Community Corner

Selected high schools receive annual funding to grant scholarships to designated Gruen Fellows throughout their four years of high school

Marking a major investment in day school education, Yeshiva University has launched the Gruen Fellows Program, a bold new initiative designed to identify, support and develop the next generation of Jewish leaders. Made possible by a generous gift from the Gruen family, the program provides selected high schools across North America with annual fellowship support for one student in each grade who exemplifies academic excellence, Torah values and leadership potential.

The NYPD’s promotion ceremony at One Police Plaza this past Tuesday, November 25 was filled with pride, honor, and emotion, but one moment stood out above the rest: watching Community Affairs Officer Nicholas A. Skomina rise to the rank of Detective. For so many of us who have been lucky enough to know Nick and work alongside him, this wasn’t just another promotion on a long list of names. It was a deeply personal milestone for a man who has poured his heart into serving New York City and its diverse communities.

In this week’s parshah of VaYeitzei, we read about Yaakov, who continues his journey through life’s uncertainties. After leaving his father’s home, Yaakov encounters challenges, from strange dreams to difficult negotiations with Lavan. Yet the Torah highlights his inner life: Yaakov remains connected to Hashem through prayer, reflection, and trust, even amidst unknowns.

Honoring Rabbi Tzadok & Rebbetzin Dvora Froimowitz, And A Legacy That Transformed Forest Hills

Congregation Ahavath Sholom gathered on Sunday evening, November 2, for a milestone celebration that blended history, gratitude, and deep communal pride. The elegant event at The Pinnacle in Forest Hills marked the shul’s 75th anniversary and paid tribute to Rabbi Tzadok and Rebbetzin Dvora Froimowitz on their 25 years of devoted service. Current members, former congregants, multigenerational families, andGreat Neck Scholars Kollel representatives, filled the room, honoring a past built on sacrifice and a present sustained through steadfast Torah leadership.

President of the State of Israel, His Excellency Isaac Herzog, will be the guest of honor at the Yeshiva University 101^st Annual Hanukkah Dinner in New York in December, where he will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his leadership, moral courage, and lifelong commitment to the Jewish people.

Communal Cholim List

In this week’s parsha, Yaakov leaves his home and steps into the challenges of Charan. The Torah tells us “Vayifga bamakom” — and Chazal explain that Yaakov’s very first response was tefillah. Before confronting Lavan, before worrying about livelihood, before navigating uncertainty, Yaakov anchors himself in heartfelt prayer.