Honoree Urges Guests to Give

By COLlive reporter
Photos by Michelle Fiorenzo Photography

“Is it a coincidence that if you look up in the dictionary the words “charity” and “Chabad” – they appear on the same page?” Dr. Steve Wiener asked guests of the 36th Anniversary Dinner of Chabad of Arizona.

Wiener and his wife Lauren, who have a private practice in Scottsdale, were the honorees of the annual benefit evening held Sunday, January 27, at the Chaparral Suites.

“Data really shows that giving helps the giver – more than it helps others,” the cosmetic surgeon pointed out. “You are the biggest beneficiary of your own giving.”

The medical specialist couple, who were married by Arizona’s Head Shliach Rabbi Zalman Levertov, see themselves as an example of that.

The family’s connection with Chabad has recently come full circle when their daughter Sydney celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at Chabad in Phoenix. Her grandfather, Marc, was one of the original congregants when Rabbi Levertov established a minyan in 1977.

“Givers are healthier, happier and richer which gives us a stronger community and prosperous nation,” Dr. Weiner said, as he and his wife were honored, alongside Dr. Andrea Silvey (Aishes Chayil Award) and Mrs. Lucy Woodruff (Chesed Award).

While rain filled the streets outside, the atmosphere inside was warm and friendly as guests mingled with Chabad Shluchim couples from around the Grand Canyon State.

Hors d’oeuvres and drinks were served during the silent auction which included jewelry, sports paraphernalia and tickets to games of the Arizona Cardinals and the Diamondbacks, stays at hotels and resorts and even a subscription to the Joy of Kosher magazine.

The evening began with a prayer for Israel by Rabbi Shimi Ash of Chabad of Gilbert and a prayer for the United States by Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin of Chabad of Tucson. Emcee was Max Weisberg.

As much as the evening honored the regulars of Chabad, it also celebrated its growth over the last 36 years, inspired by the Rebbe’s teachings, boundless love for every Jew and vision of a world perfected.

Chabad has in Arizona 18 centers and additional educational institutions and social agencies such as Friendship Circle for families with special needs children and Smile on Seniors.

In his speech, the guest speaker alluded to the fact that Rabbi and Tzippy Levertov’s children continue in their ways and are involved in community work.

Rabbi Yossy Goldman, one of South Africa’s most prominent pulpit rabbis, began his remarks with a L’chaim toast:

“L’chaim Rabbi Zalman Levertov,” he called out and then added, pointing to different areas in the ballroom, “L’chaim Rabbi Levertov over there. And Rabbi Levertov over there. And Rabbi Levertov over here.”

In fact, having 5 out of 7 siblings involved in community life has made the family the subject of a recent article in The Arizona Republic. It’s every parent’s dream, Rabbi Zalman Levertov noted.

Rabbi Goldman, Senior Minister of Johannesburg’s largest shul Sydenham Highlands North Synagogue, concluded his toast by saying, “L’chaim to all Rabbi Levertovs and all Chabad rabbis in Arizona…” all 22 of them.