Monroe Chabad Celebrates 13

As the ‘Hakhel’ year began, just after Rosh Hashanah, hundreds filled the hall in celebration of the 13th anniversary—“Bar Mitzvah” of Chabad Jewish Center of Monroe Township, New Jersey, led by its directors, Rabbi Eliezer and Chanie Zaklikovky, with a sold-out concert by international singing sensation Dudu Fisher.

This was Fisher’s second appearance in Monroe, sponsored by Chabad.

As the evening came and the shining sun began to set, men and women began pouring into the beautiful auditorium of the newly built Monroe Township High School Performing Arts Center, for what was to be a highly inspirational evening, where Jewish pride came alive and Chabad’s 13 years of activities were highlighted.

Mrs. Chanie Zaklikovsky greeted the crowd warmly and introduced special guest, head Shliach of the state of New Jersey, Rabbi Moshe Herson, who shared a chapter of Tehillim for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Israel, as well as our US troops around the world. He also highlighted the statewide activities of the 53 Chabad centers in NJ. Rabbi Zaklikovsky shared an inspirational New Year message.

A beautiful video was shown, titled “A Time to expand”, highlighting the 13 years of accomplishments by Chabad Jewish Center of Monroe, and the announcement of its recent acquisition of land, and the launching of its new building campaign.

The highlight of the evening, of course, was Broadway sensation Dudu Fisher, who masterfully entertained the crowd for close to 2 hours non-stop with stories, anecdotes, songs and personal history, bringing joy, tears, laughs, and applause to the crowd.

His talent to convey the message and values of Yiddishkeit, Torah and Mitzvot, and strong Jewish pride are legendary, and reverberated throughout the show, penetrating the hearts of all the participants.

He spoke warmly of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, and Chabad’s efforts throughout the world. He also shared a moving story of the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, blessing his grandmother in 1932, that she should give birth to a healthy child (which was Dudu’s mother). The Rebbe’s letter appeared on the large screen for all to see.

A special moment occurred when Dudu presented a “Chabd’sker Nigun”, a jovial melody from the ‘Tzemach Tzedek’, third Chabad Rebbe. He spontaneously invited Rabbi Zaklikovsky to join him on the stage, with everyone in the crowd participating by singing, clapping, and dancing along, culminating in a standing ovation and thunderous applause.

Chabad Jewish Center is determined to redouble its efforts in the greater community with many new programs and initiatives going forward, B’ezrat Hashem.