Dini Franklin

1 week ago | 5tjt.com | Larry Gordon |Dini Franklin

By Larry GordonOver the years and regardless of where you reside in our readership areas, you have no doubt latched onto a few essays here and there about how things have evolved and changed here in the Five Towns. A fundamental dimension of this story came to the fore in the year 2000 when two residents decided it was time for someone in our community to run for the local School Board, Lawrence District 15. At the time, it seemed like an uphill battle.

1 week ago | 5tjt.com | Yochanan Gordon |Dini Franklin

By Yochanan GordonThe following is the text of a speech that I delivered at the Mesivta Ateres Yaakov Senior Talk this past Monday. It’s the story of how I ended up in my current role here at 5TJT, with a perspective that is relevant not only to seniors beginning to chart their careers, but to anyone searching for meaning in their daily routines. When Rabbi Rudansky asked me to deliver a senior talk, I hesitated.

2 weeks ago | 5tjt.com | Larry Gordon |Dini Franklin

By Larry GordonIt’s now almost a full week since Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, was in New York with a strong presence here in the Five Towns. Those who had the opportunity to meet him personally were impressed on multiple levels. At various shuls and other venues where he spoke, the Minister was greeted by enthusiastic audiences and granted standing ovations.

2 weeks ago | 5tjt.com | Yochanan Gordon |Dini Franklin

By Yochanan GordonOn April 11, 1991, which coincided with the 28th day of Nissan—or Koach Nissan—the Lubavitcher Rebbe unexpectedly began addressing the crowd that had convened for Ma’ariv at 770 Eastern Parkway. There was something very different about this sichah from the myriad others that the Rebbe had previously delivered. It wasn’t based on a verse; he didn’t cite a maamar of one of his predecessors.

3 weeks ago | 5tjt.com | Yochanan Gordon |Dini Franklin

By Yochanan GordonA couple of days before Pesach, one of my kids turned to me with that mischievous twinkle only a child can muster and asked, “Tatty, are you going to get angry this yom tov?”I paused. Not because I didn’t have an answer, but because I did. I looked him in the eyes and said, “Nope. Not this year. I’m ready. I’m calm. In fact, you can even test me.”Famous last words. I take the pre-Pesach avodah seriously.