Shabsie Saphirstein

This past Sunday afternoon, December 25, I attended the Beth Gavriel Chanukah Carnival at the behest of the organizers as part of the QBSP-Shmira detail. The main sanctuary had been converted into a makeshift gymnasium for the children to enjoy entertainment and food delights. Originally planned as a street fair, questionable weather conditions convinced the shul to host the event indoors.

Congregation Etz Chaim of Kew Gardens Hills recently celebrated its 38th anniversary dinner, an annual journal event. Rabbi Moshe Rosenberg, mara d’asra, and his rebbetzin, Mrs. Dina Rosenberg, were recognized as Guests of Honor for their 28 years of service to Queens, at the lavish program held at the Young Israel of Hillcrest.

The Queens and Great Neck communities are privileged to have a plethora of organizations aimed at providing vital resources and services to the Jewish neighborhoods in their midst. I have the honor of being a volunteer in some of these communal institutions, but none compare to the self-sacrifice of the Hatzolah of Queens and Great Neck volunteers. Honestly, the volunteer who jumps out of bed, or leaves his office desk or family table, to run to save another Yid’s life in a split second’s notice could not compare to any of the services I provided, no matter how righteous they may appear.

Latkes for sale, meatballs instead of sausage - these were just some of the differences on Sunday evening December 4, when Madison Square Garden became the scene of Jewish pride. A portion of Maccabeats beautifully sang the national anthem, Star-Spangled Banner, in a marvelous fashion making Jewish Heritage Night a great success. The hometown Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 92 to 81.

This past Sunday, Cunningham Park was the site of the fourth annual Light Up The Night Community Chanukah Celebration, another smashing success. Launched four years ago by Rabbi Shmuel Kogan, Director of Ganeinu Academy and Bukharian Chai Center, the event continues to positively highlight the Jewish communities of Hillcrest, Holliswood, Hollis Hills, Fresh Meadows, and Jamaica Estates. Rabbi Kogan desired to create an annual event that brings together the over twelve shuls in the Jamaica Estates and surrounding areas for Chanukah.

Chanukah was the focus of a poignant story delivered by R' Simcha Loiterman at Chevra Bais Dovid D'Lantzut of Kew Gardens Hills, under the leadership of Rav Naftoli Rubin. Mispalelim and their sons participated in their shul's Motzaei Shabbos avos u'banim program. Some boys even came on their own to learn in a group while their fathers attended their yeshivah dinner.