There are four mitzvahs that every Jew must do on Purim, as outlined in the Book of Esther: Listen to the Megillah being read on the eve of Purim, and then again the following day. On Purim day be sure to give charity to at least two poor people. Give a gift of at least […]
Costumes or coronavirus? Synagogues cancel Purim celebrations as masks take on new meaning.
NEW YORK — Slipping on a black tricorn hat, 7-year-old Daphne Greene grinned at her mom while they eyed costumes on Thursday at the West Side Judaica & Bookstore on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Daphne told her mom she should buy the penguin outfit hanging from the ceiling. Described by some as the “Jewish Halloween,” […]
Blind justice, Ironman athlete inspires local Jewish community
The challenge of being legally blind since birth has not stopped Richard Bernstein from becoming a lawyer, a Michigan Supreme Court Justice, run more than 20 marathons and compete in a Ironman triathlon race. Bernstein recently inspired the local Jewish community when he shared his story at synagogues and day schools in South Florida. Bernstein […]
Coffee with … Rabbi Shaya Gopin
Rabbi Shaya Gopin recently sat down with Ronni Newton for a light-hearted conversation about the man behind the job. ‘Coffee with …’ is a monthly feature that appears in West Hartford LIFE. This piece appeared in the February 2020 issue. Rabbi Shaya Gopin is pretty sure he is the only rabbi currently serving the West […]
Scene Around
A Thank You to German Chancellor… “World Jewish Congress president Ambassadåor RONALD S. LAUDER met recently with German Chancellor ANGELA MERKEL at the site of the former Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp and thanked her for announcing that Germany is committing $66 million to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation to support preservation of the memorial site. (Millions […]
How The Coronavirus Is Affecting The Mir & Other Yeshivahs & Why Lubavitch Chassanim Are Leaving 770
Following Israel’s announcement on Wednesday that anyone returning from France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain will be required to self-quarantine, a directive that applies retroactively to anyone who has visited these countries in the past two weeks, a number of Mir bochurim who returned from their homes in Europe recently will now have to self-quarantine, […]
For special-needs kids, New Jersey rabbi offers chance of a ‘LifeTown’
Looking out the window of his office, Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum finds it hard to get work done when he sees kids enjoying the miniature town he built for them. The indoor “Main Street” inside his enclosed “LifeTown” complex in Livingston, New Jersey, lets children with special needs — “special abilities,” Grossbaum insists — hone their […]
Welcome those with disabilities to Purim
Purim is a joyful Jewish holiday (this year on Thursday, March 20) celebrating the end of frosty winter as well as the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia thanks to the bravery and intelligence of beautiful Queen Esther. The celebration is always marked by high spirits and plenty of refreshments and fun. And […]
What’s Happening Week of March 8
Easter flower fundraiser The Bethel Park Historical Society is holding an Easter flower fundraiser to support the ongoing restoration of the Schoolhouse Arts and History Center. Hyacinths, daffodils, hydrangeas and tulips are among the flowers being offered in six- and eight-inch pots. Prices range from $7 to $18. Orders must be placed by March 23, […]
Global Jewish Business Community Rallies For Chabad Of China
If you are a Jewish person on business in China, chances are you’ve been serviced by one of the country’s thirteen chabad houses. Today, in the wake of the coronavirus, hundreds of these business people, and many others, are paying it forward with awe inspiring support. And you can too. Five days into its campaign, […]