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Rabbi Yehuda {Leonard} Blank MS, BCC
Vice President of Professional Development and External Affairs
Chair of the Chaplaincy Commission
Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim
917-446-2126 rablenblank@gmail.com
== Thursday February 27, 2024, Adar 13, 5784==
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A blessing from a stranger.
Just a little bit of honey goes a long way.
The fabulous middos of Torah Vodaath talmididm.
Three thousand teenagers in Times Square on a Saturday night.
A Remarkable Ambassador to the NYPD and Klal Yisrael
Deputy Chief Richard Taylor.
Helping people and spreading kindness and goodness throughout NYC.
The goodness of Chai Lifeline and Rabbi Scholar.
Press release and video recording of the Trauma conference featuring
the world renown Trauma Specialist Rabbi Dr. David Fox
and world renown CEO of Chai Lifeline Rabbi Simcha Scholar.
Please click on the two links at the bottom of this article.
Our relationship with H should be filled with love and appreciation, emunah and betachon. It should not feel strange to be able to speak to Him every day and night of our lives. We should want to have and truly feel a closeness with Him, not take anything for granted. Please read “Take nothing for granted” below.
Next week will be dedicated to a dear chaver and mentor,
Rabbi Lowell Kronick , Rav Shmuel Aryeh ben Yehuda zt”l
whose levaya was this past Wednesday.
Press release and video recording of the Trauma conference featuring
the world renowned Trauma Specialist Rabbi Dr. David Fox
and world renowned CEO of Chai Lifeline Rabbi Simcha Scholar.
Please click on the two links at the bottom of this article.
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I would like to share another Kiddush H experience on a MTA NYC bus last week and how a little bit of honey can go a long way. The bus was crowded and standing in front of me was an older woman holding on to her shopping cart. I mentioned to her to hold on to the bus railing so she should not fall backwards.When the bus made an unexpected short stop she told me she surely would have fallen. She thanked me for caring about her, a complete stranger, and gave me her blessings. It was no big deal, but being thoughtful for another person, being courteous and just being nice can go a long way. Was this person Jewish ? I don’t think so, but does that matter? Absolutely not !. Like in many of the examples I have shared in previous Moments of Inspiration, it is a wonderful good deed to offer caring for another human being and a tremendous Kiddush H in doing so. Am I unique in what I have done? Absolutely not ! There are countless of stories of Kiddush H each year. Just last week I read about a group of talmidim from Yeshiva Torah Vodaath in Brooklyn whose midos on a MTA NYC bus were exemplary not just in their behavior but how they got up from their seats several times to give their seats to others. Just this past Motzei Shabbos, approximately 3,000 teenagers came to a Lubavitch sponsored post Shabbaton event in Times Square, NYC, a famous location not known for its spiritual holiness and yet there was no unruly, loud behavior.
From Yeshiva World February 25, 2024
“Jewish Teenagers From 54 Countries Gather In Times Square For Prayer and Jewish Pride”
“In the heart of New York City, amidst the dazzling lights of Times Square, a powerful expression of Jewish pride and solidarity unfolded last night. The “Times Square Takeover,” a highlight of Chabad’s annual CTeen International Shabbaton, took on new significance this year as representatives from the largest network of Jewish teens, including 200 from Israel, gathered to pray for the hostages and peace in the Holy Land.
With Israel at the forefront of their thoughts, Times Square pulsated with the rhythms of dance, song, and prayer, echoing the fervent hopes for the safe return of hostages held in distant lands.
“For fifteen consecutive CTeen Shabbatons, we’ve echoed the same resounding three words. Tonight, their significance resonates more deeply than ever: AM YISROEL CHAI,” declared Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, his voice resounding through the CTeen branded streets of Times Square. These words, a testament to Jewish resilience, echoed not only through the streets but also within the hearts of all present, both physically and virtually.
Broadcasted live to an audience exceeding 100,000 viewers, the event featured uplifting performances by the renowned American-Israeli pop star, Gad Elbaz and Italian-Jewish singer Yossi Rodal. A poignant moment emerged as Daniel and Neriya Sharabi, brothers, survivors of the Nova Festival massacre and who fought off terrorists on Oct 7th for five hours, led a prayer for peace and the safe return of the hostages.
Reflecting on the experience, Moshe Italy, 21, from Maslul, Israel, who joined the weekend together with 200 fellow Israeli teens, shared his impressions: “The Times Square Takeover was incredibly impactful. The melodies, the collective prayers for the hostages—it felt as though the heavens themselves were moved by our actions. Since October 7th, the youth in Israel have matured beyond their years. Despite being labeled as the ‘TikTok generation,’ their strength is undeniable. They are the future leaders of our nation.”
Harry, 17, also from Maslul, Israel, echoed similar sentiments: “Times Square was an awe-inspiring display of Jewish unity and strength. Before October 7th, we were carefree, but adversity has united us in ways we never imagined. Our resilience shines through, demonstrating to the world that the Jewish spirit cannot be broken. Despite our losses, we proclaim: Am Yisrael Chai & Am Yisrael Chazak!”
Aligned with the theme “Count On Me,” the concert showcased videos highlighting teen leaders who have spearheaded initiatives to support those affected by recent events in Israel. Giant tzedaka boxes circulated among the vast crowd, enabling direct contributions to affected communities.
As Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302 and Vice-Chairman of CTeen International, concluded the event, he emphasized the power inherent in each individual to effect positive change: “Our resilience, our spirit, our deeds—these are the true catalysts for change. Let us return to our communities, ready to lead and demonstrate to our brethren in Israel that they can indeed count on us.”
A Remarkable Ambassador to the NYPD and Klal Yisrael
Deputy Chief Richard Taylor
Helping people and spreading kindness and goodness throughout NYC.
From : HAMODIA February 21, 2024
NYPD inspector Richie Taylor, the highest-ranked yarmulke-wearing officer in in the Department, is being promoted to Deputy Chief.
“Thank you Hashem!” an emotional Taylor told Hamodia on Wednesday evening. “I am deeply appreciative of the faith Commissioner Edward Caban has shown in me. And this could never have been possible without the sacrifices of my family all these years. I look forward to using my new position to further help people across the city.”
At 41, Taylor will be the youngest deputy chief currently in the Department.
Richard (Yechiel) Taylor grew up in Manhattan Beach and Midwood, attending Yeshiva of Manhattan Beach and Touro College.
Before becoming a police officer, Taylor was a member of Hatzalah, and responded to the World Trade Center on 9/11.
He became a police officer in 2005, and was promoted to sergeant in 2010, lieutenant in 2014, captain in 2016, deputy inspector in 2020 and inspector in 2021.
Taylor has served in over 10 commands across the city, and was the recipient of the 61st Precinct Cop of the Month Award in September 2016 for making a firearm arrest solo.
He currently serves as commanding officer of Community Affairs, and he will continue in the Community Affairs Bureau after his promotion.
Taylor has been known to take calls well past midnight assisting people and organizations in need.
Richie and his wife, Miri, live in Marine Park with their five daughters. The Taylor family is a ubiquitous presence at city and community events. He often spends these events — when not on the podium receiving an honor — with one phone to each ear.
Community activists who spoke to Hamodia on Wednesday evening praised the promotion.
“Inspector Taylor’s kindness and devotion to the well-being of every single New Yorker is unmatched,” said police clergy liaison David Heskiel. “This promotion is well deserved.”
“Our entire community has great reason to be proud of Richie’s promotion,” said Councilman Kalman Yeger. “For the last two decades, I have watched Richie serve our city and the NYPD with great distinction. He is a model cop, respected in the Department and throughout our city’s neighborhoods. His promotion will do great honor to the NYPD.”
Richie Taylor is a very humble and modest person. He runs from honor but honor seems to follow him wherever he goes. He is very sincere and tries to accomplish many gemilot chasadim for the Jewish community at large and for everyone who are not of the Jewish faith. He just cares for people and is respected by the multitudes throughout the City of New York. Wherever he goes and whatever he does, he is always making a Kiddush H. His smile radiates with such goodness. However, when not in the public arena, his face and body language is that of a police commander who takes his community policing very seriously. As a police chaplain who wore the uniform and proudly displayed my shield can attest what a special feeling it is to be respected amongst the police family. I had the rank of Inspector and now Richie Taylor has the rank of Deputy Chief. He truly earned that promotion for all of his work. May the Ribono shel Olam continue to protect and guide him with blessings for his mishpacha. May he continue to bring pride and glory to the NYPD and Klal Yisrael. May all of us beam with pride and happiness and may we thank the Ribono shel Olam for all that He does for us all of the time.
The tremendous Kiddush H and amazing work of Chai Lifeline is phenomenal. . The work Chai Lifeline does, bringing life to children and their parents from the many difference backgrounds is truly heartwarming. Rabbi Simcha Scholar deserves much praise for having the foresight, passion and interest making his dream into a reality with hakaros hatov to the Ribono shel Olam for making it possible. The conference was held at the Sephardic Lebanese Congregation and the Marat D Asra is Chacham Eliyahu Elbaz shlita. Rabbi Dr. David Fox’s presentation was very meaningful. He is the preeminent Trauma specialist in the United States, Israel and beyond. He has a large private practice as a well known psychologist. Those who attended the conference were fortunate to have received brachot from Chacham Elbaz, the special presentation by Rabbi Scholar, a presentation by the keynote speaker Rabbi Dr. David Fox and meaningful greetings from Rabbi Mirocznik. Following maariv the attendees were treated to a delicious collation in the ballroom. The synagogue is absolutely magnificent and stunning as you will see in the video and pictures.
From: Night of Emunah Haggadah shel Pesach. By Rabbi Binyomin Pruzansky, Artscroll Series, Mesorah Publications Ltd. “Take nothing for granted.” Pages 172- 17 4,“Rav Yisroel Brog describes some of the incredible impressions of hakaras hatov he learned from his grandfather, Rav Avigdor Miller zt”l.
For a time, I used to walk my grandfather to shul every morning at 5:30 AM. Each morning before he left the house, he would thank H in detail for all the wonderful things H did for him. My grandfather would talk to H like a son talking to his father.
He’d start out by saying, “Thank you, H for my heart. Then he would describe the intricacies of the heart and the efficient way in which it pumps blood. Then he would thank H for his eyes and his lungs, describing everything for which he was thankful, he would to me in his state of ecstasy and ask, “Do you feel the excitement I feel? Just think about how H takes care of you. Trust in Him, and you feel this happiness too.”
Of all of H’s creations, apples held a very special place in my grandfather’s heart. For ten years, he collected apple seeds and stored them in brown paper bags. One day, he told me,” I’m now finished with my avodah of apple seeds and you can have them.” He handed me two full bags of apple seeds.
“You know what I’m giving you” he asked. “I’m giving you farmland- acres and acres of chesed.”
I always wondered why he was so busy with the apples. Then one time I was in his house, and I saw my grandfather sit down at the table, pick up an apple and conduct an incredible conversation with H. I hid out of sight so I could listen and learn.
“Father!” he called out, “Look at the beautiful color of this red apple. You created such a pleasant fruit! “Then he inhaled its aroma deeply. “And You gave it a wonderful smell too!” he exclaimed. “Then, H, You made it so crunchy and delicious. You created taste buds so that I could enjoy it. You did this all for me, for my pleasure!” Then he made a loud beracha on the apple and began to eat it.
I was once walking with my grandfather when a hard rain began to fall. I began to rush, but my grandfather didn’t quicken his pace at all. “What’s your rush? he asked me. “Do you know what’s coming down now? Apples and pears. And look! H is cleaning the streets of New York!
My grandfather taught me that if you trust in H and thank Him for everything He does for you, you will become a happy person. Your life will be different. You will feel that H is always there, close by taking care of you.”
From: The Gentle Weapon
Prayers for Everyday and Not- So- Everyday
Moments
Rebbe Nachman of Breslov
Jewish Lights Publishing
IN THANKS
Loving. Caring G,
all the happiness and fulfillment
in my life
come only from You.
Knowing how absolute
Is my dependence on You
I find peace of mind.
Your presence
suffuses my life,
caressing me with
hope, joy and love.
I’ve tasted your love,
I’ve known Your compassion,
I’ve experienced Your patience
and I am filled with
gratefulness.
Sincerely, Rabbi Yehuda Blank
Am Yisrael Chai- Chaveirim Kol Yisrael- Shalom Al Yisrael
CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK TO THE PRESS RELEASE OF THE TRUAMA CONFERENCE
CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK TO THE VIDEO RECORDING OF THE TRUAMA CONFERENCE