To mark the occasion of Chabad of the Five Towns 21st annual dinner, to be held February 21 at the Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst (RSVP or purchase ads or raffles now at www.chabad5towns.com), Chabad has put together a list of 21 reasons to love and support our Chabad. This week we conclude with reasons 1—10.

Rabbi Zalman and Rebbetzin Chanie Wolowik. The heart and soul of Chabad of the Five Towns, this dynamic couple who exemplify unassuming leadership have made their mark on thousands of people’s lives. Whether based in the little storefront, the current location at 74 Maple Avenue, or the ideal soon-to-be-built facility to properly house all of Chabad’s activities, Zalman and Chanie continue to reach out and make long-lasting friendships with everyone they encounter. For over two decades, they have been our role models, teachers, and community organizers.

Rabbi Meir and Rebbetzin Hadassah Geisinsky. Chabad’s energetic youth directors create and lead modern programming which ties strongly to traditional values. The Geisinskys masterfully incorporate the latest in technological and educational advances into their highly popular programs, but their love and concern for each individual always shines through.

Chabad of Hewlett. Led by Rabbi and Rebbetzin Tenenboim, the Hewlett community has come together to enjoy davening and special events together. Their creative and warm approach continues to attract more people to their programs, and they have made a strong impact in a relatively short time.

Jeff and Meira Neckonoff.Mitzvah gedolah liyhot b’simchah. The Chabad community can unanimously agree this is the Neckonoffs’ greatest mitzvah. Jeff, with his successful Azamra DJ company, brings joy to thousands as he helps celebrate milestones, and also donates his services to Chabad for events in the park. Meira also brings joy, in her understated way, to the hundreds of children she has educated, teaching English as a second language in Valley Stream. Their two teenage children, Emily and Daniel, follow in their parents’ ways with their academic and social success. Yiddishkeit did not come easily to this pair. Meira, hailing from Buenos Aires, and Jeff from Canarsie, Brooklyn, worked hard to find a path to G-d, learning and growing throughout the years, in large part due to their relationship with the Wolowiks.

Avi and Chava Popack. Along with his father and brothers, Avi helped pioneer the Chabad of the Five Towns minyan 21 years ago. Avi’s great-grandfather learned in the original city of Lubavitch in Russia and was later sent to be a shaliach in Vermont by the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. Avi was born in Queens and attended Brooklyn Law School. Approximately 10 years ago, Avi founded Chase Abstract, a title-insurance company. Chava was born in Atlanta, GA. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology. Chava is a partner in ANA and AVA hair accessories. Chava’s family has a long relationship with Chabad and her parents are active members of Chabad in Atlanta. Avi and Chava moved to the Five Towns 10 years ago and currently reside in Woodmere. They are proud parents of three beautiful boys: Noah (9), Judah (7), and Sammy (2). Sammy is currently a student in the Purple Room at Gan Chamesh. Noah and Judah previously attended Gan Chamesh. Avi davens regularly at Chabad and has a weekly chavrusah with Rabbi Wolowik. Avi and Chava chair many Chabad activities. Chava helps extensively with Chabad’s women’s programming. Noah, Judah, and Sammy join in Shabbos groups at Chabad where they are proud recipients of “Best Davener” trophies.

Faye Klausner and Allen Rosenberg. Five Towns residents for over 25 years, Faye raised her two children, Jeremy and Heather Markovitch, in Lawrence, while Allen raised Jade, Gaelyn, and Grant in Woodsburgh. Faye owned and operated a women’s clothing boutique called Uccelli in Cedarhurst for over 15 years. Allen owned an auto-parts business which afforded him the opportunity to invest in real estate. His most recent venture has been developing the Allegria Hotel in Long Beach where Faye is currently the executive director. They credit the guidance of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Wolowik with helping them enrich their lives spiritually, and have had all their children connect with Chabad on college campuses and on their travels throughout the world.

Terrel and Lizzy Ross. Terrel grew up in the Five Towns and Lizzy grew up in San Diego, California. They met in 1999 during chol ha’moed Sukkos in Jerusalem and were married shortly after. They live in Woodmere and have five children: Yehuda (14), Emunah (11), Tuvia (9), Yair (6), and Shimon (2); all have benefited greatly from the warmth and love of Gan Chamesh. Terrel studied finance at Touro College and received his law degree from St. John’s Law School. Terrel is the CEO of TR Capital Management, LLC, a niche distressed investment fund. Lizzy is a registered nurse from SUNY Farmingdale who puts all of her love and talent into her family. Their family is extremely proud to be part of the Chabad family and is wholeheartedly grateful for what Chabad has given to them, including, humbly, this wonderful honor.

Meaningful davening and classes. Though Chabad of the Five Towns is well known for its festive events, throughout the day and night, hundreds come to 74 Maple Avenue to quietly and devotedly enhance their relationship with G-d through prayers and classes. The Wolowiks, Geisinskys, and some expert volunteers are always around to share their guidance and knowledge.

A fun night. It’s our 20th reason, but for some it’s reason #1: Come to Chabad’s annual dinner to enjoy a great night. Delicious food in a beautiful environment, designed with the elegant touch of Penina Popack, with a generous donation of flowers and centerpieces by Alla of Jerusalem Florist, and expertly emceed by Gary Wallin with dancing and music as well, Chabad of the Five Towns ranks high among the most entertaining dinners in town.

  1. True, you can purchase raffle tickets in advance (ticket: $25; 5 tickets: $100, Split the Pot: $10) but there is no excitement comparable to hearing your name called out in person. Exciting prizes this year include two round-trip tickets to Israel donated by Flywithclass.com; a signature deco diamond two-tone rose gold Michele diamond-dial watch, donated by The Jeweler’s Wife; an Apple watch and iPad donated by Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Kahn, two-night stay for two at the Allegria Hotel and dinner for two at Prime Bistro, donated by Allegria Hotel and Prime Bistro; beautiful bouquet of flowers for Shabbat every week for a year donated by Gidon and Alla Shema of Jerusalem Florist; a relaxing night out for two at the SOHO Grand Hotel, and dinner for two at Reserve Cut donated by Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Kahn; and split the pot.

And there you have it–21 reasons to celebrate 21 years with Chabad on February 21. Call 516-295-2478 or visit www.chabad5towns.com to catch the action while you can.

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