Energetic families and friends of the broader Queens Jewish community joined the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills and its newly-installed rav and rebbetzin on Thursday evening, October 13, for a joyful simchas beis hashoeva held in the shul’s simchah hall due to inclement weather. The festivities included activities and inspiration for the children, as well as a scrumptious Chinese buffet dinner for all. Upbeat, lively energy was provided by Shaya Lloyd, a local resident and prodigy of the kehillah. (Lloyd is available to enhance the spirit and style of your simchah with the full package as a keyboardist, deejay, and singer/chazzan.)
“When it rains on Sukkos, it is a simon klal; a bad omen,” related Rabbi Daniel Rosenfelt in the name of the Chasam Sofer. “However, this is only when we have the attitude that we do not have to eat, or sleep in a sukkah, and express an iota of relief that we are exempt from performing mitzvos in the outdoor dwelling.” The mara d’asra then added, “Yet, it is a simon brachah if our outlook and mannerisms are of being sad and upset, even being physically disturbed that we are unable to do the mitzvos of Sukkos properly.”
As the attendees listened, they took this unique perspective to heighten the significance of eating and doing arts and crafts in the shul’s ballroom as the downpour continued outside.
The YIKGH informs the community of an Adults Night Out being held at their facility on Motzaei Shabbos, November 5. The shul will be hosting a wonderful evening including a lavish dairy dinner spread catered by Elite Café, and a memorable performance by one of New York’s premier mentalists, David Rosenfeld. Preparations are in full swing for what is set to be an awesome show. Reservations are required by Sunday, October 30: $50 for members, $60 for others. Register and pay via Zelle with Eliana at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
By Shabsie Saphirstein