The Kew Gardens community once again continued its tradition of hosting a Legal Holiday Yarchei Kallah shiur. Following Shacharis this past Memorial Day at Kew Gardens Synagogue Adath Yeshurun, Rabbi Aryeh Sokoloff, Rabbi Emeritus of the shul, delivered an in-depth analysis of Birkas HaTorah, extending the z’man kabalas haTorah beyond the Yom Tov of Shavuos itself.
“This Yarchei Kallah series started more than 17 years ago,” remarked Aaron Cyperstein, co-president of the shul, in his introduction. Cyperstein revealed that it was Rav Sokoloff who planted the initial seed one Thanksgiving Day, even ensuring that breakfast was made available to shiur participants. The program has since evolved and successfully presented over 115 shiurim delivered by over 40 maggidei shiur to the community. “I always say this neighborhood is unbelievable. In a ten-block radius, there are so many talmidei chachamim who have been able to deliver this Yarchei Kallah over the years.”
Rabbi Sokoloff began by evoking the name of the shul’s founder, Rav Shlomo Teitelbaum zt”l, “a walking sefer Torah” who has the z’chus of his son-in-law, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Wolpin, continuing his legacy.
Rabbi and Rebbetzin Aryeh Sokoloff recently announced their departure from the close-knit frum neighborhood where they have grown so deeply attached. Together, they have devoted the past 26 years to enhancing the signature Torah atmosphere unique to Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill. In recognition of this commitment to the Queens Jewish community, the esteemed mara d’asra was presented with a beautifully written mezuzah and case prepared in Yerushalayim. The token of appreciation was chosen as a measure of hakaras ha’tov for the selfless efforts shown by the couple who led K’hal Adath Yeshurun with genuine care and concern for all. On Wednesday, June 14, the “Big Shul” will formally honor the Sokoloffs at their 84th Annual Journal Dinner.
The Yarchei Kallah was held l’ilui nishmas Reb Aaron’s father-in-law Reb Moshe Nechemia ben Reb Shlomo Zev Sukenik z”l, his father Reb Nasan Tzvi ben HaRav Avigdor Cyperstein z”l, and his mechutan Reb Meir Yaakov ben HaRav Aharon Zlotowitz z”l, who were each niftar during Sivan.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
