Between my house in West Hempstead and the local Chabad House, Halls Pond Park is often used for photoshoots and the occasional movie shoot. On Sunday night, it was surrounded by cars, many of them with flags, as police directed traffic. There had been a vigil for slain conservative influencer Charlie Kirk at the Long Island Rail Road’s Seaford station the previous night that attracted 5,000 supporters, but seeing a gathering close to home brought the realization that we are in a historical moment resonating in all corners of this country.

On Tuesday evening, April 9, members of the community experienced a comprehensive important lecture from the Navigating the Medical System Lecture Series at Congregation Etz Chaim on the topic of Understanding Heart Arrhythmias, Valve Replacement, and Updates in Treatment. David Slotwiner, MD, FACC, FHRS, Chief of Division of Cardiology and Cardiac Electrophysiology at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital, and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell, shared lots of valuable information about the latest in treating arrhythmias. He pointed out, “There are a lot of new treatments in arrhythmia and valve replacement.”

This year’s Sukkos is in the middle of the week, perhaps not allowing enough time for a vacation. For those eating in sukkos close to their year-round homes, here are the opportunities for tourism in the city and nearby. This year, many of the attractions listed are celebrating their centennials and golden anniversaries, with exhibits and events relating to these milestones.

When we come out of Yom Tov, we should feel that we are on a higher spiritual level – different from when the Yom Tov began. We were fortunate to have so many beautiful shiurim about Pesach presented to our community that helped us all to grow spiritually. Reviewing the important lessons of Pesach now is a perfect time to help us carry them into the rest of the year.