The Hashkamah Minyan of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills is in its 50th year of existence, a milestone that will be celebrated by the Young Israel in the fall. The formation of the minyan was spearheaded by Rabbi Avraham Schechter, Stanley Berger, and Sol Bess. Over the years, several hundred men (and a few women) have been an integral part of the minyan, some for a few months and others for decades.