Essex Pays Tribute to Shluchim

A crowd of 300 gathered in Essex UK, last week for “Celebration 30,” paying tribute to Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin MBE and his wife Devorah for their 30 years of shlichus and community service.

The welcome speech was made by a member of the dinner committee, Mrs. Hazel Weinberg. Toasts were made to the Queen by Mr. Paul Groman Marks, and to Israel by the Member of Parliament, Lee Scott (MP).

Letters of support were received from Her Majesty the Queen, The Prime Minister David Cameron, Leader of the opposition, The Mayor of London, Members of Parliament Lee Scott and Mike Gapes, The Mayor and Leader of the local council Redbridge, the Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and the Hanhollo of Lubavitch UK.

The Sufrins expressed their gratitude and appreciation to all in the room and in particular the evenings sponsors: Daren and Paula Burney of Burney Estates, Corporate sponsors Raffingers Stuart Accountants organized by partner Mr. Zvi Inglis, Martine and Paul Groman – Marks, Ruth & Brian Mitchell, silver sponsors and brochure advertisers.

They further recognized the accomplishments of their colleagues sharing their shlichus, Rabbi Moshe and Brocho Muller with Rabbi Odom and Henny Brandman, by presenting them with “dedication awards”.

The volunteer award was given to Mr. Arye Leib and Linda Levinson.

The theme was depicted through a meaningful film entitled “Honoring the Past, Living the present, and building the future.”

The guest speaker Rabbi Chaim Mentz, Shliach Bel Air California, enthralled the audience with his humor and powerful message based on the 4 words with which the Rebbe changed the face of the world: ” Bosi Legani Achosi Kaloh.” – seeing the world through G-d’s eyes.

In his closing words, Rabbi Sufrin, referred to his late Parents, Rev Aron Dov and Hennie Sufrin obm, who planted the seeds for Chabad, beginning some 37 years ago. He further referred to the Rebbe’s instruction to him and his wife Devorah, as an engaged couple to make the move to Ilford, Essex, in 1983 over their other plans to take up positions in California, Canada, or NY.

“Who could have dreamed that the Rebbe’s vision and insight would lead to what has been achieved and PG will continue based on the success of the past 3 to 4 decades?”

He thanked all for their “partnerships” with Chabad N E London & Essex, and pledged PG that during the next 12 months Chabad hoped to secure a new Chabad Centre in Essex and welcoming a new family of Shluchim into the area.

The appeal was made by Mr. Daren Burney, the main sponsor of the event, who referred to his own personal experiences with Rabbi and Mrs Sufrin and Chabad. He is now hoping to join the Rabbis at the next Kinus Hashluchim in New York, he said.