Printed fromChabad.org.uk
ב"ה

UK News

The latest news stories about Chabad Lubavitch from around the UK.

Yom Kippur Without Guilt

From the Chabad Magazine:

"I want to know, what does the process of examining one's past deeds undertake for someone who abandoned a religious lifestyle because she was abused by the authority figures of that system?

Yom Kippur Article.jpg 

Or someone who grew up in a world where there was no moral standard, and just now is starting out on a path guided by Torah and mitzvahs?

Or for someone struggling with trauma or depression? Someone who already feels rotten about herself?

In all these cases, beating your chest and crying out, “I have sinned! I have sinned! Forgive me!” seems a mockery at best, and could even be self-abusive.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE

Alumni in Focus: New Centre in Sudbury MA

During a mid-winter night in 2006, shortly after Rabbi Yisroel and Shayna Freeman moved to Sudbury (outside Boston, USA) to open a Chabad centre, the rabbi woke, chilled to the bone. In the morning, he discovered he’d left their front door wide open.

Chabad of Sudbury 1.jpg 

That open door became both a metaphor and a guiding philosophy for the co-directors of Chabad of Sudbury—about 30 minutes due west of Boston—as it has for Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries around the world. And it eventually led them to the establishment of a brand-new building, based on welcoming local Jewish residents of all ages to pray, learn and celebrate the beauty of their traditions and of Jewish history.

The grand opening of the new 5,000-square-foot building, which was attended by more than 300 people, took place on Sept. 10.

“This dream became a reality thanks to the dedicated people, including our advisory committee, who went the extra mile with their contributions, support and hard work,” the 39-year-old rabbi said. “It’s built by the community and is the pride of our community.”

 

Guests including local politicians Carmine Gentile and Len Simon participated in the celebration and witnessed Rabbi Freeman affix a mezuzah to the main entrance. Together with his wife, 36, and four of their five children, the rabbi also cut the ceremonial ribbon, officially opening their new doors.

Located on two acres of land (an ideal spot for outdoor weddings and other festive celebrations), the new Chabad facility is also connected to a 54-acre nature preserve. Inside the center is a large multipurpose room, which serves as both the synagogue and the community room, in addition to a library, classrooms, offices, commercial kosher kitchen and guest suite for the visitors they expect on a regular basis.

Chabad of Sudbury 2.jpg 

The Freemans serve an estimated 800 Jewish families in Sudbury, which has a total of approximately 5,500 households. Incorporated back in 1639, the town is home to a growing Jewish community in Boston’s far suburbs.

And the new building, noted the rabbi, “is a tremendous game-changer.”

Click Here for the Full Story

 

 

Photo of the Week

Fire Alarm Doesn't Stop pre-Yom Kippur Shiur in the City! 

 Fire Alarm Shiur.jpg

Sukkah in the City

Please join us at our Sukkah, New Street Square London EC4 from 9th to 11th October.

There will be 'something for everyone' and we are particularly honoured to have Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis as our honoured guest  on Monday 9th October. Please see below for full details.

Sukkah in the City Invite.jpg 

Chabad in the News #3

Following on from the recent UK JLI Conference which will see the world's flagship Jewish education programme rolled out fully across the UK this autumn there was an excellent piece of coverage in this week's JC also. For full details of the courses on offer please click here

The JC - JLI Profile 15 September.jpg

Chabad in the News #2

Yet another amazing story. This time about Chabad's relief efforts on St Martin in the Caribbean in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Kol Hakavod to Rabbi Moishe & Sara Chanowitz.

The JC - Hurricane Irma - 15 Sept.jpg 

WhatsApp & Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey.jpg

Undoubtedly the ‘news story of the week’ is the tragedy that unfolded in Texas in the wake of ‘Harvey’ – the first major hurricane to hit the USA since 2005 – that dumped more than 1 metre of water over eastern Texas and displaced more than 30,000 people inside 4 days. At the latest count 47 people have sadly lost their lives.

It is, when issues of this magnitude arise, that the depth of the human spirit can be felt most. Take for example this one situation:

- Via WhatsApp a woman from Houston sends a message to her daughter-in-law in London that she is stuck with limited food, in rising water with no help coming from the rescue services

- Her daughter-in-law calls a Chabad House in London

- The Chabad Rebbetzin calls her brother in Los Angeles

- 8.28am – the brother in LA puts out a message on his Yeshiva WhatsApp group alerting his network

- 8.39am – the Houston Rabbi posts that his wife has contacted the trapped lady

- 10:02am – the Houston Rabbi informs all concerned that the lady has been rescued

A beautiful example of how social media can be used for great things.

Two former IDF soldiers, now part of the Chabad Community in Houston, use a borrowed military vehicle and their own IDF experience to rescue victims trapped by Hurricane Harvey and the flood. See the video here. 

See below for more incredible links to stories of relief efforts:

As Houston Flood Waters Rise, So Does the Kindness of Strangers

First Relief Trucks Reach Houston Jewish Community

Looking for older posts? See the sidebar for the Archive.