Dinner Unites Oholei Torah Supporters

A most lavish affair, held in the grand ballrooms of Oholei Torah, gathered over 500 guests, parents and supporters to celebrate the 58th year of Oholei Torah.  Rabbi Sholom Rosenfeld, Director of Oholei Torah, commented that the wide spectrum of honorees and guests that the Oholei Torah dinners have included help ensure the growth and expansion of the mossad.

The Dinner Journal, with over 300 pages, was distributed, and also made available for the first time in year in a virtual version, is available for viewing at www.oholeitorah.com.

Rabbi Eliezer Teitelbaum, son of Oholei Torah’s founder Reb Michoel Teitelbaum, a”h, opened the evening with reading a letter from the Rebbe sent to a previous dinner in 1971, followed by a young bochur, Avrohom Drizin, who greeted the guests with a dvar Torah. A sichah of the Rebbe was shown, on the importance of giving one’s child the very best in chinuch, just as—if not more than—a parent gives their children in other matters.

Rabbi Mendel and Channy B. Drizin, dear friends of Oholei Torah and staunch supporters of Crown Heights Mosdos, were presented with the Guest of Honor award. Rabbi Joseph Rosenfeld, Executive Director, presented Rabbi Drizin with a silver wine decanter, wishing him the Brachos of Gefen (Gezunt, Parnosah and Nachas). Mrs. Malka Rosenfeld presented Mrs. Drizin with an Aishes Chayil award.

The Ostrow family paid tribute to Mrs. Ida Ostrow, former member of the Brooklyn Jewish Center, which today houses the anchor building of the Oholei Torah Campus. With most heartfelt thanks, Mrs. Ostrow wished Rabbi Nosson Blumes much success in reconnecting the old members with Oholei Torah, and encouraged others to show their support and be part of the growth of Oholei Torah. Rabbi Blumes presented to Mrs. Ostrow a pair of crystal and gold candlesticks, and to her son Dr. Gary Ostrow a unique picture of the Rebbe, with Oholei Torah seen in the background.

A memorial tribute was made in memory of Mr. Michael Rosenberg, a longtime friend of R. Dovid Deitsch and a staunch supporter of Oholei Torah. Mr. Rosenberg’s family and friends came together from across the USA to join the dinner event, and in an emotional speech Sam Rosenberg thanked Oholei Torah for remembering his father and committing to perpetuate his memory. Mr. Mottel Deitsch, senior member of the Board of Directors, presented the Rosenberg family with an award of silver bechers and custom leather tallis bags.

The key-note speaker was Rabbi Yehoshua B. Gordon, shliach to Chabad of the Valley, Calif. Rabbi Gordon electrified the crowd with his humor and wit, as he spoke of the importance Oholei Torah has to the Rebbe and to the Jewish people at large. (A full version of Rabbi Gordon’s speech with be forthcoming)

In recognition to the dedicated staff and faculty, a surprise raffle was held, with the winners receiving substantial gifts and awards. The prizes were graciously donated by the Oholei Torah administration and the devoted PTA Auxiliary.

Unique to this year was the permanent dedication of the Dovid and Sarah Deitsch Building, the anchor building for the Eastern Parkway campus. Rabbi Joseph Rosenfeld committed to the Deitsch family that the memory of their parents, known as the Tatteh and Mammeh of Oholei Torah, will never be forgotten.

The Dinner was coordinated by Rabbi Nosson Blumes and his dedicated office staff.

Photos by S. Roumani