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The evening of January 27 saw the untimely passing of former Queens city councilman Paul Vallone (D-19), who had currently been serving as New York City’s Veterans Services Deputy Commissioner. Vallone suffered a heart attack at his home last Saturday evening, and was rushed to a Flushing hospital. His death was felt by many city public officials -- all of whom uniformly admired the married father of three who effectively served on the City Council between 2014 to 2021. Vallone was 56.

Tu BiSh’vat teaches us profound lessons about faith and growth. Like the dormant trees in winter, our spiritual journey may seem static, but beneath the surface, subtle shifts occur. According to Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, figuring out where we stand in our spiritual journey, our avodas Hashem, is like trying to solve an impossible puzzle in this world. Not knowing exactly where we are spiritually is a significant challenge that we all face. Sometimes, we may feel a brief urge or a sudden desire to get closer to Hashem, but it often seems like nothing really changes. However, in those fleeting moments of yearning, something powerful happens – it’s like a gate opening in the spiritual realms. Hashem responds by giving us a burst of strength, of clarity, and a deep longing to break through anything holding us back, like blocks, fears, doubts, or confusion. This process, triggered by even the smallest moments of yearning, becomes a source of empowerment for our spiritual journey, helping us overcome obstacles and realize our spiritual potential.

Over the past century, eminent rabbinic figures have helped the Jewish nation navigate halachic issues relating to the State of Israel and its armed forces. Many of these rabbis who impacted our nation have been memorialized with streets named after them.

The Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), representing over 2,500 traditional, Orthodox rabbis in American public policy, last week harshly condemned the introduction of S. Res. 504 by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) demanding a report on “Israel’s human rights practices” from the Secretary of State, which could then be used to withhold military aid as Israel combats the genocidal Hamas terror organization that, on October 7, slaughtered 1,200 civilians as part of it 18-year campaign to terrorize and destroy the Jewish People. CJV Vice President Rabbi Dov Fischer made the following statement:

“It’s been over 100 days that my husband has been mostly absent, serving in his miluim (reserve) IDF unit. That’s a long time.  And while everyone else seems to be getting used to the new normal, it’s only getting harder on me and the kids.  The anticipation of his return, the stress when he leaves again, not knowing how much longer we will have to make do without him around.  Of course we are proud of him and wouldn’t have it any other way, but it’s hard.  For how much longer will we flinch every time there is a knock at the door?  How many times can we have the same friends do the extra carpool or send over dinner?” asks Chana from Kiryat Menachem.  

While we all wish that the IDF Chesed Center, and all the other organizations that are supporting our chayalim, will soon be put out of business with the end of the war, for as long as we are needed, we will be there for our brothers and sisters.