VCJC News & Notes 6/26/2026

 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful!

Things to see below

Treat yourself to some VCJC Merch and support VCJC (#3)

The survey of your preferences for our events - please fill in (#4)

The links to our new social media accounts - please follow us (#7)

Our request for a Google review (#8)

Reminders

1. Shabbos schedule
   
   
   Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar.
   Here are the times you need:  
   Shabbos Candles Friday 6/26/26 @ 8:13 pm
   Shabbos/Shavuos Ends Saturday 6/27/26 @ 9:16 pm

   If you require an aliyah or would like to lead services, read from the torah or haftorah please speak to one of the gabbaim.

   
   

   Come join us for services and stay to enjoy the kiddush and the company.
   

2. VCJC Annual General Membership Meeting
   The meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, June 28 at 10AM in Boyarsky Hall.  A light breakfast will be available at 9:30.  You must be a current member to attend. Elections for the Board of Trustees will be held. Proxies are not permitted for the election.

   
   

   
   

3. VCJC Merch!

   We now have merchandise available with the VCJC logo and, in some cases, sayings.  We have shirts, hats, mugs, refrigerator magnets, and tote bags. These are provided through a Print On Demand (POD) model - so you pick what you like and order it.  It is then made to order and shipped directly to you.
   You can see an overview and some additional information on our VCJC Shop page.  You can go directly to the store itself to see all the things available, select sizes and colors, and get ready to flaunt your association with VCJC.

   
   

4. What works for you?
   Please Help Us Plan for Events
   We have created a survey, Van Cortlandt Jewish Center Community Event Planning Survey, to help us set the direction for our activities.  We’d really appreciate your taking a few minutes to fill it in. Here’s the link: SURVEY
   
   

5. The VCJC Chavurah
   The VCJC Chavurah meets every Tuesday Night at 7:30PM.  All are welcome to join us as we continue to learn together.

   No cost to attend and no prior experience is needed.

   If you are interested in learning torah with a group of fellow members of your community, but want more details, contact the VCJC office at 718-884-6105 or info@vcjewishcenter.org, or speak to Stuart Harris or Matthew Hartstein after davening on Shabbat morning.
   
   

6. Shabbos parsha

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Parashat Chukat-Balak 5786 / פָּרָשַׁת חֻקַּת־בָּלָק

   27 June 2026 / 12 Tamuz 5786 (Diaspora)

   Parashat Chukat-Balak is the 39th and 40th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading.

   This page displays the Diaspora Torah reading for Chukat-Balak 5786. The Israel schedule is used by Jews living in modern Israel.

   Torah Portion: Numbers 19:1-25:9

   Chukat (“Law Of”) opens by describing the process of burning the red heifer and using its ashes for purification. It also tells the stories of the deaths of Miriam and Aaron, Moses’ striking of a rock to bring forth water, a plague of venomous snakes, and battles against the Emorite kings Sihon and Og. Balak tells the story of the Moabite king Balak, who hires Balaam to curse the Israelites. Balaam’s donkey speaks along the way, and Balaam ends up blessing the Israelites. The portion ends with a story about Israelite men sinning with Moabite women and the stabbing of an Israelite and a Midianite. [1]

   
   

7. VCJC is now active on social media - follow us!
   We have launched both a Facebook page and an Instagram page.  Both have a nice amount of content already and we are planning both regular posts and a greater variety going forward.  Please take a look and follow us!

   
   

   
   

8. You can do it! Give VCJC a boost!  Leave a (positive) review for us on Google
   -->You can do this!  We know you can! YES, YOU!

   The VCJC is working to build and grow for its next century in Van Cortlandt Village.  If you have had a good experience with us or recognize our value to the community, please consider telling the world about it.  Go to our Google Business Profile and leave a review.  Thanks!  

Please help with information about buildings

As part of rebuilding the membership and congregation, the Board of Trustees would like your help. There are a lot of either new or renovated buildings being put up in our catchment area. We would like to seek the cooperation of the owners / developers of those properties in publicizing these opportunities to live near an orthodox synagogue.  If you are aware of any of these buildings, please provide what information you can about them.  This could include the address, any contact information that might be posted, and any information about the building itself (size, type, etc.). Additionally, if you are aware of vacancies in existing buildings or of houses for sale, please let us know about that as well.

Our mailing address is:
Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
3880 Sedgwick Ave
Bronx, NY 10463

CONSUMER ALERT: New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Shares Water Safety Tips

 

As the Summer School Break is About to Begin New Yorkers Should Consider These Safety Tips to Keep Your Children Safe When Near the Water 

New State Regulations Make Free Classes Available for Youngsters to Learn How to Swim

Supports Governor Hochul’s Get Off Line, Get Outside Initiative 

Secretary Mosley: “New York State has launched several initiatives to increase access to swimming instruction and recreational water activities, and the Division of Consumer Protection offers these tips to help parents and children enjoy New York’s pools and beaches while maximizing safety.”

The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing consumers with important water safety tips to support a fun, safe summer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies drowning as the number one cause of death for children under four years old and the second leading cause of death among children ages five to fourteen, with over 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings every year. New Yorkers should consider implementing a few simple but important safety precautions to limit risks and help ensure a safe experience for young swimmers this summer.

“As the summer is upon us, swimming is one of the most popular family activities during the hot weather season,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “New York State has launched several initiatives to increase access to swimming instruction and recreational water activities, and the Division of Consumer Protection offers these tips to help parents and children enjoy New York’s pools and beaches while maximizing safety.”

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “Nothing says summer in New York like a day at a state park pool, beach, or splash pad with family and friends. As Governor Hochul continues to expand access to safe, affordable swimming opportunities through initiatives like NY SWIMS and our Learn-to-Swim programs, it is important that water safety remains a top priority. Staying alert, closely supervising children, following lifeguard instructions, and learning basic swimming skills can help ensure that every visit to the water is both safe and enjoyable.” 

NYS SAFE SWIM INITIATIVES:

Governor Hochul has made safe swimming a priority with the launch of several initiatives across the state. Some of these initiatives include:

• The new  "Every Child a Swimmer law," which requires school districts to provide information regarding water safety to parents or guardians upon enrollment of children under the age of eighteen.
• NY SWIMS, a competitive grant program that helps municipalities and nonprofits build, renovate, and modernize public pools, natural swimming areas, and other related aquatic facilities.
• Free Learn-to-Swim Programs at New York State Parks, in partnership with community organizations. State Parks have also partnered with the American Red Cross to double the number of pools offering water safety instruction.

WATER SAFETY TIPS:

• Enroll in Swimming Lessons:Multiple studies show that swimming lessons prevent drowning. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in swimming lessons as early as possible, as even the most basic swimming skills can help keep a child safe in the water. Data from the US Swimming Foundation shows that children in some communities continue to have no or disproportionally low swimming ability. Many municipal pools and community centers offer free or low-cost swimming lessons, and everyone is encouraged to learn how to swim. You can enroll in swimming lessons at several nearby New York State Parks. For the full schedule of times, age groups, and participating locations, check the latest NYS Parks or New York City Parks Learn-to-Swim Schedules  or locate year-round classes using the Red Cross Swim Class Finder.
• Use life jackets:All non-swimmers, children under 48” and weak swimmers should wear a life jacket while visiting water park attractions. Bring your own life jacket if you are unsure about the fit of life-jackets available at the park.
• Avoid “water wings” as floatation devices: Never use air-filled or foam swimming aids like “water wings” or other “floaties” in place of life jackets. These are not designed to be used as personal floatation devices and can give parents and children a false sense of security.
• Learn CPR:Every second counts and CPR proficiency can make the difference between life and death in an emergency.
• Choose brightly colored swimsuits:The color of one’s bathing suit can make a difference in visibility. Consider the color of your child’s swimsuit before heading to the water park. For light-bottom pools, neon pink and neon orange tend to be the most visible.
• Designate a Water Watcher: Adult supervision is the number one way to prevent drowning. Never leave a child unattended in or near water and always designate a Water Watcher. This person should not be reading, texting, using a smartphone, drinking alcoholic beverages or otherwise distracted. Gaps in adult supervision are the leading cause of drowning deaths. Many drowning victims are only out of sight for five minutes or less. Remember, lifeguards DO NOT replace adult supervision.
• Keep toddlers and young children in shallow play areas:Many parks have zero-depth entry pools with water games, spray fountains and other attractions appropriate for young children who cannot swim.
• Listen to park staff: Always listen to lifeguards and other park staff for instructions when enjoying attractions.
• Pace yourself: Take frequent breaks if you feel tired from swimming or other activities. Don't take chances by overestimating your swimming skills.
• Stay alert:If you are injured or see any unsafe behavior or conditions, report the issue to an employee and/or lifeguard at the venue immediately.
• Take breaks:Summer temperatures can get very hot, and you can end up walking or standing in the sun more than usual at water parks. Make sure everyone in your group takes breaks when needed and hydrates frequently. Keep track of how much sun exposure children and toddlers get and watch for sunburn and signs of fatigue.
• Identify swimmers in need of help:While we tend to think that swimmers in trouble will be waving their hands and making lots of noise, this may not always be the case. Watch out for people whose heads are low in the water (mouth submerged) or tilted back with mouth open, eyes closed or unable to focus, legs vertical in the water, or who are trying to swim but not making progress. Signal for lifeguards if you notice any swimmer who looks like they need help.

For more information:

• Visit the New York Department of Health websitefor more information on water safety and safe swimming.
• Visit the I Love NY websiteto find a water park near you.
• Visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s pool safety websitefor more pool safety tips.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook

Mayor Mamdani Launches New Portal to Help Small Businesses and Community Organizations Promote Free Summer Events for Young New Yorkers

 

New form on “Summer in NYC” website expands access to free, family-friendly events across the five boroughs   

  

Since launching in May, “Summer in NYC” has attracted nearly 230,000 visits  

  

New portal can be found here  

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani launched a new online portal that allows community organizations, small businesses, cultural institutions and other groups to promote free summer events for young New Yorkers on the City’s “Summer in NYC” website.   

  

Since launching at the end of May, the Summer in NYC website received more than 228,900 visits.  

  

“New York is at its best when our neighborhoods come alive in the summer,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Every block party, basketball clinic and ballet class gives a young person somewhere to belong and something to learn. That’s how we build a safer city – by investing in our communities. If you’re hosting a free event this summer, we want New Yorkers to find it. Use this portal, share what you’re offering and help us make this a summer every young New Yorker can be part of.”   

  

“Summer is a time for young people to have fun and make lasting memories. This new portal makes it even easier for community organizations, cultural institutions, and small businesses to connect young New Yorkers with free opportunities across the five boroughs,” said Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Renita Francois. “The Mamdani administration is using every tool available to keep young New Yorkers safe and listened to while providing a wealth of opportunities for gathering, activity, and community all summer long.”  

  

“This summer, the Mamdani Administration is focused on keeping kids safe, healthy and involved,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “This new submission form presents a unique opportunity for businesses and community-based organizations to engage directly with people across the five boroughs to promote free events for children, teens, and families to enjoy. I encourage everyone to spread the word and help us find spaces for young New Yorkers to have fun and stay safe this summer.” 

  

Summer in NYC is a brand-new, interactive website that connects young New Yorkers and their families with free and low-cost summer programming in neighborhoods across the city. Users can search by age, ZIP code, interests and travel distance to find activities ranging from photography and painting classes to basketball leagues, soccer programs and other extracurricular opportunities. The site also includes information on free summer meals and citywide World Cup watch parties and celebrations.  

  

The launch is part of the Mamdani administration’s whole-of-government strategy to keep young New Yorkers safe and engaged throughout the summer.  

  

This summer, the Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS), in partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development and community-based organizations across the city, is implementing a coordinated Summer Safety Plan focused on preventing youth violence and expanding opportunities for young people.   

  

Through the City’s Crisis Management System, credible messengers and outreach teams will increase engagement in neighborhoods most affected by violence through enhanced mediation, expanded evening programming, youth listening sessions and rapid-response activations during high-risk periods and large gatherings. The plan also expands access to safe spaces, mentorship, recreation and workforce opportunities to ensure young New Yorkers remain connected to positive supports throughout the summer.

Housing Lottery Launches for 269 Van Cortlandt Avenue East in Norwood, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 269 Van Cortlandt Avenue East, an eight-story residential building in Norwood, The Bronx. Designed by Nikolai Katz Architect and developed by Shimshon Grunstein of AFS Systems Inc., the structure yields 30 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are six units for residents at 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $75,703 to $168,320.

Tenants are responsible for electricity, including stove and heat. Hot water is included in the rent.

At 80 percent of the AMI, there are two studios with a monthly rent of $2,040 for incomes ranging from $75,703 to $108,560; one one-bedroom with a monthly rent of $2,173 for incomes ranging from $81,086 to $122,160; and three three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,962 for incomes ranging from $112,698 to $168,320.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than July 16, 2026.

DHS Issues Statement Following Multiple Supreme Court Wins

 

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement praising the United States Supreme Court for issuing three rulings that reaffirm several Trump Administration policies and decisions to secure the homeland and remove criminal illegal aliens from the country. 

“These three rulings are all victories for the rule of law and common sense,” said DHS General Counsel James Percival. “This includes barring aliens from applying for asylum if they haven’t set foot in the United States, making it easier to remove lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who commit a crime, and reaffirming that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was always supposed to be temporary and can be cancelled at the appropriate time. Thanks to these decisions, we now have several more important tools to continue securing our borders.” 

In Blanche v. Muk Choi Lau, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does not have to have clear and convincing evidence that a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) has committed a crime involving “moral turpitude” before deeming the resident an applicant for admission. As a result, CBP will be allowed to defer inspections of LPRs who committed a crime until after they are convicted, which will then allow the conviction to be used as a justification for removal. 

In Mullin v. Al Otro Lado, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that an alien who is standing in Mexico cannot be considered to have “arrived in the United States” by attempting and then failing to set foot on American soil. An alien is only considered to have successfully arrived when they cross the border. As a result, an alien who is standing in Mexico is not entitled to apply for asylum, nor is an immigration officer required to inspect them. This ruling reverses an opinion by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals which initially declared that aliens outside the United States land border are eligible for asylum. 

In Mullin v. Doe, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the Trump Administration can cancel the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for the countries of Syria and Haiti. The ruling further determined that federal law generally bars judicial review of any future TPS designation and termination decisions, and also determined that challengers to any such decisions are unlikely to succeed on claims that terminations are due to racial discrimination. 

These are only the most recent examples of activist judges trying and failing to thwart President Trump’s agenda, only to be overruled by the Supreme Court. Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Mullin, DHS will continue to uphold the law and keep the American people safe.

U.S. Attorney Announces $2.2 Million Settlement With Urologists For Submitting False Claims To Medicare

 

Urologists Dr. Robert Simon and Dr. Nicole Fleischmann Admit That They Caused Medicare to Pay Claims for Implantations That Were Not Medically Reasonable and Necessary

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”), Naomi Gruchacz, announced that the United States has settled a civil healthcare fraud lawsuit against DR. ROBERT SIMON, a New Jersey-based urologist, and DR. NICOLE FLEISCHMANN, a New York-based urologist.  The settlement resolves claims that SIMON and FLEISCHMANN violated the False Claims Act by repeatedly subjecting their patients to medically unnecessary surgical procedures in connection with an implantable neurostimulation medical device and then improperly obtaining payments from Medicare for these same unnecessary procedures. 

Under the settlement, which was approved by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe, SIMON will pay a total sum of $1,112,695.88 plus interest, and FLEISCHMANN will pay a total sum of $1,101,044.80 plus interest.  As a part of the settlement, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN also made extensive factual admissions regarding their conduct.  Among other things, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN admitted that they each caused Medicare to pay claims for implantations of a neurostimulation medical device that were not medically reasonable and necessary and did not comply with Medicare’s billing rules and guidance. 

“Dr. Simon and Dr. Fleischmann performed unnecessary surgical procedures on their patients who suffered from urinary incontinence and then billed a taxpayer-funded program for these procedures,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “This illegal scheme violated the trust at the heart of doctor-patient relationships and our healthcare system.  This Office is committed to holding medical providers accountable, protecting patient care, and safeguarding the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs.” 

“Health care providers who perform medically unnecessary services can pose a significant risk to patients, especially when pre-operative tests are not completed appropriately and follow-up procedures are performed without sufficient justification,” said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz.  “HHS-OIG continuously works with key law enforcement partners to seek resolutions that hold accountable individuals who exploit federal health care programs.”

As alleged in the Complaint: 

The InterStim device is designed to treat urinary incontinence by sending electrical stimulation to a patient’s sacral nerve.  InterStim’s implantable components include a neurostimulator, a battery, and a thin wire—known as a lead—that connects to the sacral nerve, as well as other components that facilitate transmission of electrical impulses to the sacral nerve.  Relevant Medicare rules require that before a doctor may permanently implant an InterStim device, the patient must have had a successful test stimulation that met specific defined criteria.  The test stimulation is designed to determine whether the InterStim device is likely to be successful in improving the patient’s urinary incontinence.

From January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2022, FLEISCHMANN violated the False Claims Act by submitting, or causing the submission of, false claims to Medicare for medically unreasonable and unnecessary InterStim surgical procedures by failing to perform the required preoperative testing before implanting the InterStim device into patients and unnecessarily implanting two InterStim devices into a patient during the same surgical procedure. 

Similarly, from January 1, 2011, through October 18, 2021 (the “Simon Covered Period”), SIMON violated the False Claims Act by submitting, or causing the submission of, false claims to Medicare for medically unreasonable and unnecessary InterStim surgical procedures by: failing to perform the required preoperative testing before implanting the InterStim device into a patient; unnecessarily implanting two InterStim devices into a patient during the same surgical procedure; performing medically unreasonable and unnecessary battery and InterStim device replacement and revision surgeries; and improperly billing Medicare twice for removing the lead used to stimulate a patient’s sacral nerve during preoperative testing. 

SIMON frequently performed unnecessary procedures on patients to replace the InterStim batteries after the InterStim device had been implanted into his patients, despite the fact that there was often no indication that these batteries needed to be replaced.

SIMON and FLEISCHMANN also frequently implanted two InterStim devices into a patient during the same surgical procedure, in a procedure known as bilateral implantation.  They did this without conducting the required preoperative test to determine that one InterStim device would effectively treat the patient’s urinary incontinence, much less that two InterStim devices would be more effective than one. 

As part of the settlement, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN admitted and accepted responsibility for certain of their own respective conduct alleged by the United States, including the following:

• SIMON and FLEISCHMANN were aware that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) had issued a National Coverage Determination (“NCD”)—which is a binding statement by CMS setting a national policy granting, limiting, or excluding Medicare coverage for a specific medical item or service—concerning the implantation of sacral nerve stimulators, such as InterStim, to treat urinary incontinence.
• Specifically, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN were aware that in 2002 CMS issued NCD 230.18, which stated that in order to establish that a permanent InterStim implantation is medical necessary, a patient must first undergo a successful test stimulation during which the patient demonstrates a 50% or greater improvement.  This improvement is measured through voiding diaries, which are used by the patient to record their symptoms of urinary incontinence.
• SIMON and FLEISCHMANN primarily performed a percutaneous nerve evaluation test (“PNE”) before permanently implanting the InterStim device into patients.  The PNE is supposed to take place over at least three, and up to seven, days.  SIMON and FLEISCHMANN repeatedly billed Medicare for permanent InterStim implantations despite failing to first complete a successful PNE.  Instead of completing a full PNE, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN frequently conducted an abbreviated test.  Further, SIMON and FLEISCHMANN also failed to collect and keep the voiding diaries required by NCD 230.18.
• SIMON also admitted and accepted responsibility for additional conduct alleged by the United States, including the following:
• During the Simon Covered Period, SIMON rarely concluded that a PNE did not support a permanent implantation—doing so for approximately 3% of his patients who received a PNE.  In these instances, SIMON contemporaneously recorded in his office notes that the PNE did not support a permanent InterStim implantation.  Nevertheless, in each of these cases, SIMON still performed a permanent implantation of the InterStim device and falsely documented in his surgical notes that the PNE had been successful.
• During the Simon Covered Period, SIMON frequently performed medically unreasonable and unnecessary InterStim device revision and replacement surgeries on his patients and then billed Medicare for these procedures.  Specifically, SIMON often surgically removed and replaced InterStim batteries within three years or less of the implantation, despite the fact that InterStim batteries were supposed to last for approximately five years. 
• SIMON also frequently replaced InterStim neurostimulators and added a second InterStim device for patients who started with one InterStim device, without any objective evidence that the neurostimulator needed to be replaced or that the patient would benefit from the implantation of a second InterStim device. 

In connection with the filing of the lawsuit and settlement, the Government joined a private whistleblower lawsuit that had been filed under seal pursuant to the False Claims Act.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of HHS-OIG. 

The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit.