Wellesley-Weston Chabad Center of Mass. Celebrates in Manhattan
SNS MASS. BUREAU
11:52:PM Tuesday, Feb 10, 2004

Manhattan's exclusive Box Tree Restaurant recently hosted a fundraising dinner for the Wellesley-Weston Chabad Center of Massachusetts. For those who have not yet visited the Box Tree (one of New York's most compelling culinary destinations), it is an experience not to be missed. The décor of the restaurant has been extensively reviewed by Architectural Digest, and the cuisine is certified by the OK Laboratories. Divided into theme rooms, the interior speaks of an elegance and refinement that is rarely seen today. Rabbi Moshe Bleich possesses a similar rare refinement, tempered with energy and dedication to his mission of increasing Jewish pride and observance in the Wellesley/Weston area of Metrowest Boston. Much of the evening focused on the incredible success stories, and even mofsim, that have characterized Rabbi & Mrs. Bleich’s 3+ years KA”H on the Rebbe’s shlichus.

In attendance were the families of several Wellesley College students that have become attached to the Bleichs. Wellesley College is one of the top women’s colleges in the world, and many graduates go on to hold positions of influence in almost every field. The school itself is academically demanding, and when you add in the social whirl of the Ivy League scene there are many opportunities for these young women to become distracted. The Bleichs provide an outlet and a sanctuary for the Jewish students of Wellesley College, a safe place to socialize and a matchless environment for strengthening Torah observance at a critical time in their lives. The parents of these women value the Bleichs influence in their children’s lives so much that they traveled to be part of this special evening, and show their support not just financially, but also by talking to others about the real difference that the Bleichs are making in their lives.

A large photo of the Rebbe graced the corner of the room that was used by the Bleichs for their event, and during the course of the evening the non-Jewish matrie'd asked several questions of Rabbi Bleich about the Rebbe. Later on, the matrie'd led a group of 10 Satmar Chassidim to the room as part of a guided tour of the restaurant, and pointed out the photo of the Rebbe to the group, saying “And as you all know, that is a photo of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the leader of the Jewish People”. Stories like this happen to Rabbi Bleich all the time, but they never become routine. Instead, they are part of the energy and excitement of shlichus, and are one of the many rewards that shluchim receive for their holy work.

As the diners enjoyed an exquisite multi-course meal, Rabbi Bleich spoke at length on his experiences in Wellesley. He spoke of the first few months in town, when even having one or two Shabbos guests was a mechaye. And recently, they had 200 people attend a Shabbaton at a nearby hotel. With each passing Shabbos and Yomtov, the Bleichs influence continues to grow, and the number of people whose lives they touch for the better increases.

Their plans for the future are ambitious, which is a good thing…ambition and direction are catalysts for progress. They certainly have energy and dedication to match their plans, but the one thing they don’t yet have is the financial support they need to make their plans become reality. As Rabbi Bleich noted in his speech, each year the percentage of local support for their budget is increasing…soon, they will be receiving ¾ of their budget from local contributors. This critical sign of fiscal health is heartening, and with G-d’s help and the Rebbe’s koach, may they receive everything they need in an openly good way to achieve all of their plans and much more.