Following two unsuccessful years of chemotherapy for leukemia beginning in March 2009, Woodmere resident Terry Kornbluth’s only other alternative was a bone marrow transplant. In January 2011, his doctor put his name and DNA information into a national database, and two months later, Kornbluth, 65, was matched with a potential donor. He underwent a bone marrow transplant at North Shore-LIJ that April. more

Years ago, about to exit the doors of LaGuardia Airport after a long flight, I suddenly realized I had forgotten my tefillin on the plane. I rushed back to the gates only to discover I could not get through without a valid boarding pass, which I no longer had. more

I prefer to stay behind the news, but recent overheated rhetoric and unthinking actions in Israel, I fear, can have far-reaching, historic repercussions. more

There is joy in Mudville this week, with two home runs at bat. Triumph over adversity, and the victory of good over evil, are recurring themes in the secular culture as well as in Judaism; we’re especially delighted when they play out close to home. more

While the economy has slightly dampened the craze to show off our “designer children,” that yearning still lingers just beneath the surface. Here’s an example from my own life. My wife and I used to schlep our six-year-old Eli to hipster Williamsburg for Suzuki violin lessons, where the (childless) teacher treated her students like prisoners of war. more

Incumbent Michael Fragin was the top vote-getter in Tuesday’s Village of Lawrence trustee election, winning along with Alex Edelman. They outpolled David Seidemann for two at-large seats. Fragin had 758 votes; Edelman, 567, and Seidemann, 558. Edelman and Seidemann ran together under the Unity Party banner. The terms are two years. It was the first contested election in Lawrence since 2010 and only the second in 10 years. more

The traditional Rambam Mesivta graduation ceremony is a rollicking affair interspersed with humorous skits, joking jibes and warm camaraderie in addition to awards for each student’s unique traits and scholarship in Jewish studies and Secular studies. But this year’s event also presented a first time award: an honorary high school diploma to a Holocaust survivor who managed to rise above the adversity and horrors of his teenage years to raise a family and teach others about his experiences. more

Nine months after Hurricane Sandy, the “kids” of Belle Harbor have come back to host a fundraising and community unifying concert this Sunday, June 23, in the main sanctuary of Congregation Ohab Zedek. The event, headlining Benny Friedman, will feature Shlomie Dachs, Aryeh Kunstler and a surprise guest. more

Even after Hurricane Sandy’s hard-learned lessons, too few residents are taking the steps they should to be ready for the next major storm. “Fifty-six percent of surveyed residents were very or somewhat concerned about the upcoming hurricane season,” said John Miller, CEO of the American Red Cross on Long Island, “but only 49 percent said Sandy made them better prepared.” more

Thursday June 13 Lunch and Learn Weekly class given by Rabbi Hershel Billet, at Traditions Restaurant, 302 Central Ave., Lawrence, 12:30 to 1:30 pm. For additional information, call Alan Stern, 516-398-3094. more