Community Corner

Rabbi Twerski once recalled how in his childhood, there were some in his community who wore the Tekhelet threads produced according to the great Hasidic Rebbe, Gershon Henokh Leiner (1839-1890), scion of the Ishbitz-Radzyn dynasty. In a bold attempt to restore the neglected biblical commandment recited daily in the Sh’ma, the Rebbe had proposed the cuttlefish as the source of ancient Tekhelet. Some agreed with his efforts and many disagreed.

On the afternoon of Monday, June 13, the Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center held a Celebration of Song featuring noted cantor Sol Zim. Together with the noted singer, dubbed, “America’s Superstar of Jewish Music,” were his sons Craig and Eric, who are better known as “The Singing Lawyers.

The Young Israel of Hillcrest is taking the opportunity to express tremendous hakaras ha’tov to Rabbi Dr. Richard and Adina Weiss for all that they have brought to the Hillcrest community and to the congregation. Anyone in our community who has faced the challenges of illness, bereavement, or any of the trials that life brings during the 17 years since Rabbi Weiss took the helm of the shul can attest to the caring, empathy, and understanding that the Rav has shown to them and their families. Coming to the Young Israel after serving at the West Side Jewish Center, and as Assistant Rabbi at the Fifth Avenue Synagogue, and Congregation Beth Sholom, Rabbi Weiss brought with him his experience in diverse congregations, excelling at providing halachic guidance and pastoral care while dedicating himself to participation in the smachos and other milestones of his congregants, contributing to every celebration with verve and, often, his own brand of humor.

On Tuesday evening, June 14, the Navigating the Medical System Lecture Series shared an informative virtual lecture on headaches in adult and elderly population with Dr. Dev Mehta, DO, and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Weil Cornell. The virtual lecture was hosted by Congregation Etz Chaim.

The Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), representing over 2,000 rabbis in matters of American public policy, today celebrated the US Supreme Court decision in Carson v. Makin, striking down a Maine law that denied subsidies of the costs of fulfilling state secular education requirements to parents who chose sectarian schooling for their children. The decision, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, impacts other forms of tuition assistance in states across the country, determining that it is unconstitutional to exclude parents choosing religious schools from these programs. CJV Managing Director Rabbi Yaakov Menken issued the following statement:

The annual meeting of the Great Neck Synagogue (GNS), this year held on Wednesday, June 1, drew sizable attendance, despite torrential downpours. As has been the general practice, the meeting enabled the congregation to formally appoint its lay leadership and present mementos of recognition to deserving individuals.