Just days before Rosh Hashanah, more than 220 young professionals gathered for a sold-out Migdal Ohr Shabbat dinner—an evening that blends friends, meaning, and giving. 

LeahOhr Committee member Jonathan Hanus reflected on the overwhelming response, sharing, “It’s incredible to see so many new faces! We sold out over a week before—over 220 young professionals here in attendance, all through word of mouth without any publicity or social media marketing. It was the power of a friend bringing a friend.” 

The atmosphere at the Moise Safra Center carried the energy of a generation eager to connect more deeply—with each other and with the children in Israel who rely on Migdal Ohr’s support.

AFMO Director of Development Mickey Flaumenhaft reminded the guests that “the secret of Shabbat is stepping away from the noise of daily life so we can truly see one another—sit face-to-face, listen, and connect.” He continued by sharing that Shabbat invites us to unite with those we don’t always encounter, explaining that “its essence is oneness—‘echad’—and from that comes ‘ahava,’ love.” That message of unity resonated deeply as participants reflected on how Shabbat opens our hearts to fellow Jews in need. 

Committee member Laura Brown shared how her involvement with Migdal Ohr had grown over time, saying, “The first event I went to opened my eyes to Israel’s orphans—children who deserve the chance to thrive, succeed, and one day raise proud Jewish families of their own.” She reminded everyone that “our blessings carry responsibility… when we have more, we are meant to share more—especially with those in need.” 

The dinner raised significant funds for orphaned and underprivileged children in Israel, transforming a beautiful Shabbat gathering into a powerful act of collective responsibility. As Laura put it, “Tonight we’re given the opportunity to give, empower, and uplift a generation of children that depends on us and who will one day be our future.”