Bais Shmuel Honors Pinsons

On Motzei Shabbos, Chai Shevat 5772, February 11, 2012 Congregation Bais Shmuel-Chabad of Crown Heights, gathered for its 4th annual Melava Malka, celebrating ten years since its inception.

The event honored its president and founder Rabbi Moshe Pinson and paid tribute his late mother Mrs. Rochel Pinson Z”L who passed away a short few months ago.

The dinner opened with a beautiful video presentation created by award-winning filmmaker Yankee Teitelbaum, a member of Bais Shmuel, depicting the history of the shul, narrated by Shul Gabbai Rabbi Dudi Farkash.

Bais Shmuel’s Rabbi, Rabbi YY Jacobson, who served as the MC of the evening, presented Moshe Pinson with a framed photograph of Moshe and his mother, an everlasting memorial to the special connection they shared.

The board of Bais Shmuel then presented Moshe Pinson with a Silver Becher for his decade of service, dedication and love, to the shul, its members and the greater Crown Heights community.

Rabbi Jacobson stated: “Moshe Pinson’s motto has always been—“do first, and philosophize later.”

The words of greeting by vice chairman of Merkos, Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, inspired the audience. “Why does the oldest son get a double portion?” he asked. The answer: Because he transformed his father and mother from ordinary people into parents, creating a new generation.

“Bais Shmuel,” said Rabbi Kotlarsky, “is the shul that turned our young generation into ‘parents,’ making them realize their power and ability to take responsibility for their future.”

Reb Moshe encouraged the shul and its members to follow the Rebbe’s call, never to be satisfied with the personal and communal achievements of the last ten years, rather to strive for much bigger, better and greater heights. He asked for a personal invitation to the upcoming Chanukas Habais of the new building that Bais Shmuel will purchase Bezras Hashem.

The dairy Melavah Malka was held at Kia Studio in nearby Prospect Heights. Entertainment was provided by Issac Bitton, the Raya Mihemna band, and with entertainment by singer Mendy Jacobson.

The Yamer Rav, Reb Yankel Miller, served as the “badchan” for the evening.

In marking 10 years of Bais Shmuel, awards were presented to Mendy Farro and Levi Wilhelm for their unparalleled generosity and support to the shul, and to Mrs. Maggie Rogatzky for spearheading the shul’s many events.

The keynote speech was held by a prominent member of Bais Shmuel, Shmuel Greenwald, who shared amazing stories of his experiences going out weekly on Mivtzah Mezuzah.

A Melava Malka story was shared by Junior Division Member Moshe Koniarski, who will be soon celebrating his bar mitzvah.

As Raya Meheimna rocked the house, the room with filled with joy, dance and unity.

Photo: Yisroel Teichman