Touro College brought 60 students to study the Holocaust in Germany and the Czech Republic through a unique ten-day immersive summer course. Each year, students travel to different places in Europe that offer real-world opportunities to learn Jewish history and Holocaust history, as part of a program presented by the Touro College Graduate School of Jewish Studies.

Labor Day weekend was an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and grow in observance for a group of 20 Emet Outreach students. Led by Ms. Shira Fendel, Emet Women’s Director, the young women spent a wonderful three-day weekend together. On Friday, they went boating on the Jersey Shore and then relaxed for a few hours by a private pool. Then it was off to a beautiful rented house in Brook Hill Estates in Lakewood for Shabbos. The group enjoyed dinner together on Friday night and then were hosted by families in the community on Shabbos day. In the afternoon, the ladies visited the home of Dr. and Mrs. Ari Krug, who shared their religious journey. They also heard from Mrs. Joni Miller about her amazing journey from California to Lakewood. Nechama Cohen, a well-known singer, led a lovely musical Havdalah.

After a relaxing summer, the new faculty members at the Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) were invited to a welcome luncheon to meet the administration and learn about the workings of YCQ. The following day, all staff returned for meetings and trainings and to set up their classrooms to prepare for the school year. At the meetings, the staff heard about the new junior high school Chromebook program, the added security and building upgrades, and other school policies, as they got reacquainted with old colleagues and friends, met new ones, and discussed summer break, as well as new ideas for the coming year. During part II of the staff trainings on Tuesday, September 3, the day before the YCQ doors opened for students, Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, renowned lecturer for Gateways Seminar Program, spoke, discussing the facets of teaching and the importance of creating an environment where each student feels important and valued. He spoke about how this positive relationship between teacher and student can be attained by speaking positively to the students and encouraging them in their educational growth and love of Torah.

Fleetwood screams for ice cream!

The Fleetwood community will welcome its first kosher-certified eatery on Sunday, September 22, as the Swirls and Sweets frozen yogurt shop officially unveils its strictly kosher certification under the Orthodox supervision of Rabbi Daniel Rosenfelt of Fleetwood Synagogue.