Birth of a Fool

by Yoseph Kahanov Jax, Florida

The Disgrace that Stems From Obsession and Greed

In his 1974 commencement speech at the California Institute of Technology, Nobel laureate physicist Richard P. Feynman articulated the foundation of scientific integrity: “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool… After you’ve not fooled yourself, it’s easy not to fool others…”

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If you didn’t know that the Torah had a sense of humor, you probably missed the narrative at the center of this week’s Parsha – the legendary tale of two highly influential leaders, Balak and Bilaam who rapidly slipped from grace and glory into the depth of shame and depravity.

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Do You Like the Jewish Children’s Museum?

‘Like’ the Jewish Children’s Museum on Facebook and you could win a free birthday party at the JCM – that’s a $500 value prize! This prize includes free admission for up to 20 people, time to explore the exhibits, an interactive game show, making a craft to take home as a souvenir, and a delicious pizza lunch!

‘On a Day Like Today, You Feel the Rebbe’

Jerusalem Post

One hassid had come because he was having difficulties dealing with a sense of emptiness and doubt. Another, who had reluctantly agreed to be an emissary in a foreign country not of his choice, longed for some companionship that might soothe his loneliness. Yet another asked for a steady source of income to help support his growing family.

Chabad of Hunderton Trip to Israel Forms Strong Bonds

Hunterdon County Democrat

Rabbi Yechezkel Kornfeld of Seattle, along with his sons Rabbi Eli Kornfeld (Chabad of Hunterdon County) and Rabbi Shmuel Kornfeld (Chabad of Burbank) recently returned from Israel after a highly successful mission. The trip unified three Rabbi Kornfelds and three communities, and was a show of unity among families, states and countries.

Chabad to Open Israel’s First Friendship Circle

by R. C. Berman – Lubavitch.com

Illustration Photo

Two weeks ago, Tal Cohen of Kiryat Bialik stood before the Torah and uttered the words common to bar mitzvah boys around the world. For Tal, whose speech and learned abilities lag far behind due to pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), it was an uncommon accomplishment.

Mayor Bloomberg Recognizes Efforts of 3 Bochurim

Shmuel Rothstein (22), Dani Saul (22), and Zalman Perlman (22), the three trailblazing young rabbis at the heart of Bike 4 Friendship.

New York — The efforts of three trailblazing young rabbis were recognized by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who issued an official proclamation yesterday declaring July 6, 2011 to be “Bike 4 Friendship Day.” The proclamation pays tribute to Bike 4 Friendship, the cross-country fundraising and awareness bike tour for the Friendship Circle.

Melbourne Yeshiva Centre Victim Speaks Out

The Age Australia

Manny Waks grew up in a Lubavitch home. Today, though no longer observant, Manny is vice-president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and president of the Canberra Jewish Community.

Manny Waks’s behaviour started to change part-way through his schooling at Yeshivah College. ”I wasn’t listening to the teachers and was getting into trouble,” Mr. Waks says.

Boruch Dayan Hoemes – Reb Shmuel Lewis OBM

With great sadness we inform you of the untimely passing of Reb Shmuel Lewis OBM of Kfar Chabad at the age of 58.

He is survived by his wife Shainda; children Dina Goldshmid (Crown Heights), Yehudis Mitnitzky (Crown Heights), Rabbi Matisyahu Lewis (Baku, Azerbaijan), Rochel Yemini (Los Angeles, CA), Chana Raskin (Beijing, China), Michal Levitin (Lod, Israel), Mendy Lewis (Kfar Chabad), Levi and Davidi. He is also survived by his mother Ettel Lewis (Jerusalem, Israel), and siblings Yonoson Lewis (Crown Heights), and Chaya Rappaport (Jerusalem, Israel).