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Articles by Judy Berger
Riverdale Jewish Community Partnership Marks Third Anniversary of Oct. 7
New York City Council member Eric Dinowitz and Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark recite Tehillim 23. On Wednesday, October 7, the Riverdale Jewish Community Partnership gathered at SAR High School for a night of remembrance and reflection marking the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack.
American Friends of NATAL Hosts ‘Resilience Under Pressure’ Conference in NYC
Jude Yovel-Recanati, founder of NATAL, reflecting on the work and purpose of NATAL. On October 8, American Friends of NATAL (AFN) hosted its second annual conference titled “Resilience Under Pressure” at the World Trade Center in New York City. This year’s conference was in collaboration with the Columbia University PTSD Research and Treatment Program, with this year’s sessions dedicated to rolling trauma and its extended effects on family, intimacy and community.
‘Shuk Tour Guide’ Joel Haber Delves into the History of the Jewish People’s Iconic Shabbat Stew
Author Joel Haber cooking a Shabbat stew. Highlighting: “CHOLENT: The Most Jewish Food on Earth,” by Joel Haber. Green Bean Books. Oct. 30, 2026. Hardcover. ISBN-10: 1805002414, ISBN-13: 978-1805002413. This fall, Joel Haber will be on an international tour following the release of his newest book “CHOLENT: The Most Jewish Food on Earth” (Green Bean Books). In this book, Haber digs into how one food, the Shabbat stew, has changed as Jews moved around the world.
IMPACT Debuts Digital Defender 55+ at YINR Ruach Event
IMPACT CEO Aaron Herman introducing their new initiative, Digital Defenders, at YINR’s weekly Ruach event, in the room where it all started. On Wednesday, Aug. 12, Aaron Herman, CEO and co-founder of IMPACT, presented the organization’s new Digital Defender 55+ program at the Young Israel of New Rochelle’s weekly Ruach event. Herman discussed how IMPACT combats antisemitism, anti-Israel misinformation and online hate through effective digital advocacy.
Rabbi Jordan Soffer Joins Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy as Head of School
Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy’s new head of school, Rabbi Jordan Soffer, with his wife and family. On Monday, July 13, Howard Rothman, president of the board of trustees of Stamford’s Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy, introduced Rabbi Jordan Soffer as the new head of school of BCHA. Rothman said, “After an extensive search, the board of incorporators was united in its belief that Rabbi Soffer is the right leader for this moment in our school’s history.
White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch Hosts Gov. Kathy Hochul
New York’s Gov. Kathy Hochul meets White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch in his hometown. On July 21, White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch met one-on-one with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul at the City Limits Diner in White Plains. The purpose of the meeting was for Brasch to thank the governor for the assistance and support to the City of White Plains and to the Jewish Community. Brasch described the Governor as very engaged as he outlined some of the city’s needs.
New Yorkers Heed Call for Venezuela Earthquake Relief
Relief supplies reaching earthquake victims. Sign says: Venezuelan Jewish community. On June 24, Venezuela experienced a rare earthquake doublet with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, causing thousands of deaths, widespread destruction and a state of emergency. Catastrophic damage occurred across northern Venezuela, particularly in Caracas, La Guaira and surrounding cities. This devastating earthquake displaced hundreds of Jewish community members.
Israel Ministry of Tourism Unveils Plan to Revitalize Travel
(l-r) Yoram Elgrabli, Sara Mond, Jordanna Cantin, Joanna Arreaga (Arkia Airlines), Chad Martin, Yehudit Zur (EL AL Airlines). On Tuesday, July 1, the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) hosted an afternoon of networking, collaboration and strategic discussion at the Young Israel of Scarsdale, New York. The event brought together travel agents, prominent hoteliers and leading airline representatives.
WTA Grads Design Capstone Inclusion Project
WTA eighth grade students at HASC presenting Yitzchak with his car. On Wednesday, June 10, Westchester Torah Academy (WTA) celebrated its sixth graduating class. Enhancing the commencement ceremony, the class of 2026 students showcased vehicles they developed, tailored for children with disabilities, as part of the Go Baby Go! Car Program. Rabbi Avi Hoffman, rav beit hasefer, stated, “Tonight, we celebrate the sixth graduating class of WTA.
Gratitude for Democracy: NORPAC Students Turn Advocacy Into Personal Stories
New Rochelle student delegation in front of the Capitol Building. During this year’s annual mission to Washington, NORPAC launched a student initiative that included over 150 participants. Students were given the opportunity to experience democracy firsthand, walk the halls of Congress, meet directly with senators, representatives and congressional staff and have meaningful discussions advocating for legislation.
Emissary Rebrands as IMPACT, Expands Activities
(l-r) IMPACT’s Field Organizer Sara Nasirov, President and Co-founder Dan Rosen and CEO and Co-founder Aaron Herman. Recently IMPACT, formerly known as Emissary, organized and mobilized, in less than 72 hours, hundreds of people for a rally to unite against hate in Forest Hills, Queens.
Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy Welcomes New Torahs
Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy Head of School Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein, who was taught by the Liebermans. On Monday, May 18, the Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy (BCHA) held a Hachnasat Sefer Torah and Hakhel, honoring Rabbi Abraham, z”l and Morah Yospa Lieberman, who devoted so much of their lives to BCHA and to Jewish education, inspiring generations of students and families.
Jerusalem and Tel Aviv Face Off in Blizzard-Delayed 2026 IEHL USA Challenge Cup
77-WABC Radio Morning Show star Sid Rosenberg drops the puck at the ceremonial face-off before the 2026 IEHL USA Challenge Cup between the Jerusalem Capitals and HC Tel Aviv at the UBS Arena On Sunday May 17, HC Tel Aviv faced off against the Jerusalem Capitals in the 2026 IEHL USA Challenge Cup at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
Riverdale Jewish Community Partnership Marks Yom Hazikaron
New York City Councilman and Chair of its Jewish Caucus Eric Dinowitz recites Tehillim 23 in Hebrew, with Rabbi Dov Linzer (president and rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Chovevei Torah) looking on. On April 20, the Riverdale Jewish Community Partnership held their annual Yom Hazikaron ceremony at SAR High School.
Parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, HY”D, Visit SAR on Yom Hazikaron
SAR Principal Rabbi Binyamin Krauss welcomes Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin, parents of Hersh, HY”D, to SAR Academy’s communal steps, where daily Tehillim were recited by the entire school for Hersh and other hostages in Gaza.
The Tefillin Awareness Project Comes to New Rochelle
YINR Morning Minyan Makers queue up for their tefillin evaluations. This past February, when Reb Eli Stefansky, the founder and maggid shiur of Mercaz Daf Yomi, reached the sugyot of tefillin in Masechta Menachot, he paused his worldwide Daf Yomi shiur to make a critical observation. Even within his own minyan, some men did not have their tefillin positioned correctly. He particularly discussed the placement of the tefillin on one’s head in reference to a man’s hair line.
Hebrew Institute of White Plains Hosts Annual Westchester Community Yom HaShoah Program
Annie Leiser-Kleinhaus was the featured Shoah survivor at the 2026 Westchester Community Yom HaShoah event. On Monday April 13, the Hebrew Institute of White Plains (HIWP) hosted the annual Westchester Community Yom HaShoah program. This year’s program featured the accounts of Annie Leiser- Kleinhaus, who survived Nazi-occupied Belgium and eventually immigrated to the U.S. Rabbanit Atara Lindenbaum welcomed the community, “On Pesach, we highlight the importance of telling our stories.
The Miluim Mommy Project: Bringing Comfort and Connection to New Mothers
Miluim Mommy Project baskets waiting to be distributed. The Miluim Mommy Project by Elana Designs was born from its founder’s deeply personal experience in the early days of the Israel-Hamas war. Elana (Kreitman) Kahn, originally from Edison, New Jersey, now living in Israel, shared: “The project began shortly after Oct. 7, when I had my own baby while my husband was serving in miluim.
Emissary Welcomes Dr. Moshe Glick to Westchester
Rep. George Latimer (left of banner) and White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch (right of banner) with Emissary leaders (far left), including Daniel Rosen and Aaron Herman, and featured panelists, David Schoen (right) and Dr. Moshe Glick (far right). On March 22, the Emissary network hosted a fireside chat at the Young Israel of New Rochelle, featuring community activist Dr. Moshe Glick and renowned civil rights attorney David Schoen.
YINR, Sharsheret Co-Host Annual Challah Bake
Charlene Aminoff inspires in an evening of bracha, resilience and community. Guest expert Charlene Aminov about to demonstrate her challah dough recipe. On Feb. 18, YINR Women’s League Annual Challah Bake, partnering with Sharsheret this year, featured Charlene Aminoff, entrepreneur, spiritual speaker and cancer survivor. The event was sponsored by Rachel and David Chiger, in loving memory of their daughter Emunah Ahava bat David Shai, z”l.
Lev LaChayal’s Beit Daniel for Lone Soldiers Nears Dedication
Rav Dudi Winkler, director of Lev LaChayal, meeting with Westchester parents, donors and friends of Lev LaChayal. Earlier this month, Rav Dudi Winkler, director of Lev LaChayal, spoke with Westchester residents about Beit Daniel: The Lev LaChayal Home for Lone Soldiers. Lev LaChayal, located at Yeshivat Lev HaTorah, a hesder yeshiva in Ramat Bet Shemesh, is the original yeshiva-based program dedicated exclusively to supporting lone soldiers.
Elisha Wiesel Reflects His Father’s Vision On Modern Communal Concerns
Elisha Wiesel, chairman of The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity On Tuesday, January 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Elisha Wiesel, chairman of The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, participated in a conversation with Lydia Dugdale, director of Columbia University’s Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, addressing antisemitism, anti-Zionism and Jewish safety. Dugdale began the conversation with Wiesel by asking him to distinguish anti-Zionism from antisemitism.
Local Leaders Voice Support for Israel at Annual JCRC-NY Breakfast
US Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer of NY (left) with Rabbi Michael Miller, previous CEO of JCRC-NY (right). On Sunday, February 1, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) held its annual congressional breakfast and kicked off its 50th anniversary at Manhattan’s Park East Synagogue. Sponsors included Craig Newmark Philanthropies, UJA-Federation of NY, Uber and Kasirer LLC. JCRC CEO Mark Treyger began, “We chose to gather this morning at Park East very intentionally.
SAR Honors Natan Sharansky On His 40 Years of Freedom
On Sunday, Feb. 1, the SAR community gathered at SAR High School for SAR’s 57th anniversary dinner. The event, themed “U’Vacharta B’Chaim: Honoring our Heroes, Inspiring the Next Generation,” served to acknowledge individuals who have upheld Jewish identity and freedom, as well as those who continue to instill these principles in students. This year’s program integrated elements of history, legacy and collective purpose.
Julie Menin: First Jewish Female Speaker Of NYC Council
Councilwoman Julie Menin taking the oath as New York’s new city council speaker. On Jan. 7, Julie Menin was unanimously elected the first Jewish female speaker of the New York City Council. Menin began: “I am humbled by the faith, trust and confidence you have placed in me. I pledge to be a speaker for every single member of this council.” She continued: “When I think about what that honor means, I think about what brought me to this moment, and what brought all of us here today.
Julie Menin: First Jewish Female Speaker of NYC Council
Councilwoman Julie Menin taking the oath as New York’s new city council speaker. On Jan. 7, Julie Menin was unanimously elected the first Jewish female speaker of the New York City Council. Menin began: “I am humbled by the faith, trust and confidence you have placed in me. I pledge to be a speaker for every single member of this council.” She continued: “When I think about what that honor means, I think about what brought me to this moment, and what brought all of us here today.
SAR Sixth Grader Recycles For Matanot L’evyonim
Lauren Fischel arriving in Israel. Lauren Fischel of New Rochelle, New York, a sixth-grade student at SAR Academy, is collecting bottles and cans as her bat mitzvah project to raise money, which will support the Young Israel of New Rochelle’s Matanot L’evyonim program. The Matanot L’evyonim program has been a YINR tradition for over 30 years.
Justin Brasch Inaugurated as Mayor of White Plains
White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch reciting the oath of office, administered by State Attorney General Letitia James, as the Brasch family looks on. On Jan. 2, at White Plains High School, Justin Brasch, an observant Orthodox Jew, was formally inaugurated as mayor. Leading the ceremony was NY State Sen. Shelly Mayer.
Israel Consul General Hosts Chanukah Reception
On Sunday, Dec. 21, the eighth night of Chanukah, Ambassador Ofir Akunis, Consul General of Israel in New York hosted a Chanukah reception at The Altneu Synagogue in Manhattan. Attendees included elected officials, diplomats from various countries and community leaders, along with journalists, influencers and New York’s retiring Catholic Archbishop, Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Mentalist Nevo Abutbul was the master of ceremonies.
Rep. Latimer Visits Leffell School in White Plains
Representative George Latimer (NY-16) visits The Leffell School in his district. Earlier this month, Westchester’s Rep. George Latimer visited The Leffell School in White Plains. The Leffell School invited the congressman to thank him for his support of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funding, as well as to show him the school’s initiatives and to hear foremost concerns.
YINR Hosts Menorah Lighting and Sydney Unity Ceremony
YINR Rabbi Reuven Fink addresses a community event in solidarity with Sydney on Chanukah. On Tuesday, Dec. 16, the third night of Chanukah, the New Rochelle community gathered at Young Israel of New Rochelle to support Jewish communities worldwide and pray for victims of the Sydney, Australia mass shooting. New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert and Police Commissioner Neil Reynolds, as well as other local government officials also attended.
Mayor Adams Hosts NYC Chanukah Celebration
Outgoing NYC Mayor Eric Adams addressing his final NYC Chanukah celebration as mayor. On Monday Dec. 15, New York City Mayor Eric Adams hosted a Chanukah celebration and menorah lighting at the New York County Surrogate’s Courthouse in Manhattan.
YINR Panoply 5.0 Crowns New Quadrennial Champions
Panoply 5.0 champion team Lorbert, led by Sarra Lorbert (l). On Saturday night, Dec. 13, the Young Israel of New Rochelle, New York hosted Panoply 5.0. Panoply is a multimedia, multi-sensational trivia night where teams of 10 players compete against each other through challenging questions from a wide variety of topics. The team with the highest cumulative score after three rounds wins. The inaugural YINR Panoply event was held in January 2011 and there have been four sequels.
Westchester Bris Gemach Opens
Screenshot Two White Plains community members, with roots in New Rochelle, have organized the new Westchester Bris Gemach. As parents of two young boys, the organizers explained, “Each time we made a bris, an aunt would pick up items for us from the bris gemach in the Five Towns.” Their mohel, Rabbi Eliezer Krohn, suggested they open a bris gemach in Westchester. They described how that conversation “really stuck with us and we felt motivated to try.
For 10 Israeli Survivors of Oct. 7, Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp Is More Than Sound—It’s Salvation - The Jewish Link
‘The Bridge: When Tragedy Strikes, Play Louder’ documentary to preview on the Upper West Side Bar Rudaeff (left) with famed drummer Tommy Aldrich. On Monday, Dec. 8, an exclusive event, to be held at the West Side Institutional Synagogue, will include a sneak preview screening of “The Bridge: When Tragedy Strikes, Play Louder.” The documentary follows 10 Israeli survivors of Oct.
Jenny Horowitz Introduces ‘Brain Breaks for Kids’
Highlighting: “Brain Breaks for Kids: Recharging Minds, One Break at a Time,” by Jenny Horowitz. Independently published. 2024. Paperback. 46 pages. ISBN-13: 979-8334072572.
Rep. Latimer Shares Details of Israel Trip at Westchester Shuls
On Shabbat, October 18, Congressman George Latimer (NY-16) spoke after davening to the members of the Young Israel of New Rochelle (YINR). This stop was just one of the synagogues the congressman has visited throughout Westchester to share thoughts following his mid-August trip to Israel with 36 freshman representatives from both parties. The congressmembers travelled throughout the country, including the Golan Heights, Ashdod, Jerusalem and sites of the brutal October 7, 2023 attacks.
Second ‘Rage Against Hate’ Conference Held in NYC
On Oct. 27, Shurat HaDin hosted the second annual Rage Against the Hate conference at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Manhattan. Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, president of Shurat HaDin, opened the conference. “Oct. 7 was not just a massacre. It was a turning point for Israel, for the Jewish people and for the truth. When the world kept silent, we at Shurat HaDin went to war in the courtrooms.
Israel Consulate in NY Commemorates Oct. 7
On Thursday, Oct. 16, the Consulate of Israel in New York, Consul General Ambassador Ofir Akunis and the La’Aretz Foundation, founded by Shelly and Mike Pitman, hosted “Remember Oct. 7, a Commemoration Ceremony.” The event was held at Congregation Shearith Israel in Manhattan. Akunis began by saying, “We gather here tonight during one of the happiest weeks we have experienced as a nation in months. We have all seen the emotional reunions of the 20 hostages who were released alive to their families.
Riverdale Community Remembers Oct. 7
On Oct. 5, at SAR High School, the Riverdale Jewish Community Partnership hosted its community-wide Oct. 7 commemoration. SAR Academy Principal Rabbi Binyamin Krauss began, “We came off the most solemn, serious and weighty day of our year. It’s always hard to flick a switch between that solemnity of Yom Kippur and what’s described as the ultimate joy of Sukkot.
US Postal Service Issues Stamp Honoring Elie Wiesel
On Sept. 17, the United States Postal Service debuted the 18th stamp in its Distinguished Americans series honoring Elie Wiesel (1928-2016), “a Nazi concentration camp survivor whose life and writing on the Holocaust are testament to moral courage and the resilience of the human spirit.” The first day of issue event was held at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan.
NYC Mayor Adams Hosts Annual Jewish Heritage Celebration
Running for reelection against Mamdani, he tells Jews considering leaving: ‘Stay and Fight.’ On July 8 New York City Mayor Eric Adams hosted the annual Jewish Heritage Night reception at Gracie Mansion. This year’s honorees included journalist Douglas Murray, Joseph Shamie of the Brooklyn Sephardic community, Victoria Zirkiev, CEO of HOSHEN media group, and Shulem and Chavy Greenberg of Chesed 24/7.
Riverdale Leaders Join at Vigil for Operation Rising Lion
On June 17, the Riverdale community gathered at the Monument for a public vigil. Community leaders prayed together expressing unwavering support for the State of Israel during Operation Rising Lion. SAR Academy Principal Binyamin Krauss began: “History has taught us that our words matter. History has taught us that our actions matter, and history has taught us that when people speak, it is our job to take those words seriously.
SAR Dedicates New Middle-School Addition in Honor of IDF Soldiers
On June 14, SAR hosted a Chanukat Habayit of their new middle-school wing. The new wing was dedicated anonymously by a SAR family in honor of the Israel Defense Forces: recognizing and appreciating their courage, valor and unwavering commitment to Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael. SAR Principal Rabbi Krauss began: “The school is great because of its people, its students, its teachers, its families, its supporters. There are spaces that are holy and space does matter.
SAR Salutes Three 40-Year Veteran Teachers’ Retirements
On Wednesday, June 18, the SAR community honored three retiring Morahs. Combined, Morahs Gaby Zevi, Marilyn Gordon and Rena Rossman dedicated over 120 years to educating SAR students. SAR Principal Rabbi Binyamin Krauss opened, “It’s the people who come into this building every day that make this place what it is.” Krauss continued, “It is hard to describe the impact that people can have over a combined 126 years in an institution. People have come out to wish hakarat hatov.
Surge in Support for Hostages at ‘Run for Their Lives’ Gatherings After Boulder Incident
On Sunday, June 8, across the region, people gathered to run in solidarity for Israel as part of their weekly walk to support the hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas. This movement is part of a larger organization, Run For Their Lives, which was launched after Oct. 7. This past week, attendance for Run For Their Lives reached a new high following the events in Boulder, Colorado. Run For Their Lives has now spread to over 230 cities worldwide, hoping to raise awareness.
Justin Brasch Campaigns For White Plains Mayor
Justin Brasch is running in the June 24 Democratic primary for White Plains mayor. Early voting starts June 14. A 20-year resident of White Plains and a Common Council member since 2017, Brasch served as council president and chair of the White Plains Youth Bureau.
Surge in Support for Hostages at Run for Their Lives Gatherings After Boulder Incident
On Sunday, June 8, across the board, people gathered to run in solidarity for Israel as part of their weekly walk to support the hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas. This movement is part of a larger organization, Run For Their Lives, which was launched after Oct. 7. This past week, attendance for Run For Their Lives reached a major uptick following the events in Boulder, Colorado. This action has now spread to over 230 cities worldwide, hoping to raise awareness.
JCRC-NY Hosts Cheesecake Crawl of Bronx Bakeries With Borough President to Celebrate Shavuot
On Wednesday, May 28, JCRC-NY CEO Mark Treyger and Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson conducted a “Cheesecake Crawl” at Jewish bakeries in the Bronx to commemorate Shavuot and National Small Business Month. Treyger described the custom of eating dairy products on Shavuot due to the new kashrut laws the Jewish nation was just given. He said, “We’re gathered on the eve of Jewish holiday of Shavuot which talks about the Jewish people receiving the Torah.
Freed Hostage Omer Shem Tov Visits SAR
On Friday, May 23, SAR hosted Omer Shem Tov, a hostage of Hamas held in Gaza for 505 days, at the academy’s signature “Ceremony on the Steps.” SAR Principal Rabbi Binyamin Krauss began, “We hope this brief visit will give you strength. On this holy mission that you are on, there’s nothing that we want more than to gather with you and your loved ones here.” Leat Unger, Shem Tov’s cousin, stated, “I’ve had the unlucky privilege to travel, speak and pray in lots of different places.
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