Orthodox Union

The Orthodox Union expresses horror and outrage over the vicious murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the United Arab Emirates. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, as well as to the worldwide Chabad.org community whose emissaries serve with dedication and distinction as points of light and Jewish connection everywhere. Rabbi Kogan’s murder is a devastating loss. All indications are that this murder was an act of antisemitic hate perpetrated as part of Iran’s wide-reaching violent campaign against Israel and the Jewish people. We remain astonished by the utter failure of so many to act with moral clarity and courage to stand with Israel and condemn and to destroy the avowedly antisemitic regimes and groups who stand proudly as enemies of peace, of Israel, and of America. We stand with Israel as it fights to defeat the enemies of the Jewish people – those same enemies who kidnapped and killed Rabbi Kogan.

Being there for someone as a constant when everything else is changing is something very special. Check out the latest Oh, You? Podcast episode as Chani Herrmann, our Associate Director of Yachad, joins our EVP Josh Joseph to share her work at Yachad, which taught her what belonging means, how to find it, and how to help others find belonging in their own lives. Go to the link in comments to learn more about Chani.

Our EVP, Rabbi Hauer, sat down with?ynet to share his hopes for how the new Trump administration will address issues critical to Jewish American communities, particularly the fight against rising antisemitism. Visit link in comments to read what he had to say.

How often do I get to go into the office? Catch the latest episode of the Oh, You? podcast as Rabbi Yaakov Glasser, our Managing Director of Communal Engagement, joins our EVP Josh Joseph to discuss the lasting impact of the OU on communities, and why he loves being in the office! Learn more about Rabbi Glasser ???? OU.org/ohyou

Am Yisrael Chai! ???? Yesterday, we stood together in Washington, DC to advocate for the release of the hostages, show our support for Israel, honor America, and take a stand against antisemitism as one powerful, united community. Swipe to see more photos, and if you see someone you know, make sure to tag them below.

Our statement in response to last night’s horrific antisemitic attack in Amsterdam.

??We need YOU to Stand Together!?? In a time of deep divisiveness, let’s come together. Join us this Sunday, November 10, to Stand Together in Washington, DC as a united community supporting Israel, appreciating America, and opposing antisemitism. ? ? Don’t wait to hear if someone else is going.? ? Don’t assume others will fill the seats of the stadium.? ? YOU need to be there.? ? YOU need to lead.? ? YOU need to build the momentum of communal participation in Standing Together. ? Special Pre-Event: L’maan Tziyon ? ?? 1:00 PM | ?? Washington, DC We are hosting an inspiring and uplifting pre-event program of Chizuk and Tefillah. ?? Main program starts at 3 PM. Let’s Stand Together as Klal Yisrael and with Klal Yisrael.? Registration link in comments.

Today, I had the incredible opportunity to join the Orthodox Union Executive Fellows visit to the Teach Coalition Long Island Unites Voter Center. As someone from Long Island, this was especially meaningful to me—working in my hometown to encourage engagement was truly rewarding. We kept hearing the same message all day: Don’t Kvetch, Just Vote! We knocked on doors and made calls, encouraging neighbors to make their voices heard in tomorrow’s election. Election Day is tomorrow! Your vote does matter. Consider this your reminder to take a few minutes to cast your ballot and make an impact in your community. #ElectionDay #Vote Thank you to everyone who made today possible! Shai Kopitnikoff Adina Peck Sydney Altfield

Another vote in the books! ??? It feels great to be part of the wave of voters showing up this year. As the OU's Teach Coalition’s Maury Litwack explains ?? Millions sit elections out for all kinds of reasons—thinking their vote won’t count, not liking the options, or not knowing where to go—but voting is one of the best ways we have to shape the future we want to see. Jewish voices are coming out in full force this election. ?? So, if you’ve got something to kvetch about, take it to the polls!

Thank you Long Island! I had the pleasure of joining the OU Executive Fellows on their expedition to some of the Orthodox Union's Long Island facilities yesterday. First stop was at Yachad's JUF and IVDU LI location where we learned about interacting with individuals with disabilities (and everyone!) sensitively. We toured the IVDU school, including their awesome ball pit and climbing wall. Next stop, Teach Coalition's amazing Long Island Voting Center. We heard from Sydney Altfield about how Teach NY operates and the importance and impact that each and every vote has. After that, we hit the phones and hit the road, making calls and knocking on doors to encourage voting and to answer questions for local community members may have about voting. It's very cool seeing the range in which the OU operates. Spending the morning with one OU program impacting so many lives of those with disabilities and their families. Then a quick drive to another OU program who are disrupting the landscape of Jewish voting and community organization. All with one common goal - enhancing the lives of the Jewish community.