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The Trump administration must release billions of dollars in foreign aid approved by Congress, including money that President Donald Trump said last week he would not spend, a federal judge has ordered. U.S. District Judge Amir Ali in Washington ruled Wednesday that the Republican administration’s decision to withhold the funding was likely illegal. He issued a preliminary injunction ordering the release of $11.5 billion that is set to expire at the end of the month. “To be clear, no one disputes that Defendants have significant discretion in how to spend the funds at issue, and the Court is not directing Defendants to make payments to any particular recipients,” wrote Ali, who was nominated by Democratic President Joe Biden. “But Defendants do not have any discretion as to whether to spend the funds.” Messages to the White House and State Department were not immediately returned. The administration filed a notice of appeal on Thursday. Trump told House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., in a letter on Aug. 28 that he would not spend $4.9 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid, effectively cutting the budget without going through the legislative branch. He used what’s known as a pocket rescission. That is when a president submits a request to Congress toward the end of a current budget year to not spend the approved money. The late notice means Congress cannot act on the request in the required 45-day window and the money goes unspent. It’s the first time in nearly 50 years that a president has used the tactic. The fiscal year draws to a close at the end of September. Ali said Congress would have to approve the rescission proposal for the administration to withhold the money. The law is “explicit that it is congressional action—not the President’s transmission of a special message—that triggers rescission of the earlier appropriations,” he wrote. The money at issue includes nearly $4 billion for the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, to spend on global health programs and more than $6 billion for HIV and AIDS programs. Trump has portrayed the funding as wasteful spending that does not align with his foreign policy goals, and in January, he issued an executive order directing the State Department and USAID to freeze spending on foreign aid. Nonprofit organizations that sued the government have said the funding freeze breaks federal law and has shut down funding for even the most urgent lifesaving programs abroad. A divided panel of appeals court judges ruled last month that the administration could suspend the money. The judges later revised that opinion, reviving the lawsuit before Ali. In his ruling, Ali said he understood that his decision would not be the final word in the case, adding that “definitive higher court guidance now will be instructive.” “This case raises questions of immense legal and practical importance, including whether there is any avenue to test the executive branch’s decision not to spend congressionally appropriated funds,” he wrote. (AP)

BREAKING: Biden undergoes skin cancer surgery, months after prostate cancer diagnosis Former President Joe Biden recently underwent surgery to remove cancerous cells from his skin, his spokesperson said on Thursday. Biden’s personal office said he is recovering well from the procedure known as Mohs surgery, which is often used to treat the most common forms of skin cancer. The procedure removes layers of cancerous skin tissue until no more cancerous cells remain. It’s unclear exactly when Biden underwent the surgery. He was pictured leaving a church in Greenville, Delaware, late last month with a large, visible incision in his head.

WATCH: Police officers rescued a woman, a dog, and a 6-year-old child from an overturned vehicle in dangerous floodwaters in southwest New Mexico.

HaRav Meilich Biederman at Selichos tonight at Yeshiva Ohr HaChayim in Yerushalyim.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said it “appears” that ICE will begin ramped up operations over the weekend, but says the federal government has not communicated its plans to the state.

Tens of thousands of Sefardim reciting Selichos at the Kosel tonight.

President Trump will sign an executive order on Friday reverting the Department of Defense’s name to its original “Department of War”

Trump asks Supreme Court to let him fire FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter • President Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to allow him to fire Federal Trade Commission commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, who had been reinstated to that post after he had terminated her. • Trump in March removed two Democratic commissioners from their posts at the FTC — Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya — as part of his sprawling effort to exert his influence over federal agencies.The question of “cause” for termination is also at the crux of Trump’s bid to remove Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook from her role.

President Joe Biden drew attention on Thursday after he was spotted with a noticeable wound on his head while mingling with locals in Delaware.

Video published by Inside Edition captured the 82-year-old leaving a church in Rehoboth, looking frail and wearing a bandage over the large cut.

According to a statement given to The NY Post, Biden had recently undergone Mohs surgery, a treatment typically used to remove skin cancer.

Back in May, doctors diagnosed the president with an aggressive form of prostate cancer after discovering a “small nodule” as well as cancer cells that had already spread into his bones during a medical exam.

He is now receiving ongoing treatment.

{Matzav.com}

With Rosh Hashanah just around the corner, now is the perfect time to upgrade your Yom Tov table with Hazorfim’s world-renowned silver Judaica. Enjoy up to 30% off at Hazorfim.com – with big savings on Honey Dishes, Esrog Boxes, Kiddush Cups, Challah Trays, Knives, Candlesticks, and more. Recently, Hazorfim introduced new, Handmade Silver-Dipped items into their Silver-Plated Judaica Collection, which brings a tremendous amount of stunning new items at prices that are more attainable than ever. Whether you’re searching for timeless Judaica, elegant tableware, or the perfect hostess gift, you’ll find it here. Many gift options now start under $100. Some of our favorites include: Linya Silver Dipped Honey Dish: $105 $119 Lonar Wood/Silver Plated Challah Tray – Sale Price: $139 $179 Pearls Silver Dipped Esrog Box: $529 $625 Bill 5 Arm Plated Candelabra – Sale Price: $255 $319 Filigree Challah Knife Silver-Plated – Sale Price: $75 $95 Order today for guaranteed delivery before Rosh Hashanah! Shop The Rosh Hashanah Sale Today: Online: www.Hazorfim.com Phone Orders: 1-800-551-8068 WhatsApp Orders: +1 (718) 564-6446 In-Store: Williamsburg Eastern Silver, 67 Lee Ave Don’t wait—availability is limited, and the free tray promotion disappears at midnight tonight. Upgrade your Yom Tov with Hazorfim today!

Zohran Mamdani, the leading contender in New York City’s mayoral race, has thrown down a challenge to President Trump, daring him to go head-to-head in a live debate. His callout came in response to the White House’s reported involvement in the contentious campaign.

The outspoken move followed ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s demand that Mamdani square off with him five times — staging one debate in each borough — which Cuomo proposed at a Thursday press event.

“Let’s cut out the middle man,” Mamdani told The NY Post. “Why should I debate Donald Trump’s puppet when I could debate Donald Trump himself?”

Mamdani, who defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary back in June, accused Trump of interfering in the election. He reiterated claims that he and Trump had spoken by phone about the mayoral race.

On Wednesday, insiders revealed that White House officials were weighing potential administration roles for both Mayor Eric Adams and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa in hopes of persuading them to exit the contest.

Such maneuvering would leave Cuomo as Mamdani’s chief rival, potentially bolstering his chances against the progressive candidate in what is shaping up to be a crowded November election.

“If Donald Trump is serious about intervening in the mayoral race, he should come to New York City and debate me directly about why he’s cutting SNAP benefits for hungry New Yorkers to give tax breaks to his wealthy donors,” said the DSA-backed lawmaker.

Cuomo earlier in the day criticized Mamdani for declining to participate in debates being planned by PIX11 and CBS News.

“New Yorkers deserve answers. I challenge him to five debates, one in every borough where we speak about the issues in that borough,” Cuomo declared.

But Mamdani countered on Wednesday with a video message to supporters, saying he would only appear at the two debates mandated by the city’s Campaign Finance Board this October.

“In the meantime, I won’t be at this televised circus,” Mamdani said.

{Matzav.com}

The Torah community has been struck by devastating news with the passing of habochur Yosef Shia Friedman z”l, the cherished son of the well-known event planner R’ Eli Friedman.

Just three weeks ago, Yosef Shia suffered a horrific accident when he was electrocuted at his summer camp, sustaining critical injuries just days before his sister’s wedding.

In the aftermath, Yidden around the world joined together in tefillah and heartfelt kabbalos, pouring out their hearts in countless kappitlach Tehillim, adding in Torah and mitzvos.

Today, the crushing news came that Yosef Shia has passed away, leaving his family shattered and the entire community reeling from the loss.

Information regarding the levaya will be released as soon as it becomes available.

Umacha Hashem dimah me’al kol ponim.

{Matzav.com}

Northwestern University President Michael Schill said Thursday that he will resign, ending a three-year tenure marked by the freeze of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding by the Trump administration and heated criticism from House Republicans over the university’s response to campus protests. The funding freeze and uncertainty over its finances contributed to Northwestern’s decision to lay off around 200 people over the summer. In a statement announcing his resignation, Schill acknowledged the pressure from the White House. “It is critical that we continue to protect the University’s research mission and excellence while preserving academic freedom, integrity, and independence,” he said. Northwestern emerged as a prominent target of President Donald Trump’s campaign to reshape elite colleges he has derided as hotbeds of liberalism and antisemitism. In April, the administration froze $790 million in federal funding for the private school in Evanston, Illinois, one of dozens of colleges under investigation over claims they did not do enough to protect Jewish students. During the wave of pro-Palestinian protests in spring 2024, Northwestern drew ire from conservatives over an agreement it struck with demonstrators to take down their encampment. In exchange, Northwestern pledged to reestablish an advisory committee on university investments and made other commitments. Schill defended the arrangement during an appearance in May 2024 before a House committee investigating campus antisemitism. “We had to get the encampment down,” Schill said. “The police solution was not going to be available to us to keep people safe, and also may not be the wisest solution as we’ve seen at other campuses across the country.” Supporters of Israel and the administration officials have framed the protests at Northwestern and other schools as antisemitic and “pro-Hamas.” But people involved in the demonstrations reject that characterization. They say advocating for Palestinian human rights and territorial claims, or criticizing Israeli military action, is not antisemitic. Schill also navigated the fallout from a hazing scandal that broke not long after he was named Northwestern’s president in August 2022. Former football players filed lawsuits in 2023 alleging sexual abuse and racial discrimination on the team, and similar allegations then spread across several sports. Northwestern’s football coach, Pat Fitzgerald, was initially suspended then later fired after an investigation. The school concluded he had a responsibility to know that hazing was occurring and should have stopped it. Fitzgerald denied wrongdoing and filed a lawsuit that ended with a settlement last month. Schill will continue as president until an interim leader is chosen and will return from a sabbatical as a faculty member at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, the school said. He also will work with the Board of Trustees on efforts to restore the university’s frozen federal funding, Northwestern said. (AP)

Critics are casting doubt on the validity of a new resolution by the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) that accuses Israel of committing genocide, after it was revealed that membership in the organization could be purchased for as little as $30. The revelation coincides with a notable surge in membership following October 2023.

Until this past Wednesday, anyone could sign up for IAGS by paying an annual fee that varied according to income.

The cost ranged between $30 and $125, granting participants access to the group’s activities, including the ability to vote electronically on resolutions—such as the one passed on Monday concerning Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Honest Reporting board member Salo Aizenberg and Middle East analyst Eitan Fischberger showcased on social media just how simple it was to become a member, sparking a flood of new sign-ups. Applicants even used names like Adolf Hitler and Star Wars’ Emperor Palpatine to mock the system.

“It turns out literally anyone can join this body and vote on matters that make international headlines – like the resolution claiming Israel is committing genocide,” Aizenberg wrote on X/Twitter.

He went on to say, “Yes, there are some legitimate academics who are members. But when an organization with no standards, no transparency, and no accountability makes sweeping pronouncements about ‘genocide,’ it isn’t scholarship – it’s politics masquerading as scholarship. And everyone deserves to know the difference.”

By Wednesday night, the group disabled its online membership application form. Those who had recently signed up, including Fischberger, were quickly placed into “inactive” status.

“I want my $30 back,” Fischberger told The Jerusalem Post.

While IAGS did not issue an immediate response regarding the controversy, critics pointed out that the ease of entry coincided with a dramatic jump in membership numbers since October 2023.

Internet archives showed that on October 2, 2023, the association’s roster contained around 150 members. By April 2024, that figure had grown to 280, and by the time of the latest resolution, it had climbed to 440.

Aizenberg raised questions online about how the vote was conducted. A press release dated September 1 stated that 28% of members participated in the ballot, with 86% voting in favor.

The resolution that passed declared that “Israel’s policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide and constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

The IDF on Wednesday disclosed that suicide drones have become the dominant weapon killing Hamas fighters in Gaza, marking a revolution in modern warfare. According to the IDF, the “Atalef” (bat) drone is now widely available across ground forces and no longer requires special air force support to deploy against Hamas. Military officials said the system has become central to combat operations, allowing small infantry units to carry out precision strikes that once required airpower. The military said each platoon — typically a couple dozen soldiers — now has its own surveillance and intelligence drones, a major shift from prewar doctrine when drones were controlled almost exclusively at the battalion level and above. Before the conflict, drones were primarily an air force capability, often reserved for missions involving 250 or more troops. Today, IDF platoons use small reconnaissance drones to enter buildings and search for booby traps or hidden tunnels, while others scan over hills or urban blocks to detect potential ambushes before soldiers advance. The IDF said it has established 14 dedicated drone schools and is training some 20,000 soldiers to operate the systems, reflecting the rapid expansion of drone warfare in the military’s ground operations. Officials said the development marks a turning point in how Israel fights Hamas, with lethal drones now as integral to small-unit tactics as rifles and armored vehicles. “The presence of suicide drones in the hands of ground forces is changing the battlefield in real time,” one officer said. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The IDF released images on Thursday of Hamas Rafah Brigade commander Muhammad Shabana sharing a meal underground with other operatives in March, just weeks before he was killed in an Israeli strike in Khan Yunis.

According to the military, the photographs were discovered at the site of the May 13 airstrike that eliminated both Shabana and senior Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar beneath Gaza’s European Hospital. The pictures show Shabana and fellow operatives partaking in a Ramadan iftar banquet inside a tunnel, surrounded by dishes of falafel, meats, fish, vegetables, flatbreads, and fried foods. Other images depict him dining with his family earlier in the year.

“Luxurious breakfast and lavish meals during the war: This is what the life of the terrorist commander of Hamas’ Rafah Brigade looked like over the past year,” wrote Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson, on X.

He further remarked that while “residents of the sector were forced to break their Ramadan fast with the scraps left by Hamas, the organization’s leaders were celebrating in the tunnels with a grand feast.”

Adraee also accused Hamas of spreading lies to the world. “With one hand, Hamas runs a media campaign about ‘starvation’ in the sector, and with the other, it plunders food to feed its leaders and their families. Time and again—the images, unlike Hamas and its mouthpieces in the media, do not lie,” he said.

Shabana assumed command of the Rafah Brigade in the 2014 Gaza war after three of its senior leaders were eliminated. He controlled four battalions, among them the elite Nukhba force that spearheaded the October 7 atrocities in southern Israel. He had survived several assassination attempts in the past, including during Israel’s ground incursion in Rafah.

His end came through a complex strike in which the air force dropped more than 50 precision bombs in under half a minute, engineered to demolish Hamas’s subterranean headquarters without harming the European Hospital above. Israel confirmed the elimination of Shabana and Sinwar three weeks later.

The IDF’s release of these photographs coincided with the publication of a study by Israeli scholars arguing that allegations of genocide against Israel are based on distorted data and weaken international law.

The paper, published by Bar-Ilan University’s Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, stated: “Those who accuse Israel of genocide erroneously suggest that most civilian casualties in Gaza were entirely unjustified from a military standpoint, portraying those cases in which deaths do seem unjustified not as outliers but as part of a broader, systematic, and deliberate policy of extermination by the IDF. The small number of instances involving persuasive supportive evidence of intentional killings by military personnel does not support this accusation.”

The authors also highlighted Hamas’s battlefield methods, contending that the group “consistently employs Gazan civilians as ‘human shields’ to deliberately increase casualties and, in turn, amplify international pressure on Israel.” They described Hamas’s underground system as “over 500 kilometers” long with “5,700 connective shafts, all integrated into the civilian infrastructure of the Gaza Strip.”

Reports have further indicated that Hamas and allied gangs seized control of about 85% of the aid trucks entering Gaza, which carried food, water, medicine, and other supplies. According to TPS-IL, Hamas distributed access to these convoys to gangs in exchange for cash, provisions, and vouchers. These gangs were paid $10,000 monthly to run checkpoints and secure Hamas’s control of aid.

On October 7, Hamas killed around 1,200 people and abducted 252 Israelis and foreigners from communities near the Gaza border. Of the 48 hostages still unaccounted for, it is believed that roughly 20 remain alive.

{Matzav.com Israel}

The federal government filed two lawsuits Thursday against Southern California Edison, alleging the utility’s equipment sparked fires including January’s Eaton Fire in the Los Angeles area, which destroyed more than 9,400 structures and killed 17 people. “The lawsuits filed today allege a troubling pattern of negligence resulting in death, destruction, and tens of millions of federal taxpayer dollars spent to clean up one utility company’s mistakes,” U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said at a news conference Thursday. The filings allege that Edison failed to properly maintain its power and transmission infrastructure in the area where the Eaton Fire ignited on Jan. 7. It asks for more than $40 million in damages to the federal, state and local governments. Edison spokesperson Jeff Monford said the utility is reviewing the lawsuits. “We continue our work to reduce the likelihood of our equipment starting a wildfire,” Monford said. “Southern California Edison is committed to wildfire mitigation through grid hardening, situational awareness and enhanced operational practices.” The company has stated it operates three transmission towers in the Eaton Canyon area overlooking the unincorporated area of Altadena, which was ravaged by the fire. In early reports to the California Public Utility Commission, Edison has said it detected a “fault” on one of its transmission lines around the time that the Eaton Fire started. In a July 31 report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the utility said while it has “not conclusively determined” its equipment was responsible for the fire, there was “concerning circumstantial evidence” that suggests its transmission facilities in the area could have been associated with the starting of the fire. It also said it was “not aware of evidence pointing to another possible source of ignition,” according to the report cited in the lawsuit. Though the investigation into the fire is still ongoing, Essayli said the government is confident moving forward with the lawsuit, especially with fire season quickly approaching. “There’s no reason to wait,” Essayli said. “We believe that the evidence is clear that Edison is at fault, and by their own admissions, no one else is at fault.” A second lawsuit filed Thursday alleges that Edison’s negligence led to the sparking of the Fairview Fire in September 2022, which scorched the San Bernardino National Forest in Riverside County. According to the filing, a sagging power line in Hemet, California, operated by Edison came into contact with a Frontier Communications messenger cable, which created sparks and ignited the vegetation below. That fire burned more than 21 square miles (54 square kilometers) of forest, killing two people and destroying 44 structures. The government is seeking $37 million in damages incurred by the U.S. Forest Service. Essayli said he will seek terms that prevent Edison from paying for the lawsuits by raising their utility rates. Several Altadena residents who lost their homes sued Edison in January, days after the fire broke out. Their attorneys said at the time they believed Edison’s equipment caused it, pointing to video taken during the fire’s early minutes that showed a large blaze directly beneath electrical towers. Los Angeles County sued Edison in March, seeking hundreds of millions of dollars for costs and damages sustained from the blaze. (AP)

A Palestinian-American activist who has acted as an informal go-between for the Trump administration and Hamas said Wednesday that Washington has now put forward a final American framework aimed at both halting the fighting and securing the release of the hostages in Gaza.

Speaking to the Saudi broadcaster al-Arabiya, Bishara Bahbah explained, “There was a meeting in Washington that, according to what I know, lasted six hours, and it was decided that there would be one final proposal on the table: the release of all the [hostages] and an end to the war.”

Although Bahbah does not hold an official position in the U.S. delegation, he has been functioning as a messenger between Trump’s team and the Hamas leadership.

Earlier in the day, Hamas signaled it was prepared to consider a sweeping arrangement, but Israeli officials quickly dismissed that as a public relations maneuver.

In his remarks to al-Arabiya, Bahbah said he had “contacted Hamas about the matter [of a comprehensive deal], and they were skeptical — they didn’t know if it was something official.”

According to him, once Hamas leaders saw U.S. President Donald Trump post publicly about ending the conflict, they “were convinced it was official, and immediately responded that they agree to this deal.”

On Wednesday, Hamas issued a statement declaring its readiness “to enter into a comprehensive deal in which all enemy prisoners held by the resistance will be freed in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners held by the occupation.” In its own terminology, Hamas labels the hostages it abducted as prisoners.

The organization also said it would support the creation of “an independent national administration of technocrats” to govern Gaza.

Israel, meanwhile, has reiterated that five conditions must be satisfied for the war to be concluded: the liberation of all captives, Hamas’s disarmament, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, continued Israeli security oversight there, and “the establishment of an alternative civilian administration that does not indoctrinate for terror, does not dispatch terror, and does not threaten Israel.”

Hamas’s announcement followed a direct demand by Trump on his Truth Social platform: “Tell Hamas to IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 Hostages (Not 2 or 5 or 7!), and things will change rapidly. IT WILL END!”

Trump’s post appeared to reference the figure Israel believes represents the number of living captives still held. Of the 48 total hostages, Israel has formally confirmed 26 deaths and expressed deep concerns about two others. Families of those confirmed dead have voiced anguish that any deal might abandon the remains of their loved ones in Gaza.

Bahbah stated that Trump is applying intense pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to the U.S.-backed arrangement and terminate the conflict, a message he relayed directly to Hamas.

He argued that the war “could be ended in two weeks” if the parties engaged sincerely in the talks, adding that there are more “positive signs” now than at any previous stage.

Despite those comments, Israeli officials on Wednesday night dismissed Hamas’s declaration, with the IDF pressing forward with its operations in Gaza City.

“This is more spin by Hamas, containing nothing new,” the Prime Minister’s Office asserted.

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a similar response, urging Hamas to comply with Israel’s terms — chiefly the release of all hostages and disarmament — or else see Gaza City “become like Rafah and Beit Hanoun,” accusing the group of spreading “deceive and utter empty words.”

Reacting to Netanyahu and Katz, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid argued that while Israel need not yield to Hamas’s stipulations, it could not remain idle. “You can’t not even try to return our hostages home,” demanded Lapid, calling for immediate renewal of negotiations.

{Matzav.com Israel}

The Shin Bet has privately warned top political leaders that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is unraveling, creating a volatile situation that could ignite a new wave of unrest in the West Bank, according to a Channel 12 report. In a series of recent closed-door briefings, senior Shin Bet officials sounded the alarm over the PA’s worsening financial and institutional crisis. “Unemployment is rising, security personnel are receiving little or no pay, and core functions are eroding,” one security source said. “These factors could trigger chaos and a flare-up.” The warning underscores growing fears within Israel’s security establishment that the fragile relative calm maintained in the West Bank over the past two years could be upended if the PA collapses. Despite political divisions, the Shin Bet has reportedly made clear that the PA’s survival is in Israel’s own interest. Agency officials have pressed the government to take steps to shore up the Palestinian governing body—including restoring tax revenues and funds that the Israeli cabinet decided to withhold earlier this year. “The collapse of the PA is not just their problem—it will quickly become ours,” one official was quoted as warning. Any move to channel funds back to the PA faces fierce opposition inside Prime Minister Netanyahu’s cabinet. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has vowed to block efforts to ease the Authority’s crisis, arguing that the PA is corrupt, hostile to Israel, and undeserving of financial lifelines. While international allies strongly support stabilizing the PA, the government remains split, leaving Israel’s leadership caught between security imperatives and political ideology. The Shin Bet declined to comment on the Channel 12 report, saying only that it does not discuss internal deliberations. But the leaks point to a widening gap between Israel’s professional security establishment, which sees a functional PA as a strategic necessity, and hardline political leaders, who view any aid as a betrayal of principle. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Boro Park Jewish Community Council (BPJCC) has introduced a new financial literacy initiative designed to help local families build stronger financial futures. This free program responds to a growing need in the community, offering accessible tools and guidance to navigate everyday expenses with greater confidence. Nationwide, households now carry an unprecedented $18.39 trillion in total debt, including $1.21 trillion in credit card balances, according to the Federal Reserve. These challenges are sharply felt in Boro Park, where 57% of families are considered low-income and must manage tuition, simchas, and household expenses under mounting financial pressure. BPJCC’s program directly addresses these concerns, offering one-on-one coaching and practical workshops tailored to young couples and growing families. Financial coaches work to reduce intergenerational debt and equip households with the tools to achieve financial security. “This program isn’t only for families already seeking food assistance or other services,” explains Avi Greenstein, BPJCC CEO. “It’s designed to benefit everyone in our community — from struggling households to high earners. Every family deserves the peace of mind that comes with financial stability.” The program includes a six-session Financial Literacy Series that teaches couples how to manage budgets, plan for tuition and simchas, and develop long-term strategies for financial wellness. Sessions are offered in-person or virtually. A refundable deposit ensures commitment while keeping the program fully accessible. Senior Coach Shlomo Weiss, a Licensed Financial Advisor and Coach with more than 20 years of business experience, adds: “Our goal is to make financial literacy second nature in Boro Park, so families can manage their homes like small corporations and pass that knowledge down to the next generation.” This initiative is offered in partnership with the Orthodox Union’s Living Smarter Jewish program and is uniquely tailored to the needs of Boro Park families. Couples interested in joining the BPJCC’s Financial Literacy Program can sign up here or email sweiss@BPJCC.org with questions. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)