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In Parshas Chayei Sarah (24:1), it says that Avraham was old – ba ba’yamim – and Hashem blessed him ba’kol (“VaShem beirach es Avraham ba’kol”). If we look at Avraham Avinu’s life, we see that he had many challenges and was constantly being tested by Hashem. What is this mysterious ba’kol (“with everything”) that Hashem blessed Avraham Avinu with?

When we pass the schoolyards of our yeshivos and hear the innocent chatter of children gearing up for an exciting day, we too get energized for our day ahead. Now, imagine if you directed one family in transferring their child into yeshivah from public school. How would you feel as you see that young student thrive in his or her new environment? What if you helped numerous families make that switch? Well, your involvement with Chazaq will give you that dynamic feeling every day.

Even though Democrats far outnumber Republican and Independent voters in New York City, Yidden should not take for granted that Eric Adams will be elected the city’s next mayor next Tuesday.

We all know there is nothing more important than our families – more specifically how we protect those closest to us. Last Tuesday evening, October 12, I joined Jennifer Martin, Funeral Director at Schwartz Bros.-Jeffer Memorial Chapels and Parkside Memorial Chapels, a division of Dignity Memorial, for an informational seminar held at The Upper Crust restaurant on how to plan the final arrangements for loved ones. Those gathered, including couples, widows, and singles of varied ages, gathered to learn simple steps to plan ahead.

As part of his ongoing effort to boost the quality of life in the community, Council Member James F. Gennaro spent Friday morning, October 15, revealing a series of clean-up initiatives throughout the district. Gennaro was joined by DSNY Commissioner Edward Grayson and community leaders to announce new partnerships with DSNY, the Wildcat Service Corporation, and The Doe Fund. As part of his humanitarian mission, the Council Member allocated a total of $430,000 in this year’s budget cycle for clean-up efforts targeting litter and graffiti – including $185,000 to Wildcat, $150,000 to the Doe Fund, and $95,000 to the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY).

Hillel Newerstein (Hillel Meir ben Avraham Shlomo a”h) was one of the most special and remarkable people who made up our shul and community. But to me, he was a true friend. What I mean by a true friend is someone who not only can be relied on to be there whenever you need him, but someone who helps you become a better person. There is no question that Hillel especially helped me become a better person and a better Jew; he helped me grow in Torah in many ways. And I suspect that that was not only true for me, but for others as well.