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Winter break in Orlando was a transformative experience for 20 students in the Emet Men’s Division. The six-day itinerary combined concentrated Torah study, energizing activities, and opportunities to connect with friends. Led by the dynamic team of Rabbi Mordechai Kraft, Rabbi Michael Fuzaylov, Rabbi Yakov Musheyev, and Rabbi Ari Hertz, the trip was geared towards those who have completed the Emet Leaders Fellowship and were ready for more advanced learning. “This trip was really meaningful to me. I learned a lot from the rabbis, established amazing friendships, and had some of my deepest conversations in a really long time,” student Daniel Abramov shared.

The Queens Community is looking forward with great anticipation to the annual Erna Lindenfeld Hachnosas Kallah Tea on Tuesday evening, February 6, at 7:30 p.m., at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills.

In a letter last week to members of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, the Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), representing over 2,500 traditional, Orthodox rabbis in American public policy, announced its opposition to the nomination of Adeel Abdullah Mangi to serve as a judge on the United State Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. CJV explained that their objections stemmed from “Mr. Mangi’s past association with and well-documented support for the Rutgers Center for Security, Race, and Rights (“the Center”), and on his evasive responses when asked about anti-Semitic positions espoused by the Center.”

In Parshas B’Shalach, the Jewish people were trapped between the sea on one side and the advancing Egyptians on the other. Moshe turned to Hashem in prayer, and Hashem instructed him to raise his staff and stretch his hand over the waters to part the sea. The Jewish people then entered the sea.

The Jewish Youth Basketball League, a dynamic initiative in a joint partnership between Esquared, Chazaq, Beth Gavriel, and ABA, has successfully concluded another exciting season. The league, which commenced in October, provided a platform for youngsters from elementary school through high school to not only enhance their basketball skills but also build confidence, foster teamwork, and most importantly, have a great time.

On Sunday, January 7, exactly three months after the war in Israel began, the Great Neck Synagogue hosted a Boots for Israel boot packing event. Marc Yehaskel is a friend and life-long Great Neck resident. His invaluable advice and inspiration overseeing every aspect of the day brought Sunday’s Boot Packing in Great Neck to fruition. Rabbi Dale Polakoff, Rabbi of the Great Neck Synagogue, not only lent his shul, but “rolled up his sleeves,” and he and his wife Ellen spent the whole day packing, cleaning, and generally making sure to accommodate all the needs of the Boots for Israel group.