Photo Gallery: Chabad of Port Washington 25th Anniversary Dinner

Written by Rabbi Shalom M. Paltiel (scroll down for photo gallery):

Chabad of Port Washington celebrated its 25th Anniversary Dinner on June 8th. More than 360 guests attended to celebrate this milestone event, saluting Chabad on its work in this community. As its mission statement proclaims: Chabad’s purpose is to offer up “Judaism with a Smile” and “a home away from home to anyone who walks through its doors.”

Guest Speaker to the Event was Milton Cooper, Chairman of Kimco Realty, longtime Chabad supporter. Guests of Honor were Howard and Jordan Fensterman, father and son, who received the “dor L’Dor – Generation to Generation” award, saluting the continued family tradition of hard work and accomplishment, coupled with philanthropy towards numerous charitable endeavors, including Chabad of Port Washington.

Fern Cohen was honored with the “Eishet Chayil – Woman of Valor” award. Fern has been involved in many local organizations throughout the years, including serving on the Friends of the Port Washington Public Library. Fern and her husband Hersh have been supporters of Chabad of Port Washington for more than 20 years.

Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, Chairman of Chabad International, was honored guest speaker representing the movement centrally. He shared personal memories he had with the grand Rebbe Menachem Schneerson over the more than four decades he served in the Rebbe’s secretarit. Police Chief James Salerno addressed the main event, saying how Chabad in fact serves people from all religions and races. He stated that he was proud of the fact that he was involved with appointing Chabad’s Rabbi Paltiel as one of the department’s two chaplains.

The celebration highlights Chabad’s growth from its humble beginnings in 1991 in a tiny garden apartment (just next doors to the currst Chabad House), and then moving to a small office building on Maple Street. Finally in 1998 purchasing this location, at the time the Romaine Pierson Publishers, which was renovated in three phases of construction. Currently the facility boasts 30,000 SF of beautifully appointed space featuring a synagogue, social hall, classrooms, a mini Israel indoor playground, Judaic library, a state of the art mikvah, and a beautiful modern gymnasium.

“It’s very humbling to realize where we began and where we are today” said Rabbi Paltiel, Chabad’s rabbi and founder. “It’s a tribute to this wonderful community who opened their hearts to us and supported our dream. Thank the One Above, our dreams have become a reality. This center effects the lives of hundreds of individuals and families, from all walks of life, and not just of the Jewish faith. Chabad House is truly a home away from home to ANYONE who walks through its doors. We are proud to be able to make a difference and hope to continue to do so in increasing measure in the years ahead”.

For information on Chabad of Port Washington visit chabadpw.org or call 516 767 8672.

Photos:

• Leo & Rose Liebowitz, Peter & Dorette Forman, Jack Mandel
• Dorette Forman, Jack Mandel with Rabbi Zeplowitz of Community Synagogue
• Howard & Debbie Schiff
• Chabad’s Rabbi Paltiel with Mark Lazarovic & Rosalie Silver
• Police Chief James Salerno addresses the main event
• Kimco Founder and Chairman Milton Cooper
• Chabad’s gymnasium turned Dinner Hall
• Sara Paltiel, co-founder and co-director of Chabad
• 7 year old Cyla Paltiel sharing some words of wisdom on the Chabad approach
• Honoree Fern Cohen receiving Woman of Valor Award form Rabbi & Sara Paltiel along with husband Hersh Cohen
• Tami & Glen Ruben
• Guests of Honor Howard & Jordan Fensterman receiving “Generation to Generation Award” from Rabbi & Sara Paltiel, along with Lori & Samantha Fensterman
• Guest of Honor, Chairman of the Board at Chabad of Port Washington, Howard Fensterman, addressing the event
• Chabad board members Alan & Barbara Rosenzweig and Allan Hyman
• Manny & Marcy Shurka