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The joy of Chanukah is brought to a new level by the work of Chabad and its network of menorah lightings. Queens has welcomed this tradition each year. Rabbi Mendy Hecht of Chabad of Forest Hills North lights the menorah at Yellowstone Municipal Park in Forest Hills. Ahead of his major event this upcoming Sunday, December 5, beginning at 3:15 with a live DJ, bike show, and gelt coin drop, the rabbi has been on hand to light the menorah each evening.

Assemblyman David I. Weprin convened a gathering of religious and community leaders at noon Tuesday to denounce the suspected vandalism of a menorah in Hollis Hills. In attendance with Assemblyman Weprin were Senator John Liu, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, City Council Member Barry Grodenchik, Rabbi Yerachmiel Zalmanov, Rabbi David Wise, Rabbi Gary Greene, and Rabbi Mayer Waxman.

 On Tuesday evening, November 23, Hashevaynu held a pre-Chanukah party and toy drive for the adult membership of its shul at their center on 72nd Drive in Kew Gardens Hills. The program was designed to help make the chag special for children in need. Organized by Rabbi Yehuda and Rebbetzin Adina Zakutinsky, the evening combined celebration with passing on the smiles and joy to others. The program included the wonderful aroma of fresh latkes and doughnuts served amongst great music and budding friendships. The toys donated were all new and of brand name to make every child feel valued and important. Each gift will be distributed as part of Project Yedid, a division of Misaskim launched in 2004.

 Khal Degel Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, under the leadership of its mara d’asra, Rav Dovid Z. Sheinfeld, continued its tradition of hosting Avos U’Banim during the long Motza’ei Shabbos evenings. Elementary-aged boys join their fathers, and even grandfathers, for family-style learning; delicious pizza and raffle tickets are also on hand throughout the hour-long program. The evening concludes with words of chizuk and storytelling by program coordinator Rabbi Aryeh Rabinowitz. The stories are designed to share an inspiration message often of the power of tzadikim and the beauty of the mitzvah of chesed. Afterwards, Mr. Jeremy Lieberman conducts a raffle with amazing prizes. Avos U’Banim continues each Motza’ei Shabbos in the shul’s lower beis hamedrash, 144-02 68th Dr., (enter from Main Street).

By Shabsie Saphirstein

 When three Jabotinsky Revisionists were arrested for the murder of a Jewish Socialist, the already fractious community in then-Palestine imploded.

 “Being pro-Israel has put a target on my back, but it has allowed me to vote how I believe,” passionately expressed Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal at a fundraiser held in his honor. “Redistricting means the entire chessboard is reset for the next ten years.”