Queens Jewish Link
Connecting the Queens Jewish Community 
As the temperatures drop, the Chaverim of Queens and Great Neck dispatch line has seen its annual uptick in call volume. In response to the growing demand for non-medical emergency assistance, the organization – now in its 17th year – has once again equipped a new group of volunteers with essential emergency response tools.
This past Sunday, December 22, elected officials and civic-minded community members came together for a Chanukah celebration that embodied joy, resilience, and unity. The annual gathering for Congress Member Grace Meng once again filled the penthouse at Union Care Plaza Center in Flushing, with the presence of owner District Leader Shimi Pelman. The venue was transformed into a breathtaking display of silver and blue, creating an atmosphere of celebration and reverence for the season. A delicious fleishig spread provided by Mechy’s Deli included jumbo latkes and, of course, donuts, to satisfy traditional holiday cravings.
On Sunday, December 15, the Fresh Meadows and Jamaica Estates communities came together for an unforgettable family fun day at Hadar Bet Yaakov on Peck Avenue in honor of Chanukah. The event was filled with exciting activities that brought joy to hundreds of community children and families alike.
Last Chanukah marked the first time a Speaker of the New York City Council opened the Chamber for a Festival of Lights celebration honoring historic Jewish episodes of faith, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness. Speaker Adrienne Adams of District 28 in Queens, which includes the neighborhoods of Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Richmond Hill, and South Ozone Park – who has been a friend of Israel– once again hosted the commemoration. The Speaker formally announced the event in Chambers on Thursday, December 5, and partnered with the Council’s Jewish Caucus, chaired by Council Member Eric Dinowitz and Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers of Far Rockaway’s District 31, for this past Tuesday’s event. The Jewish Caucus, while small in number, has been a vital advocate for celebrating Jewish culture and unity within the city, much to Dinowitz’ credit.
Chazaq, Achiezer, Achim B’Yachad, College Students, And Lizzy Savetsky Cited At Grace Mansion Chanukah Soirйe
This past Tuesday evening, December 17, New York City’s Gracie Mansion glowed with the spirit of Chanukah as Mayor Eric Adams welcomed community leaders and honorees from across the city for a festive celebration. The elegant reception, catered by Mendy’s of Crown Heights, recognized the contributions of organizations like Chazaq, Achiezer, and Queens College, with heartfelt speeches and a powerful call to unity.
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 68th Drive and Main Street for upwards of 65 years.
