By Chanita Teitz

Last night, my husband came home and finally admitted that it is cold outside. Akiva doesn’t put on a coat until the temperature dips to freezing. I was cold in Israel when the evenings cooled off, probably into the 50s. There I was wrapped in a shawl wishing that I had brought a jacket.

We’ve been having an idyllic weather in the 60s until it suddenly dipped into the 40s; time to get out the winter coats. But isn’t it interesting that when the temperatures will be in the teens and 20s, a sudden rise to the 40s will feel like a heat wave? I won’t even bother to put on a coat to go down Main Street from my office to get a cup of coffee, while now I hug the coat tight to keep warm.

Trump and his team are warming up, too, in preparation for his inauguration. He spoke recently about his goals for his first hundred days and he is speaking to a variety of top people for his cabinet positions. Of course nothing goes smoothly, and as appointments are made and other rumors about potential appointments circulate, there have been objections to some of his choices. We will just have to wait and see.

Keep warm and have a Happy Thanksgiving and a Good Shabbos.

 

Past Events

BYQ Open House
BYQ Open House
BYQ Open House
BYQ Open House

yi-of-je-uganda-rabbi-speechBYQ Open House–an Exceptional Experience! Bais Yaakov of Queens welcomed a full house of parents who came to experience the daily learning and warmth at the annual Open House. Rabbi Mordechai Gewirtz, dean, welcomed the parents: “We invite you into our ‘home’ so you can gain a glimpse of our daily nachas. We want to share with you, so you can actually feel what our girls experience.” Many prospective parents took advantage of the day to meet the hanhallah, take a tour of the classes, and be a part of the school in action! Current parents took the opportunity to visit and share their daughters’ learning experiences as they sat in on classes.

New parents were welcomed by parent volunteers and ushered into the multipurpose room to meet the hanhallah. Rabbi Mordechai Gewirtz welcomed the overwhelming crowd. As Rabbi Gewirtz, principals Mrs. Nechama Jurkowitz and Mrs. Sarah Bergman, assistant principal Mrs. Karen Reisbaum, and preschool director Mrs. Esther Kirschbaum expressed their thoughts on BYQ’s exceptional experience, parents viewed the school in action. Mrs. Devorah Hoch, a mother of Bais Yaakov of Queens students, offered her heartfelt view of the school. Having attended the school herself, following her mother’s footsteps, she described the depth of care, love, and individualized attention each student receives. Before the gathering closed, one of the seventh-grade students addressed the crowd and spoke about her love for her school, teachers, and administration.

Following a brief question-and-answer period, parents were treated to an hour-long tour of the entire school. As guests weaved in and out of classrooms, it was evident that the BYQ girls are comfortable with visitors. “Our girls share their classrooms with many groups of teachers-in-training who want to learn from the best,” said Rabbi Gewirtz, “and what better way for parents to choose a school than to experience what our girls experience. You can see the excitement in the class and the genuine warmth between students and teachers. We are an exceptional experience!”

Shevach Launches Alumnae Series Dedicated in Memory of Mrs. Elki Rosenfeld. Shevach High School launched its Alumnae Series of Shiurim on Monday, November 21, with a shiur given by Mrs. Miriam Krohn, associate principal of Shevach High School and staff member of many decades. She drew alumnae from as far as 25 years back and as recent as last year’s graduates.

In her inimitable style of serious and light interwoven with real lessons, she did not disappoint. The shiur was based on the Michtav M’Eliyahu, on the topic of givers and takers. The class was taught from the original text, and “students” were able to experience the classroom once again. The discussion was clear, relevant, and inspirational.

The message was that most people need to be takers in order to achieve a balanced world, but that taking should not be their priority. A person should try to be a giver as much as possible. Giving can take the form of something tangible but at the same time it can be the intangible, like time, compassion, and a listening ear.

The Alumnae Series of Shiurim is dedicated in memory of Ms. Elki Rosenfeld, former teacher and principal of Shevach High School. Many attendees came in her memory and remember her still as a master mechaneches and warm mentor of theirs. She passed away two months ago and is missed by all who knew her.

The next shiur will take place on December 7. Mrs. Krohn will give that one and one more after that, in January. The hope is that those will be equally well attended and that the shiurim will continue to serve the Shevach alumnae and the Queens community on a regular basis. All classes will be held at Shevach High School in Flushing.

Chief Rabbi of Uganda at YI of Jamaica Estates. Submitted by Devorah Biderman Gross. It was a huge honor to have the chief rabbi of Uganda come speak at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates on Sunday evening. I have been to the Jewish community of Abayudaya in Uganda, Africa, twice now and I have created a personal connection with them. What started out as a mission to provide free dental care to the community turned into strong feelings of admiration, respect, and everlasting friendship. I have raised funds for the community and I am so thankful to everyone who has supported me and the people of Abayudaya. I arranged for Rabbi Gershom to come to my community to meet everyone and to allow him to pay homage to everyone in my life who has supported this amazing cause. It was such a special experience to be able to introduce Rabbi Gershom to my friends, family, and everyone who was able to be there to share in this momentous evening.

For those who wish to see my video about my experience in Uganda, visit https://vimeo.com/111226288. If you would like to donate, you can contact me to send a check, or send money through this link: www.crowdrise.com/AbayudayaJewishDentalExcursion/fundraiser/dvorabidermangross.

 

Upcoming Events

Agudath Israel of Kew Gardens Hills Melavah Malkah for Women. An evening of fun and inspiration will take place iy’H motzaei Shabbos, November 26. Melavah Malkah: 8:30 p.m. Rebbetzin Chevi Kaufman will speak on the topic of “Giving Thanks Through a Torah Lens” at 9:00 p.m. followed by a food demonstration with Victoria Dwek, managing editor of Ami’s food magazine, Whisk, and co-author of six books in the Secret Restaurant Recipes and Made Easy cookbook series. At the Agudah of KGH 147-37 70 Road (YCQ main building). Couvert $25 pp. Please RSVP: brochahartman@gmail.com.

Sara Yoheved Rigler to speak next week in KGH. November 28, Monday, 8:00 p.m. at Ahavas Yisroel for women ($10/person). No reservation needed. “What Henny Machlis Accomplished with Unconditional Love.” (What can you accomplish with unconditional Love?)

Workshop on Wednesday, November 30, 7:30—10:30 p.m. (Some spots still left. Reserve your spot now! Limited to 35 women.) Practical, interactive workshop titled “True Self-Esteem.” ($35/person) To reserve your place for the workshop, please e-mail LeahBleiberg@gmail.com. Since space is limited, please only sign up if you are committed to attending.

Relationships by the extraordinary Mrs. Tammy Karmel. Mondays: December 5, 12, 19. Doors open at 8:15 p.m. Program starts 8:30 p.m. sharp. Minimum donation towards Tammy’s medical care: $10. 72-23 139th Street (side entrance). 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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