The Young Israel of Hillcrest hosted a wonderful game night experience for its membership on Motza’ei Shabbos, February 10. The shul was filled with laughter, music, games, and prizes, all to raise money for the families of those serving in the Israel Defense Forces. Dubbed Playing for Our Land, the event turned out to be most enjoyable, uniting upwards of 100 community members who showed stellar achdus and sportsmanship in games of Scrabble, Mahjong, and Rummikub, amongst others.
Organizers Ron & Rachel Levovitz and Margie Schikman believe that games are a fun way to bring a community together. With the support of Rabbi Schnall and YIH, the evening took shape, bringing in many generous sponsors – roughly 50 community members and neighborhood establishments – who donated to raise much-needed funds for Eretz Yisrael.
Rabbi Etan Schnall, mara d’asra, delivered inspirational words to the crowd, and a delicious dairy menu catered by Naomi’s Kosher Pizza added to the enjoyment, followed by delightful entertainment from noted musician and recording artist Rabbi Moshe Shur’s musical ensemble, a beloved YIH staple. Back in 2021, Rabbi Shur led the Musical Havdalah Program, an initiative reminiscent of the rabbi’s time assisting Diaspora Yeshiva Band. Ordained in Yerushalayim, Rabbi Shur eventually accepted the role of Director for Queens College Hillel Foundation where he now serves as Director Emeritus, and more broadly as an adjunct lecturer in Jewish Studies for the college.
The night’s fun continued strong with an enthralling game of group bingo, a trivia contest, and a raffle prize drawing graciously sponsored by local shops Aron’s, Benny’s Pizza, Fortune, Hair Xpress, Milk & Honey, Pizza Professor, Safra Judaica, Smash House, Soysauce, Union Bistro, and Upper Crust.
“Yasher koach on a beautiful event!” noted a participant. “There was such a nice feeling in the shul as I observed attendees chilling and happy to be together.” Another participant related, “Game Night was a lot of fun, very impressive, and well organized. It was great to see such a handsome sum raised for Israel.”
YIH continues to create welcoming programming that brings achdus and love for Israel.
