“In 1959 Shlomo Carlebach released his first album – Haneshoma Loch [Songs of My Soul], -- which was an instant hit [selling 5,000 copies the first week] and completely revolutionized Jewish music. ‘The first record caused a musical furor both in the Jewish and non-Jewish worlds,’ recalls musicologist Velvel Pasternak, the foremost authority on contemporary Jewish music in the United States. ‘Rather than the Eastern European gestalt that had characterized Jewish music up until then and with which American Jewish youth couldn’t identify, Shlomo Carlebach’s music was written in an American idiom. more

The “Binding of Isaac” is a defining chapter in the story of the Jewish people. It inspires much of our liturgy (High Holidays, etc.). In some respects it represents what it means to sacrifice for one’s children. In some of the darker annals of Jewish history, some took it as the inspiration to literally sacrifice their children as Jews to avoid death or the loss of Jewish souls at the hands of others. It is not for us to judge those who chose the latter path, but it is noteworthy that they viewed Avraham’s “sacrifice” as inspiration for such choices, even though Avraham did not ultimately harm his son. “The Akedah” has inspired millions of hours of study and discussion, as well as countless pages of analysis, feeding conversations that will continue forever. more

Young Israel of Woodmere Hurricane Relief We would like to be of assistance towards these families, many of whom will not even be aware of this email. We therefore ask that if you are in any need or if you know of individuals who require assistance of housing, food or other basic necessities, to please let us know. We are also asking at this time for those members who have been spared from the effects of the hurricane to volunteer to open their homes and make themselves available to help in our hurricane relief efforts. Please make an effort to help spread the word especially to those who you know are in need of assistance. A special email address has been set up to be used for this effort. If you are in need of assistance or would like to participate in the relief effort, please email yiw.assist@ gmail.com or call 516-295-2728. more

Scaturro, a strong voice in the 4th C.D. Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy,( Garden City-D) who is campaigning for reelection to her 9th term has had a compelling story. Her entry into elected office came on the heels of the tragic shooting of her husband and son; only her son survived. She has been a strong voice for gun control legislation and deserves accolades for her efforts in this regard. more

There are many domestic reasons to vote for Mitt Romney on election day, most of which have been covered on these pages over since he became the apparent GOP nominee. There are also foreign policy issues, the one most relevant to the Jewish community is the future of Israel. Any Jew who believes in the State of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish State and still votes for Barack Obama is committing Jew-i-cide. more

Stressing the importance of having Orthodox Jewish women in leadership roles, and noting that they “have the power to change things,” Likud Knesset member Tzipi Hotovely addressed all the students of Midreshet Shalhevet High School for Girls this past Friday in the shul there. more

Pregnant women and new mothers often have that glow. Tamar Weinstock, of Long Island City, had that special glow. She also had a phosphorescent glow, provided by glow sticks. Tamar and husband Allon, son of Eileen and Benjamin Weinstock, Deputy Mayor of The Village of Cedarhurst, welcomed a beautiful baby boy at 10:40 p.m. on Monday at NYU hospital — in the dark. more

With the drumbeat of warnings echoing in our ears, The Jewish Star turned to Harvey Thurm, meteorologist, Woodmere resident, member of Congregation Aish Kodesh and Hurricane Program leader for the National Weather Service, Eastern Region. He works out of his office in Bohemia, Long Island, right across from Islip/MacArthur airport. We consulted with him both before and after the storm. more

Oct 27 Shabbat Guest Speaker Tzipi Hotovely Knesset member & rising star of the Likud party, Ms. Hotovely is a religious Zionist, graduate of Bar Ilan’s Law School & doctoral student at Tel Aviv’s Law School. She serves as the head of the Knesset Committee on the Status of Women. Congregation Beth Sholom 390 Broadway, Lawrence, NY 11559 www.bethsholomlawrence.org 516-569-3600 Fax 516-569-3105 Eruv 516-295-4212 more