Kesher Torah Melave Malka Honors Avi and Malkie Hendeles and its Youth Program Directors
Jack Frid, Kesher Torah, Bard for Life.
Kesher Torah hosted its second annual Melave Malka on Motzei Shabbos, February 14. The event was emceed by the very entertaining Jeff Astrof who told the crowd that while he has hosted the event twice previously, his Rabbi had informed him that he would have to check his mezuzahs if he agreed again! The audience unanimously voted Jeff as “EFL”, Emcee for Life.
Harav Pinchos Gruman, shlita, was the first speaker. He applauded the honorees, Avi and Malkie Hendeles for their selfless dedication to the Minyan as well as the Hendeles family’s contribution to the Los Angeles community at large. He also noted that the Minyan has celebrated an array of simchos this past year, most notably the wedding of President for Life (PFL) Saul Ackerman to Julia Feldmar. Remarkably, though true to Kesher Torah’s core values, “Kehilla,” “Shira,” and “Ruach,” everyone present at the wedding truly felt like they were the Baal Simcha.
Top Left: Yoni Greenberg, Jack Frid, Eli Trainer, Ari Berman and Yossi Berman. Bottom Left : Avi Hendeles, R’ Nachi Klein, Paul Greenberg and Seth Merewitz
President Ackerman proceeded to present the award to Avi and Malkie Hendeles, with the accompaniment of Avi’s favorite song, “V’Zakeini L’Gadel”. Avi Hendeles then spoke movingly and candidly followed by a humble acceptance of his award.
Dr. Elly Berlin presented additional awards to Kesher Torah’s youth program directors; newly appointed Yoni Greenberg, Ari Berman (retired), and Elisheva Berman, who enable parents to bring their children to Shul with complete peace of mind, knowing they are being well nourished, physically and spiritually. Dr. Berlin used Parshas Mishpatim to convey how parents trust the Youth Program Directors like shomrim and how fortunate we are to have such meaningful youth programs full of Torah for our youth ages 3 and older.
The keynote speaker was R’ Avi Leibovic, founder of Aish Tamid and the source of inspiration for the formation of Kesher Torah. Rabbi Leibovic spoke with heart about a set of peculiar encounters in Israel that illustrated the shared connection all of Klal Yisrael have, and the need to chart one’s own path in developing a connection with Hashem. Of the many miracles that transpired at the Yam Suf, each Jew had his own “row.” At the same time, each and every one of Klal Yisrael was able to see their neighbor and draw inspiration as the “rows” of the Yam Suf were transparent.
Service of Hashem through Shira, Ruach, and with an unbreakable Kesher are the special qualities which prompt community leaders and educators to refer to Kesher Torah as the warmest Minyan in town. Come join us for an inspiring Carlbach Friday night davening, a Shabbos morning davening with Divrei Machshava from R’ Pinchas Gruman, followed by a hot Kiddush or a soul stirring, lights out Shalosh Seudos with a rich assortment of fascinating guest speakers.
Kesher Torah is located in the Aish Tamid Building, 5909 W. 3rd Street. For info contact info@keshertorah.org .
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