Recently, a longtime friend of mine, Rabbi Sholom Avtzon, invited me to see the yeshiva where he teaches: the United Lubavitch Yeshiva.

The rabbi and I have been friends for over 20 years; we met while he was a shaliah and visited my retail store every Friday with his Torah messages.

Said Mrs. Baila Rosenberg*, a 34-year-old mother of six from Williamsburg who had just donated her kidney to a needy recipient the day before, “It was a match made in heaven. And she told me, ‘I owe you so much! I owe you my life,’ but I said, ‘no, you don’t owe me anything. I gave up my kidney to Hashem, and He decided that you were the one to receive it.’”

DakShin Glatt Kosher Indian Bistro, a wonderful addition to the Manhattan Kosher dining scene, has arrived on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. This culinary treasure house, presenting  authentic cuisine of the Indian sub-continent, is under the strict kosher supervision of the O.K. Labs, its kitchen always supervised by a mashgiach tamedi.

Most mothers would agree that style plays a pivotal role in shaping their daughters’ personalities and defining their sense of style. The boutique Stylelicious fills a unique niche as a go-to store for moms and teens where they can find exceptional accessories at great prices.

The Foundation for Jewish Culture (FJC) was recently named one of the 50 most innovative Jewish non-profit organizations in the nation.

The FJC invests in creative individuals in order to nurture a vibrant and enduring Jewish identity, culture and community. This goal is achieved through the provision of grants, awards, networking opportunities and professional development services to artists and scholars. They collaborate with cultural institutions and other Jewish organizations to support the work of these creative individuals. They also educate and build audiences to provide meaningful Jewish cultural experiences to the American public, and advocate for the importance of Jewish culture as a core component of Jewish life.

The Charles Bronfman Prize is now accepting nominations for its 2011 award cycle. The prize celebrates the vision and endeavor of an individual or team of individuals under 50 years of age whose humanitarian work is of universal benefit. Its goal is to bring public recognition to dynamic, young innovators from around the world whose Jewish values infuse their humanitarian accomplishments, providing inspiration for generations to come.

On Sunday November 7th, 11 community women ran in the ING New York City Marathon. For several of the women it was their first time participating. They spent many months training, and reached their goals with a thrilling sense of accomplishment as they all completed the marathon in its entirety.

Gloria and Shaul Nakash recently opened their home for an event celebrating the relationship between the Sephardic community and UJA Federation of New York.

Yeshivah of Flatbush principals were truly excited to introduce Charles Anteby, Director of Volunteer Services of Sephardic Bikur Holim to all the Lower Division children. Anteby visited the school to jump-start a powerful hesed program whose success literally lies in the students’ hands.

An exciting program for 7th and 8th grade girls and their mothers was recently held at Hillel Yeshiva. The theme was “Follow Your Dreams. If Not Now, When?”

YOF Joel Braverman High School Boys Varsity Basketball team recently set out on a four day adventure to the southern city of Memphis, Tennessee. The Falcons were joined by 15 teams from around the country and Canada, including the tournament’s host, Cooper Yeshiva High School. There were teams from Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Greensboro, Skokie, St. Louis, and Toronto as well as from the New York area’s Metropolitan Yeshiva High School Athletic League. Accompanying the team were their coach, Mike Gelber, assistant coach Jan Sandusky, and parents, Zach Mishaan and Jeffrey Dayan. The Falcons’ power and skills won them third place in the tournament.

With much determination, the Magen David Yeshivah graduation committee, along with the 8th grade students, recently held a successful bake sale and Chinese Auction. Many parents and students came and showed their support.

Close to 3,000 people gathered at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall recently for the premiere of an important documentary that meticulously chronicles Syrian Jewish life in the United States. The film, entitled The Syrian Jewish Community: Our Journey Through History, Episode 2, Coming to America, narrated by community member Joseph Mosseri, is the first in a multi-part film series. The next part is slated to premiere in 2011. This massive project is the creation of Joseph J. Sitt.