Political, Communal Leaders Honored at Gala Dinner in DC

Washington’s elegant East Hall of Union Station was the site for an unusually successful event this past Tuesday, September 13, 2022.

The prestigious Lamplighter Awards Dinner of American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad) honored Mr. Norm Brownstein, a nationally respected Jewish communal figure and founder of the renowned law firm of Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber and Schreck.

Roy Blunt (R-MO), Chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, received the Lifetime Public Service Award. In true bi-partisan spirit, presenting him the award was House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD).

Dozens of Senators and House members, including Leadership of both parties from both Houses, were in attendance and most addressed the reception and dinner, presented on a level of elegance rarely seen even in our nation’s capital.

Dozens of ambassadors were in attendance, including ten representing Muslim countries.

Student leaders from The George Washington, Georgetown, and American universities, all located in DC, spoke of their respective Chabad centers reinforcing their sense of Jewish identity and personal strength.

The impactful and distinguished event was opened by Mrs. Nechama Shemtov, Director of Women’s Issues and Educational Initiatives, who shared an insightful Dvar Torah to help set the tone.

Special guests addressing the dinner included Ambassador of Israel to the US Michael Herzog, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations William Daroff and Howard Tzvi Friedman, one of America’s most prominent Jewish leaders.

Hamotzie was presided over by Shliach Rabbi Oshie Feldman of The Garden Shul in Capetown, South Africa, and Birchat Hamazon was led by Tevi Troy, former US Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Jeff DeBoer, President and CEO of The Real Estate Roundtable, served as the event’s General Chair, working with Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Executive Vice President of American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad).

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