In a small parlor meeting in Cedarhurst, a leader of a grassroots organization committed to helping civilians in Judea and Samaria explained his cause to a group of thirty intent listeners, delineating the history of Israel’s current precarious security situation and decrying the lack of awareness and support. more

The Internet and the Orthodox Jewish community has been the subject of much discussion of late especially in light of the recent Asifa at Citi Field. I have received many inquiries for guidance by members of the Young Israel of Woodmere. For the sake of clarity, I have chosen to put together some thoughts and suggestions to you. I welcome your comments and critique of my thoughts. more

Kulanu Academy is pleased to announce that five of our students will be graduating this year.  Wishing Barbara D., Yonatan G., Chananya S., Garrick S., and Joshua W. much success in their future endeavors!   In addition, we are proud to share that Jack A., Abigail E., Bryan H., Moshe K., David S., Chananya S., Joshua W., and Josh Z. passed their Regents or Regents Competency Test this year!  more

Local opposition is building against a plan that could construct Long Island’s first Costco gasoline station in Lawrence. Costco wants to install 22 gas pumps at its Rockaway Turnpike store. However, the Inwood Civic Association and existing gas stations in the area are challenging the application. The pumps would be used by Costco members only. more

As a result of Tuesday’s Republican Primary, Nassau Legislator Francis X. Becker (R-Lynbrook) will square off against Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy in November for her seat. November’s upcoming election will be a rematch for the two elected officials who last brought voters to the polls in November 2010. more

June 25 NEFESH B’NEFESH’S first ‘Tweetup’ series comes to NYC: “Social Media: The Israel Connection”  Jeff Pulver, William Daroff, and Jamie Geller among social media personalities participating in events focusing on harnessing the power of social media as a bridge between Israel & the Diaspora Nefesh B’Nefesh, which works in cooperation with the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and the Jewish Agency, will host two “tweetups”, entitled “Social Media: The Israel Connection,” for Israel-engaged Jews in the Tri-state area who are active in social media. The events will take place in New York on Monday, June 25th at 8:00pm and in New Jersey on Tuesday, June 26th at 7:30pm. The events will include networking and targeted discussions focusing on utilizing social media as a bridge between Israel and the Diaspora. There will also be mini-presentations by popular social media personalities, including William Daroff, Vice President for Public Policy and Director of the Washington Office of The Jewish Federations of North America; Jeff Pulver, Internet Entrepreneur; Jamie Geller, Co-founder of the Kosher Media Network; Adam Soclof, JTA journalist and Dani Klein, Editor of the popular travel website yeahthatskosher.com. A (kosher) BBQ dinner will be served. Joining the lineup of Tweeters will be Marc Rosenberg, Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh’s One Aliyah department (which helps singles and young professionals make Aliyah) and the organization’s social media coordinator Laura Ben-David who will be jointly facilitating the event. These seasoned professionals have been living in Israel for a combined 21 years and often speak to groups and blog on Israel and Jewish identity. JNF House is located at
42 East 69th Street, NYC more

On Sunday, June 10 the MOB aka “The Mavens of BBQ” placed in the top six in every competition, including first place in baked beans, and walked away with the overall 1st place Grand Champion trophy in the Long Island Kosher Barbeque Championship. more

Our house is full of stuff we collect. Our home is not yet material for a show about hoarders, but things do continue to accumulate. The culprits are books, photos, seashells, curios, art projects, cool bags, newspaper clippings, magazines, emails, hamsas, spices, teas, chocolates, etc. more

Although it’s been seven years since my youngest has been to sleep away camp, the middle of June always evokes nightmares of “trunk packing.” As the middle of June arrives, I have to remind myself that I don’t have to go through that anymore. Come on, you all know what I’m talking about. Buying, labeling, folding and then the hard part, fitting it all into an oversized trunk and duffle bag. more