Tag Archives: Rabbi Yehuda Kantor

Roundup: Hanukkah, Hillspoint House, Cribari Bridge …

Posted on December 15, 2025 | 5 comments

Last night — barely 24 hours after a mass shooting at an Australian Hanukkah celebration — Westporters gathered for the first night of the Festival of Lights.

A centerpiece was the lighting of a 6-foot “ice menorah” at Chabad.

Rabbi Yehuda Kantor told the crowd: “We must not be pulled down — only up. Light your candles to bring warmth to your home, and light to the world.”

Rabbi Yehuda Kantor, with Chabad’s ice menorah. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)

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If you hoped for a resolution of the “Blue House” — aka 233 Hillspoint Road — saga by the end of the year: You’ll have to wait (quite a bit) longer.

This is one wish not even Santa can grant.

Any closing or progress on the completion of the years-long eyesore diagonally opposite Old Mill Deli has been postponed again.

The reason: new litigation.

Unknown to either the seller or buyer at the October auction, the underlying borrower filed 4 liens less than 24 hours before the auction.

Two were against Summit Westport LLC, who owned the property. Two were mechanic’s liens against the property.

The lender — GLP 2206 LLC — initiated foreclosure action on December 2, to clear title. Any Stamford-Norwalk court action will happen in 2026.

The primary defendants are Summit Westport, LLC and James Pendry personally.

233 Hillspoint Road, in July. Not much has changed since then — except the weather.

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation hosts a “consulting meeting” on how its plan for the William F. Cribari Bridge will affect the landmark properties of the National Historic Bridge Street District.

The session is this Thursday (December 18, 6 p.m., Town Hall).

The Cribari Bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places. (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)

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Westporters were out in droves yesterday, photographing the very New England holiday season-ish snow.

“06880” posted more than a dozen great photos. This one from downtown came in later — and it’s a bit more whimsical than all those shots of back yards, fences and (of course) the Minute Man:

(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)

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Speaking of yesterday’s snow: It took Mark Mathias a while to clear his driveway.

But he amused himself by filming his work, then speeding it up for a video.

The result — one many homeowners can relate to — is here, and below.

All that’s missing is an appropriate soundtrack. Any suggestions?

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Friday’s first-ever Holiday Craft & Gift Sale at the Westport Senior Center was a hit!. A large crowd enjoyed — and bought — items from local artisans.

Senior Center director Wendy Petty, and her staff and volunteers, organized every detail. It was one more special offering, from a center that continually delivers them, to seniors — and many others too. (Hat tip: Linda Doyle)

The Senior Center welcomes the holidays. (Photo/Ed Simek)

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A gentle reminder: As you plan year-end giving, please keep “06880” in mind.

We’re a non-profit dedicating to educating the public and creating community, so all contributions are tax-deductible. Corporate matching grants are welcome too!

You can donate online, or by Venmo, Zelle or old-school check. Click here for details. And thank you!

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a white-throated sparrow.

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

Outstanding wildlife photographer Lou Weinberg. explains, “In wintertime they grow 40% more body feathers for insulation. They need it these days!”

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And finally … on this date in 1893, Antonín Dvořák’s  “Symphony No. 9” — the “New World Symphony” — premiered at Carnegie Hall.

(From the blue house to the Cribari Bridge — and everywhere in between — “06880” brings you all the Westport news. And we do it 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

 

5 Comments

Posted in Beach, Real estate, religion, Transportation, Weather

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After Australia: A Hanukkah Message From Chabad

Posted on December 14, 2025 | 21 comments

In the aftermath of the shooting of 11 Jewish Hanukkah celebrants at Bondi Beach in Australia, Chabad of Westport Rabbi Yehuda Kantor and his wife Dina say:

The news out of Sydney has us shocked to the core.

As you may know I was born in Sydney, in the Bondi region. I’m personally familiar with many of those who were injured, and the Chabad rabbi to boot. It’s truly shocking. A very dark day.

Yet whilst it’s a dark day — tonight we usher in a night of light. The Festival of Light.

At times, it’s difficult to reconcile the evil that exists in this world with the inherent good that underpins this world. The heaviness and despondency that accompanies evil acts shatters our sense of security and balance which leaves us reeling.

Ironically, yet not so ironic, the very message of Chanukah is the counterbalance — setting the record straight. Eight days that imparts and empowers the truth of life. Light prevails over darkness. Goodness trounces every element of darkness at the core.

Tonight we will gather to light the menorah. We must do it with even greater strength. We must do so with a sense of purpose and mission. We must recognize that evil has no place and the only way to confront it is with strength, joy and determination.

Effectively, we are the ambassadors of this message to the world, and Chanukah is the headquarters of this message. It’s therefore imperative to stand tall and proud, resolute and fearless with a message to the world — light and goodness will always prevail!!

If you’re available come out, join us tonight as we light a 6-foot ice menorah and celebrate, dance, cry and laugh (5:30 p.m. ice carving will take place; 6 p.m. will be the lighting).

But if you’re up to it, let’s go even one step further: join our car menorah parade (5 p.m. around Westport, with police accompaniment) — telling the message in a proud and loud manner.

Please let us know you’ll be joining — email mendel@chabadofwestport.com, or click here and scroll down.

Together we shall prevail, and we shall prosper!

“Light the World With Hope” (Diane Yormark’s handmade ceramic menorah).

 

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Posted in religion

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Scarice: After Terror Attacks, Schools Care For All Students

Posted on October 20, 2023 | 11 comments

Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel earlier this month is an international event.

But it has local implications.

At the beginning of last night’s Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice spoke heartfully about what the incident means, for our students — and for him.

I can speak on behalf of the Board when I reiterate that our hearts are broken for the unspeakable acts of violence and terror that occurred in Israel the weekend of October 7, and now the continued violence that is sure to engulf the region, and world, for the foreseeable future.

Together with the community, the Westport Public Schools stand against all forms of hate and violence, including of course the desecration of human life, the murder and the kidnappings of innocent citizens in Israel.

With the Board, we stand in solidarity in condemnation of these acts, and ready to support all those impacted by these atrocities.

This week I had the fortune of meeting with 4 of our local rabbis: Rabbi Wiederhorn, Rabbi Friedman, Rabbi Kantor and Rabbi Wall. This will be followed by a subsequent meeting with the Interfaith Clergy Association of Westport and Weston

I asked for this meeting in search of wisdom and knowledge … but also in search of thought partners in how to best support our Jewish students, and the Jewish community of Westport.

As Rabbi Kantor pointed out to me, there are 15 million Jews in the world, and 7 million live in Israel.

It is not just a high likelihood … it is a fact that many of our Jewish students have a direct connection to family, friends and loved ones in Israel.

That puts our schools in a position where we must provide necessary school- based supports

As Rabbi Wiederhorn pointed out to me, Israel is at war with the terror group Hamas. Collectively our local rabbis want, and pray for, peace with all neighbors, here, and internationally.

I also had the opportunity to connect with former executive director of the Connecticut ADL, Steve Ginsburg.

I had the chance to work with Steve in confronting a very public issue a couple of years ago. We became friends. And as a friend, Steve shared some wisdom with me that I would like to share with the community.

As the local rabbis cautioned me about historical increases in antisemitism following international incidents such as October 7, they noted concern for all students.

Steve also wisely advised that we remain on high alert for incidents of Islamaphobia. He indicated that historically, incidents of Islamaphobia rise following international incidents such as October 7.

We are a public education system.  We have a lane.  Although I am comfortable expressing my moral clarity on violence directed towards innocent children, elderly, families, etc. anywhere, I am mindful of my professional lane when speaking publicly on these matters. And I am quite confident that my comments will not be received with unanimous support.

That said, in my lane, I am the same exact superintendent for each and every one of our approximately 5,400 students.

Our job as public educators is to support the growth and development of our students.

That work is optimized in an environment marked by physical and emotional well-being, one in which students feel safe, and an abiding sense of belonging and affiliation. This is the foundation of all learning.

As I said in my message to the community, as much as we try, the chaos and evils of the outside world penetrate the walls of our schools. When this happens, we respond to the best of our abilities.

Rather than divide and scatter, as chaos and evil can do, we work to pull closer together as a wider Westport school community to serve our students.

This means every student. We won’t be perfect, but it will not be due to a lack of caring.

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Posted in Education, Politics

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L’Chaim, Chabad!

Posted on April 23, 2018 | 9 comments

In early 2012, “06880” reported that the former Three Bears would turn into a Chabad Lubavitch synagogue. It would be used for prayer services, educational programs and other meetings.

The 9,180-square foot property sat on 2.73 acres, at the corner of Wilton Road and Newtown Turnpike. It was a historic site.

Three Bears Inn, in its heyday. (Photo courtesy of Westport Historical Society)

That’s where the Three Bears — with 6 fireplaces — operated from 1900 until 2009. It reopened for about 5 seconds as Tiburon restaurant, but the property was soon abandoned. Weeds sprouted on the once-stately site — parts of which still stood from its days as a stagecoach stop, 200 years earlier.

The story noted that complaints had been made by a neighbor about work being done without permits, and bright security lights infringing on neighbors.

Other concerns included traffic, wetland impacts, and exterior alterations to a historic building.

The interior of the Three Bears, from its glory days. (Postcard/Cardcow.com)

That story ran when I still permitted anonymous comments. It drew the most responses ever: 217. (The record still stands.)

They ranged far and wide. Readers waded in on Chabad’s mission, good works, and religious tolerance/intolerance in general; zoning issues like the permit process, residential neighborhoods, traffic, historic structures — even the pros and cons of anonymous comments.

What a difference 6 years makes.

As Chabad of Westport prepares for its grand opening celebration May 3 — including a ribbon-cutting ceremony with 1st Selectman Jim Marpe — the neighborhood has changed hardly at all.

The Chabad of Westport exterior, on Newtown Turnpike.

The exterior of the Three Bears has been preserved. Some of the interior wood beams and other features remain too. More than 10,000 square feet have been added, but it’s in the back, barely visible to anyone. It’s all done in traditional New England style, with a barn-type feel.

Even the parking lot has been redesigned, eliminating a dangerous entrance near Wilton Road.

The renovated space — designed by Robert Storm Architecture, and carried out by Able Construction — includes seating for 300, in a light-filled multi-function synagogue; 8 classrooms for Hebrew school; event spaces, with a special area for teenagers; a large library, and a state-of-the-art commercial kosher kitchen.

The synagogue in the back includes plenty of light.

Eight apartments above can be used by visiting lecturers, and Orthodox observers attending events on the Sabbath who are too far away to walk home. (The apartments — completely renovated — were once leased to 3 Bears dishwashers.)

A large mural gives energy to the teenagers’ space.

The building process has reinforced for local Chabad leaders the importance of its site. Over the centuries, the property has been not only a restaurant, inn and stagecoach stop, but also (possibly) a house of ill repute, says congregant Denise Torve.

To honor its history, Rabbi Yehuda Kantor and Torve are seeking artifacts to display, and memories to showcase. Photos and recollections can be sent to DeniseTorve@aol.com.

An old sign hangs proudly in the new library.

Chabad has come a long way from the days when members met in the basement of the rabbi’s home, and rented the Westport Woman’s Club for High Holy Days services.

Of course, zoning issues continue to provoke intense Westport controversy. Only the location changes.

(Chabad of Westport’s grand opening celebration is set for Thursday, May 3, 6 p.m. at 79 Newtown Turnpike. It includes a ribbon cutting, mezuzah affixing, ushering in of the Torahs, buffet dinner, music and dancing. The entire community is invited.)

9 Comments

Posted in Looking back, Real estate, religion, Restaurants

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Chabad To The Rescue

Posted on November 4, 2012 | 4 comments

When Sandy slammed into Compo Beach Monday night, the playground took a direct hit.

Tons of sand covered one of the most popular places for kids, even in fall and winter.

Cleaning a playground is low on the town’s priority list. So when Chabad of Westport Rabbi Yehuda Kantor offered the services of his Hebrew School class wherever it was needed, Parks and Rec director Stuart McCarthy mentioned the playground.

Starting at 10 this morning, 60 children and parents worked as ferociously to restore the site as Sandy had to wreck it.

Rabbi Yehuda Kantor (left) and some of his Chabad helpers.

Tim Burke from Parks and Rec supervised the effort. Pete Romano supplied a trailer filled with shovels and other tools.

Thanks to the great Chabad/Parks and Rec/Pete Romano partnership, the “play” is already back in playground.

Pete Romano supplied a trailer filled with tons of tools. (Photos by Avi Kaner)

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Posted in Beach, People, religion, Weather

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