News

From the 1970s to the 1990s, New York City was considered by many to be a region of high crime, where nobody would keep their doors unlocked even for a few minutes and car doors were always double-checked to be locked. Today, with a population of over eight million, we live in comfort and relative safety, with an overall lower crime index. Because of this, many have regrettably become lax in various security procedures and are more prone to become victims of criminal activity.

HaGaon HaRav Aharon Walkin zt”l represented the true spirit of Queens, stemming from his upbringing. Rav Walkin was one to never mince words and always said things straight, as they were relishing in Hashem’s sacred Torah. Rav Walkin presided as the rosh yeshivah of the Chazaq Beis Midrash Bais Nosson Meir and the rosh kollel of Kollel Zichron Moshe V’Leah, both in Queens, where his genuine warmth was felt, and was the rav of Khal Bais Aharon in Lakewood, New Jersey, where he officially resided. Rav Walkin’s infectious smile helped one ease into learning. It was the Rosh Yeshiva’s passion to help his disciples, from students to professionals, devote their assigned times to the Torah. His profound involvement with the advancement of our community is interconnected with his own life experiences, which paint a colorful picture of American Jewry.

Chief Bukharian Rabbi, Rav Yitzchak Yisraeli, Appoints New Rabbis

Rav Yitzchak Yisraeli is a renowned Torah scholar who dedicates his life to giving rulings on the most difficult halachic topics ranging from medical to business law, while also guiding Rabbis of the Bukharian community in their day to day service of their respective congregations.

These days you can invent an app, start a blog, and sell stuff online; but if you are a DJ, you are going to need to start with one track. If this melody is real enough and honest enough, and if it is made of everything that has made you, including where you come from, who you knew, and your overall history, then you may have a chance at connecting with everyone else, and maybe that is precisely your ticket to everything that is to come.

Who’s running and what do they stand for?

Less than eight weeks remain to the Queens Borough President special election replacing Melinda Katz who recently assumed the role of Queens District Attorney. Early voting begins on March 14 in what is viewed as a low turnout election. The borough president’s main job is to ensure that our government represents our values and reflects the culturally diverse nature of all Queens neighborhoods and its 2.4 million inhabitants. We will explore the Queens issues highlighting each candidate’s campaign.

The 2020 decennial census is closer than you think. A snapshot of the nation is required to make your voice heard in government, regardless of your age, nationality, or ability. With the census count start date inching upon us, the government affairs division of the multifaceted Chazaq Organization took upon itself to coordinate a kickoff luncheon of Queens Jewish leaders to discuss tactics for the NYC Census 2020 agenda. Speakers pinpointed the need to ensure that the community is fully included, as funding and resources are allocated based on the accounted number of residents for healthcare, accessibility services, and more.