Though there is no shortage of heroes the past few weeks, a notable pair is Rabbi Tzvi Ralbag, and his Rebbetzin Paghit of The Island Avenue shul. more

“It’s about how we come together as a community, the importance of chesed. Feeling, caring, knowing what everyone has gone through. They need our help. We’ve tried to help in many aspects. At the end of the day, people are going to be faced with all kinds of hurdles--financial,” noted Rabbi Tzvi Ralbag, Morah D’Asrah of Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok ( The Island Avenue shul). He spoke at a well-attended meeting Sunday night of his congregants, to raise money for the reestablished Community Assistance Fund. more

There were long lines and short tempers, people were desperate for gas for their cars and for generators, some using their cars for warmth and charging cell phones, and all asked the universal question: why is there a gas shortage? more

ACHIEZER SUNDAY UPDATE FEMA SERVICES Please be advised that representatives from FEMA are currently staffing tables in the lobby of the White Shul to assist with FEMA applications. They are … more

The entire Weinstock mishpocha at the bris of Stone Weinstock, born to Tamar and Allon Weinstock of Long Island City during the height of the hurricane. Mazel Tov to grandparents Eileen and Benjamin Weinstock, Deputy Mayor of the Vilage of Cedarhurst. more

The JCC of the Greater Five Towns’ kosher food pantry is in need of donations of non-perishable food items and toiletries (especially diapers). Please take this opportunity to donate if you can. more

The Torah Academy for Girls’ (TAG) chesed program united with the White Shul this past Sunday to present multifaceted entertainment for children impacted by Hurricane Sandy. more

Yeshiva education hasn’t grown much in the last 30 years, except for tuition costs. It used to be that sending your child to a yeshiva offered a far superior education to that in public schools. But advancements in technology and educational techniques in the last decade have left government funded secular education moving to the head of the charge in educational innovation, while yeshivas have lagged behind. more

Chabad of the Five Towns has been a home for those without a home due to the wrath of Hurricane Sandy. On a daily basis the Chabad Center on Maple Avenue has been a place to charge your phones, access wifi, have a hot lunch and dinner. Entertainment by clowns lifted the spirits of so many children and their parents alike. Social workers were available for counseling. “The warmth and chesed that Chabad provides is incredible. It really proves that yidden can find a safe haven under any circumstance. Its a testiment to the strength of our community. Rabbi and Rebetzin Wolowik are truly an incredible team solely partnered with Hashem,” said Gary Weiss of Woodmere. The Chabad house provided warmth and camaraderie and helped with the healing process. Thank You CHABAD!!! more

Hurricane Sandy was the late October surprise that devastated the shoreline communities of New York and New Jersey, knocking out power and pouring a storm surge across some of the metropolitan region’s biggest Jewish communities. Nearly everyone who lives within the designated Zone A of the hurricane evacuation zone designated by the New York city government has a story of storm waters creeping into homes amid the heavy wind and rainfall, trees blocking roads and complete darkness all around. more