Five Books of...Me?

BH

Shalom. Today is forty-eight days, which are six weeks and six days of the Omer. You know what that means? Tonight, we wrap up the count and tomorrow night usher in the holiday of Shavuot!

Shavuot, for whatever reasons, seems to have been lost to the larger Jewish community. However for me, this holiday holds some of the most powerful lessons for the Jewish people.

We as a Jewish people are standing at the foot of Mount Sinai once again. We are humbled, pure, holy and ready. What has gotten us to this point? The Omer count of course.

Through the process of counting the Omer, Jewish people today have the distinct honor and ability to “re-live” the amazing spiritual journey our ancestors trekked many centuries ago. Each day, refining our bodies and souls to recommit to the greatest thing - even greater than sliced bread - the Holy Torah!

The process takes us through a journey, each day inching forward toward this amazing goal.

What’s all this about counting? We know to count the Omer, but also, in this weeks Parsha, Vayikra, we read about a lot of counting. G-d commands Moshe (Moses) to take a census of the Jewish People in the desert. Down to the last man. (The census was to determine which people were eligible to be drafted to war, thus only men were counted.)

So, why this fixation on counting? So lets break it down; the Jewish tradition tells us of many great leaders - Abraham, Moses, Joshua, King David, Queen Esther, Deborah, and more. In fact as a nation, we have thousands of great women and men that we know well by name. The truth of the matter is though, as great as these leaders were, they were also - simply - individuals.

This is the unique message that Vayikra and Shavuot teach us. Hundreds of thousands of men and women throughout the Torah are mentioned in a group - Bnei Yisroel. But here, and in several other points we are assured that each of these people are an individual! They are counted, each one for her/himself. Each one has a mission and each is G-ds gem.

Each woman today can light Shabbat candles, exactly as Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah did! Every woman has the ability to make their mark in the world.

For men it's the same - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Aaron, Joshua, Caleb, King David, King Solomon and Mordechai in a room won’t create a minyan. They are only nine! One little bar-mitzvah boy, unlearned and unknown can complete that minyan in the same exact fashion as Moses could. Simply, as the tenth man.

We are all in this together, we received the Torah together at Sinai. We each individually stood there and witnessed great miracles. We - you, me, him, her. Not we as in “us” or “them.”

With the Omer counting coming to an end, it's time to get ready to witness that great miracle once again. We have counted our way up. Tomorrow night every single one of us has the ability to receive the Torah b’simcha ub’pnimiut (happily and with internal meaning).

For this reason, the Lubavitcher Rebbe launched a campaign to round up people into the synagogue to hear the Torah reading on Shavuot - the reading of the Ten Commandements. Because these commandments are everyone’s. They belong to each of us to mold our personal lives by.

Its our Torah - “Five Books of Moses” is just a stage name. Don’t believe it!

I encourage you to find somewhere to go to hear the reading on Sunday morning. (Chabad.org has a listing.)

Kabbolos Hatorah B’simcha Ub’pnimius!

The Eternal Flame

BH

“A great miracle happened on this Shabbat. When the Jews took the Lamb for the Paschal Sacrifice, the Egyptians asked why. They were told, This is for our sacrifice, for G-d shall slay the Egyptian firstborns. Upon hearing so, the Egyptian firstborns waged a civil war. They were demanding the Jews be set free. Thus, for this miracle, this Shabbat shall be referred to as Shabbat HaGadol.”

In the “Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch” (The Code of Jewish Law compiled by Rabbi Shneur Zalmen) the author describes this reason for the Shabbat before pesach being referred to as“Shabbat HaGadol” - “The Big Shabbat.”

Now, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem M. Schneerson asks: There are several known miracles that happened on this Shabbat. Why, then, does the Alter Rebbe specify this one only?

The Rebbe answers his own question comparing this idea to the greater idea of Shabbat itself. The Rebbe explains that time is as much a created “being” or “entity” as all other created beings and entities. Whereas, before the creation of the world limitations and constraints of time did not exist!

With the creation of each day, time took a new form. The framework of one day existed. Then two. Then three. And so on. After six days, commentaries teach us that the world was perfect, all that was missing was repose. Tranquility. Rest.

The Rebbe further asks, if the seventh day was not created yet, how could repose be all thats missing? What about the entire time frame that is the seventh day?

So, the Rebbe explains; the structure of Shabbat is indeed a frame of time, however, it is different from the time constraints of days one through six. Time on Shabbat transcends the limitations of past, present and future. It is Shabbat!

Just like Shabbat holds the same form of time while transcending time simultaneously, the Egyptian firstborns created the same effect. They were evil. They worked the Jewish people, harder perhaps than the other Egyptians worked them. Yet, while still remaining the same evil Egyptians they were, they waged a war against their own, taking up the cause of “the enemy” in the process!

This, the Rebbe concludes, is the unique connection between Shabbat and the miracle of Shabbat HaGadol! This is why the Alter Rebbe specifies this reason, to the exclusion of others.

I would like to add to this. On Tuesday of next week Chabadniks around the world will celebrate “Yud Aleph Nissan” (the 11th of Nissan) - the 110th birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. For Chassidim, this is a special day. The day the Rebbe started his journey toward changing the lives of so many.

The Rebbe made it his mission to touch as many Jewish people as possible! Wherever they may be. Evidence stands in the thousands of Chabad Centers around the world!

The Rebbe’s mission transcends time and space. The mission is eternal. The Rebbe never let up. There was no, “It’s five o’clock, let’s break” on the Rebbe’s schedule. And quite frankly, there is no 5:00 break for his emissaries either. The mission is 24/7.

In this week’s Parsha, Tzav, it states (Leviticus, 6:6): “An Eternal flame shall burn upon the Mizbei’ach (Altar). It should not go out.” THIS was the Rebbe’s mission! His goal, his teachings, his efforts, were timeless. They are the eternal flame that has reignited Judaism of late.

I join Chassidim, followers and admirers around the globe in wishing the Rebbe a happy birthday. While the Rebbe is not with us in a physical sense, his eternal flame shines bright.

Let us commit to carrying out the Rebbe’s mission, and working toward his ultimate goal - our united goal as a Jewish Nation - the coming of Moshiach.

Transition: Pain to Consolation

“I don’t know how I and my husband’s parents and sister will find the consolation and strength to carry on, but I know that the ways of G-d are good, and He will reveal the path and give us the strength to continue. I know that their holy souls will remain with us forever, and I know that very soon the time will come when we will be together again with the coming of Moshiach.” - Mrs. Eva Sandler, wife of murdered Toulouse Rabbi, Jonathan Sandler

The Jewish Nation has been struck once again. A young Rabbi, his two children, and another child, murdered at a center of Torah study. Their crime? Being Jewish.

While it is natural to question and demand to know why, we all know that no answer or explanation would be adequate. How could there be a acceptable reasoning? Children, cut down in the earliest of stages, in the purest of places, a center of Torah study.

As our hearts make the transition from anger to coping; from shock to reality; from pain to consolation, I draw a lesson from the transition from last week’s Parsha, Vayakhel-Pekudei, the final portion of the book of Exodus to this week’s Parsha, Vayikra, the introduction to the book of Leviticus.

Towards the end of last week’s portion the Torah states that the Mishkan - the Tabernacle - which had just been completed, was inaccessible due to a cloud hovering over. Moses - or anyone - could not enter. As Vayikra begins, we see a quick change. “G-d calls out to Moses...” - the cloud had risen, Moshe could enter!

The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s take on this lends a unique perspective to the “light that follows the darkness.” The Rebbe explains, “the fact that it was immediately preceded by a period of darkness” makes the revelation of goodness that much greater!

When one is struck by tragedy, there are different ways they can choose to go, but when one elects to strengthen his relationship with G-d and Torah as a result, the effect of the divine relationship can strengthen them in return. Strength coming from strengthening.

We as a people have been attacked. together. this is not the plight of the family alone. While the pain is felt by them, we are their supporting cast. We also need to act. We cannot stand by idly and allow terror to dictate how we conduct ourselves.

The famed author Elie Wiesel, in response to the attack in Toulouse wrote, “We say, as is Jewish tradition: “May G-d avenge their blood.” That will be the response from Above.

“Our own answer must be concrete and to the point. When we are persecuted, our response must be: We will remain Jewish – and do everything to become more Jewish.”

The dark clearly reared its ugly head to the world at large this past week. The Jewish response must be brighter and louder. We must add positive effect to the world and not succumb to the evil wishes of our foe.

Op-Ed: Credit Card Fees

Ever walk into a Brooklyn store or eatery (or any store for that matter) to purchase a can of soda or a quick sandwich?

You brought your item to the counter, got rung up and the total is $1.39. Or $4.39. Or even $9.39. You pull out your credit card to make your purchase. But wait, the cashier then informs you, "Oh sorry, we have a $10.00 minimum for credit card purchases." (Or sometimes, you may even find "Oh, there is a $0.50 surcharge for credit card use).

Yes, in the stores I refer to, it happens with all cards, be it an American Express, a Visa card, a Discover card or even MasterCard. You know, we have all experienced this, and most of the time, we actually do drag ourselves around the store collecting a few extra things we don't need. Or we might possibly add a french fries to that order that we don't really want, and probably shouldn't be eating.

Well, after experiencing this in 4 different stores in our very own neighborhood today, I decided to take a look into the issue. You'd be surprised at what I found. Well, actually, the findings aren't so surprising themselves; it's the stores in fact that shock me.

Dearest patrons of local stores and eateries, it’s time you knew your rights as the carrier of one of these cards.

After some quick research, it was certainly not hard to find the information I was looking for. Three of the four major credit cards generally accepted around town (American Express and Discover of course being a little less popular) do not allow a merchant to set a minimum purchase for their card to be used. The only slight exception is that of American Express.

Visa: Visa clearly prohibits the establishment of a minimum purchase for a merchant that accepts their card as a form of payment. Quoting from usa.visa.com, "Visa merchants are not permitted to establish minimum transaction amounts, even on sale items. They also are not permitted to charge a surcharge fee when you use your Visa card.” This is actually stated in the guidelines presented each vendor when they first begin to accept Visa.

MasterCard: Merchants accepting MasterCard are required to follow the acceptance rules. At Mastercard.com it states that the MasterCard acceptance rules “prohibits merchants that accept MasterCard cards from establishing any minimum amount below which the merchant won't accept payment via MasterCard card.” They also specifically prohibit the practice of charging a fee for using the card.

Discover: When pressed by MainStreet.com, as to whether a place accepting Discover can set a purchase minimum, Discover answered briefly and to the point. ““All I can share with you is that this practice is prohibited under our merchant regulations” a Discover representative stated.

American Express: An American Express representative, also in a statement to MainStreet.com, in reference to the same question stated, “We don't prohibit minimums but discourage it because it's not consumer-friendly. However, we require parity with other products.” That means a merchant can't impose a minimum on American Express Cards and not on Visa or MasterCard. That in turn means that there cannot be a minimum on AmEx either, as the other three prohibit it.

It’s time we actually knew that we were in fact being "scammed" by our very own neighbors.

One thing you can always try is to challenge the vendor by stating that you actually know these rules. Sometimes they will cave and accept the "low charge." Other times, you may need to threaten to report them to the credit card company. Of course, choosing to not make the purchase at all always sends a good message.

This isn't about cheapness or the idea of outing fellow Crown Heightsers' little secrets. This is about fairness and the idea of people knowing their rights, and the privileges they deserve. It’s actually quite amazing to think that Lubavitchers would act in such a way towards other Lubavitchers. For them it’s about wanting to make a few extra pennies. For me, it’s about wanting to buy a can of Diet Coke, even when I don’t have cash.

Sorry folks, but according to the rules, my want, wins.

Energy Magnate Aguiar Donates $770,000

(Published at www.Lubavitch.com)

Energy magnate Guma Aguiar has made a gift of $770,000 to Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in honor of Chanukah 2009.

Aguiar, the founder and CEO of Leor Energy, has seen his name become well known in Jewish philanthropy due to his support of Chabad-Lubavitch and other philanthropic projects. He made the gift to help sponsor many of the Chanukah outreach programs that are sharing the joy, the light and the messages of the holiday’s historic miracles to millions of people worldwide.

“I am moved and inspired by the light that Chabad brings to the world,” Aguiar said. “That is why I chose to make this contribution in connection with the holiday of Chanukah.”

Aguiar explained that he was motivated to contribute in the amount of 770 as the numbers correspond to that of the current Jewish calendar year of 5770. 770 is also the address of Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. It is from this well known address widely referred to simply as “770” that the Lubavitcher Rebbe of righteous memory led the movement.

“For many years he motivated his followers to touch one more Jew, and I wanted to be a part of that,” said Aguiar.

Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonyei Chinuch, the educational arm of Chabad Lubavitch expressed his gratitude to Aguiar.

“At the time of Chanukah, when activities are at such a high level, a contribution like this makes an enormous difference.” Krinsky added that “the Rebbe noted on numerous occasions that 770 is the numerical equivalent of the Hebrew word “Porazta,” meaning to transcend constraints in our efforts to affect positive change in our lives, in society and the world at large.

“The Chabad Shluchim embody this concept on a daily basis. We are very fortunate to have a person like Mr. Aguiar who is willing and able to lend his support to the effort.”

A Thankful Reunion After 64 Years

(Published at www.Lubavitch.com)

Though the arrivals hall at JFK is no stranger to emotional reunions, a unique meeting on Wednesday brought more than the usual bevy of reporters and onlookers.

Bronislaw Firuta arrived from Poland on one of the busiest travel days of the year. There to greet him was Joseph Bonder. Though the two men, now in their 80s, hadn’t seen each other in 64 years, it was recognition at first sight.

Bonder was only 13 when he and his sister Joan were hidden by Firuta in Ostra Mogila, Poland. It was 1942, the height of Nazi imperialism. The siblings spent the next two years shuffling between the attic above and the shack behind the Firuta home.

“We never stayed in the house,” Bonder recalls. “The attic and the shack were open; they could make the excuse that we came in on our own. It was a big risk they were taking.”

That heroism was recognized by the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous, a New York-based organization dedicated to supporting and preserving the legacy of gentiles who risked their lives to save Jewish people during the Holocaust. The Foundation sponsored this reunion trip.

Though they have maintained a relationship via written correspondence and telephone conversations, the pair hasn’t seen each other in over six decades. It is “more exciting than anything else,” said Bonder late Wednesday. “He was really righteous and generous. He was always on my mind.”

Together with Bonder were his wife, children, and grandchildren. His rabbi from Monroe Township, New Jersey, was also at the emotional reunion.

“How can I not be a part of such a big celebration in his life?” Rabbi Eliezer Zaklikovsky, director of the Chabad Jewish Center of Monroe, told lubavitch.com. The meeting, he said, proves that even in the darkest of times, there were reasons to be thankful.

“This is someone who is not Jewish, who risked his life to save Jewish people. He is one of the truly righteous gentiles. It was very emotional to see.”

Bonder is an active member of his local Jewish community and vice-president of the Monroe Holocaust Survivors Group. Because of Firuta, Bonder “was able to produce a family of children and grandchildren,” said the group’s president, Jack Chevlin in an interview with lubavitch.com. “I wish we had many more people like that who could have done so for other Jewish people.” Chevlin himself was rescued by gentiles during the Holocaust.

Firuta’s U.S. visit comes in the wake of his wife’s recent death and the destruction of his home shortly after. For his part, Bonder plans to assist Firuta in any way he can. “Helping Jews then, what he did for me, was very risky. Financial help has no risk, so I have to. I’m sure I will do something for him.”

The two have a lot of catching up to do. During his whirlwind six-day trip, Firuta will stay at the Bonder home. A two-day New York City tour is planned.

On the agenda is visits with Bonder’s children, who have heard stories of their father’s rescue. He hopes that in the future, they too will keep in touch with his Polish savior. “They know he saved my life. They know well.”

Yeshiva-in-Prison Brings Meaning, Spiritual Growth to Inmates

(Published at www.Lubavitch.com)

Gordon M., 36, is an inmate at a Virginia prison where he recently participated in a yeshiva program. Thethree-day intensive Torah study experience, he says, were “the happiest and most joyful days in my last ten years of incarceration.”

For the last four years, the Aleph Institute, a Florida-based prison and military outreach organization, has been offering a comprehensive three-day learning program to Jewish inmates in prisons across the country. Known as the Adel Bas Avraham Yeshiva-in-Prison program, the learning initiative was founded by Aleph’s Executive Director Rabbi Aaron Lipskarand Mr. David Colburn, and was named for Colburn’s mother.

According to Rabbi Mendy Katz, Director of Outreach Programs at Aleph, “Yeshiva-in-Prison transplants these inmates from prison to a sort of Jewish sleep away camp.” Prisoners pray together, take meals together and study together. The impetus for the program comes from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, says Katz. “The Rebbe always stressed the importance of helping Jewish people who are in limited situations,” encouraging them to make good use of every opportunity where their freedoms are not denied.

The program’s eight-hour daily schedule includes selections from Chasidic philosophy, the Talmud, the Mishnah and other areas of Jewish thought. Developed specifically for Yeshiva-in-Prison by program director, Rabbi Yossi Stern, Yeshiva-in-Prison pairs volunteer rabbis with inmates as study partners and mentors. For some inmates, this is the first exposure to serious Jewish study.

“This can be a life changing experience for Jewish inmates,” said Rabbi Stern. “We try to do this 10-12 times a year and each time I’m reminded of its importance.” Stern said he’ll sometimes get as many as 18 inmates at the program which, according to Rabbi Katz, represents more than 90% of the prison’s Jewish population.

The most recent Yeshiva-in-Prison program took place November 23-25 at Federal Correctional Institution Petersburg, Virginia, and was staffed by eight rabbinic volunteers, ages 22-24, from the Lubavitch Yeshiva system. Volunteer Rabbi Shmuel Margolin said that he was “reminded of the importance to see each individual as a person. We try to make them feel like people again.”

Rabbi Margolin, who has been involved in prison outreach as a volunteer for the past three years, led the closing session at FCI Petersburg. "Every single person has a certain mission in life, that no one before him in history, and no one after him in the future can ever accomplish,” Rabbi Margolin said then, reinforcing the idea that each of them yet has his purpose to fulfill, despite the restricted circumstances of their lives.

“They love this,” Rabbi Katz said of the volunteers, “it’s a new and interesting experience. They value developing relationships with individuals in such a situation.” Rabbi Margolin, who has volunteered with prison outreach for the last three years, said the program gave him “a chance to really connect with individual inmates.”

Rabbi Joseph Kolakowski, the Richmond, VA based contract Jewish Chaplain at FCI Petersburg, said he appreciated the program’s work on behalf of the inmates whom he serves. The program “was very well received. Everyone enjoyed it immensely.”

Chaplain Bertrum McPhee of South Bay Correctional Facility said that “the program had a great effect on the participation of residents of the faith,” pointing to the fact that “attendance has gone up from six men to 23 men.” He echoed Rabbi Katz’s appreciation of the volunteers, who, through their work, “stirred a desire for the men to have a greater understanding of their practices.”

The program’s next session will take place December 8-10 at Miami Federal Correctional Institution. Upcoming programs are scheduled as well for prisons in Pensacola, FL and Allenwood, PA.

Chanukah Lights to Shine at Games

(Published at www.Lubavitch.com)

The Chanukah holiday, as wildly popular as it has become, was barely known several decades ago. But Chabad’s holiday awareness programs with olive presses and dreidel houses, menorahs carved of ice, chocolate and every conceivable material, have put the message of the holiday at the forefront of the winter season.

Today, public Menorah lightings have become a fixture in hundreds of locations across the globe. Celebrities and public officials vie for the honor of kindling of the lights. In town squares and shopping malls and along well-traveled highways, the Menorah lights are a familiar sight. And this Chanukah, they'll illuminate sporting arenas coast to coast.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

“We invite fans to share the joy and festivity of their Chanukah celebrations at the Rose Garden,” says Sarah Mensah, chief marketing officer of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. The Trailblazers and Chabad of Oregon are expecting the largest crowd in the history of the event, with more than 530 tickets already sold.

Former team owner, Mr. Harry Glickman, will kindle the Menorah lights at halftime. Twenty children from the Portland Jewish community will get a chance to high-five the players before the game, says Rabbi Chaim Wilhelm.

MIAMI HEAT

Rabbi Pinny Andrusier, of Chabad of Southwest Broward said he was approached by the Miami Heat to partner in a Jewish Heritage Night celebrating Chanukah. “An employee of the Heat had previously worked with the Portland Trailblazers and saw the success of the Chanukah program,” Andrusier said. “Knowing the demographics of South Florida, he thought it would be the perfect event for our community.”

More than 1500 tickets have already sold for the game at the American Airlines Arena on Tuesday, December 15th. Popular Jewish rock band, 8th Day will perform a pre-game on court concert and a halftime show from the concourse.

“They are very popular of late, and with their name, 8th Day, it is apropos that they be the group to perform,” Andrusier said.

The halftime show will broadcast throughout the arena and will also feature a Chanukah message from the rabbi. Before play resumes, a presentation will be made to the team. One of the club's former star players will accept an award on behalf of the team. A post-game Chanukah party on the court is planned especially for Patrons of Jewish Heritage Night.

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

At the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, FL, the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning will be hosting groups from 10 Chabad Centers from the Tampa Bay area to celebrate Jewish Heritage Night on Wednesday December 9th. Tickets purchased through www.jewishhockey.net at $20.00 will gain fans access to a pre-game Chanukah party which includes the kindling of the Menorah by team owner Craig Sher. Tickets also net fans a seat, kosher hot dog and special souvenir.

Rabbi Mendy Dubrowski, director of Chabad of South Tampa said scheduling did not allow the event to actually be on Chanukah, but has allowed them to partner with Tampa's Jewish Family Services for a toy drive.

"The main purpose is to give back. Instead of just celebrating ourselves, we must see that others receive the opportunity to celebrate as well." Fans are encouraged to bring along a wrapped gift to donate to the drive. In addition to local synagogues and youth groups that will be at the arena, the Jewish War Veterans group will present the color guard prior to the game.

NORFOLK ADMIRALS

In Norfolk, VA, the Lightning’s minor league affiliate Norfolk Admirals has paired with Chabad of Tidewater for the second time to bring the joy of Chanukah to Scope Arena. The team approached Chabad in early October to express interest. “By having a Chanukah celebration in Scope Arena, we are allowing many people to experience the lighting of the Menorah and learn something from the message of Chanukah,” says Mrs. Rashi Brashevitzky, director of youth programming.

At Scope Arena on December 16th, there'll be latkes and donuts; Chabad’s dreidel mascot will be greeting fans and handing out Chanukah gifts to the kids to the backdrop of Chanukah musica. An ice sculptured Menorah will be kindled between periods.

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

On December 12th, At Nassau Coliseum in Hempstead, Long Island, Rabbi Yossi Liebermanwill be kindling the second Chanukah light accompanied by two local children. The Menorah will be placed on the Red Carpet on the Ice between periods of the evening's New York Islander's game, and Rabbi Lieberman will share the message of Chanukah with the thousands of fans. Kosher food will be available and Chanukah materials will be freely distributed.

Mitchell Nathanson a member of Chabad of West Hempstead said Rabbi Lieberman’s enthusiasm and commitment inspired him to get involved. “If we reach one person that didn’t know it was Chanukah, that will ignite the light,” Nathanson said. “He’ll get a menorah for his family and that will spread the light in their home. It’s all about touching people.”

Rabbi Lieberman said the Islanders had dedicated the evening’s “Charity of the Night” 50/50 raffle to the Friendship Circle of West Hempstead. Last year the raffle garnered FC nearly $1,500.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

Chabad Outreach of Houston had partnered with the Houston Rockets once before. The relationship began when Rabbi Dovid Goldstein met Evan Gelber, the team’s official videographer. The two presented the idea to the team and this year, Hoops & Hanukkah returns to the Houston Toyota Center on Tuesday, December 15th. Chabad’s efforts are joined this Chanukah by the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and the Houston JCC.

In an interview with Lubavitch.com Rabbi Mendy Traxler said there would be a pregame Menorah Lighting outside the arena and a special post game Chanukah party for the first 100 Hoops & Hanukkah tickets sold.

“During halftime, we will have the opportunity to bring Chanukah to the nearly 18,000 fans at the game,” Traxler said.

The message of Chanukah, says Rabbi Goldstein, is relevant to everyone, Jewish or not. “We’ll be on the court for just a few minutes and in that time we will deliver a universal message.”

The message? Kindle your light, and add your gift of goodness and kindness to the world we share.

Chanukah at Staples Center

(Published at www.Lubavitch.com)

Rabbi Moshe Greenwald, director of Chabad of Historic Core, was joined by three other Chabad Emissaries from the Los Angeles area at Staples Center on Monday, December 14th. The event, dubbed "Jewish Heritage Night," was the first of its kind at Staples Center, home to the NBA's LA Lakers, Clippers and the NHL's Kings.

Prior to the game, Greenwald kindled the Menorah as thousands of fans looked on. Several thousand Jewish fans, in the stands specifically for Jewish Heritage Night, applauded Rabbi Greenwald. The Rebbe's call to hold public Menorah lightings and share the light and joy of the festival, said Greenwald, was his inspiration to get involved with Jewish Heritage Night.

"What better way to spread the word, then at a stadium with thousands of captivated fans" he said.

Rabbi Simcha Backman, director of Chabad of Glendale and the Foothill Communites called it an evening of "Inspiration at Staples". Backman said Blake Griffin, the first pick in the NBA's 2009 draft for the Clippers, who is rehabbing from injury, attended the event and put on a free throw display just before the lighting of the Menorah.

"Fans came out to support their team and were privileged to witness the first Menorah lighting at Staples Center," said Rabbi Backman.

"And they got to see the Clippers beat the Wizards. What a great night!".

FIU Celebrates Rabbi's Birthday

(Published at www.Lubavitch.com)

“Spending Shabbat with my Chabad friends is always a blessing,” said Dr.Jeffrey Knapp, director of the Academy for the Art of Teaching at Florida International University. “It’s the best way to celebrate the close of a week.” Knapp is one of more than 4,000 Jewish faculty and students at FIU that benefit from a colorful range of programs and services offered by Chabad at Florida International University.

But two weeks ago, Shabbat with Chabad was not at its usual venue. Instead, students and faculty were hosted at the home of FIU’s president, Dr. Mark B. Rosenberg. The occasion: Chabad campus representative Rabbi Levi Friedman’s 30th birthday.

“The Rabbi and his wife are recognized community leaders, as well as good friends,” said Rosenberg, who presented the Chabad representative with a gift on behalf of the university’s faculty and students. “I value their presence at FIU and community events.”

The Chabad Jewish Student Center at FIU, known as the Tabicinic Chabad House, was founded by Rabbi Levi and his wife, Sashie, in August of 2004. By the time the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at FIU, became its president--the Friedmans were well acquainted with him.

“With the relationship we have and the President’s strong desire to personally engage the students--we knew that hosting Shabbat dinner at his home was just the sort of setting the president and his wife would love," Friedman said. "That approachable attitude is one of the things students love most about him.”

So on Friday evening January 22, as Shabbat descended upon South Florida, students and faculty arrived at the Ronald Reagan Presidential House, the president’s residence on FIU’s campus. Some 45 guests were greeted by their hosts, Dr. Mark and Rosalie Rosenberg, and led to long tables decked out with a traditional, formal Shabbat kosher dinner.

The evening began with the recitation of the Kiddush by Friedman’s father, Rabbi Yosef B. Friedman, who had arrived from New York with his wife, Sheine, for the event. Dr. Knapp followed by leading the hamotzie. Past student presidents of Chabad FIU, Aaron Margolis, and Sholom Neistein who now serves as president of the Student Government Association at the Biscayne Bay Campus, joined the dinner. Maxime Komornik, representing the student body, delivered a talk on the weekly Torah portion.

During the dinner, Dr. Rosenberg asked all the guests to introduce themselves. Students shared their own sentiments of appreciation for Chabad at FIU as their home away from home, and spoke of the Friedmans’ support and friendship they have come to cherish.

Virginie Illouz, a Jewish student from Haiti, spoke of her gratitude to the Chabad House, calling it a “lively hub” where she met so many of the people she counts as friends today. Guests were moved to tears as she described how the earthquake in her hometown affected her and her family, and the comfort she found with Chabad.

In a talk delivered with his signature humor, Rabbi Friedman thanked the president and his wife for hosting this special dinner, and praised the president’s profound commitment to the student population of FIU.

Most meaningful to them, say both Levi and Sashi, was the birthday gift from the students: a box containing small notes of the mitzvot each student committed to in honor of the Rabbi’s birthday.

Rita Ritvin, an Israeli born FIU student was excited to be included in the Shabbat dinner. “The party felt very intimate even with about 50 people there! I felt very honored to have been invited to this event,” she said, pointing out that her affiliation with Chabad at FIU goes back three years. “The Rabbi, his wife and their beautiful children have become really good friends of mine,” she boasted.

Her favorite thing about the Friedmans, she said, is their Jewish spirit. “I’ve learned not only about the mitzvot, but also that I can come as I am and be a part of something great, both on a spiritual and physical level.”

Chabad Welcomes Israeli Heroes

(Published at www.Lubavitch.com)

On Sunday, June 6, Rabbi Uriel and Shevy Vigler welcomed ten Israeli soldiers to the Chabad Israel Center of the Upper East Side. All ten were wounded in combat and arrived to New York together with Rabbi Menachem Kutner director of Chabad Terror Victims Project who organized this program jointly with the Chabad Israel Center. The trip Belev Echad, “With One Heart,” which will take the soldiers on a 12-day tour through New York, Washington, DC and Niagara Falls.

Daniel Rosen, a long-time friend and supporter of the Chabad Israel Center, told Lubavitch.com that the community is “privileged to host these young gentlemen” as their guests and was grateful for the opportunity to “thank these veterans for their service and sacrifice.” Indeed, Chabad Israel Center of the Upper East Side raised $100,000 to organize and sponsor the unusual program.

“More than what we have done for the soldiers, they have already done for us,” Rabbi Vigler said.

Ben Spitzer of the Golani Unit 13 was wounded during Israel’s invasion of Gaza in 2009. Spitzer’s injuries are among the most severe in the group. His arm was amputated and he spent 11 months in hospitals, undergoing seven surgeries. Only recently sensation in his left leg returned, enabling him to walk once again.

Spitzer is in rehabilitation at an outpatient clinic, where he will continue therapy upon his return to Israel next week. He routinely undergoes physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and occupational therapy in order to re-activate affected parts of his brain. For the duration of this trip, he requires two full-time attendants; one is his father, Ophir Spitzer.

Lubavitch.com caught up with the elder Spitzer on a cruise honoring the soldiers. “Ben always needs help that’s why I am here,” he said. The cruise set sail on Tuesday evening, June 8 for a two hour ride in the Manhattan Harbor with nearly 450 people on board.

A highlight of the action packed tour, the cruise was made possible thanks to the generosity of long time supporters of Chabad causes, Steven and Orly Salsberg. “We always enjoy utilizing our boat for charitable causes” said Mr. Salsberg “but this event was special, giving us the opportunity to honor these 10 real-life heroes.”

Amy Becker, an elementary school teacher in the Bronx who lives on the Upper East Side was honored to meet with the Israeli soldiers. She was thrilled to be able to thank them for their dedication to Israel and to show that they are appreciated “not only by Israel, but by Jewish people all over the world”

Aboard the ship, Fred Kreizman, the Jewish Liaison for New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that it is “very important, especially during these tough times, to come out show our support for Israel and her soldiers.” Kreizman was impressed with the Chabad Israel Center’s ability to draw young Jewish people from all different backgrounds. “The achdus, the unity, is simply amazing” he said smiling.

Wounded former officer, Yogev Lahav of the Givati Brigade expressed his gratitude to the Viglers and their community. “It’s heartwarming to see how the Jewish people in America stand with us.”

Lahav was hit numerous times, with three bullets piercing his stomach and another two hitting his right leg, during an attempted capture of a terrorist outpost in Shechem. He spent six unconscious weeks in the ICU at Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikva. After being released from Beilinson, Lahav entered eight months of rehabilitation at the Tel Hashomer Hospital in Ramat Gan. To date Lahav has had eight major operations and countless minor ones.

“It is our duty, and even more so our privilege to serve for our land, but now, during treatments from injury, we very much appreciate the opportunity to take a quick break,” said Lahav. “The people of Chabad Terror Victims Project are always there to give a hug and offer both mental and physical support to victims and their families.“

Rabbi Menachem Kutner of the Chabad Terror Victims Project explains that his team is “involved from the moment an injury or terror attack takes place until they no longer need us by their side – whether that’s a week, a month, a year or even several years.” The organization helps wounded soldiers and victims of terror around Israel, and operates with the assistance of Chabad’s 250 centers across the Jewish state.

A Jewish Community Grows on Nun's Island

(Published at www.Lubavitch.com)

In December 2010, Rabbi Levi and Mushkie Itkin arrived to Nun’s Island in Verdun, QC, where Jewish religious infrastructure was non-existent.

Otherwise known as Île des Sœurs, it is a small island at the foot of the Champlain Bridge, famous for its beautiful scenery and parks overlooking the Saint Laurence River.

Founded as Île S. Paul in 1899, the island was primarily used for farming until the 1960’s but today boasts mostly upscale apartments and luxury condos. There are few commercial offerings and business ventures found on the less-than one-and-a-half square-mile island.

Major development began on Nun’s Island in the 1960’s, and today, its population consists largely of retirees, developers and people in the real-estate industry. There has never been any Jewish community on record.

“We figured we’d take the leap,” says Rabbi Itkin, who had learned about the growing population on the Island and in Verdun. Himself a son of Chabad representatives, Rabbi Itkin and his wife have slowly begun introducing Jewish social and educational programs to the Island’s small, but now vibrant Jewish community.

Shabbos dinners convene at the Itkins’ rented townhouse along the Eastern shore of the Island and weekly Torah classes take place across the Island. The Rabbi and his wife each conduct one-on-one study sessions and religious coaching on an almost daily basis.

Drawing a minyan, a quorum of ten for formal prayer services, was a challenge the Itkins chose to tackle this past Shavuot with commitments from several men who walked to the Island from Montreal proper.

And so the first Minyan on Nun’s Island came together for the reading of the Ten Commandments, giving many of the participants a reason to celebrate.

Mr. Michael Trossman, a resident of the Island was elated. “Thank you so much for inviting me! This is the first aliya I’ve had in years.”

While the guests were nibbling on Mrs. Itkin’s home-made cheesecakes and blintzes, the Rabbi offered a toast.

“Mazel tov. Lchaim! You were all part of the beginning of something big!”

Chabad will kick-off some new programs during the summer.

“Its very exciting to see the Jews of Nun’s Island and Verdun slowly climb out of the woodwork,” Rabbi Itkin told Lubavitch.com. “The first response of every Jew is ‘I am the only one here,’ and then, sure enough, they discover they are not alone.”

Jewish Sisterhood Grows in TMR

(Published at www.Lubavitch.com)

When Dina Krasnianski, co-director of Chabad of the Town in the Town-of-Mount-Royal launched Loaves of Love in her home’s kitchen, she had just a few participants. It has since morphed into a strong following of devoted women.

“For some of the women, this is their way of making a statement,” said Krasnianski. “They are displaying their pride as Jewish women. It’s very important to them.”

The women attending the program enjoy the closeness of the group with Krasnianski as their crew chief. “It’s a time for them to come together as Jewish women and reflect,” Krasnianski offered. “They bond with others and spend quality time in a Jewish surrounding.”

Myrla Azuelos attended the launch of Loaves of Love more than five years ago. Today, Challah baking has become a deeply purposeful activity for her and her husband, Dr. Alain Azuelos: Every week, Krasnianski and crew dedicate their Challah to the recovery of their infant son, Aramis.

According to Jewish tradition, Sarah, Rebbecca, Leah and Rachel baked Challah, and Jewish women have been doing so ever since. Thousands of years later, Challah still graces the Shabbat table and baking Challah in honor of Shabbos is said to bring blessing. In that spirit that Krasnianski chose to dedicate Loaves of Love to little Aramiz Azuelos.

When visiting Montreal from Ottawa, Yvonne Azuelos, Aramis’ grandmother, looks forward to baking Challah with Mrs. Krasnianski. “In fact, we’re baking Challah tomorrow. I’ll be there with Myrla’s mother, Beti Losic from Sao Paolo,” she told Lubavitch.com. “Dina’s help and commitment means the world to us!”

Krasnianski said that she and her friends campaign for 43 challah bakers in Aramis’ merit every week. Forty three, she explained is the numerical value of the word Challah. She credits Facebook as her greatest outlet for the campaign.

From the time her first post goes up until she finds 43, Krasnianski continues to update. “27 more bakers needed,” she’ll write, or, “just 3 more bakers needed for Aryeh Dov ben Myrla. Who’s in?”

After going to a few Challah baking sessions I started doing it every week” said Mrs. Liliane Levy. “Now, like Dina does, I give some Challah to a few friends each week.

Levy credits Chabad’s exclusive-to-women events for empowering TMR’s Jewish women to live more openly Jewish lives. “Chabad of TMR has a big impact on every woman” she noted. “They have contributed to the increased level of Judaism amongst the Jewish women and their families.”

Loaves of Love is one of a number of lively activities engaging women at Chabad in Town-of-Mount-Royal, more commonly referred to as TMR. The Center, directed by the Krasnianskis with the assistance of Rabbi Zalmy and Esther Rader, hosts weekly prayer discussion groups exclusively for women, as well as a monthly Rosh Chodesh gathering, hosted by a rotation of women from the community.

Spa for the Soul, another event that attracted upwards of 200 women last year, presents a full day of wisdom and inspiration featuring contemporary personalities, and hands-on health and wellness activities.

Jewish life in TMR was not always so vibrant. “It was only sixty-years ago when TMR didn’t allow Jews to live here,” reflects Rabbi Krasinianski. “Once the doors opened, the community to began to grow.”

Rabbi Krasnianksi speculates that Jewish people moved to TMR to get away. Ironically, he points out, these were the people who were instrumental in creating a Jewish community of their very own.

“Since we founded Chabad TMR in 2004 as a small gathering of people looking for that tenth man for the minyan, we have grown into a full-service Jewish Community Center,” Rabbi Krasnianski said.

“We are no longer looking for that tenth man in the Minyan. He’s already arrived and brought dozens more with him.”

Early Purim at Panthers Game

(Published at www.Lubavitch.com)

At the NHL’s Florida Panthers hockey game this past Sunday, all 15,685 fans learned something Jewish.

Fans celebrated at a pre-game pre-Purim bash hosted by South Florida Chabad Centers at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, FL, with free video games, pony rides, face painting, a giant inflatable slide and an obstacle course. Jewish music filled the air, jugglers and clowns entertained, around Purim themes.

Free t-shirts sporting the team mascot and the words Happy Purim across the front were distributed free to fans. Seeing people on the concourse wearing the shirts, Rabbi Andrusier engaged them in conversation. “I met several people who were unaware that Purim was approaching. In fact, I met folks who had never even heard of the holiday altogether,” he said.

Rabbi Pinny Andrusier, co-director of Chabad of Southwest Broward County was invited on the ice to take the ceremonial “slapshot.”

The traditional hockey-broom-ball game, played pregame, sported teams of clowns vs. rabbis. Neither team scored, but the roaring applause signaled the crowd’s approval.

Rabbi Levi Chanowitz, director of Chabad of Sunrise said the event was successful if “people leave here and choose to observe Purim.”

Local singing sensation, Yisroel Amar, delivered his rendition of G-d Bless America followed by the stadium’s first ever Purim masquerade. Twelve costume-clad finalists were aired on the big screen and the crowd’s applause and cheering served as the judge.

During the intermission Cypress Bay High School junior, Josh Appel excitedly posted on Twitter, “Chabad Rabbis vs. the Purim clowns during intermission. Panther hockey!” Appel, 16, is a season ticket holder and attends many games. He was surprised to see Chabad rabbison the ice.”

“It was a nice gesture by the Panthers organization to recognize Purim and people of the Jewish faith” said Appel who admitted that the event was his first encounter with Chabad. “It's too bad that the team couldn't pull through with a win to cap off the night,” he joked.

Mackie Feierstein, Director of Group Sales and Youth Hockey for the Panthers said he reached out to Rabbi Andrusier after seeing the success of the Rabbi’s Chanukah event with the Miami Heat.

“I believe this was just the start of a long lasting relationship between not only Chabad, but the entire Jewish community and the Florida Panthers hockey club,” Feierstein said. He looks forward to working together more often in the future.

“These events and programs will only grow in the upcoming years.”

Light in the Face of Dark!

Monday, April 16th 2007, will long be remembered as a dark day, a day that G-d was murdered 32 times over. Our sages have taught that man is created in the image of G-d, and that murdering a human being is likened to banishing G-d from our world.

In the most violent gun attack in U.S. history, 32 people were murdered on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. Cho Seung-Hui, the lone gunman and an undergrad student at the University began his shooting spree by killing two people in a dormitory before making his way to Norris Hall, shooting 30 more people and finally turning the gun on himself.

The victims were students in the midst of their noble pursuit of education and teachers wanting nothing more than to help them achieve their goals. In our minds none of these beautiful lives we lost deserved their fate.

While a shocked world watched coverage of the events on television screens across the globe, the question “Why, why do bad things happen to good people?” was being asked by all. The answer to this, we may never know, but we do know that we must not let evil win. To pursue goodness in time of tragedy is something that Judaism has long taught.

Surely adding light to a dark story was a man who lost his life giving the ultimate gift to others – the gift of life. Romanian born Holocaust survivor, Professor Liviu Librescu, shielded the door to his classroom, allowing his students time to escape.

Professor Librescu gave his students life, and paid with his own.

This act earned Professor Librescu well deserved national attention and the title “True Hero”. Librescu’s death came on Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day throughout the world, and this - in my opinion - sends a very powerful message.

After surviving the Holocaust I’m sure Professor Librescu understood the value of life more than most of us which is why without thinking twice he threw himself in the path of a gunman to give younger lives a chance at the world. We now know one reason Professor Liviu Librescu survived the Holocaust.

At 7:00 AM on Tuesday, April 17th, Rabbi Danny Cohen from Chabad of Chevron, a close friend of Professor Librescu’s family called the Rabbi of Chabad at UVA, Rabbi Shlomo Mayer. Cohen told Mayer of the professor’s death and asked if there was a Rabbi that could arrange the proper Jewish treatment of the Professor’s remains. Ensuring him that it would be taken care of, Mayer called Rabbi Yossel Kranz of Chabad in Richmond, and together they traveled directly to the coroner’s office in Roanoke, VA.

Professor Librescu’s remains were released in a timely manner - as prescribed by Jewish law - after many telephone conversations with Congressman Eric Kantor and with Governor Tim Kaine’s office. Funeral services, attended by hundreds of Jewish people were held in New York on Wednesday before the professor was flown to Israel for burial in Ra’nana on Friday morning.

In response to the tragedies, the Chabad on Campus International Foundation instituted “Hearts to Hokies - Week of Goodness and Kindness”. The organization’s 100 plus locations across the globe began handing out ‘pledge-cards’ to students, faculty and friends to write a good deed they would do to honor the entire Virginia Tech Family. At the end of the week these cards will be presented to Virginia Tech.

In addition, Chabad on Campus also held “Shabbat Candle Lightings” in memory of Professor Librescu. Rabbi Shlomo Mayer – who is also Romanian born - noted that in one conversation he

had with the professor’s widow, Mrs. Marlena Librescu, she told of how much Liviu loved the Shabbat Candles tradition. Marlena relayed how her husband would lovingly remind her every Friday to light the candles and would watch intently as she did.

Marlena asked Rabbi Mayer if he could arrange for women and girls to light Shabbat Candles that week in Liviu’s memory. Rabbi Mayer assured her that this would be done, as it was, at

many College Campuses around the world.

The Jewish response to these tragedies was seen in all facets of the Jewish community. Most congregational Rabbis spoke of the atrocities in their sermons, encouraging congregants to add to their acts of goodness and kindness. Jewish Schools instituted mitzvah campaigns, including “The Wall of Good” at Hebrew Academy of Tidewater.

On the internet, social networking websites such as, www.facebook.com, were used to create groups for members to join and share their memories of lost friends, thoughts of hope and words condolence. I created one of these groups, which I titled “Hebrews for the Hokies” describing it as a group for Jewish people wishing to show support for Virginia Tech and to honor the victims of the Massacre.

Within the groups first 10 hours of existence 247 Jewish people under the age of thirty had

joined. Messages were posted in the group, and a Mitzvah campaign launched as well. Posts included condolence messages, words of hope and well wishes, and words of encouragement from the Torah. The group currently hosts 387 members.

On a closing note, The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that the most important thing to do in the face of darkness and tragedy is to turn around and show the world acts of light and joy – the need to turn tears into action.

A Chassidic Master, Rabbi Shalom Dovber taught exactly one hundred years ago from last week, that personal actions can change the routine of the world. Rabbi Shalom Dovber urged his followers to strive to rise to higher levels of goodness and to be sure that their personal choices and actions were those that would change the world for the better for many years to come.

Professor Librescu’s heroic and brave actions have certainly accomplished that, as did the acts

of Chabad on Campus and Chabad in Virginia. On that same note, in the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, I would strongly encourage everyone here in the Tidewater area to increase in acts of goodness and kindness and share in our joint responsibility of making this world a better place.

It’s our World, we live in it, and together we can – AND WILL - change it. Yasher Koach, and we should only report good tidings.

(www.chabad.org, www.chabad.edu, and www.lubavitch.com contributed to this report.)