Over 250 friends and supporters gathered this past Saturday evening, January 14, 2012, for a gala dinner, entertainment and tribute, celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Chabad of Riverdale, directed by Rabbi Levi Y. and Sorah Shemtov, at the New York Botanical Garden.
Ilene and Neil Leibowitz, the Guests of Honor, were recognized for their support and commitment to Chabad, and their selfless commitment to the welfare of the greater Jewish community.
Vicky and Raphael Nadel were honored as Parents of the Year. Their daughter, Estie, attended the Chabad of Riverdale Early Learning Center, where their younger daughter, Yael, is currently enrolled.
Mayer and Margaret Fried, Keepers of the Flame, were recognized for their unwavering commitment to Jewish involvement, and for their ability to overcome tragedy and devastation, inspiring all of those around them, as both were Holocaust survivors.
Throughout the night, Rabbi Levi and Sorah Shemtov were flooded with congratulatory words from guests who came from near and far to celebrate the lives that were touched through the center’s adult education programs, afterschool and camp projects, teen activities and preschool.
“To hear that from people is very positive and uplifting,” said the rabbi. “Seated in the crowd were a lot of people we met 20 years ago and who became partners in what we do. We literally feel like family.”
Tzipporah Kulkin, who lives in Riverdale with her husband Ariel and their 17-month-old twins, said she found it unbelievable how Sorah Shemtov makes herself so readily available to the community.
“She finds time out of nowhere,” she said. “Her day stretches to care for everybody.”
The evening included a video that recapped the history and activities of Chabad of Riverdale for the past 20 years, and featured live musical entertainment by the Pay Daled band. The excitement and joy felt in the room during the event erupted in lively dancing. This was accompanied by the special warmth and love that is the trademark of Chabad, which made the evening a memorable one.
Chabad of Riverdale expressed gratitude to everyone who took part in making its 20th anniversary celebration a successful and meaningful event.
True role models, of Chadiisihse, pnimusdigeh Moleh Ahavas Yisreol like their zaideh G.!
Hatzlocho rabah lemalah min hameshuar
what a great joy for me to see your great accomplishments
hatslocho rabbo for the next 20 and more years
telchi mechayil el chayil
devorah markovits (more deveiro from australia )
all the best
May this joy fill your lives forever. May Hashem bless you with the strength to continue your amazing work.
nice to hear from you. from some great fans of yours
Mazl tov Levi and Sorah. You are an inspiration.
YB
(Aust cousin)
Sorah, your classmates always knew that you were an amazing person! Keep up your great work!
Wishing you continuous hatzlocha!
See you at the reunion real soon!
I am greatly impressed by the dinner and by the work you do. I think that it is an understatement what is written about Soro and Levi’s meretz does not fall short. Chazku Ve’Amtzu and you are certainly bringing closer Moshiach’s arrival.
Sholem Laib and Rivkah
Were so proud of you!! Wish we could’ve been there! Alle Vehatzliach! Best Wishes, Uncle Chaim & Auntie Freida
may you continue michayil el chayil, we adore you, loved seeing your parents, and the twins kah,
from motty and chaye leah
where are you?????
soroh shemtov is one of the most amazing women i know. she has incredible hashkafos, is extremely talented, and is a star shlucha
best program director around!