Stewart Ain

The biblical story of Samson and Delilah came alive recently for a group of 14 senior citizens who, in looking for parallels in today’s world, cited the cases of former Gov. Eliot Spitzer and former President Bill Clinton.

Even Michelle Obama and her heritage became the subject of debate.

The women, residents of the Gurwin Jewish-Fay J. Lindner Residences, an assisted living facility in Commack, L.I., were speaking of how Samson’s love for Delilah led him to reveal the secret of his superhuman strength.

Many universities encourage their students to perform community service, but for students at List College it comes with a twist.
The school has begun offering the Fellowship in Jewish Social Entrepreneurship, which combines social justice internships with courses that put it into a Jewish perspective. The school is the undergraduate college of the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Rebecca Hammerman, assistant dean and director of the fellowship program, said the project was launched as a pilot in the spring.

For a mitzvah project leading up to her bat mitzvah three years ago at Temple B’nai Sholom in Rockville Centre, L.I., Jenna Talesnick crocheted baby blankets for those in need. She liked helping others so much that it has now become a big part of her life.

In her search for other projects, Talesnick learned of the Snack Wrap Program run by Rock and Wrap it Up!, a national, independent anti-poverty think tank based in Cedarhurst, L.I.

In meeting with Conservative rabbis from across the country who were ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary, its chancellor, Arnold Eisen, found the “overwhelming majority” had been inadequately trained in pastoral care.

At the same time, Eisen said, the rabbis said it was the “most rewarding part of their jobs — dealing with people at times of stress, end of life and serious illness.”

“Rabbinical students who got this training said it was the most meaningful part of their education,” he said.

As a reporter stands at the entrance of the Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon awaiting the arrival of a medical helicopter, air raid sirens begin to wail and people begin running.

“We may be facing another rocket attack,” she says just as a rocket, black smoke gushing from its tail, slams with a thud into the roof of the hospital behind her.

“Oh, my God, oh, my God, what’s going on?” the reporter asks as she ducks and then runs with her microphone and cameraman into the hospital.

Many universities encourage their students to perform community service, but for students at List College it comes with a twist.

The school has begun offering the Fellowship in Jewish Social Entrepreneurship, which combines social justice internships with courses that put it into a Jewish perspective. The school is the undergraduate college of the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Rebecca Hammerman, assistant dean and director of the fellowship program, said the project was launched as a pilot in the spring.