Over 1,300 guests attend Colel Chabad dinner

Moments of inspiration and unprecedented Kiddush Hashem

New York City, December 19 -– The International Awards Dinner of Colel Chabad was a highly-charged and powerful event held in the New York Hilton on Tuesday, December 19 (28 Kislev).The event benefits the oldest Lubavitch institution in the world, founded by the Baal HaTanya, the Alter Rebbe. Colel Chabad has been headed by each Chabad Rebbe since.

A big gallery of beautiful pictures in the Extended Article!

Bankers, CEO’s, attorneys, journalists, physicians, professional athletes, writers, financiers, entrepreneurs, government leaders, both Jew and non-Jew, men and women from the entire spectrum of the business world were partners to a the annual gala saluting the multi-faceted activities of Colel Chabad and what it represents. The common denominator uniting all them was Chabad-Lubavitch, and their support for the work of Colel Chabad.

The reception included an extraordinary exhibition modeled after Jerusalem’s Old City. More than 40 projects of Colel Chabad were displayed as well as enormous map of Israel locating each of Colel Chabad’s projects, spanning the east, west, north and south. Although vast, each project focuses upon the individual and maintains his/her dignity and self-esteem.

The Chanukah atmosphere was truly felt as a beautiful Menorah, with 5 candles lit, adorned each table. The ceremony commenced with an invocation. Tehillim chapter 105 of the Rebbe was delivered by Sholom Mordecahi Rubashkin who headed a delegation of community leaders from Postville, IA who came specifically to honor the Rubashkin family. The Rubashkins have been deeply involved with Colel Chabad and its annual dinner celebration for many years.

Rabbi Sholom Duchman, as director of Colel Chabad, delivered a stirring overview of Colel Chabad activities, his annual “Shareholder’s Report” on ongoing and new projects – and major growth – in Israel and the former Soviet Union. Colel Chabad has taken an almost 40% rise over last year.

Colonel Jacob Goldstein, a good friend of the evening’s chairman, Russell Galbut, made a beautiful memorial tribute to Captain Hyman Galbut, Russell’s father.

The keynote address was delivered by the world renowned advocate of Chabad, Professor Alan Dershowitz. Professor Dershowitz praised the work of Colel Chabad, Chabad of Harvard and Chabad in general pointing out that our efforts are geared toward all Jews regardless of background or religious affiliation. He spoke about the legal work he did in the former Soviet Union during the communist regime. He shared how amazed he was that on every plane ride he was accompanied by a Lubavitcher going to do Shlichus in some remote city across Russia and Ukraine.

Throughout the program, the guests enjoyed the special family atmosphere that is always evident at the Colel Chabad dinner; for Colel Chabad and its friends and supporters are truly like one large family.