View the Unexpected

I enjoyed watching this interesting video and learnt something about a group of people who I didn't know existed. The Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation is a "Hebrew Israelite" group in Chicago. According to their website (see it here) there are 150,000 people in the United States who follow similar teachings. They consider themselves most similar to Modern Orthodox Jews while admitting that they do not observe halacha - for example they do not eat pork or shellfish but do mix meat and dairy.

If you are interested I would suggest watching the video first and then checking out their website. One thing that struck me was their passion which is certainly more exciting than in most shuls.

Thanks to Jake.
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Motzoei Simchas Torah 5738 (1977)

This is a short excerpt of the Rebbe's sicha after his heart attack on Shmini Atzeres in 1977. I think that the Rebbe spoke for 15 or 20 minutes from his "hospital room" in his office. You can hear the weakness in his voice which is sad - but it must have been reassuring for the chassidim to hear him after the shock of his illness.

The video is from JEM.
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Rabbi Mordy Katz again

The famous Rabbi Katz has produced another video. Some of the jokes have been heard before but all are funny. Enjoy!
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More Hakafot Shniyot

Shvut Ami - a new settlement B"H

Tel Aviv

Ra'anana

Ramot Alef - the unique simcha of the misnagdim!

These are some more videos that I found from "Second Hakafos" in Israel this year. They are a sample of some very different communities which, to me, is part of the beauty of yiddishkeit.
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VeYa'akov Holach Ledarko

Motzoei Simchat Tora in Kfar Chabad

Another set of Tishrei Yomim Tovim have passed and hopefully we all got something out of this holiday season.

The video above is of "Hakafot Shniyot" in Kfar Chabad this year. Israeli's seem to be jealous that we in Chutz La'aretz have a separate day for Simchas Torah. Throughout Israel Hakafot Shniyot are held on Motzoei Shmini Atsers/Simchas Torah in town squares, halls etc. I suppose it is a nice way to continue the spirit.
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Hoshanna Rabbo with the Rebbe

Although we are a few days away I wanted to post this video from Hoshanna Rabbo 5748 (1987). It shows the Rebbe during Shacharis, giving out lekach to those that didn't receive it on erev Yom Kippur and a few seconds of 770 being prepared for Hakafos. Note the many different types of yidden who came to the Rebbe.

Quite poignant memories.
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A Timely "How To"

Making lulav rings using two leaves

Making lulav rings using one leaf

These two videos were featured on CrownHeights.info and show how to make the rings for the lulav. I like practical stuff!

Good Yom Tov.
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Getting Ready for Sukkos

Well, I am getting ready for Sukkos and have taken a break to look at You Tube videos. I found this wonderful one from Chabad of UCSB (Uni of California - S Barbara). This young bochur is lots of fun and, IMHO, a great ambassador for Chabad on campus. Enjoy!
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Mazal Tov Rabbis

The latest crop of bochurim completing their rabbinical studies in Melbourne graduated this week from Machon Chaim LeSmicha. An article and photos appear in COL. Featuring in the group are some "home grown" boys which is always nice to see.

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Kapporos Time

I love the look on this boy's face! (from Chabad.info)

It's that time of year when we perform the "interesting" ritual of Kapporos. While many frum yidden today use money etc for this ritual we chassidim stay true to our roots and insist on using live chickens. As long as the chickens are treated humanely I have no problem with this but, unfortunately, there have been (and no doubt still are) places where the animals are not stored in an appropriate manner. I know that this does not happen in Melbourne but tzar ba'alei chaim is certainly something we should keep in mind especially at this time of year when we are asking Hashem to look after our welfare.

Photos of Kapporos in Crown Heights can be found on Shmais and Chabad.info. If you like photos, as I do, some quality photos of 770 during this Tishrei can be seen on Shturem.

Gmar Chasima Tova to everyone. Have an easy fast.
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I wish I were a child again

This cute video is sure to make mums cringe.
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Kesivah VeChasimah Tovah

This video has been posted on the Chabad sites over the last few weeks but I feel that it is especially appropriate for today.

May the Rebbe's brochos be fulfilled for all of us in the coming year.
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Happy Five Thousand Seven Hundred & Sixty Eight

The recipe for this delicious looking challah can be found on Maya's Blog

As Rosh Hashana 5768 approaches
I would like to wish everyone

כתיבה וחתימה טובה
לשנה טובה ומתוקה

a healthy, fulfilling and pleasant year ahead
with true peace throughout the world
and especially in Eretz Yisroel
with the coming of Moshiach
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Yeshivah Gedolah 5767

Click on photo for larger picture

Finally, after three tries, I think I have got this right!

From LEFT to right (starting third from left):
Executive Director: R. Avraham Procel.
Magidei Shiurim: Rabbi Shmuel Lesches, Rabbi Mordechai Szmerling.
Mashgiach: Rabbi Sholom Ber Engel.
Rosh Yeshiva: Rabbi Binyamin Cohen.
Mashpia: Rabbi Yaakov Winner.
Member of Hanhola: R. Yechezkel (aka Henry) Herzog.
President: R. Yosef Yitzchok Gutnick.
Members of Hanhola: R. Mendel Serebryanski, R. Reuven Tartarka.

Crown Heights.info had this year's photo of the YG bochrim and hanholo.

Thanks to "Insider".
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