Coalitions and partnerships are at the core of Agudath Israel's mission. The Agudah movement was founded as an historic coalition of Orthodox groups in 1912. In fact, our very name Agudah, literally a "bundle," refers to disparate groups united by a common cause, tied together by a figurative "string." This week, I had the opportunity to see some of our current coalitions in action. I began my week in Indianapolis, where, together with Agudath I
Congratulations to Rabbi Avi Schnall on being appointed vice chairman of the New Jersey Department of Education's nonpublic school advisory committee. Rabbi Schnall's appointment is a testament to the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow committee members. He is knowledgeable, passionate, and effective as he recently illustrated once again (click
Agudath Israel has filed countless amicus curiae "friend of the court" briefs over the years, but it isn't often that the organization sues an entity as the plaintiff. Yet, that is what we did this week, when we sued Jackson Township for its discriminatory actions targeting Orthodox Jews. As our New Jersey director Rabbi Avi Schnall said, legal action was a "last resort," but necessary. To find out why we pursued legal action
Greetings from North Carolina! While here, I joined Rabbi Chanoch Oppenheim of the Charlotte Torah Center for "prayer an
The application process is now underway for the BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) Scholarship Program. Families with a household income that qualifies for the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMs) program should apply for a scholarship for each of their school aged children entering kindergarten in fall 2017 (PLEASE NOTE: kindergarten is the grade before first grade and not nursery) through 12th grade. The program is
Its been several weeks since our last newsletter. During that time, much has happened. Several states have enacted their annual budget bills, and others are winding down their legislative sessions (see below). Agudath Israel launched its Harry H. Beren webinar series and we
On Monday, the Illinois House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to pass House Bill 4011 which establishes a $25 million security grant-making program in the Illinois Secretary of State's office. The program would award grants to at-risk nonprofit agencies and institutions based on detailed threat assessments. The legislation is one of two bills sponsored by House Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie) following the wave of anti-Semiti
After an eventful New York State budget season, which included skirting government shutdown and the passage of late night extender bills, the New York State 2017-18 budget was finally approved by the Senate and Assembly. While the budget includes items of general interest like the nation's first, free public college tuition program for families with incomes below $125,000, here is an update on items of specific interest to the Orthodox Jewish co
While much of Agudath Israel's advocacy work centers on education, saving lives and protecting religious freedom is a critical part of our mission. I encourage you to read about a rec
One of the more interesting part of my job is attending or watching legislative hearings across the country. Sometimes you hear shocking comments, like why