December 2025
Turkey & Tradition
Did you enjoy your turkey on Thanksgiving?
It’s interesting to note that when turkey first arrived from the New World, Jews had no longstanding tradition confirming it as a kosher bird.
In Jewish law, when determining Kosher birds, we rely not only on signs, but on the unbroken traditions passed down through generations.
Over time, as turkey became widely accepted in Jewish homes, our sages recognized that communal practice accompanied with the Kosher signs, is enough to form a new tradition. As Tevye said, “Tradition!!!!”
November 2025
Hurricane Melissa
As we are watching the terrifying hurricane battering Jamaica — our hearts ache, knowing that our cousin, Chabad Rabbi Yaakov Raskin, with his wife and young children are trapped along with so many others.
We just read the Torah story of Noah and the Flood. In those times, people didn’t feel responsible for one another.
The lesson from Noah’s story is that when something happens to another person — whether it’s our brother, a friend, or anyone in the world — we must feel as if it’s happening to us. We are all connected, and our care and actions can help rebuild the world.
October 2025
Special Invitation
On October 14th, Simchat Torah will be celebrated worldwide. In Solon, we’ll also mark something personal; Miriam’s milestone birthday.
My father-in-law, Rabbi Alevsky, was at the Simchat Torah Hakafot with the Rebbe in New York and had to leave after the first round of dancing with the Torah to take my mother-in-law to the hospital. Miriam arrived so quickly that he returned to 770 in time for the last round of dancing.
Please join us to celebrate Miriam's birthday on the most joyous day of the Jewish calendar, Simchat Torah.
September 2025
High Holiday Fever
Holiday Fever usually means stress—we need to take days off work, prepare Rosh Hashana dinner, and think about what to wear! And let’s not forget: it’s the Day of Judgment.
But Chassidic thought flips the script. The High Holidays are G‑d’s version of Thanksgiving. He’s hosting, and we’re all invited—to show up, pray, and be together with joy. If He’s excited to see us, shouldn’t we be excited too?
So yes, there’s a lot to do—but beneath the hustle is a joyful celebration with G‑d. Let’s spread the fever.
August 2025
Past meets Future
This Sunday, Jews around the world will observe Tisha B’Av, commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Holy Temples in Jerusalem.
It’s a day of fasting, reflection and mourning—but also one of hope. We look ahead to the coming of Moshiach and the rebuilding of the Temple.
This duality defines Jewish resilience: remembering our past while
envisioning a brighter future. Let us take inspiration from this spirit and
renew our prayers that redemption will come speedily in our days.
July 2025
Alive more than ever
I’ve just returned from New York, where I joined thousands commemorating the 31st Yahrtzeit of the Rebbe at the Ohel.
Standing there, I reflected on the incredible impact of his life and vision. When I look at the growth of Chabad—right here in our own community and across the world—I see that his passing was not an end, but a new beginning.
In many ways, the Rebbe is more alive today than ever, through the countless
Jews who are inspired by his teachings and who continue his legacy of learning
and spreading Judaism with warmth, joy, and pride.
June 2025
Outpouring of Love
Thank You, G‑d, for my incredible recovery from surgery. At the same time, I want to express my appreciation for the overwhelming love and support from the community and the many people that prayed for me. It truly moved me. The countless texts, emails, cards, WhatsApp's, and every other message gave me immeasurable strength throughout this challenging time.
One beautiful thing came from all of this—I was reminded once again how blessed we are to be part of such a community, an oasis of warmth and kindness. For this, I will be forever grateful to all of you!
May 2025
House of David
Dovid Melech Yisrael, Chai V’kayam. David, King of Israel lives forever. Lately, this famous song that Jewish people sing from time immemorial, has proven true once again.
The new Amazon Prime Series about the history of King David is so popular that it has been renewed for a second season.
There is something about the Bible, that even in 2025, the Biblical stories are
still relevant to modern society. Not only is David alive forever, but the whole Torah is alive and relevant as it was the day it was given at Sinai.
April 2025
Crunching into Tradition
Over the years, many of you have enjoyed Shmurah Matzah at your Passover Seder. What makes this matzah special?
Shmurah matzah is round and handmade, just like the Matzah the Israelites baked on their way out of Egypt. It's watched like a hawk from harvest to table, ensuring no water touches the grain, flour, or matzah.
Matzah symbolizes faith—reminding us how the Israelites relied on a little Matzah and a lot of G‑d to sustain them in the desert.
So, let’s crunch into tradition and faith!
Happy Passover!
March 2025
Bibas Children
The whole hostage crisis in Israel has been on everyone’s mind for over 500 days, but interestingly, the loss of the Bibas babies took the pain to a whole new level. Jews the world over were touched to the core, feeling as if it was their own family member.
In Judaism, children are our most precious treasure. In the upcoming Purim story, Mordechai gathered thousands of children in Shushan to beseech G‑d on behalf of the Jewish people. This prayer vigil was the turning point of the story and brought about the miracle of Purim. Children are the conduit between us and G‑d.
February 2025
California Fires
The devastating fires in California touched every one of us. The scenes of destruction of full neighborhoods and communities breaks our heart.
The Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic movement, taught us that everything that happens in the world, has a lesson for us in the service of G‑d.
One of the unique natures of fire is that it can spread very fast. When you do a mitzvah with fiery love, excitement and enthusiasm, it will spread like a wildfire… .
- Rabbi Zushe Greenberg
January 2025
President Carter and the Menorah
In 1973 the Lubavitcher Rebbe introduced a campaign to install outdoor giant menorahs in the most public places to inspire and encourage Jewish pride.
On the fourth night of Chanukah 1979, President Jimmy Carter lit the Shamash on the brand new giant Menorah in Washington, D.C., right across the street of the White House.
It is not a coincidence that 45 years later, at the age of 100, former President Carter passed away on the fourth night of Chanukah! What better way for G‑d to tell us all how important was this act of showing solidarity with the Jewish people and promoting the idea of spreading light in the world.