Community Corner

Torah scholar Mrs. Dina Schoonmaker will keynote the Orthodox Union’s (OU) Women’s Initiative Weekend of Inspiration in Far Rockaway and Queens, addressing “A Woman’s Approach to Cheshbon HaNefesh and T’shuvah.” Her presentation will explore how to develop a practical and empowered attitude towards self-evaluation and improvement without self-condemnation and guilt.

It’s that time of year again to reset our GPS devices. Each morning’s shofar blow brings us one step closer to the Yamim Nora’im. So whether last year’s highlighted route ran into a traffic jam or succeeded in reaching the checkered flag, we give a little more thought in these weeks to our desired coordinates for the coming year. We also think about the goals that we have in mind for our children and grandchildren. And whatever our dreams for their achievements, inevitably their success can trace its roots to some aspect of their learning, experiences, and friendships from elementary school. This weekend, the Queens community is focusing on the critical role of the local elementary schools for our children and for our community.

In its ongoing efforts to provide klal yisroel with inspiring and meaningful Torah programming, Agra D’Pirka introduces its inaugural pre-Yomim Nora’im shiurim to be held at two of its flagship locations. According to Agra D’Pirka founder R’Ezra Klein, the new program will fill a void.  “It’s a dramatic departure from what we’ve done in the past,” he says.  “We are entering areas where we see a need, where we can bring our reputation for excellence in providing outstanding shiurim to the Torah public during major high points of the calendar year.”  

Psalms 113-118 constitute the Hallel (Praise). These psalms focus on Hashem’s saving power and are used during Pesach, Shavuos, Sukkos, and Chanukah to praise Him for various aspects of His saving power.

“It’s 24/7 and 12 months a year.” That’s how Yaniv Meirov, CEO of Chazaq, describes the operations of the organization.

While many families went away for the summer, Chazaq lectures and events kept going strong as they organized dozens of classes throughout the tri-state area, inspiring hundreds of men and women.