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Rabbi & Rebbetzin's Message Rabbi & Rebbetzin’s Message Looking back at our 17 years in Randolph, we think it would be fair to say that we stuck with our motto of bringing Judaism to life into this community. Since we were young, we’ve internalized the great Rabbi- Rabbi Schneerson’s outlook and vision for the Jewish people. He wanted all the Jewish people to have direct access to their Judaism and that it should be personal and deeply relevant for each individual. Top this vision with the Chassidic Jewish perspective that every aspect of our Judaism and practice needs to be infused with total joy – is what Chabad is all about! We see all the Jewish people as one body with one heart - part of the same great nation. Over the years we have looked for ways to bring connections and unity into the community that transcends any label of affiliation. Every program, club, celebration, and class try to fulfill that vision of uniting the Jewish people together, keeping our Jewish flame alive, and adding vibrancy into our Jewish practice…fulfilling our motto of ‘bringing Judaism to life’. By us continuing the Chabad here in Randolph (which opened its doors in the 1980’s) we hope to help others feel more connected to their souls, G-d and each other. We are blessed to be part of this special community consisting of amazing and giving people who have shared their lives and milestones with us. Thank you for joining us here tonight in celebration of our 17 years! We look forward in sharing only celebrations and joyous occasions with you and your family! - Rabbi Avraham & Chava Bekhor - Bobi & Lewis Cohen Bobi and Lewis Cohen, also known as Rivka and Aryeh Yehuda Leib have lived in Randolph for 41 years and recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. The Cohen’s go back to being high school senior prom sweethearts. They have two children, Scott married to Allison and Jodi married to Matt; four grandchildren, Dia, Caden, Sam, and Aiden. Both Bobi & Lew are dedicated, loving and hands-on parents and grandparents. Bobi has been an aerobics teacher in Randolph for the past 41 years. She is famous for her chocolate mousse pie, ice cream cakes and chicken soup and enjoys attending the Tuesday mornings Torah & Tea Classes. Lewis enjoys fishing, hiking and biking. He is a devoted member of the Saturday morning Shabbat services as well as enjoys the weekly Wednesday night Torah Talks program. Both Bobi & Lew are proud Chabad community members and living examples of Jewish pride! Phyllis & Cy Mackinney Cy Mackinney was born in Fort Knox, KY and grew up in suburban Philadelphia. He is a graduate of Muskingum University and started working in the insurance claims industry in 1974. Following a transfer to New Jersey in 1977, he earned a Structured Settlement Certification from Notre Dame University and continues to financially work with children and adults who are injured in all types of Tort Litigation. Cy likes to watch all types of sports and collects stamps and coins as a hobby. Phyllis and Cy have two sons—Peyton a four-year-old fury Shorkie and Madison, age 15. Phyllis was born and raised in NJ. Cy and Phyllis were married in 2003 and moved to Randolph in 2005 when Madison, their son, was 1 ½ years old. Phyllis worked in the Insurance Industry for 30 years before retiring to be a stay at home mom. She likes being outside, skiing in the winter and the beach in the summer, especially when Madison and Phyllis are together. Phyllis thrives on bright, sunny days regardless of the temperature. Phyllis takes her role as a friend very seriously. She considers her friends to be very special, and she feels fortunate to have them with her on her life journey. Phyllis and Cy feel blessed to be a part of the Chabad community and to be able to call so many their friend. Phyllis and Cy feel it is truly an honor being honored this evening, alongside Bobi and Lew Cohen, by those they hold in such high esteem and respect. Tribute to the Lubavitcher Rebbe “The Rebbe … taught us how to incorporate it (the Torah) within ourselves to combine a life of Judaism with a life of full involvement in the broader community,” – Former U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman. As we contemplate the above comment, we realize that behind every great organization is a great leader, and Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson is that great leader. Regardless of affiliation, formality of education, or level of observance, the Rebbe felt that all Jews belonged to the Jewish world, and he strived to ensure that the organization he supervised would spread this ideal throughout the world. His interest in promoting and fostering educational pursuits for others is legendary and forms the basis of much of his movement. One of the constants that can be found in the Rebbe’s teachings and writings is the notion of education for all, particularly for children. His philosophy maintained that children, who are the stepping stones to the future, should be taught the same concepts and values as adults, albeit at the proper form for children. A child’s education is to be taken seriously and is the responsibility of the entire community. As the Rebbe strove to impart a way of life that was loving and inclusive, his spirit is sustained in the form of those who ceaselessly work to continue the goals of his work – establishment of a worldwide community living in total peace and filled with acts of kindness and good deeds. The Rebbe is the driving life force behind every Chabad institution. His living example of caring and kindness serves as a role model for all Jews, everywhere. Letter from our Mayor Programs & Events at Chabad of Randolph Annual Challah Bake/Night of the Jewish Woman: Celebrate a night dedicated to the Jewish woman and the role she plays in our future. The evening includes each participant making their own homemade challah, mixing, kneading and shaping their own traditional challah. We invite all women from all walks of life to celebrate their womanhood. Annual Women’s Friday Night Dinner: An inspirational evening with local women coming together to get rejuvenated and uplifted through song and food (for thought) in the spirit of Shabbat. Bat Mitzvah Club: Bat Mitzvah- the age every Jewish girl dream to be. The biggest day of her childhood, the first day of adulthood. Becoming a Bat Mitvah girl takes preparation, work, and a bit of guidance. Chabad of Randolph is opening our very own Bat Mitzvah Club for all Jewish girls who are counting down the days to their birthday! Learn about the importance of being a Bat Mitzvah, the unique mitzvot that are now yours, through crafts, interactive games, trips, and more fun! Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tutoring: Getting a pre-teen ready for their special day with infused learning and preparations. Counseling & Life Coaching: Helping individuals navigate through and overcome life’s challenges. Community Outreach: Being there for whoever is in need of support including senior outreach that offers nursing home/assisted living visitations. Connections: We celebrate the beginning of every Hebrew month (Rosh Chodesh) with CONNECTIONS. A monthly women’s group consisting of women of all backgrounds that offer inspirational evenings on an array of relevant topics where women can leave supported and empowered. CTeen: CTeen is a Jewish youth club for high school teens that compacts exhilarating, fun projects into a meaningful and impactful program. In just this past year, we've hosted lunches for nursing home residents, delivered baked goods to community service workers, donated DIY toiletries to battered women shelters, fed the homeless, and contributed and gave back to the community in many more ways all while having a great time with fellow Jewish teens! Friday Night Live: Join our fabulous community dinners that are scheduled throughout the year. Meet new people, feel the Shabbat atmosphere, enjoy great food, and just feel Jewish! Jews from all walks of life coming together on a special day, in a warm atmosphere, and we call it Friday Night Live. High Holiday Services: All services are filled with meaning and inspiration. Hebrew-English prayer books for an easy-to-follow service as well as soulful melodies and insightful commentaries throughout. Holiday Events: Celebrate the joy of Judaism at Chabad of Randolph’s Holiday events! All filled with fun and joy! Jewish Learning Institute Adult Education: This year’s course was ‘The Art of Parenting’ – offering deep and insightful knowledge based on Jewish wisdom and modern psychology bringing concrete solutions and systems to the modern parent. Loaves of Love: Instead of sending flowers to a friend, why not send fresh home-made Challah with a note. Send a freshly baked Challah to a friend, relative or neighbor (in the Randolph area) wishing them a Shabbat Shalom filled with love and warmth! In loving memory of Marcia Samuels, Miriam Leah Bat Yaakov Tzvi Shabbat Services: Weekly prayer services on Saturday mornings beginning at 10am – 12pm, followed by Kiddush and refreshments. Shalom Hebrew School: Shalom Hebrew Club offers a stimulating and friendly environment where children embrace their Jewish roots and gain a true sense of Jewish pride, no matter their level of observance or affiliation. Children, in first and second grade, acquire a broad knowledge of Judaism through a motivating and challenging venue. Storytime at the Randolph Library: The Story Time session includes a book reading, an interactive holiday game and a fun holiday craft. Our goal is to help get the children excited for the upcoming Jewish holiday in a public setting, where they can connect to the holiday and others celebrating it.
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