Yes, I farbrenged in New York for the Ottawa boys and friends. We spoke about Russia, and sang many songs together. All in the cozy apartment of Shmully Stiefel. Here are some pictures.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Farby in New York
Yes, I farbrenged in New York for the Ottawa boys and friends. We spoke about Russia, and sang many songs together. All in the cozy apartment of Shmully Stiefel. Here are some pictures.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
In Morristown
I'm in Morristown trying to fundraise (will be in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday).
If anyone can help with any donation, please contact me rabbizvi44@yahoo.com or for now I can be reached at 973-998-4041.
Also, if anyone is willing to give say, 18 dollars a month off their credit card, it can also be arranged.
If anyone can help with any donation, please contact me rabbizvi44@yahoo.com or for now I can be reached at 973-998-4041.
Also, if anyone is willing to give say, 18 dollars a month off their credit card, it can also be arranged.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Leaving for two months
When you leave a city where you have spent 6 months building relationships with community members who are excited to see new, young faces filled with energy to make their lives better, it's a bit tough.
Many of our friends and acquaintances in Stavropol have been begging us to call while we are away, so they know that we will be returning.
A few days before we left, "uncle Leibel" from Montreal phoned us. It was worth in a sense more than any donation, because it made us feel like we weren't alone out there, it was tremendous chizuk, and when you are in Russia, any time of the day it's good to get a call from a friend from home.
Boruch Hashem the political situation in Stavropol got a bit easier, after all our previous troubles before Pesach.
In short for those who don't know yet, we were sent by Rabbi Lazar on Shlichus to Stavropol to work together with FEOR (the organization which officially brought us down) and their representatives in Stavropol.
In Stavropol itself there are two Jewish community centres, the 'Obschin' and the 'Sachnut'.
In most cities the shluchim avoid the Sachnut, who are very Zionist and 90% non-Jews. Instead they focus on the community.
But Stavropol isn't like everywhere else. The Sachnut are the sweetest people, who obviously care and represent the entire current active community (of several hundred people), while the Obschin has been so nasty to the community that people refuse to walk in there.
From the start we weren't welcomed by the Obschin, who made it clear that they only wanted the money they knew we received, but had no interest in anything religious, from kosher food to Yarmulkas, to a Shul. We received no help from them, and anything we tried to do that involved religion they tried to boycott.
We tried to work with them, that is until Pesach, when they got the entire community upset by abusing their power. In a program from Israel in which they are given money to give food packages to poor Jewish children, they instead gave only to their friends (some of them non-Jews). This was the boiling point for the community after many such antics, and we had to take action.
We spoke to R' Lazar who told us we should take away the program from them, which we did. Meanwhile they wrote a 'contract', of what they would like from us, and what they will give in return. It was quite ridiculous, and when R' Lazar saw it, he said that a Rabbi needs a synagogue, kosher food, etc. and we should find our own place.
So Boruch Hashem we will be returning to a best-case scenario (or so we think). Backed by Rabbi Lazar and virtually the entire community, with a new Or Avner fund up and running, and im yirtzeh Hashem many more funds raised, we should be able to focus on shlichus, on doing what we came to do, on getting a shabbos minyan started, on organizing classes, etc. etc.
Iy"h everything will be better.
Many of our friends and acquaintances in Stavropol have been begging us to call while we are away, so they know that we will be returning.
A few days before we left, "uncle Leibel" from Montreal phoned us. It was worth in a sense more than any donation, because it made us feel like we weren't alone out there, it was tremendous chizuk, and when you are in Russia, any time of the day it's good to get a call from a friend from home.
Boruch Hashem the political situation in Stavropol got a bit easier, after all our previous troubles before Pesach.
In short for those who don't know yet, we were sent by Rabbi Lazar on Shlichus to Stavropol to work together with FEOR (the organization which officially brought us down) and their representatives in Stavropol.
In Stavropol itself there are two Jewish community centres, the 'Obschin' and the 'Sachnut'.
In most cities the shluchim avoid the Sachnut, who are very Zionist and 90% non-Jews. Instead they focus on the community.
But Stavropol isn't like everywhere else. The Sachnut are the sweetest people, who obviously care and represent the entire current active community (of several hundred people), while the Obschin has been so nasty to the community that people refuse to walk in there.
From the start we weren't welcomed by the Obschin, who made it clear that they only wanted the money they knew we received, but had no interest in anything religious, from kosher food to Yarmulkas, to a Shul. We received no help from them, and anything we tried to do that involved religion they tried to boycott.
We tried to work with them, that is until Pesach, when they got the entire community upset by abusing their power. In a program from Israel in which they are given money to give food packages to poor Jewish children, they instead gave only to their friends (some of them non-Jews). This was the boiling point for the community after many such antics, and we had to take action.
We spoke to R' Lazar who told us we should take away the program from them, which we did. Meanwhile they wrote a 'contract', of what they would like from us, and what they will give in return. It was quite ridiculous, and when R' Lazar saw it, he said that a Rabbi needs a synagogue, kosher food, etc. and we should find our own place.
So Boruch Hashem we will be returning to a best-case scenario (or so we think). Backed by Rabbi Lazar and virtually the entire community, with a new Or Avner fund up and running, and im yirtzeh Hashem many more funds raised, we should be able to focus on shlichus, on doing what we came to do, on getting a shabbos minyan started, on organizing classes, etc. etc.
Iy"h everything will be better.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Back in town
We are in Montreal finally and can start posting pictures.
First I will post all of our pictures on my facebook photos, but soon I will move the best ones here.
This one is myself and Chayale and Miriam on Chol Hamoed Pesach in Park Pobediy in Stavropol.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Blessing on new fruits
One of the oldest women in the community is a 90-year-old who was blinded during a Russian operation on her eyes.
I went to visit her a while ago to ask her what she remembers. We had a long discussion, party in Yiddish, in which she told me that her father was a religious Jew during Soviet times. She mentioned that she missed Shabbos chicken soup and cholent.
So yesterday we took our leftover cholent and soup from Shabbos and went over to her house.
We gave her some of it and spoke some more, trying to cheer her up, and telling her what life is like now in Stavropol, and the bright future awaiting the community.
She was really happy.
As we were leaving she sent her housekeeper (paid for by her children) outside to her backyard. Her housekeeper returned with fresh lillies for Chayale. Then they showed us the backyard, which, due to the fact that we in an area which is among the best, most blessed land in the world, is full of stuff.
A budding apple tree, some onions (which she pulled out the ground and gave to Chayale), and tons of flowers and fruits.
Suddenly Chayale remembered the Mitzvah of making a Bracha on new trees in Nissan. Cool, huh? on the LAST DAY OF NISSAN we wound up in someones backyard.
We didn't know the Bracha and didn't have a Siddur with us, so we had to call Rabbi Edelkopf in Sochi, who told us over the phone.
I went to visit her a while ago to ask her what she remembers. We had a long discussion, party in Yiddish, in which she told me that her father was a religious Jew during Soviet times. She mentioned that she missed Shabbos chicken soup and cholent.
So yesterday we took our leftover cholent and soup from Shabbos and went over to her house.
We gave her some of it and spoke some more, trying to cheer her up, and telling her what life is like now in Stavropol, and the bright future awaiting the community.
She was really happy.
As we were leaving she sent her housekeeper (paid for by her children) outside to her backyard. Her housekeeper returned with fresh lillies for Chayale. Then they showed us the backyard, which, due to the fact that we in an area which is among the best, most blessed land in the world, is full of stuff.
A budding apple tree, some onions (which she pulled out the ground and gave to Chayale), and tons of flowers and fruits.
Suddenly Chayale remembered the Mitzvah of making a Bracha on new trees in Nissan. Cool, huh? on the LAST DAY OF NISSAN we wound up in someones backyard.
We didn't know the Bracha and didn't have a Siddur with us, so we had to call Rabbi Edelkopf in Sochi, who told us over the phone.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Hectic Week in Stavropol
This week was a whirlwind of activity in this Russian city.
For starters (and where else does this happen?) our governor resigned (which means that for the next few months we will have no governor OR mayor, who was recently thrown into prison), two arabs were killed by skinheads, and it hailed in the middle of a beautiful day.
But on a personal level, it was also a very exciting week. To go through it in order:
- Sunday we made a Moshiach Seuda. About 10 people showed up to our house. We drank four cups on wine, and then since most of them were students, we played two games they never saw. One was rummikub, the other was Stratego.
- Sunday night the second Pesach was over Chaim Hertzel was rushed to the bus station, where he was guarded by 3 guys until the bus came. Then he travelled to Krasnodar overnight, caught the morning Minyan there (got to say HaGomel), and began his return trip to NY, where he expected to be arrested or something to be charged with beating up a black boy, something which happened while he was away in Russia. After he left, we gobbled up all the 40 chocolate bars that our Pesach guests had brought.
- Monday morning was the most beautiful morning ever. There was a Bar Mitzvah I organized in the center. If I wasn't there I wouldn't have believed how beautiful it was. It was like any other shul. We had a Minyan for Shacharis (first time in 80 years). It was beautiful. Then we had a meal, we danced, and the highlight was when the Bar Mitzvah boy announced that he wants to learn more. His aunt, upon hearing that a Sefer Torah is coming to Stavropol G-d willing (we fundraised thanks to Rabbi Greenbergs help), she decided to sponsor an Aron Kodesh for the Torah. Then I left with my driver to Krasnodar (Chaim's flight was early morning, while I was needed there in the afternoon) for Rabbi Segal's sons Bris, the first time a Rabbi's son was Brissed in Southern Russia. It was cool, meeting other Rabbis, wincing while the Mohel cut, cracking dirty jokes with other Rabbis, and eating good food. Oh yeah, and making a little speech. On the trip home I stopped in Novoalexandrovsk, a city in my province of 50,000. I had heard that there was one Jewish family there, and met them (at 11:45 PM). They told me there are 15 Israeli families who live there like on a kibbutz, so I told them if they need anything let me know. I also made a calendar with times for Shabbos... on it. I arrived home at 2 AM.
- Tuesday my sister Malky left back to Israel. I packed all the Pesach stuff in the Jewish center.
- Wednesday was the first Yahrzeit of Paulina Peskina, an active Jewish woman of the community who contributed very greatly to the organization of the community and their events here. Sadly after she passed away, things slowed down and the excitement for Jewish acitviites drained out. Her son and his family came over Friday night. A beautiful family with three daughters... Yartzeit was VERY somber.
- Thursday we had guests for dinner. Two American (Lutheran!! but lovely!!) kids from Maryland and Michigan came over. It was actually a lot of fun and I (Chayale who took over this report) made a kick tuchus dinner. It was nice, shame they are leaving in just a couple weeks.
-Friday was Friday. Our driver decided not to work as usual. We had many guests for the meal.
-Shabbos Zvi walked all the way to the center and no one listened to the Dvar Torah. He wasn't happy.
-Sunday we translated the contract that the lovely board here drew up for us to sign. We are pleased to announce that one of the things they promised to provide on the contract is our priviliege to pay for their internet. Lucky us!
And B"h we have our tickets and will be on safe soil very soon... We miss you all too much.
For starters (and where else does this happen?) our governor resigned (which means that for the next few months we will have no governor OR mayor, who was recently thrown into prison), two arabs were killed by skinheads, and it hailed in the middle of a beautiful day.
But on a personal level, it was also a very exciting week. To go through it in order:
- Sunday we made a Moshiach Seuda. About 10 people showed up to our house. We drank four cups on wine, and then since most of them were students, we played two games they never saw. One was rummikub, the other was Stratego.
- Sunday night the second Pesach was over Chaim Hertzel was rushed to the bus station, where he was guarded by 3 guys until the bus came. Then he travelled to Krasnodar overnight, caught the morning Minyan there (got to say HaGomel), and began his return trip to NY, where he expected to be arrested or something to be charged with beating up a black boy, something which happened while he was away in Russia. After he left, we gobbled up all the 40 chocolate bars that our Pesach guests had brought.
- Monday morning was the most beautiful morning ever. There was a Bar Mitzvah I organized in the center. If I wasn't there I wouldn't have believed how beautiful it was. It was like any other shul. We had a Minyan for Shacharis (first time in 80 years). It was beautiful. Then we had a meal, we danced, and the highlight was when the Bar Mitzvah boy announced that he wants to learn more. His aunt, upon hearing that a Sefer Torah is coming to Stavropol G-d willing (we fundraised thanks to Rabbi Greenbergs help), she decided to sponsor an Aron Kodesh for the Torah. Then I left with my driver to Krasnodar (Chaim's flight was early morning, while I was needed there in the afternoon) for Rabbi Segal's sons Bris, the first time a Rabbi's son was Brissed in Southern Russia. It was cool, meeting other Rabbis, wincing while the Mohel cut, cracking dirty jokes with other Rabbis, and eating good food. Oh yeah, and making a little speech. On the trip home I stopped in Novoalexandrovsk, a city in my province of 50,000. I had heard that there was one Jewish family there, and met them (at 11:45 PM). They told me there are 15 Israeli families who live there like on a kibbutz, so I told them if they need anything let me know. I also made a calendar with times for Shabbos... on it. I arrived home at 2 AM.
- Tuesday my sister Malky left back to Israel. I packed all the Pesach stuff in the Jewish center.
- Wednesday was the first Yahrzeit of Paulina Peskina, an active Jewish woman of the community who contributed very greatly to the organization of the community and their events here. Sadly after she passed away, things slowed down and the excitement for Jewish acitviites drained out. Her son and his family came over Friday night. A beautiful family with three daughters... Yartzeit was VERY somber.
- Thursday we had guests for dinner. Two American (Lutheran!! but lovely!!) kids from Maryland and Michigan came over. It was actually a lot of fun and I (Chayale who took over this report) made a kick tuchus dinner. It was nice, shame they are leaving in just a couple weeks.
-Friday was Friday. Our driver decided not to work as usual. We had many guests for the meal.
-Shabbos Zvi walked all the way to the center and no one listened to the Dvar Torah. He wasn't happy.
-Sunday we translated the contract that the lovely board here drew up for us to sign. We are pleased to announce that one of the things they promised to provide on the contract is our priviliege to pay for their internet. Lucky us!
And B"h we have our tickets and will be on safe soil very soon... We miss you all too much.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Inside the Shul
Yesteday we toured central Stavropol. The library was closed to Chaim Hertzel, dressed in a tie and suit, as a 'visiting dignitary from New York', couldn't see the old Torah which was stolen from the community and is now on display.
But when we went to look at the Shul, we were actually admitted inside.
It is beautiful. Obviously remodeleed, since the only thing that slightly made it look like a former was stained glass bashed out and replaced by garbage bags, but overall a very pretty interior.
Not so large though, so if we do get it back, then we will probably try to extend it if we can.
Pictures to follow, hopefully when we arrive in America.
Or hopefully before then.
But when we went to look at the Shul, we were actually admitted inside.
It is beautiful. Obviously remodeleed, since the only thing that slightly made it look like a former was stained glass bashed out and replaced by garbage bags, but overall a very pretty interior.
Not so large though, so if we do get it back, then we will probably try to extend it if we can.
Pictures to follow, hopefully when we arrive in America.
Or hopefully before then.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Check it out now
www.youngavraham.com
Still not down as writers, rather as 'research consultants...'.
Still not down as writers, rather as 'research consultants...'.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Pesach in Stavropol
Well, we did it.
The first three days came and went by, and the good news is that Chayale didn't give birth on the road.
Altogether over the first two nights of Pesach we did 5 Sedarim. That is according to my calculations 20 cups of wine.
Shabbos was quiet. We basically slept the whole day through, and chased Yummy around the house trying to stop her from turniong on the computer and inserting the Living Torah in there.
Motzei Shabbos, everyone except Chayale and the baby trudged an hour and a half to the Jewish center for the first Seder.
35 people showed up for a nice quiet Seder. Highlights of the first Seder:
- Igor Vanskov, a kid of 7, singing the Mah Nishtana by himself in the sweetest little voice.
- At the meal, I ask Oleg Bogopolsky, a community member, to read the part of the 4 sons, since it wasn't said during Maggid. I planned on giving the whole Dvar Torah about the fifth son that the Rebbe speaks about. Oleg reads it (with his own comments), and finishes by talking about the fifth son! I was speechless.
- Misha Gorovenko standing up in the middle of the meal and announcing "Kavod HaRav, we are so happy to have you here!"
- Taking the kids to the door to greet Eliahu HaNavi with a candle. Three 6 year olds and a 3 year old. Cute as anything.
- Finding out after the mneal was over that several people snuck a bottle of booze around under the table and had a party of their own.
After the Seder (ended at 11:00), a detective came to pick us up and walk us through the dangerous streets home. Two spetsnas (Russian special forces) in a car followed us along. In the back seat of the car was an arsenal of weapons. We felt well-watched, even though it was Leil Shimurim. Naturally we felt even more protected thanks to Chaim Hertzel having his mace and a knife.
Just in case.
We got home safely but forgot the key, so the detective had to call our neighbors and get them to open the door at 12:00 AM. Then we went in and ate our real Seder, which lasted until 2. Chaim Hertzel was picked up toward the end by a community member who you would never want to meet in a dark alley. He was walked home.
Sunday - During the day, about 65 people showed up for the childrens seder, which went over very well. We played games with the kids to tell them the story, and did a whole seder.
At night, we did another seder. This time, it was a younger audience, so we sang lots of songs.
Highlights:
- Singing Halleli for one of the women in the community.
- Students opening the door for Elijah the prophet.
- Mistaking onions by Karpas for potatoes, and then not being able to speak after I ate a huge chunk.
Once again we were walked home by security. This time we had the key.
Monday we took everyone to "park pobedy", a mini-amusement park in the centre of the city. We went on a roller-coaster, watched Miriam go on mini-tanks, and walked all the way to the poorest-looking zoo I have ever seen.
The animals were so skinny you could see THROUGH them.
It was also funny. Here was the order of the animals cages.
- ducks.
- horses.
- cats.
- chickens.
- roosters.
- pigeons.
- LIONS. (what the heck?)
Anyway, we went home after that. Today we will go to Kosmos and Ramstore. I will write about them tomorrow.
The first three days came and went by, and the good news is that Chayale didn't give birth on the road.
Altogether over the first two nights of Pesach we did 5 Sedarim. That is according to my calculations 20 cups of wine.
Shabbos was quiet. We basically slept the whole day through, and chased Yummy around the house trying to stop her from turniong on the computer and inserting the Living Torah in there.
Motzei Shabbos, everyone except Chayale and the baby trudged an hour and a half to the Jewish center for the first Seder.
35 people showed up for a nice quiet Seder. Highlights of the first Seder:
- Igor Vanskov, a kid of 7, singing the Mah Nishtana by himself in the sweetest little voice.
- At the meal, I ask Oleg Bogopolsky, a community member, to read the part of the 4 sons, since it wasn't said during Maggid. I planned on giving the whole Dvar Torah about the fifth son that the Rebbe speaks about. Oleg reads it (with his own comments), and finishes by talking about the fifth son! I was speechless.
- Misha Gorovenko standing up in the middle of the meal and announcing "Kavod HaRav, we are so happy to have you here!"
- Taking the kids to the door to greet Eliahu HaNavi with a candle. Three 6 year olds and a 3 year old. Cute as anything.
- Finding out after the mneal was over that several people snuck a bottle of booze around under the table and had a party of their own.
After the Seder (ended at 11:00), a detective came to pick us up and walk us through the dangerous streets home. Two spetsnas (Russian special forces) in a car followed us along. In the back seat of the car was an arsenal of weapons. We felt well-watched, even though it was Leil Shimurim. Naturally we felt even more protected thanks to Chaim Hertzel having his mace and a knife.
Just in case.
We got home safely but forgot the key, so the detective had to call our neighbors and get them to open the door at 12:00 AM. Then we went in and ate our real Seder, which lasted until 2. Chaim Hertzel was picked up toward the end by a community member who you would never want to meet in a dark alley. He was walked home.
Sunday - During the day, about 65 people showed up for the childrens seder, which went over very well. We played games with the kids to tell them the story, and did a whole seder.
At night, we did another seder. This time, it was a younger audience, so we sang lots of songs.
Highlights:
- Singing Halleli for one of the women in the community.
- Students opening the door for Elijah the prophet.
- Mistaking onions by Karpas for potatoes, and then not being able to speak after I ate a huge chunk.
Once again we were walked home by security. This time we had the key.
Monday we took everyone to "park pobedy", a mini-amusement park in the centre of the city. We went on a roller-coaster, watched Miriam go on mini-tanks, and walked all the way to the poorest-looking zoo I have ever seen.
The animals were so skinny you could see THROUGH them.
It was also funny. Here was the order of the animals cages.
- ducks.
- horses.
- cats.
- chickens.
- roosters.
- pigeons.
- LIONS. (what the heck?)
Anyway, we went home after that. Today we will go to Kosmos and Ramstore. I will write about them tomorrow.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Bedikas Chametz in Stavropol
Chaim Hertzel is in town, which means that the entire community is being seriously harrassed into buying Olympus FE340's.
Unfortunately, no one could afford it.
Chaim bought a special hat "for the first time in like 18 years" according to him. Note: Chaim is 20 years old. But it really is nice, he bought a hat SPECIAL FOR THIS SHLICHUS.
Think about this Ottawa groupies. Go now and buy yourself a hat. Or get a Bris. Your call.
Anyway, so we have been travelling around giving people Matza, talking to people, beating up arabs, etc. etc. and finally Bedikas Chametz night arrived.
We had the candle, the spoon, the feather, and Kanyeshna (Russian for of course) the camera.
Oh yeah, and the ten pieces of bread.
Before I go on, let me note that in Stavropol, barely anyone walks outside at night, unless of course they want to be stabbed in the back.
We did Bedikas Chametz at home, and then remembered that we don't know if we have to do it in the community centre.
So we called a Rabbi in Moscow. He told us that we gotta do it in the centre.
My driver had retired for the night, so we had to find a taxi.
Now remember we are in Russia, where at night the only lights in the streets are the occassional firefly and some headlights of approaching mafia cars.
Basically it was spooky.
Chaim of course had his knife, mace, and fists. I, naturally had my giant muscular muscles (which bulge) to protect him.
Anyway, we found a taxi, and went to the centre. It was dark and spooky. We put down the ten pieces, Chaim said the Bracha out loud, and then we got ready to go, but....
I FORGOT TO BRING MATCHES!
So we searched the whole centre for matches, but apparently all the smokers had stolen anything that had been there.
We were forced to go outside and find someone to light up the candle. We found someone but then as we get back in, me, the "moron that I am" according to Chaim, blew it out.
(Let the record stand that it was completely by mistake).
So we had to go out again. This time there was some gang down the block, so we tried to stay out of view in case they were here to beat our faces in.
Here is where the Rebbe (insert here words which come after saying 'Rebbe') comes in.
Some dude in army clothes walks by and we ask him to light our candle.
He lights it, and then hands us the lighter, saying "so your fire should never go out."
Pictures to come.
Unfortunately, no one could afford it.
Chaim bought a special hat "for the first time in like 18 years" according to him. Note: Chaim is 20 years old. But it really is nice, he bought a hat SPECIAL FOR THIS SHLICHUS.
Think about this Ottawa groupies. Go now and buy yourself a hat. Or get a Bris. Your call.
Anyway, so we have been travelling around giving people Matza, talking to people, beating up arabs, etc. etc. and finally Bedikas Chametz night arrived.
We had the candle, the spoon, the feather, and Kanyeshna (Russian for of course) the camera.
Oh yeah, and the ten pieces of bread.
Before I go on, let me note that in Stavropol, barely anyone walks outside at night, unless of course they want to be stabbed in the back.
We did Bedikas Chametz at home, and then remembered that we don't know if we have to do it in the community centre.
So we called a Rabbi in Moscow. He told us that we gotta do it in the centre.
My driver had retired for the night, so we had to find a taxi.
Now remember we are in Russia, where at night the only lights in the streets are the occassional firefly and some headlights of approaching mafia cars.
Basically it was spooky.
Chaim of course had his knife, mace, and fists. I, naturally had my giant muscular muscles (which bulge) to protect him.
Anyway, we found a taxi, and went to the centre. It was dark and spooky. We put down the ten pieces, Chaim said the Bracha out loud, and then we got ready to go, but....
I FORGOT TO BRING MATCHES!
So we searched the whole centre for matches, but apparently all the smokers had stolen anything that had been there.
We were forced to go outside and find someone to light up the candle. We found someone but then as we get back in, me, the "moron that I am" according to Chaim, blew it out.
(Let the record stand that it was completely by mistake).
So we had to go out again. This time there was some gang down the block, so we tried to stay out of view in case they were here to beat our faces in.
Here is where the Rebbe (insert here words which come after saying 'Rebbe') comes in.
Some dude in army clothes walks by and we ask him to light our candle.
He lights it, and then hands us the lighter, saying "so your fire should never go out."
Pictures to come.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Arrival
Well, Chaim Hertzel arrived, but is still sleeping.
A miniature Hashgacha Protis story happened yesterday. We needed to buy plywood to make the kitchen kosher, and searched the city. Wherever they had, there was only large planks with no possibility of cutting them. We offered payment to cut them for us, but no one was able to.
Finally we said, "Hashem help us". This was as we were driving to a furniture store where our driver thought "perhaps they sell some plywood."
Suddenly on the road in front of us, a large sign (of which I have the photo) which says, "plywood, left. We cut!"
Cool, huh?
A miniature Hashgacha Protis story happened yesterday. We needed to buy plywood to make the kitchen kosher, and searched the city. Wherever they had, there was only large planks with no possibility of cutting them. We offered payment to cut them for us, but no one was able to.
Finally we said, "Hashem help us". This was as we were driving to a furniture store where our driver thought "perhaps they sell some plywood."
Suddenly on the road in front of us, a large sign (of which I have the photo) which says, "plywood, left. We cut!"
Cool, huh?
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Lack of posting
Pesach preparations are crazy, I barely have enough time to post, but some quick updates.
First anti-Semitic experience: someone followed me around, telling people I was a "zhid". I eventually went over to a street vendor I know, who threatened the dude, who obviously ran off. Interstingly, he was an older man. Also, he actually believed a swastika was "Russian." I told him to read his history how many Russians died over that.
In the world of Hashgacha Protis: I am delivering presents of Shmura Matza to Gvirim here. One gvir, head of the medicine centre, I got in the elevator with my two gifts (one for his daughter, head gyneacologist), but forgot which floor he was on (of 10). The lift stops on the second floor, and guess who walks in? his daughter. I gave her the Matza, and then she arranged an immediate meeting where I gave him the Matza.
We have had the hardest time trying to find a place for Chaim Hertzel (coming in over Pesach) to sleep. But finally someone offered his house, where he has 2 extra rooms. The guy has no money, but is the sweetest person on earth.
STARS is happening! 5 people have signed up for this amazing program. I'm told that usually it takes like 4 years to find people ready. Boruch Hashem more people are thinking about it. It's a program for students 17-28 years old. They come to two classes a week, and earn up to 120 bucks a month, plus events in Moscow and Israel. Cool, huh? only Rabbis can organize it.
We got security to walk us home after the Sedarim. 2 huge men with guns. Cool, huh?
First seder: 8:30 PM starts. Second: 7:00 starts. Of course by both we come home and start from the beginning again. Should be fun.
Sunday was perhaps the best "voskressenia school" day ever. We made a play for the kids, telling them the story of Pesach. Malky was Pharaoh (all she said was Nyet and Idi - go). Chayale the narrator (and by the second plague, a frog). And I of course was Moshe. We did all the plagues, the kids loved it, so did the parents. Then they followed me into the next room where we got stuck with Pharaoh chasing us and two blue blankets representing the red sea in front of us. But we davenned to Hashem and miraculously and with the help of two mothers, the sea parted, and everyone got to go to their seats, make a bracha, and eat lunch (phew). Then everyone made Kaaros for this coming Sunday school. Bummer that our camera had no batteries.
We fundraised locally 120 bucks. Not bad for a start. Really impressive when you consider we don't yet know any of the Gvirim here.
First anti-Semitic experience: someone followed me around, telling people I was a "zhid". I eventually went over to a street vendor I know, who threatened the dude, who obviously ran off. Interstingly, he was an older man. Also, he actually believed a swastika was "Russian." I told him to read his history how many Russians died over that.
In the world of Hashgacha Protis: I am delivering presents of Shmura Matza to Gvirim here. One gvir, head of the medicine centre, I got in the elevator with my two gifts (one for his daughter, head gyneacologist), but forgot which floor he was on (of 10). The lift stops on the second floor, and guess who walks in? his daughter. I gave her the Matza, and then she arranged an immediate meeting where I gave him the Matza.
We have had the hardest time trying to find a place for Chaim Hertzel (coming in over Pesach) to sleep. But finally someone offered his house, where he has 2 extra rooms. The guy has no money, but is the sweetest person on earth.
STARS is happening! 5 people have signed up for this amazing program. I'm told that usually it takes like 4 years to find people ready. Boruch Hashem more people are thinking about it. It's a program for students 17-28 years old. They come to two classes a week, and earn up to 120 bucks a month, plus events in Moscow and Israel. Cool, huh? only Rabbis can organize it.
We got security to walk us home after the Sedarim. 2 huge men with guns. Cool, huh?
First seder: 8:30 PM starts. Second: 7:00 starts. Of course by both we come home and start from the beginning again. Should be fun.
Sunday was perhaps the best "voskressenia school" day ever. We made a play for the kids, telling them the story of Pesach. Malky was Pharaoh (all she said was Nyet and Idi - go). Chayale the narrator (and by the second plague, a frog). And I of course was Moshe. We did all the plagues, the kids loved it, so did the parents. Then they followed me into the next room where we got stuck with Pharaoh chasing us and two blue blankets representing the red sea in front of us. But we davenned to Hashem and miraculously and with the help of two mothers, the sea parted, and everyone got to go to their seats, make a bracha, and eat lunch (phew). Then everyone made Kaaros for this coming Sunday school. Bummer that our camera had no batteries.
We fundraised locally 120 bucks. Not bad for a start. Really impressive when you consider we don't yet know any of the Gvirim here.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Beautiful picture
Our future stock picture in our full color magazine. We allow anybody to use it for their brochures and fundraising. :)
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Yoshkas witnesses
I don't understand what they are thinking.
On shabbos, someone knocked on our door, and when we opened it, two Yoshkas witnesses were there, all smiling. This is the third time I have been approached by them, and while this one I can understand (perhaps they didn't know a Rabbi lived there), I don't know what they are thinking when they stop a Rabbi on the street on one of his 'Shabbos walks' and ask him to accept Yoshka.
What do they think a Rabbi, in Tallis, Kapota, hat (the works) will say, "Gee there, nice point! I will convert! Quick! Sprinkle me with water before I change my mind!?"
It is odd.
Another thing I don't understand is swastikas in Russia, and how they put up with it.
The word "Zhid" or the "N" word I can understand, after all, it's just plain racism, but a swastika? weren't like over 10,000,000 Russian lives lost to the people wearing that insignia on their shoulder? so why don't they ever do anything about it? at least quickly clean it up.
After all, the battle of Stalingrad (6 million Russian lives there) was only 8 hours from here. I wonder what the old army veterans who fought the Nazis and lost their friends think when they see swastikas around their city walls.
Ridiculous.
On shabbos, someone knocked on our door, and when we opened it, two Yoshkas witnesses were there, all smiling. This is the third time I have been approached by them, and while this one I can understand (perhaps they didn't know a Rabbi lived there), I don't know what they are thinking when they stop a Rabbi on the street on one of his 'Shabbos walks' and ask him to accept Yoshka.
What do they think a Rabbi, in Tallis, Kapota, hat (the works) will say, "Gee there, nice point! I will convert! Quick! Sprinkle me with water before I change my mind!?"
It is odd.
Another thing I don't understand is swastikas in Russia, and how they put up with it.
The word "Zhid" or the "N" word I can understand, after all, it's just plain racism, but a swastika? weren't like over 10,000,000 Russian lives lost to the people wearing that insignia on their shoulder? so why don't they ever do anything about it? at least quickly clean it up.
After all, the battle of Stalingrad (6 million Russian lives there) was only 8 hours from here. I wonder what the old army veterans who fought the Nazis and lost their friends think when they see swastikas around their city walls.
Ridiculous.
Je-hova's witnesses in Russia
I don't understand what they are thinking.
On shabbos, someone knocked on our door, and when we opened it, two Yoshkas witnesses were there, all smiling. This is the third time I have been approached by them, and while this one I can understand (perhaps they didn't know a Rabbi lived there), I don't know what they are thinking when they stop a Rabbi on the street on one of his 'Shabbos walks' and ask him to accept Yoshka.
What do they think a Rabbi, in Tallis, Kapota, hat (the works) will say, "Gee there, nice point! I will convert! Quick! Sprinkle me with water before I change my mind!?"
It is odd.
Another thing I don't understand is swastikas in Russia, and how they put up with it.
The word "Zhid" or the "N" word I can understand, after all, it's just plain racism, but a swastika? weren't like over 10,000,000 Russian lives lost to the people wearing that insignia on their shoulder? so why don't they ever do anything about it? at least quickly clean it up.
After all, the battle of Stalingrad (6 million Russian lives there) was only 8 hours from here. I wonder what the old army veterans who fought the Nazis and lost their friends think when they see swastikas around their city walls.
Ridiculous.
On shabbos, someone knocked on our door, and when we opened it, two Yoshkas witnesses were there, all smiling. This is the third time I have been approached by them, and while this one I can understand (perhaps they didn't know a Rabbi lived there), I don't know what they are thinking when they stop a Rabbi on the street on one of his 'Shabbos walks' and ask him to accept Yoshka.
What do they think a Rabbi, in Tallis, Kapota, hat (the works) will say, "Gee there, nice point! I will convert! Quick! Sprinkle me with water before I change my mind!?"
It is odd.
Another thing I don't understand is swastikas in Russia, and how they put up with it.
The word "Zhid" or the "N" word I can understand, after all, it's just plain racism, but a swastika? weren't like over 10,000,000 Russian lives lost to the people wearing that insignia on their shoulder? so why don't they ever do anything about it? at least quickly clean it up.
After all, the battle of Stalingrad (6 million Russian lives there) was only 8 hours from here. I wonder what the old army veterans who fought the Nazis and lost their friends think when they see swastikas around their city walls.
Ridiculous.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Programs, programs
We are trying to start classes, which Moscow is very good at helping with.
There is a terrific program called STARS, in which students come to 2 classes on Torah a week, and receive up to 100 bucks a month. Plus they get the opportunity for trips to Moscow, Israel, meetings with other STARS groups in the area, and stuff like that.
Also I want to start a class on Jewish Prayer, to get the community ready a little for Davening. When p[eople realize why, what, and the depth of each prayer, perhaps they will help get a Minyan going, at least on Shabbos. Another idea is to put together a CD of songs we will sing, and give it to them so they can learn the songs before we start prayer services.
Another class I want to start is on Kashrus, Chayale is teaching 'the kosher kitchen', but I'm working on getting kashrus started, explain a lot of basics to the community.
And finally, Yisroel Bernath has classes on 'Judaism and love' which is a hit everywhere in the world.
Other programs for now, include: organizing a singles Shabbaton together with the Rabbis of Southern Russia (there are so many Jewish singles looking for Shidduchim), perhaps starting a soup kitchen for poor people here, and of course, finding a sponsor to make the kitchen permanently kosher.
There is a terrific program called STARS, in which students come to 2 classes on Torah a week, and receive up to 100 bucks a month. Plus they get the opportunity for trips to Moscow, Israel, meetings with other STARS groups in the area, and stuff like that.
Also I want to start a class on Jewish Prayer, to get the community ready a little for Davening. When p[eople realize why, what, and the depth of each prayer, perhaps they will help get a Minyan going, at least on Shabbos. Another idea is to put together a CD of songs we will sing, and give it to them so they can learn the songs before we start prayer services.
Another class I want to start is on Kashrus, Chayale is teaching 'the kosher kitchen', but I'm working on getting kashrus started, explain a lot of basics to the community.
And finally, Yisroel Bernath has classes on 'Judaism and love' which is a hit everywhere in the world.
Other programs for now, include: organizing a singles Shabbaton together with the Rabbis of Southern Russia (there are so many Jewish singles looking for Shidduchim), perhaps starting a soup kitchen for poor people here, and of course, finding a sponsor to make the kitchen permanently kosher.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Meeting of G-dly men
This morning in the Jewish centre a bunch of priests, Mullahs and one Rabbi met to do the program called MARS, which is basically a religious unity program. 20 people showed and spoke about a whole bunch of stuff, none of which the Rabbi understood.
So instead he sat in the hot room for THREE WHOLE HOURS pretendiong to agree with all the Russian that was spoken, and doing alot of doodling.
He also sent a few accomplishing text messages to his wife, in which he found out the valuable information that Miriam made a giant poop at 11:30 (let the record stand).
Finally they brought out food, and the Rabbi got to meet other members of the deity. There was priest with a long, grey beard who has a very cheery outlook, and they spoke alot, and there was a Ukrainian missionary who spoke English.
Everyone was fascinated by the Rabbi, and took pictures with him, some asking straight out, other trying to do so unobtrusively by pretending to take pictures of objects such as a dirty vase, and then clearing their throat and "missing", instead getting a full-face photo of the Rabbi's nose.
It was kind of fun (the eating part).
Hopefully next time I will understand what they spoke about.
So instead he sat in the hot room for THREE WHOLE HOURS pretendiong to agree with all the Russian that was spoken, and doing alot of doodling.
He also sent a few accomplishing text messages to his wife, in which he found out the valuable information that Miriam made a giant poop at 11:30 (let the record stand).
Finally they brought out food, and the Rabbi got to meet other members of the deity. There was priest with a long, grey beard who has a very cheery outlook, and they spoke alot, and there was a Ukrainian missionary who spoke English.
Everyone was fascinated by the Rabbi, and took pictures with him, some asking straight out, other trying to do so unobtrusively by pretending to take pictures of objects such as a dirty vase, and then clearing their throat and "missing", instead getting a full-face photo of the Rabbi's nose.
It was kind of fun (the eating part).
Hopefully next time I will understand what they spoke about.
Pesach class
Yesterday Chayale spent the entire morning on the phone with our secretary working on perfecting her class in Russian.
Yes, she did her first class on "the kosher kitchen".
6 women came, and I happened to be in the house when they arrived, and can PERSONALLY ATTEST to seeing one of the women give Chayale a big hug upon entering.
While I watched Miriam in the next room (or tried to watch... actually what I did was sit her in front of a video and try to see how many chocolate balls I can stuff into her mouth), Chayale had given each of the women a plate. She then taught them all about the seder plate.
They made Charoses by chopping up walnuts and apples and mixing them with wine, then they boiled eggs, followed by roasting chicken shankbone (I always wanted to write that word), after which they peeled and cut maror and checked it for bugs, and finally washed and checked lettuce.
All the while Chayale explained the mystical interepetations, and other cool Jewish stuff.
Then Chayale told them to take it home, but they refused and instead ate it all in one festive meal at our home. One woman even cried when she ate the Maror.
They spoke alot, and planned the next class, for this coming Wednesday night, where they will bake something else that has to do with the Seder.
I personally suggested making a model Matza bakery, but Chayale vetoed my idea, saying "maybe next year."
When everyone left, Chayale couldn't understand why Miriam was on such a sugar high.
Yes, she did her first class on "the kosher kitchen".
6 women came, and I happened to be in the house when they arrived, and can PERSONALLY ATTEST to seeing one of the women give Chayale a big hug upon entering.
While I watched Miriam in the next room (or tried to watch... actually what I did was sit her in front of a video and try to see how many chocolate balls I can stuff into her mouth), Chayale had given each of the women a plate. She then taught them all about the seder plate.
They made Charoses by chopping up walnuts and apples and mixing them with wine, then they boiled eggs, followed by roasting chicken shankbone (I always wanted to write that word), after which they peeled and cut maror and checked it for bugs, and finally washed and checked lettuce.
All the while Chayale explained the mystical interepetations, and other cool Jewish stuff.
Then Chayale told them to take it home, but they refused and instead ate it all in one festive meal at our home. One woman even cried when she ate the Maror.
They spoke alot, and planned the next class, for this coming Wednesday night, where they will bake something else that has to do with the Seder.
I personally suggested making a model Matza bakery, but Chayale vetoed my idea, saying "maybe next year."
When everyone left, Chayale couldn't understand why Miriam was on such a sugar high.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Birthday party
Yesterday I received a phone call from one of the Gvirim in the community (part of a large family of Mountain Jews) who invited us to his daughters 16th birthday party. He arranged for his driver to pick us up.
We arrived at their cafe to find out that only his (giant) family had been invited, along with several non-Jewish friends, and of course, us.
It was just what we needed. We ate, made Lechaims and speeches, and discussed making his cafe kosher eventually.
One of the boys asked me to teach him some Torah. I got really excited, until I found out he's from Pyatigorsk, 3 hours from here. So iy"h every time he comes to town, we will learn together.
It was a fun night, and a reminder of who we are and what we are doing here.
We arrived at their cafe to find out that only his (giant) family had been invited, along with several non-Jewish friends, and of course, us.
It was just what we needed. We ate, made Lechaims and speeches, and discussed making his cafe kosher eventually.
One of the boys asked me to teach him some Torah. I got really excited, until I found out he's from Pyatigorsk, 3 hours from here. So iy"h every time he comes to town, we will learn together.
It was a fun night, and a reminder of who we are and what we are doing here.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Quick post
To say hi, and thank you to all the people who have called.
I'm getting a little burned out, need to get my battery recharged.
I'm getting a little burned out, need to get my battery recharged.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Yaakov Zimmel
My new nephew: Yaakov Zimmel Hershcovich.
For pictures, see Benny's blog. running84.blogspot.com
I am happy.
Last night, an American called me, and I found out that 2 Americans plus one Canadian live here as well. They also teach English. And apparently a group of American Mormons work here too.
Today I met one of the Americans, and we had a nice chat. He offered to teach me Russian!
I hope to meet them all. Also, I met with the head of hockey here, and offered my help, as well as started work on organizing some roller-hockey.
I am happy.
For pictures, see Benny's blog. running84.blogspot.com
I am happy.
Last night, an American called me, and I found out that 2 Americans plus one Canadian live here as well. They also teach English. And apparently a group of American Mormons work here too.
Today I met one of the Americans, and we had a nice chat. He offered to teach me Russian!
I hope to meet them all. Also, I met with the head of hockey here, and offered my help, as well as started work on organizing some roller-hockey.
I am happy.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Kiddush Hashem
I have yet to scan the article, but an interview I had a while ago finally made it into the newspaper. The headline? "when Moshiach will come..."
The article goes through our plans here, what happened in Ivanovo, and what we think of Stavropol. All in all, a nice kiddush Hashem.
Another article about Purim made it into the papers, where it told the story, and what the Jewish community has done today. One interesting note is that in their historical summary, they mentioned that the reason we eat Hamantashen is because prior to hanging Haman, the Jews cut off his ears.
And you would thinik circumcision would be enough. :)
The article goes through our plans here, what happened in Ivanovo, and what we think of Stavropol. All in all, a nice kiddush Hashem.
Another article about Purim made it into the papers, where it told the story, and what the Jewish community has done today. One interesting note is that in their historical summary, they mentioned that the reason we eat Hamantashen is because prior to hanging Haman, the Jews cut off his ears.
And you would thinik circumcision would be enough. :)
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
So the last post was bleary
Which is why I am writing a new one.
More interesting meetings:
On Shabbos I walk 45 minutes each way in my hat and kapote, and things interesting always happen. This past shabbos I hear a guy speaking Hebrew on a cell phone.
So I say Shabbat Shalom.
To make a long story short, he was a Palestinian. Not only that, he is from Sydney, and speaks fluent English. Surprisingly, he was nice, we had an interesting conversation. After Shabbos, he called me to say that if I ever need help, I can call him. Also, he was happy to meet me. He's here for only six months as a student. Interesting, huh?
Two minutes later I met an Israeli who moved here.
Another meeting: the governors assistant in charge of religious affairs. Purim day this busy guy came over to say hi. I assumed it was just to say hi, and spoke warmly with him for about abn hour. Only after I left did I find out that I was supposed to ask him if he can help us get the shul back. That's why he came. Oh well, next time. I'll have my secretary try and arrange a second meeting with him.
Tuesday: I meet a pastor who is excited to meet me. He came to the centre to say hi. He's part of an organization of pastors, minmisters, mullahs etc. that meet and talk peace. They want to make their next meeting in the Jewish centre.
Thursday last week: a woman wants me to Barmitzvah her son. Date of entry into Jewish manhood? third day of Pesach.
Shabbos: on the way home from Centre, I meet a Russian boy. We have a nice conversation - he is an author. I told him one day he will be famous. He told me to remember his name. I told him to remember mine when he's famous. ;)
A day in the life of a very religious looking Jew in Russia. :)
More interesting meetings:
On Shabbos I walk 45 minutes each way in my hat and kapote, and things interesting always happen. This past shabbos I hear a guy speaking Hebrew on a cell phone.
So I say Shabbat Shalom.
To make a long story short, he was a Palestinian. Not only that, he is from Sydney, and speaks fluent English. Surprisingly, he was nice, we had an interesting conversation. After Shabbos, he called me to say that if I ever need help, I can call him. Also, he was happy to meet me. He's here for only six months as a student. Interesting, huh?
Two minutes later I met an Israeli who moved here.
Another meeting: the governors assistant in charge of religious affairs. Purim day this busy guy came over to say hi. I assumed it was just to say hi, and spoke warmly with him for about abn hour. Only after I left did I find out that I was supposed to ask him if he can help us get the shul back. That's why he came. Oh well, next time. I'll have my secretary try and arrange a second meeting with him.
Tuesday: I meet a pastor who is excited to meet me. He came to the centre to say hi. He's part of an organization of pastors, minmisters, mullahs etc. that meet and talk peace. They want to make their next meeting in the Jewish centre.
Thursday last week: a woman wants me to Barmitzvah her son. Date of entry into Jewish manhood? third day of Pesach.
Shabbos: on the way home from Centre, I meet a Russian boy. We have a nice conversation - he is an author. I told him one day he will be famous. He told me to remember his name. I told him to remember mine when he's famous. ;)
A day in the life of a very religious looking Jew in Russia. :)
The political scene
I suppose now is the right time to explain the community situation, especially after recent occurences.
This community is split. From what I understand, about 5 years ago, a woman who led the community passed away, leaving 2 people in charge. Yefim, the president of the community, and Natasha, a strong woman who ran Chesed and Sachnut. They had good working relationship which lasted about a year.
Then Yefim started living with a Jewish woman named Yanna, and apparently she felt he wasn't getting enough Kovod. She started making Natasha's life miserable.
People began to get disgusted with the community, and many left, vowing never to return to the Jewish centre (to this day they won't come). A committee was started of people who want to overthrow Yefim and put up a new Rosh Hakahal.
Yefim himself is a sweet guy, who wants to learn Torah, and add Yiddishkeit. He is dedicated to the community, and wants things to improve. Yanna, on the other hand (the woman he lives with), is, I'm not sure how to put it nicely... She is protective of her man, and feels anything is a threat to him. She respects nobody, and hates Yiddishkeit. She orders him around, and laughs at him in front of other people.
Yanna is a very loud woman, and after a year, Natasha took the Chesed and Sachnut, and Sunday school, and left. I don't think Yefim was too happy about that, but the community more or less stood behind Natasha, because the people backing Yefim were mean to almost everyone.
When we arrived here the heat had died down, but was simmering. We were not given a warm welcome (again, I assume it was because of Yanna, who despises us, though we have never done anything to wrong her).
We asked for help to find apartments, and also requested an office, but while they made the occassional phone call, it would take us two weeks to find an apartment, and 2 months to settle into a normal one, plus a month to get a tiny office in the back of the center, followed by another month of waiting for a normal office to put a secretary into.
In short, we were not warmly welcomed, and every time they spoke to us, they demanded help, money or things immediately. When we asked them to help us out (for example, when we told them that Rabbi Lazar told us we need to write a letter to our Minister about the Shul), it took at least a month to receive an answer, if we received one at all.
The several meetings we had were not constuctive, but rather were "Rabbi-bashing" moments, where they (mainly Yanna) would shout at us for hiring non-Jewish secretary and housekeeper, making Shabbos meals in our house, etc.
Meanwhile, Natasha welcomed us with open arms. She arranged that we should meet people, offered her help (and has been there for us when we needed her help), and shows up to our classes and programs.
To illustrate an example: On our first month here we tried to organize a womens club, and asked Yefim to call women and invite them, being that we don't know many. We also made our calls, but when the day came, not only did no women show up, but even his secretary, and Yanna were no-shows. On the other hand, Natasha came over to us with a list of 12 women who want Chayale to start teaching them a class on "kosher kitchen."
Purim was extra hard for this very reason. We decided that for the first time in several years, we want Purim to be done the entire community together. Yefims group (which today is about 10% of the community) did everything they could to stop it, but Boruch Hashem it worked out.
After several small incidents, I got the feeling that Yefim feels threatened (I was asked where I got my list of Jews, from Natasha?), and decided to call a meeting.
I spoke to my Mashpia about the situation and he thought it was a good idea. First of all, we wanted to explain why we go to the Sachnut bichlal (because we are here for every Jew), and to let them know our goals and explain that we are not a threat, rather it'll be better for everyone. Also, we wanted to work out Pesach.
I'd also spoken to Eli krivchevski (president-Rabbi relations guy in Moscow), who correctly told me that Boruch Hashem we are in a good scenario. Only 10% of the community backs our Rosh Hakahal, who himself is a nice guy.
Anyway, we prepared two days for the meeting, working it out that it should be easiest for everyone to swallow, and we were sure they wouldn't have a problem, since they want to work together (or so it seems).
How wrong we were. At the meeting, while Yefim and Rosa listened, Yanna was downright rude, telling us to return to Canada... So we finally asked if they think we can work together, explaining that our standards are run by Hashem, and if we are going to raise and bring in 10,000 dollars for Pesach (compared to the 1000 they can raise, and that includes the Sachnut plus fundraising), then it should be done kosher, and after Shabbos.
Amidst Yanna's derogatory comments, Yefim and Rosa couldn't answer. So we left, assuming that this is how it is:
Before we came, they wanted a Rabbi who can bring more money to the community, and take it further. Yefim was probably excited about the Yiddishkeit aspect, but he is a weak character and answers to a board, of which Yanna is a loud voice (incidentally I am head of this board).
But once we arrived they felt threatened somehow, and instead of taking us to meet people, organizing classes etc. they just had demands.
Result: now while we will continue to "work" with them, we are shluchim, who represent Yiddishkeit, 90% of the community is excited that we are here, and since we are raising the money, we will do things our way. We would love to work together weith them, but cannot if they don't respect our ways and understand why we are here.
People have asked what it's like, working in Russia as a Shliach. This is the downside - the political stuff. Of course I think that's the downside everywhere in the world. But it's especially tough when you have no one nearby you can speak to.
This community is split. From what I understand, about 5 years ago, a woman who led the community passed away, leaving 2 people in charge. Yefim, the president of the community, and Natasha, a strong woman who ran Chesed and Sachnut. They had good working relationship which lasted about a year.
Then Yefim started living with a Jewish woman named Yanna, and apparently she felt he wasn't getting enough Kovod. She started making Natasha's life miserable.
People began to get disgusted with the community, and many left, vowing never to return to the Jewish centre (to this day they won't come). A committee was started of people who want to overthrow Yefim and put up a new Rosh Hakahal.
Yefim himself is a sweet guy, who wants to learn Torah, and add Yiddishkeit. He is dedicated to the community, and wants things to improve. Yanna, on the other hand (the woman he lives with), is, I'm not sure how to put it nicely... She is protective of her man, and feels anything is a threat to him. She respects nobody, and hates Yiddishkeit. She orders him around, and laughs at him in front of other people.
Yanna is a very loud woman, and after a year, Natasha took the Chesed and Sachnut, and Sunday school, and left. I don't think Yefim was too happy about that, but the community more or less stood behind Natasha, because the people backing Yefim were mean to almost everyone.
When we arrived here the heat had died down, but was simmering. We were not given a warm welcome (again, I assume it was because of Yanna, who despises us, though we have never done anything to wrong her).
We asked for help to find apartments, and also requested an office, but while they made the occassional phone call, it would take us two weeks to find an apartment, and 2 months to settle into a normal one, plus a month to get a tiny office in the back of the center, followed by another month of waiting for a normal office to put a secretary into.
In short, we were not warmly welcomed, and every time they spoke to us, they demanded help, money or things immediately. When we asked them to help us out (for example, when we told them that Rabbi Lazar told us we need to write a letter to our Minister about the Shul), it took at least a month to receive an answer, if we received one at all.
The several meetings we had were not constuctive, but rather were "Rabbi-bashing" moments, where they (mainly Yanna) would shout at us for hiring non-Jewish secretary and housekeeper, making Shabbos meals in our house, etc.
Meanwhile, Natasha welcomed us with open arms. She arranged that we should meet people, offered her help (and has been there for us when we needed her help), and shows up to our classes and programs.
To illustrate an example: On our first month here we tried to organize a womens club, and asked Yefim to call women and invite them, being that we don't know many. We also made our calls, but when the day came, not only did no women show up, but even his secretary, and Yanna were no-shows. On the other hand, Natasha came over to us with a list of 12 women who want Chayale to start teaching them a class on "kosher kitchen."
Purim was extra hard for this very reason. We decided that for the first time in several years, we want Purim to be done the entire community together. Yefims group (which today is about 10% of the community) did everything they could to stop it, but Boruch Hashem it worked out.
After several small incidents, I got the feeling that Yefim feels threatened (I was asked where I got my list of Jews, from Natasha?), and decided to call a meeting.
I spoke to my Mashpia about the situation and he thought it was a good idea. First of all, we wanted to explain why we go to the Sachnut bichlal (because we are here for every Jew), and to let them know our goals and explain that we are not a threat, rather it'll be better for everyone. Also, we wanted to work out Pesach.
I'd also spoken to Eli krivchevski (president-Rabbi relations guy in Moscow), who correctly told me that Boruch Hashem we are in a good scenario. Only 10% of the community backs our Rosh Hakahal, who himself is a nice guy.
Anyway, we prepared two days for the meeting, working it out that it should be easiest for everyone to swallow, and we were sure they wouldn't have a problem, since they want to work together (or so it seems).
How wrong we were. At the meeting, while Yefim and Rosa listened, Yanna was downright rude, telling us to return to Canada... So we finally asked if they think we can work together, explaining that our standards are run by Hashem, and if we are going to raise and bring in 10,000 dollars for Pesach (compared to the 1000 they can raise, and that includes the Sachnut plus fundraising), then it should be done kosher, and after Shabbos.
Amidst Yanna's derogatory comments, Yefim and Rosa couldn't answer. So we left, assuming that this is how it is:
Before we came, they wanted a Rabbi who can bring more money to the community, and take it further. Yefim was probably excited about the Yiddishkeit aspect, but he is a weak character and answers to a board, of which Yanna is a loud voice (incidentally I am head of this board).
But once we arrived they felt threatened somehow, and instead of taking us to meet people, organizing classes etc. they just had demands.
Result: now while we will continue to "work" with them, we are shluchim, who represent Yiddishkeit, 90% of the community is excited that we are here, and since we are raising the money, we will do things our way. We would love to work together weith them, but cannot if they don't respect our ways and understand why we are here.
People have asked what it's like, working in Russia as a Shliach. This is the downside - the political stuff. Of course I think that's the downside everywhere in the world. But it's especially tough when you have no one nearby you can speak to.
So much to post
Purim was amazing... and while I can't post pictures here yet (not enough time at the moment), I can say that it really was special.
100 Jews in a cafe, with beautiful music, and cutre kids, it worked out teriffic. Only one thing - my request that all food be kosher was ignored, and non-kosher wine was on the tables. This means that we can no longer trust anyone else, and we will run holidays ourselves.
We arrived late, as we said we would, and apparently the party had already started. From what I heard later people representing several communities, including (surprise) the Cossacks! came to wish us well. As we walked in I met the leader of the "Ossetian diaspora" who wished us well and said he was glad to meet us.
Also, the leaders of the community, president Yefim Fainer and Sachnut head Natasha Kulugina told everyone how happy they were to do it together, and to welcome the new Rabbi blah blah blah.
When we arrived (with 120 Shalach Manos'), a little girl was singing Tumbalalalaika and dancing. It was very good, and a little sad because she had a cast on her arm.
Then we sat down while a comedian (very well-known Russian comedian Moscow had sent) told some jokes, and a young tall singer with a deep voice sang some traditional Jewish Purim songs (such as "vodka spasiba nyet davai" and "ya vodka khatchoo moy myatch").
Then I had to speak, and gave a very prepared Dvar Torah, followed by a half hour Megilla reading. I wish I could say that people wept while hearing Megilla for the first time in 80 years, but the truth was if they wept, it was because of my hoarse voice (man, the kids made noise).
The good news is that since here no one knows Hebrew enough to realize when you say Haman, it means that unlike America, every five seconds you don't have to stop reading because someone heard you say the name out loud.
Then I broke my fast, the kids put on the cutest Purimshpiel, everyone danced (the leaders of both communities together!), and I juggled (which shocked everyone).
It was a beautiful night.
My highlight was when one man came up to me and told me with ACTUAL tears in his eyes: "Rabbi, I thank G-d that he brought you to our community."
More updates to follow soon.
100 Jews in a cafe, with beautiful music, and cutre kids, it worked out teriffic. Only one thing - my request that all food be kosher was ignored, and non-kosher wine was on the tables. This means that we can no longer trust anyone else, and we will run holidays ourselves.
We arrived late, as we said we would, and apparently the party had already started. From what I heard later people representing several communities, including (surprise) the Cossacks! came to wish us well. As we walked in I met the leader of the "Ossetian diaspora" who wished us well and said he was glad to meet us.
Also, the leaders of the community, president Yefim Fainer and Sachnut head Natasha Kulugina told everyone how happy they were to do it together, and to welcome the new Rabbi blah blah blah.
When we arrived (with 120 Shalach Manos'), a little girl was singing Tumbalalalaika and dancing. It was very good, and a little sad because she had a cast on her arm.
Then we sat down while a comedian (very well-known Russian comedian Moscow had sent) told some jokes, and a young tall singer with a deep voice sang some traditional Jewish Purim songs (such as "vodka spasiba nyet davai" and "ya vodka khatchoo moy myatch").
Then I had to speak, and gave a very prepared Dvar Torah, followed by a half hour Megilla reading. I wish I could say that people wept while hearing Megilla for the first time in 80 years, but the truth was if they wept, it was because of my hoarse voice (man, the kids made noise).
The good news is that since here no one knows Hebrew enough to realize when you say Haman, it means that unlike America, every five seconds you don't have to stop reading because someone heard you say the name out loud.
Then I broke my fast, the kids put on the cutest Purimshpiel, everyone danced (the leaders of both communities together!), and I juggled (which shocked everyone).
It was a beautiful night.
My highlight was when one man came up to me and told me with ACTUAL tears in his eyes: "Rabbi, I thank G-d that he brought you to our community."
More updates to follow soon.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Weird stuff
I am an uncle... again.
Benny('s wife) last night gave birth to a healthy baby boy. It's such a sahme that I won't get to see him until the summer, because that means that Benny's child will probably go THREE WHOLE MONTHS before putting on his first pair of skates.
Benny('s wife) last night gave birth to a healthy baby boy. It's such a sahme that I won't get to see him until the summer, because that means that Benny's child will probably go THREE WHOLE MONTHS before putting on his first pair of skates.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Update on sad Purim
Well, we went to the restaurant, and cannot kasher the place for reasons too complicated to write.
So while the community leaders sat on the edge of their seats and nervously whispered to each other (we didn't give our 2000 bucks for the program yet), we called our Rabbis to ask what to do.
So here is what we are (sadly) doing.
All food will have kosher INGREDIENTS but not be PREPARED kosher, since we are able to control the ingredients. Also, I'm gonna try to get in early on Taanis Esther and turn on the ovens for them. They promised to clean the ovens, and have a hot dishwasher, which doesn't hit the Halachic heat (110 degrees) but will have to do since we have no other choice.
I will show up to the party after everyone has eaten, give my speech, read the Megilla, and then dance.
What a shame. It's a little heartbreaking to know that 120 Jews (would've been more but the community didnt even believe they'd GET 120 Jews) will be eating non-kosher.
So lessons are learnt.
From now on, we raise the money, and we control EVERYTHING! They can help, but we order them what to do. If they don't like it, they can go back to their 200 dollar meals, or they can join our 8000 dollar Pesach, and get all the kovod they need etc.
So while the community leaders sat on the edge of their seats and nervously whispered to each other (we didn't give our 2000 bucks for the program yet), we called our Rabbis to ask what to do.
So here is what we are (sadly) doing.
All food will have kosher INGREDIENTS but not be PREPARED kosher, since we are able to control the ingredients. Also, I'm gonna try to get in early on Taanis Esther and turn on the ovens for them. They promised to clean the ovens, and have a hot dishwasher, which doesn't hit the Halachic heat (110 degrees) but will have to do since we have no other choice.
I will show up to the party after everyone has eaten, give my speech, read the Megilla, and then dance.
What a shame. It's a little heartbreaking to know that 120 Jews (would've been more but the community didnt even believe they'd GET 120 Jews) will be eating non-kosher.
So lessons are learnt.
From now on, we raise the money, and we control EVERYTHING! They can help, but we order them what to do. If they don't like it, they can go back to their 200 dollar meals, or they can join our 8000 dollar Pesach, and get all the kovod they need etc.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Zhenskiy Kloob
Chayale's womens club was a small success.
5 women showed, and according to Chayale, "the best part was the shiur."
From my vintage point of being in the bedroom watching several kids, I understood that the Torah part lasted about half hour to 45 minutes. Accorsing to Chayale, people were fascinated and lots of questions were asked (such as, "really? this cake WAS made with salt?"). But seriously, they didn't know the story of Purim too well, so Chayale had to recap.
Then the makeup lady gave them all tips on 5-minute makeup. They need that because they are all Moms. Then an entire makeover was done on one of the women. Chayale says she did an amazing job, but personally I cannot attest to seeing the result, though I did see a mannequin leave our house (kidding).
Chayale gave each woman a small makeup kit to take home, and as everyone was leaving, another woman showed up.
But luckily she wasn't into makeup, she just came by to say hello, so all was good.
When everyone left Chayale chatted with the makeup lady and bought some things, while I snuck in and ate all the remaining cake.
On a side note, something cute happened. Chayale had left a shaitel lying around in the room where I watched the kids. One girl, Mashe, saw it and started laughing. I had to explain her it was for Purim, then put it on and pretend to be a rock star, before I could sneak it away.
Other great news: at the kinus, they gave us a CD of all the Sichos and many English books! This means we can seriously prepare classes now, as everything comes in PDF format and we can print what we need, or at least read and learn, etc.
Boruch Hashem!
Purim problems
Mishenichnas Adar Marbim Besimcha.
If there is a judgement between a Jew and a non-Jew let it happen in the month of Adar.
These are the thoughts going through my mind now, as I get ready to go to the cafe which we rented to work out the kashrus issue.
When we rented the cafe for Purim, the boss wasn't there, so we gave in the money for the rental (non-refundable) once they promised that we could make it kosher.
But now the boss called up and said we cannot kasher the kitchen. The menu he is cool with, but not the kashering.
Hopefully this will go well.
If there is a judgement between a Jew and a non-Jew let it happen in the month of Adar.
These are the thoughts going through my mind now, as I get ready to go to the cafe which we rented to work out the kashrus issue.
When we rented the cafe for Purim, the boss wasn't there, so we gave in the money for the rental (non-refundable) once they promised that we could make it kosher.
But now the boss called up and said we cannot kasher the kitchen. The menu he is cool with, but not the kashering.
Hopefully this will go well.
Friday, March 14, 2008
In memory of Zaidy
March 14, 2008
Zayin Adar 2, 5768
Dear Zaidy,
We can’t believe you’re gone. But we know that there is no place you’d rather be than with Bubby, whose side you did not leave for 62 years. We all look to you and Bubby as an example of the most beautiful marriage, full of devotion and kindness, and will always try to emulate the care and concern you always showed for each other.
Zaidy, this last year was not an easy one for you. Yet you did not complain. The residents in your building often heard you singing as you went to meals or walked the halls. You encouraged those around you to be happy, to be positive. You made friends and invited them over, you took care of the lonely and you never ceased to greet everybody with a smile. We know how lonely you must have been, yet you found in your last year of life, new things to live for. You joined a Shul with Rabbi Sperlin and devoted yourself to their services. We are sure that they, nor the congregants at Rabbi Sirota’s Shul and neither the congregants at Anshei Ozeroff will ever forget the smiling, jolly face of Jack Dubrow.
----I, Zvi, grew up on your knee. It was always the highlight of my week to run over to Bubby and Zaidys to see the game and drink ginger ale while Bubby watched opera. After I got married we continued the tradition and even Miriam watched her first hockey game in your apartment.
Zaidy, you have done so much for our family in the last couple of years. Our home in Montreal was full of your things; your kitchen table and chairs, a cookbook, some linen, a suitcase… and soon they will join us in Russia and we will think of you and your generosity when we use them. You were always giving giving giving. Every time we came to your house, we left with a lot more than we came with. Shirts, ties, books, fruit. Fruit, always fruit. And the greatest surprise was when you would show up at our door with a pint of strawberries or some blueberries!
----You have been the only Zaidy, I Chayale, have ever had. And you welcomed me as one of your own. You always kissed me and told me how much you loved me. You asked about my work, you even came once to visit me at work! When I mentioned last month that I was going to be in New York for a few days your response was “I miss you so much, I’m going to come to New York just to see you.” I felt like the most special person in your life.
And You loved our daughter too like your own child and always took an interest in her development. You were always Miriam’s favorite Zaidy from the minute she stuck her tongue out to you exclusively. As Zvi said the last time he spoke to you, we will give her, from you, the biggest kiss she has had this week. We will tell her about her Zaidy and we are sorry that she will grow up not knowing you.
When we left to go to Russia on our lifelong mission, you were not excited about it. It was too far and you wanted us nearby. But you knew it was important to us and you sent us off with your blessing. That meant the world to us as well as the phone calls asking how we’re doing. We are sure that you and Bubby wherever you are watching over us and giving us strength to continue.
We love you Zaidy and we are grateful to you for the lessons you shared with us and the warmth and laughter you spread. We will miss you.
Zvi and Chayale
Anti-Semitism in Stavropol
People have asked me, people have warned me... Heck, the only thing people in Stavropol, and around the world are interested in knowing is "how can you stand the anti-Semitism?"
To demontrate my answer I have added the picture, above (of Miriam playing with her handcuffed doll in a btahtub, which gives you an idea of how Russian people raise their kids, and of their mentality).
To tell you the truth, on an Anti-Semitic scale of 1 to 10, I would give Stavropol a 6. Not high enough to get worried, but it still is Russia.
I can't understand the shluchim that walk the streets at night without a bodyguard in cities in Siberia where it is so cold that anti-Semites seek warmth by trying to attach their fists or legs to body-parts of Jews.
However I do feel somewhat safe here, mainly due to the fact that this is such a multi-cultural city, very diverse. You can talk to 5 people in a row, and one will be Armenian, the next a Turk, the next Kazakhstani (and I HAVE seen several Borats), followed by a Georgian and a Ukrainian.
In most Russian cities, there are Russians and there is you. You stand out like soap in a Mikva. Everyone stares, and the stares are generally not very welcoming. Nobody dares speak to you, so you just walk either with your head held up high, or with your eyes to the ground (depending on if you have a stiff neck or not).
But here, there are so many 'oddities', dark people, bright people, people wearing tichels (I kid you not), and hippies that if someone were to say "I hate Jews", it just wouldn't work as much as elsewhere.
That is not to say that occassionally I do get an anti-Semitic remark. But the good thing is I don't understand what they are saying. For all I know they could be yelling at me "Your fly is open!" and then spitting on the ground because they almost swallowed a bug.
There are two anti-Semitic writings (one of which I photographed and filmed) and anti-black writing (also filmed and photographed), but they may have been up there for ages.
So I don't have a problem walking the streets in my hat and jackets, as a matter of fact, I always make sure to, because I have had many interesting encounters, such as students stopping me to take pictures, people wishing me peace, and of course, Jews shaking my hand with tears in their eyes, and thanking me for coming to their city.
Some Jews are still afraid. Many times I have heard a "Shalom", and asked the speaker if he was Jewish, and they put a finger on their lips, nod their head 'yes' and whisper Shhhh.
Yesterday I had a meeting with the police public relations department, and met some big head of the department, who offered his assistance in anything, and as well with the head of the department for religious affairs (in Russia they have departments for everything).
It went really nice. I gave them a Hamsa, telling them that we value their protection, and this is protection from G-d.
I was warned beforehand that generally when people meet the police it is to complain, so I made sure to heap the praise. I told them how competent their police are, and how I love that there is a cop on almost every corner. I got the name of a Jewish policeman, and told them that if I can be of any use to them, they are welcome to ask.
The station being next door to the city's largest newspaper, they called a reporter who came and took pictures, and asked all sorts of questions about Yiddishkeit.
All in all it was a great hour-long bullshove, after which I went home to eat supper.
Let's hope they actually report what I said, and don't add horns on me in the photographs ;)
Shabbos smell
A little note with the picture. When Chayale makes Shabbos you can smell Shabbos (the food that is) throughout our building. I LOVE IT!
Pictured is Chayale teaching (Alef for Ahavas Yisroel).
On the topic of Hasgacha Portis...
Hashem works in mysterious ways.
I know that is a quote straight of a Tzvi Jacobs book, but he really does.
About a month ago, Levi Stiefel, a fellow Canadian Shliach in Voronezh, Russia told me about a website for Canadian Expats in Moscow, where they have discussed all the visa problems and what to do about it.
I found the site boring.
Anyway, on Wednesday, I had a few spare moments on the internet, and googled Montreal expats in Stavropol.
One of the websites it brought up was an article written by a "Graham", who for some odd reason compared Stavropol to Montreal (to give you an idea of the differences, it is right now like minus-30 in Montreal while I am typing this in my bathing suit... Oh, and tie. I AM a Rabbi after all).
The gyst of the article was to convince people to come to Stavropol to visit, or preferably to stay, and that there is much work to be done here.
At the end, Graham, an Englishman, posted his email address. The article was dated 2 years ago. But I sent Graham an email anyway, telling him I'm a Canadian Rabbi in town, who assumed I was the only foreigner from an English-speaking country, and that I would love to meet him. I left him my cell number, and went home and forgot about the whole email (Chayale had made pizza for supper, so can I be blamed?).
Later that night I receive a phone call. "Hi, is this Zvi? my name is Mel, and I'm a South African Jew who has moved here four months ago..."
A SOUTH AFRICAN JEW who had no idea there was anothing Jew in this city!
Obviously I invited him for Shabbos and went to meet him. Turns out that as far as we know, there are 3 of us English-speakers in this town. Graham and Mel teach English to students here.
I think Hashem guided me a little bit so I can find this South African before Purim and make sure he does another Mitzvah. What do you think?
I know that is a quote straight of a Tzvi Jacobs book, but he really does.
About a month ago, Levi Stiefel, a fellow Canadian Shliach in Voronezh, Russia told me about a website for Canadian Expats in Moscow, where they have discussed all the visa problems and what to do about it.
I found the site boring.
Anyway, on Wednesday, I had a few spare moments on the internet, and googled Montreal expats in Stavropol.
One of the websites it brought up was an article written by a "Graham", who for some odd reason compared Stavropol to Montreal (to give you an idea of the differences, it is right now like minus-30 in Montreal while I am typing this in my bathing suit... Oh, and tie. I AM a Rabbi after all).
The gyst of the article was to convince people to come to Stavropol to visit, or preferably to stay, and that there is much work to be done here.
At the end, Graham, an Englishman, posted his email address. The article was dated 2 years ago. But I sent Graham an email anyway, telling him I'm a Canadian Rabbi in town, who assumed I was the only foreigner from an English-speaking country, and that I would love to meet him. I left him my cell number, and went home and forgot about the whole email (Chayale had made pizza for supper, so can I be blamed?).
Later that night I receive a phone call. "Hi, is this Zvi? my name is Mel, and I'm a South African Jew who has moved here four months ago..."
A SOUTH AFRICAN JEW who had no idea there was anothing Jew in this city!
Obviously I invited him for Shabbos and went to meet him. Turns out that as far as we know, there are 3 of us English-speakers in this town. Graham and Mel teach English to students here.
I think Hashem guided me a little bit so I can find this South African before Purim and make sure he does another Mitzvah. What do you think?
A vibrant community
Pictured is "Yula", a very kind woman from the community, and Miriam.
Whoever came up up with the word "vibrant", must be getting tons of royalty checks from Chabad alone.
Every Chabad house is described as having "a vibrant community". I think it's one of those words that Lubavitch kids know before they learn what a 'notepad' is.
Stavropol obviously is a vibrant community.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Reasons to stay on Shlichus
Sometimes people say things which remind you what you are doing, and make you proud to know that your lifelong commitment of helping a Jewish community in Russia seems worth it (of course, at other times you wish you could be in Montreal so you could go down the block to Pizza Pita and order a pizzawrap).
Like yesterday, when I decided to call people and invite them for Purim. I am expecting mostly no's, mainly because we don't have established relationships with most of these people, and they include some people whom I have only met once (a 'Shalom' in the street and I took down their phone number).
But call after call people were so happy. One lady was so excited that she is running over today to bring the money for her husband and herself. Things like this really make you feel great.
Incidentally, Chayale decided to give her 'womens club' another shot, and have a makeup artist come and teach women how to use makeup or something like that (how complicated can it be? what will she say? "your fluorescent pink lipstick is NOT eye shadow").
The makeup teacher agreed to come and do it all for free, saying "it's great advertising". So this coming Sunday will be the first Womens club at our apartment, and all we need to do is make food.
I will take care of the baby, and Chayale will have fun with the women. She has made pretty pink invitations (in Russian), and passed them around to about 30 women. We are expecting at least 10, already having several confirmations. I hope this works out.
Like yesterday, when I decided to call people and invite them for Purim. I am expecting mostly no's, mainly because we don't have established relationships with most of these people, and they include some people whom I have only met once (a 'Shalom' in the street and I took down their phone number).
But call after call people were so happy. One lady was so excited that she is running over today to bring the money for her husband and herself. Things like this really make you feel great.
Incidentally, Chayale decided to give her 'womens club' another shot, and have a makeup artist come and teach women how to use makeup or something like that (how complicated can it be? what will she say? "your fluorescent pink lipstick is NOT eye shadow").
The makeup teacher agreed to come and do it all for free, saying "it's great advertising". So this coming Sunday will be the first Womens club at our apartment, and all we need to do is make food.
I will take care of the baby, and Chayale will have fun with the women. She has made pretty pink invitations (in Russian), and passed them around to about 30 women. We are expecting at least 10, already having several confirmations. I hope this works out.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Hamantashen classes
Well, Chayale is giving a class to older women on baking Hamantaschen. The women want poppyseeds. Does anyone know the kashrus situation of poppyseeds?
Also, please say Tehillim for my Zaidy, Yaakov Zimmel ben Tzivia Lena.
Also, please say Tehillim for my Zaidy, Yaakov Zimmel ben Tzivia Lena.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Zhensky Den
In Russia they take their few holidays seriously.
Therefore, this past Shabbos, being Zhensky Den (womens day), the walk to shul was more intertesting than usual, with men all over rushing around carrying flowers, or watching their little children while their wives were (I'm assuming) out partying or finally catching up on sleep. Their were also romantic couples camped out all over, and several street bands singing lullabies. It was a fun experience, topped off with two soldiers, who stopped me to ask for cigarettes. When I explained them about Shabbos, they told me they were from Northern Ossetia and Dagestan, and they keep Shabbos on Friday (Muslims, I assume). Then they asked me if I knew Igor the Jew in the market, thereby giving me another name of a Jew to look for and perhaps invite for Shabbos.
Today is also Zhensky Den (2 days, perhaps because we are in the diaspora), and so the children gave Chayale a present. It was really cute.
I don't think I ever mentioned what we do each Sunday. So here is a report:
From 12:00 to 2:00 is Sunday school. Chayale has arranged for there to be kosher crafts and she does arts and cr4afts with the children in a genius way that there is always a lesson. She also teaches Alef Beis by having the kids color in all sorts of pictures that start with that letter (for example an 'ananas' for Aleph), and putting in their "alef-beis train" that Chayale made for each kid.
I teach a Jewish History class, which always turns into a discussion about different Jewish items, becuase while you teach history, you understand more Jewish things (such as, in explaining the sheishes yemei breishis you learn about shabbos...)
Then we go to meet the studnets, with whom we just chat.
I am trying to start classes. I plan to introduce them at Purim with a sign-up list.
Therefore, this past Shabbos, being Zhensky Den (womens day), the walk to shul was more intertesting than usual, with men all over rushing around carrying flowers, or watching their little children while their wives were (I'm assuming) out partying or finally catching up on sleep. Their were also romantic couples camped out all over, and several street bands singing lullabies. It was a fun experience, topped off with two soldiers, who stopped me to ask for cigarettes. When I explained them about Shabbos, they told me they were from Northern Ossetia and Dagestan, and they keep Shabbos on Friday (Muslims, I assume). Then they asked me if I knew Igor the Jew in the market, thereby giving me another name of a Jew to look for and perhaps invite for Shabbos.
Today is also Zhensky Den (2 days, perhaps because we are in the diaspora), and so the children gave Chayale a present. It was really cute.
I don't think I ever mentioned what we do each Sunday. So here is a report:
From 12:00 to 2:00 is Sunday school. Chayale has arranged for there to be kosher crafts and she does arts and cr4afts with the children in a genius way that there is always a lesson. She also teaches Alef Beis by having the kids color in all sorts of pictures that start with that letter (for example an 'ananas' for Aleph), and putting in their "alef-beis train" that Chayale made for each kid.
I teach a Jewish History class, which always turns into a discussion about different Jewish items, becuase while you teach history, you understand more Jewish things (such as, in explaining the sheishes yemei breishis you learn about shabbos...)
Then we go to meet the studnets, with whom we just chat.
I am trying to start classes. I plan to introduce them at Purim with a sign-up list.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Cricket in Russia!
The other day I was being driven down Pushkina Street when I noticed a group of Kavkaz-looking boys playing cricket in an alleyway! Cricket in Russia! Hey, if cricket can be played in Russia, definitely roller-hockey is a possibility.
In other news, we decided that now that a Rabbi is in town, things much change. Suprisingly, the hostility we expected (and have received on other occassions) hasn't been seen (probably because we have raised 1500 bucks for Purim, more than all of them put together, though we still need to raise more hint hint). In other words, everyone agrees that the huge Purim meal in which we are inviting the ENTIRE COMMUNITY (both factions... a first for this community in about 5 years) will be entirely kosher.
Chayale also has promised to help prepare food for Shabbos and to make Shabbos kosher, which means that for now we prepare everything at home, and bring it to the centre to be eaten. We want to kasher the kitchen, which altogether (new dishes, stove, etc.) will cost 1000 dollars.
Anyone wanna help sponsor a kosher kitchen for a large Jewish community in Russia?
In other news, we decided that now that a Rabbi is in town, things much change. Suprisingly, the hostility we expected (and have received on other occassions) hasn't been seen (probably because we have raised 1500 bucks for Purim, more than all of them put together, though we still need to raise more hint hint). In other words, everyone agrees that the huge Purim meal in which we are inviting the ENTIRE COMMUNITY (both factions... a first for this community in about 5 years) will be entirely kosher.
Chayale also has promised to help prepare food for Shabbos and to make Shabbos kosher, which means that for now we prepare everything at home, and bring it to the centre to be eaten. We want to kasher the kitchen, which altogether (new dishes, stove, etc.) will cost 1000 dollars.
Anyone wanna help sponsor a kosher kitchen for a large Jewish community in Russia?
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Ivanovo, Russia: Man Get 4 Years In Jail For Attacking Rabbi
Ivanovo Leninsky District Court handed down a sentence to the local resident who attacked the chairman of Ivanovo Jewish Community Ervin Kirshtein and his foreign guests - reported HERE on YWN.
In addition to a four-year jail sentence, the court will impose on him a penalty of 80,000 ruble moral damages in favor of Kirshtein, and 40,000 ruble moral damages in favor of community member Valery Makushev.
According to earlier reports, on June 11, 2007, some youths attacked the chairman of local Jewish Community Ervin Kirshtein, Jewish Community member Valery Makushev, and their guests from Montreal, rabbi Zvi Hershcovich with his wife and 8-year-old daughter walking about the central streets of Ivanovo.
(Source: Interfax)
That from theyeshivanews.com
My did Miriam grow.
Hows that for news?
In addition to a four-year jail sentence, the court will impose on him a penalty of 80,000 ruble moral damages in favor of Kirshtein, and 40,000 ruble moral damages in favor of community member Valery Makushev.
According to earlier reports, on June 11, 2007, some youths attacked the chairman of local Jewish Community Ervin Kirshtein, Jewish Community member Valery Makushev, and their guests from Montreal, rabbi Zvi Hershcovich with his wife and 8-year-old daughter walking about the central streets of Ivanovo.
(Source: Interfax)
That from theyeshivanews.com
My did Miriam grow.
Hows that for news?
White toilet paper
Who would know? all toilet paper here (except for the sandpaper ones) are colored for some reason.
But a big heros thank you goes to Leibele and Chanie Rodal who sent us ULTRASOFT WHITE toiletpaper!!!!
We are now able to sit down on our chairs properly. Thank you guys.
But a big heros thank you goes to Leibele and Chanie Rodal who sent us ULTRASOFT WHITE toiletpaper!!!!
We are now able to sit down on our chairs properly. Thank you guys.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
First video upload
Esty and Chayale playing an arcade game in the Galeria. We went skating as well, and word spread. Several people have already mentioned that they heard the Rabbi is a good skater ;) More videos to come.
Internet at work
The arrival of Esty brought luck with it.
High-speed internet here costs 400 bucks to install, and takes a month. Well, in short, when our secretary went to pay for it, they said that there was a sale, for only about 275 dollars and they installed it within 4 days. This means that we now have internet in the office, which is where I am writing from.
So much is going on, but instead of writing it all, I will try and post pictures and videos.
This one is Chayale teaching women how to make Challah a few weeks ago. One of the ladies now makes Challah (6 braids) herself each week for Shabbos!
Monday, March 03, 2008
My sister is in town
Esty came in for a week, and there is nothing like having a family member visit you after spending 4 months in the middle of nowhere trying to find kosher food.
Incidentally, before this past Shabbos we got a call from a community member who wanted to meet us. She speaks a fluent English, and so I invited her and her husband for Shabbos. They are a really cute couple, and we found out that their daughter lives with her husband in MOntreal!!! Now that Esty's here she gave Esty a package to bring to Montreal for her daughter. Such a nice couple.
Incidentally, before this past Shabbos we got a call from a community member who wanted to meet us. She speaks a fluent English, and so I invited her and her husband for Shabbos. They are a really cute couple, and we found out that their daughter lives with her husband in MOntreal!!! Now that Esty's here she gave Esty a package to bring to Montreal for her daughter. Such a nice couple.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Stuck in the airport
Well, there was a beautiful conference for all Shluchim and Roshei HaKehillos of Russia in Moscow, and they flew us in and put us up in a gorgeous hotel for a few days. I got to finally meet most of the other Rabbis, and take care of community issues of which I will write about another time, G-d willing.
Yesterday evening, transportation was arranged to take us to the airport. We arrived only to find out that Stavropol is snowed out and the airport there closed.
So we traded our tickets for new ones to Mineralniye Voda leaving today at 11:00 (Min Voda has a larger international airport and is 3 hours from Stavropol).
But we were stuck for the night without a place to stay or kosher food.
We called Or Avner and they told us to get to the Marina Roscha shul and they'll arrange for us transportation back to the airport and a hotel.
We went to the shul, and turns out that Lev Leviev's son had a bar mitzvah and we were all invited, so we got a full, yummy meal. Then we danced a little (first time my Rosh Hakahal danced without a girl), and went to the hotel.
It was 4000 rubles (about 170 bucks) a room, so we had to sdhare a room, and it was one of the drabbiest hotels in the world. THEY DIDNT EVEN GIVE US TOWELS!!!!
But Boruch Hashem I'm here in the airport, and though the flight is delayed til 11:50, and I heard the roads from Min Voda to Stavropol are closed, I;'m confident that it's Hashgocha Protis, and Hashem has a plan or reason why we're here.
Perhaps it was to meet a Jew from Siktivkar (find that on a map) and tell him about Shushan Purim Katan.
Yesterday evening, transportation was arranged to take us to the airport. We arrived only to find out that Stavropol is snowed out and the airport there closed.
So we traded our tickets for new ones to Mineralniye Voda leaving today at 11:00 (Min Voda has a larger international airport and is 3 hours from Stavropol).
But we were stuck for the night without a place to stay or kosher food.
We called Or Avner and they told us to get to the Marina Roscha shul and they'll arrange for us transportation back to the airport and a hotel.
We went to the shul, and turns out that Lev Leviev's son had a bar mitzvah and we were all invited, so we got a full, yummy meal. Then we danced a little (first time my Rosh Hakahal danced without a girl), and went to the hotel.
It was 4000 rubles (about 170 bucks) a room, so we had to sdhare a room, and it was one of the drabbiest hotels in the world. THEY DIDNT EVEN GIVE US TOWELS!!!!
But Boruch Hashem I'm here in the airport, and though the flight is delayed til 11:50, and I heard the roads from Min Voda to Stavropol are closed, I;'m confident that it's Hashgocha Protis, and Hashem has a plan or reason why we're here.
Perhaps it was to meet a Jew from Siktivkar (find that on a map) and tell him about Shushan Purim Katan.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Challah baking
On Thursday Chayale invited 3 women over to make Challah together while our housekeeper watches the kids.
Incidentally our amazing housekeeper last Friday told us it was her last day an hour before Shabbos. She felt bad leaving, but her priest told her she should. Then on Sunday our driver told us it was his last day, his rich son hired him. They both were sad to leave, and luckily we quickly found a new driver and housekeeper. We hope they'll be as good as the previous ones.
Anyway, so at 2:00, Anya Yaskovich came with her son, Yaroslav, who is only a little older than Miriam. Then Anya Davidova and Lena Berkun, two amazing women from the community, came with their children.
Together they spent all day making Challahs. They even stayed for supper. I'll try to convince Chayale to write about that experience.
Meanwhile, I am trying to get a working visa. Below I posted some pictures. They are not recent, but enjoy them nonetheless. We bought a computer and soon should have internet at home. Then we'll post more, and the blog will be G-d willing filled with photos, news, and videos.
Incidentally our amazing housekeeper last Friday told us it was her last day an hour before Shabbos. She felt bad leaving, but her priest told her she should. Then on Sunday our driver told us it was his last day, his rich son hired him. They both were sad to leave, and luckily we quickly found a new driver and housekeeper. We hope they'll be as good as the previous ones.
Anyway, so at 2:00, Anya Yaskovich came with her son, Yaroslav, who is only a little older than Miriam. Then Anya Davidova and Lena Berkun, two amazing women from the community, came with their children.
Together they spent all day making Challahs. They even stayed for supper. I'll try to convince Chayale to write about that experience.
Meanwhile, I am trying to get a working visa. Below I posted some pictures. They are not recent, but enjoy them nonetheless. We bought a computer and soon should have internet at home. Then we'll post more, and the blog will be G-d willing filled with photos, news, and videos.
Last photo for now
Odd, huh? we laughed when we saw this doll in the store, and took a picture (this is in December). Only in Russia would they sell a handcuffed baby in a bathtub.
Recently we've been having guests each shabbos - like 8 at a time (which is alot of fun).
Usually they bring gifts, though we try to discourage them from bringing on Shabbos.
This past week someone brought us THAT VERY DOLL!!!! Yes, Miriam now plays with the handcuffed doll. What should we name it?
Pictures
Mariashi requested photos. We are having troubles uploading them, but here's another go.
I hope this works. It's a sign we saw in Stavropol.
Garbage pickers
As a kid, in hockey when someone stood close to the net waiting to cash in on rebounds and screaming 'pass', they were called 'garbage-pickers' (though those very same kids, should they ever make it to the NHL would be called 'power forwards').
I never really understood where the term came from, after all - who picks things out of the garbage?
Well, now I understand.
Sometimes when I go out to dump my garebaggio, there is a cluster of poor people licking their lips and waiting like zombies for me to drop it in the dumpster, so that as soon as I leave they can dive in and eat the leftovers of Miriams soggy bananas.
It's kinda freaky. Real people actually PUBLICLY go picking through garbages.
I guess it says alot about the country, huh?
I never really understood where the term came from, after all - who picks things out of the garbage?
Well, now I understand.
Sometimes when I go out to dump my garebaggio, there is a cluster of poor people licking their lips and waiting like zombies for me to drop it in the dumpster, so that as soon as I leave they can dive in and eat the leftovers of Miriams soggy bananas.
It's kinda freaky. Real people actually PUBLICLY go picking through garbages.
I guess it says alot about the country, huh?
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Thank you - public
Thank you to my family, who raised enough money to buy a Megilla for the Jewish Community of Stavropol in my Bubby Leah's memory.
In case you didn't yet hear the story
I assume everyone knows this one, as I've told it to everyone I know, but in case you are at the bottom of the grapevine in the mud, here is an amazing miracle story.
Every Shabbos, some old men and women meet in the Center to talk about the Parsha, eat some food, and read some Jewish newspapers. They do this at 2 PM for some unknown reason, though I am working on making it earlier so I can have a normal Shabbos meal.
Getting back on topic, one of these Jews is, to quote his words, "Yisroel Yitzchak ben Moshe" Farber. Married to a non-Jew, he knows that all his descendants aren't Jewish, yet is the most knowledgable of them all, reading the Parsha each week before Shabbos, and speaking a fluent Yiddish, I mean even fluenter than Rabbi Berkowitz!!!
Anyway, on Tu B'shvat there was a small celebration, and I sat down next to YY, whom I had become very friendly with. As we're talking, he told me that when he was a child he once received a Bracha from a Rebbe.
"Cool" I said in Yiddish (the Yiddish word for cool is 'Brekhtish'). "What was his name? perhaps I heard of him, maybe he was the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, or the Tosher Rebbe..."
He says, "no, his name was Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson."
I frieked out as one could expect, and then demanded to know the story.
"I was the first son born into my family (and the only one) after three girls," he said. "My father always wanted a boy, but he died when I was 9 months old. When I was 2, my mother heard that the Rebbe was coming to town. So she arranged a Yechidus. At the Yechidus she burst into tears, and asked the Rebbe, "my son has no father. Who will take care of him?" The Rebbe answered "Hashem will take care of your son.""
Yisroel Yitzchak then looks at me and continues, "and I survived throught World War 2, communism, and lived a life of luxury throughout. I know Hashem watches over me."
Every Shabbos, some old men and women meet in the Center to talk about the Parsha, eat some food, and read some Jewish newspapers. They do this at 2 PM for some unknown reason, though I am working on making it earlier so I can have a normal Shabbos meal.
Getting back on topic, one of these Jews is, to quote his words, "Yisroel Yitzchak ben Moshe" Farber. Married to a non-Jew, he knows that all his descendants aren't Jewish, yet is the most knowledgable of them all, reading the Parsha each week before Shabbos, and speaking a fluent Yiddish, I mean even fluenter than Rabbi Berkowitz!!!
Anyway, on Tu B'shvat there was a small celebration, and I sat down next to YY, whom I had become very friendly with. As we're talking, he told me that when he was a child he once received a Bracha from a Rebbe.
"Cool" I said in Yiddish (the Yiddish word for cool is 'Brekhtish'). "What was his name? perhaps I heard of him, maybe he was the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, or the Tosher Rebbe..."
He says, "no, his name was Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson."
I frieked out as one could expect, and then demanded to know the story.
"I was the first son born into my family (and the only one) after three girls," he said. "My father always wanted a boy, but he died when I was 9 months old. When I was 2, my mother heard that the Rebbe was coming to town. So she arranged a Yechidus. At the Yechidus she burst into tears, and asked the Rebbe, "my son has no father. Who will take care of him?" The Rebbe answered "Hashem will take care of your son.""
Yisroel Yitzchak then looks at me and continues, "and I survived throught World War 2, communism, and lived a life of luxury throughout. I know Hashem watches over me."
Monday, February 11, 2008
#3 - January 15. New Updates. Problems
Well, News Update is as follows. I am as hormonal as ever. In the morning I am flying high at the thought of having a whole week to myself in New York and spend my hours dreaming about the food I'm going to eat and the milkshakes I'm going to live on. At night, I sob, hysterically, at the INSANE idea of leaving my baby all alone without a mommy. Who's gonna keep her warm and wipe her boogers and give her a fruit or veggie with every meal!?Anyway, meanwhile, we have other problems. Bigger than my hormonal meltdowns.Russia is not a big on the legal and lawful. They haven't quite figured out how to make rules and stick to them. So they just came out with a new law. Even though we got visas for a year, unless we get a new different (expensive) visa or get permanent residency, we must leave the country in February for three months. So we are panicking.I, actually, am having my Shlichus kick-off this week with an older women- with gold teeth- get-together and we're making challah. Sunday, we have a Bar Mitzah, we're teaching the kids about Tu B'Shvat and then in the afternoon, I am having a womens group. Lots of cute, young women are coming to make fruit platters and learn!! I'm so proud of myself!! I got a professional fruit platter lady teacher to come! And a translator!!Oh and one more BIG piece of news: The Segals bought us cheese. They rock!
#2 - Upshernish in Stavropol - posted Jan. 14
Yesterday, we were invited to an Upshernish of a little boy named Yossi who actually has a Jewish mother AND father and brother. We came bearing a Tzizis cake, chocolate chip bars and a present for the boys. Only us and a another family were invited. It was really a beautiful afternoon. Zvi said a beautiful speech about an upshernish and blessed the home. We brought a laminated alef Bais and had Yossi licked honey from it. We stayed for five hours, chatting and eating (fruit and the cake I brought!). They kept on making Lechaims and telling us how happy they are that we came to Stavropol. The dad cried a few times. It was my first real Shlichus experience.Another thing we did was bring our Jewish neightbors cake for Shabbos. They were so happy.Fsyo. for now.
Some old posts of mine which went to the wrong place - #1 - the Metro Millionaires
So... Zvi has been bugging me to post so I will write about my experience I had yesterday in.. Metro!Well, I went to buy an oven so I can finally make normal food. Of course, though I can speak perfect Russian, no one can understand a word I say. So when I inquired about which oven was "Sami Luchi" (the best), they frantically sent the word out that any English pseaking employee should make their way to the aisle. Well, withing minutes there were 10 employees. One spoke English. I chose an oven, a bread machine and then proceeded to continue with my shopping. As I an walking, I notice that this guy is following me. I said "why you following me???" He said "the floor manager said I must go with you and help you with anything you need." They thought I was an American millionaire! Boy did I take advantage. He pushed my cart, ran to get me things, bagged my groceries. I even got his phone number is case I ever need anything. While I was in Metro, by the way, I found the couch of dreams. Leather, chocolate brown and is a sofa bed. We're going back to get it today!Stavropol's awesome. I come to New York in two weeks from today. I'm dreaming about the pizza.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
An update
So much happens here you forget to post, especially when you need to travel around to find internet. So here's a little update.
Two days ago our driver was taking Chayale somewhere so I took a taxi home. The guy immediately notifies me that I happen to look Jewish. I answer my standard answer, "ya Superyevrei". This always gets a chuckle. Anyway he tells me his Grandma was Jewish. As a proper shliach, alarm bells rang in my head and I immediately asked him what any one of the Rebbe's shluchim's response to that statement would be. I said, "do you have 1000? we want to make a kosher kitchen...." oops, no that's for fundraising. I actually tried to find out if it was his maternal grandma, and it turned out it was. So I told him he's Jewish.
Of course he asks the standard Xenophobic question upon hearing that. He says, "so why don't I have alot of money?" I replied, "not all Jews have money, you know." Anyway, we spoke a little, and he tells me he has a sister living in Prague (mental note to Rav of Prague, contact that woman). So I took his number and told him I wanna invite him for Shabbos. I ask him his name.
Pause for effect.
ALEX KOVALEV!!!!!
I promise. This is one of my hockey heroes!!! Could Hashem have made me love hockey so much for this very reason???? probably not, but it was kinda cool.
So he is my project of the year. Someday he'll meet his namesake, and say the following words to him: "do you want to put on tefillin?"
Two days ago our driver was taking Chayale somewhere so I took a taxi home. The guy immediately notifies me that I happen to look Jewish. I answer my standard answer, "ya Superyevrei". This always gets a chuckle. Anyway he tells me his Grandma was Jewish. As a proper shliach, alarm bells rang in my head and I immediately asked him what any one of the Rebbe's shluchim's response to that statement would be. I said, "do you have 1000? we want to make a kosher kitchen...." oops, no that's for fundraising. I actually tried to find out if it was his maternal grandma, and it turned out it was. So I told him he's Jewish.
Of course he asks the standard Xenophobic question upon hearing that. He says, "so why don't I have alot of money?" I replied, "not all Jews have money, you know." Anyway, we spoke a little, and he tells me he has a sister living in Prague (mental note to Rav of Prague, contact that woman). So I took his number and told him I wanna invite him for Shabbos. I ask him his name.
Pause for effect.
ALEX KOVALEV!!!!!
I promise. This is one of my hockey heroes!!! Could Hashem have made me love hockey so much for this very reason???? probably not, but it was kinda cool.
So he is my project of the year. Someday he'll meet his namesake, and say the following words to him: "do you want to put on tefillin?"
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Chayale Reporting From Moscow
I am on my way to New York for the Kinus. I have left Miriam (sniffle sniffle) with Zvi and am travelling babyless! Which is actually really exciting- no bottles, no pacifiers, no stroller. Zvi is holding down the fort at home.
The Russians have yet to figure out the travel system. The airport here is insane. But at least they have internet.
I can't wait to see everyone!!
The Russians have yet to figure out the travel system. The airport here is insane. But at least they have internet.
I can't wait to see everyone!!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Kosher food
Here's some food for thought (get it?)
Anyway, here is how we survive with or without food.
Our first month here was spent trying to get milk and chickens.
See, this is the way it works. We can only buy certain foods, such as fresh fish (which we barely ever find) or salted fish (which is kosher in Russia for several halachic reasons). We can also buy fruits and vegetables, and some spices.
So in short, Chayale must cook everything from scratch. This merans that to make Challah, she uses fresh yeast (the blocks), eggs, and flour and makes it from the beginnig. She's an awesome cook though.
We get milk and chickens shipped from Moscow. Other kosher food they cannot and do not ship. Also, they only ship bulk, so we need to order like 90 kilograms of chickens, which come in 3 huge bags.
Those we keep outside (until we get a freezer).
Every time someone comes in, or we go ANYWEHERE, we make sure to get kosher food.
Boruch Hashem we found someone who sells kosher wine (Fortant red and white) , and sometimes in Metro you find kosher food. We've been living off Americna granola bars from there, and recently we found peanut butter there with an OU.
Anyway, here is how we survive with or without food.
Our first month here was spent trying to get milk and chickens.
See, this is the way it works. We can only buy certain foods, such as fresh fish (which we barely ever find) or salted fish (which is kosher in Russia for several halachic reasons). We can also buy fruits and vegetables, and some spices.
So in short, Chayale must cook everything from scratch. This merans that to make Challah, she uses fresh yeast (the blocks), eggs, and flour and makes it from the beginnig. She's an awesome cook though.
We get milk and chickens shipped from Moscow. Other kosher food they cannot and do not ship. Also, they only ship bulk, so we need to order like 90 kilograms of chickens, which come in 3 huge bags.
Those we keep outside (until we get a freezer).
Every time someone comes in, or we go ANYWEHERE, we make sure to get kosher food.
Boruch Hashem we found someone who sells kosher wine (Fortant red and white) , and sometimes in Metro you find kosher food. We've been living off Americna granola bars from there, and recently we found peanut butter there with an OU.
Our apartment at the moment
This is where we are up to. I will go room by room.
The entrance. Some dude is in our house putting finishing touches on the floor, which already looks nice. Since we don't have a dryer (they have only existed in Russia for about a year), lots of clothes hangs around the entrance in different stages of drying.
Our room: We spent about 1200 on a bedroom set, which includes two large beds with mattresses, a wardrobe, and a bureau. Oh, and a mirror. Also, we have our DVD player we bought (and THANK YOU MALKALI for keeping Yummy occupied occassionally), and an old (but working) TV screen (no TV) which we keep on the windowsill. Also, lots of our bags around the room since we can't yet finish unpacking (we need more shelves etc).
The dining room: Just a gorgeous leather couch which can turn into a bed when the clock strikes 12. The rest of the room is empty besides for a china closet, which looks nice, even though every day a new piece falls off like it has leprosy or something. Yummy sleeps here sometimes.
Yummy's room: Just an iron and ironing board. Her pack and play.
Kitchen: A fridge, a new stove, a new sink, a small new kitchen set of which only half is standing. The other half needs to be put up on the wall.
Toilet: a toilet.
Bathroom: a bath.
Repairs need to be done with the water in the bathroom, and to put in a second sink. Also half our kitchen needs to be hung on the wall. We need to buy a freezer to put in all the meat that comes from Moscow. We need to buy a dining room table and chairs, fix a grandfather clock in our entrance, and buy Miriam closets and a crib.
The entrance. Some dude is in our house putting finishing touches on the floor, which already looks nice. Since we don't have a dryer (they have only existed in Russia for about a year), lots of clothes hangs around the entrance in different stages of drying.
Our room: We spent about 1200 on a bedroom set, which includes two large beds with mattresses, a wardrobe, and a bureau. Oh, and a mirror. Also, we have our DVD player we bought (and THANK YOU MALKALI for keeping Yummy occupied occassionally), and an old (but working) TV screen (no TV) which we keep on the windowsill. Also, lots of our bags around the room since we can't yet finish unpacking (we need more shelves etc).
The dining room: Just a gorgeous leather couch which can turn into a bed when the clock strikes 12. The rest of the room is empty besides for a china closet, which looks nice, even though every day a new piece falls off like it has leprosy or something. Yummy sleeps here sometimes.
Yummy's room: Just an iron and ironing board. Her pack and play.
Kitchen: A fridge, a new stove, a new sink, a small new kitchen set of which only half is standing. The other half needs to be put up on the wall.
Toilet: a toilet.
Bathroom: a bath.
Repairs need to be done with the water in the bathroom, and to put in a second sink. Also half our kitchen needs to be hung on the wall. We need to buy a freezer to put in all the meat that comes from Moscow. We need to buy a dining room table and chairs, fix a grandfather clock in our entrance, and buy Miriam closets and a crib.
Internet issues
Guess what?
Our wonderful internet cafe has been having issues, so we need to find a new one. But for now, this'll have to do.
Benny commented in a previous post about the Canadiens.
Well, back when we used taxis to get everywhere, we once took a taxi back from Metro, and when I mentioned (on the way) to the driver that I'm from Canada, he gave me a thumbs up and said, "Ahhhh... Montreal Canadiens."
Believe me when I tell you that had we been driving I would have slammed on the brakes.
After scooping up my eyeballs and returning them to their proper sockets, I asked him what he meant. Turns out he is a massive fan, and he kept recalling the 'glorious days' when Montreal beat the Soviet's best in the late 80's and early 90's. He told me he used to catch some games on TV.
Turns out he is from Murmansk (here's some fun for you readers. Find Murmansk on a map and post your comments about that city of 500,000), but he moved to Stavropol about 30 years ago.
Then he tells us he loves Elvis. He even had music in his car to prove it, and the rest of the way we were forced to listen to Barchi Nafshi (had to throw in that Tatty joke).
All Russians are characters.
Our wonderful internet cafe has been having issues, so we need to find a new one. But for now, this'll have to do.
Benny commented in a previous post about the Canadiens.
Well, back when we used taxis to get everywhere, we once took a taxi back from Metro, and when I mentioned (on the way) to the driver that I'm from Canada, he gave me a thumbs up and said, "Ahhhh... Montreal Canadiens."
Believe me when I tell you that had we been driving I would have slammed on the brakes.
After scooping up my eyeballs and returning them to their proper sockets, I asked him what he meant. Turns out he is a massive fan, and he kept recalling the 'glorious days' when Montreal beat the Soviet's best in the late 80's and early 90's. He told me he used to catch some games on TV.
Turns out he is from Murmansk (here's some fun for you readers. Find Murmansk on a map and post your comments about that city of 500,000), but he moved to Stavropol about 30 years ago.
Then he tells us he loves Elvis. He even had music in his car to prove it, and the rest of the way we were forced to listen to Barchi Nafshi (had to throw in that Tatty joke).
All Russians are characters.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
A Shlichus shot
Just so you don't think all we do is hang with Yummy. This is after a class with some students. Left to right: Yanna, Borya, me, Valeria and her boyfriend Sergei, and finally Marina. Missing were Katya, and Misha.
Misha is one of those Russians that makes mne remember why I came here. His first words to me were: "I saved up to buy a Mezuza, but only got the case. How do I get an actual Mezuza? I want to hang one on my dorm room." He asked tons of questions about Yiddishkeit. Incidentally, all of these students speak very decent English.
A real sign in Stavropol
This in the Intourist, the fanciest hotel here. Couldn't they find ONE English speaker to take out an 'o'?
Starting over in photos
Dancing before we leave to Stavropol. This was at the end of our goodbye party in my parents house. Yisroel Bernath and Leibele Rodal were my fellow dancers.
Signs you know you are in Stavropol:
1 - Legless people all over begging for money - I have never in my life seen so many people without legs. I don't know what the epidemic was or if they were imported from Sodom, but it's quite odd. I once saw one being pulled in a sleigh to his work spot. Some have wheelchairs.
2 - Occassionally lampposts start playing music at random intervals. This really has happened to me twice. Regular streetlights on odd days were playing music. Must have been some faulty KGB tap.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
New driver and other great stuff
Holy crap! I just found an internet cafe where I can upload photos!!! I'll try to come back and upload more!!! Pictured above is the former Shul, now marriage license center of Stavropol.
Anyway, after our driver left to Nizhnevartovsk (or in English, the North Pole), we needed a new driver. Boruch Hashem we had two other options from my previous interview. One was a Turk named Mohammed with a gorgeous car, but he seemed like a wheeler-dealer when we discussed salary etc.
The other is a nice guy I liked named Roman. Problem was that I never saw his car. So I called him and asked him to bring his car and let me look at it.
He agreed, and after seeing the car (a typical, but well maintained Lada), we hired him on the spot.
Yesterday was also another big day, in which my wife proved she was wiser than me (again).
We had bought beds, kitchen cabinets, and several other pieces of furtinure, which are to be delivered today, but we needed the (drabby) furniture that was in the apartment when we arrived to be moved out. We had been promised it would happen immediately, but because of the Russian 13 day holiday, no one had showed up.
I didn't want to trouble the landlords, but Chayale persuaded me to call them. Anyway, within an hour people came, and cleared our apartment of all furniture. We had to sleep on the floor last night. We did that by piling towels and stuff, but it was a bad night nonetheless.
In other news, Chayale got her ticket to New York. She arrives there on the 23rd and leaves back on the 29th.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
We need a new driver
Our driver is moving to Nizhnevartovsk - in Siberia.
So we need a new driver.
Oh, the situations that arise.
So we need a new driver.
Oh, the situations that arise.
A miracle story
First off, I apologize for the long wait between posts. In Russia the new year is celebrated for 13 days. Almost all stores and businesses are closed and everyone stumbles around drunk. This is because they celebrate 'Kratzmach' as well on the 7th of January. So now that I finally found an internet cafe which is open, I can post a wild and wacky story happened to us two Fridays ago.
About a month ago, we were suddenly told by our landlord Nikolai that he wanted us out of our apartment because 'he couldn't understand what we said' and 'we didn't live by the rules' by which he meant that we actually (GASP) put toiletpaper down the toilet (this is absolute truth. Our toilet couldn't handle paper inside it, and if there would be any, all the hot water in the building wouldn't work until it was fixed).
So we started looking for a new apartment. We had several people looking for us. We found one that we liked, but the owner, as soon as he saw us, backed out - he 'doen't want foreigners'. We kept looking with no luck, even though we had four realtors searching and an ad in the paper. With barely any time left we requested an extra week from Nikolai to look for an apartment, and he agreed. We paid for the extra week and continued looking.
As I wrote before, we found one possiblitly. Small, and drabby-looking, at least everything worked, it was cheap, and they promised to fix most of the problems. And so on Friday we found ourself on the way to one more apartment in the heavy traffic of a Stavropol afternoon. Sudden my secretary called. "Nikolai is in the center, demanding to see the Rabbi. He wants you out of the apartment within two hours and he is not budging."
It didn't make sense. I had paid him on Sunday for a week, which meant we had until SUNDAY!
Stuck in traffic, on the way to see an apartment, we tried to argue with him, explain to him and that our Shabbos was coming and it was impossible to move, even tried bribing him, but he wouldn't hear of anything.
So we looked at the apartment and sped back to the center. By the time we arrived at the Obshchin Nikolai had left 'in a fury' according to the secretary. Everyone there suggested we move into a hotel for Shabbos, but of course with 2 hours to go that would be impossible.
With no choice, and knowing there was a half hour left to Shabbos in Moscow, we called Rabbi Lazar. Or rather, his secretary. Meanwhile Chayale raced home to finish cooking for Shabbos (barely anything was prepared).
A few minutes later Moscow called back with the report from R' Lazar. "Tell Nikolai that it is impossible before Shabbos to move out, and that he doesn't want the chief Rabbi of Russia on his head."
I called Nikolai immediately, and told him I had to meet him (I had no idea how to explain him Shabbos over the phone). He said he'll be over in 10 minutes.
Time passed, and everyone left the building. the Rosh Hakahal, Yefim Fainer, agreed to stay to help, but he lives a half hour away by bus, and wanted to be home before Shabbos. So Yefim stayed with me, to help translate and back me up. An hour went by. Meanwhile, some people showed up at the center. The first one was a Jew who sells Kosher Mevushal Fortant wine here. In the middle of the crisis I decided to put Tefillin on him. Then Igor, another Jew popped in with his brother Moshe. Igor is very interested in Yiddishkeit, while Moshe isn't. I quickly put Tefillin on Igor, between answering phone calls from a desperate Chayale, who wonderfully managed to make Shabbos and watch the baby while this was going on.
Moshe refused to Leig Tefillin, so I told him how this Shabbos was HIS Shabbos - Shmos. It's the first time Moshe is mentioned in the Torah, and the rest of the Torah discusses him. Also, it's the Rambam's Yahrzeit, and 'Mimoshe limoshe lo kam kimoshe'.
He smiled but still refused to leig Tefillin. They left after a while, and I sat with Yefim, and tried to learn something. With a half hour left to Shabbos I gave up. I told Yefim, "I'm going home!"
And walked to the door to leave, when the bell rang, and Oleg, one of Nikolai's men (a secretary?) showed up.
I let him in and sat across from Oleg in an office. I knew that this was crunch time. I secretly Davened to Hashem for help, asked the Rebbe to put in a good word for me, and started explaining Oleg about our Shabbos, etc.
I also told him that I thought it was until Sunday, and finally told him what Rabbi Lazar said. He called Nikolai and told me it was ok. We could stay until Sunday. Then he left.
I know it doesnt sound like the greatest miracle stroy but BOY did I thank Hashem. Yefim left, and I raced home. We didn't even have time to start packing, what with calling the realtor and taking the cheap, small place, arranging to meet after Shabbos, and setting up for Shabbos.
Shabbos I came to the Shul and Farbrenged with the 10 or so Jews who meet at 2 PM. I made Lecahim and thanked Hashem and the Rebbe, and farbrenged with Yefim until after Shabbos.
About a month ago, we were suddenly told by our landlord Nikolai that he wanted us out of our apartment because 'he couldn't understand what we said' and 'we didn't live by the rules' by which he meant that we actually (GASP) put toiletpaper down the toilet (this is absolute truth. Our toilet couldn't handle paper inside it, and if there would be any, all the hot water in the building wouldn't work until it was fixed).
So we started looking for a new apartment. We had several people looking for us. We found one that we liked, but the owner, as soon as he saw us, backed out - he 'doen't want foreigners'. We kept looking with no luck, even though we had four realtors searching and an ad in the paper. With barely any time left we requested an extra week from Nikolai to look for an apartment, and he agreed. We paid for the extra week and continued looking.
As I wrote before, we found one possiblitly. Small, and drabby-looking, at least everything worked, it was cheap, and they promised to fix most of the problems. And so on Friday we found ourself on the way to one more apartment in the heavy traffic of a Stavropol afternoon. Sudden my secretary called. "Nikolai is in the center, demanding to see the Rabbi. He wants you out of the apartment within two hours and he is not budging."
It didn't make sense. I had paid him on Sunday for a week, which meant we had until SUNDAY!
Stuck in traffic, on the way to see an apartment, we tried to argue with him, explain to him and that our Shabbos was coming and it was impossible to move, even tried bribing him, but he wouldn't hear of anything.
So we looked at the apartment and sped back to the center. By the time we arrived at the Obshchin Nikolai had left 'in a fury' according to the secretary. Everyone there suggested we move into a hotel for Shabbos, but of course with 2 hours to go that would be impossible.
With no choice, and knowing there was a half hour left to Shabbos in Moscow, we called Rabbi Lazar. Or rather, his secretary. Meanwhile Chayale raced home to finish cooking for Shabbos (barely anything was prepared).
A few minutes later Moscow called back with the report from R' Lazar. "Tell Nikolai that it is impossible before Shabbos to move out, and that he doesn't want the chief Rabbi of Russia on his head."
I called Nikolai immediately, and told him I had to meet him (I had no idea how to explain him Shabbos over the phone). He said he'll be over in 10 minutes.
Time passed, and everyone left the building. the Rosh Hakahal, Yefim Fainer, agreed to stay to help, but he lives a half hour away by bus, and wanted to be home before Shabbos. So Yefim stayed with me, to help translate and back me up. An hour went by. Meanwhile, some people showed up at the center. The first one was a Jew who sells Kosher Mevushal Fortant wine here. In the middle of the crisis I decided to put Tefillin on him. Then Igor, another Jew popped in with his brother Moshe. Igor is very interested in Yiddishkeit, while Moshe isn't. I quickly put Tefillin on Igor, between answering phone calls from a desperate Chayale, who wonderfully managed to make Shabbos and watch the baby while this was going on.
Moshe refused to Leig Tefillin, so I told him how this Shabbos was HIS Shabbos - Shmos. It's the first time Moshe is mentioned in the Torah, and the rest of the Torah discusses him. Also, it's the Rambam's Yahrzeit, and 'Mimoshe limoshe lo kam kimoshe'.
He smiled but still refused to leig Tefillin. They left after a while, and I sat with Yefim, and tried to learn something. With a half hour left to Shabbos I gave up. I told Yefim, "I'm going home!"
And walked to the door to leave, when the bell rang, and Oleg, one of Nikolai's men (a secretary?) showed up.
I let him in and sat across from Oleg in an office. I knew that this was crunch time. I secretly Davened to Hashem for help, asked the Rebbe to put in a good word for me, and started explaining Oleg about our Shabbos, etc.
I also told him that I thought it was until Sunday, and finally told him what Rabbi Lazar said. He called Nikolai and told me it was ok. We could stay until Sunday. Then he left.
I know it doesnt sound like the greatest miracle stroy but BOY did I thank Hashem. Yefim left, and I raced home. We didn't even have time to start packing, what with calling the realtor and taking the cheap, small place, arranging to meet after Shabbos, and setting up for Shabbos.
Shabbos I came to the Shul and Farbrenged with the 10 or so Jews who meet at 2 PM. I made Lecahim and thanked Hashem and the Rebbe, and farbrenged with Yefim until after Shabbos.
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