CHIEF RABBI GRACES CHABAD DINNER
Israeli Chief Rabbi, Yona Metzger attended and spoke at Chabad of South Broward's 26th Annual Dinner, held Sunday, March 11th, at the Westin Diplomat Resort in Hollywood, Florida.
The Chief Rabbi praised Rabbi Raphael and Rebbitzen Goldie Tennenhaus for their leadership role in spreading Judaism in Broward County and for the programs they have created that touch the lives of thousands.
"Even in Israel, we do not have a Chanukah Festival with the mega crowds that you attract each year. To establish Chabad Houses practically one mile away from the next Chabad House, as you have successfully done in South Broward, is phenomenal", the Chief Rabbi enthusiastically remarked to the crowd of hundreds of supporters and friends.
Rabbi Metzger was deeply moved by Chabad's plans to build three Mikvaos at their Hallandale Beach headquarters, including a Mikvah for the physically challenged.
The dinner itself was an overwhelming success. Greetings were heard from Dinner Co-chairmen Bernie Friedman and Dr. Barry Alter. Mr. Friedman is a partner in the prestigious law firm Becker & Poliakoff, where Rabbi Tennenhaus conducts regular lunch 'n learns and Dr. Alter is the past president of the Jewish Federation of Broward County. The Harbor Islands Community Rabbi, Isser Dovid Silverman, read the Rebbe's letter to a previous dinner. Rabbi Yossy Lebovics, principal of the Chaya Aydel Seminary, Florida's only Teacher's College for Women, recited Psalms 105 and 20. Hindy Chazanow, a student at the Seminary, shared a very inspiring Dvar Torah. Mr. Max Rubenstein was honored with the traditional HaMotzie, and Rabbi Ruvi New, Professor of Chassidic Thought at the Seminary and Shliach in Boca Raton, led the first melody accompanied by the Tekiah Orchestra, as many took to the two dance floors.
Guest speaker, Mrs. Rivkah Slonim, from Binghamton, NY, touched all in attendance with her uplifting and inspiring words, encouraging many in attendance to use the Mikvah for the first time in their lives.
Mikvah architect, Mr. Joe Kaller, who has developed Mikvahs in Miami Beach and Boca Raton, assured that the Mikvah, to be named Mei Menacham, will be completed at year's end.
All dinner guests received Mrs. Slonim's bestseller "Total Immersion" along with a silver Pushke and an attractive Dinner Journal.
As usual, the highlight of the dinner was the Dinner Awards Ceremony.
Graciously receiving the Young Leadership Award was Avi and Sharon Frier, Avi being the publisher of the Florida Jewish News, and the Honorable Jennifer Gottlieb,accepted the Leadership in Education Award. Mrs. Gottlieb is an elected member of the Broward County School Board, one of the country's largest, with 170,000 students.
The final adwardee, a pillar of strength and kindness to the entire community, was Mrs. Margie Szerer who received the coveted Aishet Chayil-Woman of Valor Award. Mrs. Szerer inspired all in attendance as did the other honorees, with words spoken from the heart that entered the hearts of all in attendance.
Over 20 Shluchim attended the dinner, including Florida head Shliach Rabbi Abraham Korf, the head Shliach of South Dade, Rabbi Yaakov Fellig, and the head Shliach of North Broward/South Palm Beach, Rabbi Yossi Biston. Other Dignitaries at the dinner included Jewish Federation CEO Mr. Eric Stillman, Jewish Federation Past President, Dr. Robert Pittell and Hallandale Beach Commissioner Keith London.
Chabad of South Broward announced plans not only to complete the Mikvah project by the end of 2007, but also to open a pre-school in January 2008 at their headquarters.
A special thanks for coordinating the dinner goes to Rabbi Moshe Schwartz, Aviva Fellig, Mrs. Adele Fisher and Dinner co-chairs Mr. Steve Kerzer, the Honorable Eleanor Sobel and Mrs. Karen Firestone.
Click Here to see pictures of the dinner