Community Corner

Marking a major milestone in a transformative scholarship initiative, Yeshiva University has named the first cohort of Scholars to the Heller Center for Academic Excellence and Jewish Values—exceptional students selected across the current undergraduate class—who exemplify strong academic achievement grounded in Torah values. Each scholar will receive $10,000 annually, providing meaningful support as they pursue demanding coursework and lives of leadership, growth and purpose. The Heller family’s commitment to establishing a foundational endowment anchors this initiative, ensuring its longevity and advancing YU’s mission of integrating intellectual rigor with Torah-centered education.

On Sunday evening, January 11, over 1,200 guests gathered at the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, for Chazaq’s historic Gala Dinner, an unforgettable evening dedicated to strengthening Jewish identity and education for the next generation. The ballroom was transformed into a breathtaking setting of elegant floral arrangements, glowing candlelight, and dramatic spotlighting, creating an atmosphere of warmth and celebration.

Parshas B’Shalach is a powerful lesson in bitachon and emunah. Klal Yisrael stands at the Yam Suf, pressed between the sea and the pursuing Egyptians. It seems impossible. But Hashem says: “Why do you cry out to Me? Speak to the B’nei Yisrael, that they go forward” (Sh’mos 14:15). Often, the first step of g’ulah is simply to move forward, trusting in Hashem even when the way seems blocked.

“When all of Klal Yisrael come together, especially when they come together through learning Torah,” the Toldos Aharon Rebbe, shlita, exclaimed, “they create a tremendous nachas ruach for Hashem!”

City Council announces five-point legislative and funding package focused on education, protecting schools and houses of worship, and resources to confront hate

With her election as Speaker of the New York City Council on January 7, Julie Menin stepped into a role second only to the mayor in municipal power, making history as the first Jewish person to ever hold the post.