It’s been a gruesome ten months since the Young Israel of Oceanside was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. The devastation, including the ruin of three Sifrei Torah, took out most of the building with the exception of the Bet Midrash, located on the second floor. The members have been literally squeezing into the minimal space of the Bet Midrash every Shabbos and Yom Tov in order to daven as a kehilla. 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

Pain may be one of the realities of cancer treatment, but an organization founded to empower children undergoing cancer care by using martial arts techniques is making great strides in alleviating and controlling their pain. Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg of Detroit, who founded Kids Kicking Cancer in 1990, will speak at the Young Israel of Hewlett on Shabbat Parshat Korach, June 8, and will present his technique that Sunday. more

Congregation Beth Sholom is proud to honor an extraordinary couple, Melodie and Marty Scharf from Lawrence. They truly exemplify service to the community. more

Citing his leadership in numerous projects, the Young Israel of West Hempstead presented its Young Leadership Award to Ari Hirsch, assistant editor of The Vues. The awards were presented at the Young Israel’s 57th anniversary dinner, held Saturday night at the Sands. more

Congregation Beth Sholom Youth Department, under its new Youth Director, Moshe Cohen held a unique interactive Chanukah event as they said their final goodbyes to an Amazing Chanukah. more

On Sunday, a group of volunteers from the Englewood Jewish community came to the Five Towns to sponsor a BBQ, tailgate style, at the home of Karen Green, Publisher of the Jewish Star. The group of eight New Jerseyans turned out delicious hot dogs and burgers from noon till dark with a smile, even enduring a Giants loss broadcast on the radio that blasted in the background. more

April 2 Chabad of The Five Towns Youth Zone for Pesach for children ages 3-6
. A fun filled hands on hour of activities related to Pesach. Chabad of the Five Towns is located at 74 Maple Avenue, Cedarhurst 5:30-6:30 pm. For more information please call 516-295-2478 or www.chabad5towns.com. more

The black and white pictures of Jewish personalities and scenes float, shuffle, and gather across the velvet-black background as the violin-led strains of the theme from Schindler’s List plays. Albert Einstein, Eli Weisel, a street in Europe, an Israeli flag unfurled at the Kotel and then the cursive words “What It Means to Be a Jew” appear and fade. more

Every last seat was occupied in the Young Israel of West Hempstead kiddush room on Dec. 18. The enraptured audience laughed and nodded their heads as they learned of one woman’s path to observant Judaism. Actress Mayim Bialik isn’t really a socially inept nerd… she only plays one on television. more