News

Professional purpose met spiritual growth when Emet’s jHealth and jBiz programs each hosted its own Shabbaton on two consecutive weekends. Held in Clifton, New Jersey, the jHealth Shabbaton brought together 30 students from Queens College, Adelphi University, and NYIT, along with a cross-campus cohort that meets at the Emet Center. The jBiz Shabbaton welcomed 15 Baruch College students to the Passaic home of Rabbi Reuven and Mrs. Devorah Kigel.

Main Street felt especially vibrant this past Sunday, Mother’s Day, May 10, as many members of the community converged on Gift World Judaica to celebrate the release of Mrs. Susie Garber’s latest novel, The Blizzard. The event was less a formal signing and more a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, bridging the gap between our neighborhood’s modern bustle and the frozen landscapes of the late 19^th century.

For many in Kew Gardens Hills, Albany can feel far removed from the daily concerns of Queens families, yeshivah parents, and local community leaders. But earlier this month, community activist Sam Verstandig helped close that gap by bringing a delegation of local residents—including community members Daniel Winchester and Moishe Rechester—directly into the halls where New York State policy is shaped. Verstandig, a member of the JCRC-NY Blumberg Fellowship 2026 Cohort, organized an advocacy trip to Albany in coordination with Agudath Israel of America as part of his fellowship’s community leadership initiative. The goal was straightforward: give everyday community members the opportunity to witness government in action and engage directly with lawmakers on issues affecting the Orthodox Jewish community.

A meaningful Mother’s Day celebration brought together family, friends, activists, and elected officials at the Young Israel of Forest Hills for the bris of David Berel Ha’Kohen Goldman, the b’chor of Henry and Maxine Goldman.

Activists Dr. Paul & Drora Brody of Great Neck, Long Island, had the privilege of hosting Brigadier General (Res.) Amir Avivi on Motza’ei Shabbos, May 2, at their home for a sumptuous Melaveh Malkah.

Kew Gardens Hills was jumping with energy this past Lag BaOmer as much of the neighborhood packed into the 147th Street dead end for Hashevaynu’s annual Hilula to Rashbi. It was a beautiful simchah that brought all walks of the community together to share in the electric spirit of the day.