Well over one thousand people gathered at the New York Hilton this past Sunday for Agudath Israel of America’s annual dinner. Featuring a long list of speakers and presentations, the Dinner paid tribute to various individuals who have made an impact on the community, as well as powerful messages from political and rabbinic leaders. more

Israeli naval captain Ori Dadon has seen combat in two news making skirmishes in the defense of Israel and spoke with the Jewish Star about his life and experiences as first company commander aboard the Israeli Navy ship the Nitzachon. more

A dust up over free speech arose in Great Neck when a controversial speaker was bounced from appearing at one Orthodox synagogue under threat of protest from a Reform temple and invited to speak at another Orthodox synagogue there. In a further development, a local newspaper is now being accused by supporters of the speaker of distorting an account of the event, with an inaccurate report and photographs. more

Nobody gets out of here alive and it doesn’t matter how you leave, it matters how you lived your life while you were here. We are all on the way, way to what? Will we ever get there? Can we? We were allowed to come here for a purpose; we have a mission, a tikkun, a repair for our souls and for others. We start out small, knowing nothing of this place and have to grow to become all we can become. more

Children should not only be vaccinated against childhood diseases, but they should also be “vaccinated” against child abuse, according to two Jewish educators, one from New York, one from Los Angeles. A hard-cover children’s book published by Artscroll, and available since January for a minimal fee as an audio downloadable book, and elementary school programs are among the attempts of educators to arm children in an emotional and psychological form of self-defense against potential predators. more

Pidyon Shivuyim: Save Alan Gross To the Editor: I am contacting you to ask that you forward information to your readers about the current efforts to help get my friend Alan Gross back home. It is now over 3 years since Alan was arrested and placed in an 8’ x 10’ cell in Cuba. Alan went to Cuba to try to improve internet access for Cuba’s Jewish community. Alan’s wife, Judy, has created a petition to ask President Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro to negotiate to release Alan. Alan’s attorneys are trying to get 100,000 signatures on the petition and much help is needed. The petition can be found by going to: www.bringalanhome.org The link to the petition is the second item under Latest News. Anything you and your readers can do to help is deeply appreciated. Lenny Levy Gaithersburg, MD more

Three speakers sat on stools in front of a rapt audience of 25 men and women in the Ganz family home in Woodmere Saturday night, explaining the ups and downs, ins and outs of foster parenting. In the first step of a long process to recruit potential parents through OHEL for foster children, OHEL presented the fourth recruitment meeting in two years, noted Derek Saker, Director of Communications for OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services. “We are always looking to increase the pool of foster parents,” he said. more

Agudath Israel gave much assistance and support in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, but in turn, was also effected by the storm: its annual convention had to be postponed and Sandy and other events even changed the convention’s theme. more

To be in the company of Peri Finklestein, of West Hempstead, is a delight. To have the pleasure of meeting her on her birthday made it even more special. The West Hempstead resident, a Chai Lifeline Camp Simcha Special camper who celebrated her 13th birthday on December 31, is participating in the upcoming ING marathon in Miami on Sunday, January 27, 2013, along with her family, who collectively make up TEAM FINKELSTEIN. more

The number three in Judaism has a special meaning. It is said that while one symbolizes unity, and two tension and duality, three symbolizes harmony. Three also represents Chazaka, strength. No truer words can be spoken about the three founders of I-Shine, who will be honored at the Chai Lifeline’s Annual Gala to be held on Sunday, December 4th at the Marriott Marquis. more