On Sunday Kislev 21, more than 500 people gathered to celebrate the completion and dedication of a new Torah dedicated to the life and legacy of Rebbitzen Miriam Gordon, ob’m, commeorating her 1st Yahrzeit. The event began at the home of Rabbi and Rebbitzen Yehoshua Gordon on Rubio Ave.
The renowned Sofer, Rabbi Moshe Klein, from New York, who arranged and supervised the writing and the creation of this new Torah was on hand to monitor the celebration and help complete the new Torah.
Letter after letter was inscribed by Rabbis and lay people until the final moment arrived with the Torah was actually completed! A great cry of “Mazal Tov!” boomed forth as Rabbi Gordon pronounced the prayer of Shehechiyanu.
The primary sponsors of the Torah were the very angelic Hector and Kazumi Guerrero and their Family. The sponsors of the Five Books of Moses were The Aharonoff Family, the Finder Family, The Ravaei Family, The Alon Family and the Liker Family.
A police escort traveled along with the throng of people, actually closing several lanes of the very busy main street, Ventura Blvd. As the Torah Parade traveled down Hayvenhurst Avenue toward Chabad, the existing Torahs came out to greet the new Torah, as is the tradition. A welcoming dance was held in the parking lot followed by everyone gathering in the Shul for a very meaningful program. Among those who spoke were Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin, Rabbi Mordechai Einbinder, a member of each of the above dedicating families as well as Mrs. Yocheved Baitelman (daughter) as well as Rebbitzen Dena Rabin (granddaughter).
The Hakofos celebration followed the recital of Ata Horeisa. The dancing was propelled by the world famous Chassidic singer, Benny Friedman, who himself is a grandson of Rebbitzen Miriam Gordon. A sumptuous lunch was served under a beautiful open tent in the gardens of Chabad of Encino.
The many participants enjoyed the beautiful booklet that was printed containing the life story of Rebbitzen Gordon along with some eight letters of the Rebbe Rayatz written to Rabbi Sholom and Miriam Gordon.
Amazing to see The Valleys community celebrating such a joyous occasion, for such a special person who’s son is head shaliach Rabbi and Mrs Gordon. Who have built an amazing community, especially with the right choice that you made in bringing Ari and Chana (nee Gutnick) Herzog! Amazing young couple, with a lot of chein and Torah knowledge. May they continue to inspire the community to the way of Torah!
Looking good guys!!
Yocheved, please would you post your speech here? we really want to hear it or at least read it!
Josh, you don’t smile too much, I see. The weight of the world is on your shoulders. May your own burden become lighter, as you lighten the burden of so many others.
Warmly,
Your cousin Rishe
rabbi Ari your the best
Amazing Shluchim!!!!!!!!!!!! Best Chabad community in The Valley!!!!!!!!!
My father in-law and I have been learning you Tanya, Chumash and Rambam for a while and you are the best teacher and we love you. Your jokes are the best and am working to make 7 layer cake my only taivah 🙂 May G-d grant you the best in all matters.
Chana, Shney and malk so adorable as usual 😉
We love u!!! Love us 😉
GoRabbiAriandRebbetzin Chana!!!