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The Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills began their 72nd Anniversary Dinner on Sunday, December 17, with renditions of the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Hatikvah” that filled the main sanctuary with a feeling of love and appreciation for our two beloved nations. With the war in Israel against Hamas on the front of everyone’s minds, Rabbi Daniel Rosenfelt, mara d’asrah, continued with Psalm 121, turned to in times of crises. These words resonate for all our community’s volunteers as we go out to help another yid. As our readership is aware, I was chosen as the Community Service Honoree and can attest that Hashem’s hand is always present especially when engaged in avodas hakodesh for the klal.

Photo credit: David Kirschner - West Hempstead Echo

On a rainy Sunday afternoon, a crowd of over 300 people gathered at West Hempstead’s Halls Pond in support of Israel and to stand against hate. The rally was a call of solidarity from the wider West Hempstead Community, not just the Jewish members, after a series of hate crimes in the community that left cars vandalized, a menorah destroyed, and people harassed on the streets.

Congratulations to Moshe Anapolle, Elie Beer, Eli Dyckman, Yaakov Erdfarb, Naftali Frankel, Yitzy Rosenbluth, and Avichai Tarshish (not pictured), who were admitted to Yeshiva University Honors under its Early Decision program. Each of them was awarded a $25,000 scholarship to YU. Some will be enrolling in the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Honors Program at Yeshiva College, the others in the Business Honors and Entrepreneurial Leadership Program at the Sy Syms School of Business.

Despite pro-Palestinian demonstrators in the neighborhood earlier, Chabad of Rego Park joyously celebrated Chanukah outside on December 12.

This week’s parshah states, “Yisrael bowed towards the head of the bed.” (47:31). Did Yaakov Avinu bow to his son [Yosef]? Rashi explains: Yaakov Avinu turned himself toward the head of the bed. Based on this, our Sages taught (Shabbos 12b), “The Sh’chinah resides above the head of an ill person.”

Borough President Donovan Richards hosted his annual menorah lighting on Monday, December 11, with Queens’ Jewish community. Of the event, the Borough President said that every year, it is moving beyond words, and that the celebration of light and the resolve in the air had extra meaning this year. “To all our friends and neighbors who joined us tonight, thank you for being a part of the celebration.” Richards wished all who celebrate across Queens a happy, healthy, and safe Chanukah, adding, “You will forever have a friend here at Borough Hall. Chag samei’ach!” Richards also thanked the UJA-Federation of NY for their support and the gift of a new menorah.