Seven years ago this week, Jews were expelled - or evacuated - depending on your political position, from Gush Katif. more

If you have walked, driven, pedaled a bike or rowed your boat on Long Island in the last decade, you’ve likely noticed that there are a lot of geese around. They inhabit golf courses, sports fields, playgrounds, lakes, ponds and every place in between. But where did all these geese come from? What’s being done to control their population? Why don’t they fly south for the winter? Or just fly south for good? In short, what’s the deal with the geese? more

In 1897, Theodore Herzl convened the first Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland. Though he defined himself as a secular Jew to whom Judaism was just an afterthought he gave form to a 2000 year old dream: the longing of the Jewish people to return home to the land of Israel. more

One of the more fascinating narratives in the Torah is the one surrounding the fate of Moshe, the great leader, and his passionate effort to gain entry into the Promised Land. In last week’s parsha he seemed to imply that the episode of the spies doomed him to the same fate as the entire generation (Devarim 1:37). more

August 2 Bereavement Group presented by the JCC The JCC of the Greater Five Town would like to announce the beginning of a Phase I Bereavement Group for the loss of a spouse. The initial stages of grief can be a painful and lonely time. You are not alone in those feelings and you should not be alone in your grief. If you are coping with the loss of a spouse please join us at the JCC for support, guidance, information and friendship. This six week group, facilitated by a certified social worker will begin from 11:00 – 11:50 a.m. at the JCC, 207 Grove Ave., Cedarhurst. Pre-registration is a must. For more information please call Janet Zimmerman, LCSW-R at (516) 569-6733 x. 224. more

Earlier this year, as the turmoil in Syria started to get a sense of reality, I stated to my students, some of whom were of Syrian heritage, that the one factor that will indicate to us the seriousness of the civil unrest in Syria, will be what ultimately happens in Aleppo, the commercial center of Syria. more

I must admit I’m a bit envious of my kids. My friends say they would love to live their children’s lives. We are a fortunate generation in so many ways and thankfully our kids reap the benefits with the ability to study what and where they wish. more

Although it’s been almost 30 years since I’ve been to Grossinger’s for Shabbat Nachamu, every year, as it rolls around, I reflect back on the wonderful memories I have of those days gone by. Of course my kids don’t understand why everyone’s parents lament that Grossinger’s isn’t around any more. It was a place where everyone went. more

To the Editor: I would like to thank you for your accurate portrayal of the twelve teens from the Five Towns who were honored, with Camp Koby, by the Israeli Knesset. Unlike another Five Towns Jewish publication, who chose to alter the picture of our Orthodox children by lengthening their skirts and sleeves, you presented our children as they are – modern Orthodox, Yeshiva kids (from both HAFTR and HALB) who are respected because of their hearts and Middot and not by the clothes they wear. Alan Heller Lawrence more

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness …Charles Dickens, “A Tale of Two Cities” Unlike the classic Dickens work, this week’s Presidential campaign was a tale of one city: Jerusalem, and the different way it was handled by the two different campaigns. One handled it as if this was the age of foolishness, the other as the age of wisdom. more