BY SHANNON SARNA (The Nosher via JTA)  – Yom Kippur is one of the most important days on the Jewish calendar. For many Jews, fasting and being in synagogue is the focus of the day. Fasting is not easy, nor is it for everyone — some people cannot fast because they are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a medical condition. Or […]

By SHIRA ZEMEL (Kveller via JTA) – Like so many of you, I’m a working person trying to juggle it all — my kid, my job and, you know, my life. For the High Holidays, I was inspired to write a working parents’ version of the Ashamnu, an alphabetic acrostic of our collective transgressions, which is part of the public […]

BY BEATA ABRAHAM (JTA via Kveller) – I can’t help but wonder why Hallmark and the retail world at large haven’t co-opted the Jewish New Year. True, while there may “only” be some 5 million to 7 million Jews in the U.S. (depending on who’s counting), Rosh Hashanah is a particularly important holiday on the Jewish calendar. Many Jews spend […]

SCHENECTADY–Congregation Gates of Heaven is offering free Zenobics Tai Chi classes on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. The classes at the temple, 852 Ashmore Ave., Schenectady will be taught by Gates’ members Aaron and Ina Fried, who are certified Tai Chi instructors. An introductory program has been slated for Sept. 23 and those planning to attend are asked to dress to […]

By FAYGIE HOLT (JNS) – For two days in mid-August, 575 men left their jobs, families and hometowns to cycle some 180 miles across three states as part of the Bike4Chai annual fund-raiser to benefit Chai Lifeline, an organization dedicated to helping children with cancer and other life-altering illnesses, and their families. This year’s cyclists came from Mexico and Maryland, […]

By DEBORAH FINEBLUM (JNS) – There was a time when “Don’t trust anyone over 30” was the mantra for the young. But if a new study of Jewish teens—the largest of its kind ever attempted—can be believed, the situation is much different today, news that will no doubt come as a huge relief to parents. Eighteen-year-old Yael Berrol is intimately […]

The Empire State Association of Assisted Living (ESAAL) recently held its multi-day annual conference in Saratoga Springs . A panel of five residents from The Massry Residence at Daughters of Sarah spoke to more than 150 professional staff about the impact resident-driven activities and programs can have in assisted living communities. The five panelists included: Diane Koenig, Irene Selchick, Dr. […]

The Albany Jewish Community Center and Congregation Beth Emeth Health & Services Fair for adults/senior adults will be held at the Albany Center, 340 Whitehall Rd., on Sunday, May 19, from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. This event, which is free and open to the community, provides health screenings, staffed information booths representing area businesses and organizations, drawing prizes, therapeutic […]

By RUTHIE BLUM (JNS) – Israel’s national carrier, El Al, has set up a special inoculation station at Ben-Gurion Airport to vaccinate its employees against the measles. So far, some 250 ground and flight crews have been vaccinated, with likely more to come. The makeshift clinic was created after the Israeli Health Ministry ordered all local airlines to inoculate their […]

SCHENECTADY–Those who wish to embrace life and live their elder years more consciously, more joyful, and more compassionately are invited to a bi-weekly workshop series, “From Aging to Sage-ing®: Living as a Spiritual Elder, “that will begin Wednesday, April 24, from 1:30-4 p.m. Interested individuals should plan to attend all five sessions. Hosted by Congregation Gates of Heaven, located at […]