News

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 largest Chanukah celebration in New York City, the Seventh Annual Light Up the Night event, took place this past Thursday evening, drawing more than 2,500 participants after an unexpected Sunday morning snowstorm forced a last-minute rescheduling. The delay did nothing to dim spirits, as clear skies and an overwhelming turnout transformed the night into a powerful celebration of unity and light.

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.

The Masbia Soup Kitchen Network distributed complete Chanukah Party Packages to single mothers and their children throughout the city, marking a new approach to one of Masbia’s most meaningful annual traditions.

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.

Three minyanim, with more than 125 people, came together to celebrate Chanukah at the Young Israel of Forest Hills on Thursday, December 18.