It is becoming increasingly difficult to make ends meet in New York and around the country for many families today. This is especially true for larger and younger families. The prices of groceries and many essentials seem to only be inexorably rising. For our constituents, these costs are often on top of hefty tuition and other expenses.

This is why the Child Tax Credit has long been a priority for Agudath Israel and why Agudath Israel continues to seek ways to prioritize and expand upon it. Agudath Israel thanks Senator Jeremy Cooney and Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi for championing this cause in the past and undoubtedly doing so in the future.

Govenor Hochul’s proposal would provide an annual tax credit for low- and middle-income families of up to $1,000 per child under age four and up to $500 per child ages four to sixteen.

Agudath Israel will be advocating for this, as well as many other items, as legislative seasons kick off in New York and around the country.

The post Agudah Commends Governor Hochul’s Child Tax Credit Proposal, a Longtime Agudah Priority first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.

After more than two years of dedicated advocacy, Agudath Israel of Illinois (AIOI) has successfully championed the passage of SB457, a significant piece of legislation now awaiting the governor’s approval. The bill mandates that schools, correctional facilities, and state hospitals provide kosher and halal food options upon request, ensuring that individuals with religious dietary needs have access to meals that align with their faith.

Notably, the legislation also amends the Kosher Food Act, which prohibits the sale of food wrongly labeled as certified kosher but has been unenforceable, as it did not contain a legal definition of kosher. This bill now provides a definition, which should enable the enforcement of the Kosher Food Act.

Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, director of government affairs for Agudath Israel of Illinois shared, “We are pleased with this outcome, which ensures students have access to meal options that align with their religious dietary requirements. The success of this legislation comes after a gubernatorial veto of a previous version of the bill and extensive collaboration among stakeholders. We extend our gratitude to the governor and his team for their collaboration with Agudath Israel, the bill’s chief sponsors, Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and Representative Kevin Olickal (D-Chicago), our Muslim partners, and other stakeholders in achieving this important milestone.”

The passage of SB457 represents a landmark achievement, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and respect for diverse religious practices in public institutions with bipartisan support.

“Ensuring our youth has access to food that respects their dietary restrictions is imperative for their health,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam. “This measure continues to break down barriers when accessing food, particularly in schools, and builds upon the commitment to providing an inclusive environment for all.”

“The passage of this legislation ensures that students across Illinois have access to religiously accommodated lunches. We are not only respecting their cultural and spiritual needs but also fostering a learning environment where every child feels valued and supported,” said State Rep. Kevin Olickal. “This is a win for our students, their families, and the principles that make our state strong.”

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The warm, welcoming Cincinnati, OH community hosted over 300 Bnos Leaders from 30 cities and 280 branches this past Shabbos. Our theme was “Ahavti Eschem Amar Hashem: Bnos Leaders are the Heart of it All.” Led by the Director of Cincinnati Bnos, Rebbetzin Ayala Weinreb, girls, women, and families certainly opened their hearts to plan an electrifying weekend. The community’s achdus and pride in the event was palpable.

In signature Bnos style, the convention was a balanced blend of tachlis and fun. The girls had a blast with a trip to Urban Air, a kumzitz, choirs, and plenty of time to socialize. They also gained valuable tips, tools, and chizuk from the workshops and divrei Torah. Leadership training, running games, discipline, and storytelling were just some topics covered. The attendees left on Sunday morning with wonderful memories and much food for thought.

But the convention isn’t over! Its effects on our Bnos leaders will reverberate for months to come. Bnos today has over 10,000 Leaders across the country in 39 cities. The convention’s goal is to support, nurture, and inspire these dedicated girls to continue serving Klal Yisroel.

“We do many virtual events, but being together in person is magical,” explains Mrs. Chana Baila Hass, National Director of Bnos Agudas Israel. “The girls see that they’re part of a bigger picture! It’s not just them and their Bnosers on a Shabbos afternoon. It’s an entire network of dedicated Leaders united under the Agudas Yisroel banner. They go back home with renewed purpose and enthusiasm.”

Of course, we didn’t have room for all 10,000 leaders. The convention was packed to capacity with only 300 girls. However, the fortunate attendees will now bring what they learned back to their communities. We have an exciting “City to City” program in the works that will help them spread the message with trainings, handouts, and in-person mini-conventions.

Thank you again to our Cincinnati hosts and everyone involved in making the Bnos Convention happen. Would you like to bring Bnos to your city or community? Do you want to impact Klal Yisroel by shaping tomorrow’s leaders? Please email bnos@agudah.org to learn about opportunities.

The post The Heart of it All: Bnos Convention 5785 first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.

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We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for Yarchei Kallah 5785 in Yerushalayim! This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Torah learning, with shiurim from renowned gedolei Torah, alongside chizuk and a powerful program that will enrich and inspire you.

The Yarchei Kallah will take place from Sunday through Thursday, February 16 to February 20, 2025.

Take advantage of this incredible learning opportunity in the holy city of Yerushalayim. Space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot today.

Click here to register now.

We look forward to having you join us for an unforgettable and transformative experience.

Rabbi Labish Becker

Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger

Department of Torah Initiatives

Agudath Israel of America

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Over 15 thousand additional Yeshiva students in New York City will now be eligible for city funded security guards at their schools following a new bill passed by the New York City Council today. The bill, Intro 532, expands upon a 2016 law that reimbursed nonpublic schools for the cost of security guards, recognizing that all students deserve a safe school environment, whether they attend public or nonpublic school.

However, with rising antisemitism the law needed critical updates. The current law was limited to schools with at least 300 students, leaving smaller schools vulnerable. Today’s legislation, long championed by the Agudah and other nonpublic school advocates, reduces that threshold to 150 students, enabling many more schools to seek reimbursement.

The bill, sponsored by Councilman Justin Brannan and co-sponsored by Councilman Kalman Yeger, garnered support from over half of the Council as co-sponsors. Many of those signing onto the bill did so as a direct result of Agudath Israel’s advocacy efforts and the parents who reached out to their elected officials.

“Today’s legislation goes a long way in enabling more schools to provide adequate security for their students,” said Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Agudath Israel’s Director of New York Government Relations. “We thank Councilmembers Brannan and Yeger for leading the efforts on this bill, as well as the more than 25 members who initially signed onto the bill as co-sponsors. We now call on Mayor Adams to sign it into law immediately.”

“For years we have heard from schools that did not meet the threshold and were struggling to provide proper security services. Today’s legislation will significantly ease the burden on these schools, ensuring a safer environment for all students,” added Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus, Agudath Israel’s Director of Yeshiva Services

The post More Security for More Yeshivas: New York City Expands Security Guard Reimbursement Program first appeared on Agudath Israel of America.

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