We would like to thank Mrs. Debbie Shapiro for upgrading our website's English content. In addition, we've added several new unedited video clips to the site, as per our donors' requests (we'd like to point out that the people in the clips did not realize that they were being filmed), as well as adding many new pictures to our gallery in addition to a series of articles0 explaining the uniqueness of Chatzos.
Baruch Hashem over the last few months we've experienced remarkable siyata d'Shemaya (Heavenly assistance) and seen tremendous progress in reaching our goal of creating a spiritual beacon to the entire community.
Acting on the advice of a property consultant, we changed the location of the construction site. The previous site had a sharp incline that would have significantly increased the costs of laying down the infrastructure and foundations. The new plot is 757 sq. meter (approximately 8148 sq. feet) with permits to construct a two story, 1200 sq. meter (approximately 12970 sq. feet) building. In addition, we have successfully passed the allocation committee, a necessary requisite for constructing the holy building and one that entails at least six months of bureaucratic red tape! Now that all that is behind us, we have signed a contract with a Reb Tzvi Spalter, well known and trustworthy architect and a God-fearing Jew, who is known for the exquisite shuls and mikvaos that he has built throughout the world. We are presently completing the final plans and closing a contract with the engineering company, "Construction, Installation, Electricity and Air conditioning."
It is our sincere hope to begin construction of the holy building in the very near future and that it will be completely quickly so that the entire community can enjoy our spacious Beis medrash, classrooms and mikveh. The expense of completing the building is $1,500,000. We trust that our Jewish brothers and sisters throughout the world will assist us in this holy endeavor.
We recently mailed Shana Tova cards to our sponsors, and included with the card a letter containing the list of the names that each sponsor sent us to be included in the kvittel. If something needs to be corrected or changed, please let us know so that we can update the list. We pray for the people listed in the kvittel at every possible occasion so it is of utmost importance that the names be correct.
Rabbi Deutsch will be coming to New York after the Holidays. Although his plans are not yet finalized, he is the midst of preparations with the fervent hope that this upcoming trip will be a success. At present the Kollel is in difficult financial straits. Each month the situation grows worse. Rabbi Deutsch went into debt to be able to pay the Kollel members on time, and is desperately in need of money to pay off those debts.
If you know of people willing to come to our assistance or of other resources, please contact Rabbi Deutsch as soon as possible. In addition, we would love to hear your input and advice! When Rabbi Deutsch is in the States he will be happy to meet with anyone who wishes to speak with him, and do whatever is necessary so that the sound of Torah learning will continue to pierce the heavens during those very special midnight hours. Rabbi Deutsch will also be collecting money for construction of the holy building.
The Halachah Kollel is a great success. The Kollel is presently completing their study of the halachos pertaining to milk and meat. The eighteen members of the Kollel will soon undergo rigorous testing with several well-known halachic authorities (poskim).
With Hashem's help, within five years the Kollel members will be able to give halachic rulings (pasken Halachah) and will receive an official diploma to that effect. It is still possible to enter a Yissaschar-Zevulon relationship with a member of the Halachah Kollel, please press here to learn more.
