Thank you Helene, Dora, Larry, Ariel, Oscar, Gabai Family, Winderman Family, Barzilai Family, Fogel Family, Reich Family, Mr. Moonbounce, and of course, Dovid Kagan of Western Kosher - for a marvelous and delicious Lag Baomer BBQ.
There was hoddogs, hannegers, watermelon, (margaritas), art contest, raffles! It was awesome and many thanks to all who came out.
Our photographer was on paternity leave, so, you will have to take my word for it!
An Evening of Hope and Joy at the Canyon Club
It was hard to tell which flavor was better: The delicious buffet put on by the Canyon Club or the Hope and Joy in the air. Monday night, February 22nd, was an extraoirdinary night indeed.
At 6:00pm, over 100 men and women gathered for a deluxe dinner reception celebrating 7 years of Chabad of Calabasas. They enjoyed a special thank-you performance by Benny Friedman and Sha-rone Kushnir and heard words of tribute from Rabbi Joshua B. Gordon of Chabad of the Valley and Rabbi Eli Friedman.
And then at 8:00pm, the crowd swelled to more than 200 for "The Songs and Stories of Hope and Joy" concert. The fourth in the "Songs and Stories of Judaism" series, this was the best yet. The Bentzy Marcus Orchestra was in top form, Rabbi Moshe Bryski was brilliant as usual and Benny Friedman... Benny was incredible. But why take my word for it? Here, enjoy this video and this photo album.
For those who were there, thanks for coming out! For those who were not, there is always next year!
Men's and Ladies' Nights Out
In recent months, the men and women of Chabad of Calabasas have begun a tradition of friendship with monthly Nights Out to local Kosher restaurants. The Nights Out provide an opportunity for comeraderie, socializing and sharing - and some learning too. The Men have already hit Sassi's Sushi Bar and Mocca Cafe and are headed for Golan Restaurant next. And just last Sunday the Ladies Corps visited that very sam Sassi's Sushi Bar and had a ball. Stay tuned for the next Nights Out and join the fun.
Chanukah 5770
Happy Chanukah to one and all! There really is no holiday like Chanukah...the meaning, the messages, the lights, the aroma!
Chanukah began with early arrival of the Mitzvah Men, Zalman and Sruly who returned after a glorious high-holiday season for an even greater Chanukah. Armed with good cheer and delicious Chanukah donuts, they hit the streets, offices and homes of Calabasas with a bang. With a minimum goal of hand-distributing 240 donuts over Chanukah, it's only day five and they're well on their way.
Last night, we celebrated NIGHT FIVE LIVE, a magical evening celebrating Chanukah with the whole family. With an incredible spread of Chanukah delights, a music filled Menorah lighting and of course, the highlight - Amos Levkovitch live, a jaw-dropping illusion show: pigeons were flying everywhere, a Menorah appeared out of nowhere, a cooked duck rose from the ashes...you had to be there! CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW OF CHANUKAH 5770
Hebrew School 5770
Our seventh year of Hebrew School began in the fall and has turned out to be the greatest and biggest one yet. With more students in every grade enrolling, the addition of new students has brought a new excitement to Hebrew School.
For more Hebrew School information and pictures, go here.
Yom Kippur 5770
Chag Sameach! Welcome to the day after Yom Kippur. And what a Yom Kippur it was. With well over 300 people joining at the peaks, Yom Kippur 5770 was our most exhilarating one yet. Thank you to all who came and helped create an atmosphere of true Mishpacha, that this was one family joining together to usher in a blessed year for everyone.
First Annual Calabasas CommUNITYwide Shabbat Dinner
Over 200 local men, women and children gathered this past Friday at A.C. Stelle for an awesome evening of unity, togetherness and Shabbat spirit.
This was the beginning of a glorious tradition and we thank each and every family and individual who participated. We also take this opportunity to thank the evenings sponsors, who made the wonderful event possible with special thanks to our Title Sponsor, Ms. Debbie Sutz of Lighthouse Properties (LighthousePropertiesLA.com).
Thank you!
Raffle Drawing and Comedy Evening
The annual benefit raffle season at Chabad of Calabasas concluded last night with a beautiful evening dedicated to friendship, laughter and charity.
Comedian Mark Schiff was the star of the evening and tears of laughter flowed from many eyes last night, including mine. The man is very, very funny and never cracks a smile! Talk about deadpan...
With many warm thanks to all who participated in this year's benefit raffle and to those who assisted in last night's event, let me finish here with a wish for a sweet new year to all!
First of all, kudos to Zalman Friedman, our Holiday Campaign director, for his tireless devotion to the pre-holiday distributions. In the days leading up to Passover, Zalman hit the streets and offices of Calabasas and distributed almost 500 Shmura Matzos, bringing the holiday the crowd and raising awareness and eyebrows all around town.
Passover this year was precipitated by Birchas Hachamah, the Blessing of the Sun ceremony which is held every 28 years. Here's a picture of the event that we held around sunrise as well as the burning of the Chametz.
Then came Passover. Chabad was privileged to host over 50 Calabasites for the spirited Seders and countless more who attended the holiday services.
Next year in Jerusalem!
Purim 5769
It began Monday evening when over 70 peoples crowded into Chabad for the most exciting Megillah reading - the first one! The kids were hard at work on the graggers and after a quick sobriety test announcement, it was off to the refreshment table to break the fast on hamantashen and lchaims. Who would have thought 15 year old fluid could be so potent...
Tuesday morning brought yet another Megillah reading, this time complete with the cymbal-
gragger, manned by Chaim Meir. Then a flurry of Mishloach Manot and Matanot Levyonim and the preparations for the great Community Purim Dinner and Joke-a-Thon.
At six the crowds began gathering at the Calabasas Inn (thank you Dinovitz's!) and gradually over 120 people of all sizes joined for a final Megillah reading, a great Chinese dinner and some of the funniest jokes ever heard at a Purim party. Mazal Tov to the Joke-a-Thon winners and costume winners and thank you to all for coming, enjoying and celebrating.
Thank you Rabbi Moshe Bryski for an amazing experience!
After enjoying the tasty spread of Latkes, donuts (vanilla and chocolate) Chanukah cookies, lattes and coffees and one round of Dreidel competition (that wouldn't end!), we were treated to a mesmerizing blend of stories and insights from Rabbi Bryski (click the picture for more pics!), who spoke strongly about the essence of the Jew, hope, defiance and strength in the face of difficult times.
All while the Menorah shone brightly over the crowd...
Meanwhile the kids, under the direction of Zalman Friedman, colored and designed their own cookies, had their own rocking dreidel competition, and heard Chanukah stories of their own.
Happy Chanukah to all!
Shabbat Together
Friday evening, December 12th, will live in our memories for a long time because it marked our first official Shabbat dinner together as a community. Between the gourmet dinner, the kids leading songs, the jokes, the stories and the spirit, it was the perfect prelude for Chanukah.
Thank you to all who made it happen and participants, Lchaim!
The Mumbai Chabad House
Words are far too poor to describe the emotions from Mumbai Chabad House story.
But the Rebbe taught us to react with action and translate passionate feelings into powerful deeds...
The JLI "Soul Maps" Course
November 13 saw the inauguration of the "Jewish Learning Institute" in Calabasas. The JLI is the largest Jewish adult studies program in the world with over 15,000 students simultaneously learning the ongoing courses.
We opened with the course "Soul Maps: Kabbalah for your Inner Self", a six week course on "Tanya", the seminal work of Chabad philosophy, authored by Rabbi Shneur Zalman and published in 1796. Students have been intrigued by its unqiue take on the human condition and its singular tapestry of Kabbalah, psychology and theological and philosophical insights.
The course finishes December 18 and JLI continues with "You be the Judge", another six week course, this one covering the intricacies of Judaism's 3,300 year-old civil laws and their stunning relevance to todays world of in-vitro babies, internet transactions and the Lemon Law. "You be the Judge" opens the first Thursday in February.
Refusenik Movie Screening, Hebrew School and Shul
On November 6, Chabad of Calabasas presented "Refusenik", a documentary tracking the heroic works and lives of the Jews behind the Iron Curtain and their resistance to the Soviet oppression. The assembled gathered to enjoy the film and then hear the presentation of Director Laura Bialis, as she described her inspiration and history behind the project. After the show, the director signed DVDs and spoke about her plans for an upcoming documentary about the lives of the Jews in Sderot under constant attack.
Elsewhere, our weekly flagship programs of Hebrew School and Shabbat services are going stronger than ever. The exciting and beloved weekly Hebrew School and the warm community Shul services are open to the community and everyone is encouraged to stop in and say hello, get involved and do a Mitzvah!
The Month of Tishrei - the High Holidays
The festive month was a great one, both in spirit and in numbers. Over 220 at the people at the peak attended the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Services at the Calabasas High School and enjoyed the services, the sermons and the beautiful voice of Benny Friedman, our cantor/Chazzan/Shliach Tzibur.
Sukkot was beautiful, with the giant Sukkah home to the Sukkot Kiddushes, the wonderful Sukkah Mobile - Sukkah on a Pickup Truck - manned by Zalman and Shmuel, and then of course Sukkahville 4.0, which was held at the Calabasas Inn and enjoyed by a smiling crowd of 100, with lots of very happy children.
Simchat Torah was uplifting, with exuberant dancing and great fun, along with good resolutions made by all to strengthen our commitment to the holy Torah.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped to make Tishrei the success it was and thanks to those who extended themselves in the Mitzvah of Tzedakah, going above and beyond , particularly in these difficult economic times - G-d bless you all!
Sunday, September 7, Open House for Hebrew School
Welcome back to Hebrew School! The kids were back in force for the Open House for everyone's favorite Hebrew School. Aleph Champ, Modeh Ani, Mitzvah Dollar, the whole Megillah...
Thursday Evening, July 24, Women's Circle with Jackie Stern
As advertised, Jackie Stern was a resounding hit. "What a character!" "What she said made so much sense!" These from the comments and compliments on the evening. Women of all ages enjoyed Jackie's talk, which was filled with humor and entertaining tales of her journey through discovery of Yiddishkeit. But funny was only the surface as her insights and profound vignettes touched many a soul.
Thank you Jackie, and thank you Women's Circle!
Sunday Morning, July 6, Gimmel Tammuz - The Lubavitcher Rebbe's Hillula
The 14th Hillula-Yartzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe was marked Sunday morning. Due to the holiday weekend many families were out of town but a modest crowd attended as we honored the Rebbe and his life.
We began with the Shacharit prayer and Kaddish service where everyone got a chance to don Tefillin. At the bagels and lox breakfast which followed the breakfast, we were privileged to hear from Rabbi Yisroel Levine of Chabad of Oak Park, who, with his trademark passion, explained the concept of a Rebbe and the significance and relevance of the Rebbe's yartzeit to each of us.
May we merit to be reunited with our dear Rebbe along with all our loved ones with the coming of Moshiach NOW!
Sunday Evening, June 22, Summer Kickoff Family Cookout and Grand Raffle Drawing
Well, first of all the cookout was actually a cook-in, what with the weather doing all the cooking outdoors. But Chef Pickman and his able crew braved the swelter and grilled up the finest BBQ you ever did enjoy. And the vegi menu? Unreal.
A great time was had by all, especially the kids who were thrilling with BigRed, one of the most talented balloon-artists you've seen. (He made one kid a fishing pole, complete with the fish hanging off the string...) Also present was Face Painter Joanne, who was decorating all the kids in honor of the beginning of summer.
Everyone had their chance to sit for their portrait, or as some call it, their caricature, from RayCasso himself.
The raffle was a great success, and though the microphone was not working perfectly, the crowd responded wonderfully to the call for last minute tickets and after ceremonies honoring Captain Bazooka, the lucky winners were announced...Congratulations!
Then, miraculously, Chef Pickman transformed himself instantly to Auctioneer Pickman and promptly raised yet another few bucks for the cause with a raucous auction and a bit o' help from A.P. and L.W., both of whom I thank.
Though the gathered were loathe to disperse, disperse they did, grateful for a beautiful evening and looking forward to next year with vigor!
Special thanks to the special individuals who assited in setting up and setting down the evening, and as always, kudos to the producer herself.
Next Up: Women's Circle, July 24
Monday Afternoon, First Day of Shavuot, June 9, 2008
The Sixth Annual Calabasas Ten Commandments Ice Cream Party was a cooool party! Children from all over the neighborhood streamed in to Chabad on Monday, right after school, to hear the Top Ten and enjoy some ice cream treats.
Beginning in the sanctuary, the kids received their Torah crowns and were give an intro to the Ten Commandments and the service by Rabbi Eli. In an interactive and animated exchange, the kids were taught the meaning of them being the heros of the day as the "gurarantors" of the Jewish People for the Torah.
Then, after being challenged to count the mount of times Moses' name is mentioned in the Torah reading, the kids heard Rabbi Stillman read the Ten Commandments from a real Torah and then witnessed the Torah being raised for all to see.
After that, it was upstairs to party!!! I wish we had pictures but, alas, a holiday is a holiday and no pictures on a holiday! The ice cream (four flavors!), the toppings (including cookie crumbs!), the cheesecake, the chocolate milk...the list goes on and on. Not to mention the chocolate received by those who counted the "Moses" correctly (there were 17 by the way, the numerical value of the Hebrew word for "good.")
All compliments to the host, Mrs. Shainy Friedman and all compliments to kids and their parents for joining us at this historic 3,320th anniversary of the revelation at Sinai!
Thursday evening, May 22 - Lag B'Omer
Lag B'Omer turned out to be one of the coldest days of this hot spring season. Nonetheless, the faithful turned out for the annual Lag B'Omer picnic and were treated to a unique treat: A fully-stocked, all-you-can-eat, create your own sandwich bar. It was a break from the usual bar-b-q and it was unanimously voted "delicious."
The archery contest turned out to be closer than expected; the competition was fierce and in the end, J.C. and A.G. shared the trophy.
And then of course there was the ever-present, always loved moonbounce.
The evening ended with the setting sun, some hot chocolate and anticipation for the next chance to get together. (For pics of this event, click on the photo above.)
At 6:00pm, over 100 men and women gathered for a deluxe dinner reception celebrating 7 years of Chabad of Calabasas. They enjoyed a special thank-you performance by Benny Friedman and Sha-rone Kushnir and heard words of tribute from Rabbi Joshua B. Gordon of Chabad of the Valley and Rabbi Eli Friedman.
In recent months, the men and women of Chabad of Calabasas have begun a tradition of friendship with monthly Nights Out to local Kosher restaurants. The Nights Out provide an opportunity for comeraderie, socializing and sharing - and some learning too. The Men have already hit Sassi's Sushi Bar and Mocca Cafe and are headed for Golan Restaurant next. And just last Sunday the Ladies Corps visited that very sam Sassi's Sushi Bar and had a ball. Stay tuned for the next Nights Out and join the fun.
Chanukah began with early arrival of the Mitzvah Men, Zalman and Sruly who returned after a glorious high-holiday season for an even greater Chanukah. Armed with good cheer and delicious Chanukah donuts, they hit the streets, offices and homes of Calabasas with a bang. With a minimum goal of hand-distributing 240 donuts over Chanukah, it's only day five and they're well on their way.
Comedian Mark Schiff was the star of the evening and tears of laughter flowed from many eyes last night, including mine. The man is very, very funny and never cracks a smile! Talk about deadpan...
a final Megillah reading, a great Chinese dinner and some of the funniest jokes ever heard at a Purim party. Mazal Tov to the Joke-a-Thon winners and costume winners and thank you to all for coming, enjoying and celebrating.
We opened with the course "Soul Maps: Kabbalah for your Inner Self", a six week course on "Tanya", the seminal work of Chabad philosophy, authored by Rabbi Shneur Zalman and published in 1796. Students have been intrigued by its unqiue take on the human condition and its singular tapestry of Kabbalah, psychology and theological and philosophical insights.
The course finishes December 18 and JLI continues with "You be the Judge", another six week course, this one covering the intricacies of Judaism's 3,300 year-old civil laws and their stunning relevance to todays world of in-vitro babies, internet transactions and the Lemon Law. "You be the Judge" opens the first Thursday in February.
On November 6, Chabad of Calabasas presented "Refusenik", a documentary tracking the heroic works and lives of the Jews behind the Iron Curtain and their resistance to the Soviet oppression. The assembled gathered to 
enjoy the film and then hear the presentation of Director Laura Bialis, as she described her inspiration and history behind the project. After the show, the director signed DVDs and spoke about her plans for an upcoming documentary about the lives of the Jews in Sderot under constant attack.
Welcome back to Hebrew School! The kids were back in force for the Open House for everyone's favorite Hebrew School. Aleph Champ, Modeh Ani, Mitzvah Dollar, the whole Megillah...
compliments on the evening. Women of all ages enjoyed Jackie's talk, which was filled with humor and entertaining tales of her journey through discovery of Yiddishkeit. But funny was only the surface as her insights and profound vignettes touched many a soul.
Beginning in the sanctuary, the kids received their Torah crowns and were give an intro to the Ten Commandments and the service by Rabbi Eli. In an interactive and animated exchange, the kids were taught the meaning of them being the heros of the day as the "gurarantors" of the Jewish People for the Torah.