This life-saving letter was distributed this week by Achiezer. We the Korman family from Far Rockaway would like to share our personal Chanukah MIRACLE with you. Some of you may know who we are, and some may not, but our identity is not of importance because this story could be about you. more

The opening of our parsha contains narrative that seems inconsistent — “Yaakov” lives in Egypt, but the days of “Yisrael” are getting closer to his death. After asking Yosef to swear that the burial will not take place in Egypt and will take place in his family burial plot, “Yisrael” bows at the head of the bed. Time passes, and Yosef is told (by—?), “Your father is sick.” So he takes “his two sons with him, Ephraim and Menashe.” Someone (who?) tells “Yaakov,” “Your son Yosef is here.” So “Yisrael” strengthens himself and sits on the bed. more

More than 1,000 people trekked to the New York Marriott Marquis last week to support the 1,300 family strong Bel El community in the Judea and Samaria region of Israel. Danny Danon, a member of the Israeli Knesset and the country’s deputy minister of defense, joined keynote speaker Lt. Col Ralph Peters in discussing the threats posed to Israel by Palestinian terrorist groups and the Iranian regime. more

A exhibit of local miracles —35 black and white portraits of members of the Chaverim Holocaust survivors group — was displayed during Chanukah at the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Five Towns. The headshots, titled “Dreams from Nightmares,” are the work of George Bargad Bogart, a New York photographer who comes from a family of many Holocaust survivors. more

Dr. Warren Goldstein, South Africa’s chief rabbi, delivered this prayer at the internationally televised memorial service for Nelson Mandela at FNB Stadium. G-d and King, who is full of compassion, G-d of the spirits of all flesh, in whose hands are the souls of the living and the dead, receive, we beseech You, in Your great loving kindness, the soul of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela who has been gathered unto his people. more

In the coming days, there will be much reflection on the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, following the former South African president’s passing on Dec. 5. And in the coming weeks, we can anticipate a febrile exchange over his true views on Israel and the Middle East. more

Kulanu, the Five Towns-based organization that helps children with special needs and their families, will honor three of its founding members — Jewish Star Kitchen columnist Judy Joszef and Alyssa and Leslie Sterba — at its annual scholarship dinner on Dec. 21, motzei Shabbat, at the Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst. more

In her role as Five Towns yoetzet halacha, Lisa Septimus is working to dispel some of the myths associated with taharat hamishpadcha (laws of family purity). Discussing “Ten Myths That Stand Between You and the Mikveh,” before an audience of women at Congregation Beth Sholom in Lawrence, Septimus dealt with “common misconceptions … like regarding nidah (menstrual impurity) as disgusting, technical aspects such as how to count the seven clean days properly, and misconceptions of preparation.” more

Every Thursday night, chessed activities are in full swing at the Community Service Initiative of Far Rockaway (CSI), an after-school program for 7th and 8th grade girls at the White Shul. more

THURSDAY DEC. 12 FREE ADVICE. On Thursday, Dec. 12, “Food For Thought” a free talk series for women at 10 a.m. at Cravingz Café, 410 Central Ave., Cedarhurst, artist Jessica Vaiselberg speaks on gaining a better perspective through drawing. There is a special-priced menu and gift certificate raffles. Call (646) 543-7332. more