Community Corner

A full crowd participated in the continuing legal holiday shiur series presented this past Monday, January 16. Initiated by R’ Aaron Cyperstein in 2006, the shiurim have brought meaning to these days for mispallelim at Khal Adas Yereim of Kew Gardens. Rabbi Chaim Schwartz, Executive Vice President of the Vaad Harabbonim of Queens, articulated on the topic of kashrus issues that arise during midwinter break. Some of the concerns discussed included coffee at rest stops, airplanes, or hotels; using microwaves at Airbnbs; kashering grills; eating packaged cut-up fruits and vegetables; and buying raw fish from unsupervised stores.

Congresswoman sends follow-up letter calling for additional security of green relay boxes

Last month, US Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) urged the United States Postal Service (USPS) to do more to combat the theft of mail from green relay boxes in Queens.

Mrs. Hadassah Waxman, Program Director of Shir HaChodesh, a monthly program of advanced shiurim, welcomed everyone to the Zoom shiur hosted by Congregation Etz Chaim on Sunday, January 8.

Monday evenings have meant a symphony of sounds at the Emet Center. The music was courtesy of the latest 9-week semester of Step Into Prayer, the Women’s Division program that combines classes about tefilah with teaching heartfelt Jewish songs. “We started this initiative two years ago because it’s integral to Yiddishkeit to be able to connect to Hashem through song,” said Ms. Adina Fendel, Emet Women’s Director. “Our students typically have been missing that aspect of the connection, so we wanted to give them an opportunity to add the musical component. Being able to better understand davening and sing niggunim brings another dimension to their spiritual journey.”

“A Desecration of G-d’s Name Beyond Words”

On Monday, the Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), representing over 2,000 traditional, Orthodox rabbis in American public policy, decried a lawsuit against the state of Missouri by a dozen rabbis and other faith leaders, calling the suit a “desecration of G-d’s name that is simply beyond words.” Last year, in the wake of the Dobbs decision reversing Roe v. Wade, Missouri Governor Michael Parson activated the state’s “Right to Life of the Unborn Child Act,” which barred abortions except due to a medical emergency. The lawsuit claims that “[Christian] religious views are being enshrined into laws in Missouri,” and this is what drew the rabbis’ condemnation.

A very energized and informative meeting comprised of legislators and Kew Gardens Jewish community leaders took place this past Sunday, January 15, at the home of Mrs. Judy Sukenik, wife of the legendary Queens philanthropist Mr. Moshe Sukenik of blessed memory. The newly re-elected officials who each cover various parts of Kew Gardens met with key community lay and religious leaders, heard their concerns, and discussed opportunities for growth.