MBD Entertains LA Cheder Menachem Trustees

On Sunday, the 17th of Adar/March 11, 2012, nearly 200 friends and supporters of Cheder Menachem Elementary Boys’ School in Los Angeles gathered at the elegant Neman Hall to celebrate the 10th Annual Trustees Banquet.

After Hors D’oeuvres and Cocktails the Trustees moved into the ballroom for a lavish meal, catered by Mendel Goldman of MGM Caterers, and for the Program. Exquisite centerpieces and Hollywood lighting created an exciting and warm ambience, as a photo montage of recent Cheder activity subtly played on two large screens.

Rabbi Yehoshua B. Gordon, Executive Director of Chabad of the Valley, opened the program by sharing a story about his grandfather, Rabbi Yochanan a”h Gordon who requested a bracha from the Frierdiker Rebbe before he moved to the United State. Rabbi Yochanan was concerned about the chinuch of his children since there was no Lubavitcher Yeshiva in the States. He requested a bracha that his children grow up to be frum Yidden, Chassidim connected to the Rebbe, and talmidim that are privileged to learn in the Rebbe’s Yeshiva. The Frierdiker Rebbe guaranteed him his blessing on each account. Rabbi Gordon ended the story by proudly announcing that there are, k”ah, 22 of his grandfather’s descendant currently learning in Cheder Menachem.

The theme of the event was “Building Towards Our Future.”

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Greenbaum, dean and principal, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the over 300 talmidim, melamdim & staff, to each and every one of the Cheder’s Trustees for their support, in the modern-day “Mishkan Building Campaign.” Rabbi Greenbaum ended by thanking the volunteer members of the Cheder Board of Trustees for their on-going support and their “We Can” attitude; Nota Berger, Mushi Fogelman, Rocky Forer, Mendel Goldman, Yossi Lipsker, Yossi Mayberg & Meilech Weiss.

Yossi Lipsker spoke on behalf of the Cheder’s Board of Trustees. He paid tribute to the Cheder’s trustees for their consistent support of the Cheder over the past decade, and their assistance and involvement in recently purchasing the Cheder property. He thanked Leib Lerner, a parent in the school, and a partner at the law firm of Alston & Bird LLP, for working on the Cheder property purchase and introducing him to his colleague, Ms. Pam Privett. Ms. Privett was then called to the stage to receive the “Lights of Triumph Menorah Award,” for her role in structuring the Cheder’s recent property acquisition. What began as a consultation – resulted in three months of ongoing professional expertise, all done Pro Bono (at no charge).

The board then surprised Mendel and Ciril Goldman with the “Gavel of Sustenance” Award. Mendel, a fellow Board member, played a key role in raising a major portion of the necessary funds to acquire the Cheder property under the pressure of a short deadline.

After a delicious second course was served, Mendy Goldman took to the podium, and called upon Dr. & Mrs. Ze’ev & Varda Rav-Noy, honoring them with the “Cup of Elijah Award” for their contribution towards the building fund and their unwavering commitment to the Cheder, even in the most difficult of times.

He then paid tribute to Mr. & Mrs. Frank & Lynn Menlo, for their significant contribution, which effectively launched the building campaign, making what seemed an insurmountable challenge – a reality!

“The Mezuzah Award” was presented to 10 honorees who “stepped up to the plate,” many for the first time – and others who significantly increased their annual gift to participate in the Cheder’s Building Campaign, making the impossible, feasible: Yoel & Dena Bess, Yehuda & Simi Feigin, Reb Shlomo & Gaby Goldner, Martin & Margaret Leaderman, Rabbi Uri & Bracha Mandelbaum, Yossi & Sara Mayberg, Yisroel Zev & Avigayil Rechnitz, Yossi & Yehudit Schneerson, Ira & Rachel Smedra and Meilach & Chana Weiss.

Special thanks to Rabbi Yisroel Hecht, Director of Development at Cheder who brought many of his donors to the event. The team effort at Cheder is the key to its success.

Headlining the evening’s entertainment was none other than the “king of Jewish music,” Mordechai Ben David, accompanied by the incomparable Freilach Orchestra. MBD quickly connected with everyone in the crowd as he sang a collection of classic oldies and some of his latest hits. Guests broke out in joyous dancing, which ultimately resulted in a spontaneous Kumzitz around the stage. It was a performance that will be remembered by all; inspiring, stirring, uplifting, joyous and captivating.

At the end of the evening every trustee was presented with a copy of the Cheder’s latest publication, Bracha V’Hatzlacha Volume 6, a collection of stories and letters of the Rebbe, submitted by the Cheder students.

Yes, the Cheder property has been successfully secured. However, funds to pay the monthly mortgage are needed. We encourage all alumni and friends to help support the Cheder in its time of need.

Photos by Mr. Sterling Tyler