On Tzom Gedalia, The Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) held a powerful and poignant commemoration ahead of the second anniversary of October 7th.
The Junior High School gathered for a special tekes and kumzitz in the shul. Rabbi Landsman opened the assembly by sharing his personal, firsthand experience of being in Israel on October 7, 2023. With the lights dimmed and surrounded by the glow of yahrzeit candles, students then sat in circles to reflect and daven together.
The ceremony centered on tributes to three fallen soldiers. Sophia Rakhminov (Grade 6) spoke about Omer Neutra, H”YD, a lone soldier from Plainview, NY. Aaron Chacham (Grade 7) introduced a touching video tribute to Ari Zenilman, H”YD, a brilliant father of three. Lastly, Shalom Peled (Grade 8) presented a clip about Rabbi Avi Goldberg, H”YD, an educator and father of eight. The assembly concluded with an unforgettable message from Rabbi Goldberg’s son, who recalled his mother’s powerful directive to her children: “choose life.”
Interspersed between these moving segments, students sang their hearts out, their voices joining in unified renditions of songs and tefilos like “Acheinu” and the Mi Sheberach for the IDF. The entire event was deeply moving and left a lasting impression on all who participated, turning a day of tragedy into a moment of unity.
Thank you to Morah This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Director of K-8 Judaic Studies, for organizing and to Rabbi Ophie Nat for leading the singing.