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Throughout history, David HaMelech’s book of Psalms has been a traditional source of inspiration, clarity, chizuk, and comfort in times of distress. Whenever we find ourselves in difficult situations, whether individually or communally, we open up the Book of Psalms and use David HaMelech’s poetic praises and supplications to ask Hashem for mercy. Throughout the 150 chapters, there are praises, declarations, and supplications spanning the full range of human emotions (e.g., fear, hope despair, excitement). All of the chapters convey an emotional awareness of Hashem’s involvement in every aspect of our lives. The Midrash tells us that when King David compiled the Psalms, he had in mind himself, as well as every Jew of every generation and every circumstance. The words of the Psalms contain appropriate chapters for every possible situation, feelings, and circumstances.

In Parshas Ki Sisa, Moshe Rabbeinu comes down from Har Sinai, after spending the last 40 days and nights dwelling in the presence of Hashem, holding the Luchos – only to be confronted by the sight of the people, who were waiting below, that they constructed a Golden Calf. As it states, “It happened as he drew near the camp, and he saw the calf and the dancers, that Moses’ anger burned. And he threw down the tablets from his hand, and he shattered them at the bottom of the mountain. He took the calf that they had made, and he burned it in fire. He ground it into a fine powder and strewed it in the water. And he made the Children of Israel drink from it” (Sh’mos 32:19).

Recent study indicates that 84% of Israeli children suffer from emotional
distress since the October 7 attacks

Israeli children suffering from emotional distress following Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks are receiving help from an unlikely place: Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services, a Jewish organization based in Brooklyn, that since 1969 has provided American children with mental-health support.

The Young Israel of Hillcrest hosted a wonderful game night experience for its membership on Motza’ei Shabbos, February 10. The shul was filled with laughter, music, games, and prizes, all to raise money for the families of those serving in the Israel Defense Forces. Dubbed Playing for Our Land, the event turned out to be most enjoyable, uniting upwards of 100 community members who showed stellar achdus and sportsmanship in games of Scrabble, Mahjong, and Rummikub, amongst others.

At just 15 years old, Yaniv Meirov looked around his community and saw a troubling reality: a generation adrift, disconnected from their heritage, their identity, and each other. The lack of accessible Jewish education left a void, a gaping hole in the fabric of their lives.

Rav Yaakov Ribowsky presented the legal holiday yarchei kallah shiur at Khal Adas Yereim of Kew Gardens this past Monday morning, February 18, on President's Day. The rav spoke on the differences between Adar Alef and Adar Beis, and hilchos seudas Purim, including Purim Katan.