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(Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.)

On Motza’ei Shabbos, December 21, Chanukah got off to an early start for the women at Emet Outreach. The multi-generational gathering at the Bukharian Jewish Congregation in Jamaica Estates included Emet students as well as their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and friends.

The days of Chanukah are a time to thank Hashem and praise His Great Name: “…for Your miracles, for Your wonders and for Your salvations.” We recall what Hashem did for our forefathers and for us as a nation – how He, in His great love for us, saved us from countless enemies – people who were much bigger and stronger than us.

The National Council of Young Israel (NCYI) praised Secretary of State Mike Pompeo after he sent a critical letter to Rep. Andy Levin, who spearheaded the November 21 congressional correspondence in which 107 Members of Congress expressed their “strong disagreement” with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s landmark announcement that the US State Department does not deem Israeli “settlements” in Judea and Samaria (otherwise known as the “West Bank”) to be in violation of international law per se.

Queens residents remain on edge following the recent uptick of anti-Semitic attacks around the country and just across the Hudson River in Jersey City. More businesses, synagogues, yeshivos, and homeowners are considering expanding their video surveillance options to ensure a safer atmosphere. The term “caught on camera” has take on new meaning as closed-circuit television cameras continue to pop up on the corner of every stately structure.

Fleetwood Synagogue started the fun early with a festive pre-Chanukah bash on Sunday, December 15. Kids participated in various Chanukah-themed games and crafts, followed by supper and a stuff-your-own-sufganiyot station. Kids and adults alike enjoyed using candy syringes to fill their doughnuts with custard, frosting, and, of course, jelly, and topped them with mounds of sprinkles and icing. Everyone went home with a goody bag (and a sugar high!). Dreidels were spun and much gelt changed hands.