Yeshiva World News

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today launched an email and text messaging system that will notify registered customers of planned and unplanned service changes at any of the MTA’s family of transportation agencies. The system is a direct response to a key recommendation in the MTA’s report on the storm of August 8, 2007, which raised awareness of the need for increased communication during large-scale service disruptions. The system will be fully operational tomorrow morning.

Using the MTA’s website, customers can register to receive alerts about any combination of subway lines, bus routes, rail lines, bridges or tunnels. They can choose to receive them 24/7, or only during a particular time of day or week. The system will use an email transmission technology called Distributed Processing, giving it the capability of sending out up to a million messages every five minutes.

“This is a revolutionary step that has the potential to transform the experience our customers have with us,” said Elliot G. Sander, the Executive Director and CEO of the MTA. “If you know about a service disruption before you leave your home, or now, even as you are making your way to a subway or rail station or a bus stop, you can avoid the frustration of delays by seeking an alternate route.”

This initiative builds upon years of experience that Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road have had in sending email messages notifying customers about service disruptions, and that New York City Transit has had providing weekly email updates about service changes caused by track work.

The launch of this system incorporates the functionality of those earlier initiatives, presenting them in a single online portal. It marks the first time that the MTA will send timely notifications of unplanned service disruptions on subways, buses, bridges or tunnels, and is the first MTA service to use text messaging.

While the MTA will not charge customers to use this service, those customers who have cell phone plans that charge for incoming text messages will be liable for those fees.

Click on the following link to be redirected to the MTA website to sign up http://mymtaalerts.com/LoginC.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx

(Dov Gordon – YWN)

This Motzai Shabbos at the National Agudah convention, Klal Yisroel will pay  tribute to Rabbi Shmuel Bloom, the veteran Agudah leader and world – renowned Torah Askan upon his retirement as Executive Vice- President of Agudas Yisroel of America. As Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel assumes this position, these two tireless Askanim whose very lives breath Agudas Yisroel and Ahavas Yisroel, were both shaped and molded by the legendary Agudah leader Rabbi Moshre Sherer Z’L himself. The Organization’s press release speaks volumes “It will be a passing from dear friend to dear friend and from one confidant of Gedolei Yisroel to another.”

While change is bittersweet, this is a moment to reflect on the past, show Hakoras Hatov and renew our lion- hearted communal spirit. Today’s turbulent times demands nothing less. It is to Rabbi Blooms credit that the Agudah finds itself well positioned to take on the new and complex challenges facing us.

As a genuine servant of the Klal -  Reb Shmuel is a Kohen, whose very being personifies Kedoshim Tehiu. Having the full confidence of Gedolai Yisroel, Admorim and Rabbonim from across the spectrum requires great intellect, keen understanding and wisdom.

As a trusted confidant and assistant to Rabbi Sherer Z”L , under Rabbi Bloom’s direction, the Agudah  implemented many now famous programs benefiting thousands including: project COPE, Keren Hashvies, Project YES and none more relevant or timely then PCS, the vaunted job procurement program. Relief projects like the Iranian Rescue Committee, Vaad L’Hatzolas Nidchei Yisroel, Operation Open Curtain and countless others were successfully created with Reb Shmuels imprint.

Standing at Rabbi Sherer’s side, numerous fights against indecency and intolerance, at home and abroad, were organized. Together with Rabbi Chaskel Besser, Jewish cemetery preservation across Eastern Europe became an American Government priority and Kavud Hamais found a champion in none other than Klal Yisroel’s dedicated Kohen.

Inyonai Hatzibur, Kedushas Eretz Yisroel and Kavod Habrios are the very essence of Agudas Yisroel and for the past ten years Rabbi Shmuel Bloom was at the helm, carrying on his mentor’s legacy.

Today, wearing a Yamulkah in the secular work place or leaving work early for Shabbos with no fear of retribution, is B”H taken for granted. It must be known that the Agudah fought and continues those battles every day with Rabbi Bloom and Rabbi Zwiebel leading the charge. Invented and pursued by Rabbi Sherer, the groundbreaking initiatives of government aid/school choice have become an important focal point and mission of the seven offices that the Agudah has opened in  California, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, Florida, Texas and  New Jersey- all to serve Klal Yisroel more effectively. These impressive activities and investments of resources have all come under the leadership and direction of Rabbi Bloom since Rabbi Sherers Z”L petira.

An organization that is 87 years young, the Agudah now looks to you and me for renewed vigor, vitality and strength. Public service is sadly viewed as old fashioned- yet the stakes have never been  higher or more urgent. Let us not bemoan the precarious state we find ourselves in, rather let us roll up our sleeves and get to the task of solving our problems- “TOGETHER” as Rabbi Sherer Z”L famously proclaimed.

Getting the job done and helping Klal Yisroel, was and is his only goal – a lesson that we all might learn better. The serene and knowing smile constantly displayed by Rabbi Bloom comes from his full confidence and experience that Gedolai Yisroel know better. Emunas Chachomim is no cheap slogan, it is simply his Metzious.

It is my personal hope that Klal Yisroel realizes just how special a role Rabbi Bloom and the Agudah has and continues to play in our development as a thriving community. Whatever your political or ideological persuasions may be, all of our lives are immeasurably better because of the tremendous Avodas Hakodesh of this dedicated public servant.

This week, we have an opportunity to salute Reb Shmuel’s decades of monumental accomplishments on our behalf.

I will be there – so should you.

Chaskel Bennett

(LINK TO PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE) Addressing a wall-to-wall assemblage of RCCS supporters at the Inaugural Flatbush RCCS (Rofeh Cholim Cancer Society) Dinner last week at El Caribe, the Novominsker Rebbe’s remarks came after the showing of a video in which several former cancer-stricken patients expressed their appreciation to RCCS for “funding their personal miracle”, and before the father of a former leukemia patient personally thanked RCCS for allowing them access to the best medical coverage that resulted in his son’s full recovery, bs”D.

In the presence of a dais lined with leading Gedolim from the Flatbush community, including Rabbi Aharon Schechter, the Rosh HaYeshiva of Mesivta Chaim Berlin , the Novominsker Rebbe described the many Mitzvos one accomplishes by helping RCCS patients, and told everyone “that you don’t have the slightest conception as to how RCCS saves entire Yiddishe families, and yes, entire generations. No one should have any doubt of the Kedushas HaChessed, the Hatzolas Nefoshos, of this Mosod Hakodesh, RCCS; it is an immeasurable z’chus to take part in this organization.”

The dinner was organized by a committee of volunteers from Flatbush whose goal was to help RCCS raise the money needed to pay the health insurance policies for 30 current patients residing in the Flatbush area. RCCS provides an array of services for cancer-stricken patients in need; primary among them is the subsidizing of health insurance premiums for some 300 patients annually, enabling them to obtain the best possible medical care.

The attendees also heard an impassioned plea by RCCS founder and president, Reb Hershel Kohn, who pleaded to the world for assistance in helping RCCS raise the funds needed to help all who come begging at our doors, an average of four applicants per week!

The dinner was chaired by noted askan, Elly Kleinman, and was dedicated to the memory of the late Shabsi Goldstein, z”l. Awards were presented to Dr. Joel Rosenshein, Mr. Avrohom Abba Sandberg, and to Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Rand. A memorial tribute was also delivered to long-time supporter of RCCS, Mr. Izzy Weinstock, z”l.

The Novominsker Rebbe closed with a plea that everyone who helps RCCS should be “absolved, with Rachamei Shomayim, from this dreaded disease and that we should merit only Simcha, Nachas, and Hatzlacha”.

PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos.

(YWN Desk – NYC)

11:50AM EST: A fire has broken out in the building housing the Barditchev Shul located at 21 Rita Avenue, YWN has learned.

Initially there were reports of someone trapped, but as of this time sources tell YWN that everyone has B”H been accounted for.

Mutual aid assistance has been requested to respond from neighboring towns and Monsey Hatzolah is on the scene staging.

There is no word if the Sifrei Torah have been safely removed from the building.

Further details will be posted shortly….

(www.frumreport.com / YWN-Lipas / YWN-68)

(AUDIO CLIP IN EXTENDED ARTICLE) The financial crisis could cost New York State and New York City 225,000 jobs and $6.5 billion in securities industry-related tax revenue over the next two years, according a report released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The Comptroller noted that the Governor and Mayor have been proactive in dealing with the crisis, but New York, like other states, may require federal assistance given the magnitude of the projected budget gaps.

“Wall Street is the engine that drives the economies of New York State and New York City, but the global credit crunch has slowed that engine down,” DiNapoli said. “This year is on pace to be one of the worst years ever on Wall Street. Through the first half of this year, broker dealer operations of New York Stock Exchange member firms reported a loss of nearly $21 billion.

“These numbers are translating into job losses. The securities industry in New York City has lost more than 16,000 jobs and the industry could lose a total of 38,000 jobs by next October, with another 10,000 jobs lost in banking, insurance and real estate. And those job losses translate into more job losses in other industries.

“The financial crisis highlights the need for greater transparency and oversight, but there has to be a balance. Overregulation could hurt the securities industry, which is vitally important to the State and the City.”

“This important report captures the substantial damage inflicted on New York by the collapse of global financial markets and underlines the importance of stabilizing the banking system in order to maintain our position as the world’s financial capital,” said Kathryn Wylde, president & CEO, Partnership for New York City.

Over the past year, the securities industry in New York City has lost 16,300 jobs. DiNapoli predicts the securities industry could lose a total of 38,000 by October 2009 and another 10,000 jobs could be lost in banking, insurance and real estate. The Comptroller estimates total private sector job losses could reach 175,000 in New York City but losses could be greater if the economic downturn is deeper and longer than currently forecast. In total, New York State could lose 225,000 jobs during this period.

According to DiNapoli, while top executives may not receive bonuses, lower level employees will still receive payments although the size of the bonus pool will be much smaller than in prior years. In the early 2000s, bonuses fell by 50 percent over a two-year period in the years following the bursting of the dot-com bubble and the events of September 11, 2001. According to the Comptroller, recent developments suggest that a decline of a similar or even greater magnitude could occur this time. By January of each year, the Comptroller issues an estimate of cash bonuses paid in the prior year.

“Top Wall Street executives ought to forego bonuses during this difficult time; it’s inappropriate to reward poor performance,” DiNapoli added. “But the public must keep in mind that bonuses paid to lower level employees are often used to purchase goods and services in other industries, which benefits the overall economy. New York will feel a lot pain from a shrunken bonus pool.”

AUDIO CLIP: Click HERE for an audio clip 

The DiNapoli report also found:

*Broker/dealer operations of New York Stock Exchange member firms reported near record profits of $20.9 billion in 2006 but a record loss of $11.3 billion in 2007. These firms reported a loss of $20.7 billion in the first half of 2008 and New York City’s financial plan projects a loss of $25.5 billion for the entire year, but the Comptroller’s report warns that losses could be even greater.

*Securities industry revenues fell from $70.3 billion in the first half of 2007 to $32 billion in the second half of 2007. According to the report, total compensation averaged an unsustainable 97.4 percent of net revenues for the first half of 2008 (compared with an average ratio of 53 percent from 1990-2006).

*For the six largest securities firms headquartered in New York City, revenues fell by 63 percent in the second half of 2007 and by another 48 percent during the first three quarters of 2008. These firms reported write-offs of more than $140 billion during this period.

*As Wall Street contracts, the Comptroller estimates that jobs will be lost throughout the rest of the City economy due to the industry’s multiplier impact on jobs. DiNapoli’s multiplier effect estimates that for each financial sector job lost, two more jobs will be lost in other industries in New York City and 1.3 jobs will be lost elsewhere in the State.

*During the 2001-2003 recession, New York State lost 329,600 private sector jobs, of which Wall Street directly and indirectly contributed a loss of 173,500, or more than half of the decline. New York City lost a total of 232,100 private sector jobs during this period.

*The average securities industry salary reached a record high of nearly $400,000 in 2007 paying approximately 6.8 times the salary of all nonfinancial jobs in the City. Salaries averaged $150,640 in credit intermediation and insurance and $62,060 in real estate and related industries.

*Tax collections (personal income and business taxes) from Wall Street-related activities could drop by $4.5 billion for New York State and $2 billion for New York City by 2010. Wall Street activity generates a disproportionate share of State and City tax revenue because of high levels of compensation, profitability and capital gains.

*Wall Street-related activities account for 12 percent of New York City tax revenues and up to 20 percent of New York State revenues. Prior to the current crisis, the securities industry accounted for five percent of the City’s employment but nearly 25 percent of the wages.

*Hedge funds and private equity firms, which have also been hit hard by the crisis, play an important role in the securities industry and have a strong presence in New York City. According to a survey of large hedge funds and private equity firms conducted for the Comptroller by The Partnership for New York City, respondents leased nearly 1.5 million square feet of office space in New York City and paid more than $100 million in unincorporated business taxes to the City.