The Yeshiva Beth Yehudah, or “The Yeshiva,” widely known for its annual celebration of community and education, will host its annual dinner virtually for the first time on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 7:00pm EST. The evening’s theme, “An Evening of Unity,” sets sights on bringing communities together, united to bring positive change to the world.
The largest event of its kind in the country, the Yeshiva Dinner historically pays tribute to a revered educational institution, ensuring a strong, united Jewish Detroit. The dinner, typically attended by thousands of guests and local, national and international political, civic and philanthropic leaders, has transitioned online due to the pandemic.
“Quite simply: we pivoted,” said Gary Torgow, Chairman of TCF Bank and President of the Yeshiva. “Not only in terms of format, but also in scope and purpose. While we are typically limited to the largest ballroom at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, this year, our limit is uncapped – everyone, everywhere is invited to join this event online, with unity as its purpose and education as its raison d’etre.”
The virtual event will feature guest remarks from a myriad of thought leaders including Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, United Arab Emirates Ambassador to the United States, Jamie Dimon, CEO, JPMorgan Chase, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Mike Duggan, Mayor of Detroit, Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President, Detroit Chapter, NAACP., and many more.
The Yeshiva has also announced that this year’s ‘2020 Outstanding Leadership Award,’ the institution’s highest honor, will be awarded to Steve Steinour, Chairman, President and CEO of Huntington Bancshares Inc.
“When it became clear that an in-person dinner was not a possibility, the [Yeshiva] leadership approached me with the idea of bringing thousands of people together virtually from across the country,” said Steinour. “I was tremendously inspired by their approach to this challenging situation and how they turned it into a limitless opportunity. I really look forward to seeing how we continue to build what is the world’s premier Yeshiva – here in Detroit.”
“An Evening of Unity” is sponsored by: DTE Foundation, Huntington Bank, TCF Bank, The Suburban Collection, and many others.
“The Yeshiva Beth Yehudah is educating the next generation of leaders,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Every child gets the help they need to grow and succeed.”
With unity in mind, all tickets to this year’s event have been generously sponsored, making attendance free of charge, with the hope of bringing together as many people as possible.
For more information and to register for the event, visit: www.aneveningofunity.com
About Yeshiva Beth Yehudah
Since 1914, Yeshiva Beth Yehudah has provided education that shapes bright young minds into exceptional, compassionate leaders. Today, over 1,200 children on three campuses are learning the critical skills they need to become the future leaders of our community and beyond. No child is turned away for lack of funds or academic ability. Over $8 million in scholarships are awarded annually and the Yeshiva’s special needs program services over 200 students with therapeutic and educational resources, including speech, physical and occupational therapy, reading and math support and social services.
To continue this mission — and welcome every child who wants a place at the Yeshiva — the community rallies behind the Yeshiva each year, uniting to raise these crucial funds. The Yeshiva Dinner is critical to the success of the school, and every one of its students. www.aneveningofunity.com
