Community Corner

This past Sunday, Cunningham Park was the site of the third annual Light Up The Night - Community Chanukah Celebration for the Jamaica Estates, Hillcrest, Holliswood, Hollis Hills, and Fresh Meadows areas. The idea was launched three years ago by Rabbi Shmuel Kogan, a Jamaica Estates resident. The rabbi desired to create an annual event that brings together the over 12 shuls in the Jamaica Estates and surrounding areas for Chanukah.

Chanukah is a time of celebration. But with every party comes the need for security and safety. Our community organizations understand the importance of protection and took a moment to send members of law enforcement a token of appreciation for always being available to keep our communities secure. Chaverim of Queens delivered Chanukah care packages of donuts to the 102^nd and 107^th police precincts, while Queens Borough Safety Patrol – Shmira visited Forest Hills’ 112^th precinct. Hatzolah of Queens and Great Neck invited members of the New York Police Department to their Chanukah celebration hosted at Ner Mordechai in Kew Gardens. 

Residents of Margaret Teitz Nursing and Rehabilitation were treated to a festive holiday party this past Thursday evening, December 2, in celebration of Chanukah. Many residents joined together in the center’s synagogue to partake in a special menorah lighting ceremony and jovial rendition of Maoz Tzur led by the facility’s rav, Rabbi Zavel Pearlman. The program continued with delicious donuts and latkes with a side of apple sauce all served in an atmosphere of joyous music led by in-house musician Russell Targove. “While we could not yet have the families of our residents join due to COVID precautions, we moved forward with a beautiful Chanukah party greatly enjoyed by our residents,” said Linda Spiegel, Director of Public Affairs for the center. “It is our hope and prayer that we can all celebrate together next year.”

Many parents with a disabled child worry about how their child will be cared for after they’re gone.

On Monday, December 6, the final day of the Chanukah, the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce followed its mission of building bridges via commerce by facilitating a unique signing that will have rippling effects worldwide.

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.