David’s Harp is usually a satirical humorous column. In honor of Purim when we are inebriated to the point that everything is turned upside down and we don’t recognize the difference between Mordechai and Haman, the hero and the villain, this space will be serious. more

Israeli novelist David Grossman ascended the podium at the Center for Jewish History in Manhattan on March 9, as he prepared to accept the 2010 National Jewish Book Award in fiction for his poignant novel, "To The End of the Land." Some 200 guests enthusiastically applauded. more

After a relative lull in fighting between Israel and Palestinian militant factions, the terror of the previous Intifadas revealed itself in complete disregard for humanity. more

They screamed, they begged and cajoled trying to point out the truth, but everyone called them liars. When people pointed out that the $500 billion dollars cut from Medicare was being double counted … more

“Hello is this the U.S. Department of State?” the voice whispers. “We like to call ourselves the Department of Diplomacy in Action,” the friendly voice on the phone answers. There is a moment of silence and then the whispering voice continues. “I’m on an international flight and there is a terrorist on board.” The friendly voice says, “We don’t call them terrorists, in fact, there are no terrorists. S o m e t i m e s there are disgruntled workers who have an agenda, but that’s only after we’ve had a complete investigation to evaluate the situation.” more

Four HAFTR High School students were awarded medals for their research at the Long Island Math Fair held at Hofstra University on March 4. The students, Hillel Friedman, Gabrielle Lovett, Wade Miller, and Rebecca Slochowsky, will compete for gold medals at the Final Round of the Long Island Math Fair, which will be held on April 29. more

As the budget talks continue in Albany, our community looks to the painful budget cuts not only as taxpayers but also as parents. Much attention has been paid to the possibility of New York City public school teachers facing layoffs as a result of the budget. But hidden inside the dramatic testimonials is an even more costly proposition, which would greatly impact the viability of special education programs in the Jewish community. more

They raised questions, hypothesized, tested and made winning designs, earning prizes at the Yeshiva Science Olympiad on March 6. This year’s venue was Touro College’s Lander College for Men, welcoming students into its lab classrooms. “It’s important for the Orthodox community to contribute to science for the betterment of the world. We welcome these talented young men and women on our campus,” said Dean Dr. Moshe Sokol. more

Observing the mitzvah of reading Megillat Esther is usually fulfilled by following along in a text while one specific reader sings aloud. For 22 boys, of the North Shore Hebrew Academy of Great Neck, the obligation of reading the Purim scroll is pursued with great preparation and personal participation. more

With significant state budget cuts looming ahead, local Agudath Israel leaders met with State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) to discuss how the cuts will affect the Orthodox community. “Skelos is one of the top three individuals making the decision on the budget,” Rabbi Yonah Feinstein said. “Our concern is the yeshivas and community organizations and these are all constitutionally approved services.” Rabbi Feinstein of Agudat Israel organized a March 6 community breakfast for Skelos. more