Chabad Donor Named Envoy

By COLlive reporter

Florida real estate developer and Chabad donor Robert Mandell was approved on October 18, 2011 by the U.S. Senate as the country’s new Ambassador to Luxembourg.

He was appointed by President Barack Obama to whom he donated more than $30,000 in the 2008 presidential campaign.

COLlive.com was told that Mandell received the news moments after blessing and shaking the lulav with the help of his friend, Rabbi Sholom Dubov, Executive Director of Chabad of Greater Orlando.

Back in the winter of 1988, as part of “Shnas Habinyan,” the Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged all Shluchim to expand their Chabad centers. The Rebbe even included the words “Uv’chanuni Nah B’zos” (“test me in this”) — proclaiming that success will surely come despite any and all financial constraints.

Mandell, CEO of companies Greater Properties and Meritage Homes of Central Florida, responded to Rabbi Dubov by graciously housing the Greater Orlando’s first Chabad Center for 7 years rent-free.

Over the following years, the relationship between the Mandell family and Chabad flourished. In January of 2010 Mandell was f?ted as the Guest of Honor at its 25 Year Anniversary Gala.

The Orlando native continues to be a generous supporter and friend of Chabad of Greater Orlando.

For all his Jewish needs in Luxembourg, a tiny country in western Europe bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany, Mandell will be able to turn to local Shluchim Rabbi Mendel and Rochel Edelman.