Misaskim recently hosted a moving ribbon-cutting ceremony in Lawrence celebrating the dedication of a new van that will strengthen the organization’s growing efforts in the Five Towns and Far Rockaway communities. The June 4 gathering, hosted at the home of Michael and Michelle Edery, brought together donors, volunteers, and supporters for an evening of gratitude, unity, and chesed.
Michael, a dedicated member of the Misaskim Executive Board in Nassau Rockaway, has been instrumental in advancing the organization’s local efforts.
This new vehicle, generously donated by the Borochov and Bokow families, will significantly expand Misaskim’s ability to deliver shiv’ah furniture and critical support materials in a timely manner, as well as bolster the efforts of the organization’s Project Yedid division, thus ensuring that bereaved families are met with dignity and compassion in their time of need.
The van will be based out of Far Rockaway, positioning it close to the communities it will primarily serve. Meanwhile, the current vehicle used by the Nassau Rockaway Division - Misaskim’s very first van, a prized original frequently used by the organization’s founder - will undergo much-needed repairs. Once restored, it will operate out of a base in Woodmere, a short distance from the new van’s home.
Ronen and Devora Borochov dedicated one half of the van l’zecher nishmas Eliyahu ben Yonah Borochov z”l, Margalit bas R’ Rafael Borochov a”h, and HaRav Chaim Yehudah ben Dovid Elimelech Pinter z”l. In a heartfelt tribute, the Borochov family shared the story of their parents, who immigrated from Eretz Yisrael in 1969 and raised their children in Forest Hills with the value of helping others, no matter the circumstances. Ronen’s father worked in the diamond industry and was known for helping others build their livelihoods. After his untimely passing at age 44, his mother raised three children alone, often working three jobs while maintaining a warm, giving home.
Harav Chaim Yehudah Pinter, known to many as Jerry, was born and raised in the Bronx. A musmach of Yeshiva University, he served as a beloved accounting professor at both YU and Stern College for Women. He lived in Flatbush and was known in the Sasregen kehillah as a mispalel who never spoke during davening. He cherished his time with family, especially spending Shabbosim with his married children and grandchildren. He deeply valued Torah learning, cherished Eretz Yisrael, and enjoyed a good BBQ. He was a devoted husband to his eishes chayil, Sherry, who now lovingly carries on his legacy.
The Bokow family dedicated one half of the van l’zecher nishmas Ruchama Pessel Rivka bas Eliezer HaLevi a”h, who passed away nearly one year ago. Remembered as one of the most quietly generous individuals in the community, her life was defined by humility and devotion to klal Yisrael. Mr. Bokow noted that his wife had a deep and quiet passion for Misaskim’s mission.
Misaskim CEO Matis Soffer addressed the crowd, reflecting on his own transition from the business world where he began his career at Quality Frozen Foods Inc., one of the largest kosher food distributors on the East Coast, to the world of chesed, following the legacy of Rabbi Yankie Meyer z”l. “We’re not just about chairs,” he said. “We’re about kavod ha’meis and kavod ha’chai—honoring the departed and supporting the living.”
He noted that this van marks the fifth added to Misaskim’s fleet in under a year, an unprecedented milestone. “Some of our older vans were literally falling apart. This upgrade ensures the Five Towns can continue to serve with dignity and efficiency.”
Soffer presented the Borochov and Bokow families with custom miniature replicas of the van as a token of appreciation. “You don’t always know what someone is going through when Misaskim shows up,” he said. “But when we do, we come with quiet strength, love, and the message: You are not alone.”
For Queens members, the van takes on a different kind of significance. Many of us were responsible earlier on for handling much of the Five Towns’ delivery load before a separate chapter was established. The Queens Division, founded by Mr. Moshe Vatch, managed dozens of these shiv’ah deliveries using inventory based out of Kew Gardens Hills. Eventually, the volume of calls made it clear that a distinct division was necessary. Today, the Nassau Rockaway branch services areas including West Hempstead, while Queens continues to handle Great Neck.
Notably, the Queens team also inaugurated a dedicated storage trailer in Great Neck last year, reflecting the continued growth of its local operations.
Several members of the Queens Misaskim division were present at the ribbon-cutting, highlighting the continued collaboration between boroughs.
Following the formal program, volunteers enjoyed a lively BBQ. Rabbi Moshe Hamel, coordinator for the Nassau Rockaway division, introduced Soffer and shared updates on Project Yedid. Special thanks were extended to Eliyahu Love, Eli Kreindler, and Binyamin Peltz for their tireless dedication.
Soffer concluded the evening with a heartfelt appeal for renewed volunteer involvement. “After Rabbi Meyer’s passing, some volunteers understandably pulled back,” he said. “But now is the time to return. Even delivering one package can make a world of difference.”
With its newly expanded fleet and dedicated team, Misaskim continues to bring support, strength, and solace to klal Yisrael, ensuring that even in life’s darkest hours, no family is left behind.
