Toronto Dinner Exceeds Plans

The annual Spirit of Community Dinner benefiting the Chabad Israeli Community Centre in the Greater Toronto Area drew close to 800 guests, in a heartwarming display of support for the organization.

Rabbi Yisroel Landa, Executive Director, remarked that although there are some people who fear this is not a good year for charity, “there are almost 800 people in this room who refute that and say, ‘No! This is the year for giving’.” He blessed all participants for their commitment to helping others, regardless of the economy.

The dinner featured an elegant champagne reception, a gourmet meal and distinctive music, but what made it extraordinary was the palpable sense of community spirit and goodwill in the room.

Landa presented awards to three guests of honor: Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, and Councillor Alan Shefman, representatives in the local municipal government; and an Israeli couple, Naim and Adina Nissan, who fought for Israel in the 1940’s and now live in Toronto and support the Chabad Israeli Community.

In a moving video presentation about their lives and their approach to helping the needy, Adina Nissan spread her arms and exclaimed, “If we act with love towards one another, first within our families and on our streets, and then out in the community, spreading from one to another, eventually we will encircle the entire world in a chain of love!”

A highlight of the dinner was the announcement that the Chabad Israeli Community is ready to begin construction on their new building with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for June 21. During the live auction at the dinner, Ami Tamam, a friend and supporter of the community, won the bidding for a cornerstone dedication in the new building.

A chaplain in the Canadian Forces, Captain Lazer Danzinger, recited a prayer for peace at the dinner, followed by a riveting address by Rabbi Dov Greenberg from Chabad of Stanford University, on finding happiness during challenging times.

Many animated, cheerful guests lingered around the dessert table after the conclusion of the event. Their smiling faces confirmed Rabbi Greenberg’s assertion that doing for others, especially during challenging or difficult times, brings true happiness to all.

The hugely successful event raised funds for both operating and building expenses, enabling the Chabad Israeli Community Centre to continue their important work providing programs and services for Israelis in the GTA.