Abigail Lindenbaum and Shai Tambor
Journal Chairs

Hello!  It is us again!  As we sat down to write this letter, the letter for our chazakah year as Journal Chairs, we re-read our letters from the past two years, seeking inspiration.  Last year's letter was remarkable in its tone and sense of urgency.  We vividly recall being somewhat at a loss as to how to ask you all to give, and give generously, in such a year of unknowns and challenges.  This year, we note a greater sense of calm, yet the challenges still loom large for many in our community and for our beloved Chabad.  So once again, we seek to inspire a rededication to Chabad of the Upper West Side and its myriad of good works.

As another year draws to a close, we can only marvel at how Chabad provided yet another year of joy, love and learning to ours and all of yours.  They did this in the face of diminished contributions, rising costs and frozen wages.  True to its logo, this "Little Engine that Could" institution, not only maintained itself in this challenging year, but GREW - providing more programs, to more people, finding more holes to plug and more needs to fill.  Whether in the school, the community programs or in the Chabad Shul, Chabad of the Upper West Side has sought to help, teach and inspire our community and they have exceeded even the loftiest expectations!  Chabad has worked tirelessly to make every dollar, every penny, work to its fullest and they intend to keep doing so.  That is the reason the Journal is paperless this year.  In order to insure that every donated dollar goes to work for the community, we went back to the budget for the dinner yet again and sought ways to cut and rethink creatively.  The event is pivotal - an opportunity to celebrate all we have built together and all that is yet to come.  It is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary among us and their unparalleled efforts.  Yet, the amounts we have saved by cutting back printing costs are significant and will go a long way towards the bottom line.

Mazal Tov to this year's extraordinary honorees Elana and Sagi Genger and Naava and Danny Eckstein.  The Gengers and the Tambors began the journey with Chabad together back in 2004 and we could not have asked for a more inspiring couple with whom to share the journey.  Three cheers for the contingent from the East Side!  We are also privileged to share a class with the Eckstein's this year and a more dedicated and energetic couple cannot be found. They continue to work tirelessly for the growth of the Chabad Shul and their successes are evident on a weekly basis.   Mazal Tov to Morah Sarah Abrahamson - the first assistant teacher to ever receive this award.  We wish all our honorees continued success in all their endeavors.

"Ma Tovu Ohalecha Yaacov; Mishkinotecha Yisrael!"  "How goodly are your tents, Yaacov; your dwelling places, Israel!"  Together, we have built a singular tent on the Upper West Side that shelters our children in its warm embrace.  We have erected a dwelling place that is a sanctuary to many and turns away none.  There is so much more work to be done, but tonight, let us celebrate all that we have accomplished as a community and as a family.

Dina and David Weinstein
Parent Coordinators

We are the proud parents of three spectacular daughters, Chloe, Casey and Ginger. Chloe is currently in the fifth grade, Casey, a Chabad alumni, is in the third grade, and Ginger is in Gold Nursery at CELC. 

We were so fortunate to find Chabad when we moved from the Village seven years ago. We were looking for a Jewish education for our children and we could not have found a better place. We greatly admire Chabad’s amazing approach to the value of education and the importance of community. Every child who walks through their door is treated with love and with respect for their individuality. The Morahs have the incredible ability to nurture growth in every type of child. Each parent is also treated with friendship and kindness, regardless of their background or affiliation. As a result, all are able to grow both spiritually and religiously. 

We are delighted to pay tribute to the honorees, Elana and Sagi Genger, and Naava and Danny Eckstein, as well as honor the Educator of Excellence awardee Sarah Abrahamson.  We thank you so much for your hard work and your endless dedication to Chabad of the West Side.