A measure of friendship and caring is the ability to be truly empathetic and express sorrow over the loss or misfortune of another person. However this does not come close to the degree of friendship and caring expressed by truly rejoicing in your friend’s good fortune or family Simcha.
This week our family experienced a lot of love by way of the community’s participation and rejoicing in the wedding of my sister Mushka to Peretz Kazen. We really got the sense that our happiness is your happiness and our celebration is your celebration. It is extremely gratifying to be the recipient of such friendship and for that we are very grateful. The wedding and subsequent ongoing celebrations have been beautiful and very joyous. The perfect blend of family, friends and out of town guests, made for a wonderful wedding experience.
I am sure that I am joined by so many in our community in wishing Mazel Tov to Mushka and Peretz and to my parents, Rabbi Zelig and Bluma Rivkin, as well as to Mrs. Rochel Kazen and both families.
From Simcha to Simcha… Mazel Tov to Dr. David and Nechama Kaufmann upon the birth of a grandson to Shmuel and Rivky Kaufmann.
For those of you that may have missed this… On Tuesday, November 12 @ 7 PM there will be a very special presentation by Rabbi Yaakov Parisi – a former Evangelical Pastor, who discovered Judaism while exploring the Bible. He will share his fascinating journey with us at Chabad House – 7037 Freret St. The event is free and open to the public. For more info: www.chabadneworleans.com/444630.
Our annual raffle for 10K and other exciting prizes is underway. The drawing will be held on December 10. To view the prizes or to purchase a ticket, go to www.chabadneworleans.com/raffle.
Remember the clock changes this Saturday night – so Minyan on Sunday morning will be at 8 AM on the new time – standard time.
This weekend the annual Kinus – Conference of the Shluchim takes place in NY. For a live viewing of the inspirational closing event – the Banquet – on Sunday at 4 PM CST, www.chabadneworleans.com/kinus.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin