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Melaveh Malkah highlights the essence of t’filah and the role of a shul

Congregation Ohel Rachel Degel Israel, under the esteemed leadership of Rabbi David Z. Sheinfeld, hosted its highly anticipated Annual S’udas Melaveh Malkah this past Motza’ei Shabbos, December 7, in their beautiful simchah hall. The evening was not just a gathering; it was a vibrant display of camaraderie, warmth, and achdus, qualities that have defined this k’hilah since my family moved around the corner, mere steps away. From my bar mitzvah days onward, this beis midrash has been a central part of my life, and this s’udas melaveh malkah was yet another testament to the ruach and sense of community that has permeated the corner of 68^th Drive and Main Street for upwards of 65 years.

In a heartwarming display of gratitude, several community organizations joined forces this Thanksgiving to provide complete holiday meals to local law enforcement agencies. Representing Chaverim of Queens and Great Neck, I had the privilege of spending Thanksgiving evening delivering these meals to numerous police precincts, including Highway Patrol Unit 3 in Cunningham Park on the Grand Central Parkway, the 102^nd Precinct in Kew Gardens, the 107^th Precinct in Kew Gardens Hills, and the 112^th Precinct in Forest Hills.

Please take a moment to say a kapitel T’hilim for Rav Pesach Yosef ben Hinda – HaRav Paysach J. Krohn shlita. Our beloved and renowned maggid, mohel, and author recently suffered a moderate stroke at the Agudath Israel of America convention in Stamford, Connecticut. The incident occurred shortly after the Kew Gardens-based rabbi delivered an inspiring lecture last Erev Shabbos. Thanks to the swift intervention of Waterbury Hatzalah paramedics, Rabbi Krohn was transported to a local hospital, where he underwent treatment at the ICU. By Motza’ei Shabbos, the rabbi was out of critical condition and was awaiting transport to a suitable rehabilitation center.

The Queens Jewish community recently had the privilege of welcoming Rabbi Shalom Khaimov, whose heartfelt passion and dedication to Torah learning are inspiring a new generation of youth. Rabbi Khaimov, an accomplished talmid chacham and Torah scholar, is known for his outstanding midos tovos. He currently studies at the thriving Sephardic kollel led by HaRav Yosef Bitton shlita and HaRav Avram Hasan shlita at Congregation Zichron Binyamin, Kollel Ohel Rachel, located on Princeton Avenue in Lakewood.

A Driving Force Behind L’Chaim 5K Run/Walk for Israel

The community is mourning the loss of Lenny Brafman (Yehudah ben Ze’ev) z”l, a beloved figure known for his boundless energy, deep love for Eretz Yisrael, and unwavering dedication to g’milus chasadim (acts of kindness). Lenny, born in 1954, passed away on Thursday, December 5, leaving behind a legacy of selflessness, compassion, and service to others.

Pledges a safe and vibrant city

New York City Mayor Eric Adams swore in Jessica Tisch, 43, as the next commissioner of the New York City Police Department at One Police Plaza, on Monday, November 25, becoming the second woman to head the city’s police department in its storied 179-year history.