I guess Benny is gonna be a scribe.
From the new york daily news.
Girls from the Beth Rivka School in Crown Heights watch over the shoulder of Rabbi Benny Hershcovich as he demonstrates the ancient art of making a Torah scroll at the Jewish Children’s Museum.
In this age of high-speed Internet connections, iPods and HDTVs, the Jewish Children's Museum is inviting the public to step back in time - and learn about the ancient process of making Torah scrolls.
It's a painstaking process that began more than 3,000 years ago with the giving of the Ten Commandments. The process has been handed down through generations, with specially trained scribes taking about a year to handwrite the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
"This is the holiest book for the Jewish people," Rabbi Benny Hershcovich told girls from the Beth Rivka School in Crown Heights last week during a scroll-making demonstration.
Hershcovich, 23, is being tutored to become a scribe.
"I haven't done any writing yet," said Hershcovich, who came to Crown Heights from Montreal 18 months ago. "Right now I'm studying the rules about how the letters are made."
Together the five books contain 304,805 individual letters, written on more than 80 parchments made from kosher animal skins. Scribes use freshly made black ink and quills from the feathers of a kosher bird, such as a goose.
Once the scroll is completed it is stitched together with threads made from the veins of kosher animals, such as deer.
"Eeeeew!" some of the girls from Beth Rivka exclaimed when they found out the threads Hershcovich let them hold were once deer veins.
But there were lots of giggles as the girls passed around white goose feathers that could be used to make quills.
"We wouldn't use a pen," Hershcovich explained, "because it would make holes in the parchment, which would make it unfit."
Goldie Gross, 10, a fifth-grader at Beth Rivka, said Hershcovich's demonstration was "really cool."
Nachama Heller, also 10, said she would tell her brothers and sisters about what she had learned.
Esther Wilhelm, the assistant principal and a teacher at Beth Rivka, said her students attend synagogue every Saturday.
"After praying, they hear the weekly portion [of scripture] read from the Torah scroll. Now, after seeing how it's made, I think they'll have a better understanding and a better feeling for what they're hearing," Wilhelm said.
The museum is hosting the demonstration so the general public also can get a better understanding, said Rabbi Zev Steinhauser, a museum spokesman.
"We want to share these rich customs and traditions," Steinhauser said
Article is here
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2008/01/29/2008-01-29_students_the_art_of_torah_scribe.html
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Benny in a promotional video
I love how he types with one finger. My little brazzer is becoming famous. Please everyone send him innocent emails and phone calls telling him to move to Cherkessk (Cerkassia) on Shlichus.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
