Interest-Free Loans Steeped in Jewish Tradition

PHILADELPHIA, PA — In tough economic times, a centuries-old financial lifeline might be one of the best-kept secrets in the Jewish community.

It is a secret whose roots go back to the Torah, where it is called an act of “loving kindness.”

First Jewish Library Planned for Korea

SEOUL, South Korea [CHI] — Chabad of Korea is planning to open the country’s first Jewish library. Rabbi Osher Litzman, who opened the country’s first Chabad House in Seoul in April, 2008 said he was moved to open a library, and dedicate it to Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, after learning that the bookshelves were the only part of Mumbai’s Chabad House not destroyed in the terrorist attacks. The library is hoped to be a source of knowledge, information and enlightenment to the country’s growingly active Jewish community. Rabbi Litzman hopes to have the library open by this Shavuot.

Judge Denies Request to Move Rubaskin Trial

DES MOINES, IA [AP] — A federal judge has denied a request from a kosher slaughterhouse and a former manager to move their trial out of Iowa because of pretrial publicity.

Agriprocessors Inc. and Sholom Rubashkin are charged with bank fraud, money laundering and violations of immigration law. Nearly 400 people were arrested in a May 2008 immigration raid at the Postville slaughterhouse.

Shliach Defends Wi-Fi for Shul

S PETERSBURG, Russia [FJC] — A new technological development has reached past the walls of a unique S. Petersburg landmark – the Great Choral Synagogue. Namely, now anybody coming to visit the Choral Synagogue will be able to take advantage of free access to the Internet via their mobile device. This opportunity was made possible through a gift presented to the Synagogue by the telecommunications company PIN-Telecom.

Yoseph Gutnick Could Pitch in for Demons

AUSTRALIA — Yoseph Gutnick has broken his silence on Melbourne’s plight, indicating he could re-emerge as a financial saviour.

Gutnick returned to the Demons for the first time in eight years yesterday and refused to rule out pitching in significantly more than his membership subscription.