In the latest example of its sophistication and political influence, Agudath Israel hosted a dozen local elected officials at its second annual legislative breakfast near Wall Street. This year’s theme addresses security concerns, speakers included elected officials, U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch, and Jarrod Bernstein, who was recently appointed as President Obama’s liaison to the Jewish community. “We’ve realized an unprecedented level of military cooperation with the state of Israel,” said Bernstein. more

At 4:15 a.m. on Thursday, Mayer Gold, the owner of Seasons, a kosher supermarket in Cedarhurst, received a call from Moshe Ratner, the general manager of Gourmet Glatt Emporium, another kosher supermarket. more

Our parsha, in conjunction with parshiot Vayera and Chayeh Sarah, is preeminently the story of Avraham Avinu (our father Abraham). We first meet him, however, in the persona of Avram (Abram) at the end of Parashat Noach. At this juncture in time, we have no indication that Avram will become Avraham and lead the greatest spiritual revolution in human history. more

It was three years ago; America elected a president who was going to repair our relationship with the world, particularly the Muslim world, after eight years of that “cowboy” George W. Bush. Regretfully, our “relationship repairer-in-chief” has presided over an increased divide between with the Muslim nations, and managed to create a rift with Israel, our most reliable ally in the region. more

Dear Aviva, I’m not sure if I have a problem or not. My friends and a few random strangers are making me think that I do. I like to be different. So when I go to a simcha, I don’t want to blend in with the typical black dress. I like color and flair, and unique clothing and accessories. I like to be noticed. I always dress tzniusdik, but I know that I stand out. My husband has no problem with how I dress, but my friends make comments that I should dress softer, and I do see people whispering and looking at me sometimes. Do I have a problem? -Flamboyantly Fashionable more

Sometimes, you can’t change the world, and in order to make sure the world doesn’t change you, difficult and often painful decisions are necessary. I still remember joining the Israeli army, full of motivation and inspired to make a difference, only to discover that the reality of army life often had its own set of rules. more

Being an avid reader of Jerusalem Post for most of my adult life, I have come to both admire and anticipate the writings of Dr. Reuven Hammer. His take on religious affairs, especially his analysis of the Chumash, holiday laws and customs, as well as current events, are both well written and reflect a very sober and unique theological perspective. more

Calendar for the week of Nov 4, 2011 more

This week, Gary F. Knobel, the Nassau County District Court judge and Oceanside resident, is seeking reelection for his bench, running on the Republican, Working Families, and Independence tickets. We briefly chatted with Judge Knobel on his run and his work as a Hofstra Law School professor and acting county court judge to preside over psychiatric retention and treatment hearings. more

The first of the two significant covenants that were forged between Avraham and G-d was the Brit Bein Habtarim (Covenant Between the Pieces). In exchange for a promise that he’ll have children, that they’ll be enslaved for 400 years, but that they’ll ultimately inherit the land of Canaan, G-d asks of Avraham (still Avram at that time) to “Bring for Me a prime heifer, a prime goat, a prime ram, a dove and a young pigeon.” more