Community Corner

A tribute to the cartoonist whose sharp pen and wit captured the heart of the Jewish experience for generations

Israeli cartoonist Yaakov Kirschen, creator of the iconic “Dry Bones” comic strip, passed away on April 14, 2025, at Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba after a prolonged illness. He was 87 years old. His pen offered a lens into the soul of the Jewish people, chronicling five decades of history, satire, and identity through a single, unmistakable style.

Top NYC officials get a behind-the-scenes look at TSQ’s Pesach preparations

Tomchei Shabbos of Queens (TSQ), a cornerstone of chesed in the Queens Jewish community, welcomed a distinguished political delegation to its Kew Gardens headquarters this past Friday afternoon, just ahead of its expansive Pesach distribution. The visit gave elected officials a firsthand look at how New York City Council grants have bolstered TSQ’s capacity to serve families with dignity, care, and discretion.

The Queens Jewish Community Council (QJCC) marked its 56th Anniversary Gala on March 20 at Da Mikele Illagio in Elmhurst. The evening, attended by a packed room of elected officials, community leaders, and advocates, celebrated the strength of Jewish life in Queens and honored two outstanding individuals: Dr. Ben Golub and Leo Jacobs, Esq.

On Sunday, April 6, the streets of Jamaica Estates were filled with joy and timeless Jewish melodies as Queens Shmira, in partnership with the NYPD 107 Precinct, proudly led a spirited hachnasas sefer Torah procession. The uplifting event dedicated the new sefer Torah to the House of Torah congregation.

Amid heightened concerns over security and rising antisemitism, leaders from Queens’ Jewish communities gathered at One Police Plaza on Wednesday, April 2, for the NYPD’s Annual Pre-Passover Security Briefing. The event demonstrated the city’s strong commitment to safeguarding Jewish residents during the upcoming Yom Tov of Pesach.

I was privileged to bask in the presence of Rabbi Eytan Feiner during my time in Eretz Yisrael at Midrash Shmuel. I had the unique opportunity to share meals with the rav and rebbetzin and listen to his wisdom, which has stayed with me to this day. His words resonate deeply, and I am honored to share the master maggid shiur’s message with others, especially as it relates to the timeless essence of Purim.