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The Mishnah in Rosh HaShanah (1:2) teaches us how Rosh HaShanah is different from the other three times of the year (Pesach, Shavuos, and Sukkos) during which we are also judged. Rosh HaShanah, the Mishnah teaches, is different because “Kol ba’ei olam ovrin l’fanav – all who come into the world are judged individually, as they pass before Hashem, as if they are walking in a single file.” This mishnah brings a pasuk in T’hilim (33:15) to explain how Hashem could judge the billions mixed together all over the world as unique, individual creatures. The pasuk says: “Ha’yotzeir yachad libam, ha’meivin el kol ma’aseihem – because Hashem formed every aspect of every being, He can fully comprehend every single individual’s actions, words, and thoughts.”

Emet Outreach provides engaging and educational Jewish programming on five New York City college campuses and at Stony Brook University on Long Island. St. John’s University, in Fresh Meadows, Queens, is an especially active site. The university is home to multiple weekly classes and events that often draw more than 50 students. A weekly highlight is the “Lunch and Learn,” which is held in partnership with the Jewish Students Association (JSA) and Emet Outreach. There’s an intensive ten-week fellowship offered each semester on campus, as well, replete with Jewish studies, a light dinner, and Shabbaton opportunities. Rabbi Mordechai Kraft, Emet Co-Director, also gives a class in Biblical Hebrew for college credit.

On Monday night, October 7, Rav Noach Isaac Oelbaum presented inspiring Pre-Yom Kippur chizuk for the Yamim Nora’im. This event was a continuation in the series of community lectures sponsored by Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe.

HaRav Chaim Volkin shlita, Mashgiach of Yeshivas Ateres Yisroel and head of the N’sius of Shuvu in Eretz Yisrael, made a historic visit to New York last week, accompanied by Shuvu Director Rav Chaim Michoel Gutterman, to benefit and promote the kiruv network of schools.

To add names of individuals who need a r’fuah sh’leimah to next week’s Communal T’hilim List, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and complete the Google form.

Along with imparting knowledge to children and adults, educators also function as role models for their students. As they train people, young and old, to become leaders in their own right, educators themselves serve as leaders. The challenge is how to make that leap from “educator” to “leader.”