Jewish Leaders Refuse to Let Up in Face of Worsening Economy

BROOKLYN, NY — With an eye on the growing financial crisis, Jewish centers operated by Chabad-Lubavitch are refusing to cut programming, all while doing everything possible to trim budgets and rely on an expanded team of local volunteers and donors. But even with the economy in a tailspin, new centers continue to sprout around the globe.

Kinus Melava Malka and General Session

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Motzoai Shabbos, before the main session of the Kinus, thousands of Shluchim met in the cafeteria at Wingate Public High School for a Seudas Melava Malka.

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Holidays Renew Debate Over Religious Displays at Oregon Capitol

SALEM, OR — December inside Oregon’s Capitol is filled with a forest of lighted trees, tall toy soldiers and carols sung by school choirs. But requests to add a Jewish menorah and Christian creche to the mix have sent legislative leaders directly to their lawyers.

Donetsk Pilgrimage Honors Rebbe

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia [FJC] — A group of members of the Jewish community of Donetsk took part in a visit to Rostov-on-Don to honor of one of a great Jewish leader of the Chassidic tradition. This visit took place in the lead-up to the anniversary of the birth of the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Shalom-Dovber (otherwise known as Rebbe Rashab). He was born on 20 Cheshvan.

In all, twenty people from the Jewish community of Donetsk visited Rostov-on-Don, where the Rebbe’s ohel – the so-called grave of the righteous – is located. Among the participants were members of the Synagogue’s minyan, students at the ‘Tiferet Zkenim’ Yeshiva, pupils at the Cheder, participants in the ‘STARS’ youth program, and others. The group represented a balanced mix of young and old Jews, including even small children together with their parents.