Community Corner

Calling Black Lives Matter (BLM) “a movement that advocates the murder of Jews,” the Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), representing over 2,500 traditional, Orthodox rabbis in American public policy, today launched a social media campaign calling upon major US sports leagues, such as the NBA, MLB, and NFL, to withdraw their support of BLM organizations. This came after a series of BLM organizations declared their support for the horrific Hamas massacre that took the lives of over 1,400 Israelis on October 7.

US Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, last week met with several family members whose loved ones are being held hostage by Hamas.

There aren't many people who do volunteerism better than Dr. Ellie Bennett, "The KGH Doc." In conjunction with his work on behalf of Hatzolah, the good doctor was dispatched to Israel to assist Magen David Adom in their medical response, as many of the regular medical volunteers are on assignment with the IDF.

Here is a recipe from Emet Outreach for a memorable couples night out. Invite enthusiastic couples for an interactive evening with friends. Measure out equal parts good conversation and enticing new skills. Sprinkle in an abundance of laughter, enchanting music, and good-natured teamwork. Savor the feeling of connection and accomplishment. This tried-and-true recipe was enjoyed when Emet’s Couples Division hosted a cooking class at Apron Masters in Woodmere. Fifteen couples, and some eager Emet staff, learned to prepare a three-course meal. “We wanted to take a moment to focus on our connection with our spouses and friends at a time when our hearts are with Israel,” said Shay Yonaiev, Couples Director. “Cooking together was perfect since everyone actively participated, relaxed, and had fun.”

When the Jewish community in the United States learned about the Hamas attack on Israel, it mobilized quickly to provide money and support for our brethren. For most, it was all we could do to show how much we care. Dov Hikind, former member of the New York State Assembly and founder of Americans Against Anti-Semitism, did what he has always done when the Jewish State found itself under attack: He hopped on a plane and went to be there with them, to give them chizuk in person, and to bear witness for everyone in America on what was really going on there.

You don’t want to miss Sunday mornings at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills! Last week, the YIKGH began the second season of “Shiur & Shmear,” a weekly Sunday morning learning program with complimentary breakfast for both men and women. The popular program begins with separate 20-30-minute, interactive shiurim for men and women that start right after the 8:00 a.m. Shacharis minyan finishes (approximately 8:40). Rabbi Daniel Rosenfelt, Rabbi of the YIKGH, delivers the shiur for women, entitled “Timely Tefilah Tricks” (practical halachos and hashkafos of davening), while Rabbi Ephraim Glatt, Esq., Associate Rabbi of YIKGH, delivers the shiur for men, entitled “Make the Most of Your Doorpost” (practical halachos of Mezuzah). Each week is a self-contained topic, and the shiurim are recorded. Following the shiurim, there is a delicious breakfast of bagels, spreads, and coffee, to either eat at YIKGH or “grab and go.”