Bris Avrohom, headquartered in Hillside, recently celebrated a milestone of its 30th Gala Wedding at the Sheraton in Parsippany in which eight couples from the former Soviet Union were married according to Jewish tradition.
The Sheraton Parsippany Hotel’s ballroom was filled with the eight chupahs and each couple’s family and friends, numbering over 400 guests, who came to participate in this important milestone in their lives. Rabbi Mordechai, executive director, and Mrs. Shterney Kanelsky, associate director of Bris Avrohom, both prepared each couple for marriage. Each couple was escorted to their chupah for their ceremonies and were presented with wedding gifts which included sacred books published by Bris Avrohom with Russian translation, candlesticks and a Kiddush cup to enhance their lives as a Jewish family following the ceremonies. This year’s event was unique in that two brothers were married on the same day.
This annual event was started by Milton ob”m and Shirley Gralla and Rabbi Mordechai and Shterney Kanelsky who wanted to give Jews from the former Soviet Union the ability to enjoy a traditional Jewish ceremony with pride, joy and independence. This event was to be called a “Celebration of Religious Freedom.” To date, Bris Avrohom has married close to 900 couples.
Concurrently celebrated with this event was Bris Avrohom’s 36th annual dinner (double “chai”), marking their achievements for the past year as well as honoring those individuals who have shown their dedication and commitment to our cause. This dinner’s theme was “Light Up the World.”
The event’s annual dinner journal was dedicated to the memory of David Roitburg, ob”m, a man filled with light and joy. The Woman of Valor award was bestowed upon Mrs. Polina Roitburg, who continues her husband’s legacy.
Rabbi David and Sara Wilansky were awarded the Kesher Shem Tov Award for illuminating the community. Rabbi Wilansky for his devotion and commitment to every individual with the teachings of the Rebbe, and Mrs. Wilansky for her inspiration to the women of the community.
The Celebration of Religious Freedom Award was presented to Zalman and Nina Ginzburg in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary and their ability to infuse individuals with joy and happiness.
The Aviation Department of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey were the recipients of the Community Service Award. Their tireless devotion allowed Bris Avrohom to place menorahs in all six New York and New Jersey airports, terminals and public spaces, which enabled millions of viewers to enjoy the lights of Chanukah and connect with their tradition.
For more information about the Bris Avrohom organization, please call their headquarters at (908) 289-0770 or visit their website, www.BrisAvrohom.org.
