A noted author once wrote of landing in Chicago. He rented a car and proceeded to drive to the city. But time and again, despite the map he had with him, he couldn’t find his way out of the airport. That is, until he realized he’d landed at Midway airport – and was trying to navigate his way out of O’Hare! Life’s like that too. Often we try, and try again. But without the success we anticipate from our efforts. At those times, we have to check in with ourselves and the world to ask, “Do I have the landscape clear?”
“Soul Maps”, the recent JLI course, was just that – an opportunity to clarify the landscape of our soul. It explored the book of Tanya. The original work is a text authored by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Chabad-Lubavitch Chassidic Movement. He labored for twenty years to completing it in 1796. Upon receiving the book the legendary Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev exclaimed, “Reb Schneur Zalman did the impossible – he put so great a G-d in so tiny a book!” The JLI course, authored by Rabbi Shais Taub, explored the whole of Tanya in a mere six weeks. That’s a tall order, especially given that the Alter Rebbe once told his brother R. Yehuda Leib, that while writing Tanya, he once spent six weeks pondering on whether to include just one letter in the text! Yet in taking a broad approach, the course afforded students the lay of the land so to speak, allowing them to gain access to their inner workings and thus make shifts in outlook and conduct.
Omek, a Crown Heights based organization devoted to in-depth transformational learning for women, offered the course to both local residents and those who wanted to call in from further afield. “Having had the privilege of being involved with JLI for some time, I am acutely aware of how enriching the material is,” says director Shimona Tzukernik. “All JLI courses explore concepts in such a fresh and comprehensive way, I had no doubt that participants would gain from the experience.”
And that sense has proven true. Eighty nine students signed up for the course which was held in the merit of a speedy recovery for Yechiel Michal ben Doba Raiza Raskin. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. In the words of one of the participants:
“Dear Shimona, I just wanted to say thank you for the incredible Tanya classes that you taught these past few weeks. It gave me a whole new meaning to Tanya. In the past, I've always thought of Tanya as examining the personas of the “Righteous, Intermediate and Wicked” among us, but having nothing much to do with me. I never quite understood those people who said. ‘The Tanya is brilliant!’ or ‘Tanya changed my life!’ I always thought of it as just another subject in school. However, I am happy (and excited) to say that things have changed thanks to you. Tanya is alive – and it now talks to me! Every time I sat in your classes I had a feeling of (this might sound strange) my soul being elevated. I walked home in an uplifted mood…I especially loved the last class. Firstly, we were always taught to say chapter forty one before prayer. I've read it in English a couple of times but never understood it. Tonight, I finally got it! Secondly, I deal with teens and the concepts of self esteem, self worth, suicide etcetera come up. When you learn Tanya, and realize how much G-d loves us, and how 'important' we are to Him, those thoughts don't even make sense! It finally clicked!...I also loved your class on happiness…I could go on...Thank you, thank you, thank you! I look forward to learning with you again!”
Another student wrote, “Tanya? Tanya to me was a subject, remained in my heart. I knew many concepts. Understood many ideas but was never actually able to put it all together. Now I see the whole picture.”
The learning was intellectually stimulating and students certainly gained access to “the whole picture.” But it didn’t end there. A central goal was to make an impact, a shift, in the way we relate to ourselves and negotiate our daily lives. Here too, the feedback was resoundingly affirmative. One participant shared that, “I definitely feel a shift in a positive way in my spiritual service of G-d. I am excited to read the daily portion of Tanya, to know the larger picture that puts together all my little pieces.” Another said, “The class was taught in a way where familiar ideas were reviewed and expanded upon in both a practical and intellectually stimulating way. I came home from each class inspired to actually apply what I learned throughout the session at home and in my daily life.” And yet another said, “The influence the class had on my daily spiritual practice was palpable – now I just need more!”
And more there is. Next up with Omek is the JLI course, You Be the Judge II, authored by Rabbi Eli Silberstein. It's a course on Talmudic Ethics. We'll be examining compelling contemporary legal scenarios through the lens of Talmudic thinking. It promises to be intriguing. There is no prior knowledge of Talmud necessary, so for all those women who want to taste the richness of Talmudic debate, contact Omek at info@shimona.org. You can take a peek at the topic to be covered in lesson one on the website’s home page at http://www.shimona.org/home.html. At issue is whether two young men who murdered their parents have the right to inherit the money left to them in the will!
Shimona’s style is at once intellectually rigorous and personable. In the words of one student, “You have a special talent that enables you to connect to people in a very spiritual way – through teaching. Loved the course, connected to it and made it my passion for 6 weeks!” So come join us, ignite a passion and feel the shift. Omek, in-depth transformational learning for YOU.
In the Media |
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Naperville Sun Wednesday, Nov 3rd, 2010
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J-Wire Tuesday, Nov 2nd, 2010
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The News-Press, Southwest Florida Tuesday, Nov 2nd, 2010
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The Rice Thresher Monday, Nov 1st, 2010
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Jewishinstlouis.org Wednesday, Oct 27th, 2010
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NY Blueprint Tuesday, Oct 26th, 2010
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Winnipeg Jewish Review Tuesday, Oct 26th, 2010
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North South Brunswick Sentinel Tuesday, Oct 26th, 2010
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Vail Daily News Tuesday, Oct 26th, 2010
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Miami's Community Newspapers Monday, Oct 18th, 2010
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South African Jewish Report Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010
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St. Louis Jewish Light Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010
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Norwich Bulletin Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010
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Swampscott Reporter Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010
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J-Wire Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010
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Warwick Beacon Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010
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Jewish Ledger Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010
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Reston Connection Thursday, Oct 14th, 2010
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TribLocal.com Tuesday, Sep 14th, 2010
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lubavitch.com Tuesday, Sep 14th, 2010
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Sparta Independent Friday, May 14th, 2010
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The Vancouver Sun Monday, May 10th, 2010
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Stockton Record Thursday, Apr 29th, 2010
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Skokie Review Thursday, Apr 29th, 2010
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Jewish Review Wednesday, Apr 28th, 2010
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Jewish Press of Tampa Wednesday, Apr 28th, 2010
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Roseville Press Tribune Monday, Apr 26th, 2010
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Summit Daily News Monday, Apr 26th, 2010
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Jewish Review Monday, Apr 26th, 2010
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Lubavitch.com Monday, Apr 26th, 2010
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Madison Eagle Monday, Apr 26th, 2010
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Beliefnet.com Monday, Apr 26th, 2010
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SILive.com Monday, Apr 26th, 2010
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Boulder Jewish News Wednesday, Apr 14th, 2010
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Santa Barbara News-Press Wednesday, Apr 14th, 2010
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Daily Record Wednesday, Apr 14th, 2010
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5 Towns Jewish Times Wednesday, Apr 14th, 2010
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TheAlternativePress.com Wednesday, Apr 14th, 2010
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SILive.com Wednesday, Apr 14th, 2010
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5 Towns Jewish Times Thursday, Apr 1st, 2010
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The Montreal Gazette Tuesday, Mar 16th, 2010
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Toledo Blade Monday, Feb 8th, 2010
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Hartford Courant Tuesday, Feb 2nd, 2010
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Norwich Bulletin Monday, Feb 1st, 2010
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Cincinnati.com Monday, Feb 1st, 2010
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Asheville Citizen-Times Wednesday, Jan 27th, 2010
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Westchester.com Wednesday, Jan 27th, 2010
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Vail Daily News Wednesday, Jan 27th, 2010
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Jewish Press of Pinellas County Wednesday, Jan 27th, 2010
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New Jersey Jewish Standard Tuesday, Jan 26th, 2010
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Madison Eagle Monday, Jan 25th, 2010
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NorthJersey.com Wednesday, Jan 20th, 2010
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Recorder Community Newspapers Tuesday, Jan 19th, 2010
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The Alternative Press Monday, Jan 18th, 2010
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Cincinnati.Com Wednesday, Jan 13th, 2010
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Florida Sun Sentinel Wednesday, Jan 13th, 2010
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Friday, Dec 18th, 2009
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Jewish Times of Southern New Jersey Friday, Dec 11th, 2009
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Lubavitch.com Thursday, Dec 3rd, 2009
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Lower Hudson Journal news Wednesday, Dec 2nd, 2009
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Daily Breeze Monday, Nov 30th, 2009
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JackCentral - Flagstaff, AZ Thursday, Nov 19th, 2009
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Jewish Press - August 2009 Wednesday, Nov 18th, 2009
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Toledo Blade Monday, Nov 9th, 2009
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Charlotte Sun Thursday, Nov 5th, 2009
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The Westender - Brisbane's Urban Voice www.westender.com.au Thursday, Oct 29th, 2009
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The Westender - Brisbane's Urban Voice www.westender.com.au Thursday, Oct 29th, 2009
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Cincinnati.com Thursday, Oct 29th, 2009
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YourNepean.com Wednesday, Oct 28th, 2009
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NJ.com Wednesday, Oct 28th, 2009
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Orlando Judaism Examiner Friday, Oct 23rd, 2009
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SILive.com Friday, Oct 23rd, 2009
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The Riverdale Press Thursday, Oct 22nd, 2009
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Asheville Citizen-Times Wednesday, Oct 21st, 2009
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The Billings Gazette Monday, Oct 19th, 2009
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The Swampscott Reporter Friday, Sep 25th, 2009
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The Westender Monday, Sep 14th, 2009
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Palm Beach Daily News Sunday, Sep 6th, 2009
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Jewish Press Thursday, May 21st, 2009
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Jewish Press Thursday, May 21st, 2009
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Jewish Press Thursday, May 21st, 2009
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Five Towns Jewish Times Online Friday, May 8th, 2009
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www.hometownlife.com Monday, May 4th, 2009
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Jewish Times of Southern New Jersey Monday, May 4th, 2009
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chicagojewishnews.com Friday, Feb 20th, 2009
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Vail Daily Monday, Feb 16th, 2009
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YourHub.com Monday, Feb 16th, 2009
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Calgary Herald Monday, Feb 9th, 2009
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The Stonington Times Thursday, Feb 5th, 2009
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NJ.com Somerset Wednesday, Feb 4th, 2009
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baltimoresun.com Wednesday, Feb 4th, 2009
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NJ.com Wednesday, Feb 4th, 2009
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silive.com Monday, Jan 26th, 2009
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Westender-Brisbane Monday, Jan 26th, 2009
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Jewish Times of Southern New Jersey Wednesday, Jan 21st, 2009
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wickedLocal.com- Swamscott Tuesday, Jan 20th, 2009
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Chabad Jewish Learning Institute of Winnipeg Tuesday, Jan 20th, 2009
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silive.com Monday, Jan 19th, 2009
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Jewish Times-SJ Monday, Jan 19th, 2009
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Baltimore Jewish Times - November 7, 2008 Thursday, Jan 1st, 2009
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The Gazette (Montreal) Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008
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Greater Media Newspapers Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008
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Toledo Blade Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008
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jewishinstlouis.org Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008
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Daily Pilot Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008
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Singapore Outreach Program Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008
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The Westender Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008
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Vail Daily News Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008
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The Tennessean Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008
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Calgary Herald Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008
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Cincinnati.com Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008
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Canadian Jewish News Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008
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Student Thursday, Dec 11th, 2008
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Asheville Citizen-Times Tuesday, Nov 4th, 2008
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WESTENDER Friday, Oct 31st, 2008
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News Press Friday, Oct 31st, 2008
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Thousand Oaks Acorn Friday, Oct 31st, 2008
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The Baltimore Sun Friday, Oct 31st, 2008
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YourHub.com Friday, Oct 31st, 2008
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The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle Friday, Oct 31st, 2008
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Jewish Press Friday, Oct 31st, 2008
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Staten Island Advance Monday, Oct 27th, 2008
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Lubavitch.com Friday, Aug 22nd, 2008
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Calgary Herald Thursday, May 15th, 2008
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Voices Tuesday, May 13th, 2008
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5 Towns Jewish Times Monday, Mar 31st, 2008
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Hunterdon County Democrat Tuesday, Feb 5th, 2008
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Calgary Herald Saturday, Feb 2nd, 2008
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www.JewishTelegraph.com Wednesday, Jan 2nd, 2008
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Town-Crier Tuesday, Jan 1st, 2008
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www.lubavitch.com Monday, Dec 31st, 2007
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The Jewish Telegraph Monday, Dec 31st, 2007
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Calgary Herald Thursday, Nov 22nd, 2007
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Arutz Sheva (www.IsraelNationalNews.com) Wednesday, Nov 21st, 2007
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www.JewishTelegraph.com Friday, Nov 9th, 2007
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Northbrook Star Thursday, Nov 1st, 2007
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http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20071027/NEWS/710270537/1001/NEWS0105 Saturday, Oct 27th, 2007
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Tallahassee Democrat (FL) Friday, Oct 26th, 2007
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Jewish Review (Portland, OR) Friday, Oct 26th, 2007
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The Gazette (Colorado Springs) Friday, Oct 26th, 2007
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The Tennessean (Nashville, TN) Friday, Oct 26th, 2007
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CJN (Cleveland) Friday, Oct 26th, 2007
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Jewish Exponent Friday, Oct 19th, 2007
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JTA News Wire Friday, Oct 19th, 2007
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Towne Crier Online (Wellington, FL) Friday, Oct 19th, 2007
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The Reporter (Broome County, NY) Friday, Oct 19th, 2007
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Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle Friday, Oct 19th, 2007
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The Jewish Exponent (Philadelphia) Friday, Oct 19th, 2007
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thestate.com Monday, Oct 15th, 2007
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The Atlanta Jewish Times Monday, Oct 15th, 2007
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Westchester.com Monday, Oct 15th, 2007
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The Jewish Review Sunday, Oct 7th, 2007
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The Jewish Review Sunday, Oct 7th, 2007
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Monday, Aug 20th, 2007
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Pocono Record Wednesday, Nov 8th, 2006
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Pocono Record Wednesday, Nov 8th, 2006
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Daily Camera Monday, Nov 6th, 2006
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Sun Sentinel Saturday, Sep 16th, 2006
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Washington Jewish Week Thursday, Mar 30th, 2006
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Tuesday, Mar 28th, 2006
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Wrangler News Sunday, Jan 29th, 2006
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Jewish Exponent Thursday, Dec 29th, 2005
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The Californian Wednesday, Nov 30th, 2005
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The Californian Wednesday, Nov 30th, 2005
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Newday Monday, Nov 28th, 2005
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Nassau Herald Monday, Nov 28th, 2005
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Monday, Nov 21st, 2005
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The Day Wednesday, Nov 2nd, 2005
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Thursday, Aug 11th, 2005
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Richmond Times-Dispatch - Dec 11, 2004 Thursday, Dec 30th, 2004
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Jewish News - Dec 20, 2004 Thursday, Dec 30th, 2004
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Jewish Learning Institute’s interactive course to apply ancient wisdom to modern issues Thursday, Dec 30th, 2004
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Friday, Dec 17th, 2004
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University-level adult education program utilizes text analysis to probe major dramas in the Book of Genesis Sunday, Dec 5th, 2004
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The Newtown Gazette Thursday, Oct 21st, 2004
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The Newtown Gazette Thursday, Oct 21st, 2004
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Friday, Oct 15th, 2004
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Jewish Reflector - October issue Monday, Sep 27th, 2004
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Jewish News - Sept. Edition Monday, Sep 27th, 2004
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Richmond Times Dispatch, Sept. 18, 2004 Monday, Sep 27th, 2004
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