News

Package Includes $2.75 Billion for Parochial K-12 Schools

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (Orthodox Union) welcomed Congressional leaders’ agreement Monday on a COVID-19 relief package that includes many important and critical measures such as substantial funds to support America’s K-12 schools, including $2.75 billion to support Jewish, Catholic, and other nonpublic day schools.

In this week’s parshah, it states “Yisrael bowed towards the head of the bed.” (B’reishis 47:31). Did Yaakov Avinu bow to his son [Joseph]? Rashi explains: Yaakov Avinu turned himself toward the head of the bed. Based on this, our Sages taught (Shabbos 12b): ‘The Sh’chinah resides above the head of an ill person.’”

Funds help with protecting properties against threats and attacks

US Rep. Grace Meng (D-New York), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced Monday that she secured a record-breaking $180 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, the federal initiative that provides houses of worship (synagogues, churches, mosques, temples) and nonprofit entities such as educational institutions and community facilities with funding to protect their properties against threats and attacks. Meng secured the funds in the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which is expected to soon be passed by the House and Senate as part of the omnibus spending package.

James Gennaro is the former City Council Member for District 24, a seat he held for 12 successful years. Gennaro is once again seeking to lead our community in this very seat, recently vacated by Rory Lancman, and has announced that he is being backed by Shimi Pelman.

What does Dirshu do to celebrate the tremendous milestone of completing an entire chelek of Mishnah Berurah during an era of Corona restrictions?

On Sunday evening, December 20, Chazaq, TorahAnytime, Mosaica Press, and Congregation Sons of Israel of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, hosted a virtual shiur with Rabbi Ephraim Epstein, author of the new sefer titled Davening Divine. He shared the famous quote from Pirkei Avos that the world stands on three things: Torah, Avodah, u’G’milus Chasadim. “The world was created for t’filah.” He taught that “everyone wants a meaningful t’filah experience. Everyone wants a deeper connection with his Creator.”