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Tishrei 5765
B"H we had a very exciting and successful month. On Rosh Hashanah our crew of volunteers visited over 23 retirement and convalescent homes and blew the shofar for the many residents unable to get out on their own. Shofar was blown to many people on the streets as Chabad volunteers made their way towards the S. Monica pier for Tashlich. Hundreds of people attended Tashlich, many who hadn't heard Shofar yet also had a chance to fulfill the Mitzvah.
The Chabad House had over 200 people for services each day followed by a delicious Kiddush.
Erev Yom Kippur, Chabad House transformed in order to perform the Mitzvah of Kaporos. Over 700 people participated in this Mitzvah. Rabbi Levitansky was on hand giving out Lekach made with Matzo meal of he Rebbe's Matza as well as small bottles of Kos Shel Brachah. He was also wearing a chicken tie compliments of Shmuel Einstein. Our great crew of Bochrim did a fantastic job processing and cleaning. This year was the first that we were finished with the kaporos and cleaned up for Yom Tov by 3:00 pm!
People coming to Shul for Kol Nidrei, "chapped" the chance to put on Tefillin and light candles for Yom Tov. Yom Kippur davening at Chabad House was very inspirational as usual. Certain Tefilos were standing room only. Before Neiloh, all the children (aprox. 30) got up on stage to say the 12 pesukim and open the Aron. A very lively Napolian's March had everyone dancing or clapping. Many people came ti the Chabad House for the first time, due to the pamphlets that were in all the supermarkets at special Kosher Week tables.
Sukkos brought whirlwinds of activity. Every day of sukkos there were three to four hundred people making brochos on Lulov and Esrog and one to two hundred making a Leishev Basukkah. This included people who stopped in Chabad House, Mivtzoim on 3rd Street Promenade, visiting convalescent homes and other seniors, the Sukkah at SMC and Farmer's market.
On Sunday, Chol Hamoed there was a camp reunion. About 65 children showed up. They enjoyed delicious food, a story, arts & crafts and said the 12 Pesukim. The boys were treated to a special live hook-up from Head Counselor Shimmy Heidinsfeld. Counselor's Yossi Greenberg, Zalmy Stillerman and Meir Menkes were on-site running the program. The girls were lucky to have Head Counselor of 2003 Gittel Rabiski run the program along with Counselor Mushka Levitansky.
On Monday, many people came to tease their taste buds at our Soup in the Sukkah Farbrengen. Rabbi Levitansky spoke explaining different Mitzvos and customs of Sukkos.
Last but not least, Hakofos on Shmini Atzeres and Simchas Torah was very lively. This was due in part to the bochrim (yeshiva boys) who were present helping out the entire month. Many of the people that were met on Mivtzoyim came to take part in the joy and dancing. There was plenty of delicious food and Lchaims to go around. As usual by the 2nd and 7th Hakofah, the entire crowd went outside to dance on the street. The Farbrengens ended about 3:00 am both nights.
Simchas Torah day lasted up until candle lighting. We made the traditional Hakofah that we dance around the block, all the Jewish neighbors joined in the parade back to Chabad House. Musaf was said by Meir Chaim Menkes who was this year's "korbon". He was wheeled to the corner of S. Monica and 17th St for Kesser. All the kids dumped buckets of water in honor of Mashiv Haruach. Following Musaf was Minchah, and everyone quickly washed and benched before Shkiah. Being that not everyone was able to make it home, a special Friday night meal took place in Chabad House. Many interesting guest stayed and farbrenged late into the night.
Being that this Shabbos was Shabbos Mevorchim there was a 8:30 am Minyan for Tehillim. In addition, it was Shabbos Breishis, a special farbrengen was held at 6:00pm.
We would like to make a big thank you to all those who helped us this month. We could not do it without you.