Community Corner

In Honor of Yom HaAtzmaut and Israel’s 75th Anniversary, with Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm

There are people who are so brilliant, knowledgeable, and articulate that one would go out in the pouring rain and walk many blocks to hear him or her speak. This is what happened twice on Shabbos Acharei Mos-K’doshim (April 29) when, despite the fact that it had been pouring for hours, flooding the streets and sidewalks, and continued to rain all day, dozens of people who do not usually attend the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills joined a very large number of shul members to hear Rabbi Ari Lamm, Chief Executive of the Bnai Zion Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that produces media that introduces Israel and Jewish ideas to audiences around the world, speak during a special Shabbos in honor of Yom HaAtzmaut and Israel’s 75^th anniversary.

This week, an exciting and informative Career Readiness Workshop, sponsored by Project Lead, took place at Simcha Palace on Main Street, in Kew Gardens Hills.

The program was opened by Congresswoman Grace Meng, who spoke about her journey in life as the child of immigrants and eventually becoming a Member of Congress. She made special mention of her grandmother, who still serves as her mentor and spiritual guide.

Shame on those who voted against it

The Queens Jewish Community Council expressed appreciation to the US Congress for passing – on Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day – a resolution honoring the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Israel relations and calling for the expansion and strengthening of the Abraham Accords.

On Sunday, April 23, Jews all around the world celebrated the conclusion of the daily study of Maimonides’ magnum opus, Mishneh Torah, also known as Yad HaChazakah or simply, Rambam—the Hebrew acronym for Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon.

Community safety and quality of life issues were highlighted this past Sunday afternoon, April 30, during a meeting of the minds with local NYPD brass and community leaders at the Kew Gardens Synagogue Khal Adath Yeshurun, “The Big Shul.” The gathering included Jewish lay leaders from both the Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill communities, bridging the neighborhoods. Captain Jeremy Kivlin, Commanding Officer of the 102nd Precinct, joined by his NCOs and other executive officers, listened intently as matters concerning the Jewish community were discussed. The community was represented by local influencers, as pictured left to right: Gideon Levy; Rabbi Avrohom Hecht, Director of Project Lead; Aaron Cyperstein, President of Chaverim of Queens and Co-President of Khal Adas Yereim of Kew Gardens; Gedalia Bienkowitz, Co-President of Khal Adas Yeshurun of Kew Gardens; Mark Harris, Co-President of Khal Adas Yereim of Kew Gardens; Rabbi Daniel Pollack, Clergy Liaison to the 102nd precinct; Captain Kivlin and his staff; Rabbi Leibel Rockove and Rabbi Binyomin Mittel, co-rabbonim at Khal Nachlas Avos. As the warmer weather brings children and families out, the neighborhood leadership encourages safety foremost for the thriving kehillah.

This past Sunday afternoon, April 23, the Kew Gardens Hills community gathered to give their kavod ha’acharon to a beloved member of the community, Akiva Fogel z”l. During the week of shiv’ah, it was constantly mentioned how the crowd at the l’vayah was comprised of all ages. Everyone, whether they were 20, 40, 60, or 80, felt a special connection to Akiva, and his loss was deeply felt by all.