The third night of Chanukah had a special buzz in the air. Hundreds of young men and women came to Cong. Bet El in Fresh Meadows to join a new and exciting community-wide initiative, “Chazaq Connections,” dedicated in memory of Imashalom bat Bitya.

With so many good singles searching for their better half, Chazaq has taken upon themselves this exciting new program to make their dreams a reality.

The grand opening event, held on Saturday night, December 9, witnessed an overwhelming response, with hundreds of attendees eager to participate in this transformative venture.

Chazaq Director Rabbi Ilan Meirov opened the event by sharing several inspiring stories and insights about the beautiful yet sometimes frustrating journey in the dating scene, and urged everyone to always remain positive throughout the process.

He stated that, with Hashem’s help, over the past few years Chazaq has helped over 1,500 Jewish public school students find a yeshivah setting that’s right for them, and, G-d willing, he hopes to one day say that Chazaq helped 1,500 singles find their life partners.

Rabbi Meirov’s remarks were followed by a captivating lecture by Rabbi Yosef Palacci, a distinguished young orator from Brooklyn. The topic, “How to Find Your Soulmate,” resonated with the audience, as Rabbi Palacci shared profound insights and timeless wisdom on navigating the journey to finding a life partner.

Chazaq Connections didn’t just stop at enriching minds; it also provided a platform for singles to connect with experienced shadchanim (matchmakers) in attendance. Over 15 shadchanim were present at the event, offering guidance and support to individuals seeking to forge meaningful connections. The presence of these seasoned matchmakers added a unique and valuable dimension to the evening, as they engaged with attendees in personalized consultations.

But it doesn’t end there. Attendees were not only treated to enriching discussions, but also enjoyed a delightful culinary experience. In celebration of Chanukah, the event featured a delectable spread of sushi and doughnuts, creating a festive atmosphere that added to the joy of the occasion.

Rabbi Ilan Meirov expressed his enthusiasm for the success of the inaugural Chazaq Connections event, and expressed Chazaq’s commitment to putting time and effort into the new initiative. He thanked the anonymous sponsor who dedicated the initiative in memory of his mother Imashalom bat Bitya and told the audience that Chazaq Connections aims to continue hosting events that provide a comfortable and engaging environment for Jewish singles to meet and connect.

Through this initiative, Chazaq remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the diverse needs of the community. For more information about the Chazaq Organization, please visit www.Chazaq.org.