The Royal Elite Palace in Woodside was brimming with excitement when almost 500 people attended Emet Outreach’s Couples Melaveh Malkah. The annual event was a celebration of the strong relationships that are at the foundation of Emet’s mission to sustain the Jewish future.

“At Emet, our dedicated staff forge meaningful and lasting relationships with our students to support them as they connect with their Jewish heritage,” said Rabbi Akiva Rutenberg, Emet’s Co-Founder and Director. “That support begins in the college years and continues through marriage. Our ultimate goal is to help our students build Jewish families. The Melaveh Malkah is a moment to share pride with our couples, as we look to the future together.”

The evening was designed to offer an elegant experience. Guests enjoyed a sushi bar, dairy buffet, Viennese dessert table, and wine tasting. Entertainment included a photo booth as well as music by Shlomi Elishaev and DJ Yoni. World-renowned illusionist Haim Goldenberg also wowed the audience with his mind-boggling feats.

The cornerstone of the evening was an engaging program that began with two videos. Rabbi Rutenberg introduced the first video, which was a tribute to Ms. Sylvia Schwartz, ob”m. Sylvia was a strong-minded individual and an early supporter of the State of Israel. She lived to 100 years and, through a generous endowment to Emet, is now enabling many students to experience Emet’s educational programs and life-altering trips. Rabbi Rutenberg then invited the crowd to “Get to Know the Real Emet in 2020.” The second video showcased not only Emet’s devoted staff and multi-faceted programming, but also featured interviews with Emet students detailing the impact Emet has had on their lives.

Rabbi Nissim Musheyev, Emet’s Director of Community Development, welcomed Rabbi Eli Mansour, who was the keynote speaker of the evening. Rabbi Mansour, Rabbi of the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue, and an internationally respected voice of the Sephardic community, enthralled the crowd. He spoke about the word “Emet” and its numeric significance in the Torah.

“It was a wonderful evening where we felt the true essence of Emet. We are one family, committed to the future of the Jewish people,” said Rabbi Rutenberg. “We look forward to more couples events and to sharing simchah and growth.”

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For further information on Emet programs and upcoming events, visit www.emetoutreach.org.