Budapest Synagogue Hosts First Bar Mitzvah in 332 Years

For the first time in 332 years, a Bar Mitzvah was held at the Buda Castle synagogue in Hungary. Believed to have been built in the 13th century, it was damaged by war and abandoned for centuries. In 1964, it was  rediscovered and turned into a museum. Not until 2018, when it was taken over by Chabad, did it become a working synagogue again, making this a true miracle.

Services are held weekly, events are hosted often, High Holidays were packed, and a wedding will be held later this year, demonstrating real growth.

With such a complicated and often sad history, it’s hard to believe there are any Jews left in Hungary, let alone an active congregation. This gives me tremendous hope for the future. European Jews are reclaiming their roots and it’s a wonderful thing to witness. 

Super Savings Saturday – 2/9/19

Welcome to another edition of Super Savings Saturday.

After a taking a break during January from coupon shopping, I hit the stores hard this week and found lots of goodies. While it’s good to take a little time off, I could never quit couponing permanently. It’s just too much fun.

Rite Aid:

Pantene gel, clearance price $1.57. I used a $1.50 manufacturer’s coupon. Total: $0.07.

Dove Shampoo and Conditioner, clearance price $1.32. I used a $3.00/2 manufacturer’s coupon. Total: Free. 

2 Wet ‘n Wild lipliners, clearance price $1.00. I used 2 $1.00 manufacturer’s coupons. Total: Free. (These were unmarked at my store, so check yours if you’d like some.)

CVS:

Pantiliners, regular price $1.49. I used a $1.50 store coupon. Total: Free.

Shaw’s:

2 dozen eggs, sale price $0.88. (Both will be boiled to make egg salad sandwiches for lunches and hard boiled eggs for snacks.)

Walgreens: 

2 Lindt truffles, regular price $1.00. I used 2 $1.00 manufacturer’s coupons. Total: Free. (These only had 2 pieces of candy per bag. That’s fine for a freebie, but if I was paying? OMG, no.)

 

Have you found any deals lately? Link or share in the comments.

Fur Babies Seized After Fake Abuse Complaint

It takes a truly heartless and vindictive individual to file a false animal cruelty charge against someone who has done nothing wrong. While this particular incident doesn’t involve me personally, I am sharing because it’s so egregious. 

As most of you know, I am passionate about animals—both caring for mine and helping others in any way I’m able. I have been involved in fostering pets for a long, long time. I belong to a local group and I participate in Facebook groups, with folks from all around the world. Most of the time, these groups are productive and supportive. Unfortunately, when a bad apple gets in, it can ruin everything for the bunch.

Such is the case with two women who live in Nebraska. I believe they didn’t know each other in person prior to meeting through the Facebook group. Both of them are rabbit enthusiasts. (I have no personal experience with rabbits, but I do like them.)

Rabbits are much less common than cats and dogs and they’re rarely up for  adoption or fostering. When one was abandoned in their local area, they both were notified through the group, and that’s when the fighting started. Each one wanted this fur baby desperately, as in more than I have ever seen anyone desire a pet. It was extreme and the resulting behavior was so over the top, it’s hard to accurately describe.

To make this short and sweet, one lady got the rabbit—fair and square—and the other didn’t. The one who didn’t started a campaign of abuse and harassment that was movie-level crazy. It was in the group, by phone, by text, physical letters, showing up at her job, etc. The accusations were starving animals, beating animals, running a puppy mill 10 years ago in another state, cutting off a tail with a kitchen knife, and other crazy charges. 

Her campaign of terror was so fierce that the local animal control showed up unannounced and SEIZED not only the rabbit, but the family’s own dog as well. They are currently not being returned until the situation has been fully investigated. 

I am literally heartsick over this situation. I have been casually acquainted online with both ladies and neither seemed abnormal, mean, or abusive. Personally, I cant even imagine treating my worst enemy so cruelly, let alone a supposed friend!

To have such malice in your soul that you would falsely report animal cruelty is beyond contempt. Fur babies are part of the family! We love them like human beings. To have one ripped out of your arms, when you’ve done nothing wrong, is pure evil. 

I’m confident that if it goes to court, which is likely, the truth will come out. The rabbit was well fed, had his own cage with fresh bedding, and was attended to constantly. Yes, he was kept in a small basement, but that’s not illegal, nor is it immoral. Their dog also lived in the basement, in a separate area. I don’t see how that’s uncaring. They had food, water, and shelter.

Jealousy and anger are two of the worst emotions anyone can feel. They are corrosive. While it’s common to feel a little of each, having your entire brain overtaken by them is a recipe for disaster. 

Thanks to one crazy lady’s behavior, our Facebook group was shut down. It had been open for 6 years, without problem. Now, everyone is punished for no reason and I am so sad. 

A sweet rabbit and a cute dog need to be returned to their family. It’s a false accusation and they deserve to have their reputation restored. I’ve heard rumors that a GoFundMe may be set up and if it is, I will share the details. Until then, please pray. The rabbit’s name is Frosty and the dog’s name is Bailey. I don’t feel comfortable revealing the family’s names without permission, but God will know who we’re talking about.

I believe in the power of prayer. Let’s keep praying until these fur babies come home where they belong, to a family that loves them unconditionally. 

FREE Chocolate for Valentine’s Day

Who wants FREE chocolate for Valentine’s Day?!

Lindt truffles are available for $1.00 at Walgreens and Target, available in Milk Chocolate or Strawberries & Cream. Print a high value coupon and score at either store.

Buy Lindt Truffle bag, 0.8 oz. Price $1.00 each. Use a $1.00 Manufacturer’s coupon. Total: Free!

You can print 2 coupons per device and they expire on 2/14.

Need a larger quantity? Use the coupon on the bigger bags and pay only $2.50 each (a great price for upscale chocolate).