Agudath Israel of America: Recent Episodes
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The post Coalition briefing with special guest Patrick Graff, PhD, Senior Fellow, American Federation for Children first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudath Israel of America has announced its support for the bipartisan Right to Worship Act, legislation introduced by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Representatives Brad Knott (R-NC) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY). This bill aims to help ensure that Americans can safely access houses of worship. The legislation would establish a 100-foot buffer zone around houses of worship making it unlawful to disrupt or impede individuals seeking to attend or participate in religious worship.
“Houses of worship are sacred spaces. The Right to Worship Act helps protect Americans of all faiths by creating a 100-foot buffer zone around houses of worship and imposes civil penalties on those trying to disrupt or impede those gathering for religious services,” said Rabbi A.D. Motzen, national director of government affairs for Agudath Israel. “Unfortunately, recent incidents in front of synagogues around the country highlight the need for additional protections. We thank Senators Cruz and Slotkin and Representatives Knott and Suozzi for sponsoring the bill and we urge Congress to advance this important piece of legislation.”
The post Agudath Israel Endorses the Bipartisan Right to Worship Act to Protect Access to Houses of Worship first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Watch: Rabbi Labish Becker – Re’eh 5786: “The Father Factor” first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Agudah in DC Re Permanent Daylight Saving Time first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Before the Board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York, Agudath Israel of America called on MTA’s leadership to curtail the ubiquitous advertisements for an adults-only “museum” it carries on the front of its fleet of New York City buses, warning that the ads are offensive to many riders, troubling for parents, and inappropriate for children who encounter them in public spaces.
Avrohom Weinstock, Agudath Israel’s Chief of Staff, delivered testimony at the MTA board meeting, urging the agency to reconsider its role in promoting an adult-oriented venue on mass transit vehicles used and viewed daily by families, children, and commuters.
This testimony followed months of advocacy, including a four-page legal letter the Agudah sent to MTA leadership last month.
Significantly, in a written response to the Agudah’s outreach, the MTA stated that the offensive ads would rotate off the MTA system within 60 days. While Agudath Israel has not been shown the contract, several news sources have reported that the MTA’s sizable contract with the museum for its city buses was scheduled to run through the end of the year.
This development is even more meaningful because, for its next phase, the museum stated it was planning to expand its advertising campaign with the MTA to span the entire exterior of buses and include more explicit imagery. Pushback at this, more limited, phase was therefore even more important.
Agudath Israel urged the MTA to apply its own advertising standards, which restrict advertisements that promote certain adult-oriented services, and includes a directive to “maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all MTA employees and customers, including minors, and that are respectful of New York City’s multicultural, multi-ethnic, religiously diverse population.” The Agudah does not believe that this campaign complies with these standards.
“Please curtail this offensive ad campaign” Mr. Weinstock said, “and dialogue with representative groups to head off such situations in the future.”
“I want to acknowledge numerous individuals and elected officials, including Assemblymen Kalman Yeger and Simcha Eichenstein, and Councilwoman Inna Vernikov who expressed the community’s deep concerns with these pervasive ads and urged the MTA to have them withdrawn,” said Mr. Weinstock, “and appreciate the MTA for engaging with us. There is more work to be done.”
“Many of the things the Agudah works on relate to material initiatives, like increasing security funding to NY nonpublic schools from $4.5 to $90 million since a decade ago, or playing a pivotal role in the passage of the federal scholarship tax credit,” said Rabbi David Zwiebel, Agudah’s executive vice president. “These are, of course, critical to the financial and safety needs of our community and mosdos. Yet here is an advocacy item with no material benefit to anyone, and yet so important to us because it helps, in some small way, parents to raise their children today with kedusha. That says something very special about who we are as a community.”
The post Agudath Israel Testifies at MTA Board Meeting; Offensive Bus Ads to Rotate Off Within 60 Days first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Watch: Rabbi Labish Becker – Eikev 5786: “90% Frum” first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Rabbi Dovid Heber on Year Round Daylight Saving Time – The Ramifications for Orthodox Jews first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Watch: Rabbi Labish Becker – Voeschanan 5786: “Monumental Mistakes” first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Watch: Rabbi Labish Becker – Devarim 5786: “Hashem 24 – 7” first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Watch: Rabbi Labish Becker – Vayeira 5785: “The Mystery of Hagar” first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Video: Agudath Israel Post Election 2024 Webinar – What the Results Mean for You: School Choice first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Video: Agudath Israel Post Election 2024 Webinar – What the Results Mean for You first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
At a time when the troubles facing Klal Yisroel seem to multiply by the day, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America have issued a call for Klal Yisroel in the Diaspora to unite with our brethren in Eretz Yisroel and around the world in heartfelt prayer and outcry. We are urged to join together in a tefillah on Monday, the first Monday of Behab, this week, the week of Parshas Vayeira.
This is a unique moment for us to lift our voices as one, beseeching Hashem to bring compassion, protection, and redemption to His people. Please read the attached Kol Korei and join in answering the call of our gedolei Torah.
May Hashem hear our tefillos and bring yeshuos to Klal Yisroel.
Click here for a printable PDF of the Kol Korei.
Click here for the special seder tefillah.
Kol_Korei 11.10.24 (1)[Free Translation]
9 Cheshvan 5785
In these days, as the troubles of Klal Yisroel multiply in every corner and encampment, and it has been more than a year that the residents of our Holy Land are beset with anguish and distress, in exile and captivity, and the blood of our precious brethren is being spilled like water, r”l, our ears recoil from hearing of the severe decrees imposed both spiritually and physically upon the nation of Hashem in Eretz Yisroel and in the Diaspora. The hatred of Eisav toward Yaakov grows in the world, and the enemies of Yisroel seek to destroy the remaining survivors. Above all, there are schemes and hostilities directed at Torah learners, wherever they may be, and the eyes of Yisroel are raised Heavenward, for salvation is in Hashem’s Hands.
Therefore, in light of the call from our gedolei Torah in Eretz Yisroel shlit”a, we join in and request from our fellow Jews, the residents of America, in all their communities, to unify with our brothers in the Holy Land and everywhere, in a gathering of prayer and outcry that will take place on Monday of the week of Parshas Vayeira (the first Monday of Behab, the eve of the yahrtzeit of Rochel Imeinu a”h), when holy communities and yeshivos will join with the people of Eretz Yisroel—they from there, and we from here—to cry out and plead before the One Who hears prayers, in a special seder tefillah arranged for this purpose.
May it be Hashem’s will that our voice of supplication ascend for mercy and favor to save us from all distress and oppression, and to hasten for us redemption and salvation.
The post A Kol Korei from The Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
You have seen the results and heard the pundits, but what does the election mean for you, your school, and your community?
We invite you to join Agudath Israel’s post-election webinar, on Thursday, November 7, at 1:00 PM. This webinar will feature discussions about the key outcomes of this election and what they mean for the issues that matter most to our community.
From religious freedom and education policy to combating antisemitism and support for Israel, this year’s election results will shape policies that impact our lives. Agudath Israel’s team will break down the most important takeaways, provide analysis on what to expect in the months ahead, and answer questions from the community.
This is a valuable opportunity to gain insight into how the newly elected officials may address key issues and to learn about Agudath Israel’s ongoing advocacy on behalf of our community.
Click here to register.
The post Join Us for Agudath Israel’s Post-Election Webinar – What the Results Mean for You first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudath Israel of America sent the letter above to President-Elect Donald Trump. You can download a PDF of the letter by clicking here.
The post Agudath Israel of America Congratulates President-Elect Trump first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
https://agudah.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RabbiYishaiGhoori_2024_YahalomNJ_FathersEvent.mp3The post Rabbi Yishai Ghoori – Divrei Chizuk at the 2024 YahalomNJ Father’s Event first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
https://agudah.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RabbYechielSpero_2024_YahalomNJ_FathersEvent.mp3The post Rabbi Yechiel Spero – Divrei Chizuk at the 2024 YahalomNJ Father’s Event first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Watch: Rabbi Labish Becker – Lech Le’cha 5785: “The Eternity Conundrum” first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Rabbi Moshe Matz
Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld
Rabbi Shlomo Schorr
Rabbi Yeruchim Silber
Rabbi Moshe Matz
Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld
Rabbi Shlomo Schorr
Rabbi Yeruchim SilberThe post Why Your Vote Matters – 2024 Election first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Why Your Vote Matters – Rabbi Yeruchim Silber first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
As we approach Rosh Hashanah, we just wanted to let you know that your Agudah calendar is in the mail! May you fill it with many simchos this coming year!
To request a calendar, go to agudah.org/calendar, or call 212-797-9000, extension 200. If you received a calendar last year, you will automatically receive one this year.
The post Agudath Israel 5785/2024-2025 Calendars Are in The Mail first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
In these turbulent times, as Klal Yisroel grapples with ongoing suffering and uncertainty, we stand together, united, turning our hearts and minds to Avinu ShebaShomayim. The past year has been marked by relentless challenges—tragedies, loss, and hardships that have impacted all segments of our people. With the Yemei Harachamim V’haSelichos upon us, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah have issued the following kol korei, urging every member of Klal Yisroel to strengthen our faith, intensify our efforts in teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah, and reconnect with the values that define us as a nation. May our collective efforts bring a year of brachah, health, and shalom for us all.
Click here for a printable PDF of the Kol Korei.
[Free Translation]
In this time of distress for Klal Yisroel, a year that has been filled with endless suffering for our holy people from start to finish—beginning with the terrible event that occurred during the Yom Tov of Shemini Atzeres, which turned our celebration into mourning—we have been bombarded by reports of bloodshed and captivity. Our eyes are lifted to the heavens, yearning for the release of the captives and the return of those who have been lost in darkness. We have faced harsh decrees against the Torah and those who study it and practice it’s mitzvos, we’ve mourned the loss of our great leaders, and we’ve endured numerous calamities that have impacted all of us, from our youth to elders. Our means of livelihood have dwindled, leaving many struggling to provide for their families. This year has brought us many challenges, and we find ourselves with no one to rely on but our Father in Heaven.
Now, as we turn our gaze upward, seeking Divine mercy, let us heed the call: “Let us return to Hashem, for He has torn and He will heal us.” We all bear the responsibility to strengthen ourselves and to redouble our efforts in teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah, to increase the merit of Torah, and to accept the yoke of Heaven. We must invoke His compassion for His people, His city, His land, and His heritage. Especially now, as we stand on the threshold of the Yemei Harachachim V’haSelichos, we have a precious opportunity to seek out Hashem while He is near. We must add strength and vigor to our service of Hashem, conduct a thorough self-examination, and seek the merit of all of Klal Yisroel as a whole and us as individuals, so that we may all be inscribed in the Book of Life, in the Book of Sustenance and Prosperity, and in the Book of Redemption and Salvation.
The Torah states, “For what great nation is there that has a G-d so near to it as Hashem, our G-d, whenever we call upon Him?” The act of prayer stands at the pinnacle of our service, and we need to strengthen our commitment to pray with heartfelt intention, turning our tefillos into cries for mercy and supplication, rather than mere rote recitation. Additionally, we must reinforce our observance of the many important halachos related to tefillah and other areas where, unfortunately, many have become lax.
Moreover, in this time of crisis, it is our duty to strengthen our faith in Hashem—this complete faith that has been passed down from generation to generation. Throughout all exiles and hardships, we have remained loyal to Hashem and His Torah, steadfast believers, clinging to Him and trusting in His salvation. This commitment requires continuous reinforcement, especially in times of trouble.
We also wish to highlight that a hundred years ago, in the year 5684 (1924), our people faced immense suffering and a severe economic crisis across the Jewish Diaspora. During that time, the Rabbon Shel Yisroel, the Chofetz Chaim, penned a public letter (brought in the Sefer Geder Olam), stating:
“Everyone stands astounded, wondering why the times have changed so drastically for the worse. In addition to the fact that all Jews are being oppressed in every corner of the world, the cost of living is rising day by day, taxes and levies are significantly increasing, and the terrible decrees against the Torah and its mitzvos are overwhelming. Moreover, the state of livelihood everywhere is extremely poor, and our people are lamenting their dire situations.
“The primary reason for our suffering is because we distance ourselves from Hakadosh Boruch Hu. He commanded us, ‘And you shall sanctify yourselves and be holy.’ Our sages teach us that ‘whoever sanctifies himself below is sanctified from Above.’ Another verse states, ‘For Hashem, your G-d, walks in the midst of your camp to save you…’ The expression ‘to save you’ encompasses many matters: saving you from the sword, from famine, from captivity, and from plunder. ‘And your camp shall be holy, and He shall not see among you any unseemly thing and turn away from you.’”
Therefore, we find it fitting to remind the community of several key points that we should all be diligent about at this time:
- Each person should commit, during these Yemei Harachamim V’haratzon, to be vigilant about davening with a minyan, so that all our prayers may join together with the collective prayer, which is always heard. Additionally, we should join the community in reciting the chapters of Tehillim that are said together at the end of davening in all holy communities, and women and children should also recite these chapters of Tehillim daily.
- No part of Pesukei Dezimra should be skipped. Therefore, everyone should strive to arrive at shul early and not be late, so that they can recite the entire Pesukei Dezimra with enthusiasm and focus, as mentioned in the halachic sources.
- Great care should be taken to avoid idle conversation during davening and the reading of the Torah, especially during chazaras hashatz, as it is written in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 124:7) that one who engages in such conversation “sins and his sin is greater than one can bear.”
- We must strengthen our faith in Hashem, which is the foundation of our faith. It is appropriate for everyone—men, women, and children—to set aside time every morning to review the Thirteen Principles of Faith, thus awakening ourselves to strengthen our complete belief.
- We should accept upon ourselves practical commitments regarding modesty, for, as the posuk states, “Hashem, your G-d, walks in the midst of your camp, and your camp shall be holy.” By doing this, we will merit the presence of the Shechinah and the supervision of Hashem to protect us from all evil.
In addition to all this, each person knows the state of their own soul and which matters require teshuvah and improvement. In these times, when judgments are weighed, we must awaken to correct our actions and character traits, strengthen our Torah study and set fixed times for learning, serve with our hearts, accept the yoke of Heaven, and increase acts of charity and kindness to uplift the spirits of the downtrodden. May it be Hashem’s will that the Shomer Yisroel accept our service, hear our cries with mercy and favor, and inscribe us in the Book of Good Life for a blessed year, filled with redemption and salvation. Amein, so may it be His will.
Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America
The post “Come, Let Us Return to Hashem” A Kol Korei from The Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Watch: Rabbi Labish Becker – Rosh Hashana 5785 Part 2: “Klal Yisroel’s Shareholders” first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Rav Brudny Shlita – Words of Inspiration first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
In this episode of Inside the Agudah, Rabbi Ari Strulowitz, Director of Operations of Agudath Israel of Illinois, sits with Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, Agudath Israel’s Director of Torah Initiatives, to discuss his work on behalf of the Agudah.
Rabbi Strulowitz first got involved in Agudath Israel of Illinois in 2013 with Camp Nageela Midwest, then a project of Agudath Israel of Illinois. In 2016, Rabbi Strulowitz began as Executive Director for Nageela, focused on growing the camper enrollment and kiruv impact.
Over the years with the Agudah, Rabbi Strulowitz has worked on several projects and events, including the Midwest Convention, the H3 Business Halacha Summit, and the Midwest Siyum Hashas. Rabbi Strulowitz is now Director of Operations of Agudath Israel of Illinois, overseeing the Agudah’s various programs and initiatives, helping the Jewish community of Chicago and beyond.
The post Inside the Agudah: Rabbi Ari Strulowitz first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
In this episode of Inside the Agudah, Rabbi Moshe Simcha Levine, Director of Development at Agudath Israel of America, sits with Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, Agudath Israel’s Director of Torah Initiatives, to discuss his work on behalf of the Agudah.
The post Inside the Agudah: Rabbi Moshe Simcha Levine first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
In this episode of Inside the Agudah, Rabbi Ariel Sadwin, the executive director of the Mid-Atlantic region of Agudath Israel of America, sits with Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, Agudath Israel’s Director of Torah Initiatives, to discuss his work on behalf of the frum community. Rabbi Sadwin has held his current position since 2007.
Rabbi Sadwin learned at Yeshivas Ner Yisroel in Baltimore and Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim, receiving semicha at Ner Yisroel Kollel Avodas Levi.
Since 2010, Rabbi Sadwin has also served as the president of Maryland CAPE, the Maryland Chapter of the Council of American Private Education, leading the coalition of nonpublic, parochial, and independent schools across the state of Maryland.
In this interview, he shares his experiences and observations about his work for Agudath Israel.
The post Inside the Agudah: Rabbi Ariel Sadwin first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
In this episode of Inside the Agudah, Rabbi Labish Becker, Executive Director of Agudath Israel of America, sits with Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger, Agudath Israel’s Director of Torah Initiatives, to discuss his work on behalf of the frum community. As one of the longest tenured Agudath Israel staff members, Rabbi Becker has seen and accomplished so much over his almost five decades of service to Klal Yisroel. He shares his insights and memories in this fascinating interview.
The post Inside the Agudah: Rabbi Labish Becker first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Watch: Rabbi Labish Becker – Rosh Hashana Part 1: “The Teshuva Ladder” first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
On Tuesday evening, YahalomNJ hosted a beautiful & moving event in Estreia for mothers of children with special needs. Over 150 dedicated women were treated to an inspiring evening out, full of chizuk, singing, and dancing, and a delicious milchig buffet.
The Yahalom mothers were serenaded by acclaimed singer and songwriter Malky Giniger, as they sang and danced along with her spirited music, and later, joined together in a heartfelt kumzitz.
Another highlight of the evening was a panel featuring five Yahalom mothers, who shared the challenges they face, what gives them strength, and how they balance the needs of the child with special needs with that of their family.
“Yahalom’s mothers’ events are the few times a year that I give something to myself,” said one mother. “This evening was just the right mix of entertainment and support, and it will keep me going during the challenging moments.”
Mrs. Chana Laniado, director of YahalomNJ, introduced Yahalom’s Support Coordination Agency, a state-approved resource to coordinate services for adults over 21, which will be headed by Mrs. Bassy Kupfer. Mrs. Laniado marveled at the incredible reach Yahalom United has – in just a few short years, Yahalom has expanded to include seven branches and helped coordinate services for thousands of families.
“Events like these are what Yahalom is all about: giving strength and support to the families of children with special needs, encouraging them to continue with their amazing work,” said Mrs. Laniado. “Seeing these extraordinary women enjoying themselves gives us the strength to continue supporting them.”
To contact Mrs. Laniado at YahalomNJ, email claniado@agudah.org or call 732-456-6322
To reach another Yahalom office:
Florida: Mrs. Tzippy Richmond, trichmond@agudah.org, 305.532.2500 ext 2
Illinois: Mrs. Fiona Kark, fkark@agudahil.org, 773.279.8400 ext 266
Maryland: Mrs. Meira Burkom, yahalom@agudahmd.org, 667.430.0901
New York: Miss Tova Wacholder, yahalomny@agudah.org, 212.747.8763
Ohio: Mrs. Chana Barrett, yahalom@agudahohio.org, 216.455.1111 ext 1
The post A Musical Evening for YahalomNJ Mothers first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Dear community member,
The NJ Senate State Government, Wagering, and Tourism committee will be holding a second day of testimony on Thursday for a bill which proposes the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism within the state of New Jersey.
The IHRA definition of antisemitism provides a clear framework for identifying and addressing acts of hatred and discrimination against Jewish people and serves as an essential tool for law enforcement in combating threat of antisemitism in our communities.
Unfortunately, opponents of the bill have been mobilizing in opposition and it is imperative that supporters of the bill contact their legislators to show support and urge them to vote in favor as well.
Thank you,
Shlomo Schorr
Director of Legislative Affairs
The post New Jersey Residents: Take Action Against Antisemitism first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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| June 19, 2024 |
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| Summer EBT Updates and Reminder |
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| Dear Principals and Administrators, Reminder: The deadline to complete a Summer EBT enrollment on behalf of your NSLP-eligible students is June 28. If this deadline is not met, eligible students enrolled at a religious or independent NSLP approved RA school location will not be able to apply for or receive 2024 Summer EBT benefits. For more information, please see our prior memo.Please see below for important updates:School Food Authorities (SFAs)* The “Summer 2024 EBT for Religious and Independent NSLP Approved Schools – ONLY 2023-24 Form” continues to be available in the Information Data Exchange (IDEx) application, on the NYSED Business Application Portal. * Only a School Food Authority (SFA) or Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of an SFA has access to the form in the IDEx application. Please see the guidance for step-by-step, click through directions. * The SFA must collect all partnering RA forms (if applicable), combine all individual forms to create one complete and final form that contains all required student and parent information from all individual RA school locations to submit via the IDEx application. * The CEO or SFA must submit the “Summer 2024 EBT for Religious and Independent NSLP Approved Schools – ONLY 2023-24 Form” on behalf of all partnering RA/religious or independent school locations. * If the SFA receives a submission error notice, this means that some or all form fields are not completed correctly as per the guidance. In that instance, please review the error report produced on IDEx, work with the appropriate RA lead, correct the errors, and resubmit the file.
Recipient Agencies (RAs)* Partner and reach out to your SFA Lead. * Obtain a blank “Summer 2024 EBT for Religious and Independent NSLP Approved Schools – ONLY 2023-24 Form”. (Remember the CEO or SFA with entitlements can access, download, and email a blank form to each partnering RA/school location). * The RA must complete all data fields for each individual student enrolled at every religious or independent approved RA school location as per the guidance. * The RA much return the completed file to your SFA.
For more information* Please reference the Summer EBT Guidance and Resource Help Articles which can be found here. * If you are unable to find answers on the Summer EBT Guidance and Resource Help Articles, please click on the blue “HELP” icon on the bottom right corner of the webpage and submit your inquiry as indicated. Please put “Summer 2024 EBT” anywhere in the ticket to route it to those most familiar with this data collection for assistance. |
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| As always, feel free to reach out to yeshivaservices@agudah.org with any questions.Sign up for our mailing list here! |
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| Rabbi Yehoshua PinkusDirector of Yeshiva Services |
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| Ami Bazov, Esq.Associate Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel. |
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| © Agudath Israel of America 2024. May be shared as is with attribution. |
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The post Summer EBT Updates and Reminder first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Watch: Rabbi Labish Becker – Behaloscha 5784: “Stepping on the Brakes” first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudath Israel’s New Jersey office welcomes the news that the Toms River Board of Education has approved a contract with the Lakewood Student Transportation Authority (LSTA), potentially allowing busing services to be provided for thousands of children during the 2024-2025 school year who have not been receiving busing until now.
The commitment demonstrated by the Board in reaching this agreement underscores a dedication to ensuring the safety of students within the Toms River Township community. Agudath Israel commends the Board’s proactive efforts to address the crucial need for reliable transportation solutions, as the township continues to grow.
New Jersey law mandates that school districts provide busing to eligible students within the district. But as communities continue to grow and expand beyond district borders, parents of students who do not meet eligibility criteria are forced to spend hours in the car every day transporting their children to and from school.
The LSTA created efficient bus routes for the over 50,000 schoolchildren in Lakewood Township for its three-year trial period, and the following five years. But more importantly, with the busing no longer managed by the district, children for whom busing was not mandated could now buy into the system and receive busing. In addition, private consortiums do not have the same limits as a government agency in negotiating contracts with bus companies, affording the LSTA more flexibility and favorable contracts.
T Earlier this year, the Jackson Township Board of Education signed a similar agreement making this the second under a new law signed by Governor Phil Murphy following nearly a decade of advocacy by Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office, Lakewood Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein, and others.
Agudath Israel looks forward to witnessing the positive impact this transportation agreement will undoubtedly have on the quality of life for many families who will no longer have to spend money and time on their morning and afternoon commutes.
“As envisioned, the busing bill will have far-reaching implications for school children around the state, including in East Brunswick, Howell, Linden, Deal, and many other municipalities,” said Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey Office. “We look forward to hearing of similar agreements with districts around the state.”
“Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-30) has been working tirelessly on this issue for nearly eight years, and we are extremely grateful for his advocacy on this issue, as well as the sponsors of the bill, Assemblyman Louis Greenwald (D-6), and Senators Vin Gopal (D-11) and Bob Singer (R-30),” Schorr added.
The post Agudath Israel’s New Jersey Office Welcomes Busing Agreement to Help Toms River Families first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The following recording by Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner was made in honor of Shavuos 5784, to be mechazek Yahalom families. Rebbetzin Feiner is the Rebbetzin of the White Shul in Far Rockaway. She has been teaching and lecturing girls and women for almost three decades and is currently a teacher at Stern College and Tag High School. Rebbetzein Feiner lectures all over the United States, writes for the Mishpacha magazine, and is the proud mother of Avraham Yeshaya Feiner נ“י.
Enjoy this chizuk and may it strengthen you in all of your efforts for your families:
https://agudah.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Recording-for-Yahalom-Shavuos-1.m4aThe post Chizuk for Yahalom Families first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Dear Community Members,Last month the Massachusetts Senate unanimously voted to adopt an amendment to address the rising levels of antisemitism in our Commonwealth. Agudah New England is deeply grateful to Senator John Velis, Senator Cindy Creem and Senator Becca Rausch for sponsoring this amendment and to the entire Senate for voting in support. The Senate amendment seeks to address antisemitism in K-12 schools and would create a statewide commission to counter antisemitism in Massachusetts.The budget is now being debated by the conference committee where differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget are being negotiated. Our goal at this stage is to advocate for the inclusion of the Senate language relative to antisemitism in the final budget. Please use the action alert below to contact the conference committee members and your local state representative and senator to express your support. This language will send a clear message that antisemitism will not be tolerated in our Commonwealth.If you can take an additional moment to personalize the message that will be even more impactful. If your senator cosponsored this amendment please also take a moment to thank them for their support.Thanks in advance for your partnership and your advocacy.The post Attention Massachusetts Residents: Take Action to Support Senate Amendment Combatting Antisemitism first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Days after the Memorial Day recess, Agudath Israel of America’s Florida Office led a delegation to Washington D.C as part of a series of state missions following Agudah’s National Leadership Mission in April. The Florida group, representing many areas from across the state—including Surfside, Miami, Hollywood, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm, Orlando, and Jacksonville—gathered in Washington for a highly productive one-day mission.
Some meetings were held directly with the members, while others involved their staff, yet all were equally effective.
The delegates met with Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL-21), Congressman Byron Donalds, (R-FL-19), Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL-10), Congressman John Rutherford (R-FL-5), as well as senior staffers from the offices of Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-3), Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL-15), Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-FL-25). The group also met with New York Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), and thanked him for his sponsorship of the Antisemitism Awareness Act.
The focus of the meetings were support for Israel in its war against Hamas, the return of the hostages, the alarming rise of antisemitism, and the need for increasing the federal nonprofit security grant program to at least $400 million. The discussions covered what Congress can do to address these issues as well as what constituents can do at home in their districts. Just as importantly, the group expressed their appreciation to officials who have been supportive of the issues and have consistently stood with Israel and the Jewish community.
Rabbi Avrohom Luban, associate director of Agudath Israel’s Florida office summed up the feelings of gratitude in his remarks to Senator Scott: “If we came all the way here, said thank you, and traveled back home, it would be worthwhile just to share those two words with you.”
Yehuda Ginsberg of North Miami Beach explained what he gained from the experience: “We are living through tumultuous times, and each of us has a responsibility to our community. Joining this trip with Agudah was a real opportunity to make a positive impact on policies that truly make a difference.”
Rabbi Yossie Charner, Agudath Israel’s Director of Congressional Affairs who coordinated the mission added, “While our DC office is active on the Hill throughout the year, these state missions show members of Congress that we have an entire community of constituents behind us which makes a real difference in our advocacy.”
Photo Credits: Agudath Israel
The post Agudath Israel of America’s Florida Office Leads Delegation to Washington D.C. to Address Rising Antisemitism and Security Needs first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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| June 17, 2024 |
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| Summer EBT Webinar |
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| Dear Principals and Administrators,The deadline to complete a Summer EBT enrollment on behalf of your NSLP-eligible students is June 28. For more information, please see our prior memo.We are pleased to share that School Management Solutions will be hosting a webinar this Wednesday, June 19 at 3 PM entitled “Summer EBT Enrollment: Clarifying the Process”.Click here to register |
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| As always, feel free to reach out to yeshivaservices@agudah.org with any questions.Sign up for our WhatsApp broadcast list here! Sign up for our mailing list here! |
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| Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Ami Bazov, Esq.Associate Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel. |
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| © Agudath Israel of America 2024. May be shared as is with attribution. |
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The post Summer EBT Webinar first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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| June 17, 2024 |
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| Summer Professional Learning Portal Opening |
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| Dear NYC Principals and Administrators,The Professional Learning Portal (PLP) opened today to accept work plans for the summer months until Friday, July 19. Work plans will be processed in early July when funding is received. Until funding is received, ONPCS staff will review submitted summer work plans for completeness. We recommend you enter your work plans for goods and services you wish to have implemented over the summer as soon as possible.Note: Your orders for Title II, III, and IV must be received by August 31. You should not order unless you are absolutely certain you will receive your order by this date. * To prevent the loss of funds, they are requiring furniture and technology work plans be accompanied by a letter from the vendor confirming that all items will be received no later than August 31. The written confirmation from the vendor should be uploaded to the furniture/technology work plan.
If you have issues logging on to PLP, please reach out to ONPSdata@schools.nyc.gov.If you need support while using PLP, please reach out to ONPSProcurement@schools.nyc.gov. |
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| As always, feel free to reach out to yeshivaservices@agudah.org with any questions.Sign up for our WhatsApp broadcast list here! Sign up for our mailing list here! |
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| Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Ami Bazov, Esq.Associate Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel. |
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| © Agudath Israel of America 2024. May be shared as is with attribution. |
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The post Summer Professional Learning Portal Opening first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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| May 7, 2024 |
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| Working Papers |
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| Dear NYS Principals and Administrators, With the summer season upon us, we’ve been asked about Employment Certificate (commonly known as “working paper”) requirements for students who wish to be employed during the summer. A few quick rules: * With few exceptions, minors under 14 may not legally be employed. * Minors ages 14-17 must obtain working papers to submit to employers prior to working and be returned to the minor when the working period concludes. Failure of an employer to have working papers on file at the work site for minors employed may require termination of employment and/or the issuance of fines. * Nonpublic high schools may issue working papers to students attending their school after receiving a completed application which can be found here. * Working papers may be purchased from vendors listed here. * You are encouraged to provide the students with information about their rights as minors. Click here for cards you can provide to your students along with their working papers. * For more information about child labor laws, click here.
More information about working paper requirements is available by clicking here. |
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| As always, feel free to reach out to yeshivaservices@agudah.org with any questions.Sign up for our WhatsApp broadcast list here! Sign up for our mailing list here! |
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| Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Ami Bazov, Esq.Associate Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel. |
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| © Agudath Israel of America 2022. May be shared as is with attribution. |
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The post Working Papers first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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| May 7, 2024 |
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| Fingerprinting and Comprehensive Background Checks |
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| Dear Article 47 School Leaders, The following only applies to Article 47 programs:The first five-year renewal of Comprehensive Background Checks (CBC) for childcare staff and volunteers will expire later this year. The federally mandated CBC process was initiated on September 25, 2019; clearances that were processed at that time will expire beginning September 25, 2024. This means all staff reaching the five-year expiration need to undergo a new CBC, including re-fingerprinting, submission of a new Statewide Central Register Database check and other relevant forms.To determine when the CBC for your staff will expire, you will need to review the fingerprint date. The fingerprint date is used to determine the date of clearance.We recommend that you begin to gather the clearances and fingerprint dates for all of your staff and volunteers fingerprinted from September 25, 2019 to December 31, 2019. This will help to ensure that reprinting and submission of the Online Form for Background Checks and required documents can be completed before the CBC expires. Staff may continue working while undergoing the CBC process to update their record, but if their clearance has expired and they have not submitted a new request, the program will receive a violation.Fingerprinting is available at IdentoGO Centers, which are located throughout the five boroughs as well as outside of NYC. The Department of Investigation (DOI) is no longer offering fingerprint processing. To make an IdentoGO fingerprinting appointment, visit https://uenroll.identogo.com/.For non-DOE contracted programs, enter the Service Code 157XX3. DOE will provide staff of DOE contracted programs their service code directly. You must use this Service Code for the results to be transmitted to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and to avoid having to be re-printed at additional cost. If you are a DOE-contracted program and have questions about fingerprinting, please email earlychildhoodpolicy@schools.nyc.gov. For more information on the background clearance process, refer to: Group Child Care Programs Comprehensive Background Checks: Frequently Asked Questions. Please contact your DOHMH borough office or email childcareinfo@health.nyc.gov if you have additional questions. |
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| As always, feel free to reach out to yeshivaservices@agudah.org with any questions.Sign up for our WhatsApp broadcast list here! Sign up for our mailing list here! |
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| Rabbi Yehoshua PinkusDirector of Yeshiva Services |
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| Ami Bazov, Esq.Associate Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel. |
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| © Agudath Israel of America 2022. May be shared as is with attribution. |
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The post Fingerprinting and Comprehensive Background Checks first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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| May 6, 2024 |
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| D-20 Certificate of Fitness Training Course |
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| Dear NYC Principals and Administrators, New York City requires all nonpublic schools to have a Fire and Emergency Drill Conductor who holds a Certificate of Fitness. Until recently, this meant that yeshiva principals needed to obtain the F-07 Certificate of Fitness, which was geared towards general building safety. Upon the request of Agudath Israel and other nonpublic school representatives, the FDNY developed the D-20 Certificate of Fitness to address the key responsibilities for Fire and Emergency Drill Conductors in nonpublic schools. The FDNY has authorized Agudath Israel of America, among other organizations, to conduct the D-20 training course, and administer the D-20 exam. We will be conducting the D-20 training course and exam on Tuesday, May 28, 2:00 pm at the COPE Institute at 4006 18th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11218. Please note: * An applicant must be either a principal, assistant principal, or otherwise hold a supervisory position. * Each nonpublic school site must have at least one individual who is a valid D-20 Certificate of Fitness holder on the premises of the school at all times when school is in session. Practically speaking, this means that at least two individuals within a school should obtain the certificate to ensure that at least one individual with a license will be present at all times. * The D-20 fire safety training and certificate course is reimbursable through the Nonpublic Safety Equipment Grant. We will supply receipts upon completion of the training course. * The 1.5-hour course will cover all relevant topics. After the presentation, we will administer the D-20 exam. The exams will be graded by a third-party vendor and you will receive your results via email. We will then submit all required documentation to the FDNY, after which you will receive the certificate. * The cost for the training is $50 plus a $25 processing fee for FDNY.
Please click here to begin the registration process. |
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| As always, feel free to reach out to yeshivaservices@agudah.org with any questions.Sign up for our WhatsApp broadcast list here! Sign up for our mailing list here! |
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| Rabbi Yehoshua PinkusDirector of Yeshiva Services |
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| Ami Bazov, Esq.Associate Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel. |
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| © Agudath Israel of America 2022. May be shared as is with attribution. |
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The post D-20 Certificate of Fitness Training Course first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
“Pirchei empowers our boys with a strong Jewish identity,” says one of the Pirchei Denver founders, Mr. Dov Ort, when asked why he believes strongly in Pirchei. “By choosing to pursue their studies beyond the classroom, they gain conviction. By connecting with a network of other Jewish boys across the world, they learn what it means to take an active role in something larger than the world of their youth.”
Dov’s statement rings especially true after this year’s Pirchei Shabbos shel Achdus. Along with Rabbi Yosef Melamed, Director of Pirchei Denver, and chaperones Dr. William (Yitz) Finch and Mr. Joshua Close, eighteen local boys from the sixth and seventh grades flew to the Camp Agudah Midwest campgrounds to join one hundred and sixty boys from fifteen cities across the US in a unifying and uplifting Shabbos.
The weekend’s schedule was packed, keeping the boys busy with sports, learning, games, delicious food, storytelling, singing, dancing, inspirational speeches, a special question and answer session, and finally culminating in a deluxe melava malka, siyum, and raffle. One noteworthy highlight was an intense 1.5-hour straight learning session, with short raffles every fifteen minutes, as the boys joined together to finish the monumental task of learning all of Seder Moed over Shabbos. Leaders of the Shabbos were impressed by the group from Denver, and the Denver boys received special mention when they came early to Shacharis on Friday morning after arriving at the campgrounds very late the night before.
“Watching the boys become energized, make new friends, bond with each other, and work together to complete the learning goal was truly amazing,” says Rabbi Melamed. “I’m confident that the memories made during this trip will leave a lasting impression on the boys who attended.”
Thank you to the donors who believed in the trip and through their generosity, enabled Pirchei Denver to increase the number of boys attending from seven last year to eighteen this year:
Mr. Graeme Bean, Mr. Jonathan Beren, Mr. Efraim Cunningham, Dr. Nancy Gary, Reb Zvi Gelt, Mr. Aaron Dovid Katz, Mr. Ari Krausz, Mr. Avi Mehler, Rabbi Yaakov Meyer, Mr. Jay Moskowitz, Mr. Dov Ort, Rabbi Meyer Schwab, and Cong. Zera Abraham
Thank you as well to Rabbi Melamed for his dedicated work in Pirchei year-round and for pulling this Shabbos together, and to Dr. Yitz Finch and Mr. Josh Close for chaperoning.
The post Eighteen Denver Boys Join the Annual Pirchei Shabbos of Achdus first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The annual Agudah Washington mission could not have come at a more crucial time this year. Amid the war in Israel and the skyrocketing antisemitism around the country, it was vital for the Agudah leadership and supporters to speak with legislators and advocate for the Jewish People.
Rabbi Yossi Kaplan, Director of Agudah of Colorado, joined almost seventy delegates in Washington, D.C. for a two-day advocacy trip to the Capitol. Following the year’s legislative agenda, the meeting topics centered around the war in Israel, releasing the hostages, combatting the rise in antisemitism, and increasing funding to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), among other issues.
At the opening dinner, the delegates were treated to remarks from Assistant Secretary of Education Civil Rights Catherine Lhamon, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke, and Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Counterterrorism, Threat Prevention, and Law Enforcement Jeohn Favors.
The next day, as part of the schedule, the trip delegates split into smaller groups to speak with their state representatives in Congress. The Colorado delegation met with Senator Michael Bennet’s Chief of Staff Amy Friedman, Congressman Jason Crow, Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo’s staff members, and Congresswoman Brittany Peterson’s staff members.
The group then joined back together for a Senate luncheon, where they were treated to warm remarks by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Richard Blumenthal (C-CT), Cory Booker (C-NJ), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Fetterman (D-PA), James Lankford (R-OK), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Rick Scott (R-FL), all of whom expressed their solidarity with American Jewry and their support of Israel. After the luncheon, the group met with senior administration officials in the White House including State Department Deputy Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Aaron Keyak, Domestic Policy Advisor to President Biden Neera Tanden, and White House National Security Communications Advisor Admiral John Kirby.
The post Agudah Advocacy in Washington DC first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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| May 6, 2024 |
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| Letter of Intent for Special Ed Services |
| Dear NYC Principals and Administrators,Services must be requested by June 1, 2024 for any children that would like to receive special education services while enrolled in a New York City non-public school next school year. These services include PT, OT, Speech Therapy, Counseling, paraprofessionals, P3, SETSS, etc. If the letter of intent is not submitted, the student may not receive any special education services.Please inform your parents that this form needs to be signed and sent to the Committee on Special Education by June 1, 2024. It should be sent to the CSE of the district where the school is located. It is recommended to send the form via email rather than mail, so there is proof of submission. |
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| As always, feel free to reach out to yeshivaservices@agudah.org with any questions.Sign up for our WhatsApp broadcast list here! Sign up for our mailing list here! |
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| Rabbi Yehoshua PinkusDirector of Yeshiva Services |
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| Ami Bazov, Esq.Associate Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Tova WacholderProgram Director, Yahalom |
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| Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel. |
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| © Agudath Israel of America 2022. May be shared as is with attribution. |
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The post Letter of Intent for Special Ed Services first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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| May 6, 2024 |
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| NYS Budget and NPSE Year 10 Update and Webinar |
| Dear Principals and Administrators, Update: The NPSE (Nonpublic School Safety Equipment) Grant Year 10 application and allocations have been released and posted on the NYSED website. We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting a webinar on Thursday morning at 11 am.NPSE Y10 Grant: Understanding and Maximizing the $45 Million in Increased AllocationsClick here to register.As we previously shared, Agudath Israel played a crucial role in advocating for the increase in allocation from $15 million to $45 million as well as expanding the permissible uses of the funds to allow for capital expenses. This year, the entire budget is allocated on a per student basis at $112 per student, based on the 2021-22 student enrollment. The scope of projects eligible for reimbursement has been expanded. It now includes “remediation of hazardous conditions, and the repair and maintenance of buildings, facilities, appurtenances, equipment, and systems to maintain the health and safety of school building occupants.” * See here for the program guidance, allocations, application, and other documents. * Note: For this year, it is only necessary to submit proof of purchase. Proof of receipt is not required at this time. However, a proof of receipt, such as a shipping receipt or photos taken post-installation, might become required in future years. * See here for lists of * Eligible Purchase Items/Services * Ineligible Purchase Items/Services * Eligible Building Repair and Remediation * Ineligible Building Repair and Remediation * Please keep in mind these lists are being updated frequently. * See here for helpful Q&A regarding the program. * Year 10 allocations cover expenditures through April 30, 2024. * This year, the application should be submitted through the NYSED Business Portal. For more information, please review the application instructions. Under extraordinary circumstances, the ORISS office will allow a paper application. Please contact NPSE-ORISS@nysed.gov to submit a request for this rare accommodation. * The purchasing deadline was April 30, 2024. * The application deadline is June 27, 2024. |
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| As always, feel free to reach out to yeshivaservices@agudah.org with any questions.Sign up for our Whatsapp broadcast list here! Sign up for our mailing list here! |
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| Rabbi Yehoshua PinkusDirector of Yeshiva Services |
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| Ami Bazov, Esq.Associate Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel. |
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| © Agudath Israel of America 2022. May be shared as is with attribution. |
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The post NYS Budget and NPSE Year 10 Update and Webinar first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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| May 3, 2024 |
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| SFSP Updates |
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| Dear NYS SFSP (Summer Food Service Program) Camp Operators and Site Supervisors, Thank you to the many camps and SFSP sites that joined us for the live training with the New York State Education Department, Office of Child Nutrition (OCN) at Bnos Zion on April 16. If you missed it, there are trainings available HERE. The training was a direct result of Agudath Israel and camp representatives engaging in meetings and communications with NYSED OCN in an effort to streamline operations for the coming summer season. We would like to share important reminders from the training and our communications with CNS. Some of these reminders have been updated in light of recent communication with OCN: * Sponsors should apply promptly and carefully adhere to all deadlines. As a reminder: * New Sponsor Application, May 1 * Experienced Sponsor Renewal, June 1 * New Camp Site Information Sheet, June 1 * Do NOT ignore emails from NYSED – respond promptly. Failure to reply promptly may diminish your chances of getting approval. * Attend all relevant trainings and carefully follow procedures. The sponsor must attend the sponsor training and train and designate a site supervisor. * Keep your production records – it may help you! * Meal start times need to be accurate in CNMS, food should be prepared and rooms set up even if kids are reasonably off schedule (a few minutes, not an hour!) * If there are activities or programming that will delay meal service, NYSED must be notified prior to the change. * Buffet-style serving is not allowed. All meal components must be served at the same time. * Electronic signatures can be accepted on Household Income Applications if the application meets the criteria outlined in SFSP 06-2007; however, typed signatures are not accepted. * According to federal regulations, sponsors must demonstrate financial viability, administrative capability, and Program accountability. Please see HERE for more details. * Labor issues: * When paying labor using SFSP, make sure to follow all labor laws, including payment frequency and breaks/lunch. * NYSED has updated the timesheet form, Attachment 29. * Make sure to have supervisor signature on all timesheets. For the supervisors time sheet, have someone else sign. * Be careful when paying overtime with SFSP funds. Some programs were cited for excessive overtime. * Consultant fees – please note these important points: * Consultant contracts must be procured properly. * Consultants must provide sponsors with an itemized bill of services for each month. * Fees must be determined to be reasonable and not duplicative of duties that can be performed by staff already employed by the sponsor. * NYSED has requested verification of these in the past * Please pay attention to these common findings in last year’s reviews: * The site supervisor must be always present onsite, be fully trained, and know his/her responsibilities. * Day camp programs must have continuous programming between meals. It is best practice to have an activity before breakfast to ensure children are on site by the time the meal starts. * Pay attention to your approved budget. If your actual budget differs from the approved budget, then complete Attachment 34 “Budget Revision Form” before submitting your final claim and email it to your SED representative. After SED approves the revised budget then submit your final claim. * Notify SED of: * All time changes * Changes in start/end dates |
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| As always, feel free to reach out to yeshivaservices@agudah.org with any questions.Sign up for our WhatsApp broadcast list here! Sign up for our mailing list here! |
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| Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Ami Bazov, Esq.Associate Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Rabbi Shimon NewmarkDirector of Camp Agudah AJCO |
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| Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel. |
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| © Agudath Israel of America 2022. May be shared as is with attribution. |
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The post SFSP Updates first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Watch: Rabbi Labish Becker – Acharei Mos 5784: “Reluctant Leadership” first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Your voice made a difference!
Yesterday the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act by a vote of 320-91.
Passing the bill with a bipartisan vote, and by such a wide margin, sends a strong message that Congress, like most Americans, rejects the vitriolic antisemitism we are seeing on college campuses. It also sends an important message to college and university leaders that such behavior will not be tolerated any longer, and that government will act when “protests” cross the line.
We hope that this is the first step towards stricter enforcement of civil rights laws that are intended to protect Jewish and other students.
A few months ago, at Agudath Israel’s Rockland County Legislative Meet and Greet (here), bill sponsor Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) spoke about the failures in education that lead to antisemitism. Rep Lawler also acknowledged Agudah’s support yesterday in his powerful speech on the House floor (here)!
We appreciate the leadership of bill sponsors Rep. Lawler and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D- NJ).
Please take a moment to thank your representatives who voted for the bill and ask the Senate to do the same and pass this bill as soon as possible. Fill in your contact information below and send both emails with two clicks.
Thank you for taking action!
Rabbi Abba Cohen
Vice President for Government Affairs
Washington Director and Counsel
Rabbi Yossie Charner
Director of Congressional Relations
The post Take Action: Ask your Senators to support the Antisemitism Awareness Act first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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| May 2, 2024 |
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| SFSP Updates |
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| Dear NYS SFSP (Summer Food Service Program) Camp Operators and Site Supervisors, Thank you to the many camps and SFSP sites that joined us for the live training with CNS at Bnos Zion on April 16. If you missed it, there are trainings available HERE. The training was a direct result of Agudath Israel and camp representatives engaging in meetings and communications with NYSED CNS in an effort to streamline operations for the coming summer season. We would like to share important reminders from the training and our communications with CNS: * Consultant fees – SED has requested verification in the past: * Invoice should include specific details * Fees must be determined to be reasonable * Sponsors should apply promptly and carefully adhere to all deadlines. As a reminder: * New Sponsor Application, May 1 * Experienced Sponsor Renewal, June 1 * New Camp Site Information Sheet, June 1 * Do NOT ignore emails from SED – respond promptly. Failure to reply promptly may diminish your chances of getting approval. * Attend all relevant trainings and carefully follow procedures. The sponsor must attend the sponsor training and train and designate a site supervisor. * Keep your production records – it may help you! * Meal start times do not need to be exact, however, food should be prepared and rooms set up even if kids are reasonably off schedule (a few minutes, not an hour!) * Buffet-style serving is not allowed. All meal components must be served at the same time. * Electronic signatures can be accepted on Household Income Applications; however, typed signatures are not accepted. * According to federal regulations, sponsors must demonstrate financial viability, administrative capability, and Program accountability. Please see HERE for more details. * Labor issues: * When paying labor using SFSP, make sure to follow all labor laws, including payment frequency and breaks/lunch. * SED has updated the timesheet form, Attachment 29. * Make sure to have supervisor signature on all timesheets. For the supervisors time sheet, have someone else sign. * Be careful when paying overtime with SFSP funds. Some programs were cited for excessive overtime. * Please pay attention to these common finding in last year’s reviews: * The site supervisor must be always present onsite, be fully trained, and know his/her responsibilities. * You must have some programming/activities before breakfast if you are serving breakfast. This will also help ensure that everyone is counted, including latecomers * Pay attention to your approved budget. If your actual budget differs from the approved budget, then complete Attachment 34 “Budget Revision Form” before submitting your final claim and email it to your SED representative. After SED approves the revised budget then submit your final claim. * Notify SED of: * All time changes * Changes in start/end dates |
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| As always, feel free to reach out to yeshivaservices@agudah.org with any questions. Sign up for our WhatsApp broadcast list here! Sign up for our mailing list here! |
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| Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Ami Bazov, Esq.Associate Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Rabbi Shimon NewmarkDirector of Camp Agudah |
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| Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel. |
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| © Agudath Israel of America 2024. May be shared as is with attribution. |
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The post SFSP Updates first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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| May 2, 2024 |
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| Homeland Security Grant Update and Reminder |
| Dear NYS Principals and Administrators, The Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. In NYS, the program is administered by the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Update: Shortly before Pesach, the Homeland Security Grant opened. The application deadline is May 21, 2024 at 5 pm.The FY2024 Nonprofit Security Grant Program – Urban Area (NSGP-UA) and State (NSGP-S) Request for Applications (RFA) has been posted to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services website and is ready for immediate action by interested eligible nonprofits. The RFA and other required documents can be found here.The JCRC Community Security Initiative Security (CSI) grants website is a comprehensive resource for security grant information. There are several useful webinar recordings available in the CSI Consultant’s Corner.Please note: * The NSGP is a competitive grant, and typically less than 50% of applications are awarded. Using an experienced grant writer considerably increases the chance of success. * Organizations can apply for multiple grants of $150,000 each for their various locations. See here for details. * Click here for a list of FAQs. * Grant Writer Assistance Program: The Community Service Initiative (CSI), a project of the JCRC, offers a $2,500 grant towards the cost of a grant writer for organizations that have never received a federal or state security grant. For more information, click here. * To apply for the NSGP, organizations MUST: * Be in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) at the time of application. Note: this is a change from the NYS Grants Management to the Statewide Financial System (SFS). * Have a risk assessment done by a qualified person/company. The Community Security Initiative (CSI) offers free security assessments to Jewish organizations located in New York City, Long Island and Westchester. To apply for a professional assessment, click here. * Register in E-Grants. * Get a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number. If your organization already has one, you do not need to do anything. * Register (or be exempt) with the NYS Attorney General’s Office Charities Bureau. * For details on these requirements, click here for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) – Getting Started Guide. * To sign up for important NSGP updates and reminders, and for NSGP-related questions, please reach out to Grant.Info@dhses.ny.gov. |
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| As always, feel free to reach out to yeshivaservices@agudah.org with any questions.Sign up for our WhatsApp broadcast list here! Sign up for our mailing list here! |
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| Rabbi Yehoshua PinkusDirector of Yeshiva Services |
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| Ami Bazov, Esq.Associate Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel. |
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| © Agudath Israel of America 2022. May be shared as is with attribution. |
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The post Homeland Security Grant Update and Reminder first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
WATCH: Rep. Mike Lawler mentions Agudah’s support of his Antisemitism Awareness Act in a powerful speech on the House floor May 1st, 2024.
http://agudah.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Lawler-floor-speech-clip-HR-6090.mp4The post WATCH: Rep. Lawler mentions Agudah in powerful floor speech first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
WATCH: Congressman Mike Lawler speaking at Agudath Israel’s Rockland County Legislative Event December 19th 2023 about ways Congress can combat antisemitism including the now just-passed Antisemitism Awareness Act.
The post WATCH: Congressman Mike Lawler speaking about ways Congress can combat antisemitism first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Following the October 7th Hamas massacre, Americans have watched our country’s college campuses devolve into cesspools of naked, unabashed antisemitism. Antisemitic and anti-Israel vitriol from students and professors; praise for Hamas and its butchery; threats, assaults, and violence against Jewish students have all become a daily occurrence that is met only with a tepid response from officials of even the most elite universities.
Agudath Israel of America applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Antisemitism Awareness Act (H.R. 6090) which will provide another critical weapon in the fight against the scourge of antisemitism on campus. This bipartisan legislation introduced by Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) directs the U.S. Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism when investigating possible antisemitic actions on campus.
“This legislation helps ensure that the U.S. Department of Education, now and in the future, will have a clear, statutorily-based definition when investigating whether and when anti-Israel or antisemitic incidents cross over from free speech to unlawful activity and behavior,” said Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel’s Vice President for Government Affairs and Washington Director and Counsel. “Agudath Israel urges the Senate to pass this important piece of legislation as soon as possible.”
WATCH: Congressman Lawler mentioning Agudah’s support of the bill. “Calling for death to Jews is not protected speech, it is antisemitic!”
http://agudah.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Lawler-floor-speech-clip-HR-6090.mp4WATCH: Congressman Mike Lawler speaking at Agudath Israel’s Rockland County Legislative Event December 19th 2023 about ways Congress can combat antisemitism.
The post Agudath Israel Applauds the House Passage of the Antisemitism Awareness Act to Combat Campus Antisemitism first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Dear Agudah Activist:
We have all been stunned and outraged by what we have been hearing and seeing on America’s college campuses: Antisemitic and anti-Israel vitriol from students and professors; praise for Hamas and its butchery; threats, assaults, and violence against Jewish students; tepid response from university officials.
Jewish students are rightfully scared for their safety. And we must support them!
Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) have introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act (H.R. 6090), which directs the U.S. Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating possible antisemitic actions on campus. Passage of this legislation will ensure that the Department of Education, now and in the future, will have a clear, statutorily-based definition when investigating whether and when anti-Israel or antisemitic incidents cross over from free speech to unlawful activity and behavior.
This will help prevent antisemites on campus from getting away with their antisemitism!
After October 7, Agudath Israel was pleased to support various bipartisan resolutions denouncing antisemitism on campus and student groups that celebrated Hamas’ atrocities. We have called on university leaders to voice opposition and take concrete steps to quell the antisemitic hatred on campus.
But, as many university officials have presented House testimony indicating a shockingly immoral and confused leadership, and as the antisemitism on campus has only become more vicious and widespread in recent days, we need further legislation on this vital front. We, therefore, encourage you to contact your representatives immediately and urge them to support the Antisemitism Awareness Act. It will provide another critical weapon in the fight against the scourge of antisemitism on campus.
All good wishes,
Rabbi Abba Cohen
Vice President for Government Affairs
Washington Director and Counsel
Rabbi Yossie Charner
Director of Congressional Affairs
The post Action Alert: Support Jewish Students on Campus! first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudath Israel of America calls upon officials at all levels of government, law enforcement, and Columbia University leadership to immediately quell the raging antisemitism and violence that has been allowed to overtake the university.
The “protestors” for peace and cease-fire — at Columbia and other universities — have unmasked themselves as faithful agents of the terror organizations whose cause they now champion thousands of miles away.
The charade is over.
Jews worldwide hardly need a more poignant reminder of the pointed verses we are poised to soon recite at the Passover Seder.
We pray that the Almighty deliver us from these evil forces and continue to protect the Jewish nation.
The post Unbridled Antisemitism and Violence at Columbia: Agudath Israel Calls on Leaders to Act first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Highlights from Agudath Israel’s 2024 Leadership Mission to Washington first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudath Israel of America celebrates the passage of Missouri Senate Bill 727, a legislative victory that expands educational opportunities for families across the state. The bill, which expands the state’s school choice program, is a significant step forward in empowering students and ensuring access to quality education for all Missouri children.
SB727 received 82 votes in the Missouri House of Representatives, the exact number of votes needed for the law to pass. The bill significantly expands the current MO Scholars Scholarship tax credit program in several ways including substantially expanding income eligibility, increasing the overall tax credit cap to $75 million, making the tax credit refundable, and increasing the maximum scholarship amounts for lower income students and those with special needs. One very impactful change makes all siblings of scholarship students eligible and prioritizes them over other new students. Previously, the program limited eligibility to students entering Kindergarten or 1st grade, students transferring from a public school, and students with special needs.
Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, Director of Government Affairs, Agudath Israel of Illinois, who has led Agudath Israel’s advocacy efforts in Missouri over the past few years remarked, “The passage of SB727 represents a monumental victory for educational freedom and parental choice in Missouri. By expanding the school choice program, Missouri lawmakers have demonstrated their commitment to prioritizing the needs of families and empowering parents to make decisions about their children’s education.”
Rabbi A.D. Motzen, National Director of Government Affairs for Agudath Israel of America, added, “Agudath Israel is a longtime supporter of school choice efforts in Missouri and across the country and welcomes this important expansion. We extend our appreciation to Senate President Pro Temp Caleb Rowden (R-19), Senate Majority Floor Leader Cindy O’Laughlin (R-18), Speaker Dean Plocher (R-89), House Majority Floor Leader Joe Patterson (R-30), and bill sponsors Senator Andrew Koenig (R-15) and Representative Phil Christofanelli (R-104). We also were honored to work with our coalition partners, the Missouri Charter Public School Association, the American Federation for Children, the Opportunity Trust Quality Schools Coalition, and yes. every kid. foundation, and thank them for their dedication to advancing educational choice and opportunity for all.”
“The expansion means that Agudath Israel of Missouri’s Education Assistance Organization will now be able to serve many more students,” said Hillel Anton, director of Agudah’s state-approved scholarship organization. “We encourage all Missouri taxpayers to learn more about the program at AgudahMO.org/eao/ and how they can support scholarships for children at no cost to the donor and receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit.
The post Agudath Israel Applauds Expansion of School Choice Program in Missouri first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Earlier today the New York State Legislature came to an agreement with Governor Hochul on a budget for 2024-25. The budget contains several significant gains for the families of New York’s yeshivas and other non-public schools, including major legislative priorities of Agudah.
In light of the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas last October 7th in Israel and the corresponding increase in antisemitism in the United States, security became the number one issue on the minds of both parents and school leaders. Security no longer became an option or a luxury, but a necessity. Many yeshivas have a large percentage of students on scholarships and often have to choose between educational enhancements and security upgrades. As a result, Agudah supported an effort to increase the state’s non-public school security program from the current $45 million. This critical initiative was led by Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi and was the primary focus of Agudah’s three lobby days. Thankfully, the Legislature prioritized the safety of all students and allocated $70 million, an increase of over 50%. The budget also retains an additional allocation of $35 million in competitive grants for non-profit organizations at risk for hate crimes.
Another focus was the Mandated Services Program (MSA) which reimburses schools for services they provide at the behest of the state such as attendance taking, pupil data, testing, and similar items. Last year’s budget fell short of the full allocation and schools received 4% less than claims submitted and the non-public schools originally anticipated a similar shortfall for the current school year. Thankfully, the executive budget allocated over $239 million for MSA-CAP claims, which will likely make up for the two-year shortfall as well as fund all of the upcoming reimbursements. Agudath Israel thanks the Legislature for keeping the governor’s allocation in the final budget.
These legislative achievements are a testament to the efforts of the many grassroots supporters who visited Albany, met with legislators in the district, or sent emails to their elected officials. Agudah is also privileged to work with other nonpublic school advocates such as Teach NYS, the NYS Catholic Conference and the Jewish Education Project.
“This is a budget we can be proud of”, said Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations, who led the Agudah advocacy efforts. “Increased security funding and mandated services will benefit the students in every yeshiva and non-public school across the state. We are incredibly grateful to Governor Hochul, Senate Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Heastie and all our champions in the Legislature for recognizing and meeting the needs of the non-public school community.”
Photo Credits: Agudath Israel/ Moshe Gershbaum
The post New York State Budget-Gains for Yeshivas and Parents first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Last Shabbos, Parshas Shemini, Pirchei Agudah Yisroel hosted the 2nd annual ‘Shabbos of Achdus’ at Camp Agudah Midwest in South Haven, Michigan. This unique, life-altering event brought boys together from 15 different cities across the United States. Participating cities including Cincinnati, Columbus, Denver, Indianapolis, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, North Miami Beach, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Savannah, South Bend, St. Louis, and more, gathered together for an unforgettable and uplifting Shabbos filled with nonstop hisorirus and unparalleled inspiration. More than 300 participants experienced a beautiful Shabbos that they will long remember.
Nearly 50 bochrim from Yeshiva Bais Shraga in Monsey joined the Shabbaton as madrichim and mashpeim engaging the boys in learning, singing, and meaningful interactions. The Shabbaton commenced with a bonfire and kumzitz on Thursday night, and a warm welcome from Rabbi Yehuda Kohn, the National Director of Pirchei Agudas Yisroel by which set the stage for a jam-packed Shabbos full of dedicated hasmadah learning sedarim, uplifting zemiros, special shiurim by renowned Rabbanim, and personal growth.
Rabbi Tzvi Rifkind of Chicago pioneered the concept of the Shabbos of Achdus and was one of the directors who helped bring it to fruition. The aim of this unique Shabbos was to provide boys from the Midwest communities with a profound and impactful experience which will resonate within their families and communities. At the Shabbos Seuda, Rabbi Rifkind highlighted the accomplishments of the weekend, in inspiring many young men to continue to pursue their Yeshiva education, to strive for greater heights of learning while deepening their commitment to Torah learning, and to bring the ruach of the Shabbos back to their respective cities.
We had the zechus to have Rabbi Henoch Plotnik, Rosh Mesivta, Yeshivas Kesser Yonah, Chicago and Rabbi Heshy Forster, Menahel, the Veitzner Cheder, Chicago, serve as the Rabbanim of the event and deliver numerous inspirational shiurim throughout the Shabbos. Their words and their hashpaah over Shabbos made a lifelong impact on the lives of all the attendees. A unique Question and Answer session with Rabbi Plotnik and Rabbi Forster, served as a valuable opportunity for the boys to seek guidance on challenging scenarios that boys encounter in their daily lives. Rabbi Labish Becker, Executive Director of Agudas Yisroel also graced the event and added the distinctive Agudas Yisroel flavor to the Shabbaton.
One of the most important highlights of the weekend was the Malava Malka, featuring a grand siyum on Mishnayos Seder Moed. Led by the Yeshiva Bais Shraga madrichim and coordinated by Rabbi Eli Gonter, the boys collectively learned the entire Seder Moed at numerous learning sedarim throughout Shabbos, accompanied by many prizes, raffles and delicious nosh! The celebration continued with spirited singing and dancing led by the well-known Chatzi Katz and Simcha Salzer.
Reflecting on the profound impact of the Shabbaton, Rabbi Avi Frank, the program director, remarked “There is no question that the hashpaah of this Shabbos is one that will last for a very long time. Not only on the boys and young men who participated but all the adults who walked away feeling that they had been in the Gan Eiden HaTachton for 3 days. We especially thank our hosts Eli Gluck, Daniel Meyers and Dovid Schnell who provided such a warm and wonderful welcome and beautiful facilities in the camp. I think if there’s one thing that we all agree on, is that we can’t wait until next year so we can have this wonderful experience once again”.
The post Pirchei Agudas Yisroel Second Annual ‘Shabbos of Achdus’ Highlights first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Watch: Rabbi Labish Becker – Pesach 5784 Part 4: “A Bird’s Eye View” first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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| April 18, 2024 |
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| Summer Busing |
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| Dear NYC Principals and Administrators, As the summer season approaches, it is now time to sign up your students with IEPs for busing during the summer. The application opens today.Important notes: * Busing for the summer session begins on Tuesday, July 1, 2024. * The deadline to apply for summer busing for your students is May 13. Entries made between May 13 and May 19 will result in delays. After May 19, any changes will need to be be submitted to your CSE.
How to apply:* Your school’s complete transportation (Busing and MetroCard) roster has been added to the application. You can now initiate requests for both curb-to-school (Special Ed.) busing and MetroCards for the summer. * Enter your summer start/end date. * Indicate which students will be attending summer school and on which dates. Only students with IEPs mandating transportation will receive busing during the summer. * NOTE: If an IEP student is missing from your list, contact the Committee on Special Education (CSE) liaison for the district in which the student resides. A citywide list of CSE liaisons can be found HERE. |
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| As always, feel free to reach out to yeshivaservices@agudah.org with any questions. Sign up for our WhatsApp broadcast list here! Sign up for our mailing list here! |
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| Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Ami Bazov, Esq.Associate Director of Yeshiva Services |
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| Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel. |
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| © Agudath Israel of America 2024. May be shared as is with attribution. |
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The post Summer Busing first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Over 400 businessmen and rabbanim from across South Florida gathered at the JW Marriot Tunberry in Aventura, Florida on April 4th for the inaugural H3 Florida Business Halacha Summit. This project of Agudath Israel of Illinois is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for bnei Torah in the business world, where they can gain knowledge of halacha, clarity in hashkafa and chizuk in hanhagah for elevated excellence in the workplace.
The event presenters included leading poskim and well-known businessmen, all sharing the common goal of providing proper halachic information and guidance as well as inspiring the atendees to continue improving their integrity in business. The rabbanim spoke about timely topics and answered the questions facing many of the participants while the baalei batim shared personal experiences and perspectives. The sessions were relatable, informative, and relevant, and during the breaks and first-class meals, many of the attendees took advantage of the opportunity to meet and connect with peers in their industry.
The Opening Keynote Session set the tone for the entire Summit. Rabbi Ephraim Eliyahu Shapiro, the internationally renowned speaker and Rav of Shaaray Tefilah in Miami Beach, opened with a definitive charge to the attendees, “Everywhere that you go, every step that you take, every person that you meet, make it an admas kodesh (holy ground). That is the challenge.” He was followed by an inspirational drasha from Rabbi Joey Haber, Rav of the Magen David Synagogue, who focused on two main topics, making one’s office a location that is fit for a ben Torah and on the proper treatment of employees and colleagues.
R’ Avi Schron, a well know personality in the real estate industry and in the world of askanus, closed the session from the perspective of a ben Torah in the workplace and the responsibility to create a Kiddush Hashem in in all situations. One specific point he touched upon, is one of the main goals of the H3 Summit Movement; To inspire the participants to take concrete steps to ensure that all business deals are executed within the framework of halacha. He asked, “Businessman have consultants for everything related to their business, why can’t they have a Rav or posek on retainer or payroll to oversee every contract and business deal?”
The Summit was graced by the participation of many renowned Rabbanim and Poskim from across the country. Rav Zev Cohen, Rosh Kollel of the Choshen Mishpat Kollel in Chicago, electrified his audience in a session about honest business dealings, and Rabbi Yosef Viener, the Rav of Kehillas Shaar Shamayim in Monsey, delivered the closing keynote address. In addition, they both participated in a powerful Q & A session on Thursday afternoon, where they shared clear daas Torah on the topics of bitachon, work-life balance and other business-related maters. Rabbi Shmuel Fuerst, Dayan of Agudas Yisroel of Illinois and close talmid of Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l, gave a shiur about the halachos of hiring and doing business with other Yidden. Rabbi Ari Marburger, Dayan for the Bais Din Maysharim in Lakewood, spoke about various halachos related to the Employer-Employee relationship, and Rabbi Yosef Kushner, posek for the Bais Havaad of Lakewood, spoke twice. Once about Commerce on Shabbos and another about the halachos of Tzedakah and Maaser. All speakers marveled at and spoke about the Kiddush Hashem of 400 attendees taking off a day of work to learn and apply lessons to run their business according to halacha.
In addition to the guest speakers, there were several local Rabbanim representing most of the Jewish communities in South Florida, who also spoke and gave shiurim. A session about Business Travel in Halacha was opened with divrei pesicha from Rabbi Nachman Luban, Rosh Kollel of the Boa Raton Kollel, followed by a shiur from Rabbi Yaacov Gross, the Rosh Kollel of the Miami Beach Kollel, and Rabbi Ephraim Friedman, the Rosh Kollel of the Ezra Franco Kollel in Aventura. In a parallel session on “Avoiding Common Pitfalls in the workplace” the session heard divrei pesicha from Rabbi Moshe Schreck, the Rav of Beis Medrash Heichal Hatorah in Hollywood, followed by a shiur by Rabbi Dovid Schoen, the Av Bais Din of the Bais of Florida, and Rabbi Yaakov Tzvi Blejer, Rosh Kollel of the North Miami Beach Kollel. Each speaker drew upon his expertise on these maters to educate and illuminate these often-complex issues. To round off the list, Rabbi Yosef Galimidi the Rav of the Beit Edmond J Safra Shul in Aventura and Rabbi Yaakov Gibber of the Jewish Center in Boca also share inspirational remarks. Each session was chaired by a local businessman, giving some perspective on the topic or session at hand, including Josh Kon, Avrohom Liberman, Ari Pearl, Andre Roitman, Meir Rosenwasser, Joseph Saka.
A highlight of the entire event was the closing keynote address by R’ Shlomo Werdiger, Chairman of Agudath Israel of America. Mr. Werdiger emphasized, “The most important thing that I can impart to all of you is consistency. Your home life, your shul life have to be the same as your business life. You do not have dual lives” He then regaled the audience with stories about how acting with dignity and courtesy can make a Kiddush Hashem and inspire others to come closer to Judaism.
To learn more about the event, visit h3summit.org/florida.
The post H3 Florida Business Halacha Summit first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Watch: NPSE Grant – Understanding and Maximizing the $45 Million in Increased Allocations first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Dear Agudah Activists:
As Israel continues to fight Hamas and other terrorist groups, the threat of war with Iran now looms!
And, as Iran is the greatest sponsor of state-run terrorism, the dangers facing Jews in the U.S. and abroad are now intensified!
The House must provide emergency security assistance to Israel and for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) without delay and without unnecessary conditions that will just bog the legislation down.
We, therefore, urge you to contact your representatives right away and urge them to include within the emergency legislation (aka the “supplemental”), being considered this week in the House, at least $14 billion in aid to Israel to assist in threats from Iran and Hamas. This aid includes, among other things, funding for Iron Dome and David’s Sling– two essential missile defense systems to defend against rocket attacks. We all saw how, with Hashem’s help, these defense systems miraculously protected our brothers and sisters in Israel.
We must also urge the House to include in the supplemental funding at least $400 million to boost the current allocation for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). Antisemitic incidents had already experienced a steep incline before October 7, and in the months since that time such expressions of Jew-hatred skyrocketed an unprecedented 400%. NSGP has been a valuable tool in safeguarding our shuls, yeshivas, day schools, and charitable institutions from terrorist violence. Particularly at this time of heightened danger, it is vital that NSGP be significantly increased and thereby help save lives.
The House must pass these supplemental funding levels for Israel and NSGP, utilizing the most expeditious method available to avoid further delay during these perilous times. The Senate has already approved these allocations and President Biden has indicated he will sign legislation which includes this funding..
Please contact your representatives — today! — and call on them to support the inclusion of these appropriations in the emergency funding bill that will emerge from the House.
Thank you for your help!
Rabbi Abba Cohen
Vice President for Government Affairs
Washington Director and Counsel
Rabbi Yossie Charner
Director of Congressional Relations
The post Urgent: Tell Your Representatives to Increase Funding for Israel and for Security Grants in Emergency Bill! first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
On Tuesday evening, Agudath Israel of America’s Connecticut Office was honored to host a candidate forum for the Waterbury community with the two mayoral candidates, Paul Pernerewski (D) and Dawn Maiorano (R). The mayoral candidates told the community about themselves and shared why they chose to run for mayor. They also answered questions from the [...]
Agudath Israel of New England partnered with Rofeh International, Boston’s local bikur cholim organization, to open a kosher cabinet in Boston’s Children Hospital. After nearly two decades of work, patients and their families now have access to kosher meals, snacks, and Shabbos essentials during their stay in Boston Children’s.
Agudah Maryland is excited to announce the opening of Yahalom MD! Dealing with the government while being the parent of a child with special needs can sometimes seem overwhelming. Parents share the “battle scars” of trying to navigate the ever-confusing world of services and resources that are potentially available to them via government grants, national foundations, [...]
Agudath Israel of Missouri is thrilled to announce the launch of the St. Louis Shidduch Initiative. The Shidduch Initiative kicked off with an informational event, attended by 100 people. The St. Louis Shidduch Initiative was founded by Rabbi Menachem Tendler, Rabbi of U. City Shul, and community members Mr. Yigal Sasportas and Mr. Aharon Lefton. [...]
Last week, Agudath Israel of America’s California Office led a delegation to Sacramento. The delegation, comprised of Agudah representatives and community members, spent the day meeting with California legislators to strengthen relationships and discuss items of concern to California’s Orthodox Jewish community. The delegation met with State Senators Ben Allen, Caroline Menjivar, Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, and [...]
Agudath Israel’s Florida Office is excited to announce the opening of YahalomFL with Mrs. Tzippy Richmond serving as its director. Yahalom, a resource center for families of children with special needs, was first launched in New Jersey two years ago and met with tremendous success, leading to branches opening in New York, Chicago, and now [...]
The post Watch: Rabbi Labish Becker – Ki Savo 5783: “The Real Ruler” first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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For over a century, Agudath Israel of America has been serving the Jewish community. One of the Agudah’s most popular services is its annual calendar, which has become a staple in so many Jewish homes. The calendar for this coming year, 5784, is now available to the public. As we welcome in תשפ״ד, we daven [...]
For: Women, Post High School, and High School Girls Featuring: Mrs. Aviva Feiner When: Thursday, August 17 9:00 PM EST To Join: Call 641-715-3800, Access code, 937120#, Prompt 1
On Tuesday evening, YahalomNY, a division of Agudath Israel dedicated to supporting families with children with special needs, hosted a networking event for fathers of children with special needs. The theme of the evening was “Why Reinvent the Wheel?” – a message to the over 50 fathers who attended that as fathers with similar experiences, [...]
Tuesday night, the Agudah’s Connecticut office hosted a meeting with the Jewish community of Waterbury and Waterbury Chief of Police Fernando Spagnolo, President of the Board of Aldermen Paul Pernerewski, and Alderman Mike Salvio to discuss the sudden increase in crime affecting the Jewish community. Chief Spagnolo detailed his department’s efforts towards resolving the issue [...]
Agudath Israel of Illinois (AIOI) is disappointed with Governor Pritzker’s veto of legislation that would have paved the way for students, hospital patients, and incarcerated individuals to access meals that comply with their religious dietary restrictions. House Bill 3643 would have made Illinois the first state in the country to mandate such accommodations and had [...]
Yesterday, the New Jersey Supreme Court issued a decision in favor of a Catholic school in a case that has ramifications for New Jersey yeshivos and religious institutions. The case, Crisitello v. St. Theresa School, was brought by Victoria Crisitello, a former teacher at St. Theresa school, who sued the school for terminating her employment [...]
Agudath Israel of America takes no position on the Israeli government’s proposed judicial reforms. But, whatever the merits or shortcomings of that plan, American lawmakers and other government officials, while they are entitled to their opinions, should not be seeking to use their positions of power to meddle in the internal affairs of another sovereign [...]
Agudah's Yeshiva Services department is happy to share the recent landmark court decision ordering the NYC Department of Education to take significant steps in addressing long-standing delays in providing special education services. This momentous ruling comes as a much-needed victory for families who have struggled to access the essential services their children deserve. The court's order, handed [...]
The Midwest Agudas Yisroel Council of Synagogue Rabbanim is pleased to announce the publishing of a timely kuntris, שפה ברורה: The Halachos of Waiting for Mashiach, written by Rabbi Yaakov Robinson, Menahel of the Midwest Agudas Yisroel Council and Rav of Beis Medrash Mikor Hachaim in Chicago. This kuntris, published through the generous support of [...]
For Women and High School Girls Featuring: Mrs. Nechama Denbo and Mrs. Tobie Teller When: Thursday, July 27, at 12:00 PM EST Call in: 641.715.3800 Access Code: 937120# Prompt: #4 and #5
For Girls in Grades 2-6 Featuring: Rabbi Mayer Erps When: Thursday, July 27, All Day! Call in: 641.715.3800 Access Code: 937120# Prompt: 6
Featuring: Rabbi Shmuel Dishon and Rabbi Doniel Osher Kleinman Where: Hosted by the Masmidim Program in Camp Agudah When: Tuesday, 7 Menachem Av July 25th, at 9:15 PM EST Join: Torahanytime.com/AgudahTorah or call in 718.298.2077 x 52
For the first time ever, the highly popular Agudath Israel of Illinois H3 Summit was held in London, UK yesterday, with an over-sold attendance of over 500 people. An ad-hoc group of London-based askonim ran a perfectly timed and highly successful program, presented by a broad spectrum of local Dayanim and businessmen [...]
60 Rabbanim and 25 Rebbetzins attended the 13th annual Midwest Conference of Synagogue Rabbanim with one question in mind: “How can we help our kehillos grow?” Over the two-day conference, participants focused on connecting to every member of their kehillos. Each presenter spotlighted different groups within the kehillah, ranging from men to women, from school-age [...]
Agudath Israel of America commends Governor Gavin Newsom and the California State Legislature for providing $20 million for the California Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the budget bill signed last week. While Agudah joined the Legislative Jewish Caucus and other advocates in requesting $80 million for the program, the initial budget legislation proposed in January [...]
Agudath Israel of America commends Governor Gavin Newsom and the California State Legislature for providing $20 million for the California Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the budget bill signed last week. While Agudah joined the Legislative Jewish Caucus and other advocates in requesting $80 million for the program, the initial budget legislation proposed in January [...]
Bais Medrash of Regency Estates 52 Silver Lake Road, Woodridge, NY Registration 10:15 am | Program 10:45 am promptly Suggested donation: $20 dollars per session/$75 for 4 sessions Monday, July 10 - Rabbi Yechiel Spero - Three Weeks: Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder Monday, July 17 - Rabbi Ephraim E. Shapiro - What It [...]
This past Thursday afternoon, Agudah of Illinois held a dedication event at the new Highland Park Swim and Sports Facility, which was given the name “Galei Avigayil” in memory of Mrs. Gale Rothner a”h. Several community representatives and AI board members were joined by the Rothner family for a small reception [...]
What: Each week fill in your chart and send it in to be entered into an exciting raffle to win an amazing prize! For: Girls in grades 2-6 When: Thursday, July 6 - Wednesday, July 12 How: Check off that you did your Chessed of the day and specify the Chessed that [...]
Rabbi Yitz Frank with Senate President Matt Huffman, (R-Lima) Agudath Israel applauds the Ohio General Assembly and Governor Mike DeWine for making school choice universally available in the state budget that was signed earlier this week. Under the newly expanded EdChoice program, nearly every student in the state will be eligible for a [...]
Agudath Israel is pleased to announce a significant breakthrough in the availability of Cholov Yisroel cheese for New York yeshivos participating in the National School Lunch Program. The USDA's National School Lunch Program, which supports schools and food banks across the country, contracts with manufacturers to produce bulk goods. These products are then distributed [...]
On Friday afternoon, the New York City Department of Education released long-awaited substantial equivalency determinations regarding eleven Orthodox Jewish schools, known as yeshivas. Before commenting on this development, some context: These reports were instigated by a complaint brought by anti-yeshiva activists years ago. These activists sought to find the 39 weakest performing schools, from a [...]
Today, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a ruling that will have a profound impact on religious Americans. In 303 Creative v. Elenis, the Court held that the government cannot compel an individual to engage in speech that does not align with his personal beliefs. The case involved Ms. Lorie Smith, a website [...]
On June 16, in a major legal case that elicited Agudath Israel of America’s vigorous involvement, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled in favor of the families of Palestinian terror victims. The case, Spetner v. Palestine Investment Bank, was brought by American citizens whose family members were injured or killed [...]
Agudath Israel of America is hailing the U.S Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that enhances the protection afforded to religious employees under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The unanimous decision in the case of Groff v. DeJoy effectively overturns close to fifty years of court decisions that undercut the religious observance - including Sabbath [...]
L-R: Rabbi Ari Strulowitz, Mr. Bruce Leon, Rep. Mike Kelly, Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, Senator Ram Villivalam, Rep. Kevin Olickal Last night, Agudath Israel of Illinois held a town hall-style legislative barbeque with Senator Ram Villivalam (SD 8), Representative Mike Kelly (HD 15), and Representative Kevin Olickal (HD 16). The event, attended by over 100 people, [...]
Today, Assembly Bill A5573, which will require New Jersey school districts which provide the national school lunch program be expanded to include all children regardless of income eligibility, passed a critical committee hearing. However, the bill as introduced would have excluded children who attend private schools from being included in the expansion. As a result [...]
Agudath Israel's Connecticut Office is proud to unveil its newest initiative, a comprehensive job board designed specifically to assist Orthodox Jews seeking employment in Connecticut. Whether individuals are considering a move to Connecticut or already reside in the state, the job board aims to be a resource and support while navigating the job market. [...]
Are you ready for some fun this summer? Better yet, how about some "fun with a purpose?" Last year BH Bnos created an 8-week middos learning program based on Pirkei Avos. Day camps, sleepaway camps, and Bnos groups used the program for elementary school girls. The feedback was outstanding! Counselors and Bnos groups [...]
Agudath Israel of America is pained and horrified by the terror attack that took place today in Eli. Two Hamas terrorists opened fire on Israelis, killing four and injuring another four. May the One Above grant a complete and speedy recovery to those injured, and comfort the families of those killed.
“They are worth a million dollars!” says Mrs. Chana Baila Hass, National Director of Bnos Agudas Yisroel. “The work they’re doing is tremendous!” “They” are our outstanding Bnos Leaders. These girls volunteer every Shabbos afternoon, coming out in the cold or the heat to inspire their Bnosers. They’re fun, energetic, loving role models. [...]
YahalomNJ, a division of Agudath Israel dedicated to supporting families with children with special needs, hosted a transformative Fathers' Night Out at Tomahawk Steakhouse. The event brought fathers together in a warm and inclusive atmosphere, providing a platform for sharing personal experiences and fostering a sense of unity. The [...]
Dear Boston Community Members, I write to ask for your support in contacting the Zoning Board of Appeal on behalf of a new proposed Chabad Center in Mission Hill. The Chabad Center would include weekly prayer services and community events and would also house a small preschool program. Given the proximity to the local hospitals, [...]
June 19, 2023 What Your Child Needs From You Before Camp with R’ Armo Kuessous Our children love camp. We love camp. It can be such a powerful time for our children to really develop. However, it's as important as ever to ensure our children are placed in [...]
This past Shabbos, Parshas Naso, Pirchei Agudas Yisroel held a ‘Shabbos of Achdus’ at Camp Matziv Midwest in Cassopolis, Michigan, bringing together boys from eight different cities across the United States for a remarkable weekend of hasmadah, ruach, and achdus. The cities included; Cincinnati, Columbus, Denver, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, South Bend, and St. Louis. The [...]
Father's Night Out Tomahawk Steakhouse 700 Cedar-Bridge Ave Sunday, June 18, 8:30 PM RSVP yahalomnj@agudah.org
Agudath Israel of America held a productive meeting with New York Attorney General Letitia James to address pressing concerns on important issues affecting the Orthodox Jewish community in New York. Agudath Israel has had a longstanding relationship with the Attorney General, working together with her for the past 20 years - [...]
With an unprecedented turnout, Yahalom’s recent event was standing room only. Last Wednesday, YahalomNJ hosted a Mothers' Night Out for mothers of children with special needs. About two years ago, Agudas Israel's New Jersey office started Yahalom as a resource center for families with [...]
We need your help to reach out to elected officials in Sacramento and let them know that nothing is more important than the safety of our children and community. With the frightening rise of antisemitism, including shooting attacks outside of local shuls, protecting our community is more critical than ever. Agudath Israel of America has [...]
The busses started arriving around 1 PM from South Bend, Indiana, and Cleveland, Ohio, St. Louis, Missouri, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and of course Chicago, Illinois, depositing dozens of 7th grade boys in white shirts, some with their hats and jackets, eager with anticipation about what the day would bring. It was the start [...]
Brooklyn: Monday, June 5th, 8PM Sign up by June 1st Guest Speaker: Shifi Lieberman The Gift of Summer
Recently, PCS Agudath Israel celebrated the 18th anniversary of its PCS/FDU master's in accounting program. Hundreds of alumni who are now successful accountants, businessmen, CFOs, senior managers, and controllers converged to network and show their appreciation to Professional Career Services and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Ralph Herzka, CEO of Meridian Capital Group [...]
The visit was initiated by Senator Joan Hartley who Rabbi Weisenfeld arranged to visit the Bais Yaakov last year. She was so moved by a Holocaust remembrance exhibit made by the students, that she insisted it be put on display in the Capitol. who was moved by the exhibits when she visited the school last year and insisted they be put on display in the Capitol. Lawmakers, Government officials and the general public were effusive in their praise of the projects, commenting on the art, inspiration and emotion, that each one brought out.
The students were introduced on the House floor by Representative Seth Bronko and on the Senate floor by Senator Joan Hartley.
They sat in on committee hearings and had a chance to speak with Senators Gary Winfield and Senator Erik Berthel.
Representative Ron Napoli held a question and answer session about how the legaslative process works and what it is like serving as a state representative.
The 9th and 10th grades were also privileged to meet with Governor Ned Lamont.
“We are very appreciative to all those who welcomed the students from Bais Yaakov of Waterbury to the State Capitol and to all the lawmakers who took time from their busy schedules to meet with us,” said Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld. “A special thank you goes to Senator Joan Hartley and her legislative aid, Ashley Lamb for all their help in organizing the trip.”
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bnos tehillim together 5783
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Agudah Convention Shiur by HaRav Meir Hershkowitz Z”TL, Kilayim B’Tzitis
http://agudah.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AC15-FM-YK-Hershkowitz-1-1.mp3The post Agudah Convention Shiur by HaRav Meir Hershkowitz Z”TL, Kilayim B’Tzitis first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudath Israel of America congratulates the Biden Administration in the wake of the release of its National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism. It is a historic, comprehensive, “all-of-government,” initiative that seeks to fight Jew-hatred and its various ugly manifestations. Equally important, it sends a clear message that the United States – in its fundamental values, laws, and policies – finds antisemitism an unmitigated evil that is repugnant and intolerable and must be rooted out of the mindset and actions of American society.
As we approach the Jewish holiday of Shavuos, there is little time to review in detail all the pillars of the strategy, and we will have to delay that analysis until after the festival. We are pleased to note, however, that in it many Agudath Israel priorities are addressed – boosting the security of our people and institutions; the teaching of the Holocaust and its hate-filled horrors; combatting antisemitic discrimination and violence, so much of which is directed toward the Orthodox Jewish community; accommodating Jewish and other religious needs in federal programs run by the USDA, HHS, ED and other agencies; and many other areas in which we have worked for decades.
Finally, Agudath Israel expresses its deep personal appreciation to President Joe Biden, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Ambassador Susan Rice, Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall, and Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, among so many, for their vision, commitment, and extraordinarily hard work in undertaking and completing this initiative. We are proud to have been a contributing partner in this endeavor, invited to participate in several sessions at the White House and federal agencies with these and other officials to offer our thoughts and perspectives, and to engage in in-depth discussions, regarding the nature of the dangers facing the Jewish community in general and the unique threats to our Orthodox constituency in particular.
We remain committed to this outstanding initiative and to working with the Biden Administration in helping it live up to its great promise.
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Bnos Newsletter 5783- Shavuos
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chodesh newsletter sivan
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The Agudah is looking to hire!
Agudas Yisroel has multiple entry level positions available. If you are looking for an incredible work environment and to participate in work that directly helps the klal, this might be the position for you.
Please send your resume to careers@agudah.org if you are interested.
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As the expected end-of-month release of the President’s National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism draws closer, reports continue to circulate regarding which definition, if any, will be included in the plan. Agudath Israel of America, which has played a prominent role in listening sessions and in-depth discussions at the White House and other federal agencies, has formally weighed in on the question by calling on the President to adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism only, as the most authoritative and widely accepted version.
Click here to download the letter.
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(New York, NY) – This afternoon, the Pulitzer Prize Board announced the winners of its coveted annual awards – and did not include the deeply objectionable New York Times series on the Orthodox Jewish community and their yeshivas.
While there is no way of knowing with certainty why the much ballyhooed series did not receive a Pulitzer Prize, the news that The Times was not awarded for its one-sided and erroneous portrayals of Orthodox and Hasidic Jews was greeted with much appreciation and relief in Orthodox Jewish circles.
KnowUs, a project of Agudath Israel of America, had alerted the Pulitzer Prize Board – in the form of a 30-page open letter mailed to every Pulitzer Prize Board member – that The Times based its coverage upon demonstrably misleading data, buried sources, and numerous other violations of the Pulitzer’s own journalistic standards. Had the series been feted with the prestigious Pulitzer Prize, its deeply objectionable portrayal of the Orthodox and Hasidic communities would have only been exacerbated.
Beyond its likely role in preventing The Times series from receiving this coveted award, KnowUs has shown, throughout the past few months, that there are those who still value truth, diversity, and religious and parental rights.
Countless outlets have covered KnowUs’ work and pushed back against the jaundiced narrative foisted upon readers of The New York Times.
“Respected intellectuals, secular Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, and numerous national and state elected officials deserve specific appreciation for going on record, standing up for the Orthodox Jewish community, and fending off hateful invectives artfully posing as ‘constructive’ criticism,” said Avrohom Weinstock, director of KnowUs. “Such actions, and such people, give KnowUs and the Orthodox Jewish community hope for a more transparent, tolerant, and respectful tomorrow.”
KnowUs will continue to inject these much-needed elements, along with as yet unreported data points and balance, as they relate to Orthodox Jews, into the public discourse.
The post No Pulitzer Prize to The New York Times for Its Egregious Yeshiva Coverage first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The 2023 legislative session began as a brand-new term for state elected officials on January 11th – with dozens of new lawmakers, several new committee chairs, and a new governor-elect waiting to be inaugurated. A week later, Governor Wes Moore took office and released his first state budget. Not only did Governor Moore move into a new office in Annapolis this session, but so did Agudah Maryland. For the very first time in our 15 years working the Maryland General Assembly, in an effort to fulfill our community’s legislative responsibilities to their fullest extent, we opened up the Annapolis office of Agudah Maryland.
Save our “BOOST”– Since it was created in 2016, the BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) Scholarship Program has provided low- and middle-income Maryland families with 20,000 scholarships totaling $55 million to attend a nonpublic school. Of that total, nearly 27% has gone to Jewish day school families. While the program was not created by Governor Larry Hogan, it most certainly grew and flourished under his leadership for the last seven years. A popular program across the state and the political spectrum, support for BOOST was certainly a talking point of candidates vying to be MD’s next governor. While most candidates in the field supported its continuation and some even said they’d expand it, one notable candidate said he did not support BOOST, but would not end it just yet. That candidate was Wes Moore. As such, there was serious concern going into session that BOOST would be in jeopardy under the new Moore administration.
Governor Moore’s budget came out three days after his inauguration. True to his word, it proposed a 20% cut to the program’s allocation (from $10 million to $8 million) and it restricted all new family applicants, thus beginning a phaseout that would eliminate the program over the next several years.
The fate of the BOOST program became one of the more prominent session conversations in Annapolis and across all media platforms in Maryland. Newspaper articles, TV news broadcasts, and talk radio shows all covered the BOOST conversation. (A collection of links to BOOST coverage is available here.)
After budget hearings in both House and Senate, it became apparent that the Senate, behind the leadership of President Bill Ferguson, was committed to keeping the program funded and strong. Their version of the budget included $2 million of additional funds to restore the $10 million allocation of Governor Hogan’s previous budgets and the removal of the phaseout language (courtesy of an amendment by Senator Shelly Hettleman). The House, on the other hand, passed Governor Moore’s BOOST cuts in their version of the budget.
The annual nonpublic school student rally, hosted each year by Maryland CAPE (our state chapter of the Council for American Private Education, that I chair) took place after a two-year COVID hiatus and drew several hundred young advocates to Annapolis. Their message was conveyed quite clearly: “Save the BOOST program!”
With session winding down the two conflicting budgets were sent to Budget Conference Committee. Tensions in Annapolis rose once again as the “inexplicably controversial allocation of funds for low-income children wishing to attend a private school” took center stage. Both House and Senate dug in their heels to maintain their respective versions of the budget. A robust grassroots effort was undertaken by advocates facilitating huge numbers of phone calls and emails to the legislative offices of the conferees. At the same time, Marylanders of all levels of political power and influence were asked to weigh in to lend support for BOOST. In Annapolis, Delegate Dalya Attar secured a crucial meeting with Speaker Adrienne Jones where she and Delegates Sandy Rosenberg and Jon Cardin pressed the Speaker to soften the position of the House conferees in favor of the children who rely on the BOOST program.
A compromise was reached by the conference committee on Friday afternoon, just ahead of Monday’s budget deadline. The BOOST program…. SURVIVED! Of greatest significance, the phaseout language was removed. Instead of the full $10 million program allocation, the funding was limited to $9 million for scholarships. (However, a rollover of half a million dollars of unspent funds is available from the current year, so the loss in scholarship dollars is only $500K – or approximately 150 student scholarships.) As part of the compromise, an additional allocation of $2.5 million for BOOST-participating schools to use for nursing/medical costs or safety improvements was made.
More from the budget – The budget included additional nonpublic school allocations: the textbook and technology program ($6 million) and the aging schools facilities grant ($3.5 million) were both level-funded as they have been in the past. An additional allocation of $3.5 million was designated for nonpublic schools for educational purposes (tutoring or student enrichment) from leftover COVID relief funds from the federal government.
The two safety grants for schools ($3 million, a $1 million increase) and nonprofit organizations ($5 million) that are deemed to be at risk of a hate crime (and thus only available to a much smaller list of entities) add an additional $8 million for security improvements, equipment, or personnel.
School-focused legislation
Codifying BOOST – While battling to save BOOST on the budget front, we once again put forth significant effort to make the BOOST program permanent and codified in Maryland law. Several bills that included BOOST language were introduced and several behind-the-scenes solutions were pursued. Ultimately, the efforts at session’s end to secure an acceptable budget compromise for BOOST overtook the ability to pursue the permanent solution. Our hopes are that the efforts expended and the outcome achieved this year will have put us in a stronger position to accomplish that goal next time around in 2024.
School transportation– Dating back to its founding in 2007, our office has worked extensively on exploring and expanding school transportation options for the community. Through those efforts, the MTA bus program, which had been providing limited school service to our community since the 1960’s, was expanded to gradually include more schools, more neighborhoods, a more robust schedule, and a more efficient bus fare system. However, with the community’s continuous growth (ka”h) and the occasional challenges with MTA services, we were compelled to conduct a survey to get the pulse of the community on the MTA, and school transportation more generally. The survey of MTA participating schools yielded more than 1,500 responses that showed an overwhelming majority of households opting not to utilize the MTA option and preferring carpool/paid rides/parent drop-off. 75% were “extremely interested” in a yellow school bus option, with 83% of them willing to pay “a reasonable fare” for school busing should the option become available.
In the months leading up to session we worked closely with Delegate Attar and Delegate Dana Stein discussing a variety of ideas in pursuit of a legislative proposal that would create a bus program for nonpublic schools in Maryland. Their extensive efforts included other stakeholders as well as key outreach to legislative leadership that helped develop a bill, with Delegate Attar as sponsor and Delegate Stein as co-sponsor, that would provide a tax credit to parents for the expenses incurred for school transportation costs. While the bill garnered strong interest out of the gate, leadership determined that a taskforce be first enacted to properly study the best approach for such a program. The school bus taskforce bill did indeed pass and we are hopeful that this first step will lead to the passing of a bill next year that will solve – to the greatest extent possible – one of our community’s most visible challenges.
School nursing funds – For the last several years, we have been involved in the effort conceived by the OU’s Teach Coalition to create a funding program for nonpublic school nurses. Once again, this year we supported a bill that would provide a $40 per pupil allocation for nursing or other in-school medical costs. While the bill itself did not pass, the efforts proved successful in the inclusion of nursing and medical costs as an allowable use (together with school security) in the $2.5 million allocation to nonpublic schools as part of the BOOST budget compromise, as mentioned above.
Maryland 529 – The state’s 529 program figured prominently in the news this year – but not in a manner that had much impact on our community. Major problems were discovered in the administration of the Maryland 529 Prepaid College Trust, NOT the College Investment Program that our households utilize (for the State Contribution ‘Match’), leading the legislature to pass a bill transferring oversight of the 529 program from a board of trustees to the State Treasurer. While families who have invested through the Prepaid College Trust had issues accessing their accounts, those with the College Investment Plan run by T. Rowe Price did not experience any issues. All info regarding utilizing 529 for K-12 benefits, etc., can be found on our 529 webpage.
Beyond nonpublic school advocacy, we were involved in the legislative pursuits of numerous other items during the 90-day session. Among them were:
Hate crimes and Anti-Semitism – With the alarming rise in anti-Semitic activities and incidents – globally and especially locally, several bills to address hate crimes and anti-Semitism were sponsored this session by Delegate Attar and Senator Ben Kramer. Among these bills were both grant programs and those promoting appropriate and effective education – including a bill which made the hate crime grant program for nonprofits into an actual state funding mandate.
All-year Daylight Savings Time – For the last several years we have advocated against a push to end standard time and implement all-year daylight savings time (DST). This pursuit is not limited to Maryland, as this has been taken up on Capitol Hill as well. Two different bills were introduced – one that would tie Maryland to an all-year DST law passed federally and one that would tie Maryland to the same policy if adopted in our regional neighboring states. All-year DST presents serious concerns about child safety (due to early morning darkness), and for religious Jews in particular it would upend the ability to daven shacharis in the earlier morning hours as we are accustomed.
Physician assisted suicide – Since 2016, we have strongly fought the legislative efforts to legalize physician assisted suicide (PAS). This bill was once again introduced and heard this session, but thankfully failed to garner enough support to be brought for a committee vote in either House or Senate.
Child care benefits– Over the last several years our office has been very involved in the expansion of child care programs. In addition to our work on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future – Pre-K committee, we’ve worked on expanding the eligibility threshold of child care scholarship households to create wider access across the community. In late 2022, our efforts on behalf of graduate students (a category which includes Kollel avreichem) – who were otherwise ineligible and not considered employed or occupied during the work day – proved successful, as explained in this video. During the session, we supported legislation that strengthens the program by prohibiting the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) from increasing co-payment levels or reducing reimbursement rates or income requirements without oversight approval.
Universal Lunch Program – During the COVID period, the federal government removed all income limit thresholds for free school meal eligibility and funded universal lunches for all meal program-participating schools – public and private. Since the federal COVID funds expired, states across the country have undertaken the pursuit to extend those food benefits to include free meals for all students regardless of income. In Maryland, a broad coalition of education and child welfare advocates promoted a bill to allow all students to receive free meals. The universal lunch program bill hearing was the first time Agudah Maryland sat on the same witness panel testifying in support of legislation with the state’s teacher’s union and public school lobbies. The bill with its enormous fiscal note did not pass this year, but will no doubt be reintroduced next session.
Human Composting – The heavy focus our office has on matters of kavod hameis via our work with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner merged with our legislative focus this session in a bizarre fashion. A bill to legalize the alternative burial process known as “human composting” passed the House, but did not move in the Senate. The deceased is placed into a special container filled with soil and undergoes an advanced natural decomposition process that is completed after 45 days. The soil is then given back to the family for their use. This environmentally friendly alternative is becoming popular in states across the country and will no doubt become a headache for those trying to uphold kavod hameis in the future.
P-EBT Reimbursement – During COVID, low-income households eligible for SNAP food benefits received additional food purchasing funds to their accounts through the P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer) program. Unfortunately, a large number of Maryland families, including many within our community, became victims of EBT fraud over the past year, finding their accounts hacked and funds emptied. Immediately after the initial fraud discovery, our office engaged with the Maryland Department of Human Services to bring the matter forward on behalf of many of the affected families. We were pleased to see that the Moore Administration allocated funds to allow these households to recover their loss. A bill was passed this session expanding the eligibility period for reimbursement, in addition to mandating stricter measures to prevent such theft from occurring in future. More information about recovering stolen EBT funds can be found here.
Acknowledgements – I sincerely thank the many members of the Maryland General Assembly (and their dedicated staffs) with whom we closely work during the session – and before and after it. Their dedication to the households and community members in their districts is quite admirable and the friendship they display to us is ever appreciated. Despite having our own office in Annapolis this year as mentioned earlier, we still spent plenty of time in the legislative offices of Delegate Attar in the House and Senator Hettleman in the Senate. We greatly appreciate the gracious hospitality displayed by their dedicated staff members.
For the majority of our legislative agenda, we work closely each year with a strong team of similar-minded advocates – among whom is the Maryland Catholic Conference, the Baltimore Jewish Council, the JCRC, and Teach Maryland. Many tense hours are spent in the Annapolis trenches and without that shared trust and teamwork, our successes would be far more limited.
With so many extra hours this session spent in Annapolis and with the work output of Agudah Maryland always increasing, the role of our associate director, Avi Lencz, was so much more vital. He kept the Pikesville office staffed and focused on the countless non-legislative items that we address, in addition to his legislative policy work. Mrs. Chani Vilner kept the technical and logistical aspects of the office in order, and our law school student intern, Akiva Gottlieb, provided helpful research and input on a variety of topics that came our way during the last several months.
Lastly… please regularly check out our website for an abundance of helpful info to the households and institutions of our community. There are resources there for those seeking to apply for BOOST scholarships, those looking to utilize 529 tuition related benefits, or those looking to receive child care scholarships, as well as all of the security grant programs that your shuls and other nonprofits may be able to access. That site is www.AgudahMD.org
The post Agudath Israel of Maryland Sine Die Report 2023 first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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This week, the Yeshiva Services Department and the Department of Government Affairs held a webinar for schools explaining the newly passed New York State Budget and how it affects schools.See below for a recording of the webinar.The post NYS Budget Update Webinar Recording first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post WATCH: What was NOT in the New York State budget? first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Advocacy matters.
That was the clear message that came across to the 45 community leaders, school administrators, business people and concerned Chicago-area residents who made the seven hour round trip to Springfield and back on April 26th as members of Agudath Israel of Illinois’ annual legislative mission.
Despite having a tightly packed schedule as the Illinois budget negotiations wage on, Governor JB Pritzker took the time to meet with a diverse Agudah contingent representing the full spectrum of Orthodoxy, impressing them with his thorough knowledge of the mission’s agenda items and his willingness to work closely with Agudath Israel of Illinois Director of Government Affairs Rabbi Shlomo Soroka to innovate potential solutions. Both Democratic and Republican leaders, including Senate President Don Harmon, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, GOP Senate Leader John Curran, and GOP House Leader Tony McCombie, spent time with the mission, hearing from its members how agenda items including school transportation, kosher school meals and nonprofit security grants directly impact their day to day lives.
But by far the highest priority item on the mission agenda was the state’s Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which ends at the close of the calendar year. Launched in 2018, the Invest in Kids initiative has been a lifeline to both struggling parents and schools, with an average of $12,000 in scholarships provided annually per student, and the Agudah has been lobbying vigorously for its extension. Legislators found themselves significantly impacted by mission members’ personal stories of how the scholarship program had positively affected their lives, and appreciated how those in attendance had left their families and businesses for the day in order to come to Springfield.
In addition to having an opportunity to speak directly to their elected representatives, members of the mission saw for themselves just how greatly community engagement is valued in Springfield.
“We heard from one senator how his perspective has changed since he came into office, primarily because of Rabbi Shlomo Soroka and others like him who have educated him on the issues and helped him see firsthand the effect of these policies, particularly the Scholarship Tax Credit,” said mission member Rabbi A.D. Motzen, national director of government affairs at Agudath Israel of America. “Time and time again, we have seen that having people share their perspective on legislative issues helps our elected officials make decisions.”
Those thoughts were echoed by Senator Ram Villivalam, whose 8th District is home to a significant percentage of Chicago’s Orthodox community. Discussing his past and present efforts to support the Agudah agenda items, Villivalam hailed grassroots advocacy as effective political tools.
“You being here, having Shlomo [Soroka] here, has made all the difference in the world because I really rely on him, I really rely on you all as to what the pulse of the community is and what the needs are,” said Villivalam adding, “I’m thankful for that and look forward to continuing our partnership.”
Being able to work closely with legislators on both side of the aisle who understand the Orthodox community’s priorities and appreciate the importance of giving children the skills and opportunities to build successful futures is truly a blessing, observed Rabbi Soroka.
“The importance of education, nutritious meals, and, of course, security, cannot be overemphasized,” said Rabbi Soroka. “We are grateful to our partners in Springfield for taking the time to meet with us and better understand our communal needs.”
The post Community Engagement: A Powerful Legislative Tool at Agudah of Illinois’ Springfield Mission first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
On Tuesday, May 2, the Yeshiva Services Department held a webinar on the P-EBT process. The webinar was presented by Hillel Lieberman, Founder and Director of Ed-Pro NY.
See below for the recording and presentation from the webinar.Download (PPTX, 100KB)
The post P-EBT Webinar Recording first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
It took a full extra month and five extensions, but Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders have finally come to an agreement on a 2023-24 budget. The $229 billion document includes many items that were the focus of Agudath Israel’s advocacy efforts and are beneficial to yeshivas and their families. These provisions include security funding, free meals for school children, an expansion of a child tax credit, and the saving of a program that currently provides close to $92 million to Jewish schools.
Universal Meals
A lot of attention was given to the push for universal school meals by a large statewide coalition, which included the Agudah. The legislative effort was led by Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas. The final budget did not go nearly as far as was hoped, but will allow many schools and districts to serve free meals to all of their students, thanks to an allocation of $134 million. Agudah is working to help Jewish schools participate in this expansion and will continue to push for a truly universal program.
Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus, Director of Yeshiva Services for Agudath Israel commented, “This expansion will encourage more schools to serve meals to their students, helping many struggling families, and improving children’s ability to learn and function properly throughout the day.”
Saving the Mandated Services Aid Program
One of the most significant budget victories for nonpublic schools is what is not in the final budget. Mandated Services Aid (MSA), the largest source of funding for nonpublic schools, faced a potential drastic 8% cut and problematic language that would have placed the entire program into jeopardy. However, thanks to the advocacy efforts of Agudath Israel and its coalition partners and the staunch support of many legislators, in particular Senator Shelley Mayer, Chair of the Senate Education Committee as well as Assemblymembers David Weprin and Simcha Eichenstein, the crisis was averted.
MSA, first passed in 1974 as a result of the efforts of the legendary Agudah leader Rabbi Moshe Sherer and others, reimburses schools for a host of services mandated by the state including testing, attendance taking, pupil data, immunization and more. Traditionally, the state has always reimbursed schools the full amount of their claims.
The executive budget, first released in February, allocated just over $193 million for combined MSA and CAP (Comprehensive Attendance Program). This allocation had not been increased for the third consecutive year, despite being $17 million below what the State Education Department requested in order to fulfill anticipated claims.
More troubling though, was budgetary language that capped the program at the amount allocated, which means that if claims exceed actual allocations as expected, schools would not be paid in full. Agudah immediately sprang into action and helped lead the nonpublic school response to this crisis. Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Agudah’s Director of New York Government Relations, testified before a joint committee about the risk to the MSA program. He later organized a coordinated response uniting the religious and independent schools and receiving the support of legislative leaders.
“Mandated Services, has been a staple of nonpublic school funding for close to 50 years,” said Rabbi Silber, who coordinated the Agudah advocacy efforts. “We were proud to work with a broad group of nonpublic school advocates in bringing this concern to legislators.”
“MSA and CAP reimbursements enable us to keep the students safe and properly fulfill state requirements without passing on additional costs to our parent body,” said Rabbi Baruch Rothman, Director of Institutional Advancement at Yeshiva Darchei Torah. “We are grateful to Agudath Israel for their tireless and persistent advocacy to preserve the continued existence of the program,” added Rabbi Rothman.
Empire State Child Credit
The budget also includes a major expansion of childcare funding by extending the Empire Child Credit to include children under the age of 4. This expansion, first proposed by Senator Jeremy Cooney and Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi, has also been an Agudah legislative priority since last session.
Non-Public School Safety and Equipment Security Grant
Lastly, the budget allocates $45 million for the Non-Public School Safety and Equipment (NPSE) Security Grant. This program provides security and safety to nonpublic schools and was recently expanded to allow for critical capital needs that enhance safety. $25 million was also maintained for religious and independent schools, community facilities and summer camps under the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimesprogram.
“We thank Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Heastie and all their legislative colleagues for listening to our community’s concerns,” said Rabbi A. D. Motzen, Agudath Israel of America’s national director of government affairs. “We similarly thank our community members who traveled to Albany, reached out to their legislators, or took other steps to make their voices heard. It worked.”
The post New York State Budget Includes Many Priorities for Yeshivas and Families first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Parents in Indiana woke up to good news Friday morning. In a session that ended after 2 am, the Indiana General Assembly voted to make nearly every family in the state eligible to receive a tuition scholarship.
“Indiana has now joined the growing number of states that truly provide parents the ability to choose the school that best meets the needs of their children,” said Rabbi A. D. Motzen, Agudath Israel of America’s national director of government affairs. “This could not have happened without the leadership of House Speaker Todd Huston and Education Committee Chairman Bob Behning, and the support of their legislative colleagues. Agudath Israel commends them for their relentless pursuit of education freedom.”
Ever since enacting its first private school choice program in 2010, with the support of Agudath Israel and a strong school choice coalition, Indiana has incrementally expanded educational opportunities for families. The state currently has a school voucher program, a scholarship tax credit program, and an Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program for students with special needs. Currently, more than 50,000 Indiana students participate in these programs, including many families choosing Jewish day schools.
The budget bill increased the income thresholds for the three programs to 400% of the amount needed to qualify for reduced-priced lunch, or $220,000 for a family of four (see chart below). The other major change made by the Legislature was eliminating the complicated eligibility “pathways” which prevented many parents from accessing the voucher or required students to first receive a scholarship from the tax credit scholarship program. Going forward, the only eligibility criteria for the voucher will be family income. Lastly, a provision was included in a separate bill to allow preschool students to receive scholarships from the tax credit program.
“One of the secrets to Indiana’s success was a great coalition of advocates,” said Rabbi Motzen. “Agudath Israel is privileged to work with the Institute for Quality Education, the Indiana Non-Public Education Association, EdChoice, and national partners such as ExcelInEd and American Federation for Children.”
The post Indiana Families to Benefit from Nearly Universal School Choice Agudath Israel Commends Legislative Leaders first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudath Israel’s Connecticut office is pleased to announce that more than $500,000 has been awarded to Orthodox schools across Connecticut. “It took many months of collaborative work between nonpublic school representatives and the state, but we are grateful to Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker and the Department of Education for their partnership,” said Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld, director of Agudath Israel’s Connecticut office.
Starting in summer of 2022, Agudath Israel and other nonpublic school coalition partners reached out to the state about releasing approximately $12 million in federal COVID funding which had not yet been disbursed. This money, originally allocated under the Emergency Assistance for Nonpublic Schools program (EANS) created during the pandemic, needed to be reallocated under a different, more flexible program called the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund program (GEER), in order for nonpublic schools to be able to make use of them without multiple restrictions.
Now reallocated under GEER, the money can be used for a wider range of schools and school expenses, including smart boards, special education tutors, cleaning supplies, learning materials, and more.
“These additional funds will bring significant tangible benefits to nonpublic school students across the state,” said Rabbi Weisenfeld.
The post Agudath Israel’s Connecticut Office Helps Jewish Schools Receive More Than $500,000 in Additional Funding first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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Agudath Israel applauds Governor Ron DeSantis for taking a significant step in the fight against antisemitism by signing HB 269. The bill expands the definition of hate crimes and increases the penalties for such actions. The new definitions include the distribution of flyers, stalking, defacing graves and certain buildings, or projecting images on someone else’s property — if the act shows ethnic or religious animus.“Governor DeSantis once again has shown that he is committed to fighting antisemitism, not just with words and condemnations, but with concrete action,” said Rabbi Moshe Matz, director of Agudath Israel’s Florida office. “The state of Florida was facing a very specific and targeted campaign from antisemites, and came together, in a bipartisan manner, to pass a bill introduced by Representative Mike Caruso and State Senator Alexis Calatayud that will hopefully put a stop to these displays of hate.”The bill was introduced to directly target the recent wave of antisemitic incidents in Florida. Such incidents included the distribution of antisemitic materials on private property, displaying antisemitic messages on private buildings, and the harassment of Jews outside of a Chabad synagogue in Orlando.Agudath Israel thanks Florida Representative Mike Caruso and State Senator Alexis Calatayud for introducing companion bills in the Florida House and Senate that passed unanimously.Agudath Israel supported these bills from their introduction. In his testimony to the Florida Senate Criminal Justice Committee, Rabbi Avrohom Luban, associate director of Agudath Israel’s Florida office, explained the impact this hate has on the community and stressed its negative effect on children. “These are all real stories that are happening, and real concerns that we are faced with,” he said. “These and similar antisemitic incidents are increasing at unprecedented rate. We need to do something about it – we need something to change.”The post Florida Fights Antisemitism: Agudath Israel Applauds Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for Taking an Important Step to Combat Antisemitism first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Dear friends,
As we are well aware, government funding to our yeshivos is limited. One of the few sources of funding available for our children is for students in need of compensatory education. Through ‘Chapter 192 Funding’ the State provides compensatory instruction in Language Arts and Math to many of our needy children.
Unfortunately, in the governors proposed budget there is an expectation of nearly 9,000 additional students needing these services, with no additional funding allocated for these new children. That means the amount each child will receive will be significantly less than is necessary.
Currently there is a $43 million allocation for this program. If there are an additional 9,000 children receiving services, which each per pupil cost at $1,040, the allocation would need to be $52 million, that’s a $9 million discrepancy. If this gap is not filled, the services will be severely diminished.
Another critical budget item is transportation funding.
The per-pupil amount for nonpublic transportation is $1,022.00
Given the fact that legislation was enacted in 2003 which provided for an increase in the nonpublic transportation ceiling commensurate with the Consumer Price Index figure, the amount each eligible student receives should be at least $1,300.00. Therefore, we are asking for an increase of at least $280.00 per pupil to a minimum of $1.300.00 in an attempt to get more transportation for our children and to assist parents who need to find alternatives to busing. For FY ’23, the amount per-pupil was increased by $22.00 to $1,022 – hardly an increase which would create significant additional students being transported.
At the end of June, the Legislature will vote and pass a final budget. It is crucial that we act now, and ask them to increase funds for Chapter 192 Funding as well as increase the funding for transportation. Please see below to submit a letter asking the legislative leadership to give our children their fair share and increase funding.
Thank you for taking action!
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Agudath Israel of Missouri was invited by the State Treasurer’s office to bring a small group of representatives from Agudath Israel of Missouri’s partner schools to join the first annual MOScholars Day at the Capitol.
Agudath Israel played a crucial role in the passing of MOScholars, the first private school choice program in Missouri.
Agudath Israel of Missouri was one of the six educational assistance organizations (EAOs) certified by the State of Missouri. An EAO is a nonprofit organization that manages scholarship accounts for eligible Missouri children as part of the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program.
The EAO may accept contributions from individuals and businesses who then receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit. Eligible students who apply for scholarships can then receive up to $6,375 to attend a private school of their choice.
In the first year of the program, community members donated more than one million dollars to Agudath Israel’s EAO (Education Assistance Organization). Agudath Israel’s EAO awarded the second most scholarships in the state of Missouri.
Agudath Israel’s delegation met with Representative Phil Christafonelli (R – District 105), the house sponsor of the ESA bill, and expressed their gratitude for all he has done on behalf of Missouri families.
On the Senate floor, Senator Andrew Koenig (R – District 15), senate sponsor of the ESA bill, acknowledged Agudath Israel’s presence and mentioned the students who joined the MOSCholars Day by name.
At a press conference, Treasurer Vivek Malek spoke about his passion for MOScholars, and shared how school choice opportunities made it possible for him to come from India as a student and eventually become State Treasurer.
The group also met with Representative Joe Adams (D – District 086), whose district includes three of Agudah’s partner schools, and with Representative Adam Schwadron (R – District 106), a supporter of school choice expansion.
Agudath Israel of Missouri thanks the Treasurer’s office, present and past, for their assistance rolling out the MOScholars Program, and continuing to ensure its smooth operation, and the Botuck and Jackoby families for joining the Agudah on MOScholars Day.
The post Agudath Israel of Missouri Participates in MOScholars Day first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Given the significant increase in antisemitic incidents across the country and right here in Massachusetts, we ask that you please send the note below to your legislators. Our schools and shuls are spending significant funds each year to protect our community and we should not have to shoulder these costs alone. One of the state’s core functions is to ensure the safety of all residents and to deploy resources to where they are most needed to prevent attacks.
We are asking our state legislators to partner with us and invest in the nonprofit security grant program for security related building upgrades. In addition, we are also requesting that the state allocate additional funds to cover the cost of contracted security guards.
Please see below to email your legislator about this important issue. Please forward this action alert to others in the community. The more messages our legislators receive, the more responsive they will be to this request.
The post Action Alert for Massachusetts: Security for Shuls and Schools first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
For the last few years many of our Jewish day schools have participated in the universal school meals program and have been able to provide free school meals to all students. In the House Ways and Means budget, the House has indicated that they would like to permanently fund school meals for public school students in the Commonwealth. However, this benefit has not been extended to students in nonpublic schools.
All students who need a school meal should be able to access this important program without stigma or regard for cost, including students in nonpublic schools. This is an important social service that is being delivered in a school setting and students attending nonpublic schools should be included in this support.
Please see below to email your legislator about this important issue. Please forward this action alert to others in the community. The more messages our legislators receive, the more responsive they will be to this request.
The post Action Alert for Massachusetts: Universal School Meals for Nonpublic School Students first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudas Yisroel of America’s New Jersey office is excited to announce the publication of our new guidebook for New Jersey seniors.
New Jersey is home to some of the fastest growing Orthodox Jewish communities in the country. A large component of that growth is due to parents and grandparents who are moving here to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
But moving to a new state means dealing with many new government offices, services and programs, most of which vary greatly from other states.
Launched just several weeks ago under the direction of Agudah’s Director of Senior Services Mrs. Hadassah Waldman, Zahav seeks to fill a void in the community by providing a resource center for New Jersey seniors and their families or caregivers.
In the first few weeks since being established, Zahav has been the address for dozens of seniors or their families.
Now for the first time, seniors in the state who are faced with having to navigate the multiple intricacies of Social Security, Medicare, and various other critical services available for seniors, can have a free and comprehensive resource available to them.
“Aside from providing clarity, this easy-to-read guidebook, contains information on various programs and services which many people may not even be aware exist,” said Mrs. Waldman.
Those interested in obtaining a copy free of charge can contact Zahav at 732–540–1898 or visit the Agudah’s New Jersey office at 1999 Cedar Bridge Ave Suite 3A, Lakewood, New Jersey.
The post Agudas Yisroel’s Zahav Division Introduces New Guidebook For New Jersey Seniors first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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Under federal law, an employer is required to reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious practice unless that would impose an “undue hardship” on the employer.
Today, the Supreme Court of the United States had occasion to consider what constitutes an “undue hardship,” as the Court heard the case of Groff v. DeJoy. The case involves Gerald Groff, an evangelical Christian mailman, who lost his job for refusing to work on Sunday, the day he observes as his Sabbath. Groff then sued USPS for failing to accommodate his sincerely-held religious beliefs. However, he was unsuccessful as both the district court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against him on the basis that his absence on Sunday caused an “undue hardship” to the USPS.
These rulings were based on an earlier Supreme Court ruling in Trans World Airlines v. Hardison, in which the Court weakly defined “undue hardship” as only “more than de minimis cost,” meaning more than a “trivial burden.”
Agudath Israel and other Orthodox groups joined a National Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs (COLPA) brief urging the Supreme Court to provide more meaningful accommodation of religious practices — including Sabbath observance — for American workers. The COLPA brief was authored by renowned constitutional attorney Nathan Lewin. Click here to read the brief.
The importance and effect of the Court’s receiving the views of Orthodox Jewish groups and other faith communities on the issue was highlighted during the hearing. When Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar claimed that Hardison is effective in protecting the rights of religious employees, Justice Samuel Alito pushed back, stating “We have amicus briefs here by many representatives of many minority religions — Muslims, Hindus, Orthodox Jews, Seventh-day Adventists — and they all say that that is just not true, and that Hardison has violated their right to religious liberty.”
“Agudath Israel receives countless calls from people around the country who have lost their jobs or were unable to take a job because of their Sabbath observance,” said Rabbi A.D Motzen, Agudath Israel’s national director of government affairs.
“It is gratifying and important that both sides in the Groff case agreed that the Hardison de minimis standard is misleading and unhelpful. It should accordingly not be relied on for future resolution of religious accommodation requests,” said Nathan Lewin. “This will be exceedingly important for Sabbath observance and other religious needs of Jewish employees. It will support not only complaints they might file in courts or in the EEOC but in the give-and-take of non-litigated employee requests. It is often the case that an employer’s lawyer cites the Hardison standard to reject a reasonable request and the employee fails to challenge that opinion. If the Court now formally discards that test, it will make a big difference.”
“The “more than de minimis” standard has proven to be the key obstacle to providing the protection the law offered. The standard is so low that employers don’t even bother trying to accommodate the employees, and employees don’t bother asserting their rights, knowing that they would suffer aggravation and expense on a losing case. This cannot be what Congress desired or intended when it sought to protect the rights of religiously observant employees. Indeed, because of the “more than de minimis” standard, the law has never lived up to its promise,” said Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel’s vice president for government affairs and Washington director and counsel.
“I hope that a majority of the Court also issues a decision that equates the duty to make a religious accommodation with the legal duty to make accommodations for other situations in which co-workers may be affected, such as accommodations for people with disabilities prescribed by federal law,” added Nathan Lewin. “It is time for the Court to recognize that the free exercise of religion protected by the First Amendment requires no less. Recent Supreme Court decisions demonstrate that religious exercise of one person may not be rejected because of the now-obsolete concern that it might amount to Establishment of Religion.”
“The history of American Jewry cannot be told without marking the struggle for Sabbath observance,” said Rabbi David Zwiebel, Agudah’s executive vice president. “Due to Hardison, countless people have given up or even lost employment opportunities for jobs for which they were eminently qualified. Most of these cases were not even litigated because of the high bar set by Hardison. By hearing this case the Supreme Court has taken one step forward to rectifying this and protecting the religious liberties of Americans in the workforce.”
Click here and here for previous statements from Agudath Israel regarding this case.
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KnowUs – An Open Letter to the Pulitzer Prize Board
The post An Open Letter to the Pulitzer Prize Board first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Mr. Shlomo Werdiger and Dr. Irving Lebovics, co-chairmen of Agudath Israel’s Am Echad affiliate, today sent a letter to Head of Opposition MK Yair Lapid, expressing “grave concern” over comments he delivered in a recent Jewish Federations meeting in New York.
In the letter, they say that “we see these comments as sowing discord and delegitimizing not just the current Israeli government, but Israel itself in the eyes of the world, both Jewish and not.” They said that “rhetoric characterizing the government as “extremist” and “undemocratic” jeopardizes the relationship between Israel and world Jews.”
The letter concludes by saying, “Israel is precious to every single one of us. We are proud of its vibrant democracy and amazing growth. We ask you that going forward you refrain from damaging, inflammatory rhetoric against Israel and its government during meetings in the Diaspora.”
The post Am Echad Expresses Grave Concern on Lapid Comments Sowing Discord Between Diaspora Jews and Israel first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
KnowUs, a new, coordinated movement to counter misleading, negative portrayals of Orthodox and Hasidic Jews, penned an open letter to the Board of the Pulitzer Prize urging it to refrain from granting the award to The New York Times for its deeply offensive and flawed series of articles attacking these thriving communities. Prize winners are scheduled to be announced in May.
Since September 2022, KnowUs has chronicled a Times crusade of one-sided, inaccurate articles mischaracterizing Orthodox Jews. The activist reporting is widely rumored to have set its sights on the journalistic award.
KnowUs mailed the letter to each of the 18 Pulitzer Board members on Monday morning. The 30-page letter includes 70 endnotes, and not only catalogs the offensive tropes irresponsibly amplified by the Times in an environment of rising, dangerous antisemitism, but also demonstrates that the Times knowingly employed sources with extensive conflicts of interest, something it failed to disclose; falsely claimed credit for real-world impacts; presented misleading data; misrepresented basic educational funding elements; and repeatedly engaged in unwarranted negative associations.
The Pulitzer Prize guidelines contain sparse official requirements for attaining its coveted award. It merely states that “entries must adhere to the highest journalistic principles… that exemplifies the longstanding ethics of the journalistic profession. These include a commitment to honesty with both readers and the subjects of our work. The best journalism is transparent about its sources and methods. The rigor and completeness of sourcing is an important factor in judging the quality of submissions.”
KnowUs, which was formed under the auspices of Agudath Israel of America following broad outrage at the articles, undertook this project because it felt the critical need for the Pulitzer Prize Board to review, in an informed manner, the articles’ adherence to “the highest journalistic principles” the Pulitzer Board so values.
KnowUs writes: “We believe that awarding these articles, in any way, will be seen not only as a tacit approval and furtherance of offensive, antisemitic tropes, but would diminish the standing of the Pulitzer Prize by celebrating articles of demonstrably poor journalistic integrity.”
KnowUs is not alone in its critical scrutiny of The New York Times reporting. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), among many others, have decried the coverage.
Any legitimate issues the paper sought to raise or explore were buried by these, and other, serious breaches of journalistic ethics, and by the articles’ creation of bigoted caricatures of Orthodox and Hasidic Jews, further othering an already marginalized community.
To read the open letter, please click here.
The post Orthodox Jewish Group Urges Pulitzer Board to Withhold Coveted Journalism Honor from NY Times Anti-Hasidic Articles first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudath Israel of Illinois (AIOI) congratulates Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson on his victory in Chicago’s mayoral runoff election.
As part of Agudath Israel’s advocacy and outreach efforts, both candidates were invited to meet with our organization. On Friday, March 24, Mr. Johnson visited Agudath Israel’s offices where he addressed AIOI’s leadership along with a host of rabbinic, organizational, and lay leaders. Mr. Johnson was very attentive to the concerns of the Orthodox community and shared his perspective on how to address them. He demonstrated a keen understanding of the issues and a desire to work with Agudath Israel on addressing these and other challenges. The mayor-elect expressed a strong commitment to ensure the community continues to have the ability to live in accordance with their values and culture, and pledged to keep open a direct line of communication and to continue cultivating a strong working relationship.
The meeting was not Mr. Johnson’s first visit to AIOI’s headquarters. “Brandon actually took the first step and came to visit us long before officially launching his campaign,” said Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, AIOI’s director of government affairs. “I was impressed with his expressed desire to serve all communities, including ours, and look forward to working with him as he works to unite our city.”
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Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office applauds tonight’s historic vote by the Jackson Township Council to lower the zoning threshold required for a house of worship from two acres to one acre for most areas of the town.
Tonight’s vote will finally provide worshippers in Jackson Township, including Orthodox Jewish residents, the ability to pray in houses of worship without an unrealistic burden placed on them by the municipality.
Agudath Israel of America has been advocating for years on behalf of the rights of the thousands of families residing in Jackson Township, who have expressed their concern about the difficulty of establishing places of worship in the town.
“This vote is a giant step forward for religious rights in Jackson, New Jersey,” Rabbi Avi Schnall, director of Agudah’s New Jersey Office, said.
“This will allow the growing Orthodox population in Jackson to freely exercise their religious rights,” Rabbi Schnall added.
Rabbi Schnall also thanked Jackson Mayor Mike Reina, whom he credited with ensuring an ordinance be presented that will be beneficial for all Jackson residents.
“Mayor Reina’s leadership over the last few months is what enabled us to reach this this point,” Rabbi Schnall said.
“The mayor has been the driver behind this ordinance and we look forward to working with him on similar issues in the years to come.”
Agudath Israel also extends its gratitude to Jackson Council President Martin Flemming, along with the rest of the councilmembers, for their votes tonight and all their assistance on this particular issue leading up to this point.
Agudath Israel looks forward to the final passage of this ordinance, which is expected to take place in the next few weeks.
The post Agudath Israel Hails Jackson Township Council Vote on House of Worship Zoning Ordinance first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Today, Senate Bill 8, passed the Texas Senate Education Committee. This bill would create an education savings account (ESA) program that gives parents $8,000 per student to spend on a wide range of educational expenses, including private school tuition.
Agudath Israel of America, a longtime supporter of school choice efforts in Texas and across the country, welcomes this milestone. Education savings accounts empower parents to make educational decisions that are in the best interest of their child – not limited by a family’s finances. Authored by Senate Education Committee Chairman Brandon Creighton (R- Conroe) and eight other senators, the bill has the support of Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
Last week Agudath Israel brought more than one hundred parents and community leaders from Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio to a rally at the Texas State Capitol to advocate for universal ESAs. The following day, Rabbi Jordan Silvestri of the Robert M. Beren Academy and Rabbi Eliezer Lazaroff, director of Aishel House – Chabad in Houston testified in the Senate committee in support of ESAs.
“We are really pleased to see the bill pass the Senate Education Committee and one step closer to becoming law,” said Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld associate director of state relations for Agudath Israel. “Texas families want to be able to choose the school that can best serves their child’s needs, and are excited at the prospect of being able to participate in the first school choice program in the Lone Star State.”
If you have not already done so and are a Texas resident, please fill out the action alert linked below to ask your elected officials to support a more universal ESA program. If you have already filled it out, please consider sending it to your family and friends. https://agudah.org/texas-school-choice/
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Rabbi Moshe Matz, Executive Director of Agudath Israel’s Florida Office, with Governor Ron DeSantis at the bill signing.
Starting this coming school year, Florida students in K-12 schools will be eligible to receive approximately $8,000 to use towards tuition and other educational expenses, with no income eligibility requirements.
This expansion revolutionizes the school choice movement, not just in Florida, but across the country. Agudath Israel of America’s Florida office is grateful to Governor Ron DeSantis and to all of the legislators that took this bold step in paving the highway of opportunity and success for all our children.
“It was an honor to be with Governor Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders at the signing of this historic bill,” said Rabbi Moshe Matz, executive director of Agudath Israel’s Florida office. “Agudath Israel has had the privilege of working with a dedicated school choice coalition in Florida for more than twenty years. So many people helped along the way, but no one deserves more thanks than the parents who shared their stories, marched to Tallahassee, and have waited so long for this day.”
“Florida is just an example of what can be accomplished across the country,” said Rabbi A.D. Motzen, Agudath Israel of America’s national director of government affairs. “Our Agudah directors have been at the forefront of the school choice movement on the state and federal levels and we look forward to working with coalition partners, elected officials, and families to ensure that every parent in every state has the opportunity to choose the educational setting that best meets the need of their child.”The post $8,000 for Every Child: Agudath Israel Applauds Governor Ron DeSantis for Making Universal School Choice a Reality in Florida first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Photo: Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, director of government affairs for Agudath Israel of Illinois and Rabbi A.D. Motzen, national director of government affairs, Agudath Israel of America, with Governor J.B Pritzker (Photo Credits: Agudath Israel of America Archives)
Agudath Israel of Illinois (AIOI) is pleased by Governor Pritzker’s announcement that the $20 Million from the Illinois At-risk Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) has been awarded to vulnerable institutions. In 2017, following a wave of bomb threats to Jewish community centers, Jewish schools, and other antisemitic incidents, AIOI successfully advocated for an anti-terror security grant program. While the program was enacted into law, it was not funded until a $20 million appropriation was included in the state’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget. Agudath Israel advocated for the appropriation along with a statewide coalition led by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago (JUF). Among the grantees were 34 Orthodox Jewish organizations awarded a total of nearly $6.63 million.
“We are extremely happy to see the results of many years of hard work,” said Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, director of government affairs for Agudath Israel of Illinois. “This funding will go towards creating safer environments for the most vulnerable institutions in Illinois. We thank Governor Pritzker, bill sponsors Senator Ram Villivalam and Representative Bob Morgan, dozens of supportive legislators, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and the entire coalition for making this a reality.”
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In the third and final session of Agudath Israel of America’s 2023 Albany Days, Agudah brought together a group of yeshiva leaders and community advocates to share the community’s concerns with New York State’s elected officials. This visit to Albany coincides with the culmination of the budget season, when the Legislature and the governor negotiate an agreement on the final budget appropriations for the coming fiscal year. The budget must be completed by April 1. As such, the timing of Albany Day is critical to ensuring that Agudah’s earlier successful advocacy for budget items carries through to the final version of budget allocations.
Meetings With Legislators:
The most important part of Albany Day, as always, is individual face-to-face meetings with legislators and their staff members. Delegates from Brooklyn met with Senators Iwen Chu, Jeremy Cooney, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. They also met with Assemblymembers George Alvarez, Alec Brook-Krasny, Lester Chang, Simcha Eichenstein, Michael Novakhov, and Al Taylor. The delegates also met with the staffs of Senators Jamaal Bailey, Samra Brouk, Brian Kavanagh, Tim Kennedy, Roxanne Persaud and Sean Ryan, and Assemblymembers Michael Benedetto and William Colton.
At the meetings, the delegates discussed the critical need to raise security funding for nonpublic schools given the alarming rise in antisemitic hate incidents, and ensuring that the budget allocates enough money for reimbursement to schools of the expenses they incur for state-mandated immunization recordkeeping. They also advocated for Universal School Lunch which would ensure that every child’s school lunch is paid for.
Quotable Quotes:
Many legislators, including Senators Joe Addabo, Iwen Chu, Leroy Comrie, Simcha Felder, Joseph Griffo, John Liu, Shelley Mayer, Pete Oberacker and Bill Weber, as well as Assemblymembers Khaleel Anderson, Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn, Karl Branebec, Ari Brown, Sara Clark, William Colton, Jeff Dinowitz, Chris Eachus, Simcha Eichenstein, Charles Lavine, Grace Lee, Nikki Lukas, Michael Novakhov, Nader Sayegh, and Helene Weinstein joined the Agudah’s delegates for lunch in the Legislative Office Building (LOB) hosted by Assemblymember David Weprin. Following is a selection of quotes culled from the remarks some of the legislators shared with the delegates on subjects important to our community.
State Senator James Sanders:
“We find ourselves in a strange time in America. For whatever reason, folks have decided that the Jewish tradition is the cause of so many problems. And that’s bad enough to say that, but then they go a step further and say that they have the right to attack people that they disagree with. This, my friends, is a danger to us all. This is something that we have to stand against strongly.”
State Senator Joe Addabbo:
“I’m actually getting sick and tired of the propaganda about our yeshivas… I’ve been to many Yeshivas in my district and outside my district. And I just think that this propaganda really has got to stop.”
Assemblymember William Colton:
“We must stop being divisive in terms of saying, we can’t spend anything at a school that is a religious school. That’s the wrong attitude. We need to serve all children in all schools. I’m going to continue fighting for those principles.”
State Senator John Liu:
“We want the best education possible for everybody. Whether it be public schools, yeshivas, or any other educational institution – we want to make all of them the best that they can possibly be and not unfairly stigmatize any segments of our overall education.”
Assemblymember Chris Eachus:
“I had the privilege of teaching in a Yeshiva, and I know that the people who are coming down on us don’t know … And it seems like whether it’s private school or public school, we have people who are injecting themselves into the classroom itself – into the curriculum – that shouldn’t even be there. And so, I’m going to work very, very hard to be sure that we get those people out of our business of educating our kids the way that we want.”
Assemblymember Helene Weinstein:
“We have a responsibility to the public school system and to the nonpublic school system as well.”
Assemblymember Nader J. Sayegh:
“I have always been a big advocate for parental choice.”
Assemblymember Nikki Lucas:
“As a parent personally, it was important for me to be able to say that I have a right as a parent to educate my child in the best way that I see fit. That’s my choice as a parent, and I would never want to deny anyone.”
State Senator Bill Weber:
“Did the New York Times ever come in here and talk to anybody about their great yeshiva education? Did they ever come to the schools in my district? No, they didn’t. What they did was a hit job!”
State Senator Leroy Comrie:
“I understand the need to pass on traditions … I spoke out at the Yeshiva Summit because I felt your community is being persecuted.”
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn:
“I am here for you. I am here for your issues. I hear your issues, and we can come together to fight against hate.”
Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz:
“We have to do what is best for all children. That includes both the kids that are in public school and those who are not.”
Assemblymember Charles Lavine:
“As someone who has experienced antisemitism, I know how important it is that we come together to fight antisemitism.”
State Senator Shelley B. Mayer:
“We certainly want Jewish education to be a priority … We are fighting for traditional public schools, we are fighting for our nonpublic schools. Our job is to fight for kids.”
Mandated Services Aid:
Back in 1974, Agudah leader Rabbi Moshe Sherer’s advocacy helped pass what is now the single largest source of funding for nonpublic schools in New York State. The program reimburses nonpublic schools for services they perform because of state mandates. This program is called Mandated Services Aid (MSA).
In the past, the state has always been obligated to reimburse nonpublic schools for the complete cost of these services. In a problematic development, the Executive Budget contained language that would have capped the reimbursement based on the budget allocation, even if there was not enough funding. If reimbursement claims exceed the budget allocation for the year, nonpublic schools would not get their full reimbursement. Furthermore, the Executive Budget allocated only $193 million, while the State Education Department requested $210 million based on their estimates of the actual costs. This put schools at risk of a potential 8% shortfall in MSA .
In this year’s first two Albany Days, Agudah and community delegates advocated strongly for removal of the reimbursement cap. This language was, indeed, removed in both the Senate and Assembly One House budget proposals. Yesterday, Agudah representatives continued advocating for the language to remain as amended, thereby preserving the full funding for the MSA program for school year 2023-24. This followed Agudah’s testimony about the reimbursement cap at February’s legislative budget hearings in Albany, and Agudah leading an intense advocacy effort along with its coalition partners in the nonpublic school community.
“These trips up to Albany are extremely valuable. If we are not present and seen, then it becomes a lot harder to do the work we have to do,” said Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Agudah’s executive vice president. “We are grateful to those who spent the day in Albany and were actively engaged in advocating for the interests of the community.”
“Communication is a crucial part of the Agudah’s advocacy efforts. These meetings of Agudah staff, local advocates, and community leaders together with their legislators are key to ensuring good communication,” said Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Agudah’s director of New York government relations. “We thank the legislators for their participation, and we will continue to be in contact with them throughout the course of the year to collaboratively work on issues facing the community.”
“The legislators were extremely receptive,” said Abe Schlisselfeld, a prominent community activist and senior managing director at CBIG Marks Paneth, which sponsored Agudah’s Albany Days this year. “And it was encouraging to see so many elected officials take a clear and uncompromising stand on the importance and integrity of yeshiva education.”
Photo Credits: Moshe Gershbaum
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Following months of arduous litigation, the decision in the lawsuit challenging New York State Education Department Regulations regarding “substantial equivalency” of yeshiva education to that offered in public schools was handed down today. While the decision does not entirely invalidate the Regulations, as hoped, Judge Christina Ryba, of the Supreme Court of New York, did strike down key portions of the Regulations, in a way that provides important protections for Orthodox Jewish education in New York.
Key sentences of Judge Ryba’s decision were:
“The Court finds that certain portions of the New Regulations impose consequences and penalties upon yeshivas above and beyond that authorized by the Compulsory Education Law… The statutory scheme places the burden for ensuring a child’s education squarely on the parent, not the school…”
“The Court finds that respondents lack authority to direct parents to completely unenroll their children from nonpublic schools that have been determined to fall short of meeting each and every substantial equivalency criteria, nor do respondents have authority to direct the closure of such schools. Rather, the parents should be given a reasonable opportunity to prove that the substantial equivalency requirements for their children’s education are satisfied by instruction provided through a combination of sources.”
While not the complete victory many were davening for, Agudath Israel is grateful that the court recognized the egregious overreach the Regulations sought. The prospect of forcibly shutting down schools, and of the state mandating which schools children should be reenrolled to, is not something one would typically associate with 21st century America. This was a battle we needed to wage. Thankfully, the court recognized that the State Education Department lacked authority to require this, and struck the most dangerous and offensive portions of the Regulations.
This is the third time that perilous Regulations regarding Orthodox Jewish education has been moderated or defeated since 2018.
Agudath Israel thanks Avi Schick and the Troutman Pepper firm, once again, for their tireless legal work.
The lawsuit was brought by Agudath Israel of America, Parents for Educational and Religious Liberty in Schools (PEARLS), Torah Umesorah, and Yeshivas Rabbi Chaim Berlin, Torah Vodaath, Tifereth Jerusalem, Rabbi Jacob Joseph and Ch’san Sofer.
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Today, the Florida Legislature passed a historic universal school choice bill. makes all schoolchildren in grades K-12 eligible for an $8,000 scholarship.
The bill, sponsored by State Senator Corey Simon, will change the Florida scholarship program to an Education Savings Account (ESA). The state will provide an ESA for each eligible child equal to the amount the state allocates for students attending a public school.Parents can then spend the money for approved uses such as tuition payments and fees, tutoring, and learning devices such as laptops.
Another important change in the bill is a funding increase for the scholarship programs for students with special needs and unique abilities. Currently, the program has a waitlist of more than 9,000 children.
The bill will now go to Governor Ron DeSantis’ office for consideration.
This expansion will revolutionize the school choice movement, not just in Florida, but across the country. Agudath Israel of America’s Florida office is grateful to the House and Senate sponsors and to all of the legislators that took this bold step in paving the highway of opportunity and success for all our children.
“This success didn’t happen overnight,” said Rabbi Moshe Matz, director of Agudath Israel’s Florida office. “This was a decades long effort that began with Governor Jeb Bush and a coalition of school choice advocates including faith leaders and the teams at Step Up for Students and the Foundation for Florida’s Future. However, the true heroes are the ones celebrating today – the tens of thousands of parents who called, emailed, and traveled to Tallahassee time after time to make their voices heard. It is to their credit that every child in Florida will now benefit from the educational setting that best meets their needs.”
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On Tuesday, Agudath Israel of America brought parents and community leaders from Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio to a rally at the Texas State Capitol. The rally, which was cosponsored by Agudath Israel, was organized to show support for universal school choice, an issue that is currently being considered in the Texas Legislature.
Governor Greg Abbott voiced his support for Senate Bill 8, which would create an education savings account (ESA) program that gives parents $8,000 per student to spend on a wide range of educational expenses, including private school tuition. “We’re going to show the Legislature exactly why it is so important that we empower parents to choose the education that is best for their child,” said Governor Abbott to the cheering crowd.
Agudath Israel representatives and community members also had an opportunity to engage with lawmakers in the Capitol before and after the rally. The group held productive meetings with Senator Brandon Creighton, and with Representatives Dewayne Burns, Dustin Burrows, Briscoe Cain, Nicole Collier, James Frank, Sam Harless, Brooks Landgraf, Matt Shaheen, and Ed Thompson. In every meeting, the delegation highlighted the growing Orthodox community in Texas and how important this issue is for them and their families.
“As a parent, I’m proud to put my children in a school that provides the education and values I want them to receive. I hope all Texans can have that same opportunity,” said Elie Herskovits, a parent from Houston.
“Over the last few years, momentum for universal school choice has been steadily building across the country, and we are grateful to Governor Abbott and the legislative sponsors for working to bring ESAs to Texas. Every Texan should have the ability to send their child to the school or educational program that best fits their unique needs,” said Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld, associate director of state relations for Agudath Israel. “Everywhere I go, Texas families are excited about the possibility of bringing universal school choice to the Lone Star State, and that was clearly evident by the fact that so many of our parents, rabbis, and community leaders traveled to Austin make their voices heard.”
Texas residents can urge their lawmaker to support education savings accounts for every child by going to agudah.org/texas-school-choice.The post Agudath Israel Brings Texas Parents Together to Rally for School Choice in the Capitol first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Public Hearing of the NJ Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
Rabbi Avi Schnall, Director of Agudath Israel’s New Jersey Office, Testifying
Rabbi Avi Schnall’s Testimony
With the Fiscal Year 2024 budget season now underway in New Jersey, both houses of the state legislature have begun holding a series of public hearings, where members of the public can come and testify.On Tuesday, Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey director, Rabbi Avi Schnall, traveled to Mahwah, where the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee held its first public hearing at Ramapo College of New Jersey, to ask the members of the committee to increase the amount of funds allocated for nonpublic school auxiliary services.During his testimony, Rabbi Schnall noted that while Governor Murphy’s proposed budget projects an expected increase of 9,000 students who will be eligible for such aid in 2024, the amount allocated per pupil remains stagnant at last year’s levels, without reflecting the increased number of students.Rabbi Schnall also pointed out that since 1998, when the state legislature determined an allocation of $995 per student was necessary to ensure all eligible students receive the proper remedial education, the total amount has only increased by $45, a number well below the recommended amount especially when considering wage and administrative increases, as well as inflation.Fewer funds available for children means less money available to hire teachers, which results in larger class sizes and/or less time per student.“The children eligible for these services are the most vulnerable amongst our students,” Rabbi Schnall noted. “These children deserve, as the statute says, the ‘fullest possible opportunity to develop their intellectual capacities,’“ he told the committee.“We therefore implore the members of this committee to increase the per-pupil amount from $1,040 to $1,300,” he added. Such an increase would add about $13 million to nonpublic schools’ budgets for aid to students who need it, including about $6 million that would flow to the yeshiva system.While the governor proposes the budget, it is ultimately the lawmakers who are responsible for drafting and approving the annual appropriations act, sending it to him for his signature or veto prior to the July 1st deadline.The post Agudath Israel’s New Jersey Office Testifies at State Budget Hearing About Nonpublic School Aid Increases first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Watch Rabbi Avrohom Luban on Anti-Semitism in Florida:
Dear Friends,
At Agudath Israel of Florida, we have been following the recent uprise in antisemitic attacks and have become extremely alarmed. Throughout the United States, unfortunately including Florida, antisemitism is up by seventy percent over the last two years.
In just the past couple of months, we have seen “Kill Jews” messages spray painted in Weston, antisemitic messages projected on TIAA Bank Field’s video-board during a sports game, and antisemitic signs left on Boca Raton neighborhoods’ yards.
Not long after, we saw antisemitic messages, including a swastika, projected onto the AT&T building in West Palm Beach, as well as antisemitic messages and hate flyers distributed at Florida Atlantic University Campus and West Boca Raton residences.
Next, we had demonstrators standing outside Chabad of South Orlando. They held hate signs and shouted at people for several hours. They can be seen on video shouting, “Heil Hitler,” as well as mocking Jewish passersby and asking, “How many of you can fit in a grill?”
The very next day, they stood on a pedestrian bridge at Daytona International Speedway, all dressed up with red nazi looking masks, holding antisemitic banners, and harassing the people walking by. Later that night, they used a laser to project antisemitic messages on the stadium, including “Hitler was right.”
And then there was a soccer match where Jewish students were yelled at with antisemitic profanities throughout the game. The incident ended in a brawl and students requiring medical intervention.
And the list goes on and on.
Concerning? Definitely.
We are very fortunate that Florida Representative Mike Caruso, together with State Senator Alexis Calatayud, have introduced companion bills in the Florida House & Senate that aim to discourage future antisemitic attacks. The legislation proposes to make it a crime to display or project on the property of a business or privately owned building without the consent of the owner. The bill also increases the penalty for these types of acts.
In our conversations with Rep. Caruso, he mentioned to us that he, as well as his colleagues who support this bill, have been receiving death threats on social media! But nonetheless, they are doing the right thing and standing up for our community.
We must stand up too! We must show our support for this bill, ensure that our voices are heard, and make every effort to ensure this bill gets signed into law.
We urge all fellow Floridians to please take a minute of your time and sign our two letters. One is a letter addressed to Governor Ron DeSantis, asking him to support the bill. And the other is a letter that will be sent to your state legislators, urging them to support the bill as well.
It will just take a minute, but can truly make a difference. We thank you!
Note: While the letter to your state legislators will be prepopulated automatically, it is more effective if you write or add your own thoughts. Please share any antisemitic incidents that you are personally aware of and express what this bill would mean to you.
Rabbi Moshe Matz
Rabbi Avrohom Luban
There are two separate letters. A letter to Governor Ron DeSantis as well as a letter to state legislators. Please sign both. Thank you.
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Senate Bill 8, introduced in the Texas Senate on Friday, would create an education savings account (ESA) program that gives parents $8,000 per student to spend on a wide range of educational expenses, including private school tuition.
Agudath Israel of America, a longtime supporter of school choice efforts in Texas and across the country, welcomes this proposal. Education savings accounts empower parents to make educational decisions that are in the best interest of their child – not limited by a family’s finances. Authored by Senate Education Committee Chairman Brandon Creighton (R- Conroe) and eight other senators, the bill is the most expansive school choice proposal introduced this session and, if passed, would put Texas on the path to universal school choice.
“Texas parents have waited for way too long,” said Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld, Agudath Israel’s associate national director of state relations. “Agudath Israel thanks Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick for making school choice a priority this legislative session and finally bringing educational freedom to the Lone Star State.”
Texas residents can urge their lawmaker to support education savings accounts for every child by going to agudah.org/texas-school-choice. Please join Agudath Israel of America and its coalition partners at the Texas School Choice Rally on Tuesday, March 21st, at 10:30 AM, at the Capitol in Austin. RSVP by filling out the form using this link.
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The post ACTION ALERT: Take Action Texas! Support ESA’s for all! first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Dear Administrators and School Leaders,
As you surely know, for nearly 50 years, in large part as a result of advocacy by Agudath Israel and its coalition partners, New York State has reimbursed yeshivas for Mandated Services. For most of our yeshivas, it is the largest source of New York State funding.
Until now, the state has always been liable to reimburse schools for the full cost of mandated services. Even when the allocated amount was insufficient to cover the full cost, the state remained liable and often paid it in subsequent years.
However, language in this year’s proposed budget caps the funding to the amount allocated. This would mean that if the claims exceed the budget allocation, schools will not be fully reimbursed for the mandated services provided.
Furthermore, the proposed budget allocation is $193 million. The State Education Department estimates that the 2023-24 cost will be approximately $210 million. This shortfall coupled with the proposed language could mean cuts of up to 8% to mandated services.
WE MUST TAKE ACTION NOW.
The state budget is currently being negotiated between the governor and the legislature, and must be passed by April 1, so time is running out. Fill out the form below to contact your local state legislator and urge them to save mandated services!
The post ACTION ALERT: Help Save the Mandated Services Aid Reimbursement Program! first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
See below for a highlight video from the Yeshiva Summit session on security grants. The session was presented by David Pollock, Associate Executive Director & Director, Public Policy, JCRC-NY, Founder and Senior Advisor, Community Security Initiative and Rivkie Feiner, CEO, Owner, Feiner Grant Strategies.
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Take action now!
Please ask Governor Murphy to include non public schools in Critical Incident Mapping funding.
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The post Watch Rabbi Labish Becker Tetzaveh 5783 “Brothers Together” first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The Midwest Agudas Yisroel Council of Synagogue Rabbonim is pleased to present a new sefer on the halachos of Purim.
The sefer, Safah Berurah: The Halachos of Purim, was compiled and written by Rabbi Yaakov Robinson, executive director of the Midwest Agudas Yisroel Council of Synagogue Rabbanim, and reviewed by Rabbi Shmuel Fuerst, Dayan, Agudas Yisroel of Illinois.
View the sefer below or click here for a downloadable PDF.
Safa Berura Purim 5783
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The New York Times continues its unabashedly relentless crusade of othering yeshivas as backward and abusive. Today, the New York Times described how legislation is being advanced in Albany to counter the phenomenon whereby “many Hasidic schools made regular use of corporal punishment to keep students in line during hours of grueling religious lessons.”
“The New York Times has misfired yet again in its latest attack on the Orthodox community,” said Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, executive vice president of Agudath Israel of America. “Our yeshivas are positive, warm, learning environments which impart our traditions; that is why our parents choose them. The notion, painted by the Times, that children in yeshivas subsist in a cruel, abusive environment where they are ‘regularly hit, slapped or kicked by their instructors’ is simply untrue, and the data described below supports that they are actually far safer there than public school. Agudath Israel supports the new legislation to crack down on unwarranted corporal punishment in all schools, both public and private.”
The New York Times credits its reporting for effecting this legislation.
In fact, the referenced New York Times report stated that “Over the past five years, the New York City Police Department has investigated more than a dozen claims of child abuse at the schools.”
As KnowUs noted when this report first emerged:
The Times found more than a dozen unsubstantiated claims, in unaffiliated schools, serving tens of thousands of students each year, over five years.
While even one incident of abuse is one too many, in the spirit of “substantial equivalence,” how does this figure compare to reports of abuse in New York City public schools over the same period? According to a recent Times Union investigation:
“From January 2016 through June 2021, the New York City Department of Education’s Office of Special Investigations received 16,671 complaints alleging corporal punishment, state records show.” (Emphasis added.)
Still more embarrassing for the Times, this morning, Senator Julia Salazar, the sponsor of the bill referenced by the Times, took to Twitter, addressing the Times:
“To be clear: We introduced this bill because the law should explicitly ban corporal punishment in all schools. The use of physical or violent methods to ostensibly discipline students has happened in many schools. I haven’t seen any evidence of it being a pattern in yeshivas.”
One of Senator Salazar’s co-sponsors on the bill, Senator Andrew Gounardes publicly echoed these remarks.
Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein added:
“Correct, Senator. No corporal punishment at ANY school. As a yeshiva parent/former student, I’m not familiar with the use of corporal punishment at yeshivas, nor would I tolerate it. Sadly, @nytimes needs to continue its onslaught against Orthodox Jews & prop up their mudslinging.”
KnowUs, a division of Agudath Israel of America, calls on city, state, and federal legislators and people of good faith to call out the Times’ patently disingenuous reporting. The interminable, hateful demonizing of the Orthodox Jewish community in New York must stop.
The post Facts Are Irrelevant: Rebutting the New York Times’ Unrelenting Crusade Against New York Yeshivas first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Imagine if the state provided every Georgia parent with $6,000 per child to use on educational expenses including tuition?
That may become a reality for Georgia parents, but we need your help.
Recently the Georgia Senate Committee on Youth and Education voted to pass Senate Bill 233 ‘The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act’.
This bill would create an Education Savings Account (ESA) program. Under this program, the state would provide parents with an account and deposit $6,000 per student opting out of the public school system. An ESA can be spent on a wide range of educational expenses including private school tuition. .
As the bill is CURRENTLY written all families would be eligible to apply for an ESA, with low income families being prioritized. HOWEVER things can change quickly, There is currently an effort underway to change the language of the bill to limit the program to students attending or assigned to specific failing public schools. Sadly this would mean denying this opportunity from most Georgia parents including the overwhelming majority of our community.
Please take a minute of your time and complete the action alert linked below to reach out to lawmakers and urge them to keep the language that would allow all families into the program and reject any amendment that would limit the ESA eligibility.
We expect a full Senate floor vote as early as this coming Monday, March 6th, so please act right away.
The action alert includes a default message. Should you choose to edit the message please keep the following in mind:
Don’t Threaten.
Be Polite.
Make it personal.
Some talking points you can include:
• Every child is unique with a different type of learning style and needs.
• Parents know best what type of education or school meets the needs of their child.
• Focus on the benefit to children, not the private school. This program doesn’t limit the use of the funds to a school. It includes a wide range of educational expenses including tutors, school uniforms, transportation and or other educational uses.
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Yahalom Fathers' Networking Night 2023 Name First Last Address Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code EmailPhoneAre you the father of a person with special needs/ developmental disabilities?YesNoName of your child(ren) with special needsDOB of your child(ren) with special needsChild's diagnosis? (if known):Please note: Understanding your child's age and challenges helps us help you, and that is why we ask. All information is kept confidential. Is there anything you need help with at this time? Feel free to share here.Comments:We ask these details so we can share helpful items of interest to you. All information is kept confidential, and of course, we respect your decision to share what is comfortable for you. Exact address will be emailed to you closer to the event. Looking forward to seeing you! Δ
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On Monday, Agudath Israel of Missouri celebrated the first year of the MOScholars tax credit scholarship program in a gathering of over 200 St. Louis community members. As a wonderful milestone, Rabbi Hillel Anton, EAO Director of Agudath Israel of Missouri, shared that 224 community members directed over $1,000,000 towards Jewish day school families’ educational expenses. The community members who contributed towards the scholarship fund received a dollar-for-dollar tax credit.
The Agudah office was able to award scholarships to 75 students in four St. Louis Orthodox schools, including students with disabilities and students transferring from public school.
The Agudah has been approved for $2,000,000 in tax credit scholarships in 2023, giving it the possibility of doubling its 2022 impact.
“Similar programs in other states have experienced exponential growth,” said Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, Director of Government Affairs, Agudath Israel of Illinois, who was instrumental in the passage and implementation of the MOScholars Program. “This program has the potential to be a significant factor for the future growth of the Orthodox Jewish community in St. Louis.”
Rabbi Shmuel Miller, Head of School, Epstein Hebrew Academy, said, “The collaboration of schools and shuls working together was integral for the MOScholars program success. St. Louis unity is working for the benefit of all our children’s education.”
Photo Credits: Agudath Israel/ ProPhoto STL
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This morning, the New York Times published yet another lengthy, prejudicial article against Orthodox Jews, this time targeting Kiryas Joel, a village which “is almost entirely populated by Hasidic Jews.”
The Times focuses its harsh spotlight on certain legitimate, school-related payments made by the Kiryas Joel school district to the United Talmudical Academy (U.T.A.) of Kiryas Joel. The report seems determined to find a scandal. But other than reiterating concerns about conflict-of-interest policies, the Times fails to find its smoking gun.
Is it nefarious or even surprising that when seeking to rent specialized school space, the district would do so from the nonprofit that supplies the majority of it in the district, and “provides schooling for most of the children in Kiryas Joel?” Moreover, ominous innuendo notwithstanding, is it scandalous that the district repaired the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in the facility in which children with special education needs were learning?
To be sure, the Times includes a few sentences of balance in the article, including statements by District superintendent, Joel Petlin, and a brief acknowledgment that:
“Federal regulators have given the Kiryas Joel school system high marks over the years for the services it offers its students. And village leaders have said the school district is essential to accommodate Hasidic children with disabilities who cannot receive aid in the community’s private schools and might become targets of ridicule in other nearby public schools.”
But these plaudits are quickly discarded. The Times seems offended by the very notion of doing business with Hasidic Jews. It continues:
“But the money it sends to the U.T.A. and its affiliates has done more than just secure classroom space for the public-school programs. It has supported private schools that provide thousands of boys with only cursory instruction in English and math, and barely any science or social studies, setting some back for life.”
In other words, because the Times objects to the religious education that Hasidic Jews choose to offer their children, it is suggesting implementing a BDS, of sorts, for Hasidic Jewish institutions. Don’t do business with Hasidic institutions. Who knows, that money might support their religious education!
The New York Times portrays Hasidic Jews as ultra-religious, self-dealing caricatures, as black and white as the traditional garb they wear.
KnowUs, a project of Agudath Israel of America, urges all people of good faith – left, right, and center – to join the chorus of voices calling out the Times’ disturbing and unrelenting obsession with demonizing Orthodox Jews; its lack of balance; its irresponsibility in stoking the blazing flames of antisemitism; and its lack of critical context when presenting stories – at least when involving Orthodox Jews – the inclusion of which would paint a far more accurate, and full-colored picture.
The post 18th Article, and Counting: Will the New York Times’ Obsessive Demonization of Orthodox Jews Ever End? first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
This week, Agudath Israel led a delegation of Orthodox Jewish advocates from the Long Island and Queens areas to Albany to advocate for our community’s needs. This was the second installment of Agudath Israel’s three annual advocacy missions to Albany, which give community representatives the opportunity to speak to their legislators about issues of concern to New York’s Orthodox Jewish communities.
The participants spent the day meeting with state Senators Joseph Addabbo, Leroy Comrie, Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Jack Martins, James Sanders and, Toby Ann Stavisky, and Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato, Ari Brown, Brian Curran, Alicia Hyndman, Charles Lavine, Daniel Rosenthal, Nily Rozic and, David Weprin, as well as staff members of state Senator John Liu and Assemblymembers Khaleel Anderson and Andrew Hevesi and Counsel to the Speaker Miguelina Camilo.
A highlight of the day was Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato introducing Agudah’s Queens and Long Island delegation on the Assembly floor.
Agudah’s new KnowUs initiative, which was launched at the start of the year to correct wrong and dangerous mischaracterizations of the Orthodox Jewish community, was presented to the legislators. “Most of the legislators know our communities well and were very receptive and encouraging about our new initiative,” said Rabbi Ami Bazov Esq., Associate Director of Yeshiva Services
One of the main issues discussed with the legislators was that of a change in the language of New York State law regarding Mandated Services Aid (MSA) in this year’s executive budget. MSA is a law that was passed in 1974, due in a large measure to the advocacy of the late Agudah president Rabbi Moshe Sherer z”l, that allocates funds to reimburse nonpublic schools in New York State for services that schools are mandated by the state to provide. The proposed change in language would cap reimbursements to the amount allocated, thus removing the state liability for full reimbursement.
Another issue discussed with legislators was the Non-Profit Security Equipment grant (NPSE). With the rise of antisemitic attacks, specifically in New York, making sure our schools are given the funding they need to be able to protect themselves from such attacks is of the highest priority. Advocates asked the legislators to increase the program’s funding allocation to $60 million.
The delegates also discussed other issues – including expanding childcare funding, universal free lunch, and immunization reimbursements – with the legislators.
“What Agudah does better than any other organization is connecting, building, and accomplishing,” said Mrs. Sorolle Idels, founder of the Queens Jewish Alliance. “Thank you to all the elected officials who took the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns.”
Photo Credits: Agudath Israel/Moshe Gershbaum
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Agudath Israel announced today that Rabbi Avi Schnall, director of Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office since 2014, has decided that he will be stepping down from his position.
During Rabbi Schnall’s tenure, the New Jersey office’s accomplishments included – among many others – successful advocacy in increasing security funding for schools, defending the rights of Orthodox Jews to build shuls and eruvs in the face of discriminatory zoning laws, ensuring busing for nonpublic school students, and a first-time-ever tuition aid program for the Lakewood community. The New Jersey office pioneered Yahalom, a resource and referral center for parents of children with special needs, just launched Zahav, a resource and referral center for the growing senior community in Lakewood, and published a compliance guide for nonpublic schools.
Agudath Israel is pleased to announce that New Jersey legislative activities will continue under the leadership of Rabbi Shlomo Schorr, associate director of government affairs. Rabbi Schorr’s previous experience as a journalist, with strong relationships in local and state government, makes him a natural to advocate for Orthodox Jewish interests in Trenton and in city and town halls across the state.
“Avi’s clear voice has been heard for many years in the halls of government,” said Rabbi A.D. Motzen, Agudath Israel’s national director of government affairs. “Agudath Israel will continue to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle to amplify our message.”
“The New Jersey office identifies gaps in the frum community and works to solve them, such as with Yahalom and Agudah’s new Zahav program,” said Rabbi Yitzchok Ehrman, Agudath Israel’s COO. “We will continue Rabbi Schnall’s legacy in originating more solutions for New Jersey communities.”
“While we will miss Avi terribly,” said Duvy Gross, Agudath Israel board member, “we are excited that Rabbi Shlomo Schorr’s place on Agudath Israel’s advocacy team will continue to lead the New Jersey office to many more legislative achievements.”
“When Rabbi Schnall assumed the leadership of Agudath Israel’s New Jersey office some nine years ago, his energy, passion and commitment, his concern for both the community and the individual, supercharged the New Jersey office,” said Ralph Zucker, Agudath Israel board member. “Together with the dedicated staff in New Jersey, and in coordination with Agudah’s national offices, Agudah has made a lasting impact on countless lives. Rabbi Schnall’s legacy is strong, and we wish him the best.”
“It has been a source of pride to work with the Agudah office in New Jersey, under Avi’s direction,” said Moshe Netzer, Agudath Israel board member. “He leaves the office strong, and we expect to see more great things happening from the seeds that he has already planted.”
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On February 15, 2023, we held a webinar on the MSA-CAP process for the 2021-22 claim year. The webinar was presented by Rabbi Nissan Gewirtzman of Yeshiva Consulting Services, followed by a Q&A with Althea Johnson and her team from SORIS.
The post MSA-CAP Webinar Recording first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudath Israel is greatly concerned over two shootings on consecutive days victimizing Orthodox Jews leaving their synagogues following morning prayers.
Our California office has been in touch with the Los Angeles Police Department, as well as Los Angeles Councilwoman Katy Young Yaroslovsky’s office, who are taking this situation very seriously. While we do not yet know who the shooter(s) are, if the cases are related, or what the motivations may have been, Agudath Israel feels that these incidents should be investigated as hate crimes until we know otherwise. In the meantime we ask all Los Angeles institutions to be especially vigilant in the days ahead.
We pray for the complete recovery of the victims of these shootings
The post Statement of Agudath Israel on Shootings of Orthodox Jews in Los Angeles first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
When reaching retirement age, one is often faced with many important decisions and choices, requiring decisions about Social Security, Medicare, Home Care, and many other questions. Their family members are also in a quandary, often never having dealt with these issues before. To help seniors and their families navigate the road ahead of them, Agudas Yisroel’s New Jersey office is launching a new division: Zahav, a resource and referral center for Lakewood seniors and their families.
Questions that the Zahav team are expecting will include ones about finding local help for seniors, finding guidance for legal and medical planning, and information about government resources to pay towards healthcare costs. Others will want to know about financial planning questions, such as trusts and wills, or Medicaid. Zahav aims to help seniors and their families, answer their questions, and guide them to ensure they are equipped with all the necessary information they need to access life-enhancing services and programs.
Zahav is headed by Mrs. Hadassah Waldman, MS, SBL, SDL, who most recently was the director of senior services for the Boro Park Jewish Community Council. She brings to the position a wealth of experience, which she is applying to the senior community’s needs in Lakewood.
“We are very excited to launch Zahav for the benefit of Lakewood’s growing senior community,” said Rabbi Avi Schnall, director of Agudah’s New Jersey office. “Mrs. Waldman’s experience in this field will be a tremendous asset in helping Lakewood’s seniors.”
Zahav can be reached by calling 732-540-1898, or emailing zahav@agudah.org. All inquiries will be held in strictest confidentiality.
The post Agudas Yisroel’s New Jersey Office Launches Zahav, a New Resource and Referral Center for Seniors and Their Families first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Question: Are our rights under attack and being trampled on? The background on school choice.
Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus:
Question: The candidate that the large percentage of the community voted for did not win. Are there going to be repercussions and did we shoot ourselves in the foot?
Rabbi Yeruchim Silber
Question: In recent elections we have seen an increase in support for school choice. What is the analysis of what is happening across the country on the expansion of school choice?
Rabbi Yitz Frank
Question: What is the background in enacting a school choice program?
Rabbi Shlomo Soroka
Question: What is the current landscape in DC with regard to school choice?
Rabbi Abba Cohen
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With shock and pain Agudath Israel of America notes the horrific news of yet another deadly terror attack in Jerusalem. A terrorist rammed into people at a bus stop, killing two – a six-year-old-boy and a twenty-year-old newlywed – and injuring five.
May the One Above have mercy on those injured, and comfort the families of those killed.
The post Agudath Israel Statement on Today’s Terror Attack in Jerusalem first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Yesterday, Agudath Israel led a delegation of Orthodox Jewish advocates from the Hudson Valley area – Rockland County, Orange County, and Sullivan County– to Albany to advocate for our community’s needs. This was the first installment of Agudath Israel’s three annual advocacy missions to Albany, which give local representatives the opportunity to speak to their legislators about issues of concern to New York’s Orthodox Jewish communities.
The participants spent the day meeting with State Senators Peter Oberacker, James Skoufis and, Bill Weber, and Assemblymembers Karl Brabenec, Chris Eachus, Pamela Hunter, Dana Levenberg, John McGowan, and Nader Sayegh, as well as staff members of Senators Peter Harckham, Michelle Hinchey and Shelley Mayer, and Assemblymembers Aileen Gunther and Amy Paulin.
A highlight of the day was Assemblymember Dana Levenberg introducing Agudah’s Hudson Valley delegation on the Assembly floor.
At the forefront of the delegates’ presentations this year was Agudah’s new KnowUs initiative, which was launched at the start of the year to correct wrong and dangerous mischaracterizations of the Orthodox Jewish community. “Most of the legislators know our communities,” said Rabbi Labish Becker, executive director of Agudath Israel. “But some of their constituents don’t. We spoke to them about what they can do to help educate the general public about Orthodox Jews.”
One of the main issues discussed with the legislators was that of the Non-Profit Security Equipment grant (NPSE). With the rise of antisemitic attacks, specifically in New York, making sure our schools are given the funding they need to be able to protect themselves from such attacks is of the highest priority. Advocates asked the legislators to increase the program’s funding allocation to $60 million.
Another topic discussed was busing for nonpublic school students. State law requires school districts to provide transportation to all eligible students to and from school, both public and nonpublic. Many schools have multiple arrival and dismissal times. Districts with a large number of nonpublic schools often having varied arrival and dismissal times, and struggle to meet the state mandate. In some instances, the limited number of busses has led to children being on a bus for 90 minutes. This has caused many parents to forego their state-mandated and safe school bus transportation and instead transport children on their own, adding unnecessary expense, loss of work, and added traffic to these communities. Participants discussed this issue with the legislators and asked them to address the needs of their children so they receive adequate transportation.
The delegates also discussed other issues – including expanding child care funding, universal free lunch, and mandated services aid – with the legislators.
“We had a very productive day of meetings,” said Rabbi Shragi Greenbaum, director of Agudah’s Rockland County Regional Office. “We are grateful to all those who joined us in Albany this year to advocate on behalf of our community.”
“Having been a participant on multiple trips to Albany as a part of the Agudah delegation, I am always impressed with the respect our elected officials have for the Agudah,” said Mrs. Rivkie Feiner, CEO of Feiner Grant Strategies. “By organizing these trips Agudath Israel provides a great service in enabling community leaders to talk directly with their representatives, and have our voices heard.”
Photo Credits: Moshe Gershbaum
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Agudath Israel of Florida welcomes proposed measures in Florida to promote security and combat antisemitism.
This week, Governor Ron DeSantis released his proposed Florida state budget. The bill would provide over $18.2 million in funding for Jewish schools, museums, and memorials across the state. This includes a record $5 million in security funding for Jewish day schools.
Also, this week, State Representative Mike Caruso introduced bipartisan legislation to combat antisemitism. HB 269 would expand the definition of hate crimes and increase the penalties for such actions. The new definitions include the distribution of flyers, stalking, defacing graves and certain buildings, or projecting images on someone else’s property — if the act shows ethnic or religious animus.
This measure is in response to antisemitic messages and swastikas defacing buildings in Jacksonville and West Palm Beach as well as multiple instances of antisemitic materials being left outside of homes in Florida.
“The state of Florida is taking the threat of rising antisemitism seriously,” said Rabbi Moshe Matz, executive director of Agudath Israel of Florida. “The recent public displays of antisemitism and distribution of antisemitic materials is deeply concerning to our community. We are heartened to see that Florida is taking action to respond. We are grateful to Governor Ron DeSantis who continues to provide strong support to the Jewish community in Florida, and to Representative Mike Caruso whose proposed legislation shows zero tolerance for antisemitism.”
Photo Credits: Agudath Israel of America
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Below is an excerpt from the Yeshiva Summit session presented by Zacharia Waxler, Co-Managing Partner, Roth&Co titled Rising Above Media Attacks, what you need to know and how to prepare ourselves when contracting with Special Ed agencies and other vendors.
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Yesterday, Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio announced in his State of the State Address a proposal to raise the current qualifying threshold to be eligible for Ohio’s EdChoice scholarship program from 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 400%, one of the highest in the nation. This will benefit thousands of students from middle-class families all around the state, who will now be eligible for EdChoice scholarships valued between $5,500 and $7,500 per student. Additionally, the Governor proposed an initiative to fund school resources officers to protect students in all schools, including nonpublic schools.
For years, Rabbi Yitz Frank, Executive Director of Agudath Israel of Ohio, has worked closely with state officials to pass and implement school choice for Ohio families. This latest accomplishment highlights Agudath Israel’s long-term strategic approach to enhancing our communities’ priorities and providing leadership on school choice initiatives in states around the country.
Rabbi Frank stated, “Today is a day to celebrate Governor DeWine’s bold vision to empower families and provide them with true school choice. We know that when parents are in the driver’s seat, all students benefit.” Rabbi Frank promised that Agudath Israel would continue to work with its coalition partners and with the members of the General Assembly to enable more families to qualify. The state’s biennial budget will need to be passed and agreed upon by both the Ohio House and Senate, which will take place over the next five months. “We look forward over the coming months to working closely with the champion of school choice, Senate President Huffman, and the newly elected leadership and members of the Ohio House.”
This past year, Agudath Israel was again instrumental in the passage of a bill that further expanded school choice options. Some of these provisions included:
- Allowing students that initially qualify for Ohio’s EdChoice Income-based Scholarship Program to remain eligible for a full scholarship, even if their family income rises.
- Allowing siblings of students enrolled in Ohio’s EdChoice Income-based Scholarship Program to qualify for a scholarship.
- Eliminating the June 30th deadline for families to use funds in their ACE scholarship account and doubling the award amount to $1000. This provides eligible families with a $1000 grant that can be used to pay for a variety of enrichment activities that will accelerate learning for students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Agudath Israel of America is applauding Senator Bill Cassidy (R- LA) and Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) for leading the effort in the 118th Congress to increase school choice across the country. The Educational Choice for Children Act (S.120/H.R. 531) the legislators unveiled last week will provide ten billion dollars’ worth of tax credits to individual and corporate taxpayers to support educational opportunities and services in all fifty states. Providing dollar-for-dollar tax credits will encourage both businesses and individuals to invest in education.
Currently, twenty-two states have scholarship tax credit programs which have helped hundreds of thousands of students attend the school of their choice, public or private. Jewish day school families, among many others, have been beneficiaries of such programs. A federal tax credit would enhance existing programs and open up more educational opportunities in states where no program exists currently.
The proposed bill, which Agudath Israel helped craft with the sponsors, would allow a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit up to ten percent of an individual taxpayer’s adjusted gross income (AGI) or $5,000 (whichever is higher) and five percent of a corporation’s taxable income for contributions made to a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). The SGO would then provide scholarships to children of eligible families for educational expenses, which include tuition at private schools.
The legislation introduced yesterday enjoys the co-sponsorship of fourteen members of the Senate and thirty members of the House, numbers that are expected to increase further with growing momentum. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has shown strong support for school choice, making it part of his Commitment to America plan.
Over the years, Agudath Israel has strongly advocated for school choice on the federal level. Through its network of regional offices, it has also been at the forefront of promoting similar legislation in state capitals.
Agudath Israel is calling on its members, and all those who support school choice, to contact their senators and representatives by email or phone using this link and encourage them to cosponsor this legislation. The organization is also urging its members to convey this message when their elected officials return home to work in their district offices and meet constituents
Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel’s Vice President for Government Affairs and Washington Director commended Senator Cassidy and Representative Smith, and called for the proposed bill’s favorable consideration. “We encourage lawmakers, Republican and Democratic, to put a bipartisan stamp on the common-sense policy that is at the heart of this bill: assisting parents to access the learning environment and the educational benefits that are best suited for their children, and that will enhance educational achievement for all of America’s students.”
“Agudath Israel has played a key role in advancing school choice across the nation, yet half of the states in this country have not yet enacted any such program,” noted Rabbi A.D. Motzen, Agudath Israel’s National Director of Government Affairs “Offering a federal incentive and allowing scholarships to be used for a broad range of educational expenses is exactly what is needed to allow families, regardless in which state they reside, to benefit from this major investment in education.”
The post Agudath Israel Applauds Introduction of Educational Choice for Children Act first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Dear Agudah Activist:
Congress is considering a $10 billion “school choice” proposal and we need you to urge your senators and representatives to support the bill as co-sponsors.
Last year, the Supreme Court strengthened the future of school choice, a goal that Agudath Israel has strongly advocated for in Washington, in state capitals and in courtrooms over a course of seven decades. Our work is paying off in meaningful ways.
The important challenge we now face is to translate the Supreme Court victory into practical victories for our parents and children. And we are now confronted with one such opportunity.
The “Educational Choice for Children Act” (S.120/H.R.531) is major school choice legislation recently introduced in Congress that has the potential of moving school choice forward across the country. The legislation will effectively encourage individual and corporate taxpayers to invest in education and cover expenses facing public and private school children to the tune of $10 billion per year.
It does this by allowing, within a specified framework, a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for individuals and corporations for contributions made to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGO). These SGOs would then provide scholarships to children of eligible families for a range of educational expenses, including private school tuition!
This federal assistance will help families send their children to the schools – public, private or religious – that they deem to offer the most suitable education for their children. Moreover, the proposed federal scholarship tax credit program will add significantly to existing state scholarship programs and encourage the opening up of more opportunities in states where few, if any, such programs exist.
All of this promises to be of great benefit to Jewish parents who are committed – but struggle — to giving their children a sound Torah education.
If this effort is to move forward, our community must voice its strong support and encourage our senators and representatives to cosponsor this legislation. We urge you to contact your members of Congress by email or phone using the link above. And, as members regularly return to their districts to meet constituents and listening to their concerns, those are opportune times to reach out to your elected officials in person in their offices or when they attend events in your area.
Congress must hear our voices. Please help make that happen.
To see if your member of Congress already signed on as a co-sponsor see here for House bill and here for Senate bill. If they have, please express your appreciation. If not, let them hear your voice.
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Agudath Israel is welcoming the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons Act (HEAL), legislation which would require a study of Holocaust education efforts in states, local educational agencies and public elementary and secondary schools. Leading the effort are Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Kathy Manning (D-NC) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). The bill was introduced on International Holocaust Remembrance Day with bipartisan support.
“Raising the level of Holocaust awareness within United States, and particularly among our young people, is the call of the hour,” according to Rabbi Abba Cohen, Vice President for Government Affairs and Washington Director of Agudath Israel of America. “The pattern of hate crimes that have targeted American Jews of late, and the shocking level of ignorance about the Holocaust as demonstrated in recent polls, make Holocaust education an important weapon in the battle to combat this hate.”
Under the bill, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum will be instructed to survey the states to determine, among other things: whether Holocaust education is mandatory or optional; the respective state standards and their implementation; the use of quantitative and qualitative strategies; the types of instructional materials and comprehensiveness of lessons; and, how schools are assessing outcomes. HEAL will also require the results of the study to be reported to Congress.
The HEAL Act follows the 2020 passage of the Never Again Holocaust Education Act, which provided funding to expand support for resources and curricular material for educators, and for professional development.
Agudath Israel is supporting and helping to promote the bill and is praising Reps. Gottheimer and other sponsors for their devotion and unity regarding this issue.
“The more today’s youth learn about the Holocaust, the more they understand the evil and horror of antisemitism and other forms of hatred,” noted Rabbi Cohen. “With so much at stake, we must ensure that Holocaust education is being conducted with the utmost in excellence and effectiveness, and that is what this legislation is about.”
Photo Credits: Moshe Gershbaum/Agudath Israel of America
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With pain and sorrow we note the devastating news of a deadly terror attack in the Neve Yakov neighborhood in Jerusalem, Israel. At least seven were killed, and many more injured. The evil of the attack was compounded by its location – a synagogue in which people had been praying.
May the One Above have mercy on those injured, and comfort the families of those killed.
The post Agudath Israel Statement on Friday’s Deadly Terror Attack in Jerusalem first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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Dear friends,
As we are well aware, government funding to our yeshivos is limited. One of the few sources of funding available for our children is for students in need of compensatory education. Through ‘Chapter 192 Funding’ the State provides compensatory instruction in Language Arts and Math to needy students.
Although the per-service amount was increased slightly last year, from $995.00 (an amount that remained stagnant for 10 years), to $1040.33, an increase in the number of students caused a proration to just $988.31.
We are asking the Governor that the Budget language reflect the per-service amount for Chapter 192 to $1,300.00 per service and that he includes sufficient funding to the program to avoid proration. These measures are necessary to ensure that eligible students can get the services they need to be successful in school.
Another critical budget item is transportation funding.
The per-pupil amount for nonpublic transportation is $1,022.00
Given the fact that legislation was enacted in 2003 which provided for an increase in the nonpublic transportation ceiling commensurate with the Consumer Price Index figure, the amount each eligible student receives should be at least $1,300.00. Therefore, we are asking for an increase of at least $280.00 per pupil to a minimum of $1,300.00 in an attempt to get more transportation for our children and to assist parents who need to find alternatives to busing. For FY ’23, the amount per-pupil was increased by $22.00 to $1,022 – hardly an increase which would create significant additional students being transported.
At the end of February, Governor Murphy will introduce his budget. It is crucial that we act now, and ask him to increase funds for Chapter 192 Funding as well as increase the funding for transportation.
Please fill out the form below to submit a letter asking Governor Murphy to give our children their fair share and increase funding.
Thank you for taking action!
Avi Schnall
Director, New Jersey Office
Agudath Israel of America
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Tonight, Tuesday, January 24th, 3 Shevat, lomdei haDaf across the globe will celebrate the conclusion of Maseches Nedarim in the 14th cycle of Daf Yomi.
At 9:15 PM ET, Agudas Yisroel will bring together lomdei HaDaf, their friends, and families for a fascinating live broadcast of the Siyum Nedarim. This exciting and meaningful program will begin with a hadran from R’ Kalman Frisch, Daf Yomi magid shiur of the highly acclaimed Daf Yomi chaburah of Sterling Forest, Lakewood, New Jersey. The guest speaker of the night will be HaRav Yisroel Reisman, Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva Torah Vodaath and Rav of Agudas Yisroel of Madison, Zichron Chaim Zvi. Rav Reisman will address an array of topics that have been raised during the limud of Maseches Nedarim, focusing on the halachah l’maaseh aspects of hilchos nedarim. Rav Reisman will also share a message of chizuk and hisorerus for lomdei haDaf worldwide and their families.
The worldwide Agudah siyum program will be hosted by the Daf Yomi chaburah of Sterling Forest, Lakewood, New Jersey.
To access the program go to www.TorahAnytime.org/AgudahTorah or call 718.298.2077 x 52.
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Photo: Rabbi Moshe Matz, Executive Director of Agudath Israel of Florida, and Rabbi A.D Motzen, National Director of Government Affairs of Agudath Israel of America, with former Florida Governor Jeb Bush who created the first statewide voucher program in the country. (Credit: Agudath Israel of America)
Florida, already a national leader on school choice, is set to further expand the state’s scholarship program with a bill introduced today in the Florida Legislature. House Bill 1 will expand eligibility to all students and eliminate the waiting list for over 9,000 students with unique abilities.
Agudath Israel has been an integral part of the state’s school choice coalition almost since its inception. Since that time, the number of students served has grown exponentially, and includes thousands of families choosing Jewish day schools. The new proposal, introduced by Representative Kaylee Tuck (R- Lake Placid), prioritizes low-income families, but expands eligibility to all K-12 students in the state.
“House Bill 1,” said Rabbi Moshe Matz, Agudath Israel of Florida’s executive director, “gives every parent the ability to choose the educational setting that best meets the unique needs of his or her child. Agudath Israel commends House Speaker Paul Renner for prioritizing this important bill.”
“Almost 25 years ago, under the direction of Governor Jeb Bush, Florida became a leader in educational freedom and opportunity by starting the school choice movement. It’s time to finish the job. The Florida House is dedicated to expanding choice to every student in Florida,” said House Speaker Paul Renner in a statement.
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By: Sandy Eller
We never thought it could happen here.
But our beloved educational institutions have come repeatedly under attack, a reality that has only underscored the need for the Yeshiva Summit, imbuing the annual event with a definite sense of urgency.
Over 400 attendees, including leaders of 140 different schools, gathered at Terrace on the Park on Thursday, January 12th for the Yeshiva Summit, a project of Agudath Israel of America’s Yeshiva Services department. Titled Upstream, the 2023 summit focused on forging ahead in a difficult environment, directly addressing security, educational and funding issues, as well as other growing challenges that threaten New York’s yeshivas and day schools. In keeping with Yeshiva Services’ mission of advocating for schools all across the spectrum of Orthodoxy, the summit proved to be a valuable and timely resource, and participants spent a full day hearing from community leaders, elected officials and experts in their respective fields about a variety of topics directly impacting New York State yeshivas.
Among the highlights of the summit were divrei chizuk from Mesivta of Long Beach Rosh Yeshiva HaRav Chaim Yehoshua Hoberman, who praised the yeshiva system in New York for its part in creating thriving Orthodox communities. Participants had an opportunity to hear daas Torah imparted by Rabbi Hoberman during a Q&A session regarding practical issues relevant to all yeshivos while Roth&Co co-managing partner Zacharia Waxler provided practical guidance on best practices for working with special education agencies and other vendors.
Sessions throughout the day offered pragmatic advice on using security grants to protect teachers and students in schools, getting ahead of impending New York City energy regulations, and understanding the legal ramifications of hiring and firing practices. Also addressed were funding opportunities for Title services and state-funded Nonpublic School Safety Equipment grants, with New York State Education Department Assistant Commissioner Christina Coughlin coming in from Albany to discuss changes in reimbursements for school safety and health expenses.
Multiple elected and government officials, including State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Assemblyman David Weprin, City Councilman Kalman Yeger and Mayor Eric Adams’ Deputy Chief of Staff Menashe Shapiro, expressed their support for yeshivas and the Jewish community. State Senator Leroy Comrie and Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato participated in an afternoon political panel, while United States Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer joined the conference on Zoom to speak about increases in security funding, burgeoning anti-Semitism and his close relationship with the Agudah dating back to his decades of friendship with the legendary Agudath Israel long-time leader, Rabbi Moshe Sherer. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards condemned the New York Times’ obsession with the Orthodox Jewish community, and praised local yeshivas for offering educations that he described as “phenomenal,” singling out Beis Medrash Hagadol D’Satmar, Torah Academy for Girls and Yeshiva of Central Queens by name. The summit offered participants significant networking opportunities as well as the ability to meet with more than 40 on-site vendors representing a variety of businesses and services.
Having government and elected officials express their confidence in the yeshiva system and describe the quality of the individuals and communities that they produce as proof of their effectiveness was extremely reassuring, said Yeshiva Services Director Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus.
“It is a real testament to our schools to see so many administrators and principals taking time out of their busy schedules to attend the Yeshiva Summit in order to continue providing students with stellar educations,” said Rabbi Pinkus. “Yeshiva Services unites the entire spectrum of yeshivos, day schools and Bais Yaakovs, advocating on behalf of each one. We are grateful to be able to provide our assistance to the entire yeshiva community, both in our day-to-day operations, and through events like the Yeshiva Summit.”
Photo Credits: Agudath Israel/ Moshe Gershbaum
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Agudath Israel is welcoming the Supreme Court’s decision to hear Groff v. DeJoy, a case involving accommodation of a Sabbath observer in the workplace.
Last year, Agudath Israel and other Orthodox groups joined a National Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs (COLPA) brief urging the Supreme Court to hear the case and provide more meaningful accommodation of religious practices — including Sabbath observance — for American workers. The COLPA brief was authored by renowned constitutional attorney Nathan Lewin.
Gerald Groff, an evangelical Christian, was a Pennsylvania mailman. When Amazon contracted with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to deliver packages on Sundays, Mr. Groff, who observes Sunday as his Sabbath, was faced with a religious dilemma. Mr. Groff attempted to make arrangements with the USPS to avoid working Sundays by offering to work multiple make-up shifts and even by switching postal offices, but the Postal Service deemed this insufficient and multiple disciplinary actions were taken against him. Facing termination Mr. Groff chose, instead, to resign from the USPS.
Following his resignation, Mr. Groff sued the USPS for failing to accommodate his sincerely-held religious beliefs. However, he was unsuccessful as both the district court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against him. They did so on the basis that his absence on Sunday caused an “undue burden” to the USPS. The courts’ ruling is based on an earlier Supreme Court ruling in Trans World Airlines v. Hardison, in which the Court weakly defined “undue burden” as only “more than de minimis cost,” meaning more than a “trivial burden.”
Mr. Lewin’s brief requested the Court overturn its previous ruling in the Hardison case, stating that “changes in American society and in the understanding of the Establishment Clause justify rejection and repudiation today of a legal rule that perpetrates great injustice and harm on Sunday observing Christians like petitioner and on Jewish, Moslem, and Seventh-Day Adventist members of America’s work force.” The brief also notes that because of Hardison, religious employees have a harder time receiving legal accommodation than those who need accommodation on the basis of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and paternity.
“The history of American Jewry cannot be told without marking the struggle for Sabbath observance,” said Rabbi David Zwiebel, Agudah’s executive vice president. “Due to Hardison, countless people have given up or even lost employment opportunities for jobs for which they were eminently qualified. Most of these cases were not even litigated because of the high bar set by Hardison. By agreeing to hear this case the Supreme Court has taken one step forward to rectifying this and protecting the religious liberties of Americans in the workforce.”
Rabbi Zwiebel continued: “We are especially pleased to add Agudath Israel’s name to an amicus brief authored by the great champion of Orthodox Jewish legal rights, Nathan Lewin. For many decades, Mr. Lewin has been in the forefront of the battle to have the Supreme Court undo the harmful Hardison ‘de minimus’ standard and ensure broad legal protections for Sabbath observers in the workplace. By agreeing to review the Groff case, the Supreme Court gives us hope that Mr. Lewin’s tireless efforts will finally be rewarded.”
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The New York Times licked its chops on Wednesday, gleefully relating how five individuals who run companies that “primarily serve the Orthodox Jewish community” were indicted for daycare fraud. But instead of just reporting the allegations, the self-congratulatory tone of the article reflected the Times’ apparent conviction that the indictments vindicate the paper’s recent onslaught of vilifications of the Orthodox Jewish community.
What the article’s references to those earlier pieces in fact indicate is something else entirely: the Times’ desire to, at every turn, portray the Orthodox community as unsavory or worse.
Agudath Israel knows nothing about the indicted individuals. It goes without saying that if the allegations are true, fraud is always and unequivocally wrong.
The larger problem here is that the Times chooses to weaponize the indictments of these individuals to justify its many allegations made about the larger Orthodox Jewish community.
Extrapolating the act of an individual to smear his entire ethnic or religious group would be greeted – and properly so – with howls of protest in any other context. It is equally howl-worthy when applied to Orthodox Jews. Indeed, the Times correctly decries racial profiling in other contexts, but glibly purveys it when it comes to Orthodox Jews.
In another article that same day, a New York Times headline read, Was Yeshiva University Entitled to $230 Million in Public Funds? The obviously negative implication of the headline, and the inclusion of the tallying of funds therein, were clearly meant to inflame rather than report.
The message from the Times is consistent. Orthodox Jewish students – Hasidic or Modern Orthodox – don’t deserve public funds or assistance like everyone else, either because they are all corrupt, or because they have the audacity to practice their religion. They should be treated as pariahs.
Agudath Israel views the publication of such sentiments by one of the most powerful newspapers in the world as deeply dangerous. With each passing day, each passing article, and each passing assault on an Orthodox Jew, our KnowUs initiative is, unfortunately, needed more than ever.
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Forestburgh, New York, population 808, is a small town on the Neversink River in Sullivan County. And just last week, their monthly Town Board meeting, included testimony from Rabbi Yeruchim Silber and Rabbi Avi Schnall of Agudah’s New York and New Jersey offices.
The story begain in 2011, when the Town Board rezoned the 3.3 square miles of land owned by Double Diamond, a Texas developer, to authorize the building of 2,557 single-family homes, along with cottages and townhouse-style condominium units, for a total of 2,637 residential units, along with multiple recreational and community amenities. In 2013, the Town Board granted Double Diamond final subdivision and site plan approval for the first phase of the project, consisting of 400 single-family home lots and the first nine holes of the project’s golf course.
In 2020, Lost Lake Holdings, an Orthodox Jewish group, bought the project from Double Diamond. They immediately encountered expressions of anti-Semitic opposition in the community. Then the town denied their application to develop the area.
Lost Lake Holdings is now bringing a federal lawsuit against Forestburgh. The suit alleges that the town has engaged in numerous actions to block construction of homes in the project, all as part of an effort to prevent Hasidic Orthodox Jews from moving to the town.
Rabbi Silber, Agudah’s director of New York government relations, described at the meeting the role of Agudath Israel in protecting religious liberties and how numerous municipalities have put up obstacles to prevent Orthodox Jewish expansion. He made clear that Agudah supports Lost Lake Holding’s lawsuit and will be monitoring it. But, most importantly, he asked the board to reconsider their oppositions and to allow the project to proceed.
Rabbi Schnall, director of Agudah’s New Jersey office, reviewed the history of some of the obstacles placed in the path of the group, among them an increase of 1000% in parkland fees. He also quoted a previous town supervisor who said, “These are not the visitors we want to attract.” Rabbi Schnall pointed to his experience in Jackson, New Jersey, where Agudath Israel filed a federal lawsuit after similar difficulties were encountered.
“Agudath Israel will continue to forcefully advocate on behalf of Orthodox Jews and push back against discrimination,” said Rabbi Silber. We stand with Orthodox Jews of Forestburgh, as we have stood with those of Jackson, Blooming Grove, Chester and other areas, who encountered discrimination and hate because of their religion.”
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Agudah advocacy in accordance with 1971 (unpublished) teshuvah by Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt’l, on permanent DSTThe effort in the 117th Congress to permanently extend “daylight saving time” (DST) came to a sputtering end, as the House of Representatives refused to act on the measure. This was due, in large part, by the efforts of Agudath Israel of America, which played a leading role in making known the unique and disruptive challenges permanent DST would present to the Orthodox Jewish community, thereby stunting its progress on Capitol Hill.
“It was an intensive few months of working behind-the-scenes on this issue, which is so fraught with problems for the religious, economic and family life of the Orthodox Jewish community,” noted Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel’s Vice President for Government Affairs and Washington Director. “After Senate sponsors quietly used a procedural maneuver to pass a bill making DST permanent, there was tremendous pressure to quickly push the bill through the House. We immediately went into action and were successful in helping to shut it down during the critical weeks and months that followed.”
The centerpiece of Agudath Israel’s advocacy was a legislative memorandum widely circulated on Capitol Hill presenting the substantive Orthodox community concerns, including a survey of sunrise time in cities across the country under permanent DST and an analysis by Rabbi Dovid Heber, shlita, of Baltimore, an authority on the luach and zmanim. Agudath Israel also mobilized national and local Orthodox rabbonim, mechanchim and organizations, as well as its regional offices around the country, and enlisted their assistance in reaching out to local representatives.
Two primary concerns were brought to the legislators’ attention.
The first related to an unintended consequence the change in DST would have on a fundamental aspect of Jewish religious life – morning davening. Under halacha, tefillas shacharis, and the mitzvos associated with it, are regulated according to solar positioning in the sky and are to be performed no earlier (or later) than at certain specified times. Shul schedules are set up in line with those times. With a change in DST, and the subsequent later sunrise, the times for davening and its accompanying mitzvos will be altered –which, in turn, will undermine their proper observance, discourage shul attendance, and result in late arrival for work.
“We heard from numerous rabbonim around the country about how this change would completely disrupt daily davening schedules, putting minyanim and tefilah b’tzibbur in jeopardy,” according to Rabbi Cohen. “They were stunned by our research, which indicated that in some cities with Orthodox populations, for varying amounts of time, sunrise could be after 8:00 AM, in other cities after 9:00 AM — times that were incompatible with shul and work schedules.”
Agudath Israel was also contacted by many Orthodox Jewish employees, who would be forced to forgo delayed tefilla b’tzibbur and, because of later times even for private davening, were still not certain that they could arrive at their workplaces on time. The prospect of asking their employers to arrive late or allowing them to interrupt their mid-morning work with davening, was one they feared would create a tense and tenuous employment relationship. Observance and accommodation of Shabbos and yom tov have become familiar in the workplace; time off for davening – perhaps over a course of weeks — is unknown.
As a representative of the spectrum of yeshivas and Jewish day schools, Agudath Israel’s other primary concern centered around children walking, carpooling or taking the bus to school in the pre-sunrise darkness and the increased risk of accidents and injuries that could result. Indeed, during the Arab oil embargo in early 1970s, when a two-year-long DST was attempted, the experiment was cut short to less than a year due to the public outcry over numerous reported incidents of children being killed, injured and assaulted as they traveled to school in the pitch-black streets.
The alternative would be for these Jewish schools – which often include morning davening – to begin the school day at a much later hour, a detrimental change decried by many yeshiva principals and educators, as well as parents.
Agudath Israel’s advocacy on the issue was consistent with a 1971 teshuva to then-Agudath Israel President Rabbi Moshe Sherer, z’l, penned by the Horav Hagaon R’ Moshe Feinstein, zt’l, who addressed the issue during an earlier legislative attempt to make DST permanent. Pointing out the difficulties regarding proper davening facing those who go to work, Rabbi Feinstein wrote that it is clear that we must fight against such a bill with every means of advocacy – and that it constitutes a “gezeirah mamash al hatefila lirai Hashem Yisborach.”
Ultimately, the multi-pronged effort by Agudath Israel, and opposition by others, were successful in slowing down and eventually ending further action in the House. Representative Frank Pallone, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, stated that the legislation would not proceed without a full airing of the various issues. And, as the months passed, Chairman Pallone and others on the committee continued to hear from Agudath Israel and its allies, leading the Chairman to conclude that there was no consensus in the House as to whether to keep the status quo or to go to either permanent standard or daylight saving time.
This issue hearkens back to other times that the Agudah has fought against such legislation. Aside from the 1970s, in 2005, as part of the Energy Policy Act, DST would have been extended by two months. Agudah and allies were successful in paring that down to a four-week extension, which, based on the calendar, would have had a minimal effect on Orthodox Jewish life.
Rabbi Cohen expressed relief at the House’s decision not to take up the bill. “We hope the issue has been put to rest,” he said, “but we will continue to monitor the legislative docket and, if necessary, let our voice be heard, as there is much at stake here in regard to Orthodox Jewish life.”
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R Moshe Feinstein on Daylight Savings Time
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Children with special needs often have trouble attending and enjoying parties, Chanukah or otherwise, because of sensory overload, unsuited entertainment, and unaccepting environments. And their families – parents, brothers, and sisters – must choose to go to a party without them or not attend the parties themselves.
This Chanukah, Yahalom NY held two parties, in Monsey and Five Towns, for children with special needs and their entire families, attended by over 1,000 guests from Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, Monroe, Monsey, and Five Towns.
The parties themselves included a buffet and donuts in honor of Chanukah, and also included entertainment of magic shows, a clown, and the Wacky Chad Stunt Show.
Yahalom’s focus was on making the party meet the needs of the attendees, and to that end, each family was offered, if they needed, a volunteer to help attend to their child with special needs during the party. Yahalom thanks the amazing volunteers from Bais Yaakov of Monsey, Peer Bais Yaakov, TAG, and BBY, and volunteer coordinators Shoshana Frishman and Bella Rubin, for helping orchestrate this magnificent service.
Families with children with special needs sometimes have trouble getting their entire family in one place at the same time to be able to get family portraits. Yahalom NY arranged for photographer Moshe Gershbaum of Brilliant Photography to take family portraits which were later shared with the families.
A parent from Monsey told us, “Yesterday was our first Yahalom event. I must thank you from the bottom of my heart. I made a new friend, and learned we are in very similar situations! I was struggling immensely and am in a very dark place for a while now, but she boosted me with so much strength and chizuk!”
Another parent, from Five Towns, said, “My family really enjoyed the Chanukah event tonight. It was so thoughtful and appreciated to have a more quiet and less stimulating room for the kids to do crafts. It made all the difference tonight! The staff of smiling volunteers that greeted us and checked in with us during the night made us feel so welcome.”
Yahalom helps parents of special needs children obtain the appropriate resources by guiding, educating and empowering parents to ensure they have the help and support they need. Yahalom is there for our parents at all times, holding their hands, guiding them in whatever areas they need. Whether it’s government programs, chesed organizations, or emotional support, Yahalom is there to ease the way. Find out more about Yahalom, and sign up for email updates, at https://agudah.org/yahalom/.
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Orthodox Jews have been the target of more than a dozen misleading and one-sided portrayals of their community in the pages of The New York Times for the last four months.
It has become abundantly clear that Orthodox Jews must respond to protect their physical security and to depict Orthodox Jews without a jaundiced eye.
That’s why advocates have launched KnowUs: an initiative to combat negative stereotypes advanced by the The New York Times and others and provide an inside look into the lives of Orthodox Jews. KnowUs just erected three prominent Midtown Manhattan billboards, kicking off the campaign. Already garnering attention, the billboards direct viewers to KnowUs.org, a growing informational website, buttressed by a digital campaign, which rolled out today.
It’s no secret that antisemitism is on the rise in New York City. There were 45 antisemitic hate crimes against Jews in November 2022 alone, according to NYPD statistics, more than double the figure in November 2021. But here’s what’s not talked about much: the overwhelming majority of antisemitic hate crimes and assaults are perpetrated against Orthodox Jews. Agudath Israel of America, a leading national Orthodox Jewish nonprofit headquartered in Manhattan, is deeply concerned. The Times’ apparent obsession with painting Orthodox Jews negatively can only increase animus, and potentially violence, against the Orthodox Jewish community.
“The public has been misled about how Orthodox Jews support their families, educate their children, deal with marriage, divorce, and custody disputes, and participate in the political process,” said Mr. Sol Werdiger, founder and CEO of Outerstuff and chairman of Agudath Israel’s board of trustees. “KnowUs counters misinformation and presents Orthodox Jews, as told by Orthodox Jews.”
“Orthodox Jews have been under increasing assault in the streets of New York. Now we are under assault by the ‘paper of record.’ The time has come to speak up, lest our silence be construed as acquiescence to the normalization of anti-Orthodoxy. Hence the urgent need for KnowUs,” said Rabbi David Zwiebel, executive vice president of Agudath Israel of America.
“The world needs to better know us as individuals and as a community,” said Mitchell Silk, former assistant secretary for international markets at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and chairman emeritus of the Agudath Israel Pro Bono Legal Services Network. “That is one goal of the KnowUs campaign.”
“We don’t understand The New York Times’ obsession with us,” said Avrohom Weinstock, chief of staff at Agudath Israel. “We shouldn’t have to put up a billboard in 2023 to ask people to stop attacking us. Orthodox Jews, like every minority, should not be ‘othered.’”
In addition to the billboards and website, KnowUs will be directly calling on policymakers, journalists, and all people of good faith to respect the entire cultural patchwork of populations that is New York, including Orthodox Jews.
For more information, visit KnowUs.org.
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Agudath Israel of America is welcoming the inclusion of security funding and other community priorities in the $1.7 trillion omnibus bill signed last week by President Biden.
The bill included $305 million for the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (a top priority for Agudah discussed in more detail here) and funds many other programs of interest to Jewish families and institutions. Unfortunately, despite a push by the Agudah to extend the enhanced child tax credit benefit and provide incentives for increased charitable giving, those measures were not included in the final bill.
The bill increases funding for various programs that help day school and yeshiva students including Title I remedial education program ($850 million increase), and special education programs ($934 million increase) while the maximum Pell Grant for low-income yeshiva and college students increases by $500 per student, raising the total a student can receive per year to $7,395.
As part of a nearly $3 billion increase in early learning and childcare, the bill includes a $254 million increase in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program which subsidizes child care for low-income families. Almost thirty years ago, Agudath Israel, working with the late Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA), played a central role in ensuring that the program would allow parents to use the funding to send their children to the child care provider of their choice – including religious providers.
The omnibus package also provides an increase of $1.66 billion in funding for child nutrition programs. This includes $30 million in kitchen equipment grants and making permanent the summer EBT cards distributed to children receiving free or reduced meals through the National School Lunch Program. Beginning in 2024, the EBT cards will provide $40 per child in grocery benefits for each month that schools are closed during the summer. It also permits “grab-and-go” free summer meals to be distributed in rural communities as part of the nationwide Summer Food Service Program.
The bill doubles the funding for programs that were supported by the Agudah to fight hate crimes. This will enhance how law enforcement tracks and combats hate crimes against the Jewish and other communities.
The package also provides $3.3 billion in security assistance to Israel, $500 million for missile defense programs like Iron Dome, and creates a new program which will increase air defense cooperation between the US, Israel, and Arab nations against the Iranian threat of attack.
“Agudath Israel has been involved in the legislation, regulation, and implementation of many of these programs for decades and welcomes these increases,” said Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel’s Vice President for Government Affairs and Washington Director. “While we were hoping for a higher funding level for the security grant program and the inclusion of other priorities, we will continue to mobilize our constituents and work with the next Congress on these and other priorities.”
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Another week, another front-page attack on Orthodox Jews – this time targeting children with special needs and their families.
The New York Times confirms, for the 13th time in just three and half months, its obsession with spreading misinformation and demonizing Orthodox and Hasidic Jews.
At the same time, antisemitic attacks specifically targeting the visibly Jewish in New York City – the ones targeted by the New York Times – have risen exponentially.
Why is the New York Times using its enormous megaphone to spread hate and misinformation?
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Rockland County’s Orthodox community contains many distinct constituencies, each with their own needs and priorities. Agudath Israel’s Rockland Office brought them together this week, to celebrate Chanukah together with government officials, elected representatives, and organizational leaders.
This was the first annual legislative reception for Agudath Israel of America’s Rockland County office which has been operating in the community for the past year.
“It is a privilege for Agudath Israel to be the venue at which the community unites,” said Rabbi Shragi Greenbaum, director of the Rockland County office of the Agudah. “The 150 people who came represented almost every community, branch of government, and municipality in the area.”
Elected officials shared remarks with the attendees. Among the speakers were District Attorney Thomas Walsh (D) incoming Congressman Mike Lawler, (R), outgoing State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, (D) incoming State Senator Bill Weber, (R) incoming Assemblyman John McGowan, (R) and County Legislator Aron Wieder (D).
“Education is the most important issue to all communities,” said Senator-Elect Bill Weber, in his address. “Religious education is under attack in New York State. We’ve seen it – we’ve seen what the Board of Regents did. They ignored 350,000 emails, messages, concerns from people within the community.” He concluded, “We need to have someone in Albany who will fight for our values.”
Talking about Yeshiva education, Congressman-Elect Mike Lawler said, “I see a curriculum and an education that most definitely produces a substantially equivalent outcome, and most definitely produces members of our society who are productive.” He concluded, “As we move forward, we need to ensure that when people have these discussions, that they’re being honest, that they’re being fair, and that they’re being sincere in wanting to ensure that every child receives a quality education.”
In his remarks County Legislator Aron Wieder spoke about the important work of Agudath Israel and welcomed the opening of an office in Rockland County.
Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Agudah’s director of New York Government Relations, said, “This event shows that the Rockland community works together no matter their background or political affiliation. The Rockland office of Agudas Yisroel looks forward to making more such events.”
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By Sarah Massry
In early December, PCS, a division of Agudath Israel, held a masters in accounting networking event celebrating the 17th anniversary of the PCS/Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) MS in Accounting program, rated as a best Masters in Accounting by Eduniversal and rated as a best university by Forbes. Hundreds of alumni who are now successful accountants, businessmen, CFO’s, senior managers, and controllers, converged to network and show their appreciation to Professional Career Services and Fairleigh Dickinson University.
“It was such a pleasure to see so many of FDU-PCS accounting graduates and former students at the accounting networking event, some of whom go back to the very first cohorts started in 2005,” said Ron West, chairman of the accounting department at FDU. “This program is truly a life changing career oriented program that has such a positive impact on the lives of so many in the communities that we serve.”
PCS was pleased to host a panel on “Guiding Clients and Companies Through the New Economic Realities.” Panelists included: Jacob Lerner, principal, director of tax at Fasten Halberstam; Yanky Rosenberg, founder/ partner at Bernath and Rosenberg, and Zvi Zicherman, managing partner at LTC Ally. The answers and practical tips resonated with the accounting alumni.
“It was a gratifying and humble experience to see the incredible turnout and the outpouring of appreciation at the Masters in Accounting Alumni Networking event,” stated Rabbi Daniel Soloff, national director of PCS. “With a 98% employment rate, it was a great pleasure to see how successful our alumni have become and what a difference they are making to their communities.”
“The camaraderie, friendship and professional relationships, all blended into one,” concluded alumnus Azi Mindick, CFO at Riverside Abstract, “to create a unique and positive energy.”
The post PCS Agudath Israel Holds Annual Accounting Networking Event first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudath Israel of America is commending Congress for strengthening the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in two end-of-year pieces of legislation, expected to be signed by President Biden by week’s end. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed by Congress, includes provisions of the NSGP Improvement Act, while the yet-to be-passed FY2023 omnibus spending bill includes an increase in NSGP funding for the coming year.
NSGP is a federal program that assists nonprofits at high risk of terrorist attack to obtain equipment that will help secure their facilities. The program has been utilized, and is in particularly high demand, by institutions in the Jewish community, including synagogues, religious schools, and charitable institutions. Agudath Israel was among the groups at the forefront of NSGP’s creation and has actively promoted its annual funding.
“Agudath Israel greatly appreciates the actions taken by Congress on these two fronts,” said Rabbi Abba Cohen, the group’s Vice President for Government Affairs and Washington Director. “We advocated strongly for them and we believe they will make NSGP a stronger program.”
The NSGP Improvement Act will, among other things, create a dedicated office within FEMA to provide outreach, engagement, education, technical assistance and support to eligible nonprofits; provide FEMA flexibility to enhance the application process; and grant FEMA broader leeway in considering threat risks. “These administrative and programmatic improvements will streamline the NSGP process in a way that will make the growing program more efficient and effective for nonprofits that are in need of its funding,” noted Rabbi Cohen.
On the other front, congressional negotiators have released its massive $1.7 trillion spending bill for FY2023, which includes an appropriation of $305 million for NSGP, representing an increase of $55 million, or approximately 20 percent, over current levels. This is the highest level for the program to date. The increase is significant in light of the growing need and the fact that approximately only half of program applicants receive awards under the current allocation.
“While we were hoping for a higher funding level, the important thing to keep in mind is that this increase is meaningful and will make the program stronger, serving more nonprofits in more communities,” concluded Rabbi Cohen. “But as we see our needs grow, we will mobilize thousands in our community, as we did this year, and come back to Congress to make the case for a level of funding that will adequately meet the security challenges of our community.”
These achievements were the results of the efforts of several members of Congress, including: Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Rob Portman (R-OH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chris Murphy (D-CT), James Lankford (R-OK), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). House supporters included Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-MS), John Katko (R-NY), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Michael McCaul R-TX), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) and Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN).
The post Congress Strengthens Federal Security Grants, An Agudath Israel Priority first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Yahalom NJ is excited to announce the opening of a grant application assistance center. The center will be open for parents of children with special needs, who can come to Agudath Israel’s New Jersey office to find out which non-governmental grants may be available for them and receive any assistance that they may need in applying for the grants. Computers are set up so that the parents can complete the application process with ease. Yahalom NJ looks forward to being able to provide this resource to our families.
For more information go to agudah.org/grant-assistance-center, call 732.806.9019 ext. 304, or email yahalomnj@agudah.org.
Yahalom, a division of Agudath Israel, helps parents of special needs children obtain the appropriate resources by guiding, educating and empowering parents to ensure they have the help and support they need. Yahalom is there for parents at all times, holding their hands, guiding them in whatever areas they need. Whether it’s government programs, chesed organizations, or emotional support, Yahalom is there to ease the way.
The post Yahalom NJ Opens a Grant Application Assistance Center first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
By: Sandy EllerIt was a milestone moment for the 50 students of the COPE CPA accounting program, as they gathered in Brooklyn to celebrate their graduations, taking advantage of an opportunity to reflect on their academic accomplishments as they take the next step towards a future filled with promise.COPE, a division of Agudath Israel of America’s Community Services, has been offering its highly regarded CPA track accounting program for the past 17 years. Hundreds of students have enrolled in the program since that time, with its men’s and women’s cohorts receiving a rigorous education in an uncompromising environment. With their successes in the fields of business and accounting built on the foundational skills acquired in the nearly two year long program, graduates have credited COPE and its highly sought after instructors for providing them with comprehensive knowledge and support in one of today’s fastest growing and well-paying careers. COPE has also been offering its ever popular short-term Junior Accounting program for the past 30 years, which besides having prepared thousands of students for successful careers, has inspired many to aim even higher and continue on in the CPA-track program.Addressing graduates at both the women’s graduation on December 11th and the men’s graduation on December 12th, COPE Education Services director Rabbi Daniel Baumann praised students for their unity despite coming from very diverse backgrounds particularly in the men’s program, where this year’s graduates included a significant number of students hailing from several different Chasidic communities. Rabbi Baumann also emphasized COPE’s focus on providing culturally sensitive educational opportunities, setting students on a lucrative career path without exposing them to problematic influences.“The hallmark of our program is on attaining marketable skills and maintaining the focus on the ultimate goal of earning a parnasa to help support a life of avodas Hashem,” said Rabbi Baumann.Graduates also heard words of encouragement from Agudath Israel of America executive vice president Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, COPE Education Services assistant director Dr. Sholom Schochet and renowned lecturer Rabbi Paysach Krohn, with the men’s commencement also including remarks from Agudath Israel of America Board of Trustees member Leon Goldenberg.Representing the women’s cohort and its newly streamlined 18 month program was Matty Kleinberg, senior bookkeeper at Bernath & Rosenberg CPAs & Wealth Advisors, and Rivka Berliner, nee Goldstein, an accountant at LTC Consulting Services. Ms. Berliner praised COPE for its dynamic and knowledgeable professors and emphasized the importance of gratitude, thanking the program’s professors for serving as role models even as they taught the many principles of accounting.“The exceptional education we received in a variety of subjects, including taxes, economics, business management, auditing and much more has given us the knowledge and information we need to confidently and successfully go on to the next step, pursuing a CPA license,” said Mrs. Berliner. “Each professor, with their unique style of teaching, has expertly and patiently taught us the valuable tools we need to grow successfully in our careers.”Three members of the men’s program, Shlomo Yitzchok Wolcowitz, an accountant with Sander and Wolcowitz CPA P.A., Levi Rosenfeld, an accountant at Cedar Advance LLC, and Zvi Schwadel, controller at Bayrock Insurance Agency, spoke at the graduation. Mr. Schwadel noted that he was confident that he and his fellow graduates would make their mark in the world of accounting because of the CPA program’s strong curriculum and the values imparted by its staff.“Aside from the exceptional academic education we received from our professors, we have, and still have, professors and faculty who really care, who are here to help us every step of the way,” observed Mr. Schwadel. “I hope that we, as graduates, can internalize this message that our professors taught us by example and apply this to whatever field of work that we enter.”The post Educated, Inspired and Motivated, COPE CPA Graduates Ready to Make Their Mark in the Business World first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
For the second year in a row Congress has opted to not mandate the registration of women for the Selective Service System’s military draft.
Agudath Israel of America is hailing Capitol Hill leadership and key members of both the House and Senate for withstanding enormous pressure and holding firm on dropping the measure from the National Defense Authorization Act, which has been sent to President Biden for signing. The registration framework will be utilized in the event that the draft is reinstated and there is need to mobilize the armed forces for military conflict or national emergency.
Over the years, many issues have been raised in regard to manpower, management and morale of the military in the event that women would be required to serve alongside men in service to their country. In Agudath Israel’s view, these concerns are real and independently justify opposition to the women’s draft mandate. But in addition to these general concerns, Agudath Israel has highlighted to lawmakers the very compelling issue of how the draft registration requirement would infringe upon the religious liberty of women in the Orthodox Jewish community and others who have religious objection to such military service.
In two years of communications with the White House, Congressional leadership, members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee, and other groups, Agudath Israel’s Vice President for Government Affairs and Washington Director, Rabbi Abba Cohen, explained the religious imperative at stake here. “Clearly, an in-depth survey of religious traditions relating to women’s participation in warfare and defense was beyond the scope of legislative discussion,” noted Rabbi Cohen. “But there is no question that a generalized requirement for all women to register for the draft for the purpose of serving in some unknown military capacity in the future would be highly objectionable to many religiously-observant women. Indeed, it is likely that large numbers of these women will resist registration.”
The proposed mandate would have included no exceptions for women’s registration or service. Nor are the law’s existing exemptions or deferments necessarily applicable to all women with religious objections to any form of military or civilian service. “Simply put, women would have no idea what they were signing up for, and both rabbinic leaders and families in the community contacted our office expressing much worry and disquiet over the prospect.”
This is not the first time that women’s draft registration has been on Agudath Israel’s agenda. In 1979, Agudath Israel urged President Jimmy Carter to withstand pressure at the time and reject attempts to register women if the draft were reinstated, noting the threat to First Amendment rights and traditional family values.
Since that time, societal pressure to include women in the draft has only increased. In 2013, the Department of Defense lifted its bans on women in combat. Three years later, the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service – a creation of Congress – recommended draft registration for men and women. And last year, the U.S. Supreme Court was asked to rule on the issue, a request that was declined in deference to the fact that the issue was being considered at the time in Congress. In light of the mounting bipartisan popularity of the notion of women being part of any future draft, the hard-won victory these past two years by Agudath Israel and its allies on Capitol Hill is all the more impressive.
On the Senate side, Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO), Mike Lee (R-UT), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Ted Cruz, (R-TX), Marco Rubio (R-FL), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MT), and John Boozman (AR), led the opposition to the women’s draft registration mandate. In the House, Representatives Chip Roy (R-TX) and Vicki Hartzler (R-MO) were among those who opposed the measure.
“The issue of the women’s draft may continue to rear its head in Congress and the Supreme Court, but we will be vigilant,” concluded Rabbi Cohen. “We will do our utmost to demonstrate that fundamental freedoms of women in the Orthodox Jewish and other communities would be jeopardized were a draft to include women. That should be cause for concern among all who cherish religious liberty.”
The post Religious Concerns Help Defeat Women’s Draft Registration Mandate, Again first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The Midwest Agudas Yisroel Council of Synagogue Rabbonim is pleased to present a sefer that discusses the halachos of Chanukah and Asara B’Teves.
Thesefer, Safah Berurah:The Halachos of of Chanukah and Asara B’Teves.was compiled and written by Rabbi Yaakov Robinson, executive director of the Midwest Agudas Yisroel Council of Synagogue Rabbanim, and reviewed by Rabbi Shmuel Fuerst, Dayan, Agudas Yisroel of Illinois.
Safa Berura Chanukah 5783 FINAL
Click HERE to download the PDF.
The post [FREE DOWNLOAD] HALACHOS OF CHANUKAH + ASARA B’TEVES first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Watch: “Tefillah Can Make the Difference!” Rabbi Labish Becker Vayeishev 5783 first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Rainbow Therapy
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To access our services your child needs a diagnosis of Autism F84.0
We are experienced in working with:
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Where we offer services:
We offer clinic-based services for children transitioning to mainstream or already placed in mainstream settings.
We offer a full-day preschool and afternoon social groups.
Preschool
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Small groups of 3 children
Located in our center
80 Hillside Blvd, suite 3
The post Rainbow Therapy 2 first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
What happens when a town supervisor brazenly announces his intention to thwart a religious school’s zoning application? What happens when, inevitably, this reaches the court system?In this case, Agudath Israel recently filed an amicus brief (“friend of the court”) in support of Ateres Bais Yaakov Academy of Rockland’s lawsuit against the Town of Clarkstown and Citizens United to Protect Our Neighborhoods of Greater Nanuet (CUPON). In short, the case involves a religious school, Ateres Bais Yaakov Academy of Rockland, which contracted in 2018 to purchase facilities from a church for the school. However, the Town of Clarkstown obstructed the purchase to deny Ateres from being able to build an Orthodox school.Ateres faced organized opposition from town officials, Town Supervisor George Hoehmann, and members of a group called Citizens United to Protect Our Neighborhood (CUPON). For example, at a public board meeting held shortly after Ateres entered into the agreement to buy the land, Town Supervisor George Hoehmann announced that “the Town would deploy every weapon in its arsenal to tank the transaction.” Mr. Hoehmann followed through by organizing a public pressure campaign that resulted in Ateres’s public bond agency canceling their bond hearing, and by manufacturing regulatory delays that caused the bank to revoke their letter of commitment for funding the purchase. This caused the church to terminate the sale agreement before the Town of Clarkstown’s zoning ruling was ever issued. Following the deal falling apart the Town of Clarkstown acquired the land.Following these events in 2020, Ateres filed a lawsuit against the Town of Clarkstown, George Hoehmann, and CUPON alleging religious discrimination. The case was dismissed by the court because Ateres never received zoning approval before the deal was terminated. Ateres is now appealing that ruling to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that the actions of Hoehmann and the town clearly caused the deal to be terminated.In its amicus brief, Agudath Israel of America argues that the Town of Clarkstown’s actions against Ateres violates the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), a federal law that protects religious institutions from discriminatory land-use regulations. The brief states, “throughout the property purchase process, the officials of Clarkstown, in collaboration with local citizen activists, stoked hostility toward the school, describing their efforts to buy the building as a ‘hostile invasion’. The defendants blocked Ateres from closing on the property and prevented it from entering their community by obstructing the zoning application process, withholding the necessary regulatory permissions; deterring investors from financing the purchase, purchasing the property for itself; and initiating the process to amend the zoning laws to make it impossible for Ateres and religious organizations like it to move in. Clarkstown officials trapped Ateres in administrative purgatory, exhausting the school’s resolve and recourses, until it was forced to abandon the agreement and sell the property to the Town itself.”The brief also warns that “This precedent risks suggesting to other municipalities’ officials that they can ultimately succeed in discriminating against Orthodox Jews if they impose excessive delays or unduly burdensome requirements that effectively bury the contract, property or opportunity that is rightfully theirs.”Agudath Israel has been a supporter of RLUIPA since it was first proposed as law, and has vigorously defended religious rights of institutions under its provisions for the last two decades. This filing, the third such RLUIPA filing Agudath Israel has produced in the last month alone, is the latest in the Agudah’s fight against institutionalized antisemitism.“We needed to support the Ateres Bais Yaakov Academy in its fight against religious discrimination,” said Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Executive Vice President of Agudath Israel of America. “RLUIPA is a crucial law that protects the rights of religious institutions to use their property in accordance with their beliefs. We will continue to defend RLUIPA and the rights of religious institutions to operate freely and without discrimination.”Agudath Israel thanks Yehudah L. Buchweitz, David Yolkut, and Joshua Halpern of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP for their continued work on the vanguard of RLUIPA law. Avrohom Weinstock, Agudath Israel’s Chief of Staff, coordinated the brief writing and Agudath’s involvement, and thanks Channa Weiss and Yechezkel (Jordan) Gottheim for authoring this important amicus brief on Agudath Israel’s behalf.The post Agudath Israel of America Supports Ateres Bais Yaakov in its Legal Battle Against Religious Discrimination in Clarkstown first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Dear Friend:
In these final days of the 117th Congress, intense negotiations are currently taking place between Democratic and Republican leadership on next year’s spending levels on federal programs.
It is vitally important that our community weigh in at this pivotal time!
While many programs effect the Orthodox Jewish community, we will highlight three items that are essential to the well-being – both physical and material – of our families and institutions.
Nonprofit Security Grants – Boost the Funding!
Agudath Israel has been among those in the forefront of the creation and continuation of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides security enhancements to shuls, schools and other community nonprofits to help protect against terror and violence. We are all aware of the dramatic uptick in antisemitic attacks and rhetoric coming from many different corners of society, which has gained both national and community focus. The current funding in the program is simply not enough to meet the need. We must urge Congress to boost the appropriation to $360 million.
Child Tax Credit – Strengthen the Benefit!
Another federal Agudath Israel priority over the past decades has been the Child Tax Credit (CTC). Our parents struggle mightily to provide for the range of their family’s needs, and the CTC has been hailed as a proven mechanism to reduce this heavy economic stress. In 2017, the CTC was increased from $1,000 to $2,000. During COVID 19, Congress greatly expanded CTC for one year to $3,600 (up to age 6)/$3,000 (ages 6-17). But now, the 2021 CTC has expired and the 2017 improvements will expire in 2025. The result will be a return to the pre-2017 levels of $1,000 per child! We must call on Congress to extend and strengthen his important benefit.
Universal Charitable Deduction – Help the Work of Nonprofits!
We know, as a practical matter, that the charitable deduction increases charitable giving, and Agudath Israel has for years supported the strengthening of this tax benefit. It is especially important now to provide encouragement and incentives to increase donations to our mosdos and other nonprofits, as they are increasingly being called upon to step up and provide more to our community, with less. Congress can help by passing the Universal Giving Pandemic Response and Recovery Act (S.618/H.R.1704), which is a step toward expanding the “universal charitable deduction,” encouraging all Americans, regardless of income, to give to charity.
We urge you to contact your Senators and Representatives today to urge them to take these steps – so important to our community and to our nation.
Hatzlacha!
Rabbi Abba Cohen
The post Action Alert: Ask Congress To Support – Security Grants, Child Tax Credit, and Charitable Giving! first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudath Israel of America registers deep chagrin with yet another front-page New York Times attack on the Orthodox Jewish, and, especially, the Chasidic community. This marks nearly a dozen articles spewed by the Times in the past three months – all defaming and misrepresenting our community.Once again, the “reporting” exclusively features the opinions and stories of individuals who have left their communities and those closely affiliated with groups dedicated to tearing down traditional Jewish education and helping religious people leave their roots. Conversely, notwithstanding repeated outreach to the Times, the paper has consistently shunned any narrative that does not portray the Orthodox community as backward, societal leeches, controlled and persecuted by their own religion. Even the photographs selected, the sullen faces and marching children, are marshalled to further this narrative. This, notwithstanding that the Orthodox Jewish community produces thousands of hardworking, successful, civic-minded, peaceful families, who are an asset to every New York community they choose to reside in.At a time of rising, alarming antisemitism, from celebrity statements to thuggish attacks in the streets, the New York Times is investing significant resources to contribute to an atmosphere of hate against those most identifiably Jewish.Make no mistake, our fears are real. We call upon good people of all persuasions to register their outrage and repudiation to the New York Times’ targeted smear campaign against Orthodox Jews.The post Agudath Israel: The New York Times Defames Our Community on Its Cover Yet Again first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Watch: “5 Responses to Antisemitism” Rabbi Labish Becker Vayishlach 5783 first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
It is with great dismay that Agudath Israel of America receives the news of the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act, legislation that will further enshrine same-sex marriage into American law.The repudiation by Congress of millennia-old traditional values that strictly limit marriage to a union between a man and a woman will unjustly serve to further push Torah-observant Jews, and millions of others who share those values, into a disfavored and derided caste. No legislative finding will change that reality.Moreover, the statute’s weak and incomplete religious protections will not only leave sincere, religious individuals and institutions vulnerable but will also, unfortunately, be used as an inadequate template for future legislation.The new law, we fear, will sow the seeds of division, not unity.The post Agudath Israel Statement on the Passage of the Respect for Marriage Act first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Rabbi Ariel Sadwin Delivering the ‘ceremonial blessing’ at Baltimore County’s Inaugural Ceremonies of Elected Officials first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudath Israel of America is welcoming the new webpage set up by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on “Kosher Foods in TEFAP.”
TEFAP – The Emergency Food Assistance Program — is utilized by food pantries and food banks to provide surplus food to the needy. The development of the webpage comes on the heels of the agency’s recent outreach to the Jewish community regarding volume and nutritional deficiencies in the kosher food available under TEFAP and the subsequent expansion of the numbers and types of kosher-certified foods in the program.
“The webpage provides valuable information, not only as to what kosher options are available, but also in regard to the details of kosher-certification and the preferences of the kosher consumer,” noted Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel of America’s Vice President for Government Affairs. “It will provide to food pantries and food banks important guidance that will assist them in making appropriate choices to better address kosher needs.”
Over the past few months, Agudath Israel and organizational allies have had ongoing and extensive communication with USDA. The discussions provided vital information on the details and nuances of kosher dietary laws, and the kosher food industry, as well as on the demographics of the kosher-observant community. This input was utilized in the development of the webpage.
One particular discussion point included in the webpage emphasized the importance of working with community leaders and kosher food experts in making determinations as to certified and non-certified foods and the acceptability of particular items when questions would arise.
The USDA officials acknowledged the assistance and cooperation of Agudath Israel and other groups involved, expressing that they truly appreciated the support and collaborative efforts put forth to make this a reality.
The appreciation went both ways. “We deeply value the work and input of others who played a role in this effort, including the important advocacy of the Jewish Federations of North America, which have been a consistent voice in support of the kosher TEFAP program,” Rabbi Cohen added. “Above all, of course, we thank the USDA for its hard work and commitment to this issue. Its sensitivity to our community and our religious dietary requirements – and its determination to ‘do it right’ – will enable greater participation of needy Jewish families in these programs.”
The post Agudath Israel Welcomes New USDA Webpage on “Kosher Foods in TEFAP” first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
A special feeling permeated this year’s Agudah Convention. The Agudah Convention has traditionally been the place where Klal Yisroel gathers to discuss the issues of the day, interact with and hear from the Gedolei Yisroel, and find opportunities to be stronger as a united tzibbur. With representatives from all of Klal Yisroel’s many groups, the many attendees gathered with a true “agudah” – bound together in a common cause of increasing kvod Shamayim.
But if there was one theme that was stressed during the Agudah Convention this year, it was speaking up by learning Torah. “Learning Torah is what brings us closest to Hashem,” said Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Slabodka, Bnei Brak, and Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Degel HaTorah, at Motzoei Shabbos’s keynote session of the Agudah Convention. “Never say you don’t have the strength!” This theme was echoed by, among others, Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah Rabbi Yeruchim Olshin, Rosh HaYeshiva of Beth Medrash Govoha, who explained that specifically in the context of mesorah, learning Torah is what keeps the chain of mesorah strong.
Learning Torah, said Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah Rabbi Aryeh Malkiel Kotler, Rosh HaYeshiva of Beth Medrash Govoha, protects us: “We will not allow any influences to penetrate – our mechitzah is our Torah!” And Rabbi Yaakov Robinson, Rav of Beis Medrash Mikor Hachaim in Chicago and executive director of the Midwest Agudas Yisroel Council of Synagogue Rabbanim, asked the attendees, “What do you choose to do? Do you go to seder? Do you go to minyan? Or do you choose an extra hour in the office?”
The plight of the Jews of Ukraine still weighs heavily on Agudah’s Vaad Hatzalah, and was an area of focus at the convention. Tens of thousands of Jews remain in Ukraine and are still facing incredible hardship in what continues to be a war zone. Supporting our brothers and sisters is critical and the Vaad Hatzalah continues its work in Ukraine and with resettled refugees elsewhere in Europe, Eretz Yisroel, and the United States.
A touching presentation turned into a joyous celebration of kavod haTorah, singing, and dancing. A sefer Torah – Klal Yisroel’s sefer Torah – was presented by Agudah’s COO Rabbi Yitzchok Ehrman on Motzai Shabbos to the leadership of the Vaad Hatzalah, Sholoime Werdiger, Reuven Wolf, R’ Menashe Frankel, and Bentzion Heitner, on behalf of the thousands of Ukrainian refugees who were saved by their work. The evening turned into an impromptu celebration, first in the ballroom, and then in the Armon Hotel’s lobby, with singing and dancing late into the night. The sefer Torah will be sent to Neptun, Romania, where it will be used in Tikva’s refugee center for Ukrainian Jews.
Many other issues were discussed. On the ruchnios side, effective tefillah, keeping true to Yiddishkeit in a work environment, and living with Hashem, day in and day out. On the gashmios side, others, among them: the economic downturn, challenges of technology, being a Jew in galus, and the continuing constant struggle for religious rights. (For the complete program of the Agudah convention, click here.)
Over the last years, the Agudah Convention has featured various special tracks preceding the actual convention itself. The mental health professionals track is long-standing; this year, over 300 mental health professionals gathered to learn from each other and from Daas Torah, to network, and to get a charge to take them into the next year. Among the speakers was Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah Rabbi Aharon Feldman, Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshivas Ner Yisroel of Baltimore.
For its second year, there was a special track for Kallah teachers, who were inspired and educated by experts in the field, as well as Rabbonim and morei hora’ah.
And finally, the special program for Rabbonim proceeded on Thursday evening and Friday morning, with the Rabbanim talking with, among others, Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah Rabbi Shlomo Eliyahu Miller, Rosh Kollel and Av Beis Din of Kollel Avreichim, Toronto.
All weekday Agudah Convention sessions are recorded and available at https://www.agudahconvention.org/program, or by phone, via TorahAnytime, at 718-298-2077.
At Klal Yisroel’s Sefer Torah PresentationPhoto Credits: Agudath Israel/Moshe Gershbaum/Moshe Bitton
The post Speaking Up: Torah on Klal Yisroel’s Mind at the Agudah Convention first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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| Rabbi Shlomo Soroka |
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| Rabbi Shimon Yehuda Svei |
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| Rabbi Yeruchim Olshin |
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| Rabbi Nosson Levine |
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| Rabbi Eytan Feiner |
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| Rabbi Shlomo Farhi |
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| Rabbi Yoir Adler |
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| Yaakov Klugmann |
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| Rabbi Shlomo Mandel |
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| Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky |
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| At the Thursday Night Keynote Session |
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| Partial View of the Dais at the Thursday Night Keynote |
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| Rabbi Bentzion Kokis and Rabbi Reuven Epstein |
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| Rabbi Daniel Glatstein |
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| Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky |
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| Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld |
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| Rabbi Eytan Kobre |
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| Rabbi Ariel Sadwin |
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| Reuven Wolf |
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| Dr. Yossi Shafer and Rabbi David Sutton |
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| Thursday Night Keynote |
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| Rabbi Yeruchim Olshin |
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| Rabbi Aharon Dovid Goldberg addressing Bnos Agudas Yisroel leaders |
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| Rabbi Ariel Shoshan addressing Bnos Agudas Yisroel leaders |
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| Photo Credits: Agudath Israel/Moshe Gershbaum/Moshe Bitton |
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The post Photos: Agudah Convention Thursday Evening first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Watch: “Cognitive Dissonance” Rabbi Labish Becker Vayetzi 5783 first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The Agudah’s annual convention has long been the key venue for members of the Jewish community to convene together with Torah leaders and community askanim to discuss and address the critical issues facing the klal today. A direct descendent of the First Knessia Gedolah in 1923, the Agudah Convention’s content may have changed, but its mission has remained the same: To gather under the banner of our Gedolei Yisroel to advance the interests of the Jewish community.
This Thursday, Agudists from around the country will gather again for the very same purpose. They will be joined by tens of thousands listening on the phone or watching the livestream.
This year’s theme is Speaking Up. The ability to speak up is a gift from Hashem that is unique to man. For Klal Yisroel it is the greatest gift: hakol kol Yaakov. It enables us to bring sanctity into the world.
Each of us has a unique voice which can be used as part of our personal avodah and in the service of Klal Yisroel. The Agudah Convention is a place where the Gedolei Torah and Rabbinic leadership speak up and provide hadracha to the tzibbur. It is a place where lay leaders gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the community. It is a place for each and every participant to speak up and make a difference.
The four keynote sessions – Thursday night, Friday, Motzai Shabbos, and Sunday morning – have traditionally been a venue for Rabbanim and community leaders to address some of the issues that are foremost in our minds.
This year, Thursday night’s keynote speakers will include Rabbi Shimon Yehuda Svei, Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva Gedolah of Philadelphia, Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah; Rabbi Yeruchim Olshin, Rosh HaYeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha of Lakewood, Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah; Rabbi Yoir Adler, Rav, Shoavei Mayim, Toronto; Rabbi Shlomo Farhi, Senior Rabbi of the Edmond J Safra Synagogue, Founder of Chazak International; Rabbi Eytan Feiner, Rav, Congregation Knesses Yisroel (The White Shul); and Rabbi Nosson Levine, Rav, Bais Medrash of Somerset Walk, Lakewood. The session will be chaired by Mr. Yaakov Klugmann.
The pre-keynote sessions will be ‘Religious Rights: What Is It All About?’ with Rabbi Eytan Kobre and Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky, moderated by Rabbi Ariel Sadwin; ‘The Secret Sauce to Klal Ventures’ with Reuven Wolf, Rabbi Shlomo Farhi, and Mendy Reiner; and ‘Technology: Addressing the Challenge’ with Rabbi Joey Haber and Rabbi Daniel Glatstein, moderated by Eli Samuel.
The post-keynote sessions will be ‘Q&A: “I am Asking for a Friend…”‘ with Rabbi Uri Deutsch and Rabbi Aron Lopiansky, moderated by Rabbi Yisroel Besser; ‘Handling Life Stresses: The Interface of Bitachon and Psychology’ with Dr. Yossi Shafer and Rabbi David Sutton; ‘Shidduchim: Coaching for Parents and Daters’ with Rabbi Bentzion Kokis and Rabbi Reuven Epstein; and a women’s session, ‘Caring for All Yidden,’ with Mrs. Ellen Wolfson, Mrs. Shifi Lieberman, and Mrs. Bluma Barhorin, moderated by Mrs. Chana Laniado.
The Convention will be available to attend virtually by going to agudahconvention.org or call in at 718.298.2077. To view the full Convention program go to agudahconvention.org.
The post Speaking Up: The Agudah Convention Begins Thursday first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
It took many years but finally came to a culmination this Sunday. The Culver El Affordable Housing Development, just constructed in the air space of an elevated train tracks torn down during the 1970s, was first proposed in the 1980s during the Koch administration. After numerous delays, it was deeded by former Mayor Bloomberg in 2007 to the Southern Brooklyn Community Organization (SBCO), the housing division of Agudath Israel, to develop affordable housing. SBCO had already developed a sterling reputation in developing and managing affordable housing and was the natural choice to undertake this project.
However, in the ensuing years the land had to be rezoned, and permits and other approvals obtained before construction was able to commence. Finally, earlier this year, the new homeowners (all of whom were selected in a lottery supervised by NYC HPD under its New Foundations Program) were able to close on their units and begin moving in.
Yesterday, the new homeowners joined with elected officials, community leaders, and Agudah and SBCO leadership for a ribbon-cutting event sponsored by Chase Bank to celebrate the Culver El opening.
Speakers at the event included Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Executive Vice President of Agudath Israel; Rabbi Avrohom Jaffe, Executive Director of SBCO; Rabbi Shimon Ostreicher on behalf of Belz institutions (who were given space on the block to build a yeshiva and graciously hosted the event in their lobby); Amaralis Blackwood and Esther Hakalir on behalf of event sponsor Chase Bank; Mrs. Goldie Lebron, a new Culver El resident, expressing thanks on behalf of all the homeowners; and finally, State Senator Simcha Felder and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, both of whom played very crucial roles in the development of the project. The program was emceed by Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Agudah’s Director of New York Government Relations. Other elected officials in attendance included State Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymember Simcha Eichenstein, Councilmember Kalman Yeger, Judge Saul Stein, Senator Elect Iwen Chu, former Assemblymember Jim Brennan and District Leader Pinny Ringel. Representing Mayor Eric Adams were Senior Advisor Joel Eisdorfer and NYPD Inspector Richie Taylor; representing Public Advocate Jumaane Willams, Simon Sebag.
Rabbi Jaffe was effusive in his praise of all those who assisted over the years. “We sincerely thank all those that helped bring this project to fruition, but our biggest joy is actually seeing these families moving in, and watching their children at play as they get to realize the American dream of home ownership.” He also thanked SBCO’s parent organization Agudath Israel for their ongoing support and for their assistance with the elected officials.
Rabbi Silber also thanked the various elected officials involved in this effort. “What first was conceived under Mayor Koch was really brought into fruition by Mayor Bloomberg, Mayor DeBlasio and completed under the administration of Mayor Adams. We thank them all for believing in this project, and we thank the many others who assisted every step of the way.”
The post Grand Opening of Culver El Affordable Housing Development first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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Agudath Israel of America is horrified by the news of terror attacks in Jerusalem, Israel. The terrorist placed bombs, filled with nails and shrapnel, to kill and injure as many people as possible at bus stops, detonating them at a time when children and adults are making their way to school. The bombings left 18 [...]
Agudath Israel of America is commending the Romanian Parliament for passing legislation to provide specific and explicit protection for the practice of shechitah, or kosher ritual slaughter, in the country. The move is seen as highly significant, as some European countries in recent years have passed laws banning the slaughter of animals without prior stunning, [...]
In a case that could have far-reaching ramifications for the Orthodox Jewish community, Agudath Israel of America filed an amicus curiae “friend of the court” brief in support of a state prisoner who seeks monetary damages because his religious rights were violated by prison officials. The case, Walker v. Baldwin, was brought by Thomas Walker, a Rastafarian who was [...]
Dear Principals and Administrators, Please see here for an important memo from NYSED regarding fire inspections. An inspection must be done before December 1, 2022, and the inspection report must be filed with the Commissioner prior to December 16, 2022. This memo does not apply to schools: In NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, [...]
Dear NYS Principals and Administrators, The online requesting systems for the 2023 Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Tests and the Intermediate-level (Grade 8) Science Test are now open. This year, there will not be an administration of the Elementary-level (Grade 4) Science Test. This is to support the [...]
Dear NYC Principals and Administrators, The new NYC DOE Loan Request and Enrollment Certificate (LREC) form for school year 2022-2023 is now posted on the DOE Non-Public School (NYSTL) InfoHub site. Schools participating in the NYS Loan Programs should complete this form as soon as possible and return it to the DOE NPS Payables [...]
Today, Agudath Israel of America filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief asking the US Supreme Court to issue an emergency stay pending appeal, to prevent Yeshiva University from being compelled to recognize an LGBTQ+ club. The case, YU Pride Alliance v. Yeshiva University, pits four students and alumni, who attended Yeshiva University (YU) well aware of [...]
Dear NY Principals and Administrators, The online requesting system for the 2022-2023 New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL) is now open. You can submit initial online requests for Session 1 at http://portal.nysed.gov/. Session 1 closes September 9, 2022. Requests submitted by September 9 will arrive at schools [...]
Rabbi Dovid Frischman with Mesaymim Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah Rabbi Shlomo Eliyahu Miller Rabbi Eliezer Feuer, Camp Agudah Learning Director Rabbi Elimelech Belsky, Rosh Masmidim, Addressing Campers Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah Rabbi Shlomo Eliyahu Miller with Rabbi Elimelech Belsky, Rosh Masmidim Celebratory Dancing Mesaymim with Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah Rabbi Shlomo Eliyahu Miller, Rosh Masmidim [...]
Rabbi Shlomo Soroka with Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) Chief Sponsor of House Bill 4438, a funding appropriation bill for the Illinois nonprofit security grant program. In early August, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) shared a preliminary draft of the rules that will govern the newly funded state nonprofit security grant program, seeking input from [...]
Agudah's Executive Vice President Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel traveled to England to collaborate on advocacy and engage with British governmental authorities and Jewish leaders on education issues. Rabbi Zwiebel participated in a community walkabout organized by Chinuch UK with officials from the UK Department of Education. Rabbi Zwiebel also addressed school leaders on the need to [...]
Agudah's New England office was pleased to host State Representative Tommy Vitolo, candidate for state representative, as part of a their candidate forum series. "It was great to host Tommy Vitolo last night at Maimonides Kehillah for a wide-ranging conversation on the issues that are most important to our community," said Mrs. Ariella Hellman, director of government affairs for Agudah's New [...]
Rabbi Ariel Sadwin, executive director of Agudath Israel of Maryland Crowd at Panel: Building a Business; Building the Klal Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky, Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva Gedolah of Greater Washington Rabbi Yissocher Frand, Rosh Yeshivas Ner Yisrael Rabbi Labish Becker, Executive Director, Agudath Israel of America Naftali Horowitz, managing director at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Ronnie [...]
Photo Credits: Agudath Israel/Rafael Langsam In a trip to Chicago on behalf of the Vaad Hatzalah, Chavrei Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah Rabbi Aryeh Malkiel Kotler and Rabbi Shimon Yehuda Svei, along with Rabbi Sholom Kamenetsky and the Novominsker Rebbe, met with many children from the Chicago community.
Dear Agudah Activist: Congress is considering a $10 billion “school choice” proposal and we need you to urge your senators and representatives to support the bill as co-sponsors. The Supreme Court recently strengthened the future of school choice, a goal that Agudath Israel has strongly advocated for in legislatures and courtrooms over a course of [...]
Agudah campers greeting Rabbi Yeruchim Olshin Agudah campers greeting Rabbi Shlomo Eliyahu Miller Rabbi Elya Brudny addressing Agudah campers Rabbi Elya Brudny with Agudah campers Rabbi Shlomo Eliyahu Miller addressing Agudah campers Rabbi Shlomo Eliyahu Miller with Agudah campers Mr. Shlomo Werdiger and Rabbi Elya Brudny Rabbi Elya Brudny speaking with Rabbi Yitzchok Ehrman Mr. [...]
Agudah's New England office was pleased to host Raul Fernandez, candidate for state representative (5th Norfolk MA), as part of a their candidate forum series. "We are grateful for the opportunity to host Mr. Fernandez last night for a conversation about his priorities as a candidate and to dialogue with him on issues of importance to [...]
Last week, YahalomNY hosted its first ever father’s networking event. Over 50 fathers of children with special needs joined, traveling in from Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Five Towns communities. Dr. David Katzenstein, Chief Clinical Officer of SIMHA (the Sephardic Initiative for Mental Health Awareness), and Rabbi Baruch Rabinowitz, an esteemed mechanech and parent of a [...]
Sixty rabbonim and twenty rebbitzens from across the United States met in Chicago earlier this week for the 12th annual Midwest Agudas Yisroel Council of Synagogue Rabbonim Conference. This year’s program was practical, informative and extremely relevant, and attended by many Roshei Yeshiva, Dayanim, Rabbanim and world-renowned experts in their fields who have dedicated their [...]
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Agudath Israel of America is commending the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for expanding the number and types of kosher-certified food items in The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which is utilized by food pantries and food banks to provide surplus food to the needy. Since 2009, Agudath Israel has been deeply involved in making [...]
Agudath Israel of New England celebrates the inclusion of many community priorities in the FY23 Massachusetts state budget. The Massachusetts legislature made significant investments in community security including the creation of a new security personnel pilot program. This program will provide matching grants to nonprofits at high risk of terrorist attacks or hate crimes and [...]
Last week Arizona became the state to beat when it comes to school choice when Governor Doug Ducey signed H.B. 2853 into law. The bill expands the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program to all 1.1 million K-12 students in Arizona. An ESA is an account into which the government deposits funds for parents to use on [...]
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While Yahalom is known for the exceptional services it provides for children with special needs, did you know that family members of these children are also cared for by Yahalom? Last week, YahalomNY invited siblings of children with special needs to a pizza and paint party in the Five Towns. The event began by playing [...]
Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, director of government affairs, Agudath Israel of Illinois; Rabbi Yitzchok Bider, Executive Director of Agudath Israel of Illinois; Rabbi Ari Strulowitz, director of operations for Agudas Yisroel of Illinois; Rabbi Shmuel Yehudah Levin, Rosh Yeshivas Telshe Chicago; Mr. Moshe Davis, interim executive vice president of the Agudah of Illinois; Rabbi Yitzchok Ehrman, [...]
This Thursday, July 7th, Tamuz 8, at 8:30 PM ET, the Daf Yomi Commission of Agudas Yisroel of America in conjunction with Kollel Avreichim will bring together Lomdei HaDaf and their friends and families for a fascinating live broadcast of the Siyum on Yevamos. The program will begin with a discussion on Chalitza, featuring the manufacture and design of [...]
2022 Ohio Primary ElectionTuesday, August 2, 20226:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.Mail ballots must be received by the county clerk and recorder no later than 7:30 PM on Election Day. The best option for early voters is to drop-off ballots at designated county drop-boxes.Drop box locations:Cuyahoga County: 2925 Euclid Ave Cleveland, OH 44115Hamilton County: 4700 Smith Rd Cincinnati, [...]
While hundreds of laws are passed in Albany every year, amendments to the New York State Constitution are rare. Yet, that is just what was proposed by New York legislators last week in an “extraordinary session,” and its results could have significantly weakened religious freedom in the state. In response to the United States Supreme [...]
Daf Yomi will (finally!) be celebrating the Siyum of Yevamos, one of the most challenging mesechtos of Shas, this week. The SONG OF YEVAMOS is a great chazara that includes hundreds of phrases found in the mesechta, chazur’ing its key klallim and yesodos - all in rhyme!
Left to right: Abi Vail, R' Eli Raskan, David Marazov, Moti Sandman, and Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld. Photo by Emmett Gilles Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld, director of Agudah's Connecticut office met with leaders of the growing Chabad community in New Haven on June 29. The meeting was arranged and hosted by community askan Emmet Gilles. Items [...]
Agudath Israel of America is hailing passage of the Keep Kids Fed Act, bipartisan legislation that will extend school meal waivers through this summer and the coming school year. Agudath Israel strongly supported the waiver program and its extension and worked closely with bill sponsors and allies to move the bill through Congress. The school waivers [...]
Today, the Supreme Court of the United States overruled Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision establishing a woman’s constitutional right to abortion. Agudath Israel of America welcomes this historic development. Agudath Israel has long been on record as opposing Roe v. Wade’s legalization of abortion on demand. Informed by the teaching of Jewish law that [...]
Rabbi Moshe Matz, director of Agudath Israel of Florida, with Senator Rick Scott Rabbi Moshe Matz, director of Agudath Israel of Florida, speaking with Senator Marco Rubio Rabbi Moshe Matz, director of Agudath Israel of Florida, with Senator Marco Rubio Rabbi Moshe Matz, director of Agudath Israel of Florida, and Senator Marco Rubio, speaking with [...]
The United States Supreme Court today issued a landmark ruling that positively impacts religious schools’ ability to participate in state aid programs. The Court ruled that the First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause prohibits states from discriminating not only against schools that identify as religious, but also those that actively teach religious subjects. This ruling eases [...]
Tomorrow is Primary Day in New York City. This will be your last chance to be heard. We implore you- please go out and vote in the primaries tomorrow- and tell all your family and friends to do the same. This election can determine our future in this city- our yeshivas our shuls and our [...]
On Friday afternoon both the House and Senate of the Commonwealth of Virginia voted favorably on the amendment submitted by Governor Glenn Youngkin to restore the full funding of the Education Improvement Scholarship Tax Credit program (EISTC). Back on June 1, 2022, the Virginia General Assembly voted on and approved the 2022-2024 budget. In the [...]
Mesayemim with Rabbi Dovid Gibber, Rav, Agudas Yisroel of Ave. H, Flatbush, Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Executive Vice President, Agudas Yisroel of America, and Rabbi Ephraim Levi, National Director, Pirchei Agudas Yisroel of America Rabbi Dovid Gibber, Rav, Agudas Yisroel of Ave. H, Flatbush, speaking Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Executive Vice President, Agudas Yisroel of [...]
2022 Colorado Primary Election Tuesday, June 28, 2022 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mail ballots must be received by the county clerk and recorder no later than 7:00 PM on Election Day. The best option for voters is to drop-off ballots at designated county drop-boxes. Deadline to submit a voter registration application and still receive a [...]
Agudath Israel of America is a national Orthodox Jewish organization. We offer this statement to express concern regarding the provision within the proposed FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act that has emerged from the Senate markup, which will require all Americans, including women, to register with the Selective Service System. The registration framework will be [...]
Agudath Israel of America applauds Senator Bill Cassidy (R- LA) and Representative Jackie Walorski (R-IN) for leading the effort to increase school choice across the country. The Educational Choice for Children Act the legislators unveiled today will provide ten billion dollars’ worth of tax credits to individual and corporate taxpayers to support educational opportunities in all fifty [...]
This month New York State will be having Primary Elections for Governor, all other statewide offices, judicial seats, and members of the Assembly. It is crucial that all of us vote. Early Voting Begins this weekend and goes through June 26th. Primary Day is June 28th. If you are away for the summer and will no longer be [...]
Rabbi Avi Schnall, Director of Agudah's New Jersey Office UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Chief Medical Officer Dr. Marilyn Gordon Yesterday, YahalomNJ held a night out for mothers of children with special needs, at Kava café in Howell. The mothers were treated to a magnificent dairy buffet, and Yahalom swag to bring home. Dr. Marilyn Gordon, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan [...]
This Friday, June 3rd, is the last chance to register to vote in the upcoming primary. New York State will be having both Democratic and Republican primaries for the office of governor, other statewide offices, judicial seats, and all members of the State Assembly. Our voices must be heard!! Primary Day is June 28 and early voting begins [...]
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Mayor Adams Outlines Vision and Budget New York City Mayor Eric Adams this week outlined his vision for New York City for all in his first State of the City address, delivered this week in Brooklyn to which I was invited to attend. In the speech, the mayor reviewed key achievements of the Adams administration from his [...]
Dear NYC Principals and Administrators, The non-public school calendar application is now open for the 2022-23 school year. The deadline to update this calendar is July 1. You should indicate when you’ll be having half days, alternate days, and no service days. If your school receives both general education and special [...]
Rabbi Yossi Kaplan, director of Agudath Israel of Colorado, at the bill signing with other supporters and bill sponsors Rabbi Yossi Kaplan, director of Agudath Israel of Colorado with Colorado Governor Jared Polis Rabbi Yossi Kaplan, director of Agudath Israel of Colorado with bill sponsor State Senator Kevin Priola Rabbi Yossi Kaplan, director of Agudath [...]
Last week, in a ruling that could have major ramifications for yeshiva students across New York State, an appellate court overruled a lower court ruling that the Washingtonville school district must provide transportation to nonpublic school students on all days that their schools are in session. The case, United Jewish Community of Blooming Grove v. [...]
Agudath Israel, along with the Jewish Coalition for Religious Liberty and the Aleph Institute, has submitted an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief asking the Supreme Court of the United States to accept a case concerning the religious liberty of prisoners. The case, Smith v. Ward, was brought by a Muslim prisoner who requested a religious accommodation [...]
Boys Arriving at the Asifa Boys Arriving at the Asifa Boys Arriving at the Asifa Teffilin Exhibit Animal Presentation Tztzis Exhibit Animal Exhibit Created by the Boys Animal Presentation Boys with Chaver Motzes Gedolei HaTorah Rabbi Aharon Dovid Goldberg, Rosh Yeshiva, Telshe, Cleveland Boys Learning Kumzitz Animal Presentation Rabbi Yitzchok Kahn Menahel, Beis Chinuch Rav [...]
Senator Eric Lesser's amendment to increase funding for the security grant program to $3 million and to introduce a new security personnel pilot program were adopted in the Senate Budget. The budget process now moves on with a six-member conference committee appointed by the legislature to reconcile the differences between the House and the Senate [...]
Since the passage of the Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits (EISTC) program in 2012, nonpublic school families in Virginia, including those attending Jewish day schools and yeshivos in Richmond and Norfolk, have received enormous benefit from the program. The annual allocation for this program was previously capped at $25 million in the state budget. However, [...]
The third and final installment of YahalomNY’s spring series of mothers’ nights out was held in the Five Towns/Far Rockaway neighborhoods, and hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Yosef and Faigy Lowinger. The event, designed to give mothers of children with special needs a time to network and connect, was attended by over 80 mothers from [...]
Rabbi Shragi Greenbaum, Director, Agudath Israel Rockland Regional Office, presenting Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus, Director of Yeshiva Services, presenting Rabbi Ami Bazov, Associate Director of Yeshiva Services, presenting Earlier this week, the Agudath Israel Rockland Regional Office hosted a New Schools Training in the Monsey area. As the general Monsey community rapidly grows, new schools and [...]
Among the 250,000 opposing comments to the NYS equivalency of instruction Regulations, was a letter submitted by Agudath Israel of America's executive vice president, Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, on behalf of the organization. The letter forcefully articulates the dangers inherent in empowering Local School Authorities to “oversee” yeshivas, particularly as it relates to sensitive religious freedom [...]
COLUMBUS, OH (June 1, 2022) – Today, the Ohio House concurred with the Senate and voted to pass H.B. 583, which addresses numerous education related issues. The bill now awaits Governor Mike DeWine’s signature, which is expected. The bill creates a new law that is welcomed by families and education advocates alike. Agudath Israel of [...]
Thank you. Thank you Klal Yisroel. You took the time to make your voices heard, a united 250,000+ strong people commenting to the New York State Education Department, saying loudly: We value our mesorah. We value the autonomy of our mosdos. We value our rights as parents. And we oppose your proposed regulations. The comment period is [...]
Photo Credits: From court document Agudath Israel of America is deeply disappointed by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision not to hear Marvin Gerber v. Herskovits, et al., a case involving antisemitic protests outside an Ann Arbor, Michigan congregation on Shabbos mornings. In April, Agudath Israel, joined by nine other Orthodox Jewish organizations, filed an amicus brief asking the Court to [...]
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Total submissions: May 29, 2022 Ms. Christina Coughlin 89 Washington Ave., EBA Room 1078 SORIS, SE Regulation Comments Albany, NY 12234 seregcomments@nysed.gov Medical Professionals Oppose the Proposed Addition of Part 130 to Title 8 NYCRR (Rule ID# EDU-13-22-00025-P) to Strictly Regulate Private Schools Dear Ms. Coughlin and Honorable [...]
Photo Credits: Agudath Israel of America Children with special needs require lots of care. Mothers of children with special needs deserve care and support too. YahalomNY held a unique event for these mothers this Wednesday. The event, latest in a series of evenings of support for mothers of special needs children, was hosted by Shmuel [...]
Nachy FIshman Reciting part of the Hadran Crowd Rabbi Ephraim Levi receiving award from Rabbi Labish Becker Rabbi Moshe Tuvia Leiff Pirchim Receiving Brochos Pre Siyum Event With Rabbi Shia Grunfeld Dais Rabbi Shia Grunfeld Reciting Tehillim Rabbi Shlomo Mandel and Rabbi Labish Becker Mr. Abe Eisner reciting Kaddish Rabbi Dovid Gibber And Mr. Abe [...]
Agudah’s New England office held a community meeting with State Senator Eric Lesser last week to discuss the security needs of its institutions, and express thanks to him for his leadership on the Commonwealth Security Grant Program. At the meeting, Senator Lesser expressed his support for the Jewish community and pledged to ensure that their [...]
L-R Tzvi Ray, Simcha Frank, Michoel Nudell, Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, Rep. Jim Durkin, Sen. Dan McConchie, Aaron Topper, Rabbi Ari Strulowitz, Moshe Davis, Tzvi Montrose, Moshe Blonder, Rabbi Yaakov Robinson Rabbi Eli Samber with Sen. McConchie, Elan Magence, and Rep. Durkin at Arie Crown Hebrew Day School Rabbi Eli Samber looks on as a student [...]
Photo Credits: Shutterstock/By Mihai_Andritoiu
The 2022 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly ended on Monday, April 11, at midnight. Agudath Israel of Maryland is pleased to report on some of the highlights and results of the legislative session on the items of primary interest to the Orthodox Jewish Community.
“After the 2020 legislative session was cut short due to Covid, and the 2021 session was limited, it was great to actually be allowed back into the state building in Annapolis,” said Rabbi Ariel Sadwin, executive director, Agudath Israel of Maryland. “I’d like to salute the senators and delegates who comprise the Maryland General Assembly and their dedicated staffs for diligently doing the ‘work of the people’. Special mention to those who serve the districts of our community – who do so with great devotion, concern, and attentiveness.” Click here to watch Rabbi Sadwin’s full Sine Die report.
The BOOST scholarship program funds were renewed for its 6th year and funded at $10 million – the same funding as last year when it was increased by $3 million. As expected, the additional funds in last year’s budget proved extremely beneficial for the Jewish day school community. Last year’s Jewish day school BOOST tally came in at nearly $2.75 million – almost double the totals of previous years.
Agudath Israel of Maryland strongly promoted legislation (HB 415 / SB 401) put forth by Governor Hogan’s administration to make the BOOST program and its funding permanent (as opposed to its current status as an annual budget negotiation), but unfortunately the push to get that done while Gov. Hogan is still in office was not successful. Agudath Israel of Maryland hopes to continue the pursuit of a permanent scholarship program with the state’s next top executive next year.
The two security grant programs for entities deemed to be “at risk of a hate crime” were also funded in the state budget – $2 million dollars for schools and day care facilities and $5 million dollars for shuls and other non-profits, a $2 million dollar increase from its previous levels. Notable to these programs is the allowable use to hire security personnel.
Following up on last year’s measure to limit the continuous benefits of the state’s 529 contribution program, the legislature passed another bill (HB 444) which limits account holders to those above 18 years old. On a positive note, there was no attempt this year to strike nonpublic schools from 529 benefits as there was in previous sessions.
Agudath Israel of Maryland’s team strongly promoted a new funding program conceived by the OU’s Teach Coalition to provide a per-pupil allocation for school nurse costs. Despite receiving legislative assurances that the program would be funded, the two respective budget appropriating committees were led to believe that federal COVID recovery funds were available for this use. In truth, those funds are specific in their allowable uses and nursing/medical costs are not among those allowable uses.
Agudath Israel of Maryland will continue to work with our state and federal partners to ensure that the approximately $60 million already allocated to Maryland private schools from the latter two federal aid packages (EANS / GEER programs) will arrive in a timely fashion and be put to an effective and beneficial use.
Over the last several years there has been a robust increase in the general focus on child care programs statewide and nationwide (for example universal pre-K, etc.). During this time Agudath Israel of Maryland has worked on expanding the eligibility threshold and criteria of child care scholarships and assisted countless households in accessing them. There are now more facilities in our community than ever before that participate in the state’s early childhood program, and we are hopeful that it will continue to grow. As usual a number of bills passed during the session related to child care, one of which (HB 1100) is a $16 million allocation to provide incentives and bonuses to child care center personnel.
For the last several years Agudath Israel of Maryland has advocated against a bill in Annapolis that would end standard time and implement all-year daylight savings time. In past years, our opposition to it (primarily based on concerns of safety of school children and the challenges for morning minyan goers due to late sunrise in mid-winter) has been helpful in preventing its passing. This year the bill passed the state’s House of Delegate (HB 126), but the unexpected action on Capitol Hill in which the U.S. Senate unanimously passed all-year DST, led to the MD Senate taking no action on the bill. Efforts are underway with many members of the U.S. House to oppose any such corresponding House motion to make DST permanent.
The General Assembly took action to implement climate reform in Maryland (Senate Bill 528) requiring buildings to show a significant cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and complete reduction by 2045. The law provided exemptions to a number of different buildings where compliance would pose undue hardships. Agudath Israel of Maryland was extensively involved in seeking an exemption for houses of worship, similar to some other exempted facilities (which includes school buildings). Ultimately an amendment to the bill was made to exempt all buildings smaller than 35,000 square feet, thus exempting many houses of worship by default.
For resources for those seeking to apply for BOOST scholarships, those looking to utilize 529 tuition related benefits, or child care scholarships, as well as all of the security grant programs that shuls and other nonprofits may be able to access, go to www.AgudahMD.org.
The post Agudath Israel of Maryland Sine Die Report 2022 first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post WATCH: “The Road Back” Rabbi Labish Becker Parshas Acharei Mos 5782 first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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Rabbi Shlomo Soroka with Governor Mike Parson
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Photo Credits: Office of Missouri Governor
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Agudath Israel of Missouri is proud to be one of the six educational assistance organizations (EAOs) certified yesterday by the State of Missouri. An EAO is a nonprofit organization that manages scholarship accounts for eligible Missouri children as part of the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program. The EAO may accept contributions from individuals and businesses who then receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit. Eligible students who apply for scholarships can then receive up to $6,375 to attend a private school of their choice. The $25 million-a-year program passed and was signed into law in 2021 with the strong support of Agudath Israel and its coalition partners. “Agudath Israel is honored to be one of the few organizations chosen by the State Treasurer to administer this program,” said Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, director of government affairs for Agudath Israel of Illinois. “Our organization and the Orthodox Jewish community we represent were ardent advocates of the legislation and we look forward to continuing to work with Treasurer Fitzpatrick to provide the best educational environment for Missouri’s children.” For more details about the MOScholars program click here. Details on how to donate or apply for a scholarship through Agudath Israel of Missouri will be forthcoming at Agudah.org/Missouri/MOScholars Agudath Israel of Missouri is a subsidiary of Agudath Israel of Illinois.
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The post Agudath Israel of Missouri Certified as Educational Assistance Organization for MOScholars Program first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post WATCH: “Know Your Inner Potential” Rabbi Labish Becker- Pesach 5782 #3 first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudath Israel of America, along with nine other national Jewish organizations, filed an amicus curiae brief last week asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case with significant ramifications for religious freedom. The case, Marvin Gerber v. Herskovits, et al., involves the rights to worship and free speech, in the context of nearly two decades of protests and harassment affecting members of a synagogue in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Two members of the Beth Israel Congregation synagogue brought the case against a group of people who have been harassing its members every Shabbos morning since 2003 by protesting and carrying signs with anti-Jewish slogans. The case was also brought against the city of Ann Arbor and city officials for allowing the protests to continue. The protestors use signs with slogans such as “Resist Jewish Power,” “Jewish Power Corrupts,” and “No More Holocaust Movies.” One of the members bringing the case is a Holocaust survivor who has suffered extreme emotional distress from the ongoing protests, which prevents him, at times, from attending synagogue services.
The Beth Israel members first turned to the city of Ann Arbor to take action against the protestors, asking the city to enforce its law requiring such protests to obtain a permit, which these protestors have not done. But the city refused to take action, claiming that the protestors have the right to freedom of speech, even though the protests are intimidating and harassing those attending synagogue services. The plaintiffs then filed a lawsuit in federal district court seeking an order of protection against the protesters. The court denied the request, ruling that the Beth Israel members had not demonstrated concrete injury. The Beth Israel congregants then appealed to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals where a panel of judges ruled that they had shown concrete injury, but that the protestors had free speech rights under the First Amendment and the protests were allowed to continue. In October 2021, the synagogue members submitted petitions to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals asking the court to rehear the case. In January 2022, the court upheld the previous ruling.
Following this ruling, as a last resort, the Beth Israel members appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court asking it to hear the case. Their appeal argued that the protestors violated numerous laws and that the protests are not protected by the free speech clause of the First Amendment. Instead, they constitute intimidation and harassment and interfere with the synagogue members’ constitutional right to free exercise of their religion.
Agudath Israel of America has submitted an amicus curiae or “friend of the court” brief in support of plaintiff Marvin Gerber’s petition. Attorney Joshua Klarfeld of the law firm Ulmer & Berne LLP volunteered to research and write the brief with help from his colleague Emma Tomsick. Other major Jewish organizations that also signed on include the National Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs, the Agudas HaRabbonim, the Coalition for Jewish Values, the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, the Rabbinical Alliance of America, the Rabbinical Council of America, Torah Umesorah (the National Society of Hebrew Day Schools), the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, and National Council of Young Israel.
The brief argues that the case involves attacks on private citizens’ rights to exercise their religion freely when faced with consistent and sustained vicious protests targeting them specifically – as private citizens and as Jews. The brief further argues that the protests do not constitute speech entitled to First Amendment protection, but instead the speech includes epithets that, throughout the history of the Jewish people – from ancient times through the present – has led to assaults, pogroms, and murder. The brief concludes that the Sixth Circuit opinion would set a dangerous precedent, marking open season on Americans attempting to exercise their First Amendment free exercise right to worship, without interference by protestors espousing epithets and non-protected fighting words, at houses of worship throughout the country.
“We have seen time and time again how antisemitic intimidation has led to violence,” said Rabbi David Zwiebel, executive vice president of Agudath Israel. “These protests have continued week after week for years, in front of the same private, residentially zoned building designated for individuals attempting to peaceably exercise their religion, understandably deterring congregants from being able to do so. We implore the Supreme Court to hear this case and protect the rights of those who wish to worship freely.”
Agudath Israel thanks Joshua Klarfeld and his colleagues at Ulmer for researching and writing this important brief in this critical case on a pro bono basis.
The post Agudath Israel Asks U.S. Supreme Court to Protect Worshipers from Antisemitic Harassment first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Rabbi Yeruchem Olshin, Rosh HaYeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood, Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah:
Rabbi Aron Dovid Goldberg, Rosh HaYeshiva Telshe Cleveland, Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah:
Rabbi Yisroel Perlow, Novominsker Rebbe:
Rabbi Yaakov Hillel, Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshivat Chevrat Ahavat Shalom, Yerushalayim:
The post Four-part shiur series in preparation for Pesach first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Pesach 2021Pesach 2020 – 1Pesach 2020 – 2Pesach 2019Pesach 2018 – 1Pesach 2018 – 2The post Pirchei Pesach first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Dear NYS Childcare Providers,
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Bureau of Immunization Online Day Care and Pre-K Immunization Survey deadline has been extended to May 13, 2022.
This survey is mandatory for all daycare and pre-k programs unless you already filled out the general immunization survey for your school and included your daycare or pre-k program in that survey.
The immunization survey is posted on the Health Commerce System (HCS) secure network here.
Documents:
Memo from the State Health Department
Instructions for Accessing and Completing the Day Care and Pre-K Immunization Survey
HCS Account Information
Paperless HCS User Account Information As always, feel free to reach out to yeshivaservices@agudah.org with any questions.
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Sign up for our mailing list here!
Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus Director of Yeshiva Services Ami Bazov, Esq. Associate Director of Yeshiva Services Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel.
The post Mandatory Daycare Survey Deadline Extended (4-11-22) first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Photo Credits: Cheri Alguire/Shutterstock
After months of intense negotiations, Governor Kathy Hochul and the legislature finally came to an agreement on a $220 billion budget over the weekend. Significantly, this budget addresses many of the priorities that Agudath Israel and its coalition partners requested on behalf of yeshivas and parents.
There were many other issues on the negotiating table. Bail reform; tax incentives for developers; a new stadium for a football team in Buffalo; and emergency budget extenders needed so state workers could get paid, all gripped last-minute negotiations. To help cut through the noise, Agudah’s advocacy included personal meetings with the governor, led by Board Chair Mr. Shlomo Werdiger; personal meetings with the NYS Budget Director; and multiple Albany Days, in which school officials and community leaders met with dozens of NYS legislators. Thankfully, these efforts paid off.
Budget Highlights:
Yeshivas and Other Nonpublic Schools
- $195 million for Mandated Services Aid (MSA) and Comprehensive Attendance Program (CAP), an increase of almost $2 million, which is anticipated to be sufficient for all claims submitted.
- Tens of millions in unspent EANS (Emergency Assistance to Nonpublic Schools) funding reverting to GEER (Governors Emergency Educational Relief funding), so yeshivas would not lose them. The Agudah felt it was critical that unused funds should still be usable by nonpublic schools to assist with costs related to COVID safety.
- $45 million for Nonpublic School Safety and Equipment Grant (NPSE). This triples the amount allocated last year, and was a major Agudah priority. The NPSE program boosts school safety and security, and can be used for certain capital repairs for building safety. This is in addition to $25 million allocated under the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant.
- $58 million for STEM reimbursement. This initiative was a focus of Teach NYS, and we thank them for their advocacy on this.
- $1 million to reimburse schools in NYC, Buffalo and Rochester for immunization recordkeeping.
Parents
A major focus nationally for Agudah has been to assist hardworking, tuition paying parents. The Agudah has been successful in leading efforts that have brought tuition relief to yeshiva parents in Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, and Florida.
To that end, we are happy to announce that the budget includes:
- A major investment in child-care aid, which includes $7 billion over 4 years towards a goal of full, universal, free child care. This will be a tremendous benefit to many working parents who are burdened with costs of child care while they are supporting their families.
- A substantial increase in the Empire State Child Tax Credit based on income levels. This Agudah priority directly impacts families with children, by putting additional dollars in their pockets and helping them keep up with the costs of raising families.
“Budgets are not done in a day or a week,” said Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations, who coordinated most of the Agudah’s advocacy efforts. “This budget was the result of months of focused advocacy by Agudah and its coalition partners, and years of planning. We thank Governor Hochul, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, and the many members of the legislature who spoke to us – and then spoke for us – and our community. We appreciate your friendship.”
“I am especially proud,” said Avrohom Weinstock, Agudah’s Chief of Staff, “of how our team and the community came together and had siyata diShmaya in advocating for the tripling of the Nonpublic School Safety and Equipment Grant to $45 million, and in fighting for hardworking, tuition paying parents.”
The post New York State Passes Budget: Agudath Israel Applauds Wins for Yeshivas and Substantial New Gains Directly for Parents first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Rav Malkiel Kotler Shlita on the Ukraine Crisis first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The issue of extending Daylight Savings Time (DST) has come up over the years on both the federal and state levels and Agudath Israel of America has joined other segments of society in generally opposing these efforts.
Our concerns revolved around two areas. First, as a representative of Orthodox Jewish schools, we shared the views of those in the school community who were concerned about children walking, carpooling or taking the bus to school in the pre-sunrise darkness and the increased risk of accidents and injuries that resulted. Indeed, during the Arab oil embargo in early 1970s, when a year-long DST was attempted (but was quickly ended due to public outcry), there were numerous reported incidents of children being injured and assaulted as they traveled to school in the pitch-black streets. Whatever benefit that might accrue due to extended DST pales in comparison to the cost in safety of our children.
The second concern related to an unintended consequence the change in DST would have on a fundamental aspect of Jewish religious life – morning prayers. Under Jewish law, morning prayers, and the rituals associated with them, are regulated in time-specific ways and must be performed no earlier those certain specified times. Synagogue schedules accommodate those times. With a change in DST, and the later sunrise, the times for prayers and their accompanying rituals will be disrupted –which, in turn, will put into jeopardy their proper fulfillment, discourage synagogue attendance, and result in late arrival for work.
The U.S. Senate today passed legislation that would make DST year-round and thus implicate these and other concerns. The bill will now move to the House, where the various issues on both sides will be debated. Along with others, Agudath Israel intends to continue to express its concerns to the representatives in that chamber and make clear the negative consequences the change will have on the safety of our children and on our Jewish religious practice.
The post Statement of Agudath Israel of America on Senate Passage of the Sunshine Protection Act first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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Back in Albany: Third Installment of Agudah Advocacy Brings Focus on Parents and Security
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(L-R) Chaskel Bennett, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Rabbi Moshe Melamed
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Meeting with Assemblymember Helene Weinstein
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Meeting with Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal
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Meeting with Assemblymember Steven Cymbrowitz
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Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus, Director Yeshiva Services, Agudath Israel, with Assemblymember Michael Cusick
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Back L-R: Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Rabbi Eli Rabinowitz, Rabbi Moshe Melamed, Rabbi Joel Rosenfeld, Rabbi Ephraim Fink Front L-R: Mr. Avrohom Weinstock, Rabbi A.D. Motzen, Rabbi Mordechai Biser, Rabbi Pinchas Avruch, Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus, Mr. Leon Goldenberg
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Back L-R: Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Mr. Avrohom Weinstock, Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus, Rabbi Eli Rabinowitz, Rabbi Moshe Melamed, Rabbi Joel Rosenfeld Front L-R: Miss Atara Fialkoff, Miss Miri Szpilzinger, Mrs. Leah Steinberg, Rabbi A.D. Motzen, Rabbi Mordechai Biser, Rabbi Pinchas Avruch, Mr. Leon Goldenberg, Rabbi Ephraim Fink
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Photo Credits: Cindy Schultz
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A high res version of the image above is available for download here or by clicking on the image.
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Agudath Israel of America was one of the first groups statewide to be back in Albany for lobbying last week, just days after the Legislative Office Building opened to the public. While Zoom advocacy has become accepted over the past two years (and certainly is more convenient than six hours of driving!) it is just not the same as face-to-face meetings. So, as soon as the Agudah received the go-ahead, the race was on to put together a delegation to relay the concerns of New York’s Orthodox Jewish community in person before the state budget was released. The delegation of Agudah staff and leadership was joined by leading community advocates and school officials. During the busy day, the delegation met with Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, Senators Anna Kaplan, Simcha Felder, and Diane Savino, as well as Assemblymembers Michael Benedetto, Robert Carroll, Michael Cusick, Steven Cymbrowitz, Simcha Eichenstein, Daniel Rosenthal, Amy Paulin, and Helene Weinstein. There were also meetings with staff from Assemblymember Emily Gallagher’s office. Additionally, the delegation met with staff of Governor Hochul, including Dan Fuller, Deputy Secretary for Education; Terrence O’Leary, Executive Deputy Commissioner, NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES); and Chattod Floyd, Deputy Secretary for Legislative Affairs. These meetings were coordinated by Jake Adler, Director of Jewish Affairs, and Eva Wyner, Deputy Director of Jewish Affairs. Safety for Our Children: Antisemitic violence continues to rise across the country. From the high-profile cases like attacks targeting Jews in Pittsburgh, PA; Poway, CA; Jersey City, NJ; Monsey, NY; and the recent hostage crisis in Colleyville, Texas, to the swastikas and senseless beatings in the streets. Ensuring our children’s safety in school by raising the level of funding for the Nonpublic School Safety Equipment grant (NPSE), is therefore one of the highest priorities for the Agudah. The NPSE program provides reimbursement for safety and security measures for nonpublic schools, and Agudah advocates asked the legislators to retain the line item in the budget which would raise NPSE funding from $15 million to $45 million, as well as to expand eligibility for usage to include critical capital repairs that enhance building safety. This item was also raised extensively in the meetings with executive staff of the governor. Members of the delegation expressed appreciation to the governor for putting this item in her version of the budget, as Agudah had lobbied for several months ago, and stressed the importance of this funding being included in the final budget. Fight Child Poverty for the State’s Youngest: The Empire State Child Tax Credit was designed to combat child poverty for low- and middle-income parents. Paradoxically, the credit excludes children under the age of four, the age children are most likely to experience poverty; when the impact of child poverty is most egregious and can impede long-term development; and when parents have the most difficult time returning to work. A 50-state survey of child tax credits did not find a single other state that denied the benefit specifically to parents of younger children. Agudah delegates asked legislators to close this critical under-four loophole. Other issues discussed with the legislators included a summer food funding increase, a revolving loan fund for special education providers, and immunization recordkeeping reimbursements. “There is no substitute for the human connection, and with almost no one yet in Albany, we really got a lot of quality time with the legislators. Kudos to our advocacy team for mobilizing on a dime,” said Avrohom Weinstock, Agudah’s chief of staff. “It was great to be back in the person, walking the halls of the Capitol in Albany,” said Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Agudah’s director of New York government relations. “While we won’t know if we succeeded in accomplishing all of the items on the agenda, we already received positive feedback from multiple legislators, and have seen concrete results in the One House Budget released over the weekend after our visit.”
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The post Back in Albany: Third Installment of Agudah Advocacy Brings Focus on Parents and Security first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Dear Agudah Activist:
We are all outraged by the Ukrainian crisis and the death and destruction that has come in its wake. Agudath Israel is doing what it can to provide humanitarian relief to the injured and displaced. We have raised millions of dollars for food, medicine, housing and other vital necessities, to be distributed throughout affected areas in Ukraine and neighboring countries.
But there is more we can do!
We can urge Congress to call upon the Biden Administration to take steps to ease the massive refugee crisis by expediting family reunification cases so that Ukrainians with family in the U.S. can arrive on these shores as quickly as possible. Family reunification is a central focus of American refugee policy.
There are two actions the Administration can take:
Lautenberg Amendment Cases — The Lautenberg Amendment eases the refugee process for religious minorities who have suffered historic persecution in their home countries – and, in Ukraine, Jews, Pentecostals, and others, are eligible. Many applications are already in the pipeline and should be expedited by allowing applicants to come to the U.S. and complete processing here or by allowing them to complete processing in refugee centers in Europe. The Administration should also do all within its power to expedite the process of newly-filed Lautenberg cases.
Immigrant Visa Applications – Another way the Biden Administration can bring relief to Ukrainians is to expedite pending immigrant visa applications and allow these applicants to enter the U.S. as refugees or parolees. Otherwise, this process could take months or even years of waiting! This has been done previously for other groups (Iraqis and Haitians) and the exigent circumstances facing Ukrainians warrant that it be done there as well.
We urge you to contact your Senators and Representatives as soon as possible to call upon the Biden Administration to take these critical steps that will bring relief to thousands who are suffering displacement. These are actions that do not require legislation and that the President can put into effect right away.
Thank you for your help!
Rabbi Abba Cohen
Vice President for Government Affairs
Washington Director
The post Action Alert: Call on Biden Administration to Let Ukrainian Refugees Reunite with their U.S Families first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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The Power of an Hour in Highland Park, NJ
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A high res version of the image above is available for download here or by clicking on the image.
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What can you accomplish in an hour? This past Wednesday night, over 100 Bnos leaders and advisors got together for an inter-city leadership appreciation event, combining inspiration and fun. There was plenty of networking, plus a game, activity, and speaker. Apropos for the crowd, the theme was “Yesh koneh olamo b’sha’ah achas.” Never underestimate the power of an hour. Bnos groups may seem like a tiny slice of time, but they have a ripple effect throughout the week. Michal G., an advisor from the Lower East Side, explains the chizuk she gained from the event. “I grew up going to Bnos, and I was a leader in high school. Now I’m an advisor, but it’s all been within my community. I never realized how many other people do what I do! It was so inspiring to see a room full of girls and women who are also giving up their Shabbos afternoons for the klal.” But the message went even deeper. “We heard a lot of tips and role-played situations that come up during Bnos Shabbos groups. I saw that everyone experiences the same issues. We’re not in this alone.” That’s exactly the point, says Mrs. Chana Baila Hass, national director of Bnos Agudas Yisroel. “We want to empower our leaders and advisors with the knowledge that they’re part of a national team. We have so many resources to support them, and we’re developing even more.” For example, Mrs. Hass mentions the Purim compilation her team put together this year. It has Purim ideas from Bnos branches around the country. “Cities can learn from each other without having to reinvent the wheel,” she explains. “And watch out for a new leaders’ initiative coming after Purim!” “Bnos leaders make an impact that goes far beyond Shabbos. Our volunteers should feel the chashivus of being a Bnos leader,” she concluded. Want to learn more about becoming a leader? Call Bnos at 212 797 9000 ext. 330 or email bnos@agudah.org.
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The post The Power of an Hour in Highland Park, NJ first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Slovakian Ambassador to the United Nations Michal Mlynar speaking with Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Executive Vice President, Agudath Israel
(L-R) UN Ambassador for Poland, Krzysztof Szczerski speaking with Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Executive Vice President, Agudath Israel, and Mr. Sol Werdiger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Agudath Israel of America
On Friday, March 11, high ranking Agudath Israel of America officials, along with representatives of other American Jewish organizations providing humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian refugees crossing the border into neighboring countries, participated in a meeting with UN ambassadors from a number of Eastern European countries. The meeting was hosted by the Slovakian Ambassador to the United Nations Michal Mlynar, and included ambassadors from Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, Hungary, and Romania.
The meeting was intended to create a dialogue between the organizations, Ukraine, and its bordering countries about how best to coordinate efforts and assist each other. One of the main issues discussed was expediting the transport of food, religious articles, and other supplies, avoiding unnecessary delays as the materials proceed through customs. In addition, Agudath Israel board chairman Mr. Sol Werdiger raised the issue of providing Kosher food for Jewish refugees through the UN world food program.
“It was very helpful to speak with ambassadors of the countries bordering Ukraine. Many refugees are heading there either as a waypoint or, possibly, permanently,” said Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, who participated in the meeting in his capacity as Executive Vice President of Agudath Israel. “We are particularly grateful to have heard directly from the Ukranian ambassador about the needs of his country and people.”
Mr. Werdiger expressed his gratitude to the Slovakian ambassador for setting up this important meeting and recognizing the work of Agudath Israel. “But what is most important,” said Mr. Werdiger, “are the channels set up by this meeting that will help strengthen the relief and rescue efforts.”
The post Agudath Israel Participates in Meeting with Eastern European UN Ambassadors Regarding Humanitarian Assistance to Ukrainian Refugees first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The Midwest Agudas Yisroel Council of Synagogue Rabbonim is pleased to present a sefer that discusses the halachos of the month of Adar and Purim.
The sefer, Safah Berurah: The Halachos of of the Month of Adar and Purim, was compiled and written by Rabbi Yaakov Robinson, executive director of the Midwest Agudas Yisroel Council of Synagogue Rabbanim, and reviewed by Rabbi Shmuel Fuerst, Dayan, Agudas Yisroel of Illinois.
Download (PDF, 622KB)
The post The Halachos of the Month of Adar and Purim first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
For close to 20 years, the Agudah has shared guidelines for the use of alcohol on Purim, specifically how it relates to bochurim’s drinking. This letter has been signed by many Roshei Yeshiva who joined to inform the community, and their talmidim, of this serious issue. You can download the PDF in Enlgish only or with English and Hebrew.
The post An Appeal to B’nei Yeshiva & Ba’alei Batim to Eliminate Dangerous Drinking on Purim first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post WATCH: “Be a Venahafoch Hu Jew” Rabbi Labish Becker- Purim 5782 first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudath Israel of America acknowledges the New York State Education Department’s release today of proposed new regulations regarding “substantial equivalence” of instruction. We will be studying these proposed regulations closely in the days ahead, but at first glance we note that they represent an improvement over the version that SED proposed in 2019 — most notably, by establishing a series of alternate pathways to substantial equivalency. This is a positive development.
We also appreciate the proposed regulations’ explicit instruction that “Reviews shall be informed by, and respectful of, the cultural and religious beliefs and educational philosophy that may drive the curriculum in nonpublic schools and be integrated with academic content in the delivery of instruction.” This is an important foundational principle.
Yet despite these positive features of the proposed new regulations, we remain deeply concerned about the impact these regulations may have on many yeshivas across New York State. Most dismayingly, and despite numerous entreaties by Agudath Israel and other advocates for the yeshiva community, nowhere in the proposed regulations is there any mention of the need to take into account the educational value of religious studies in determining substantial equivalency. Yeshiva students devote long hours to the study of the Chumash, Mishnah, Talmud and various other religious texts – a course of study that is well known to be a rigorous academic discipline of the highest order. For a yeshiva to be judged on the quality of its educational program without taking into account these religious studies would make a cruel mockery of the review process. By ignoring this essential component of yeshiva education, the proposed new regulations may result in yeshivas having to make major changes to their school day schedules to be deemed substantially equivalent. This is entirely unacceptable.
We will continue to engage the SED and Board of Regents as the regulatory process moves forward, in the hope that any new regulations will fully respect the unique nature and essential role of yeshiva education. The stakes are high, and we cannot afford to sit on the sidelines.
The post Agudath Israel Statement on Proposed New York State Equivalency Regulations first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Important Voting Registration Deadline first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post WATCH: “ Heart Smart” Rabbi Labish Becker Parshas Tetzaveh 5782 first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Daf Yomi Siyum Moed Katan Program first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
See below for a recording of the Mandated Services Aid webinar presented by Ms. Althea Johnson, Supervisor, Grants Management Unit at the NYS Education Department, and Rabbi Nissan Gewirtzman, President of Yeshiva Consulting Services.
The post Mandated Services Aid Webinar for 20/21 Claims first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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Dear Friend, We would like to inform you about an important voter registration deadline. This year virtually all of state government is up for election. That includes governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, all members of the legislature and many judges. Elections will be next November and party primaries will take place in June. In order to vote in a party primary, whether Democratic or Republican, you must be registered in that party. The deadline to switch party registration to vote in a primary is February 14th. If you are currently registered in the party pf your choice, you do not need to do anything. If you would like to change party registration and are a New York City resident, please click here. Out of New York City please click here.
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The post February 9 Update first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
Agudath Israel of America viewed with alarm an incendiary promotional advertisement published today for an upcoming article in Journal News (Lohud), a popular newspaper in Rockland County.
The caption, “Rabbi holds the strings on $76M for East Ramapo School District… Coming Feb. 9,” appears above a puppet master using pencils and string to manipulate what appears to be children atop a pile of cash.
While the article, or even the identity of the “rabbi” (as though his “rabbihood” is somehow germane) are unknown, the caricature evokes the worst antisemitic tropes, and is categorically unacceptable. The concept of the Jew as a conspiratorial puppet master, covertly manipulating the world economy and events, harks back to at least the 1700’s, as further amplified upon in the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. Its imagery and underlying implications have stoked pogroms for hundreds of years, and was employed as recently as by the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter, who killed 11 worshippers in the largest modern mass shooting against Jews in America, at Tree of Life in 2018. We wonder how any article which emerges from an editorial board that approved such a hateful cartoon can pretend to be free from bias.
Agudath Israel calls for a full apology, and actionable commitment by Lohud to avoid bigoted imagery and coverage of the Jewish community in Rockland County in the future.
The post Agudath Israel Protests Bigoted Rockland Journal News Imagery first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post Rabbi Aharon Dovid Goldberg speaks about Am Echad Campaign first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
The post WATCH: “ The Secret Inside the Kapores” Rabbi Labish Becker Parshas Terumah 5782 first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.
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Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, Governor J.B. Pritzker, Rabbi Yitzchok Ehrman
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Actions speak louder than words. That is why Agudath Israel of Illinois (AIOI) applauds Governor J.B. Pritzker for including, for the first time, a $20 million appropriation towards the Illinois At-risk Nonprofit Security Grant Program in his budget proposal released today. Following recent events in Colleyville, and the recent spate of antisemitic hate crimes perpetrated against the Orthodox Jewish community in Chicago, many elected officials spoke out against antisemitism, a much-appreciated gesture. However, with hate crimes at their highest point in over a decade, the threat to the Orthodox Jewish community, as well as other minority communities, is real and needs a stronger response. The Governor’s commitment to providing funding towards protecting targeted communities is a significant step in the fight against hate and terror. In 2017, following a wave of bomb threats to Jewish community centers, Jewish schools, and other antisemitic incidents, AIOI successfully advocated for an anti-terror security grant program. While the program was enacted into law, it never received funding, despite several prior attempts. Recently, appropriation bills to fund the program were sponsored by State Representative Bob Morgan (D – Deerfield) and State Senator Ram Villivalam (D – Chicago). Co-sponsors of these bills included State Senators Laura Fine (D – Glenview) and Sara Feigenholtz (D – Chicago) and State Representatives Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D – Skokie), Kam Buckner (D – Chicago), Robyn Gabel (D – Evanston), Dan Didech (D – Buffalo Grove), Denyse Wang Stoneback (D – Skokie), Margaret Croke (D – Chicago), Janet Yang-Rohr (D – Naperville), Nicholas Smith (D – Chicago), Sam Yingling (D – Grayslake), and Mike Kelly (D – Chicago). In partnership with AIOI, the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago (JUF) has been investing much effort in coalition building and advocating for this funding. These efforts generated support for the initiative from a broad spectrum of organizations and communities. “We have advocated for greatly needed security funding in prior years,” said AIOI’s director of government affairs, Rabbi Shlomo Soroka. “Recent events and the fiscal conditions certainly played a role, but the fact that we have passionate partners really makes all the difference.” AIOI thanks Governor Pritzker for his vision along with the supportive members of the Illinois General Assembly, and partnering organizations for their efforts to make this program a reality.The post Agudath Israel Applauds Illinois Governor Pritzker’s Proposal to Fund the State’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program for the First Time first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.