Beautiful New Chabad House Dedicated in Clearwater

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the 5th of Shevat, 5775, a crowd of nearly two-hundred men, women, children and over a Minyan of Shluchim from Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Venice, and Gainesville, Florida gathered at Chabad of Clearwater to dedicate the four-thousand square foot Tabacinic Chabad Center and launch the ‘CommUnity Torah.’

The event opened with Rabbi Sholom Adler, Director of Chabad of Pinellas County, who delivered greetings and led the assembled in the recitation of Kapitel 20 for the safety and security of the Jewish people in the Holy Land and around the world.

Next up was Rabbi Avrohom Korf, Head Chabad Emissary to the State of Florida, who delivered the Dvar Torah. Rabbi Korf was followed by George N. Cretekos, Mayor of Clearwater, who read and presented a Proclamation marking Sunday January 25th as “Chabad Day of Goodness and Kindness.”

Honored with the guest address was Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Chairman of the International Conference of Chabad Lubavitch Emissaries and Vice Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch – Lubavitch World Headquarters.

In introducing Rabbi Kotlarsky, Shliach Levi hodakov, Director of Chabad of Clearwater, thanked him for serving as the liaison to the Tabacinic family and for being a “a pillar of guidance and support to myself and my fellow Chabad Rabbis across the globe.”

Closing remarks were delivered by the Shliach, who told the assembled that “The magnificent Chabad center and this beautiful 1.25 acres are nothing short of a miracle. Just 3 years young, Chabad of Clearwater is truly blessed with this property. There is one couple to thank for this miracle, they were unable to make it here today, but Mr. and Mrs. Morris and Lillian Tabacinic of Bal Harbor, FL, modern day Rothschilds, are the reason why we are here today. Through their unbelievable generosity, they have lifted Chabad of Clearwater from the Minor leagues to the Majors.” He also thanked all the donors who contributed to the project.

Mavin and Linda Feldman, the lead local donors, were honored with the ribbon-cutting and were joined by the Rabbis.
Following the ribbon cutting, Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky affixed the Mezuzah.

Once inside the center, Rabbi Moshe Barrocas, the Sofer who flew in from Pittsburgh for the occasion, with the assistance of those on hand, began inscribing the first few verses of the ‘CommUnity Torah.’

While the Sofer was busy, the crowd enjoyed the extensive menu of delicious hot hors d’oeuvres, fine wines, Sushi sponsored by Sushi Spot in Crown Heights and tantalizing desserts flown in from and sponsored by the famous World of Chantilly Bakery in Brooklyn, NY.

The kids, who were busy having fun all afternoon long on the moon bounces, made sure to take a break to enjoy the franks in blanks.

Special custom-made leather Yarmulkas were distributed as a memento.

To participate in the great Mitzvah of helping write the CommUnity Torah, please visit www.JewishClearwater.com.

Photos by Bob Colmer/Shmais.com

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