A Y E A R T H I S M A K E
CHABAD PROGRAMME 2014–2015
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About the Artist The cover art and illustrations in this guide were specially created for Chabad Belgravia by Musya Herzog, a Brooklyn based artist and illustrator. Musya’s art, published in various magazines and periodicals, transcribes life with whimsical illustration that evoke the humour and joy of urban Jewish communities. 2
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Dear Friends, 4
Welcome / letter from the rabbi
“Those who have been Divinely gifted in art have the ability to to convert an inanimate thing, such as a brush, paint and canvas, or wood and stone, into living form, thus transforming, to a certain extent, the material into spiritual.” —the rebbe
The world is the canvas on which we express ourselves. Our thoughts are paint, our words the brush, and our actions the strokes. Throughout our lives we pour paint, mix and stir colors, apply and reapply, assembling our unique works of art. The theme of this year's programme guide is "masterpiece." Using art as a metaphor, we have designed our 2014 - 2015 programming to imbue our everyday lives with the rich beauty of our colourful heritage and tradition.
Each year on Rosh Hashanah, a new canvas is stretched before us. A new opportunity is created to add colour, texture and dimension to our lives, to elevate the mundane to the divine. This year, we urge you to look through this programme guide and plan to take advantage of all Chabad has to offer, from lectures, to events, to Shabbatons. Together, we will make this year a masterpiece. With warmest wishes for a Happy New Year, —Rabbi Mendel & Chana 5
Dear Friends, LETTER FROM A CONGREGANT I invite you to join me in reflecting on our three years spent with Chabad and Rabbi Mendel and Chana. I take enormous pride in charting the growth of what was a smattering of Jewish families to a thriving community with hundreds of men, women and children actively engaging with our beautiful heritage and tradition. Every Shabbos and Holiday, our synagogue is bursting with congregants gathering for prayer services and inspiration. Over 100 children participate in the Gan, our Hebrew School, gaining valuable insight and participation with our heritage, which creates Jewish pride that lasts a lifetime. The young men and women approaching Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are instilled with a deep appreciation for Jewish values and tradition. The Jewish Learning Boutique, with the Rabbi's unique classes and incredibly curated guest lecturers on a broad range of topics, provides the adult members of the
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community with unparalleled access to Jewish wisdom and tradition. Over the past three years, we have bonded in celebration of our unique identity and our common goal of creating a spiritual oasis in our unique part of the world. Together, we have created a community of which we can be most proud. I hope you will take full advantage of this guide, which details the programming for shabbos and holidays, children’s , classes and lecture. We all look forward to greeting you and your entire families. Shana Tova U’Metuka to all of you. With warmest wishes for a happy and sweet new year!
With warmest wishes for a happy and sweet new year! —Rob Rackind
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192 lectures, classes families enjoy Chabad’s Shabbos & Holiday Services
400 participants at Chanukah Wonderland
70 328 110 3 weddings 6 babies total 11 born attendees! G A N people per shabbos
& events
at
THANK YOU!
children
BA R / BAT M I T Z VA H S
Our 2013-2014 holiday events and programmes were made possible by the kind donations of the following families:
The services and programming of Chabad
Mr. & Mrs. Stephane Arditti, A Chanukah Journey
have been made possible by the continued
Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Wieselman, Purim Jive Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Kupsin, A Magical Masquerade Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Maimoun, Shavous Wednesday Sundae Mr. & Mrs. Raphael de Botton, Shavous Torah Crawl Dr. Mark Glaser, Lecture Series Anonymous, Shabbat 200
generous support of our patrons, Gennadiy and Sonia Bogoyubov and Sacha and Tania Gaydamak. We cannot thank these families enough for the crucial role they have played in our growth.
Welcome / Letter from a trustee
2013–2014 IN NUMBERS
To sponsor an event, lecture, or Shabbos kiddush, contact us via email. 7
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of righteous memory (1902-1994), the seventh leader in the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty, is considered by some to have been the most influential Jewish personality of modern times. To hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of admirers around the world, he was— and still is, despite his passing—“the Rebbe”, the individual most responsible for stirring the conscience and spiritual awakening of world Jewry. Known for his hallmark teachings of unconditional love and acceptance for every Jew regardless of affiliation or observance, the Rebbe serves as an unwavering inspiration for all that we do.
PHOTO CREDIT: REBBEARCHIVE@GMAIL.COM
O U R I N S P I R AT I O N
undertaken the most daring spiritual initiative ever undertaken in the history of humanity: to search out every jew in love...as jews had once been searched out and hunted down in hate.
Welcome / Letter from the rebbe
“The Lubavitcher Rebbe had
—chief rabbi lord, jonathan sacks
By the grace of G–d In the Days of Slichos 5724 [September, 1964] Brooklyn, N.Y.
Greeting & Blessing, Our Sages, of blessed memory, teach us that the first Man, Adam, was the prototype and example for each and every individual to follow: "For this reason was Man created single, in order to teach you — one person equals a whole world," our Sages declared in the Mishnah. This means that every Jew, regardless of time and place and personal status, has the fullest capacity (and hence, the duty) to rise and attain the highest degree of fulfilment, and accomplish the same for the Creation as a whole. Rosh Hashana — the anniversary of the first, and single, human — reminds every Jew of this duty. Rosh Hashana disproves the contentions of those who do not fulfil their duty with the excuse that it is impossible to change the world; or that their parents had not given them the
necessary education and preparation; or that the world is so huge, and one is so puny — how can one hope to accomplish anything? Rosh Hashana offers the powers needed to fulfil this duty, because on this day the whole of Creation is rejuvenated; a new year begins, with renewed powers, as on the day of the first Rosh Hashana... May G–d grant that everyone, man or woman, should firmly resolve on the day of Rosh Hashana to give full expression to the spirit of Rosh Hashana, as indicated above; and that these resolutions should be carried out in the actual everyday life of the coming year.
rabbi menachem m. schneerson
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Shabbos
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Shabbos / services
WEEKLY SHABBOS SERVICES invites participants to experience prayer and Jewish meditation in an open, warm, and spiritual atmosphere. It is a place to engage in the experience of Tefillah, prayer—Avodas Ha’Lev, “the work of the heart.” A deeply introspective experience, prayer and meditation in our nonjudgemental environment is an opportunity to embark on a journey of personal growth. Services are followed by a sit down Kiddush lunch, where we connect over good company and words of inspiration from the Rabbi and guest lecturers. Affiliated and non–affiliated welcome.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE 7:00 PM these Friday nights:
FAMILY SHABBOS AT CHABAD
MUSICAL HAVDALAH SING-ALONG
5th of December 30th of January 8th of May
15th of November 28th of February 6th of June
Monthly Details to follow
An exploratory journey through prayer that gives new meaning to an agesold tradition, allowing you to find deeper connection.
Make Shabbos a family day. Come for spiritual services paired with words of inspiration, while your children enjoy a fun filled, action packed Shabbos program geared just for them!
Usher in the new week with soulful tunes woven with age old tales that are sure to uplift and inspire.
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ROSH HASHANA Rosh Hashana celebrates the creation of man, the day on which G-d charged humanity with the mission of Tikun Olam, bringing the world to perfection. Rosh Hashana is therefore a time for us to reflect on our raison d’etre, resolving to make our lives more meaningful through personal growth and acts of kindness.
EVE OF ROSH HASHANA
Wednesday, 24/9 7:00 PM Services 8:00 PM Holiday Dinner ROSH HASHANA
Thursday, 25/9 10:00 AM Services 11:30–12:45 PM Children’s Program 1:00 PM Buffet Luncheon
ROSH HASHANA (SECOND EVE)
Thursday, 25/9 7:00 PM Mincha Services ROSH HASHANA (SECOND DAY)
Friday, 26/9 10:00 AM Services 1:00 PM Lunch 6:30 PM Mincha Services followed by farbrengen
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Rosh Hashana runs from the evening of the 24th–26th of September. CANDLELIGHTING TIMES:
24/9 6:38 PM 25/9 7:43 PM 26/9 6:34 PM
High Holidays / new year
EVE OF YOM KIPPUR
Friday, 3/10 6:30 PM Services YOM KIPPUR
Saturday, 4/10 10:00 AM Services 12:00 PM Yizkor 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Children’s Program 5:30 PM Mincha Services 6:30 PM Neilah, Havdalah & Break Fast
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YO M K I P P U R Yom Kippur is a day of reflection, renewal and resolution. Although it is a solemn day of fasting and humility, it is not a sad day. In fact, in a subtle way, it is one of the happiest days of the year, for on Yom Kippur we receive one of
Yom Kippur runs from the evening of the 3rd–4th of October. CANDLELIGHTING TIMES
3/10 6:18 PM
G-d’s most precious gifts—forgiveness.
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S U K KO S
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T H E
S U K K A H
For forty years, as our ancestors traversed the Sinai Desert prior to their entry into the Holy Land, miraculous “Clouds of Glory” surrounded and hovered over them, shielding them from the dangers and discomforts of the desert. Ever since, we remember G-d’s kindness and reaffirm our trust in His providence by dwelling in a Sukkah, a hut of temporary construction with a roof of branches, for the duration of the Sukkos festival (Tishrei 15-21). For seven days and nights, we eat all our meals in the Sukkah and otherwise regard it as home.
Hiddur Mitzvah: To beautify the commandment
“This is my God and I will glorify Him” —Exodus 15:2. Is it possible for a human being to add glory to his Creator? What this really means is: I shall glorify Him in the way I perform Mitzvot. I shall prepare before Him a beautiful Lulav, beautiful Sukkah, beautiful Tzizit and beautiful Tefillin Rabbi Ishmael, Midrash Mechilta, Shirata, Chapter 3
EVE OF SUKKOS
Wednesday, 8/10 6:30 PM Evening Services
High Holidays / festival of joy
Following the sombre days of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the joyous part of the month begins with the Festival of Sukkos. At this time we rejoice in good faith that G-d has signed and sealed a good year for all of us.
SUKKOS
Thursday, 9/10 10:00 AM Services 6:30 PM Mincha Services SUKKOS (SECOND DAY)
Friday, 10/10 10:00 AM Services 6:30 PM Mincha Services
Sukkos runs from the evening of the 8th–15th of October. CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES: 8/10 6:06 PM 9/10 7:12 PM 10/10 6:02 PM 15
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J O Y
A N D
D E L I G H T
SIMCHAS TORAH
EVE OF SHEMINI ATZERES
EVE OF SIMCHAS TORAH
Wednesday, 15/10 6:15PM Mincha 8:00PM Hakafos
Thursday, 16/10 6:15PM Mincha 8:00PM Hakafos (event from 6–11pm)
SHEMINI ATZERES
Thursday, 16/10 10:00AM Services 12:00PM Yizkor
SIMCHAS TORAH
Friday, 17/10 10:00AM Services
Festivals / simchas torah
SHEMINI ATZERES
On the evening of Simchas Torah—“the rejoicing of the Torah,” great celebrations take place in the synagogue, focusing on every Jewish person’s connection to the holy Torah. On this day we conclude, and begin anew, the annual Torah reading cycle. The event is marked with great celebration, especially during the “Hakafos” procession, in which we march, sing and dance with the Torah scrolls around the reading table in the synagogue. Children play a central role in the festivities, waving flags and riding on their parents’ shoulders. “On Simchas Torah,” goes the Chassidic saying, “We rejoice in the Torah, and the Torah rejoices in us; the Torah, too, wants to dance, so we become dancing feet to the Torah.”
Shemini Atzeres runs from the evening of the 15–16th of October. Simchas Torah runs from the evening of the 16–17th of October. CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES: 15/10 5:51 PM 16/10 6:57 PM
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fa ll
ca nd le sa re lit
Ch th an 16 e e uka v D th t en h r ec i un o em th ng sf Th o e f e be af 24 th rom te Ch r th r n an e . u ig of ht kah
CHANUKAH Chanukah celebrates the triumph of light over darkness,
When they sought to light the Temple’s Menorah (the
of
over
seven branched candelabrum), they found only a single
materiality. More than twenty-one centuries ago, the
cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the
Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks),
Greeks. Miraculously, the one-day supply burned for
who sought to forcefully Hellenize the people of Israel.
eight days, until new oil could be prepared under the
Against all odds, a small band of faithful Jews defeated
conditions of ritual purity.
purity
over
adulteration,
of
spirituality
one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and rededicated it to the service of G-d. 18
Festivals / miracle of lights
CHANUKAH WONDERLAND Sunday, 21/12 H A R D
A T
P L A Y
3:30–6:30 PM 19
M E G I L L A H 20
&
M A S Q U E R A D I N G
Festivals / Purim
p u
r
i
m
Purim, one of the most joyous holidays on
Jewish queen, Esther, Haman would
the Jewish calendar, carries the central
have succeeded in his plot to wipe out
theme of unity. For this reason, after
the entire Jewish population of Persia
hearing the Megillah, we send a gift of at
in one day. Esther agreed to a daring
least two kinds of foods to a friend, give
strategy—approaching the king without
charity to at least two people, and gather
being summoned. As she did, King
to rejoice in the Purim spirit.
Achashverosh was overwhelmed by her
Purim runs from
loveliness, and the Jewish nation was
the evening of the
The miracle of Purim occurred through natural causes. The sea didn’t split.
saved from annihilation.
4th–5th of March.
The earth didn’t shatter. There were
Throughout the Purim story, the
no plagues. Everything happened as a
hand of G-d was “masked” beneath
result of certain people being in the right
the “costume” of natural events. To
places at the right time. Had it not been
commemorate these events, many people
FAMILY MASQUERADE
for the last-minute intervention of the
wear masks and costumes.
Thursday, 5/3
EVE OF PURIM
Wednesday, 4/3
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p e s a c h The eight-day Pesach holiday celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and the birth of the Jewish nation more than 3,300 years ago. Pesach is rich with traditions that help us achieve personal “freedom” in our own lives. The celebration of Pesach begins with the Seder on the evening of the 14th of Nissan. On the first two nights of Pesach we conduct a Seder, a festive, yet thought-provoking event. Around a table set with our finest crystal and silver and the best kosher wine, we reenact the ancient exodus from Egypt. We think of ourselves as also being in bondage in a figurative Egypt, suffering Pharaoh’s oppression, joining the walk out of Egypt, and across the Sea of Reeds. 22
F A M I L Y
S E D E R
Festivals / pesach
EVE OF PESACH
Friday 3/4 10:00AM Services 6:30 PM Services 8:00 PM Seder PESACH
Saturday 4/4 6:30 PM Services 8:00 PM Seder PESACH (DAY 2)
Sunday 5/4 10:00AM Services 7:30 PM Mincha Services
PESACH (DAY 6)
Thursday 9/4 7:30 PM Mincha Services PESACH (DAY 7)
Friday 10/4 10:00AM Services 7:30PM Mincha Services PESACH (DAY 8)
Saturday 11/4 10:00AM Services 12:00PM Yizkor 7:30PM Mincha Services
Pesach runs from the evening of the 3rd–11th of April. CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES: 3/4 7:18 PM 4/4 8:28 PM 5/4 8:30 PM 9/4 7:28 PM 10/4 7:29 PM 11/4 8:41 PM 23
Shavuos marks the day of the giving of the Torah by G-d to the entire Jewish nation over 3,000 years ago. In Hebrew, the word Shavuos means “weeks� and represents the seven weeks during which the Jewish people prepared themselves for the giving of the Torah. During this time they rid themselves of their slave mentality and became a holy nation ready to stand before G-d. The giving of the Torah was a farreaching event that touched the essence of the Jewish soul, then and for all time. Our sages have compared it to a wedding between G-d and the Jewish people.
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Festivals / SHAVOUS
EVE OF SHAVOUS
SHAVOUS
Saturday 23/5 7:00PM Mincha Services 9:00PM Torah Crawl
Sunday 24/5 10:00AM Services 3:00–7:00PM Dairy Luncheon & Ice Cream Party Come hear the 10 commandments and celebrate with a garden themed luncheon and ice cream party. SHAVOUS (DAY 2)
Monday 25/5 10:00AM Services 12:00PM Yizkor 7:30PM Mincha Services
Shavous runs from the evening of the 23rd–25th of May. CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES: 23/5 10:03 PM 24/5 10:04 PM
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LECTURE SERIES SCHOLARS IN RESIDENCE ROSH CHODESH SOCIETY CHAI SALON
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S T U D Y
STUDY WITH THE RABBI
S E S S I O N
Jewish Learning Boutique
Jewish Learning Boutique / STUDY WITH THE RABBI
Study Rabbi with the
Ongoing study sessions and lectures by Rabbi Mendel
Hebrew Language Learn to read and speak the language of our forefathers with its ancient and contemporary applications. Our engaging format will turn you into a proficient reader and speaker. No prior knowledge required. DATES TO BE CONFIRMED
Jewish Philosophy & Western Thought An intimate class on Jewish philosophy and its contribution to Western thought and civilization. THURSDAYS
Chabad Beit Midrash Traditional Beit Midrash study done B'Chavrusa, in partners, with pairs of Jewish scholars spending their days huddled over ancient text, lively with debate on its many dimensions, interpretations and applications. At the Chabad Beit Midrash, we bring back this ancient practice with this partner study programme on the topic of Jewish belief and practice. Followed by a lecture by the Rabbi. MONDAYS DATES TO BE CONFIRMED
Biblical Exploration into the Weekly Torah Portion An in-depth exploration, this class dives into our nation’s most dramatic stories through literal, allusionary, homiletic and mystical lenses culled from hundreds of commentators, both modern and ancient. MONDAYS WHEN CHABAD BEIT MEDRASH IS NOT IN SESSION
Shabbos Shiur During the winter months, this class centres on biblical themes and a modern take on ancient wisdom. In the summer months, the class focuses on Pirkei Avos, the foundational Jewish text on ethics. The Shiur is followed by the teaching of a Niggun, a chassidic meditative tunes and a sing-a-long Havdalah. SATURDAYS, 1 HOUR BEFORE SHABBOS ENDS 27
MAN IN THE SHADOWS Efraim Halevy
LECTURE SERIES A curated selection of academics, Rabbis and renowned lecturers presenting on a range of topics
Efraim Halevy served as the ninth Head of the Mossad (19982002), National Security Advisor (2002-2003), Ambassador to the European Union (1996- 1998) and Head of the Centre for Strategic Studies of the Hebrew University (2003- 2011). Currently chairman of the Centre for Jewish History (2008-), he has published signed articles in The Economist, London Times, Financial Times, New York Times, Foreign Affairs. Efraim appears frequently on Israeli, British and American TV and is a regular contributor to Israel daily Yedioth Acharonot. 8:00 PM COCKTAILS 8:30 PM TALK
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Jewish Learning Boutique / LECTURE SERIES
RAISING CHILDREN WITH VALUES Laibl Wolf LL.B, M.Ed.Psych., D.Div. Master communicator, lawyer and psychologist, Laibl Wolf is widely known for his clear grasp of esoteric and Kabbalistic concepts and their fusion with contemporary psychology and healing practices. An internationally acclaimed retreat master, Dr. Wolf has conducted personal growth programs in over 350 cities worldwide. 8:00 PM COCKTAILS 8:30 PM TALK
SECURITY AWARENESS & SELF DEFENCE WORKSHOP Avi Navama HIP HOP & NIGGUN Alex Clare Singer-songwriter Alex Clare is world famous for his soulful hit songs, including “Too Close”, which peaked at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and was nominated for Best British Single at the 2013 BRIT Awards. What is lesser known, is that Alex Clare now resides in London as an Orthodox Jew. 8:00 PM COCKTAILS 8:30 PM CONCERT
Avi Navama holds over 15 years’ experience in public and private security and a military and government background. He specializes in counter-terrorism operations, aviation security and diplomatic protection. Avi Navama is actively responsible for providing close protection for high profile personalities around the globe. He is a renown facilitator of security awareness seminars and self-defense workshops. 8:00 PM SEMINAR 29
MACCABI POWER Tal Brody & Richard Deitz DISABILITY Richard Bernstein Blind from birth, attorney Richard Bernstein leads the public service division at The Sam Bernstein Law Firm and won landmark civil rights claims in the disabled courts across the US. Amongst his achievements is a settlement against Delta Airlines and Detroit Metro Airport, which set the standards of accessibility for disabled fliers in airlines and airports. An avid runner, Richard, completed 18 marathons – including eight New York marathons – the Ironman triathlon in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho (2008) and the Israman half Ironman in Eilat, Israel (2011). He also cohosts a one-hour legal radio show called “Fighting for Justice” in Metro, Detroit. 8:00 PM COCKTAILS 8:30 PM TALK 30
In 1965, Tal Brody passed on an NBA draft by the Baltimore Bullets in order to play in Israel. He played on national basketball teams of both the United States and Israel, served in the armies of both countries, has received the highest honors bestowed to Israeli citizens and is currently serving as Israel's first official Goodwill Ambassador.
LIFE IN A JAR Norman Conard
Richard Deitz is the founder and president of alternative asset manager, VR Capital Group Ltd. In May, 2013, Mr. Deitz entered the ownership group of Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team. Mr. Deitz holds degrees in economics and history from Yale University. He is a member of the President’s Council on International Activities and the advisory board of the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs at Yale University.
Norman Conard is third generation educator and high school teacher behind Life in Jar, the student-produced drama about a Polish Catholic woman who saved Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust. The play has now been performed over 285 times all across the United States, in Canada and in Poland. Conard is also the founder of the The Lowell Milken Center, celebrating unsung heroes in history, has received numerous state and national teaching awards, including National Social Studies Outstanding Secondary Teacher, Kansas Teacher of the Year and the NEA Civil Rights Award.
8:00 PM COCKTAILS 8:30 PM TALK
8:00 PM COCKTAILS 8:30 PM TALK
Jewish Learning Boutique / LECTURE SERIES
THE JEWISH NEO-NAZI David Oberlander & Dovid Szegedi HOLY TEMPLE VESSELS IN THE VATICAN Benjamin Blech Rabbi Benjamin Blech is an internationally recognized educator, religious leader, author, and lecturer who was ranked #16 in a listing of the 50 most influential Jews in America. Rabbi Blech has been a Professor of Talmud at Yeshiva University since 1966, and was the Rabbi of Young Israel of Oceanside for 37 years. He wrote 15 best-selling books and was one of the first rabbis in history known to confer a blessing on a Pope, when they were invited in 2005 by the Vatican to visit and bless Pope John Paul II at Clementine Hall in the Apostolic Palace. 8:00 PM COCKTAILS 8:30 PM TALK
Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Baruch Oberlander arrived in Hungary in 1989 and has since built a remarkable Jewish infrastructure in a country whose Jewish population was decimated during the Holocaust.
ART IN JUDAISM David Breuer-Weil
Csanad Szegedi is a 31-year-old Hungarian whose career as an extremist politician, MEP and deputy leader of the notoriously anti-Semitic Jobbik party, was brought to a crashing halt when it emerged that he was Jewish. Expelled from the party that had been his life, Szegedi turned to an Orthodox Lubavitch rabbi for help. The rabbi encouraged Szegedi to reinvent himself as what he was. Szegedi adopted the name Dovid and began following Judaism.
David Breuer-Weil studied at Clare College and Cambridge and is famed for his monumental solo shows of vast painted canvases referred to as The Projects. His monumental sculptures have been exhibited at Sotheby's, Beyond Limits, Hannover Square, Portman Square and Grosvenor Gardens, London. In 2013 he was commissioned by The Jerusalem Foundation to make the sculpture, Centre Of The World. He has long collected Jewish art and owns one of the world's leading collections of Jewish artifacts dating back 2000 years.
8:00 PM COCKTAILS 8:30 PM TALK
8:00 PM COCKTAILS 8:30 PM TALK 31
Acclaimed rabbis, scholars & public figures join Chabad for Shabbat
SCHOLARS RESIDENCE 32
Mystical Meditations 24/10–25/10
Dovber Pinson Dovber Pinson is a worldrenowned scholar, kabbalist, prolific author and beloved spiritual teacher. Through his books, lectures and seminars he has touched and inspired the lives of people the world over, and serve as a mentor to thousands across the globe. He has authored over 25 groundbreaking books on Kabbalah, philosophy and Jewish thought. He is the Rosh Yeshiva of the IYYUN Yeshiva and heads The IYYUN Center in Brownstone, Brooklyn, NY. www.IYYUN.com
In Appreciation 7/2 Please join Chabad for an inspiring and uplifting evening, celebrating and saluting the families of fallen soldiers who served in the IDF. The dinner is being co-hosted by OR to Families Association, established to help bereaved parents to return to their normal routine and an active and productive life.
19/6
Benjamin Blech Rabbi Benjamin Blech is an internationally recognized educator, religious leader, author, and lecturer who was ranked #16 in a listing of the 50 most influential Jews in America. Rabbi Blech has been a Professor of Talmud at Yeshiva University since 1966, and was the Rabbi of Young Israel of Oceanside for 37 years. He wrote 15 bestselling books and was one of the first rabbis in history known to confer a blessing on a Pope, when they were invited in 2005 by the Vatican to visit and bless Pope John Paul II at Clementine Hall in the Apostolic Palace.
Rabbi Meir Lau
The Lost Tribes 1/5–2/5
Jewish Learning Boutique / SCHOLARS IN RESIDENCE
The Secrets of Hebrew Words 13/3–14/3
Shabbat 300 Marvin Tokayer Rabbi Marvin Tokayer served as the United States Air Force Chaplain in Japan from 1968 - 1981. During that time, Tokayer was the only Englishspeaking, university-trained rabbi from India to Japan. He has done extensive research on the history of Judaism in the Orient, publishing over 21 books on the subject, including The Fugu Plan: The Untold Story of the Japanese and the Jews During World War II.
Join over 300 Jewish friends and neighbours in our community for a grand celebration of unity and tradition. We will be inspired and uplifted through heartfelt song, words of wisdom and delight in traditional Shabbos fare. Keynote address will be delivered by Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, a Polish Holocaust survivor, current Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv and former Chief Rabbi of Israel. In 2005, Lau was awarded the Israel Prize for his lifetime achievements and special contribution to society and the State of Israel. In 2008, Lau was appointed Chairman of Yad Vashem, succeeding Tommy Lapid. SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY THE CHOIR OF THE SPANISH & PORTUGUESE JEWS' CONGREGATION 33
Rosh Chodesh, the first day of each new month, has traditionally been recognized as a woman’s holiday. In communities throughout the world, women join together each month to celebrate through learning, discussion, and personal growth.
ros h chode s h society wo m e n
for 34
Jewish Secrets to Meaningful Relationships WITH CHANA
Romantics of all ages have waxed poetic on the notion of “soulmates,” seeking to grasp what makes love so potent, what drives the inexplicable magnetism between two people, and what makes true love last. Yet ancient Jewish text and tradition are rich with insights on this very topic, from the mystical to the practical.
LESSON 1: 11 November Two Halves, One Whole The Cosmic Root of Love LESSON 2: 2 December Behind Closed Doors Judaism’s View of Intimacy LESSON 3: 20 January Beloved Friends Synergizing and Sanctifying Love & Desire LESSON 4: 24 February Respecting Your Other Half Navigating Gender Differences
LESSON 5: 17 March Becoming a Better Half Jewish Insights into Preserving Marital Harmony
Jewish Learning Boutique / ROSH CHODESH SOCIETY
S ou l m at e s
LESSON 6: 28 April Sacred Space Defining Marriage’s Boundaries LESSON 7: 9 June Happily Ever After? What Divorce Teaches Us About Marriage
SoulMates draws on timeless Jewish wisdom that will forever change how you
Woman of Valor
think about this important relationship in
" She fears not snow for her household, for her entire household is clothed with scarlet wool. Bedspreads she makes herself; linen and purple wool are her clothing." —Aishes Chayal, A Woman of Valor
your life, in all its beauty and complexity.
Traditionally sung on Friday nights preceding the Kiddush 35
CHAI SALON The mission of Chabad’s exclusive Chai Salon is to create a dynamic, engaged Jewish community of young professionals, through social events centered on Jewish life, faith and culture. 36
Jewish Learning Boutique / CHAI SALON
S A L O N T H E
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Children’s Corner 38
Programs /Corner Children's for teens / holiday festivals
Holiday Festivals for the Whole Family Experience the magic of the Jewish calendar with refreshments, crafts, games, and unique entertainment. Whether it is making real olive oil on Chanukah or fashioning a functional Shofar before Rosh Hashana, our Holiday Festival at Chabad are full of excitement and hands-on fun. Together, we join as a community to prepare for the upcoming holidays and celebrate our Jewish heritage. CHANUKAH WONDERLAND
ICE CREAM SUNDAE SUNDAY
Sunday, 21st of December
Sunday, 24th of May
Details to follow
Details to follow
PURIM MASQUERADE
MATZAH BAKING
Wednesday, 5th of March
Sunday, 15th of March
Details to follow
Details to follow 39
the
40
AUTUMN 2014
SPRING 2015
SUMMER 2015
14th September to 14th December
11th January to 22nd March
26th April to 28th June
—Grant Lipton, Dad of Freddie and Lucas
Children's Corner / the gan
“We have been so thrilled with the Gan. Both of our boys look forward to attending and learning every Sunday—they don’t even realise it’s a class, they just think of it as a fun activity!”
IMAGINE A HEBREW SCHOOL where children don’t want to miss a day. They come in with a smile and leave humming a Jewish tune. Walking through the rooms, you can hear the sounds of lively learning, song, and laughter. Imagine a child who grows up with the warmth and spirit of Judaism, carrying the pride of his or her Jewish identity into his or her adult life. The Gan is an engaging, hands on educational program brought to you by Chabad. Founded on the belief that successful education is a result of exploration and creativity, the Gan aims to instil Jewish values and tradition through an interactive curriculum enriched with art, drama, and song. Our warm and dynamic staff emphasizes personal attention and care, ensuring the individualized
GAN (noun) Origins: Hebrew Literally defined as “garden”, it is used more contemporarily to mean school, camp, or educational centre for children.
success of each student. For children 3 years – 11 years Sundays: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Children's Corner / bar/bat mitzvah program
BAR & BAT MITZVAH The Bar & Bat Mitzvah Discovery Course is designed to educate and inspire Jewish boys and girls as they enter adulthood. Through stimulating discussions and handson exercises, the course covers many of the basics of Jewish history, philosophy, and life, including holidays, life-cycle, Mitzvos, and prayer protocol, as well as reading and speaking the Hebrew language.
AUTUMN 2014
14th September to 14th December SPRING 2015
11th January to 22nd of March SUMMER 2015
For boys and girls ages 11–12 42
26th April to 28th June
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Chabad aims to create a community centred on Jewish life, education, and family—encouraging individual growth in a warm, nonjudgemental environment.
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