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In this week’s parshah, it states “Yisrael bowed towards the head of the bed.” (B’reishis 47:31). Did Yaakov Avinu bow to his son [Joseph]? Rashi explains: Yaakov Avinu turned himself toward the head of the bed. Based on this, our Sages taught (Shabbos 12b): ‘The Sh’chinah resides above the head of an ill person.’”

Package Includes $2.75 Billion for Parochial K-12 Schools

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (Orthodox Union) welcomed Congressional leaders’ agreement Monday on a COVID-19 relief package that includes many important and critical measures such as substantial funds to support America’s K-12 schools, including $2.75 billion to support Jewish, Catholic, and other nonpublic day schools.

What does Dirshu do to celebrate the tremendous milestone of completing an entire chelek of Mishnah Berurah during an era of Corona restrictions?

During this difficult time, Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation reached out to community seniors at the Young Israel of Forest Hills Senior League to provide traditional holiday meals. The catering truck arrived with hundreds of meals boxed and ready to go. Reservations were made for members to come by and pick up the meals, socially distanced and wearing masks. Margaret Tietz is always glad to connect with community seniors and provide assistance in whatever way possible.

Funds help with protecting properties against threats and attacks

US Rep. Grace Meng (D-New York), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced Monday that she secured a record-breaking $180 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, the federal initiative that provides houses of worship (synagogues, churches, mosques, temples) and nonprofit entities such as educational institutions and community facilities with funding to protect their properties against threats and attacks. Meng secured the funds in the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which is expected to soon be passed by the House and Senate as part of the omnibus spending package.

OU Kosher, the world’s largest kosher food certification agency, last week condemned the European Court of Justice’s affirmation of a Belgian law requiring stunning an animal prior to its slaughter, which effectively serves as a ban on ritual animal slaughter for kosher and halal food.