Argentina’s President, Christina Fernández, has ceremoniously ‘adopted’ the son of a Lubavitch family in Buenos Aires as her ‘godson.’ The reason: to prevent him from turning into a ‘werewolf.’ Yair Tawil is the first Jewish boy ever to receive this honor, which until 2009 was only awarded to Catholic children.
Momo (Meir) and Sara Esther (nee Trappler) Spielman (Crown Heights)
Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, a Pakistani man believed to be the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai massacre that left 166 dead, including 6 Jews at the local Chabad house, was released on bail by the Pakistani government.
Update: Suspect rearrested.
A Crown Heights family feels lucky that they were not harmed in a home invasion burglary, which surveillance video later revealed that the intruder was armed with a handgun. It was an alarm system and smart thinking by the homeowner that scared the gun toting burglar off.
The Montreal Chabad community gathered to celebrate Hey Teves – the day a Federal Judge affirmed the Chabad movement’s ownership of the Frierdiker Rebbe’s library – with a grand Seudah on Motzei Shabbos.
A Jewish teenager is lucky to be alive after he was struck by a pickup truck while attempting to cross Empire Boulevard. The force of the collision sent him flying over 10 feet. The entire incident was captured on surveillance video.
Menachem and Rena (nee Berkowitz) Traxler (Jerusalem, Israel)
For the past 20 years, Shluchim Rabbi Yitzchok and Nechamie Minkowicz celebrated Chanukah at the upscale Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers, Florida. However, this year, two months before Chanukah the mall notified them that due to new management and renovations they will not be hosting their Chanukah event this year.
Jewish Heritage Night with the Miami Heat on December 17 was, as advertised, Spectacular! From Heat stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh appearing on the giant screen to wish the sold out arena “Happy Chanukah” to all the celebrations that took place, Jewish Heritage Night (JHN) once again proved to be a grand celebration of the Chanukah holiday and Jewish unity.
“He has made a difference in my life, in my father’s life and he knows more about my grandfather than I do. I enjoy the stories that he tells me about my grandparents and how they lived their lives.” These words come from an admirer of Rabbi Dovid Edelman at an event celebrating his 90th birthday.
Once again this year, Beis Menachem of Manchester, UK, arranged a “Latkes Ovent” Chanuka Party for the whole Community.
For the second year in a row, a Menorah parade was held in Panama City, with the participation of about 20 cars and several motorcycles.
Over 2,000 people visited the Chanukah Experience run by Chabad of Eastern Queens, enjoying game shows, olive oil demos, crafts and more.
Mendel and Baila (nee Wircberg) Bryski (Crown Heights)
This Chanukah, the students of Bnos Chomesh Academy were very busy, spreading the light and warmth of the holiday almost non-stop from beginning to end.
Chabad lit up the streets throughout Florida and brought the joy of Chanukah alive to thousands, with several Menorah parades that took place in cities throughout the state.
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