A few weeks ago, I wrote regarding Sefirat Ha-Omer and its mourning practices. For the last four weeks or so between Pesach and this point, the mourning practices created extra meaning as we mourn the losses of those who have lost their lives to this plague and are experiencing a more somber mood. Meanwhile, as I write this, we enter Lag Ba-Omer, the day that the plague affecting Rabbi Akiva's students ended.Read more...
Pesach was a point at which we experienced yuntif in a way we had never before. Being asked to stay at home during a time that is supposed to be full of simcha is very challenging. As we have counted the weeks towards Shavuot through Sefirat Ha-Omer, it looks like we will find ourselves in a similar situation where we will be celebrating yuntif from home. While Shavuot is meant to be a time centered around learning Torah together as a community, we sadly will most likely not be able to share that experience together.Read more...
Please join me for my shiur tonight at 7:30 PM. We will continue in chapter one of the Shemonah Perakim, discussing the importance of the human intellect in Avodat Hashem. Tehillim and Mishnayot will resume tomorrow night at 7:00 PM.Read more...
There is an effort on behalf of the office of Assemblywoman Nily Rozic to provide boxes of food for seniors throughout Queens (not just her district). Each box will contain enough food for about 9 meals. Please let me know as soon as possible if you or anyone else would benefit from this service.Read more...
Yom Haatzmaut Sameach! Please join me for my shiur tonight at 7:30 PM. We will begin chapter one of the Shemonah Perakim. Tehillim and Mishnayot will resume Thursday night at 7:00 PM.Read more...
Dear QJC Family, I hope that, to whatever extent possible during these trying times, that you were able to have a meaningful and enjoyable Yuntif. We missed being in shul and celebrating wtih you, but it was nonethless nice to have a yuntif.Read more...
Dear QJC Family, This will likely be my last email before Pesach. I am tremendously sad that we will not be together to daven and celebrate Yom Tov. Read more...
Please join me tonight at 7:00 PM as we discuss "Mindful Mitzvot and a Life of Mindfulness" Feel free to bring some of your last minute chametz to enjoy as you listen!Read more...
Good evening to everyone,First, I want to mention that I've increased my communication via email because I want to be able to stay in contact as best as I can and to guide everyone through Pesach and the pandemic.Read more...
Good morning to everyone,I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. We are experiencing a small golus, as we are exiled from shul and from each other.Read more...
Dear QJC Family, As we all adjust to the new reality of social distancing in order to fight the novel coronavirus, we are in the midst of preparing for Pesach, which requires a different level of adapting. We hope to address some issues that may be on people’s minds in this communication. Read more...
Dear QJC Family, As I have mentioned in shul over the past couple of weeks, there are a couple of relevant political processes taking place right now that are important for our community. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of them and provide the appropriate resources to take action.Read more...
Dear QJC Family, This weekend, we begin to mark the period known as “The Three Weeks” during which we mourn the destruction of the Beit Ha-Mikdash and our ongoing state of exile...Read more...
Dear QJC Family, It is a great bracha for me to begin as the rabbi of Queens Jewish Center today. I am really excited to work together to bring this magnificent community to new heights...Read more...