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

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.

Shlaich Crosses into Haiti to Assist in Relief Efforts

Rabbi Shimon Pelman, the director of Chabad-Lubavitch of the Dominican Republic who crossed the border into neighboring Haiti on Friday, described the contrasts as day and night. The rabbi counseled earthquake survivors in the devastated capital of Port-au-Prince and was briefed on efforts undertaken by United Nations troops and aid workers in the city.

$1MM Challenge: Friendship Circle Falls Over Shabbos

The Facebook-based Chase Community Giving Challenge has been underway since Friday, January 15th. Lasting for one week, this competition challenges 100 nationwide non-profits to harness the power of social networking to gather the most votes. The winning organization wins $1 million from JP Morgan Chase. The subsequent top five organizations win $100,000.

Friendship Circle, the sole Jewish contestant, quickly advanced into 2nd place in a matter of hours. But as the only Jewish organization, they had to suspend their campaign for Shabbos, which began less than 20 hours after voting began.

Over Shabbos, Friendship Circle fell into 9th place, nearly 13,000 votes behind the current first-place leader. Now, Friendship Circle is calling upon the Jewish community to regain their momentum and reclaim their spot in the Top 3.

Shliach Delivers State Senate Invocation Prayer

TACOMA, WA [CHI] — This past Friday, Rabbi Zalman Heber, director of Chabad of Peirce County in Tacoma, Washington, had the privilege and honor to give the invocation prayer at the opening session for the State Senate floor of Washington State. After the prayer many senators approached Rabbi Heber and thanked him for “truly praying” for them.