This past week, over 100 members of the Jewish community of Woodbridge, Ontario, gathered for an uplifting and elegant celebration marking the 40th birthday of Shliach Rabbi Shalom Bakshi, and the profound impact he and his family have made since arriving six years ago to serve as Shluchim.
By Anash.org reporter
This past week, over one hundred members and friends of the Woodbridge Jewish community gathered for an uplifting and elegant celebration marking the 40th birthday of Shliach Rabbi Shalom Bakshi. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the profound impact Rabbi Bakshi and his family have made since arriving six years ago to serve as Shluchim in Woodbridge, Ontario.
Rabbi Shalom and Rebbetzin Chana Bakshi direct the Chabad Jewish Center of Woodbridge under the guidance of Rabbi Zalman A. Grossbaum. With tireless dedication, they have nurtured Jewish life and fostered a warm sense of belonging for every Jew in Woodbridge and the surrounding Vaughan area.
The elegant dinner, held at Venu Event Space, began with Tehillim recited by Rabbi Bakshi’s young daughters, followed by soulful niggunim and heartfelt prayers for the safety and success of the brave soldiers and Jews in Eretz Yisrael.
The Mayor of Vaughan addressed the gathering with sincere words, praising Rabbi Bakshi’s unwavering commitment, compassionate heart, and the many ways he has enriched lives and strengthened the city’s spiritual fabric.
A highlight of the evening was a special panel titled “My Moment with Rabbi Bakshi,” where four community members shared moving personal stories of how the Rabbi’s guidance uplifted them and supported their families in times of need.
The program was skillfully led by the evening’s MC, Mr. Oliver Stone, Director of Valley Vista Chartwell Retirement Home, and featured lighthearted entertainment by comedian Robert Cait.
Later in the evening, a grand raffle was held with a variety of unique prizes, including a special flight to Eretz Yisrael.
As one guest, Rochel, reflected, “This is what true community looks like – people coming together, uplifted by Torah values, Jewish warmth, and the unwavering light that the Rebbe’s Shluchim bring to every corner of the world.”
Another guest, Diana, shared how meaningful it was “to sit together with friends and neighbors, enjoy heartfelt words and laughter, while celebrating the accomplishments of a rabbi who inspires us all to grow in Judaism.”
The event was made possible by the devoted dinner committee, whose dedication and hard work brought the evening to life.
Under Rabbi Bakshi’s leadership, Chabad of Woodbridge continues to be a beacon of warmth, learning, and inspiration—ensuring that every Jewish home and heart shines with the light of Yiddishkeit.
To help strengthen Jewish life and support the continued growth of the Woodbridge community, you can donate at: JewishWoodbridge.ca/donate
“May we merit to celebrate many more milestones together with revealed goodness and brachos and ultimately bring the Hisgalus of the Rebbe, now!” said Rabbi Shalom Bakshi.
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