By Chanita Teitz

I heard about Rav Ovadya Yosef’s petirah early this morning and, according to news reports, between 700,000 and possibly 1,000,000 people attended his levayah in Yerushalayim, making it the largest funeral in Israeli history. Among them were my son and grandson, who walked from Bayit V’gan, a 50-minute walk. Dovie said the train was packed so he chose not to crowd into it. And the streets were clogged with traffic. So they walked.

The kevurah was in the Sanhedria Cemetery, and whenever we are there to visit my father-in-law’s kever, we pass Rebbetzin Yosef’s kever. Now the Rav will be buried there, too.

I read that Rav Yosef said before he was niftar that he hoped there wouldn’t be any in-fighting in the Shas party after he was gone. I hope that the attendance of so many people, from all walks of Jewish life, at the funeral is a testament to some achdus among us.

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This morning, I heard for the second time of people being forced from their homes due to the U.S. government shutdown. It seems that if your home or business happens to be on government property, you could be barred from it until the shutdown ends. It is tragic for those people who will lose money from their closed businesses and for the others, some of whom are senior citizens, who have to find someplace else to live.

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Here in Queens, we have many buyers looking to buy houses, and the strong demand is actually causing the prices to slowly move upward. As long as the weather stays balmy, the busy season doesn’t seem to be winding down.

Upcoming Events

In conjunction with the Women’s League of Cong. Ahavas Yisroel, the fall semester of the weekly shiur given by Dr. Michelle Levine, “The Soulful Sweetness of Biblical Poetry and Song,” will be given on Tuesday evenings, 8:15 p.m.—9:15 p.m. at the Graubard home, 136-84 71st Road, Flushing. Dr. Levine is Associate Professor of Bible at Stern College. The cost is $100 per semester (10 sessions). For more information, call Susan Amin at 718-591-0431 or Rochel Graubard at 718-793-9176.

The annual worldwide video event for the yahrzeit of Rochel Imeinu will take place, b’H, on Sunday, October 13, at 8:00 p.m. at Congregation Ahavas Yisroel (Kew Gardens Hills). The video features Rebbetzin Tehilla Jaeger and Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller speaking on “Where Am I Headed? Connecting to Our Spiritual GPS.” It is open to all women and girls. For information, write to Sgillmanrada@yahoo.com.

Rabbi Zamir Cohen of Hidabroot will be speaking at K’hal Toras Emes, 78-15 Parsons Boulevard on Tuesday, October 15, at 8:30 p.m. Admission is free; lecture in Hebrew. Contact the Cohens for more information: 718-679-0368.

On Sunday night, October 20, Chazaq proudly presents a very special evening of spirituality through music with one of Israel’s most acclaimed singer/songwriters, Yosef Karduner–live! Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; suggested donation is $10. Location: Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, 7011 150th Street, 11367. For more information, call or text 917-617-3636.

Save this date: The Erna Lindenfeld Hachnosas Kallah Fund of Queens annual tea will be held November 5 at 7:30 p.m. More information next week.

Condolences

To Toby Moskovits on the petirah of her father. HaMakom yenachem eschem b’soch sh’ar aveilei Tziyon 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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