Mazal Tov's View More

From Pasadena to Rostov-on-Don: A Jewish Family Makes A Radical Move

By Baila Olidort for Lubavitch.com

RUSSIA — Americans across the economic spectrum have radically lowered their living standards in the past two years, in ways many had never anticipated.

For most, it was a matter of numbers, not choice. But one young couple’s decision to give up their car, their home, and the comforts of an all-American life, had nothing at all to do with the economy.

Restored Audio of Farbrengen of Yud Shevat 5711 Released

The Jewish Educational Media has restored the audio of the Farbrengen of Yud Shevat 5711, and has provided it to Vaad Hatmimim to make available to bochurim. On the first Yartzeit of the Frierdiker Rebbe, the Rebbe officially accepted the Nesius and said a Maamer for the first time. The audio was originally found and released around Yud Shevat 5750, celebrating 40 years of the Rebbe’s Nesius. The audio has been restored as a part of the restoration project sponsored by the Rohr family foundation. A Yiddish transcript has also been provided by JEM to assist in learning the Maame and Farbrengen.

24th Of Teves Farbrengen with Rabbi Michoel Seligson

Last week Sunday, a Farbrengen took place at Yeshiva Tiferes Bochurim in Morristown, N.J. with guest speaker Rabbi Michoel Seligson, to commemorate the Alter Rebbe’s Hilulo, passing, on the 24th of Teves, 197 years ago. The Farbrengen went on into the early hours of the morning.

Listen to the Farbrengen:
<%flashmp3(24 Teves Farbrengen.mp3)%>

A Special Neshama, Leading to a Special Evening

On Motzai Shabbos over 150 people gathered together for a Melava Malka celebrating the starting of a new Sefer Torah. Merkaz Habracha of Flatbush is having the new Sefer written in memory of Bracha Yafit A”H, daughter R’ Yisroel Chein — founder of Merkaz Habracha organization. Sunday, 2 Shevat marked her 21st Yartzeit. The Sefer is scheduled to be completed on 2 Shevat of next year.

Appeal Rejected in Dispute Over Estate

By Brianna Bailey for the Daily Pilot

Jewish center’s leader, Rabbi Reuven Mintz, claims former Rat Pack member wanted to set up foundation in his name.

NEWPORT, CA — The California Supreme Court this week rejected a Jewish organization’s appeal against the estate of Joey Bishop, the late entertainer and member of the “Rat Pack.” But the legal battle over his fortune isn’t over yet, an attorney for the Newport Beach Chabad Center said Friday.

Praise for Israeli Mission in Haiti: ‘Only Ones Operating’

Israeli field hospital earns accolades as only aid mission able to do complex surgery in devastated country. CNN reports other missions transfer patients to Israeli base. ABC reports on young woman giving birth there.

Video: Improv Inspired ‘Mission’ Creates FC Awareness

You may have heard about the phenomenon called Improv Everywhere, or even encountered it in person. In order to create awareness for its campaign, the Friendship Circle of Michigan created an exact such ‘scene’ at a Detroit Pistons game on Saturday Jan 16th.

Old Mikvah Uncovered in Kostroma Shul Kitchen

RUSSIA [FJC] — During some minor reconstruction work in the Kostrama synagogue, Chief Rabbi of Kostroma Nison Ruppo found a deep hole in the synagogue’s kitchen. After examining the pit, which had been filled in with concrete and covered over, it became apparent that the hole had served as the mikvah for the Kostoma community in the years predating the October Revolution. Later on, during the Soviet regime, this mikvah had been filled and then sealed off.

Principal at Hebrew School Bridges Religious, Academic Worlds

New Heaven Register

Rabbi Enan Francis, principal of Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy in Orange, greets a parent picking up a student after school. (Peter Hvizdak/Register)

ORANGE, CT — Through the work of Rabbi Enan Francis, Judaic and secular studies at Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy have come together like never before in the school’s 65-year history.

Francis, 34, is the first person at the private academy at 261 Derby Ave. to serve as principal for both Judaic and secular studies. Francis said it is “not generally the norm” to have one principal for both.