100 Mezuzah Affixed to Homes in Ulyanovsk

Ulyanovsk, Russia – The Jewish community of Ulyanovsk has received good news regarding sponsorship of this year’s “Mezuzah for Every Jewish Home”, introduced some time ago by Chief Rabbi of Ulyanovsk Yossi Marozov.

Every Jewish home received a brochure explaining the mitzvah of mezuzah with an invitation to make an appointment for the Rabbi to personally visit their home and install their first mezuzah free-of-charge. The response was overwhelming, the Jewish Community Center soon receiving dozens of calls from interested persons. Currently, over 100 doorposts proudly display a beautiful mezuzah, and there is a long waiting list!!

Friendship Circle Receives a Major Grant

Columbus, OH — The Friendship Circle of Columbus, Ohio has been awarded a grant from the State of Ohio in the amount of $125,000 a year, for the next 2 years. According to the source, the grant money will enable the Friendship Circle to help an estimated 2500 children with special needs in the greater Columbus area.

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.