Community Corner

 Over the 340 days since the coronavirus was declared a pandemic, Governor Cuomo flip-flopped on dining in New York City restaurants for so long that nobody knows what to think. As of this Friday, February 12, eateries will once again be allowed to reopen at 25% indoor capacity. This measure was designed to give wait staff a couple of days to prepare ahead of a Valentine’s Day rush. No industry has suffered more than hospitality and restaurants, juggling restrictions to outdoor dining and takeout-only demands. Safety questions still linger regarding COVID-19 and outdoor dining, with many experts calling the safety of the idea misleading to consumers.

Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director, New York Government Relations at Agudath Israel of America, spoke to the high school boys at Yeshiva Tiferet Tzion in Queens on Wednesday, February 1, about the importance of voting. The talk coincided with the Agudah Voting Project, which aims to register high school seniors. New York State law allows 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register as voters, allowing them immediate voting privileges on their 18^th birthday. “The goal of this project is for the Agudah to register as many New York City students as possible in advance of the New York City primary elections this coming June,” said Rabbi Silber.

OU Kosher CEO Rabbi Menachem Genack reflects
on the loss of HaRav Meshulam Dovid HaLevi Soloveitchik zt”l

In a year that has seen the loss of far too many g’dolei Yisrael, we were again stunned last week with the passing of Rav Dovid Soloveitchik zt”l.

“The fact that frontline workers like those serving food to needy New Yorkers at food pantries have risked their lives for months and are now being told that they aren’t eligible for a vaccine is a disgrace. Meanwhile, if you work for a multi-billion-dollar corporation like Walmart, you’re eligible.

Nothing will slow us down at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates. Despite fewer COVID-19 safe options of activities, the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates has successfully adapted creative solutions to our new reality. We have been able to blend distant/Zoom activities with socially distant, in-person activities following the strict COVID-19 guidelines of our medical committee.