VCJC News & Notes 3/27/2026

 

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!

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 3/27/26 @ 6:57 pm
   Shabbos Ends Saturday 3/28/26 @ 8:01 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. About our new kiddushim
   If you missed the fantastic food at last week’s kiddush, you still have a "last chance" for a spread of deli meat, Challah rolls, etc. (aka Chametz) before Passover!!!!

   Reminder that kiddush now takes place in the ballroom. There is a greater variety of food, which can be enjoyed while seated at covered tables. Our aim is to offer a more enjoyable and meaningful experience, and to encourage conversation and interaction among attendees. This is an evolving effort. It has received very positive reviews so far; we’d love to have your opinion as well. Please join us for services and kiddush, and let us know what you think!
   

3. Schedule for the beginning of Passover
   EVENING OF MARCH 31ST – BEDIKAT CHAMETZ (search for chametz) After 8:14

   APRIL 1ST  LAST TIME TO EAT CHAMETZ 10:29AM

   APRIL 1ST LAST TIME TO BURN/ANNUL CHAMETZ 11:44AM

   EREV PASSOVER CANDLE LIGHTING AFTER 7:02PM

   EARLIEST TIME TO BEGIN THE FIRST SEDER 8:05PM

   1ST DAY OF PASSOVER APRIL 2ND  SHACHARIT BEGINS 8:40AM

   1ST DAY OF PASSOVER APRIL 2ND CANDLE LIGHTING AFTER 8:06PM

   2ND DAY OF PASSOVER APRIL 2ND  SHACHARIT BEGINS 8:40AM

   EREV SHABBOS APRIL 3RD CANDLE LIGHTING 7:04PM

   1ST DAY OF CHOL HAMOED PASSOVER APRIL 4TH SHACHARIT BEGINS 8:40AM

   SATURDAY APRIL 4TH SHABBOS ENDS 8:08PM

   
   

4. 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 will not be meeting the next two weeks because of Passover.  Our next meeting will be April 14th at 7:30PM when we will begin meeting every Tuesday Night at 7:30PM.  All are welcome to join us as we continue to learn Tractate Berachot 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 Tzav 5786 / פָּרָשַׁת צַו

   28 March 2026 / 10 Nisan 5786

   Parashat Tzav is the 25th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading.

   Torah Portion: Leviticus 6:1-8:36

   In Tzav (“Command”), God tells Moses about the sacrifices offered in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), including a meal offering brought by the high priest, guilt offerings, and offerings of thanks. Moses initiates Aaron and Aaron’s sons for priestly service in the Mishkan. [1]

   
   

   
   

7. 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!  
   

8. From the Teaneck shuls group's moderators:

   
   

   “A First Amendment Auditor known as Zhoie Perez or "Furry Potato" has plans to come to the NY/NJ area soon. Please be advised that this person has a history of wearing a Burkha and standing outside Jewish institutions saying Arabic words to incite a reaction. This person takes their time to study all related laws and will press charges for anything possible.

   It is imperative that if anything like this is seen we do not engage this person directly.  Please call the police and deter other community members from engaging.”
   
   
   Please be aware of this and govern yourselves accordingly.  Do not give this person, should he show up at VCJC any basis for any legal action.

If you need to sell your chametz, here’s the form.  Fill it out and send it back.

AUTHORIZATION   I, the undersigned, fully empower and permit Rabbi Nosson Lowenthal to act in my place and stead, and on my behalf to sell all chametz possessed by me knowingly or unknowingly, as defined by Torah and rabbinic law, and to lease all places in which chametz owned by me is found, especially at: (Address) __________________________________________________________________   The chametz that I possess includes the following:   TYPE OF CHAMETZ (GROCERIES, LIQUOR, TOILETRIES, ETC.) EXACT LOCATION (KITCHEN, LIVING ROOM, PANTRY, CABINETS, ETC.) APPROXIMATE VALUE $                                                                  Total $ ___________________   Date ______________________        Signed _______________________________________   Printed name ____________________________________ Cell # ______________________     Please complete this part if you will be away for all of Pesach:   I specifically authorize Rabbi Lowenthal to sell all chametz located anywhere in my home at the above address and at any other location that I own, and to lease my entire home and any other areas in my possession (with the exception of the following room in my home: ________________________________________). The keys to my home can be found with: (name) _____________________________________ at: (address) ___________________________________________________________________                                                   Signed _____________________________________________   DOCUMENT OF SALE   I hereby sell all chametz to Stephen Boatti, 4780 Delafield Avenue Bronx, New York 10471. I also lease the places that the chametz is found, especially at the above indicated address, to Mr. Boatti for a period of ten (10) days. This sale and rental are to take effect on Wednesday April 1st, 2026 corresponding to 14 Nisan 5786, before 11:30 A.M. Further details concerning all the above are recorded in the above authorization form and in a lengthier document of sale. Signed _____________________________________________

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.

3rd annual Community Cleanup Day for MLK Day

This event, for which the VCJC is an acknowledged collaborator, has now been scheduled for March 29.  See the poster below. Registration link

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

BEST OF THE BEST: ICE Officer Saves One-Year-Old Child’s Life at JFK Airport

This is the second child ICE officers have saved in recent weeks  

On March 25, 2026, an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent helping to support Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York jumped into action to help save the life of a one-year-old child experiencing a medical emergency. 

The heroic actions of this officer began when a one-year-old child became unresponsive in the arms of his father, unable to breathe for almost two minutes. CCTV review shows a passenger in a TSA Precheck line holding his one-year-old in his arms when the child’s arms go lifeless; panic ensues, and the father is seen scrambling around the area, and calling for help.  

The agent working at his post, heard the screams from the father and other passengers and sprinted to the scene. The father handed the child to the officer, who then assessed the unresponsive child and began performing the Heimlich maneuver. After a few seconds, the child started breathing again. EMS personnel arrived on scene with medical equipment to further monitor and re-assess the child. The child was re-assessed and determined to be healthy enough to fly.   

“The ICE agent sprang into action and saved this one-year-old child’s life. If our agent had not been there and stepped up, this would have been a tragic outcome,” said Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Despite the endless smears and lies told about them by sanctuary politicians and the media, our ICE officers show up every day to protect the Homeland and their fellow Americans.”  

This is the second child ICE officers have saved in recent weeks. On February 20, off-duty ICE law enforcement agents saved the life of a four-year old boy who had fallen into a hotel pool. That day, off-duty ICE law enforcement agents were dining at a restaurant in Plymouth, Minnesota, when they were approached by a panicked woman seeking assistance for a four-year-old child who was unresponsive from drowning in a hotel swimming pool. 

The agents immediately responded, performing CPR for several minutes. Local police and Emergency Medical Services arrived shortly thereafter and transported the child to a local medical center for further medical care. Thanks to this lifesaving care and quick action, the child regained consciousness. 

DEA New Orleans and Arkansas DFA Regulatory Agents Seize More Than 7,600 Illicit Products from Vape and Tobacco Stores

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Regulatory Agents recently partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Little Rock District Office to seize 7,636 illicit or non-compliant products from vape and tobacco retailers. Regulatory agents, who oversee tobacco, alcohol and medical marijuana permits, visited 28 vape and tobacco retailers based on previously gathered intelligence. The visits took place between March 5 and March 17.

Seized products included: 

• 5,640 illicit vape devices  
• 1,214 non-compliant e-liquid products
• 314 intoxicating hemp-derived or THC-related products, including Delta-8 and Delta-9 vape devices and synthetic cannabinoid concentrates
• 57 THC edible products
• Approximately 3 pounds of suspected marijuana/hemp flower
• 411 untaxed tobacco products

Seizures took place throughout central Arkansas, northwest Arkansas and Hot Springs.

“We were proud to partner with the DEA on this effort to protect Arkansans from dangerous, unregulated products,” said Regulatory Enforcement Director David Potter. “Our agents continually educate permit holders regarding what is and isn’t allowed. Ignorance of the law is not an acceptable defense. We have thousands of permit holders committed to compliance and will not allow a handful of rogue actors to endanger the public.”

Criminal charges related to the Schedule VI controlled substances are pending.

"The Arkansas DFA has set a gold standard for state-level enforcement, serving as an elite force multiplier for the DEA,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer of the New Orleans Field Division. “By removing thousands of illicit vapes and dangerous synthetics from our streets in just days, our combined teams are directly insulating Arkansas communities from international drug trafficking trends. This operation is a decisive victory for public safety in the Natural State, and we are proud to stand with a premier state agency that delivers such immediate, high-impact results."   

Justice Department Sues New York-Presbyterian Hospital for Anticompetitive Contracts That Increase Healthcare Costs for New Yorkers

Lawsuit Seeks to Reduce Healthcare Costs in New York by Eliminating Contractual Restrictions That Impede Competition Between Hospitals and Prevent Development of Budget-Conscious Health Plans 

The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit challenging The New York and Presbyterian Hospital’s (New York-Presbyterian) anticompetitive contract restrictions that deny New Yorkers the choice of lower cost healthcare options.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, charges New York-Presbyterian with violating Section 1 of the Sherman Act. New York-Presbyterian is the largest and most powerful hospital system in New York City. It owns and operates eight hospitals and many outpatient facilities in the New York City area. The suit seeks to enjoin New York-Presbyterian from imposing contractual restrictions that preclude insurers and employers from offering New Yorkers budget-conscious health insurance plans. This is the second case the Division has brought this year to ensure that Americans can access healthcare markets with robust competition and receive high quality, affordable care.

“Millions of New Yorkers pay more for healthcare because of these anticompetitive practices,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “At the direction of President Trump, this Justice Department will fight relentlessly to ensure that Americans get the healthcare they need without facing exorbitant costs.”

“Healthcare is a vital sector of our nation’s economy that touches the life of every single American,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “New York-Presbyterian has known for years that the American consumer wants budget-conscious health plans that reduce healthcare costs. But rather than offer consumers choice, New York-Presbyterian uses its market power to protect its margins, impede competition from rival hospitals, and prevent employers and unions from creating these plans. The Antitrust Division will continue to hold hospitals violating the antitrust laws accountable. I am grateful for the dedicated work of our staff and the Southern District of New York in this matter.”

“The high cost of healthcare is frustrating to every New Yorker,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “Our Office will continue to work with our partners in the Antitrust Division to investigate and confront anticompetitive practices that contribute to higher healthcare costs.”   

As alleged in the complaint, New York-Presbyterian imposes plan restrictions in its contracts with payors that prevent payors from offering plans that, for example, do not include New York-Presbyterian or do not feature New York-Presbyterian in the most favored tier of the plan. New York-Presbyterian even forbids payors from offering lower copays when patients chose to receive care at New York-Presbyterian’s — often lower priced — rivals. These unlawful restrictions insulate New York-Presbyterian from price competition, limiting its rival hospitals from competing for patients based on lower prices or better value, and prevent the development of budget-conscious plans for New Yorkers that are available in other parts of the United States.

Federal Immigration Officer Pleads Guilty To Bribery Conspiracy

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that HENRY YAU, a former supervisory deportation officer in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”), pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon to conspiring to solicit and accept bribes and gratuities.  In exchange for bribes and gratuities, YAU abused his influence and status as a supervisory deportation officer to disclose confidential law enforcement information to unauthorized recipients, tip off an individual about an ongoing investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and arrest a particular individual (“Individual-1”) that members of a bank fraud conspiracy were seeking to silence and intimidate.

“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers are entrusted with enforcing our country’s immigration laws to preserve national security and public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “They deserve our respect when they carry out their duties with integrity and professionalism.  Henry Yau failed his fellow officers and the people of New York when he breached their trust in exchange for bribes and gratuities.  He does not deserve our respect.  He deserves a conviction.”

According to the allegations contained in the Information, court records, and statements made in court:

YAU was a Supervisory Deportation Officer with ICE, which is a law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”).  ICE’s stated mission includes protecting the U.S. through criminal investigations and enforcing immigration laws to preserve national security and public safety.  Between in or about 2015 and in or about November 2024, YAU was employed as a Deportation Officer with ICE.  In or around September 2021, YAU was promoted to Supervisory Deportation Officer.  YAU was assigned to the ICE New York Field Office, located in Manhattan.  As an ICE Deportation Officer, YAU was given access to several password-protected law enforcement databases operated by DHS and other law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Customs and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) databases containing the status of immigration-related applications filed by aliens, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) databases containing information about border crossings, criminal history databases containing people’s arrest and conviction records, and ICE databases containing records relating to arrests and removals of aliens from the U.S. 

From at least in or about 2015 through at least in or about 2024, YAU participated with others in a scheme to obtain bribes and gratuities in exchange for disseminating confidential law enforcement and immigration information, processing the entry of foreign nationals and other individuals into the United States, and arresting Individual-1 at the request of members of a bank fraud conspiracy.  The confidential information that YAU disclosed to others included confidential law information regarding the status of a pending federal investigation into a particular individual by the FBI, as well as information about the immigration status of foreign nationals and border crossing histories.  The bribes and gratuities that YAU solicited and accepted included, among other things, cash payments, dinners at expensive restaurants, and top-shelf bottles of alcohol.

YAU, 43, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to accept bribes and gratuities, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI.  Mr. Clayton also thanked CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, the DHS Office of Inspector General, and the New York City Department of Investigation for their assistance with the investigation.  

KRVC - Annual Riverdale Easter Egg Hunt

 

SOME SLOTS ARE LEFT!

PLEASE SECURE YOURS!

You’re Invited to the 2026 Annual Riverdale Easter Egg Hunt! 

The 4Bronx Project, The Padernacht Real Estate Team, and KRVC are bringing the ultimate Spring celebration to Sid Augarten Field! Space is limited, so grab your baskets and secure your spot today.

 SIGN UP YOUR FAMILY HERE:

egghuntriverdale.com

 A Morning Full of Magic & Adventure

We have curated a full lineup of activities designed to keep the kids busy and the smiles wide:

•  The Grand Egg Hunt: Thousands of colorful eggs hidden and waiting to be discovered!

•  Meet the Easter Bunny: A very special guest will be hopping by for photos!

•  Bounce House Central: A giant inflatable for high-energy fun.

•  Music & Entertainment: Live tunes and interactive games all morning long.

 Important Note on Hunt Times

The event festivities run from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Please note that each participant will be assigned to a specific 30-minute hunt slot.

• Slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Next Steps: Once you register, we will contact you via a separate confirmation email to inform you of your officially assigned hunt time.

 When & Where

• Date: Sunday, April 5, 2026

• Location: Sid Augarten Field (5410 Mosholu Ave, Bronx, NY)

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO NORTH RIVERDALE BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL LEAGUE FOR ALLOWING US TO USE THE FIELD AGAIN!!

 Support the Magic: Become a Sponsor!

We really appreciate the North Riverdale Baseball and Softball League for allowing us to use the field for this annual event. Their support makes this possible.

We are looking for sponsors to help make this amazing community event possible. If your company or organization would like to support the fun and gain local visibility, sponsorship opportunities are available at the link below.

 Tax-Deductible Impact: All sponsorships are tax-deductible, as KRVC is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit entity.

Look forward to seeing you!

505BX.org

DEC Announces 2026 Winners of New York's 'National Archery in the Schools Program' Tournament

 

560 Students Competed in Syracuse from 43 Schools Across New York State  

 

Photos Of Event Available Here  

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the results of the annual New York National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) state tournament. DEC hosted 560 students from 43 schools during the tournament at the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse on March 13. DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton kicked off the event, shooting the first arrow of the tournament. 

 

Archers competed in one of three divisions: High School, grades 9-12; Middle School, grades 6-8; and Elementary School, grades 4-5. Joseph Towndrow from Norwich High School was the top overall male archer with a score of 284 and Savanna Mahoney from St. Joseph by the Sea was the top overall female archer with a score of 282. Joseph and Savanna were each awarded a New York Champion Genesis bow. 

 

St. Joseph by the Sea took first place in the High School division; Canaseraga Central School won the Middle School and Elementary School divisions.  

 

Top-placing results for individual archers are listed below. Awards were also given out in each of the three divisions for first through tenth places. Students who placed in the top 10 in each of the three divisions qualify to compete and represent New York State at the National NASP® Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, in May.

Rank, Archer, Score, School Name, and Location 

1st Place High School, female, Savanna Mahoney, 282, St. Joseph by the Sea, Staten Island, Richmond County 

1st Place High School, male, Joseph Towndrow, 284, Norwich High School, Norwich, Chenango County 

1st Place Middle School, female, Brooke Slater, 275, Norwich Middle School, Norwich, Chenango County 

1st Place Middle School, male, Wyatt Mullen, 273, Canaseraga Central School, Canaseraga, Allegany County 

1st Place Elementary School, female, Haley Snapp, 254, Genesee Valley Central School, Belmont, Allegany County 

1st Place Elementary School, male, Easton Beach, 271, Waverly Central School, Waverly, Tioga County 

 

For the full list of student and school results, visit the tournament website. 

 

The New York State NASP® Tournament is offered only to schools who participated in the NASP® archery program during in-school classes taught by certified NASP® teachers. Since 2008, NASP® has empowered young athletes in New York and cultivated an interest in getting outdoors. More than 60% of students pursue or want to pursue outdoor activities thanks to NASP®. For more information on how schools can become involved in NASP® visit the National Archery in the Schools Program’s webpage. 

DEC Announces Start of Prescribed Fire Season

 

Prescribed Fires Improve Habitats

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the agency will be conducting prescribed burns on certain DEC-managed lands from now through early May. Prescribed fire is a tool used to improve habitat for lands and wildlife. It is regulated by law and regulation, requiring technical expertise to conduct these burns safely. 

“Prescribed fires are used to reduce the buildup of wood and timber litter to prevent wildfires that would threaten public safety and structures,” said Commissioner Lefton.“It is also an important land management tool that helps DEC achieve specific ecological goals, including eliminating habitat for invasive species.” 

Prescribed fires are planned in many regions of the state, specifically, DEC’s Regions 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8.

Region 1 

Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest – Suffolk County 

Ridge Pine Barrens State Forest – Suffolk County 

Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest – Suffolk County 

David A. Sarnoff Pine Barrens State Forest – Suffolk County 

Dwarf Pine Plains Pine Barrens State Forest - Suffolk County 

Region 3 

Lafayetteville Multiple Use Area – Dutchess County 

Region 4 

Albany Pine Bush Preserve – Albany County 

Region 6 

Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area – St. Lawrence County 

Region 7 

Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area - Onondaga County 

Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area - Onondaga County 

Long Pond State Forest - Chenango County 

Region 8 

Cameron State Forest – Steuben County 

Canisteo River Basin Unit Management Plan - Steuben County 

Helmer Creek Wildlife Management Area - Steuben County 

Rush Oak Openings Unique Area - Monroe County 

Sonyea State Forest - Livingston County 

Coon Hollow State Forest - Schuyler County 

West Cameron Wildlife Management Area - Steuben County 

West Hill State Forest - Steuben County 

Before any prescribed fire is conducted, a burn plan is developed that outlines land management objectives, as well as parameters that must be satisfied before any prescribed fire can take place. Careful consideration is given to environmental factors such as current and expected weather conditions and smoke management considerations in close coordination with the National Weather Service. In addition, burn plans are executed by nationally qualified?burn bosses. 

Prescribed burns accomplish more than simply using fire to manipulate habitat for a land management objective. The burns serve as an opportunity for DEC Forest Rangers to develop partnerships among different DEC divisions. Prescribed fires on DEC-managed lands allow Forest Rangers, working with the DEC Divisions of Lands and Forests, Operations, and Fish and Wildlife to train more staff to become wildland firefighters, supporting efforts to implement future prescribed burns and wildland fire responses. 

In 2025, DEC and partner agencies burned more than 1,600 acres of grassland and woodland habitats. These treatments included prescribed fires on two of DEC’s largest Long Island properties, the Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest and the Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest, as well as other DEC-managed properties in Regions 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 

Prescribed burns are regulated by law, and they are exempt from the annual residential brush burn ban in effect from March 16 to May 14. Burn Boss Forest Ranger Bryan Gallagher explains more about prescribed fires in a video available for download: https://www.dec.ny.gov/fs/programs/press/ForestRangers/PrescribedBurn1080p.mp4