Community Corner

The Orthodox Jewish world was shaken on Motza’ei Yom Tov when word spread of the p’tirah of Rabbi Moshe Hauer zt”l on the night of Sh’mini Atzeres. What is usually a time of joy turned into a moment of collective mourning for a beloved and respected Torah leader.

Outside the gates of New York City Hall, on Broadway between Murray and Warren Streets, the communal sukkah organized by Rabbi Yossi Butman, Director of Chabad Lubavitch Youth Organization, welcomed guests. Rabbi Butman stood with lulav and esrog in hand, offering attendees and elected officials the opportunity to partake in this sacred annual tradition. The sukkah tradition, originally founded by Rabbi Shea Butman z”l, continues through his son’s leadership, ensuring that this gathering remains a vibrant symbol of Jewish life in New York.

The October 7, 2023, massacre in Israel was remembered in Forest Hills on October 5. A Nova Music Festival survivor, an imam, and local politicians were among the speakers at a commemoration held at Commonpoint Queens.

A Chol HaMoed Visit Highlights the Timeless Legacy of Jewish Art, Faith, and Survival Across the Ages

 On Sunday of Chol HaMoed Sukkos, my husband and I joined a fascinating Judaica tour in one of the most unexpected places: the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum is not known for its Jewish collections, but we signed up for a special Chol HaMoed tour with curator Lauren Perlman.

Community Gathers in Kew Gardens to Honor a Beloved Educator, Civic Leader, and Proud Zionist.

 On a crisp autumn morning in Kew Gardens – Sunday, October 19 – neighbors, friends, rabbanim, and community leaders gathered to honor the life and legacy of Janice “Jan” Fenster a”h with the official unveiling of Jan Fenster Way, now permanently affixed to the corner of 116^th Street and Mayfair Road. The co-naming, sponsored by Council Member Lynn Schulman, paid tribute to a woman whose unwavering presence and leadership helped shape both the civic and Jewish fabric of Queens for decades.

Local IDF Soldiers Inspire Crowd

Emet students and community members gathered at the Young Israel of Queens Valley for an emotional and inspirational evening to commemorate October 7. Organized by Emet’s JBoard, the program was a collaboration with the Bukharian Culture Club and the Israel on Campus Coalition. The evening felt especially poignant as it took place on Motza’ei Shabbos, October 11 – a time filled with anticipation and hope for the release of the hostages on October 13.