News

 Sadly, many Jews don’t get it. For that matter, many Americans don’t get it. Yes, there are many issues in this election, including the border, the economy, abortion, gun control, men in women’s sports, and support of Israel. However, one issue is hardly put at the forefront. North Korea is threatening South Korea. Russia, of course, is fighting Ukraine. China is threatening Taiwan. Russia and China are meeting with and supporting Iran. Iran is threatening to destroy the Great Satan, America, and Israel through its proxies. Afghanistan is out of control. And Israel, the only Democratic country in the entire Middle East, is fighting a war on seven fronts. Putin said Russia had contemplated using nuclear weapons. Iran, a country with no moral compass, is close to having nuclear capability. 

The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry draws bipartisan critical acclaim

Highly readable, frighteningly relevant and a must for history buffs, The Power and the Money, published in September, illustrates the often complicated, sometimes antagonistic, but increasingly inevitable relationships that develop among corporate titans and U.S. presidents.

New York News

 Brian Cordasco, a former New York City Fire Department chief, pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge for soliciting bribes in exchange for giving preferential treatment in scheduling fire safety inspections. Cordasco, 49, admitted to Manhattan federal court that between 2021 and 2023, he and others accepted bribes from individuals and companies to expedite their inspections, pocketing $57,000 of the $190,000 generated by the scheme. He faces up to five years in prison and a fine between $30,000 and $300,000 at his sentencing in February. Cordasco was arrested three weeks ago alongside another FDNY chief, initially pleading not guilty to bribery and corruption charges. While the arrests coincided with federal corruption probes into Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, Cordasco’s case is not believed to be connected to those investigations.

I take a heaping spoonful of Shabbat chicken soup, savoring the fluffy matzo ball as the warm, comforting flavors envelop me. Delicious! All around me, the sounds of Shabbat songs fill the air, transporting me to a place of peace and joy. But something magical is happening… I glance at the seat next to me and can hardly believe my eyes. Am I really sitting at the biggest Shabbat table ever? Wait a minute—can I actually crawl through this massive, braided challah? Is the Kiddush cup… talking?!

A year since the Hamas attack on Israel, we mourn for the murdered hostages and soldiers killed in combat, with prayers for those known to be alive in captivity and defending Israel on the battlefield. Many of us will have their names and faces among the Ushpizin this year.

Recap: Aida hears about an arrest and worries if her father was arrested. She wants to find out, but she isn’t sure how to do it.