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This past Sunday, March 17, was a full-blown Purim fest at Aron’s Kissena Farms. Adults and children alike were all smiles, joining with staff and gleeful clowns at the mega Kew Gardens Hills supermarket. The smell of fresh popcorn filled the store, and two cotton candy machines worked overtime, churning out the tasty treats. Balloons, tied on the wrists of boys and girls, ensured every corner of the one-stop Purim shop vibed with timeless Purim fun that never let up. Nosh bags for the children were supplemented by juicy cups of freshly cut fruit, a perfect nutritious alternative enjoyed by all ages.

Purim at Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation in Jamaica Hills is always exciting, and this past Purim was no exception. The girls from Shevach High School came dressed up in costume - some were smiley faces and others were Minnie Mouse. Together they entertained with music from a rolling speaker and thrilling dancing that uplifted the residents' spirits.

When Rav Uri Zohar zt”l ran P’eylim Lev L’Achim, g’dolei Yisrael embraced the group’s mission; the same carries through today. On Wednesday, February 28, the Kew Gardens Hills home of Dr. Marc and Karen Silverman welcomed many of our community’s rabbanim. Two notable roshei yeshivah stood out amongst the attendees: Rav Dovid Harris of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, and Rav Doniel Lander of Yeshivas Ohr HaChaim. Entitled “Now More Than Ever,” the event showed the importance of supporting the organization’s work as they are at the forefront of reigniting Judaism in a country that remains overwhelmed with danger in their midst.

As a dispatcher, and responding member for Chaverim of Queens and Great Neck, I was proud to join fellow volunteers at this year's annual appreciation dinner. Held this past Wednesday evening, March 27, at Beit Eliyahu of Fresh Meadows, the organization celebrated its 17-year history since being launched with initial support of the Friedman family in everlasting memory of their patriarch, Mr. Jack Friedman z"l. Members were provided new identification cards, car window placards for use during live calls, and brand new raincoats courtesy of a generous donation from MHI Plumbing and General Contractors. Remarks of encouragement and thanks were delivered by NYC Council Member James Gennaro, and Alexa Arechi, Chief of Staff to Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi, as the volunteers enjoyed an elegant dairy spread featuring pastas, pizzas, fries, and milkshakes.

Former Board Of Utopia Jewish Center Dedicates Ambulance To MDA

A milestone event was held at the Torah Center of Hillcrest where Israel's national emergency pre-hospital medical and blood services organization, Magen David Adom, received a new ambulance earmarked courtesy Associate Board of Directors of the former Utopia Torah Congregation/Utopia Jewish Center and their last handful of congregants. Rabbi Yonoson and Rebbetzin Rochelle Hirtz spent a thrilling decade at the spiritual helm of the sponsoring kehillah, departing as Rav Emeritus upon their sale to Ganeinu Academy. Now, the dynamic couple lead the Torah Center’s wonderful devoted membership.

This past Sunday afternoon, Meshulam and Tova Lisker once again hosted a collection of excess mishloach manos food items from Purim benefitting Tomchei Shabbos of Queens. The drive brought in a number of community members eager to assist families in need. Unopened and packaged nosh, fruit, and beverages bearing a proper rabbinic supervision were collected in multitude as volunteers organized and sorted the massive lot accordingly. Originally, I was a little upset that certain nosh items received in my house were donated, but after considering where the food was going to, I was encouraged that my family, like so many others, rushed at the opportunity to partake in the mitzvah of supporting local struggling families. Mi k'amcha Yisrael.