It was an evening of celebration as Friends of Lubavitch of Florida/Lubavitch Educational Center celebrated 53 years in the State of Florida and the establishment of 155 Torah centers throughout the state.
More than 500 people gathered in the beautifully decorated Treetop Ballroom at Parrot Jungle Park in Miami as the community paid tribute to the evening’s honorees—Grand Founders Dr. Steve Barton ob”m, Mr. and Mrs. Ben and Rachel Federman, and Mr. and Mrs. Adam and Jaclyn Bergman, new Founders Mr. and Mrs. Motti and Diti Glazer and Mr. and Mrs. Ziv and Nitzchia Tamir, and “Educator of the Year,” Mrs. Devorah Leah Smith.
Mr. Michael Bernstein, the evening’s emcee a prominent supporter of Lubavitch Educational Center, introduced the dinner’s theme—“Education through Innovation” as the school honored alumni who, in different capacities, have returned with enthusiasm to support the institution that educated them.
After an elegant and elaborate buffet the guests were welcomed by Mr. Eyal Anavim, himself a Grand founder and prominent supporter of Friends of Lubavitch of Florida. Rabbi Yehuda Leib Schapiro, Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva Gedolah Rabbinical College honored the gathering with an inspiring Siyum Horambam.
Rabbi Benjy Korf, Dean of the Lubavitch Educational Center, presented the Trustees of Dr. Steve Barton with a Grand Founders plaque, at which time the trustees surprised him with a $500,000 donation, making Dr. Barton a Diamond Grand Founder.
A video presentation of Lubavitch Educational Center’s advances in technology was shown with the addition of the smart boards donated by Mr. and Mrs. David and Eda Schottenstein. Mr. Schottenstein announced that his desire that the Rebbe’s school should not just be great but the best, and not only in Hebrew studies, but in general studies as well, he declared their intent to sponsor the latest in technology by introducing new computer labs and computer programming classes. The investment will revolutionize the general studies program at LEC, placing it on a path to become an educational institution that offers the best in all areas.
Rabbi Benjy Korf declared at the dinner, “We look forward to a bright future and give much thanks to David and Eda Schottenstein.”
The festiveness of the evening was elevated by a great musical performance by LEC’s very own boys’ choir. Under the direction of alumnus and 4th grade Elementary School teacher Rabbi Yakov Garfinkel, the choir is a tradition at the annual dinner.
Rabbi Abraham Korf, Regional Director of Chabad of Florida, welcomed each of the honorees and, along with Rabbi Benjy Korf, presented them with their plaques and awards.
The community was profoundly heartened and inspired by the desire of its supporters to prepare it for the future, strengthening it for today’s and tomorrow’s generation of committed Jews.
Lubavitch Elementary School is a part of Lubavitch Educational Center, which also includes Lubavitch Preschool and Beis Chana Middle and High School for Girls. The campus, which includes a seven-story facility, three-acre sports field and preschool playground and water park, is located at 17330 Northwest 7th Avenue, Miami, FL 33169. Under the directorship of Rabbi Benzion Korf, the school serves children from pre-nursery through 12th grade. For further information, please call (305) 653-8770.
GO ziv tamir
Reena you did amaaaazing beautiful on the decor!! I have such a talented friend.
lookin good
what a suit eyal anavim got
wow
Mazel Tov Mrs. Smith! You deserve it all the way!
Amazing Shliach…. and teacher at the Chaya Aidel Seminary !
GO DL
YOU THE BEST
AND THE BEST TEACHER EVER
CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU
You rock!!!!
your awesome!!!
Go Devorah Leah!!!!!!!!
Best rabbi ever, from a former student!!!!!
Lookin’ sharp!
Much appreciation and thanks goes to our elemantry principal- Mrs. Dalfin!
Thanks for raising the bar!!!
You make a tremendous diffrence!
THANK YOU!!!!!
this is so xute
Wen are so proud of you! From 770
go diti and moti
and the rest of the family…
shmulik
Your fan in Boca Raton
go yossi lesches you rock!!!
Rabbi Garfinkel is one of a kind! You rock the house.
go mendel greenburg and ben federman!
Go Eda Sirota
your stunning!!!!!!!!!!
Rachel you look gorgeous!