Honorees

Toni and Alan met in Providence House, a dormitory at Hofstra University. They were next door neighbors. After building a strong friendship they began dating in January of 1992. They were engaged in January 1997 and bought a house together in East Northport, NY. They have been blessed with 3 amazing children, Miller (14), Sophia (10) and Eddie (3). 

Toni studied elementary education and psychology and received her BA in the spring of 1993. She began her career, outside of her degree, in sales and marketing at Uniflex, Inc. She “retired” once Miller was born. Being a stay at home mom is the most rewarding job she could have. She is currently very active in the school PTA and volunteering.

Alan received his B.B.A in the spring of 1992. His first foray as an entrepreneur was bringing back “The Milkman” to New York City in February of 1993. The Milkman has evolved into the current BeverageUniverse.com. After this first successful venture, and several failed ones over the years, Alan now holds executive positions in several logistics related businesses serving the Tri State Area.

Toni and Alan became involved in the Chabad after meeting Mendy and Brocha at the JA where both Miller and Sophia attended preschool. Sophia and Chanchie were in the same class during Sophia’s 3 years there. They weren’t sure if Chabad was right for them, but after the preschool experience that Miller and Sophia had, it became the obvious choice. They believe that joining this wonderful congregation and community has been one of their best decisions and they are thankful for the Chabad. Rabbi Mendy officiated Miller’s Bar Mitzvah in 2015 and they look forward to watching Sophia begin her Bat Mitzvah training soon. They have some time before Eddie begins his preparations and are confident that Chabad will be even stronger when it is time for him to learn his heritage.

Ellen and Mike have been members of the Chabad since 2011. They live in Smithtown and moved there in 1996 after growing up in Queens and the Bronx. Both Ellen and Mike are teachers. Mike, a Physical Education teacher at Hillcrest High School in Jamaica for 27 years and Ellen a history teacher at Hauppauge High School for the last 14 years. They have two children, Matthew – 16 and Sydney – 14 who have both been Hebrew school students.

Mike and Ellen have never been far from their ties to Judaism. Mike, a former member of the Young Israel of New Hyde Park and Ellen, a Yeshiva graduate have always maintained their jewish connection. Belonging to the Chabad, however, took it to the next level. “Because of Brocha Teldon , I light the Shabbos candles every week”, stated Ellen. Mike and Matt enjoy delivering matzoh to the Chabad community as well as being one of the official “Menorah installers in western Suffolk. Mike also served as Men’s Club President for the past year, and both Mike and Ellen have been participants in Rabbi Mendy’s provoking and thoughtful Kaballah classes. Their goal is to continue to be a vibrant part of the Chabad community and spread their love and pride of Judaism to others.

Ellen & Michael Robbins

Since joining Chabad of Mid-Suffolk in August of 2004, Rabbi Mendel and Brocha Teldon, have made a strong imprint on Judaism in the mid-Suffolk County area. Building on 25 years of Chabad success, the young couple continues to reach out in a warm and welcoming fashion, drawing over 1000 participants to our popular holiday programs and seeking to expand Chabad's synagogue. Responding to a strong interest for serious adult education, Chabad of Mid Suffolk has now introduced the Jewish Learning Institute to the community, providing professional-level Jewish education led by our very own Rabbi Mendel Teldon. And with her fun approach in sharing the joys and depths of Judaism, Brocha Teldon continues to build a steady and appreciative following, especially to her Shabbos eve dinner table. With plans for expanded women's and children's programming, many more will experience Judaism and its traditions.

“I am the second generation of Chabad in Commack” says Rabbi Teldon proudly. “G‑d willing our children, Levi, Chana, Moshe and Yisroel will be the third generation that will continue to help implement the vision of the Lubavitcher Rebbe of saintly memory; a vision of reaching out to every Jew wherever he or she may be in every corner of the globe with the joy and vitality of our Jewish heritage.”