The 32nd annual Rutgers Chabad National Founders dinner drew its usual crowd of philanthropists, Jewish communal and business leaders, and political figures, including Gov. Chris Christie. But it was an unexpected guest who generated the most buzz.As the 500 attendees were taking their seats at the Dec. 7 event in the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, an excited murmur went through the room. Guests reached for their cell phones to snap a photo as ex-Beatle Paul McCartney walked in with longtime girlfriend Nancy Shevell.Shevell’s father, Myron “Mike” Shevell was one of the nights honorees — along with Christie — for his $500,000 gift to create a Torah studies program for Rutgers students, who will receive a certificate and stipend after completing 60 semester hours of study...
Although Sir Paul, dressed in a suit and high top sneakers, wouldn’t take questions from the press, he graciously autographed dinner programs and shook hands with fans. He politely demurred and smiled when invited onstage with the rest of the Shevell family, but stood and cheered.
McCartney quietly sat at one of the front tables and politely applauded during Christie’s remarks.
The governor was followed by Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chair of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the keynote speaker. McCartney also listened and offered polite applause as Hoenlein delivered an impassioned speech focusing on the “delegitimization” of Israel and need to remain vigilant against anti-Semitism.
As he got up to speak, Hoenlein confessed to the crowd, “I’m nervous. You know, I’ve spoken with presidents and prime ministers, but Paul McCartney.”
Christie, well known as a rock fan, stopped in mid-speech as he glanced at McCartney’s table and remarked, “I can’t believe it; Paul McCartney.”
“I think we witnessed a Hanukka miracle,” Carlebach said of the dinner, which fell on the sixth night of the holiday. “Everyone who came thought they were coming to a small dinner, but when they left they didn’t feel that way.”
Asked if he knew in advance that McCartney was coming or if the rock star made any of the handful of significant anonymous gifts that were announced, Carlebach toldNJJN, “I cannot confirm or deny anything about Paul.”
Anyone wondering..according to wiki answers Paul Mccartney is actually Jewish.
Hat tip: JustASC via The book of Doctrines and Opinions, who managed to add a John-Lennon Rav Soloveitchik story.
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