Shabsie Saphirstein

As Shavuos concluded, the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills continued its tradition of presenting a critical discussion to the community. This year, the Dr. Simon Lopata Shavuos Forum delved into the changing demographics in Queens. A gathering of men and women spanning various ages and hashkafic backgrounds listened in as Rabbi Yaniv Meirov, CEO of Chazaq; Adam Suionov, Jewish liaison to Council Member James Gennaro; and Jennifer Martin of the Queens Civic Association each gave their assessment of Queens today. Each of the presenters is affiliated or has been a member of an array of other noteworthy credentials, making them knowledgeable of the neighborhoods we call home today.

Spirituality, warmth, Torah, t’filah, and family filled the atmosphere of Hashevaynu in Kew Gardens Hills, this past Wednesday evening, for a special Lag BaOmer farbrengen. The event featured the heartfelt music of Zalman Pollack, with music lighting, and the included photos supplied by Michel Krohn. The energy was electric as the beautiful sounds of music reverberated throughout the neighborhood. Amongst the crowd were the mara d’asra Rabbi Yehuda Zakutinsky and his son Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky, a maggid shiur at the shul.

The sun shined bright upon Kew Gardens Hills on the morning of the second day of Shavuos, Monday, June 6, the perfect setting for a one-of-a-kind hachnasas sefer Torah dedication. As I opened my house door shortly after 8 a.m., I was greeted by friends and family of Chaim Shimon (Michael) and Tziporah Rachel (Shari) Vatch, joining in a festive Torah procession to Khal Degel Israel. A typical Torah procession often includes a lavish music truck and torches held by children. But the scene on my block was pure hartzig singing, apropos for a Yom Tov that embraces the essence of accepting Torah as our own.

National Police Week occurs every May, and is observed at the National Law Enforcement Police Memorial, located at Judiciary Square, Washington, D.C. This year, National Police Week was observed from May 11–17. The National Law Enforcement Museum and associated organizations held ceremonies, including the 34^th Annual Candlelight Vigil, to honor the fallen officers whose names have recently been added to the memorial.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has long had a warm relationship with the Jewish community. The mayor marched in the Celebrate Israel Parade earlier this month and celebrated the end of Jewish Heritage Month with a community reception at Gracie Mansion attracting over 700 guests on May 24.

Residents of Kew Gardens Hills can breathe a sigh of relief following an ordeal that has left the community in high tension since late-February/early-March of this year.