Shabsie Saphirstein

On Sunday morning, June 26, the weather in Forest Hills was picture-perfect for a lavish hachnasas sefer Torah celebration. The Chabad of Forest Hills North, under the direction of Rabbi Mendy Hecht and his wife, coordinated the grand event held in an expansive tent at the Touro College/Bnos Malka parking lot on 112^th Street. A delicious hot dairy buffet was catered by Main Street Appetizing. Friends and relatives came from far and wide to celebrate alongside the Fischman family for the festivities.

With graduation and summer plans in high drive, Shavuos might be in our rearview mirror. But for the almanos who were recipients of Misaskim’s generosity, the Yom Tov will remain a warm reminder of the caring in the Orthodox Jewish community.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson zt”l was niftar 28 years ago. The Rebbe’s final resting place is a short 12 ride from Kew Gardens Hills, at Old Montefiore Cemetery, in Springfield Gardens. I know this trip, as I have visited the site at the oddest of hours as a volunteer provider of vehicle services on behalf of Chaverim of Queens, and have taken the time to engage in personal reflection at the kever. The Rebbe left no will and as such, no predecessor was ever named. To mark the yahrtzeit, tens of thousands of his Lubavitch followers descended on the site to pay their respect.

On Wednesday, May 25, in conjunction with World Trade Week, a pivotal forum and reception was held in the economic capital of New York City to unite manufacturers, importers, and exporters with government officials, consuls, and trade ministers from various regions.

A walk along Main Street in Kew Gardens Hills has become the right of passage for elected officials in the State and City of New York. This past Tuesday afternoon, June 21, Congress Member Tom Suozzi, a commonsense Democrat in the race for governor, visited the neighborhood. His tour began at the Met Council / Chazaq Lev Aharon Community Food Pantry, where Suozzi spoke to the neediest of our community to hear their concerns. “Everything I’ve done in my career has prepared me for the job of Governor of New York,” related Suozzi. “I have a heart for the people and the skills to do the job. While touring the pantry, Suozzi received a phone call informing him that The Jewish Press was formally endorsing his race for governor. I first met Rep. Suozzi at Assembly Member David Weprin’s kickoff event held in New York City earlier this year. It was then that he captivated an audience with his commonsense approach to leadership in New York State and announced his run for governor just days later.

Yom Yerushalayim was celebrated by Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai with a remarkable dinner at Terrace on the Park on Wednesday, June 1. Led by Rabbi Dr. Joseph Frager, Chairman of the Board, and his team of Daniel Luria, Executive Director and International Spokesman; Chaim Leibtag, Director; and Shani Hikind, Executive Vice President; Guests of Honor Josh Nass, Dr. Gene and Polina Berkovich, Michal Harris, and Amalie Heching all partook in accepting their honor for celebrating the heart of Israel and strengthening Jewish roots in Yerushalayim. The program featured remarks by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and New York City Council Member Inna Vernikov, as well as a tribute to Reb Zerach Epstein z”l, and Mel and Mildred Wadler, founders.