Religion

Rosh Hashanah at the Panevėžys Jewish Community

Rosh Hashanah at the Panevėžys Jewish Community

A gathering of members of the Panevėžys Jewish Community and family, friends and guests celebrated Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, last week at the Community building in the northern Lithuanian city with traditional dishes prepared by members. This year the start of Rosh Hashanah coincided with the onset of Sabbath and the celebration began with the lighting of candles and intonation of prayers.

Community member Nerijus Jakštonis, an accomplished trumpet musician, blew a small shofar horn, seen in photographs below. Panevėžys Jewish Community chairman Gennady Kofman spoke about what the holiday means and the ten-day period before Yom Kippur for self-reflection, taking responsibility for one’s past and future actions and reconciliation.

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Rosh Hashanah Greetings from Rebbe Herschel Gluck

Rosh Hashanah Greetings from Rebbe Herschel Gluck

B”H

This Friday–the 11th of September–evening, at sunset when Rosh Ha’Shonoh begins, we usher in a New Year.

In Judaism a New Year is not just a new cycle of time, it represents a unique, unparalleled, new spiritual entity, with unprecedented fresh opportunities for each and every one of us. As reflected in our prayers on Rosh Ha’Shonoh ” …This day is the Beginning of Your work” (actions). This year in our calendar is 5787. 87 is the numerical equivalent of the Hebrew word for fine-gold “poz” (pei zayin), reminding us that this year we have an exceptional golden opportunity, for positive, constructive change and transformation.

The holy Master of the Good Name Rebbe Yisroel Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760), teaches us that nothing in the world, even the seemingly most insignificant thing, is random. Everything without exception is Guided by Divine Particular Providence. It follows that everything we see or hear in the world, contains a moral and spiritual lesson for us, also as an individual. It follows, that the fact that Rosh Ha’Shonoh this year begins on and follows “11th of September” must be communicating a timely inspirational teaching and life-lesson to us. “11th of September” reminds us of, and represents, destruction. Rosh Ha’Shonoh is about “Binyan Ha’Malchus,” Building a new and fresh, better world.

However deep the destruction might be, we can rebuild, even better.

This coming year we can and need to utilize the new golden opportunities that are being presented to us, wisely, to build and construct brick by brick, a better self, and a better world for Everyone.

With my very best wishes for a Good, Sweet and Meaningful New Year!
Kesivoh V’Chasimoh Tovoh!
Gut Shabbes! Gut Yom Tov! Shabbat Shalom! Chag Sameach!

Presidential Message on Rosh Hashanah

Presidential Message on Rosh Hashanah

The White House, September 11, 2026

Melania and I send our warmest greetings to the entire Jewish community on Rosh Hashanah—the Jewish New Year and the first of the High Holy Days.

The Jewish community around the world marks the anniversary of when the Almighty created Adam and Eve and the story of humanity began. These two days open a solemn season of prayer, repentance and spiritual renewal in preparation for Yom Kippur.

My Administration reaffirms our steadfast commitment to ushering in a historic renewal of faith across our country, eliminating the scourge of anti-Semitism, and defending the sacred right of religious liberty for every single American.

May you be inscribed in the Book of Life. Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Sweet New Year!

Natalja Cheifec on Yom Kippur

Natalja Cheifec on Yom Kippur

Natalja Cheifec continues her internet lecture series and discussion club with a lecture on Yom Kippur this Thursday evening.

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, one of the most important Jewish holidays, celebrated on the tenth day of Tishrei following ten days of repentance after Rosh Hashanah. It is a day of fasting, prayer and reflection on the year past and the year to come, seeking forgiveness for oneself and others. On this day the Book of Life is opened where entries began on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, on our fates for the next year.

To receive zoom credentials and participate, click here.

Time: 6:00 P.M., Thursday, September 17
Place: internet

Incident at Choral Synagogue in Vilnius

Incident at Choral Synagogue in Vilnius

A serious incident has occurred at the Vilnius Choral Synagogue involving Rabbi Sholom Ber Krinsky and a synagogue security guard on the morning of September 14.

During the Jewish High Holy Days the synagogue is open for prayer and religious services only and does not receive tourists. A notice to this effect is posted at the synagogue entrance, and clear instructions have been given to security personnel on duty there.

The difficult decision to restrict access to the synagogue during the Jewish High Holy Days was made because of serious security concerns. The Community received a security alert from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) concerning a person active in online neo-Nazi groups who made explicit threats to burn down a synagogue and kill Jews and indicated he had access to a firearm. The alert dated August 28, 2026 also noted references to Lithuania, including references to Vilnius. The information was provided to the Community as a potential threat.

We understand Rabbi Krinsky attempted to bring a group of visitors onto synagogue premises despite clearly stated and clearly posted security restrictions. Chabad Lubavitch is an independent organization operating in Lithuania. It is separate from the Lithuanian Jewish Community (LJC) and is not a member organization of the LJC. Rabbi Krinsky is the director of Chabad Lubavitch in Lithuania while also conducting services at the Choral Synagogue in Vilnius.

When Rabbi Krinsky attempted to bring a group of visitors through the outer security gate, a confrontation ensued, which became physical. Rabbi Krinsky, one of the visitors and a security guard all reported being physically assaulted.

The LJC deeply regrets this incident. Access restrictions must be enforced appropriately and professionally to ensure the safety of the synagogue and worshipers.

The LJC is cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities and we will undertake our own review of the incident, including a full review of CCTV footage, statements from those involved or just present and other evidence, to understand what happened and to prevent such things from happening in the future. We will review our security protocols as well in consultation with the European Jewish Congress.

The LJC is committed to the safety and security of the Jewish community for allowing Jews in Lithuania to express and practice their Judaism as they desire and see fit.

Sabbath Times

Sabbath Times

The Sabbath begins at 7:46 P.M. on Friday, September 11, and concludes at 8:38 P.M. on Saturday in the Vilnius region. Sabbath and Rosh Hashanah candles should be lit and prayers recited by or before 7:28 P.M. and completed before sunset at 7:46 P.M. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday; Sabbath rules apply.

New Year’s Greeting

New Year’s Greeting

Dear members of the Lithuanian Jewish Community and friends,

As we near Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, I want to wish you and your loved ones shana tova u’metuku, a happy and sweet new year!

Rosh Hashanah is not just the start of a new year, it’s a time reflect, to look back on the foregoing year, to take stock of what we’ve achieved and to look forward to the future in hope. It’s the time when we remember how important communication, friendship, being together and caring for one another is.

The Jewish prayer says: “He who makes peace in his high holy places, may he bring peace upon us, and upon all Israel.” Let these words usher us into the year 5787.

I wish the New Year brings health, peace, goodness and abundance to your house, and that there would be no lack of sincerity, warmth and warm moments. May our community remain strong and united, and may none of us lack faith and hope in a better future.

May 5787 be safer, more peaceful and full of good works, beautiful encounters and reasons to smile.

A good, sweet and meaningful New Year!
Shana tova u’metuku!

Faina Kukliansky, chairwoman
Lithuanian Jewish Community

Rosh Hashanah at Vilna Gaon

Rosh Hashanah at Vilna Gaon

Lithuanian Jewish Community chairwoman Faina Kukliansky, members of the regional Jewish communities, the Israeli ambassador to Lithuania and embassy staff and others celebrated the Jewish New Year this week at the Vilna Gaon Jewish History Museum in Vilnius. Happy 5787.

Commemoration of 85th Anniversary of Liquidation of Panevėžys Ghetto

Commemoration of 85th Anniversary of Liquidation of Panevėžys Ghetto

A ceremony to mark the 85th anniversary of the liquidation of the Ponevezh ghetto was held in the northern Lithuanian city September 8 with a number of speakers and music.

Lithuanian Jewish Community chairwoman Faina Kukliansky said they had gathered both to honor the dead and keep memory of the Holocaust alive for future generations.

Israel’s ambassador to Lithuania Shelly Hugler Livne said 85 years is long time in human life but only an instant in terms of historical memory.

Lithuanian MP Ramūnas Vyžintas reiterated the need to safeguard historical memory.

Sister Leonora Kasiūlytė from the Congregation of the Sisters of God’s Providence told the story Marija Rusteikaitė, the nun from the Panevėžys area who rescued 15 Jews including children.

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Vilnius Jewish Public Library Showcases Encyclopedic Vilnius Book

Vilnius Jewish Public Library Showcases Encyclopedic Vilnius Book

Last week the Vilnius Jewish Public Library recognized Irina Guzenberg and Henrik Agranovski’s impressive and encyclopedic book Vilnius, the result of more than 30 years of research, published in English and Russian.

The book is both a short encyclopedia and a chronicle of Yerushalayim d’Lite, the Jerusalem of Lithuania, Vilnius. Israeli ambassador Shelly Hugler Livne, Lithuanian deputy foreign minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas, a large contingent from Beit Vilna, Lithuanian Jewish Community members and academics from Lithuania, Israel and the USA attended to book presentation.

The book was previously published as a much shorter version of Jewish sites in Vilnius for tourists and others. The larger volume goes into much greater depth about the sites and histories.

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Kaunas Jewish Community Celebrates Love with Concert September 8

Kaunas Jewish Community Celebrates Love with Concert September 8

The Kaunas Jewish Community is celebrating this year’s theme for the European Day of Jewish Culture, love, with a free concert. A new installment in the Dance Me Back to the Future called Erev Shel Shoshanim, Evening of Roses, is a two-voice musical dialogue featuring Hebrew love songs and operatic arias.

Katya Kov is the organizer with support from Pasaka and the Create Culture Group in cooperation with Cvi Parkas. Supporters include the Goodwill Foundation and the city of Vilnius.

“The title Dance Me Back to the Future combines Leonard Cohen’s Dance Me to the End of Time and Robert Zemeckis’s film Back to the Future,” she explained. “Together, they open a path between the past and the present, following Lithuanian and Litvak history and stories, recollections and cultural ties which travel from generation to generation and find new voices today,” she said.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Time: 6:00 P.M., Tuesday, September 8
Place: Mikas and Kira Petrauskas House, K. Petrausko street no. 31, Kaunas

Sabbath Times

Sabbath Times

The Sabbath begins at 8:03 P.M. on Friday, September 4, and concludes at 8:57 P.M. on Saturday in the Vilnius region. Sabbath candles should be lit at 7:45 P.M. and completed before sunset at 8:03 P.M. This Friday, September 4, is Labor Day in the United States. Wednesday, September 9, is Day of the Victims of the Holocaust and of Racial Violence in Slovakia. This holiday first established by the Slovak Parliament in 2000 commemorates the day in 1941 when the Slovak government issued a decree on the legal status of Jews in the country, known as the Jewish Codex, which led to the deportation of Jews from the country, resulting in the murder of approximately 70,000 Slovak Jews. The commemorative day was created to ensure this event remains fresh in the minds of all Slovaks so that this tragedy is never repeated.

Manchester Synagogue Marks Yortsayt of Deadly Yom Kippur Terror Attack

Manchester Synagogue Marks Yortsayt of Deadly Yom Kippur Terror Attack

Memorial for two victims attended by 800, including senior government figures; statement from King Charles read at ceremony: “Hatred can never prevail over our shared humanity”

Photo: Heaton Park Synagogue’s Rabbi Daniel Walker speaks at a memorial service for victims of the 2025 Yom Kippur terror attack, August 31, 2026. Courtesy Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region.

More than 800 people gathered Monday, August 31, at Manchester’s Heaton Park Synagogue to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the deadly Yom Kippur terrorist attack.

Two people were killed on October 2, 2025, when British-Syrian citizen Jihad al-Shamie rammed his car into the gates of the synagogue during prayer services on the holiest day of the Jewish year. Al-Shamie stabbed Melvin Cravitz, 66, to death, then tried to storm the synagogue before police shot him dead. Adrian Daulby, 53, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest fired by a police officer responding to the situation.

The attack was one of the worst antisemitic incidents in Europe since the war in the Middle East began with the Hamas-led invasion of southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

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Sabbath Times

Sabbath Times

The Sabbath begins at 8:21 P.M. on Friday, August 28, and concludes at 9:16 P.M. on Saturday in the Vilnius region. Sabbath candles should be lit at 8:03 P.M. and completed before sunset at 8:21 P.M. Tuesday, September 1, is the first day of school and a national holiday in Lithuania.

Sabbath Times

Sabbath Times

The Sabbath begins at 8:37 P.M. on Friday, August 21, and concludes at 9:35 P.M. on Saturday in the Vilnius region. Sabbath candles should be lit at 8:19 P.M. and completed before sunset at 8:37 P.M.

Sabbath Times

Sabbath Times

The Sabbath begins at 8:53 P.M. on Friday, August 14, and concludes at 9:54 P.M. on Saturday in the Vilnius region. Sabbath candles should be lit at 8:35 P.M. and completed before sunset at 8:53 P.M. Wednesday, August 19, is Chinese Valentine’s Day or Qixi in China and Taiwan, on the 7th night of the 7th month on the Chinese lunar calendar.

Biržai Marks 85th Anniversary of Start of Holocaust

Biržai Marks 85th Anniversary of Start of Holocaust

Sėla Museum director Edita Landsbergienė and museum staff held a Holocaust commemoration at the site of the former synagogue in Biržai/Birzh last week. Lithuanian Jewish Community chairwoman Faina Kukliansky, Panevėžys Jewish Community chairman Gennady Kofman, Israeli ambassador to Lithuania Shelly Hugler Livne, a representative from the city’s mayor’s office and others spoke at the event.

A procession walked from the city about 3 kilometers to the mass grave marked in Pakamponys Forest.

The commemorative ceremony and procession were followed by the premiere of an opera called Kitas Miestas [A Different City] at a local high school gymnasium about the pre-Holocaust Jewish community in Birzh and how they were murdered in the Holocaust. An internet stream of the opera will be made available here.

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Names Read in Klaipėda

Names Read in Klaipėda

The names of 1,225 people buried at the desecrated Jewish cemetery in Klaipėda were read out at a ceremony held in the first week of August called “Voices of the Departed.” A symbolic headstone was also erected there in their honor.

Master of ceremonies Nerijus Gedminas said: “This was the Klaipėda Jewish cemetery and ritual funeral home right up until World War II. The Klaipėda Jewish community was annihilated during the Nazi occupation and its material legacy was largely destroyed as well. The post-war Soviet government set up a secret radio jamming station in the former [sic] cemetery called No. 61. Jewish headstones were used as construction material and for the bases of the antennae.”

Klaipėda Jewish Community chairman Feliksas Puzemskis said: “On the eve of Klaipėda’s birthday we want to give the city a list of the people who built this city and who are buried in this cemetery. Many visitors from around the world come here looking for their roots. Until now there hasn’t been a database for visitors to check whether their relatives are buried here. To accomplish this, organizers and money were required, but more importantly, the right person to undertake this work. We were very fortunate that Klaipėda University invited in professor Ruth Leiserowitz, thanks to whom this list has been reconstructed. She compiled a priceless treasure house of information.”

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