R’ Daniel Mechanic speaking for Chazaq

By Chanita Teitz

The momentum for the presidential-election campaign is building. Now that we had some solid voting in the Iowa caucuses, we can see who the real contenders are, even though things could change in the other states’ primaries. Marco Rubio made a solid place for himself while Donald Trump lost to Ted Cruz–and “The Donald” never loses. I still have not made up my mind about whom I prefer for president, but I do know who I don’t want. Any of the Republican candidates seem focused on rebuilding our nation and restoring our government.

The most important issue to me when deciding whom I want for the Republican nominee is who will be best for the Jews and for Israel. The most pressing issue we face is safety and security and destroying Islamic terror. This affects us here and also affects the entire world. Every country faces the threat of terrorism, and no country more than Israel. Every person is vulnerable to attack anywhere, and nowhere more than in Israel.

In the past two weeks, four Israeli women were stabbed, and two of them died. While other attacks were prevented, on Shabbos afternoon a 17-year-old boy was stabbed after daveningMinchah at the Kotel.

We need to try our best to determine who is a real friend of Israel. We have to see beyond campaign promises and rhetoric to find the sincerity in the candidates.

I don’t put my full trust in anyone. I hope we choose the best person for the position, but our trust is in Hashem to send us the right person, give him strength and common sense, and keep him focused on the right path.

Past Events

R’ Daniel Mechanic speaking for Chazaq
R’ Daniel Mechanic speaking for Chazaq

Chazaq Event with R’ Daniel Mechanic on “The Ultimate Problem”

By Leon Alper

The world-acclaimed speaker and kiruv activist, Rabbi Daniel Mechanic, whose speeches have moved thousands in the direction of Torah observance and self-improvement, gave yet another lecture at the Beth Gavriel Center in Forest Hills.

Starting off the 2016 year on the right foot, Chazaq presented refreshments for the lecture and gathered a diverse crowd for Rabbi Mechanic, whose viewers number in the thousands. For his varied audience, Rabbi Mechanic shared an important and universal lesson, directed at the parents especially.

He introduced the topic by recounting a wish of Rabbi Noach Weinberg to trigger a mass kiruv program for young people with the help of trained yeshiva bachurim (one of whom was Rabbi Mechanic). One of the greatest endeavors undertaken in this mission was the Q&A seminar presented several thousand times throughout the young Jewish populations of the United States and Canada. This has been going on for over 20 years, and Rabbi Mechanic sought to bring to light a realization he has made through his multitude of experiences. While the vast majority of Jewish high-school students have been raised to be respectful and distinguished individuals, the majority also don’t have a clear understanding of the reasons for staying a religious Jew.

He recounted the difficulties with the modern generation regarding their stances on belief in the truth of the Torah and its applications to our everyday lives. Despite all the mentoring and inspirations, so many were unable to provide an adequate answer to the basic “why” of what we believe and do.

The reason for this unfortunate fact is the increasing power of society’s allure to disregarding the teachings of the Torah. As Rabbi Mechanic put it, “Today’s yetzerha’ra (evil inclination) is armed with nuclear weapons 24/7!” He elaborated that these weapons are the prevalent usages of the internet, television, and videos in the modern age, which intrude upon the lives of so many and create so much strife in the spiritual lives of the younger generation. This problem is the leading factor behind the too-common assimilation occurring in the last several years.

In response to this statement, Rabbi Mechanic brought down the three most important foundations when it comes to bringing up Jews who love Torah and mitzvos. First, the knowledge that the Torah is truth. Second, that it is a “living” entity that should be the guidebook that leads our lives, and, finally, that we are part of a whole; that Am Yisrael not only holds us together, but should shape who we are and what we do.

To successfully transmit the truth of the first foundation, Rabbi Mechanic emphasized the need for complete confidence in one’s beliefs. This led to a concise elaboration of the proofs of Judaism, showcasing the epitome of confidence in the transmittance of the knowledge that Torah is truth.

In order to teach the second foundation, parents and teachers must learn to become salespeople instead of policemen. To illustrate his point, Rabbi Mechanic recounted an experience in which a high-school student mournfully admitted to having violated Shabbos, and how he kindly led the student to fix the problem without ever offering strong rebuke. The student thanked him for the advice many years later. Instead of angrily denouncing the young adult’s actions, he offered another avenue, also outlining the pros and cons of the right and wrong road. He summed this up: “It’s not about being right, it’s about being effective.” To further accentuate this lesson, Rabbi Mechanic emphasized the importance of keeping the relationship between parents and children pure and honest.

For the third and final foundation, teens and children must know their history as Jews. Vital events, such as the Holocaust, are worthy of critical thinking.

Rabbi Mechanic gave several routes of action to minimize the dangers of the internet in our homes. While the internet is a necessary evil, we must strive to curtail its effects and instill in our children the above three foundations that will lead them to full and happy lives as observant Jews.

For more information about upcoming Chazaq events and programs, call 718-285-9132 or visit www.Chazaq.org.

Upcoming Events

Kosher Chef Presents a Shidduch and Shadchan Weekend in Kew Gardens Hills. Friday, February 5, after 12:30 p.m.—motzaei Shabbos, February 6, 11:30 p.m. Meet great shadchanim and great singles. This event is for all yeshivish Orthodox and Modern Orthodox singles ages 20 and up. Separate groups for different age groups. Bachurim and girls from high-level yeshivos are encouraged to attend. Bring at least six printed copies of your complete shidduch profile, along with photos and references.

For more information or to register, visit https://ShidduchAndShadchan.EventBrite.com or call 845-397-7271.

Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe Raffle and Chinese Auction.February 6. At Shaare Tova 82-33 Lefferts Blvd. in Kew Gardens. Buy tickets at ytmraffle.org. 1 ticket: $50; 4 tickets: $180. Amazing prizes featured at the Chinese mini-auction. $500 to ArtScroll, $500 to Seasons, $500 restaurant package, iPad Air2 64 GB, two round-trip tickets to Florida/four one-day Disney Park Hoppers, L’Chaim Package, and more. For more information or to order tickets by phone, please call Rabbi Schauder at 718-846-7300, ext. 115.

Navigating the Medical System: Transplants with Project Renewal. Zalman Suldan MD, donor nephrologist at Hackensack University Hospital Center, and Rabbi Joshua Sturm will discuss kidney disease, how it can become bad enough to require dialysis or a transplant, how to avoid it or put it off, other possible transplantable organs, and how you can become a donor. Cong. Etz Chaim 147-19 73 Rd. in KGH, Tuesday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Councilman Rory Lancman, Margaret Tietz Rehabilitation Center, and NYPQ. More information, e-mail meletzchaim@gmail.com.

Congregation Etz Chaim Shiur Ha’chodesh for Women by Women. A monthly program of advanced shiurim on Wednesday evenings. February 10, 7:45 p.m. At Congregation Etz Chaim, 147-19 73 Avenue in Kew Gardens Hills. Dr. Michelle Levine Israel on “Trial: The Poetic Testimony of the Song of Ha’azinu.” Suggested donation: $5. For further information, contact Hadassah Waxman, hwaxman@earthlink.net, 718-261-0766.

N’Shei Ohr Moshe Melaveh Malka Comedy Night. As a special exception to past practice, this milchigmelavehmalkah is open to both men and women and will feature award-winning comedian Lew Gray in “Don’t Worry, I’ll Ride in the Trunk!” MotzaeiShabbos,February 13, 8:30 p.m. Congregation Ohr Moshe, 170-16 73rd Avenue in Hillcrest. RSVP: NsheiOhrMoshe@gmail.com. Admission: $40 in advance, $50 after February 9 and at the door.

Mother—Daughter Writing Class with Mrs. Susie Garber. Come enjoy bonding time with your daughter while bringing out your creative-writing talent. All ages of mothers and daughters are welcome. Other female relatives welcome too. The class will meet, iy’H, four winter Sunday mornings in Kew Gardens Hills, 10:00—11:00 a.m. Bring imagination and a writer’s notebook. Starting date February 14. Call Susie Garber for more information at 917-696-2433 or e-mail garbersusie@gmail.com.

Yeshiva Education for Special Students 24th annual dinner.February 28, 5:00 p.m. at Temple Sholom in Roslyn Heights, NY. Kesser Shem Tov Award: Dr. Ari and Alyson Walfish; Parents of the Year: Eliahou and Rachel Kriheli; Ahavas Chesed Award: Jacob and Esther Gutnicki. Establishment of Scholarship Fund in memory of Abe and Ruth Naymark, ob’m. For more information and reservations, call 718-268-5976, fax 718-268-2933, e-mail yessyeshiva@gmail.com, or visit www.yessyeshiva.org.

Condolences . . .

To Mrs. Rachel Frank and family on the petirah of her husband, Mr. Irving Frank.

HaMakom yenachem eschem b’soch sh’ar aveilei Tzion v’Yerushalayim. 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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