Community Corner

“The Stories We Tell” Gala Reaffirmed Ohel’s Mission

Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services returned to Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers, New York City, on Tuesday, December 23, to celebrate its 56^th Annual Gala. Nearly 650 dedicated community advocates and supporters gathered to support the organization while raising essential funds and awareness for Ohel’s extensive range of mental health services and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

A trauma expert discussed coping and resilience skills as Jews worldwide undergo challenging times.

“Resilience is not one size fits all,” said Dr. Norman Blumenthal, a licensed psychologist and Adjunct Professor at Yeshiva University, at Congregation Machane Chodosh in Forest Hills on December 22.

At his private practice in Lawrence, Dr. Blumenthal tells his patients, “I’m not going to change you; I’m going to make you better at who you are.”

“The Stories We Tell” Gala Reaffirmed Ohel’s Mission

Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services returned to Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers, New York City, on Tuesday, December 23, to celebrate its 56^th Annual Gala. Nearly 650 dedicated community advocates and supporters gathered to support the organization while raising essential funds and awareness for Ohel’s extensive range of mental health services and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Parshat Vayechi opens as Yaakov Avinu approaches the end of his life, yet the parsha itself is filled not with endings, but with continuity. Yaakov gathers his children, blesses them, and anchors them to who they are meant to be. Even in galus, even before the geulah, he plants clarity, direction, and hope.

On December 18, Assemblyman David Weprin held a press conference in Fresh Meadows honoring Seymour “Sey” Schwartz on the occasion of his 100th birthday, recognizing a lifetime defined by service, leadership, and an enduring commitment to community.

While the Chanukiah of Hope anchored New York City’s official Chanukah observance under Mayor Eric Adams, the city’s mayor-elect marked the holiday in a markedly different fashion.