Shalom!
We hope your week—the second to last before Rosh Hashanah!—is humming along. This week, in addition to our typical magazine, we decided to try something new: give you a shorter version of our best content for this week. Let’s see how it goes!
- Human composting is now legal in six states. Dive in with us as we chat about what the Torah says about it.
- 8 out of 10 Americans say they believe in a soul. But what is it, really? Tzvi Freeman's taken a deep dive into Chassidic teachings to share some enlightening thoughts.
- Rosie Grossbaum is not just any Chabad teenager; she's a beacon of positivity, even with her Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis. Trust us, her story is a must-read.
- Yaakov Schy had a cultural epiphany in Bhutan, all thanks to a Tajik man's comment on his North Face clothing.
- Talk about turning lemons into lemonade. Discover how a grounded El Al flight led to a heartwarming Shabbat celebration for 200 in Rhodes, Greece.
- The Jewish Ghetto of Venice is teeming with stories, but wait till you read about what the Cantor of the Park East Synagogue just experienced. Spoiler: It's profound.
- The Baal Shem Tov isn't just a name; he's a cornerstone of the Chassidic movement. We've put together 15 interesting facts about this influential figure.
- Think you're an expert on the Hassidic movement? We've got a fun quiz lined up. No cheating!
- The Hebrew word of the week means “education,” but there's a twist: it is also related to midwives!
- Why’s it so crucial to include even the tiniest tots in Hakhel? This week's Parsha sheds some light.
- With Rosh Hashanah around the corner, get into the spirit with an inspiring Chassidic tale and a delicious salmon recipe that'll have your guests asking for seconds.
- Finally: A big mazal tov to Ukraine’s newest rabbinical couple! Read their story here.
As we march towards Rosh Hashanah, we want to wish you easy and meaningful preparations. Have a great week and a sweet new year in 5784!
Mendy Kaminker and the Chabad.org Editorial Team
PS: Ashkenazim begin Selichot (pre-Rosh Hashanah morning prayers) in the wee hours of this Sunday morning. Read up on them here.
PPS: Should you need any High Holiday supplies, our Judaica shop has you covered!
