Chabadnik News
The matzah we eat on Passover reminds us that the Jews left Egypt in a hurry and had no time to let their dough puff up. That’s how they ended up with flatbread, or “matzah.” Passover matzah must not become leavened (chametz). And yet, it must be made only of grains that could become leavened! […]
With no minyan allowed, parents still find away to perform newborn ceremonies In this multimedia mini-series, we look at Chabad’s response to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on Jewish life events. In this, part three, we look at the precautions taken while arranging a brit and the creative baby-naming ceremonies being held. Rabbi Mendel […]
It’s the last rite of honor, but for many during the COVID-19 pandemic, that right is no longer In this multimedia mini-series, we look at Chabad’s response to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on Jewish life events. As people die and are buried with no family to see them off, part four examines how […]
Today marks the 118th birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn of blessed memory. On this day, Yud-Alef (11) Nissan, we celebrate the birth of a leader who changed the face of Judaism in the 21st century, who dedicated his life to a mission: to reach out to every Jew, everywhere, no matter […]
In past years, when Jews in his area needed to sell their chametz (leaven) before the start of Passover, Rabbi Levi Dubinsky would meet them in person to fill out forms that would authorize him to sell their leavened products on their behalf. This year, though, with the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic people are staying home, […]
5:30 a.m. It’s still dark outside when Chani Benjaminson, coordinator of Chabad.org’s “Ask the Rabbi” and Reader Feedback departments, sits down at her screen, steaming hot tea in hand, and begins to sort through the day’s mail. She’s on the lookout for the kind of questions that cannot wait: “Suicides, end-of-life issues, timely Shabbat and […]
Every year, Ellen Mandelbaum helps distribute Passover goods for needy Jewish families in South Brooklyn, N.Y. It’s a practice she started with the first distribution nine years ago. “I first met Rabbi David Okunov right after he moved to Brighton Beach; he was looking for a minyan, and I helped introduce him to many of […]
Emphasizing the importance of character, conscience and collaboration amid the alarming news of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 virus, the White House released a proclamation designating April 5, 2020, as “Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A,” in honor of the 118th anniversary of the birth of the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. The proclamation, signed […]
Surrounded by my children as we go through the Passover seder, I taste the sweet, delicious charoset. On this night of questions, I wonder about its sweetness. The charoset with its paste-like texture is a reminder of the clay and bricks that the Jewish slaves were forced to make in Egypt. Why is the charoset, […]
If there is one Jewish food that virtually every Jew knows about, it’s matzah, the flat bread eaten at the Passover Seders and for the duration of the eight-day holiday. But how well do you know this food, which has been with us since the dawn of our peoplehood? Here are some of our favorite […]