Chabad Brisbane Silver Anniversary Gala Dinner
"The relevance and guidance of the Rebbe’s teachings are more important than ever to us all now, and your job is to support and strengthen your community at this time." This was the message that Co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Alex Ryvchin, shared at the Jewish Educational Institute - Chabad Brisbane 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner. The Gala hosted by directors Rabbi Levi and Devorah Jaffe was held last Sunday, at the recently renovated Jewish Communal Centre Queensland.
Alex Ryvchin, who was the key note speaker at the event, shared the vision and message of the Lubavitcher Rebbe of righteous memory - spiritual leader of world Jewry - how we must strand strong against our enemies; we must continue to spread light and bring goodness to the world, express pride in who we are, and to do all we can to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish people in the Holy Land of Israel and throughout the world.
The evening commenced with prayers for the safety of the people of Israel, especially the Chayalim (soldiers) on the front lines, and for the safe return of the hostages to their families.
Chanoch Sufrin, the MC for the event, who travelled with his wife Sarah Chana, from Sydney, asked everyone to place a coin in the Tzedakah boxes on each table, and encouraged everyone to pledge an additional Mitzvah at Onemitzvah.org/israel/aus for the well- being of our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael.
Over 100 guests attended the evening, enjoying a lavish three-course dinner with musical entertainment and inspiration by the Chutney Band, together with Rabbi Cantor Chaim Koncepolski of Cremorne Synagogue in Sydney, who attended with his wife Dina. The evening concluded with a live auction, of which half of the proceeds were donated to Magen David Adom.
A highlight of the evening was a video presentation about Chabad on Campus, which included an announcement of the intention to, please G‑d, establish Chabad on Campus in Brisbane in the coming year, to service the needs of university students and young adults.
The gala, while celebrating 25 years of past achievements, suffused pride and excitement for the next 25 years of Chabad Brisbane's service to the Jewish community of Brisbane and regions beyond.