Susie Garber

Despite the freezing temperatures on Motza’ei Shabbos, March 4, a large crowd gathered at Congregation Ahavas Yisroel to hear an inspiring shiur about Purim delivered by Rabbi Moshe Schwerd, well-known maggid shiur and speaker. He began by sharing that we all know that Taanis Esther and Purim are auspicious times for t’filah. Galus began with the sale of Yosef and ended with K’rias Yam Suf. G’ulas Mitzrayim is the template for the final g’ulah. The final g’ulah can come only when Amalek is gone. Amalek has to be gone at the End of Days as they are inconsistent with the idea of g’ulah.

Exclusive QJL Interview with Assemblyman David Weprin’s Staff Member, Sam Verstandig

Could a 13-year-old boy become involved in politics and make a difference? The answer is a resounding yes, as Sam Verstandig, staff member for Assemblyman David Weprin, shared in his amazing story. When he was an eighth grader at the Yeshiva of Central Queens, he was the president of the school’s anti-bullying club. He decided to look for funding for the club, as he wanted to make a difference and expand the club to accomplish more. This led him to become involved with local elected officials. The then-State-Senator, Joe Addabbo, explained the legislative process and this sparked more interest in Sam in anti-bullying bills in Albany.

On Sunday evening, March 5, Let’s Get Real With Coach Menachem Bernfeld, featured Rabbi Yitzchok Feldheim speaking on how to stop hiding in the bushes and get back to the gan, meaning Gan Eden. Rabbi Feldheim is a world-renowned speaker who spent the past 20 years speaking with college students.

Imagine how frustrating and embarrassing it is for a child to sit in class and not be able to read and write like her peers.  How discouraging to not be able to learn and keep up with your friends because you have a language learning disability.

On Thursday evening, February 23, Rabbi Stuart Verstandig, President of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, welcomed everyone to a Zoom program on advocating for our rights as a community in Albany. He acknowledged the presence of the rav of the shul, Rabbi Daniel Rosenfelt, and the Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld. He shared that the guest speaker is an advocate for our community, and he lobbies in Albany on our behalf. He focuses on three areas, educational autonomy, religious liberty, and assistance for nonpublic schools.

On Tuesday evening, February 14, Navigating the Medical System featured a virtual lecture on exercise and staying fit for older adults. The lecture was hosted by Congregation Etz Chaim.

Dr. Mel Breite, Director and Founder of the lecture series, welcomed everyone and shared how exercise is such a key factor for overall good health.