Carried by Kindness: Highlights from the Annual Bikur Cholim Breakfast
The Oholei Torah Ballroom was filled to capacity this past Sunday as women from across Crown Heights gathered for Bikur Cholim’s Annual Breakfast, an elegant and deeply moving morning centered around this year’s theme, “Carried by Kindness.”
The program was emceed by Ruthie Kirschenbaum, who guided the morning with warmth and poise, weaving together the event’s message of legacy, community, and practical chesed.
The emotional centerpiece of the morning was the highly anticipated keynote address by Manya Lazaroff, Shlucha to Texas A&M University. Manya shared the harrowing and ultimately miraculous story of her son’s survival following the tragic attack at Bondi Beach, offering a firsthand account of fear, faith, trauma, and the extraordinary strength that comes when a family is surrounded by love.
Her words brought the theme of the morning into sharp focus: in moments when a family cannot stand on its own, the kindness of others becomes the force that carries them forward. Many in the room were moved to tears as she described the outpouring of support that helped sustain her family through the unimaginable.
Watch: The Full Keynote Address by Manya Lazaroff
This theme of continuity was beautifully captured in the screening of “A Community Carried: The Bikur Cholim Story.” Artfully directed by Bentzy Avtzon, the film traced the organization’s growth from its earliest founding members to the essential lifeline it has become today.
The breakfast was dedicated in memory of Mrs. Itu Lustig a”h, one of Bikur Cholim’s original pioneers, whose life embodied the very essence of communal care. Her granddaughter, Miriam Heber, shared moving reflections on Mrs. Lustig’s life after the Holocaust, describing how she transformed unimaginable pain into a life of kindness, faith, and service to others.
A particularly moving highlight of the morning was the recognition of Esther Blau, who received a standing ovation from the crowd. Known and beloved by the many families she has helped, Esther spoke with heartfelt sincerity about her decades of experience supporting countless individuals through illness and uncertainty.
The organization also honored Chana Marinovsky, recognizing her proactive involvement in chesed and tireless dedication to local causes.
The ballroom was transformed into an elegant garden-party setting, centered around the magnificent floral arrangements generously donated by Chani Greenbaum and the delicious, sophisticated spread co-sponsored and catered by Holesome Bagels and refined tablescapes beautifully set by Yom Tov Settings, all brought together through the seamless production of Mendel Rosenfeld, Swiss Events.
The breakfast was made possible through the dedication of the Bikur Cholim Breakfast Committee: Shulamis Pellin, Rivka Bryski, Grunie Grossman, Rosie Levertov, Chani Markowitz, Shaina B. Ezagui, and Shani Pinson.
Bikur Cholim extends heartfelt thanks to every sponsor, donor, volunteer, vendor, and guest whose partnership made the event such a success. Most of all, Bikur Cholim thanks the Crown Heights community for continuing to show up, at the breakfast and throughout the year.
Together, we are a community carried by kindness and a community that carries each other with care.
Congratulations to this year’s auction winners:
Yaffee Wig – Mintz
Malkie Wig – Bella Werde
Laine Jewelers – Chana
Tzfasman Jewelers – Yael Schottenstein
Cancun – Rochie Lieberman
Kosher Town – E. Katz
MacBook – Chanie Pinson
Chaya Engel Photography – Shterna A.
Stroller, Everything but the Baby – Marni Eve Segal
Color by Lea Mink – Masha Donat
Elite Sterling – Malkie and Benny Yerushalmy
A special thank you to this years auction sponsors: Yaffie Begun Wigs, Leah Loksen, Malkie Wigs, Needle and Lace, Levi & Sheini Laine, Tzfasman Jewelers, YB Travel, Shoshe in memory of Shimmy Ben-Abou, Esriel and Gitty Rappoport, Chaya Engel Photography, Young Timers, Lea Mink Color, Everything But the Baby, Elite Sterling & Friends of Bikur Cholim.
photo credits to Miriam Karelin Photography
To continue supporting Bikur Cholim’s vital work, please visit bikurcholimch.org.
