Community Corner

On Wednesday, April 22, Yeshiva University welcomed Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Chairwoman of the House Republican Leadership for the 119^th Congress, for a special edition of Great Conversations with Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman. The series brings heads of state, policymakers, and global thought leaders into substantive engagement with the University’s president and has rapidly become a defining platform. Recent guests have included former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Argentinian President Javier Milei, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, and author and cultural commentator Douglas Murray.

On Sunday night, April 19, the community gathered at the Young Israel of Hillcrest for a beautiful program on emunah hosted by Chazaq. The evening began with Rabbi Yaniv Meirov, CEO of Chazaq and Rav of Congregation Charm Circle, leading the assembly in reciting T’hilim.

For many professionals in the field of kosher certification, the annual OU Kashrus Conference is far more than a simple collegial gathering. It serves as a vital opportunity to learn about the latest industry developments and to connect with colleagues who understand the unique experiences and technical challenges of maintaining global standards. This year, the 32^nd annual event held at the Hilton Parsippany in New Jersey carried an added layer of historical significance. Attendees from around the world gathered to pay tribute to a leader who built and grew that community from its infancy. After 45 years of transformative leadership at the helm of OU Kosher, Chief Executive Officer Rabbi Menachem Genack will celebrate his retirement this summer.

The Forest Hills community and the extended Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe family mourn the loss of Jerry Vinett, who passed away on April 19, at the age of 86. A man defined by stoicism and deep-seated kindness, Jerry left an indelible mark on everyone from the corporate boardrooms of Manhattan to the gym floors of Queens.

Queens Jewish community was honored this week with a special visit from former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Lau, in a day filled with inspiration, Torah, and unity. The visit was organized by Rabbi Yaniv Meirov of Chazaq, who gave the Chief Rabbi a small glimpse into the vibrant Queens community. 

The Framework of Holiness

In Parshas Emor, the Torah is not just giving laws about Kohanim and the festivals: It is defining what structured holiness looks like in a person’s life.