Search results for:

Sylvia, z”l, passed away Erev Pesah at almost 100 years old. Although her loyalty was to the Valley Stream Jewish Center and Rabbi Yechiel, she often told me that I was her “favorite female rabbi.” She was intelligent and thoughtful, often adding her own “midrash” to our texts. She was raised to fight for civil rights, women’s rights and peace, and raised her children the same way. Her insights always added to our discussions.

Transitions. Life is full of them. We leave behind the past and embrace the future, and all the while, try to continue to live in the present. We see transitions play out every day, and as I write this, the United States is reacting to the news that President Biden has decided to not seek reelection, fully and wholeheartedly (as far as I can tell) endorsing and lifting up Vice President Kamala Harris.

One of my favorite TV shows growing up (with reruns on METV) was “Green Acres,” the story of Oliver Wendell Douglas, a New York lawyer, and his Hungarian socialite wife, Lisa who move from Manhattan to a farm in a place called “Hooterville.” There they encounter all sorts of characters as they try to make their way in a very different world than they’re used to. Played by the late Ava Gabor, Lisa both fits into the community, and at the same time, doesn’t.

In this week's Torah portion, Rabbi Susan Elkodsi sees Yitro's advice to Moses as a reminder that strong and effective leaders also need to care for their own wellbeing.

BIB 290: Parashat Hashavua Rabbi Jef Segelman In this course, we will study the weekly Torah portion. (We will cover Sefer Breisheet and the High Holiday and Sukkot readings).  While our goal will be to gain a greater knowledge of the Parashah itself, we will be equally concerned with exploring a variety of commentaries and resources so that each Read More >

The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), requires schools to disclose and report information to certain parties including students, prospective students, and employees. AJR is committed to disclosing the relevant information that will allow people to make informed decisions about their postsecondary education. Read More >

AJR is authorized to administer Federal Student Aid to eligible students. AJR is now able to facilitate Federal Direct Loans in the form of Direct Unsubsidized Loans on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). This link has valuable information published by ED about Federal Student Aid including Direct Student Loans. Interest begins Read More >

A D'var Torah for Parashat Vayeitzei By Rabbi Katy Allen ('05) Click HERE for an audio recording of this D'var Torah Once long ago and far away there lived a wise Queen who ruled a small but thriving territory. The Queen had three daughters. As each daughter came of age, the Queen gave her 10 pieces of Read More >

Click HERE for an audio recording of this D'var Torah The Covenant of Salt, the Salt of Your Covenant A D'var Torah for Parashat Vayikra By Rabbi Katy Allen ('05) וְכׇל־קׇרְבַּ֣ן מִנְחָתְךָ֮ בַּמֶּ֣לַח תִּמְלָח֒ וְלֹ֣א תַשְׁבִּ֗ית מֶ֚לַח בְּרִ֣ית אֱ-לֹהֶ֔יךָ מֵעַ֖ל מִנְחָתֶ֑ךָ עַ֥ל כׇּל־קׇרְבָּנְךָ֖ תַּקְרִ֥יב מֶֽלַח: You shall season your every offering of meal with salt; you shall Read More >

In this week's D'var Torah, Rabbi Katy Allen says that Caleb and Joshua teach us not to catastrophize but to seek out the best and maintain a positive outlook even when the future feels fearful.