Community Corner

On Friday, August 14, during Shabbat services at Central Synagogue, a man attacked a woman inside the house of worship.

Moshe Kinderlehrer, co-founder and co-publisher of The Jewish Link of New Jersey, was among five individuals honored with the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation’s annual Moral Courage Award at Yankee Stadium on Sunday. The awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to confronting anti-Semitism, hate, and intolerance.

Imagine pulling into a parking lot where every space is taken, cars are packed tightly, and some vehicles are blocking others in. In most places, that kind of scene might quickly lead to frustration. Here, drivers simply left their keys available so cars could be moved when necessary, and everyone went on with their day. The setting was Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, but for the ten Emet students visiting that weekend, the moment represented something larger: a community where Torah values shape everyday life.

Parshas Ki Savo begins with the mitzvah of Bikkurim. Upon entering Eretz Yisrael, settling the land, and receiving its produce, a Yid brings the first fruits to the Beis Hamikdash and recites Mikra Bikkurim, recalling the journey of Klal Yisrael—from the suffering in Mitzrayim to Hashem’s redemption and the gift of Eretz Yisrael.

Forty boys from Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill enjoyed a free end-of-summer trip to Adventureland, organized by Khal Adas Yereim of Kew Gardens. This provided local families with a welcome activity during the often-challenging stretch between the end of camp and the start of the school year.

Parshas Ki Seitzei contains many mitzvos that guide us in how to live with compassion, responsibility, and awareness of Hashem’s presence in every part of our lives.