Gala Supports Center on Beach

By COLlive reporter

The Miami skyline shone brighter during the Chabad Russian Center of South Florida’s Inaugural Gala at the Surf Club on January 8th, 2012.

The night was filled with over 350 prominent guests, partnering politicians, fellow Shluchim and Honorees in celebration of plans to build the county’s first ever, state of the art Jewish Russian Community Center in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.

The one of a kind facility, will include the only Jewish Russian pre-school in South Florida, Shabbos and weekday sanctuaries, mikveh, teen lounge, social hall, offices and a unique waterfront, rooftop kosher restaurant.

Chabad Russian Center’s Shluchim, Rabbi Alexander and Chani Kaller, joined guests from all around the world to honor Mr. and Mrs. Boruch & Aksana Freedman with the Founders Award, Mr. & Mrs. Mikhael & Alla Keifitz with the Chessed – Benevolence Award and Sunny Isles Beach Vice Mayor, Lewis Thaler with the Leadership Award.

The Gala Co-Chairs, Olga Blavatnik and Larissa Frid were also honored during the evening. Each Honoree has shown outstanding leadership, involvement and an unwavering commitment to the growth of the Chabad Russian Center and selfless dedication to the welfare of the greater Jewish Community.

Building the 35,000 square foot Jewish Russian Community Center in Sunny Isles Beach couldn’t have come at a better time. Until two decades ago, the practice of Judaism was prohibited in the former Soviet Union for over 70 years.

Today, the Chabad Russian Center continues to carry on the dream of the Lubavitcher Rebbe by serving the needs of over 20,000 Jewish Russian Americans in South Florida through community outreach programs, holiday gatherings, Shabbat services and classes covering everything from practical Judaism to Kabbalah.

The evening included a brief video with breathtaking renderings of the new community center, a poignant speech by Decorated War Hero Mr. Moshe Levy, and performances by Cantor Yakov Bar, Russian pop icon Boris Moiseev and virtuoso violinist Arkadi Gips.

Dinner was followed by an extravagant dessert reception, and of course, plenty of “Russian Standart” l’chaims!

The Chabad Russian Center began nine years ago with Rabbi Kaller and his wife, Chani, holding weekly services in their living room. Today, close to 100 people attend Shabbat and weekly services in their store front location, and over 700 attended the High Holiday services this year. Their dedication and love continue to have a positive effect on the surrounding community.

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