Google Maps enhances centers directory

The heavily-used web directory of Chabad Centers on Chabad.org just got a new addition: Google Maps showing the results of your search on a map!

Check out this search for a zip code in Florida: http://www.chabad.org/centers/default.asp?QRY=33141. You can see all the centers based on the results in the list below it highlighted on the map. As you move to page 2, the map reloads with new data. You may find that it's helpful to zoom out as you go expand your search to reveal more centers on the map.

Another change to the mapping system is that the "Get a Map" link in the profile of each center now uses Google Maps as well, except for five countries that are better supported via Mapquest, for example, Argentina.

These changes come on the heels of a major update to the directory to support displaying the directory in the other language version of Chabad.org. Check it out in Hebrew and German.

The Kaddish Guide

I'm happy to share with you the good news about the launch of the "Kaddish Guide". This new section is for the person that needs to say Kaddish after the passing of a loved one, and needs that extra help and insight.

The highlight of the section the Kaddish Trainer, a tutor-style tool that will read the kaddish to you, as you follow along. It's really cool -- check it out.

Additionally, there is a section covering the basics, the meaning of kaddish, stories, and of course audio/video.

Here is a bit from the intro article for you to get an idea of what it's about:

Dear Reader,

If you have clicked here, you may have recently suffered the unfortunate loss of a family member. Or you may be marking a yahrtzeit, the anniversary of your loved one's passing. Either way, reciting Kaddish is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved one. You may discover it also to be integral to your mourning and healing process.

To learn about the significance and (many!) layers of meaning of the Kaddish prayer, along with an in-depth treatment of the concepts of Death and Mourning in Judaism, please click here for our special "From Life to Life" section.

In this Kaddish Guide section our editors tackle the "mechanics" of reciting the Kaddish prayer... (click here to continue....)

Rabbi-Gram coolest new feature on the Jewish web!

Just in time for the High Holidays, we've just released a new cool feature called the "Rabbi-Gram". Essentially it's a viral e-card system using really cool audio technology to build a custom-made and personalized talking Shanah Tovah e-card to send to a friend.

Here is the link to check it out:

http://www.chabad.org/rabbigram

Here is what our news team had to say about it:

Chabad.org took the world of viral media up a notch with the release this week of a High Holiday greeting featuring Rabbi Itche Kadoozy, the lead character from the highly popular "Itche Kadoozy" comedy series featured on the Web site.

The Rabbi Gram, produced in cooperation with Varitalk, is hailed by the site as a "breakthrough in computer-preachology!"

Anyone with an Internet connection can customize their own phone or e-mail message to be sent to friends and family. Users may personalize the message by inputting their name, the name of the person who will receive the message, what they do for fun and other particulars.

The result is a humorous greeting from the series’ rabbi employing a mixture of sarcasm and cheer in reminding of the upcoming holiday of Rosh Hashana, which begins Sept. 12 this year.

"Molly, how are you bubbaleh?" begins a sample message. "This is Rabbi Itche Kadoozy and I am sitting with your friend, Rebecca." The message then points out that in spite of all the craziness in one's life, the High Holidays are a time for reflection and resolve to improve for the better.

The High Holidays Rabbi-Gram, one of the many Free High Holiday Greeting Cards, and is part of a vast amount of High Holiday information, offered on chabad.org.

Kabbalatoons - A new animated feature

Check out a new anomated content feature: Kabbalatoons

Give us one minute, we'll give you cosmic consciousness

Rabbi Infinity, "your favorite kabbalist," provides mystic insights and spiritual guidance for enlightened life in the fast lane. From his hi-tech KabalaLab, with the help of his amazing Isification Device, he demonstrates how a laser gun, a needle & thread, a chair, a paper airplane and all sorts of other common objects can reveal to us the secret wisdom of the universe and the pathways to sublime meaningful life--all in the time of a standard tv commercial.

Click here for Episode 1, "Filling the Hole".

New Section: Shemitah

This coming year is the Shemitah year.

Every seventh year, the Shemitah (Sabbatical) year, is holy; a year devoted to strengthening our bond with G‑d, and specifically to honing our faith in His omnipotence, and our trust in His kindness.

You can find out mjore about Shemitah in the Shemitah 101 section. You can even quickly and conveniently Fill Out a Pruzbul form on-line. A rare and unique mitzvah at your fingertips!

Click here to go to this new section.