(Courtesy of Chabad Center of Northwest NJ) The Chabad Center of Northwest NJ celebrated its 35th anniversary with inspiration and energy at its Founders Dinner on June 5 at the elegant Crystal Plaza in Livingston. An inspired hall of guests was treated to an upbeat affair that highlighted the dedication of “grass roots” required for successful communal service.

The theme of the dinner was “Celebrating 35 Years of Bringing People Together.”

“From a small nucleus of pioneers who engineered community activities around a living room table, we have grown into a full-scale community foundation with eight regional centers geared to serving communities throughout Morris, Sussex and Warren counties,” said Rabbi Asher Herson, the Chabad Center’s regional director. “The successes we have been blessed with are a direct result of the selfless efforts of outstanding individuals who have made the expansion of our educational and charitable activities an absolute priority in their lives. Our distinguished honorees embody leadership in this vein to the utmost. This is what made the dinner event so inspiring and refreshing—its authenticity.”

The theme of this year’s dinner also reflected the unique current year on the Jewish calendar: the “Year of Hakhel (Gathering).” Biblical verses instruct, “During the first year of every seven-year cycle … you shall gather all of the people … so that they should hear, understand, and be inspired all the days of their lives” (Deut. 31:12). This entire year is dedicated to establishing many gatherings of camaraderie which are infused with inspiration.

For further information on the work of Chabad Center and the backgrounds of the Founders Dinner honorees, please visit www.OneTorahWay.org/dinner, call 973-625-1525 x227 or email [email protected]. Pictures of the dinner event and a documentary video can be viewed on Chabad’s website as well.