Rabbi's Blog

Dear OZ family,

I teach a course at YU called archeology and the Bible. I caution my students not to try to prove Biblical events from archeological data. Such data may give testimony to what is written in Tanach, but it doesn’t prove anything. The fact is that just as someone may want to prove what is written...Read more...

Dear OZ family,

The news of the tragic earthquake in Turkey and Syria has mobilized much of the Middle East to join hands in the humanitarian efforts to save as many lives as possible. With each passing hour this becomes a greater challenge. A team from Israel just this afternoon pulled 4 living people from the rubble with their state of the art machinery....Read more...

Dear OZ family,

Asara B’tevet represents a turning point for our people that had history-changing ramifications. Until the Babylonians laid siege to Jerusalem, the prophet Yirmiyahu had begged the leaders of Israel to avoid destruction with surrender. Allowing the Babylonians unimpeded entry into the city...Read more...

Dear friends,

While investigating a recurring issue in our rooftop HVAC system, technicians found issues in 2 of the three units. In one system a control board has to be replaced - this is on order and we hope to have it resolved within a week. Further, the ignition chamber of the second unit has to be replaced - we are awaiting the analysis / proposal for this. While...Read more...

Dear OZ family,

This past week, a number of our elected officials gathered to express their outrage at the significant increase in Anti-Semitic attacks across the city. The main targets have been Jews who are dressed in distinctive garb, and the number of attacks are staggering even as the amount of attacks are...Read more...

Dear OZ family,

This is the first of three parshiyot where Yaacov faces challenges , set upon him by three individuals. This week, in Parshat Vayetze, is Lavan. Next week in Parshat Vayishlach, is Esav, and in two weeks, Parshat Vayeshev will introduce further grief for Yaacov, regarding Yoseph. The first...Read more...

Dear friends,

As you may have seen, caution tape was placed yesterday around some of the pews toward the center right area of the Main Sanctuary & Balcony. 

A loose plaster tile was spotted on the ceiling directly above this area, and we have already engaged an engineer to assist with reviewing the area. 

Scaffolding will be installed this morning to immediately begin the process...Read more...

Dear OZ family,

Today would have been Miriam Feig’s 100th birthday. Miriam gave us Oct. 20th as her birthday, but she also gave us a date in February as her birthday. She told me once she was born in 1922 and told others a few different years.

Read more...

Dear OZ family,

Today I can wish everyone a Boker tov, a Shavua Tov, a Chodesh Tov, and a Shana Tova all on the same day.

Each day, God grants us 86,400 seconds of life, and it only takes a few of them to say a kind word, or to brighten someone’s day, or just to...Read more...

The funeral and burial is scheduled to take place, iy"H at 10:30am, Tuesday September 6 at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 83-45 Cypress Hills St, Glendale, NY 11385. Shiva will be at the home of Benjamin and Susan Nachamie, apt. 7D, 1175 York Avenue, NY, NY. Details to follow.

Dear Friends,

It is with profound sadness that I inform...Read more...

Dear OZ family,

The month of Elul is a time when Jews look back and make evaluations. This is in preparation for Rosh Hashana, and it coincides with a time that we turn towards a new school year as well. Labor Day Weekend turns the corner on a summer of relaxation and recreation for many people, as...Read more...

Dear OZ family,

I heard wonderful news yesterday. An old friend, Lavi Greenspan, who davened at OZ many times, just became a chosson. His life has taken many twists and turns, and his faith never wavered. I have included a message that was sent yesterday to the OZ Women’s Living Emunah group, and it will brighten your day. This is a great week...Read more...

Dear OZ family,

Now it’s Esti and Aaron’s turn. This has been an amazing summer of Simcha in our family. First, the birth of Menachem Mendel Schwartz, then the Bat Mitzva of Meira Bloom, then the birth of Shalev Tzvi Zolty, and now the birth of baby girl Feldman. We’d like to invite everyone to a Kiddush...Read more...

Dear OZ Family,

The NY 5K Cancer Schlep is only 10 days away.  If you would like to join Team OZ and walk/run witth us please register at https://events.elitefeats.com/schlep22. When entering the registration information type Team OZ Alisa Schwartz in either the how did you hear about registration field or the running /walking in honor of field.  I would love to have you walk with...Read more...

Dear OZ Family,

One year ago today, August 4th, I stood with the Rabbi and rang the bell at Sloan Kettering Hospital.  I had successfully finished my course of cancer treatments and I joined the group known as "survivors".  I was filled with tremendous gratitude to Hashem and to all of you for your prayers, love and, support during that difficult time.  B"H since then we have been blessed...Read more...