Chanukah Celebration Draws Victorian Leaders

Chabad-Lubavitch of the Melbourne Central Business District hosted a Chanukah menorah lighting in Victoria’s Parliament House. Deputy Premier Rob Hull and Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu joined other members of parliament, state ministers and leaders of the Australian city’s Jewish community for the celebration.

Toy Drive in Massachusetts for Boys & Girls Clubs

The North of Boston Jew Crew directed by Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Yossi and Layah Lipsker held its first holiday toy drive. On Dec. 17, participants took the donated toys to the Boys and Girls Club of Lynn, Mass., where they enjoyed a Chanukah menorah lighting and games with their counterparts at the club.

Toronto Area Rabbi Honored For Community Service

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, the director of a large Toronto-area synagogue was recently honored at Vaughan Council Chambers as this year’s recipient of the Civic Hero Award for Ward 5. In presenting the award, Ward 5’s representation said that Kaplan, a spiritual leader at Chabad of Flamingo, demonstrates outstanding achievement and contributions to the community.

New Jewish Community Center for Kanev

The Jewish community of Kanev in Ukraine’s Cherkassy region unveiled its new community center. Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Dov Axelrod, chief rabbi for the region, was on hand for the ceremony.