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I joined Queens Borough Safety Patrol-Shmira to bring protection services in our Jewish community to the next level. I am proud to say that we are well on the way to accomplishing this vital task. This past Monday evening, we had our monthly meeting where our force - 24 members strong - was introduced to a newly-organized board of directors, including Ari Hoch, Shimmy Idels, Meshulem Lisker, and Brad Martin. Kudos to Mr. Martin, who also joined as a member. The members went through a serious training led by Levi Leifer, director of the international organization, and several his executive staff members: Simcha Abramvitz, Yoely Friedman, and Yossi Leifer.

On Sunday, February 5, the Young Israel of Hillcrest and its sisterhood, led by Rebbetzin Rebecca Schnall, presented a tasteful Tu BiSh’vat gathering for women. A fruit carving demonstration and workshop, featuring Esther Zafrani of Glorious Creations Desserts was enjoyed by 65 women at the shul, plus another 35 virtually, capacity for the program. Clad with a knife to carve, some toothpicks and cloves, and a handful of apples, the woman created beautiful designs to enhance their holiday experience. Esther also transformed a whole watermelon into a rose before their very eyes. This was glorious to watch as the class was fun, creative, uplifting, and even therapeutic. Attendees found that Zafrani was able to simplify the most complex processes into bite-size steps, making it easy for all to catch on. Of course, all attendees enjoyed a delicious fruit platter in honor of the chag.

Borough Hall Holocaust Memorial and QJCC KGH Headquarters Sketch Revealed

The annual Queens Jewish Community Council (QJCC) Legislative Breakfast is by far the premier local political event of the year, bringing light to the triumphs of the extremely diverse Queens Jewish community, as well as the trials and tribulations facing the borough, city, and state at large. This year’s shindig was filled with groundbreaking announcements and powerful words from leading legislators and their distinguished attaches.

The stretch of 71st Avenue between 137th and 141st Streets has hosted an array of honorable programming covering a swath of services available to the Jewish community. Yeshiva Beth Abraham Slonim of Jerusalem has perpetuity held a significance for me, my Kew Gardens Hills neighbors, and the Queens Jewish community as a whole. It was 40 years ago to the day that the Slonimer Rebbe began a partnership with Reb Aaron and Ratzy Kopelowitz, who they have annually opened their door to the yeshivah for an annual fundraiser that has continually grown with unremitting interest.

This past Motza’ei Shabbos, February 4, Yeshiva Kesser Torah paid homage to the wife of their founder and Rosh HaYeshivah, Rav Elyakim Getzel Rosenblatt, zt”l. The melave Malka, held in the simcha hall of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, united mispalelim who take advantage of the many minyanim available throughout the day, yeshivah alumni, friends, community members, and supporters.

As Mike Pompeo’s team contemplates a presidential run, Israel took center stage for our esteemed former Secretary of State, who chose to launch his memoir, Never Give an Inch, with the Jewish community he holds near and dear. Last Tuesday evening, the Israel Heritage Foundation (IHF) hosted a book-signing at Lower Manhattan’s Wall Street Grill with an array of pro-Israel activists.