Dear Friends,
I would like to share my excitement about the chance to hear a very engaging and witty speaker who is going to be in New Orleans in two weeks. This year we are marking 36 years since the establishment of Chabad in New Orleans. To celebrate, there will be a dinner and program on Thursday, February 2.
We are honored to have Rabbi Joshua B. Gordon addressing the event. Rabbi Gordon is my mother’s brother. But disclaimers aside, he is simply a fascinating orator. He has a marvelous sense of humor and an uncanny ability to get to the heart of an issue in a practical yet profound manner. He and his wife Deborah were appointed by the Rebbe in 1973 to be his emissaries to the San Fernando Valley outside of Los Angeles. In the nearly 40 years since then, they have overseen the development of Chabad into an empire of 25 centers serving the Jewish population of the valley. As his reputation spreads he has become a well sought speaker who has engaged audiences in South Africa, Australia, Israel, and all over North America. Two years ago he launched a live broadcast of his daily morning class on the Torah portion and Tanya. To date over 2,000 participants regularly “attend” his class. (It can be viewed at www.chabadneworleans.com/903523.)
Rabbi Gordon will be addressing the topic: Unifying a Diverse Nation – the Rebbe’s Approach. It promises to be a compelling talk by a captivating speaker. The event is open to the public and I encourage you to seize the opportunity to be regaled and inspired.
During the event there will also be a presentation by Vivian Cahn, Amy Shapiro and Gershon Schreiber, who will share what their relationship with Chabad in Louisiana has meant to them.
“One Community – 36 Years” will be held at 8 PM on Thursday, Feb 2 @ Chabad in Metairie. There is no charge to attend. We are seeking sponsors “from $36-$360;” and all sponsors will be listed in the program. Please contact Rabbi Nemes or myself regarding sponsorship. We look forward to celebrating together.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin