7/17/08

I must share with you a moment of intense joy which I experienced recently, a moment I will not forget as long as I live. Earlier this month I found myself sitting at the Chupah-wedding ceremony of Jessica Neissani, daughter & granddaughter to the Neissani families which are so beloved to all of us at Chabad.

Any Chupah is joyous. The joy is multiplied when one remembers the bride or groom since their early childhood, which is certainly the case here. (I first met Jessica when she was 6). But here the joy was on a different level, somehow much deeper. It was because our little Jessica was marching down the aisle as a proud, observant Jewish bride, joining hands in marriage with a proud, observant (and I might add: quite remarkable) Jewish young man. In this world of confusion and uncertainty, apathy and indifference, here was a pair of very young people who had none of that. It is quite clear they know exactly who they are and where they are going. It moved me to tears.

What... so you're wondering what's the secret to raising happy, focused, wholesome children? Oh, that's an easy one: Yeshiva education... To borrow a cliché: "It's not expensive... it's priceless."

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Shalom M. Paltiel

	Upcoming Events

September 17: Annual Dinner
Please mark your calendar with the date of our dinner, September 17, to be held at the Talon Air terminal, Republic Airport in Farmingdale, NY. Details and invitation to follow.

	News

Chabad is applauded by New York State for high standards of our school buses

The New York State Department of Transportation has notified us that we are being awarded and applauded for the high level of upkeep that our school buses get. Click here to see the cover letter we received this week from NYS DOT.

We at Chabad of Port Washington always pride ourselves in professionalism and doing things right and not cutting corners. The way we deal with our school buses is no different, especially considering that the safety of the children is directly connected to standards we keep for the vehicles that transport them. We are proud of this citation of excellence. (Kudos to Joel (aka Reb Yoel) for doing such a great job at maintaining all the busses.

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Congratulations to Sharon & Danny Lee on their daughter Rachel (aka Dr. Lee) on being featured on CBS Channel 3 for her contribution to the humane treatment of animals. Click here to view the very impressive report. Dr. Lee, we are all very proud of your accomplishments (but not in the least bit surprised).

	BERKOWITZ GAN ISRAEL news

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