Community Magazine writer Linda Argalgi Sadacka was presented with a New York State Senate Proclamation by Senator Sam Sutton in recognition of her community advocacy through writing, social media, education, and civic engagement.
The recognition was particularly meaningful given Sadacka’s role in helping mobilize conservative and Republican voters during Sutton’s campaign, building support in key communities that contributed to his victory.
Following the presentation, Sadacka sat down with Senator Sutton for a broader conversation about his first months in office, the significant accomplishments already delivered for the community, and several initiatives currently in the works.
For Sadacka, the meeting brought the process full circle, from mobilizing voters during the campaign to seeing firsthand what their political engagement has helped make possible.
New Tax Credit Could Boost Yeshiva Funding
A potentially transformative new source of funding for yeshivot and Jewish families is set to become available in 2027, with leading Torah organizations joining forces to maximize the opportunity.
Torah Umesorah and Agudath Israel of America have endorsed the Opportunity Fund for Jewish Education; a national Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) designed to channel funds from the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit into scholarships for students attending yeshivot and Jewish day schools.
Beginning January 1, 2027, eligible taxpayers will be able to contribute up to $1,700 annually to a recognized SGO and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit, subject to program requirements.
Through the Opportunity Fund, donors can designate contributions to participating yeshivot or day schools. The Fund has committed that 100 percent of every designated dollar will fund scholarships at the selected school, with operating expenses covered separately.
The national approach is intended to expand the donor pool beyond existing school supporters while allowing parents, grandparents, alumni, and others to make direct contributions to schools of their choice.
Yeshivot can begin preparing now by educating supporters and securing pledges for 2027. If participation reaches its potential, thousands of $1,700 contributions could generate substantial new funding for Jewish education, easing tuition burdens and strengthening yeshivot nationwide.
Hacham David Yosef Makes Special Visit to New York
The Rishon LeTzion and Chief Rabbi of Israel, Hacham David Yosef recently completed a brief but meaningful visit to New York, where he met with prominent rabbanim and addressed hundreds at a special gathering in Queens.
Despite the short duration of the visit, the Chief Rabbi maintained a busy schedule. He was accompanied throughout much of his stay by Queens’ own Rabbi Ilan Meirov, Director of CHAZAQ, together with several of the Rishon LeTzion’s close followers.
During his visit, Hacham David held important meetings with several prominent Torah leaders. He met with Hacham Yosef Harari-Raful, shlit”a, the Rosh Yeshiva of Ateret Torah, HaRav Yitzchak Yisraeli, Dayan and Chief Rabbi of the Bukharian community; and the renowned Hasidic leader, the Skverer Rebbe.
A major highlight of the visit took place at the new Beth Gavriel Center in Queens, where hundreds gathered for a special CHAZAQ evening of Torah and inspiration. The Rishon LeTzion addressed the crowd with words of hizuk in preparation for Rosh Hashanah.
Hacham David Yosef has personally guided and encouraged CHAZAQ’s leadership for more than a decade in their mission of reaching Jewish public-school students and bringing them closer to their Jewish heritage.
Although his time in New York was short, the message of the Rishon LeTzion was clear: every person has the ability and the responsibility to influence others. He called upon those present not to focus only on their own spiritual growth, but to look around, take responsibility for others, and use whatever influence they have to bring more Torah, inspiration, and Jewish connection to those around them.