Good Erev Shabbat to all!
This past Monday evening, the Kew Garden Hills community was spiritually uplifted by an "Evening of Inspiration", on behalf of the children of the Hebrew Academy of West Queens. The program featured a thought provoking and stirring Drasha by world renowned Torah personality HaRav Yissocher Frand, Shlita on the topic Klal Yisroel: A Study in Diversity. The tone of the evening was set by HaRav Mordechai Hecht, Shlita, Mashgiach Ruchani of HAWQ, leading the overflow crowd in special Tehillim for a Refuah Shlema for the Chofetz Chaim Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Henoch Leibowitz, Shlita. Then the event chairman, Mr. Jack Schmidt, addressed the crowd and spoke of his association with HAWQ for many decades and their pioneering work in saving Jewish Neshamos. He said that he and his wife decided this year to expand their annual parlor meeting into an event that would benefit the entire community. Rabbi Haim Alcabes, the Menahel of HAWQ, delineated for the audience the goal of the Yeshiva,- to reach out to every child. Within the nurturing and warm environment of HAWQ and their individualized approach to learning, the students are guided to reach their full potential. He said that we are instructed by Chazal, "Al Tikray Baniyich, ela Boniyich", to view our children, not merely as children, but as builders of the Klal Yisroel, whose role in at least as important as the adults. HaRav Mordechai Hecht, Shlita, in introducing Rav Frand, remarked about the theme of Purim being Achdus and Ahavas Yisroel. So, asked Rav Hecht, why then is Purim the only holiday that is celebrated on two separate days in different places. Rav Hecht quoted Rav Shlomo Teitelbaum as explaining the following. What do the Jews outside Yerushalayim do on Shushan Purim? We also celebrate with no Tachanun and no Haspedim. Why? It is not our Yom Tov. But the answer is that when another Jew has a Yom Tov it is also our Yom Tov. Thus, we express the true essence of the Purim theme of Achdus and Ahavas Yisroel. In this spirit, said Rav Hecht, it is incumbent upon all the members of the Queens community to support the effort of HAWQ to reach out to all the lost Neshamos in our midst.
The evening reached its zenith with the Drasha of Rav Frand himself. He noted that this was the second time he has spoken for HAWQ this year and how impressed he is at the dedication, Mesiras Nefesh, and Ahavas Yisroel the Yeshiva encompasses. He commended the Queens community for hosting such an important Mosad of Hatzlalos Neshamos. Rav Frand pointed out that Pesach night is the time on the Jewish calendar most devoted to Chinuch Ha Banim. On this special night, as we read about the Arbaah Banim, we emphasize the theme of educating every child according to their own individual Derech. However, this concept predates the Hagadah by many centuries with our Avos. He explained that when Yaakov blessed his grandsons, Efraim and Menashe, and his twelve sons the, Shivtai Kah, the concept was not to give them talents that they didn’t already have. Rather, the idea behind a Brachah is to encourage the individual to use the unique qualities and gifts that Hashem has bestowed upon him to the maximum potential. Since each child is different, if we try to use the same approach with every child, it leads to futility and frustration. It is like trying to fit a round peg into a square hole. The child feels trapped in a situation in which he cannot succeed and thus, r’l, is at risk for going off the Derech HaTorah. Rabbi Frand acknowledged that in most Yeshivos, conformity, of necessity, is the name of the game. (He pointed out that HAWQ is the exception to the rule, where in a smaller environment the individual needs of each student is met.) However, said Rav Frand, in our homes the "one size fits all" approach is unacceptable. He gave a mashul of a man who was the king’s water carrier. With great strength he carried daily fresh water from the river, up the mountain to the king’s palace. When he grew older, he wanted to give over his job to his two sons. One son was strong like his father, and was quite capable of efficiently carrying water to the palace without spilling a drop. However, the second son was not endowed with the same physical strength, and struggled to carry the water up the mountain spilling almost everything by the time he reached the top. The father, observing the situation, had a solution. He placed flower seeds along the path, allowing the spilled water to cultivate the seeds into beautiful flowers. When the flowers blossomed, he put them into an exquisite bouquet and had his son present it to the king, who was very pleased. Similarly, it is our role as parents, to guide our children on the path that will bring them success and fulfillment.
Rav Frand concluded, by returning to the theme of unity that is associated with the Chag of Purim. Another aspect of Yaakov Avinu’s blessing to his 12 sons on his deathbed is that he spoke to them together. Rav Frand asked, if each one was to receive their own unique and special Bracha, why not call each one individually? Why did each Shevet need to hear the Bracha of his brother that didn’t apply to him? Rav Frand answered that it was to teach each Shevet to respect the role of his fellow shevet. Levi had to know that he could not be the King, and Yehuda had to realize he could not be a Kohain. Yissocher had to know his role was to study Torah and not go into business, and Zevulun had to realize his role was to be involved in business for the purpose of supporting Torah. They all stood in unison and in mutual respect for the special role that each played in Klal Yisroel. Rav Frand distinguished between Chilukay Dayos and Machlokus. Chilukay Dayos is defined as honest, spirited, disagreement about the proper approach to Torah and Avodas Hashem, based on mutual respect, Achdus, and Ahavas Yisroel. Machlokus, Chas V’Shalom, is divisive, destructive, and full of Sinas Chinam. Referring to the recent heart-wrenching tragedy at Yeshivas Merkaz HaRav, Rav Frand read a list of the Gedolay Yisroel from every camp who came to Merkaz HaRav to the levaya of the eight Kedoshim, z’l. Isn’t it a shame, he noted, that only a tragedy of such a magnitude brings us together, rather than many joyful Torah accomplishments we could share!
We would again like to thank Mr.& Mrs. Schmidt and Mr. & Mrs. Laub, Rabbi Steinberg and YIQV, all our generous sponsor, and all those who attended for making the evening such a big success!
Shabbat Shalom!
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Friday, March 28, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
March 21, 2008 Newsletter
Purim Samayach and Good Erev Shabbat to all!
We are looking forward to greeting you personally at "An Evening of Inspiration" for the benefit of the children of the Hebrew Academy of West Queens, featuring the renowned author and lecturer HaRav Yissocher Frand, Shlita. The event will, B'Ezrat Hashem, take place on Monday evening March 24 @ 7:30 pm, and will be graciously hosted by the Young Israel of Queens Valley in Kew Garden Hills, HaRav Peretz Steinberg, Shlita, Morah D'Asra. Rabbi Frand's timely topic will be Klal Yisroel: A Study in Diversity. We thank our co-chairmen of the event Mr. & Mrs. Jack schmidt and Mr. & Mrs. Itzi Laub, as well as sponsors Mrs. Carol Wittenberg and alumnus Mr. Alex Wittenberg. We appeal to anyone who would like the Zchut of bringing this Gadol B'Torah to the community, as well as supporting our Yeshiva, to be a co-sponsor of the evening. Please contact us by phone (917-747-7342, 646-706-8124), E-mail (http://us.f326.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=HAWQ613@yahoo.com), or fax (718-847-1472)
This week our Girl's Division ushered in the Purim spirit with an exciting carnival on Wednesday. They also made beautiful decorations for their hospital Purim visit on Monday. Our boys spent Wednesday cheering up patients at the Pre-Purim Party at the Goldwater facility on Roosevelt Island. Thank you Rabbis Troppe and Alcabes for coordinating the trip
The Midrash on the Megilah recounts for us the dialogue between Mordechai and Haman as to why he refused to bow before him. Haman pointed out that Yaakov Avinu prostrated himself before his ancestor Asav. Why did Mordechai refuse to do the same? Mordechai answered that he was from Shevet Binyamin, and his ancestor Binyamin did not bow to Asav, as he was not yet born at the time. Following in his forefather’s footsteps he too refused to bow. From this Midrash we see a powerful lesson. The example we set for our children has a far reaching impact that echoes throughout the generations. Mordechai’s strength to defy Haman had its roots in the actions of his forefather that he never even knew directly. We have a similar concept in the story of the slavery in Mitzrayim. The Midrash teaches us that Shevet Levi refused to leave the Bait Midrash to work for Paro. It is no coincidence that Levi lived longest of all the Shevatim and therefore his Shevet had the role model of their righteous founder longer than the other Shevatim. Thus, they had the fortitude to resist the patriotic call of Paro to go out to work for the nation and, as a result, were saved from 210 years of slavery. As my colleague Rabbi Alcabes has often pointed out, when we teach a classroom of children, we are, in reality, reaching the thousands of generations that will with Hashem’s help emanate from them.
Purim Samayach & Shabbat Shalom!
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We are looking forward to greeting you personally at "An Evening of Inspiration" for the benefit of the children of the Hebrew Academy of West Queens, featuring the renowned author and lecturer HaRav Yissocher Frand, Shlita. The event will, B'Ezrat Hashem, take place on Monday evening March 24 @ 7:30 pm, and will be graciously hosted by the Young Israel of Queens Valley in Kew Garden Hills, HaRav Peretz Steinberg, Shlita, Morah D'Asra. Rabbi Frand's timely topic will be Klal Yisroel: A Study in Diversity. We thank our co-chairmen of the event Mr. & Mrs. Jack schmidt and Mr. & Mrs. Itzi Laub, as well as sponsors Mrs. Carol Wittenberg and alumnus Mr. Alex Wittenberg. We appeal to anyone who would like the Zchut of bringing this Gadol B'Torah to the community, as well as supporting our Yeshiva, to be a co-sponsor of the evening. Please contact us by phone (917-747-7342, 646-706-8124), E-mail (http://us.f326.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=HAWQ613@yahoo.com), or fax (718-847-1472)
This week our Girl's Division ushered in the Purim spirit with an exciting carnival on Wednesday. They also made beautiful decorations for their hospital Purim visit on Monday. Our boys spent Wednesday cheering up patients at the Pre-Purim Party at the Goldwater facility on Roosevelt Island. Thank you Rabbis Troppe and Alcabes for coordinating the trip
The Midrash on the Megilah recounts for us the dialogue between Mordechai and Haman as to why he refused to bow before him. Haman pointed out that Yaakov Avinu prostrated himself before his ancestor Asav. Why did Mordechai refuse to do the same? Mordechai answered that he was from Shevet Binyamin, and his ancestor Binyamin did not bow to Asav, as he was not yet born at the time. Following in his forefather’s footsteps he too refused to bow. From this Midrash we see a powerful lesson. The example we set for our children has a far reaching impact that echoes throughout the generations. Mordechai’s strength to defy Haman had its roots in the actions of his forefather that he never even knew directly. We have a similar concept in the story of the slavery in Mitzrayim. The Midrash teaches us that Shevet Levi refused to leave the Bait Midrash to work for Paro. It is no coincidence that Levi lived longest of all the Shevatim and therefore his Shevet had the role model of their righteous founder longer than the other Shevatim. Thus, they had the fortitude to resist the patriotic call of Paro to go out to work for the nation and, as a result, were saved from 210 years of slavery. As my colleague Rabbi Alcabes has often pointed out, when we teach a classroom of children, we are, in reality, reaching the thousands of generations that will with Hashem’s help emanate from them.
Purim Samayach & Shabbat Shalom!
Donate Now
Sunday, March 16, 2008
March 14, 2008 Newsletter
Good Erev Shabbat to all!
We are only a little over a week away from "An Evening of Inspiration" for the benefit of the children of the Hebrew Academy of West Queens, featuring the renowned author and lecturer HaRav Yissocher Frand, Shlita. The event will, B'Ezrat Hashem, take place on Monday evening March 24 @ 7:30 pm, and will be graciously hosted by the Young Israel of Queens Valley in Kew Garden Hills, HaRav Peretz Steinberg, Shlita, Morah D'Asra. Rabbi Frand's timely topic will be Klal Yisroel: A Study in Diversity. We thank our co-chairmen of the event Mr. & Mrs. Jack schmidt and Mr/ & Mrs. Itzi Laub, as well as sponsors Mrs. Carol Wittenberg and alumnus Mr. Alex Wittenberg. We appeal to anyone who would like the Zchut of bringing this Gadol B'Torah to the community, as well as supporting our Yeshiva, to join us in sponsoring this evening. Contact us by phone (917-747-7342, 646-706-8124), E-mail (HAWQ613@yahoo.com), or fax (718-847-1472). We are looking forward to greeting you in person.
Last Friday, the Yeshiva was Zocheh to receive a visit from the Pittsburgher Rebbie of Ashdod, Israel. The Rebbie had the boys and staff alike mermerized with inspiring words of Torah as he reached straight to their hearts with tremendous Ahavat Yisrael and Divray Chizuk. He regaled them with singing and the morning was highlighted with his Bracha to the boys and their dancing him out to the car. What an inspirational Erev Shabbat! We thank Mr. Jack Schmidt for making it all possible.
We pointed out last week several aspects of the Mishkan that highlighted the concept of Achdut (Jewish unity) and Ahavat Yisrael (love of fellow Jews). With the festive Yom Tov of Purim just around the corner, this theme is very much an integral part of the holiday. In the Purim story itself the wicked Haman accuses the Jews of being "Mifuzar Umiforad", separate and scattered. Also, Esther, in search of merit for the Klal Yisrael to be granted a salvation from destruction, commands Mordechai- "Laich Knos et Kol HaYehudim"- Go! Gather all the Jews!- a call for unity. In the Mitzvot of Purim, the same theme is echoed. Mishloach Manot, Matanot Levyonim promote our love and concern for our fellow Jews. Even the custom to hear the Megila in a large shul with a large crowd (B’rov Am Hadrat Melech) encourages us to join together. In a article written by Rabbi Shimon Finkelman, he points to the fact that the calendar has been set for Purim to never occur on Shabbat. The more common explanation of why this is so is that the Rabbis were afraid someone might carry his Megila outside on Shabbat, thus violating the Holy day. However, there is another explanation brought in the Gemara. If the Megila were read on Shabbat, the poor who usually receive Tzedaka at the Megila reading would lose out. The entire community must push off the great Mitzvah to celebrate Purim in its proper time to show our Ahavat Yisrael for the needy amongst us. What an appropriate time to show concern and generosity towards those Jewish Neshamot that are spiritually impoverished, as well! Please help us with our Avodat HaKodesh and keep our precious Neshamot in mind during the Purim holiday.
Shabbat Shalom!
Donate Now
We are only a little over a week away from "An Evening of Inspiration" for the benefit of the children of the Hebrew Academy of West Queens, featuring the renowned author and lecturer HaRav Yissocher Frand, Shlita. The event will, B'Ezrat Hashem, take place on Monday evening March 24 @ 7:30 pm, and will be graciously hosted by the Young Israel of Queens Valley in Kew Garden Hills, HaRav Peretz Steinberg, Shlita, Morah D'Asra. Rabbi Frand's timely topic will be Klal Yisroel: A Study in Diversity. We thank our co-chairmen of the event Mr. & Mrs. Jack schmidt and Mr/ & Mrs. Itzi Laub, as well as sponsors Mrs. Carol Wittenberg and alumnus Mr. Alex Wittenberg. We appeal to anyone who would like the Zchut of bringing this Gadol B'Torah to the community, as well as supporting our Yeshiva, to join us in sponsoring this evening. Contact us by phone (917-747-7342, 646-706-8124), E-mail (HAWQ613@yahoo.com), or fax (718-847-1472). We are looking forward to greeting you in person.
Last Friday, the Yeshiva was Zocheh to receive a visit from the Pittsburgher Rebbie of Ashdod, Israel. The Rebbie had the boys and staff alike mermerized with inspiring words of Torah as he reached straight to their hearts with tremendous Ahavat Yisrael and Divray Chizuk. He regaled them with singing and the morning was highlighted with his Bracha to the boys and their dancing him out to the car. What an inspirational Erev Shabbat! We thank Mr. Jack Schmidt for making it all possible.
We pointed out last week several aspects of the Mishkan that highlighted the concept of Achdut (Jewish unity) and Ahavat Yisrael (love of fellow Jews). With the festive Yom Tov of Purim just around the corner, this theme is very much an integral part of the holiday. In the Purim story itself the wicked Haman accuses the Jews of being "Mifuzar Umiforad", separate and scattered. Also, Esther, in search of merit for the Klal Yisrael to be granted a salvation from destruction, commands Mordechai- "Laich Knos et Kol HaYehudim"- Go! Gather all the Jews!- a call for unity. In the Mitzvot of Purim, the same theme is echoed. Mishloach Manot, Matanot Levyonim promote our love and concern for our fellow Jews. Even the custom to hear the Megila in a large shul with a large crowd (B’rov Am Hadrat Melech) encourages us to join together. In a article written by Rabbi Shimon Finkelman, he points to the fact that the calendar has been set for Purim to never occur on Shabbat. The more common explanation of why this is so is that the Rabbis were afraid someone might carry his Megila outside on Shabbat, thus violating the Holy day. However, there is another explanation brought in the Gemara. If the Megila were read on Shabbat, the poor who usually receive Tzedaka at the Megila reading would lose out. The entire community must push off the great Mitzvah to celebrate Purim in its proper time to show our Ahavat Yisrael for the needy amongst us. What an appropriate time to show concern and generosity towards those Jewish Neshamot that are spiritually impoverished, as well! Please help us with our Avodat HaKodesh and keep our precious Neshamot in mind during the Purim holiday.
Shabbat Shalom!
Donate Now
Monday, March 10, 2008
March 7, 2008 Newsletter
Good Erev Shabbat to all!
We are looking forward to "An Evening of Inspiration" with HaRav Yissocher Frand, Shlita, B'ezrat Hashem, on Monday evening, March 24th @ 7:30 graciously hosted by the Young Israel of Queens Valley in Kew Garden Hills. Rabbi Frand's topic will "Klal Yisroel: A Study in Diversity". We would like to express our deep appreciation to Mr. & Mrs. Jack Schmidt and Mr. & Mrs. Itzi Laub for their efforts in planning this event and Mrs. Carole Wittenberg for being one of our sponsors of this event in memory father Mr. Norman Platner, z'l, and her cousin Mr. Jordan Cohn, z'l. Anyone who would like to be a sponsor of this uplifting community event please contact us at the Yeshiva (917-747-7342, 646-706-8142).
A basic principle of the Torah is the Achdut of Klal Yisrael and the Ahavah we are required to feel for each other. As we complete the narrative in the Chumash detailing the construction of the Mishkan with this week’s Parsha, this message rings out loud and clear. The building of the Mishkan commenced with a call for national unity,- "Vayakhel Moshe, and Moshe gathered together all the Klal Yisrael." The Mishkan rested upon sockets made of silver, into which the gold-plaited boards were placed. What did this silver represent? Our Chazal explain that it was an atonement for the 20 pieces of silver the Shevatim received when they sold Yosaif. The silver embodies the Teshuva of the brothers for the rift they caused in the Klal Yisrael, and thus it symbolizes unity and harmony amongst the Jewish people. It reminds us that all the Avodat Hashem that the Mishkan encompasses rests upon Ahavat Yisrael, our love for our fellow Jew! A similar concept can be derived from the Mitzvah of the Machtzit HaShekel we read about this Shabbat. Why does each Jew contribute a half shekel and not a whole coin? It is to emphasize that we are all incomplete as individuals. We can only reach our full potential and fulfill our true purpose when we become a vibrant part of the Klal Yisrael.
Shabbat Shalom!
Donate Now
We are looking forward to "An Evening of Inspiration" with HaRav Yissocher Frand, Shlita, B'ezrat Hashem, on Monday evening, March 24th @ 7:30 graciously hosted by the Young Israel of Queens Valley in Kew Garden Hills. Rabbi Frand's topic will "Klal Yisroel: A Study in Diversity". We would like to express our deep appreciation to Mr. & Mrs. Jack Schmidt and Mr. & Mrs. Itzi Laub for their efforts in planning this event and Mrs. Carole Wittenberg for being one of our sponsors of this event in memory father Mr. Norman Platner, z'l, and her cousin Mr. Jordan Cohn, z'l. Anyone who would like to be a sponsor of this uplifting community event please contact us at the Yeshiva (917-747-7342, 646-706-8142).
A basic principle of the Torah is the Achdut of Klal Yisrael and the Ahavah we are required to feel for each other. As we complete the narrative in the Chumash detailing the construction of the Mishkan with this week’s Parsha, this message rings out loud and clear. The building of the Mishkan commenced with a call for national unity,- "Vayakhel Moshe, and Moshe gathered together all the Klal Yisrael." The Mishkan rested upon sockets made of silver, into which the gold-plaited boards were placed. What did this silver represent? Our Chazal explain that it was an atonement for the 20 pieces of silver the Shevatim received when they sold Yosaif. The silver embodies the Teshuva of the brothers for the rift they caused in the Klal Yisrael, and thus it symbolizes unity and harmony amongst the Jewish people. It reminds us that all the Avodat Hashem that the Mishkan encompasses rests upon Ahavat Yisrael, our love for our fellow Jew! A similar concept can be derived from the Mitzvah of the Machtzit HaShekel we read about this Shabbat. Why does each Jew contribute a half shekel and not a whole coin? It is to emphasize that we are all incomplete as individuals. We can only reach our full potential and fulfill our true purpose when we become a vibrant part of the Klal Yisrael.
Shabbat Shalom!
Donate Now
February 29, 2008 Newsletter
Good Erev Shabbat to all!
It is with great anticipation and excitement that we announce "An Evening of Inspiration" for the benefit of the children of the Hebrew Academy of West Queens, featuring the renowned author and lecturer HaRav Yissocher Frand, Shlita. The event will, B'Ezrat Hashem, take place on Monday evening March 24 @ 7:30 pm, and will be graciously hosted by the Young Israel of Queens Valley in Kew Garden Hills, HaRav Peretz Steinberg, Shlita, Morah D'Asra. Rabbi Frand's timely topic will be Klal Yisroel: A Study in Diversity. We are looking forward to greeting everyone personally!
In Parshat Haazinu, the Pasuk compares the words of Torah to rain- "May my teaching drop like rain, may my utterance flow like dew." Our Rabbis comment that the affect of rainwater is not immediately recognized. Only after a long process of being absorbed by the soil, causing the seeds to germinate and grow, and finally blossoming into beautiful and productive vegetation to we realize the full benefit of the rainwater. If one were looking for an immediate results it would appear that nothing was accomplished except muddy soil! The same is often true when we teach words of Torah to youngsters. It many take many years for the seeds of wisdom we have planted within them to reach fruition in their lives. So many times students who have graduated our eighth grade far from reaching their potential as Torah Jews, come back years later as mature, successful members of Klal Yisroel and accredit much of it, to the foundation that was built for them at HAWQ. The same idea is echoed in this week's Parsha. The construction of the Mishkan was miraculously completed in only three months, finishing on the 25th of Kislev. Yet, Hashem instructed Moshe not to put it together until Rosh Chodesh Nisan, three months later. Why the miracles to finish it so quickly, only to wait three months to put it together? Rabbi Frand quotes the Be'er Yosef who explains the waiting period was part of the atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf. The trouble began when the people were impatient for the the return of Moshe Rabeinu. This waiting period to build the Mishkan, which was an atonement for the sin the of the Aigel, was to teach the Klal Yisraeol the Midah of patience. What a valuable lesson to us in our generation of instant gratification, that when it comes to Chinuch the key is patience, slow, but sure progress, and full confidence that everything we put into our children will eventually bear fruit.
Shabbat Shalom!
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