Jon Faine and Purim

Guest post by J. Harman:
I am actually quite a fan of Jon Faine. I try to listen to his engaging and intelligent morning radio show on 774 as often as I can. But come on, Chaim Herzog, do you REALLY think that Faine is the appropriate person to host a "Purim farbrengen" and Megilla-reading? And shouldn't the fact that you represent Chabad mean that you should be more careful when making arrangements for (at least) religious occasions? And what I know about Faine, he would agree with my sentiments 100%.

Mincha Aufrufs!

Guest post by Lisa:

A caterer friend tells me about a new trend in the community in having pre-wedding "call-ups" during Mincha on Shabbos afternoon - rather than the traditional morning affair.

There seems to be a number of theories behind this.

1) Less cost - as there is no need to feed hungry mobs who have had to put up with 2+ hours of tefilos and krias haTorah. (And even if some finger food is offered, it is far less than earier in the day.)

2) 20 minute service as compared to 2-3 hours. No more than 3 call-ups possible.

3) Less Chilul Shabbos? [As hopefully the (non-observant) guests will drive home after zeman Motzoei Shabbos.]

On the other side of the ledger, the Shul will lose out on donations for Mi Shebeirachs - as only 3 aliyos can be given.

Anyone else have any comments about this new trend?

PS. The notice states that the wedding takes place on Purim. Another first??

Meanwhile our best wishes to Emma and Jeremy on their big day

TIME MAGAZINE'S PICTURE OF THE WEEK

A Purim Scene in Meah Shearim

Checkout those balloons attached to his Peyos...

Purim in Jerusalem - a couple of cute pix

(Was Purim really only a week ago...?)

A couple of kids dressed up - representing (advertising?) some

half a dozen Charedi daily and weekly publications

Spiderman at the Kosel HaMaaravi.

(He knows Whose help he needs to keep winning against the bad guys)

Timely Warning for Purim

ATTENTION SHULS, CHABAD HOUSES, RABBIS AND PARENTS !!!

Click to enlarge

Shabbos House??