News

(Courtesy of YU) RIETS is proud to announce the appointment of Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz as the Abraham Arbesfeld Torah dean of RIETS. Rabbi Lebowitz is a world-class scholar and teacher of Shas and poskim who is known throughout the Jewish community for his erudition and pedagogy. As the Torah dean of RIETS, Rabbi Lebowitz will direct the educational program of the semicha program and all of RIETS’ semicha and post-semicha kollelim. In this role, Rabbi Lebowitz will also be appointed as a rosh yeshiva and will remain in close contact with the students, continuing to deliver his regular shiurim. 

New York News

 Nassau County Republicans passed the “Mask Transparency Act,” making it a misdemeanor to wear face masks in public for the purpose of concealing one’s identity, with exceptions for health and religious reasons. The vote, strictly along party lines with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats abstaining, followed a heated public debate during which a masked protester was arrested. Proponents argue the bill will help prevent hate crimes, while opponents, including the New York Civil Liberties Union, caution it may lead to discrimination and compromise public health. The bill awaits approval from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

The newly renovated Kleinman Family Ohel Regional Center now features thoughtful spaces to enhance mental health services for youth.

As I’m writing this article, we have no idea what will be in the next few days…hours…minutes. (Who can even think in terms of months and years anymore?) Will Iran attack, when will they attack, what will they attack, will it be alone or with all their proxies? What will happen, who will join in, who will help Israel? So many uncertainties.

“Mommy does dangerous things. I know it, and what if she… What if what happened to Daddy could happen to Mommy?” Zevi asked.

“Mommy is doing a mitzvah and Hashem will protect her. Daddy is davening for her up in Shamayim and for us.” I tried to reassure him.

A woman, whom we shall call Caroline, contacted me three years ago and presented with anxiety and panic attacks, which became unbearably intense when she tried to drive over high bridges. The woman worked as a recruiter and made over $100k year. She was in her 50s, divorced, and had two teenage children. She was born in the Caribbean, where her parents still lived. Caroline said that her inability to drive over bridges was affecting her financially because she was taking Ubers to and from work. She had tried yoga, herbs, meditation - but nothing was helping.