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19th Annual Purim Celebration

Featuring: Yehudah Piamenta, Renowned Chassidic Musician
Full Course Delectable Italian Style Pruim Feast
Sunday, March 20, 4:00 pm
Megillah Reading 3:00 pm

At Chabad of Mandarin/Headquarters
Admission: Adults $36 • Children and Students $18
For more information and to purchase tickets, contact your nearest Chabad Center
Presented by Chabad of Northeast Florida: Mandarin/Headquarters
Chabad at the Beaches • Chabad of Southside • Chabad of S Augustine

"Born to a musical family, Yehudah is the son of renowned flutist Avi Piamenta. Raised in Israel, he made his first stage appearance at the tender age of six and it was only a matter of time before Yehudah started acquiring a musical style of his own. Yehudah's dedication and passion for music has brought new life to the world of Jewish music. He has propelled traditional Jewish music into the 21st century and given it the exposure it deserves.

Purim Happenings around the first coast

19th Annual Purim Celebration, Sunday March 20, 4:00 pm, see back cover for more information

Mandarin/Headquarters

Family Megillah Readings
“Special Megillah Readings” will be offered for families on Sunday, March 20.
In addition to the Megillah Reading during the Shacharit services which begins at 9:00 am, there will be 2 additional readings to accommodate the various schedules and needs of all members of the community, they will take place at 12:00 pm as well as 3:00 pm at the Chabad Center.

Purimania
On Motzei Shabbos, March 19, at 8:45 pm. Men women and children will gather together at the Chabad Center to listen to the Megillah and say Boo to Haman.
Everyone, young and old, are encouraged to come in Purim costumes. Special prizes for all children dressed up. Refreshments will be served.


Chabad @ the Beaches Purim Party
Saturday, March 19th 8:30 P.M.

Chabad at the Beaches’ annual Purim celebration will be enjoyed by many men, woman and children from throughout the Beaches area. The event will be held on March 19th at Chabad at the Beaches’ Center for Jewish Life. The African-themed party will offer a unique way for Jews of diverse affiliations and backgrounds to unite and celebrate Purim together. Attendees are encouraged to dress in African garb.

The evening will begin with the traditional reading of the Megilla [scroll of Esther], which relates the story of Purim. Simultaneously participants will view a multi-media slide show illustrating the historical events of Purim. To drown out the name of the wicked adversary Haman, children will enthusiastically jump on gigantic bubble wrap, shake graggers (noisemakers) and drum on African drums.

A highlight of the party will be the African drum circle led by Steve Alvarado. The interactive circle will be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Drumming is an ancient musical tradition that many cultures around the world use to energize, build unity, focus attention, relax and heighten creativity. No musical experience is necessary to join us! With a few rhythm starters, our group will experience the fun, excitement and humor that collaboration brings. Please bring percussion instruments.

The event will be held Saturday evening, March19th starting with a Havdalla Service at 8:15 PM The Megilla will be read at 8:30 PM followed by African themed Purim goodies and traditional Purim food.



Sunday Morning Megillah Reading
Megillah Readings for families on Sunday, March 20 at 11:30 PM, Hebrew school families feel free to come 15 min prior to normal pickup to join us.
It is a mitzvah for all Jewish people, to hear the Megilla twice during the 24 hours of Purim, once on Purim Eve and once on Purim Day.

Chabad of S. Augustine - Purim Party
“Purim in the Palace”
Saturday, March 19, 8:45 P.M.

Hear ye, hear ye! You are cordially invited to a royal feast in the king’s palace!

Featuring:

Food “fit for a king”
Royal musician
Purim costume beauty pageant
Pose on King Achashveirosh’s throne
Multi-media megillah reading
Royal jester

Southside Purim Bash!
Join us for the
Purim Masquerade Party


Megillah Reading and Delicious Refreshments
Best Costume is a WINNER!!!!
Saturday evening, March 19th Havdalla ceremony 8:15 PM Megilla Reading 8:30 PM

Unknowingly, He Helped Build A Village

By Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov

Gentle winds sweeping through weltering trees; rustlings of fallen leaves beneath rhythmic footsteps; chirping birds and scurrying squirrels, contribute to the calmness cast over a mind drowned in the fog of an ever so noisy and demanding world.
The hypnotic atmosphere of a quiet afternoon stroll through any cemetery is easily turned into a transcendental experience. The calm soon gives way to wraith like reality. Each grave appears to take on its own character and identity – divulging secrets of a treasure sheltered within.
Tales of success, power, wealth, love, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, contrasted by that of suffering, bitterness and failure, radiate from beneath the ground; finding expression within the receptive ear.
For some, the proverbial “Dash” – spanning the date of birth and the date of death – bespeaks a lifetime of joy and accomplishment, for others it represents a journey of deep pain and disappointment.
The attentive listener, who may turn-up at the site of a freshly dug grave in the Jewish section of Jacksonville’s Arlington Cemetery, will no doubt encounter a similar experience. But there’s something unique about the person for whom this plot has become an eternal resting place. The legacy that rises from the soft dirt of this newly interned resident is of a whole other sort.
While the life of Shmuel Ben Avraham was riddled with adversity and failure – some might even say “ultimate failure” – as it ended in a state of destitution and complete estrangement from all biological family members, immediate and distant alike – his legacy is ironically one of virtue and inspiration. Shmulik, you see, was a Baal Teshuvah (penitent), in the truest sense of the word.
My love for Shmulik was at first sight. By the time I returned home from an out of town trip a few days before Rosh Hashanah, his camper, which was home for him, had already been parked and hooked up at the back of the Chabad Center for several days. The hectic pre-holiday schedule did not afford us an opportunity to formally meet. All I knew about this man was what I picked up here and there from members of the Shul. Things like very sick… dying… alone…
Then came the first Shabbos. In keeping with our tradition of encouraging all guests to share a blessing or a thought, it was soon Shmulik’s turn to offer some words. Shmulik, who as we’ve come to learn, was never at a loss for words, got up and spoke.
He briefly described his situation: he was indeed an ill and dying man; a man who had lost everything in life, from his wealth, to his health, to his family – left to face his deteriorating health and demise alone in the word.
But he soon moved on to talk about the “Mission” upon which he had embarked: to travel and encourage Jews to become more Jewishly involved. He was particularly outspoken about the need for Jews to attend Synagogue services and the importance of the “Minyan”- a theme he repeated countless times in the ensuing months. He spoke passionately about the Synagogue being the lifeline of Judaism and the only hope for its future.
Even more impressive were his words of regret over having only established a true and loving relationship with G-d in his woeful state of deterioration and failure. There was no anger, no bitterness over his awful circumstances and fate, just a burning desire to do something for G-d and Jewish continuity.
How unusual! How selfless!
From experience I knew quite well that this was not the ordinary reaction to a life gone bad. Things usually worked the other way around. Most people take credit for life’s successes and blame G-d for life’s failures. This man saw things in whole different light.
These sentiments were echoed during the many ensuing hours of conversation that I’ve had with him, at which time I’ve learned of the rich and colorful life he had led before losing it all. I found him to be a true inspiration and tried to spend as much time with him as possible. I encouraged him to record his story, so others could gain draw inspiration.
Yet, for me the most significant part of his legacy is what he gave to our community. Shmulik had recognized the unique spirit and soul of the small Jewish community in Jacksonville. That, no doubt, is why he returned so quickly after having briefly left for another city.
He chose to come back and live-out the remainder of his time and to die here, because he knew what we ourselves might not have known at the time, he recognized that this was a kind and giving community and that he was in caring and able hands. By doing so he gave us a chance to rise to the occasion and shine. And rise and shine we did.
Despite the extraordinary needs of a not always most tactful person, the love and care poured in from all directions. Without realizing it, we were unwittingly involved in a truly benevolent cause, each one playing his own little role.
When the time suddenly came for a funeral to be arranged, the community valiantly pulled together to accomplished the task at hand. Chabad and Etz Chaim have joined forces like never before. Within 48 hours the necessary funds were raised and a funeral, befitting the most respectable of human beings, was underway. People from across the spectrum responded to the call.
Over fifty people were in attendance at a funeral of a man thay hardly even knew, despite the unseasonably cold weather. Yes, it took a village to accomplish this wonderful act of kindness and, thanks to Shmulik, we became that village.
So, I thank you Shmulik for bringing out the best in us and for bringing us together in way that we haven’t been before. What a fitting legacy for a man whose only remaining hope in life was to do something on behalf of Judaism and Jewish continuity. You have succeeded beyond your wildest imagination. It is you that our sages had in mind when declaring: “Some acquire their [next] world in one moment.”
And I thank you Jacksonville for being such a great community. Special thanks goes out to the Jacksonville Chevrah Kaddisha, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch, Jay Graff, Hardage Giddens, Jewish Family and Community Services, Mazal Synvani, Marty Schwartz, Shaul Robson and all those who gave so generously of their time, money, and effort in the performance of this great act of kindness. May G-d bless you among the rest of the members of this community and the nation of Israel.

Jews In Prison

In a perfect world you wouldn't be reading this. But it's not; so you are.
Rabbi Shmuli Novack of Chabad Southside reminisces after a recent prison visit to Jesup Georgia Federal Correctional institute. “Chances are you've never seen the inside of a prison. When you close your eyes and conjure images of what it must be like in there you probably envision hardened criminals with thick arms and grimacing stares.”
Now look again and you'll see a rabbi sitting at a table surrounded by inmates – Jewish inmates participating in a monthly get together. The men are discussing upcoming Jewish Holidays, the weekly Torah portion - even Israeli politics. Occasionally they will clap hands and sing a joyous Jewish melody. Welcome to FCI Jesup, GA, home to three Federal BOP facilities, and many other prison facilities in North East Florida that are visited by Chabad Rabbis and volunteers on a regular basis.
Novack says “Jews in jail? Unfortunately we do have brothers and sisters behind bars. These individuals are part of the Jewish community. Yes, people make mistakes but that doesn't land them a one way ticket out of the Faith.” Our Sages wisely taught that a Torah scroll comprised of hundreds of thousands of letters is rendered not kosher and unusable if even one letter is missing or broken. This concept carries over to the Jewish people. If even one individual is forgotten or left behind - the entire community is lacking - is considered unKosher.
During the year, Chabad rabbis and rabbinical students visit Jewish prisoners throughout the United States, bringing with them Tefillin, prayer books, and words of hope. This summer alone the students visited 3,700 Jewish inmates in more than 360 prisons in 37 states. The mass visits are arranged by the Aleph Institute, and in many cases local Chabad rabbis.
The relationship of Chabad of NE Fl and the surrounding prisons goes back to the very early years of Chabad’s founding in this region.
For many years Rabbi Yosef Kahanov made the monthly trek to the Federal Correction Facility in Jesup, GA as well as many of the surrounding state prisons. He also organized for rabbinic students from Miami to help with the visitations during the holiday seasons.
Rabbi Kahanov recalls how “in the early ‘90’s, when security standards were more lax, he was able to bring with him all types of delectable kosher goodies. He would often bring bagels, lox and cream cheese. On Chanukah the prisoners were treated to delicious latkes and donuts.
On one occasion he was able to organize a Bar Mitzvah celebration for some of the inmates who never had that privilege. The event had all the characteristics of an actual Bar Mitzvah ceremony, including a Torah, tefillin and of course great food. On another occasion a shabbaton was arranged at which Rabbinic students were able to park an RV and spend the entire Shabbos with the Jewish inmates.”
For a year now, a group of individuals from the Jacksonville Beaches Jewish community have been visiting Florida state prison facilities on a monthly basis. One of the volunteers is Dr. Mendel (or Michael) Galer, he is the Director of Academic Affairs at the University of Phoenix here in North East Florida.
Galer relates, “The drive to visit the prisons is fun. There is fellowship and laughter. There are three volunteers that ride with Rabbi Kurinsky. We leave at 7:00 AM and by 8:00 the Rabbi usually suggests we try some of the lunch sandwiches that are packed for our trip. We had fresh bagels and tuna or cream cheese with a stop at Dunkin Donuts for liquid caffeine.”
Dr. Galer describes the visitation process as difficult but worthwhile. “When we arrive at the first of four prison stops we go through a bureaucratic identity process that is different every time. Sometimes we are refused permission to enter because there is a prisoner lockdown. On other occasions we are ushered through security and into a good size room where eight to twenty prisoners join us. I think that they are just happy to have any visitors and would talk to Mongolian sheep herders if the time is spent being talked to and treated like normal men. All the men put on Tefillin a couple can easily perform the mitzvah, the rest need our assistance. We talk and the Rabbi usually learns with us all as the men focus intently. I found that these men appear to be the best adjusted and often ask for Jewish newspapers and magazines. The monthly visits clearly mean a great deal to these men and they demonstrate their gratitude with respect and good humor.”

Here is a wild thought: perhaps more than our incarcerated MOT (Members of the Tribe) look forward to their monthly visits from the Rabbis and volunteers we ought to appreciate their participation – completing us – like a Torah fully intact and fit rendering all of us Kosher.
So why not have a bite and see if there is any way you can be more involved with your community – you don't have to be locked up to be a part of it!

Myths & Facts About Chabad

Is what you think about Chabad MYTH or FACT? You may be surprised. Take a few minutes to browse through these FAQ and you'll have a better understanding of what Chabad is all about.
MYTH: You have to be religious to participate in programs offered by Chabad.
FACT:Chabad is inclusive and non-judgmental, and our programs are open to all Jews. In fact, the majority of people who participate in programs at Chabad are not Orthodox. The teachings of Chabad are imbued with the renowned Chassidic spirit and joy, but in no way is the commitment to a religious lifestyle a prerequisite to one's acceptance at Chabad functions.
MYTH: Chabad's goal is to make me religious.
FACT: Chabad is not out to make one religious. Chabad is an educational organization dedicated to helping every Jew, regardless of background, affiliation, or personal level of observance, to increase their level of Jewish knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment. Chabad invites you to explore the complex areas of Jewish religion, tradition, and practice in an open-minded and non-judgmental atmosphere. All of Chabad's classes, programs, and services are designed to heighten the awareness and lend valuable insight into one's heritage, traditions, religious practice, laws and rituals. Each individual is invited to participate, study, and learn. Each individual makes his or her own respective religious lifestyle decisions at his or her own pace. Each mitzvah stands on its own as an important step in ones personal growth.
MYTH: Chabad does not consider Reform, Conservative, or non-practicing Jews as "real" Jews.
FACT: Chabad avoids labeling other Jews, since it tends to divide and create barriers between us. Jewish Law has traditionally considered anyone born of a Jewish mother or converted in accordance with Halacha to be a Jew, regardless of his or her degree of observance. The Lubavitcher Rebbe delivered a stinging rebuke to Orthodox elements in the USA and Israel for publicly belittling non-Orthodox Jews.
MYTH: Chabad does not accept converts.
FACT: Chabad follows traditional Jewish Law which states that any non-Jew who feels sincerely convinced of the beauty and relevance of Torah, who is prepared to follow the traditions of Israel, and therefore, wishes to join the community of Israel, is welcomed as a convert. The conversion process requires immersion in a kosher mikvah, circumcision for men, and most importantly, acceptance of the disciplines and practices of Judaism - all under authorized rabbinic supervision.
MYTH: Chabad does not support Israel.
FACT: Chabad is deeply involved in defending Israel and its right to exist, throughout all its boundaries. Many Chabadniks serve in the IDF and others contribute practical and spiritual support to the troops. Chabad has over 150 centers in Israel, as well as dozens of educational facilities around the country. Lubavitch trained Rabbis often complete their training is Israeli yeshivot. The Rebbe himself encouraged support of the UJA.
MYTH: Women occupy a secondary position in Chabad philosophy.
FACT: Different, yes. Secondary? No! The high standing of Jewish women in Chabad is central to the survival of Judaism. As the cornerstone of Jewish family life, the woman can attain a profound and meaningful spirituality, one that fulfils her deepest needs and aspirations opening fresh perspectives on self-understanding, growth and Torah knowledge. Ignorance, misconceptions, and outright myths about Jewish women have prevailed until very recently, turning many people away from an appreciation of Torah and a traditional Jewish lifestyle. Chabad is working to correct those misconceptions.

UNPRECEDENTED EXPANSION

First Coast Chabad experiences Growth Spurt

New Shluchim to Clay County: Rabbi Shmuly and Shaina Feldman


While scholars find themselves preoccupied analyzing the tendencies of world Jewry and its future; as others obsess over Jewish demographics and trends, the Chabad movement is single-mindedly focused on building Jewish community and the enhancement of Jewish life. What better example is there of this than recent events at Chabad on the First Coast?

Within a span of several weeks, Chabad in the River City announced the launch of a brand new center in Clay County, as well as the appointment of Rabbi Eli and Esther Kurinsky to Chabad at the Beaches and Rabbi Shaul Robson as administrator at Chabad Headquarters in Mandarin.

The most recent announcement - the establishment of the first Jewish institution of any sort in Clay County - comes in response to the burgeoning growth of the Clay County community in recent years. The center, to be lead by Rabbi Shmuly & Shaina Feldman, along with their two children, Mendel and Mushka, can only be described as part of a growth spurt within the Northeast Florida Chabad network.

Clay County is nestled along the banks of the majestic St. Johns River in Northeast Florida and is located 15 miles southwest of Jacksonville. It is one of the nation's fastest growing regions with a population of 150,000.

The Feldman family – directors of the fifth Chabad Center to serve the growing Northeast FL region - have been recruited by Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov, Founder and Director of Chabad of Northeast, FL.

For several years, rabbinical students have visited the area and had much success. “After developing and maintaining a connection with numerous Jews in the vicinity, we felt it was time for Clay County to have its own Center,” says Rabbi Kahanov.

“The area is extremely raw,” Kahanov says, “There is not a single Shul, Synagogue, or Temple in the entire County. There exists no form of organized Jewish life.” Yet, having spent time exploring the area and visiting with local Jewish residents, during their visits to Jacksonville for Yomim Tovim (holidays) and Simchos, the Feldmans decided that they were ready to take on the challenge.

Rabbi Shmuly and Shaina Feldman bring an abundance of talent to their new positions. They were both involved in Jewish outreach for several years and are eager to continue their work as a couple, here in Clay County.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Shmuly is a graduate of the United Lubavitch Yeshivos at Chabad World Headquarters in Brooklyn. He was ordained in 2003. While still a student, Shmuly was chosen by his Yeshiva to travel to Rostov, Russia where he, along with a small group of fellow students, spent a year diligently studying Torah and actively reaching out to Jews in the surrounding areas who were eager to discover their Jewish heritage.

Rabbi Feldman also spent many summers as a Roving Rabbi visiting the out-backs of various Jewish communities around the world, including: Samara, Russia, Halifax, NS, Montana, Wyoming and Texas.

Shaina, daughter of Rabbi and Mrs. Kahanov, is a native of Jacksonville. In 2004 she
graduated from the Teacher's Seminary in Brooklyn, NY with a passion for Jewish education. She has since been giving lessons in a wide variety of Judaic subjects to people of all ages. Over the years her women's classes have gained considerable popularity here in Jacksonville.

Mrs. Feldman’s teaching experience is, though, not limited to Jacksonville. She spent many summers as counselor and head-counselor in a variety of day camps across the country, including; Edgeware, UK, Victoria Island, BC, as well as, Bangkok, Thailand . More recently she has been teaching both 2nd and 3rd grade at Beth Rivkah – Chabad's largest girl's day school, in Brooklyn.

“I think this couple is extraordinary,” said Charles Zitten of Fleming Island. “They are full of life and enthusiasm! The Rabbi has a practical, down to earth Jewish approach to today’s society.”

The Feldman’s are emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Schneerson, the spiritual leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, spearheaded a worldwide reconstruction of post-Holocaust Jewish religious life, and inspired a re-awakening of Jewish awareness and observance.

Amongst it’s accomplishments, the movement established educational and outreach centers on five continents that provide religious, social, and humanitarian programing and activities to Jews, regardless of religious affiliation or background. Rabbis, along with their wives, are urged to establish Chabad centers to serve the spiritual and material needs of outlying communities.

“People may see themselves as unaffiliated, Reform, Conservative or Orthodox. Chabad sees all Jews as being Jewish. No labels. No differences. Chabad is a home for every kind of Jew. Clay County seems like the perfect place for a Chabad center,” Feldman said. “We’ll be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Everyone is welcome.”

The Wilansky’s are equally as excited with their new posts. “We are ecstatic to be part of one of the most up and coming communities in Florida, Jax Beaches/Ponte Vedra,” says Eli Wilansky, a native of Montreal.

Rabbi Eli has vast experience with Chabad outreach activities dating back to his early childhood. He has a special gift for working with teenagers and youth. Much of his experience comes from his time spent at multiple Chabad Houses in Brooklyn, NY, Montreal, CA, Cincinnati, OH and Manchester, UK. Most recently Rabbi Eli worked as program director here at Chabad @ the Beaches. Upon his Marriage to Esther, the community enthusiastically invited him to stay on as assistant Rabbi and program director.

Mrs. Esther Wilansky, brings an abundance of experiences with her as well. She is an acclaimed preschool teacher. Esther spent a year working for Chabad in Mckinnon, Australia where she developed her interest in Chabad outreach and education. Most recently she served for three years as an educator in the Chabad preschool in Passaic New Jersey.

The new administrator of the recently expanded Mandarin Chabad Center, is a native of Jacksonville. At age 17, Shaul Robson has gone off to study at the Yeshiva in New York and has recently graduated from the Rabbinical College of Morristown, NJ. Robson says, “It’s a great feeling to be back in Jacksonville; being able to give back to a community that has given me so much.”

“In a time when, economically and religiously, things seem to be on a decline, seeing Chabad’s exponential growth in Jacksonville, as well as the world over - one would hardly believe it!”, says Marty Schwartz, a member of Chabad in Mandarin and Chief volunteer of Bikur Cholim for Chabad and Jewish Family Services.

Chabad’s global success has, in fact, been noted by analysts from across the Jewish spectrum, as being somewhat remarkable and even perplexing. While many pundits struggle to attribute the unusual occurrence to various methodical strategies and marketing phenomena, the Chabad Shluchim (emissaries) on the First Coast are unanimous in their view, that it is a direct result of the spiritual nature of Chabad’s message, which resonates with the core of the Jewish Neshama (soul).

When asked if Chabad has finally reached it’s capacity on the First Coast, Rabbi Kahanov responded with a twinkle in his eye, “There is still a long way to go and a lot more to come!” though he wouldn’t give any hints as to what more might be in store for Chabad on the First Coast.