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Jews lived in a beautiful bubble, thinking we were not subject to anti-Semitism. The Holocaust seemed “like it was a world away.” “We have been proven wrong,” said Dr. Henry Abramson at the Queens Jewish Center’s annual Israel Memorial and Independence Day Commemoration on Monday, May 13.

It was a welcome break from studying for finals when 130 local college students joined Emet Outreach for a meaningful Shabbaton in Jamaica Estates. Diligently planned by the St. John’s University Jewish Student Association, the annual Shabbaton brought simcha and spirituality in these challenging times. “The Shabbaton was such a beautiful experience and I’m so proud of JSA’s Executive Board for their hard work in making it happen,” said Sara Basiratmand Benyamin, Emet Program Director. “Emet was happy to provide Shabbos programming and support, but this Shabbaton was run by the students for the students. JSA also invited friends from other colleges, which made everyone feel connected.”

On Sunday, May 10, Project Lead held an extremely uplifting and successful couples event at Simcha Palace in Kew Gardens Hills. Several dozen couples from the Bukharian Jewish community participated in the event. The featured speaker was Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, a noted clinical social worker, college professor, and author, who presented his 13 Beliefs in maintaining marital harmony. He urged couples to be more sensitive to their spouses and other family members and provide praise and positive reinforcement on an ongoing basis. The evening included a four-course dinner, special Mother’s Day gifts, and a photo booth that provided color photograph mementos. The event was coordinated by Naama Asherova, a Family Services Coordinator at Project Lead.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams Tuesday announced that City Hall and several other municipal buildings would be lit in blue and white that night in honor of Israeli Independence Day — also known as Yom HaAtzmaut — marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. 

On Sunday night, May 5, the Lido Beach Synagogue celebrated its 57th Annual Dinner at the Lawrence Yacht and Country Club.  Over 140 people attended to pay tribute to Susan and Michael (Meir) Solomon, and recognize the 10 Shul members, including Mr. Solomon, who served in the IDF. The other nine heroes are: Amir Anah, Yigdal Brucker, Isaac Cohen, Izzy Fried, Paul Grosman, Dr. Rachel Lowinger, Haim Marcovici, Leibi Marcovici, and Jarrod Mittan, whose service to the Jewish Homeland collectively spans 7 decades. Three of the above returned to serve after October 7. The dinner was a resounding success! In addition to Lido Beach Synagogue’s acclaimed diverse membership, many non-members attended as well to support the synagogue and the honorees.

The common question arises: Why do we count upwards towards Shavuos instead of downwards, eagerly anticipating the moment we reach the pinnacle of our journey? Rav Shimshon Pincus offers insight through a teaching from Rav Aharon Kotler. Rav Aharon poses a thought-provoking question regarding Yaakov’s experience waiting seven years to marry Rachel. Surprisingly, the Torah describes these years as passing quickly for him, contrary to what one might expect. Rav Aharon explains that Yaakov was not merely enduring the wait; rather, he was preparing for the foundation of the Jewish people.