Rabbi Chaim Block, executive director of Chabad Lubavitch of South Texas, lights the eighth lamp on the menorah Thursday at the annual Hanukkah on the River celebration at the International Bank of Commerce. The eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights ends today.

More than 200 people sang traditional Hanukkah songs aboard five river barges, each one decorated with a large electric Hanukkah menorah, as tourists ashore interrupted their dinners and conversation to watch and wave at the merry-makers.continue...

I met a couple here at a Chanuka event, and I got talking with them, where they were from etc., so the lady told me she was from Brooklyn NY. Where in Brooklyn? Flatbush, she answered.

She then proceeded to tell me the following: She had been trying to have kids for a number of years, without success. She had a few miscarriages R"L, etc.

So her father, suggested she go to the Rebbe for a Brocho by dollars. She told me she waited in the bitter cold for a few hours, and the Rebbe gave her a Brocho. Within the year she had a son. Her father also passed away within that year.....

I realized later, that there must be so many Yidden out there whom the Rebbe gave Brochos to, and if not for the fact that I had innocently asked her a few questions, one would never had even heard of this story.

Chaim Meir (Chamal)Lieberman (Kfar Chabad) to Chana Aronow (Kfar Chabad) @ Lubavitch yeshiva

Yitzy Vail to N.D. Zimmerman @ Beis Menachem Nochum

The occasion was in honor of 3 beloved Staff members from CGINY Summer 5760. The three Dovid Gutnick, Berry Farkash & Aron Shain are currently on Shlichus in YOEC.

This afternoon the three Shluchim along with the CEO of Shmais had a special private lunch / FADAS, in a room in the "Shtall" @ YOEC. Bagels, eggs, sandwiches & orange juice were all on the menu. The four, reminisced about the great summer 5760 and discussed the upcoming 5761 summer @ Gan Yisroel, NY.

The President was presented with a collection of stamps that Mr. Malamud had recently printed for certain African countries, commemorating the Israeli athletes that were murdered in Munich during the 1972 Olympics.

Accompanying Mr. Malamud at this meeting were Rabbis' Chayim Yankel Leibovitch and Levi Edrei.
(PHOTO: COL)

There were many attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Everyone watched in amazement how real olive oil is made to light the menorah at the Olive Press.

We then enjoyed ourselves making our very own delicious, hot, fresh latkes at the Latke Stand, together with "Zalman the Latke Chef".

All the children had the chance to go jump around in the Jumping Castle. Throughout the program there was a Kids Video being shown. And to top it off, there was a delicious BBQ for everyone to enjoy. A Grand Magic Show was then presented by one of Sydney's best magicians - "Benjini".

The big Beautiful silver menorah was then lit. Followed by the South Head Youth Boys Choir. They all sang really nicely, adding a lot of spirit to the event.

The Chanukah Extravaganza concluded with a special Chanukah video presentation and a Grand Raffle for a beautiful stereo set. Everyone had a great time and admitted that the Chanukah Extravaganza helped this Chanukah be their happiest ever!

Part 1 of the Seminar was
The World of Kashrus: How to be an informed Kosher Consumer with Guest Speaker Rabbi Levi Garelick - Rabbinic Coordinator of the OK labs

Part 2 was about Kosher Standards for our Community.

It was a celebration of the feeling of being complete. Rabbi Simcha Backman of The Chabad Congregation of Glendale and the Foothill Communities led a ceremony to acknowledge the last night of Hanukkah, which took place at 5 p.m. Thursday on the lower level of the Glendale Galleria.

The event began with the lighting of the eighth candle of the Menorah and prayer. Prayers were for the importance of Mitzvot , or good deeds done to help perfect the world. Backman also emphasized the importance of an ultimate goal, which is to work together so that all people can live in peace and harmony.

After the lighting of the eighth candle on the Menorah, Paul Shusterman sang and played traditional Hanukkah songs and Jewish folk music on the keyboard. Clowns and face painters entertained children with balloon animals, while latkes, or potato pancakes, and donuts were served.

A member of The Chabad Congregation dressed up like Judah the Macabee, who led the Jewish revolt against the Greeks to regain their temple.

(SOURCE: LA TIMES)