Latest news with #Chabad
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
How Real-Life Tragedy Inspired Jewish Thriller ‘Guns & Moses'
Mark Feuerstein as Rabbi Mo Zaltzman in 'Guns & Moses' Your average orthodox rabbi on the street is more likely to be holding a pair of teffilin than he is a gun. That same rabbi is more likely to eat a pound of bacon than he is to solve a murder. Okay, maybe the bacon thing is a bit hyperbolic, but the rest of the argument still stands: Jewish clergymen don't fit into the traditional badass action hero archetype. Filmmaker Salvador Litvak hopes to change all that with his neo-Western thriller, Guns & Moses (in theaters everywhere this Friday; click here for tickets). 'Hollywood has been all too quick to either show dead Jews in the Holocaust or shticky, nebbishy Jews, which I enjoy,' says Litvak, whom you may know better as Accidental Talmudist. 'I love Seinfeld and Larry David … and Adam Sandler. I love those comedies. But that's not the limit of Jewish experience, God knows." Despite its cheeky title, the project — which Litvak wrote alongside his wife and Pictures From The Fringe producing partner, Nina — 'was always meant to be a proper thriller with a lot of action in it,' explains the director. 'We really did a deep dive on the genre. We watched a thriller a day for two years, six days a week (we didn't watch one on Shabbos)." Set in the fictional California town of High Desert, the movie centers around Moses 'Mo' Zaltzman (Mark Feuerstein; Royal Pains), a local Chabad rabbi who gradually decides to solve the murder of philanthropist and solar energy magnate Alan Rosner (Dermot Mulroney; My Best Friends's Wedding) after the man is publicly gunned down at a community event. Everyone, including the town's sympathetic mayor, Donavon Kirk (Neal McDonough; Captain America: The First Avenger), is more than ready to chalk the murder up to anti-Semitism and lay the blame at the feet of a young neo-Nazi named Clay Gibbons (Jackson Dunne; Brightburn), but Rabbi Mo isn't so sure. Refusing to let the possibly innocent young man take the fall, he begins his own investigation and finds himself becoming equal parts private detective and lone ranger. In his search for justice on the frontier, however, Rabbi Mo unknowingly wades into the center of a lethal conspiracy tied to a shady land deal. And as the bodies start to pile up, the good rabbi and his spouse, Hindy (Alona Tal; Burn Notice), must learn to protect themselves for the sake of their family and congregants, one of whom is a Holocaust survivor (Christopher Lloyd; Back to the Future). 'I feel like this movie is a bit Chinatown meets The Chosen,' says Feuerstein. '[Getting] to play Rabbi Mo, who morphs and evolves into someone who's not afraid to protect himself, was an honor. I'm thrilled to be a part of changing that image.' Before accepting the role, Feuerstein sat down to discuss the character over a classic Hollywood power lunch, albeit with an authentically Jewish twist: the business meeting took place in the Litvaks' backyard, inside their a sukkah. Once the actor was officially on board, he began to grow a beard and shadow real-world Chabad rabbis. 'They're so loving and full of ruach, spirit and generosity,' he notes, admitting that while the facial hair was 'itchy AF, there's nothing I wouldn't do for this movie and this character." The idea for the script was partially inspired by the 2019 shooting at a Chabad-run synagogue in the San Diego suburb of Poway that left one dead and three injured (the perpetrator received two consecutive life sentences). Litvak ended up interviewing the synagogue's rabbi, Yisroel Goldstein, who lost a finger in the attack, but not his faith. 'I got to know him and then watched him become a national figure in the ensuing days, calling for mitzvahs,' recalls the writer-director. 'Calling for Jews and all people to do good deeds, to make something good and meaningful come in the wake of this tragedy. I was very moved by that, and that really became the core for Guns & Moses.' 'We have a character who quotes Rabbi Hillel and says, 'In a place where there is no man, be the man.' That lesson, that message, is not specific to the Jewish community,' agrees Feuerstein. 'That is [applicable] to all of us, and we need more of that in the world now … in a time where people are so wont to find the easiest answer in their silos on social media, rather than do the work, not accept misinformation, but figure out the answers for themselves. I think Rabbi Mo is a great example for intellectual curiosity, emotional curiosity, and human connection.' McDonough, a devout Catholic who founded the faith-based McDonough Company production banner alongside his wife, Ruve, says he's always on the lookout for religious-tinted projects with an uplifting message. Joining Guns & Moses was 'a no-brainer,' he affirms. 'Whether you're Christian, Jewish, Muslim, agnostic, or Buddhist — I don't care what it is. I like to be part of films where people go to the cinema and are called out to be better after they leave. A better husband, a better father, a better co-worker, a better child of God." 'Films that used to address those kinds of questions were often a little bit syrupy and cloying,' continues Litvak. 'There's a quality level that was acceptable that some would say was not up to the level of Hollywood. I would say those days are over. There's a very sophisticated machinery that's now engaged to make films that address big questions of faith at the very highest levels with the stars, with the performances, with the cinematography, with the production value that really challenge people. And we're very proud to be part of that new wave … You look at Kingdom Story Company, and what they've done with Jesus Revolution and House of David, which is like Lord of the Rings-level. It's just good, high-level filmmaking.' Salvador Litvak At the same time, the filmmaker hoped to make a contemporary Western/thriller redolent of genre touchstones such as Howard Hawks's Rio Bravo and Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest. 'I want to be inspired by the greats, I want to try and live up to them,' he says. 'We may fall short, but what we're going for is scenes and performances and story that's iconic and that operates at that level." To that end, he filmed a majority of Guns & Moses in Santa Clarita — where many Western-themed endeavors across film and television have been shot — and sought to create dynamic set pieces at memorable locations like the Mojave Solar Project facility, which serves as the backdrop for a tense sequence in which Rabbi Mo evades a masked assassin. '[It was] strongly influenced by the Mount Rushmore scene [in North by Northwest,' reveals Litvak, later going on to add: 'No one's ever seen anything like it with those 200-yard-long parabolic troughs. I mean, it really is something out of a James Bond movie and I think just gives so much production value.' While he knew 'a movie about Jews under attack who fight back would always be relevant,' Litvak could not foresee just how topical the film would become in the wake of the October 7 terror attack in Israel (the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust) and the anti-Jewish rhetoric and crimes that have become rampant ever since. 'We've been searching for our friends and we have found them in unexpected and unlikely places, and specifically in the Christian community," says Feuerstein. "So regardless of the world and politics, I just want to say how genuine it was, this connection between Neal, Sal, and I throughout this project. Neal did bring 200% of himself to this movie, but it's also a tribute to Neal that he lent his specific brand of faith to this movie, which is not of that same brand, and yet gave it with all his heart.' McDonough concludes: 'Really good families root for each other, and that's the thing missing in the landscape right now, in the whole world. We forget to root for each other. We forget we're actually brothers and sisters through God. It doesn't matter your race, creed, religion. Movies like this make you think, 'Hmm, can I be better as a child of God to a certain type of people that I don't really understand or know very well? Maybe that's my fault because I don't understand or know them very well. Maybe I am bigoted Maybe I am racist. How can I get over these things to be a better brother and sister for everyone else on the planet?'' Guns & Moses arrives in theaters nationwide this Friday, July 18. Click here for tickets!
Time Business News
10-07-2025
- Time Business News
Tips for Planning a Kosher Family Vacation
Traveling with family is a rewarding experience—but for kosher families, it also requires thoughtful preparation and planning. From finding kosher meals on the road to ensuring accommodations are Shabbos-compliant, every detail counts. The good news? With the rise of dedicated kosher travel platforms and increasing global awareness of Jewish needs, planning a meaningful, comfortable kosher vacation is more doable than ever. This guide provides practical tips for planning a kosher family getaway—whether you're looking for a luxurious stay in a kosher villa, a relaxing week in a Shabbos vacation home, or simply a smooth travel experience that respects your frum lifestyle. Not all travel destinations are created equal when it comes to kosher access. To simplify logistics, consider destinations with established Jewish communities or regular kosher tourism. Examples include: Miami, Florida – Known for kosher restaurants, shuls, and family-friendly beaches Jerusalem, Israel – A top destination with countless kosher homes and frum rentals Catskills, NY – Ideal for large groups seeking kosher group rentals Los Angeles, California – Pico-Robertson and Hancock Park are filled with kosher amenities Antwerp, Belgium or London, UK – Strong Jewish presence and kosher infrastructure Choosing a destination with a functioning eruv, multiple kosher stores, and proximity to Orthodox synagogues will significantly ease your planning. If you're considering a more off-the-beaten-path location, try reaching out to local Chabad houses in advance. They can often offer crucial information about kosher dining options, minyan availability, and insider tips from Jewish locals. These insights can make even remote destinations manageable for observant families. The place you stay can make or break your vacation. Instead of relying on mainstream platforms that don't prioritize Jewish needs, opt for dedicated kosher rental platforms like Listings include kosher Airbnb alternatives, kosher mansions, and kosher apartments Properties are pre-vetted for Shabbos compliance and proximity to shuls Many hosts are frum or familiar with halachic standards Homes come equipped with Shabbos timers, kosher dishware, and more Some of the most popular listings include beautiful Kosher Villas in family-friendly neighborhoods, offering both comfort and halachic readiness. Choosing a trusted platform helps avoid the stress of vetting each property manually and lets you focus on planning family fun. Some Kvation listings also include community guides that list local kosher bakeries, mikvaot, playgrounds, and family-friendly activities, helping you settle in like a local from the moment you arrive. Keeping kosher on vacation requires advanced meal planning. Unless you're staying somewhere with access to kosher markets or restaurants, you'll likely need to bring some of your own supplies. Freeze pre-cooked meals and pack them in insulated bags Bring shelf-stable kosher items like tuna, cereal, crackers, and canned goods Double-wrap food when reheating in non-kosher ovens Pack a travel-size kosher cutting board, foil, paper goods, and utensils Use disposable cookware if a kosher kitchen is unavailable If your rental includes a full kosher kitchen, plan out your menus so grocery shopping can be done quickly after arrival. Some families also find it helpful to bring laminated menus and shopping lists to avoid any guesswork, especially when traveling across different time zones or language barriers. This preparation ensures smoother transitions and avoids halachic complications. Observing Shabbos away from home takes special preparation. Whether you're driving to the mountains or flying overseas, keep these essentials in mind: Verify the presence of an eruv in your destination Pack travel Shabbos candles and battery-operated lights Bring grape juice, challah, and a Kiddush cup Use manual locks or request a key-access room Avoid locations with motion-sensor lights in hallways or bathrooms Carry printed directions to the nearest shul If you're booking a rental through Kvation, look for listings labeled as Shabbos rentals—these are properties specifically equipped for halachic observance. For added peace of mind, make a checklist for Erev Shabbos preparation that includes everything from lighting timers to ensuring your fridge light is disabled. Many seasoned travelers also bring along Shabbos door hangers to alert cleaning staff not to enter during Shabbos. A great kosher family vacation isn't just about logistics—it's also about creating lasting memories. Choose destinations and activities that align with your family's values and interests. Ideas include: Nature hikes, beach days, and scenic drives Visits to kosher petting zoos, Jewish museums, or cultural centers Jewish historical walking tours in cities like Prague or New York Kosher cruises with family programming and on-board minyanim When planning your itinerary, make sure to include plenty of downtime for rest and flexibility. If your children are school-aged, consider incorporating educational components such as visiting historical Jewish quarters, local shuls, or Judaica shops. These enrich the experience and often lead to meaningful discussions that continue long after the trip ends. Family travel with young kids can be especially challenging. Here's how to make it smoother: Pack lots of kosher snacks and child-safe meals Bring quiet toys, books, and games for Shabbos Keep travel documents, passports, and insurance organized Use packing cubes to separate each child's clothing Bring a collapsible stroller for easy mobility Look for accommodations with child-safe amenities (gates, cribs, etc.) Rentals labeled as kosher family homes or frum-friendly stays may also provide children's beds, high chairs, or play areas. For air travel, contact airlines in advance to request kosher meals and confirm seating arrangements that accommodate young children. And don't forget to pack an extra change of clothing, wipes, and a few surprises to make long flights easier. Kosher travel can be more expensive due to food needs and location-specific availability. Here's how to budget smart: Book early for better rates, especially during Yomim Tovim Choose rentals with kitchens to save on restaurant costs Buy airline tickets during sales or with miles Travel off-season if school breaks allow Share large kosher group rentals with another family Platforms like Kvation often allow you to filter rentals by price range, amenities, and capacity—making it easier to stick to your budget. It's also helpful to track expenses using a dedicated travel spreadsheet. Allocate a daily spending allowance for each category (meals, transportation, and activities), and leave room for unexpected costs like emergency laundry or last-minute purchases. Sites like are revolutionizing kosher travel by offering: Listings with Shabbos-friendly features Hosts who understand Jewish needs Detailed descriptions of community resources nearby Easy filtering for specific requirements (Eruv, # of beds, kosher level) This saves hours of research and increases peace of mind—essential when planning a trip for the whole family. Use this checklist to confirm you're ready: A well-prepared trip helps ensure your family returns refreshed, spiritually uplifted, and ready to do it all again. Planning a kosher family vacation doesn't have to be overwhelming. With smart planning, the right accommodations, and a little help from dedicated platforms like Kvation, you can enjoy a getaway that's relaxing, halachically sound, and full of family joy. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
New York Post
04-07-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Long Island mayor quits after jacking up taxes 87%, costing village nearly $1.5M over antisemitism lawsuit
A Long Island suburb found itself suddenly without a mayor — or nearly any government at all — when almost all the town's top officials resigned Thursday after raising property taxes 87%. Atlantic Beach's longtime Mayor George Pappas abruptly stepped alongside his Deputy Mayor Charles Hammerman barely two months after causing a firestorm with a nearly 90% property tax hike — and just days after a nearly $1 million legal settlement was approved by the village board of trustees. The massive payout was part of a federal discrimination lawsuit against the municipality by Chabad Lubavitch of the Beaches — a Jewish organization that purchased a former Capital One bank in 2021 to serve as a synagogue and community center they said is being antisemitically stonewalled by the local government. Advertisement 3 Atlantic Beach's longtime Mayor George Pappas quit after jacking up property taxes by 87%. Village of Atlantic Beach The resignations leave Atlantic Beach temporarily in the hands of just three trustees, but two of them, Patricia Beaumont and Nathan Etrog, are out the door next Monday when newly elected trustees Joseph B. Pierantoni and Laura Heller are sworn in. The pair won their seats in last month's village elections. That means by next week, just one member of the current board — Barry Frohlinger — will remain in office, effectively leaving the village's leadership in a state of near-collapse as residents demand answers over how things spiraled so quickly. Advertisement Calls for Pappas' resignation have been brewing since May, when village officials blindsided homeowners with an 87% spike in property taxes — a move they blamed on decades of flawed assessment practices by Nassau County. But the county pushed back hard, and told The Post the village itself was at fault for improperly billing commercial properties for years, essentially linking the hike to a years-long administrative goof-up. 'Nassau County is not responsible for the Village of Atlantic Beach budget or tax levy, nor do we calculate, bill, collect or distribute village taxes,' said County Assessor Joseph Adamo. Advertisement 3 Deputy Mayor Charles D. Hammerman also resigned from his position. Village of Atlantic Beach Some residents suspect the sky-high tax hike was less about assessment errors and more about covering the legal fees from the village's bitter and expensive legal fight with the Chabad. When village leaders first learned of the plan to build the Chabad, they swiftly moved to block it, launching eminent domain proceedings to seize the building for a village-run facility, leading to a lawsuit the village has largely been on the losing end of by the organization accusing officials of religious discrimination. Earlier this week, the board quietly approved a $950,000 settlement with the Chabad on top of the more than $500,000 the village has already spent in legal fees — and within 48 hours, both the mayor and his deputy were gone. Advertisement 3 East Atlantic Beach, New York has found itself with nearly any government at all. jrossphoto – 'We shouldn't be footing the bill for their antisemitism,' one resident fumed to the The Post. The village's board did not respond to a request for comment.
CBS News
24-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Security tightens at South Florida Jewish centers amid global tensions
As tensions rise overseas, law enforcement agencies in South Florida are ramping up patrols and Jewish institutions are increasing security to safeguard their communities. Rabbi Yossi Harlig, leader of the Chabad of Kendall and Pinecrest, shared his personal concerns as his 20-year-old daughter, who had been studying in Israel, works to return to the United States. "It is very concerning when your child has to go through this route to come back home to safety," Harlig said. Personal worries and community protection Harlig said his daughter captured cell phone video of missile launches from her dorm in Israel. "Now it's very dangerous because once it makes it through, which a lot of the missiles made through—a lot meaning more than before—it really causes a lot of damage," he said. She is expected to land in Ramos sometime this week. In the meantime, Harlig said security is being increased at the Chabad. "We have to beef up security, we have to make sure that people that have bad intentions will not be successful," he added. Officials respond to threats Governor Ron DeSantis voiced support for former President Donald Trump's decision to bomb Iran's nuclear site. "The policy of the United States is that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. And the reason why they can't have a nuclear weapon is no country has been more hostile to the United States of America since 1979 than the Iranians have been," DeSantis said. Manuel Supervielle, a former veteran and national security expert based in Miami, described Iran's response to the U.S. strike as restrained. "Their response to our attack was to fire just a handful of missiles at one base which I've been at multiple times and gave us advance warning," he said. "With the indication that they're looking for an off ramp, they didn't want anybody hurt because if Americans had gotten hurt from that missile attack, the U.S. response would probably have been to escalate." Public urged to remain alert Multiple law enforcement agencies have posted on social media to reassure the public that they are closely monitoring for credible threats and maintaining a visible presence near places of worship and community centers. Authorities are also urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Yahoo
Israelis stranded in Cyprus find shelter and kosher meals with help of rabbis and residents
LARNACA, Cyprus (AP) — Yossi Levitan was only making a brief stopover to visit his brother in Cyprus. His travel plans didn't include slicing mushrooms for kosher meals at a local Jewish community center to help feed thousands of other stranded travelers. Levitan is one of approximately 6,500 people who are in Cyprus attempting to reach Israel, located about 470 kilometers (292 miles) from the island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. Initially, 2,400 passengers aboard Israel-bound flights were stranded in Cyprus after their aircraft were abruptly diverted last week to avoid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran. Since then, thousands more have traveled there in hopes of using Cyprus, the nearest European country, as a depot to find a flight or chartered boat that will take them back to their families in Israel. Levitan, 44, has a flight booked next week and said he is eager to rejoin his eight children and one grandchild in Ramla, 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Tel Aviv. His eldest daughter, 18, recently gave birth and is looking after her siblings with help from her grandparent. 'We're waiting for the moment when we can get back,' Levitan said. "In the meantime, we here are helping however we can all the people who are stuck her in Larnaca, in Cyprus.' Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin, the Jewish faith's leader in Cyprus, said the island's 14 rabbis mobilized from the moment the first 2,400 people arrived aboard at least 10 Israel-bound passenger aircraft that were diverted to Cyprus' main airport in Larnaca on June 12. Finding accommodation all at once for so many people at the height of the tourist season was a huge challenge. There also was the issue of providing hundreds of kosher meals, which was handled by the community center, or Chabad, he said. 'Above to this, new flights have started to arrive from Hungary, from Rome, from Georgia, from New York, all people who are on the way ended up here with the hope that since Larnaca and Paphos are the closest nearby neighbor of Israel, once the flights will begin, they will be the first shuttle to go,' Raskin said. Locals have provided shelter while doctors have treated travelers in need, he said. Some were desperate to return to Israel right away, Raskin said, including two mothers with kids with special needs. Thankfully, they departed Wednesday aboard a pair of EL AL aircraft that landed at Ben Gurion airport. 'To take people back to Israel, obviously there are priorities. Priorities would be elderly people, single mothers, nurses, people who need medical issues," he said. "Anyone that is in urgent would get a priority to go on the flight.' Raskin pulled out all the stops to secure a seat on the same flight for a groom whose wedding was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. He later got a message that the young man was able to attend the ceremony promptly at 4 p.m. A few who could afford it and weren't prone to seasickness rented boats or yachts for the 20-hour trip to Israel. But arranging boat trips has been a fickle affair, Raskin said, as many voyages were cancelled at the last minute. Raskin has vaulted into the role of coordinator for thousands of Israelis who see Cyprus as a springboard to Israel. 'Why this should be like a gate of a door to Israel?" he said. 'It's like I'm being now at the western wall of Israel.' But he advised against more people using Cyprus as a stopover to catch a short flight or boat ride to Israel, given the difficulties faced by those who are already there. "Do not come. We don't have enough rooms, we don't enough beds now in Cyprus to accommodate, unfortunately,' Raskin said. 'So if someone is in Budapest or in Vienna and you have a place to stay, to eat, stay there, you are safe there, don't rush to come. Once things will get better, yes, welcome.'
