From the Anash.org Inbox: When elections were announced for Crown Heights Vaad Hakohol, I was quite cynical, questioning how much they could truly accomplish and whether they would genuinely care to make a difference. After a personal experience, I was pleasantly surprised.

With the Chief Rabbi of Russia in attendance, a new Torah scroll was inaugurated in Moscow’s central shul Marina Roscha. The writing of the sefer Torah began at the tragic site of the ‘Nova’ massacre near Gaza, where 383 people were murdered almost a year ago.

I’m not a Chabdnik. I come from the Yeshivish world, where our approach to Torah and Hashkafah is nuanced and guided by the Mesorah of our Rosh Yeshivos. Yet, in the aftermath of the tragic events of October 7, when the news from Eretz Yisroel seemed too overwhelming to process, I found myself at a loss.

A Jewish Culture Festival on Butler Plaza at Columbia University was cathartic and full-circle for students. In stark contrast to last semester, when it was a scene of heinous antisemitism, now they were celebrating their Yiddishkeit openly and safely as Jews.

TODAY 9:30 am to 8:00 pm in the Razag Ballroom: The Shopaganza Event will be bringing hundreds of top-quality designer clothing for the Crown Heights Community to purchase at a steep discount. The Razag Ballroom will be brimming with racks full of beautiful pieces at a steep discount – up to 90% off their original prices! 

Live at 2:00 PM ET: An international Siyum celebrating the completion of the Rambam’s Sefer Avoda will feature Rabbi Yossi Lew from Peachtree City, Georgia.

Live Sunday at 3:30 PM: Kollel L’Rabbonei Chabad has an “Arum of Rabbonus” series each month, bringing in Rabbonim and rabbis to discuss tips for everyday rabbinics. In honor of Chai Elul, the talk by Rabbi Berel Lazar is being opened to the wider Anash community.

War Summary, Day 350-351: The terrorists who killed the six hostages were eliminated, UNRWA is asking for immunity for Hamas employees, IDF airstrike in Beirut eliminated much of Hezbollah’s highest command, IDF carries out over 500 airstrikes in Lebanon in one day, fires in multiple areas in Israel, Hezbollah raises the “red flag of revenge,” and terrorist commander eliminated in Qabatiya, Samaria.

The wedding of Chaim Muss of Monsey, NY, and Chanie Klausner of Zurich, Switzerland, took place in Zurich, with a group of bochurim flying in to enhance the simcha.

This Sunday, MyShliach’s Chassidus Club launches with a complimentary session in honor of Chai Elul, providing children in remote areas the opportunity to build friendships and engage with Chassidishe values through interactive, weekly learning.

Boys in the Montreal Cheder held a beautiful Seder Nigunim in honor of Chai Elul, featuring guest speaker, Rabbi Mendel Duchman from LA, who spoke to the boys about how special they are to be the Rebbe’s children.

Every Friday, children of Shluchim eagerly await getting together for a unique event filled with music, games, stories and much more all in the Shabbos spirit. With interactive activities, inspiring entertainment and so many surprises, the children look forward to it every week.

This week’s collection of letters includes correspondence with President Ronald Reagan about Chai Elul and establishing a Jewish Day School in a small American town. An added teshura includes 15 letters from 1944 showing care for WWII soldiers, as well as a brief biography and letters to Max Schrieber, a philanthropist who oversaw the construction of over 300 Mikvaos.

Engage your children in the message of the times with the Rebbe’s teachings on Chai Elul brought to them in an engaging and inspiring way.

War Summary, Day 349: The IDF shot at 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers which were primed with around 1,000 barrels for immediate attacks on Israel, Israel offered a deal which would allow Yahya Sinwar a safe exit from Gaza in exchange for the release of all 101 hostages at once, and Americans no longer think a hostage deal is in the near future.

In honor of his 17th yartzeit on Yud Zayin Elul, watch this fascinating footage of the chossid R’ Meir Itkin a”h from Nevel celebrating his birthday with his close friend, R’ Yudel Chitrik a”h.

A brand new display with the various tables the Rebbe used over the years to distribute dollars, will be opened at the Rebbe’s Library in honor of Chai Elul, which marks 30 years of the exhibition hall.