Chabad of Riverdale Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary

Over 250 friends and supporters gathered this past Saturday evening, January 14, 2012, for a gala dinner, entertainment and tribute, celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Chabad of Riverdale, directed by Rabbi Levi Y. and Sorah Shemtov, at the New York Botanical Garden.

Ilene and Neil Leibowitz, the Guests of Honors, were recognized for their support and commitment to Chabad, and their selfless commitment to the welfare of the greater Jewish community.

Vicky and Raphael Nadel were honored as Parents of the Year. Their daughter, Estie, attended the Chabad of Riverdale Early Learning Center, where their younger daughter, Yael, is currently enrolled.

Mayer and Margaret Fried, Keepers of the Flame, were recognized for their unwavering commitment to Jewish involvement, and for their ability to overcome tragedy and devastation, inspiring all of those around them, as both were Holocaust survivors.

Throughout the night, Rabbi Levi and Sarah Shemtov were flooded with congratulatory words from guests who came from near and far to celebrate the lives that were touched through the center’s adult education programs, afterschool and camp projects, teen activities and preschool.

“To hear that from people is very positive and uplifting,” said the rabbi. “Seated in the crowd were a lot of people we met 20 years ago and who became partners in what we do. We literally feel like family.”

Tzipporah Kulkin, who lives in Riverdale with her husband Ariel and their 17-month-old twins, said she found it unbelievable how Sarah Shemtov makes herself so readily available to the community.

“She finds time out of nowhere,” she said. “Her day stretches to care for everybody.”

The evening included a video that recapped the history and activities of Chabad of Riverdale for the past 20 years, and featured live musical entertainment by the Pay Daled band. The excitement and joy felt in the room during the event erupted in lively dancing. This was accompanied by the special warmth and love that is the trademark of Chabad, which made the evening a memorable one.

Chabad of Riverdale expressed gratitude to everyone who took part in making its 20th anniversary celebration a successful and meaningful event.

4 Comments

  • s.h.

    so beautiful. I loved the video. They look like amazing shluchim! Thank you for your work.

  • Dvorah

    Shmulie N. great to see you having a part in the success of this exciting shlichus! It helps to be born into shlichus yourself. Telech mechayil el chayil! Your Proud Grandparents.

  • Dvorah

    Shmulie N. great to see you having a part in the success of this exciting shlichus! It helps to be born into shlichus yourself. Telech mechayil el chayil! Your Proud Grandparents.