Community Corner

It’s that time of year again to reset our GPS devices. Each morning’s shofar blow brings us one step closer to the Yamim Nora’im. So whether last year’s highlighted route ran into a traffic jam or succeeded in reaching the checkered flag, we give a little more thought in these weeks to our desired coordinates for the coming year. We also think about the goals that we have in mind for our children and grandchildren. And whatever our dreams for their achievements, inevitably their success can trace its roots to some aspect of their learning, experiences, and friendships from elementary school. This weekend, the Queens community is focusing on the critical role of the local elementary schools for our children and for our community.

Touro College brought 60 students to study the Holocaust in Germany and the Czech Republic through a unique ten-day immersive summer course. Each year, students travel to different places in Europe that offer real-world opportunities to learn Jewish history and Holocaust history, as part of a program presented by the Touro College Graduate School of Jewish Studies.

On Wednesday, September 4, the Kew Gardens Hills rezoning moved forward with a key hearing before the City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises. The proposed rezoning will allow affected homeowners to expand their homes as their families grow.

“It’s 24/7 and 12 months a year.” That’s how Yaniv Meirov, CEO of Chazaq, describes the operations of the organization.

While many families went away for the summer, Chazaq lectures and events kept going strong as they organized dozens of classes throughout the tri-state area, inspiring hundreds of men and women.

After a relaxing summer, the new faculty members at the Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) were invited to a welcome luncheon to meet the administration and learn about the workings of YCQ. The following day, all staff returned for meetings and trainings and to set up their classrooms to prepare for the school year. At the meetings, the staff heard about the new junior high school Chromebook program, the added security and building upgrades, and other school policies, as they got reacquainted with old colleagues and friends, met new ones, and discussed summer break, as well as new ideas for the coming year. During part II of the staff trainings on Tuesday, September 3, the day before the YCQ doors opened for students, Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, renowned lecturer for Gateways Seminar Program, spoke, discussing the facets of teaching and the importance of creating an environment where each student feels important and valued. He spoke about how this positive relationship between teacher and student can be attained by speaking positively to the students and encouraging them in their educational growth and love of Torah.