Susie Garber

Mrs. Hadassah Waxman, Program Director of the Shiur HaChodesh, a monthly program of advanced shiurim for women by women, welcomed an overflow crowd to Congregation Etz Chaim for the first lecture of the season on Wednesday evening, September 18. She thanked all the gracious sponsors of the evening, which included the following: Marshall and Lisa Joffe (in memory of Lisa’s father) and the supporters-in-part, Linda Baron-Katz (in memory of her grandfather) and The Women’s Initiative of the OU, as well as the sponsor of the refreshments: Marilynne Vogel (in memory of her mother).

On Tuesday evening, September 3, Shira Smiles shared an inspiring shiur for women at the Young Israel of Holliswood. She noted how Elul always coincides with the beginning of the school year. The Satan knows we get distracted with technicalities of school so we have no time to focus on Elul. “Coming here tonight for a shiur says I want to learn and grow and come into Rosh HaShanah prepared and ready.”

A large, eager crowd gathered at the Young Israel of Forest Hills on Wednesday night, September 11, to hear Rabbi Ashie Schreier, rav of the Young Israel of Forest Hills, and Rabbi Shay Schachter, Rosh Beis HaMidrash at the Young Israel of Woodmere, speak on emunah in the face of tragedy.

On Wednesday evening, August 28, community women gathered at Congregation Beth El in Hillcrest for the first of an eight-class series of lectures on the Shabbos home (hilchos Shabbos). The next seven classes will be held at the Emet Outreach center at185-12 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366. There will be four or five classes before Rosh HaShanah and the rest will follow after Sukkos.

On Wednesday evening, September 4, community members gathered at the home of Michael and Gila Rollhaus in Kew Gardens Hills for a Zionist Organization of America meeting focused on fighting anti-Semitism in Congress.

This year once again on Monday evening of Labor Day September 2,  at 7 p.m., we have the opportunity to show our support to an amazing chesed organization, Avigdor’s Helping Hand. This unique organization brings succor to families who have lost a breadwinner and also helps orphans to make a wedding. Avigdor’s Helping Hand helps people in our community and all over the United States. If a family loses the father or mother, aside from the tremendous emotional pain, there are often financial difficulties. Even when there is life insurance it may not kick in until 6 months to a year later due to red tape. Avigdor’s Helping Hand steps in and helps the family with their financial obligations during that first year for the first six months. We read in the Haftorah on Shabbos Chazon, “Learn to do well; seek justice, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” This is what Avigdor’s Helping Hand accomplishes and we have the opportunity to partner with them.