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Chabad of Georgetown Hosts Inspiring Mikvah Event

Mon, 9 Dec 2024 1:26:00 AM

This past Sunday evening, Chabad of Georgetown held a meaningful event dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the mitzvah of Taharat Hamishpacha (family purity). The evening was held in memory of Rabbi Tzvi Kogan HY”D, whose legacy of Torah and mitzvot continues to inspire many.

Shliach Rabbi Avrohom Holtzberg introduced the evening and said what could only be described as everyone’s shared devastation to the terrible news about the terror attack against Tzvi Kogan HY”D. After going into Detail about the uniqueness and specialty of Chabad of Georgetowns new Mikvah, Mikvah Mei Menucha, Rabbi Holtzberg reminded everyone that in the wake of the terrible antisemitic attack we must only strengthen our resolve and perfect our family purity to bring more Kosher Jewish children into the world as a way of combating the evil that tried to wipe us out.

The highlight of the program was an engaging and heartfelt lecture delivered by the renowned Mrs. Tzameret Borowitz. With her characteristic warmth and eloquence, she delved into the spiritual and practical significance of the mitzvah of family purity, emphasizing its transformative impact on the Jewish home.

The event, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of local women, was spearheaded by a dedicated team of organizers, including Rebbetzin Shulamis Holtzberg, Rebbetzin Sterny Weissberg, Sivan Dahan, Michelle Solomon-Steiglefest, Elizabeth Aminov, and Nelly Levitis. Their tireless efforts ensured the evening’s success, creating a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere for all who attended.

If that wasn’t enough, two women from the community shared their own personal Miracle Mikva stories, moving the crowd to tears and showing those who don’t yet keep this beautiful Mitzvah that Mikvah only brings blessings to a Jewish home and is absolutely relatable and achievable. One of the women who shared her story gave birth just two days after the event; her baby was the first baby born as a result of the new mikvah.

As the evening progressed, participants were deeply moved by Mrs. Borowitz’s words, and several women took upon themselves the commitment to observe this vital mitzvah.

Chabad of Georgetown expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the event organizers and supporters for their dedication to this important cause. Attendees left the event uplifted, inspired, and more connected to their heritage.

For more information about Chabad of Georgetown’s mikvah and other programs visit www.chabadofgeorgetown.com

Chief Rabbi of Russia visits Russian speaking community in Brooklyn’s Bergen Beach

Mon, 2 Dec 2024 6:54:00 AM

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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

Erev Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan - Women’s Prayer Gathering for the Peace of America and Israel

Sat, 2 Nov 2024 10:14:00 PM

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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.

Sukkot in the Bergen Beach Neighborhood – A Historic Event!

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 3:15:00 AM

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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!

Yom Kuppur 5785/2024

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 3:12:00 AM

First Chabad Shul Inaugurated in Bergen Beach, Brooklyn

Mon, 7 Oct 2024 7:12:00 PM

In a modest yet impactful ceremony, the first Chabad House and shul in the Bergen Beach neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, was opened by the Rebbe’s shluchim, Rabbi Menachem Mendel and Sterny Weissberg.

Rabbi Weissberg is the son-in-law of Rabbi Avraham Holtzberg, Rabbi and Shliach in the nearby neighborhood of Georgetown, who has been a guiding presence for the young emissaries, especially given their outreach to local Russian-speaking residents, including those who have immigrated from the former Soviet states.

Rabbi Weissberg spent most of his life in Moscow under the guidance of his father, Rabbi Mordechai Weissberg, the leader of the Jewish community in Moscow. He is now utilizing his language skills and understanding of the Russian mentality to connect with the many Russian speakers in his neighborhood.

Rabbi Shlomo Aharon Holtzberg, a well-known Maggid shiur in Crown Heights, had the honor of affixing the mezuzah. The opening was attended by many local residents, including Rabbi Yirmiyahu Levi, the Sephardic Rabbi of the nearby Mill Basin neighborhood, Rabbi Shalom Tenenbaum from Tzach, and Rabbi Avraham Holtzberg. Also present was the neighborhood committee chairwoman, Mrs. Sue Ann, who warmly welcomed the young shluchim to the area.

Throughout Yom Tov, all tefilos and seudos were held at the new location, with dozens of local residents, some of whom celebrated Rosh Hashanah in shul for the first time.

A special thank you to the NYPD who provided security for the shul throughout the tefilos at the request of the neighborhood committee.

Photo by: Itzik Belinsky