By Robbie Aboff
Perhaps the most common question heard at Chazaq is, “Why do you spell Chazaq with a Q?” The answer is simple. Chazaq’s journey of inspiration began in the heart of Queens. Founded in 2006 as a grassroots initiative to inspire Jewish high school students in Queens, Chazaq has grown from a simple weekly parashahpaper into something much more impactful, becoming a dynamic movement that would transform Jewish lives across the borough and indeed, across the world.
With a mix of student programming, Torah lectures, and educational resources, Chazaq sparked a fire of Jewish education and inspiration that was embraced by a community eager to reconnect with their roots. The success in Queens was the catalyst for a nation-wide revolution, bringing the warmth of Judaism to children in public schools across the United States. Before long, Chazaq started impacting the lives of Jews all over New York, and eventually across the United States, in such locations as Florida, California, Arizona, and Georgia.
Chazaq’s vision did not stop at the borders of the United States. The movement continued to spread far beyond, with branches in both Canada and Israel. Simultaneously, Chazaq’s popular online Torah lectures gained a global audience, inspiring thousands of Jews each year with the wisdom of Torah and Judaism.
The numbers speak volumes. Since 2017, Chazaq has impacted the lives of over 7,000 public school students, with more than 1,800 of them transferring to yeshivas, deepening their connection to Jewish education. In just the past 12 months, Chazaq’s programming has engaged more than 1,350 public school students, with 284 of them transferring to yeshiva. While these numbers speak volumes, Chazaq’s programs are not just numbers on a page—they represent real lives transformed, Jewish identities strengthened, and communities brought closer together.
Looking ahead, Chazaq’s growth shows no signs of slowing down. With plans to expand its programming and inspire even more communities, Chazaq is committed to bringing Torah education to Jewish youth worldwide.
To fuel this global expansion, Chazaq will be running an urgent matching campaign on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 11-12 to raise much-needed funds to keep their life-changing programs going strong.
As they embark on this crucial campaign, Chazaq invites everyone to partner with them in reaching, impacting, and inspiring thousands of Jewish souls across the world. Mark your calendar and don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of something truly transformative. Together, we can ensure that the flame of Torah continues to burn brightly, uplifting Jewish communities worldwide, one heart at a time. Visit GiveChazaq.com for more details. You can reach us at 141-24 Jewel Avenue, Flushing, NY or by telephone at 718-285-9132 or email at office@chazaq.org. n
Robbie Aboff is the Director of Operations for Chazaq.
