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Californians Hold Grand Siyum HoRambam

Photos by David Miller

More than 1200 men, women and children gathered for an evening of Torah, Tefilla and Tzedaka at the at the Beverly Hills Hotel for the Los Angeles Grand Citywide 30th Siyum HoRambam last week. The “achdus” event, sponsored by West Coast Chabad-Lubavitch and more than 30 local Chabad centers, was the largest such gathering in the history of Jewish Los Angeles.

Occupy Wall Street is Going Broke

Occupy Wall Street in New York City could run out of cash in a matter of weeks. A finance report shows the group that galvanized the nationwide movement against economic inequality six months ago had about $45,000 left in its main account. That’s for the week of March 2. Weekly donations plummeted to about $1,600.

Israel’s Missile Shield Aces First Serious Test

AP

Israel’s Iron Dome rocket shield has aced its first serious test. Gaza’s Hamas rulers have been careful to stay on the sidelines. And Islamic Jihad — now closer to Iran than is its larger rival Hamas — is taking the lead in this round against Israel.

Circus Blocks Rebuilding of Nazi-Destroyed Synagogue

The great synagogue of Konigsberg, photographed in the late 19th century.

Kaliningrad, Russia [CHI] — Rabbi David Shvedik has been fighting for years for the reconstruction of the Great Synagogue in Kaliningrad, Russia, which was destroyed by the Nazis. For now, his efforts were unsuccessful. At the site where the majestic synagogue once stood, a circus performs today, and its leaders have flatly refused the offer of over half a million dollars to relocate. This is in spite of the fact that the land is outright property of the Jewish community.

Boruch Dayan Ho’emes: Rabbi Yitzchok Zirkind OBM

With great sadness and shock we inform you of the passing of Rabbi Yitzchok Zirkind, caring husband and father and respected Rov in our community, at the age of 57. Rabbi Zirkind served as a bookkeeper for Beis Rivka for many years, and was known for his kindness and genuine concern for all those around him.

A Special Purim for Manchester’s Special Children

The friendship Circle of Manchester’s Purim Party, held on Wednesday night, was attended by over 100 participants. They first heard the Megila, read by Rabbi Rachamim Goodman, and then partied in style with live music, food and dance until late into the night!

Smolensk Jews Celebrate Purim in Brand New Shul

Approximately 150 Jews of all ages gathered in the newly built Jewish Community Center in Smolensk, Russia to celebrate the most lively purim that the community remembers. Smolensk is about 45 miles from the town of Lubavitch, near the border with Belarus.