! Real pioneers! I was there when Rabbi Avtzon began his shlichus there and 2 WEEKS after he got married he & his Rebbetzin came there as a young couple, when there was no Yiddishkeit there in the whole region. They made a whole revolution, and now there are B”H so many shluchim around there, KA”H. What an icredible couple and role models for the young shluchim and for their community. Keep up your great work! We, who come to Hong Kong don’t have enough words of appreciation for what you do for us and the… Read more »
the banquet was unreal!!!! the avtzons are some of the most amazing shluchim i have ever had the priviledge to meet. the work they do is outstanding! i’m sure they give the rebbe such special nachas, how can they not? theyre the best! i love them so much!! Rabbi Mordy And Goldy Avtzon and their family are so inspirational. what a night! what a family! keep up the good work! may you have the zchus to bring moshiach right now!