LED lights hang from the ceiling at the Community Synagogue...

LED lights hang from the ceiling at the Community Synagogue in Port Washington. Credit: Jason Andrew

In this day, to refer to the daily obligation of Jewish males older than 13 to don tefillin every morning as an "elaborate Orthodox ritual" is bizarre ["Midair ritual causes alarm," News, March 14].

There are many Orthodox synagogues throughout Long Island. Attend any one of them any morning other than Saturday, when men pray without tefillin, and you will see this ritual. Hardly elaborate.

It is high time that airlines educate their crews to the needs of Orthodox Jewish travelers who may be flying in the early morning.

Joel Klein

West Hempstead

A brave young patriot receives a burial 83 years after being lost in war. Volunteers restore a Revolutionary War cemetery. A Gold Star mom makes it her mission to honor her son’s sacrifice. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie shares three stories in honor of Memorial Day. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credits: Anthony Veneziano, Cathy Heighter

Memorial Day 2026: NewsdayTV honors those we've lost A brave young patriot receives a burial 83 years after being lost in war. Volunteers restore a Revolutionary War cemetery. A Gold Star mom makes it her mission to honor her son's sacrifice. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie shares three stories in honor of Memorial Day.

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