GUEST OF HONOR
Rabbi and Mrs. Moshe & Mindelle Feller
Rabbi Moshe Feller
Born in the spring of 1937, Rabbi Moshe Feller is currently the longest serving Rabbi in his native Minnesota. After studying with distinction in Yeshivah Torah Vodaas, he transferred to Central Lubavitch Yeshiva, where he received his Rabbinic Ordination.
Mrs. Mindelle Feller
On a wintry day in early 1942, Mrs. Mindelle Feller (nee Lew) was welcomed into the world in Brooklyn, NY. She received her education at Bais Yaakov seminary for girls while pursuing higher education at Hunter College in Manhattan, which was not yet coed. She majored in mathematics and graduated in 1961 Phi Beta Kappa Cum Laude.
The Fellers
A month after their marriage in November of 1961, the young couple was seen off by the Lubavitcher Rebbe - Rabbbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory - to serve as the senior Chabad representatives to the “Upper Midwest” region of the United States. In this capacity they have successfully overseen the founding and establishment of over 10 institutions of Jewish life and learning in the region. One such institution, Bais Chana International Institute for Women – of which Mrs. Feller served as dean for over 20 years - boasts over 20,000 alumnae over the course of 44 years.
A master orator and passionate educator, Rabbi Feller is a sought-out lecturer with international renown, and also serves as a personal mentor to many. He serves as a member of the board for Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch - the education arm of the International Chabad movement. Rabbi Feller has represented Lubavitch at many government conferences, and networked with government on all levels - local, state and federal. He has been a guest at the White House, with over a dozen Oval Office meetings to date.
Mrs. Feller served as the founding principal of Lubavitch Cheder Day School at its inception in 1977. She was instrumental in founding the St. Paul Mikvah and is a foremost educator in the highly subtle discipline of Taharat HaMishpachah. Mrs. Feller serves as the spiritual counselor and "Mashpia" to hundreds worldwide to this very day.
Rabbi and Mrs. Feller continue to reside in St. Paul, Minnesota, where they devotedly serve the community with unflagging dedication. They are blessed with two children and many wonderful grandchildren, Bli Ayin HaRah.
PARENTS OF DISTINCTION AWARD
Mr. & Mrs. Pinchos & Klara Fershtman
Born in the former Soviet Union, Pinny served in the Russian army before immigrating with his parents in 1989. After studying in the U of M he received his bachelor’s degree in computer software. In 1992, Pinny and Klara – a fellow former native of the USSR, chess champion and U of M alumnus - were introduced by Rabbi Gershon Giter OBM, a beloved friend and mentor.
After their marriage the Fershtmans settled in S. Paul where Pinny serves as a programmer for Medtronic; and Kalra is an adored Morah (teacher) at the Cheder’s Early Childhood Center.
They are the proud and devoted parents of five wonderful children; and continue to serve as a living example to them as pillars of Torah, Service and Charity in the community.
