Community Corner

After the brutal murders in a kosher grocery store in Jersey City, the horrific Chanukah attacks in a rabbi’s home in Monsey, several mass shootings in the nation’s schools, and on the heels of mass shootings in Pittsburgh and Poway synagogues, Assemblymembers Daniel Rosenthal (D-Kew Gardens Hills) and Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Far Rockaway) have called upon the New York State Legislature to substantially increase security funding for nonpublic schools in the New York State budget.

Last Friday night, sitting at my Shabbos table with my family and guests, I had no idea that the following Friday night would be a very different, very frightening experience.

The 2020 decennial census is closer than you think. A snapshot of the nation is required to make your voice heard in government, regardless of your age, nationality, or ability. With the census count start date inching upon us, the government affairs division of the multifaceted Chazaq Organization took upon itself to coordinate a kickoff luncheon of Queens Jewish leaders to discuss tactics for the NYC Census 2020 agenda. Speakers pinpointed the need to ensure that the community is fully included, as funding and resources are allocated based on the accounted number of residents for healthcare, accessibility services, and more.

Why do we celebrate Tu BiSh’vat (New Year of the Trees) in the middle of the winter – a time when nothing is growing and the world around us descends into a deep, frost-bitten slumber?

Emet Outreach recently held its fourth annual men’s trip to Arizona.  Twenty students spent a meaningful week in the sun along with Rabbi Mordechai Kraft, Rabbi Michael Fuzaylov, and Rabbi Yakov Musheyev.  Geared towards students who have completed Emet’s Fellowship program and are ready for more advanced learning, the trip was an opportunity for the young men to delve into Torah study while relaxing during winter break.

(Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.) Malkah Esther bas Sarah

Leah Nacha bas Esther Bryna