News - The Chabad Center for Russian Speakers

Chabad of Georgetown Hosts Inspiring Mikvah Event

Monday, December 9, 2024 - 1:26 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

Monday, December 2, 2024 - 6:54 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