The governor has not officially called the election date to fill the State Assembly seat vacated by Audrey Pheffer on May 12, but three Rockaway residents have emerged as top contenders in the race. “You have one from Far Rockaway, one from Breezy Point, and I’m the middle-of-the road pick,” said longtime Democratic activist Lew Simon, 51, a resident of Rockaway Park, which is located near the peninsula’s midpoint. more

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President Obama’s recent Middle East speech created much controversy surrounding his call for the 1949 armistice lines (commonly called the pre-June 1967 borders) to be the starting point of any territorial negotiations. more

The first time I ever ate a molten chocolate cake I was in my teens at a restaurant called Shallots in my hometown of Chicago. The cake was topped with a solid disk of chocolate under the name “Top Hat.” more

The room is shaking, but it's shaking in the best kind of way. I am experiencing the way Shabbos ends at an NCSY Shabbaton - and never have I seen the Shabbos Malka receive a more royal sendoff. more

In this week’s parsha, we are introduced to the unique mitzvah of the kohanim – their ability to be the instrument through which the people of Israel will be blessed. more

It came down within hours of its posting, but as word got out, the material that appeared on the short-lived Agudath Israel of America news blog, continues to resonate online. On May 25, Leah Zagelbaum, the organization’s communications director, launched the blog, using it to share photographs, press releases, and event information. more

I just returned from Washington, having attended my first AIPAC Policy Conference. This year’s event was the largest yet, with 10,000 delegates participating. I was incredibly proud to be one of these delegates, and overwhelmed by the strength and diversity of the pro-Israel movement. Among the attendees were Jews and non-Jews, both religious and secular, African Americans and Latinos, students and professionals, all there for one reason – to support Israel and keep her safe. more

Dear Aviva, My husband uses the computer too much. He claims that it’s for work, but I just don’t buy it. He’s online at all hours and it’s really starting to get to me. I can’t imagine what kind of work needs to be done the minute he comes home from work. I feel like he is just using it as an excuse to not help out with the kids or with the house. I feel like a nag, but I need this to stop. Am I overreacting? more

Outside of Orthodoxy, Shavuot is one of the lesser-known Jewish holidays. In an essay titled “Thoughts on Shavuot” from his book, “Angels for Shabbat,” Rabbi Marc Angel, director of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals states quite eloquently: “Shavuot is the festival on which we recall the Revelation at Mount Sinai. It is also a good time to plan for a hypothetical second gathering of Israelites at Sinai – and to think carefully how we can envision such an event as an opportunity to bring us all together. more