The highly anticipated unveiling of the new stained glass windows at the Chabad Markham synagogue on Green Lane took place with a ceremony of grandeur and splendor on Monday night, September 26 2016.
Over 200 people attended the elegant event catered by Chabad’s very own Shazzies catering who prepared a sumptuous barbeque featuring their famous original one-of- a- kind delicacies off the grill.
The room was unusually radiant as there was a very unique aura created by the new stained glass windows depicting the twelve tribes of Israel, the handiwork of Ontario artist Tom Green.
As the crowd enjoyed the meal they were entertained by the moving music of violin virtuoso Debra Orenstein. Toby Berkel offered to taste the fine wines of the new Ontario Tzipfona Winery and a cooking demonstration was presented by master chefs Lee Johnson and Jordan Weiner.
Rabbi Avraham Plotkin, executive director of Chabad Markham and his co-director and wife Goldie invited the crowd to join them for an original candle lighting dedication ceremony in the front of the sanctuary. Every donor family were called up to the podium to light a special candle dedicating their respective tribe’s window. An explanation was given of the significance of each window and the tribe that it represented.
“The windows which adorn the synagogue are windows of light, which is why we chose to dedicate them with candles,” said Rabbi Plotkin.
Under each window a beautiful glass plaque was unveiled recognizing the donors and whom they chose to honor.
With the High holidays approaching and in recognition of the inspiration of the Rebbe a video by Jewish Educational Media about the Rebbe was presented. The video called Challenge speaks of how the Rebbe challenged his followers never to be satisfied with their previous accomplishments and always continue to greater heights.
In the spirit of this powerful message, the next stained glass campaign was then announced and that day four new donors have came to the plate, heeding to the Rebbe’s challenge and successfully implementing it right away.
I always have a feeling of nostalgia when I read about events in Toronto
Strength to strength
Rabbi g
Youre the best
Your smile just lights up the world around you, inside and outside
You inspire me how you look at life that it isn’t only about giving and lighting up those in your chabad house, but even those frum young people you hired.
You’ve taught me lessons for a lifetime.
A grateful Hebrew school teacher
A true blessing to the community when we have such remarkable leadership of Rabbi and Rabbinette Plotkin. Markham is a community that is part of the Greater Toronto Area under the dynamic leadership of Rabbi Spalter. Over the years, the growth has been amazingly remarkable.
The windows look beautiful