7/7/06

As we prepare our calendar for the coming year, we'd like to present you with an opportunity to be an integral part of Chabad's programs and events. Chabad hosts Rosh Chodesh farbrengens for women and various farbrengens for men throughout the year. Such events are generally hosted by people like you, within our community. If you'd like to reserve a date to host a farbrengen in your home, on one of our 20+ select dates from September 2006 through June 2007, please contact Chanie with your preferences or to discuss your options: 516-698-1564.

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This shabbos we celebrate the release of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, from incarceration in Communist Russia, in 1927. He was the only Jewish leader who chose to remain in Russia following the Communist revolution, and built a network of underground yeshivot and a Jewish support system that functioned clandestinely through all the years of communism.

At grave risk to himself and to his Chasidim, Rabbi Shneersohn thus kept the moribund embers of Jewish life alive. In 1927, he was arrested in his home in Leningrad, on accusations of counter-revolutionary activities. He was sentenced to three years in exile and sent to the isolated townlet of Kostroma in central Russia

The Previous Rebbe's imprisonment bore rich fruit, inspiring further efforts to spread our Jewish heritage. The positive effects of these events continue and are enhanced from year to year, as the commemoration of the 12th of Tammuz encourages others to continue along the paths opened by the Previous Rebbe.

The lesson of the Previous Rebbe's redemption is relevant in all situations. When a person resolves that all the obstacles to spreading Torah have no substance, and he perseveres in his commitment in the face of all difficulties, the truth of his resolution will be revealed to him. He will come to understand that the Torah, its mitzvos, and the Jewish people are eternal, and that all the forces which appear to oppose them are temporary challenges. When one persists in one's efforts to spread Judaism, these obstacles will disappear. Moreover, even the opposing forces themselves will be transformed into influences which contribute to the dissemination of Torah.

Join us in celebrating this special day, this Shabbos, the 12th of Tammuz - we'll have a festive farbrengen for men following services & kiddush, all men are welcome to join, at Chabad (around 12 noon).

Warm regards and wishes for a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Wolowik

WOMEN'S WORKSHOP SERIES: SHABBAT DECODED
Chabad will be offering a special summer series of workshops for women on Shabbat: Learn about classical mystical aspects of Shabbat, such as lighting Shabbat Candles, Challah (as well as learning how to bake your own), the Havdallah separation prayer and the inner dimension of Shabbat Relaxation. Details to Follow - RSVP Required: 516-295-2478; suggested donation $36.00 for the series or $15 per class. Mark these 3 Mondays on your calendar: July 10, 17, 24.

The Week in Review!
What an amazing time the campers and staff had as they embarked on their Kosher scavenger hunt. The Hunt began with Morah Yehudis giving each camper their very own kosher coloring book and discussing with them all about kashrus. Morah Yehudis gave each bunk a clue and the campers had to decode the clue and find the next hidden clue until they reached the final clue, when they were able to decode the last one they ended up in a field filled with kosher lollypops!

Old Mc Dovid had a Kosher Farm &.. And on his farm there were & Sheep, Goats, Chickens and many other animals. We had a chance to show and explain to the campers what a kosher animal must have in order to be rendered kosher. The children all had a chance to hold, pet, and even dance with the animals. What a blast we all had!

Thursday morning rolling right out of bed our campers came to camp while dressed in their Pajamas. Morah Yehudis read stories and sang songs to the campers, as well as, asking each camper what is special to them when the go to sleep. Every camper received their very own pillow case which they decorated. The night oops! the day ended with singing together Ha Malach Ha Goael.

As we end a fun filled week in camp our camp spirit is soaring! Check us out on the web: http://www.cgi5towns.com/.