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Hadar Bet Yaakov, Queens’ Sephardi Bet Yaakov high school, graduated its first 12th grade this past June. “We began with eleven special girls who took a chance on a new school,” beamed Rabbi Robenov, Dean of Hadar Bet Yaakov in his welcoming remarks, “and we’re proudly graduating those same eleven girls four years later.” Girls marched proudly down the aisle at Floral Terrace flanked by teachers current and former as parents and relatives snapped videos and pictures.

Art and music funding is coming to yeshivas and Jewish day schools across New York State.

 Rabbi Zalman and Chanie Wolowik, Founders and Directors of Chabad of the Five Towns, launched their center of Torah and outreach nearly 30 years ago. With incredible knowledge and warmth, the power couple has propelled the community forward.

From protecting oneself to protecting one’s synagogue, Jews are preparing themselves.

Legion trains people in Krav Maga, active shooter, sudden confrontations, situational awareness, emergency first aid, and more. “We doubled our numbers immediately following 10/7,” said Meredith Weiss, Legion Co-founder and Chair of the Board.

In Parshas Balak, we encounter the story of Balak, the king of Moav, who sought to curse the Jewish people. Despite his intentions, blessings flowed from the mouth of Bilaam instead of curses. This narrative teaches us a profound lesson about the unexpected ways that blessings can manifest in our lives, even amidst adversity.

The Community Security Initiative secures synagogues and Jewish institutions. The Anti-Defamation League has been fighting anti-Semitism since 1913.

“We come back from a weekend, and there’ll be like 70 Incident Reports waiting for us. It’s insane,” said Scott Richman, Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) that covers New York and New Jersey. “It’s not that big of a team dealing with all of this. It’s not slowing down.”