“I don’t know why I’m here. I’m just a person who helped a little bit wherever I could.”
Those were Shimi Pelman’s opening words as he accepted an award near the conclusion of Agudath Israel of America’s Queens and Long Island Legislative Leadership Reception on Monday evening, October 19. The longtime president of Tomchei Shabbos of Queens and Democratic district leader had spent the evening listening to tributes from rabbanim, elected officials, and friends who had witnessed his more than four decades of service to the Queens Jewish community.
His response began with an amusing recollection of how he became president of Tomchei Shabbos. In 1984, the organization’s board held a meeting that he happened to miss. As the only absent board member, he was unanimously elected president. More than four decades later, he still holds that position, helping Jewish families facing financial hardship welcome Shabbos and Yom Tov with dignity. Pelman considers his involvement with Tomchei Shabbos one of the great blessings of his life.
His introduction to communal service began much earlier. Pelman recalled attending a shul in Harlem in 1952, where he became acquainted with Joseph (Yossel) Friedenson, founding editor of Agudath Israel’s Yiddish-language publication, Dos Yiddishe Vort. He also remembered the influence of his relative, Rabbi Chaskel Besser, who helped inspire his involvement in communal affairs. Those early influences eventually led to decades of work with Agudath Israel, including visits to Albany to advocate for Jewish education and other concerns.
Earlier in the program, Rav Doniel Lander, Rosh HaYeshivah of Yeshivas Ohr HaChaim, spoke warmly about his friendship with Pelman, which extends back more than four decades. The two have been next-door neighbors for nearly 40 years. The Rosh HaYeshivah fondly recalled walking home from shul on Friday evenings with Pelman, Pelman’s father-in-law, and his own father. Over the years, he had watched Shimi and Dina assist struggling families, support Torah institutions, and use their relationships to help others.
Opening the reception, Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Agudath Israel’s Director of New York Government Relations, discussed the organization’s longstanding advocacy for religious liberty and nonpublic education. Recalling the late Rabbi Moshe Sherer’s efforts to secure federal assistance for religious schools, he welcomed Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent decision to bring New York into the federal scholarship tax credit program beginning in 2027.
Under proposed IRS regulations, individuals may receive a nonrefundable federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for qualifying contributions to scholarship-granting organizations, while married couples filing jointly may qualify for a combined $3,400 when each spouse makes an eligible contribution. Rather than reimbursing parents for tuition, the program encourages donations to organizations providing scholarships for eligible students, including those attending religious schools. The credit’s value depends on the taxpayer’s federal tax liability, while the program’s broader impact will depend on implementation and participation.
Rabbi Silber also recognized the recent promotion of Rabbi Ephraim Gurell to Associate Director of New York Government Relations, publicly announced on October 12. A Queens native, Rabbi Gurell joined Agudath Israel three years ago and has worked on legislative advocacy, community engagement, and voter participation initiatives. Rabbi Gurell, who guided much of the program, credited Rabbi Silber’s mentorship and his years at Yeshivas Ohr HaChaim, where he learned for more than a decade and received semichah.
Queens Jewish Alliance Chairperson Sorolle Idels introduced Congress Member Grace Meng, praising her longstanding friendship with the community, her assistance in securing more than $1 million in security funding for local institutions, and her participation in food distributions with Tomchei Shabbos and Met Council.
Meng recalled encountering Rabbi Silber and Pelman advocating outside legislative offices in Albany during her years in the State Assembly. She discussed her Jewish American Security Act, efforts to increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and the Pray Safe Act, intended to make federal security assistance more accessible.
Still recovering from ACL surgery, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz made a point of attending. It was her first public appearance since the operation.
Having known Pelman for more than three decades, Katz spoke affectionately about his work with Community Board 8, Tomchei Shabbos, and the Queens Jewish Community Council. She recalled his frequent calls whenever a neighborhood concern required attention and wondered where he finds the energy.
Agudath Israel Executive Board Member Chaskel Bennett, introduced by his sister, Sorolle Idels, delivered an impassioned address. Bennett challenged the audience to reject three words he believes have become dangerously common: “Not my problem.”
Referencing the September 30 Flydubai incident, Bennett asked what might have happened had those aboard decided the emergency was someone else’s responsibility. “You don’t have to do everything, but you have to do something.”
With Election Day approaching, Bennett urged greater participation in the political process, emphasizing that every eligible voter can influence decisions affecting Jewish education, religious freedoms, and communal security. Bennett then turned to Pelman.
Growing up in Kew Gardens Hills, Bennett remembered packing and delivering Tomchei Shabbos boxes from Jack Schmidt’s driveway. He recalled Pelman’s 42 years of service on Community Board 8, his work with the Queens Jewish Community Council, and his relationships with elected officials, including the late Assembly Member Michael Simanowitz. “Having a seat at the table means very little unless you use it to advocate for those who aren’t in the room,” Bennett declared.
Pelman’s decades of service were also recognized with proclamations from the New York State Senate, Assembly, and New York City Council. State Senators Joseph P. Addabbo, Toby Ann Stavisky and Leroy Comrie participated in presenting Senate recognition. Assembly Member Sam Berger recalled seeking Pelman’s advice before running for office and being reminded that the community’s needs must always come first.
Assembly Member David Weprin spoke about Pelman’s work behind the scenes, while Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, who traveled from the Rockaways, expressed appreciation for his friendship and service throughout the borough. Other officials welcomed included Assembly Members Nily Rozic and Kalman Yeger; Council Members Jim Gennaro, Sandra Ung, and Linda Lee; Queens Civil Court Judge Evelyn Gong; former elected officials Barry Grodenchik and Daniel Rosenthal; and New Jersey Assembly Member Avi Schnall, Agudath Israel’s Chief Operating Officer. Several district leaders and representatives of other government offices also attended.
Rabbi Gurell acknowledged the communal organizations and educational institutions represented, including Hatzalah of Queens and Great Neck, Chaverim, Queens Shmira, Bikur Cholim of Queens, Tomchei Shabbos, the Queens Jewish Community Council, Chazaq, and numerous yeshivos.
In his acceptance remarks, Pelman credited his parents, wife Dina, children, and fellow volunteers for their encouragement and assistance. He expressed particular appreciation for those who have worked beside him at Tomchei Shabbos over the years. He also recalled accompanying Agudath Israel representatives to Albany and, with characteristic humor, remembered receiving a front-row seat at a Siyum HaShas, expressing hope that the privilege might be repeated.
Pelman had promised a short speech, and he kept his word. “I’m just one person,” he told the gathering. “And if we want to do something strong, we need to do it together.”
By Shabsie Saphirstein
