Mayor Identified Rebbe From TV

By COLlive reporter
Photos by Ben Katan

The elegant reception hall at the Terrace in Vaughan, a city in Canada’s Southern Ontario, was filled last month with buoyant good cheer as friends and supporters arrived for a Chabad dinner.

Hundreds joined together in unity to honor and support Shmuel Zahavy Cheder Chabad in Thornhill, founded 25 years ago with 11 students and with a current enrollment of close to 200 boys.

Two influential couples in the community who have a direct connection with the school were honored: Gavin and Corine Lange, grandparents of students, and Mikhail and Chana Bulman as Parents of the Year.

Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevelacqua, a former member of the Canadian Parliament and 2006 candidate for the Liberal Party leadership, was also honored at the gala.

“Last week I had the unique opportunity to visit the Cheder and interact with some of the students,” he told the attendees after receiving the award.

“I was very taken by the respect and discipline that the students portrayed. When I walked into the building I noticed a picture of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and I remembered watching the Rebbe on TV as a young student,” he concluded.

Farbrengens the Rebbe held at the main shul of 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, NY, were often broadcast on American cable TV as well as international networks and satellite.

Rabbi Yona Shur, Executive Director of the Cheder, explained the incredible impact that the Cheder has had over the community for the past 25 years.

“Torah studies and the renowened spirit of Chabad Lubavitch inspires our graduates to share and teach positive influences at home and abroad,” he said.

Many considered the highlight of the evening when star performer Avrohom Fried sang “G-d bless the children of the Cheder.”

The lights were dimmed and a beautiful slide show with pictures of the Cheder boys was displayed on the screen. The audience clapped along and enjoyed Fried’s spectacular performance.