Rabbi Ilan Meirov with Rav Shmuel Auerbach
Rabbi Ilan Meirov with Rav Shmuel Auerbach
Rabbi Ilan Meirov with Rav Shmuel Auerbach
Chazaq teens program
Chazaq teens program

By Chanita Teitz

This past Shabbos, in between the cholent and the zemiros, we spoke about the presidential elections, Trump, Obama, Hillary, and Iran. Lots to chew on for a Shabbos afternoon. We repeated a lot of things we’ve discussed before: will Hillary still get the nomination despite all her scandals; will Trump keep his lead and get the nomination; what will Israel do if the Iran deal is not overturned?

Despite all of our serious discussion, we have not answered any of our own questions, nor solved the world’s problems. At our weekly women’s shaloshseudos, we asked an even tougher question, “What can we do should the world become even more dangerous and evil than it is right now?” Most of us are thinking of what to serve at our end-of-summer barbecue, getting our kids ready for school, and menu-planning for the upcoming yamimtovim. But there are other important things taking place, some that we are aware of and others that we aren’t privy to, that we should be addressing as well.

My sister-in-law said, “All we can do, and the most important thing to do, is daven. Hashem orchestrates the world and we have to turn to him to ask that he keeps us all safe and doesn’t let the terrorists escalate their agenda.”

I added one more element. Although Hashem orchestrates everything that happens in the world, he does give us choices. To do right or wrong is one choice. He also gives us warnings before catastrophes occur, but it is up to us to recognize the warnings and act upon them. There were warning signs in Europe in the 1930s but too many people didn’t take them seriously. Those who did got out in time.

We must prepare to protect our families, we must take the word achdus to its highest level, and we must speak out against terror, anti-Semitism, and vote as a united bloc for the candidates who stand with us both here and in Israel. The Israelis have to act with strength and demand toughness from their leaders. This is a hard task seeing as how many liberal Jews are in favor of the Iran deal and how many Jews voted for Obama.

As we usher in a New Year, let us become partners with the One who orchestrates the world and daven with strength and with achdus. Daven that Hashem should not abandon us but should bring us to a new year of strength over our enemies, clarity to know right from wrong, and the coming of Mashiach to save this world from itself.

Interestingly, I just heard that there is a new movie called The War Room whose theme is the power of prayer. Is this a sign of the times that more people are turning to spirituality? I’ve heard presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson say that the reason there is so much criminal activity is because of the breakdown of family and religion. We, who have always turned to tefillah to connect us and give us strength, will continue to do so and we should be blessed with a year of health and peace.

Upcoming Events

AHH Annual Labor Day BBQ. Monday, September 7, 7:00 p.m. The “event” of the year. Avigdor’s Helping Hand has helped 180 families get back on their feet, has made 620 weddings for yesomim, and $4.4 million has been distributed to those in need. And all this has been done with no overhead! The event of the year will once again be held at the beautiful home of gracious hosts David and Bilhah Moradi, 72 Muriel Avenue in Lawrence.

An exciting evening is being planned with delicious food catered by Michael Schick, music, and an amazing auction with fantastic prizes including high-tech electronics, jewelry, paintings from the famous Huvy Gallery of Yerushalayim, sports events, and much more!

All proceeds go to a tzedakah which is based in KGH that is helping almanos and making chasunahs for yesomim all over the country. For details, call AHH at 718-568-9720 or contact ahh@Avigdorshelpinghand.org. (See also the article on this week’s cover.)

Chazaq’s Third Annual Dinner. In the words of Rabbi Ilan Meirov, founder and director of Chazaq, “Chazaq is an organization that strives to unite all segments of the Queens community by providing inspirational programs for men and women of all age groups and backgrounds using any means possible.”

“But,” Rabbi Ilan adds, “our main focus continues to be on Jewish boys and girls who attend local public schools.”

Working together with his close friends Rabbi Yitzchok Oelbaum (son of the renowned posek, Rav Noach Isaac Oelbaum, shlita) and Mr. Isaac Abraham, Esq., the trio has dedicated much time and energy raising awareness of the dire situation taking place amongst local public-school teens.

“So many precious souls are being lost every single year,” Rabbi Ilan laments. “I see with my own eyes how so many of them are getting involved with the wrong things, Rachmanahlitzlan, eventually leading to depression, crime, drugs, and even worse, believe it or not.”

“Everyone in the community must realize that it’s our collective responsibility to keep these boys and girls off the streets, bring them to a safe environment, and educate them about their illustrious heritage.”

Chazaq’s dedicated staff has worked tirelessly in making their dreams a reality thanks to the overwhelming support of community members. “But so much more must be done,” says Rabbi Ilan’s younger brother Yaniv, “because we are only reaching a small percentage of the teenagers that are in need of our guidance.”

The Chazaq staff is now preparing for its third annual dinner scheduled for Wednesday evening September 9 at Terrace on the Park, honoring influential figures in the community: Rabbi and Mrs. Yitzchok Oelbaum, Mr. and Mrs. Manny Behar, Mr. and Mrs. Simcha Musheyev, Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Hisiger, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gurgov, and Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Sdaeb.

This year’s dinner will include the celebration of a new seferTorah dedication to the community sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Lev Zavlano. He and his friends recently went to EretzYisrael with Rabbi Meirov and had numerous gedoleiYisrael writing the final letters, including Rav Shmuel Auerbach, shlita, Rav Shalom Cohen, shlita, and both chief rabbis of Israel, amongst others.

Yaniv concludes that Chazaq is an organization that relies on the community’s support and that this year’s dinner is once again vital in helping them continue their tremendous work in the community. “Together we can make a big difference and build a stronger future!” he says with enthusiasm. v

Chanita Teitz is a real-estate broker at Astor Brokerage in Kew Gardens Hills, serving the entire Queens vicinity. For all your real-estate needs, call her at 718-263-4500 or e-mail chanita@astorbrokerage.com.

 

News From The Hills

By Chanita Teitz

This past Shabbos, in between the cholent and the zemiros, we spoke about the presidential elections, Trump, Obama, Hillary, and Iran. Lots to chew on for a Shabbos afternoon. We repeated a lot of things we’ve discussed before: will Hillary still get the nomination despite all her scandals; will Trump keep his lead and get the nomination; what will Israel do if the Iran deal is not overturned?

Despite all of our serious discussion, we have not answered any of our own questions, nor solved the world’s problems. At our weekly women’s shaloshseudos, we asked an even tougher question, “What can we do should the world become even more dangerous and evil than it is right now?” Most of us are thinking of what to serve at our end-of-summer barbecue, getting our kids ready for school, and menu-planning for the upcoming yamimtovim. But there are other important things taking place, some that we are aware of and others that we aren’t privy to, that we should be addressing as well.

My sister-in-law said, “All we can do, and the most important thing to do, is daven. Hashem orchestrates the world and we have to turn to him to ask that he keeps us all safe and doesn’t let the terrorists escalate their agenda.”

I added one more element. Although Hashem orchestrates everything that happens in the world, he does give us choices. To do right or wrong is one choice. He also gives us warnings before catastrophes occur, but it is up to us to recognize the warnings and act upon them. There were warning signs in Europe in the 1930s but too many people didn’t take them seriously. Those who did got out in time.

We must prepare to protect our families, we must take the word achdus to its highest level, and we must speak out against terror, anti-Semitism, and vote as a united bloc for the candidates who stand with us both here and in Israel. The Israelis have to act with strength and demand toughness from their leaders. This is a hard task seeing as how many liberal Jews are in favor of the Iran deal and how many Jews voted for Obama.

As we usher in a New Year, let us become partners with the One who orchestrates the world and daven with strength and with achdus. Daven that Hashem should not abandon us but should bring us to a new year of strength over our enemies, clarity to know right from wrong, and the coming of Mashiach to save this world from itself.

Interestingly, I just heard that there is a new movie called The War Room whose theme is the power of prayer. Is this a sign of the times that more people are turning to spirituality? I’ve heard presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson say that the reason there is so much criminal activity is because of the breakdown of family and religion. We, who have always turned to tefillah to connect us and give us strength, will continue to do so and we should be blessed with a year of health and peace.

Upcoming Events

AHH Annual Labor Day BBQ. Monday, September 7, 7:00 p.m. The “event” of the year. Avigdor’s Helping Hand has helped 180 families get back on their feet, has made 620 weddings for yesomim, and $4.4 million has been distributed to those in need. And all this has been done with no overhead! The event of the year will once again be held at the beautiful home of gracious hosts David and Bilhah Moradi, 72 Muriel Avenue in Lawrence.

An exciting evening is being planned with delicious food catered by Michael Schick, music, and an amazing auction with fantastic prizes including high-tech electronics, jewelry, paintings from the famous Huvy Gallery of Yerushalayim, sports events, and much more!

All proceeds go to a tzedakah which is based in KGH that is helping almanos and making chasunahs for yesomim all over the country. For details, call AHH at 718-568-9720 or contact ahh@Avigdorshelpinghand.org. (See also the article on this week’s cover.)

Chazaq’s Third Annual Dinner. In the words of Rabbi Ilan Meirov, founder and director of Chazaq, “Chazaq is an organization that strives to unite all segments of the Queens community by providing inspirational programs for men and women of all age groups and backgrounds using any means possible.”

“But,” Rabbi Ilan adds, “our main focus continues to be on Jewish boys and girls who attend local public schools.”

Working together with his close friends Rabbi Yitzchok Oelbaum (son of the renowned posek, Rav Noach Isaac Oelbaum, shlita) and Mr. Isaac Abraham, Esq., the trio has dedicated much time and energy raising awareness of the dire situation taking place amongst local public-school teens.

“So many precious souls are being lost every single year,” Rabbi Ilan laments. “I see with my own eyes how so many of them are getting involved with the wrong things, Rachmanahlitzlan, eventually leading to depression, crime, drugs, and even worse, believe it or not.”

“Everyone in the community must realize that it’s our collective responsibility to keep these boys and girls off the streets, bring them to a safe environment, and educate them about their illustrious heritage.”

Chazaq’s dedicated staff has worked tirelessly in making their dreams a reality thanks to the overwhelming support of community members. “But so much more must be done,” says Rabbi Ilan’s younger brother Yaniv, “because we are only reaching a small percentage of the teenagers that are in need of our guidance.”

The Chazaq staff is now preparing for its third annual dinner scheduled for Wednesday evening September 9 at Terrace on the Park, honoring influential figures in the community: Rabbi and Mrs. Yitzchok Oelbaum, Mr. and Mrs. Manny Behar, Mr. and Mrs. Simcha Musheyev, Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Hisiger, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gurgov, and Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Sdaeb.

This year’s dinner will include the celebration of a new seferTorah dedication to the community sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Lev Zavlano. He and his friends recently went to EretzYisrael with Rabbi Meirov and had numerous gedoleiYisrael writing the final letters, including Rav Shmuel Auerbach, shlita, Rav Shalom Cohen, shlita, and both chief rabbis of Israel, amongst others.

Yaniv concludes that Chazaq is an organization that relies on the community’s support and that this year’s dinner is once again vital in helping them continue their tremendous work in the community. “Together we can make a big difference and build a stronger future!” he says with enthusiasm. v

Chanita Teitz is a real-estate broker at Astor Brokerage in Kew Gardens Hills, serving the entire Queens vicinity. For all your real-estate needs, call her at 718-263-4500 or e-mail chanita@astorbrokerage.com.

 

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