Monday: Central Farbrengen for Chai Elul

Another day, another controversy started by someone on WhatsApp. Social media exploded with viral messages on Thursday, that Grey Goose Vodka, a drink used by many Kosher homes, was non-Kosher. Some Kashrus agencies released statements, and some kosher liquor stores immediately pulled the products from their shelves • Full Story

A sizable group of bochurim headed to New York’s iconic Times Square where they promptly kicked off a night of mivtza chanukah, handing out menorahs and engaging Jewish passersby. The group linked up with Manhattan’s French-speaking community for a public menorah lighting, singing and dancing the night away in a great kiddush Hashem. Images captured by photographer Dov Ber Hechtman • Photos

A wild, high-speed vehicle pursuit took place in Brooklyn on Thursday afternoon. Sources say that the pursuit started when a man stole a yellow school bus near Eastern Parkway just before 3:00PM. Dozens of NYPD vehicles gave pursuit, as the man smashed the bus into numerous vehicle along the way. NYPD vehicles in his way were not left unscathed, as he rammed right into them • Full Story

Witnesses said that as Shay Pesso, a 30-year-old Israeli from Haifa, was waiting outside the Chabad house in the Columbian city of Medellín next to his car, two motorcycles pulled up next to him and one motorcycle driver pulled out a gun and shot Pesso ten times from point-blank range. Pesso passed away in the hospital shortly later.