A special Simchas Beis HaShoeva was held on Wednesday, Chol HaMoed, for the broader Jewish community of Holliswood at PS/IS 178 – The Holliswood School. In conjunction with the slew of Hakhel events spearheaded by Chabad Lubavitch this past Sukkos, Rabbi Yerachmiel and Chanie Zalmanov of Chabad of Eastern Queens were the principal visionaries and organizers behind the Holliswood unity event.
The program included a live DJ, who ignited the crowd of Jews from all backgrounds in song and dance. The main attractions at the free communal event was an oversized inflatable rock climbing wall in addition to an obstacle course, sporting games, moon bounces, a train ride, and more.
In order to fulfill the mitzvah of Hakhel, the Zalmanovs approach Queens Jewish Community Council (QJCC) leadership as the umbrella group aimed at unifying the many great Jewish organizations and institutions of Queens. “Together with Chabad of Eastern Queens, we had successfully coordinated for this past year’s Lag B’Omer event,” explained Rabbi Mayer Waxman, Executive Director, QJCC. “We saw this as a great opportunity to bring in the New York City Council and their partnership with the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs to enhance this celebration.” To that end, Council Members Gennaro and Lee united with community outreach organizations and batei midrashim to alert the community. Partners included Chazaq, Emet Outreach, Cong. Anshei Shalom of Jamaica Estates, Kehilas Beit El, Beit Nissim of Holliswood, Bukharian Community Center of Jamaica Estates, House of Torah, Shaare Shlomo, Shuva Yisrael, and the Young Israels of Holliswood and Jamaica Estates.
Much fun was had by all.
By QJL Staff