ב"ה
Inspiration & Entertainment
Assorted video shorts from the humorous to the poignant

Showing support to the soldiers and our brothers and sisters in Israel
Rabbi Mendel Kaplan headed a special delegation to Israel amidst the war in Gaza. He met with soldiers, parents that lost their children in battle, and communities in the south terrorized by rocket fire; and tells of his incredible trip.

"Give me one minute, I'll give you cosmic consciousness"
Rabbi Infinity, "your favorite kabbalist," provides mystic insights and spiritual guidance for enlightened life in the fast lane. From his hi-tech KabbalaLab, with the help of his amazing Isification Device, he demonstrates how a laser gun, a needle & thread, a chair, a paper airplane and all sorts of other common objects can reveal to us the secret wisdom of the universe and the pathways to sublime meaningful life--all in the time of a standard TV commercial.

How 250 Ukrainian Children Escaped the Russia-Ukraine War
Filmed during the Russia-Ukraine War's opening days, this documentary tells the story of how the women and children of Chabad Odesa miraculously escaped the invasion to the safety of Berlin. The film features firsthand stories and footage from refugees, Chabad Rabbis, and the ordinary people who put their lives on pause to help their brothers and sisters in need. Experience the war in Ukraine through the eyes of individuals living through it—beyond what you see on the news. This film was produced by the Ukraine Jewish Relief Desk at Merkos 302

When Nissi Estrin was born, the doctor told his parents he wouldn't survive to see sunset. Five years later, Nissi continues to defy all medical odds, with an infectious love of life that encourages, warms and inspires. This film “The Impossible Child” was produced by Bentzy Avtzon of Yuvla Media. Read the full story in his parents’ book “Of Medicine, Miracles and Mindsets” by Eli and Chaya Rochel Estrin.

An incredible story at the Friendship Circle’s art studio
Born with cerebral palsy and confined to a wheelchair, Felicia Bowers has limited control over her body. She cannot speak and rather uses a retina-controlled device called Tobii to communicate. But the 27 year old from West Bloomfield is drawing incredible portraits that make people stop and stare. And she's doing it in a way no one ever expected – with her eyes!

Despite autism, Zalman Diskin celebrates his bar mitzvah at his parents Chabad center in Munich, Germany. His parents share the painful challenges of having an autistic child and their personal journey of heartbreak and frustration to faith and acceptance. Film credits: Paula Zimerman Targownik and Daniel Targownik

Behind the Edelman family tradition to popularize handmade matzah
A son-in-law and grandson continue a western Massachusetts ‘shmurah matzah’ tradition begun by the late Chabad emissary Rabbi Dovid Edelman, a matzah delivery route that has stretched all the way to the White House’s Seder. Video produced and edited by Pearl Gabel.

Jewish Educational Media pulls back the curtain on the fascinating saga of the violation of Lubavitch’s sacred manuscripts and books—and their ultimate triumph. From the Rebbe’s earliest public references to the theft of Chabad’s treasured library, it was clear that this was a spiritual struggle over the movement’s very soul—as embodied in its holy writings—and even over the very definition of a rebbe. (Excerpt from the complete film)

A documentary tale of truth and humanity confronting deceit and power
In the Beilis trial of 1913, false accusations of ritual murder were leveled against the Jewish people generally, and the chassidic movement specifically. This documentary vividly reconstructs the events as they unfolded, through a series of interviews with experts, alongside period photographs and press clippings.

A day of rest & rejuvenation
See, hear, understand and taste the Shabbat experience. The presentation places one in a Shabbat wonderland, and shows how this is attainable for everyone. This video includes interviews with various Jewish personalities. A must for anyone venturing to take the first steps towards Shabbat observance.

Code of Jewish Law, Laws of Shabbos, Chapter 329: If non-Jews besiege a Jewish border town—whether in the Holy Land or in the Diaspora—stating that they come only to pilfer straw, Jews are obligated to arm themselves for war, even on Shabbos, because such an intrusion opens up the entire Jewish land to attack.

The nations of the world are watching and waiting: “When will Jews begin to say what they’re really thinking about the Land of Israel?” When a Jew starts talking diplomatic jargon, begging the nations to take more and more land, thinking that in this way he’ll find favor in their eyes – the non-Jew doesn’t believe him, because he’s not talking like a Jew.

A chassidic melody for Yom Kippur
The words of the nigun Ki Hinei Kachomer are from the Yom Kippur evening prayers: “As metal in the hands of the craftsman, so too we are in Your hands.” Yosef Peysin and Mordy Kurtz of Rogers Park Band perform this traditional Chassidic tune with a fresh modern sound (Laura Melnicoff, cello; Atara Wolf, cinematography).

An Address to the Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries
Young Moshe Cohen – the son of shluchim to Manchester, England Rabbi Mendel Cohen and his late wife Esti of blessed memory, who tragically passed away just a month before this event – addresses the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries with words of Torah (Nov. 7, 2010).

The story of Jewish survival in the former Soviet Union
Defying rogue regimes, the Rebbes of Chabad-Lubavitch and their emissaries risked their lives to keep Judaism alive across the Soviet Union. Their efforts enabled the embers of Judaism to spark the transformation of Jewish life thriving there today.

Jewish education for public school students
The Released Time program reaches out to Jewish students in public school and exposes them to their Jewish heritage and religion. Since 1941 Chabad-Lubavitch has been acting on this federal law, which allows children to be excused from class for religious instruction.

A puppet show presentation
Join the great Talmudic sage Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa, as he meets angels, miraculously saves a girl, and witnesses Shabbat lamps burn with vinegar. Children of all ages will be fascinated by the Talmud’s tales of supernatural events, as they gain lessons in honesty, faith in G-d, kindness to others, and many other fundamental Jewish values.