Grieving Community Transforms Dinner into Joyous Honoring of Boy’s Life

By Dovid Zaklikowski

Just hours after the burial of nine-year-old Levi Yitzchak Wolowik, stunned supporters of Chabad of the Five Towns entered a banquet hall for the center’s 14th-annual dinner to honor the wishes of their beloved rabbi and rebbetzin. (Photo: Yosef Lewis)

More than 500 people packed a Long Island banquet hall to honor a Chabad-Lubavitch center and its emissary couple who had worked tirelessly for almost 15 years to strengthen Jewish life in Nassau County, N.Y. But the couple, Rabbi Zalman and Chanie Wolowik, was noticeably missing.

The Wolowiks, directors of Chabad of the Five Towns, were observing the traditional mourning period – known as shiva – for their nine-year-old son Levi, who had tragically passed away just two nights before.

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Public Helps Chabad After Fire

By Sheila Ganjian for the Daily Nexus

The University Religious Center hosts Shabbat Dinner on Friday. The Chabad House is recovering from a recent blaze with the help of community members.

GOLETA, CA — In the aftermath of a fire that ravaged the UCSB Chabad House three weeks ago, the Orthodox Jewish religious center has remained at the service of the local community.

According to the Santa Barbara Fire Dept., the fire began in a bedroom at the home – located at 779 Camino Pescadero – on Feb. 8. The flames then proceeded to scorch entire portions of the first and second floors, ultimately rendering the Chabad House unfit to provide services to the community.

Boston Aids Dnepropetrovsk Jews

DNEPROPETROVSK, Ukraine [FJC] — The two largest hospitals in the east Ukrainian city of Dnepropetrovsk – the Regional Clinical Hospital named for Metchnikov and the Third Children’s Municipal Hospital – have received much-welcomed assistance from the U.S.-based organization “Action in Support of Post-Soviet Jewry” (otherwise known as ‘Action for Post-Soviet Jewry’).

Families celebrate joyous holiday of Purim at JCC

By Ashwin Verghese for the Democrat and Chronicle

BRIGHTON — The beautiful Queen Esther made an appearance Sunday at the Jewish Community Center.

Actually, she made several.

Lots of little girls dressed up as the historic queen during Purim Palooza, a celebration of the upcoming Jewish holiday which commemorates how Esther convinced the king of ancient Persia to spare her people.

Video – “Hello Americans!” Paul Harvey…Good Night!

ABC Radio Networks says broadcasting pioneer Paul Harvey has died at the age of 90. No cause of death was immediately available. Harvey was a news commentator and talk-radio pioneer whose staccato style made him one of the nation’s most familiar voices.

Alternate Side Parking Suspended Wednesday

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) in conjunction with the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) today announced the suspension of Alternate Side Parking (ASP) regulations citywide for Wednesday, March 4 to facilitate snow removal. However, parking meters will remain in effect throughout the City.

For updated information, visit the DOT Web site at nyc.gov/dot or call 311.

Click here for the 2009 Alternate Side Parking Regulations Suspension Calendar

Kinus HaShluchim of the West Coast

LOS ANGELES, CA [CHI] — Marking 40 years to the establishment of the first Chabad House, this year’s Kinus HaShluchim of the West Coast took place in that first Chabad house in UCLA Village, one of the many replicas of 770 located at 741 Gayley Avenue in Los Angeles. Shluchim from up and down the coast made their way to participate.

Huge gallery in the Extended Article!

Chabad of the Valley Hosts Very Successful Shabbaton!

ENCINO, CA [CHI] — Chabad of the Valley just completed a very successful Hakhel Shabbaton in Chabad of Encino with the renowned Rabbi Yossi Jacobson. Beginning with a communal Friday night meal, and continuing with session after session throughout Shabbos. More than 500 people from all walks of life participated in motivating and inspiring programs.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

Merkos Shlichus Pesach 5769 registration NOW OPEN!

The Merkos Shlichus office is pleased to announce that registration is in full gear for Pesach Merkos Shlichus 5769. Bochrim that are interested in Merkos Shlichus can sign up at MerkosShlichus.com

Registration will close on the 16th of Adar, March 12th so please make sure to sign up on time.

Oholei Torah’s 54th Annual Dinner

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — The 54th annual Oholei Torah dinner took place last night at the Oholei Torah Ballroom. This year’s dinner was dedicated to the loving memory of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, HY”D, an Oholei Torah alumnus. Forty of his former classmates united for this event in his memory.

More pictures and a video in the Extended Article!

myShliach Doubles Membership at Kinus HaShluchos

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — During this year’s Kinus HaShluchos, the myShliach mentoring program’s booth was abuzz with over 1000 Shluchos collecting information about current programs and watching their children in a promotional video. Parents shared their excitement over the program’s impact in their children’s lives. Mrs. Pearl Krasiansky, Shlucha to Hawaii, says of her son, “I have never seen him so motivated! Baruch Hashem!”

Photo Gallery: Crown Heights Buried in Snow!

Overnight, a rare weather system crossed over Crown Heights dumping over a foot of snow, covering everything. Schools were forced to cancel studies, including public schools, kids played in the snow, store owners and home owners cleaned their sidewalks, and the mailmen couldn’t use their wagons!

More pictures in the Extended Article!

West Coast Kinus HaShluchim Group Photo!

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Posing in front of the first Chabad House, 200 Shluchim to the west coast posed for a group picture. The Shluchim are currently participating in a regional Kinus which is taking place in Los Angeles, California.