Picture of the Day – California

RUNNING SPRINGS, CA [CHI] — Rabbi Yosef Brod lights the candles and leads a special service in memory of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, the father of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. In 1944, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok died in exile in Russia where he was banished for his unyielding dedication and devotion to the education of Jewish children in the face of Communist persecution, to insuring Matzos for Passover in that bleak and oppressive regime, and self-sacrifice for Torah and Mitzvos.

More in the Extended Article!

Michlelet Morasha Seminary Closes its Doors

JERUSALEM, Israel [CHI] — After just two years Michlelet Morasha, a Chabad girl’s seminary in Jerusalem closed its doors amid financial difficulties. In an email sent to parents a few days ago the administrations blamed its financial woes on the fall of the value of the American dollar along with changes to the way ‘MASA’ grants were given and the inability of parents to pay full tuition.

This email comes just weeks before the start of the school year, sending parents scrambling for alternatives. In the email the Education administrator wrote that “any student who is interested in attending any other seminary, I will be happy to help with giving a recommendation.”

Hakhel and the Children’s Sefer Torah

The last two commandments in the Torah are Hakhel and the need to write a Sefer Torah, indicating a connection between the two. For this reason, with regard to the upcoming year of Hakhel, the Children’s Sefer Torah Committee has decided to launch a registration campaign to increase the number of letters purchased in the Sefer Torah.

180,121 letters still remain to be sold before the fifth Sefer Torah is completed. Since the completion of the first Sefer Torah in 5741, around 40,000 children buy letters each year, which is close to 3,500 children per month.

Two Chabad Girls High School to Merge

ORANGE, CT [CHI] — Beth Chana Academy of Orange, Connecticut and Bnos Chomesh Academey of Valley Stream, Long Island announced today a merger of the two high schools, effective 2008-2009 school year. The combined high school will be housed at the Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy campus under the directorship of Rabbi Sheya Hecht; Mrs. Dena Gorkin will serve as principal.

The school will retain the ‘Beth Chana Academy’ name. The Keren Bnos Chomesh’ scholarship fund will be established to help eligible students and their families offset tuition costs.

The schools’ merger will enable the two institutions to pool their resources, combine complimentary strengths and create a Chabad high school for girls that will offer the best of both worlds – a small school atmosphere with the vitality and amenities of a large school.