An Evening of Elegance for a Most worthy Cause

MCKINNON, Australia [CHI] — Kimberley Gardens saw an evening of elegance this past Monday, 20 August, as JCOM – Jewish Centre Ormond McKinnon – held its first annual fundraising dinner.

Wined and dined on delicious fare, 120 participants heard first hand from residents of the Ormond McKinnon area, how much their lives had been touched and enhanced by the educational, social, and spiritual programs provided by the centre.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

Under the directorship of Rabbi Levi Kurinsky and his wife, Channie, the centre’s goal is to be a warm, welcoming and vibrant catalyst for Jewish education and experience in the neighbourhood.

A moving video presentation portrayed some of JCOM’s past programming with Jewish families and singles over the past two years. From holiday visits to senior citizens, to children’s rallies, from stimulating lectures for couples to a unique kindergarten experience for youngsters, Rabbi Levi and Channie’s enthusiasm and dedication were apparent for all to see.

Chaired by Dr. Victor Majzner, prominent Australian artist, author of the famous Australian Haggadah, and long time friend of JCOM, with addresses by Mr. Eugene Skliar, Mr. Oren Biton, and Mr. Simon Walles each dimension of JCOM was highlighted by the real people for whom they have made a difference.

Guest speaker, Mrs Yocheved Adelman from the USA underscored the importance of putting the needs of others before your own through her humorous rendition of her own life’s journey form shy little English girl, to director of a large Jewish student outreach centre in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Plans for a new expanded centre were unveiled by an enthusiastic Rabbi Kurinsky and credit for all the accomplishments of the centre until this point was attributed to the vision and devotion of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

The evening concluded with an impassioned exhortation by Mr. Eric Kornhauser, to become a partner in changing the lives of our fellow Jews as we prepare for the upcoming holiday of Rosh Hashana, by contributing to the JCOM building fund. This in turn will encourage the Almighty to enhance our lives with a sweet, happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.

As participants sipped coffee and savoured delicious desserts, the beautiful strains of the violin of Alexander Vircoy were the final touches to a heart warming evening of elegance for a most worthy cause. As one participant emphatically concluded, “Book us in for next year!”