The Hashkamah Minyan of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills is in its 50th year of existence, a milestone that will be celebrated by the Young Israel in the fall. The formation of the minyan was spearheaded by Rabbi Avraham Schechter, Stanley Berger, and Sol Bess. Over the years, several hundred men (and a few women) have been an integral part of the minyan, some for a few months and others for decades.

Parshas D’varim marks the beginning of Moshe Rabbeinu’s final words to the Children of Israel, delivered as they stand on the threshold of the Promised Land. As Moshe recounts their journey, he reminds them of their failures and successes, their challenges and triumphs. Rashi teaches us that Moshe hints at the people’s misdeeds without explicitly mentioning them, ensuring that their dignity is preserved.