Dear Friends,
This past Wednesday we had the distinct pleasure of participating in the wedding of Tzivyah (Kehaty) & Shloime Greenwald. Our New Orleans community is small enough that when there is a Simcha, it is regarded as a family Simcha. The wedding was held at the Sheraton, who, in my estimation, did a wonderful job once again with a large Kosher event.
The wedding party was a blend of New Orleans people and the visitors from out of town. Yet the seamless integration of the two groups dancing and celebrating together was marvelous to behold. It is a true joy to see a person who you know from babyhood celebrate such an important milestone - our entire New Orleans Jewish community can derive more than a "little Nachas" from this wonderful Simcha. (See some photos below - thanks to Peter Fierman.)
I am sure that all of you whose lives have been positively impacted by the Kehaty family, join me in a wholehearted wishing of Mazel Tov. May they continue to have Hashem's abundant blessings in their lives in every possible manner.
Chanukah is here! We have already experienced a dizzying number of community events in just the first two days. I just want to give a shout out for Chanukah @ Riverwalk. For the past 21 years this event is unrivaled in its ability to draw hundreds of Jews from the entire cross-section of our community together in a celebration of Jewish pride. It is unquestionably the largest Jewish event in New Orleans. Come out and join your brothers and sisters as we light a Menorah on the Mississippi River and revel in our freedom to worship as Jews in this wonderful country. Sunday, Dec 5 4-6 PM with the Menorah lighting at 5 PM. There will be Kosher food by Kosher Cajun. Free Latkes and gelt from Chabad. I want to thank actor & comedian, Rob Steinberg - a newcomer to our community - who will be MC this year. The explosion of the film industry in Southern Louisiana is playing an important role in the rejuvenation of this region.
For the young professionals out there, I hope to see you on Monday night at the JCC for Celebrity Chef Latke Cook Off. We have chefs from Emeril's, Domenica and Casablanca squaring off in a latke making competition. A pair of club seat tickets to the Hornets-Hawks game on Sunday, Dec 26 will be raffled off. Music, food, drinks, Menorah lighting, good company! What more can you ask for? See you on Monday night. www.facebook.com/mendelrivkin.
Shabbat Shalom & Happy Chanukah to all!