Hundreds Gather to Pay Tribute to Chabad at Their 11th Anniversary Dinner

LITCHFIELD, CT [CHI] — 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 Yosef and Mina Eisenbach and the honorees at their Eleventh Anniversary Dinner.

On October 28, 2007, Chabad Lubavitch of Northwest Connecticut celebrated eleven years of commitment by honoring some of the staunch supporters during these 11 years and taking a whimsical look at the differences between then and now.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

“When we were first sent to Northwest CT in 1996 with the inspiration of our beloved Rebbe, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of blessed memory,” remarked Rabbi Eisenbach, “people asked us what we were doing here. Today, eleven short years later, we have become an established presence in the community, recognized as a center of activity, infusing Jewish life with meaning and joy.”

Hundreds celebrated Chabad’s accomplishments at the gala event, which attracted people from all walks of life, including Chabad’s core supporters and friends. One of the highlights was the launching of the Chabad Building campaign Raffle of 1000 tickets for a Mini Cooper at $1000.00 each, over 150 were sold that evening!

Rebekah MacFarlane opened the evening by welcoming the honorees, dinner chairmen and guests. Rabbi Eisenbach was delighted to introduce the crowd to the well-deserved honorees: Robert MacFarlane, president and chief executive officer of Homes for America Holdings, was recognized as Man of the Year for his support of Chabad Lubavitch.

Bob Zelinger, who is involved in the Jewish community along with a number of other charitable organizations in the area, was given the Community Service Award. Drs. Jacqueline Lustig and Ephraim Bartfeld were honored as Parents of the Year. In addition to being personal friends of Rabbi Yosef and Mina Eisenbach, the honorees were recognized for their ongoing devotion and support to Chabad’s numerous causes throughout the years.

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 Hollywood Comedian Mark Shiff, followed by an elegant dinner and silent auction. During the dinner, the guests enjoyed musical entertainment by the Waterbury Symphony orchestra.

Northwest Connecticut has scores of organizations, yet Chabad stands out amongst the rest, constantly offering ongoing communal events and programs for all ages. Chabad’s Eleventh Anniversary 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 Connecticut definitely would not be the same without them!”

Rabbi Eisenbach who along with his wife Mina, serves as the director of Chabad of Northwest Connecticut, thanked everyone for participating in the dinner and for their unwavering support over the years.

To view more photos of the dinner, please log on to www.chabadnw.org/dinner