COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

JCC Makes First Wednesday of the Month Constituent Service Day

Do you have immigration issues, social security problems, healthcare concerns, postal complaints, veterans’ affairs or other constituent service matters? Does your job make it difficult to impossible for you to make an appointment with an elected official’s district office during daytime hours? The Marine Park Jewish Community Council, in conjunction with Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, is pleased to offer you a more convenient option. Every first Wednesday of the month, the JCC will offer a constituent service day (or night) at its 2076 Flatbush Avenue location from 6 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. If you have questions about any of the above constituent issues, contact Eli Slavin of Congresswoman Clarke’s office to schedule an appointment at the Wednesday evening constituent service day by calling (202) 821-7906 or emailing eli.slavin@mail.house.gov.

COJO Offers Interview Skills Workshop

Are you getting interviews, but frustratingly no job offers? Have you thought that perhaps you might be making mistakes during the interview process that turns prospective employees off from hiring you? To find out, why not take a master of the art interviewing workshop? COJO Flatbush Employment Center, located at 1523 Avenue M, offered one last month, where in addition to offering valuable tips on how to prepare, practice and perform at your next job interview, they also had employment counselors available to explore your employment needs. To inquire about the next interview skills workshop, call (718) 377-2900 and dial ext. 7611 for David or ext. 7613 for Yelena.

18th Yarchei Kallah in Yerushalayim Set for January 15th – 18th

It’s not too late to still register for a most uplifting spiritual interlude in Ir Hakodesh – the 18th Yarchei Kallah in Jerusalem organized by the Agudath Israel of America’s Torah Projects Commission. Many of your neighbors, friends and relatives from across North America, Europe and Eretz Yisrael will be in attendance. Not only will the event, which is being held in the beautiful Ramada Jerusalem Hotel from January 15-18, have a dynamic English track; but both spouses can enjoy the Yarchei Kallah as there will be a fabulous women’s program. For more details or to register call (212) 797-7380 or click aiayk.org or email yarcheikallah@agudathisrael.org.

Yeshiva Ateres Shmuel of Waterbury Orchestrates Flatbush Chinuch Event

A couple of days before Chanukah last month, Rabbi Ahron Kaufman, Rosh Yeshivah and Rabbi Daniel Kalish, Menahel of Yeshiva Ateres Shmuel of Waterbury came to the Agudath Israel Bais Binyomin to offer hundreds of Flatbush parents a valuable chinuch event on the important topic of “Reaching Today’s Teenagers.” The event that was open to both men and women also included insightful talks by Rabbi Elya Brudny, Rosh Yeshivah of Yeshivas Mir in Flatbush, and Rabbi Moshe Tuvia Lieff, the Mora D’asra of the host shul. Since its establishment some 18 years ago, Yeshiva Ateres Shmuel has always had strong ties to Flatbush as hundreds of young men from our community have learned in that makom Torah.

Rabbi and Rebbetzin Yaakov Bender to be Honored at Yeshiva Darchei Torah Dinner

Forty years was the time span that Moshe Rabbeinu led and taught Torah to the children of Israel in the midbar after the exodus from Egypt. Ever since then, the number 40 has had a special significance. This month on Sunday, January 14th, Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s testimonial dinner, which will be held at Marine Park’s the Aviator, will pay special tribute to 40 years of harbotzas Torah by its beloved Rosh Yeshivah Rabbi Yaakov and Rebbetzin Bryna Bender. Hundreds if not thousands of young men from Flatbush who are now living in our community have benefitted from their connection with the legendary Rosh Yeshivah.

Community Mourns the Shloshim of R’ Yonah Blumenfrucht

A community-wide shloshim gathering was held last month to mourn the petirah of a major Flatbush askan – R’ Yonah Blumenfrucht whose dedication and good deeds touched the lives of thousands, including many who were unaware of how he had helped them. The shloshim was held at Yeshiva and Mesivta Torah Vodaath in conjunction with the niftar’s family, friends and kehillos from throughout the metropolitan area. A major purpose of the gathering was for the participants to daven that the Ribbono shel Olam protect Klal Yisrael from the terrible machlos that have invaded so many families in our communities. Among those who spoke at the shloshim for R’ Blumenfrucht were Rabbi Yosef Savitsky and Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Roshei Yeshiva of Torah Vodaath; Rabbi Shimshon Sherer and Mr. Shlomo Werdiger.

Rabbi Yechiel Spero Speaks at 10th

Annual Flatbush Bonei Olam Dinner

The popular inspirational writer and lecturer, Rabbi Yechiel Spero, came to Marine Park last month to be the guest speaker at the 10th annual dinner of the Flatbush chapter of Bonei Olam that has over the years offered guidance, chizuk and financial assistance to thousands of couples in the Jewish community who suffer from heartbreaking infertility problems. The event was held at the Floyd Bennett Field and attracted hundreds of supporters who wanted to demonstrate their support for the important work of Bonei Olam.

Hope is Available for those Suffering From Gaucher Disease

Did you know that Gaucher disease (Type 1) is the most common inherited Jewish genetic disease in the United States and Europe, particularly among Jews of Ashkenazi descent? Symptoms are bone and joint issues such as multiple fractures, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, chronic fatigue and aches in joints and muscles, as well as enlarged abdomen, bleeding issues, easy or frequent bruising, and difficulty clotting after injuries. The good news is that Gaucher disease can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. Proactive treatment can prevent or ameliorate signs and symptoms as well as reduce the risk of irreversible tissue and organ damage. Enzyme replacement therapy and substrate reduction therapy now allows patients to live full and active lives. If you suspect that you or a loved one has Gaucher disease, you can call the Brooklyn office of the National Gaucher Foundation at (718) 669-4103.

Urgent Flatbush Reception Held for JEM

The Jewish Experience of Madison (JEM) has been at the forefront of campus kiruv for the past 13 years at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where thousands of assimilated Jewish students are enrolled. Much great work at igniting the pintele Yid with these students at a most crucial and influential juncture in their lives has been accomplished by the dedicated staff of JEM. Unfortunately, due to sudden funding changes, years of kiruv efforts and the neshamos of countless Yidden are in peril of being lost. To avoid such a spiritual catastrophe, numerous concerned Jews in Flatbush, who have long been strong supporters of JEM, held an urgent reception on Erev Chanukah at the home of Ushy and Faigy Fried to help address the matter.

Kinnus held at Rabbi Moshe Bergman’s shul on Avenue N and East

27 Street on Sunday evening, December 24, to give chizuk to the

community about the recent fire tragedy that occurred to the Azan

family on Chanukah. Speaking: Rav Lipa Geldwerth, shlilta, and Rav

Elya Brudny, shlita