A personal trainer at a gym saw the posted flier offering CPR classes and called Malky Tropper, EMT and CPR instructor and asked to learn. The woman took the class and Tropper got a call from her eight months later. “I was in Williamsburg,” said the non-Jewish woman excitedly, “and I saw a Jewish boy with the long curls choking on a hard candy. He fell unconscious and I saved the boy by doing what you taught me! I beat the Jewish ambulance!” she exulted. more

The last few days we’ve all been rushing around; I’m sure I speak for everyone, those who will stay home and those who will be away. I was actually very surprised to see the amount of Pesach food and options in all the stores. It seemed odd, as I thought my family was the only one staying home. more

Jewish Star Editor Malka Eisenberg’s front page story on the Kindertransport captured the imagination of judges and won First Place for Best Feature Story in a competition among members of the New York State Press Association. Results were announced at the group’s convention in Saratoga Springs. more

Pesach always brings back images of blood — blood as a sign on the doorpost, that is. The Shakh, in his commentary on Parshat Bo, claims the blood that was placed on the doorposts was a combination of the blood of the lamb and blood gathered in a major circumcision festival that was necessary to allow people to partake of the Korban Pesach (Paschal lamb). more

Last week there were two widely covered attacks on free speech, one in private industry the other in the world of public service. more

With Pesach just around the corner, we conclude this year’s review of what’s new to read for this most glorious of all festivals. more

Jerusalem, 1948. The newly born State of Israel was struggling against vastly superior Arab forces, and Jerusalem, the heart and soul of the Jewish people, was under siege. There was only one major road to Jerusalem from the west, where the majority of Israel’s population and her food and supplies production lay, and the Arabs had successfully blocked access to the capital to all but the bravest of travelers. more

I wondered what the kidoshim (holy ones) were thinking from shamaim (heaven) as they saw all 100 of me and my classmates in Darchei Binah walk in and out of a gas chamber as frum Jews, completely unscathed. more

The Jewish Star wishes the entire community a chag kasher vsamayach — a kosher and happy Passover. more

Nearly 100 members of the ancient Jewish community of Kaifeng, China, are expected to attend a first-of-its-kind traditional Passover Seder next Monday. more