By Chanita Teitz
Past Events
Rabbi Dror Moshe Cassouto speaks for Chazaq. The Chazaq organization and Eshel Avraham presented Rabbi Dror Moshe Cassouto, who spoke in Queens on Monday, February 1. The event took place at Congregation Shaare Tova in Kew Gardens. The rabbi has built such a following in the United States that guests came from as far as Monsey and Boro Park specifically for this event.
In discussing the topic “Why Does Hashem Need Me?” the rabbi proclaimed that Hashem loves every one of us as His children, and that, as the source of all wealth, wisdom, good, and kindness, He is ready to bestow all these blessings upon us, provided that we properly prepare ourselves to receive them. One of the keys is to build ourselves up so that we are immune to being taken down by negativity, either from outsiders or from our inner yetzerha’ra. Another important area for growth is to have emunah always, even (especially) during times of darkness.
Finally, Rav Cassouto stressed the importance of doing teshuvah now, before Mashiach arrives, so that no Jew will be left behind on Judgment Day.
Even more simcha at YSZ. The 5th–8th-grade girls of Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion, together with their families, were treated to a sumptuous brunch this past Sunday. It was not only a culinary delight pleasing to the eye and palate; the brunch was accompanied by an exciting program of entertainment, prepared and performed by the girls themselves. There were clever skits, expressive and keenly coordinated dances, and a melodious choir more delicious than any dessert. The elaborate décor and the ambiance it provided could only be matched by the way the girls were dressed and elegantly they presented themselves. The students also surprised the staff with gifts as a token of appreciation for all their hard work and dedication.
The morning was topped off with an engaging game where parents were invited to answer questions about what goes on throughout their child’s day. It provided a cute and informative window into a day in the life of a YSZ girl.
The theme of the event was simcha, and the biggest byproduct of the day was simcha. Mrs. Raizel Nissim, assistant principal, gave many practical tips on how to achieve and attain simcha in any situation. The brunch certainly gave everyone an appetite for even more simcha!
Upcoming Events
When ‘we’ becomes three (or more): Maintaining your marriage after children. Attention, moms: you are invited to a group to discuss maintaining your relationship with your husband as a busy parent. Topics covered: How the quality of your marriage affects your children, typical barriers to having a good marriage, and how to get past those barriers. Group led by Eta Feuerman-Yaeger, LMSW, a therapist who works with children, adults, and groups, with offices in Queens and Brooklyn. Cost: $20. Date: Monday, February 22, 8:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served. For more information or to RSVP, e-mail eta.feuerman@gmail.com.
Chazaq presents Rabbi Moshe Tsvi Weinberg: “Reawakening Our Desire in the Month of Adar.” Monday, February 22, 8:15 p.m. at Cong. Etz Chaim, 147-19 73rd Avenue, KGH.
Neshei Chazaq Women’s Division presents Rebbetzin Orit Esther Riter. Sunday, February 28, 8:00 p.m., Beth Gavriel Community Center, 66-35 108th Street in Forest Hills.
YESS! (Yeshiva Education for Special Students) 24th annual dinner. Sunday, February 28, 5:00 p.m., to be held at Beth Shalom of Roslyn. Awardees: Dr. Ari and Alyson Walfish, Eliahou and Rachel Kriheli, and Jacob and Esther Gutnicki. YESS will also gratefully recognize the establishment of a scholarship fund in memory of Abe and Ruth Naymark, ob’m, individuals of great character and generosity. YESS dinners are easy, light, and enjoyable, with great food, great company, and a time-conscious program. Come and support this worthy endeavor. For further details including reservations and sponsorships, please visit http://yessyeshiva.org/contribute/dinner/ or contact the office at 718-268-5976 or yessyeshiva@gmail.com. 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.