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According to the Baal Shem Tov, every physical desire in this world really contains an aspect of love for Hashem. When we experience a physical pleasure, it makes it easier to come to love the Source of that pleasure. Since Hashem is the Ultimate Source of Good, connection to Him is the ultimate pleasure we can experience. (M’or Einayim, Parshas VaEschanan)

For well over a quarter-century, Rebbetzin Shifra Witty, who passed away last Tuesday at the age of 86, was lovingly known to many in Kew Gardens Hills as “Morah Shifra,” raised her nursery children of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills Youth Center each as her own. Today, these children, whom I am privileged to be counted amongst, remain as one of her many deep, lasting legacies. She lived by her own motto: “If you enjoy people, it doesn’t matter how old they are – you can still make a difference in their lives.”

Regarding the case of Alta Fixsler, who is to be disconnected from a ventilator following a decision of the Supreme Court for the United Kingdom, Rabbi Moshe B. Parnes, Southern Regional Vice President of the Coalition for Jewish Values, made the following statement:

There was a heightened sense of concern in the Jewish community of Queens this past Tuesday evening, August 3, when a Queens Borough Safety Patrol–Shmira flier was quickly making its rounds on local chats and social media groups for a missing elderly woman, Bella Abramova.

Avi and Becky Katz, long-time Jewish communal leaders, have established a multi-year, multi-million-dollar national initiative with NCSY, the flagship youth movement of the Orthodox Union (OU), to support Jewish identity programs for public school teenagers. Their $3-million gift will focus on the OU’s national Jewish Student Union (JSU) program and will be called the Katz Family Initiative Driving Impact in JSU.

On the evening of Tuesday, August 3, New York City Police Department precincts engaged with community members at various Night Out events throughout the city. Members of local organizations, elected officials, and community leaders took part in the festivities. Members of Queens Borough Safety Patrol–Shmira, Chaverim of Queens, Council Members James Gennaro and Barry Grodenchik, Assembly Member Daniel Rosenthal, Jewish liaison Simon Sebag of the Public Advocate’s Office, and Rabbi Daniel Pollack (Jewish liaison to Congress Member Grace Meng) were all but a few of those who came out to show support. Local captains were on hand, as were Neighborhood Coordination Officers. We thank Capt. Antonio Fidacaro (102), Capt. Kevin Chan (107), and Capt. Joseph Cappelmann (112) for always being present and willing to help our communities.