In Megillas Esther, Hashem’s name is not mentioned, but He’s there – running the show behind the scenes. So, too, in every difficulty in our lives, Hashem is right there with us, even if we can’t see Him.

New Virtual Platform Facilitated Unprecedented International Participation

For the first time in its 14-year history, the Orthodox Union’s Jewish Community Home Relocation Fair was held virtually in mid-February, enabling attendees worldwide to take part. Even more remarkable, however, was that participants joined from 35 US states and 18 countries, including Austria, Chile, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, Nigeria, and Venezuela.

On Thursday, February 24, Beth Gavriel Bukharian Jewish Center, in conjunction with Limud L’Chai, hosted a discussion on the risks and dangers associated with marijuana addiction, including halachic (Jewish law), hashkafic (Jewish perspective), and mental health issues. The event included remarks from Rabbi Tomer Zino, Rabbi Moshe Mehdyzadeh, and Rabbi Moshe Frankel, MSW, a 20-year veteran in victims of substance abuse and a representative of Amudim.

On Monday, February 28, Agudath Israel of America filed an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) brief in a case that could expand transportation services for many nonpublic school students across New York State. The case examines whether school districts in New York State must provide transportation to nonpublic school students on all days that their schools are in session, even if public schools are closed. Brought by the United Jewish Community of Blooming Grove on behalf of students and their parents against the Washingtonville Central School District and the New York State Education Department, the case challenges the existing policy of only providing nonpublic school transportation when public schools are open.

In T’hilim (10:9), it states, “He lies in wait, like a lion in his lair (literally “his sukkah”), he lies in wait to snatch the poor one. He snatches the poor one by pulling him into his net.”