News

F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, “There are no second acts in American lives.” But Fitzgerald clearly never met Rabbi Yonoson Hirtz and his wife Rochelle Hirtz. For 18 years, the two of them were Rabbi and Rebbetzin of the Utopia Jewish Center until its recent closing. As both are in chinuch, Rabbi Hirtz as rebbe at HAFTR High School, as well as lead Jewish history teacher, and Rebbetzin Hirtz as principal of Shulamith High School for Girls in Brooklyn, they thought that retirement from the synagogue pulpit would fit their life plan. That now includes much time with their five grown children and an increasing number of grandchildren. But fate had different plans. They joined the Torah Center of Hillcrest, got involved in giving shiurim and then one day got the shocking news that the Torah Center’s beloved Rabbi Shmuel Lemann would be leaving his position to pursue chinuch full time.

New York NCSY spearheaded a unique outreach operation to inspire Jews who have never had a Sukkah of their own to experience the immersive mitzva of Sukkot. Now in its third year, The Sukkah Project gifts Sukkahs to families across New York who are committed to eating meals in their Sukkah and hosting other Jewish friends and family.

On October 17, in Farmingdale, Governor Kathy Hochul announced new actions to increase interagency vehicle and catalytic converter theft enforcements in high-theft areas by targeting unauthorized and illegal vehicle dismantlers, or “chop shops.” The Governor also signed legislation to combat the theft of catalytic converters, which imposes restrictions on the purchase, sale, and possession of catalytic converters by vehicle dismantlers and scrap processors. Additionally, she urged local governments to access $20 million in funding for license plate readers, surveillance cameras, and other anti-theft technology.

Ahead of this year’s holiday season, the Queens Public Library has arranged a Holiday Gift Fair. The event is scheduled for Sunday, December 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. at their Kew Gardens Hills branch, 72-33 Vleigh Place, and opportunities for vendors are still available at $75 per table.

Rabbi Pesach Lerner, Chairman, Eretz HaKodesh (EHK), danced with Rav Samuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites in Israel, at the Kosel during Hakafos Sh'niyos, held on Motza'ei Yom Tov in Israel. Rav Rabinowitz welcomed Rabbi Lerner and thanked EHK for all they do to maintain the kedushah and mesorah at the sacred site. Additionally, EHK sponsored a sukkah and kiddush at the Rova in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City in Jerusalem during the first two days of Yom Tov. This event welcomed all guests on their way back from davening at the Kosel.

Small Businesses with 100 or Fewer Employees May Receive Tax Credits for Costs Incurred to Increase COVID-19 Safety

Governor Kathy Hochul announced applications are now being accepted for the COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program which will support small businesses that made investments to comply with emergency orders and regulations, or to increase public safety in response to COVID-19. Nearly every operational business made health and safety upgrades and bought supplies to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus; Governor Hochul believes these businesses must be reimbursed.