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For the first time since it’s founding, the Jewish Russian Community of Brooklyn’s Bergen Beach hosted Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, who is now visiting New York for the International Kinnus HaShluchim. He was invited by his former student from Moscow,  the Shliach Rabbi Menachem Mendel Weisberg, who currently serves as the community’s Rabbi and spiritual leader. Since his appointment, the large community continued to grow as more and more Russian speaking Jews found themselves drawn to the place for davening, Torah classes and Jewish holidays in a familiar language.

The esteemed guest was given a tour of the place and an overview of its various projects and services geared for the benefit of residents who arrive from near and far. The main sanctuary was filled from door to door, where he spoke about unity and what it means that all of Israel are interconnected. He shared inspiring stories from the Jewish community of Moscow and how they support and encourage each other, as well as our heroic brothers and sisters in the Holy Land. Being connected means feeling the pain of our brethren as well as participating in their joyous moments. 

The warm and embracing atmosphere was conducive to candid discussion. Many participants allowed themselves to open up and ask questions that had been bothering them for a while. The answers they received gave them clarity and understanding. Later on many went over to ask personal questions and receive wise advice from the Rabbi. Each one left feeling a bit lighter, encouraged, supported. 

Rabbi Weisberg is the son in law of Rabbi Avraham Holtzberg, the Shliach to neighboring Georgetown, who also attended to show his support.  In attendance were the Sefardic Rabbi to Mill Basin Rabbi Yirmi Levi, the Ashkenazic Rabbi Akiva Polchak, as well as the Shliach’s father, Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg, director of Moscow’s Jewish Communities, who also flew in to the U.S.A for the International Kinus Hashluchim. 

Photography: Itzik Belitzky

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Amid heightened tension surrounding the U.S. elections, the Jewish community of Chabad of Bergen Beach held a heartfelt event where fifty women from the community gathered for an evening of hafrashat challah and prayer for peace.

During the ceremony, the women offered a sincere prayer, asking the Almighty that the upcoming elections would bring forth a president who fosters global peace, stability, and prosperity for the citizens of both the United States and Israel. They prayed that the elected leader would prioritize unity, avoid divisions, and bring days of tranquility without conflict or discord.

The event included a special video message from Mrs. Merav Berger, mother of Agam Berger, who was recently abducted. In her message, she expressed faith that every small act can make a difference and that, through the merit of hafrashat challah, the voices of Jewish women worldwide would be heard. She prayed that this merit would help save her daughter Agam, who just turned 20, along with all abductees, so they may be released and safely return home.

Rebbetzin Sterny Weissberg dedicated the hafrashat challah to the importance of observing Shabbat, as a merit for the well-being of the captives. A memorable moment for the Rebbetzin was learning that seven women in attendance were making challah for the first time in their lives – a touching experience that connected them deeply to tradition.

The Bergen Beach community was recently established in a new building, purchased by Rabbi Mendy and Sterny Weissberg, and has already brought together hundreds of local residents through various activities during the holiday season.

In the spirit of “And Jacob went on his way,” the community is committed to carrying forward the energy and enthusiasm of the holiday month of Tishrei throughout the entire year, inspired by hope, faith, and unity.

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The new Chabad synagogue in the Bergen Beach neighborhood, which opened its doors on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, quickly became a center for prayers and celebrations throughout the holidays. Many residents in the neighborhood attended the Sukkot services for the first time and were deeply moved by the special atmosphere and the spiritual experience.

Alongside the synagogue, a large sukkah was built, hosting local families, including many new immigrants from the Former Soviet Union. These Russian-speaking families excitedly joined the growing Bergen Beach community.

The Chabad emissaries, Rabbi Mendy and Rebbetzin Sterny Weissberg, shared their excitement about meeting so many residents and organized unique activities for children and community members, making the holiday experience unforgettable.

During Chol HaMoed, the Chabad organized a mobile sukkah that traveled throughout the neighborhood, bringing the mitzvah of the Four Species - Lulav and Etrog- to hundreds of Jewish homes. Many of these residents recited the Shehecheyanu blessing for the first time.

This is just the beginning, and they are already seeing the blessing of the Rebbe for great success. With renewed energy and joy, they are preparing for Simchat Torah with the entire community.

Chag Sameach from Chabad of Bergen Beach!