Chabad of the Valley Celebrates 37 Years

CALIFORNIA — Close to 500 people attended Chabad of the Valley’s annual banquet celebrating its 37 years of serving the greater S. Fernando Valley. U. S. Congressman Brad Sherman opened the evening with inspiring words of praise for Chabad of the Valley and all of their valuable work on behalf of the community. The crowd rose to their feet as Congressman Sherman pledged his unmitigated support for Israel and its efforts of self defense.

With this year being 5770, the theme of the evening was Uforatzto and celebrated the fact that Chabad of the Valley was one of the original 71 Mosdos opened in honor of the Rebbe’s 70th birthday. “The Hebrew word Poratzto meaning spread Forth has the numerical value of 770”, said Rabbi Mordy Einbinder, associate director of Chabad of the Valley and emcee of the event. “The obvious connotation is to take the teachings and inspirations gleaned at “770” and share those with fellow Jews in all four corners of the earth.” Together with Chabad of the Valley’s Executive Director Rabbi Yehoshua B. Gordon, Rabbi Einbinder thanked all of Chabad’s supporters and announced a roll call of the members of the President’s Circle, Platinum Supporters and Club 30, giving each an award for their sacrificial commitment to Chabad of the Valley.

A beautiful video highlighting Chabad of the Valley’s 24 centers and 32 Shluchim, produced by Rabbi Mayer Greene, elicited a rousing round of applause from all who were assembled. Valley Shluchim Rabbi Yochonon Baitelman, Rabbi Yossi Malka and Rabbi Yanky Kahn worked tirelessly behind the scenes for many months to insure that this event would be the success that it was.

The Gala evening also featured a concert by world renowned singer and entertainer Jordan Bennett. His beautiful rendition of Avinu Malkeinu brought tears to many eyes as his powerful, melodious voice echoed throughout the hall.

“Recession or not, children must continue to be educated, people must continue to be helped and communities must continue to grow,” concluded Rabbi Einbinder in his thanks to all who attended and pledged their continued support.