With the approach of Rosh Chodesh Nisan, the Young Israel of Woodmere is once again inviting members of the Five Towns Jewish community to have their Tefillin and Mezuzot checked, check clothing for Sha’atnez, properly dispose of Sheimot and donate food items. more

A classic battle of wills and interests between a big development corporation and grass roots community activists is playing out in the homes and streets of Woodmere as a business faces off with homeowners over the future of Lawrence School District 15’s Number Six School property. more

Scientists put five monkeys into a cage, with a ladder leading up to a bunch of bananas. But every time a monkey tried to go up the ladder, the other monkeys were soaked with cold water. Soon enough, the monkeys would violently prevent any monkey from going up the ladder. more

The term “Kodesh Kodashim” appears in the Torah 18 times – twice in Parshat Ki Tisa. However, not one of these times does it refer to the Holy of Holies, the section of the Mishkan/Tabernacle which houses the Aron/Ark. more

Mar 1 YOUNG ISRAEL OF HEWLETT/CONGREGATION AHAVAT YISRAEL PARTICIPATES IN THE 17th ANNUAL SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA AND CANADA PROGRAM -- Participants Join Over 70,000 North American Jews in Major Effort to Revitalize Sabbath Observance Conceived and organized by NJOP in 1997, SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA AND CANADA represents a united effort by the entire Jewish community to renew interest in the fourth of the Ten Commandments – observing a weekly day of rest. more

I’m sitting on the plane on my way back from the Rock N Roll half marathon weekend in Pasadena, California in which Team HASC actively participated. The last three days have been magical and I find myself reflecting on one of the most exhilarating and inspiring experiences I’ve ever witnessed. It’s been some time since I’ve had such nachas and joy, so fully choked up with emotion. more

As I sit at my computer to write this week’s column, my usual, “OMG I’m never going to get it in under the deadline,” is tinged with a bit of melancholy. My good friend Karen Cohen Green, is moving on from her position as publisher and editor of The Jewish Star. I’m going to miss her. more

Purim is now behind us and the next time we are going to witness a full moon is exactly one month from now, Pesach. With that exciting thought in mind, I was taken by an essay written by Dr. Adele Berlin in her work, “The JPS Commentary: Esther” [The Jewish Publication Society, 2001] wherein she details the thematic and historical link between the Exodus and the Book of Esther. more

Dear Editor: Has anyone taken a close look at the traffic plans for the mega medical center being planned in Woodmere? The details are shocking. This mega-medical center would pack hundreds of additional cars onto Peninsula and Branch boulevards, and on Rockaway Boulevard, while creating maddening traffic gridlock. Cars would be forced onto residential streets throughout our community for as long as this proposed regional medical center would plague our community. more

Last week, the Weekly Standard reported that Al Sharpton met with the president to give advice on the economy: Barack Obama met with Al Sharpton and other “African American leaders” to discuss the president’s “plan to strengthen the economy for the middle class and continue to build ladders of opportunity for those striving to get there,” according to the White House. This is not the first time the MSNBC host has met with/given advice to the president, but the question becomes why? more