Chabad Annual Gala Unites a Dynamic Jewish Community in Greenwich

After much snow was cleared from Saturday’s blizzard, The Hyatt  Regency Greenwich hosted the Chabad of Greenwich and Camp Gan Israel’s Annual Gala. All celebrated its growth and success in an evening of inspiration, motivation and connection.

It also gave community members the opportunity to better appreciate the global impact of Chabad-Lubavitch and its underlying philosophy, and spend some quality time with fellow Jews from around the area.

Keynote Address from Joseph Telushkin - named "one of the 50 best speakers in the united States", we agree. Credit: Karen Sheer

Keynote Address from Joseph Telushkin – named “one of the 50 best speakers in the United States”, we agree. Credit: Karen Sheer

Gathering together at the cocktail hour, Rabbi Yossi and Maryashie Deren, and Rabbi Menachem and Chani Feldman were chatting with the crowd, loved ones and friends, while enjoying the energy the Chabad of Greenwich family.

Rabbi Menachem and friends chatting and celebrating the evening. Credit: Karen Sheer

Rabbi Menachem and friends chatting and celebrating the evening. Credit: Karen Sheer

Honorees included Madeline and Scott Simon, for their fierce commitment to the community, and Bruna Voldman, who received the youth award for her dedication and accomplishments.

Scott and Madeline Simon, the guests of honor. Credit: Karen Sheer

Scott and Madeline Simon, the guests of honor. Credit: Karen Sheer

Bruna Voldman, a sophomore at Brandies University received the Youth Award. Credit: Karen Sheer

Bruna Voldman, a sophomore at Brandies University received the Youth Award. Credit: Karen Sheer

Guest speaker, Joseph Telushkin gave the much anticipated keynote address, introduced by Rabbi Yossi Deren. A whimsical opening presentation interpreted the “Star Wars” phenomenon as translated to the modern Jew – and lightened the moment with abundant laughter.

Joseph Telushkin’s message included a vivid, panoramic view of Rabbi Schneerson – in each of his many roles as dynamic spiritual leader from Rebbe, his eighteenth book.

He emphasized “Love your fellow, and not just those who agree with you”, and other lessons learned form his exploration of Rabbi Schneerson, and recounts how the Rebbe fundamentally transformed notions of the human potential. He believed individuals were capable of much more than we imagine for ourselves.

Telushkin interjected a personal story as well, a humorous depiction of his father, who was the Rebbe’s personal accountant, which brought us all closer to the influential Rabbi, depicted in the nearly 600 page book, Rebbe (on the New York Times Best-Seller List.)

All were moved and stimulated by the core message of his speech, how the Rebbe “empowered people and created leaders.” Themes of personal caring and kindness filled the room with optimism of the Jewish faith.

Credit: Karen Sheer

Credit: Karen Sheer

Rabbi Yossi Deren introduces Joseph Telushkin. Credit: Karen Sheer

Rabbi Yossi Deren introduces Joseph Telushkin. Credit: Karen Sheer

Credit: Karen Sheer

Credit: Karen Sheer

Guests were served an array of tempting appetizers, from spreads with pickled vegetables to homemade, plump dumplings. Credit: Karen Sheer

Guests were served an array of tempting appetizers, from spreads with pickled vegetables to homemade, plump dumplings. Credit: Karen Sheer

Music sets the tone for a lovely evening. Credit: Karen Sheer

Music sets the tone for a lovely evening. Credit: Karen Sheer

Guests posed for the camera. Credit: Karen Sheer

Guests posed for the camera. Credit: Karen Sheer

Raising the spirit with a fun "Star Wars" presentation, connecting with modern Jews. Credit: Karen Sheer

Raising the spirit with a fun”Star Wars” presentation, connecting with modern Jews. Credit: Karen Sheer

Credit: Karen Sheer

Credit: Karen Sheer

Credit: Karen Sheer

Credit: Karen Sheer

Credit: Karen Sheer

Credit: Karen Sheer

Credit: Karen Sheer

Credit: Karen Sheer


 

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