(Courtesy of Bris Avrohom) On Sunday, November 5, Bris Avrohom celebrated its 44th Annual Dinner and 36th Gala Wedding.
The dinner commenced with eight chuppahs, where eight couples renewed their wedding vows k’das Moshe v’Yisroel (according to law). The couples, aged 35-73, walked down the aisle with immense joy, as their families, including parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren, looked on with pride.
Following the chuppahs, Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky led the chassanim in joyous dancing, and Rebbetzin Kanelsky led the kallahs (brides). The air was charged with happiness and jubilance. Each couple received educational gifts with which to start their jewish lives, including a kiddush cup, candlesticks, a pair of tzitzis, as well as a siddur, a chumash, a Tehillim and a Tanya, all with Russian translation.
At the event, five candles were lit in commemoration of the shloshim of the massacre in Israel. Individuals with ties to the IDF were called upon to ignite the candles as the timeless tune of “Ani ma’amin” played softly in the background. Rabbi Kanelsky then read Chapter 122 in Tehillim on behalf of Klal Yisroel.
The Guest of Honor was Eduard Slinin, who is a prominent supporter and has been involved with Bris Avrohom for over 25 years. He dedicated a sefer Torah to the Bris Avrohom shul as well as a room at Cheder Yaldei Menachem.
Yanky and Chaya Bennish received the Young Leadership Award in recognition of their participation and support of all Bris Avrohom institutions: Bris Avrohom activities; Cong. Shomrei Torah Ohel Yosef Yitzchok, where Mr. Bennish serves on the board; Cheder Yaldei Menachem where their children attend; and Bat Sheva Chaya Esther Mikvah where Mrs. Bennish serves on the committee.
The Community Service Award was presented to Kenneth Sagrestano, general manager, GW Bridge and Bus Station, for placing five menorahs at locations under his jurisdiction. Throughout the holiday of Chanukah, over one million people are able to view and benefit from the lights of the menorah thanks to the assistance of Sagrestano.
In the spirit of the eight couples who were wed at the Bris Avrohom Gala Wedding, Bris Avrohom is now beginning its preparation for the eight days of Chanukah. Bris Avrohom will light 140 menorahs for the benefit of over 28 million viewers.
For more information on the activities of Bris Avrohom, please contact the office at 908-289-0770.
