I. Preparing for Shabbos

The key to success in anything you do is preparation. You want to ace a job interview? You need many things to succeed but if you prepare, if you research the company and practice answering common questions, then with siyata di-Shmaya (divine assistance) you have a much better chance of getting the job. You want to cook a fabulous dinner for many guests? Try out different recipes in advance and make sure you have all the ingredients you need. More importantly, in advance of a Yom Tov, prepare by learning the laws, customs and ideas of that holiday. If we all begin preparing thirty days before a holiday, as the Gemara (Pesachim 6a) says we should, we would enter the Yom Tov full of Torah insights, ready to observe the holiday to its fullest.

In a departure from Met Council’s traditional annual legislative breakfast the morning of the parade, this year began with the harrowing personal account of Michal Ohana, a survivor of the Nova Massacre. Michal spoke in tears about the day she was shot and left for dead to a sold-out audience of over 400 leaders, including 75 elected officials at the city, state, and federal levels.