Chief Rabbi of Astrakhan Meets with Governor

Astrakhan, Russia – Yesterday, an eventful meeting took place between Chief Rabbi of Astrakhan Shlomo Zalman Goldenberg and the region’s Governor, A. Zhilkin. Among the themes discussed were the growth of the local Jewish community and the various programs it operates, and the revival of Jewish life in this southern Russian region.

The two leaders were pleased to noted there is no longer any noteworthy Jewish out-migration from the region, but instead a reverse trend of individuals and families returning to Astrakhan. The Governor noted the contribution of the Jewish community and its members to the development, inter-religious and inter-ethnic harmony in the region. “Jewish culture is one of the ancient cultures of the Astrakhan Oblast, dating as far back to the time of the Khazar Empire,” commented Governor Zhilkin.

Lubavitch Purchases New Plot of Land

Ambler, PA — Lubavitch of Montgomery County under the directorship of Rabbi Shaya and his wife Devorah Leah Deitsch has purchased a two-acre piece of vacant property in Fort Washington, where it plans to build a Chabad House that will house a Shul, Pre-School, Hebrew School, library and office space.

In Ukraine, Camp Introduces Youngsters to Jewish Life

Vinnitsa, Ukraine – In the Ukrainian region of Vinnitsa, a real opportunity has presented itself to Jewish children who are not yet acquainted with the local Ohr Avner Chabad Day School. The local Jewish community, together with the school, have organized a summer camp for them.

More than 80 children from the area are currently enjoying their time at a picturesque site with comfortable living conditions, located not far from the city of Vinnitsa. Here, they have the opportunity to learn about Jewish history and culture.

In Tula, Jewish Sunday Schoolers Head to Camp

Tula, Russia –- Pupils of the Sunday School run by the Jewish community of Tula are now enjoying a real summer treat, as they now have the opportunity to attend a day camp. It recently got underway and offers an intensive schedule of fun, relaxing, cultural and Jewish educational events.

This past Sunday was a highlight of their program, when campers joined their counselors and teachers in visiting the Municipal Art Gallery, tennis courts and city green-space. The final stop on this busy day was the amusement park, where everyone got to enjoy the ferris wheel, swings and other rides before having ice cream at a nearby café.

Chabad Fluent in Greek, All Year Round

Even though college campuses across the country are embarking on their quieter summer schedules, Chabad isn’t taking the season off. According to Rabbi Moshe Bleich of the Wellesley Weston Chabad House in Massachusetts, “Chabad runs 12 months a year.”

There are always students or a community to serve, says Bleich, who directs Chabad on Campus programs for both Wellesley and Babson Colleges, located 45 minutes from downtown Boston.