Wow, it’s hard to imagine that we’re celebrating the MTC’s 25th annual draw. It feels like yesterday when I naively agreed to Rabbi Itchy’s request to co-chair the first draw with Joey Adler for the tiny shul he and Rabbi New were running out of a commercial space in Decarie Square.
Back in 1999, most people in my circle did not know about Chabad, did not understand the amazing army of ambassadors for Judaism the Rebbe had inspired, or the wonderful Jewish revival that was happening right here in Montreal.
We worked hard to sell 1,360 tickets that first year. Many did not understand what they were donating to and why. But Itchy would not take no for an answer, so neither could we!
Things are very different today as Montreal is dotted with Chabad Houses, and the MTC has become a powerful source of Jewish pride, prayer, learning and light.
When I first poked my head into the Montreal Torah Center, I had no idea what to expect. But Itchy—one of the greatest salesmen I know—welcomed me in, and I fell in love with Rabbi New’s wise teachings.
A few years later, we began raising funds for a magnificent permanent home for the MTC. Again, people doubted, questioning why we needed yet another synagogue. Would we ever fill all those seats?
Visit the MTC today, and you’ll see a shul that is bursting at the seams. Hundreds of people, Ashkenazim and Sephardim, pass through on a weekly basis. Toddlers, teens, singles, and seniors—there’s something for everyone!
This is all thanks to the Rebbe, whose love, vision, wisdom, and inspiration can be felt in everything we’ve all come to adore about Chabad - an open home for every Jew.
And so as we celebrate our 25th successful draw—thanks to our over 100 canvassers, over 125 sponsors and over 1500 donors —I look back with tremendous joy and nachas. But as the Rebbe taught us, and Itchy never let us forget, even as we enjoy our milestones, we can never be satisfied. G-d willing, we will sell even more tickets, providing the funds for even more Jewish growth and celebration!
