Florida’s Lubavitch Educational Center Dinner Celebrates Yeshiva’s 50th

The ‘Miami Heat’ can describe the Basketball team or the Lubavitch Educational Center. This past week, the term HEAT was used both in the location and also with the passion and dedication to Jewish Education.

The Lubavitch Educational Center (LEC) held its annual scholarship dinner on Zayin Adar at the Miami – Dade Arena, home of the Miami Heat. This year’s event was particularly special as it marked the 50th anniversary of Yeshiva Gedola and the launch of building the largest Jewish school in the world.

The event was attended by over 1,000 guests, including community leaders, philanthropists, educators, parents, and students. It was a night of celebration, inspiration, and reflection as the community came together to honor and recognize the achievements of the LEC.

One of the highlights of the evening was a moving and inspiring tribute to Saul Dreier, a 98-year-old Holocaust survivor who publicly pledged to put on Tefillin daily to bring Moshiach. The pledge was met with thunderous applause from the audience, who were touched by Dreier’s dedication and commitment to his faith.
VIDEO: Moving Story of Holocaust Survivor Saul Dreier

The event also paid tribute to Mrs. Miriam Fellig, OBM, and Rabbi Yoske Sossonko, OBM, two long-time members of the LEC community who passed away last year. The crowd watched featured films of their lives and honored their contributions to LEC.

VIDEO: Tribute to Yosef Yitzchok Sossonko

VIDEO: Tribute to Mrs. Miriam Fellig

The children’s choir, consisting of 80 students from LEC, dedicated songs to the above-mentioned individuals, as well as to long-time employee Mrs. Sharon Rudd OBM and student Sholom Tauber OBM. The audience was moved by the beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, which captured the essence of the LEC community.

The evening concluded with the launch of the largest Jewish school in the world, a milestone achievement for the LEC. The school will provide education to over 3,600 students from preschool to high school and will be a beacon of excellence and innovation in the field of Jewish education.

Honored at the event were Rabbi Nochum and Faye Sossonko, who were given the title of Grand Founders for their philanthropic support of the institution and education.

In his closing remarks, Rabbi Beny Korf, the Dean of LEC, expressed his gratitude to the community for their continued support and commitment to the school. “Tonight, we celebrate 50 years of Yeshiva Gedola, and the launch of the largest Jewish school in the world. But more importantly, we celebrate the spirit of the LEC community, which is rooted in the values of Torah, education, and community service. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for our children and for generations to come.”

The event was produced and directed by the Dean of LEC Rabbi Benjy Korf, Rabbi Yakov Garfinkel, Principal, and Mrs. Rena Goldberger, event planner.

Much thanks and credit goes to the team that helped put this event together:
Rabbi Mendy Katz – Director of Development
Mrs. Ayelet Bortunk – Dinner Coordinator
Daniel Harrell – Almighty Productions
Laizer Batt – Video Content Manager
Menachem Mendel Korf – Event manager
Nissen Pewzner – Caterer
Rabbi Mendy Shachar – Choir Master
Devori Shachar – Student and Staff tribute decor

For more information about the Lubavitch Educational Center and its programs, please visit www.lecfl.com.

VIDEO: Event Highlights