Community Corner

Can you imagine receiving a phone call from Israel at 2:30 a.m. from a major in the IDF asking for help? That’s what happened to Yakir Wachstock on October 11, 2023. An IDF major called him with an urgent request for army boots for the IDF.

Game-changing concepts, smart strategy and a shot at $2,000 brought seven student teams to the final round of the YU Innovation Challenge. Part “Shark Tank” part startup bootcamp, the annual competition drew a crowd of more than 100 to Yogoda Commons on the Beren Campus—where innovation, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit were on full display.

The Four Sons in the Passover Haggadah are teachable movements. “Meet the person where they are at” and “Teach them according to their ways,” was part of Neva Goldstein-Hellman’s pre-Pesach shiur. Central Queens Jewish Community Circle sponsored the Zoom presentation.

Let’s cut to the chase. Israel is under attack on all fronts—politically, economically, militarily. From the halls of Congress to elite universities, the anti-Israel left is waging a relentless war to delegitimize, weaken, and ultimately destroy the Jewish state.

Weekly walks are resuming in Great Neck, every Sunday, to raise awareness about the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. “Run for Their Lives” is a movement founded by a group of Israelis in the Bay Area in California, in collaboration with the “Hostage and Missing Families Forum (#BringThemHomeNow).” However, local events are independently led by dedicated community leaders in several neighborhoods - in Great Neck, thanks to the efforts of Michael Reznik and Irina Amir.

In this week’s parshah, Vayikra, the Torah discusses the various offerings that were brought to the Beis HaMikdash. While we no longer bring physical sacrifices, the essence of these offerings still teaches us how to connect with Hashem. In Parshas Vayikra, Hashem’s closeness is revealed, teaching us how to maintain and deepen our relationship with Him.