News

NEW YORK NEWS

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams embarked on a three-day trip to Israel, where he engaged in discussions with interfaith leaders in Jerusalem about combating antisemitism and promoting tolerance. Mayor Adams, known for his faith-driven values, emphasized the need for religious principles to be translated into meaningful actions amid rising global tensions. He encouraged the application of teachings from places of worship to the broader world to address catastrophic themes and heal nations. This visit comes as anti-Semitic violence continues in New York City, with Adams maintaining good relations with various Jewish communities. The mayor’s trip was sponsored by the New York UJA-Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.

When people think about “estate planning,” they typically think that this simply entails executing a Last Will and Testament (“Will”) and Advance Directives (e.g., Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy). However, even “simple” estate planning (in which estate tax planning is a non-issue) involves so much more. It is not sufficient to simply write a will or trust and leave the rest to chance. The following are some examples of the items many people tend to forget or misunderstand in their own estate planning.

Shira, a 32-year-old speech therapist and devoted mother of three, found herself struggling to balance her various roles. Amid the demands of work and motherhood, she faced the challenges of being a wife to a husband who constantly criticized and belittled her. His control over their finances and discouragement of social interactions left her isolated and overwhelmed. They’ve been in couples therapy in the past which resulted in everything being blamed on her.  They recently started couples therapy again, but she isn’t sure that she even wants to go. She feels more anxious and scared after every session. Uncertain about the future of her marriage, Shira recalled a Shalom Task Force Workshop from her high school days, which shed light on different forms of abuse. Seeking a safe space to be heard, she mustered the courage to call their hotline, hoping for support and empowerment.

Recap: Bonnie tells Hope that Mrs. Bowers is not her mother. Hope isn’t sure what to think about that. Diana, the unfriendly older daughter, walks Hope to the Five and Dime store where she’ll be working.

As the Yamim Noraim (High Holy Days) approach, RIETS (Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary) is excited to announce the release of two books from the Yeshiva’s in-house press that will surely add to the enjoyment and inspiration of this auspicious time of year. Both books are specifically geared towards providing insights on the High Holy Days and cover such topics as a detailed exploration of the process of repentance during Yom Kippur by Rabbi Dr. Michael Rosensweig as well as a collection of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s key rulings regarding the laws of the Yamim Noraim.

NEW YORK NEWS

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams has once again called for federal assistance in dealing with the influx of tens of thousands of migrants arriving from the southern border, estimating a staggering cost of $12 billion over three years to house and care for them. The city anticipates spending around $5 billion this fiscal year alone on migrants, which equals the combined annual budgets of several major departments. The situation has prompted Mayor Adams to ask for a federal state of emergency declaration and a “decompression” strategy to slow the influx. Governor Kathy Hochul pledged $1 billion in state aid to address the issue, as the city’s shelter system struggles to accommodate the influx of migrants.