Over 1500 Attend the Annual Colel Chabad Dinner

NEW YORK, NY [CHI] — The International Awards Dinner of Colel Chabad was a highly-charged and powerful event held in the New York Hilton on Wednesday, December 19th, the 10th Tevet. The event benefits the oldest Lubavitch institution in the world, founded by the Baal HaTanya, the Alter Rebbe. Colel Chabad has been headed by each Chabad Rebbe since.

A large gallery of beautiful pictures in the Extended Article!

CEO’s, attorneys, journalists, physicians, professional athletes, writers, financiers, entrepreneurs, government leaders, both Jewish and non-Jewish, men and women from the entire spectrum of the business world were partners to a the annual gala saluting the multi-faceted activities of Colel Chabad and what it represents. The common denominator uniting all them was Chabad-Lubavitch, and their support for the work of Colel Chabad.

The reception included an extraordinary exhibition modeled after Jerusalem’s Old City. More than 40 projects of Colel Chabad were displayed as well as enormous map of Israel locating each of Colel Chabad’s projects, spanning the east, west, north and south. Although vast, each project focuses upon the individual and maintains his/her dignity and self-esteem.

The ceremony commenced with Mr. Arthur Luxenberg, the Dinner Chairman inviting R. Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin to deliver the invocation. Tehillim chapter 106 of the Rebbe was recited by him followed by the crowd. The Rubashkins have been deeply involved with Colel Chabad and its annual dinner celebration for many years.

Rabbi Sholom Duchman, as director of Colel Chabad, delivered a stirring overview of Colel Chabad activities, his annual “Shareholder’s Report” on ongoing and new projects – and major growth – in Israel and the former Soviet Union. Colel Chabad has taken an almost 45% rise over last year.

Before delivering the report, Rabbi Duchman took a moment and remembered Mr. Steve Levinson, who passed away in recent months. Pictures of him attending and speaking in past dinners were displayed on the video screens, while Rabbi Duchman mentioned the projects he had been involved in. Also remembering him was Mr. Arthur Luxenburg, the dinner chairman.

The guest speaker at this year’s dinner was the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yona Metzger, who spoke about the activities of Colel Chabad.

Guests of honor at this year’s dinner were Alan and Debbie Kestenbaum. Also awarded at this years dinner was Jesse Itzler, he was presented with the Man of the Hour award for his contribution on behalf of the 100 Mile Man Foundation. Jay and Gittle Goldman were presented with the Founders Award

Throughout the program, the guests enjoyed the special family atmosphere that is always evident at the Colel Chabad dinner; for Colel Chabad and its friends and supporters are truly like one large family.