Mayanot Looks Back, Forward

By COLlive reporter

After 16 years of planting and harvesting, the fruits are evident.

Mayanot Institute of Jerusalem, a premier Chabad yeshiva for English speaking students and young adults, held its inaugural Points of Light Banquet Gala this past Wednesday.

It was perfectly timed before Yud Tes Kislev, the Rosh Hashana of Chassidus and the holiday of Chanukah – whose themes of Torah knowledge and spreading it are central to the mission of Mayanot.

“What we have lacked is the answer to ‘why.’ We told them ‘how’ but not ‘why,'” proclaimed Dennis Prager, nationally syndicated radio talk show host, regarding Jewish education.

“One of the things Mayanot and Chabad do is answer ‘why,'” explained Prager during the evening’s keynote address, a sentiment that was self-evident by how the event has taken shape.

The dinner was originally planned for 250-300 guests in the New York Hilton, COLlive was told. The evening ended up hosting close to 600 donors, supporters and alumni.

PERSONAL TESTIMONY

The energy and excitement buzzing in the Trianon Ballroom was tangible; a true sense of success in growth could be felt, as guests and Mayanot faculty celebrated the strengthening of Yiddishkeit for young people.

Mayanot triumphs in “bringing young people back to their roots- bringing them back home,” commented New York developer Yitzchak Tessler who was given the “Pillars of Jewish Continuity” award with his wife Tamar.

The Tesslers were introduced by their son Foli Tessler, Mayanot alumnus, and Adam B. Weinstein, both named Alumni of the Year.

Guest of Honor Steven C. Witkoff stated: “It is human for people to lose their way, and the mission statement of Mayanot – as I understand it – is to be there for those young people.”

Also featured was Rabbi Boruch Kaplan, Educator of the Year.

CHIEF RABBI SPEAKS

Greeting participants were Mayanot Dean Rabbi Shlomo Gestetner and Executive Director Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov.

Over the evening, Mayanot in all its facets – from men’s and women’s programs, Taglit Birthright Israel provider, shul, Crown Heights Shul led by Rabbi Avrohom Silver, and community center – really shone.

Gani Goodman, a Mayanot alumna, opened the evening, then Rabbi Yona Metzger, Chief Rabbi of Israel, made some of his first remarks following the events of the conflict in the Middle East.

Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot had everyone singing along with a prayer of peace. Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky brought greetings from World Lubavitch Headquarters and remarked “Mayanot creates clarity.”

Coordinating the spectacular evening was Moshe Silver, event planner and administrator.

To learn more about Mayanot, visit mayanot.edu.