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The very first Rashi in this week’s parshah teaches us an amazing basic rule about tefillah. The word va’eschanan comes from the word chanun, which means to beseech (How’s that for an ArtScroll word?). Chanun means to ask for a matnas chinam, a free gift. Rashi brings this from a Sifri, which explains that really tzaddikim can base their prayers upon their righteous deeds; however, they always beseech Hashem to answer them for free, not because of their righteousness. The Medrash brings several different words to describe tefillah. Moshe Rabbeinu only used this one. Why? Because this is the trait through which Hashem runs this world, giving free gifts to us.

The newly renovated Kleinman Family Ohel Regional Center now features thoughtful spaces to enhance mental health services for youth.

New York News

 Vincent Sumpter, 22, has been charged with multiple hate crimes and ordered held on $100,000 bail after allegedly stabbing a Jewish man, Yechiel Dabrowskin, near the Chabad Headquarters in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

“Mommy does dangerous things. I know it, and what if she… What if what happened to Daddy could happen to Mommy?” Zevi asked.

“Mommy is doing a mitzvah and Hashem will protect her. Daddy is davening for her up in Shamayim and for us.” I tried to reassure him.

(Courtesy of YU) RIETS is proud to announce the appointment of Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz as the Abraham Arbesfeld Torah dean of RIETS. Rabbi Lebowitz is a world-class scholar and teacher of Shas and poskim who is known throughout the Jewish community for his erudition and pedagogy. As the Torah dean of RIETS, Rabbi Lebowitz will direct the educational program of the semicha program and all of RIETS’ semicha and post-semicha kollelim. In this role, Rabbi Lebowitz will also be appointed as a rosh yeshiva and will remain in close contact with the students, continuing to deliver his regular shiurim. 

New York News

 Nassau County Republicans passed the “Mask Transparency Act,” making it a misdemeanor to wear face masks in public for the purpose of concealing one’s identity, with exceptions for health and religious reasons. The vote, strictly along party lines with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats abstaining, followed a heated public debate during which a masked protester was arrested. Proponents argue the bill will help prevent hate crimes, while opponents, including the New York Civil Liberties Union, caution it may lead to discrimination and compromise public health. The bill awaits approval from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.