Chabad of Novato Celebrates 1st Anniversary

NOVATO, CA — More than 70 people attended The Chabad Jewish Center of Novato’s one year anniversary on Monday May 20 at the Novato Oaks Inn.

Rabbi Menachem Landa greeted the crowd and graciously thanked the community for the positive feedback.

“I look back at the year and we realize that all that has happened is thanks to the committed people here and all that is on the bright horizon can only be a reality as a community of people coming together,” Landa said.

Lisa Satkin, an art teacher and somatic therapist, spoke about the impact the Landas have made on her family. Satkin has two daughters in the Jewish Kids Club.

Mentalist Marc Salem put on a show. He has vast experience on Broadway and had three sell-out seasons at the London Theater. His show, “Mind Games” had the audience enthralled.

Judith Borowsky, who has been actively involved in building the Jewish community since she met the Landas 10 months ago, spoke about the importance of having a Jewish presence in Novato.

Adina Landa, co-director of the Jewish Center, concluded the evening with words about the power of the individual. Just as the Jews in the desert in Biblical times were counted the Landas conducted their own census. In the past year they have touched the lives of 712 Jewish men, women and children in Novato.

The Chabad Jewish Center runs a multitude of programs including Jewish Kids Club, Jewish Women’s Circle, Bar/Bat Mitzva preparation, holiday events and services, senior and hospital visitation and adult education. A special “L’Chaim” toast was made for continued growth and expansion in the coming year.