Celebrating a Decade in Peoria

It was with warmth and love that the Peoria community came to celebrate with the Chabad Jewish Center of Peoria and Bradley University, as they celebrated 10 years this past Sunday, November 20.

The 10 year anniversary was commemorated with a gala dinner that was not only beautiful and elegant, but an uplifting and inspiring experience to all who attended.

The close affiliation of the Chabad center with the entire Bradley University community was evident, beginning with the location of the event, at the Bradley Student Center Ballroom. Themed “Celebrating a Decade of Service”, the event was attended by close to 150 people, including such distinguished guests as State Senator Dave Kohler, with greetings from Congressman Aaron Schock.

The warmth towards the work of Chabad was palpable as guests were treated to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, before entering the ballroom, where the evening’s agenda opened with an address from Dr. Jeff Huberman, Dean of Communications and Liberal Arts at Bradley University.

Dr. Huberman emphasized the work of Chabad around the world and how it is manifest through Rabbi Eli and Sarah Langsam, who have had such a significant impact in Peoria and at Bradley over the past ten years. He stressed the historical nature of the event, where for the first time in the 114 year history of Bradley, the event was catered by the Bradley food service, on campus.

Rabbi Eli Langsam, co-Director of the Chabad Center, emphatically thanked the crowd and expressed his gratitude for their friendship and support over the years. He indicated that despite all that’s been accomplished until now, the work of Chabad is merely a stepping stone to the next level of accomplishment, over the next ten years, and more.

The first Honoree of the evening, Bradley University President Joanne Glasser, recipient of the Women of Valor Award, addressed the attendees by thanking Chabad for their important work they perform for the Jewish students on campus, including providing kosher food, arranging Menorah lightings, hosting Shabbat dinners, services and holiday celebrations, and more.

Other honorees included Dr. and Mrs. Tom Halperin, recipients of the Founders’ Award, who lent their vision and kind support in the original establishment of Chabad in Peoria; and Dr. and Ira Uretzky, recipients of the Generation to Generation Award.

The Community Service Award was awarded to former President of Brewer’s Distribution Company in Peoria and member of Peoria City Council Mr. George Jacob, a close friend to Chabad who lent much support to the community over the years. Following a motorcycle accident that has left him partially paralyzed, Mr. Jacob accepted the award surrounded by his wife and family, as his son tearfully thanked Rabbi Langsam for visiting his father and continually praying for his recovery.

Guests were particularly moved when Mrs. Sarah Langsam, co-Director of the Chabad Center, eloquently recited a poem she had written to retell the history of Chabad in Peoria, describing through beautiful language and imagery the challenges, successes and hopes for the future of the Chabad and Jewish community. In addition, a carefully-crafted video presentation depicted the history and activity of Chabad in Peoria and Bradley University, moving the audience as spirits ran high. Following the emotionally-stimulating program, it was inevitable that guests spontaneously arose to dance together in the Chassidic style, in true joy and celebration!

The evening was complete with a powerful D’var Torah from Rabbi Daniel Moscowitz, Regional Director of Chabad of Illinois, who pointed out how the Chabad House can be likened to the tent of our Matriarch Sarah, discussed in the Parsha of the previous week. Mentalist Marc Salem completed the entertainment, giving all who attended a true evening to remember.

“No words can describe this event – and beyond that, the incredible level of Shlichus in Peoria,” one guest attested. “There is no doubt this is giving the Rebbe super nachas.”