The Sabbath begins at 4:28 P.M. on Friday, January 17, and concludes at 5:31 P.M. on Saturday in the Vilnius region. Sabbath candles should be lit at 4:10 P.M. and completed before sunset at 4:28 P.M.
Tsemakh Shabad
Monday marks the 90th anniversary of Tsemakh Shabad, the renowned doctor from Vilnius. Besides being a medical doctor, Shabad was a philanthropist and served on the Vilnius city council and in the Polish Senate. He was a founding member of the YIVO. Legendary during his own lifetime, Shabad was immortalized in literature as Dr. Aybolit in the work of the same name by the extremely popular Russian-language children’s author Korney Chukovsky. Dr. Aybolit was the main character in three Soviet films and spawned a Soviet cartoon series as well. Janina Valančiūtė from the Lithuanian Library of Medicine wrote a study of the man in Lithuanian several years ago, available below.
Happy Birthday
Irena Giedraitienė celebrated a milestone birthday Tuesday. An engineer by profession, she is also an accomplished photographer with many exhibits under her belt. The LJC and the Union of Former Ghetto and Concentration Camp victims wish her continuing good health, strength of spirit, love and quality time spent with friends and loved ones. We wish her continued success in carrying out the goals she has set for herself. Happy birthday, Irena. Mazl tov. Bis 120!
Natalja Cheifec’s Discussion Club on Tu b’Shvat
Natalja Cheifetz’s discussion club will discuss the greenest of Jewish holidays, Tu b’Shvat, at their next meeting via zoom at 5:30 P.M. on Thursday, January 16. Sometimes described as Jewish Arbor Day, the 15th day of the month of Shvat falls on February 13 this year. Everyone is invited to attend. To gain zoom credentials and indicate topics of interest for discussion, click here.
Two More Synagogues Attacked in Australia
Australian media outlets reported two more attacks on synagogues in the last two days. The Allawah Synagogue in Sydney was spay-painted with anti-Semitic phrases and swastikas early Friday morning local time. The Newtown Synagogue was graffitied and fire officials detected accelerant intended to set the house of prayer ablaze. Times of Israel reports Australian police and government officials are undertaking counter-terrorism measures to prevent the continuing anti-Semitic attacks.
Full story here.
Condolences
Petras Kaplanaitis passed away January 9. He was born in 1933 and was a member of the Klaipėda Jewish Community. We extend our deepest condolences to his brother, daughters and many friends and family members.
Condolences
Gennady Pinkhasevich passed away January 8. He was born in 1940 and was a member of the Kaunas Jewish Community and a client of the Saul Kagan Welfare Center. We send our deepest condolences to his family and many friends.
Sabbath Times
The Sabbath begins at 4:14 P.M. on Friday, January 10, and concludes at 5:20 P.M. on Saturday in the Vilnius region. Sabbath candles should be lit at 3:58 P.M. and completed before sunset at 4:14 P.M. Friday is also Asarah b’Tevet, a fast day to mourn the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylonia.
Panevėžys Jewish Community Celebrates Hanukkah
The Panevėžys Jewish Community celebrated Hanukkah with gusto this year. Pictures below.
Natalja Cheifec’s Discussion Club
Jewish tradition expert and educator Natalja Cheifec’s Shalom discussion club is starting the new year with a zoom meeting at 5:30 P.M. on January 9. To receive log-on credentials click here. Please indicate your topics of interest on the registration page. Everyone is welcome.
Public Menorah Display in Šiauliai
A public menorah display in the city of Šiauliai’s central square and walking mall was lit on each consecutive night of Hanukkah to remind passers-by of the victory of the light over darkness. Chabad Lubavitch also provided holiday food at the Šiauliai District Jewish Community.
Hanukkah Celebration at Kaunas Jewish Community
The Kaunas Jewish Community celebrated Hanukkah with an evening of music with guests from Israel, Scotland and the USA. The celebration at the Višta Puode restaurant included traditional foods and a holiday quiz as well.
“Be healthy, curious, positive. Dream bravely and make your plans, even if they seem unrealistic to others and to you yourself at first, come true. May happiness and success visit you and your homes ever more, and more and more light and peace visit the world,” Kaunas Jewish Community chairman Gercas Žakas wished the audience.
Condolences
Michailas Kravecas passed away Sunday. He was born in 1952 and was a member of the Community and a client of the Saul Kagan Welfare Center. We extend our deepest condolences to his daughter, his sister and his many friends in the Community.
Condolences
Mina Levitan-Babenskienė died Sunday at the age of 92. She was a member of the Lithuanian Jewish Community and a client of the Saul Kagan Welfare Center. She was known as one of Lithuania’s best tapestry makers and her works were demonstrated at numerous exhibitions in Lithuania and abroad over many decades. Lithuanian Jewish Community chairwoman Faina Kukliansky and the entire Community extend our deepest condolences to her son Edmondas and her many friends and family.
Sabbath Times
The Sabbath begins at 4:06 P.M. on Friday, January 3, and concludes at 5:11 P.M. on Saturday in the Vilnius region. Sabbath candles should be lit at 3:48 P.M. and completed before sunset at 4:06 P.M.
Condolences
Galina Bugelskaya died on December 29. She was born in 1934 and came from Druskininkai. She was a member of the Lithuanian Jewish Community and a client of the Saul Kagan Welfare Center. We send our deepest condolences to her son and many friends and family members.
Condolences
Oktyabriana Tulchina passed away December 28. She was born in 1924 and was a member of the Kaunas Jewish Community and a client of the Saul Kagan Welfare Center. The entire Lithuanian Jewish Community extend our deepest condolences to her family, including her children and grandchildren.
Hanukkah Celebration Monday, December 30
Everyone is invited to attenda 3-D light show, accompanied by music and traditional Hanukkah treats and warm tea. Boris Kizner and the Faylerkh ensemble will perform.
Time: 6:30 P.M., Monday, December 30
Place: Outside the Lithuanian Jewish Community, Vilnius
Sabbath Times
The Sabbath begins at 3:58 P.M. on Friday, December 27, and concludes at 5:04 P.M. on Saturday in the Vilnius region. Friday is also the third night of Hanukkah. Hanukiya and Sabbath candles should be lit before the onset of Sabbath, starting at 3:40 P.M.
Happy Hanukkah
Hanukkah starts today, December 25. Lithuanian Jewish Community chairwoman Faina Kukliansky sends her holiday greetings to everyone and wishes you light in your life, love in your family and friendship in your surroundings.
Happy holidays! Hag Hanukkah sameakh!