A Holocaust survivor once described that the worst day of his experiences was, in fact, the day that he was freed by American forces. His reason: He had nowhere to go, nowhere to return to. more

We are now past Tisha B’Av, and our first Shabbos foray into the synagogue puts us in a position to hear this message from Moshe: “Behold, I have taught you statutes and ordinances, as the L-rd, my G-d, commanded me, to do so in the midst of the land to which you are coming to possess. And you shall keep [them] and do [them], for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the eyes of the nations, who will hear all these statutes and will say, ‘This great nation is only a wise and understanding people’.” (Devarim 4:5-6) more

Article on Rabbi sparks memories To the Editor: Your article about Rabbi Chaim Aryeh Leib Schwartzblatt, a mashgiach at the JASA kosher kitchen in Far Rockaway, brought back memories [“From Holocaust’s ruins, a life of learning and teaching,” July 5]. The Rabbi Shulman, to whom he referred, who asked him to take on the position of mashgiach, was my late husband, Rabbi Nahum Shulman, a”h. For 20 years Rabbi Shulman was the Rabbi of Congregation Bais Tefila, the shul that served the JASA residents. In addition to serving as spiritual leader of the congregation, Rabbi Shulman was the Rav Hamachshir for the kosher kitchen, JASA’s large food program. Rabbi Shulman’s appointment of Rabbi Schwartzblatt as mashgiach was an inspired decision. Rabbi Schwartzblatt has brought a unique personal history and Torah learning to his position. My family and I wish him continued good health and fulfillment in all that he does. — Mrs. Anita Shulman more

With the overthrow of Mohamed Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood government in Egypt, one is almost forced to question whether the global Islamist movement has been dealt a mortal blow. more

Last summer, I was offered the wonderful opportunity to volunteer at Kulanu’s summer program, Camp Discovery. I was nervous at first, as I never taught cake, cookie and cupcake decorating to children. The first day I rushed in with all my supplies and within five minutes my first group of kids bounded in. more

Everyone should take all possible measures to prevent heat-related illness during the scorching days of summer. more

Al Sharpton’s incitement of anger and violence in the Trayvon Martin / George Zimmerman case recalls what he did in Crown Heights. Twenty-two years ago, a tragic car accident in that Brooklyn neighborhood escalated into a pogrom against the Jewish people. The media gives it a politically correct description — violence between the area’s blacks and Jews. But the violence was not two-sided, it was an attack on the Jews by the neighborhood’s Caribbean community, fueled in part by Al Sharpton, now an MSNBC host and adviser to President Obama. more

I can still remember the feeling of the weight seeming to lift from my shoulders. It was the summer of ‘86, and I had just returned my gear after four-and-a-half years in the Israeli army. I will never forget the incredible high that lifted my spirits as I realized that for the first time in years, I could do whatever I wanted, without that nagging worry deep inside that I might get a call in the middle of the night. No more patrols or forced marches, guard duty or inspections, no missions to coordinate or briefings to prepare, and no tanks to service and make ready, nor men to cover or train. After four long years I could finally get back to just being me. more

The excessive heat on Tisha B’Av Tuesday dropped a political intern to the pavement in Williamsburg, hijacking a press conference by mayoral hopeful Christine Quinn, igniting a debate over New York City’s emergency preparedness, and bringing kudos to Hatzalah for its rapid response. more

Thursday July 11 Protest at 92nd St. Y urging the Y to stop hosting Israel haters Alice Walker and Robert Waters, both supporters of a boycott against Israel. 92nd Street and Lexington Avenue, Manhattan. 6 p.m. more