Community Corner

Texas statute better aligns with Jewish values cherishing every human life

Weighing in on the Texas law prohibiting abortions after six weeks’ gestation except in cases of medical necessity, the Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), representing over 1,500 traditional, Orthodox rabbis in matters of public policy, called the law a step in the right direction, better aligned with mainstream Jewish values, Rabbinic texts, and legal codes. In so doing, it condemned the left-wing National Council of Jewish Women and its “Rabbis for Repro” for distorting Jewish teachings, devaluing the sanctity of life, and causing a desecration of G-d’s Name.

The start of the 2021/5782 school year saw the inauguration of the first two classes at The Queens Cheder in Forest Hills. What began as a mere dream for a Sephardic community desperately seeking a higher Judaic educational standard for their youngsters quickly turned to reality over a few short weeks. The unique institution will follow the strictest of Sephardic standards and radiate as a beacon of Torah education in New York while living in the eye of the Sephardic sages of yesteryear and being a pride for Queens Jewry.

On Sunday night, September 12, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Laub graciously organized a parlor meeting at their residence in Kew Gardens Hills to spread awareness of Chazaq’s life-changing programs.

Jewish Orthodox volunteers spanning the breadth of Queens community organizations visited the World Trade Center Memorial this past September 11. The group gathered to pay respects on behalf of the thousands of volunteers across the nation who sacrifice their time and energy each day and for those who gave their lives during the attacks and those who succumbed to illness thereafter.

After a successful launch of the Purple Fellowship last year, Shalom Task Force (STF) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the next cohort of fellows. The Purple Fellowship is open to high school juniors and seniors interested in growing into leadership roles in the Jewish community. Fellows attend nine-week intensive training programs that cover important topics including domestic violence, abuse in the Jewish community, boundaries, and being an upstander, as well as advocacy and fundraising skills. Students develop skills to become active community leaders. One fellow shared that “the Purple Fellowship taught me so much about a topic I knew nothing about. It has inspired me to continue to spread awareness and the importance of being a leader in my community.”

Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation continued their summer tradition of including a party for the Candy Striper volunteers in their programming. The volunteers constitute students who give of their time to enhance the stay of residents. Hosting this program, as well as others, continues the Margaret Tietz commitment to compassion and customized care for their residents. The pupils this time around were a wonderful group from top high schools around New York City. They readily helped in many departments throughout the facility, bringing special care that brought joyful smiles to the residents.