Transformation of Ruins: A Gush Katif Wedding

Posted on: February 17th, 2010

Those of you who've been reading my postings over the years might remember my strong bonds to Gush Katif, and particularly to Kfar Darom. Every once in a while, for one reason or another, I find myself flipping through photos that I took, prior to its destruction. It is very difficult to view the pictures; my guts begin churning and sometimes it's even worse. The displacement of so many people, the abandonment of our land, and the catastrophic consequences, culminating in 8,000 rockets fired into Israel, the Gaza War, and of course, the present challenges of Goldstone were so totally unnecessary. All of these results were predicted, time and time again, before the expulsion, but were totally ignored by Sharon and Co. It is still beyond comprehension.

Transformation of Ruins: A Gush Katif Wedding

Posted on: February 17th, 2010

Those of you who've been reading my postings over the years might remember my strong bonds to Gush Katif, and particularly to Kfar Darom. Every once in a while, for one reason or another, I find myself flipping through photos that I took, prior to its destruction. It is very difficult to view the pictures; my guts begin churning and sometimes it's even worse. The displacement of so many people, the abandonment of our land, and the catastrophic consequences, culminating in 8,000 rockets fired into Israel, the Gaza War, and of course, the present challenges of Goldstone were so totally unnecessary. All of these results were predicted, time and time again, before the expulsion, but were totally ignored by Sharon and Co. It is still beyond comprehension.

The Rabbi As First Responder

Posted on: February 17th, 2010

Ohel is well known in the New York area for the foster care programming it has been providing for over 40 years, along with its mental health services to individuals and families, and its services to the developmentally disabled through its Bais Ezra programs. Ohel also provides substantial training to professionals, and workshops and seminars to the community at large.

A Kosher Pantry Expands In Brooklyn

Posted on: February 17th, 2010

A troubling number of Jews, until recently firmly entrenched in the middle-class of the region's socio-economy, currently find it extremely difficult to simply put food on their tables.

A Kosher Pantry Expands In Brooklyn

Posted on: February 17th, 2010

A troubling number of Jews, until recently firmly entrenched in the middle-class of the region's socio-economy, currently find it extremely difficult to simply put food on their tables.

It’s My Opinion: A Golden Anniversary

Posted on: February 10th, 2010

I was an avid reader and fan of The Jewish Press long before becoming a writer in its pages. Our publication recently celebrated its milestone 50th anniversary and I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the paper's unprecedented impact on American Jewry.

Study Examines State Of Orthodox Marriage

Posted on: January 20th, 2010

The state of marriage in the Orthodox community is hard to gauge, but the Orthodox Union, in alliance with the Aleinu Family Resource Center, took up the challenge last year by engineering an online survey taken by thousands of married observant Jews.

Study Examines State Of Orthodox Marriage

Posted on: January 20th, 2010

The state of marriage in the Orthodox community is hard to gauge, but the Orthodox Union, in alliance with the Aleinu Family Resource Center, took up the challenge last year by engineering an online survey taken by thousands of married observant Jews.

Clowns Who Care: Lev Leytzan Warms Hearts, Heads, Hands and Toes

Posted on: January 13th, 2010

The young adult clowns of the Long Island-based charity Lev Leytzan, a medical clowning troupe, returned recently from an 11-day humanitarian mission to Romania and Israel to celebrate Chanukah.

Clowns Who Care: Lev Leytzan Warms Hearts, Heads, Hands and Toes

Posted on: January 13th, 2010

The young adult clowns of the Long Island-based charity Lev Leytzan, a medical clowning troupe, returned recently from an 11-day humanitarian mission to Romania and Israel to celebrate Chanukah.

It’s My Opinion: Never Again

Posted on: December 30th, 2009

In 1939 the Nazi regime was gaining a terrifying momentum. Nine-hundred-and-thirty Jews tried to flee the nightmare that was about to descend. The SS St. Louis sailed from Germany. The terrified passengers knew what was happening. They were desperate.

Flood Damages Chabad Center

Posted on: December 30th, 2009

A surprise flood on Thursday night, December 17 and early Friday morning December 18, has destroyed the Chabad Preschool and the main offices of Chabad of South Broward Headquarters. The flood that came without any warning damaged a relatively small geographic area, specifically Hallandale Beach and the coastal cities nearby.

Mendy Sacho – Designing Fashionable Kapotes

Posted on: October 21st, 2009

When one thinks of kapotes, the traditional long suit jackets worn by married Lubavitcher chassidim, one doesn't automatically think of the cutting edge of fashion. Yet Mendy Sacho, a 25-year-old Lubavitch tailor in Toronto, Canada, is pushing the garb into the spotlight.

Traveling In Israel With A 12-Year-Old

Posted on: October 16th, 2009

Seeing Israel is one thing. Seeing Israel through the eyes of a 12-year-old is another, especially when the child is your grandson or granddaughter.

‘Many Are The Thoughts Of Man…’

Posted on: September 24th, 2009

I couldn't wait to board the speedy Acela train to Washington, DC two weeks ago to hear an old friend of mine, constitutional legal wiz Floyd Abrams, argue before the Supreme Court. I had watched him twice before and was riveted each time. This case, involving the McCain-Feingold Campaign finance reform act, promised to be a landmark in First Amendment law. To watch top-notch lawyers spar swords with some of the best legal minds in the country is quite an experience and I couldn't wait to feel that intellectual thrill once again.

It’s My Opinion: Power

Posted on: September 23rd, 2009

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez was recently involved in a controversy causing outrage throughout the community. The mayor's "State of the County" address spoke of the dismal economy and warned of the necessity of deep budget cuts. Shortly after the speech, the mayor acted. He gave generous raises to members of his staff.

It’s My Opinion: “Be Careful Of What You Wish For”

Posted on: September 9th, 2009

Ariel Morales' long-time wish came true. The 56-year-old Florida resident purchased a sailboat a few weeks ago. Visions of fun and sun filled his mind.

Aleh: Caring For My Little Grandson And So Many Others

Posted on: September 2nd, 2009

There is a very special place in Jerusalem many people have heard of - but how many really know the magnitude of its work? In fact, Aleh is often confused with another facility with a similar sounding name. But Aleh stands alone in its class. Unlike other places, Aleh accepts children who have no chance of rehabilitation, and all the children receive the same loving care.

It’s My Opinion: Woodstock

Posted on: August 26th, 2009

The infamous Woodstock Music Festival, which took place in the summer of 1969, was a historic counterculture event in America. Over 500,000 hippies and hippie wannabees crowded a 600-acre farm area in Upstate New York for three days.

Three Mikvaot To Open For Physically Challenged In South Florida

Posted on: August 26th, 2009

Three mikvaot for the physically challenged will open on Sunday, September 6, in Hallandale, Florida. It is the first mikveh project of this nature in Florida. The endeavor provides special ramps, prep rooms, and hydraulic lifts that will make the mikveh experience pleasant and dignified for a significant segment of South Florida's Jewish population.