It takes a village

The holidays are over and we should take a moment to reflect before diving into our regular scheduled obligations and launch new initiatives. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people whose efforts, individual and collective, contributed to a wonderful season of Jewish holidays for Chabad Uptown. The expression “it takes a village” certainly applies. I am sure Chabad Metairie and every other congregation feels the same about those who participated in their offerings.

This was our first High Holidays in our newly renovated facility. Thank G-d it was spacious and comfortable and many members of the community took advantage and participated.

First and foremost I want to thank each and every individual that participated in any of our holiday services, events or activities. J_daism is certainly not the same without U. For that matter, neither is Comm_nity.

I want to thank my fellow Shluchim at Chabad uptown, Rabbi Zelig and Bluma Rivkin, Dr. David and Nechama Kaufmann and my wife Malkie and families for investing the effort required at every step in making the Chabad experience the wonderful one that it is.

I also want to thank all of our donors and specifically the sponsors of our holidays programs and events: Toby and Nadiv Kehaty, Dotan Bonen, Nechama and David Kaufmann, Michele and Adam Stross, Sharon and Myron Katz, Tere Vives, Tsipora and Zvi Aviner, Jon Powell, Stuart Haas, Malka and Morris Lew, Rivkah and Uzzi Kehaty, Esther and Gershon Schreiber, Elaine and George Haas, Chaya Sara and Saadya Kaufmann.

A special thank you to all who pledged to Chabad for the holiday Aliyas. Mazel tov to Morris Brum and Avi Fine on being honored with Chasan Torah and Chasan Bereishis.

There were many people that helped out in numerous ways. I am going to risk omitting some of you and for that I ask your forgiveness in advance. Our appreciation is extended to:
Sion Daneshrad for polishing out Torah crown and repairing the washing cups. Adam Stross for assisting with the Shofar Factory. Jakob Rosenzweig for hosting the pre-Rosh Hashanah Kabbala for young professionals. Sholom Rivkin for setting up the high holiday prayer books. Eli Lew and Max Chiz for manning the bima. Saadya Kaufmann for being the Chazan. Saul and Raquel Hakim for bringing flowers to the Shul. Jen Sachs for the welcome plant at the front door. Adam Stross and crew for the Lambeth House Shofar visit. Raquel Hakim, Natalia Promoslovsky, Nanette Katz for assisting in Break-the-fast setup. Demaris Kurall and Ms. Veronica for assisting with every holiday event. Mushka and Sara Rivkin for the children’s program. Ms. Brittany for the babysitting. Kotel Sadrusi for all of his help and for the pre-Neilah chant. Peter Feirman, Moshe Shargian, Rotem Dahan, Yosef Kaufmann, Yosef Rivkin and Uzzi Kehaty for S’chach service.  

Jimmy Glickman and New Orleans Music Exchange for the guitar and sound system for Sukkah-Fest. Tomer Monfred for his Sukkah-Fest performance. Kathy Weil, Mendel Kehaty, Chaya Schreiber and all of the other volunteers at Sukkah-Fest. Joel Brown for his contribution to Sukkah-Fest. Peter Seltzer for help with the Sukkah. Tova and Zalman Borowski for delivering the Hoshaanos. Lou and Nanette Furman for doing the mammoth shopping job for Simchat Torah. Saadya Kaufmann, Dmitry Shuster, Kotel Sadrusi, Gene Gekker, Jon Powell for providing extra special Simchat Torah Refreshments.

Our final thank you is to all of you who came to dance and celebrate in many ways on Simchat Torah.

May we draw on the blessings and inspiration of the Holiday month to live meaningful lives for the rest of the year.