Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens recently hosted its annual Gala, celebrating 19 years of growth, impact, and community. The shul was transformed into a formal dining experience featuring sushi, stir-fries, carving stations, and handcrafted pasta dishes. Later in the evening, a dessert spread added the perfect sweet touch.
The evening opened with Rebbetzin Chana Vigler, who delivered a heartfelt address reflecting on the shul’s journey — from humble beginnings to a world-renowned center of Jewish life. She proudly announced a major milestone: The shul’s YouTube Torah classes now reach over 50,000 subscribers worldwide, with some videos surpassing one million views.
Yet, amid this remarkable growth, she emphasized that the most treasured aspect of Chabad remains its warm, welcoming spirit. Following her words, Rabbi Dovid Vigler highlighted the impact the community has had on Israel and the IDF over the past year.
Several dedicated Chabad members were recognized for their contributions to the growth and vitality of the congregation. Each honoree received a custom-crafted Judaica metal sculpture as a token of appreciation. This year’s distinguished honorees included:
• Amy Wendt, Volunteer of the Year
• Deane Dubansky, Chabad Tomorrow Award
• Michael & Devorah Chana Horwitz, Jewish Leadership Award
• Melanie & Michael Cohen, Pillars of the Community Award
After the awards, the energy shifted to a night of laughter as Rob Berger’s comedic flair set the stage for a performance by Michael Rapaport and Ami Kozak.
Kozak had the audience in stitches with his hilarious impersonation of President Donald Trump delivering a Bar Mitzvah speech. His sharp wit and impeccable timing left the room roaring.
In a deeply personal and unexpected turn, Rapaport shared his Jewish awakening since October 7, 2023. He spoke candidly about how, before that tragic day, he saw his Jewish identity as merely cultural. However, witnessing the global rise in antisemitism ignited a powerful transformation within him.
Rapaport described his newfound dedication to laying tefillin daily and embracing Jewish observance, recognizing that the strongest response to hatred is unwavering Jewish pride and action. As the evening came to a close, a sense of unity, strength, and inspiration filled the room. This year’s Gala was more than a celebration — it was a testament to the power of community, faith, and Jewish resilience
