In the World
Week Ending: Friday, January 2, 2009 - Shabbos Vayigash - 6 Tevet, 5769
Melbourne Shabbos begins: 8.27 pm (D.S.T.) ------Shabbos ends: 9.32 pm (D.S.T.)
World's Largest Dreidel!
The largest Chanuka Dreidel in the world was once again erected in front of the
Chabad Jewish Center in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. The Dreidel has become a
local landmark during the holiday season, rising over 18 feet.
Chanuka at Macy's
Macy's Department Store, Herald Square location in New York city, hosted a
Chanuka workshop in conjunction with Tzivos Hashem/The Jewish Children's Museum
of Brooklyn. Children learned how to make olive oil and use it to help light the
Chanuka menora. In addition, shoppers were also able to listen to the story of
Chanuka, as well as decorate Chanuka Jewel Lights.
A preschool child's book about the parts of the body from a Jewish point of
view. It's fun to explore the mitzvot (commandments) that every child can do...
from head to toe! This new release from Hachai Publishing is written by Dina
Rosenfeld and illustrated by Patti Argoff
Stories that the Rebbe Told
The second volume in this series, Stories that the Rebbe Told Us contains
stories that the Lubavitcher Rebbe told at public gatherings as well as the
lesson that the Rebbe explained can be derived from the story.
New Emissaries
Rabbi Levi and Hadasa Slonim recently moved to Binghamton, New York, where they
will serve as programming and development directors for Chabad of Binghamton.
Rabbi Chanania and Chani Zohar have arrived in Moscow, Russia, to be part of the
faculty of the Lubavitcher yeshiva in that city. Rabbi Mendel and Devorah Leah
Levin will be arriving soon in Nijmegen, Netherlands, to serve the local Jewish
community as well as organizing educational programs for the neighbouring
cities. Rabbi Itche and Chana Itkin are establishing a new Chabad House to serve
the needs of the Jewish community living and working in the midtown and downtown
areas of Kansas City, Missouri.
New Emissaries
Rabbi Mendy and Esther Schapiro recently arrived in Monroeville, Pennsylvania,
where they are establishing a new Chabad House serving Jews who live in the
eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Rabbi Shmuly and Adina Altein have moved to
Winnipeg, Canada, where they are focusing on adult education for Chabad
Lubavitch of Winnipeg. Rabbi Yisroel and Sara Bernath have just opened Chabad of
NDG and Loyola College serving the needs of the Jewish community in NDG and the
Jewish Students and faculty at Loyola College in Montreal, Canada. Rabbi Mendy
and Chanie Arad arrived recently in Marrakesh, Morocco, where they will be
working with the local Jewish community as well as the many Jewish tourists who
visit the area.
Around the Shabbos Table
It all began one Friday night when Tova Leiba changed places with her brother at
the Shabbos table because he wasn't happy there. But then her sister wasn't
satisfied with her seat, and her baby brother wanted to switch, too! Join Tova
Leiba as she makes her way... around the Shabbos table! This new book from
Hachai Publishing illustrates the point that we can find something positive
about every situation. By Seryl Berman, illustrated by Ari Binus.
New Emissaries
Rabbi Tzvi and Noa Rivkin recently arrived in the Indian Silicone Valley, as
emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to Bangalore, India. Although there are only
50 Jewish families in Bangalore, the city attracts businessmen from all over the
world due to its fast developing high-tech companies.
A new Chabad House on campus has been opened by Chabad-Lubavitch of Western
Monmouth County, New Jersey. The new Chabad Jewish Center will serve the
students of Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, and the neighboring
community. Rabbi Shmaya and Rochi Galperin moved to the area recently to open
the new student center.
New Emissaries
Rabbi Yossi and Racheli Halperin recently arrived in Sofia, Bulgaria, together
with their three young children. They will be living in the capital, Sofia,
where they will be bolstering activities of Chabad-Lubavitch in Bulgaria that
was established eight years ago.
Rabbi and Mrs. Yochanon Monssouri will soon be moving to Lake Encino,
California, where they will establish a new Chabad House serving the needs of
the local Jewish Community.
Rabbi Shraga and Chani Marzel arrived recently in Prague, Czech Republic. They
are establishing a rabbinical college in the city that was historically known
for its great Jewish scholars. The yeshiva will be based in the new Maharal
Institute building.
New
Torah Scrolls
A new Torah scroll was dedicated in the ancient Baron Rothschild synagogue in
Rosh Pina, Israel. For the past 60 years the synagogue had been used as a museum
until it was revived recently under the auspices of Chabad.
A new Torah scroll was dedicated in the Chabad House in western Rishon
Letzion, Israel. The Torah was written in memory of Assaf Avni, an IDF soldier
who was killed in Lebanon.
In Stavropol, Russia, over 300 local Jews participated in the completion
ceremony of a new Torah scroll that was brought into the recently established
synagogue.
Chabad of Prospect Heights West, Brooklyn welcomed a new Torah scroll amidst
much celebration to their renovated Chabad House.
The Chabad Jewish Center of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, also recently
celebrated the dedication of a new Torah scroll.
Residents of Bareket, Israel, enjoyed a Yemenite-style Torah scroll
dedication ceremony organized by the Bareket Chabad House that took place at the
Western Wall in Jerusalem.
A dedication ceremony for a new Torah scroll took place in the central Chabad
House in S. Paulo, Brazil, after which the Torah was taken to its new home in S.
Jose Dos Campos, S. Paulo.
New
Chabad Centers on Campus
Rabbi Yudi and Rivkie Steiner will arrive soon in Washington, DC, to
establish Chabad-Lubavitch at The George Washington University. Five new campus
centers are opening in England: Rabbi Pini and Gitty Weinman are on their way to
open Chabad at the University of Edinburgh. Rabbi Mendy and Sara Loewenthal are
off to Imperial College in London, England.
Rabbi Dovid and Sora Cohen are establishing a multi-campus center in south
London, based in Wimbledon, serving Kingston, Roehampton, Surrey, St. George's
Medical School, Goldsmiths, Greenwich, Royal Holloway and Wimbledon School of
Art. Rabbi Mendy and Brocha Lent have arrived at Nottingham University to
establish a new Chabad on Campus there. Rabbi Dovid and Leah Usiskin have opened
Chabad at Bristol University.
Have Shofar Will Travel
As in years past, the Lubavitch Youth Organization has arranged for hundreds
of volunteers to walk to hospitals and nursing homes throughout the New York
Metro area on Rosh Hashana so that those who will not be able to attend
synagogue services will still be able to fulfill the "mitzva of the day" for
Rosh Hashana - listening to the sounding of the shofar. Hundreds of volunteers
have also been dispatched to prisons throughout the tri-state area either before
Rosh Hashana for pre-holiday programming or they will be sent on Rosh Hashana
eve to lead services for incarcerated Jews.
New Emissaries
Rabbi Dovi and Yael Rabin recently moved to South Africa where they will be
opening a new Chabad House in the Fourways area of Johannesburg.
Rabbi Dov Ber and Devorah Leah Thaler will be arriving soon in Alpharetta,
Georgia, where Rabbi Thaler will serve as program director and assistant rabbi.
Rabbi Moshe and Chana Loebenstein are moving to Glen Eira in Melbourne,
Australia where they will serve as youth directors. Rabbi Mendy and Sheiny
Rivkin have moved to Towson, Maryland, where they have opened a new Chabad on
Campus at Towson University and Goucher College. Rabbi Chezzy and Sheva Deren
are now in Stamford, Connecticut, where Rabbi Deren they will be the Development
Director of Friendship Circle and Mrs. Deren will be the Youth Director.
New Emissaries
Rabbi Zalman and Dit Greenberg recently moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to
establish a new Chabad House serving the needs of the Jewish students and
faculty at Lehigh University.
Synagogue Restoration Begins
The Jewish community Chernovtsy, Ukraine, recently succeeded in gaining title
to the ancient Sadovskiy Street Synagogue and has begun restoring this august
building. Future plans include building a Jewish Community Center adjacent to
the synagogue which will house multi-generational activities. The Jewish
community of Chernovtsy is a member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of
the CIS.
New Emissaries
Rabbi Sholom Ber and Chaya Elishevitz moved to Bellevue, Washington, where
they are focusing on adult education for the community at large as well as the
Jewish employees at Microsoft. Rabbi Shlomo and Chani Silverman have opened a
new Chabad on Campus at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Rabbi and Mrs. Shlomo Torenheim have moved to Ust-Kamenogorst in Kazakhstan on
the border of Russia.
New Center
Chabad-Lubavitch of Houston, Texas has dedicated a magnificent new Chabad
Campus. When completed, the center will include a synagogue, library,
study-hall, Sunday School and mikva.
Likutei Sichot in Russian
This volume of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's edited talks, known as "Likutei Sichot,"
is the fifth book in this series published in Russian.
Published jointly by New York's F.R.E.E. Publishing House and the
Jerusalem-based SHAMIR, the 172-page work presents edited talks of the Rebbe
dealing with the book of Deuteronomy.
The Lawyer and the Mystic
Twenty years ago, lawyer and businessman Robert Kremnizer began giving a
weekly class in Chabad Chasidic philosophy in Sydney, Australia. This booklet,
and Mr. Kremnizer's other three books, brings Chabad Chasidut in a language and
style comfortably comprehensible to people of all levels of knowledge and
observance.
Mikveh, The Foundation of the Jewish Home
This new book, written by Rabbi Ze'ev Ritterman and translated by Rabbi Tuvia
Litzman, explores the commandment of Family Sanctity as the cornerstone of
Jewish life. The author and the translator have compiled a comprehensive,
well-researched, and beautifully lucid analysis of the history and laws of
Mikveh, illustrating its various dimensions through stories, anecdotes and
letters from the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Mikveh provides a profound and awe-inspiring
vision of this mitzva.
New Emissaries
Rabbi Yosef and Hindy Plotkin will soon be moving to Greensboro, North
Carolina, where they will establish a new Chabad House serving the Jews in the
area. Rabbi Levi and Esti Grossbaum are moving to Livingston, New Jersey where
they will be focusing their efforts on the Friendship Circle program for
children and young adults with special needs.
New Center
The city of Banglor, India, will have its very own Chabad-Lubavitch Center
soon. For the last few years the Chabad Center in Bombay, as well as yeshiva
students who visited each summer, served Banglor, considered the "Silicon
Valley" of India. Torah classes and synagogue services are already taking place
and plans to build a mikva are underway.
New Emissaries
Rabbi Levi and Devorah Leah Marrus will be
arriving soon in Columbia to bolster the outreach activities of Chabad of South
Carolina. Rabbi Marrus will focus on adult education and Mrs. Marrus will be
working with children. Rabbi Mendy and Brocha Lent are moving to Nottingham,
England, to open a Chabad Student Center at the University of Nottingham.
Women's Retreat
Bais Chana Women's Institute will be going home as they hold
their summer retreat in the stately mansion where this internationally renown
program all began. The dates are July 29-August 17 and the retreat takes place
in Twin Cities, Minnesota for Jewish women of all ages and backgrounds. Call
(800) 473-4801 or visit www.baischana.com
for more info
Summer Study Opportunities
Yeshivacation Upstate - July 7 - 31
Want to recharge and refocus? Yeshivacation Upstate is pleased to announce an
invigorating 31/2 week learning program for women from all walks of life. Bask
in the wisdom of the finest scholars. Call
917-627-2062 or visit YvcUpstate.com
Omek - July 11 - 16
Join Shimona Tzukernik and other teachers at the Omek Summer Retreat for
women. Set in the Catskill Mountains, the retreat combines in-depth learning,
workshops, hikes, barbeques, whole-foods cuisine... and more.
For more info, email retreats@shimona.org or call 718-493-2859
Hadar Hatorah - June 29 - August 27
Hadar HaTorah moves up to the Catskill mountains each summer. Newcomers and
alumnae are invited to join the full-time study program that occurs on many
different levels. Join anytime or attend the special Yeshivacation program from
August 15 - 24. For more info call 718-735-0250 or email hadarh@ix.netcom.com
for more details.
Healthy in Mind, Body and Spirit
This third volume of teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe relating to health
focuses on mental health. Among the topics are conquering anxiety, healing
through meditation and more. In Healthy in Mind, Body and Spirit you will
benefit from the wealth of the Rebbes wisdom on this ever important topic.
Compiled by Rabbi Sholom B. Wineberg, published by Sichos in English.
Majestic Bride
Prior to delivering the discourse Lecha Dodi at the wedding of his daughter,
the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Y. Schneersohn of related that at a
wedding, the souls of the bride's and groom's ancestors descend from their
heavenly abodes and join in the celebration. He then added that the discourse
contains teachings of their ancestors, each of the previous Chabad-Lubavitch
Rebbes. By repeating their teachings, the Rebbe explained, he was in effect
extending an "invitation" for them to participate at the wedding. In 1953, his
son-in-law and successor, delivered an expository discourse on his
father-in-law's discourse beginning with the same verse, "Lecha Dodi." Twenty
five years later, in honor of his fiftieth wedding anniversary, he edited and
published this discourse. Majestic Bride contains these two discourses.
Eloquently translated into English by Rabbi Yosef Marcus, published by Kehot.
New Emissaries
Programs at the new Chabad-Lubavitch Center in the Dominican Republic, which
opened just a few short months ago, have taken off since the arrival of Rabbi
and Mrs. Shimon Pelman to that country. The new shluchim (emissaries) have
already successfully arranged Passover programs as well as adult education
classes and various community outreach activities. Rabbi Levi and Rishe
Gurevitch will be arriving soon in Arlington, Texas, where they will be starting
a new Chabad-Lubavitch Center serving the needs of the Jewish residents there as
well as the communities of Colleyville, Southlake, Mansfield, Hurst, Euless and
Bedford.
Keeping In Touch
Keeping In Touch, vol. 3 is sure to provide weekly inspiration. Every section
explores a theme with a telling personal encounter with the Lubavitcher Rebbe; a
thought on the Torah portion or holiday; and a closing composition to guide the
reader from inspiration to action.
Published by Sichos in English.
Creation and Redemption
This latest release from the Chasidic Heritage Series, Creation and
Redemption is one of the first discourses delivered by the previous Lubavitcher
Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, upon arriving in America. This is an
exploration of the mystical meaning of the Hebrew months of Tishrei and Nissan,
eloquently translated into English by Rabbi Yosef Marcus, published by Kehot.
Rina's Rainy Day
Every time Rina makes plans for her day, all kinds of things seem to get in
the way. But instead of complaining she knows what to say. "Gam Zu L'Tova, I
trust this is good, G-d makes things happen the way that they
should!" Delightful rhyming text written by Chani Altein and
illustrated by Jerry Blackman. Published by HaChai Publishing.
Million Pounds of Matza
The Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS (former Soviet Union) will
once again be distributing one million pounds of matza this year.
They will also be hosting 200,000 people at Passover Seders in 500 locations.
Additional Passover programs include sending food packages to 20,000 indigent
families, serving an extra 10,000 holiday meals in their soup kitchens, Passover
overnight camps for underprivileged children and a media campaign to make the
millions of Jews in the FSU aware of the upcoming holiday.
The Kol Menachem Hagadah
The Kol Menachem Haggadah adds layer upon layer of fresh insight to the
age-old celebration of our journey from slavery to freedom. A richly textured
commentary which creatively blends traditional, mystical and life-enhancing
insights. Each step of the Seder explained in simple language. Insights culled
from over 100 classic sources, including Toras Menachem.
www.kolmenachem.com
Inward Bound
Subtitled "A Guide to Understanding Kabala," Inward Bound answers such basic
questions as "What is kabala all about?" and "How can I use kabala to help
change my life for the better?" Author Rabbi Nissan Dubov has divided his book
into three section. The first section examines the very origins of this esoteric
knowledge and guides us towards an understanding of how kabala is intrinsically
linked to the future destiny of the Jewish people. The second section of the
book provides the reader with an in-depth explanation of fundamental Kabalistic
concepts. The third section illustrates how we can apply the principles of
kabala to our daily lives, including the practice of Jewish meditation and
refining our character. Devora Publishing.
The Whole Megila
In 3,300 Chabad-Lubavitch Centers around the world (including 454 in the
former Soviet Union, close to 300 in Israel and over 100 on college campuses and
universities internationally) there are special celebrations taking place
throughout the Purim holiday. Megila readings, parties, festive meals and more
are, for the most part, just a few minutes away from wherever you are! In
addition, Chabad volunteers are visiting nursing homes, hospitals, prisons and
military bases to bring the special mitzvot (commandments) of Purim to those who
would not otherwise be able to participate in the holiday. To find out about
your closest Chabad-Lubavitch Center visit
www.lchaimweekly.org/general/shluchim.html
Holiday Discourses
Kabalistic insights into the Jewish holidays as taught by the Chabad Rebbes
over the past 200 years are now available to English readers in Holiday
Discourses (ma'amarim) translated by Rabbi David Rothschild.
Fully elucidated and annotated in a two-volume set, the easy-to-read format
covers 22 discourses.
Why? Reflections on the Loss of a Loved One
After experiencing several personal losses, Rabbi Yitzchak Vorst - an
emissary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in Holland - put his thoughts, feelings, and
conclusions based on Chasidic teachings into writing. The booklet, originally
written in Dutch, has since been translated into Hebrew, English, French,
Spanish, and Portuguese. It has brought great comfort and solace to many in the
days when they were mourning the loss of a loved one.
New Torah Scrolls
The Chabad Center for Jewish Discovery in Manhattan commenced the writing of
a new Torah scroll this month, dedicated in memory of Asaf Tessler. In Hadera,
Israel, a Torah scroll was completed and accompanied, amidst great rejoicing, to
the Chabad House in that city.
New Children's Home
In Krivoy Rog, Ukraine, the Ohr Avner Chabad Day School hosted a celebration
to mark the opening of a home for children from impoverished families. The new
Children's Home currently accommodates 12 children and the number is likely to
be increased in the future.
New Emissaries
Rabbi Zalman and Nechami Charytan recently moved to Acworth, Georgia, where
they have established a new Chabad House serving the Jewish community in Western
Cobb County. Rabbi Boruch and Chaya Sussman will be arriving soon in Louisville,
Kentucky, where they will be spearheading activities at the University of
Louisville as well as being involved in the Chabad Center of Louisville. Rabbi
Shmuel and Ariel Kravitsky have joined the shluchim (emissaries of the
Lubavitcher Rebbe) at Chabad on Washington Square in Lower Manhattan, and are
focusing on adult education.
New Torah Scrolls
The Federation of Jewish Communities of the former Soviet Union Jewish
Community Center of Omsk, Russia, was recently presented with a new Torah
scroll, the first time in the past century that this east Siberian community has
received a new Torah scroll. The FJC center in Saratov, Russia, in the south
also recently welcomed a new Torah scroll to their community on the occasion of
the 100 year anniversary of the Great Choral Synagogue of Saratov. Chabad of
Chatsworth, California, was also presented with a new Torah scroll. Chabad of
Costa Rica was instrumental in having a Torah scroll donated to the small Jewish
community in Nicaragua that has been without their own Torah for the last 28
years.
New
Emissaries
Rabbi Yaakov and Gila Litvin will be arriving soon in Mequon, Wisconsin, where
Rabbi Litvin will serve as the new administrator for the Peltz Center for Jewish
Life. Rabbi Avi and Michal Korer moved recently to Putnam County, New York, and
are opening a new Chabad Center serving the Jewish communities of Putnam County.
Rabbi Shloime and Rosie Wolvovsky have moved to Toronto, Canada, where they are
heading the adult education activities for Chabad of Midtown. Rabbi Avraham
Dovid and Sheiny Vaisfiche recently moved to Mission Viejo, California, where
they will be serving as adult education directors at Chabad Jewish Center of
Mission Viejo.
The Invisible Book
The Invisible Book is the newest release from HaChai Publishing. In this
rhyming book for ages 2-5, a young boy ponders the invisible nature of many
things that are indisputably real. An excellent introduction to important Jewish
concepts for the very youngest children. Written by Bracha Goetz and
delightfully illustrated by Patti Argoff
New Emissaries
Joining the ever-growing family of emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe are
Rabbi Kivi and Zeesy Greenbaum, who have opened a Chabad House on campus in
Ewing, New Jersey, at the College of New Jersey. Rabbi Avi and Michal Korer
recently moved to Putnam County, New York, where have opened a new Chabad Center
serving the Jewish communities of Putnam County. Rabbi Zalman and Raizy
Mendelsohn will be moving shortly to Jackson Hole, Wyoming where they will open
a new Chabad-Lubavitch Center to serve Jews throughout the state. Stay tuned for
the names of the emissaries who will be opening new centers in Anatolia, Turkey;
the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus; the Dominican Republic; and Iasi,
Romania.
Winter
or Summer Camp?
Hundreds of Chabad-Lubavitch Centers around the world have completed Camp Gan
Israel winter camp sessions. CGI transformed the winter vacation into a fun and
exciting Jewish camp experience for thousands of children. CGI Running Springs,
California, which opened for its first winter season, is still in session with
exciting outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding on site. In the
southern hemisphere, many CGI summer camps are in in full swing, affording
children an opportunity to spend their sunny summer days in a dynamic Jewish
atmosphere that instills Jewish pride and enthusiasm into campers.
New
Emissaries
Rabbi Shai and Chani Vaknin are the new youth directors for Chabad of Belo
Horizonte, Brazil. Rabbi Osher and Mussy Litzman will be arriving soon in Seoul,
South Korea, to open the first Chabad House in that country. Rabbi and Mrs.
Yehoshua Kaminetzky are opening a new Chabad-Lubavitch Center to serve the
Balkan States of Serbia and Montenegroto. Eight new emissary couples are
dispersing throughout Israel: the Habers in central Beersheva; the Cohens in
Aderet; the Deitschs in Beersheva; the Flass' in Ashkelon; the Lugassis as Torat
Chabad for Bnei Yeshivot; the Wolpos in Givatayim; the Francis' in the Dead Sea
Coast; the Feldmans in Ness Tziona.
Winter
Learning to Warm the Soul
YeshiVacation - Inward Bound
YeshivaCation is a journey inward, to the essence of your being, your Jewish
soul. The ten-day program in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, provides a short
"vacation" from day-to-day life, and the opportunity for total immersion in a
yeshiva environment. Classes, textual study, one-on-one learning, workshops,
lectures and tours, YeshivaCation is crucial in today's busy world.
YeshiVacation runs from December 20 - 30. For more info about the men's program
visit www.hadarhatorah.org or call (718) 735-0250. For the women's program visit
www.machonchana.org or call (718) 735-0030.
Uncover Your Jewish Soul
Beis Chana presents "Extraordinary Jewish Learning" for women and couples with
Rabbi Manis Friedman at the Alexander Oceanfront Resort, Miami Beach, Florida.
The Women's Retreat runs from January 6 - 10. The theme for the women's retreat
is "The Feminine Side of Torah: Exploring Torah, Mitzvot and the Human Condition
from the Soul Out." Study with Rabbi Manis Friedman, Rivkah Slonim, Shimona
Tzukernik and Freidy Yanover. A Couple's Retreat runs from January 10 - 13 and
features Rabbi Manis Friedman and Malka Touger. For more info visit
www.baischana.org or call (718) 604-0088.
Your Break with Tradition
We can all use a break. Sometimes the most radical break is the one that
reconnects us to the things that matter most. A Shabbaton hosted by the
community in Brooklyn, for singles and couples Dec. 28 - 30 The program
highlights include lectures by Rabbi Manis Friedman, Shabbat hospitality,
terrific food, song and dance, music and entertainment. To register visit
www.shabbaton.org or call (718) 774-6187.
New
Emissaries
The corps of emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe continues to grow. Four young
couples recently accepted posts throughout the world, some establishing new
centers, others bolstering the work of the Rebbe's emissaries currently in
place. Rabbi Leibel and Nechamie Fajnland recently opened a new Chabad House in
Herndon, Virginia, serving the Jewish community in Reston and Herndon. Rabbi
Zalman and Chanie Friedman are now serving as Youth and Teen Directors of Chabad
Jewish Center of Mission Viejo, California. Rabbi Shai and Chani Vaknin are the
new youth directors for Chabad of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Rabbi Osher and Mussy
Litzman will be arriving soon in Seoul, South Korea, to open the first Chabad
House in that country.
See You There!
Be part of the Chanuka celebrations at the World's Largest Chanuka Menora at
Fifth Ave. and 59th St. in NYC. Tuesday, Dec. 5 - thursday, Dec. 7 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 8, 3:40 p.m. Saturday night, Dec. 9, 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 -
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 5:30 p.m. On Sunday there will be live music, free hot latkes
and chocolate Chanuka gelt. For more info call the Lubavitch Youth Organization
at (212) 736-8400. For public menora lightings in your area call your local
Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
New Emissaries
The corps of emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe continues to grow on a weekly,
almost daily basis. Five young couples recently accepted posts throughout the
world, some establishing new centers, others bolstering the work of the Rebbe's
emissaries currently in various locations. Rabbi Moshe and Rivky Greenwald have
moved to Los Angeles, California, where they will be establishing a new Chabad
House in downtown Los Angeles. Rabbi Levi and Dassy Tennenhaus recently moved to
Hallandale, Florida. Rabbi Zalman and Chani Gansburg will be arriving soon in
Palmetto Bay, Florida, where they will be establishing a new Chabad Center in
that city. Rabbi Yisroel and Esty Simon will soon be relocating to Ottawa,
Canada, where they will head the adult education activities for the Ottawa Torah
Centre Chabad. Rabbi Yaakov Tzvi and Yuti Kantor recently moved to Lugano,
Switzerland, where they will establish a new Chabad Center serving the Jewish
community of the greater Ticino area.
Rabbi Yossi and Chana Atara Madvig have moved to Oswego, New York, where they
have opened a new Chabad House serving the Jewish students and faculty at SUNY
Oswego.
Dov's Mitzva
When Dov does a mitzva (commandment) one morning, little does he know who is
watching... and what will happen next! An inspiring story about the power of
even a "small" simple mitzva, and how it can grow to encompass the entire
community. This book is especially designed with the very youngest children in
mind. Bright colors, exciting images and rhythmic text make reading aloud a joy
for reader and child alike!
Written by Risa Rotman, illustrated by Ariel Bauer, published by HaChai
Publishing.
New Emissaries
New initiatives in the area of adult education are being spear-headed by
Rabbi Mordy and Itty Feiner who have moved to Hallandale Beach, Florida as
emissaries (shluchim) of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Rabbi Menachem and Esty Porter
are enhancing the already strong Chabad-Lubavitch presence in Kiryat Arba-Hebron,
Israel where they will be involved in adult education as well as children's
programs. Rabbi Mendy and Chanie Yarmush are establishing a new Chabad Center in
Wesley Chapel, Florida to serve the Jewish communities in East Pasco and New
Tampa. Rabbi Shlomo and Nechama Rothstein are opening a new Chabad Student
Center to serve students and faculty at Vanderbilt University in Nashville,
Tennessee.
Rabbi Michoel and Esty Feinstein recently moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where
they are working with the Russian and Bukharian Jewish communities in that city.
Rabbi Tzvi and Sheva Tauby are moving to the "Upper East Side" of New York city.
Part of their efforts will be to reach out to Holocaust survivors.
New Center
A new 6,000 sq. ft Chabad Center at Tulane University in New Orleans,
Louisiana, opened recently. Even before Hurricane Katrina, plans had been
underway to expand the existing Chabad Center, which has been serving the Jewish
students and faculty at the university for nearly 30 years. Of course, the new
Rohr Chabad Student Center meets all post-Katrina construction requirements.
New Emissaries
A new Chabad Center serving Jewish students on all Portland, Oregon, area
campuses was established in time for the holidays by Rabbi Dov and Chani Bialo.
Rabbi Elly and Gilah Andrusier recently moved to North Irvine, California, where
they have established a new Chabad House serving the Jewish communities of South
Tustin, North Irvine and Lake Forest.
New Torah Scrolls
Chabad-Lubavitch of upper Montgomery County, Maryland, celebrated the completion
of a new Torah scroll. A Torah scroll dedicated to Jewish unity was completed
and donated to the Western Wall Synagogue. The Jewish Unity Torah project was
started six years ago by the Chabad Youth Organization during the second
Intifada to bring joy and hope to Jews in Israel.
New Mikvas
A dedication ceremony for a new mikva took place recently at the Federation
of Jewish Communities affiliated synagogue in Tallinn, Estonia. The Talinn mikva
is the first in Estonia since World War II.
Chabad of Pinellas County has begun construction on a new mikva in Palm
Harbor, Florida. Both mikvaot, named "Mei Menachem," are sponsored by the
Bistritsky family of New York.
New Center
Though Chabad has had a presence in Berlin under the directorship of Rabbi
Yehudah and Leah Tiechtel for the past 11 years, they recently opened a
beautiful state-of-the-art center. The Rohr Chabad Center includes a synagogue,
library and mikva. It provides assistance to local Jews and a roof to anyone who
needs one.
New
Emissaries
A number of couples have joined the ever-growing ranks of the soldiers of the
Lubavitcher Rebbe as emissaries (shluchim) throughout the world. Rabbi Cheski
and Chavale Edelman have moved to Olympia, Washington, to start a Chabad House
that will serve students at Evergreen State College and Jews throughout Thurston
County. Rabbi Shlama and Miriam Landa have moved to Fairfield, Connecticut,
where they are establishing a new Chabad Center. Rabbi Sholom Deovrah Lezell
arrived recently in Toronto, Ontario, to start Chabad of Danforth-Beaches to
serve the Jewish community of Toronto East. Don and Rebekah Braham are moving to
Chabad West Coast breathtaking campus in Running Springs, California.
New Emissaries
Two young couples moved recently to sunny California as emissaries of the
Lubavitcher Rebbe. Rabbi Yossi and Rochie Tiefenbrun are opening a new Chabad
Center in Pacific Beach, California. Rabbi Schneur and Tzippy Schneerson are
establishing Chabad of Newbury Park, California. In North Carolina, Rabbi Moshe
Yitzchok and Chana Leiblich will be arriving soon in Wilmingston to establish a
new Chabad Center in that city. The Sante Fe Province in Argentina has welcomed
Rabbi Yair and Debby Vassershten to work with the 1,500 Jews in the area. In the
Neot Eshelim neighborhood of Rishon Letzion, Israel, Rabbi and Mrs. Shneur
Zalman Levin have opened a new Chabad Center.
Healthy In Body, Mind and Spirit
A guide to good health based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
A wide-ranging collection of letters and talks on maintaining mental
well-being. Among the topics are mental health, conquering anxiety, healing
through meditation and more. Benefit from the wealth of the Rebbes wisdom on
this ever important topic. Translated by Rabbi Sholom B. Wineberg, published by
Sichos in English
New
Emissaries
Rabbi Elazar and Rivkah Bloom will be establishing the new Librescu Chabad
Center at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia. Rabbi Yitzchok and
Miriam Sebbag have moved to Passaic, New Jersey where they will establish a new
Chabad House and Chai Tots Preschool for the Jewish residents in Passaic and
Clifton, New Jersey. Rabbi Mendel and Rachel Druk arrived recently in Cancun,
Mexico, where they will establish a new Chabad House serving the needs of the
local Jewish residents and many tourists who visit the island.
New Torah Scroll
The year-old Chabad House in Ho Chi Mihn City, Vietnam, recently celebrated
the acquisition of a new Torah scroll with 60 participants at the ceremony.
"Merkos Shluchim" - Summer Emissaries of the Rebbe
This summer is the 60th anniversary of "Merkos Shluchim" sent out by the
educational branch of Chabad-Lubavitch. The emissaries will be meeting with Jews
in far-flung locations throughout the world. They bring with them a wealth of
knowledge as well as religious materials such as mezuzot, prayer books, and
books of torah thoughts, etc., that are not generally available in such remote
locations. "Merkos Shluchim" are rabbinical students who spend their summer
vacation visiting small Jewish communities that do not have permanent
emissaries. This year 330 students have been dispatched to small cities
throughout the American continent, as well as towns and cities throughout
Europe, Asia and the former Soviet Union.
New Chabad on Campus
At a recent convention of shluchim (emissaries) of the Lubavitcher Rebbe on
college campuses, Mr. George Rohr announced that the Rohr Foundation would help
establish over the next three years another nine Chabad Houses on Campus. This
will bring the number of centers on campus in the US to 100 and over 130
world-wide. The locations include the University of Illinois at Chicago; the
University of California at S. Monica; Reed College in Portland, Ore.; Texas A&M
University; the University of West Virginia; Temple University in Philadelphia;
the College of New Jersey; Union College in Schenectady, N.Y.; and the
University of Leeds in England. In addition, new couples joined established
Chabad Houses on Campus at the University of Texas at Austin and the University
of California at Berkeley.
New Emissaries
A new Chabad House is opening in Gloucester County, New Jersey, under the
directorship of Rabbi Avi and Mina Richler. Rabbi Yossi and Rivky Shuchat will
be arriving soon in Sydney, Australia, to serve at the South Head Shul. Rabbi
Dovid and Chanie Altein have just moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where they
will direct Friendship Circle as well as other activities. Rabbi Zalmy and
Esther Rader will be arriving soon in Mont-Royal, Canada where their efforts
will focus on adult education. Rabbi and Mrs. Mendy Atal have come on board at
the Chabad Center of Tel Aviv to establish programs especially for
French-speaking Jews in that city. Rabbi Zev and Ariela Johnson recently moved
to the University of Texas campus in Austin, Texas, to expand the Chabad on
Campus work taking place at that university.
It's never too late to participate. Call your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center
to find out if they are currently writing a Torah scroll or how you can purchase
a letter in a Torah scroll. There is a special Children's Torah campaign for
boys and girls under the age of Bar and Bat Mitzva. Visit
www.kidstorah.org
to purchase a letter in these special Torah scrolls that have already united
over one million Jewish children around the world. College students can purchase
letters in a Torah Scroll being written to show solidarity with Israel. Visit
chabad.edu to purchase a letter.
New Facilities
A new building for Chabad of Alfei Menashe was awarded by the town council to
Chabad in recognition of their important work. The new facility will be situated
in the center of town. Chabad East of the River recently dedicated a new Chabad
Center in Glastonbury, Connecticut. A festive ceremony took place in Baku,
Azerbaijan, when the first stone was laid for the Baku Chabad Ohr Avner
Educational Complex.
The new campus will be able to accommodate over 1,000 students. The new
Shluchim Center was recently dedicated in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Less than a
block away from 770 Eastern Parkway, World Lubavitch Headquarters, the new
center gives the Shluchim, emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, an address they
can turn to for their outreach and networking needs.
On the 21st anniversary of the infamous Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Chabad's
Children of Chernobyl (CCOC) brought their 77th group of victims to Israel. This
most recent group was comprised on 15 children and one woman who is the mother
of 3 children who came 6 months earlier on flight #75. This brings the total
number of children rescued to 2,462.
New Emissaries
Rabbi Yitzchok and Nina Naparstek have moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where
Rabbi Naparstek will serve as director of Adult Education and Mrs. Naparstek
will direct youth and women's programs. Rabbi Sholom Ber and Elie Estrin will be
arriving soon in Raleigh, North Carolina, where they will be directing the youth
programs and the pre-school. Rabbi Yossi and Manya Lazaroff are establishing a
new Chabad House in College Station, Texas, to serve the students and faculty at
Texas A&M University. Rabbi Chanoch and Chavie Parshan are starting a new Chabad
Center in Canyon Country, California, to serve the needs of the Jewish community
there. Rabbi Yisroel and Chaya Sara Hahn recently arrived in Spokane,
Washington, to open a new Chabad Center serving the Jewish community of Spokane
county. Rabbi Yossi and Goldie Grossbaum recently launched Chabad of Folsom, in
Northern California. Rabbi and Mrs. Menachem Feldman have moved to Greenwich,
Connecticut, where Rabbi Feldman is serving as Director of Adult Education and
Mrs. Feldman as Director of the Chabad Hebrew School.
What Else Do I Say?
It's so much fun for the boys and girls to open the flap and discover exactly
what to say throughout the day! This latest release from Hachai Publishing is
written by Malky Goldberg and illustrated by Patti Argoff.
Tending the Garden
What unique gifts do Jewish women bring into the world? How can she use those
gifts to fulfill her special purpose? Tending the Garden, by Chana Weisberg,
illuminates the special blessings, gifts, and unique feminine qualities of the
Jewish woman. The author explores the lives, experiences, and roles of Jewish
women in history, the matriarchs, the Jewish festivals and cycles, special
women's commandments, mysticism, to understand what is the Divine mission of the
Jewish woman. Published by Targum Press.
Pirkei Avot - Russian
A new edition of Pirkei Avot - Ethics of our Fathers with a modern Russian
translation and brief but insight-laden commentaries has been released by
F.R.E.E. in conjunction with SHAMIR. The bulk of the commentary consists of
elucidations by the classic commentators, as well as insights adapted from the
teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Be There!
Each year on the festival of Shavuot we relive the giving of the Torah to the
Jewish people by G-d at Mount Sinai by hearing the Ten Commandments read in the
synagogue from a Torah scroll. It is a special mitzva for every man, woman and
child to be in the synagogue on Shavuot to hear the Torah reading. This year,
the Torah reading that tells of the giving of the Torah will be read on
Wednesday, May 23, in synagogues around the world. Many Chabad-Lubavitch Centers
sponsor "ice cream"
parties (in keeping with the ancient tradition of eating dairy products on
Shavuot) for the young and the young at heart. To find out about the closest
Shavuot ice cream party call your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
New Emissaries
Rabbi Levi and Brynie Stiefel recently arrived in in Voronezh, Russia.
Their first priority will be to startin a Jewish day school for the children
of the 10,000 Jews residing in the city. Rabbi Levi and Fraidy Vogel will be
establishing one of the newest Chabad Houses in America's oldest city, S.
Augustine, Florida, to serve the needs of the local Jewish population. Rabbi
Sendy and Rochel Dubrawsky are establish a new Chabad Center in Radlett,
England.
Thirteen Principles of Faith
The Thirteen Principles of Faith addresses key issues of Jewish faith.
Based on the teachings of Moses Maimonides, it covers concepts such as:
Proof that the Torah was given at Sinai; The accuracy of the Oral Tradition;
Why are there so many Rabbinic disputes; How contradictory truths can co-exist;
How halacha, the will of G-d, can be fathomed by human beings; Why the Torah
will never be replaced. Changes to the Torah in the Messianic Era. The
scholarship is profound and thorough, yet the arrangement of the material is
well-organized into easily understandable lessons following a logical sequence
of issues and concepts implicit in the basic principles, to present a
user-friendly text from which both scholar and layman will benefit greatly. The
insertion of invaluable insights from Chassidic sources, and in particular from
the vast treasure of the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, provide a truly
original work. Available from Judaica stores or the publisher at
www.kolmenachem.com.
