9/15/06

I am happy to share with you that we at Chabad have responded to numerous requests and manufactured our very own Tzedakah (charity) boxes. Over 6,000 pieces were mailed out this week to homes & businesses in our community.

Charity is an act of love, kindness and compassion. It is also a duty, a privilege, a right, an act of justice, a humbling experience (even more for the giver than for the recipient) and a badge of identity. The Tzedakah box enables one always to do this great mitzvah of giving tzedakah, whether it be before lighting Shabbat candles, on any joyous occasion or just spontaneously. It can also help educate children in seeing that giving is a cherished value in Jewish life, that 'charity begins at home' and is not merely a tax deduction handled at work or through the accountant. To learn more about this tremendous mitzvah, click here - we especially recommend the article on "the myth of charity."

Approaching the High Holidays, it is especially important to increase our giving of charity, as we beseech the Al-mighty G‑d to grant us a happy, healthy and sweet new year. In addition, our sages teach that “ain yisroel nigailin ela b'tzedakah” - "charitable acts on our part will bring about the final redemption." Every act of charity hastens the coming of Moshiach, and I therefore encourage you to make the most of this campaign and drop a coin in the can each day – every little bit makes a difference!

Please note that each Chabad Center is supported independently through local contributions from individuals as yourself. Contributing to Chabad via the tzedakah box makes you a partner in Chabad's daily activities in servicing the Five Towns community. Through our joint acts of charity, may we merit to see the ultimate “charity” of the Al-Mighty — a world of peace and harmony with the coming of the righteous Moshiach.

We thank Mr. & Mrs. David & Tammy Friedman for co-sponsoring this campaign in memory of David's father, Rabbi Morris Friedman, R' Shmuel Moshe B”R Yechiel Dov HaKohen, OB"M. Rabbi Friedman was known for his leadership, benevolence and commitment to Jewish education, and it is our honor to dedicate this charity campaign to his memory.

Best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom, a Good Chodesh & Shana Tova!
Rabbi Wolowik

Shabbat, September 16 - Birthday Shabbat
This Shabbat is Birthday Shabbat! Is your child celebrating his / her Jewish birthday in the month of Tishrei? We'll throw the party in a most meaningful way, celebrating the birthdays of all children born during this coming month. Each child will be given the opportunity to announce his/her resolution of a good deed for the upcoming year. All children are welcome to participate! For further information on birthday shabbat, please contact Rabbi Meir or click here to verify your child's Jewish Birthday.

Sunday, September 17 - Sofer-Scribe in Residence at Chabad
Back by popular demand, a scribe-in-residence will be on hand at the Chabad Center to check your mezuzot while you wait. It is a custom to have mezuzot and tefillin checked during the month of Elul. Bring them into the Chabad center between 9:30 am and 3:00 pm. If you do not yet have mezuzot in your home, Rabbi Wolowik will be happy to walk you through purchasing and posting them - 516-295-2478.

Sunday, September 17 - Holiday Basics I
Your Personal Roadmap to Meaningful Holidays, for men and women, with Rabbi Zalman Wolowik. Topics will include: • The Shofar - Your personal wake up call• Are Apples & Honey really a prescription for a sweet New Year? • How the Tashlich ceremony can help you fish for newfound wisdom • Repentance - Can we change the past? 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Monday, September 18 - Food for the Body and Soul Begins
Spend your Monday mornings nourishing your mind as well as your body with an enriching class for women. This popular class with Rebbetzin Rivka Kotlarsky includes study of the weekly Torah portion spiced with mystical interpretations and practical timely lessons inspired by the Torah portion. Each class is self contained; you won't fall behind if you miss a session. Delectable brunch is served. All women are welcome to join - no charge, 10:30 am every Monday morning at Chabad, 74 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst.

Monday, September 18 - Women’s Circle: The Power of Prayer
Examine the Yom Kippur Service through a visual presentation. Be inspired as you explore the practical applications for prayer in a busy woman’s life. With noted author and lecturer Mrs. Malka Touger, At the home of Mrs. Myrna Zisman, 40 Maple Avenue, Cedarhurst at 8:15 pm. All women are welcome to participate!

Tuesday, September 19 - J.U.S.T. for Us Begins
“Jewish United Seniors Today” Weekly brunch & gathering for seniors • 10:30 am - 12:00 pm, led by Mrs. Lisa Balch. All seniors are welcome!

Thursday, September 21 - Community Trip to the Ohel
Meet at Chabad for an opportunity to pray at the Lubavitcher Rebbe OB”M’s resting place • 10:00 am - men, women & children welcome! Please RSVP: 516-295-2478.

Thursday, September 21 - Farbrengen for Men: The 29th Elul
In honor of the birthday of the Tzemach Tzedek, 3rd Chabad Rebbe • 8:15 pm. All men are welcome to participate, at Chabad.

	High Holidays with Chabad

Where are you going to be for the High Holidays? Make your seat reservations today! Chabad's traditional service is designed to guide you step-by-step and will make you comfortable regardless of previous exposure and background. This, coupled with modern Jewish melodies and an easy to read prayer book translation will make this year's High Holidays an enjoyable and meaningful experience. Please note: our Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur Services will be held once again at HAFTR High School, 635 Central Ave, Cedarhurst.

Led by our dynamic, Rabbi Meir & Hadassah Geisinsky and experienced and energetic group leaders, we will provide meaningful as well as fun, educational programs for your children while you attend services. Each group will enjoy age appropriate games, stories, discussions, prayers and songs. They will also have their own “Kids' Kiddush” with lunch & snacks. provided.

Suggested Donation: $100 per seat ~ $25 per child • Partnership / Membership: $850 annually - Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. To make your reservations, call us at 516-295-2478. We'll be open all day Friday and Sunday to take your last-minute reservations.

We also encourage you to visit our High Holiday section online where you can view a complete schedule of services, download a Holiday guide, visit our acclaimed Holiday Megasite and more: click here.