New Emissaries
Rabbi Shneur and Esther Wolfman are moving to Phoenix, Arizona, Chabad of Moon Valley & Grand Canyon University. The greater Moon Valley area is home to 2,800 Jews. With the rapid growth of Grand Canyon University and its large Jewish student population, the Wolfmans will be providing a supportive community for the GCU students.
Rabbi Mendel and Mimi Pinson are moving to Knoxville, Tennessee to serve as Youth Directors at Chabad of Knoxville. Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee and the nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Rabbi Mendel and Fraidy Barber are establishing Chabad of Beverly and Salem, Massachusetts. The new Chabad House will be the fifth one in the North Shore region. Approximately 2500 Jews live in the area.
Rabbi Chaim and Kaila Danzinger and children–the Rebbe’s emissaries in Rostov, Russia – are creating Jewish experiences for Jews of all ages. They recently opened Semirya, a state-of-the-art center for children with special needs. There’s also a day school, overnight camp, teen clubs and seminars, young professionals classes and events... The following are from Rabbi Danzinger’s posts on Facebook.
Remembering the Holocaust in Rostov
“These were my ancestors,” Chaya said. “They were shot and thrown in a freshly-dug pit, brutally murdered by the Nazis. They filled this mass-grave with 27,000 of Rostov’s Jews in just two days.
“The only reason my grandmother, Musia, survived the massacre was because she was a medic, serving at the front. Those who remained in Rostov were not as lucky. Her mother, Cecilia, tried crossing a bridge to escape, but was told to turn around.
“Too weak to continue, she returned home, accompanied by her youngest daughter, who refused to leave her alone. They hid in their basement, hoping to stay alive, but the Nazis found them.
“They were dragged out of their home, tossed onto a truck, and driven here to Zmiyovskaya Balka where they were murdered in the largest massacre of the Holocaust on Russian soil.
“Eighty-one years have passed since the Nazis attempted to erase every trace of Judaism from our city,” she said, “but we’re still here.”
“Today, I work in the Jewish preschool. The synagogue is my second home. I live a Jewish life with pride, and I know that I’m honoring my great grandmother’s memory, continuing her legacy.”
Community Torah Study
“Rabbi we want to have another weekly Torah class, are you open to doing it at your place?” Zalman asked me. And that’s how our Wednesday night class began last year. They come straight from a hard day at work, to an inspiring evening of Torah study. I didn’t invite them — they invited themselves!
The Hakhel Year
In the Hakhel year, the King read from the Torah to the entire Jewish nation. He stood on an elevated platform to signify that while naturally humble, we must stand tall and be strong when faced with adversity. The platform was in the courtyard, a holy place. Only to defend holiness can we step out of a place of humility into the limelight. The platform was made of wood, a temporary material in comparison to the Temple’s stones and metals. Our foray into fame is temporary, we are there for only as long as necessary until we return to our essential place of humility. (Likutei Sichot 19, p. 328)
Jewish Continuity in Rostov
They got engaged in the village of Lubavitch, where the third and fourth Chabad Rebbes lived. Their Chupa was held in the historic home of the fifth Chabad Rebbe, the Rebbe Rashab, in Rostov. And their wedding reception was in our 150 year old Cantonist synagogue. They stand on strong ground! Mazel tov to our very dear Levi and Ida–we love you and we are so proud of your Jewish journey!
WWII Hero Chaim Isakovich
WWII hero Chaim Isakovich passed away recently at the age of 103. He grew up in a shtetl in Belarus and his first language was Yiddish.
“While I was fighting the Nazis, my mother’s entire family was rounded up in the city of Velizh and burned alive.” Chaim recounted. “I have terrible memories from the war. I lost so many family members and friends.”
“But thankfully we defeated the Nazis. And today I am blessed with a beautiful family, and I even have great-great grandchildren.” He told me.
I met Chaim for the first time on his 100th birthday and have been inspired by his strength, humility and perseverance ever since.
