The Jewish community of Tomsk prepared and manned an exhibition of Jewish books and periodicals especially for this congress, which was met with enthusiasm and genuine interest. Upon the completion of the meeting, the Jewish community donated to all of these respective publications to the library. Now these valuable and resourceful Jewish books will also be available to everyone at the network of libraries administered under the ‘Pushkin’ Tomsk Regional Library who wish to access them.
Jewish Gift to Library
TOMSK, Russia [FJC] — An event recently occurred that will make a series of Jewish books available to readers of the Tomsk Region in western Siberia – Jews and non-Jews alike. The ‘Pushkin’ Tomsk Regional Library has benefited from a gift it has received, which consists of a number of useful Jewish books. The donation took place within the framework of a forum of religious organizations active in the region, which was held on December 12 in the Tomsk Regional Library.
The Jewish community of Tomsk prepared and manned an exhibition of Jewish books and periodicals especially for this congress, which was met with enthusiasm and genuine interest. Upon the completion of the meeting, the Jewish community donated to all of these respective publications to the library. Now these valuable and resourceful Jewish books will also be available to everyone at the network of libraries administered under the ‘Pushkin’ Tomsk Regional Library who wish to access them.
ALBANY, NY — New York state could impose a 15 per cent 'obesity tax' on high-calorie soft drinks as the governor tries to pay off a crippling $15 billion budget deficit.
Non-diet versions of popular drinks including Coke and Pepsi could be targeted, taking political advantage of fears over obesity and ill-health.
Governor Paterson Proposes Soda ‘Obesity Tax’
ALBANY, NY — New York state could impose a 15 per cent ‘obesity tax’ on high-calorie soft drinks as the governor tries to pay off a crippling $15 billion budget deficit.
Non-diet versions of popular drinks including Coke and Pepsi could be targeted, taking political advantage of fears over obesity and ill-health.
MARGATE, NJ — The Jewish community has come together to remember those who were killed in the terrorist attack in Mumbai, India two weeks ago. Jennifer Husko takes us to a memorial service held at Chabad at the Shore in Margate where they hope to rebuild what was lost.
Mumbai Memorial in South Jersey
MARGATE, NJ — The Jewish community has come together to remember those who were killed in the terrorist attack in Mumbai, India two weeks ago. Jennifer Husko takes us to a memorial service held at Chabad at the Shore in Margate where they hope to rebuild what was lost.
1. The Previous Rebbe, Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson , (our Rebbe’s father-in-law), once gave a parable to explain what Chassidus is, and these are his exact words:
“Pearls are found at the bottom of the ocean on the ocean’s floor. Coals, which make heat and give light, are found in the depths of the earth. The method to finding and unearthing coals in the depths of the earth is to have an instructor who tells the digger where to dig and where exactly he can find the coal. The digger can rely on the instructor’s smarts and he must follow the instructor’s guidance exactly to the tee if he wants to get the coals. However with regards to having the air of life from the atmosphere above ground, the digger cannot rely upon the air that the instructor has; the digger must have his own air or else he will be lifeless and fall unconscious. This also holds true for someone who is finding pearls at the bottom of the ocean; he must have his own air supply.
The lesson from this parable is easily understood: Chassidus gives light and warmth (like the coals) but we must dig deep to unearth it. Also, when we go deep into the earth we must be connected to an air supply above ground”.
The Weekly Sedra – Yud Tes Kislev
The Rebbe says:
1. The Previous Rebbe, Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson , (our Rebbe’s father-in-law), once gave a parable to explain what Chassidus is, and these are his exact words:
“Pearls are found at the bottom of the ocean on the ocean’s floor. Coals, which make heat and give light, are found in the depths of the earth. The method to finding and unearthing coals in the depths of the earth is to have an instructor who tells the digger where to dig and where exactly he can find the coal. The digger can rely on the instructor’s smarts and he must follow the instructor’s guidance exactly to the tee if he wants to get the coals. However with regards to having the air of life from the atmosphere above ground, the digger cannot rely upon the air that the instructor has; the digger must have his own air or else he will be lifeless and fall unconscious. This also holds true for someone who is finding pearls at the bottom of the ocean; he must have his own air supply.
The lesson from this parable is easily understood: Chassidus gives light and warmth (like the coals) but we must dig deep to unearth it. Also, when we go deep into the earth we must be connected to an air supply above ground”.

Gut Yom Tov! Gut Yom Tov!
Leshana Tovah Belimud HaChasidus ve Darchei HaChasidus, Tikosaivu VeTichosaimu!
Tonight, Yud Tes Kislev “The Rosh Hashanah of Chassidism.” marks 209 years since the release of the Alter Rebbe, R. Schneur Zalman of Liadi founder of Chasidus Chabad in the year 5559 (1798). In honor of this auspicious day, which is referred to by Chasidim as the “Holiday of Holidays”, Farbrengens are being held around the world!
In the Extended Article you can view today’s Hayom Yom and the Minhagim of the day!
Drunk Creep Harasses Woman in Lefferts Park
CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — A surprisingly warm winter Monday afternoon, brought many women to Lefferts Park with their children. To the their dismay, a homeless man also chose to hang around the playground. A Black male, approximately 30-years old, was seen walking around with a beer bottle in a bag. He proceeded to ask the women for money, as well as offering his services to ‘baby-sit’ their children. Shomrim was called, and a number of members responded.
More pictures in the Extended Article.

425,340 Dollars Raised at the Mini Chabad Telethon
MINEOLA, NY [CHI] — The Chanukah Telethon a Project by Chabad of Mineola, bringing together men and women from all walks of life. Rabbi Anchelle Perl, director of Chabad of Mineola, emphasizes on reaching out with goodness and kindness to all people.
More pictures in the Extended Article!
Tzivos Hashems 28th Annual Dinner
CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Nearly 30 years of innovative Jewish education was celebrated last night in the Jewish Childrens Museum in Crown Heights, where members and supporters all gathered for an evening to benefit this great organization.
More pictures in the Extended Article!
This Monday evening, 18 Kislev, December 15, at 8:00pm, Rabbi YY Jacobson, one of the foremost lecturers in the Jewish world today, will deliver a lecture on the topic:
“Responding to Mumbai: A New Sense of Unity Emerged; How Do We Sustain it?”
You can watch the lecture at www.TheYeshiva.net, a new global classroom for top-caliber Torah learning.
More in the Extended Article!
Monday: Global Lecture on the Mumbai Massacre By Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Jacobson
This Monday evening, 18 Kislev, December 15, at 8:00pm, Rabbi YY Jacobson, one of the foremost lecturers in the Jewish world today, will deliver a lecture on the topic:
“Responding to Mumbai: A New Sense of Unity Emerged; How Do We Sustain it?”
You can watch the lecture at www.TheYeshiva.net, a new global classroom for top-caliber Torah learning.
More in the Extended Article!

Homework Helpers ~ A Project of the Shluchim Office for Online School Students
CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — On Thursday night, December 11th, 20 voluenteers gathered at The Shluchim Office to take part in “Homework Helpers” – a unique project of the Shluchim Office. This project is made up of 10th grade Beis Rivka girls who devote an hour of their time – to help Online School students throughout the world do their homework.
More pictures in the Extended Article!

After Much Anticipation, Nightlife is Back!
CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Since its inception in the summer of 2007, Nightlife has been an oasis of learning, growth and friendship for post-seminary girls. It is often a struggle to stay above the murky “single” waters, and when a Chassidishe Yom Tov comes around, a great lecture is in order or the mood just hits, Nightlife is the place to be.
BROOKLYN, NY [CHI] — On January 6th, 2009, the third annual leadership weekend for teen volunteer leaders will be held Friday, February 6th -Sunday, February 8, 2009, at the Meer Family Friendship Center in West Bloomfield, MI. The Weekend is a part of The Friendship Circle organization, a Chabad-based program which pairs service-minded teens with children who have special needs. Since its 1994 inception in West Bloomfield MI, the Friendship Circle phenomenon has spread to 17 American states and four countries for a current total of 73 branches and 9,850 volunteers.
Making the World a Friendship Circle
BROOKLYN, NY [CHI] — On January 6th, 2009, the third annual leadership weekend for teen volunteer leaders will be held Friday, February 6th -Sunday, February 8, 2009, at the Meer Family Friendship Center in West Bloomfield, MI. The Weekend is a part of The Friendship Circle organization, a Chabad-based program which pairs service-minded teens with children who have special needs. Since its 1994 inception in West Bloomfield MI, the Friendship Circle phenomenon has spread to 17 American states and four countries for a current total of 73 branches and 9,850 volunteers.

Inaugural Writing of Historic Torah Scroll
LITTLE ROCK, AR [CHI] — On Sunday, December 14, 2008 the Jewish community of Arkansas began the writing of the first Torah to ever be written in the State. Over 100 Jews from all around the state came to the Chabad Lubavitch Center for Jewish Life to mark this momentous occasion.
More pictures in the Extended Article!

Youngsters at Chabad Prepare for Chanukah by Giving
MONROE, NY [CHI] — At Chabad Of Orange County, children of all ages are busy getting ready for the upcoming holiday of Chanukah. At Chabad Hebrew School, students collected kosher canned items and dry goods to send to Jewish soldiers in Iraq. The children loved designing dreidel-shaped cards with personal messages for the soldiers and packaged the cards and food with chocolate Chanukah “gelt” (coins). “This project flows with the holiday spirit of giving and sharing,” says Chana Burston, director of Chabad Hebrew School. “On Chanukah we add an additional candle to the Menorah each night, signifying that we must always increase in good deeds. It’s empowering for the children to feel that they can send something special to thank the soldiers who are helping our country.” Brendon Pearlman, age 12, of Chester was excited about the idea of this project. “It’s cool that we can send kosher food and Chanukah treats to soldiers across the ocean, and that they will see that kids over here made them cards and care about them,” he said.
MIAMI, FL — For two years, University of Miami junior Seth Kinzbrunner ate a lot of cereal. That and his mother’s weekly supply of food is what kept the kosher-observant accounting major sated.
“I lived off a microwave and a fridge,” says Kinzbrunner, while other students could trot to any of a number of eateries to grab a bite.
New Kosher Eatery Largest Among American Universities
MIAMI, FL — For two years, University of Miami junior Seth Kinzbrunner ate a lot of cereal. That and his mother’s weekly supply of food is what kept the kosher-observant accounting major sated.
“I lived off a microwave and a fridge,” says Kinzbrunner, while other students could trot to any of a number of eateries to grab a bite.