Northwest Connecticut Pays Tribute to Chabad
The feeling of appreciation and support for Chabad Lubavitch of Northwest Connecticut was palpable as an overwhelming crowd gathered to pay tribute to Chabad, Rabbi Joseph and Mina Eisenbach and the honorees at their celebration 18 Dinner.
Chabad celebrated by honoring some of the staunch supporters during these years and taking a whimsical look at the differences between then and now.
Hundreds celebrated Chabad’s accomplishments at the gala event, which attracted people from all walks of life, including Chabad’s core supporters and friends.
Chassidic pop star Benny Friedman opened the evening with a musical concert, “The whole place was rocking,” said an ecstatic Rabbi Joseph Eisenbach about Minnesota-born Benny Friedman. “Northwest CT has never seen anything like it before.”
Rabbi Eisenbach was delighted to introduce the crowd to the well-deserved honorees: Joe Connolly, Chief Marketing and Government Relations Officer of St. Marys Hospital, was recognized as Man of the Year for his support of Chabad Lubavitch and his caring and sensitivity to every segment of the Northwest CT community.
Elaine Merrell accepted the Community Service Award, in recognition of her late husband Rick Merrell‘s decade of support of Chabad’s projects.
Each honoree spoke briefly and each of them noted what an impact Chabad has made on their spiritual and familial lives.
The evening began with an elaborate reception, followed by a Musical concert with Benny, followed by an elegant dinner and silent auction. During the dinner, the guests enjoyed musical entertainment by Chony Milecki.
Northwest CT has scores of organizations, yet Chabad stands out from amongst the rest, constantly offering ongoing communal events and programs for all ages. Chabad’s Celebration 18 Dinner made a strong impression on all who attended. In the words of Dr. Josh Barzilay, “This dinner was truly the celebration of a lifetime! May G-d grant Chabad the funds to continue their vital work… Northwest CT definitely would not be the same without them!”
Rabbi Joseph I. Eisenbach, who along with his wife Mina serves as the director of Chabad of Northwest CT, thanked everyone for participating in the dinner and for their unwavering support over the years.
