Considering that America was the home of the cocoa bean, chocolate arrived relatively late to the American colonies, in about 1775. Not long after in 1765, Dr. James Baker and John Hannon set up a chocolate factory. It is claimed to be the first chocolate factory in the United States.  Today it is known as Baker’s German Sweet Chocolate. more

About 310,000 Americans die every year from cardiac arrest at home or in a public place. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of a series of steps recommended by the American Heart Association in the “chain of survival” that when followed give a victim the greatest chance of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest. more

This week’s review will focus on a very interesting anthology of rabbinic insights and practical advice for daily living. It was compiled by a Woodmere native, born and bred on the South Shore. more

On Nov. 18, 1995, Itzhak Perlman, the violinist, came on stage to give a concert at Lincoln Center in New York City. Anyone who has ever been to a Perlman concert, knows that getting on stage is no small achievement for him, having been stricken with polio as a child, with braces on both legs and walking with the aid of two crutches. more

The Jewish Star invites you to write about your community, your school, your shul, any topic that ties to the Jewish community. Get a byline, see your name in print and enhance your resume. more

JCC appoints Joel Block as exec director From JCC of Greater Five Towns The JCC of the Greater Five Towns has announced the appointment of Joel Block as executive director. Block will provide strategic direction for the JCC and rely on his expertise in program development and community relations to expand JCC’s curriculum, strengthen its community ties and encourage overall growth. more

Pope Francis on Tuesday released his widely anticipated first Apostolic Exhortation, which included a strong reaffirmation of dialogue with the Jewish people and an expression of regret for past anti-Semitism. more

Ruth Mermelstein, 84, has been a member of the East Meadow Jewish Center since she moved to the hamlet in 1955. She and her husband, Sidney Mermelstein, moved to North Bellmore 13 years later, where they raised two children, and have lived there ever since. Ruth is a Holocaust survivor. more

As children and parents gear up for a new school year, it is important to refocus on healthy nutritional habits that may have been lost or curbed during the Summer break. more

Learning by example and anecdote is a surefire way to get a lesson’s message through. In his just-completed series of commentary on the Chumash, “Unlocking The Torah Text: An … more