Susie Garber

What is the key factor that has brought and continues to bring JEP (Jewish Education Program) so much success in kiruv all these years? Rabbi Yaakov Finestone, Director of JEP Queens, shared the powerful teaching of his rebbe, Rav Henoch Leibowitz zt”l. “Truly care about the whole person in entirety. This can make a difference in someone’s life. A smile, kind words, you have no idea the impact each of you can make. You don’t have to be a professional in kiruv to make an impact.”

A rose among thorns. In Shir HaShirim, Shlomo HaMelech describes klal Yisrael as the rose among the nations. The Bais Yaakov Academy of Queens is a like a beautiful rose amidst the thorny world of secular values – a gift that our community cherishes. Our community is so grateful to have this wonderful school that is carrying on the legacy of its founder, Rabbi Moshe Neuman zt”l.

On Sunday night, May 29, Let’s Get Real With Coach Menachem featured Rabbi Sender Yossi Kaszirer, who has been involved in working with struggling teens for over two decades. Rabbi Kaszirer noted that we recite a special t’filah on Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan for our children that they should go in the proper path. Hashem gave Shavuos to each of us – men, women, and children. Everyone needs to connect to Torah. Torah is for us all. “Every year, we receive the Torah, and every single person has to be m’kabeil the Torah.” He emphasized that every Jew has that special connection, and we have to find the way to help everyone to connect to Torah.

On Wednesday evening, May 25, Congregation Ahavas Yisroel of Kew Gardens Hills celebrated its 34^th Annual Dinner at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills. Elegantly displayed peony centerpieces and delicious healthful food added to this lovely dinner.

A shofar blew and then hundreds of runners and walkers of all ages took off along the beautiful Jamaica Estates trail leading to Cunningham Park for the 20^th annual Jamaica Estates L’Chaim 5K Run/Walk for Israel.

On Sunday night, May 15, Let’s Get Real With Coach Menachem hosted an enlightening lecture with Dr. Akiva Perlman and Dr. Tamar Perlman.