Shabsie Saphirstein

This past Sunday, December 22, elected officials and civic-minded community members came together for a Chanukah celebration that embodied joy, resilience, and unity. The annual gathering for Congress Member Grace Meng once again filled the penthouse at Union Care Plaza Center in Flushing, with the presence of owner District Leader Shimi Pelman. The venue was transformed into a breathtaking display of silver and blue, creating an atmosphere of celebration and reverence for the season. A delicious fleishig spread provided by Mechy’s Deli included jumbo latkes and, of course, donuts, to satisfy traditional holiday cravings.

Please take a moment to say a kapitel T’hilim for Rav Pesach Yosef ben Hinda – HaRav Paysach J. Krohn shlita. Our beloved and renowned maggid, mohel, and author recently suffered a moderate stroke at the Agudath Israel of America convention in Stamford, Connecticut. The incident occurred shortly after the Kew Gardens-based rabbi delivered an inspiring lecture last Erev Shabbos. Thanks to the swift intervention of Waterbury Hatzalah paramedics, Rabbi Krohn was transported to a local hospital, where he underwent treatment at the ICU. By Motza’ei Shabbos, the rabbi was out of critical condition and was awaiting transport to a suitable rehabilitation center.

Last Chanukah marked the first time a Speaker of the New York City Council opened the Chamber for a Festival of Lights celebration honoring historic Jewish episodes of faith, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness. Speaker Adrienne Adams of District 28 in Queens, which includes the neighborhoods of Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Richmond Hill, and South Ozone Park – who has been a friend of Israel– once again hosted the commemoration. The Speaker formally announced the event in Chambers on Thursday, December 5, and partnered with the Council’s Jewish Caucus, chaired by Council Member Eric Dinowitz and Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers of Far Rockaway’s District 31, for this past Tuesday’s event. The Jewish Caucus, while small in number, has been a vital advocate for celebrating Jewish culture and unity within the city, much to Dinowitz’ credit.

A Driving Force Behind L’Chaim 5K Run/Walk for Israel

The community is mourning the loss of Lenny Brafman (Yehudah ben Ze’ev) z”l, a beloved figure known for his boundless energy, deep love for Eretz Yisrael, and unwavering dedication to g’milus chasadim (acts of kindness). Lenny, born in 1954, passed away on Thursday, December 5, leaving behind a legacy of selflessness, compassion, and service to others.

Melaveh Malkah highlights the essence of t’filah and the role of a shul

Congregation Ohel Rachel Degel Israel, under the esteemed leadership of Rabbi David Z. Sheinfeld, hosted its highly anticipated Annual S’udas Melaveh Malkah this past Motza’ei Shabbos, December 7, in their beautiful simchah hall. The evening was not just a gathering; it was a vibrant display of camaraderie, warmth, and achdus, qualities that have defined this k’hilah since my family moved around the corner, mere steps away. From my bar mitzvah days onward, this beis midrash has been a central part of my life, and this s’udas melaveh malkah was yet another testament to the ruach and sense of community that has permeated the corner of 68^th Drive and Main Street for upwards of 65 years.

In a heartwarming display of gratitude, several community organizations joined forces this Thanksgiving to provide complete holiday meals to local law enforcement agencies. Representing Chaverim of Queens and Great Neck, I had the privilege of spending Thanksgiving evening delivering these meals to numerous police precincts, including Highway Patrol Unit 3 in Cunningham Park on the Grand Central Parkway, the 102^nd Precinct in Kew Gardens, the 107^th Precinct in Kew Gardens Hills, and the 112^th Precinct in Forest Hills.