JCM Celebrates ‘Chai’ Years With Gala Dinner

Supporters and friends of the Jewish Children’s Museum gathered on Tuesday in the Museum for a gala dinner celebrating 18 years since its founding. NYC Mayor Eric Adams spoke of the impact of the Rebbe’s teachings.

By Anash.org reporter

Supportors and friends of the Jewish Children’s Museum gathered on Tuesday in the Museum for a gala dinner celebrating 18 years since its founding.

Opening Remarks were presented by NBC News Anchor Adam Kuperstein, who also served as the MC for the evening. Kuperstein, a father of 3, feels a close connection to the legacy of Ari Halberstam hy”d, after whom the museum is named.

The National Anthem was presented and sung by the NYPD Marching Band.

Abrar Zilany, a student from Public School 276 of Canarsie, related his reaction to his visit to the Jewish Children’s Museum, where he learned about the Jewish People our traditions and culture. He shared his memories and takeaways from his visit and important lessons of cultural connections.

Tzivos Hashem Director Rabbi Yerachmiel Benjaminson then offered a greeting, welcoming the crowd with a toast of L’chaim to 18 – “Chai” Years of the Museum’s continuous growth, and to many more years in the future.

A special video presentation was then shown, showcasing the impact of the Jewish Children’s Museum on the local community, their thousands of visitors, and on public schools from across NYC. It also highlighted the vision for the future with a special focus on the recent visit of Public School superintendents to the Museum.

Mrs. Devorah Halberstam, co-founder of the Museum, then delivered a fiery speech, remembering her son Ari, whose memory fuels her passion to educate and foster an understanding, inclusivity, and respect for all people. 

Chancellor David Banks spoke about the importance of children visiting the Museum to learn about acceptance and understanding. NYC Mayor Eric Adams then spoke about the importance of changing oneself, relating the personal impact that the Rebbe’s teachings had on him, and by extension the way he treats education in his role as mayor. 

Roni Shoyfer of Citizens Bank was presented with the Community Builders Award presented by Rabbi Benjaminson and Hon. Thomas P. DiNapoli, NY State Comptroller. Hon. Adrienne Adams, NYC Council Was presented with the City Leadership Award, presented by NY State Attorney General Letitia James. Hon. Katherine B. Forrest, Former Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, was presented with the Ari Halberstam Memorial Award, presented by former United States Attorney General. Michael B. Mukasey.

The dinner’s design and set up was by Debby Event Design, and the night’s catering was by Table One Catering.