Miracle Drive dinner pilots changing the world for the better

Bringing a wave of old-school glamour to Hyde Park Corner’s NuMetro Cinema complex, the Miracle Drive Dinner with a Difference paid tribute to sponsors who allow Miracle Drive’s projects to flourish, and illuminated the power of kindness.

From delicious food from Catering by Riva to violin renditions of contemporary songs, to prize draws, the evening’s entertainment included an immersive cinema experience exemplifying the power of imagining a new kind of spirit in the world. Sitting in cinemas, audiences wore eye masks as they were taken on a journey of sound and sensation, illuminating the power of imagination.

The immersive film highlighted the need to open our eyes to what isn’t visible and make a difference. “It doesn’t matter where you come from, we should never become blind to the poverty, problems, and troubles of others,” was its key message.

“We see the suffering and pain of others, but we also see our unique role in the world and the opportunity to make a difference, big or small. Every single one of us has the spirit to do something to change the world for good. Chabad House Miracle Drive helps us to see, to open our eyes to the educational needs of our youth, the directional needs of our families, and the emotional and physical needs of our seniors. To see the real needs of those who have little but can grow a lot, those who have been overlooked, those whom we really need to see.”

The projects spearheaded by Miracle Drive have had an impact on thousands of people in the community and broader South Africa. Thanking donors and sponsors, Rabbi Michael Katz announced that Miracle Drive had raised R23.6 million since 1 September 2021. Sponsors including Balwin Properties, Yamaha, and Standard Bank were honoured.

The dinner also served as the launchpad for the first annual Meyer Kahn Lamplighter Awards. Celebrating the legacy of late Miracle Drive president, renowned businessman and philanthropist, Meyer Kahn, the Lamplighter Awards were given to a select group of individuals who have made invaluable contributions to the projects supported by Miracle Drive.

Paying tribute to 50 years of Chabad activity in South Africa this year under the leadership of Rabbi Mendel and Mashi Lipskar, the event also highlighted some of Miracle Drive’s upcoming projects. This includes Hakhel, which means “coming together”. Chabad House will be holding a grand Hakhel event in April 2023 to celebrate uniting the community through Torah learning.

Another upcoming initiative is Project Connect, using the power of prayer to empower everyone with meaningful interaction with G-d. This will be driven by the publication of a user-friendly siddur, published in Kahn’s memory. The world-renowned Rohr Jewish Learning Institute course, titled “My G-d” which answers the most pressing questions about G-d, will also soon be available.

The event also officially launched Miracle Drive International, which was established to raise funds in the United States for Chabad House Johannesburg and to showcase some of the best that South Africa has to offer. This initiative exists in collaboration with sponsors Mdluli Lodge and Delta Airlines.

Winners of the Miracle Drive’s impressive selection of prizes including a Yamaha piano valued at R125 000, getaways at The Capital Hotels and Apartments, and a R25 000 Hirsch’s Homestore voucher, were also drawn at the event. At the end of the night, Balwin Properties gave away Miracle Drive’s grand prize – a R1 million furnished apartment at its new Waterfall development Munyaka, which features a crystal lagoon – to one lucky winner.

Amidst the excitement, the meaning behind Miracle Drive remained central. “The vision of Miracle Drive is to help people find their worth and uplift every single person in our city and country,” said Miracle Drive’s founder and director, Rabbi David Masinter.