Flashback: Yud Kislev Adventures in 1882

Artwork by Zalman Kleinman

Today, the 10th of Kislev is marked by Chabad Chassidim all over the world in celebration of the release of Rabbi Dovber of Lubavitch from the Czar’s prison in 1826. Fifty six years later, in 1882, an anti-religious newspaper called ‘Hamelitz,’ published by the Haskalah/Zionist movement, “described” how the Chassidim in the Lithuanian town of Shvintzan conducted themselves throughout the Yud Kislev celebrations.

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Four Down: Yemen’s President Transfers Power

CNN

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh

Yemen’s president became the fourth Arab leader forced from power this year when he signed a deal Wednesday aimed at ending his country’s months-long political crisis.

Judge Linda Reade Dishes Out 30 Year Sentence…

Judge Linda Reade Ym“s

…to convicted child predator. ”This is one of the most aggravating circumstances and crimes that I’ve ever seen. This, I must say, is the most depraved I have had for some time,” said Linda Reade before the sentencing. Really Linda!? Was Sholom Rubashkin‘s case that long ago? after all, he must have been equally evil, having received an (almost) equal sentence.

UN: World Population Set to Reach 7 Billion Today

UN Press Release

With the world’s population projected to top 7 billion today, Oct. 31, the United Nations launched a global initiative – 7 Billion Actions – bringing together governments, businesses, the media and individuals to confront the challenges and seize the opportunities offered by the milestone.

Bank of America Backtracks on Debit Card Fees

Baltimore Sun

Bank of America Corp., after receiving heavy public criticism for a planned $5-per-month debit card fee, is likely to give customers more ways to avoid the fee, a person familiar with the bank’s plans said Friday.

Powerful Earthquake Hits Turkey, Israeli Help Refused

AP, YWN

People try to save people trapped under debris in Tabanli village near the city of Van after a powerful earthquake struck eastern Turkey today.

A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey on Sunday, collapsing dozens of buildings into piles of twisted steel and chunks of concrete. Desperate survivors dug into the rubble with their bare hands, trying to rescue the trapped and injured. State-run television reported that 45 people were killed and 150 others injured in the eastern town of Ercis, but scientists estimated that up to 1,000 people could already be dead, due to low housing standards in the area and the size of the quake.