Community news site covering Crown Heights and the Chabad-Lubavitch community.
Community news site covering Crown Heights and the Chabad-Lubavitch community.
CrownHeights.infoCrownHeights.info
CrownHeights.infoAn extraordinary moment of Jewish pride and musical excellence unfolded at the Kia Center as Cantor Zalmy Katz delivered a breathtaking rendition of the national anthem during Jewish Heritage Night, hosted by Chabad of Orlando, including, Chabad of Greater Orlando, Chabad of South Orlando and Chabad of Downtown Orlando.
Held in front of more than 20,000 NBA fans, the evening was a powerful celebration of Jewish unity and identity. The program featured dynamic performances by Nissim Black throughout the game and a highly anticipated halftime segment by comedian and television personality Howie Mandel. Together, the night created an electrifying and meaningful atmosphere that resonated across the arena.
The evening began with Zalmi Katz being honored with the national anthem. His performance with emotion, precision, and a unique personal interpretation, left the crowd in awe. Blending traditional vocal mastery with a distinctive artistic twist, Katz captivated the audience and set the tone for the entire night.
Following the performance, deeply moved by what he had just witnessed, Howie Mandel approached Rabbi Dovid Dubov, director of Jewish Heritage Night, with a special request, he wanted to personally meet Cantor Zalmi Katz. Howie expressed how impressed he was by Katz’s vocal ability and stage presence, and shared that he would love to see him audition for America’s Got Talent, noting that his talent is truly exceptional.
CrownHeights.infoOn Monday, April 6th, Jewish Heritage Night with the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center was nothing short of extraordinary, an unforgettable evening of Jewish pride in the presence of over 20,000 fans.
Hosted by Chabad of Orlando, including Chabad of Greater Orlando, Chabad of South Orlando, and Chabad of Downtown Orlando, the event brought the spirit, strength, and beauty of Jewish identity to one of the largest public platforms in Central Florida.
The evening began on a deeply moving note with a beautiful rendition of the national anthem by Cantor Zalmi Katz, whose powerful and heartfelt performance set the tone for the night ahead.
From start to finish, the night was a true Kiddush , a proud and meaningful display of Jewish life, values, and unity in today’s climate. One of the most powerful highlights of the evening was a moving video presentation by Chabad of Orlando, sharing a timeless and deeply relevant message: the response to antisemitism and hate is not retreat but adding more light. Through acts of goodness, mitzvahs, and kindness, we illuminate the world.
The video featured the Rebbe’s powerful teaching that every individual is a “lamplighter,” with the ability and responsibility to bring light wherever they go. Presented without introduction, the video captivated the entire arena and was met with a resounding and heartfelt applause an incredible moment of unity and inspiration.
Rabbi Dovid Dubov, Director of Jewish Heritage Night, shared: “It was incredibly inspiring to witness the reaction of people from all walks of life to our Chabad video presentation at the end of the first quarter. Our goal was to reach every individual in the arena regardless of background or affiliation, Jewish or not and to awaken a sense of purpose and light within them. Seeing that message resonate so deeply, and hearing the powerful applause that followed, was truly extraordinary.”
The energy continued throughout the night with uplifting and dynamic performances by Nissim Black, who brought powerful, inspiring Jewish music to both the pre game and in game performances.
Adding to the excitement, Howie Mandel took center stage for a one of a kind halftime presentation. Prior to the game, Howie disguised himself as a security guard and interacted with fans in humorous, Pesach-themed moments playfully “checking for chametz” and creating unforgettable reactions. These interactions were then revealed during halftime in a hilarious and engaging video segment, followed by his live comedic performance.
Howie Mandel shared after the event that he was deeply proud of Chabad of Orlando for putting together such a powerful and meaningful evening. As a proud Jew, he expressed how honored he felt to be part of an event centered around the mission of pushing back against darkness by bringing more light into the world.
Rabbi Sholom Dubov, head shliach of Orlando, shared following the event: “It was a tremendous Kiddush Hashem and Kiddush Shem lubavitch to witness the Jewish community come together with such pride and joy in the presence of ten of thousands.
All in all, Jewish Heritage Night was a tremendous success an evening filled with joy, meaning, and pride. In a time when standing tall in our identity matters more than ever, this event served as a powerful reminder of the strength of Jewish unity and the impact of bringing more light into the world.
Rabbi Yosef Konikovof Chabad of South Orlando shared, “This wasn’t just an event, it was a statement of Jewish unity, pride, and resilience and everyone there felt it.”
Rabbi Levik Dubov of Chabad of Downtown Orlando shared that Jewish Heritage Night was beyond expectations, and that there is no better place for a display of Jewish pride, unity, and strength than on a stage as large and impactful as the Kia Center”.
CrownHeights.infoCity officials have announced that the New York City Department of Transportation will start reconstructing Flatbush Avenue at the end of April.
The project will install center-running bus lanes to improve bus speeds, in addition to dedicated loading zones, safety improvements, and 29,000 square feet of new pedestrian space.
“Time is money, and too often, our city has taken both from working people who rely on our buses,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “These center-running bus lanes will give New Yorkers back something precious: time with their families, time at work, time in their communities.”
Read More at Pix11
CrownHeights.infoTwo Crown Heights Rabbonim, Rabbi Hecht and Rabbi Bogomilsky, bought back the chometz Thursday night soon after Pesach.
CrownHeights.infoShortly after Yomtov, Rabbi Tuvia Kasimov, the Morah Horaah of Empire Shtiebel was seen repurchasing the chometz that had been sold to Mr. Lopez of Kleins Grocery store.
This ensures that those who sold their chametz through Rabbi Kasimov are able to resume normal use of chametz right away.
CrownHeights.infoFollowing an extended period during which gathering restrictions were imposed at the Western Wall Plaza, this morning (Thursday), with the change in defense policy and updated Home Front Command guidelines, the Western Wall prayer plaza has returned to full activity.
From the early morning hours, thousands of worshippers have been streaming to the Western Wall Plaza, after a prolonged period in which entry was limited to just 50 worshippers at any given time.
The many worshippers are offering prayers of thanksgiving for the miracles, alongside prayers for the wellbeing of IDF soldiers and security forces, for the recovery of the wounded, and for the peace and security of the State of Israel.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation notes that the tefillin-laying station at the entrance to the men’s section, as well as the Western Wall Tunnels sites, have also reopened for the benefit of visitors. Tickets for individuals and groups can be reserved via the Foundation’s website or by phone at *5958.
Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites: “It is moving to see the Jewish nation, in all its diversity, once again streaming to the Western Wall Plaza – the beating heart of the Jewish people – after an extended period of restrictions. We invite the entire public to return and visit this holy site, to offer prayers, and to explore the Western Wall Tunnels as well. The return of thousands expresses, more than anything, the deep need that became evident during the days of fighting to allow for an expansion in the number of worshippers, carried out responsibly and within an appropriate framework, for the benefit of the public.”
Photo credit: The Western Wall Heritage Foundation
CrownHeights.infoIn light of the newly established ceasefire, Ben Gurion Airport has resumed full operations and Israeli airspace has officially reopened.
Over the Pesach holiday, Chaim V’Chessed was contacted by numerous visitors who had come to Israel to spend Yom Tov, only to be notified that their outbound flights had been canceled amid the security situation. Many found themselves scrambling for alternatives due to these cancellations. It is now expected that, with the easing of restrictions, flights will gradually be reinstated in the coming days.
Attention is also turning to those seeking to return to Israel. In the days leading up to Pesach, many thousands of Israelis, foreign residents of Israel, and students traveled abroad for the holiday and are now hoping to make their way back. If the ceasefire holds, their return to Israel is expected to be considerably smoother than the tense and complicated departures that preceded the holiday.
El Al has announced plans to ramp up toward full operations, and additional flights to Israel are expected to become available. However, travelers should be aware that nearly all other foreign carriers have either suspended or significantly reduced service. As a result, seat availability remains limited and prices are expected to be high in the immediate term.
Travelers should consider using a competent travel agent, who can often obtain hard-to-get seats. Chaim V’Chessed cannot assist with travel arrangements.
It is also important to note that the ceasefire agreement was established for a 14-day period and remains fragile. The situation continues to evolve, and longer-term stability will determine how quickly normal travel patterns can resume.
Chaim V’Chessed continues to monitor developments closely and is available during regular business hours to assist the English-speaking community in navigating this rapidly evolving situation.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL CHAIM V’CHESSED WAR & TRAVEL UPDATES
Chaim V’Chessed continues to monitor developments closely and provide updates as new information becomes available. Follow www.chaimvchessed.com or subscribe to receive our updates.
CrownHeights.infoThe Justice Department announced today that Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, also known as “Shahzeb Jadoon,” pleaded guilty to attempting to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, for attempting to enter the United States and carry out a mass shooting with automatic weapons at a prominent Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. Khan pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 12, 2026.
“Khan planned a mass shooting at a Jewish center in New York City, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the October 7th Hamas attacks, with the explicit goal of killing as many Jews as possible,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Khan declared that New York City was the ‘perfect’ venue for his attack because of its large Jewish population and boasted that his plot could be the largest attack on U.S. soil since 9/11. The National Security Division will work tirelessly to ensure that terrorists like Khan face the full weight of American law.”
As alleged in the charging instruments and other public filings:
In or about November 2023, Khan, a Pakistani national residing in Canada, began posting on social media and communicating with others about his support for ISIS, including by distributing ISIS propaganda videos and literature. Khan subsequently began planning terrorist attacks in the United States in support of ISIS, including by communicating his plans with two individuals who, unbeknownst to Khan, were undercover officers (the UCs). Khan told the UCs that he and a U.S.-based associate (Associate-1) had been planning to carry out a terrorist attack in a particular U.S. city (City-1) using AR-style assault rifles to “target[] Israeli Jewish chabads . . . scattered all around [City-1].”[1] Khan repeatedly instructed the UCs to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials to carry out the attacks, and identified locations in City-1 where the attacks would take place. Khan also told the UCs that he had identified a human smuggler who would help him cross the border from Canada into the United States for the attack.
In or about August 2024, Khan changed his target to New York City, telling the UCs that the target location would now be a prominent Jewish religious center in Brooklyn, New York (Location-1). Khan conveyed that he hoped to carry out this attack on or around October 7, 2024 — which Khan recognized as the one-year anniversary of the brutal and deadly terrorist attacks in Israel carried out by the foreign terrorist organization Hamas on October 7, 2023. Khan told the UCs that “New york is perfect to target jews” because it has the “largest Jewish population in america,” and, as such, “even if we dont attack a[n] Event[,] we could rack up easily a lot of jews.” Khan told the UCs that “we are going to nyc to slaughter them,” and later sent a photograph to the UCs of the specific enclosed area inside of Location-1 where Khan planned to carry out his attack. In the days that followed, Khan continued to urge the UCs to acquire AR-style rifles, hunting knives to “slit their throats,” and other equipment for the attack, and reiterated his desire to carry out this attack in support of ISIS. During one such communication, Khan noted that “if we succeed with our plan this would be the largest Attack on US soil since 9/11.”
On or about Sept. 4, 2024, Khan attempted to reach the U.S.-Canada border using a human smuggler. Khan traveled from the vicinity of Toronto, Canada, toward the United States, before he was stopped and arrested in or around Ormstown, Canada, approximately 12 miles from the U.S.-Canada border.
Khan, 21, a Pakistani citizen who was residing in Canada, pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
The potential maximum penalty in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding efforts of the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force of the FBI, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the New York City Police Department, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, and thanked the FBI’s Los Angeles and Chicago Field Offices, the New York State Police, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division for their assistance. The Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division worked with authorities in Canada to secure the arrest and June 2025 extradition of Khan. Mr. Clayton also thanked our law enforcement partners in Canada, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Department of Justice Canada’s International Assistance Group, for their assistance.
This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaylan E. Lasky and David J. Robles for the Southern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Kevin Nunnally of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
CrownHeights.infoDr. Henry Nogid
Click here for a PDF version of this edition of Here’s My Story, or visit the My Encounter Blog.
I was brought up in a traditional Jewish home in Brooklyn, but not a fully-observant one; my mother changed the dishes for Passover, and I went to synagogue on the holidays, when my father wanted me to. Actually, he didn’t go that often himself, and after my Bar Mitzvah, I would just stand outside and talk to the girls.
Despite not being a very good student, as a teenager in the 1950s I did read voraciously. I read a lot of philosophy, and when I was about seventeen, I decided that there wasn’t enough there for me, so I would look into religion instead. Why not try my own? I thought.
It was 1955, and I was a student in Brooklyn College, so I went to the Hillel House there, where there were a couple of Orthodox rabbis. I liked what I heard at Hillel, so the rabbis sent me to a religious summer camp. After that, I wanted to learn more. For a few days, I went to one yeshivah in Brooklyn after school, but nobody even looked at me there.
“Try Lubavitch,” a friend from college told me, and when I did, the yeshivah students there practically pounced on me. In the evenings, after college, I began studying Torah with them in 770, sometimes for five hours a night. That was my introduction to learning about Judaism.
Shortly after, I had my first audience with the Rebbe, and from then on, he would always remember me whenever I would come back. I had a feeling of awe, standing in front of this great leader and brilliant man. He was very encouraging when I told him how I would come to 770 to study Torah after school, and he was very positive about my plans to become a dentist.
In 1958, I met the Rebbe again, together with the lady who would eventually become my wife. We had been going out for some time, and had gotten engaged by then, but there were some problems. She had come from a religious family, and attended Bais Yaakov, the well-known religious girls’ school. I had been rejected by religious girls before, because although I was observant, I wasn’t very learned. “I can’t take you home to my father,” they would say, “ — you don’t know how to learn Torah.”
We had met in college, so the circumstances were different, but I was extremely nervous, and so was she. Being quite smart, she had prepared a list of about twenty questions to ask the Rebbe about marrying me.
“I have some questions here,” she ventured. “Can I ask the Rebbe about them?”
We were with the Rebbe for about forty minutes, which was unheard of; no one spent that amount of time in the Rebbe’s room. Actually, for a great deal of it, I was out of the room as well. Since a number of these questions were about me, the Rebbe asked me to leave so that he could speak with my fiancé privately.
She wanted to be reassured that I would stay observant, that I would be able to lead a religious home, and that she wasn’t getting into something she should avoid.
My fiancé never told me exactly what the Rebbe had said, only that everything would be good.
Apparently, she felt satisfied that I was a good person and that I was sincere in my beliefs, because she did marry me in the end.
As a matter of fact, I was always very strong in my beliefs, because I became religious through philosophy, out of intellectual conviction, and without anyone else convincing me. I came to it on my own. I was never shaky in my beliefs, and I still believe that Judaism is a beautiful way of life.
The Rebbe knew how I felt, and I think he tried to give this over to my future wife.
When I came back into the room, the Rebbe reassured us both that we should go ahead with the marriage. “It will be fine, it will be fine,” he kept saying. “Don’t worry.”
Then my fiancé had another question: “He’s still going to school, and doesn’t have income yet,” she said, referring to me. “Should we wait to have children?”
“Well,” replied the Rebbe, “if G-d can find enough sustenance for two billion people” — this was still in the fifties — “He’ll find for your children too.”
Thank G-d, we ended up having two children while I was still in dental school. Even though I wasn’t making a proper living, I managed to work nights and weekends as a caterer, as well as in the post office, so they didn’t starve — as the Rebbe had told us.
When our first son was born, in 1961, he was severely jaundiced, with a very high bilirubin count in his blood. Today, doctors put babies with jaundice under ultraviolet light or give them medication, but in those days, they didn’t have much to offer. Things got so bad that our doctor at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital began to lose hope for our son’s recovery. They wanted to conduct more tests, like a spinal tap, and they even wanted to perform an exceedingly dangerous blood transfusion.
“The best you can hope for,” said the head of the Columbia Children’s Hospital, when I called for a second opinion, “is that he’ll survive with brain damage.” Another doctor, a pediatrician who was also the head of Maimonides Hospital, told me that there wasn’t even hope for that.
This was our first child, and I was falling apart. He was born on a Tuesday, and I went to the Rebbe for a blessing that very day.
“Stop all the tests,” the Rebbe said when I told him the story. The only thing the doctors should do was take blood and urine samples — but no spinal taps, and no transfusions.
I had another question for the Rebbe, about my grandmother: This was her first great-grandchild, and she was expecting the brit, the circumcision ceremony, to take place next Tuesday, the eighth day after his birth, but with the baby sick, I didn’t know what to tell her.
“Don’t worry,” said the Rebbe, “you’ll be able to have the brit on Tuesday. Just don’t let them do the tests.”
The doctor at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital, a Reform Jew, was angry that I consulted with someone else.
“You told me my child is going to die,” I retorted, “and you didn’t give me a plan. What was I supposed to do?” He didn’t like that response, and he didn’t want to stop doing tests either.
“What do you mean, ‘the Rebbe said not to do any more tests’?”
My mother knew the head of the pediatric department in the hospital, and she spoke to him. Reluctantly, our doctor agreed not to do any more tests.
The next day, on Wednesday night, my son’s fever hit 106 degrees, and we figured that we had reached the end. But, by morning, the fever broke, and the bilirubin levels began going down.
On Friday morning, our doctor was no longer angry with us. “Well,” he said with a smile, “you’ll be able to have the brit on Tuesday.” I hadn’t even told him that the Rebbe said anything about a brit.
Dr. Henry Nogid, DDS, graduated from the New York University College of Dentistry in 1962, and has been practicing in Brooklyn ever since. He was interviewed in July 2013.
CrownHeights.infoIn the week where we learn about kosher animals, we share a letter of the Rebbe with some food for thought to a medical doctor on the mitzvah of kashrus.
By the Grace of G-d
24th of Tammuz, 5739
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dr.
S.R., Calif.
Greeting and Blessing:
I am in receipt of your letter with the enclosure.
If you will let me know the Jewish names, together with the mother’s Jewish name, as is customary, of all those for whom you request a blessing, I will remember all in prayer.
It is surely unnecessary to emphasize to you at length that since all blessings come from G-d and the channel to receive them is through the daily life and conduct in accordance with His Will, namely, in accordance with the Torah and mitzvoth, every additional effort in matters of Yiddishkeit, is bound to widen the channels to receive G-d’s blessings. And since, as I note from your writing, you have made considerable strides in this direction, it should be easier to go from strength to strength.
With reference to the matter of kashrus, which you mention in particular in connection with the assertion that kosher meat available in your area does not taste so good, I trust you will be able to find proper words to explain (especially since you are an M.D.) that the proper food has a direct affect no only on physical health, but also on such matters as mood, nerves, thinking, etc., although the latter effects are often more subtle and hidden. This should be obvious also to common sense, inasmuch as the food one consumes becomes assimilated by the body and is directly linked to its physical and mental capacities, as has also been confirmed by medical science.
Now, the matter of taste is linked with the palate and is of very short duration, whereas the consumption of wholesome and nourishing food is, of course, of lasting vital importance. Insofar as a Jew is concerned, our Torah, Toras Chaim, given by the Creator and Master of the universe, is quite specific as to what a Jew may or may not eat, and only that which is permissible is truly wholesome and nourishing. And, as in the case of all G-d’s mitzvoth, they have been given to us not for G-d’s benefit, but for our own benefit, and not only for our benefit in Afterlife, but also in this life on earth.
In view of the above, surely indulgence in taste is of little consideration in comparison to the vital importance of observing the Jewish Dietary Laws in the everyday life.
Receipt is enclosed for your tzedoko and may the zechus of it stand you in good stead.
With blessing,
CrownHeights.infoPresident Trump agreed to a two-week pause on military strikes on Iran in a dramatic pivot that came less than 90 minutes before his 8 p.m. deadline — a move he claimed could lead to a broader Middle East peace deal soon.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump said he spoke with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, who urged him to hold off on what he described as a “destructive force” set to be unleashed on Iran.
The cease-fire is “subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.
CrownHeights.infoPlease say Tehillim for הרב צמח יוסף יצחק בן נחמה, a pre-1A teacher at Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim Montreal who is in need of a Refuah Sheleima.
Please say Kapitals 20 and 72.
As per my father’s request:
Dear extended family and Anash worldwide,
The Wilansky family asks that everyone please increase in tefillos and continue to have our father in mind for an immediate and complete refuah sheleima.
Our Rebbe taught that on the 7th night of Pesach, the gates of Shamayim are open, comparable to Ne’ilah.
We ask you to please join us in davening and pleading for revealed miracles for
הרב צמח יוסף יצחק בן נחמה
We are believers, the children of believers!
Wishing you all a Good Yom Tov,
The Wilansky Family
CrownHeights.infoThe following letter was written by Mendy Katz from New Haven, CT, who lost his son, Moshe Katz ע”ה a hero lone soldier, Lebanon last week.
Today I received Moshe’s personal effects from the army. It took them a few days to collect items from the base.
Among the may clothes and personal items was a blood-stained letter. The letter was permission from the army to keep his beard. A letter he kept on him, in case there was a question as to why his beard wasn’t shaved.
Remarkably, as much as he was dedicated to his unit, and as much as he was dedicated to the IDF, he didn’t compromise. He knew he was not only representing the paratroopers and his nation, he was also representing his values. Chabad values in the field.
He has many reasons why he could forgo, and excuse himself from a beard, or even tzitzits. Yet we know that he was a chasid first, and a soldier after.
Not just any Soldier. A hero.
There were nights that were cold during training and other soldiers were cold. Per army issue, you are not allowed to wear anything under your shirt that isn’t army issued. Except tzitzits!
Moshe has multiple pairs of tzitzits in his bag and shared them with others. His teammate mentioned that he didn’t think twice. Literally the shirt of his back.
This is who Moshe was.
The Rebbe’s Soldier defending Yiddishkeit along with our great nation.
May we have the strength like Moshe to never surrender our values, give with a smile, and always do what’s right.
On the eve of Shevii Shel Pesach, may the wonders of this auspicious day bring the Geulah for all of us. May we merit Moschiach and be united together in Achdus.
CrownHeights.infoAlternate side parking will be suspended on Wednesday and Thursday for Pesach, and on Friday for another holiday. Meters will still be in effect for all three days.
CrownHeights.infoErev of the 7th and 8th day of Pesach 5786
by Rabbi Sholom DovBer Avtzon
Being that today the 6th of Pesach is my Yom Holedes, I will utilize the opportunity to bless each and every one of the readers amongst the entire Klal Yisroel that Hashem fulfills all of your desires and requests, as well as granting us what He knows we should desire and request.
May Hashem protect our brethren and sisters in Eretz Yisroel and throughout the diaspora and may we indeed merit seeing the tremendous miracles that will usher in the era of Moshiach.
May we all merit to be able to say that our small actions contributed to preparing this world to become the dwelling place of Hashem.
Being that the custom in Lubavitch is to stay up throughout the 7th night of Pesach until dawn, and many utilize that time for farbrengening, I decided to include some insights of the Rebbeiim about the uniqueness of this day, in lieu of the regular story.
I thank Rabbi Michoel Seligson for sharing them with me, and I just translated them.
As always, your comments and feedback are greatly appreciated and most welcomed.
The Frierdiker Rebbe notes that the revelations that were seen from the Rebbeiim on the 7th and 8th day of Pesach were greater than the revelations that were seen from them on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
It is known what the Alter Rebbe said to his children on the seventh day of Pesach, take Chassidus and take purity for your children and grandchildren.
The Frierdiker Rebbe concluded that these Revelations are felt in the neshoma.
Sefer HaSichos 5703, p. 87.
In another Sicha, the Frierdiker Rebbe stated that my great-grandfather, the Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek said during the night meal of the seventh day of Pesach in the year 5603, that the 7th of Pesach is Rosh Hashanah for mesiras nefesh.
When Moshe Rabeinu told the Jewish people that Hashem is instructing them to travel forward into the sea they did so without questioning him, [not knowing that Hashem is going to split the sea for them and save them].
The revelations that Hashem revealed on the 7th of Pesach were from His essence, and Hashem did so on His own initiative, in Chassidic terminology isarusa d’lieila.
In general, the 7th is always special and how special is the seventh day of Pesach when it is the seventh day since Hashem Himself revealed His Essence and freed us from Mitzrayim.
Sefer HaSichos 5703, p. 92.
The Rebbe Rashab stated that throughout the 24 hours of the 7th of Pesach the Heavenly doors are open for everyone. Just as there are auspicious moments when Hashem reveals certain aspects, so too there are moments when everyone is able to receive all the blessings that are being given from heaven. The 7th of Pesach is one of those moments, and therefore a person should realize how precious each moment of the day is and utilize each moment to its utmost.
Sefer HaSichos 5696, p. 270.
The Frierdiker Rebbe informed us that the revelations which we were able to see by the Rebbeiim on the 7th of Pesach were extraordinary. He noted for example, that the preparations for the seventh day of Pesach begin at noon. The immersing in the mikva in preparation for the seventh day of Pesach was not only uniquely different than the immersion in the Mikva before Shabbos and other Yomim Tovim (Holidays), but it was even unique as compared to the immersion in the mikva on erev Rosh Hashanah and erev Yom Kippur.
Sefer HaSichos 5703, p. 85.
The Rebbe wants noted at his table, that the happiness and rejoicing of the Jewish people on the seventh day of Pesach was much greater than even their happiness and rejoicing when they left Mitzrayim.
He explained, when the Jews left Mitzrayim they thought it might be a temporary freedom because Mitzrayim was still extremely powerful. However, after they saw that the Egyptians were destroyed in the sea and their power was obliterated, so then they realized that the freedom is not just a temporary one, but it is permanent, and they will never again have to return to Mitzrayim.
Hamelech B’misibo vol. 1, p. 155.
Another time at the seder, the Rebbe’s brother-in-law, the Rashag (Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurarie) asked, what does the prayer [which we say in the Neilah prayer on Yom Kippur] requesting Hashem to open wide the gates of the heaven, mean, as many commentaries say it is referring to the 7th day of Pesach.
The Rebbe replied, on the 7th day if Pesach the Heavenly guards of the gates are removed from their place and every Jew is able to come and request his requests.
Ibid. P. 298
In a sicha the Rebbe noted that on the 7th day of Pesach when we say the Shira that the Jews sung after the splitting of the sea, we should not say it as if we are reminding ourselves of what the Jews did over three thousand years ago when the sea miraculously split for them. But rather we should vision it as if that occurrence is happening right now to us, and we are singing the song in praise of Hashem.
At the same time, we should also envision of this splitting of the river which is going to happen when Moshiach comes, not in a state of anticipation, but as if we are experiencing it then and singing the song [as it is incorporated in the Shira].
Likkutei Sichos vol. 7, p. 272
A Taste of Chassidus
Sheishes Yomim Toichloo Matzos part 2 Likkutei Torah Vayikra 13a
In this part of the maamar, the Alter Rebbe explains the deeper meaning of Krias Yam Suf – the splitting of the sea. But before I present a short summary of the maamar, I feel the following introduction would be helpful to understand the concept that the Alter Rebbe is saying.
One of the fundamental teachings of Chassidus is, that just as everything was created by Hashem and nothing in the universe is an entity on their own, so too, every occurrence that happens in the world is because that is how Hashem decreed it to be. In other words, everything in this world exists because it has a source in the higher supernal (spiritual) worlds. As a result of this, the splitting of the sea was not just a physical phenomenon that was above nature, but it happened because that aspect happened on a spiritual level in the supernal world, and subsequently it also occured in a physical sense in the physical world.
The outcome of the splitting of the sea was that instead of the Jewish people going into water they walked on dry land. So in order to understand what this truly means and represents, we first have to understand what does the sea and dry land represent in the spiritual sense, and then we could understand the greatness or uniqueness of this miraculous event of transforming the sea into land.
And now to the Maamar
Our sages inform us that every living animal on the Earth has a counterpart in the sea. The major difference between them is that an animal (entity) on the land feels it is independent of the land it lives off, just like us humans may feel that we can do as we wish, as we are an independent entity. In Chassidic terminology that mindset of the creations living on the earth, is called עלמא דאתגליא, a revealed world where every entity stands out on its own.
However, every fish in the water realizes that without the water it cannot exist. In Chassidic terminology that is called עלמא דאתכסיא, where everything is hidden. Simply speaking, when one looks at the Ocean or Sea, all they see is the water, and not anything that is inside or covered up by the water. As noted, they don’t appear or feel that they are an autonomous entity.
Applying these two opposite perspectives as they express themselves in a person’s life and his service to Hashem, there are some people that realize that their entire existence comes from Hashem and subsequently they nullify themselves completely to fulfill His will. On the opposite spectrum, there are other individuals that might feel that they are independent entities , as they do not recognize the G-dly Spark which is within them and gives them life. As a result those people do not humble or nullify themselves in front of Hashem.
In spiritual terms and meaning, the transformation of the sea into dry land means that the tremendous revelation that is in the sea became revealed also on the dry land and even entities that until now did not recognize or see G-dliness as their source of life, now recognize the truth, and as a result nullify themselves to Hashem.
The way (or insight into how) this happened is explained as follows: generally speaking, Hashem created this world, that we (the inhabitants of the earth) would refine and elevate it that it is able to be His dwelling place. That means Hashem intentionally created the world in a manner that there is room to think or feel that Hashem is not in control of it, and we can do whatever we choose to do.
However, if even a small part of His essence is revealed, every creation in the world would automatically be nullified by His presence. So in order for the creations not to be nullified, Hashem created the world where it can feel as if it is an independent entity. The way He accomplished this was by concealing His essence before the Creation began unfolding.
The problem then would be, how would the world and all of its creations live, if the spirit of the Creator is not in them. But as noted Hashem concealed His essence that we don’t feel it, but it is there, (just hidden). In other words, only a shine (reflection) of Him is revealed in this world. And that very limited radiance is measured according to the capacity that each entity can contain.
In Chassidic terminology this is called Ohr Hamimaleh (A G-dly radiance that fills each entity to its capacity).
But then there is Ohr Hasoivev, a G-dly light that shines above the world. Meaning it is above the world, and subsequently that translates to mean, that to that level there is no difference whatsoever between one entity and the other. As a result, the same way Hashem’s greatness can shine into the sea, Ohr Hasoivev can allow and even demand that that level also should shine onto the land.[1]
But to have the ability of revealing this level of Ohr Hasoivev (which is higher than nature), into the Ohr Hamimaleh (nature), that has to come from a level that is higher than both of them. Therefore, before krias Yam Suf occurred the possuk states ויולך ה׳ את הים ברוח קדים עזה כל הלילה [2] which is translated to mean And Hashem blew an easternly wind the entire night. But while קדים does have the meaning of eastern, the common word for Eastern is מזרח, so there must be a reason why the possuk chose this word instead.
In addition, to meaning Eastern it is commonly used to express that it came before others, and quite often we refer to Hashem as kadmoino shel olam – the Entity that came before anything. So Chassidus learns from this that the power to infuse this total nullification of the “sea” into the land came from a power that is greater than both of them together, and that is Hashem’s essence before He lowered it down into creating the universe.
The reason why the Jewish people had to experience the splitting of the sea, before they were about to receive the Torah, is explained elsewhere in Chassidus, that the purpose of giving us the Torah, is that through the fulfillment of His mitzvos, we are going to refine this physical world and elevate it to the point that it becomes the dwelling place for Hashem’s essence to dwell in it.
To demonstrate that the physical and extremely limited world is able to accept this overwhelming revelation of G-dliness, and remain an entity that is both in existence, but completely nullified to Hashem, Hashem let them see this same phenomenon at the splitting of the sea.
Rabbi Avtzon is a veteran mechanech and the author of numerous books on the Rebbeim and their chassidim. He is available to farbreng in your community and can be contacted at [email protected].
[1] To give an example which I thought of when I taught this concept, when a person is watering his plants or fields, there normally is a difference in how much water is the person going to provide for the flowerpot, the vegetable patch, as well as to his tree orchards. This measured amount is the concept of Ohr Hamimaleh.
However, when Hashem sends rain whatever is outside is going to receive the same amount of rain. Ot as often mentioned, in the summer, the sun is going to shine on the garbage dump (which can create a horrific stench) with the same intensity as it shines on vegetation (which helps it grow). This equal amount of Radiance to everything, is Ohr Hasoivev.
[2] Shemos, 14:21.
CrownHeights.infoWe left Egypt.
Not just a physical place, but a state of limitation. We rose above what confined us and experienced true freedom. For the first time, we were no longer controlled by what held us back; we became masters of our own destiny.
But freedom can bring an unexpected moment.
After the intensity, after the miracles, a person can feel drained. The struggle is over, the chains are gone, and suddenly there is a quiet exhaustion. “I’m tired… just leave me alone.”
And it is precisely here that we encounter the next stage.
We read about a valley filled with dry bones.
These are people who tried to break free but could not rise beyond themselves. They remained behind and lost everything. Now they lie there, lifeless, symbolizing the feeling that hope itself has dried up.
Yecheskel is asked by Hashem: Can these bones live again?
It is a question that echoes within us. After everything, when we feel empty, when we quietly give up, can life return?
G-d answers:
“I will place within you spirit, and you will live.”
Because even this exhaustion is not the end. It is the moment before renewal.
The bones come together. They are rebuilt. They are filled with life.
And with that life comes a new truth: freedom was never the destination; it was only the beginning.
The journey continues.
We stand at the sea.
In Egypt, G-d acted.
By the dry bones, G-d sent a prophet.
But at the sea, nothing happens.
Until someone moves.
Nachshon steps forward and walks into the water. Not because the path is open, but because he knows it must open. Step after step, deeper and deeper…
And only then—the sea splits.
Something has changed.
You are no longer waiting to be saved.
You are no longer waiting to be revived.
You are alive, and now the power is in your hands.
The sea represents everything hidden beneath the surface. When it split, what was concealed became visible. What was always there was suddenly revealed.
In Egypt, they saw a glimpse of G-d’s power.
At the sea, they saw it clearly.
Because when a person takes that step forward, G-d responds by opening what seemed impossible.
No barrier remains.
And suddenly the entire journey begins to point forward, to its ultimate destination.
Moshiach.
On the final day of Pesach, we read about a world transformed, a world of harmony, clarity, and complete awareness of G-d.
And we do something remarkable.
We celebrate it.
We sit down to a meal. We eat Matzah. We drink wine, not to remember the past, but to anticipate the future.
We cannot yet fully experience it, but we live with the certainty that it is coming.
Because a person of faith does not wait for redemption to believe in it, he lives with it now.
G-d took us out of Egypt.
He brought life back to dry bones.
He gave us the power to split the sea.
And now He tells us:
Move forward.
Reveal what is hidden.
Live with the confidence that the journey is reaching its climax.
So as Passover comes to a close, we eat the matzah, drink the wine, and raise a glass, not to what was, but to what will be.
Because the same power that brought us this far is carrying us forward—
To the moment when everything hidden will be revealed,
When life will be complete,
When redemption will finally become reality.
Prepare the Matzah.
Pour the wine.
Don’t just remember the past.
Drink to the future.
Because before you know it—
the bones will dance, the sea will open,
and Moshiach will be here.
Have a Moshiach experience of a Yomtov,
Gut Yomtov, Gut Shabbos
Rabbi Yosef Katzman
CrownHeights.infoby CrownHeights.info
A vehicle reported stolen early Tuesday morning in the Flatbush neighborhood was successfully recovered hours later in Crown Heights, thanks to a coordinated effort between Shomrim and the NYPD.
The incident began at approximately 7:45 AM, when the vehicle was taken in Flatbush. Shomrim volunteers in both Flatbush and Crown Heights quickly mobilized, utilizing their advanced operations system to track and relay critical information in real time.
At around 2:00 PM, the stolen vehicle was located in Crown Heights. The recovery was the result of seamless collaboration between Flatbush Shomrim and Crown Heights Shomrim, who worked closely together while maintaining constant communication with the NYPD.
No injuries were reported, and the investigation remains ongoing.
CrownHeights.infoGut Mo’ed! I hope you had a joyous and uplifting first days of Pesach.
This Pesach over 675 families received critical assistance including cash grants, food vouchers, and grocery credit to discreet envelopes slipped under doors—so they could experience Simchas Yom Tov with joy and dignity.
Funds are still needed for the second days. If you have already donated and are in a position to give more—thank you, and please consider doing so again. If you haven’t yet had the chance, now is the time.
May we merit to “כימי צאתך מארץ מצרים אראנו נפלאות” with the coming of Moshiach speedily!
Donate now at www.CSSY.org/pesach
or via:
Cash App: https://Cash.App/$CSSYcashapp
PayPal: PayPal.me/cssy
Zelle: [email protected]
Checks: Payable to CSSY, send to 593 Montgomery Street, Brooklyn, NY 11225
With heartfelt thanks and blessings,
Benjy
CrownHeights.infoLooking for shiurim that will be interesting and exciting to keep you awake on Shvii shel Pesach?
If you’re in Crown Heights, you can find them at Hadar Hatorah. With an amazing lineup of speakers with original ideas and inspiring messages, the morning will come and you’ll still be thirsting for more.
The classes will be in the yeshiva’s new Beis Medrash, located at 824 Eastern Parkway. The entire community is invited.
Line-up of Speakers:
12:00am Rabbi Shalom Zirkind: How Moshiach will Wage Wars
1:00am Rabbi Shloma Majesky: Parshas Shemini תשנ”ב
2:00am Rabbi Yosef Geisinsky: Offering Karbonos without the Beis Hamikdosh?
3:00am Rabbi Sharon Weiss: One Idea that will Change Your Life
4:00am Rabbi Yaaron Zvi: Miracles Greater than the Days of Leaving Mitzrayim
May we Merit Moshiach Now!
CrownHeights.infoUnited States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that the United States has entered into a settlement resolving a 17-year forfeiture litigation that will result in the payment of approximately $318 million to hundreds of victims of Iranian state-sponsored terrorism.
In 2008, the United States commenced a forfeiture action that exposed an Iranian government-owned bank’s secret interest in 650 Fifth Avenue, a 36-story commercial and office tower located in the heart of Manhattan. Following the filing of the forfeiture complaint, hundreds of victims of Iranian government-sponsored terrorism filed claims and initiated separate litigation to enforce judgments obtained against the Government of Iran. After more than 17 years of complex litigation, all remaining parties to the related actions have entered into a global settlement that will result in a multi-hundred-million-dollar payment to these long-suffering victims, including victims and family members of the 1984 bombings of U.S. military facilities in Beirut, Lebanon; of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C.; and Iranian proxy terrorist organizations’ attacks against civilians, including U.S. citizens, in Israel and elsewhere.
“Iran has sponsored terrorism for decades,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Since the inception of this litigation, the overriding goal of the Department of Justice has been to vindicate the rights of victims of the Government of Iran’s long-standing policy of supporting and promoting terror attacks across the world, including 9/11. This Office’s many years of determined litigation show our unrelenting commitment to victims’ rights, and has led to this significant recovery. For nearly two decades, we pursued hidden Iranian government assets tied to a Manhattan skyscraper to ensure those funds would ultimately compensate victims of Iran-sponsored terrorism rather than terrorists and their enablers.”
According to the Complaint, Amended Complaint, public court filings, and other public litigation records:
The building at 650 Fifth Avenue (the “Building”) was originally constructed by a charitable foundation controlled by the former Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, prior to the Islamic Revolution that led to the installation of the current regime in Iran in 1979. The new regime took over control of the charitable foundation and created a partnership with Bank Melli Iran, an Iranian government-owned bank sanctioned by the U.S. government for its role in financing Iran’s weapons of mass destruction programs. Bank Melli Iran controlled its interest in the Building through front companies known as Assa that were established in the Isle of Man and in New York. The highest levels of the Iranian regime orchestrated this deceptive structure in the 1980s, including the Iranian Central Bank and the offices of the Prime Minister and the President of Iran.
After the imposition of broad sanctions against the Government of Iran by the United States in 1995, the owners of the Building concealed Bank Melli Iran’s ownership interest and facilitated the payment of tens of millions of dollars of income from the Building’s operations to Bank Melli through Assa.
In October 2008, this Office filed a forfeiture complaint against Bank Melli Iran’s interest in the Building. In November 2009, this Office filed an amended forfeiture complaint against the entire Building and other related properties. Following the filing of the complaint and the amended complaint, numerous groups of judgment creditors holding judgments against the Government of Iran for injuries resulting from state-sponsored terrorism filed claims and independent judgment-enforcement actions against Assa, the Building, and the Building’s owner.
In April 2014 and July 2017, the Office entered into settlements with these victims’ groups providing that any recovery the Government obtained through forfeiture would be distributed to the victims. In July 2017 and May 2021, the Office and the victims’ groups all obtained judgments against Assa’s interests in the Building and in related partnership distributions from the Building’s income.
In January 2025, this Office, the victims’ groups, and the Building’s owner entered into a further, final settlement providing for the dismissal of all remaining claims in exchange for a payment of $318 million to the victims’ groups, consisting of an initial payment of $129 million and a deferred payment of $189 million to be paid in three years, plus interest. The initial $129 million payment was completed Friday, March 20, 2026.
In addition to providing for recovery for terrorism victims, in connection with the settlement the partnership that owned the Building and the majority partner are being dissolved and the Building is being transferred to a new successor entity. The transfer of the Building and the transactions to consummate the global settlement agreement received approvals from the Office of the New York Attorney General’s Charities Bureau and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control.
CrownHeights.infoby B.M. Petrikovsky, MD, PhD, D. Alyeshmerni
Childbirth practices have evolved dramatically over the last century, shaped by medical advancements, shifting social norms, and growing access to hospital-based care. While modern obstetrics has greatly improved maternal and neonatal outcomes through skilled providers, pain management, and emergency interventions, alternative birthing, such as homebirth, waterbirth, etc., have gained renewed popularity. Many families seek these options for greater comfort, autonomy, and a more natural birth experience. However, these practices raise important questions regarding safety, access to emergency care when needed, and outcomes for both mother and newborn.
This editorial explores the benefits and risks associated with homebirth, water immersion during labor, and alternative maternal positions.
Homebirth
Until relatively recently, homebirth was the only way women delivered.
Once advancements were made, like professionalization of obstetrics, policy/insurance, advancements in pain management, and availability of experienced doctors in cases of emergency, it took just 35 years for urban births in hospitals to jump from 5% to over 75%.
Some women still choose to give birth at home to have more autonomy, privacy, avoiding what they see as unnecessary interventions, negative past hospital experiences, or wanting family involved in a home setting.
Because of the unexpected complications that can arise during labor and delivery, a low-risk pregnancy in the hospital can quickly become a high-risk one at home. In the United States, about one-third of births are performed by cesarean section. Limited access to emergency obstetric care increases maternal and newborn morbidity.
The biggest risk occurs when homebirth is attempted in high-risk situations (breech, twins, VBAC) or when transfer is delayed. Some patients have complained that their midwives discouraged them from going to the hospital, either because they overestimated their ability to treat complications at home or feared that hospital staff would stigmatize the patient or take invasive measures. The resulting delays can put women at risk during their most vulnerable moments in childbirth, in some cases turning a complicated delivery into a life-threatening one.
Hospitals can be hesitant to accept homebirth patients for several reasons. Some doctors worry that they could be held legally responsible for a problem that arose at home. It can also be challenging to properly treat patients without having observed the full course of their labor.
National summaries report neonatal mortality rates of approximately 0.5 per 1,000 for hospital births versus 1–2 per 1,000 for homebirths involving low-risk patients. Similarly, analyses of nearly 14 million U.S. births from 2007–2010 found intrapartum and early neonatal mortality of 1 per 1,000 for homebirths compared with 0.32 per 1,000 for hospital births, attended by certified nurse-midwives (a threefold higher risk).
Risk differences tend to be greater for nulliparous women and have shown low APGAR scores and neurologic complications in homebirths compared with hospital births.
Waterbirth
Water immersion during labor and birth has become increasingly popular in the last several decades. The idea is that immersion in water during the first stage of labor will help the mother achieve pain relief, relaxation, a shortened labor, and decreased use of analgesia. A 2022 review found water immersion in the first stage to significantly reduce the use of epidurals, opioids, and episiotomies, as well as increase maternal satisfaction.
There is much debate around the risks and safety of water immersion during the second stage of labor and delivery. Possible neonatal risks of delivery underwater include infection, respiratory distress, hyponatremia, seizures, and cord avulsion, among other negative outcomes.
Alternate Maternal Positions
While the supine position provides healthcare providers with easy access to monitor the fetus, alternative maternal positions (side-lying, hands-and-knees, or standing) may help improve comfort for the mother.
Upright positions (standing, squatting, or kneeling) shorten the second stage by 6 minutes on average in women without an epidural. MRI pelvimetry studies show that these postures in labor can increase the pelvic outlet and midpelvic diameters. Some positions may be tiring for individual patients, and clinicians may adjust for fetal monitoring needs. Major guidelines encourage free movement and upright/non-supine pushing unless there is a medical reason not to do so.
Conclusions
While alternative birthing practices may offer increased comfort, autonomy, and satisfaction for women, they carry important safety considerations. Evidence suggests that homebirths are associated with higher neonatal and maternal risks.
As an obstetrician with 50 years of experience, I cannot support the practice of homebirthing, even for low-risk women. The problem is that risk factors for rare but life-threatening complications of pregnancy are poorly calculated.
Often, a 45-year-old obese diabetic woman with a history of severe hemorrhages will undergo an uneventful delivery, while a young and healthy woman will develop fetal distress (when the baby does not tolerate labor) and will end up with a handicapped child because of delayed cesarean section due to transport delay.
I have a clear recollection of several hysterectomies in patients with postdelivery hemorrhages at home, which would have been likely avoided if delivery had taken place in the hospital. In all those cases of maternal transfers, multiple blood transfusions and hysterectomies were life-saving procedures.
Homebirth attendants usually monitor fetal heart rate by intermittent auscultation. However, this practice is mostly useless because in cases of severe fetal compromise, help (cesarean section) is not readily available. Conservative measures (oxygen, changing maternal positions, etc.) are not helpful in cases of real emergency. Therefore, homebirth today is like Russian roulette with one bullet in a revolver.
For those who are passionate about homebirth, I would suggest a birthing center attached or in very close proximity to the maternity hospital, a recommendation I am hesitant to give!
One can argue that pregnancy, labor, and delivery are natural events, and I would agree. So is a tsunami. It’s not for nothing that textbooks on possible obstetrical complications of pregnancy and birth are thicker than the Talmud, and it takes many years of training to become a competent obstetrician, over 15, to be exact.
The only exception to the rule occurred in Vienna, Austria, with Dr. Semmelweis. He noticed that maternal mortality in the doctors’ service was three times that of the mortality in the midwives’ service. In 1847, he proposed handwashing with a chlorinated solution between cases. As a result, maternal mortality dropped drastically, and he reported his findings in his 1861 book entitled Etiology, Concept and Prophylaxis of Childbed Fever. This was the only time when home birth was safer for both mother and child.
CrownHeights.infoby CrownHeights.info
In a heartening display of Jewish pride at the highest levels of government, Canadian Cabinet Minister Evan Solomon was seen putting on Tefillin and receiving Shmura Matzah ahead of Pesach during a visit by Rabbi Yirmi Cohen, Shliach of the Rebbe in Toronto.
Solomon, who serves in the federal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney, is among the few Jewish members of Canada’s cabinet. The encounter highlighted a growing trend of Jewish public officials embracing and expressing their heritage openly, even while serving in prominent national roles.
Alongside that visit, Rabbi Cohen assisted a Jewish Inspector over nearly 300 constables with putting on Tefillin. A Jewish constable under him also put on Tefillin and recieved Matza.
The moments, shared with CrownHeights.info, reflect the continued efforts of Chabad Shluchim worldwide to reach Jews in all walks of life — including those in the highest corridors of power — and provide them with opportunities to connect with their Yiddishkeit.
CrownHeights.infoStudents in over 50 Chabad schools across the United States and Europe, along with 700 shluchim families worldwide, received the new MyShliach Moshiach Seudah Farbrengen guide, designed to help them lead their families in a Moshiach Seudah.
Marking 46 years since the Rebbe focused the Acharon Shel Pesach farbrengen on the unique power of children to lead the way to Geulah, MyShliach’s Family Moshiach Seudah Farbrengen places them at the heart of this powerful minhag.
The project was produced by MyShliach in collaboration with the Moshiach Office and Merkos’s Chinuch Office, as part of the Festival of the Future initiative. A visionary partner made it possible for every student in Chabad schools across the U.S., as well as hundreds of shluchim families worldwide, to have the program delivered to their doorstep.
Featuring brand-new content for Pesach 5786, the beautifully designed handbook turns the Moshiach Seudah into an interactive and inspiring family celebration. Children and parents alike participate by sharing stories, leading niggunim, and engaging in uplifting Geulah-focused conversations.
The program empowers children to take the lead. With simple prompts and accessible language, kids can share a story, start a niggun, or guide a discussion. It also includes special prizes to encourage active participation.
“The handbook was created to help families tap into the energy of the day in a way that is accessible and meaningful for everyone,” said Rabbi Mendy Shanowitz, Director of MyShliach at Merkos 302. “It’s an experience your children will look forward to year after year.”
Forty six years ago, in 5740 (1980), the Rebbe dedicated the Acharon Shel Pesach farbrengen to children. At that historic farbrengen, the Rebbe emphasized the special connection between Pesach and children, explaining that “the entire story is related as a response to the children’s questions.” Just as the first days of Pesach revolve around the child’s curiosity at the Seder, the last day highlights the child’s ability to lead with clarity and faith.
“The Rebbe saw children not just as students, but as teachers ands leaders,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “Seudas Moshiach is meant to make the Geulah a reality in every home, and children have the power to bring that vision to life. When a child takes the lead, it can uplift an entire family.”
Most families have already received the booklet through their children’s schools. If you don’t have it yet, now is the perfect time to download the program and print it out before Yom Tov so your family can use it for the Seudas Moshiach Farbrengen.
Families are encouraged to take a few minutes before heading to shul to sit together with the guide and create a memorable Moshiach Seudah led by the children.
The MyShliach Family Moshiach Seudah Farbrengen is one of several tools developed through the Festival of the Future to help schools and families connect with the message of Geulah in a tangible way this Acharon Shel Pesach.
You can download the full program for free here
Use the booklet at your family’s Moshiach Seudah and win great prizes! Submit your name at festivalfuture.org/prize Send a photo of you holding the booklet and receive an extra ticket for every child in the picture. Email your photo along with your name to [email protected].
The MyShliach Family Moshiach Seudah Farbrengen is dedicated
לעילוי נשמת הרה״ח ר׳ יעקב בן הרה״ח ר׳ שבתי ע״ה
ולעילוי נשמת הרה״ח ר׳ שלמה בן הרה״ח ר׳ דוד ע״ה
CrownHeights.infoJust when it seemed like spring was settling in, winter has made a comeback.
A fast-moving clipper system is sweeping through the Northeast, bringing light snow to major cities as parts of Upstate New York already reported snowfall Monday morning.
Syracuse, New York, is already seeing snowfall, while cities such as Boston and Burlington, Vermont, could all see a dusting of snow through Tuesday.
Read More at FoxWeather
CrownHeights.infoA special Kinus Torah and Chassidic gathering (Farbrengen) took place in Crown Heights, organized by the Vaad Hamosifin. The event marked 18 Nissan, the birthday of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak the Rebbe’s father, and the day of the Rebbe’s bris.
A crowd gathered at Kollel Menachem near 770 to hear fascinating lessons on the Rebbe’s Haggadah from Torah scholars specializing in its explanation, as well as teachings from Rabbi Levi Yitzchak.
The organizer, Rabbi Shmuel Pevzner, opened the Kinus by noting the 80th anniversary of the Rebbe’s publication of the Haggadah with “Likkutei Taamim u’Minhagim,” an edition that has amazed the Jewish world since its release.
Rabbi Shalom Ber Levin The librarian of the Agudas Chasidei Chabad Library and author of the “Dover Shalom” commentary on the Rebbe’s Haggadah, explained the Rebbe’s innovation regarding Charoset.
Rabbi Ephraim Fishel Oster One of the heads of Yeshivas Oholei Torah and Rabbi of the Merkaz Avreichim shul, shed light on the Rebbe’s explanation concerning the blessing over Charoset.
Rabbi Dovid Dubov: Shliach in Princeton, New Jersey, and editor of the “Yalkut Levi Yitzchak” series on the Torah, presented wonderful insights from the teachings of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak.
Following Ma’ariv, the crowd sat down for a Chassidishe Farbrengen in honor of the day.
CrownHeights.infoWith great sadness we report the passing of Rabbi Yechiel Yerachmiel Naparstek, OBM, a respected Chossid and longtime resident of Kfar Chabad. He passed away on Monday, Chol Hamoed Pesach, the 19th of Nissan 5786.
He was 92 years old.
Born on 12 Tammuz 5693 (1933) in Poland to Reb Reuven Dovber and Chaya Gittel Naparstek, he endured the hardships of World War II in Soviet Russia, where he learned Torah under difficult conditions with great mesirus nefesh, and lost his mother during the wartime famine.
After the war, he escaped the Soviet Union with Chabad chassidim, passing through DP camps in Germany before continuing his learning in Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim in Paris.
He later settled in Eretz Yisroel, where he was among the pioneers of Kfar Chabad and continued learning in Tomchei Temimim in Tel Aviv and Lod.
A devoted chossid and yerei Shamayim, he was known for his sincerity and warmth. He served for many years as secretary of the Beis Rivka Seminary in Kfar Chabad and was deeply dedicated to the Rebbe’s horaos, especially active in Mivtza Tefillin throughout his life.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Mrs. Leah Gittel Naparstek, along with his children:Rabbi Shmuel Yaakov Naparstek, Rabbi Shlomo Dovid Naparstek, Rabbi Yisroel Naparstek, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Naparstek, Mrs. Chaya Blau (Kfar Chabad, EY), Mrs. Chana Alperin (Brazil), Mrs. Devorah Weinberg (KS), and Mrs. Nechama Dina Palace (Crown Heights).
He is also survived by his siblings, Rabbi Yechezkel Naparstek (Paris, France), Mrs. Henya Wineberg (Vancouver, Canada), and Mrs. Golda Golowinsky (Crown Heights).
He was predeceased by his brothers, Rabbi Moshe Naparstek OBM, and Rabbi Yisroel Aharon Naparstek OBM.
The Levaya will take place today, departing at 1:00 PM from his home at 19 Toras Shmuel Street in Kfar Chabad, and continuing at 3:30 PM from Shamgar Funeral Home in Yerushalayim to Har Hazeisim, where he will be laid to rest.
Baruch Dayan Hoemes
CrownHeights.infoby CrownHeights.info
On Motzaei Shabbos, a grand Kinus Torah gathering was held in honor of Pesach at the Beis Chaya Mushka Synagogue in Paris.
The event took place in a warm and uplifting atmosphere, as Rabbanim and yeshiva students presented Divrei Malchus and engaged in in-depth Torah discussions and pilpulim. Among those who shared Torah insights were Rabbi Elchanan Morozov and Rabbi Shlomo Azulai.
The program was led by Rabbi Mendy Azimov and Rabbi Levi Azimov, who guided the evening’s סדר and helped create an engaging and meaningful experience for all in attendance.
The evening was rich with Torah and inspiration, bringing together many participants under the warm and vibrant spirit of the Lubavitch community at Beis Lubavitch in Paris. It served as a beautiful conclusion to a Pesach filled with joy and learning.
Photos: Mordechai Lubecki
CrownHeights.infoDespite the ongoing war and the state of emergency in the city, Kyiv’s Jewish community marked Passover this year with a series of events held around the city, led by Chief Rabbi and Chabad Shaliach Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch and his son Rabbi Ariel Markovitch. The initiative aimed to reach every Jew in Kyiv, wherever they might be, despite the complex and challenging reality.
Central Seders were held at the Jewish Community Center “Beit Menachem“ and at the “Or Avner Perlina” school, with hundreds of participants families, young people, and the elderly who gathered to celebrate the Festival of Freedom together. At the same time, a special Seder was held for Jewish detainees at the Lukyanivka detention facility.
In addition, matzah and holiday kits were distributed to Jewish prisoners in correctional facilities throughout Ukraine, ensuring they too could observe the holiday. The Jewish community of Kyiv also distributed hundreds of food packages and matzah to local Jewish residents, with the assistance of the JRNU organization.
Senior officials from the Office of the President of Ukraine attended the holiday events organized by the JCC Beit Menachem, including Chief of Staff Kyrylo Budanov and his deputy Iryna Mudra, who is also a member of the Jewish community.
President Volodymyr Zelensky received matzah from the Chief Rabbi ahead of the holiday and conveyed a special message of greeting to the community through him. A particularly emotional moment was recorded when Jewish soldiers on active duty were granted short leave and arrived to participate in the Seders with the community for the first time since the outbreak of the war.
“This year, more than ever, we understood how important it is to reach every Jew, no matter where they are,” said Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, Chief Rabbi of Kyiv. “Passover is a holiday of freedom, but also of unity and responsibility for every Jew. In the complex reality we are living in, seeing the community come together people arriving, singing together, and strengthening one another gives us the strength to continue, despite the difficult circumstances.”
CrownHeights.infoIn 5736, the Rebbe established a Yeshiva Gedolah in Cincinnati.Despite its closing shortly after, it was just a matter of time for the Rebbe’s desire to be properly fulfilled. Fifty years later, the Yeshiva was reopened under the leadership of Rabbi Gershon Avtzon, of Yeshivas Lubavitch Cincinnati (Mesivta) and Boruch Hashem will be expanding and growing for the next Shnas Halimmudim.
The Yeshiva is so happy (to fulfill the desire of the Rebbe) and proud to announce the hiring of Rabbi Mendel Levin as the mashpia of Shiur Aleph as well as Rabbi Mendel Weber as the maggid Shiur. They will be joining Rabbi Levik Raksin and Rabbi Zalman Simpson.
The newly appointed Menahel is Rabbi Yaakov Kaplan and he will be guided by the experienced mechanchim of the Yeshiva. The Rav of the Yeshiva is Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Lifshitz (the original Rosh Yeshiva of 5736!).
Talmidim that are looking a true opportunity to be part of the mission that the Rebbe entrusted to the Yeshiva of Cincinnati and to grow in their learning and Yiras Shamayim, with a focus on an inner hiskashrus, are welcome to apply at: https://www.ylcincinnati.com/zal and our Menahel will get back to you shortly. Limited spots available.
CrownHeights.infoby CrownHeights.info
In a dramatic and high-risk mission deep inside hostile territory, U.S. forces successfully rescued the second crew member of a downed American fighter jet in Iran, concluding a tense, multi-day search-and-rescue effort that officials are calling one of the most complex operations in recent military history.
The airman—identified by U.S. officials as a colonel serving as a weapons systems officer aboard an F-15E—was recovered after spending more than 24 hours evading Iranian forces in rugged mountainous terrain following the aircraft’s downing on Friday.
According to official accounts, both crew members ejected safely after the aircraft was struck over southwestern Iran. The pilot was rescued shortly afterward, but the second airman remained stranded behind enemy lines as Iranian forces launched a parallel search to capture him.
During this time, the downed officer relied on advanced Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training, moving through mountainous terrain and reportedly taking refuge along elevated ridges while attempting to avoid detection. U.S. officials said the airman activated an emergency beacon, which ultimately helped American forces narrow down his location.
The rescue operation quickly escalated into a large-scale military effort involving hundreds of special operations personnel, along with dozens of aircraft, including helicopters, drones, and fixed-wing assets. U.S. forces deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones and other surveillance platforms to monitor Iranian troop movements, while additional aircraft provided air cover and suppression capabilities during the extraction.
Two Black Hawk helicopters reportedly took fire during the mission, underscoring the intensity of the operation as American forces pushed into contested territory to reach the stranded airman.
In a rare detail acknowledged by officials, the CIA carried out a deception campaign aimed at confusing Iranian forces. Intelligence operatives reportedly spread false information suggesting the airman had already been located and was being extracted elsewhere, diverting Iranian units away from the actual rescue zone and buying critical time for U.S. special forces.
Once located, the airman was moved to a makeshift extraction site where MC-130 transport aircraft were staged to evacuate him from Iranian territory. Officials confirmed that mechanical issues affected at least one aircraft, forcing U.S. forces to destroy disabled equipment on-site to prevent it from falling into Iranian hands.
In addition to the 2 U.S. Air Force MC-130J “Commando II” Special Operations Aircraft, wreckage appears to suggest that at least 2 MH-6M Little Birds with the U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (160th SOAR) were also destroyed at the forward operating base… https://t.co/ACRSI3w9mz pic.twitter.com/kE4PCL2h3q
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 5, 2026
Despite these complications, all American personnel were successfully extracted, and no U.S. fatalities were reported during the mission.
President Donald Trump stated that the rescued airman was “seriously wounded, and really brave,” but is expected to recover. Reports indicate the officer was transported to a U.S. military facility in the region for medical treatment following the rescue.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, claimed their forces engaged U.S. aircraft during the rescue operation, alleging that multiple American planes and drones were shot down. These claims include reports of destroyed helicopters and transport aircraft, though U.S. officials have not confirmed these losses and, in some cases, say damaged aircraft were intentionally destroyed by American forces after malfunctioning.
In statements following the mission, President Trump praised the operation as “one of the most daring search-and-rescue operations in U.S. history,” emphasizing that no American service members were left behind.
The successful recovery of both crew members marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, highlighting both the risks of operating over Iranian territory and the extensive capabilities the U.S. military is willing to deploy to recover personnel under fire.
As tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate, the operation stands as a stark example of the high-stakes environment currently unfolding across the region.
CrownHeights.infoThe traditional Birkat Kohanim was held this morning (Sunday) at the Western Wall Plaza in a limited format, in accordance with Home Front Command guidelines restricting the number of worshippers permitted at the site.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief Rabbis of Israel – the Rishon LeZion, Rabbi David Yosef, and Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar – alongside the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz; the Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe Lion; and dozens of kohanim.
The service was led by the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz. Following him, the Chief Rabbis of Israel and the director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Mr. Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, recited moving prayers for the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces fighting on multiple fronts – in the air, at sea, and on land – for the recovery of the wounded, and for peace for the Jewish nation.
During the ceremony, the Rabbi of the Western Wall recited a special prayer for the success of the President of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, and for the success of his administration and the U.S. military, which stand alongside Israel and are fighting its enemies. Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mr. David Friedman, who was present at the ceremony, conveyed this special prayer to the President of the United States.
Western Wall Heritage Foundation: “Despite the complex security situation and ongoing fighting, this year’s traditional Birkat Kohanim was held in a reduced format and in accordance with guidelines, with responsibility for the safety and security of the worshippers. The ceremony was dedicated in prayer to the well-being of IDF soldiers and security forces and to the recovery of the wounded. Even as physical participation was limited, it was evident that the heart of the entire nation beat in unison with the ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The event connected many worshippers who gathered in their homes – in Israel and around the world – in a shared prayer of faith and unity, with hope for days of peace and redemption.”
Photo credit: The Western Wall Heritage Foundation
CrownHeights.infoFollowing extensive and meticulous preparation, Moscow, the capital of Russia, concludes the holiday with great satisfaction regarding the success of the Passover Seders. Held on both nights of the holiday across dozens of neighborhoods in the capital, thousands of Jews gathered around beautifully arranged tables at Seders led by community rabbis and Chabad emissaries who serve the city year-round.
As is tradition every year, the largest public Seder took place in the sanctuary of the central Marina Roscha Synagogue, which was designed with spectacular elements of the Exodus from Egypt. The Seder was conducted in great magnificence and splendor until the early hours of the morning by the Chief Rabbi of Russia, the Gaon Rabbi Berel Lazar, alongside the Director of the Jewish Community, Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg. Spanning the main sanctuary and adjacent halls, over 1,200 people attended the Seder in the complex!
Simultaneously, Passover Seders were held across all of the city’s educational institutions, with hundreds of students participating, as well as warm public Seders at Chabad Houses scattered throughout the capital’s neighborhoods. Alongside the sale of Passover products in kosher stores, thousands of packages of handmade Shmura Matzah were distributed to every Jew who purchased matzah, enabling everyone to fulfill the mitzvah to the highest standard.
The highlight this year was the “Kimcha D’Pischa” campaign at the Shaarey Tzedek Jewish Chesed Center complex, which respectfully provided basic staples, meat, wine, and matzah to all those in need. In addition to the tremendous efforts in the capital, dozens of yeshiva students from Moscow traveled to remote provincial cities to organize Seders for Jews in communities lacking a permanent rabbi. Through this, with God’s help, they succeeded in reaching every corner of Russia, ensuring that local Jews could celebrate Passover properly according to Halacha.
Photo: Levi Nazarov
CrownHeights.infoA special kinus Torah marking 80 years of the Rebbe’s Haggadah will take place Sunday the 18th of Nissan, 7:00pm at Kollel Menachem-1384 Union St, with a Yud Ches Nissan farbrengen to follow.
CrownHeights.infoby CrownHeights.info
A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with the shocking arson attack that targeted Hatzola ambulances in the Jewish neighborhood of Golders Green, London, in what authorities have described as a “premeditated and targeted attack against the Jewish community.”
The latest arrest took place at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where the 19-year-old suspect had reportedly arrived to attend proceedings for other individuals already charged in the case. Police recognized the suspect and took him into custody on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
The arrest follows earlier developments in the investigation, in which three suspects — identified as 20-year-old Hamza Iqbal, 19-year-old Rehan Khan, and a 17-year-old minor — were charged in connection with the attack. All three have been remanded in custody.
Previously, two additional suspects, aged 45 and 47, were arrested and later released on bail as the investigation continued.
The arson occurred in the early hours of March 23rd, when four ambulances belonging to Hatzola — a volunteer emergency medical service serving the local Jewish population — were set ablaze outside a synagogue in Golders Green.
Explosions caused by oxygen and gas canisters inside the vehicles intensified the blaze, damaging nearby property. Miraculously, no injuries were reported.
The attack destroyed or severely damaged multiple emergency vehicles, temporarily disrupting vital lifesaving services relied upon by the community.
British officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, strongly condemned the incident as a “deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack.”
While the case has not officially been classified as terrorism, it is being led by counter-terrorism police. Investigators are also probing claims of responsibility by a group reportedly linked to Iran, though authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of those claims.
As previously reported on CrownHeights.info, the attack has drawn outrage from Jewish communities worldwide, particularly due to its targeting of emergency medical services that serve all residents regardless of background.
Hatzola, known for its rapid response and volunteer-driven care, has since worked to restore its fleet and continue operations, underscoring the resilience of the community in the face of antisemitic violence.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police indicating that further arrests may follow as they work to bring all those responsible to justice.
CrownHeights.infoSergeant First Class Guy Ludar fell in combat in Lebanon, the IDF announced Saturday evening.
Ludar, aged 21 from Yuvalim, served as a soldier in the Maglan Unit, Commando Brigade, fell on Friday during combat in southern Lebanon.
In the incident Sergeant First Class Guy Ludar fell, an additional soldier was severely injured.
Read More at israelnationalnews
CrownHeights.infoRabbi Shmuel Lesches, Magid Shiur in the Yeshiva Gedola of Melbourne, Australia, has compiled a guide of the laws of Sefiras Haomer for the benefit of the wider Lubavitch community.
CrownHeights.infoby CrownHeights.info
A U.S. Air Force fighter jet was shot down over Iranian territory today, prompting an intense and dangerous search-and-rescue mission for a missing American crew member. A U.S. second aircraft was also lost during the rescue operation.
According to U.S. officials, the aircraft—a highly advanced F-15E Strike Eagle—went down during combat operations, marking the first time in over two decades that an American fighter jet has been lost to enemy fire.
The F-15E aircraft carried two crew members. One was successfully rescued by U.S. forces shortly after ejecting, in what officials described as a complex but successful recovery under hostile conditions. The second crew member, believed to be the weapon systems officer, remains missing as of the writing of this article.
The U.S. military has launched an extensive search-and-rescue operation involving elite personnel, helicopters, and specialized aircraft. During the rescue efforts, a second U.S. aircraft—an A-10 Thunderbolt II—was also hit by Iranian fire. The pilot managed to reach friendly airspace over Iraq and eject safely.
Insane footage of Iranian police officers wielding automatic rifles opening firing on U.S. Air Force HH-60G “Pave Hawk” Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Helicopters flying low earlier today over Southern Iran, during the search for the crewmembers of an American F-15E Strike Eagle… pic.twitter.com/LKIFdM5nQJ
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 3, 2026
Despite these setbacks, U.S. defense sources maintain that American forces retain significant operational capability and continue to carry out strikes against Iranian military infrastructure.
Following the shootdown, Iranian state media quickly publicized the downing of the aircraft, releasing images it claims show the wreckage and asserting that a domestically developed air defense system was responsible. Tehran has also taken the unusual step of encouraging civilians to assist in locating the missing American airman, with reports of monetary rewards being offered.
While Iranian officials are portraying the incident as a major victory, U.S. analysts caution that such claims are often exaggerated for propaganda purposes and that the broader military picture remains firmly in America’s favor.
CrownHeights.infoRabbi Chaim Dalfin, author and Chasidic historian shares interesting facts, many revealed for the first time. The purpose of his program is to inspire all but especially the youth. Watch another installment here on CrownHeights.info.
Visit Rabbi Dalfin’s website: Click Here
CrownHeights.infoow that we have started to count sefirah – the days between Pesach and Shavuos – we are sharing a brief yet very significant letter of the Rebbe about TIME. While it makes sense to say that we have no control nor influence over time – the Rebbe explains how we do have the power to control time… it is certainly possible for us to “stretch time” and turn it into infinity!
A MESSAGE BY THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE, RABBI M. SCHNEERSON, שליט’א
Iyar, 5713
ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SEFIRAH
The period of Sefirah connects the festival of Passover with the festival of Shovuos. We begin counting the days of the Omer immediately after the day of the Exodus from Egypt, the day of liberation from slavery, and count (both the days and the weeks) for forty-nine days (making seven weeks) and then celebrate the Festival of the Receiving of the Torah, the culmination point of liberation.
The purpose of counting or measuring any quantity is to ascertain the exact number or measure of a certain thing, the quantity of which is variable. A census of a population, for example, is taken from time to time, since the population can either increase or decrease, and we want to ascertain its progress. Similarly, statistics are kept of various factors, etc. Were these factors stationary and unchangeable or were they uncontrollable, there would be no real purpose served in going over such statistics by periodic counting or measuring.
Now, Time belongs to those things over which man has no control or influence. Time just marches on, and we can neither slow its march nor speed it, nor can we change its quantity and make an hour last more than or less than sixty minutes. From this point of view, the idea of Sefirah would seem incomprehensible.
In addition, even in those things that change, the idea of counting them reflects their importance, and we wish to establish the exact number of such units, not being satisfied merely with estimates or general appraisal – such as being of large, small, or medium quantity.
But there is more to Time. We have said that Time, unlike most other things which are changeable in quantity, is unchangeable and beyond our control. But this is true only externally. We have no influence over time in a superficial way; however, time holds out for us possibilities not existing in other things. While man’s influence over things under his control is limited, his influence over Time is, in a sense, unlimited. For Time is like a “vessel” which is highly elastic, with an infinite absorptive capacity. It has the power of expanding or contracting, depending how much or little we put into this “vessel.” We can fill our time with unlimited content or waste it away, and the very same unit of time may mean an infinity to one or shrink to nothingness in another. Its true measure is in direct proportion to what is achieved in it.
Herine lies the special significance of Sefirah – of counting the days to the day of receiving the Torah at Sinai.
For the Torah, “whose measure is longer than the earth and broader than the ocean,” containing the infinite wisdom of G-d, was given to finite beings, men limited to a short span of time, a life of “three score years and ten” ואם בגבורות שמונים שנה והיו ימיו מאה ועשרים שנה In preparation for receiving the Torah, we were commanded to count the days in order to be impressed with the significance of Time and also to understand how it is possible for a finite human being to grasp that which is infinite: it is hereby emphasized that although we cannot alter the flow of time, either stretch it or retract it, this is only superficially. In reality, each particle of time, not any long period but even a day, gives us almost infinite possibilities. Therefore, although human life is limited on this earth to a certain number of years, one is not limited to his possibilities to use them in such a way, and to accomplish so much, as would take others thousands of years to accomplish.
If formally Time is fixed and can only be measured but in no way influenced – essentially, time is measured in terms of its content in accomplishment of our infinite and eternal Torah and mitzvos, and we are able not only to “stretch” time but even to turn it into infinity, into eternity, meaning – we transfer and elevate it beyond and above time.
This, in essence, is the significance of Sefirah, the counting of the days to, and in preparation of, receiving the Torah.
CrownHeights.infoAs we approach the seders that take up the first two nights of Pesach, we present a letter from the Rebbe on the fifth son, a now famous concept that is taught across the Jewish world.
By the Grace of G-d
11th of Nissan, 5717
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Greeting and Blessing,
The Festival of Pesach is inaugurated by the central theme:” When your son will ask you,” and the Haggadah is based on the commandment of the Torah: “Then shall you tell your son.”
There are various ways of asking questions and formulating the answers, depending upon whether the son belongs to the category of the “Wise,” the “Wicked,” the “Simple” or the “One Who Knows not How to Ask.”
While the “Four Sons” differ from one another in their reaction to the Seder Service_,_ they have one thing in common: they are all present at the Seder Service. Even the so-called “Wicked” son is there, taking an active, though rebellious, interest in what is going on in Jewish life around him. This, at least, justifies the hope that someday also the “Wicked” one will become wise and all Jewish children attending the Seder will become conscientious, Torah and _mitzvos-_observing Jews.
Unfortunately, there is in our time of confusion and obscurity another kind of Jewish child: the child who is conspicuous by his absence from the Seder service; the one who has no interest whatsoever in Torah and mitzvos, laws and customs; who is not even aware of the Seder-shel-Pesach, of the Exodus from Egypt and the subsequent Revelation at Sinai.
This presents a grave challenge, which should command our attention long before Passover and the Seder night. For no Jewish child should be forgotten and given up. We must make every effort to save also the “lost” child and bring the absentee to the Seder table. Determined to do so and driven by a deep sense of compassion and responsibility, we need have no fear of failure.
In order to remedy an undesirable situation of any kind, it is necessary to attack the roots of the evil. The same is true in this case.
The regrettable truth is that the blame for the above-mentioned “lost generation” lies squarely on the shoulders of the parents.
It is the result of an erroneous psychology and misguided policy on the part of immigrants arriving in a new and strange environment. Finding themselves a small minority and encountering certain difficulties, which are largely unavoidable in all cases of resettlement, some parents have the mistaken notion, which they injected also into their children, that the way to overcome these difficulties is to become quickly assimilated with the new environment, by discarding the heritage of their forefathers and abandoning the Jewish way of life. Finding the ensuing process somewhat distasteful, as such a course is bound to be full of spiritual conflict, some parents were resolved that their children would be spared the conflict altogether. In order to justify their desertion and appease their injured conscience, it was necessary for them to devise some rationale and they deluded themselves and deluded their children, by the claim that in their new surroundings the Jewish way of life, with the observance of the Torah and mitzvos did not fit. They looked for and therefore also “found” faults with the true Jewish way of life, while in their non-Jewish environment everything seemed to them only good and attractive.
By this attitude the parents hoped to assure their children’s existence and survival in the new environment. But what kind of existence is it, if everything spiritual and holy is traded for the material? What kind of survival is it, if it means the sacrifice of the soul for the amenities of the body?
Moreover, in their retreat from yiddishkeit, they turned what they though was an “escape to freedom” into an escape to servitude, pathetically trying to imitate the non-Jewish environment, failing to see that such imitation, by its caricature and inferiority complex, can only call forth mockery and derision and can only offend the sensibilities of those whose respect and acceptance they are so desperately trying to win.
The same false approach to the minority problem, whereby the misguided minority seeks to ensure its existence by self-dissolution, which essentially means suicide, or at any rate, self-crippling, has dominated not only individuals, but unfortunately has been made the creed of certain groups thrown together by a set of circumstances. This gave rise to certain dissident movements on the Jewish scene, which either openly or subterfugely seek to undermine the Torah which Moses commanded us, as he received it from the One G-d, and transmitted it to our people, the Divine Torah which gives our people its unique and distinctive character among the nations of the world. Verily, these movements, while differing from each other, have one underlying ideology in common, that of “We will be as the nations, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.” (Ezekiel 20:32).
The dire consequences of this utterly false approach were that thousands upon thousands of Jews have been removed from their true faith. Deprived of spiritual life and content, there grew up children who no longer belong to the “Four Sons” of the Haggadah, not even in the category of the “Wicked” one. They are almost a total loss to themselves and to their fellow Jews and true Yiddishkeit, which are inseparable.
The event of the Exodus from Egypt and the Festival of Passover are timely reminders, among other things, that not in an attempt to imitate the environment lies the hope for survival, deliverance and freedom, but rather in the unswerving loyalty to our traditions and true Jewish way of life.
Our ancestors in Egypt were a small minority and lived in the most difficult circumstances. Yet, as our Sages relate, they preserved their identity and with pride and dignity, tenaciously clung to their way of life, traditions and distinct uniqueness; precisely in this way was their existence assured, as also their true deliverance from slavery, physical and spiritual.
It is one of the vital tasks of our time to exert all possible effort to awaken in the young generation, as also in those who are advanced in years but still immature in deeper understanding, a fuller appreciation of the true Jewish values, of Torah-true Yiddishkeit, a full and genuine Yiddishkeit; not of that which goes under a false label of misrepresented, compromised or watered-down “Judaism,” whatever the trade-mark. Together with this appreciation will come the realization that only true Yiddishkeit can guarantee the existence of the individual, of each and every Jew, at any time, in any place and under any circumstances.
There is no room for hopelessness in Jewish life and no Jew should ever be given up as a lost cause. Through the proper compassionate approach of Ahavas Yisroel, even those of the “lost” generation can be brought back to the love of G-d (Ahavas Hashem) and love of the Torah (Ahavas Ha’Torah) and not only be included in the community of the “Four Sons,” but in due course be elevated to the rank of the “Wise” son.
May G-d grant that all sons and daughters of Israel be gathered at the same table of the Seder Service, to celebrate the Festival of Passover in its true spirit and manner, in accordance with “the testimonies, statues and laws, which G-d or G-d commanded us.”
May the gathering also of those “lost tribes of Israel” and their assembly at the Seder table, hasten the beginning of the true and complete Redemption of our people, through our righteous Moshiach, speedily in our time.
With blessing of a Kosher and Happy Pesach,
CrownHeights.infoby CrownHeights.info
London authorities have announced the arrest of three additional suspects in connection with the shocking antisemitic arson attack that destroyed multiple Hatzola ambulances in North London last week.
According to police, two men aged 20 and 19, along with a 17-year-old boy, were taken into custody on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. The arrests were carried out by counterterrorism officers as part of an ongoing investigation into the March 23 attack in the Golders Green neighborhood.
The attack targeted four ambulances belonging to Hatzola Northwest, a Jewish volunteer emergency service that provides critical medical response to the local community. The vehicles were set ablaze in the early hours of the morning while parked near a synagogue, with explosions reported due to oxygen tanks stored inside.
Authorities have confirmed that the incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime. While counterterrorism police are leading the investigation, officials have not formally classified the attack as terrorism. Investigators are also reviewing a claim of responsibility reportedly linked to a group with possible ties to Iran, though its authenticity remains unconfirmed.
The latest arrests bring the total number of suspects detained in connection with the attack to five. Two earlier suspects, aged 45 and 47, were previously arrested and later released on bail as the investigation continued.
The brazen attack has sent shockwaves through the Jewish community in London and beyond, particularly as it targeted an organization dedicated to saving lives regardless of background. Community leaders and officials have strongly condemned the incident, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously describing it as a “deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack.”
In the days following the attack, increased security measures have been implemented in Jewish neighborhoods across London, especially with the approach of the Yom Tov of Pesach. Authorities have pledged to bring those responsible to justice and to ensure the continued safety of the community.
As previously reported on CrownHeights.info, the Hatzola fleet has since been restored, allowing the volunteer service to continue its lifesaving work uninterrupted despite the devastating attack.
CrownHeights.infoPrivate Dov Premat, who was only 17 years old when he was killed in the War of Independence, had been classified for 78 years as an IDF fallen soldier whose burial place was unknown-until today.
As part of an investigation by the IDF’s Missing Persons Unit, it was determined that Fermat was buried in a mass grave at Maoz Haim together with 16 other IDF soldiers who fell in the same war.
The IDF stated that Company A of the 11th Battalion of the “Oded” Brigade, in which Dov served, moved up to Malkiya on June 1, 1948, to replace a Palmach force that had captured the area three days earlier.
Read More at israelnationalnews
CrownHeights.infoThousands of Crown Heights residents have flocked to 770 Wednesday morning for Biur Chometz, completing their preparations for Pesach.
CrownHeights.infoNew Web App Aims to Simplify “Shabbos Mode” Setup for Appliances
A newly launched web app is offering a practical solution to a familiar Erev Shabbos challenge: properly setting household appliances to “Shabbos mode.”
The tool, available at https://sabbath-mode-ease.base44.app/, is designed to guide users through the often-confusing process of preparing ovens, refrigerators, and other appliances for Shabbos use.
“Sabbath mode” is a built-in feature found in many modern appliances that allows them to operate in compliance with halachic requirements by disabling lights, sounds, and user-triggered responses while continuing normal operation. This ensures that actions like opening a refrigerator door or pressing buttons do not activate electrical changes prohibited on Shabbos.
However, activating the feature can vary widely between brands and models—often requiring specific button combinations or pre-configuration before Shabbos begins.
The new web app seeks to streamline that process. Users can access clear, step-by-step instructions tailored to different appliances, helping eliminate last-minute confusion and reducing the risk of improper setup.
In an age where “smart” appliances are increasingly common—and increasingly complex—tools like this aim to bridge the gap between modern technology and Shabbos observance.
While still a simple platform, the app reflects a growing trend: leveraging technology itself to make the observance of Shabbos easier and more accessible for Jewish households worldwide.
CrownHeights.infoby Motti Wilhelm – chabad.org
Come March each year, two reminders arrive like clockwork: your accountant tells you it’s time to file your taxes, and your local Chabad center lets you know that there’s a seat waiting for you at their communal Passover seder.
Public seders organized by the Chabad-Lubavitch movement have become a fixture in thousands of localities worldwide. From major American cities to remote outposts in the Far East, thousands of Chabad emissaries, reinforced each year by hundreds of volunteer yeshivah students, set up seders wherever Jews might find themselves on the first nights of Passover.
Some are remarkable for their sheer scale. The seder in Nepal, dubbed “the world’s largest,” draws some 2,000 participants and requires 1,500 pounds of matzah and 1,000 bottles of wine. Elsewhere, the scope is just as striking: In Moscow alone, more than 150 seders are held each year. And then there are the countless smaller public seders that hardly make headlines, yet leave a lasting imprint on individuals who might otherwise have missed the experience entirely.
These seders are all a natural extension of the mitzvah campaigns launched by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. Beginning in the 1950s, the Rebbe encouraged anyone who would listen to reach out and help fellow Jews connect with their heritage through Torah and mitzvahs. He would over the years place special emphasis on particular mitzvahs, for example tefillin and lighting Shabbat candles, but among the first was the Matzah Campaign, to encourage the distribution of handmade shmurah matzah, which the Rebbe introduced in 1954.
Yet the need for public Passover seders is a relatively new one. Not too many years ago, every Jew celebrated Passover at home, with their family. Those who did not have a seder of their own could find one to join, whether at the home of their rabbi or someone in else their community. That began to change in the 20th century, as Soviet Jewish refugees began arriving in the West, Israeli backpackers headed for the Far East and other exotic locales, and other reasons of modern life. With the Rebbe’s framework of mitzvah campaigns already in place, Chabad was ready to meet the need.
The public seder in Koh Samui, Thailand, is among the largest in the world, attracting thousands of attendees each year.
The earliest Chabad shluchim (emissaries) in America date back to the 1940s, in the years following the arrival of the Rebbe’s father-in-law the Sixth Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of righteous memory, on American shores. The Rebbe succeeded him in 1950, and building on the foundation laid out by his predecessor expanded the Chabad emissary project across the United States and abroad.
Many of them founded day schools, took up positions in existing synagogues, or filled other necessary Jewish communal roles. In that setting, most Jews they encountered already had a Passover seder to attend, often in their own homes or within their community.
An area that required particular attention was the availability of traditional round shmurah matzah, which had all but gone extinct in the United States. The Rebbe launched the Matzah Campaign in 1954 in response, ensuring that as many Jews as possible could obtain authentic, hand-baked shmurah matzah for Passover.
It was only toward the end of the 1960s, however, that the need for large-scale public seders began to emerge. In 1969, Rabbi Shlomo Cunin established a new Chabad center at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the first Chabad center focused on students. With the Rebbe’s blessings, he dubbed it “Chabad House.” Whereas Chabad emissaries had previously focused their energies on strengthening existing Jewish communities in need of help, the Chabad House at UCLA expanded the model: With the dawn of the counterculture and with it the loosening of traditional communal bonds, especially among young people, Chabad emissaries were now bringing Jewish life to the front lines of society.
These new Chabad centers set out to engage Jews with little or no communal affiliation, offering them accessible entry points to Jewish life and mitzvahs. The broad cultural changes meant that for many attending a Passover seder was no longer a given, but a choice, and one they often did not make. Naturally, Chabad at UCLA began arranging a Passover seder, as did other Chabad centers on university campuses.
A 1982 advertisement in the LA Weekly captures the spirit of those early efforts, inviting “any Jew that moves” to public Passover seders led by Rabbis Shlomo Cunin and Shlomo Schwartz.
That did not mean the old model of family-based seders was to be disposed of. Indeed, in situations where participants were likely to attend a seder of their own, the Rebbe expressed his preference that they do so.1 At the same time, in a situation where that was unlikely, the Rebbe encouraged public seders to be arranged.
One early example was the Soviet Jewish immigrants who began arriving in the United States in the early 1970s. Having endured decades of Soviet religious repression, many had never experienced a seder and had little or no Jewish education to draw upon. Public seders offered them, often for the first time, the opportunity to participate in the mitzvahs and rituals of Passover.
Chabad began holding such Passover seders in the 1970s in Crown Heights, where it was hosted by Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe (F.R.E.E.), and also in other centers of Soviet Jewish immigration, like Boston. For several years, the Rebbe himself visited F.R.E.E.’s Crown Heights seder, offering his blessing before it began.
Soon it became clear that it was not just Russian-Jewish refugees who could benefit from a public seder; indeed, there were many Jews of all demographics and backgrounds who were for various reasons unfamiliar with the ins and outs of Passover. And so, in the late 1970s, and accelerating through the 1980s, Chabad centers across the United States began hosting public seders. What had begun on campus and as a service for immigrants was now a wide need.
A 1982 advertisement in the LA Weekly captures the spirit of those early efforts, inviting “any Jew that moves” to public Passover seders led by Rabbis Shlomo Cunin and Shlomo Schwartz. In the language of the era, it promises a vibrant experience: “Enjoy a sumptuous Freedom Feast with all the traditional delicacies: handbaked whole wheat Matzoh, sweet and dry Israeli wines, fresh ground horseradish, ‘Charoset’ Trail Mix, Beet Borscht, All-Natural ‘Tzimes,’ Down-Home Chicken Soup, Fresh Squozen [sic] O.J., etc., etc. All in unlimited quantities.”
Hundreds of ‘Roving Rabbis’ will travel to communities around the world to lead public seders and to spread the joy of Pesach.
By 1986, the Rebbe felt that it was not enough for public Passovers to be held only in the United States. That year the Rebbe met with Israel’s Chief Rabbis, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Avraham Shapiro and Sefardic Chief Rabbi Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu and raised the issue of public seders in the Holy Land.
After emphasizing that Passover is fundamentally an educational experience, and that the seder explicitly embraces all “four sons,” from the wise child to the one who does not know how to ask, the Rebbe turned to the practical:2
“Efforts should be made to ensure that on the night of the seder, all ‘four sons’ are seated at the seder table, that is, even those who throughout the year remain distant from Jewish life, Torah and mitzvot should also take part in the seder,” he told them. “The practical approach, it would seem, is for rabbis in every locale, city rabbis, community rabbis, and neighborhood rabbis, to organize public seders in each place, and to invite all local residents, especially the children, to come and participate.”
When Rabbi Shapiro suggested that, to his knowledge, even non-religious Jews in Israel generally held seders, the Rebbe responded candidly:
“If only that this were already the case by the coming Passover. However, I am aware of the reality, for example, in New York, where tens of thousands of Jewish children do not take part in a seder; more than that, they are not even aware that such a seder exists. And from reports about the situation in Israel as well, it emerges that on Passover last year there were many children, in various settlements and kibbutzim, as well as in neighborhoods and larger towns, who, for one reason or another, did not participate in a seder.”
The Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi noted that many communal seders were already being held, but the Rebbe responded that the truth was that many were embarrassed to admit they had nowhere to go. He therefore urged that, rather than organizing community events, each rabbi open his own personal seder to the public, and publicize it widely, so that anyone could join easily and with dignity.
The Rebbe also addressed the practical question of cost. Acknowledging that such seders would require significant funding, he pledged to participate in the expenses himself, and added that there were many philanthropists in New York who would readily join in supporting the effort.
The Chief Rabbis agreed in principle, but the Rebbe did not leave it at that.
Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro, the son of the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi who accompanied his father to the meeting, later recalled: “Although the meeting ended at a late hour, we were surprised—as we left our hotel for prayers very early the next morning—to be greeted by a man who said, ‘I was sent by the Rebbe,’ and who handed us a check, the Rebbe’s first contribution toward these open seders.”
Pictured at the first seder in 1989, the annual seder in Nepal, dubbed “the world’s largest,” draws some 2,000 participants and requires 1,500 pounds of matzah and 1,000 bottles of wine. Mendy Kastel
At the same time, the first cracks that had appeared in the Iron Curtain in the ’70s began to expand, and the trickle of Russian Jews coming to the U.S., Israel and Europe turned into a flood.
A Jewish Telegraphic Agency daily bulletin from 1989 reported: “10,000 Soviet Jews in Italy Expected at Lubavitch seders.”3 It continued:
Some 10,000 Soviet Jews waiting in Italy will sit down this week to what is for most of them their first Pesach seder ever. The Chabad-Lubavitch organization is making the seders and has sent in rabbinic student volunteers from New York and Israel to lead them.
Like the Hasidic tale of the Jew who still remembered the tree in the forest, but no longer remembered the prayer, for most of these Soviet Jews, ‘it was a tradition to remember the matzah, but not all the halachot,’ said Rabbi Yitzhak Chazan, the Lubavitcher rebbe’s emissary in Rome, who is overseeing the giant operation.
Chazan, in a telephone interview from Rome, said “80 percent might know the details of Pesach” and “some maybe remembered to get matzah, but not to keep kosher for Pesach.”
But of all the 9,600 Soviet Jews now in Ladispoli and surrounding Italian towns, only “about 1 to 2 percent” have ever experienced a Pesach seder. Chazan estimated.
That is how many Jews are now registered in the transit center in Rome, he said, but Jewish agencies are expecting a full 10,000 will be gathered in the Italian towns by Wednesday night, when Passover begins. “Each day, there are 100 arrivals,” Chazan said.
Some 4,000 miles away, another Passover story was unfolding, in Nepal, to which young Israeli backpackers had recently begun flocking. The Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmuel Moyal, thought it would make sense to organize a public seder at the embassy in Kathmandu. Expecting a turnout of perhaps 30 to 40 backpackers, he posted a sign-up sheet at a popular restaurant. But within three weeks, nearly 90 people had already registered. Realizing the scope was growing beyond his capacity, he turned to the Rebbe.
“I sent a telegram to Rabbi Schneerson, who I knew from when I was a consul in New York,” Moyal told Chabad.org in 2011. “He said not to worry, that he’ll send three rabbinical students to help. And three came: one from Australia, one from New York and one from Canada.”
They Chabad yeshivah students came equipped with handmade shmurah matzah, wine and kosher meat, preparing for roughly 100 participants. In the end, some 500 backpackers showed up.
“There wasn’t any time to get more food shipped,” said Rabbi Mendy Kastel, one of the students who traveled to Nepal that year, “so we had to work with the food we had. I’m a Brooklyn boy, and I never understood what it meant to be in a Third World country.”
The following year, another group of students came. Then another the year after. What began as an improvised effort grew steadily, eventually becoming the world’s largest seder, held in Kathmandu by Rabbi Chezky and Chanie Lifshitz, who established a permanent Chabad center in Nepal in 2000. Additional seders would later be established in other parts of the country as well.
These seders had a profound impression on the attendees, even those who hailed from Israel. “[The seder] was a real eye-opener for me,” Irit Goren told Lubavitch News Service in 1991. The Tel Aviv native had come to Nepal to study Eastern religions. “This is the first time Judaism had any meaning for me,” she said. “I never knew that Judaism was so spiritual.”
The Nepal seder became a catalyst for similar initiatives across Southeast Asia, eventually contributing to the growth of a wider network of permanent Chabad centers throughout the region.
Chabad public seders spread to every country where Chabad operates—today, more than 100—and even to places where no permanent Chabad presence yet exists, facilitated by groups of yeshivah students dispatched through the Roving Rabbis program.
Throughout this period, the Rebbe remained closely involved, offering both encouragement and practical guidance. When organizers of large seders in Europe proposed charging a nominal fee to offset costs, the Rebbe rejected the idea, insisting that the seders remain free of charge.4 On another occasion, he urged that public seders should be held on both nights of Passover, not only the first.5
In 1989, when Shaul Spigler of Australia reported to the Rebbe that a public seder would be held in Tokyo, the Rebbe responded: “The main thing is to advertise early on that there will be a public seder [in Tokyo]. There are visitors who will come a day or two before Passover and it is important they should know that there is a place where they can have a kosher meal and a kosher Passover.”
Chabad public seders spread to every country where Chabad operates—today, more than 100—and even to places where no permanent Chabad presence yet exists, facilitated by groups of yeshivah students dispatched through the Roving Rabbis program.
In 2000, in honor of 50 years since the Rebbe assumed leadership, 500 Seders were organized in Russia and Ukraine, greatly broadening the scope of what had by now become a global phenomenon.
A 2017 news report captures the scope of the operation: “If spring break or other travel takes you away from home during Passover, the Jewish outreach organization Chabad-Lubavitch hosts communal seders in cities, on college campuses and in vacation destinations around the world.
“A legendary seder takes place each year in Kathmandu, Nepal, drawing more than 1,500 Israelis and other travelers each year. Other seders are planned in Nepal in Pokhara, near the famous Annapurna trail and in Manang, which at an altitude of 11,545 feet may be the world’s highest seder. Supplies for the Manang event are transported by helicopter, motorcycle or horseback, depending on the conditions…Chabad also holds seders in popular spring break destinations like the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Orlando, Florida, and Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Mexico.”6
When extraordinary circumstances arise—such as the war in Ukraine or missile attacks in Israel—special arrangements are made to ensure that public seders can still take place safely, while accommodating as many participants as possible.
And the number of public seders continues to grow each year. In the past week alone, nearly 700 yeshivah students were dispatched across the globe to assist Chabad emissaries or to lead seders of their own, reaching hundreds of thousands of participants.
There, they will celebrate, fulfill the mitzvahs of the night, and pray that just as G‑d redeemed the Jewish people from Egypt, so, too, may He redeem the Jewish people from all those who seek to harm them in our own time.
Footnotes
1. Teshurah: Simchas Nisuin shel Shneur Zalman veNechama Guraria, 16 Adar 5783 (March 9, 2023), 8.
2. Sefer HaSichos 5746, vol. 3 (Brooklyn, NY: Vaad Hanachos Hatmimim, 1987), 78.
3. Susan Biran, “10,000 Soviet Jews in Italy Expected at Lubavitch seders,” JTA Daily News Bulletin, April 18, 1989, 4.
4. “Kol Ditzrich Yesei Veyifsach: The Rebbe’s Campaign to Ensure Every Jew Celebrates Pesach Properly,” A Chassidisher Derher, Nissan 5780 (March–April 2020).
5. Sefer HaSichos 5751 (Brooklyn, NY: Kehot, 1992), 443.
6. The Associated Press, “Chabad-Lubavitch Hosts seders Around the World,” March 28, 2017.
CrownHeights.infoFar away, under the shadow of Stalin and in fear of Hitler, Jews once studied Torah in secret, windows covered, guards watching. A young boy once said to his sister, “When Moshiach comes, we will open the shades and show the whole world, we are Jews! We can now study Torah without keeping it a secret.”
That is freedom.
Not just to be released from hardship. but to live proudly as a Jew, without fear, without apology.
That is what Pesach gives us.
Matzah is called the bread of faith and the bread of healing. It strengthens us from within, giving us the courage to rise above every limitation, real or imagined. Once a Jew is filled with that strength, nothing can stand in the way.
But there is one more thing.
At the Seder, we speak of four sons, but the Rebbe reminds us of a fifth: the one who never even shows up. The one who doesn’t know, doesn’t ask, doesn’t come.
Pesach is not complete without him.
Before we celebrate our own freedom, we must reach out, find him, and bring him home, with warmth, with love, without judgment.
Because true freedom is not only personal but also collective.
So as you prepare for Pesach, take a moment to tap into that strength, that faith, that healing, and let it carry you through the entire year.
And if you can, bring along one more Jew.
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and kosher Pesach.
Have a Liberating Passover,
Gut Yomtov, Gut Shabbos, Gut Moed
Rabbi Yosef Katzman
CrownHeights.infoby Tzali Reicher – chabad.org
Lexie Szafranski has been to a lot of Passover seders. But nothing quite prepared her for when Rabbi Berel Goldman, director of Lubavitch Chabad Jewish Student Center at the University of Florida in Gainesville, told her they’d be moving the annual campus seder into a sports arena.
“I thought it was crazy,” said the University of Florida senior from Surfside, Fla., who serves as president of Chabad’s student board. “Sure, it was getting crowded at the Chabad center, and people were spread all over the place, but to rent out the basketball stadium?”
Now she can’t imagine it any other way.
On Wednesday evening, April 1, Chabad UF will host what organizers say is the largest single-seated Passover seder in the country, drawing an expected 1,500 Jewish students, faculty, alumni, and community members to the O’Connell Center, the campus’s 12,000-seat arena.
The University of Florida enrolls roughly 65,000 students, approximately 10,000 of whom are Jewish. Goldman and his wife, Chanie, moved to Gainesville to establish Chabad UF in 2000. Passover usually takes place during spring break, but not this year, meaning that most students will be on campus during Passover, and organizers are expecting an uptick in attendance.
The seder isn’t just reaching the 400 students that regularly attend the Friday- night Shabbat dinners and other Chabad activities.
“Students who don’t usually celebrate Jewish holidays or come to Chabad events on campus came to me after the seder in the stadium to share how incredible it is,” Szafranski says.
Rabbi Berel Goldman poses with his team of staff and volunteers on the evening before Pesach 2026.
The move from the Chabad center to the basketball arena began when the crowds outgrew every available space. Three years ago, the seder relocated to the O’Dome—an informal name for the stadium—and this year it returns, larger than ever.
Rabbi Meyer Brook, who joined the Chabad UF staff after marrying the Goldman’ daughter, Mushka, in 2021, handles operations and kosher food in Gainesville. He described the logistical scope of planning the massive seder.
“Weeks before Passover, trucks come bearing all the supplies,” he explains. “Cases of matzah, wine, plastics and everything else you can think of needs to be unpacked and stored in the Chabad center, until the night before the seder.”
Then the team bands together to ensure it goes off without a hitch.
On the busy night before the first seder, when most Jewish families around the world are checking their homes for chametz (Bedikat Chametz) and preparing their homes for the holiday, a staff of 25 and a large group of volunteers organize the food and take positions throughout the floor, setting up each individual place. In the morning, food and seating are arranged as the attendees begin surging in the afternoon.
On the busy night before the first seder, a staff of 25 and a large group of volunteers organize the food and take positions throughout the floor, setting up each individual place
This year, the pre-seder event,— which takes place before sunset and the onset of the holiday,— will be livestreamed as students are introduced to the program and watch a video of the Rebbe—, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—, with a message on the meaning of the holiday of Passover. They will also have the opportunity to wrap tefillin and light the holiday candles together with thousands of their fellow students.
With microphones prohibited once the holiday begins, each of the four rabbis and rebbetzins serving the students of the University of Florida will take their places on elevated perches in each corner of the room to lead the seder for their sector. In addition to the first-night seder at the O’Connell Center, Chabad UF will host a second-night seder and provide more than 4,000 kosher-for-Passover meals throughout the holiday.
“It’s a massive operation,” acknowledges Brook. “But once the evening begins, and you see the students coming together for the seder in an unbelievable display of Jewish pride, it’s very much worth it.”
For Szafranski, after four years, the magnitude of the annual seder still affects her.
“It’s the most rewarding event of the year,” she said. “It’s just the most electric atmosphere and inspiring experience.”
The seder at the University of Florida is expected to attract 1,500 Jewish students, faculty, alumni, and community members to the O’Connell Center, the campus’s 12,000-seat arena. This picture was taken before the start of the holiday in 2024.
CrownHeights.infoIt is forbidden on a holiday to do any act in preparation for the following day, even if the following day is Shabbat. However, the sages created a halachic device, called an eruv tavshilin, which allows one to cook food on a holiday day for use on a Shabbat that immediately follows it.
If a holiday day — whether the first or second day of a holiday — falls on a Friday, an eruv tavshilin is set aside on the day preceding the holiday (Wednesday or Thursday afternoon), so that we will be permitted to prepare for Shabbat (cooking as well as any other necessary preparations) on the holiday. Only one eruv is required per household.
This eruv consists of a challah or two matzahs, and a cooked food, such as meat, fish, or an unpeeled hard-boiled egg.
CrownHeights.infoAs in previous years, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a special Passover greeting letter to the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Harav Berel Lazar. The letter will be read tonight at the opening of the central public Seder at the Marina Roscha Synagogue in Moscow.
As the Festival of Freedom is ushered in—celebrated by hundreds of thousands of Russian Jews across numerous communities led by dedicated Chabad Shluchim and dozens of Temimim dispatched to assist them—President Putin chose to highlight and praise the Jewish community’s contributions to the country.
In his official letter from the Kremlin, which is also being published in leading Russian media outlets, the President wrote: “This significant and revered holiday recalls central events in the history of the Jewish people and their quest for freedom. It symbolizes the triumph of unity, goodness, and justice. It is gratifying to see that the Jewish community in Russia leads a rich and diverse life, devotes constant attention to the preservation of family values and the education of the younger generation, and takes an active role in acts of charity and chesed.”
The President also praised the interfaith cooperation in the country, noting: “Russian Jews, relying on the rich spiritual heritage of their ancestors, serve as a worthy example of mutual understanding and fruitful cooperation between religions and nations.” He concluded his letter with wishes for health and peace.
Preparations for Yom Tov reached their peak in recent days, as Jewish communities nationwide received extensive logistical support from the central headquarters in Moscow. This massive operation aims to ensure that every single Jew across Russia has the ability to celebrate Pesach properly, joyfully, and as true bnei chorin.
Screenshot
CrownHeights.infoby Shloimy Galperin – chabad.org
Each spring, Rabbi Mendy Katz of Bal Harbor, Fla., spends a few weeks in a northern New Jersey shipping warehouse. As the director of outreach programs for the Aleph Institute, Rabbi Katz oversees the logistics for delivering hundreds of shipments of Passover essentials— matzah, maror, seder plates and haggadahs—each headed to a correctional facility somewhere around the United States. The price tag runs into the hundreds of thousands, and the vast majority of the recipients will never meet him, but he says it all worth it.
“For prisoners, it means the world to them to know that someone cares,” said Rabbi Katz. “They know that they haven’t been forgotten about, and we’re there to help them, materially and spiritually.”
Every year before Passover, the Aleph Institute ensures that Jews behind bars are able to celebrate the holiday. This year, they will send out over 400 Seder Plates, 2,000 Hagaddahs and more than 8,000 lbs of matzah, as well as 2,750 packages of macaroons, gefilte fish, and other holiday foods.
An inmate from New York recently sent Katz a letter: “We appreciate everything that Aleph and all the staff and volunteers do to help us and our families. It is not easy… Knowing that there are people out that care about us is very uplifting.”
The Aleph Institute also sends Passover supplies to Jews incarcerated internationally, allowing people in over 40 remote prisons around the world — including such places as India, Belarus, the UAE, Malaysia, Taiwan and Spain — to have a Passover seder. Over 1,400 families of incarcerated individuals will receive shmurah matzah as well.
Jewish prisoners in the Philippines received matzah from Aleph.
At the inspiration of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, Florida Chabad emissary Rabbi Sholom Lipskar founded the Aleph Institute in 1981, and in the years since it has become the leading Jewish organization caring for the incarcerated and their families.
“The Rebbe was very much ahead of the curve,” said Lipskar in a 2018 Chabad.org profile. “He saw what was happening, and he pressed that prisoners be treated with dignity, and that they be given educational opportunities so that they could use their time in the facilities for the better.”
Rabbi Aaron Lipskar addresses the Aleph Conference in 2026.
Lipskar passed away last spring. Today, his nephew, Rabbi Aaron Lipskar, serves as the CEO of the Aleph Institute. He has expanded the scope of services that Aleph provides.
“Today, we work with every component of the legal system,” said the younger Rabbi Lipskar. “In courtrooms, we work with alternative sentencing, as well as reduced sentencing. But our efforts in the realm of preventive educational programs are definitely a major focus, as the Rebbe encouraged education as a preventive measure instead of punishment.”
The Aleph Institute approaches criminal justice reform and recidivism reduction through preventive education and faith-based rehabilitation programs, re-entry assistance, alternative sentencing guidance and counsel, and policy research and recommendations. In short, they believe in helping all people.
“We care for everyone, regardless of their religious affiliation or ethnicity,” said Lipskar, emphasizing that although the Aleph Institute is a Jewish organization, they offer services irrespective of religion. “We put a huge emphasis on family unification and support. In fact, we recently began a program that focuses specifically on incarcerated women (AIW), some of whom have given birth in prison.”
What motivated Lipskar to open the Aleph Institute was the Rebbe’s charge to fix society. It is impossible to lift a building from the top, Lipskar explained, the only way to do it was by placing a lever on the bottom. The Aleph Institute
The Rebbe noted that prison is not a Jewish form of punishment, and so its existence meant that there was a deeper goal, namely education.
“The goal of incarceration … is to return them to the good path, and to bring the incarcerated to a place where when they are released they will be able to open a ‘new page’ and to lead their lives in the way of justice and righteousness,” said the Rebbe at the 1985 farbrengen gathering that was attended by Rabbi Lipskar and a group of Jewish inmates as part of a Federal religious furlough program. “Not only that, but they will be able to positively impact others by explaining ‘this happened to me,’ and this has been the result.”
Aleph works 365 days a year to ensure Jewish inmates are taken care of, and feel like they can reintegrate into society after serving their time. The Jewish holidays are an especially important time where inmates feel the organization’s ever growing impact.
The Rebbe wrote to Jewish inmates as early as 1977. “When a person finds himself in a situation of ‘after sunset’ i.e. when the light of day has given light to gloom and darkness,” he wrote, “one must not despair. The darkness is only temporary, and it will soon be superseded by a bright light.”
On Passover, that letter takes on a particular resonance. The holiday does not ask whether the people celebrating it deserve to be free. It simply insists that they remember what freedom felt like—and that they pass the story on.
Children pick prizes at the Chanukah carnival that was organized by Aleph in a federal corrections facility in 2025.
CrownHeights.infoIn Reno, Nevada, 30 volunteers spent five hours in a single marathon session and walked out with 500 freshly cooked meals. In Santa Fe, New Mexico, shmura matzah was tucked into food packages with stickers telling recipients when to eat it. In Portland, Maine, volunteers in matching aprons peeled, chopped, and stirred their way through pots of chicken soup, potato kugel, and tzimmes, then wrote personal cards for every recipient.
Across 20 communities in the United States and Canada, the Kitchen of Kindness network is gearing up for Pesach to ensure no Jew sits alone on Seder night without a meal, a Haggadah, and the basics to make Yom Tov.
“Even in the largest Jewish communities, there are Jews who go unnoticed,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “Kitchen of Kindness turns community members into a team of givers, making sure every Jew has what they need to celebrate Pesach with dignity.”
The program, created in memory of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky a”h, supports volunteer-run kosher kitchens at Chabad centers from the Five Towns to Vista, California. Each kitchen runs on a regular schedule, but for Pesach, many added special sessions to meet the surge in need.
In Santa Fe, the local Kitchen of Kindness, directed byRabbi Berel and Devorah Leah Levertov, saw 25 volunteers packing meals, including many who don’t usually come to Chabad**.** shmura matzah was sent alongside the usual meals at its most recent session. People signing up for the community Seder were also offered the option to anonymously sponsor a kit for someone in need.
“Recipients include people in residential homes who try to keep kosher but always have a hard time on Pesach, and a couple in their 90s, both going through chemo,” Levertov said. “Our volunteers are going to deliver it all on erev Yom Tov.”
Rabbi Dovid Kotlarsky of Chabad of East Lakeview, Chicago, who operates a Kitchen of Kindness with his wife Devorah Leah, has connected with people most programs never reach. One woman with a spinal injury hasn’t left her bed in six years. A 93-year-old Moroccan woman whose daughter died during COVID had no one visiting her.
“We met her through this project and now we have volunteers who visit her every week,” Kotlarsky said. “She came for Purim, we had a Moroccan Purim, she celebrated. It was really, really special.”
For Pesach, his kitchen is assembling complete Seder-to-go packages: chicken, potatoes, vegetables, grape juice, matzah, a Haggadah, and a kiddush cup, delivered to people who won’t go out at night and won’t come to anyone’s Seder.
In Oceanside and Vista, California, Mrs. Nechama Greenberg hosted a Cooking Expo where four local chefs demonstrated Pesach recipes. Volunteers cooked alongside them, tasted the results, took home recipe cards, and then packaged the delicious food for delivery to community members in need.
“People were so happy to be able to meet people and be doing something, especially now when the world needs extra light,” Greenberg said. “The people who received the food really felt that hug.”
In Portland, Maine, Rabbi Levi and Hindy Wilansky received their first full shipment of Kitchen of Kindness branded supplies just in time for Pesach. Volunteers assembled complete seder plates with charoset and maror, cooked chicken soup with matzah balls, baked potato kugel, and prepared tzimmes.
“The feeling in the room was just unreal,” said Hindy. “People were so excited to be part of a project of coming together to help people who aren’t able to cook for themselves or make a Pesach.”
What sets Kitchen of Kindness apart, she added, is the direction it flows. “This is not top-down, where the shliach makes a project and the community members are just recipients. Here, these volunteers are part of the project. You’re inviting them into your shlichus to be part of something meaningful, and they feel so uplifted to be given the opportunity to help.”
Rabbi Moshe and Doba Cunin of Chabad of Reno, NV, whose kitchen produced 500 meals in a single pre-Pesach session, sees this initiative as a gateway. “It’s a great way to get people through the door,” said Moshe. “It’s created a sense of community and brought people into Chabad that either attend different synagogues or no synagogue at all. And people keep coming back.”
This Pesach, for Jews across the country who don’t have the means or the company to make a Seder, Kitchen of Kindness volunteers are delivering complete meals, Seder kits, and handwritten cards to their doors.
CrownHeights.infoby CrownHeights.info
After nearly two decades of legal battles, a major victory has been secured for Chabad-Lubavitch in Old Westbury, New York.
The Incorporated Village of Old Westbury has agreed to pay approximately $19 million in damages and permit the long-delayed construction of a Chabad center, bringing an end to one of the longest-running religious land-use disputes in recent memory.
The case, brought by Lubavitch of Old Westbury and Rabbi Aaron Konikov, dates back to 2008, though efforts to build the Chabad center began even earlier. Over the years, the plaintiffs argued that the village systematically blocked their ability to construct a house of worship through restrictive zoning laws.
At the center of the dispute was the village’s “Places of Worship” (POW) law, which imposed significantly stricter requirements on religious institutions than on comparable secular uses.
In a strongly worded ruling in 2025, a federal judge declared the law “facially invalid under the United States Constitution,” finding that it discriminated against religious exercise.
Court filings revealed stark disparities in how religious uses were treated. Among the restrictions imposed on houses of worship were a 12-acre minimum lot size requirement, severe setback and frontage limitations, height restrictions stricter than those for residential and commercial buildings, and requirements to preserve large portions of land in an undeveloped state.
In one striking example cited by the court, zoning rules allowed certain non-religious uses—such as agricultural features—to be located closer to property lines than a synagogue or house of worship.
The court concluded that the law treated “comparable secular activity more favorably than religious exercise,” a violation of fundamental constitutional protections.
As the case dragged on, the financial impact on the Chabad grew significantly. Court discussions referenced millions in lost donations and earnings, highlighting the real-world toll of the prolonged delays.
With the zoning law struck down and the village facing the prospect of even greater liability, pressure mounted to reach a resolution.
According to available reporting, the newly reached agreement includes $19 million in damages paid to Lubavitch of Old Westbury, approval to move forward with construction of the Chabad center, and an end to years of costly and contentious litigation.
The settlement effectively closes a chapter that a federal judge previously described as an “unacceptably long history” of delay and legal obstruction.
Legal experts say the case could have far-reaching implications for religious institutions across the United States. The ruling reinforces that municipalities cannot impose zoning laws that unfairly burden religious practice, particularly when comparable secular uses are treated more leniently.
CrownHeights.infoby Motti Wilhelm – chabad.org
The Passover seder night is rich with once-a-year mitzvos, layered customs, and the recitation of the Haggadah, one of the most extensively studied texts in Jewish literature. The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, authored a masterful commentary on the Haggadah, which was published exactly 80 years ago. And across the globe, Chabad-Lubavitch seders draw hundreds, sometimes thousands, in each location. But what did the Rebbe’s own Passover nights look like?
It was mostly deeply private: Until 1970, his seder would take place in the home of his father-in-law and predecessor the Sixth Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of righteous memory, joined by a small group of elder Chassidim; from 1970 to 1988 he did the seder only with his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka; and after she passed away, entirely alone, in his personal study at Chabad World Headquarters in Brooklyn, N.Y.
And still, on that very night, the Rebbe made himself present for others.
After the evening prayers, when most hurried home to begin their own seder, throughout the years, the Rebbe would regularly visit several public seders throughout Crown Heights, giving attention to each detail and to each individual present.
Later, when Chabad facilitated the rescue of Iranian-Jewish children in the wake of the Islamic Revolution, the Rebbe visited their seder as well, taking special care to recognize their distinct customs and needs.
This is the story of the Rebbe’s seder night.
The home of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin.
From when the Sixth Rebbe arrived on American shores, he established a unique model for holiday meals: semi-public gatherings. A select group of guests would be invited to join, while others would stand nearby, observing and absorbing the atmosphere from the sidelines. After the arrival of his son-in-law, the Rebbe, he, too, participated in these meals.
A separate room was designated for the women, including the Sixth Rebbe’s wife, Rebbetzin Nechama Dina; the Rebbe’s wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka; and the Rebbe’s mother, Rebbetzin Chana.
Following the Sixth Rebbe’s passing in 1950, the format continued. A small group would join the Rebbe together with his brother-in-law, Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary, known as “the Rashag,” in the dining room of the Sixth Rebbe’s apartment on the second floor of 770 Eastern Parkway. The Sixth Rebbe’s seat remained empty. The Rebbe and the Rashag sat to the left and right, occupying the same places they had held during his lifetime.
These meals were markedly different from the Rebbe’s public farbrengens, where he would speak at length, weaving together Torah insight and guidance for daily life. Here, the tone was restrained. The Rebbe spoke sparingly, responding when addressed or offering a few carefully chosen words, but never delivering extended talks.
The seder plate and kiddush cup used by the Rebbe during the seder, now housed in the Library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad. Dov Hechtman
Yet for Chassidim, these moments were no less precious. The brief exchanges and the opportunity to observe the Rebbe leading the holiday meal drew many to press into the small dining room, eager to catch even a glimpse or a word. After the holiday, the rich conversations and exchanges were carefully transcribed, later published in a two-volume set.
This was especially pronounced on Passover night. Drawn by the desire to witness the Rebbe perform the mitzvahs of the seder, recite the Haggadah, and share brief insights into the customs of the night, the crowds would swell, filling the room to capacity.
This continued until the January 1971 passing of Rebbetzin Nechama Dina, who had hosted the holiday meals. In her absence, the semi-public meals came to an end.
Though many would have eagerly joined, from then on the Rebbe held his holiday meals quietly and modestly, together with his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. Following her passing in 1988, and despite invitations from Chassidim who would have accorded him every honor, the Rebbe conducted his seder alone, in his study at 770, insisting that even his secretaries return home to celebrate with their families.
Like so many other facets of the Rebbe’s life, his seder reflected a theme seen time and again: for himself, he chose what was most modest and reserved, while at the same time igniting a global renaissance of Judaism, touching hundreds of thousands and ensuring that others had what they needed, both materially and spiritually.
And before the Rebbe began his own seder, he had a few stops to make.
A bowl belonging to the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad-Lubavitch, which was used at the Rebbe’s seder table. It is now housed in the Library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad. Dov Hechtman
In 1952, the first Passover after formally accepting the leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, the Rebbe turned to one of the Chassidim and asked where the yeshivah students would be holding their seder.
Many of the students—who had come from across the United States, Europe and Israel—remained in Crown Heights for Passover, as travel was still costly and often impractical. Together, they koshered the yeshivah kitchen and arranged a joint seder.
They were not expecting any guests.
But then, instead of heading upstairs to his own seder on the second floor of 770, the Rebbe left the building and walked to the hall where the students had gathered. To their astonishment and joy, they realized that the Rebbe had come for a pre-seder visit.
The following year, it happened again. And the year after that.
The Rebbe would walk through the hall where the students’ seder was set, taking in every detail, pausing when something was missing, commenting when necessary, and ensuring that everything was in place.
For the students, this became the highlight of the night.
The broken bowl used by the Rebbe to pour wine into during the recitation of the Haggadah, now housed in the Library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad. Dov Hechtman
They would prepare with anticipation, waiting for the moment the Rebbe would arrive. Standing in the fully set hall, with a Seder plate, Kiddush cup and matzah at each place, they would line up respectfully as the Rebbe passed through, casting a careful glance at each setting.
The Rebbe would point out ways the seder could be enhanced: One year he asked that additional pillows be brought so the students could properly recline, as required; another year he noted that the wine bottles should be moved away from a heat source to prevent them from spoiling.
He made sure to stop in the kitchen as well, offering warm holiday greetings to the yeshivah’s cook, an elderly widow who had devoted her life to caring for the students. Musia, who had lost her husband in World War II and young child in its aftermath, would await the Rebbe’s visit for weeks, anticipating the moment when, as she would say, “the holy tzaddik will come.”
At the conclusion of his visit, the Rebbe would offer a brief blessing to the students, after which they would begin their seder.
This visit continued year after year, the Rebbe taking the time to visit students far from home, ensuring they had everything needed to celebrate properly, and offering his personal blessing.
And that was only the beginning.
Chabad’s campaign to bring 1,800 Iranian children to safety lasted between the end of 1978 and late summer of 1980. Pictured is one of the groups going through registration upon arrival in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y., circa 1979. (Photo: Courtesy NCFJE)
In the 1970s, as the Chabad community grew in Crown Heights, a number of organizations began hosting public Passover seders. Among them was Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe (F.R.E.E.), established to assist Jews who had escaped from behind the Iron Curtain. In 1972, the organization purchased a building in Crown Heights and began holding public seders for Soviet Jewish refugees who had resettled there.
The Rebbe began visiting their seder as well. Notably, he delivered his blessing in Russian rather than Yiddish, so the participants could understand. He tailored his words to their reality, blessing them that they should soon be reunited with their families, many of whom remained behind the Iron Curtain. That first year, the Rebbe also walked through the entire building, visiting each room of the newly established center.
In 1975, the Rebbe added another stop: the recently opened Machon Chana, a seminary for young women just beginning their journey into Jewish life. Here, too, he paid careful attention to the participants’ specific needs, once even remarking that there were not enough mirrors for the students.
His blessing there, as well, was personal and precise: that by the following year, they should merit to celebrate the seder with their own families.
Another location the Rebbe would visit, though not every year, was the Hadar HaTorah yeshivah, the first-ever yeshivah established for young men who had grown up without a religious background and were now discovering their heritage for the first time.
Each of these visits carried its own stories. In every setting, the Rebbe’s sensitivity was evident, meeting each group exactly where they were, with care tailored to their circumstances.
One particularly memorable moment took place during a visit to Machon Chana. The Rebbe turned to a young boy, Mendel Feller, son of Rabbi Moshe Feller, regional director of Chabad of the Upper Midwest, who had come with his family to lead the seder for the students. The Rebbe asked, “Do you know the Four Questions? Do you know them by heart?”
When the boy, today a Chabad emissary in Minnesota himself, answered in the affirmative, the Rebbe turned to his father and asked, “But does he know the answers?”
Everyone present laughed, taking it as a lighthearted remark.
The next day, the Rebbe called the senior Feller to his office, and clarified:
“What I said last night in Machon Chana was not a joke. Everyone there took it as a joke, but I did not mean it that way.
“A child does not relate to ritual the way an adult does. A child is thinking, ‘We went through this last year, why are we doing it again?’ That is the question he carries inside. The task of the father is to convey that this is not a repetition of last year. It is something new, a fresh reliving of the experience.”
The largest number of Iranian children in Crown Heights at one time was Passover 1979, when 1,000 were spread throughout the neighborhood. Four special seders were conducted, which the Rebbe visited, with Haggadahs printed in Farsi for the occasion.
In 1979, yet another group was added to this growing map of care. In the wake of the Iranian Revolution, Chabad undertook a dramatic effort to bring Jewish children out of Iran, rescuing them from a rapidly deteriorating situation. While their parents were, for the time being, unable to leave, the children were admitted to the United States as students.
Thousands were brought out in what is informally known as Operation Exodus. In Crown Heights, Chabad arranged homes for them or hosted them within the community, establishing dedicated schools and programs that respected their longstanding traditions and communal norms.
When Passover approached, that same sensitivity continued. The Rebbe took a personal interest in ensuring that the children would have the foods they were accustomed to. He even inquired specifically about rice—avoided by Ashkenazim on Passover as kitniyot, but a staple of the Iranian Passover table—making sure it would be prepared for them.
He also asked that some of the maror prepared for the students be brought to him.
And on the night of the Seder, the Rebbe came to visit them as well.
The Rebbe offered his blessing there as well, but first asked that someone fluent in both Hebrew and Farsi translate his words so the children could fully understand. At the conclusion, the boys responded loudly, “Amen, kein yehi ratzon,” in their Sephardic accents. Following their lead, the Rebbe repeated the phrase in Sephardic pronunciation and then began a joyful song.
These visits left behind many warm memories and singular moments. But more than anything, they offered a living example: that even on one of the busiest nights of the Jewish year, the Rebbe made time to ensure that students, refugees, young women far from home, and Iranian-Jewish children had not only what they needed in the most basic sense, but everything necessary to feel comfortable and to celebrate in the way they knew.
It is an example that continues to be carried forward by Chabad emissaries to this day.
A special emphasis was made that the children feel comfortable; this sentiment famously extended to Iranian children being served rice at the group Passover seders arranged for them. (Photo: Courtesy NCFJE)
CrownHeights.infoRabbi Asher Zeilingold
Click here for a PDF version of this edition of Here’s My Story, or visit the My Encounter Blog.
Shortly after we got engaged, my wife Sema and I wrote a letter to the Rebbe. We told him that we were looking forward to our life together, and we wanted to go out and become his emissaries. With that, we asked for the Rebbe to choose the place where we would spend the rest of our lives.
The Rebbe told me to first spend two years studying Torah, and then to come to him with a few proposals that he would choose from. So, after two years, in 1966, we wrote to the Rebbe again, with a list of ideas and job offers — and then, the very next morning, I received another proposal from my friend Rabbi Moshe Feller, who had been sent to Minnesota as the Chabad representative there some three years before. There was a synagogue in S. Paul that needed a rabbi and had appointed Rabbi Feller to find candidates. As it turned out, this was the proposal the Rebbe chose, and he even did what he could to help me get the position.
Eventually, the president of the shul wrote a letter to me, asking if I would agree to become the rabbi. However, he added, since the congregation had very little money in the bank, what they were offering to pay me for the first year was considerably lower than a rabbi could expect to receive for a full-time position. I sent this letter to the Rebbe, too.
Whenever I had written to the Rebbe about this position, I usually received an answer within a few hours, and so I was surprised when there was no immediate answer. Eventually, after a few days, Rabbi Hodakov, the Rebbe’s secretary, showed me that the Rebbe had written out an answer that I could give to the shul in Minnesota: “I’ve visited S. Paul, and I see a field that can be planted with many beautiful trees, with fruit to come,” it began.
“You asked about the wage you are offering me,” the Rebbe then continued in my name, “and indeed it is a lower wage than could be expected. I understand your situation and agree to this wage, but on the condition that when things get better, the wage will be increased.”
And so I was asked to become the rabbi of the Adath Israel Synagogue of S. Paul.
We were set to go on the Friday before Passover of 1966. In those days, the custom was that a young couple going out on shlichut would first visit the Rebbe to receive a blessing, so a couple of weeks beforehand I asked Rabbi Hodakov if we could have an audience. At first we were told that, since it was just before Passover, that would be difficult, but then the Rebbe said that we should come in.
In a note I prepared earlier, I wrote that we had come for the Rebbe’s blessing, and we were also asking for his specific instructions in relation to our shlichut. In the audience, I handed my letter to the Rebbe.
“What arrangements have you made for Passover?” he asked.
Since we were arriving just before Passover, I told the Rebbe that we would be eating all of our holiday meals together with Rabbi and Mrs. Feller. However, at that time the Fellers lived in a very small apartment, so we would be sleeping in the home of an elderly couple. The couple was observant, but we didn’t know their level of kashrut observance, and Chabad traditionally maintains an especially high standard for food on Passover, so we didn’t plan on eating anything in their home.
The Rebbe looked at me after I said all of this. “And what are you going to do if you want to have a glass of tea in the middle of the night?”
Rebbe, please, I thought, I don’t want to waste your precious time discussing whether I will or won’t be able to drink tea!
But the Rebbe had asked me a question, and I had to give an answer. “I don’t know,” I replied simply.
“I want you to buy a teapot, to make sure that you can make tea.”
“As soon as I get to Minnesota,” I said, “I will buy a teapot.”
The Rebbe wasn’t satisfied. “You’re going on a Friday; the next day is Shabbat HaGadol.” On the Shabbat before Passover, known as Shabbat HaGadol, rabbis traditionally deliver a special sermon, and so he went on: “You’re going to be thinking about your sermon, and you may forget to buy the teapot.”
“I’ll buy it here,” I offered.
“Buy it here, and after you buy it, send me a note that you have bought it.”
At the end of the audience, the Rebbe gave a Tanya, the classic work of Chabad philosophy, to myself, and a prayer book to Sema. Finally, he turned to the last item in our note.
“As for your request for specific instructions,” he said, “I am instructing you to travel in good health, that you should have tremendous success, and that you continually write with good and happy tidings.” Thank G-d, we’ve been able to do that, and we continue to do so.
The next morning, I bought a teapot and decided to use it if I ever wanted to have tea in the middle of the night — although I never did have the urge.
We would always take every word the Rebbe said seriously, but when he told it to us in the days before Passover — when every second was so precious, and when we weren’t really supposed to have an audience at all — the Rebbe’s insistence that we should be able to drink tea at night became even more important.
I have thought this peculiar story over and over, and the more I think about it, I recognize in it the Rebbe’s concern for others, for the Jewish people, and especially for the young couples he sent out as his emissaries. He wanted them to not only have everything they need, but also the enjoyments of life — a cup of tea in the middle of the night, if they may want it, because such luxuries can make it easier for us to continue our work.
Thinking about this story also reminds me of another story that once happened when I was in 770, late at night. It was quiet, and the Rebbe was receiving people for private audiences in his room. But all of us who were there in the lobby, outside the Rebbe’s room, could hear that the Rebbe seemed to have had a bad cough.
So I suggested to Rabbi Groner, another secretary, that we should offer the Rebbe some tea to soothe his throat. There was none available in 770 at that time, so I went out to prepare a glass for the Rebbe, and when I returned, Rabbi Groner told the people waiting for their audience that before the next person in line entered the Rebbe’s room, he would go in to offer it to the Rebbe.
When Rabbi Groner walked into the Rebbe’s room, a few seconds passed, and then he walked out again with the glass. Evidently, the Rebbe had not taken the tea.
“What did the Rebbe say when you offered him the tea?” we asked.
“The Rebbe said, ‘Do you think I’m going to sit here and drink tea while people are waiting outside to talk to me?!’”
Rabbi Asher Zeilingold has led the Adath Israel Congregation of S. Paul, Minnesota, since 1966. He recently published a two-volume book, Clear Vision, about his interactions with the Rebbe. He was interviewed in February 2011.
CrownHeights.infoFour IDF soldiers were killed and two others were wounded in a clash with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon yesterday, the military announced.
The slain soldiers are named as:
Cpt. Noam Madmoni, 22, from Sderot
Staff Sgt. Ben Cohen, 21, from Lehavim
Staff Sgt. Maxsim Entis, 21, from Bat Yam
Staff Sgt. Gilad Harel, 21.
All served with the Nahal Brigade’s Reconnaissance Unit.
In addition, one soldier was seriously wounded, and a reservist was moderately hurt in the incident.
According to an IDF probe of the incident, during operations in the western sector of southern Lebanon at around 6:30 p.m. yesterday, troops of the Nahal Reconnaissance Unit spotted a cell of Hezbollah gunmen.
The soldiers exchanged fire with the Hezbollah operatives from a close range, hitting several of them, the military finds.
While evacuating the wounded soldiers from the gun battle, Hezbollah operatives fired an anti-tank missile at the troops, which did not cause any further injuries, according to the probe.
The IDF says it returned fire, with tank shelling and airstrikes, against the Hezbollah operatives in the area.
CrownHeights.infoJoin the Small Wonder Puppet Theater for a Pre-Pesach lunch and show at ULY Crown Street today, Tuesday, March 31st.
CrownHeights.infoAs the Yom Tov of freedom approached, Moscow’s Jewish community looked back with great satisfaction at the tremendous success of this year’s “Kimcha D’Pischa” campaign. The large-scale project was carried out with significant investment—not only financially, but in thoughtful planning and dignified execution—ensuring that recipients were treated with respect, comfort, and care, and provided with high-quality, generous provisions for Yom Tov.
Drawing on many years of experience and a desire to further enhance the initiative, several new members were added to the established leadership team. Together, they carefully reviewed best practices from Jewish communities around the world and developed a refreshed, comprehensive plan.
This plan was presented to the foundation’s president, the Chief Rabbi of Russia, HaRav Berel Lazar, in his office at the central Marina Roscha Synagogue. After addressing key questions, offering guidance, and engaging in an extended and meaningful discussion, the Rav warmly blessed the organizers for their year-round dedication to supporting families in the community—especially in preparation for the Yomim Tovim. He also conveyed a heartfelt request to the broader public to participate generously in the mitzvah of Maos Chittim, in accordance with halachah. Each of the team members received a bottle of wine as a token of appreciation.
A standout feature of this year’s campaign was the enhanced accessibility and personalization offered to each family. Recipients were able to choose a tailored package based on their specific needs—both in terms of product selection and quantity—and even had the option to contribute a symbolic amount toward the cost, preserving a sense of dignity.
Additionally, all packages were delivered directly to families’ homes.
Indeed, deliveries reached every corner of greater Moscow with remarkable efficiency, to the amazement and joy of the recipient families. By the beginning of the week, homes were already fully stocked with all Yom Tov necessities, allowing families to prepare for Pesach with calm, dignity, and true abundance.
The Chief Rabbi himself visited the Shaarei Tzedek Jewish Chesed Center to personally oversee the operation. During his brief visit, he reviewed detailed data regarding the volume of orders, the number of individuals served, and personally inspected the quality of the products.
Together with members of the leadership of the “Simchas Shabbos V’Yom Tov” organization in Moscow—Rabbi Dovid Shapiro and Rabbi Chaim Moshe Weber—the Chief Rabbi presented a special token of appreciation to board member Rabbi Avraham Zaks, recognizing his exceptional efforts this year in advancing the campaign to an unprecedented level of success.
CrownHeights.infoMayor Denise Grant of Lauderhill proudly signed a proclamation declaring the Rebbe’s birthday as Education and Sharing Day. This is the second time the Mayor of Lauderhill did so.
One again in preparation for the historic occasion, the Mayor instructed her staff to create a beautiful graphic with the Rebbe’s picture along with a quote, and had it displayed on all the City screens throughout the ceremony.
The Mayor then asked Rabbi Chaim Rosenstein the Jewish Liaison of Lauderhill to speak and Rabbi Rosenstein introduced a video of the Rebbe from 1982 where the Rebbe discussed the significance of the proclamation.
The Mayor and city commissioners spoke about the tremendous positive impact that the Jewish community has on the city Lauderhill.
The Mayor gave a framed signed proclamation to each of the Rabbi’s.
Special thank you to Rabbi Chaim Rosenstein for arranging this historic event.
Marah Diasra Rabbi Aron Lieberman, Rabbi Elazar Gedj, Rabbi Yaniv Moryosef, Rabbi Daniel Shahino joined Rabbi Rosenstein at the event.
CrownHeights.infoIn honour of Yud Aleph Nissan, an amazing Mitzvah Tank Parade took to the streets of London, with 7 tanks bringing great energy and joy wherever they drove.
The tanks spread out across London, reaching the key locations of West Hampstead, Kilburn, Camden Town, Mill Hill, North Finchley, Borehamwood, and Golders Green.
Over 1000 matzos were distributed along with flyers detailing the times to eat matzoh this year and QR codes to sell their chametz. More than 40 people put on tefillin, two for their first time.
The yidden encountered on the streets were expressive with tremendous thanks and gratitude for reaching out to them in these times.
A huge thank you goes to all the bochurim for their incredible shturem.
A special thank you goes to the dedicated drivers who gave from their time and made it all possible.
B”H it was a beautiful and inspiring peulah.
May we merit Moshiach now
CrownHeights.infoA special meeting was held in the Badatz boardroom as the Mara D’asra, Rabbi Yosef Yeshaya Braun met with Rabbi Menachem Mendel D. Yusewitz of Machon Taharas Habayis, together with Rabbi Chananya Hoffinger, in preparation for the Machon’s upcoming Chosson Teacher Training program.
As they carefully reviewed the presentation slides, the Rov was moved. Beyond expressing admiration, he became visibly emotional, reflecting on the weight of the mission:
“Teaching Hilchos Taharah of such gravity—with consequences as serious as krisus—in such a limited time frame, and yet without seeing others in practice…”
The Rav expressed excitement at how the material was not only simplified, but truly brought to life in a way that teachers and talmidim can relate to.
To enroll in the course or for updates on our programs email: [email protected] and see: TaharasHabayis.org
CrownHeights.infoby Moshe New and Jacob Scheer – chabad.org
In the days and weeks before Passover, Jews around the country are rushing to clean their homes, prepare holiday meals, and run last minute errands. Yet Teri Karpe of Commack, N.Y., has a different item on her to-do list—overseeing the delivery of hand-made shmurah matzah to more than 1,200 homes in her community.
This is Teri’s third year managing, organizing, recruiting and assigning delivery routes to a group of around 50 local volunteers on behalf of Chabad-Lubavitch of Mid-Suffolk, where she has been dubbed the “Chief Matzah Officer.” Herself a recipient of shmurah matzah just a few years ago, Karpe was inspired to take action. “I knew I wanted to be a part of that,” she said. “And now I’m running the program.”
Last Thursday, she coordinated a late-night assembly line of 20 people from across three generations in the synagogue sanctuary.
“Everyone’s in a rush these days,” said Karpe, who was up past midnight assembling and packing boxes. “It’s small things that make you feel good. That you could spread joy and be part of a loving community.”
Teri Karpe (right) of Commack, N.Y., oversees the delivery of hand-made shmurah matzah to more than 1,200 homes in her community, and has been dubbed the “Chief Matzah Officer.”
Chabad of Mid-Suffolk’s delivery program is part of the Chabad-Lubavitch global Passover campaign, launched by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, in 1954. The Rebbe declared that every Jew, wherever they are, should have round hand-made shmurah matzah for the seder. That year, the Rebbe sent a package with three matzahs to Knesset member and future President of Israel Zalman Shazar. In the accompanying letter, the Rebbe said that “it is our custom to send Shmurah Matzah to friends and relatives.”
Since then, Chabad emissaries, yeshivah students, and laypeople have delivered boxes of shmurah matzah to Jews around the world. The western Massachusetts shmurah matzah route started in 1954 by Springfield’s Rabbi Dovid Edelman, eventually grew to include thousands of names and addresses, and after Edelman’s passing in 2015 was continued by the next generation. And the scale and scope of organized matzah delivery programs continues to grow.
In Detroit, Mich., for instance, Chabad emissaries have spent the past several weeks preparing more than 170,000 packages of matzah for distribution, and have a goal of delivering 250,000 matzahs to enhance seders around the state. Chabad of Illinois imported over 5,000 pounds of hand-made shmurah matzah, and is sorted and stored in the Chabad’s warehouse space, and is then distributed by the more than 50 Chabad centers in Illinois.
Director of Chabad of Mid-Suffolk Rabbi Mendel Teldon shared that as a young man, he would ride along with his father Rabbi Tuvia Teldon -– regional director of Chabad-Lubavitch activities on Long Island and author of Your Unique Purpose— to deliver shmurah matzah to 70-100 houses in the area. Years later, after assuming the leadership at the Chabad center, he decided to expand the deliveries. He shared how Covid-19 was the catalyst that took the delivery program to the next level, when they started a “Judaism at home” program to make sure the community had what they needed. The program grew from there.
“There are 40-50 volunteers who deliver matzah to their zone, which can be a whole neighborhood or just a few blocks,” he said. “We now reach 1,200 homes locally. We ship matzah to community members who’ve moved to Florida or elsewhere, and provide matzah in bulk to old age homes and youth groups.”
Rabbi Yechiel Baitelman shares shmurah matzah with local law enforcement officers.
In Richmond, B.C., Canada, Rabbi Yechiel and Chanie Baitelman, working alongside their recently appointed emissaries Rabbi Menachem and Esther Miriam Wolf, also coordinate Shmurah Matzah deliveries with their team of volunteers. Beginning around 5 years ago, their program has blossomed to 1,200 Jewish homes, what they describe as a “near-total coverage of the local community.”
“There’s a certain excitement around this initiative in the community,” said Baitelman, a veteran emissary of 25 years. “For me, this is the ability to get dozens more people to become, at least for a short amount of time, like a shliach [emissary] themselves,”
A volunteer from the community joins the matzah distribution efforts in Richmond, B.C., Canada.
Volunteers are assigned carefully mapped routes designed so that neighbors deliver to neighbors, often on foot. The operation, sponsored by Dr. Pauly and Sonia Young of Buffalo, N.Y., began modestly several years ago and has grown steadily through volunteer recruitment and community investment.
The initiative is now a community-led one, the rabbi collecting feedback through an innovative QR code on the holiday package. He uses the feedback to streamline the process and make improvements.
“Jews who previously didn’t know each other get a chance to meet and get to know one another in the neighborhood. It builds community and is part of the Rebbe’s ‘Ahavas Yisrael’ campaign.”
Adam Marmelstein wraps tefillin with the student rabbis who delivered matzah to his house in Jacksonville. Fla.
Rabbi Velvil Kahanov, associate director of Chabad of Northeast Florida, coordinates a team of local volunteers and yeshivah students from New York who will deliver matzah to over 700 houses in Jacksonville, a number which grows every year.
“The shmurah Matzah is both hand-baked and hand-delivered,” said Kahanov. “And it’s more than just the matzah—it’s also the personal visit that makes an impact.”
Adam Marmelstein is one of the hundreds of residents who receives pre-Passover visits from Chabad. His first visit was in 2021, when two “yeshivah bochurs” knocked on his door. He had interacted with Chabad as a student at Drew University in New Jersey, but this was his first encounter with Chabad in Jacksonville. He invited them inside to help him put on tefillin and say a l’chaim.
“I saw some young men with beards walking down my driveway, and thought ‘this is nice,’” he shared. “I’m usually never aware of the calendar, Jewish or secular, so it was nice to get a reminder – oh, Passover is here!”
When the volunteers came back the next year with matzah, it felt like a tradition was born. The annual visits are something he looks forward to, and sparked a greater involvement in Jewish life. Adam attended Shabbat dinner at Rabbi Velvil’s house, and soon began attending events and even hosted several Sunday Morning BLT (Bagels Lox & Torah) meetups in his backyard. Adam’s kids are also now familiar with the sight of yeshivah students ambling up their driveway.
“My kids ate the Matzah and read the back of the package. They learned about the selling of the Chametz,” Marmelstein told Chabad.org, noting how it reminded him of the way people used to read the back of the cereal box before cell phones.
“This Matzah had unexpected downstream effects of ancillary Jewish education.” he said. “I hope my kids will continue to lead Jewish lives.”
In Virginia’s Tidewater region, Chabad leads a delivery operation that now reaches more than 1,000 homes. The response is visceral. People who open the door to find a hand-baked matzah find they cannot refuse it—Jews, no matter the background, have a special connection to this “Bread of Faith.” “A local resident who had previously been very cool to his Jewish engagement sent me a note this year thanking us for the gift,” said Rabbi Levi Brashevitsky, assistant director of Chabad of Tidewater. “It’s a soul reaction.”
Back in Long Island, Karpe, Chabad of Mid-Suffolk’s “Chief Matzah Officer,” reflected on how the delivery program leaves a lasting impact on people. She remembers one delivery in particular: a woman whose husband had just come out of surgery, housebound while she cared for him. Volunteers from Chabad had already brought the family food for the Passover meal and then Karpe arrived later with the shmurah matzah. That’s when it hit her. “I thought ‘this is unbelievable: this is what it’s all about,” she told Chabad.org. “We’re taking care of each other.”
Student rabbis deliver shmurah matzah to a home in Jacksonville, Fla.
CrownHeights.infoIn a striking display of recognition and inspiration, Ukraine’s capital marked 11 Nissan — the birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe — with a major media initiative that reached millions across the country.
At the initiative of Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, Chief Rabbi and emissary to Kyiv, one of the city’s leading television channels aired a special, high-production broadcast dedicated to the life and legacy of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who was born in Nikolayev, Ukraine. The Rebbe remains a widely recognized Jewish figure not only within Jewish communities but across Ukrainian society as well.
The program offered a comprehensive overview of the Rebbe’s decades of leadership, his global influence, and his enduring impact on Jewish life worldwide. It also featured testimonials and personal stories from Ukrainian public figures and citizens, who shared how the Rebbe’s teachings and vision had inspired them.
Despite the ongoing war and the many challenges facing the country, the network agreed — after sustained efforts — to move forward with the broadcast. The result was a powerful and uplifting program that brought messages of faith, resilience, and goodness into homes across Ukraine.
“This is precisely in such complex times that it is so important to highlight the Rebbe’s message,” Rabbi Markovitch explained. “He believed in every individual and spread a light of faith, hope, and unity to the entire world. This broadcast was an opportunity to bring that message not only to the Jewish community, but to the broader public in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine.”
Complementing the broadcast, a large-scale outdoor campaign was launched across Kyiv. Digital billboards and street displays throughout the capital prominently featured the Rebbe’s image alongside the timeless Chassidic adage: “Think positive — it will be positive.”
The campaign was designed to uplift spirits and instill hope among residents navigating the ongoing hardships of war, offering a moment of encouragement and a reminder of the power of positive thought and unwavering faith.
CrownHeights.infoUpper Pomona yeshivah Bochurim enjoyed an electric farbrengen with famed educator and speaker Rabbi Chaim Chazan, formerly of Ukraine.
Stories of the Rebbe were peppered with practical lessons and made personal with practical takeaways and relevance for one’s everyday life as a Child.
Enjoy the 3-hour audio of the farbrengen, attached.
CrownHeights.infoAn IDF soldier was killed and an officer was seriously wounded in a Hezbollah anti-tank missile attack in southern Lebanon yesterday, the IDF announced.
The slain soldier is named as Sgt. Liran Ben Zion, 19, of the 401st Armored Brigade’s 9th Battalion, from Holon.
According to an IDF probe, one anti-tank missile struck a tank of the 9th Battalion, killing Ben Zion and seriously injuring the officer.
A short while later, two more anti-tank missiles were fired toward the troops, with no injuries caused.
The IDF says troops are operating in the area to locate the cell behind the deadly attack.
Ben Zion is the sixth soldier to be killed amid the IDF’s renewed offensive against Hezbollah.
CrownHeights.infoA grand and uplifting farbrengen was held last night at Beis Lubavitch in Paris, as members of the local Jewish community gathered to celebrate Yud-Alef Nissan, the birthday of the Rebbe.
Hosted at Beis Chaya Mushka, the event was marked by a warm, Chassidic, and inspiring atmosphere. A large crowd filled the hall, listening intently to powerful and meaningful words of encouragement delivered by Rabbi Mendy Azimov and Rabbi Elchonon Marasow.
In addition, a mechiras chometz for Pesach was conducted on-site by Rabbi Levi Kahn, giving participants the opportunity to properly prepare for the upcoming holiday.
The farbrengen, organized in honor of Yud-Alef Nissan, served to strengthen attendees’ connection to the Rebbe’s teachings, emphasizing joy, unity, and spiritual preparation ahead of Pesach. Participants described the evening as deeply inspiring, leaving them energized and motivated to continue spreading Yiddishkeit in their daily lives.
In conjunction with the celebrations, Mitzvah Tanks are set to take to the streets this Sunday throughout Paris and the Île-de-France region, marking the Rebbe’s 124th birthday.
Led by Rabbi Shlomi Ben Soussan, the Rebbe’s shliach in Courbevoie, the campaign will bring Jewish pride and observance to the wider community. The Mitzvah Tanks will offer opportunities to put on tefillin, distribute Shabbos candles and educational materials, and spread light and joy in honor of the special day.
Photo Credit: Mordechai Loubavitch
CrownHeights.infoby Yisrael Eliashiv – chabad.org
Philadelphia, April 1781.
A boy of about eight is shifting in his seat. His voice, clear and steady, rises inside the quiet room. Mah nishtanah halailah hazeh mikol haleilot?
“Why is this night different from all other nights?”
For those participating in the Passover seder, all crowding a small rented room just blocks from where Congregation Mikveh Israel holds its services, this is a loaded question. In a land with barely 2,500 Jews from one end of the 13 colonies to the other,1 fewer than one in every 10,000 souls,2 and almost everyone around the table is a refugee displaced by the Revolutionary War. Under those conditions, every seder feels like a miracle in itself.
As the candles flicker on the plain wooden table, a glance around the room offers a strong contrast to what used to be. There are no silver goblets, fine linen or any other luxuries. The basic seder plate holds a roasted chicken neck for the zeroa, and bitter herbs pulled from a nearby garden plot serve as maror. The matzot were made locally and baked in a makeshift brick oven that the congregation set up in a nearby rented yard.
There is no grape wine, a luxury impossible to import while trade routes are disrupted and major ports are under British occupation. Instead, sweet, non-fermented raisin juice, which American Jews have learned to prepare3 when kosher wine is unavailable, will be used for the four cups.4
At the head of the table sits Gershom Mendes Seixas, the leader of Mikveh Israel.5 He is determined to ensure that the men, women and children around the table will retell the story of the Exodus exactly as their fathers had for centuries, in the midst of their own personal exodus.
Gershom Mendes Seixas, one of the first Jewish leaders in the United States. WikiCommons
Moments like this were not unique to one table in Philadelphia. Across the scattered settlements of the American colonies, Jewish families were gathering under similar circumstances to observe Passover. Their numbers were tiny, their communities isolated, and the resources needed for the seder often difficult to obtain. Even something as simple as matzah required coordination, improvisation, and communal effort.
On July 4, 2026, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of its founding. As Americans celebrate the birth of a nation built on the promise of freedom, that makeshift Passover gathering reminds us how a tiny Jewish community managed to keep the festival alive without any of the structures we take for granted today.
Their strenuous efforts to ensure they had handmade matzah for the seder parallel the later matzah campaign launched by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, in 1954. The campaign was created to ensure that no Jew, anywhere, is left without the means to properly fulfill the mitzvah of matzah at a seder table. What once had been a challenge for America’s earliest Jews became a mission: not simply to have matzah for oneself, but to help another Jew obtain it as well. The humble matzah of the early American seder and the Rebbe’s global matzah campaign are connected by the same idea—that freedom is expressed through observing a mitzvah.
Congregation Mikveh Israel as it looked in 1782. The synagogue is still active today. WikiCommons
On the eve of the Revolution, most of the entire Jewish population of the 13 colonies lived in just a handful of port cities: New York, Philadelphia, Charleston, Savannah and Newport.6 Outside those centers, Jewish life was almost nonexistent. A single family might live hundreds of miles from the nearest synagogue or kosher butcher.
The war upended even that delicate network. When the British captured New York in 1776, many Jews fled the city along with thousands of other patriots. Gershom Mendes Seixas, the leader of Congregation Shearith Israel, refused to remain in New York and be forced to pray for the British crown. He convinced most of his congregation to close the synagogue and leave the city before the British invasion. They walked out of the city with Seixas at their head, holding the synagogue’s Torah scroll, and made their way to Patriot strongholds.7 Over the years, he and many members of his congregation would eventually make their way to Philadelphia, joining the already small Jewish community centered around Congregation Mikveh Israel.
Philadelphia soon became the temporary hub of American Jewish life.8 Refugees from New York, along with Jews from smaller towns and trading posts, found themselves praying together, rebuilding communal infrastructure and trying their best to maintain their traditional Jewish observance in the middle of a war. By Passover 1781, Mikveh Israel had swelled to roughly 500 souls.9 It was the largest gathering of Jewish families the young nation had ever seen. Yet even here, the community’s situation remained unsteady. They were all men of trade, with little spiritual guidance; a handful of merchants, shopkeepers and tradesmen trying to keep Passover alive while the war raged around them.
An illustration of the Cherry Street location of Congregation Mikveh Israel in 1825. WikiCommons
Passover presented some of the greatest challenges for Jewish life in the nascent nation. Even in peacetime, obtaining the foods required for the seder could be difficult in colonial America. During the war, those difficulties multiplied. As a result of the trade routes being disrupted and ports being blockaded, the staples of Jewish life that Jewish communities normally imported from Europe or the Caribbean became scarce.
Matzah, the centerpiece of the seder, could not simply be purchased in a store. There were no commercial kosher bakeries in America at the time, much less matzah bakeries. Communities often had to organize the baking themselves, constructing temporary ovens and carefully supervising the process to ensure that the dough was mixed, rolled and baked within the halachically required 18 minutes. Congregation Mikveh Israel set up a makeshift brick oven in a rented yard near Cherry Street.10 There, under Seixas’s supervision, they baked matzah by hand. They would eventually build a matzah oven as part of the synagogue building.11
Imported kosher wine was nearly impossible to secure.12 Jewish households therefore had to rely on substitutes, the most common being sweet raisin wine. They would place a few pounds of raisins in a large jug or jar, cover it with water and add sugar for extra flavor, if available. The mixture was then set by a warm spot near a fire or stove, covered, and left to steep for a week to allow the raisins to release their sweetness and grape essence.13 After a week, the liquid was strained, filtered and bottled, and the sweet, non-alcoholic drink would serve as kiddush wine or, in this case, the four cups.
The signature of Gershom Mendes Sexias. WikiCommons
Kosher meat also required deliberate planning. Jewish communities depended on trained shochtim, ritual slaughterers, who were sometimes difficult to find during wartime disruptions. Congregations had to coordinate supplies carefully so that families would have what they needed for the festival. Salted beef had to be shipped from distant suppliers, often arriving weeks late.14
Under such conditions, celebrating Passover required the cooperation of the entire community. Synagogues and communal leaders helped organize the baking of matzah and the distribution of essential foods. Wealthier members often assisted poorer families so that everyone could participate in the seder. These efforts reflected more than logistical necessity. They expressed a deep determination to preserve Jewish life even in the face of uncertainty.
A histroical marker in Philadelphia honors Haym Salomon’s contibutions during the Revolutionary War. WikiCommons
At the same time that Jews were retelling the ancient story of the Exodus, the colonies themselves were engaged in their struggle for independence. The message of Passover, of freedom after oppression and redemption after hardship, must have resonated strongly for families living through such trying times.
Many Jews supported the patriot cause. Jewish merchants supplied goods to the Continental Army,15 and Jewish soldiers served alongside their neighbors in the fight for independence.16 Haym Salomon would later become famous for helping finance the revolutionary effort; he sacrificed everything he owned to help a fledgling America win the war and achieve its independence.17 Yet the most enduring legacy of these early American Jews was neither political nor military. It was their quiet persistence to continue living as Jews without compromise, no matter the conditions.
For every single Jew, Passover during the war required effort, planning and sacrifice. Still, they persisted. In doing so, they demonstrated that Jewish life in America would not depend on comfort or abundance. In a country with almost no Jews or infrastructure and in the midst of a war, they proved that faith did not need grandiose buildings or easy access to your every need. It only needed determination and a table so that the seder would still be held as it had always been. And every year, the same question would still be asked: Why is this night different from all other nights?
President George Washington, depicted in Washington Crossing the Dealware by Emanual Leutze, sent a letter in 1790 to the Newport Jewish community, elucidating the Jewish community’s place in the newly founded nation. WikiCommons
In 1790, after America had achieved its independence and American life regained a sense of normalcy, George Washington wrote a letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport18 elucidating the Jewish community’s place in the newly founded nation. It was widely circulated and reached Jews all over the country.
In it, Washington wrote:
It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.
He continued with the ancient biblical promise:
May the Father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy.
For the families who had gathered in rented rooms, baked matzah in makeshift ovens and asked the Four Questions under wartime uncertainty, these words were not empty platitudes. They were the living answer to the seder they had fought to keep alive. The freedom they had tasted in their homemade raisin juice and backyard matzah was now being promised to them by their new President himself. The Exodus had found its echo in the founding document of American liberty. America might not be the land promised to Avraham and his descendants, but they would at least be free to serve G‑d according to their conscience in the new land they called home.
As the young American nation grew, so did its Jewish population. Beginning in the 1840s, waves of German and later Eastern European immigrants swelled its Jewish community, increasing its numbers from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands.19 Abundance replaced scarcity. Commercial matzah bakeries appeared, kosher wine became easier to obtain, and backyard matzah ovens and homemade raisin juice faded into memory. Comfort, however, came at a price. Many families drifted away from the traditional observance that had defined those early years as conditions improved.
Jewish life in America grew in numbers, but for many, it grew colder in spirit. By the late 1800s, the Lower East Side of New York had become the vibrant heart of American Jewry.20 It was dense, bustling and full of new possibilities, but also a place where the revolutionary faith of the Revolutionary era was being lost amid the pressures of assimilation and daily survival.
Then, in the darkest hour of the 20th century, the Sixth Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of righteous memory, arrived on American soil in 1940, barely escaping the Nazis. Leaving the Old World for the New, he looked at this growing but spiritually drifting community and saw concealed within it the same revolutionary spirit that had burned in the Revolutionary era. He set out to revive it and rekindle the resolve that had once made every seder a quiet miracle in a land with almost no Jews.
His son-in-law and successor, the Rebbe, carried that mission forward with global reach. He launched his matzah campaign in 1954 to ensure that no Jew, no matter how far from a community or how assimilated, would be left without matzah or a place at the Passover seder table.
Once, kosher matzah in America had been a logistical headache for a handful of refugees in wartime. Today, America has become the headquarters of a worldwide matzah campaign; volunteers deliver matzah to isolated families, and public seders attended by hundreds are held in the farthest-flung corners of the world.
Some 250 years after the Declaration of Independence, thanks to the Rebbes’ vision, the same resolve that drove those early American Jews to hold a seder no matter the circumstances is alive and well, and spreading worldwide.
The Sixth Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of righteous memory, exits a train during his visit to the United States in 1929.
Footnotes
1. Sachar, Howard M., A History of the Jews in America.
2. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2025/07/fourth-of-july.html
3. Jonathan D. Sarna, “Passover Raisin Wine, the American Temperance Movement, and Mordecai Noah: The Origins, Meaning, and Wider Significance of a Nineteenth-Century American Jewish Religious Practice,”
4. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 472:27
5. https://mikvehisraelhistory.com/2013/06/12/rev-gershom-mendes-seixas-1745-1816
6. https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/haventohome/haven-haven.html
7. https://acjna.org/articles/the-first-american-jew-a-tribute-to-gershom-mendes-seixas-patriot-rabbi-of-the-revolution
8. https://hsp.org/blogs/archival-adventures-in-small-repositories/mikveh-israel-synagogue-of-the-american-revolution
9. https://www.mikvehisrael.org/history
10. Ibid.
11. Ibid.
12. Jonathan D. Sarna, “Passover Raisin Wine, the American Temperance Movement, and Mordecai Noah: The Origins, Meaning, and Wider Significance of a Nineteenth-Century American Jewish Religious Practice,” https://www.jstor.org/stable/23507858
13. https://daily.jstor.org/when-passover-meant-raisin-wine
14. https://newporthistory.org/history-bytes-how-jewish-was-aaron-lopezs-mercantile-operation
15. https://cupola.gettysburg.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1314&context=ghj
16. https://www.unsunghistorypodcast.com/jewish-patriots
17. https://www.chabad.org/5175340
18. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-06-02-0135
19. https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/german-immigrant-period-in-united-states
CrownHeights.infoAs was the Rebbe’s custom, a yearly letter called a Michtav Kloli was sent out to the Chassidim. The Michtav Klali suitable for this year’s Pesach is available here for download in three languages.
מכתב כללי ליא ניסן תשיט – שלוש שפות – מודפס לקראת יא ניסן תשפוDownload
CrownHeights.infoAs the community prepares for Pesach and the expected increase in household waste, sanitation services will be stepping up operations across Crown Heights. This annual pre-Pesach surge, as families clean and prepare their homes for Yom Tov, brings a significant rise in volume across the neighborhood.
Scheduled pickups throughout the week will be more robust, with sanitation crews increasing service to meet demand. In addition, an extra pickup will take place Wednesday morning (Erev Pesach) from 12:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m., focusing on the most heavily Jewish blocks.
In addition, a bulk-item dumpster has been placed at the corner of Kingston and Union, providing residents with a convenient option for disposing of larger items.
“This is a critical time for our community, and having the right support in place makes a real difference,” said Shmuly Rosenstein, acting chairman of the CHJCC. “As we go through the annual Pesach preparations, we encourage everyone to take advantage of these additional services and do their part to keep Crown Heights clean and ready for Yom Tov.”
Residents are urged to place items out responsibly and make use of the designated disposal options to ensure smooth and efficient sanitation operations throughout the neighborhood.
CrownHeights.infoby Rabbi Anchelle Perl
Immediately after Shabbos, we received heartbreaking news.
An IDF soldier was killed in combat in Southern Lebanon. He was identified as Sgt. Moshe Yitzchak Hacohen Katz, 22 years old, from New Haven, Connecticut.
Moshe Katz was not just a soldier.
He was a son. A brother. A Chassid. A member of the global Chabad family a young man filled with faith, warmth, and quiet strength.
And then there is something even more personal. Something that pierces the heart.
Moshe Katz and yibodel L’chaim, our grandson, Moshe Perl… were bound together.
Our Moshe serves in Givati. Moshe Katz served in Tzanchanim the paratroopers.
Different units. But one soul.
They chose this life. They chose to be lone soldiers leaving the comfort of their homes, their families, their countries to stand on the front lines for Am Yisroel.
They learned together. They trained together. They shared an apartment together.
They carried the same mission: to protect not only our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisroel but Jews everywhere, across the world.
And today, we watched the funeral from Israel.
And we cried.As a family. As a people.
Because this is not just a story. This is a friend. A brother-in-arms. A soul intertwined with our own.
The Rebbe taught that every Jew is a shliach a messenger of Hashem sent to bring light wherever they go.
Moshe lived that.
He went to a place of darkness and became light. He stood not only as a soldier, but as a guardian of the Jewish people with courage, dignity, and mesirus nefesh.
As we mourn Moshe Katz HYD, we lift our hearts in gratitude to all the soldiers of Israel. To every young man and woman who has given everything for the safety of our people, in the Holy Land and beyond.
Their courage is our shield. Their sacrifice is our future.
At the funeral, something unforgettable happened.
They played a recording of the Rebbe’s voice singing Tzama Lecha Nafshi “My soul thirsts for You.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by CrownHeights.info (@chinfo.official)
A melody so deep, so holy, so filled with longing.
And in that moment, you could feel it. Moshe’s soul rising. Yearning. Connecting. Eternal.
Moshe Katz, your flame has not gone out.
It has risen higher.
And it lives on, in your family, in your friends, in our Moshe, and in every one of us who will carry your light forward.
Yehi zichro baruch.
May Hashem comfort the Katz family among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
May the memory of Sgt. Moshe Yitzchak Hacohen Katz be a blessing and a light.
And may we merit , very soon, a complete and lasting peace, in Israel and throughout the world with the coming of Moshiach!
Amen.
CrownHeights.infoby Tzemach Feller – Lubavitch.com
Chabad community leaders across a country under constant missile attack are delivering handmade Shmurah matzah between rocket sirens. They are innovating as they prepare to host Seders in compliance with regulations to ensure safety amid the war.
Israel’s Home Front Command has restricted large gatherings to spaces that can be cleared in time. That means communal Seders will be limited — and held within moments of a shelter, when sirens sound warning of incoming missiles.
Despite the challenges, Chabad centers are working relentlessly to deliver holiday provisions to students, soldiers, longtime kibbutzniks and recent olim.
Faith Under Fire
In Metula, a Northern Israeli town near the Lebanese border, the war is up close and personal. Incessant Hezbollah rocket barrages strike the city with only seconds of warning — or often, no warning at all.
“Thank G-d we have a shelter in our home. We have to go there — sometimes every few minutes, sometimes every few hours — but throughout the day we have to go in and out,” said Brocha Leah Sasonkin, who leads Chabad of Metula with her husband, Rabbi Moshe Sasonkin. “Every morning we try and go out, to give matzah to people, and we are often met by a siren as soon as we head out. In Metula, a siren means there is little to no time to find shelter — sometimes the rocket explodes before the siren goes off, sometimes we have a few seconds to seek shelter.”
Located meters away from Israeli border installations, the Chabad house trembles every time Israeli artillery fires toward the enemy. But the Sasonkins are determined to stay and serve their community. “After October 7, Northern Israeli border towns were subject to mandatory evacuation,” says Mrs Sassonkin. “But this time around residents are largely staying put — so we aren’t going anywhere either. People ask us, ‘Where are you?’ And when they hear that we are here, it gives them encouragement to carry on.”
But this year, they’ll be hosting a much smaller Seder in their home, instead of in a communal hall.
The Mother and Father of the Neighborhood
In the month since the war began Chabad of Neve Shamir, led by Rabbi Danny Fordham and his wife Esther, has become an anchor in the neighborhood, with community members turning to the new Chabad reps for support and guidance. With schools shuttered amid ballistic missile strikes, the Fordhams hosted a series of model matzah bakeries, as shift after shift of local Jewish kids learned about the holiday.
“The Fordhams are like the Av and Eim Bayit—the communal ‘mother’ and ‘father’—of Neve Shamir,” said Avi Schwartz, an American expatriate living in the town. They have opened a warm home where everyone is welcome.”
Parents drop off their children, but they don’t want to leave. “They want to hang out with other parents, to find a sense of normalcy.” Fordham said.
The Fordhams are one of hundreds of Chabad reps who are bringing the observances and holiday joy of Passover to thousands of Israeli Jews across the country. They are improvising, adapting, and overcoming unprecedented challenges to ensure that every Jew has access to handmade shmurah matzah and to welcome those in need to community Seders.
The Home Front
At least 500 students studying at the Braude College of Engineering in Karmiel have been called up to active duty, notes Chabad rabbi Nosson Rodin.
He and his wife Miriam, he explains, feel it’s their responsibility to look out for them, and have been working to provide them with much of their physical and spiritual needs.”
The Rodins arrange for everything from barbecues for soldiers about to enter combat in Lebanon to arranging the donation of drones to the units his students are in to distributing matzah to students on campus.
Like hundreds of their colleagues, the Rodins, Fordhams, and Sasonkins are improvising and adapting to make this a joyful, memorable Pesach in the Land of Israel.
“Look at the miracles,’” said Sasonkin. “We share the Rebbe’s teachings that the Land of Israel is the safest place in the world; it is the land that G-d is always watching.”
CrownHeights.infoIn May, a magazine; ARC_: Religion, Politics, Et Cetera_ published an article that traced the Rebbe’s pivotal role in creating the U.S. Department of Education, and argued that his vision for American schooling is more urgently needed today than ever.
The piece, written by educator and Brooklyn resident Tamara Mann Tweel, traces the unlikely partnership between the Rebbe and President Jimmy Carter in the late 1970s. It appeared at a moment when the department they helped build was facing an existential threat — and that threat hasn’t gone away.
The partnership that built a department
Tweel recounts how the Rebbe, writing from 770 Eastern Parkway, threw his full support behind Carter’s push to establish a cabinet-level Department of Education, which Carter signed into law on October 17, 1979. The Rebbe’s backing was not merely symbolic. He wrote directly to Carter, corresponded with Reagan after him, and deployed emissaries in Washington to make the case. As then-Secretary of Education Richard Riley acknowledged in 1997: “His voice, so respected and beloved, helped make it happen, so I owe my job to him.”
But the essay is at pains to show that the Rebbe’s interest was never political. His support for the DOE flowed from a deeply-held philosophy: that education without moral purpose is dangerous. Having witnessed firsthand how Germany — among the most scientifically and philosophically advanced nations in the world — produced the Holocaust, the Rebbe wrote that education “must have a soul.” Children, he argued, “are not computers to be fed a mass of informational data, without regard for their human needs for higher goals and ideals in life.”
It was in that spirit that Congress, on Carter’s prompting, established Education Day in 1978 — to be observed annually on 11 Nissan, the Rebbe’s Hebrew birthday. Every president since has continued the tradition, making it one of the longest-running annual presidential proclamations honoring a single individual.
Still timely
Tweel published her essay in May 2025, shortly after an executive order instructed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all steps necessary to facilitate the DOE’s closure. The department’s staffing and future remain uncertain, making her argument no less relevant now than when it first appeared.
She also challenges readers to reckon honestly with what the Rebbe actually wanted. The DOE’s stated mission — focused on global competitiveness and individual achievement — captures only part of his vision, she argues. What the Rebbe called for was something harder to legislate: an education system oriented toward character, ethics, and a sense of responsibility to something greater than oneself.
“The educational system must pay more attention, indeed the main attention, to the building of character,” the Rebbe said at the first Education Day address in 1978, pointedly referencing what had happened in a country that “ranked among the foremost in science, technology, philosophy” — meaning Germany.
The birthday that became a national day
Tweel closes her essay with a proposal: that whatever form the Department of Education ultimately takes, it should launch a national conversation about what education is actually for — inviting families, schools, and communities to ask the questions the Rebbe spent his life posing. “Americans can come closer through shared questions rather than through shared answers,” she writes.
On this 11 Nissan, as communities around the world mark the Rebbe’s birthday with farbrengens, learning, and acts of goodness and kindness, it’s a question worth sitting with.
The full essay can be read at arcmag.org.
CrownHeights.infoRabbi Berel Polityko, Associate Rov of Bais Hora’ah Chabad and shoel umeshiv at Kollel L’Rabbonei Chabad and Kollel L’hilchos Nida will tackle questions relevant to practical bedikas chametz.
The webinar is open to all, shluchim and anash, seasoned learners and beginners alike.
The shiur is part of Kollel L’Rabbonei Chabad, one of five Kollel tracks under Merkos 302’s ‘Merkos Torah’. Across each Kollel, Merkos Torah offers guided learning in Chassidus, practical halacha, rabbonus, davening, and a women’s track, all chavrusa-based with printed materials and daily engagement from leading Rabbonim, helping participants strengthen their kvius b’Torah as part of a growing community of consistent Torah learners.
To listen or watch the webinar, visit: https://merkostorah.com/open?pageId=open&step=3549631708197
Kollel L’Rabbonei Chabad will be starting Hilchos Shabbos after Shavuos. kollellrabboneichabad.com
CrownHeights.infoby CrownHeights.info
For some people, CBD can be a life-saver, for others, it may require them to have their lives saved.
CBD may not be as potent or mind-altering as marijuana, but for children, CBD can cause life-threatening complications. Unfortunately, the CBD sold in Crown Heights stores are sometimes placed on displays next to candy sections. With their brightly colored packaging, children may mistake them for non-medicated gummies, chocolates, and other candy.
Parents, please be aware and educate your children on the identity of CBD and its dangers.
CrownHeights.infoRabbi Steinberg presents an extensive overview of the ethical and halachic considerations with regards to euthanasia and physician assisted suicide. He concludes with the proposal to differentiate between allowing the withholding of treatment for terminally ill patients, and actively euthanizing or assisting the patient to commit suicide.
CrownHeights.infoAs Chassidim around the world prepare to mark Yud Alef Nissan—the birthday of the Rebbe—a special Farbrengen is being organized for the wider Crown Heights community and beyond.
The event, hosted by Lincoln Place Shul and Beis Hamedrash, will take place tonight, Sunday evening, 11 Nissan (March 29), bringing together Anash and friends for an uplifting gathering in honor of the Rebbe’s 124th birthday.
The Farbrengen will begin at 8:00 PM with Maariv, followed by a Seudas Mitzvah and words of inspiration. Guest speaker Rabbi Michoel Golomb, a well-known mashpia in 770, will lead the gathering, sharing Chassidishe insights and stories connected to the significance of the day.
Yud Alef Nissan has long been marked by Chassidim as a day of renewed inspiration, strengthened hiskashrus, and increased commitment to the Rebbe’s shlichus. Farbrengens held on this day often serve as a focal point for reflection and practical resolutions in לימוד התורה, קיום המצוות, and spreading Yiddishkeit.
This local Farbrengen provides an opportunity for those in the Crown Heights area—as well as neighboring communities—to come together in a warm and meaningful atmosphere, without having to travel far from home.
The event is being generously sponsored by R’ Dovi Narboni in honor of his Yom Huledes.
Community members are encouraged to attend, bring friends, and take part in what promises to be an inspiring and uplifting evening marking one of the most significant dates on the Chassidishe calendar.
CrownHeights.infoThe New York Police Department held a security briefing on Thursday by their headquarters at One Police Plaza in Manhattan.
The NYPD Ceremonial Unit started the event, talented Jewish singer, Eli Levin, sang for the large audience the national anthem of the United States.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch informed the attendees about public safety initiatives ahead of Pesach and the longstanding working relationship between the New York Police Department and the NYC Jewish communities.
Concerns were raised in regards to an increase in anti-Semitism and discussions about safety alertness amid the United States ‘Operation Epic Fury’ in the Middle East.
The police commissioner announced that there will be a visibly extra NYPD presence with additional officers stationed in the New York City Jewish communities, including Crown Heights, over Pesach.
Tisch spoke about Rabbi Dr. Alvin Kass z”l, who was the NYPD chaplain for nearly 60 years until the day of his passing several months ago, she then nominated Jewish NYPD Chaplain, Rabbi Gabriel Kogan, to fill in for the important role. Kogan then addressed the crowd.
The security briefing was arranged by NYPD Deputy Chief of Community Affairs Richie Taylor.
Attending from Crown Heights was: Yisroel Hecht, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Information Technology. Rabbi Chanina Sperlin, Chaplain Port Authority Police Department. Devorah Halberstam, NYPD honorary commissioner community safety. Uri Fraenkel, from the NYC Mayors office. Ahron Gluck, candidate NYS Assembly district 43 (CH). Rabbi Eli Slavin, Jewish liaison for Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09). Rabbi Eli Cohen, CHJCC Director of Advocacy and Community Relations, and Yehuda Shaffer, a Crown Heights activist and former candidate for public office.
Many Jewish elected officials, dignitaries and politicians in attendance, had the opportunity to don Teffilin with the assistance of Rabbi Yossi Rapp of Chabad Air.
Lubavitcher Shluchim in attendance, Chaplain Rabbi Avrohom Richter and Rabbi Hecht from Chabad in Queens, NY.
In a statement, Ahron Gluck, who recently announced his candidacy for the NYS Assembly said: “I had the honor of being invited to the NYPD’s Pesach Security Briefing which I attended. I look forward to working with the NYPD Leadership and supporting them with the resources to try to permanently increase police officers assigned to the 71st Pct, 77th Pct and 67 Pct, the three police precincts which patrol the streets in the 43rd NYS Assembly district of Crown Heights and East Flatbush.”
“I am thankful for the increased police presence in the Neighbourhood for Pesach, and if elected, my office will work with the NYPD to make it as permanent as possible,” Gluck concluded.
The event was also attended by Jewish community leaders and Askonim from Flatbush, Borough Park, Williamsburg, Kew Gardens Hills and Far Rockaway.
CrownHeights.infoLet’s come together for a family whose world has been shattered.
Sgt. Moshe Yitzchak Katz, just 22 years old—a beloved son, brother, and a Chabad bochur full of life, laughter, and strength—fell in battle defending Am Yisrael. A young life, so full of promise, taken in an instant.
His parents, Mendy and Devorah, and his siblings are now left with an unbearable void—a pain no family should ever have to endure.
In this moment of darkness, we cannot remain on the sidelines.
Let’s stand with them. Let’s hold them up.
Please open your heart and donate today to support the Katz family.
CrownHeights.infoIn honor of Yud Alef Nissan, the birthday of the Rebbe, Oholei Torah has released a special booklet highlighting the extraordinary global impact of its alumni. Titled “70 Nations. One Mission”, the publication showcases how talmidim of Oholei Torah have gone on to serve as shluchim, rabbonim, and community leaders in 70 countries!
Marking Oholei Torah’s 70th anniversary, the booklet features representatives in 70 countries, symbolizing the far-reaching influence of the Yeshiva. While thousands of alumni are active in communities worldwide, this curated selection captures the breadth of their mission, bringing Torah and Chassidus to every corner of the globe, from major metropolitan centers to the most remote locations.
As noted in the booklet, for seven decades Oholei Torah has educated generations of talmidim imbued with a sense of shlichus and dedication to the Rebbe’s vision of Ufaratzta, to spread Yiddishkeit without boundaries. Today, that vision is vividly realized through alumni serving in communities across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
Published as a tribute to the Rebbe on Yud Alef Nissan, this initiative echoes the Rebbe’s call at age seventy to expand and establish new institutions worldwide. Oholei Torah’s “70 Nations” project stands as a living testament to that directive, demonstrating how one Yeshiva continues to shape the spiritual landscape of the world, one country at a time.
CrownHeights.infoThe New York City Council passed legislation on Thursday that creates protective perimeters around houses of worship and schools during protests, part of a package designed to combat Jew-hatred and hate crimes across New York City following an uptick of antisemitism and a series of demonstrations outside Jewish institutions.
“I am immensely proud of the legislative package the council passed today to combat hate, including my legislation to help protect safe access to houses of worship,” stated Julie Menin, the first Jewish speaker of the New York City Council, as quoted by JNS.
Measures 1-B and 175-B, which Menin advanced, empower the New York City Police Department to set limits on how close demonstrators can gather near entrances to synagogues, religious schools and similar institutions to ensure unobstructed and safe access.
Read More at israelnationalnews
CrownHeights.infoListen to this nostalgic album of Lubavitch Negunim by Mona Rosenblum from 1988.
CrownHeights.infoThe Levaya ofMoshe Yitzchak HaKohen Katz HY’D, a Lubavitch IDF Lone Soldier who was killed during operations in southern Lebanon, will take place today on Mt. Herzl.
Watch the Lievstream here: https://livespace.co.il/live/vG48d5lqGE
CrownHeights.infoLubavitch Educational Center teacher Talya Ben David was hailed as a hero after she saved the life of a two-year-old child who was found unconscious in a South Florida swimming pool on Purim.
On March 3, what began as a fun pool party at a home in Aventura quickly turned into a life-or-death emergency, reported Florida’s Local 10 news.
Tina Biton, mother of toddler Raphael described the scene to Local 10. “He went in the pool. My husband started shrieking. He pulled him out of the water. He was white and blue, and it was a horrible thing to see, and thank G-d this angel here was at my home.”
“I just did whatever I thought I needed to do in that moment,” Ben David told Local 10. “I started the compressions, and he started to come back and bring out all the water, and baruch Hashem, thank G-d he was breathing again.”
Ben David credits her CPR expertise to the routine training she received as a teacher in LEC’s Early Stages division that cares for infants and toddlers. Teachers are required by school and local guidelines to be certified in CPR and LEC provides periodic training led by Hatzalah member Rabbi Shmuly Klein. “I knew exactly where to put my hands and what to do because we practiced on a mannequin,” she said.
“We are incredibly proud of our Morah Talya whose quick thinking and CPR training helped save a precious life—true heroism in action,” says Tziporah Elazar, principal of LEC’s Early Stages division. “This is a powerful reminder that CPR is not just a skill, but a lifesaving necessity that every school should take seriously.”
Raphael Biton has, thank G-d, returned home after three days at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. His family told Local 10 that all of his tests came back perfect. “I’m so grateful that my son came out of it the way he did, and there’s so many other parents that didn’t get as lucky as I did,” Biton said.
“I was just there to drop off mishloach manot on the way to a Purim party in shul,” says Ben David. “There were around fifteen other people around when it happened, but they all froze, no one seemed to know what to do. Hashem put me in the right place at the right time.”
Bar Shlomi Biton, Raphael’s father, recently reunited with and thanked Ben David and the first responders who helped save his son’s life. “We’re truly grateful for G-d, for the second chance he gave us with our kid, and for his messengers he sent to be able to save our son’s life,” he told Local 10.
CrownHeights.infoIn Crown Heights, something truly powerful and beautiful is unfolding. Over 120 bochurim attended the first day of Bein Hazmanim to participate in a structured yeshiva learning program, choosing to spend their vacation immersed in Torah study.
Seeing over 120 bochurim coming together to learn during their “vacation” is truly remarkable — a powerful Kiddush Hashem and a deeply meaningful gift for the Rebbe Shirley hastening moshiach’s coming.
The program is held daily at the Oholei Torah Zal (667 Eastern Parkway) with two sedorim daily:
Afternoon Seder: 12:15 PM – 1:45 PM
Evening Seder: 8:15 PM – 9:30 PM
By maintaining this serious, structured environment, these bochurim ensure that Bein Hazmanim remains a time of growth rather than an interruption. To further encourage consistency, each student earns $10 for every seder attended.
Lubavitch lebt.
If you would like to dedicate a day of learning, please contact us at [email protected]
CrownHeights.infoThis past week, 36 students representing 24 campuses across North America joined Chabad on Campus International’s LivingLinks Spring trip to Poland.
They visited sites including the Warsaw Ghetto, Majdanek, Sobibor, Auschwitz-Birkenau, and the historic Jewish quarter of Kazimierz in Kraków, where the group capped the journey with an inspiring Shabbos.
Students explored Jewish life past and present and returned to their respective campuses empowered with a new sense of responsibility and commitment toward Yiddishkeit.
With the world in turmoil and the future of the Jewish people in focus, they gained a new appreciation for authentic Jewish life and the part they have in ensuring its future is bright.
CrownHeights.infoWe’ve heard the Exodus story a thousand times — so why do we tell it again every single year? In this video, Rabbi Shais Taub from @SoulWords reveals why this ancient retelling still carries transformative power for every generation, sharing incredible insights that will transform your Seder experience.
CrownHeights.infoIn a heartwarming display of community unity and care, Chabad of Neve Gan in Petach Tikvah carried out a large-scale pre-Pesach relief operation this past Thursday night, benefiting hundreds of local families.
The initiative, led by shliach Rabbi Chaim Marton, focused on providing essential Yom Tov needs to residents of the neighborhood, many of whom have been facing increased financial strain amid the ongoing security and economic challenges.
Preparations for the operation began several weeks in advance, following a noticeable rise in requests for assistance. Dozens of dedicated volunteers—men and women from the neighborhood—gathered at the Sportan parking complex, where over 150 generously packed food packages awaited distribution.
Each package included staple goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, chicken, eggs, and other essentials—ensuring that recipient families could properly prepare for a dignified and joyful Pesach.
Alongside the food distribution, an equally impactful project was carried out: the distribution of approximately 2,000 boxes of Shmurah Matzah. Designated representatives from each building collected the matzah and ensured personal delivery to registered families, granting them the opportunity to fulfill the special mitzvah of eating Shmurah Matzah at the Seder.
At Chabad of Neve Gan, organizers highlighted the exceptional cooperation and spirit of volunteerism displayed by local residents, which played a key role in the operation’s success.
“It is a tremendous privilege to witness the unity and generosity of the community,” organizers shared. “To be able to help more and more families celebrate Pesach with dignity, joy, and a true sense of belonging is deeply meaningful.”
Photos by Dov Ber Hechtman
CrownHeights.infoUS President Donald Trump has announced Education and Sharing Day 2026, continuing a tradition of U.S. Presidents since Jimmy Carter signed the first proclamation in 1978.
For 250 years, American education has stood as a pillar of liberty, opportunity, and civic virtue. This Education and Sharing Day, we reaffirm the profound importance of a rigorous education—one that equips the next generation of Americans to lead with character, patriotism, and integrity.
Today, we honor the life, legacy, and vision of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory—one of the most influential Jewish leaders in modern American history. In 1941, Schneerson escaped Nazi persecution and fled to the United States, where he assumed leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement and became known by his followers as the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Under his stewardship, this small Hasidic community grew into a global force for faith and service that, after the Holocaust, reinvigorated Judaism worldwide and continues to touch millions of hearts across the globe.
As President, I am proudly advancing the Rebbe’s vision of intellectual achievement, righteousness, and faith. My Administration is restoring our education system, equipping the next generation of American students to lead lives of purpose, service, and virtue. We are bringing back common sense to our classrooms and ending left-wing indoctrination of our students—ensuring that our schools foster excellence, instill civic engagement, and respect our country’s most foundational values. We are removing educational control from the hands of unelected bureaucrats and returning it to the States, local communities, and parents to whom it rightly belongs. We are also working tirelessly to eradicate the scourge of anti-Semitism from our society, ensuring that every American can live out their faith free from fear, violence, and persecution.
On Education and Sharing Day, we celebrate the heroic life and enduring contributions of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, and we pledge to carry forth his legacy of fearless and moral leadership. As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, we recommit to building a future where moral courage, faith, and devotion to freedom remain the bedrock of our Republic. Above all, we reaffirm that America will forever be one Nation guided by the eternal wisdom and providence of the Almighty.
CrownHeights.infoThe night began as alumni, home from Mesivtas and Yeshivas around the world for Pesach bein hazmanim, were welcomed by the staff and treated to a lavish BBQ.
As everyone enjoyed the food and reconnected with childhood friends, The Program Director, Rabbi Gorman, shared a letter from the Rebbe about Pesach, followed by talmidim who prepared some words. One shared a D’var Torah about the contrast between Chometz and Matza and its relevance today, while others reflected on their time at TTOP, the memories they cherish, and their gratitude for the school’s warm and intentional approach.
Participants were then given a survey and contact information sheet to help strengthen connections and stay updated about future alumni events. The principal, Rabbi Lifshitz, distributed printouts of old photos from their years at TTOP, and memories quickly came flooding back. Laughter filled the yard as everyone recalled the stories behind those captured moments.
The evening concluded with alumni breaking into groups and heading into the classrooms and hallways to reenact those memories and capture new photos using disposable cameras.
Ocean Parkway is not just an elementary school that you graduate; it’s a place to call home. A home that will always welcome its talmidim with open arms.
To learn more about Tomchei Tmimim Ocean Parkway_,_ please click here.
CrownHeights.infoby CrownHeights.info
With great sadness we report that Moshe Katz HY’D, the 22 year old son of Mendel and Devorah Katz of New Haven, CT, was killed in a Hezbollah attack while fighting in southern Lebanon.
Moshe was a lone soldier who joined the IDF and attained the rank of sergeant. He is remembered as being full of zest for life and jokes.
Burial will take place tomorrow, Sunday in Eretz Yisroel.
Hashem Yakum Damo
CrownHeights.infoby Rabbi Asher Zeilingold, Clear Vision
It has always been in me to listen to others and try to empathize with them. From a young age, some of those I became acquainted with, took a liking to me and we became close. In Brooklyn, I had met Sol and Sadee Cohen at their small shul, where I would read from the Torah on Shabbos. We continued to keep in touch when I was in Montreal.
One time Sadee wrote to me that she was going through difficult times, “I have great faith in your belief, you are a pious man who has done no wrong …. I so want you to pray …. I believe so much in you that no matter what your blessings are, they will come true.”
I didn’t know what to make of the letter, but I believed that the Rebbe would be the right person for them to see. When they agreed, I called 770 to organize an audience. In June 1958 they went to the Rebbe. They reported that the visit “with the Rebbe was very exciting and [it was] a great thrill to sit and talk with him. The Rebbe made me feel quite at ease and [I] got a little smile out of him too. I took very little of his time and saw many people waiting to see him.”
Rabbi Moshe Feller continues the story:
I was once invited to a conference in Estes Park, Colorado. Before I left, the Rebbe told me to look for Jews there. I was there for a few days, and I had no clue how I would find any Jews. I thought that the best way to find out was to go to the local newspaper office and ask if they have any ideas. There they told me that there was one Jew in the town, who owned the local gas station.
I went there and asked if there were any Jews. A man appeared and started to holler, “Moshe, how are you?” When I looked puzzled, he told me that he had been at my wedding. Many times I would walk with Rabbi Zeilingold to the shul in Bedford-Stuyvesant where he would read the Torah. There I met this man – Mr. Cohen – and invited him to my wedding. He also had donated to the fund that I had established to send children to overnight camp.
His wife had health problems, and their doctor told them to move to Colorado. He was happy to see us, and to know that the Rebbe cared even about a Jew in a small town.
Visit Clear Vision: Living by the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Guidance to order the book, or click here for a discounted set at ClearVisionBook.com.
CrownHeights.infoClappy and Frank interview master winemaker Joseph Zakon. At eighteen years old he opened a winery in Brooklyn NY. And learned how to make wine from books at the library.
CrownHeights.infoby Tzali Reicher – chabad.org
When the late scholar Rabbi Adin Even-Israel (Steinsaltz) completed his groundbreaking translation of the Talmud in 2010, he had achieved something that had occupied him for nearly five decades. His son, Rabbi Meni Even-Israel, remembers the l’chaims and the joy when the last volume was sent to the printer, and how his father approached the completion of the defining project of his life.
“He had a goal that kept him occupied for decades, and now he had a gaping hole in his schedule,” recalls Rabbi Meni. “Though he was fresh off a tremendous accomplishment, he was already looking for the next classic Jewish text ready to be explained for the contemporary Jew. This was even though he was already at an age when many are winding down their activities and retiring.”
For those who knew Rabbi Adin’s biography, the eagerness for his next challenge was not surprising. Born in Jerusalem in 1937 to avowed Marxists, he arrived at Torah study at a young age through his own intellectual restlessness and never stopped. After their first meeting, the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of saintly memory—wrote1 that he had found in Rabbi Adin “qualities that are even greater than what was told to me and written to me.”
In addition to translating and elucidating the entire Talmud into Modern Hebrew and then English, Rabbi Adin authored translations and commentaries on the Tanya, Tanach and Mishnah, writing more than 200 books and hundreds of articles on Chassidut, Kabbalah, Jewish philosophy, and many books in the Jewish canon, as well as a bestselling book about the Rebbe, aptly titled My Rebbe. Many of his books, recorded lessons, and writings can be found in the Steinsaltz Portal on Chabad.org, hosted in partnership with the Steinsaltz Center.
Time magazine would eventually call him a “once-in-a-millennium scholar,” and in 1988 he was awarded the Israel Prize for Jewish Studies. Rabbi Adin’s life’s work carried a single animating phrase, reflected in the Steinsaltz Center’s motto, “let my people know.”
Rabbi Meni Even-Israel with his father, Rabbi Adin Even-Israel.
Upon the completion of his translation of the Talmud, the elder Rabbi Even-Israel asked his son to draw up a list of works to consider for his next project. Despite his advanced age—he was 73 when he finished his Talmud project—he dismissed what he saw as shorter and simpler tasks. What remained on his short list was a commentary on the Tanach, finishing the English edition of his Talmud, writing a Hebrew commentary on the entire Mishnah, or authoring a commentary of the Rambam’s magnum opus, the Mishneh Torah.
Rabbi Meni expected his father to choose one. Rabbi Adin said he would do them all.
That conversation, 16 years ago, is the backstory to the first volume of the English Steinsaltz Rambam Mishneh Torah, now available in bookstores around the world. A stunning green hardcover running 1,140 pages and covering Sefer HaMadda and Sefer Ahava—the first two of the 14 books that make up the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah—it is a testament to Rabbi Adin’s enduring legacy and to his lifelong commitment to ensuring the accessibility of Torah to all.
Rabbi Even-Israel teaches a class in his yeshivah in 2012.
The Mishneh Torah_,_ composed by the Rambam—Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (Maimonides)—in the 12th century, was among the earliest comprehensive codifications of Jewish law, organizing the entirety of halachah by subject matter into a single systematic work. In 1984, the Rebbe introduced a campaign encouraging daily study of the Rambam’s work, establishing three study tracks that would take participants through every commandment in the Torah in either one or three years—giving every person the ability to study the Torah in its entirety. The Rebbe saw the daily Rambam study cycle as a vehicle for both Jewish unity and Torah learning, with many countless people around the world covering the same pages on the same day.
Around the time of the completion of the second cycle of the Rambam study program, Rabbi Adin wrote a personal letter to the Rebbe seeking blessings for his family. The Rebbe’s response offered those blessings, but added a pointed instruction: surely, the Rebbe wrote, Rabbi Adin was making a “commotion” around the study of Rambam, and he should not worry about the Rambam’s own admonishment for people to pursue a quiet middle path, because they had not yet made a third of the noise the campaign required.
![The Rebbe's note to Rabbi Adin: "Surely he is 'making a commotion' regarding the Rambam (the conclusion, the second cycle, etc.), and the more noise he makes and the more he adds, there is no concern whatsoever that it contradicts the Rambam's ruling that one should follow 'the middle path,' because we have not yet even reached a third or a quarter of the way".](https://w2.chabad.org/media/images/1364/Ujrz13646896.JPG?_i=_nC92BCACA5D63C6CA8D3CFE60EAFD6D91 "The Rebbe's note to Rabbi Adin: "Surely he is 'making a commotion' regarding the Rambam (the conclusion, the second cycle, etc.), and the more noise he makes and the more he adds, there is no concern whatsoever that it contradicts the Rambam's ruling that one should follow 'the middle path,' because we have not yet even reached a third or a quarter of the way".")
The Rebbe’s note to Rabbi Adin: “Surely he is ‘making a commotion’ regarding the Rambam (the conclusion, the second cycle, etc.), and the more noise he makes and the more he adds, there is no concern whatsoever that it contradicts the Rambam’s ruling that one should follow ‘the middle path,’ because we have not yet even reached a third or a quarter of the way”.
Reflecting decades later on the Rebbe’s direction to him, Rabbi Adin committed to tackling the daunting work of translating and authoring a commentary on the Rambam’s 14-book masterwork. He long believed it deserved a commentary that helped readers think through the material rather than simply absorbing conclusions.
“He viewed the commentary as an aid to helping the reader learn, not as something separate from the text,” says Rabbi Meni. “Instead of being a commentary that spoonfeeds and absolves the reader from having to study the original text, he wanted to help his readers study and understand what the Rambam is teaching in each chapter and halachah.”
That philosophy shaped every editorial decision in the Hebrew edition, produced in partnership with Rambam Yomi, an Israel-based organization dedicated to promoting the daily Rambam study cycle. The Hebrew set included a practical halachah section at the close of every chapter, drawing on the Shulchan Aruch HaRav of the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, and incorporating relevant teachings of the Rebbe.
He was particularly careful to include the Rebbe’s positions on modern questions of Jewish law contested today.
Rabbi Adin also included the glosses of the Raavad, Rabbi Avraham ben David, to the Hebrew edition. Many publishers omit the 12th-century scholar’s sharp critical annotations on the Rambam, but Rabbi Adin insisted on keeping them. In his view, the Raavad’s willingness to challenge the Rambam directly was what gave the commentary its standing as a serious interlocutor.
Each section includes a breakdown of the subject matter being discussed, and a guide to each grouping of laws in every chapter.
By 2018, in partnership with Koren Publishers—who have published Rabbi Adin’s works since 2009—the Steinsaltz Center had completed the Hebrew edition. It sold tens of thousands of copies and inspired the team to explore translating the series into English.
The resulting new English edition is built on the same scholarly foundation as the Hebrew, enhanced with additions unique to the English series.
Each section includes a breakdown of the subject matter being discussed, and a guide to each grouping of laws in every chapter. Rabbi Adin’s clear translation and commentary guides the reader through the Rambam’s Hebrew text in the accompanying column, while The Glosses of the Ravaad clearly explain where he differentiates from the Rambam’s halachic decisions.
Additionally, the English series has taken many more of the Rebbe’s copious teachings and insights on the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah and adapted them into the From the Lubavitcher Rebbe section, compiled by Rabbi Amechaye Even-Israel, seamlessly integrating the Rebbe’s contemporary commentary into each section.
An extract from the first chapter of the Mishneh Torah, as presented in the new edition. It features the commentary of Rabbi Adin, insights from the Rebbe, and notes and images providing additional context.
Based on what is being discussed in each section, the Halachic Discussions box brings the practical halachah, drawn from Shulchan Aruch, and includes the legal rulings of the Alter Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek—Rabbi Menachem Mendel, the third Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch—and Rabbi Avraham Chaim Naeh, a famed Chassidic rabbi who was a prominent halachic decider in the early half of the 20th century. The Notes section adds more context and sources for the interested reader.
Detailed color images depicting the scenes, tools and locations referenced by the Rambam have been added throughout the book, and the daily and three-year Rambam study schedules are marked in the pages to aid those using the volume for their daily Rambam study.
The translation team draws from the same scholars who worked on the Steinsaltz Talmud in English and on the rabbi’s edition of Tanya, and several are also concurrently working on the English Mishnah—another of the projects Rabbi Adin mapped out that morning in 2010.
Rabbi Adin Even-Israel with his son, Rabbi Meni Even-Israel.
In 2016, Rabbi Adin suffered a stroke. Though it limited what he could do, it did not stop him. The Rambam and the Mishnah were the final projects he worked on, and he continued contributing until he could no longer do so.
“Though he couldn’t write or speak, my father was able to edit what was produced and written based on his teachings and commentary,” says Rabbi Meni. “He looked over virtually every page, editing and noting what should be cut, and marking what was ready for print.”
After Rabbi Adin passed away in 2020, the decision to carry the project into English became, for Rabbi Meni, even more personal.
“Before his passing, I promised my father I would work to translate his works into at least one other language,” Rabbi Meni tells Chabad.org. “His whole mission was helping bring Jews closer to their Father in Heaven through studying His Torah, and making his commentary on the Rambam accessible to an English-speaking audience is surely bringing much joy to his soul.”
With Volume 1 now in stores, the full set will span eight hardcover volumes, with a softcover edition running to approximately 25 books. The final volume is scheduled to go to press in December 2027, with the softcover potentially completed earlier. Some 60% of the material is already in production, with the team working overtime to get the next volume to the masses.
“The Rebbe wanted people to achieve a victory in Torah learning,” says Rabbi Meni, “a tangible accomplishment to show they mastered an area of the Torah. Through the study of Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, learners will cover every law taught in the Torah, and we hope our new series contributes and helps even more people, in a whole new audience, achieve this goal.”
The Steinsaltz Mishneh Torah, Volume 1, is available now from Koren Publishers.
Rabbi Adin Even-Israel
Footnotes
1. Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, Igrot Kodesh, vol. 26, #9827.
CrownHeights.infoTune in for a live broadcast at the Ohel of a grand 11 Nissan farbrengen marking the Rebbe’s 124th birthday. Featured speakers: Rabbi Moshe Wolberg, Rabbi Avrohom Sternberg, and Rabbi Yosef Greenberg.
CrownHeights.infoIn advance of 11 Nisan, 5738 (1978), the US Congress passed a joint resolution acknowledging the Rebbe’s important contribution to the national conversation about education, and called upon all Americans and then-President Jimmy Carter to designate the anniversary of the Rebbe’s birth as Education Day, USA. This tradition has been repeated almost annually since.
Three months after that initial proclamation, on 20 Av, 5738 (1978), on the eve of the new school year, the Rebbe encouraged local municipalities (as well as other countries) to follow the president’s direction to designate a day for contemplating the true meaning of education, and to encourage their local citizens to reflect on how each individual can enhance the moral and ethical education of all children.
In time, it has grown to encompass many states and cities.
Forty years later, on the eve of 11 Nisan 5778 (2018), with Chabad emissaries now posted in all 50 states, Education and Sharing Day was recognized in every state with formal proclamations from every governor. This project, spearheaded by Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Executive Vice President of American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad), was entirely unprecedented.
The 2018 proclamations were all archived on Chabad.org, as were those of subsequent years.
This year, a new website, Chabad.org/11Nisan5786, has been launched, featuring maps and easy-to-understand visuals that illustrate the scope of the Rebbe’s impact.
The site also makes it easy for government officials and local organizers to submit and display their proclamations, which are counted and maintained in a running total.
Visit often and watch as the proclamations keep rolling in!
To upload proclamations from your local municipality, click here.
CrownHeights.infoRabbi Chaim Dalfin, author and Chasidic historian shares interesting facts, many revealed for the first time. The purpose of his program is to inspire all but especially the youth. Watch another installment here on CrownHeights.info.
Visit Rabbi Dalfin’s website: Click Here
CrownHeights.infoShabbos at the BESHT: Rav Sholom Shuchat serves as Dayan on the prestigious Beth Din of the Union of
Orthodox Rabbis of the USA and Canada. He will be giving this week’s Shiur on Shabbos Hagodol: An overview of the Halachos of Pesach.
CrownHeights.infoThe Bus to the Ohel, which has facilitated round-trip transportation between Crown Heights and the Ohel, has released its expanded schedule for Yud Aleph Nissan.
The bus leaves either from Kingston Avenue or Eastern Parkway, (somewhere near the dreidel) depending on parking availability.
Updates BusToOhel.com/WhatsApp • Donations BusToOhel.com/Donations • Contact us wa.me/13477707792
CrownHeights.infoA list of food products under CHK supervision for Pesach 5786 has been released by the Crown Heights Vaad Hakashrus.