Photos by Saul Joseph  of Universe Promotions

Summer is officially here, which means schools are closed and the kids are home, getting ready to go to summer camp. In the interim, plenty of families are looking for ways to entertain their kids. So Chazaq, in conjunction with Councilman James F. Gennaro, the Queens Jewish Community Council (QJCC), Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI), and NYC Cultural Events organized a free children’s Jewish cultural carnival at Yeshiva Central Queens this past Sunday, June 26, open to the entire community.

Summer got off to a spiritual and scenic start, when Emet’s Higher Level Men’s Division hosted a four-day retreat in Upstate New York. A sprawling, private lodge in Hancock became the weekend home for a group of students who have advanced in their Torah learning. They were joined by a dynamic Emet team of Rabbi Michael Fuzaylov, Rabbi Ari Hertz, and Rabbi Yakov Musheyev. The plan was to engage everyone with an array of invigorating activities, inspiring learning, and countless opportunities for bonding and fun.