News

Congresswoman helped secure federal dollars for a number of projects and programs in the annual federal spending bill

US Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), New York’s senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced Monday that she helped secure millions for several projects and programs that are crucial to the US-Israel relationship and the Jewish community.

BIRTHS

Eli and Sara Davidson on the birth of a son. Mazal tov to the grandparents, Yehuda and Gitty Lieberman.

In this week’s parshah, it states: “Yisrael bowed towards the head of the bed” (47:31). Did Yaakov Avinu bow to his son [Yosef]? Rashi explains: Yaakov Avinu turned himself toward the head of the bed. Based on this, our Sages taught (Shabbos 12b): “The Shechinah resides above the head of an ill person.”

This past Motza’ei Shabbos, December 31, roughly 150 members of the Hillcrest community and beyond united for an avos u’banim program aptly entitled, “Achdus.” The event saw grandparents learning Torah concepts with their grandchildren, and parents engaged in learning with their children in a tremendous display of the achdus and warm Torah atmosphere that Hillcrest has long fostered. All enjoyed fresh pizza, tasty ice cream, and an array of incredible prizes.

In the days ahead of Knesset Member Itamar Ben-Gvir’s appointment this week as Israel’s Minister of National Security, liberal Jewish leaders in the United States issued a statement in protest of the Otzma Yehudit faction leader and his partner in government, Betzalel Smotrich, who was appointed Minister of Finance.

On Sunday, December 18, Rabbi Shimon Kramer held a Chanukah celebration at the Merrick Train Station.  The celebration was attended by dignitaries, elected officials, representation from the Jewish War Veterans, and families and friends of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life. The first candle for Chanukah was lit by one of the dignitaries that attended. There was music, dancing, and entertainment by the children who learn at the Chabad Center. Latkes and other goodies were served at the end of the festivities.