Chabad 20th Dazzles
By Annette van de Kamp-Wright
On Sunday April 13th, more than 350 people attended Chabad’s 20th anniversary gala honoring Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum, and Gail and Mike Yanney. The event was held at the new KANEKO creativity center at 1111 Jones. The gala, which was set to begin at 5:30 PM with cocktails among Jun Kaneko’s huge ceramic sculptures, was already brimming with people by 5:25. By six, a full house was noshing on Hap Abraham’s kosher hors d’oeuvres and enjoying the brand new facility.
A shofar signaled the move to the fabulous new Bow Truss room, where a sea of candles glowed amidst the table decorations. At the head of the event sat a colorfully lit stage, ready with two giant simcha challahs prepared by Susan Witkowski. A concert grand piano was on loan from a very generous Joslyn. Hal France serenaded the guests as they entered. The perimeter of the room held four flat screen televisions, playing a slide show displaying pictures of two decades of Chabad’s involvement in Nebraska.
Honoree Maxine Kirshenbaum praised the committee for their dedication: “The evening was as professional as you can get. The venue was new and wonderful, it had a gala quality, and it was truly fun. The table, the centerpieces, and the flowers were beautiful. And the musicians were spectacular as promised. On a scale of one to ten, I give this one a twelve.”
Honoree Joe Kirshenbaum continued: “It was a fabulous evening, and it was done so professionally. I think Chabad has been very special to this community. I feel they respect me and I respect them. They don’t approach people demanding drastic change. They just inspire you to become one step better than you were before. They contribute many mitzvahs to this community, and I’ve always admired them.”
The evening’s theme, Mitzvah’s and Music, set the stage for the program. Bruce Simon recognized the honorees, and Master of Ceremonies Debbie Denenberg wove stories about Chabad throughout the program. “Tonight we’ve assembled people from very diverse places and backgrounds. An underlying theme for our evening is that there’s hope for the world, and it begins in Omaha. We must all stand together as one family of humankind.”
At one point, Denenberg feigned the beginning of a long speech only to be cut off by the grand entrance of William Shakespeare, in full period dress, played by area actor Michal Simpson. “I’m here for my festival! Where is it?” he demanded, referring to Mike and Gail Yanney’s role as Co-Chairs of the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival.
With that trick, the program cut straight to the music. Stanislov Ioudenitch from Uzbekistan played pieces by Franz Liszt for fifteen minutes, demonstrating the technique and artistry that won him the prestigious 2001 Van Cliburn Piano Competition.
Next, Marcelo Guzzo from Uruguay serenaded the audience. His striking stage presence backed a rich baritone voice. He began with an Italian aria, and two Broadway pleasers, To Dream the Impossible Dream, and Some Enchanted Evening. He concluded with Granada. Marcelo Guzzo debuted at Carnegie Hall earlier this year. Both artists received standing ovations.
Tippi Denenberg, Program Chairperson, commented today: “We are so grateful for every one who supported or attended the gala. The energy that night was electric. I was thrilled to see how universally accepted the event was, and I was very excited that so many people value and support Omaha’s Chabad House. The program was better than world-class because it was grounded by the spirituality of Chabad and their mission to tilt the world toward goodness. My email in-box is overflowing with raves. My hats of to the people that started it all–Chabad, the Kirshenbaums, the Yanneys–and to the people who made it actually happen: our extraordinary gala committee”.
Rabbi Mendel and Shani Katzman warmly thanked the community for a 20 year adventure. They moved here not knowing what to expect, but firm in their commitment to be “shlichim” or emissaries of the Rebbe’s teachings.
“I am so grateful to the remarkable honorees, Shani Katzman said. “They are outstanding leaders in our community. Their warm friendship and staunch support of Chabad is heartwarming and sincerely appreciated and valued. What a fitting tribute to these stellar individuals who serve as role models in our midst!”
Shani Katzman continued by saying: “The Rebbe always encouraged us to take stock, celebrate, and then move forward with greater strength, determination, and focus. We hope this event will serve as the impetus for the expansion and growth of Chabad in the numerous ways it serves our community. We hope more people will take advantage of our services and the myriad educational opportunities we provide. We pray that we will continue to inspire and teach, that people will take to heart the message of the ‘one Mitzvah that makes a world of difference’.”
