Kevod Shabbos is central for Rav Dovid Z. Sheinfeld, mara d’asra of Khal Degel Israel of Kew Gardens Hills. As a youngster, I recall the Rav hosting onegs that filled his Shabbos table with children’s laughter and smiles, as well as inquisitive Torah thoughts. While such programs continue today, the Rav now opens both his home and the beis midrash to those eager to learn on a Friday evening after the seudah.
The taste of Shabbos continues at each t’filah, at shalosh seudos, and in the winter months on Motza’ei Shabbos for Avos U’Banim programming. This year, the initiative launched on Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Chayei Sarah and has progressed beautifully week after week. Elementary-aged boys join their fathers and grandfathers for one-on-one learning suited to their age level. On one table, a father might be helping his son with alef-beis, Mishnayos on the next, and Chumash, Navi, and Gemara study sessions fill the rest, giving a kol Torah befitting of the Shechinah. For any abba or zeide, learning with his son or grandson is a dream fulfilled tenfold. This past weekend, Rav Sheinfeld had a special treat: His own grandchildren were able to participate, thanks to a visit from Rabbi and Mrs. Shaul Sheinfeld of Lakewood. A special yasher koach is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Yosef (Jeremy) Lieberman and Rabbi and Mrs. Aryeh Rabinowitz, who devote themselves to ensuring each week’s hour-long program is fresh and exciting for the talmidim, with inspirational stories of mitzvos, chesed, or tzadikim, raffles, and delicious pizza.
Avos U’Banim continues each Motza’ei Shabbos in the shul’s lower beis midrash, 144-02 68th Drive (enter from Main Street).
By Shabsie Saphirstein
Photo Credit: Dovid Stahler
