Oholei Torah holds Tribute Dinner

Photos: Shimon Roumani – Portrait Gallery

This past Sunday evening, over 700 guests gathered to pay tribute to Educational Institute Oholei Torah, and the evening’s honorees.

As the guests entered the spacious halls they were greeted by Rabbi Joseph Rosenfeld, Executive Director, and Rabbi Sholom Rosenfeld, Director.
The Dinner event opened with lavish smorgasbord in the Mezzanine Hall, followed by a sit down Dinner in the Gutnick Ballroom.

The evening was opened with the blessing of Hamotzi by Reb Shlomo Baum, a long time friend and supporter of Oholei Torah, followed by the reading of the Rebbe’s letter.

This year as a memorial tribute to Rabbi Hirshel Chitrik, a”h, a video was played from a year when he read the letter.

A dvar torah was delivered by Isaac Abelsky, a talmid in the Oholei Torah Mesivta, and was in memory of his Father Reb Moshe Abelsky, a”h.

Mendel Kugel and Avrohom Schneerson, both Oholei Torah students entertained the guests with a Violin duet performance.

Rabbi Maier Rotenstreich was called to the podium with his wife Libby, as Rabbi Yankel Pinson, a member of the executive Board of Oholei Torah presented them with the Chessed Award. Rabbi Rotenstreich then addressed the crowd with the importance of Oholei Torah, and how we see today that Oholei Torah truly built Lubavitch today.

Morah Faige Winner-Hertzel was presented with the Educators Leadership Award. A standing ovation from all the evening participants expressed the feelings and admiration that Morah Faige truly deserves.

In a most moving presentation, Rebbetzin Esther Teitelbaum, co-founder of Oholei Torah presented the award to Morah Faige. Rebbetzin Teitelbaum, who b”h, recently recovered from an illness, expressed her deep admiration to Morah Faige as an outstanding educator and as a true friend.

A video presentation was shown honoring Yoseph Yitzchok and Batsheva Popack, the Dinner Chairpeople, unveiling the progress in the re-building of the East Flatbush Kindergarten Campus, and how it will be named in their honor. Guests were most impressed with the progress of the building, after it was destroyed by a fire less than a year ago.

During the evening a dedication was made for the Rochel Pinson Bridal Suite, which was open for the guests to see and marvel at its beauty.

Rabbi Joseph Rosenfeld presented Reb Sholom Ber and Shoshana Drizin with an award in admiration for their contribution towards the Bridal Suite. Reb Sholom Ber gave his personal blessings to Rabbi Rosenfeld, as he carries the great responsibility for such an important Institute.

A truly magnificent video presentation was shown about the unique spirit found in Oholei Torah, produced by Oholei Torah parents.

A most impressive Journal was distributed to the guests with over 300 pages of memories, articles, greeting and advertisements. A special mention was made in memory of Reb Moshe Ablesky o”h and Reb Dovid Malka o”h, staff members of Oholei Torah who recently passed away.
The Master of Ceremonies was Rabbi Nosson Blumes, Director of Development, who thanked the guests for showing their support.