As President Obama told Russian President Medvedev a few months ago, he will have more flexibility to do what he wishes in a second term. If the Democratic platform is any indication, Obama’s “flexibility” is not going to be a good thing for the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel. more

There are many new and exciting changes at Mesivta Ateres Yaakov this year. Rabbi Yossi Bennet has joined the administration as the new Assistant Menahel and assistant principal. Rabbi Bennet will help strengthen the educational experience for all of the talmidim under his tutelage. more

They gained a reputation locally for scoring goals on the ice. Now, Dan and Michael Karp are helping fellow Five Towners score in a much different arena, and assisting them in reaching their goal. more

The hollow sound of the ball hitting the DecoTurf at the United States Open Tennis Championships in Queens echoes loudly in the tense silence of the packed stadium as the players serve, volley and race after the ball. At the edge of the court, a seemingly staunch island of calm, stony faced, stands the ball person, but he is coiled and ready to run and grab an errant ball, hand a towel to a sweaty player, or toss another ball to be served. more

The Ethiopian National Project (ENP) – a unique grassroots partnership of Israeli governmental agencies, global supporters and the leadership of the Ethiopian-Israeli community – kicked off the school year by distributing 200 backpacks and school supplies to Ethiopian-Israeli teenagers. more

Hall of Famer and Top 50 NBA All-Time Legend Rick Barry and his son, 1988 University of Kansas NCAA champion Scooter Barry, visited the home of Mariam and Menachem Lieber last week to help raise awareness of OHEL’s Foster Care Division. more

Sept 2 Bike 4 Friendship Join our 8 mile bike ride and raise funds for children with special needs. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Five Towns’ Chapter of the Friendship Circle. Bike ride will take place rain or shine. Please wear a bicycle helmet, and bring a chain and lock for use during the fair. Register! Volunteer! Event is being chaired by Shlomie and Rivky Hartstein, Adam and Sarit Kramer and Avi and Chava Popack. Minimum commitment to fundraise is $180. Leaving from Chabad of the Five Towns 74 Maple Ave. in Cedarhurst and riding to Long Beach (Carnival/ Fair at the finish line) Family ride begins at 12:00 PM, Ladies/Girls ride begins at 12:15 PM, Boys Ride begins at 12:30 PM, Friendship Circle children’s bus leaves at 12:35 PM. Please be at Chabad 15 minutes prior to departure Donate today at www.bike4friendship.org/fivetowns/ Or contact Batsheva at 516-295-2478 x13 or Batsheva@chabad5towns.com more

The latest in high-tech therapy combines with soft human touches to produce superior results for rehabilitation patients at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre, ranked by U.S. News and World Report as among the top twenty percent of hospitals in New York State. more

It was the height of the Intifada, and we were in the midst of a months’ worth of reserve duty....It is so easy to demonize the ‘enemy,’ but life isn’t always quite so simple. Deep in the heart of Hebron was an Israeli lookout position, meant to spot trouble on the road below and protect Israeli civilians driving through. more

When one breaks down Devarim 23:24, properly, according to its cantillation marks, a proper translation could be “What has come out of your lips you must keep and carry out (or “do”); as you have vowed to Hashem your G-d a gift, that you have spoken with your mouth.” more