Chabad of Northeast London Celebrates 30 Years

A crowd of some 300 strong gathered in Essex, UK, last week for “Celebration 30,” paying tribute to Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin MBE and his wife Devorah for their 30 years of shlichus and community service.

The welcome speech was made by member of the dinner committee Mrs. Hazel Weinberg. Toasts were made to the Queen by Mr. Paul Groman Marks, and to Israel by Member of Parliament Lee Scott. Letters of support were received from Her Majesty the Queen, Prime Minster David Cameron, Leader of the opposition Ed Miliband, Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Members of Parliament Lee Scott and Mike Gapes, The Mayor of the local council Redbridge, the Chief Rabbi of the UK Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, and the leadership of Lubavitch UK.

The Sufrins expressed their gratitude and appreciation to all in the room, and in particular the evening’s sponsors: Daren and Paula Burney of Burney Estates; Corporate sponsors Raffingers Stuart Accountants organized by partner Mr. Tzvi Inglis; Martine and Paul Groman Marks and Ruth and Brian Mitchell, silver sponsors and brochure advertisers.

The Sufrins further recognized the accomplishments of their colleagues sharing their shlichus, Rabbi Moshe and Brocho Muller and Rabbi Odom and Henny Brandman, by presenting them with “dedication awards.” The volunteer award was given to Mr. Arye Leib and Linda Levinson.

The theme was depicted through a meaningful film titled Honouring the Past, Living the present, and building the future.

Guest speaker Rabbi Chaim Mentz, Shliach to Bel Air, California, enthralled the audience with his humor and powerful message based on the four words with which the Rebbe changed the face of the world: “Bosi Legani Achosi Kaloh” – seeing the world through G-d’s eyes.

In his closing words, Rabbi Sufrin referred to his late Parents, Reb Aron Dov and Hennie Sufrin¸OBM, who planted the seeds for Chabad in Northeast London some 37 years ago. He further referred to the Rebbe’s instruction to him and his wife Devorah, as an engaged couple, to make the move to Ilford, Essex in 1983 over their other plans to take up positions in California, Canada or New York.

“Who could have dreamed that the Rebbe’s vision and insight would lead to what has been achieved and Please G-d will continue based on the success of the past three to four decades?” Rabbi Sufrin said. He thanked all for their “partnerships” with Chabad of NE London & Essex, and pledged that during the next 12 months Chabad would secure a new Center in Essex and welcome a new family of Shluchim into the area.