Community Corner

The Young Israel of Hillcrest hosted a wonderful game night experience for its membership on Motza’ei Shabbos, February 10. The shul was filled with laughter, music, games, and prizes, all to raise money for the families of those serving in the Israel Defense Forces. Dubbed Playing for Our Land, the event turned out to be most enjoyable, uniting upwards of 100 community members who showed stellar achdus and sportsmanship in games of Scrabble, Mahjong, and Rummikub, amongst others.

Pink Day at MTA was a great day. A day of fundraising, fun swag, special snacks, and awareness for the extremely impactful organization, Sharsheret. The entire yeshivah felt the energy of the special day, and participated in raising money for Sharsheret, which is dedicated to helping families facing breast and ovarian cancer.

Rav Yaakov Ribowsky presented the legal holiday yarchei kallah shiur at Khal Adas Yereim of Kew Gardens this past Monday morning, February 18, on President's Day. The rav spoke on the differences between Adar Alef and Adar Beis, and hilchos seudas Purim, including Purim Katan.

On Sunday, February 25, the Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) will host its 83^rd Annual Scholarship Dinner at Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation. 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 the wider community. This year, YCQ proudly recognizes these remarkable honorees: Guests of Honor Zishy & Esther Rachel Barth, Distinguished Educator Rabbi Ophie Nat, and Parents of the Year Efrahem & Vered Basalel.

The Israeli soldiers who discovered the tunnels under UNRWA as well as those who recently rescued two hostages shared something in common: footwear. Their brand-new, high-quality boots were donated by Boots for Israel, an initiative spearheaded by NSHA alumnus Yakir Wachstock. Founded shortly after October 7, Boots for Israel has already delivered 40,000 boots to Israel Defense Forces soldiers — and isn’t about to stop any time soon.

The Zohar tells us that Yom Kippur, the most spiritual day of the year, is really Yom Ha’K’Purim, which means “a day like Purim.” (Tikkunei Zohar 21: 57b)