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The Queens and Great Neck communities are privileged to have a plethora of organizations aimed at providing vital resources and services to the Jewish neighborhoods in their midst. I have the honor of being a volunteer in some of these communal institutions, but none compare to the self-sacrifice of the Hatzolah of Queens and Great Neck volunteers. Honestly, the volunteer who jumps out of bed, or leaves his office desk or family table, to run to save another Yid’s life in a split second’s notice could not compare to any of the services I provided, no matter how righteous they may appear.

Latkes for sale, meatballs instead of sausage - these were just some of the differences on Sunday evening December 4, when Madison Square Garden became the scene of Jewish pride. A portion of Maccabeats beautifully sang the national anthem, Star-Spangled Banner, in a marvelous fashion making Jewish Heritage Night a great success. The hometown Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 92 to 81.

This past Sunday, Cunningham Park was the site of the fourth annual Light Up The Night Community Chanukah Celebration, another smashing success. Launched four years ago by Rabbi Shmuel Kogan, Director of Ganeinu Academy and Bukharian Chai Center, the event continues to positively highlight the Jewish communities of Hillcrest, Holliswood, Hollis Hills, Fresh Meadows, and Jamaica Estates. Rabbi Kogan desired to create an annual event that brings together the over twelve shuls in the Jamaica Estates and surrounding areas for Chanukah.

Chanukah was the focus of a poignant story delivered by R' Simcha Loiterman at Chevra Bais Dovid D'Lantzut of Kew Gardens Hills, under the leadership of Rav Naftoli Rubin. Mispalelim and their sons participated in their shul's Motzaei Shabbos avos u'banim program. Some boys even came on their own to learn in a group while their fathers attended their yeshivah dinner.

Congregation Etz Chaim of Kew Gardens Hills recently celebrated its 38th anniversary dinner, an annual journal event. Rabbi Moshe Rosenberg, mara d’asra, and his rebbetzin, Mrs. Dina Rosenberg, were recognized as Guests of Honor for their 28 years of service to Queens, at the lavish program held at the Young Israel of Hillcrest.

Residents of Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation filled the common room of the facility on Thursday afternoon, November 10, for a memorable ceremony paying tribute to service members within its resident population. The program included an array of energetic tunes, including the American and Israeli national anthems, starring the The Melodians, an all-senior chorus which performs at venues throughout Queens. The veteran residents, who each had the opportunity to announce where they served, sat in a reserved section at the front of the program. Of note was Chana Pfeifen, a Holocaust survivor who spent time in the Israel Air Force. “You did a marvelous job,” the able-bodied resident publicly declared to the staff, adding on behalf of her friends, “There are no words to describe our appreciation for making an event like this possible for us. Thank you from the bottom of all our hearts.” Others served in the British Army, U.S. Marines, and U.S. Army. Each received a commemorative flag and a New York City Hall Citation presented by Adam Suionov, District Director, on behalf of Council Member James F. Gennaro who recently announced his candidacy for reelection in 2023.