Community Corner

The Knesset is Israel’s unicameral parliament and legislature, located in the capital, Yerushalayim.

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.

Parshas Yisro teaches a y’sod in avodas haT’filah. Before Matan Torah, Hashem tells Moshe, “Hineni ba eilecha b’av he’anan” – that Hashem will appear in a thick cloud (Sh’mos 19:9). Rashi explains that the cloud was not meant to distance klal Yisrael, but to prepare them for Kabbalas HaTorah.

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.

On Tuesday afternoon, January 27, in Forest Hills, as snow from the weekend storm still blanketed the sidewalks and curbs, a routine walk to work turned into a violent anti-Semitic assault – and a powerful example of resolve and communal action in Queens.

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