Video – Biblical Reflections: Lesson Five – Brave New World

The generation of the flood is a story of a wealthy, technologically advanced society that was so evil that it had to be washed away. How are we able to better guard against the evils bred by material excess? In this lesson, we consider why societies are destroyed, and how they may be rehabilitated.

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Shadchan Rates Skyrocketing

By Ari Galahar for YNetNews

Matchmaking rates in the ultra-Orthodox sector have risen significantly in the last months, along with the overall increase in prices. The hike is predominately felt among Ashkenazi families who seek to marry off their daughters to a distinguished family.

In recent years, the official matchmaking rate has stood at $1,000, paid by each of the two families to the matchmaker who found them the right shidduch. Until recently this has been the fixed price in all haredi communities and Hasidic branches.

Shluchim Perform More Brissim in Russia

SMOKENSK, Russia [CHI] — The Jewish community of Smolensk, Russia, together with their Rabbi and Rebbetzin Levi and Chana Mondshine, celebrated a historical event this Shavuos; the Bris Mila of their eight day old son Dovid. At the festive meal which took place in the shliach’s home following the bris, elder community members commented that despite their having been born in Smolensk, and living there all their lives, they never participated in a bris for a newborn baby. The community members were touched and excited by the event, and many stayed throughout the afternoon to absorb the special atmosphere.

Siddur Returned to WWII Marine Veteran, after 60 years

Eric Wilkinson for KING 5

MERCER ISLAND, WA — It’s an answered prayer more than 60 years in the making.

A war veteran from Mercer Island has reconnected with a precious heirloom thanks to a boy from a small town in Iowa.

NY Post Covers Crown Heights Assault

Over Yom Tov the New York Post covered the assault of a Crown Heights bochur on Montgomery Street on their daily blotter. An unfortunate story that was first reported on CrownHeights.info last week.

CROWN HEIGHTS — A teen assaulted by another youth got help from schoolmates who assisted cops in catching the attacker, the victim said. William Jones-Brown, 17, jumped from between two parked cars and punched Mordechai Spielman, 15, who was walking on Montgomery Street near Brooklyn Avenue at 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Lev Leviev’s Q1 Profit Soars to $163 Million

Lev Leviev addressing Shluchim during the 2007 banquet

JERUSALEM [Reuters] — Real estate developer Africa Israel Investments AFIL0.1TA on Sunday reported a surge in first-quarter net profit, boosted by accounting changes, efficiency measures and improved results at its subsidiaries.

The Israeli company, controlled by billionaire diamond dealer Lev Leviev, recorded net profit of 647 million shekels ($163 million), up from 45 million shekels a year earlier.

Shluchim Auction Winners

10,000 Cash – Mr. Alan Kellen
Split the Pot – Shterni Bloom
Jackpot – S Gansburg
Luxury Living – Benzion Geisinsky
‘Cruise’ in Around – Batya Brandwein
Desktop Computer – Rabbi Shneur Cadaner (Shliach to Davenport) bought by: Eli Karasik

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The Yiddishe Look – A Day of Study and Discussion

Today, Sunday, Isru Chag there will be in depth study and discussion about the meaning and Halachos Surrounding Yiddishe Dress at the Lubaitcher Yeshiva on Crown St. There will be two sessions for married men and women starting at 11am. One by Rabbi Nissen Mangel and another by Rabbi MM Gluckowsky. Then at 2:30pm there will be two sessions for married women and post-seminary girls. One by Mrs R Slonim and another by Mrs S Morosow at 4pm.

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Lubavitcher Makes History – First Chairman of the UJF

By Lee Chottiner for the PittChron

PITTSBURGH, PA — William C. “Billy” Rudolph is making some history.

His recent election to be the next chairman of the United Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh makes him the first Lubavitch Jew to hold that position, and, quite possibly, the first to hold it at any North American Jewish federation.

To Rudolph, who sees his new job partly as a community bridge builder, his selection is hardly an insignificant fact.

“I’m very proud of it,” he told The Chronicle. “It shows a real sensitivity at the federation that 10 years ago would not be the case. I think it’s true progress.

“I really see myself as someone who’s always been involved, in the years I’ve been in the community,” he continued. “I’ve been concerned and active in building bridges, and that will definitely be one of my responsibilities in this position. That’s one thing I bring to this table; another thing is I love this community.”

Boruch Dayan Emes – Mrs Gail Weisbrot

With sadness we inform you of the untimely passing of Mrs. Gail (nee Blum) Weisbrot of Kensington.

She is survived by her husband, Artie, her children: Malka Esther, Binyomim, Shaina, and siblings: Mrs. Mirel Lavi (Be’er Sheva, Israel), Mrs. Rose Cohen (Flatbush), Mrs. Bina Lapides (Montreal), R Zalkind Blum (Brighton Beach).

The Levaya will be on Monday, June 1st, the 9 Sivan at 9:00 am at Shomrei Hadas and will pass 770 at 10:15am.

Boruch Dayan Emes

Video – White Cop Shoots and Kills Off-Duty Black Cop

NEW YORK, NY [May 29 AP] — A plainclothes policeman who drew his gun while chasing someone he had found rummaging through his car was shot and killed by a fellow officer who was driving by and saw the pursuit, the police commissioner said.

Commissioner Raymond Kelly said 25-year-old Omar J. Edwards died after being shot late Thursday within blocks of the Harlem police station where he worked.