Chabad Lubavitch of Greenwich recently celebrated 14 years of inspiration, education and the enrichment of Jewish life in this beautiful suburban community. A gala dinner was held at Tamarack Country Club on Thursday night, 6 Adar 1, where 300 men and women enjoyed an evening of fine cuisine and lively social company. The program of speakers and honorees focused on the meaningful impact Chabad has on the lives of Jews from all walks of life in Greenwich.
The highlight of the event was keynote speaker Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, NJ, who was introduced by his close friend Rabbi Shmully Hecht, founder of Chabad at Yale and spiritual advisor of Eliezer – the Jewish Society at Yale. In a powerful tone of conviction and pride the Mayor implored his audience, “If you’re Jewish, then BE Jewish!” Drawing from the Parsha of the week, he contrasted the mitzvah of Aaron’s clothing in the Tabernacle vs. Adam’s clothing after the Sin of the Tree of Knowledge. “Judaism is not about shame – it’s about wearing your identity with pride! This is what Chabad teaches us and this is the example all people must follow if humanity is to thrive!”
Chabad’s gala was their 8th annual event and celebrated the contributions of 7 special individuals: Teen of the Year Sophie Lewis, Partners in Education Eli and Liwen Yaacoby, Guests of Honor Steve and Sandra Oster and Community Service honorees Dr. Steven and Andi Fern. The Directors of Chabad of Greenwich, Rabbi Yossi and Maryashie Deren and Rabbi Menachem and Chani Feldman presented the honorees with their awards and the crowd was treated to slideshows highlighting the myriad events and programs at Chabad, including Preschool, Hebrew School, Camp Gan Israel and the Synagogue Center.
Mayor Booker was presented with the Tikun Olam award by his longtime friend David Messer, a benefactor of Chabad of Greenwich and current President of the local Jewish day school, Carmel Academy. The evening concluded with a “call to action” by the President of Chabad Dr. Dan Fass who said that “much of our work still lies ahead of us and I encourage all of you to join in the efforts to continue making Chabad the vibrant spiritual home it is for so many of us”.
Many thanks were offered to John Raybin, Stacy Young, the Chairs, Committee and incredibly devoted office staff at Chabad for a very memorable evening.
i was there at the greenwich chabad dinner and i think that you guys were absolutely amazing, you touched my soul and everyone’s at my table. To see you and your kids was amazing and i hope you continue being the most wonderful parents/guiders/soul inspirers.
Thank You,
Someone who greatly looks up to you.
You gave both breat speeches and wakened everone’s soul keep being the tzadikim you are,
from someone closer then you think and is watching you amost everyday
Given over to the affecting every yid,much hatzlocho
A fan
mariashe and yossie, you are incredilbe role models to the hundreds of young girls who spend the summers with you and see first hand true chassidim and shluchim. The example you have set for your community and all of those whose lives you touch is admired and respected by all.
keep your chassidishkiet going strongl. we need more like you.
your families should be so proud!
it couldnt have been said better! ditto to everything you wrote! maryashie and yossi you make us all so proud! you r truly and example to us all!!!!
Are role models for all Shluchim, Inspiration to all, Pnimiusdigeh & Chassidishe Shluchim to the core, No Blitus just Emes. Keep up your great work.
A Gerlitzky Fan!