In response to their leadership making a strategic decision to take on the yeshiva tuition affordability crisis in a major way, the Orthodox Union, as the largest Orthodox umbrella organization in the United States, has appointed Michael Cohen of Englewood, N.J. as its New York State Director of Political Affairs to lead the way ---- and six months into his new gig he’s already making inroads. more

A stunning medical breakthrough took the Orthodox community by storm when a rosh yeshiva in Jerusalem diagnosed with two muscle degenerative diseases was able to walk and speak clearly again following one injection of the experimental treatment, after being wheelchair bound and barely able to speak. more

On the 21st day of the Hebrew month of Tamuz, I celebrated my birthday. On that day, I was informed by one of my patients that one could give brachot more

Volunteers are at the heart and soul of every community-based nonprofit organization and those who give of their time, without pay, truly make a big difference in the lives of others. Recently, five outstanding volunteers were honored by the JCC of the Greater Five Towns for their contributions in helping to improve the lives of those served by the JCC. The volunteer recognition ceremony was held at the JCC’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 27th where Arnold “Arnie” Waldman of Woodmere was sworn in as President of the JCC’s Board of Directors and former president Dr. Kenneth Berman was named Chairman of the Board.  more

June 28 Free Seminar A free community forum hosted by South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside, NY (1 Healthy Way), will be presented by certified diabetes educator Cecilia Cassidy, BSN, RN.  The forum will be held in South Nassau’s Conference Room B on Thursday, June 28, beginning at 7:30 PM.  For more information or to register, call South Nassau’s Department of Community Education (516) 377-5333. more

June 16 EMUNAH of America 5 Towns Chapter’s Annual Shabbat Tea June 16 4:00pm Honoring Shaynee Kessler and Renee Greenspan Guest Speaker Jackie Bitton on “Finding Inner Happiness” Special guest appearances by Yehuda Kohn of EMUNAH’s Bet Elazraki and Shmuel Ron of EMUNAH’s Achuzat Sarah At the home of Deedee & Mark Honigsfeld, 22 Willow Road, Woodsburgh To make a reservation, please contact: Mindy Weinstock: mindlstock@aol.com Shari Shapiro: jagealishus@aol.com Elana Oved: elanrep@aol.com Bini Dachs: soapfan5@aol.com or online at EMUNAH.org more

June 10 David Broza Concert Israeli-American Night Music Under the Stars Eisenhower Park, Harry Chapin Theatre 7:00 p.m. more

June 1 and 2 Joseph Gitler (founder of Leket Israel) speaking at Congregation Beth Sholom Mr. Gitler will be speaking at Congregation Beth Sholom on Friday night and Shabbat morning at various minyanim. He will also be giving a talk at Young Israel Lawrence Cedarhurst’s Seudah Shlishit. On the eve of the Celebrate Israel Parade, it is an especially fitting time for Joseph to educate the community as to the current situation of poverty and hunger in Israel and how Leket Israel is facing this growing crisis every day. Leket Israel works to alleviate the problem of nutritional insecurity among the growing numbers of Israel’s poor. Food that would otherwise have gone to waste is redistributed by nearly 300 nonprofit organizations. more

On Wednesday, May 23, the Five Towns & Greater South Shore Inaugural Community Event to benefit the soldiers of the IDF was held at the Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst. more

May 26 Habura at Congregation Bais Tefilah of Woodmere To Celebrate Siyum of Sefer Hachinuch The Habura is finally about to reach the 613th mitvah. All are invited to come and join in the Siyum and to begin a new cycle of learning. Congregation Bais Tefilah of Woodmere is located at 409 Edward Avenue. The Siyum will take place after the 7:15 minysn on May 20, erev Shavuos. more