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Emet kicked off the summer with an unforgettable Shabbaton in Passaic, as a group of dedicated jHealth students from Queens College and Adelphi University joined staff for a memorable Shabbos experience. They were welcomed by Emet’s Campus Director Rabbi Reuven Kigel and his wife Devorah, who have been sharing the beauty of Shabbos with Emet students for over 18 years. “The summer Shabbatons are always my favorite, since they are not centered around a mandatory Fellowship program, but participants come simply because they want to experience a Shabbos with us in Passaic. It’s totally lishmah, and as a result, there is always tremendous growth for all those involved – students and staff alike,” Rabbi Kigel said.

In this week’s parshah, Parshas Balak, we read about the plot of Balak, the king of Moav, who sought to harm klal Yisrael by enlisting the services of the rasha Bil’am. Recognizing that physical warfare would be futile against the am s’gulah, Balak attempted a spiritual attack, hoping Bil’am’s curses would succeed where swords could not.

Misaskim recently hosted a moving ribbon-cutting ceremony in Lawrence celebrating the dedication of a new van that will strengthen the organization’s growing efforts in the Five Towns and Far Rockaway communities. The June 4 gathering, hosted at the home of Michael and Michelle Edery, brought together donors, volunteers, and supporters for an evening of gratitude, unity, and chesed.

Rabbi Shlomo Goldfarb, a Major in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), spent 22 months on the front lines and in Lebanon, offering spiritual support and guidance to Israeli soldiers. On Thursday, July 3, he spoke at Congregation Machane Chodosh in Forest Hills about his experiences and insights.

There are 12 Chabad-led congregations in Queens, including one at Queens College. But perhaps most significant is that Queens is also home to the Ohel, the resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. As the Jewish world marked the Rebbe’s 31^st yahrzeit on 3 Tamuz (June 29, 2025), three Queens-based Chabad rabbis reflected on his enduring legacy and how his teachings continue to guide their lives and work today.