Community Corner

For a small country, Israeli society can appear as very divided, with sharp contrasts based on religious and political differences. One such controversy involves military service, which is compulsory for all Jewish citizens with the exception of full-time yeshivah students. Educator Tzila Schneider grew up in the Meah Shearim neighborhood of Jerusalem, surrounded by Torah, mitzvos, and anti-Zionism. “My father was a Slonimer chasid and my other neighbor was Rav Elyashiv zt”l. I feel from my history how this wall grew between the chareidi and secular communities.” Her father taught his children to express gratitude for the Israeli army that protects them from hostile armies and terrorists.

One of the things I love about my community and about my shul, Congregation Etz Chaim, is that they understand the importance of Eretz Yisrael. I’m a die-hard Tzionit and I know that Eretz Yisrael is important to us as a nation and deserves to be celebrated. When it comes to Yom HaAtzmaut, my shul and community do not disappoint.

In the wake of the Pittsburgh and Poway shootings, Jewish Communal Fund is working with its partners at UJA-Federation of New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council, along with the Paul E. Singer Foundation, to help strengthen the security and safety of Jewish institutions in New York.

Rabbi Chaim Goldberger, Rabbi Emeritus at Kenesseth Israel Congregation in Minneapolis and Regional Ambassador of the Coalition for Jewish Values, greeted Vice President Mike Pence upon his recent arrival in Minnesota. Rabbi Goldberger thanked the Vice President for his and the Administration’s ongoing friendship towards the Jewish community in the United States and around the world.

Jewish community leaders met with Queens Borough President Melinda Katz Sunday to thank her for assisting and supporting many Jewish nonprofit organizations while representing the community as an Assemblymember, Councilmember, and as Borough President. They also discussed current issues facing the Queens Jewish community and how Katz will stand up for her constituants as District Attorney.

On Sunday morning, Rosh Chodesh Iyar, community women gathered at the Young Israel of Hillcrest for the Amen Group davening and brachos party. The motto of this group is a quote from the Chofetz Chaim: “Just one word, ‘Amen,’ can open every single gate in Heaven, causing blessings to be showered on the entire world.”