The total t r i u m p h of the J e w i s h p e o p l e over the evil Ha-m a n ,

which we celebrate on Pu-rim, transforms the entire month - not just the day of Purim - into a day of joy and happiness.

Why is the Purim victory so amazing, more so than, say, the miracle of Cha-nuka, that it has the power to actually transform the entire month? h

Haman (may his name be erased) was a descendant of Amalek, the infamous nation that had the chutzpa to attack the Jewish peo-ple after their miraculous exodus from Egypt.

All of the nations of the

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I N T H I S I S S U E : J W C G A M E S H O W C O M P E T I T I O N

P U R I M G I F T B O X F U N D R A I S E R C H A B A D M O V E S T O N E W H O M E !

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G R A N D O P E N I N G A N D R I B B O N C U T T I N G C E R E M O N Y

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Chabad of Bradenton &

Lakewood Ranch is an

organization that provides

social, educational,

recreational, and religious

programming. Chabad is a

place where every Jew,

affiliated or unaffiliated,

observant or non-observant,

can come and feel

comfortable. We believe

that regardless of educational

background or affiliation, it

is the inalienable right of

every Jewish person to learn

and participate in our

heritage, which belongs

to us equally.

B”H 5712 LORRAINE ROAD, LAKEWOOD RANCH · 941-752-3030 · WWW.CHABADOFBRADENTON.COM

C H A B A D N E W S

C A M P G A N I S R A E L H I R E S C O U N S E L O R S J O Y O U S E D U C A T I O N F O R O U R C H I L D R E N

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world trembled at the thought of battling with the Jewish nation, except for Amalek. The Torah explains that Amalek "met" the Jewish nation during its journey. But our commentators explain that the Hebrew word for "met" - "karcha" can also mean "made you cold."

Amalek, in his insidious way, wanted to "cool off" the Jewish people from their fiery faith in G-d and Moses after all the mira-cles and Divine revelations they had mer i t ed .

The very name "Amalek" has the same numerical value as the Hebrew word "safek" meaning "doubt." Amalek's main goal was not to win a military vic-tory over the Jews, but to pierce their perfect faith and strong belief by bring-ing in "doubts." h

So you see, when, genera-tions later, the Jews at the time of Purim were victo-rious over Haman the Amalekite, the ultimate victory was not over the man but over all that he stood for - coldness, doubt, skepticism, and the like. h

Thus, the entire month of Adar is permeated with the joy and happiness of the Purim holiday, because the stakes were so terribly high. h

May we all be victorious over our personal Amaleks this Purim until we merit the ultimate victory over Amalek at the time of the Redemption.

Happy Purim!

Rabbi Mendy Bukiet

J O Y O U S E D U C A T I O N F O R O U R C H I L D R E N

This time of year generates loads of excitement in my family. My children love prepar-ing for the holiday of Purim by baking hamentaschen (traditional Purim treats), preparing their costumes, and packing mishloach manot (food gifts) for their friends. If ever there was a holiday for children, Purim is the one!

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By Chanie Bukiet

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Great News! Chabad has finally moved to it’s new loca t ion on 5712 Lorraine Road. A heart-felt thank you goes to all the dedicated volunteers who packed, moved, and

schlepped the Chabad House, and spend an enormous amount of en-ergy and effort into trans-forming this new land into Chabad’s new per-manent home.

We look forward to greeting everyone at the Grad Opening and Ribbon Cutting Cere-mony on Sunday, March 18 at 1:00 pm.

J W C G A M E S H O W C O M P E T I T I O N

P U R I M G I F T B O X F U N D R A I S E R

This year more people will experience the joy of Pu-rim! On Purim, we empha-size the importance of Jew-ish unity and friendship by sending gifts of food to friends and family, Mishloach Manot. This year Chabad is distributing close to two hundred shared Mishloach Manot gift boxes at a low

won a watch, silver and diamond earrings, a micro-wave grill, cosmetics, and more. Women also re-ceived delicious chocolate treats and feasted on hamen-taschen, fruits and chocolates a t t h i s e v e n t .

Laughter abounded as the

Attendees to the JWC Game Show Competition learned about the holiday of Purim in an exciting way. They played Purim Jeop-ardy, Who Wants to Be A Mitvahnaire and Shushan Squares for fabulous prizes.

Winners to these games

women learned and played at this exciting event.

The Upcoming JWC event will be the Women & Wis-dom Friday Night dinner on March 23. Everyone is invited. Call the Chabad office at 941-752-3030 for more information.

cost so that as many community families as pos-sible are able to participate in this wonderful tradition. Special thanks to the spon-sors of the Purim Gift Boxes this year namely: Mendy & Chanie Bukiet, Martin & Barbara Cohen, Larry & Joan Cohen, Pin-chos & Miriam Rodriguez,

Brent & Ricki Rubin, Steve & Colleen Shapiro, Sandy & Phyllis Silverman, Elliott & Evelyn Stupp, Richard & Lauren Vallone, Aron & Jul ie Weiner/Kombat Martial Arts, and Jerry & Judy Zivic.

C H A B A D M O V E S T O N E W H O M E

food and cocktails, in an ele-gant and social set-ting. They had t h e oppor tu -nity to bid on over

seventy prizes to help sup-port Chabad. A slide show presentation demonstrated Chabad’s treasured moments of growth in Manatee County. A live auction, led by a u c t i o n e e r , J o e l Ehrenpreis, featured out-s t a n d i n g g i f t s . The “Treasure Box” raffle generated a lot of excite-ment as well. Special thanks to Frank Jewelers for the 1.3 diamond dona-tion! Surprise raffles were held throughout the evening and a split the pot raffle concluded the event.

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C O C K T A I L E V E N I N G & G A L A A U C T I O N

What a community! It is with deep gratitude to G-d and to this outstanding community that Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch raised the bar again and raised more funds this year than any other year! The theme of the evening “Realizing the Dream” truly gave cause to celebrate as Chabad collected much needed funds to help sup-port the new Chabad home that Chabad moved into a mere few days earlier on Sunday, February 26. This event took place on Wednesday, February 29 at Fete Catering at Polo Grill Ballroom. f Guests enjoyed fabulous

Special thanks to Mindy Weinberger for donating her Split the Pot winnings to Chabad! Guests left the auction laden with gifts won at the auc t i on , bu t more importantly they left imbued with a feeling of pride for partnering with such a terrific cause. A warm and heartfelt thank you to the sponsors for the evening namely Fete Catering at the Polo Grill, Anonymous, Steve & Colleen Shapiro, Debbie Furman, Pinchos & Miriam Rodriguez, Joseph & Roslyn Block, Albert Mayara, Stuart & Paula Siegel, and Jerry & Judy Zivic. This community event was truly a team effort with a c r e w o f de d i c a t ed volunteers and coordina-tors who invested time and effort to make this evening a t ru l y memorab l e celebration.

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C A M P G A N I S R A E L H I R E S C O U N S E L O R S

The festival of Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar. It begins this year after sundown on March 7 and ends at nightfall on March 8. The holiday commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in Ancient Persia from Haman's plot "to destroy, kill and an-nihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day." The name of the holiday, Purim, liter-ally means "lots," for Haman deter-mined the day of the annihilation by drawing a lottery. It is observed by public readings of the Megillah, or Scroll of Esther, to recount the story of the Purim miracle, sending food gifts to friends, giving gifts of money to the poor and enjoying a festive Pu-rim meal

Upon deeper reflection of the Purim story, we see that children played an

integral role in the salvation of the

Jewish nation from the devious hands of Haman.

Did you ever hear of the phrase “From the mouths of babes?” There is actually a biblical reference to this saying. The Talmud teaches that chil-dren have a measure of prophecy.

Haman, knowing this, questioned the Jewish children on their way home from synagogue as to what they had learned that day. One answered “ Do not fear sudden terror, nor the de-struction of the wicked when it comes.” Another added, “Contrive a scheme but it will be foiled, conspire a plot, but it will not materialize, for G-d is with us.” And yet another contin-ued in the same vein, “To your old age I am (with you), to your hoary years I will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and deliver you.”

When the children recited these words to Haman with such complete faith, it aroused G-d’s mercy and served as a catalyst for G-d’s salva-tion.

In these turbulent times, when the Jews are once again faced with many wicked Hamans, let us reaffirm the importance of children by providing a joyous education to our children. After all, it is through them that sal-vation comes.

Purim is such a happy holiday; it’s a great opportunity to demonstrate to our children that Judaism is fun, meaningful and exciting. You can bake hamentachen with them, go out and deliver a food basket, dress up, and take them to synagogue to hear the Megillah reading on Purim. The list of fun things to do on Purim is endless. Have a joyous holiday!

We are thrilled to announce that we have terrific coun-

selors coming once again to run Chabad of Bradenton’s Camp Gan Israel program. They are (left to right) Sholly Shur, Chaya Kessler, Sari Lurie, and Tzeita Silberstein. They each have extensive experi-ence in camps in Florida, Connecticut, and Montreal. Camp Gan Israel will be held for girls and boys ages 5-12 for four weeks, from June 25 until July 20 and will be located on the new Chabad grounds on 5712 Lorraine Road. Hours will run from 9 am to 3 pm. Extended care is available until 5 pm and hot lunch options are available as well. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee County is extending the camp incentive grant deadline until March 30. Contact Len Steinberg 371-4546, extension 106 for more information on the grants and Chabad at cgibradenton.org or 941-752-3030.

(...continued from page 1)

J O Y O U S E D U C A T I O N F O R O U R C H I L D R E N By Chanie Bukiet

T S E Z A W I E A N D Phone: 941-704-2544

E-mail: deliciouscreations10@gmail.com

Glatt Kosher Catering, Meals-to-Go,

Baked Goods, Birthday Cakes, Rugelach

and much more... Delicious Creations

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O N G O I N G P R O G R A M S All events take place at the Chabad Jewish Center

Talmud Classes Mondays, 7:30-8:30 pm Explore the Talmud and its laws in its original text. No prior knowledge of the Talmud or Hebrew is necessary. Book fee: $45.

Torah Studies Saturday, 9:00-9:30 am Participate in a fascinating class on the Torah portion of the week. Discover the mystical meanings and lessons behind ancient stories. Admission is free.

Weekly Shabbat Services Friday nights, 7:00, Saturday mornings, 9:30 Enjoy warm, family friendly services at the Chabad Jewish Center. Saturday services are followed by a delicious buffet Kiddush.

Havdallah Ceremony & Video Showing Saturday nights, one half hour after Shabbat’s conclusion Join Chabad for a weekly Havdallah Ceremony and Video demonstration featuring “Living Torah,” clips of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s talks, timeless moments, and encounters.

Chabad Hebrew School Sunday mornings, 9:30 am-noon Give your child for the experience of a lifetime at Chabad Hebrew School featuring an outstanding curriculum, professional and warm teachers, hands-on lessons, an innovative Hebrew reading Aleph Champ program, motivational systems, and more. Learn it. Live it. Love it!

Falafel with Yoav Sunday, March 4, noon-1:00 pm Come and enjoy a terrific kosher falafel lunch prepared by Yoav Cohen on the first Sunday of every month at noon. Cost: $4 a falafel.

Jewish Learning Institute Wednesday, March 7, 7:30-8:45 pm Join Chabad for JLI’s new course, “Money Matters: Jewish Business Ethics.” This course applies timeless Talmudic wisdom to real-world ethi-cal quandaries. Course fee: $75. Couple’s fee: $135. This course is sponsored by the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation.

Ladies Lunch & Learn Tuesday, March 13, noon-1:00 pm Join Chanie Bukiet for a monthly Lunch & Learn. Feast on a delicious lunch and sample from a variety of Jewish topics. Free. Sponsor: $100

Friday Night Live Friday, March 16, 7:45 pm Teens (13-18) are invited to Rabbi Mendy & Chanie’s home for a delicious Shabbat meal in a fun and lively atmosphere. No charge. Reserve by Wednesday, March 14. For more information on any of the above ongoing events, call Chabad at 941-752-3030 or e-mail info@chabadofbradenton.com.

Owner

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I N A P P R E C I A T I O N

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PARTNER APPRECIATION

V O L U N T E E R S P O T L I G H T

Issac & Simy Abitbol Ramon & Sherri Alvarez Ronald & Yardena Cohen-Babcock Daniel Benjamin Bonnie Berman Charles & Odette Best Joseph & Rosalyn Block Rabbi Joseph & Fradel Bukiet Gerald & Devorah Castor Abby Chasky Frea Cohen Jacqueline Cohen Joey Cohen Larry & Joan Cohen Martin & Barbara Cohen Shlomo & Orit Cohen Yoav Cohen Steven & Alyse Cores Jeff & Adrian Davis Emanuel & Doris DeCoveny Maurice & Ellen Echales

Joel & Rosalyn Ehrenpreis Jim & Estrella Engelhardt Marvin & Elaine Fitzer Yoshiro & Anita Fukunaka Debbie Furman Herbert & Joyce Furman Bob & Janet Gold Fred & Lois Goldman Bonnie Gottlieb Larry & Sandie Ivers David Kasse Taras & Donna Kochno Lieba Kramer David & Louise Levy Steven & Hillary Lipman Vijay & Nina Mahadeo Edward & Evelyne Martineau Albert Mayara Sanford Milter Pinchos & Miriam Rodriguez Brent & Ricki Rubin

Ziva Rutherford Robert & Jill Schein Barbara Schur Steve & Colleen Shapiro Sandy & Phyllis Silverman Jeff & Charity Steckel Jeffery & Jocelyn Stevens Elliott & Evelyne Stupp The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Richard & Lauren Vallone Mindy Weinberger Rubin & Carolyn Weinberger Aron & Julie Weiner Jonas & Barbara Weingarten Adam & Malkie Wieand Tseza Wieand Daniel & Jacqueline Wilson Gary & Marjorie Wiseman Jerry & Judy Zivic

We apologize if anyone’s name was left out inadvertently. It is by no means a result of a lack of appreciation on our part.

Ron & Yardena Cohen-Babcock Daniel, AJ & Joshua Benjamin Bonnie Berman Tami & Sydney Wankoff-Bigness Chaim Meir & Mordechai Bukiet Abby Chasky Frea Cohen Yoav Cohen Shlomo Cohen Zohara Cohen Penny Cooper Jared Dipsiner Joel Ehrenpreis

Marvin & Elaine Fitzer Allison & Landon Heitner Larry & Sandie Ivers Jay Kelly Taras & Mark Kochno Joshua Kreithen Ed Martineau David Meyersburg Scott, Debbie & Alex Pattinson Pinchos & Miriam Rodriguez Brent & Ricki Rubin Barbara Schur Jesse Schein

Steve & Colleen Shapiro Sandy & Phyllis Silverman Jackie Simmons Rosalie Slavings Richard & Lauren Vallone Mark Walzer Adam Wieand Tseza Wieand Gloria & Nochum Wieand Mindy Weinberger Jerry & Judy Zivic Reid Zoll

C H A B A D D O N O R C A R D S

If there is a special occasion or someone to remember, consider using the Chabad Donor Cards for these passages in time.

IMO Sidney Davis, OBM & Ann Shapiro

Jeff & Adrienne Davis

IHO Colleen Shapiro’s Expressive Arts Class

Rubin & Carolyn

Weinberger

Mindy Weinberger

IMO Raphael Cohen, OBM Ron & Yardena

Babcock

IHO Ron & Yardena Cohen-Babcock

Pinchos & Miriam

Rodriguez

IMO Ruth Siegel, OBM Gary & Marjorie

Wiseman

K I D D U S H S P O N S O R S

Adam & Malkie Wieand IMO his grandmother,

Gloria Wieand, OBM

Mindy Weinberger IHO her mother’s speedy recovery

Barbara Schur IMO her husband

Leonard Schur, OBM

Adam & Malkie Wieand IHO Adam & Malkie’s birthdays

Sunday, March 18: Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Join Chabad at 1 pm for this monumental occasion as it moves into its permanent location on 5712 Lorraine Road. Participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony, enjoy fabulous desserts, and tour the new Chabad House. Children’s activities to be featured as well. Admission is free. Sponsor: $500.

C A L E N D A R O F U P C O M I N G E V E N T S For more information, contact Chabad at 941-752-3030, info@chabadofbradenton.com, or visit www.chabadofbradenton.com.

Thursday, March 8: Purim In Paris Join Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch for Purim Paris at Lane Plaza Two, 1921 Lakewood Ranch Blvd at 6:30 pm. Enjoy a buffet dinner of French cuisine, lively French entertainment, comedy with the Rabbi and Cantor, megillah reading, hamentaschen, and lots more. This program is open to everyone. Admission is $18 per adult, $15 per child. Early bird discounts of $15 adult, $12 child per person on reservations and payment before March 1. Sponsor: $250.

Would you like to place an ad or personal greeting in this space?

Advertise in Chabad News. 1/4 page- $36 / 1/8 page - $18

Business Card - $10

Circulation of this publication goes to hundreds of Jewish homes!

Contact Chanie Bukiet at chanie@chabadofbradenton.com or 752-3030 to reserve your space for the April edition by March 15.

Friday, March 23: Women & Wisdom Shabbat Dinner Honor the learning and accomplishments of the Women & Wisdom ladies with this delicious Shabbat dinner catered by “Delicious Creations” at 7 pm at the new Chabad House. Open to men & women. Admission is $20 adult, $15 child (3-12) and free to women & wisdom ladies. Sponsor the dinner in honor of one of the women for $180. Friday, April 6: Interactive Passover Seder Join Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch at 7:45 pm the new Chabad House for an enchanting Passover Seder. Relive the exodus, discover the eternal meaning of the Haggadah, and enjoy a community Seder complete with hand-baked Matzah, wine, and a wonderful dinner spiced with unique traditional customs.

Meditative Alternative Arts & Healing with Colleen Shapiro This expressive art and healing class, designed to increase one's self-esteem, will awaken

the senses with art and nature projects, writings, movement, and music.

Tuesdays, March 13 at 1 pm and March 20 at 11:30 am.

Snacks provided. At the new Chabad House.

Free! Donations Appreciated. Call 748-8522 for more information.