South Florida Officials Unveil ‘Chabad Way’

Joined by local officials, shluchim, rabbis, community leaders and council members, the Palmetto Bay community gathered for a historic and joyful celebration as the street in front of Chabad of Palmetto Bay & Deering Bay, a suburb of Miami, was officially named “Chabad Way.”

Mayor Karyn Cunningham explained that Chabad Way is much more than a street name or a sign. It represents the Chabad way, a way of warmth, love, and belonging.

The mayor spoke personally about the impact Chabad has had on her throughout the years. Her relationship with Chabad began 12 years ago, when she was still a schoolteacher and first running for public office, long before she became mayor.

The naming of Chabad Way was approved unanimously by the mayor, vice mayor and the entire Village Council, a powerful reflection of Chabad’s impact throughout the South Florida community.

Suzanne Levitas spoke on behalf of the community and shared how Chabad has touched her family. She described how Chabad has been there to celebrate during the happy times and to offer comfort and support during the difficult times.

Rabbi Zalman Gansburg, who directs Chabad of Palmetto Bay & Deering Bay together with his wife, spoke about the mission given by the Rebbe, who sent shluchim throughout the world to bring light and goodness to every community.

Rabbi Gansburg explained that Chabad’s mission is to serve every person in Palmetto Bay, encouraging Jews to perform mitzvos and strengthen their connection to Torah, while encouraging non-Jews to observe the sheva mitzvos bnei noach and help create a more peaceful and G-dly world.

Rabbi Gansburg also addressed the candidates for public office who attended the celebration. He shared the Rebbe’s teaching that we must always focus on increasing the positive, encouraging each candidate to speak about what they can offer the community instead of focusing on what an opponent may be lacking.

“When we focus on the positive and on what we can give, people recognize it,” Rabbi Gansburg said. “That is the real secret to winning, not only an election, but in life.”

Village Manager Nick Marano was honored with the dedication of a page in Chabad’s community calendar devoted to the Seven Noahide Laws.

The Commander, Sergeant and Lieutenant of the Palmetto Bay police leadership were also recognized and presented with copies of Positivity Bias, a book highlighting the Rebbe’s life-changing approach of finding goodness and possibility in every person and every situation.

The celebration concluded with a prayer that the warmth, love and unity seen in Palmetto Bay will continue to grow, and that Chabad Way will serve as an example and inspiration for communities everywhere.