For the second year in a row, world renowned singer Ishay Ribo is scheduled to headline the premier Jewish unity concert of the year in the “world’s most famous arena,” Madison Square Garden in New York City. Building on last year’s successful late summer event, this year’s version, scheduled for Sunday, September 15, promises to be grander and all the more thrilling.

NEW YORK NEWS

 The Nassau County Legislature in New York voted to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in county-owned facilities unless they play on teams that match their gender at birth or on coed teams. This legislative decision followed a similar executive order by County Executive Bruce Blakeman, which a judge ruled he did not have the authority to impose, prompting the move to the legislative body.

Violence by anti-Israel demonstrators outside Adas Torah Synagogue in the Pico-Robertson area of West Los Angeles destroyed any vestiges of tranquility in this predominantly Jewish neighborhood on June 23. According to local reports, a mob of Keffiyeh-wearing demonstrators managed to beat a woman in the middle of the street and many pro-Israel supporters were pepper-sprayed. These heinous acts were condemned across the board nationwide by officials.

Hatzolah of Queens and Great Neck (HQGN) is excited to announce the establishment of its brand-new, state-of-the-art headquarters in Kew Gardens Hills. This $8 million project will catapult our local Hatzolah to the next level. The headquarters will be conveniently located on Main Street, across the street from a gas station, Seasons, and other shops.

Remember Purim, not so long ago? We celebrated Purim back in Adar. “Don’t you love the holiday of Purim? What a great time…” Definitely a highlight of the Jewish year.

What’s that got to do with Sivan? What’s it got to do with us right now?

This week’s parshah recounts the tragic episode of the M’raglim, the spies who were unable to maintain their emunah in the face of intense pressure. The results were catastrophic. Their weakness spread like a plague and resulted in the events of Tish’ah B’Av, the day of our greatest tragedies.