The elegant reception hall at Kings Terrace was filled with buoyant good cheer as friends, admirers, and supporters arrived for Chabad Neshama’s Testimonial Dinner.
Hundreds of Russian Jewish immigrants, joined by American Jews joined together in unity to honor and support the many programs of Chabad Neshama, a project of Chabad Lubavitch of West Brighton and Manhattan Beach.
The dinner honored community and business leaders Galina Pincow, Sam Shanyder and Vlad & Inessa Sirota, all of them influential members of he community dedicated to the ideals of outreach practiced by Chabad Neshama. David Dubrow and Dr. Joseph Kleynerman, long-time Chabad Neshama board members, were the Dinner Chairmen.
“If you don’t know your roots, you don’t know who you are”, said Galina Pincow urging the members of the Russian Jewish community to become more involved in Jewish life, as she accepted the Philanthropic Leadership Award.
Eddie Shanyder introduced his father, Sam, the recipient of the Business Leadership Award. Eddie spoke about the accomplishments of the Russian emigration, and the importance of “giving back” to the community by supporting the work of Chabad Neshama.
The participants were inspired by Maxim Maximov, the guest speaker, when he shared with all how his life was affected by Chabad Neshama. His life’s journey from West Brighton Beach took him to Tibet and then Israel and eventually back to the USA practicing law in Manhattan. His initial interest in Buddhism was replaced by a thirst for Judaism, quenched by studying in Yeshiva, and finally becoming a role model for others.
Rabbi Zushe Winner, founder of Project Neshama, spoke about the expansion of Chabad Neshama activities into two centers covering the shorefront area and serving thousands of families with their communal, social and spiritual needs. He saluted the hard work of the Chabad Shluchim Rabbi Avrohom Winner, Rabbi Moishe Winner and Rabbi Shimmy Silver.
Many considered the highlight of the evening when all stood at attention listening to the tune of the Rebbe’s Maamor Nigun. The lights were dimmed, every one lit a candle, closed there eyes and prayed together for a better world.
The dinner was for the benefit of the Chabad Neshama Centers in W Brighton Beach and in Manhattan Beach. Their highly successful program, including the Neshama Preschool, Teen Scene and After School, provide an exciting and inviting environment for Jewish youth to discover how Judaism can be fun and is relevant even in our times. Adult education classes, Hebrew reading classes, Hebrew School, Bar and Bat Mitzvah programs make the Chabad Neshama Centers the communal lighthouse serving the Brighton and Manhattan Beach area.
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For more info visit www.ChabadManhattanBeach.com.
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