
Community News
The latest community stories, each synthesized from multiple sources with added background and context.
Featured Community Stories


5786 Remembered: COLlive Honors the Year’s Departed
COLlive commemorates those who passed in 5786 (2025–2026), compiling obituaries and levaya updates ahead of Yom Kippur to honor Shluchim, educators and community leaders from around the world; the list, though not exhaustive, preserves the memories and legacies of individuals who enriched Jewish life.

Raising Kids in the Smartphone Era: A Community's Plan for Healthy Tech Habits
More Top Stories
SF Pride ends a weekend of protest with a jubilant, city-wide exhale
Mission Local•3 months ago
CGI Chai Lands 36-Acre Permanent Campground in Pennsylvania
COLlive•3 months ago
More Community Stories

Morristown Bochurim Honor Menahel with Hebrew Shas
During a Chag Hasiyum at Tomchei Temimim Morristown, bochurim surprised their menahel Rabbi Chaim Schapiro by presenting him a complete Hebrew ArtScroll Shas as a token of appreciation for his dedication; the event marked the completion of Mivtza Torah, with awards to bochurim excelling in Halacha B’Iyun under Rabbi Aharon Dovid Gancz, led by Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Sholom Spalter and Rabbi Mendy Herson, and recognizing those who ran the yeshiva’s Mivtzoim Office and Maareches Haaros.

Cheder Chabad Florida Wins Permanent Campus After Two-Year Legal Journey
After eviction and a lis pendens stalled its move, Cheder Chabad of Florida secured a confidential settlement that preserves its contract to buy a 10-acre, 65,000-square-foot campus off a South Florida highway. With the tenant vacating this summer, the school is set to close on its permanent home for the next school year, thanks to strong community support, though a substantial down payment remains to be raised to complete closing.

Renowned Chabad Rov Shneur Zalman Feldman Passes at 42
Rabbi Shneur Zalman Feldman of Kfar Chabad, a rov and mechanech who served as Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim in Rishon LeZion, died after a long illness at age 42. He led halacha courses, helped launch Kfar Chabad’s branch of Machon Halacha Chabad, and later was a mashiv in Netanya’s Tomchei Temimim. He is survived by his wife Miriam and eight young children, as well as his parents. The levaya departed from his parents’ home in Kfar Chabad, with kevura in Tzfas. Baruch dayan ha’emet.

Madison Philanthropy Leader Michael Johnson Dies at 50, Leaving Lasting Impact
Michael Johnson, longtime Madison nonprofit leader and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, has died at 50. The Chicago native built BGCDC into a major community force, raising more than $50 million, expanding programs, attracting celebrities to fundraisers, and guiding civic initiatives—from supporting Tony Robinson’s family to advocating for Vel Phillips’ Capitol statue and launching the Dane County COVID Emergency Fund. He briefly led United Way of Greater Cincinnati before returning to BGCDC, earning numerous state and national honors, and mentoring a generation of community leaders. Taylor Jackson was named interim CEO as the organization processes the loss; Johnson leaves wife Toya, son Michael Jr., and two daughters, with funeral plans to be announced.

Crown Heights Lubavitcher Rabbi Boruch Brikman, 87, Remembered for Quiet Chesed
Rabbi Boruch Brikman, 87, longtime Crown Heights resident and patriarch of a large Lubavitch family, died after a lifetime of quiet acts of chesed. He served on the Oholei Torah board and is survived by his wife Chaya Brikman and children Sara Chana Posner, Mendel Brikman, and Yosef Brikman; he was predeceased by his son Chaim Brikman. The levaya will pass by 770 at 12:00 PM on Sunday with kevura at 1:00 PM; Shiva details will be announced.

Retro Roots, Rivalries: A Melee Showdown Lives at a Richmond Bar
At Abbey Tavern in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond, a weekly “Super Smash Bros. Melee” tournament draws up to 50 players who compete on vintage GameCube/Wii setups. Entrants pay a small entry fee and a venue fee, the event runs from 5:30 PM to midnight and is volunteer-run, with matches streamed on Twitch. The scene blends social camaraderie with high-level competition, as players travel from nearby and farther away to refine their skill and chase tournament glory, all while Nintendo’s IP remains respectfully navigated.

Pittsburgh Shines as Keaton and Tomlins Honored at Ireland Funds Gala
At The Ireland Funds Pittsburgh Gala celebrating the organization’s 50th anniversary, actor Michael Keaton received the 2026 Daniel M. Rooney Ambassador’s Award and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and fashion designer Kiya Tomlin were honored with the Patricia Rooney Community Impact Award. The event, held at Acrisure Stadium, blended Irish charm with Hollywood flair and highlighted the honorees’ deep ties to Pittsburgh and their extensive community work through philanthropy and local initiatives.

Downey Supper Club Promotes Local Business and Community Connection
A Downey woman started a monthly supper club to help people make friends and support local restaurants, growing into a community event that promotes human connection and local business support.

Mikvah.org Celebrates 50 Years of Supporting Taharas HaMishpacha
Mikvah.org celebrated 50 years of promoting Taharas HaMishpacha with a gala event in Crown Heights, featuring inspiring speeches, multimedia presentations, and community recognition, emphasizing the ongoing importance of this mitzvah in strengthening Jewish families.

Honoring the Impact of Educator Miriam Mintz
A tribute event in Baltimore commemorated the life and legacy of Miriam Mintz, a beloved special educator, highlighting her dedication to students, her personal journey, and her lasting impact, inspiring attendees and viewers alike.