3/3/05

Dear Friend,

We have received an overwhelming response to the dinner with reply cards filling our mail box! But we still haven't heard from many of you… The annual dinner promises to be a most joyous celebration marking A Decade of Commitment as we devote ourselves to "Expanding Horizons." It is also our primary source of funds for the year. Your participation is vital to our growth and will assist us in furthering our efforts in serving the community at large.

Please demonstrate your valued support by placing an ad in the tribute journal and joining us for our special evening. Keep in mind that the journal ad deadline is just one week away, March 11th. I look forward to receiving your kind response.

Warm regards and wishes for a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Zalman Wolowik

The miracle of Purim is inspiring, its story is entertaining, and its mitzvot and customs forge our bond with Jews across the globe and across the generations. But the events of Purim are also a font of wisdom and guidance, replete with insights into the deeper meaning of life and lessons in how it should be lived. Noted educator, Mrs. Goldie Gansbourg will lead an in-depth two-part interactive lecture series on Megillat Esther's insights and interpretations offering a whole new perspective on a story you thought you knew! The series will be held at the Chabad Center on Mondays, March 7 and 14th at 8:15 pm.

Next week, the women of Chabad will be celebrating Rosh Chodesh with their monthly Farbrengen, on Thursday evening, March 10th. Mrs. Sandy Gordon will host the farbrengen at her home, 58 Margaret Avenue in Lawrence at 8:15 pm (note change of location). Farbrengens create a warm and vibrant sense of community and are an enjoyable and effective way to communicate Chassidic ideas & ideals. Allow yourself the opportunity to be uplifted - join us! All women are welcome to join.

This past Wednesday, we have begun the new cycle of Daf Yomi, daily Talmud Study, with a full house of participants of all ages and backgrounds. Rabbi Storch's vast knowledge and personable nature make this class a truly enjoyable and insightful experience. All are encouraged to join this daily class and take advantage of this tremendous opportunity to complete all of Talmud in 7 ½ years. The Daf Yomi shiur is in session Monday - Friday, 7:15 - 8:00 am, following Shacharit at 6:30 am. The participants express much appreciation to Rabbi Elly Storch for enhancing their daily life with the Talmud's teachings.

Take it easy this year and do your Purim shopping from the convenience of your own home! Yes, it's possible! And you're just a click away. From Megillot & Graggers to Mishloach Manot and virtual Purim CDs, our online Purim store is your one stop shop for all your purim needs. This shopping venue offers you the unique opportunity to stock up on Purim stuff while supporting Chabad via your purchases, so please, log on today to browse our large selection!

Our Mishloach Manot Campaign is in full swing with the anticipated participation of over 100 families in the community. Each participating family will receive a magnificent package filled with tempting treats along with a list of all families who took part in this project. Therefore, you will not need to send individual Shalach Manot to those families who participate. You can be included and purchase these packages by sending a check, payable to Chabad of the Five Towns, by March 13th or submit your purchase online. Baskets are to be picked up at Chabad, on the night of Purim or the Sunday evening preceding, March 20, 7:00 - 9:00 pm. We are asking everyone to participate, as it will benefit us all by alleviating any "pre-purim jitters."