JRCC BBQs

The JRCC Rockford community had a blast hosting the legendary Sam Salz. Sam is the first Jewish Shabbat-observant D1 College Football player, and he is a true inspiration, full of pride in his Jewishness. Over 100 students and young professionals joined us to hear Sam’s story of what it’s like being a star running back at Texas A&M University over a Friday night meal, and a Flag Football tournament & BBQ on Sunday.

This year’s Community family BBQs season ends as JRCC Woodbridge and S. Richmond Hill & Maple hold theirs. Community families meet, connect, interact while enjoying summer foods.
 

 

20 AV FARBRENGEN

On Saturday, August 24, following Shabbat morning services, all JRCC branches hosted a special kiddush/farbrengen gathering in honor of the 20th of Av, the yahrzeit of the Rebbe’s father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson. The Rebbe’s father fought and suffered for his uncompromising and fearless activism to help keep Judaism alive in the former Soviet Union. It was fitting time to honor his legacy and its place in our lives.

 

ROCKFORD WHITE PARTY

In celebration of Tu B’Av, a somewhat mysterious day that our sages proclaimed as one of the happiest days of the year, the Chabad Young Professionals club at JRCC Rockford hosted a “White Party” for singles. Participants enjoyed a festive evening in the open air dressed in their finest white summer outfits. They enjoyed music and delicious food as they celebrated with other young Jewish adults, many of which were seeking their soulmates on this auspicious Jewish festival of love.

ANNUAL CHECKUP TIME

In the hustle and bustle of life, its easy to get caught up in minutiae and marvel at how time passes much too quickly. But one of the beautiful things of the month of Elul is to consciously use time for reflection, introspection and preparation in advance of the Days of Awe” between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. One important action to take during Elul is to have mezuzahs and Tefillin checked. There are a lot of things that can happen over time. Moisture, dryness, dust, sun, temperature changes or insects can cause damage that would cause the ink to fade, crack or become obscured. Sometimes the ink just fades over time. So the parchment needs to be unravelled and carefully checked for imperfections. The JRCC offers a convenient service where you can drop off your Mezuzahs and/or Tefillin at our office, and then pick them up or have them delivered and installed by one of our rabbis after they are checked by an expert scribe. There is a nominal fee for the inspection. To have your Tefillin or Mezuzahs checked, please contact our office, drop by during office hours, or speak to your local JRCC Branch rabbi.