Newfoundland News: News from the far east

BY RABBI CHANAN AND TUBA CHERNITSKY

Mazel tov! We welcomed our son Boruch Shalom Chernitsky on April 28th. May he give his parents, siblings, grandparents and the whole Newfoundland and Labrador Yiddishe nachas!

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Arranging a Bris is never easy, not to mention during a pandemic. Thank G-d we were able to secure an exemption for Rabbi Altein, expert mohel from Montreal to come to Newfoundland for the day of the ceremony.

It was hard work but we learnt that though we might at times think that we can’t do this mitzvah or that mitzvah for X and Y reason, if we work hard, we will prevail, with Hashem’s help.

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The Jewish Book Club is going strong, with the 3rd installment being sent out at the time of writing this article. Thank you to Shoshana and Gershon Zhubrak for sponsoring the latest installment.

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As Newfoundland announced the new rules regarding visitors from the mainland, we started getting phone calls and emails from tourists. We are looking forward to a busy and safe summer with lots of good company.

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Rebbetzin Tuba started a Mommy and Me program in May. Young mothers come to Chabad with their toddlers where they can learn something Jewish, play and schmooze. It’s been a great success.

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On Wednesday June 16th we had the honour and privilege of hosting over Zoom Angela Oroz-Richt. Angela is unique as she is 1 of 2 known babies to be born and survive in Auschwitz (In fact, her mother, Vera Bein, nursed the other baby so he could survive).

Angela shared the details of her birth and how it was to grow up in post war Hungary.

The event attracted 100 Zoom participants and received great feedback.

Angela finished off her talk with a charge to all of the listeners, to make sure we nip hatred in the bud.

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On Tuesday June 29th we ran a “Falafel Night”. Everyone had to make orders in advance either for pick up or “eat-in” (socially distanced, of course). We recruited some volunteers to help with the gargantuan task of making from scratch and frying over 300 falafel balls and french fries.

Thank G-d it was a resounding success. We even made homemade “Schug” aka “Charif”.

A new Israeli couple dropped by and gave the Falafel their approval.

We are open 24/7 (with social distancing practices). For more information you can reach us at 709-341-8770 or through e-mail at chabadofnewfoundland@gmail.com.