Queens Jewish Link
Connecting the Queens Jewish Community 
On Monday evening, October 25, Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center opened its doors to host an important Queens Jewish Community Council (QJCC) board meeting in the company of Linda Spiegel, Director of Public Affairs at Margaret Tietz Center and an esteemed QJCC board member.
Michael Conigliaro, 51, is a Rego Park resident, along with his wife Connie and their two daughters. Raised in Kew Gardens, he understands the needs of the district well. A graduate of Richmond Hill High School, Michael continued on to Queensborough Community College, St. John’s University, and Concord Law School. Professionally, Conigliaro is an attorney office manager for a powerful real estate office and maintains a full volunteer calendar in addition to his religious obligations.
HaRav Dovid Yitzchak Ben Akiva Yehuda Keehn z”l, 54, was a dedicated community icon, beloved husband, father, and brother. He was known to all as the chaplain of Queens. Rabbi Keehn left an indelible mark on young and old, lecturing to school children and helping the hospital-bound for 23 years at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens (Booth Memorial) as their Jewish chaplain and director of pastoral care, and as the hospital rabbi at NYU Langone’s Manhattan campus since 2017. Although legally blind, Rabbi Keehn overcame hurdles to be the light and guide to so many.
This week, as the world commemorates the first yahrzeit of Emeritus Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt”l, Yeshiva University President Dr. Ari Berman announced the creation of the Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Center for Values and Leadership founded by Terri and Andrew Herenstein.
The Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association (JOWMA) is proud to launch its new Teen Health Committee, committed to educating teen girls and helping their families navigate adolescence. Course content will cover topics ranging from pubertal changes, substance use, mental and reproductive health, to body image and eating disorders. It will also serve as a guide for parents on ways to speak to teens during this time, engaging experts in the field and incorporating the highest standards of evidence-based medicine.
QJL: Why did you decide to seek a seat in the City Council as our representative?
LS: I am a proud member of the Jewish faith who grew up in Forest Hills. I have been active in the community for over 30 years, and served on various community and civic organizations, including Community Board 6, the 112th Precinct Council, the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce, and many others.
