1200 Pay Tribute to Monroe Chabad

More than 1200 people paid tribute to Chabad Jewish Center of Monroe Township, New Jersey, and their directors, Rabbi Eliezer and Chanie Zaklikovsky, with a sold-out concert by international singing sensation Dudu Fisher. This was his first appearance in Monroe, as well as the first show to be held in the all-new state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center at the newly built Monroe Township High School that opened just last week.

As the evening came and the sun began to set, hundreds of men and woman began pouring into the auditorium for what was to be a highly inspirational evening, where Jewish pride came alive and Chabad’s activities were highlighted.

Mrs. Chanie Zaklikovsky greeted the crowd warmly and introduced special guest, chairman of Chabad-Lubavitch world headquarters, Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, who shared an inspirational Rosh Hashana message. A beautiful video was shown, titled “A Meaningful Life”, highlighting the efforts and accomplishments of Chabad Jewish Center of Monroe.

The highlight of the evening, of course, was Dudu Fisher, who masterfully entertained the crowd for close to 2 hours non-stop with stories, anecdotes, songs and personal history, bringing tears and laughs to the crowd.

He spoke warmly of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, and Chabad’s efforts throughout the world, and even shared a personal story of receiving the Rebbe’s blessings before going to Broadway. He also shared a story of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, blessing his grandmother in 1932, that she give birth to a healthy child (which was Dudu’s mother).

A special Shofar blowing, as well as a grand finale, where Dudu spontaneously invited Rabbi Zaklikovsky to join him on the stage for a special rendition of Avinu Malkeinu in honor of the upcoming Rosh Hashana holiday, had everyone in the crowd participating in singing along and ended in a standing ovation and thunderous applause.

All in all, it was a memorable evening and an inspiring beginning to the New Year.