(Courtesy of RCA) The Rabbinical College of America will hold its annual National Founders’ Gala on Thursday, May 16, at the Robert Treat Center in Newark. The event will honor longtime trustee of the college, Zygmunt Wilf, and New Jersey’s First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy for their longtime leadership, care and service to the community at large.

Rabbi Moshe Herson, dean of the Rabbinical College, stated “In the course of close to 50 years, I have watched with amazement how this generation is following in the footsteps of their parents, continuing their great work for the good of the community, for the good of the country, for the good of Israel and the Jewish People.”

Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, global director of Chabad shluchim (emissary) placement, portrayed a view of the reach of the Chabad shluchim, many of whom are graduates of the Rabbinical College of America. “There are 700 rabbinical students, many from the Rabbinical College, who will not be sitting at their parents’ Seder. They will be going out to over 400 communities that do not have Rabbis, little towns from Ukraine to New Zealand, to conduct the Seder. Who would believe that in Thailand there would be 7,000 people at Seders – many of them Israeli backpackers who have gone there to find themselves. Activities in Thailand are organized by Chabad Shaliach Rabbi Yosef Kantor, an alumnus of this college.”

Rabbi Mendel Herson, associate dean, described the many programs at the college. “We have four higher-level academic programs, with 500 students of varying ages, and a waiting list of hundreds more, whom we were unable to accommodate for lack of space. All our programs are in need of expansion to meet growing needs.”

He also reported on the growing network of Chabad Centers in all 21 New Jersey counties. “The Rabbinical College also serves as Chabad headquarters for the State of New Jersey, with 59 Chabad Centers throughout the state, serving the needs of the community.”

Anatol Hiller and David Halpern told of their most memorable experiences with Chabad shluchim in far out cities across the world.. They also expressed appreciation of the great impact of the shluchim on college campuses all across the USA.

This year’s event comes shortly after a time of horrific evil committed against our people in California, Pennsylvania, in Israel and all across the world.

Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, the heroic and brave leader of Chabad of Poway, is a proud graduate of the Rabbinical College of America. His courage saved lives during the attack and continues to inspire thousands to stand proud in the face of anti-Semitism.

Rabbi Herson sent letters of comfort to the community and to Chabad of San Diego Regional Director, Rabbi Yonah Fradkin, also a graduate of the RCA.

Our response to such acts has always been to follow the advice of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory, to add in unity and deeds of goodness and kindness. Just as a little light dispels much darkness, the goodness of our deeds will overcome this evils darkness.

For further information and reservations, please call the college at 973-267-9404 or visit www.rca.edu.