Jan 12 Motzai Shabbat, 8:00 pm Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst Invites the local Jewish community to view “Black is a Color, featuring the provocative art exhibit and powerful ideas of artist/author Stan Lebovic Young Israel Lawrence-Cedarhurst 8 Spruce Street Cedarhurst, NY 11516 more

This past Sunday marked the bicentennial anniversary of the yahrtzeit of the Baal HaTanya, Rabbi Scheneur Zalman. Among his most lasting literary works was the Tanya, perhaps the most definitive foundational work of Chabad chasidus, as well as one of the most influential of Judaism’s literary works of that era. Yet among his interpreters, each saw different teachings and theological meanings in his writings in the Tanya. more

After the Holocaust, Mr. Levinsky (not his real name) refused to join his brothers` business in Switzerland, even though it would have made him a millionaire. He preferred to stay in London, working as an accountant, rather than work in a business that was open on Shabbat. His brothers broke all contact with him. Years later, upon his deathbed, his older brother acknowledged that he had been mistaken; while he ran after his millions, abandoning Judaism, his London based brother raised a wonderful family - the Swiss based children couldn`t find happiness with all their money. And there`s an extra caveat at the end of this story ... more

In his “Living Torah,” Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan summarized the many options of what the 4th plague may have been, based on Midrash and commentaries: Flies (Rabbi Nechemiah), wild animals (Rabbi Yehuda) (Sh’moth Rabbah 11:4) (based on a literal reading of Psalms 78:11); dog-flies (Septuagint); blood-suckers (Philo); mixture of insects and snakes (Sefer HaYashar); Beetles (scarab or dung beetle); wolves (Rashbam), panthers, eagles or other birds (Midrash Tehillim 78:45); giant squid (Midrash Aggadah). more

There are certain things in life we take for granted, and chief amongst these are the relationships we have built over a lifetime. So one wonders exactly what Hashem (G-d) is saying at the beginning of this week’s portion: “And G-d spoke to Moshe and said to him ‘I am G-d’.” (Exodus 6:2) Why is G-d introducing Him/Her self to Moshe? more

Dear Editor: As someone well-schooled in politics, permit me a prediction concerning the ill-advised nomination of Senator Chuck Hagel to be defense secretary. His hostility towards Israel and his dangerous level of tolerance for the prevarications, stalling tactics, genocidal intentions and the like of the Iranians, Hamas, Islamists galore and others of like mind is only too well-known. more

According to NBC White House reporter Chuck Todd, the President’s Chief of Staff Jack Lew spent much of the weekend talking to the Jewish figures that worship progressive policy above all else. His purpose was to convince them to drop (or at least temper) their opposition to Chuck Hagel’s candidacy for Secretary of State. Lew’s efforts were partially successful. more

This weekend brings a confluence of events commemorating the continued influence of Rav Shlomo Carlebach, a’h, on the Jewish world, in music, kiruv, and the expanding circle of his admirers on his 18th yahrtzeit. This Motzai Shabbat (Saturday night), January 12th, Neshama Carlebach, Shlomo’s daughter and a musician in her own right, will hold a concert in his memory at the Carlebach shul in Manhattan. On Monday evening, January 14th, Jonathan Greenstein and Neshama Carlebach will present a Kiddush cup, that they codesigned in memory of Shlomo, at Greenstein’s Judaica gallery in Cedarhurst. more

Amidst their piles of school work and extra-curricular activities, the students of North Shore Hebrew Academy High School in Great Neck still find ample time to donate to the community. Ninth and tenth graders at North Shore are required to perform thirty hours of community service per year; however, many upperclassmen continue their volunteer endeavors throughout their high school careers. more

Both Americans and Israelis treasure the unique mutual friendship of the two democratic countries, hearkening back to President Harry Truman’s pioneering recognition of the newly reconstituted State of Israel in 1948. This friendship is still maintained although it has at times seemed to be on shaky ground. Three recent presidential appointments and the actions of a previous vice president have left members of Congress and pundits to question the motives and thought process involved in the choices. more