Susie Garber

In the early 1950s, when Mrs. Esther Lopata moved to Kew Gardens Hills, there were no places on Main Street to buy esrogim or lulavim. There was no Sukkah Depot or Home Depot. Her brother-in-law had a lumber business and they used wood boards from him to build their sukkah. It took two men and her husband to put it up. In those days, men would cut their s’chach from groves of willows that grew near the spot where Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim is now standing.

On Sunday evening, September 11, Queens community members gathered for an inspiring shiur on emunah hosted by Chazaq and Bukharian Jewish Congregation of Briarwood at the Young Israel of Briarwood.

On Motza’ei Shabbos, September 17, Dr. David Lieberman, well-known author and speaker, and Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, well-known author and speaker, shared their wisdom. Dr. Lieberman spoke about transforming relationships, and Rabbi Goldwasser spoke about revealing secrets of life through Pirkei Avos. This wonderful program is hosted by Chazaq and takes place every Motza’ei Shabbos.

On Sunday evening, September 4, Let’s Get Real with Coach Menachem featured Rabbi Jacob L. Freedman, MD, Mishpacha Magazine columnist and psychiatrist in Israel, who shared an enlightening talk and discussion on how to support families who are dealing with a mental health crisis. Rabbi Freedman stated that the most important thing to know is that a lot of people are struggling. Every single family will deal with some sort of a mental health issue.

On Sunday evening, September 18, Chazaq hosted a beautiful virtual program commemorating the yahrzeit of the Chofetz Chaim. Rabbi Labish Becker, Executive Director of Agudath Israel of America, spoke first.

Are you looking for a thought-provoking, interactive, text-based, in-person parshah class in Queens? On Monday evenings at 7:05-8:05 p.m., participants of all ages and backgrounds gather at the home of Rebbetzin Trani Rosenblatt, at 147-36 69^th Road, in Kew Gardens Hills, to enjoy an informative parshah class with Rabbi Avraham Dovid Garber, rav of Yeshiva Kesser Torah and Founder of Our Jewish Children, which provides tuition assistance for yeshivah to children who would otherwise go to public school. The class leaves the participants with practical musar ideas to apply to daily life.