The annual tea of the Erna Lindenfeld Hachnosas Kallah Fund of Queens (HKQ) opened with a stirring reminder that when history speaks, it urges us to awaken, reflect, and return. This beloved community gathering brought together women of all ages in an atmosphere of warmth and purpose, united by HKQ’s enduring mission: ensuring that every Jewish couple can begin married life with dignity, support, and joy.

Now in its 38th year, HKQ traces its origins back to a small but determined group founded by Rebbetzin Ruth Schonfeld a”h, of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills. Together with devoted congregants, she established the fund in memory of her dear friend, Erna Lindenfeld a”h. What began as a modest effort of six women soon expanded across the Queens community. Their landmark community-wide fundraiser – a play that drew a packed audience – ignited momentum that has not slowed since.

Rebbetzin Schonfeld often credited the organization’s flourishing growth to the tireless devotion of its longtime president, Rebbetzin Shifra Witty a”h, whose leadership helped shape HKQ into one of the most respected chesed institutions in Queens. True to its founding principles, HKQ remains entirely volunteer driven, with no administrative overhead. Every dollar contributed goes directly to kallos and chasanim in need.

Each month, a dedicated committee meets to review cases submitted by an extensive network of rabbanim, rebbetzins, and community leaders. Every request is verified and handled with discretion. Over the decades, HKQ has supported thousands of couples in Queens and Eretz Yisrael, helping them build stable, joyous Jewish homes – an increasingly critical need as wedding expenses continue to rise.

Before the keynote address, heartfelt letters from recipients captured the essence of HKQ’s impact. “Your help restored our simchah,” wrote one kallah. Another expressed gratitude for being able to begin married life “with dignity and peace of mind.”

The keynote speaker, Rabbi Benzion Klatzko, delivered an unforgettable address filled with inspiration and humor. He spoke warmly of Torah Anytime and its upcoming milestone Shabbaton, praising all who engage in the mitzvah of Hachnasas Kallah. He also shared reflections on his wife’s strength and heritage, describing her as a pillar of encouragement in his life.

Addressing challenges facing the Jewish community, Rabbi Klatzko explained how he stepped into public advocacy, not out of ambition but necessity. “Holes of power exist,” he said, noting that earlier Jewish leaders stepped forward when the moment demanded it. With both humor and gravity, he illustrated how quickly historical memory fades.

He then recounted a gripping personal story involving a sudden medical emergency during a Shabbos seudah and a near-miraculous recovery. Another remarkable episode involved historic artifacts exchanged for an IDF dagger engraved with Sinwar’s name – a story he uses to inspire students about Jewish courage and memory.

His message was clear: Jewish destiny rests not in the hands of leaders or politics but in the hands of Hashem. “When building a Jewish home, nothing is accidental,” he reminded the audience.

The evening concluded with a call to action: Each donation directly lightens the burden on young couples. Contributions may be made via Zelle/QuickPay to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by mail to 137-37 71st Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367, or online.

HKQ continues to illuminate the lives of countless families. As one recipient wrote: “Your kindness enabled us to build a true bayis ne’eman b’Yisrael.”

By Shabsie Saphirstein