Shliach chosen by White House to lead Prayer on behalf of World Jewry

On the 55th anniversary of The National Day of Prayer at The White House, May 4, 2006, Rabbi Sholom Ciment, Spiritual Leader of Chabad-Lubavitch of Greater Boynton in Palm Beach County, Florida has been chosen to lead the prayers in the White House on behalf of world Jewry.

To be held in the East Room of the White House, and carried live by all national Media outlets, this National Day of Prayer’s history dates back to the first declaration of a day of prayer and fasting by George Washington to President Lincoln’s call for prayer and fasting during the Civil War. President Ronald Reagan signed the current law in 1988, marking the date at the first Thursday in May of each year.

NYPD Apprehend Vicious Mugger

About a month ago, CrownHeights.info reported the mugging and vicious beating of a 14 year old Bochur on the corner of Carroll and Schenectady.

About a week after the incident, the father of the Bochur began getting calls from the stolen phone. When the Bochur’s mother called the phone, the boy who answered was surprised to hear that the phone was stolen. He began to explain that he bought the phone for $40 from a boy named Levon, who got the phone from Issaiah. He also told the Bochur’s mother where Issaiah lives and where they all go to school. In middle of the conversation, his sister got on the phone and said that she wanted to have nothing to do with stolen goods and Levon assured her that it was a prepaid phone.

The 30 levels of Darchai Menachem

Darchai Menachem now entering its 6th year is re-inventing school as we know it. There are 8 grades in Elementary, right? “Not at Darchai Menachem”, says principal, Eyal Bension. “We pride ourselves with educating each child on his level nurturing his growth academically, socially and spiritually. With a small class environment, caring staff, game room and newly dedicated children’s library (fundraised by the students), Darchai Menachem have both parents and students raving about their school. In one year the school has grown over 50%. “The atmosphere is contagious” says a parent visiting the school. “My son never liked school, said another, and now he can’t run out fast enough in the morning! He is blossoming and so is the school.” With great demands from parents, Yeshiva Darchai Menachem, is looking to expand additional classes for the coming school year.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

A New Center for Beijing’s Jewish Community

Architect He Wei of Beijing has mapped out construction of government compounds for thousands of workers, choreographed the dizzying dance of steel I-beams and rebar by the ton to raise apartment buildings, but the details of assembling a mikvah at the Rohr Family Chabad Community Centre of Chabad of Beijing, the first ever in vicinity of the Forbidden City, and the first in China since World War II, nearly did him in.

NY Empire State Building turns 75

One of New York’s most famous landmarks, the Empire State Building, is celebrating its 75th birthday.

It opened in 1931 during America’s Great Depression and took just 13 months to construct.

For 40 years, it was the world’s tallest building until the World Trade Center was built and is once again New York City’s highest structure.

More pictures of the construction in the Extended Article!

NYPD Responds to the Violence at Kingston and Lefferts

At around 1:30 am the NYPD called for a Level One Mobilization at the corner of Kingston and Lefferts in response to all of the assaults transpiring there. Approximately 10 Officers from the 71st Precinct and about 30 officers from the Brooklyn South Task Force gathered on the corner, in front of the building. They then all together proceeded to enter the building and clear out the place. Police placed the victims of both assaults in a parked car in front of the building to be able to identify the criminals in case they arrest anyone.

Apparently there was a very large party in progress on the top floor of the building and the police cleared it out. Afterwards they went into the building across the street to check it out as well. There were no arrests made. Due to the variety of objects being thrown down from the windows, the police then stood clear of the windows, and advised the pedestrians to follow suit.

It’s worthy to note an incident that took place just prior to all the assaults directed at the Jews. A large brawl occurred directly in front of the building during which a police officer had to call for emergency backup. There were two perpetrators arrested there. Also noteworthy is the fact that this building, owned by a Lubavitcher, is home to some extremely violet criminals who have been convicted in the past, aside from all the problems local residents suffer from them.