vital information: Fwd: What's New This Week

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Fwd: What's New This Week

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Agudah <info@agudahil.org>
Date: Tue, Jul 2, 2024, 5:00 PM
Subject: What's New This Week
To: <agentemes4@gmail.com>

TUES, JULY 2, 2024 | 26 SIVAN 5784

It is with great sadness that we

join the greater Chicago community in mourning the petira

of the Ziditchover Rebbe,

Harav Yehoshua Heschel Eichenstein ZT"L.

The Rebbe was not only a communal leader, he was a visionary who created an empire of Torah, Avodah and Chesed for Chicago. Continuing the chain of chesed and chasidishe leadership from the generations that preceded him, he established a foundation for the future generations through his children and mosdos.

Agudas Yisroel is proud to have been a part of his vision by helping and collaborating with the Chicago Center for Torah and Chesed on communal projects, and grateful that Harav Eichenstein participated in and spoke at a number of the milestone events hosted by our organization.

His loss will greatly impact our community, and we extend our heartfelt birchos tanchumim to his Rebbetzin tlit"a, his sons Harav Pinchos Shlit"a and Harav Zalman Leib Shlit"a, both leaders of our community in their own right, and to his illustrious children, grandchildren and family.

תהא נשמתו צרורה בצרור החיים

Government and Legal

Agudath Israel of Illinois hosted a community town hall with Seth Cohen who is running for US Representative in the 9th Congressional District. Scroll down to read more.

Halacha and Torah

There will be Shaimos drop off this coming Sunday July 7th. Scroll down for important reminders and information.

Family and Children

Know anyone moving to town? Let us know! Agudah would like to send a welcome gift and helpful information to everyone new to town. See below for more details.

Yahalom Chicago had an exciting pool party for sisters of children with special needs, Scroll down to read more.

The Galei Avigayil pool is now up and running for the season! See below for open swim hours, to sign up.

Join the open swim WhatsApp group to be most up to date. Click HERE to join.

Join the Antonia Spitzer Jewish Library for Summer Art Classes. Scroll for details.

Job Opportunities

AIOI is looking to hire a Legislative Associate Director. See below for position details and to apply.

Q:Several summer camps do "tzitzis making" as an activity. Could boys under the age of Bar Mitzvah who make tzitzis actually use them?

A:Rabbi Agishtein Responds:

Based on the principles of the Mishna Berurah (14:4), ketanim (children under Bar Mitzvah) as long as they have in mind to make them lishmah, can make tzitzis for themselves to wear, and even continue to wear them as adults. However, other adults cannot wear tzitzis made by a katan. In order to avoid any shailos, it is best to have an adult tie at least the first knot and crichos (windings) on each corner, and the katan can then finish the rest of the tzitzis. Then it may be worn by anyone, even a gadol.

Seth Cohen Community Town Hall

Last night, Agudath Israel of Illinois hosted a Community Town Hall with Seth Cohen, candidate for the 9^th Congressional District. The event drew an engaged crowd, eager to discuss pressing issues with the candidate. Facilitated by Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, Director of Government Affairs, the focus of the night was safety, security, and the alarming rise in antisemitism. Audience members had the opportunity to share their concerns and questions with Seth, who listened intently and responded with thoughtful insights and his plans. The discussion was lively and informative, with Seth demonstrating his understanding of the urgent need for increased support and resources to address the alarming issues facing our community. The event provided a valuable opportunity for residents to engage with their candidate and voice their opinions and concerns for a safer and more secure future. It is imperative that our community turns up to vote in the general election on November 5th.

*Agudath Israel of Illinois is 501(c)3 and does not endorse any political parties or candidates.

Photography by Shaina Benhiyoun

Yahalom Chicago Sister Event

Yahalom chicago took a group of sisters of children with special needs to Galei Avigayil. The sisters were among the first groups to inaugurate the summer season at the pool. They enjoyed the pool, the sprinklers, basketball court and finished off the evening with a pizza dinner!

The girls ranged from 7-17 years old, with the older girls acting as mentors and role models to the younger girls.

We look forward to hosting future events for siblings of children with special needs!