The Chabad of West Orange, at 401 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052, will kick off a weekend of inspirational and informative talks given by Rabbi Lavi Greenspan on Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, in conjunction with February Disability and Awareness Month. At the age of 26, Rabbi Greenspan became completely blind after surviving a benign brain tumor. Subsequently, he completed his law degree at Fordham University, passed the New York State Bar, and received semicha from Yeshiva University. Losing his sight didn’t only improve Lavi’s faith. “All of my senses have increased tremendously,” Greenspan notes. “My hearing is incredible; it’s a gift from the Almighty. I started to look at what I did have, the positive instead of the negative.”

Candle lighting and services will begin at 4:45 and dinner at 6 p.m., where Rabbi Greenspan will give his lecture. “We are excited to be hosting Rabbi Lavi Greenspan in our efforts to spread awareness of disability inclusion,” said event coordinator Eta Levenson. “In addition to speaking at the Chabad on Friday evening, Rabbi Lavi will speak at Congregations AABJ&D and Ohr Torah on Shabbat morning and afternoon.” The cost to attend is $36 for adults, $25 for seniors and students, $18 for children (under 3 are free) and scholarships are also available. Reservations for the dinner can be made at chabadwestorange.com/fnd or by calling 973-325-6311.