Gala Dinner Fetes 22 Years of Chabad in Riverdale
The Garden Terrace Room at the New York Botanical Garden was filled to capacity this past Motzai Shabbos, Yud Shevat, January 11, 2014, as 300 supporters and friends gathered to celebrate Chabad of Riverdale’s 22nd anniversary. Among the distinguished guests were Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Councilman Andrew Cohen, and State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein.
In an eloquent speech, Shliach Rabbi Levi Y. Shemtov, noted that the celebrations were taking place on a most significant date in the Chassidic calendar – the 64th anniversary of the passing of the Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory. Just a year later after the Sixth Rebbe’s passing, his son-in-law, the Seventh Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, zt”l, formally accepted the leadership in 1951.
Despite the disillusionment and depression that pervaded world Jewry in the wake of the Holocaust, the Rebbe made it his mission to spread the sweetness of Judaism to each and every Jew. In that vein, the Rebbe sent shluchim wherever a Jew may be found, in order to uplift fallen spirits and advance Jewish education and observance.
The Rebbe’s mission is alive and well in Chabad of Riverdale today. The evening’s theme, the Aleph Bet of Jewish Life, drew a connection between 22 years of Chabad in Riverdale and the 22 letters of the Aleph Bet. This year’s unique and exquisite dinner journal was the product of community collaboration as each page was dedicated to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet and its accompanying theme.
Treasured members of the Riverdale community – old and new faces, Early Learning Center and Camp Gan Israel parents, shul and committee members, devoted volunteers, JLI students, Shabbaton participants, Jewish Women’s Circle members – joined together in this journal to share their own unique perspective of each facet of Jewish life at Chabad. Rabbi Shemtov remarked in his speech that “the spirit of unity and diversity that characterizes the journal truly exemplifies life at Chabad.”
Rachel and Daniel Friedlander, the Guests of Honors, were recognized for their contribution to the rich tapestry of Jewish life both in Chabad and beyond. During the dinner, Daniel gave a heartfelt speech describing how the Jewish community of Riverdale is blessed with Chabad of Riverdale’s leaders, Rabbi Levi and Sorah Shemtov. On both a personal and communal level, the Shemtovs have enriched Jewish life in Riverdale and the Bronx.
Elissa and Steven Seltzer were honored as Parents of the Year. Of their two children, their eldest daughter, Daniella, age 3, is in her second year at Chabad’s Early Learning Center, and eight-month-old brother Judah is looking forward to joining his sister. Since Daniella started attending the CELC, Elissa has served as class mother, chaperoned on trips, and organized gifts for the teachers.
In his speech, Steven Seltzer paid glowing tribute to the Chabad Early Learning Center: “Songs are always in the air at CELC—there is a spirit of music that permeates every classroom. Teaching the kids in song—whether it is in their daily activities, in preparation for a holiday, learning the aleph bet—there is always music and melody. I am amazed at how much Daniella has learned through song. We truly are grateful to CELC for all they have done to make the school a warm and caring environment. It is a place where Daniella loves to go—she is always skipping off in the morning, happy all day long.”
A stirring and captivating video that highlighted Chabad of Riverdale’s inspiring programs moved guests to tears as they watched a father and son enjoy a celebratory dance at Chabad one Sunday morning as the sixteen-year-old boy donned Tefillin for the first time in his life. They also listened to Suzanne Haray, a loyal and passionate member of the community, describe how Chabad has changed and enriched her life immeasurably. “When I showed up at Chabad, I connected with the Shemtovs right away. I didn’t know a lot. They weren’t fazed at all. They said, ‘That’s what Chabad is. It’s a place where you can come, learn, and be yourself.’” Suzanne ended her interview with these words: “Chabad of Riverdale has totally opened up a new world for me. At Chabad of Riverdale, no Jew is left behind.”
The evening ended on a high note as guests were wiping their eyes – this time with tears of laughter – after 45 minutes of listening to comedian Joel Chasnoff’s unique brand of Jewish humor based on positive experiences of Jewish life. The electric atmosphere felt in the room during the event erupted in spirited dancing. This was accompanied by the special warmth and love that is the trademark of Chabad.
