Impact of a Welcome Basket

By Elsa Brenner

On a recent evening at the Hampshire Country Club overlooking the Long Island Sound in Mamaroneck, NY, more than 250 guests turned out for Chabad of Larchmont and Mamaroneck’s Inaugural Dinner.

The festive event celebrated some 6 years since Rabbi Mendel and Chana Silberstein arrived in the area to share the joy and teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe with local residents.

The gala, which included a lively cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by a sit-down dinner and dancing, marked Chabad’s years of community outreach, including the Teens for the Community (TFC) program and Jewish education for children and adults.

The event also marked the forging of new and special friendships since the couple arrived in the area presenting Judaism “in a fun, warm and welcoming environment,” as Rabbi Silberstein describes it. “We came here to bring the beauty, love, the warmth and depth of Torah and Mitzvahs to every single Jew,” he said.

HONORESS RECALL BEGINNINGS

Among those celebrating the anniversary were several guests of honor who have unsparingly given of their time to make this Chabad, one of thousands worldwide, a success.

Adam and Melanie Herz, who were honored with the Young Couple Leadership Award, recalled the Friday they moved into their Larchmont home two years ago.

Rabbi Silberstein, along with his oldest son Yisrael, then 3, arrived at their doorstep to welcome them with a bottle of wine, a freshly baked challah and other items they needed for their table – and their spirit – to welcome in Shabbos at sundown. “It connected us right away,” recalled Mr. Herz.

Roberta and Martin Greenberg received the Guest of Honor Award, with Mr. Greenberg speaking of his more than three-decade involvement with Chabad and his meeting years ago with the Lubavitcher Rebbe. They were introduced by their college-age son, Spencer, who recalled his involvement in Chabad in Larchmont while attending high school.

Also among the guests of honor were Shira and David Weinstein, who were introduced by their grown children, Hannah and Gracie.

Mr. Weinstein spoke about the warmth and Shabbos service at the shul in Mamaroneck and encouraged others to join the Rabbi on Shabbos mornings “so they don’t miss out on anything, including the special cholent served at the weekly Kiddush luncheons.”

U.S. Congressman Eliot Engel brought greetings and more from the Oval Office. He presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award – along with certificates and lapel pins — to a group of 11 high school graduates who each donated 200 to 400 hours to the Teens for the Community program.

Altogether, there are about 40 youngsters involved in the Teens for the Community program, an effort which, among other things, involves preparing lunches for those in need and visiting residents in homes for the aged.

Daniel and Michelle Pfeffer, the owners of the Hampshire Country Club, received a special acknowledgement for their generosity to Chabad, including making the gala possible.

As a gift to Rabbi Silberstein, Michael Reich and Jim Nadel presented a large framed photo of him when he was a 13-year-old receiving a blessing from the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

Rabbi Velvl Butman, executive director of the 8 Chabad centers in Westchester County, congratulated Chabad of Larchmont and Mamaroneck on its 6 years serving the community.

Rabbi Silberstein (most call him Rabbi Mendel by his first name) thanked those in attendance and acknowledged the Rebbe “who gives us the inspiration to see every person as a diamond.”

“Our work,” added Rabbi Mendel, “is to polish those diamonds.” In turn, he was lifted up upon the shoulder of a sturdy congregant, while those in attendance cheered.

Elsa Brenner is a journalist who writes for The New York Times and NYCitywoman.com, among other publications.