Community Corner

Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.

Rabbi Yaakov Eliyahu Menashe ben Rachel

Rabbi Menachem Rottenberg z”l, who passed away May 16 at the age of 96, was a prime example of the continuation of world Jewry, and helped lay a foundation that influenced thousands of students at a prominent Queens yeshivah.

After an 11 p.m. curfew did little to prevent looting in New York City overnight, Mayor Bill de Blasio said residents are required to be home by 8 p.m. Tuesday night, which will remain in place through Sunday. Here are the other top cities across the country with similar curfews in place:

Lisette Voytko Forbes Staff

The Queens Jewish Alliance has been in close contact with the police precinct, elected officials, and Queens Shmira regarding the ongoing unrest in the City. Inspector Henry has stated that although at this time there is no credible threat to our KGH community, we must be vigilant and cautious. Additionally, officers have been made aware that the Queens Ladies Mikvah is open for regular operations. Counsel members Kozlowitz and Lancman along with Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal have spoken with the 107th precinct. No one should have an issue going to prayers or the mikvah. The patrolling officers are being briefed about minyan and the mikvah practices. If anyone has any issues they should reach out to him immediately This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Be aware that Governor Cuomo has imposed a curfew tonight from 8 PM to 5 AM. Mayor de Blasio says New York City's curfew will continue through Sunday. There will be extra police vehicles as well as Shmira patrolling the area.
If you notice anything suspicious, immediately call 911 and Queens Shmira at 718-329-4444. We advise caution when traveling outside of the immediate area tonight.

Children of Kew Gardens and Kew Gardens Hills were treated to a special treat in honor of Rosh Chodesh Sivan this past Sunday afternoon. The Klein’s ice cream truck came to town, serving delicious cones to neighborhood kids. The first stop was at the Kew Gardens Synagogue Adath Yeshurun(aka The Big Shul), where families lined up in an orderly fashion according to their last name. Then, three stops were made in KGH: first at Young Israel Queens Valley, then in front of Yeshiva of Central Queens, and finally in front of the Queens Valley Playground (better known as the Shabbos Park), at the corner of 76^th Avenue and 137^th Street. Children and parents alike social distanced in a remarkable fashion, making a true kidush Hashem as they formed lines patiently awaiting their turn to meet the ice cream man! The special delicacy was sponsored anonymously to bring cheer to the children stuck at home most of the week in quarantine. Mi K’amcha Yisrael!

We live in an amazing community. In a previous article, I mentioned all the heroes on my block in Kew Gardens Hills; now, I would like to single out another special group of people who shine, bringing positivity and sparkle to many people during all times and especially during this difficult time. I interviewed several local psychotherapists and psychologists to find out how this virus has affected their work and their thoughts about it. I found their positive outlook and thoughts so inspiring.

As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, individuals of all ages are left feeling isolated, helpless, and looking for support like never before. Despite the resiliency of the human spirit, this “new normal” is taking its toll on countless members of our community – family members, neighbors, friends, and colleagues. Thousands of individuals have turned to OHEL for care, comfort, and mental health services, and OHEL continues to be the central address for the heavy lifting necessary to support the community during these trying times. The OHEL ACCESS line has been ringing consistently with urgent requests to actively and directly aid with Domestic Violence, Anxiety, Care Giving for individuals with disabilities and older adults, Coping, Loss, and Grief.