Community Corner

The annual Queens fundraiser breakfast for Mesivta Tifereth Jerusalem took place last Sunday at the Young Israel of Queens Valley, as it has been the host of the event for more than 40 years. The Rosh HaYeshiva, Rabbi Reuven Feinstein shlita, was in Israel this past week to dedicate the matzeivah for his Rebbetzin Sheila, who provided support for her husband’s learning and leadership for nearly a half century. She was also a devoted daughter-in-law for Rav Moshe Feinstein, who led the Lower East Side yeshivah from 1937 until his death in 1986. His halachic rulings are universally respected.

Bnos Malka Academy celebrated its 23^rd Annual Dinner this past week at Congregation Ner Mordechai (Shaare Tova) in a most exquisite fashion. Over 430 guests were treated to a gorgeous outdoor cocktail hour before entering the ballroom for dinner and a very meaningful program. Executive Director Michael Salzbank remarked, “It was the perfect combination of paying tribute to four outstanding honorees and spending a most enjoyable evening with our parent body and guests.”

The Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), representing over 1,000 traditional rabbis in matters of public policy, Tuesday condemned the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) for inviting the Rev. Al Sharpton to address its Washington, DC, conference earlier in the day. Rev. Sharpton was touted on the agenda of the RAC program, entitled “Consultation on Conscience,” as “one of the nation’s most renowned civil rights leaders.”

The Queens Jewish community had the opportunity to host Rav Yitzchok Kolodetsky shlita this past week. During his brief but impactful visit, Rav Kolodetsky spoke at several shuls and yeshivos, spreading chizuk, ahavas haTorah, and ahavas Yisrael to crowds of people.

The Young Israel of Oceanside marked Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut with a meaningful youth-driven program. The event began early in the evening with a focus on Yom HaZikaron, and then transitioned to a festive celebration after nightfall in honor of modern-day Israel’s 71^st birthday.

This past week, Yeshaya Kraus, LCSW, Community Engagement and Educational Manager of Shalom Task Force, attended the annual Torah Umesorah convention in Pennsylvania. Yeshaya shared that it was “a really great opportunity to meet with educators from all over the country and share how we can work together to foster healthy families and safe relationships.”