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Officials Announce New Hate and Bias Prevention Task Force; Commitment to Increase Federal Funding to Protect Jewish Community; New Efforts to Collaborate Across Communities

On Monday, December 12, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (Orthodox Union), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, convened an urgent meeting with federal and local elected officials to address rising anti-Semitism across the United States.

“The Emet Couples Retreat is a getaway we look forward to every year. It’s that time when we can go away, reconnect, and reflect on ourselves as a couple and as parents,” Marianna and Boris Musheyev explained when discussing why the annual three-day event is a priority on their calendar. The Musheyevs spent Thanksgiving weekend with 325 Emet alumni and staff at the majestic Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch, New Jersey. Designed to promote spiritual and marital rejuvenation, the retreat balanced Torah concepts and growth-oriented learning with a variety of activities. “This retreat is a treasured part of our scheduled yearly programs since it’s like a family reunion,” said Rabbi Akiva Rutenberg, Emet Co-founder and Director. “We’ve watched so many of our couples grow from the time they were single college students, and we’re honored to still be part of their lives as they build their own families.”

Months ago, President Biden nominated longtime Democratic donor Elizabeth Frawley Bagley to serve as ambassador to Brazil. At her confirmation hearing in May, she faced bipartisan condemnation for a 1998 interview in which she claimed that Democrats entertained “stupid” pro-Israel viewpoints because of “the Jewish factor” and echoed old anti-Semitic tropes, saying, “There is always the influence of the Jewish lobby because there is major money involved.”

Our Sages teach us that a prerequisite for a s’gulah to work is that the person is observing the mitzvos of the Torah. The best way for a person to achieve blessing is Torah observance and prayer, but a s’gulah can make it more propitious for a favorable outcome.  Here are some s’gulos for Chanukah.

Chazaq held their annual Charidy Campaign, with their largest goal in history, and still surpassed its target, swelling above 120 percent of the initial goal. This came from the support of over 3,500 individual donors, a historic moment for the organization.

Rabbi Stuart Verstandig, President of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, greeted community members at the shul on Wednesday evening, November 30, to discuss safety concerns and to learn about ways to help make the neighborhood safer. Rabbi Verstandig shared that Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld, the shul’s Rabbi Emeritus, established a strong relationship with the members of NYPD’s 107 Precinct.