“Shliach Tzibur” CD of the Shabbos Morning Tefilos By Mayer Rivkin To Be Released

Excitement is mounting world-wide in anticipation of the release by Infinity Productions of “SHLIACH TZIBUR” – the training CD of the Shabbos morning prayers. It is geared for the benefit of aspiring Baalei Tefiloh (prayer leaders) of all levels and backgrounds.

Audio Samples in the Extended Article!

Bill Could Mean Israelis don’t need Visas to Visit U.S.

Israel is on the list of nations whose citizens may be able to visit the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa in advance.

While reviewing legislative border security measures last week, Congress approved a bill that actually lowers the bar in the U.S. Visa Waiver program.

Attention all Camps: New Educational Game for Campers

Escape from Golus. A game that will incorporate yiddishkeit, toichen, fun and creativity. Escape from Golus is an educational game that teaches children of all ages the concept of Golus and Geulah. The point of the game is that the campers try to escape from Golus without getting caught by the Golus agents. It is a competitive game in which the campers will all try to be the first to escape from Golus.

More in the Extended Article!

You Are Invited to a Virtual Tour of the Bais Hamikdash!

Over the course of the 9 days, where it is customary to increase in learning, R. Shaya Smetana founder of Anash.com had been working tirelessly in producing live Shiurim which were broadcasted over the internet in order to fulfill this custom.

One of the very unique broadcasts was a virtual tour of the second Bais Hamikdash. Produced and narrated by R. Chaim Shmuel Freidman, this broadcast is going to be available for viewing until the 9th of Av [due to copyright agreements].

Click Here to take the tour!

Talmidim Hashluchim in Sydney Australia Tested on Taaruvos

After much effort all year the Talmidim Hashluchim in Sydney Australia had the honor of being tested by Rabbi Yitzchok Yehudah Yeruslavsky secretary of the Chabad Rabbinical Court in Israel. B”H the Bochurim all did very well on their tests on the laws of Taaruvos.

8th Day’s New Album – Brooklyn

The 8th Day’s new album titled “Brooklyn” is set to hit stores right after the three weeks. The 8th Day (led by Harav Hashliach Shmuel Marcus and his brother Benny) will be promoting the new album in S. Diego (Aug. 15) and at the Macaabi games in California (Aug 16) and in NYC (Aug 28th).

More in the Extended Article!

It’s Nine Days of Fish for Beijing’s Only Kosher Restaurant

Beijing, China — Beijing’s only kosher restaurant has placed an added emphasis on fish over chicken and beef in its highly popular menu. The overhaul isn’t exactly permanent, though, and the more traditional meats will return to their standard spots after Tisha B’Av.

Renowned UCSB Violinist Rediscovers Jewish Heritage Through Song

S Barbara, CA — Like many Jews last summer, Israeli-born Yuval Yaron felt a terrible sinking feeling as his homeland fell into turmoil and went to war with Lebanon. And like the many violinists and storytellers before him, world-renowned University of California at S. Barbara professor used this somber time to compose music, finding peace at the throat of his instrument.

But the acclaimed musician, who burst into the musical world at 16 with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, probably never predicted that during these dark hours he would rediscover his heritage. This rebirth would slowly materialize as he composed haunting melodies of Chassidic niggunim, or spiritual tunes, the majority of which have no words.

Orthodox Boxer Wins Rounds, Fans in New Documentary

Dmitriy Salita, a young Orthodox Jewish welterweight from Brooklyn by way of Odessa, has excellent footwork, an outstanding jab and a terrific personality. How far they can carry him remains to be seen.

Siyumim on the Radio

During the nine days Jews commemorate the destruction of the Holy Temples/Bais Hamikdosh. We mourn the destruction in different ways. We don’t celebrate or party, we minimize washing ourselves and our clothing, we don’t eat meat etc.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe suggested that during this time of mourning we look for ways to combat the mourning with the permitted joy of Torah learning. Many try to rejoice in Torah every day with the conclusion of a Tractate of Talmud/Siyum.

More than 30 years ago Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht organized Siyumim for the benefit of people who could not make their own by making a Siyum on the radio each night of the nine days.

A complete schedule of the Siyumim that can be heard on air in NYC and Upstate New York can be viewed in the Extended Article.

Born again Jews come later in life to Torah observance

Morristown, NJ — Say “born again Christian” and people generally know what you’re talking about. They know you’re referring to people who, while they might have been born into the Christian faith, have since accepted God into their lives in a way they consider both life-altering and life-affirming.

But is there such a thing as a “born again” Jew? Do Jews step back and carefully consider their Jewish practice, life and values? Do they, like many of their Christian neighbors, take the mental, emotional and practical steps to change their lives in search of a deeper meaning and purpose?

The answer is yes, and the term commonly used to describe such Jews is “Baal Teshuva.”

Thousands Celebrate Close of a Cycle, and Begin it Again

Tens of thousands of Jews the world over gathered in groups small and large at their synagogues and community centers yesterday to celebrate the 25th completion of learning Maimonides’ landmark compendium of Jewish Law, the Mishneh Torah.

Officer Dies From Wounds Sustained During Brooklyn Shooting

Officer Russel Timoshenko, the young police officer shot Monday during a traffic stop in Brooklyn, has died.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said Saturday evening that Timoshenko passed at the Kings County Hospital surrounded by family and members of the 71st Precinct.

“He made the ultimate sacrifice with unflinching sacrifice to do it; we are more committed than ever to the prosecution of the individuals responsible for his death,” said Kelly.

Kelly said Timoshenko passed away on his own; he had been paralyzed, suffered brain swelling, and was unable to breathe on his own since the shooting.