We had a very exciting and uplifting Shabbat with the Ashkenzic Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Yonah Metzger. We were zocheh to join him at all three Shabbat meals. A big hakoras hatov and yasher koach goes to Leo Zucker and moshe Robbins for making the beautiful Shabbat meals at the Jackson Hotel.

            Rabbi Metzger gave several talks, including the drasha Shabbat morning, as well as divrei Torah and very interesting stories about his experiences as Chief Rabbi.

            Larry Gordon of the Five Towns Jewish Times was one of the many guests and he wrote a very detailed account of Rabbi Metzger's visit in the 5TJT last week. We thank him for his kind words.

            We also thank Zev Brenner, without whose help this event would not have materialized.

            Rabbi Wakslak accompanied the Chief Rabbi to HALB, DRS and SKA to visit the students. It was an amazing experience for all present. The children lined the halls and were lead by Rabbi Metzger in singing Am Yisrael Chai.

            Later, The Chief Rabbi was given the Key to the City of Long Beach by the President of the City Council, Mr. Leonard Remo, at a ceremony that was held in the office of the City Manager, Mr. Ed Eaton. Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, as well as several other officials were there. Assemblyman Weisenberg spoke of his experiences in Israel, where he met a fellow Long Beach resident on the beach in Tel Aviv.

            Rabbi Metzger gave a wonderful acceptance speech. Rabbi Wakslak and Rabbi Mehlman both delivered short addresses to the assembled crowd. A small group representing the Young Israel and the Long Beach community were present. Food and refreshments were provided by Maxxs Kosher Deli.

            We hope that the next time Rabbi Metzger is in the New York region, he will honor us once again with his presence. Needless to say, all who met him will remember this Shabbat as very special.

            Speaking of Maxx's, the deli is now Glatt Kosher and Shomer Shabbat under the supervision of the South Shore Vaad. I can report that the food is plentiful and delicious. If you haven't been there yet, pay them a visit. As long as we support Maxx's, we will have a nice kosher deli in town.

            Upcoming event include the Chanukah on Ice at the Long Beach Rec Center December 8th at 7 PM; the Youth Dept. Annual Chanukah Extravaganza December 9th at 11:30 AM; and the Chanukah Shabbaton in conjunction with the Jackson Hotel, featuring Shiurim by Rabbi Wakslak, Lectures by Dov and Shani Hikind, Shloimi Dachs as our Baal Tefilah, and a Melaveh Malka with Benny Amar.