Community Corner

Tu B’Av, the 15^th day of the Hebrew month of Av, is a joyous and special day in the Jewish calendar. Often referred to as the “Jewish Day of Love,” it has historical significance as a day when matchmaking and marriages were encouraged in ancient times. On this occasion, let us explore the inspiring stories of some g’dolim (great Jewish leaders) who exemplified the essence of Tu B’Av through their love and devotion to others and to the Jewish people.

Over the past few weeks, Chazaq hosted a series of successful parent-child challah bakes across all 15 of their Shaping Lives programs for public school children. The events aimed to create a stronger bond between parents and children and inspire families through meaningful experiences.

Rabbi Mordechai German, Dean of Be’er Hagolah Institutes, is no stranger to Jewish education. Aside from his personal experience as an educator for more than 25 years, he grew up in a home steeped in a culture of caring for other Jews. The home of his parents, Rabbi Avner and Rebbetzin Leya German of blessed memory, was a fortress of Jewish education and love for everyone.

On Monday, US Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) brought the State Department’s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, to Queens to address increased attacks on the Jewish community around the world and in New York City, as well as to meet with local Jewish community leaders.

Shortly after the Spring 2023 semester ended, a cohort of 34 Yeshiva University undergraduate students participated in the Torat Adam Summer Experience (TASE), with a unique and rewarding trip to Guatemala City and Antigua in Guatemala and Armenia and San Salvador in El Salvador.

MTA’s summer visits continued this week with visits to two more incredible camps. The day began at Camp Dora Golding, where Rabbi Schenker, Rabbi Emerson, Rabbi Cohn, and Rabbi Apfel visited current talmidim and alumni. With doughnuts and swag bags in tow, everyone had a great time reuniting with their rebbeim. Rabbi Konigsberg, Program Director and Assistant Head Counselor at CDG, and Associate Principal at MTA, also enjoyed reuniting with his colleagues while busy at work. There are over 30 MTA former, current, and incoming talmidim who are having a blast at Camp Dora Golding!