Community Corner

Susan Cleary, a longtime community leader and tireless advocate, passed away on December 28, 2024, at the age of 82. Born on October 2, 1942, in Jamaica, Queens, and raised in Chicago where she graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Institute of Design, Susan devoted much of her life to public service and civic engagement. Personally, I was touched by Susan’s desire to participate in a Chazaq/Chaverim Ukrainian refugee drive, bringing essentials from her home for those sheltered in Poland.

SINAI Schools will hold its annual benefit dinner on Sunday, February 23, at 4:45 p.m. at the Marriott Glenpointe Hotel in Teaneck. This year’s honorees are Avi and Aviva Vogel of Teaneck, Abigail Hepner Gross of Englewood, and Community Partner Award recipient Bear Givers, to be accepted by Joseph Sprung, Michele Mirman, and Diane Lempert.

Podiatry School to Join Existing Touro Network of Medical and Health Science Programs Currently Educating Nearly 8.000 Students

New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) is now officially part of Touro University and New York Medical College, the institutions announced last week.

In the heart of Queens, where Dr. Paul Brody, affectionately known as “Pinky,” spent his youth, a legacy of Jewish activism has been nurtured for decades. This evening, at the Queens Jewish Link’s annual event, that legacy will be formally recognized, as Dr. Brody is awarded the prestigious Jewish Activism Award, a testament to his lifelong commitment to the Jewish community both locally and abroad.

On Sunday, March 2, the Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) will host its 84^th Annual Scholarship Dinner at Da Mikele Illagio. This prestigious occasion seeks to pay tribute to individuals whose steadfast commitment and remarkable contributions have left a profound impact on both the Yeshiva and wider community. This year, YCQ proudly recognizes five remarkable honorees: Guests of Honor Aliza & Leon Yehuda Peled, Distinguished Educator Morah Reut Berkowitz, and Parents of the Year Daniela & Ariel Shamayev.

Tu BiShvat is such a fascinating and meaningful holiday that connects us deeply to nature and the rhythms of the world. While not explicitly mentioned in the Torah, it has become a significant day in Jewish tradition, known as Rosh HaShanah LaIlanos (the New Year of the Trees). This marks the time when the sap in trees begins to rise, and nature starts to show signs of renewal and growth. It’s the perfect time to reflect on our own growth and renewal, as well.