More than 500 community members, dignitaries, supporters, and friends gathered at Copper Creek Golf Club, Toronto’s premier kosher venue, on Tuesday evening to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Chabad Lubavitch of Markham.

The gala evening, themed “On the Shoulders of Giants: Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Future,” brought together four generations of community members to reflect on forty years of impact while looking ahead to the future. As well, Chabad Markham, which has become over the last forty years one of the most trendsetting Chabad institutions in the world, presented an outstanding program to celebrate this important milestone in keeping with its original out-of-the-box style.

The program was hosted by well-known influencer Allison Solomon and opened with a stirring musical performance by the Chabad Markham Choir under the direction of Gary Rewald, setting the tone for an inspiring evening.

A multimedia presentation highlighted four decades of community growth, educational initiatives, social services, holiday programming, and outreach that have touched thousands of lives since Rabbi Avrohom and Rebbetzin Goldie Plotkin arrived in Markham in 1985.

One of the evening’s most moving moments was the presentation of the “Ripple Effect” video, focusing on four families in the community whose lives were profoundly influenced by seemingly simple encounters with Chabad’s rabbis and rebbetzins over the years.

The presentation culminated with the story of the Lange Fredlender family, whose grandson, inspired by his Jewish identity and connection to Chabad, returned to Israel following the events of October 7 to help defend his people.

In a deeply emotional tribute, members of the Lange Fredlender family were invited to the stage while Cantor David Guber led a moving prayer and song in support of the Israel Defense Forces. The audience was then surprised with a special video message from the front lines in Gaza from Shmulie Lange Fredlender, creating one of the most powerful moments of the evening.

A particularly meaningful segment of the evening was dedicated to honouring the founding and longstanding members whose dedication, sacrifice, and commitment helped build Chabad Markham over the past four decades. Led by Rabbi Meir Gitlin, the presentation paid tribute to dozens of individuals and families who devoted their time, energy, and resources to the growth of the synagogue and community centre.

As Rabbi Gitlin read each name, photographs appeared on the large screens throughout the ballroom, allowing the audience to reflect on the countless contributions made by these community builders.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti delivered heartfelt remarks reflecting on his forty-year friendship with Rabbi Plotkin and his longstanding relationship with Chabad Markham. He spoke passionately about the contributions Chabad has made to the fabric of Markham and reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Jewish community during these challenging times.

The evening also recognized the generosity of the gala’s lead sponsors, whose support helped make the celebration possible. Original works of Jewish art by renowned Chassidic artist Yehuda Lang were presented to Dr. Steven and Linda Kazman, Max and Leora Baer, The Herr family, Robyn and Dr. Saul Quint, Pam and Ian Jacobson, and David and Joanne Herr, Wilfred and Marcelle Krasin, and Steeles Memorial Chapel in appreciation of their sponsorship and commitment to the continued growth of Jewish life in Markham.

The presentations were made by Rabbi Avrohom Plotkin together with Paul Klein, who has faithfully served as President of the Congregation for the past nineteen years.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came during a surprise presentation honouring Rabbi Avrohom and Goldie Plotkin and Rabbi Meir and Esther Gitlin. Throughout the cocktail reception, hundreds of attendees participated in a unique community art project led by artist Yehuda Lang, each contributing a brushstroke to a massive contemporary portrait of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

The completed artwork was unveiled during the gala and presented as a gift from the community in recognition of decades of leadership, dedication, and service. The portrait will be permanently displayed in the synagogue lobby.

World-renowned comedian Elon Gold brought the audience to tears of laughter with his unique and insightful observations on Jewish life. For close to an hour, he had guests rolling in the aisles before concluding with a powerful message about Chabad’s response to rising antisemitism.

“Chabad doesn’t fight darkness. It spreads light.”

The statement drew a standing ovation and perfectly captured the spirit of the evening.

The future of the community was highlighted through a presentation by Young Chabad Markham, led by Rabbi Sholom Ber and Ita Plotkin, who recently joined the Chabad Markham team. Their presentation served both as an official welcome and as an introduction to their vision for engaging the next generation of Jewish life in York Region through innovative programs and initiatives for young families and young professionals.

As the evening drew to a close, Rebbetzin Goldie Plotkin delivered a dynamic message reflecting on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. She noted that the Rebbe was never satisfied with past accomplishments, no matter how significant. Every achievement was viewed not as a destination but as a foundation upon which to build even greater accomplishments.

While expressing gratitude for all that had been achieved over the past forty years, she challenged the community to look ahead and rededicate itself to growth.

“The greatest way to honour the past forty years is to ensure that the next forty years are even greater.”

Her words resonated deeply throughout the room and provided a fitting conclusion to an evening dedicated not only to celebrating the past, but also to embracing the future.

The celebration then concluded in fitting fashion with a spirited hora that saw hundreds of guests join together in song and dance, transforming the ballroom into a scene of joy, unity, and Jewish pride.

The success of the gala was made possible through the tireless efforts of event coordinators Sanchia Rabin and Jeanette Berger, together with dozens of volunteers, sponsors, and community leaders whose dedication helped create a truly memorable evening.

As guests departed, the message was clear: Chabad Markham’s first forty years have left an indelible mark on the community—but its most exciting chapters may still lie ahead.