Meet Our Authors

Rabbi David Algaze (Shabbat Thought) is the founder and Rav of Havurat Yisrael in Forest Hills. He is a noted public speaker, author and is the President of the International Committee for the Land of Israel.

Emily Cohen – Copy Editor and Staff Writer is a staff writer and copy editor for the Queens Jewish Link. reporting on community affairs, Israel, and editorial perspectives. She also works as a freelance content writer and editor. Emily is an alumna of Brown University and lives in Manhattan with her teeny-weeny four-pound poodle. Emily can be reached at EmilyCohen1989@gmail.com.

Eta Feuerman-Yaeger, LMSW (Books Worth A Look) is a psychotherapist who works with children, adults, and groups with offices in Queens and Brooklyn. Eta can be reached at eta.feuerman@gmail.com.

Joseph M. Frager (Frontlines) is a physician and lifelong activist.

Abe Fuchs (Politics & Ethics) was born in Wash. D.C. and attended high school at the Mesivta of Forest Hills. He spent three years in yeshiva (Rabbinical Seminary, B’nei Torah, and Sh’or Yashuv) in New York. Abe worked 25 years for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 2009. In 2012, he ran against Nily Rozic for NY State Assembly District 25. Abe can be reached at aftimes@juno.com.

Rachel Goldsmith has degrees in International Relations (Middle East & Mediterranean Studies), Jewish Studies, Israeli Society & Politics, Jewish Communal Services, and Nonprofit Management.  She is the Web & Social Media Manager of Queens Jewish Link and does freelance writing and work in nonprofit marketing, strategy, and events.  She is passionate about community-building and helping organizations go from great ideas to efficient, long-term enterprises. Rachel can be reached at rvictor118@gmail.com.

Gerald Harris (Financially Forward) is a financial and feature writer. Gerald can be reached at geraldhrs@yahoo.com.

Judah S. Harris is a photographer, filmmaker, speaker, and writer.  He is a graduate of Yeshiva University and spent a year of study at Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh.  For photo or video coverage of events or photography workshop information, visit www.judahsharris.com.

Warren S. Hecht (For What it’s Worth) is a local attorney. Warren can be reached at whecht@aol.com.

Rabbi Dovid Hoffman (Stories of Greatness) is the author of the popular Torah Tavlin book series, filled with stories, wit, and hundreds of divrei Torah, including the brand new Torah Tavlin Yamim Noraim. Also look for his book, Heroes of Spirit, containing one hundred fascinating stories on the Holocaust. They are available in all Judaica bookstores and online at israelbookshoppublications.com. To receive Rabbi Hoffman’s weekly Torah Tavlin sheet on the parshah, email Torahtavlin@yahoo.com.

Sergey Kadinsky is a historian and author of the book, Hidden Waters of New York City. He works for the New York Parks Department and teaches history at Touro College. Having spent most of his life in Queens, he frequently writes for QJL about history, politics, and local events. Sergey can be reached at Sergey.Kadinsky@gmail.com

Anita Kamiel, R.N, M.P.S. (Eldercare) is the founder and owner of David York Home Healthcare Agency and is fully acquainted with all factors related to eldercare services and the latest guidelines for seniors.  Thirty years ago, she realized the need for affordable, quality home health aide services provided and supervised by caring individuals. You can contact Anita at 718.376.7755 or at www.davidyorkagency.com. David York Agency is also on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

Goldy Krantz (Dating Today) is an LMSW and a lifelong Queens resident, guest lecturer, and author of the shidduch dating book, The Best of My Worst. Goldy can be contacted at bestofmyworst@hotmail.com.

Yakov Merkin (This Week in History) was a lifelong resident of Forest Hills before making aliyah in August 2016. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree with Honors from Queens College, as well as a Master’s Degree in History, also from Queens College. He is a writer of science fiction, fantasy, and historical fantasy novels, and discusses writing and history, among other things, on twitter @yakovmerkin. His first science fiction novel, A Greater Duty, is available on Amazon.

Riselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consultant. She carries an extensive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti-aging products. Riselle is also available for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, and all of your beauty needs. Riselle can be reached at (718) 263-5517.

Zisi Naimark (Interior Design for the 99%) holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The New York School of Interior Design and has been working for professional design firms since 2012. She lives in Kew Gardens Hills, where she is tolerated by her husband and sons. Zisi can be reached at zisinaimark@icloud.com. 

Sarah Newcomb (House & Home) has been a New York State licensed realtor for over 16 years. She specializes in Kew Gardens Hills, holds several specialty certifications, and is a member of the Multiple Listing Service of Queens and Long Island. Sarah can be reached at sarahnewcombtopproducer@gmail.com.

Shmuel Sackett (Blue and White) is a 100% product of Queens. He was born in Middle Village and moved to KGH shortly before his bar-mitzvah. He graduated from YCQ (1975) and YHSQ (1979). He was Havurat Yisrael’s first Youth Director (4 years) and started the first 2 NCSY chapters in Queens. Shmuel made aliyah in 1990 and co-founded Manhigut Yehudit, together with Moshe Feiglin. His website is www.JewishIsrael.org. Sackett is married with 6 children and 4 grandchildren. He lives in Herziliya Pituach.

Meira E. Schneider-Atik (Style Myths Debunked) is a wardrobe organizer, personal shopper, jewelry designer, and fashion writer and speaker. She helps women look great while saving time, effort and money, all within tzniut. Her jewelry pieces can be seen on Facebook (just look up Rena Mei) or in person. She also has the YouTube channel “Look Best in Your Mitpachot,” where she does head-wrapping tutorials, and is available for private demonstrations. She can be reached at (718) 644-6135 or at MESAtik@gmail.com.

Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld (Message from our Rabbinic Consultant) is rabbi of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, former president of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens, and the rabbinic consultant for the Queens Jewish Link.

Caroline Schumsky (Hooked On Healing) is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, and writer with an office in Queens. She works with individuals, couples, and families. Appointments are available throughout the week and weekends. Caroline can be reached at (917) 717-1775 or at Safehavenhealing@gmail.com or at facebook.com/Safe-Haven-Healing.

Bracha Serle (Foodie Adventures) works as a private chef specializing in healthy cooking. She also does end-product marketing for kosher food companies and supermarkets. Bracha gives clean-eating healthy cooking classes and demonstrations. Check out her work on instagram @shesthechef or email serle.bracha@gmail.com.

R’ Ben Tzion Shafier (The Shmuz) was born and bred in Kew Gardens Hills. Joined the Chofetz Chaim Yeshiva after high school. Shortly thereafter he got married and moved with his new family to Rochester, where he remained in for 12 years. R’ Shafier then moved to Monsey, NY, where he was a Rebbe in the new Chofetz Chaim branch there for three years. Upon the Rosh Yeshiva’s request, he stopped teaching to devote his time to running Tiferes Bnei Torah. R’ Shafier, a happily married father of six children, currently resides in Monsey.

Rabbi Dani Staum, LMSW (Rabbi’s Musings) is the rabbi of Kehillat New Hempstead, as well as a guidance counselor and fifth-grade rebbe in ASHAR, and Principal at Mesivta Ohr Naftoli of New Windsor. He can be reached at stamtorah@gmail.com. His website is stamtorah.info.

Cynthia Zalisky (As I See It) is the Executive Director of the Queens Jewish Community Council. Cynthia can be contacted at czalisky@qjcc.org.