Kensington Chabad Marks 18

By COLlive reporter
Photos by Alex Gorokhov

A few weeks ago, Chabad Lubavitch of Kensington commemorated 18 years with a dinner celebration that was not only a beautiful event but also an uplifting and inspiring experience.

The event took place at the magnificent “The Palace” Hall in Brooklyn, with the theme of ’18 years of life and growth: past, present and future.’

There were 500 people in attendance, including such personalities as NYS Assemblyman Alec Bruk-Krasny, NYC Comptroller John Liu, and NYC Councilmen David Greenfield, Brad Lander and Mathieu Eugene and Russian Media Mogul Gregory Davidzon.

As people entered they were treated to a lavish smorgasbord where the ambience was warm and inviting. After some mingling, everyone was ushered into the main ballroom for an unforgettable evening.

Ari Kagan, a prominent journalist and well known talk show host, opened the evening by sharing with everyone his very own experience with Chabad of Kensington and how Rabbi Moshe Chaim Levin was there to greet him 18(!) years ago when he immigrated to the US.

More speakers followed who shared their amazing stories and miracles they experienced with the help of Rabbi Levin. Rabbi Levin then delivered a powerful and rousing speech expressing how all they’ve accomplished until now is just a stepping stone to what they hope to accomplish in the next 18 years. Rabbi Levin also thanked the crowd for their friendship and support over the years. He then called his son, Rabbi Yehuda Levin, up to the podium to hand out the awards to the honorees.

Rabbi Rapport received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his selfless dedication and devotion to the shul and to the Chabad activities. Rabbi Rapport has been the Gabbai and Baal Koreh of the shul for many years. His children, grandchildren, and many friends were there to honor this humble and unique individual. Other awards were given out to various individuals who have contributed and made a difference to the Kensington Chabad community and activities. A moving video presentation depicting the history and activities of Chabad of Kensington was shown, correlating to the speeches and presentations.

A sumptuous three course gourmet meal was served as the talented virtuoso violinist, Asher Laub entertained. Spirits ran high as catchy live music played and everyone got up spontaneously to dance in real “celebration.”

Rabbi Yehuda Levin ended the evening by sharing with everyone the timeless message of – Am Yisroel Chai, bringing home the fact that many of the attendees at the dinner had actually experienced the fall of communism when it had been a totally inconceivable concept. He also stressed that just as the Rebbe had prophesied then, so we are sure that the Rebbe’s prophesy will come true now – with the complete and final redemption!

A special thank you to Mrs. Rochie Stillman for her invaluable assistance in coordinating this event, making this an unbelievable Kiddush Hashem.