Shliach Surprised at 40th Birthday

Rabbi Yossi Berkowitz, Director of Chabad of South Huntington Beach, thought he was going to an ordinary Sunday morning Shachris.

It turned out to be anything but ordinary. Awaiting him in Shul were 45 men who were there to Daven and put on Tefillin in honor of his 40th birthday.

“I knew this would be the most meaningful birthday present for my husband. The key was keeping it a complete surprise and Baruch Hashem, it was,” said Yiska Berkowitz, his wife and co-director. “The men hopped on board and were eager to attend, despite being asked to arrive at 7:45 on a Sunday morning.”

Rabbi Berkowitz, completely surprised, was thrilled to see so many men who rarely attend Shul in attendance.

Rabbi Berkowitz told the attendees, “It says in Pirkei Avos that one hour of Teshuva and Maasim Tovim is better than a life in the World to Come. I feel that this one hour of good deeds done here today by all of you is a slice of heaven.”

The men were treated to a grand breakfast following Shacharis, with delicious food, lechaims and good wishes, and photographs with the Rabbi and his friends and family.

“This gift will stay with me for a very long time,” Rabbi Berkowitz said. “To walk into Shul and see men who rarely step into Shul, men who have either never put on Tefillin or not for a really, really long time, is heartwarming and an inspiration to me. These men actually inspired me. The key now is to keep the momentum going, to keep everyone inspired,” he said.