It's been a while since I put anything here. We now have a web site ohelyitzchok.com where you can sign up for shul email, see the Hachodesh, community links and more.

You can post any announcements on Facebook

We also have a new email address shul@ohelyitzchok.com

S.O.S.

I recieved this from a member of our shul.

Rav Eisenman in Passaic sent out the following e-mail. I believe we should each consider undertaking this in our respective Shuls, with appropriate advance publicity. May we hear of only simchos in the future.

S.O.S.

How to we respond to the massacre in Itamar?
What can we do?
How should we react?

Obviously, the ways of Hashem are beyond our comprehension.
Obviously we must leave true and complete justice to Hashem.
Nevertheless, we must react and we must respond; indeed, how can we not react?
We have just lost three Jewish children and their parents.

The Torah tells us after the death of the two sons’ of Aharon: Then Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the Lord spoke, , 'I will be sanctified through those near to Me, and before all the people I will be glorified.' “And Aaron was silent (Vayikra 10:3)

The response of Aharon to the death of his sons was silence.
So too let us respond with silence.

This Shabbos is Parshas Zachor.
This Shabbos we remember Amalek and how they wanted to destroy us.
This week we are told to remember; and remember we must do.

What better way to remember the kedoshim (holy martyrs) of Itamar than through ‘silence’?

We are well aware how our Torah leaders throughout the generations taught us that talking in Shul brings about calamities (Chas V’Shalom) to our community.

Therefore, as a proper response to what has occurred in Itamar I am proposing an SOS program.

Shabbos
Of
Silence

This Shabbos, Parshas Zachor – March 19th 2011- We all should accept upon ourselves (bli neder) not to talk AT ALL in Shul for the entire time we are in Shul.

Meaning, from the time we enter the Shul (the actual sanctuary- not including an anteroom or the lobby) until the davening totally ends- [which means the completion of Adon Olam (or however your Shul ends davening)] – everyone; men, women and children- agree to accept upon themselves not to talk anything outside of tefillah (prayer) for the duration of the entire davening.

This includes NOT talking between Aliyos.
This includes NOT saying ‘Good Shabbos’ from the time davening has begun until it totally ends.
This includes not talking to our children who if they need to be ‘shushed’ and/or quieted down should not be there in the first place.
This includes everything outside of davening itself.

You may ask that this is very difficult?
You may ask that this is too hard to ask of the kehilla?
I ask you in retort:
How can we not respond to the massacre in Itamar in a meaningful way?
How can we not make this ‘minor’ sacrifice of being silent for one Shabbos davening while the five kedoshim of Itamar have already made the ultimate sacrifice?

Therefore, I am asking of all of you who will daven with us this Shabbos to assist us in responding to the tragedy by bettering ourselves and with self-improvement in the manner of Aharon HaKohen - And Aaron was silent.

A note to those of our readers who do not daven with us at Ahavas Israel in Passaic:

If you feel this SOS program is for you and for your Shul/community- please feel free to forward this and institute this in your Shul.
I do not care at all if you quote me or not.
I just care about doing something meaningful as a response to the massacre.

How beautiful and meaningful it would be if all Shuls all over the world would be ‘silent’ for this Shabbos as a response to the terrible tragedy of Itamar.

May Hashem ‘hear’ our silence response as He did to the silence of Aharon.

Digital Dangers: What Today’s Parent MUST Know

Forrest Hills, NY March 2, 2011- Dr. Norman Blumenthal will be speaking motzei Shabbos parshas Vayikra on the topic of “Digital Dangers: What Today’s Parent MUST Know”, at the JCCA Bukharian Teen Lounge in Forest Hills.

Doctor Blumenthal will address the unique challenges the modern parent faces when wrestling with their “plugged in” kids. Dr. Norman Bluementhal is a licensed psychologist affiliated with North Shore-LIJ & Zucker Hillside Hospital as a Youth Crisis Intervention Specialist who speaks to many communities on many parenting topics. Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov of Kehilat Spehardim of Ahavat Achim will be speaking as well.

This event is a joint project being offered to the community by Bechirot along with FEGS, JCCA, and the UJA Partners in Caring program. The event is scheduled for 8:00 PM on Saturday, March 12th. The address is 64-05 Yellowstone Blvd, Suite CFU-105, Forest Hills, NY 11375 (lower side entrance - access on 64th Rd). All are welcome to attend free of charge

Rav Brevda- Matonos L'Evyonim Campaign 5771/2011s

Dear Friends,

On behalf of HaRav Shlomo Brevda shlita, we are once again asking for your help in raising funds for the Rav's annual MATONOS L'EVYONIM CAMPAIGN.

Each year, ON PURIM DAY, Rav Brevda distributes thousands of dollars directly to poor and needy families. B"H, so many of you participated very generously in this campaign in past years and together we were zocheh to help many families in a direct and timely manner.

In this tough economy, we are all very sensitive and aware of the dire financial situation facing so many of our brothers and sisters. Rav Brevda has a strong connection with numerous families in BOTH New York City and Eretz Yisroel, who are suffering financially to a virtually unbearable degree. These families count on our support.

Please help out as generously as you are able.

Checks may be made payable to "CONG. BAIS MEDRASH GOVOHA". If you would like a receipt, please make checks out to "BRESLAV WORLD CENTERS" (Tax Id # 11-2806596).

Please mail to my home at:
SHRAGIE ARANOFF
7348 136TH STREET
FLUSHING, NY 11367

Purim is on Sunday, March 20th. ALL CHECKS RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, March 18TH WILL B'N BE DISTRIBUTED TO ANIYIM ON PURIM DAY AND YOU CAN BE ASSURED THAT YOU WILL BE YOTZEH THE MITZVAH OF MATONOS L'EVYONIM K'HALACHA.

Please don't hesitate to call me on my cell at 516-817-2760 or email me at shragieda@gmail.com with any questions.

On more important note: As many of you may be aware, Rav Brevda shlita is very ill and has been undergoing difficult treatments. Please keep davening and saying tehillim for Shlomo Leib ben Miriam. May your participation in this mitzvah serve as a zcus for the Rav to receive a Refuah Shelaima bsoch shaar choleh Yisroel.

Tizku L'Mitzvos & Ah Freilechin Purim to All,

Shragie Aranoff

P.S. Please forward this email to any of your friends or relatives that may want to share in this Mitzvah.

Avigdors Helping Hand -Purim Cards

You have an opportunity to send friends a Simchas Purim, while helping support an organization, based here in Kew Gardens Hills, and which is reaching out to Jews in all 50 states.

Avigdors Helping Hand, a 501C3 non profit tax charity, helps families if there is G-d forbid a loss of a parent. AHH is also one of the largest Hachnosos Kallah organizations in the country, helping Yesomin get to their chasunah, with financial assistance.

Purim cards are 1 for $4.00 and 5 cards for $18.00

Please e-mail your orders to: Eliglaser@gmail.com
or call AHH at 718-568-9720 or Mrs. Esther Marciano at 718-544-2076

Thank you & tizku Lemitzvot,

Eli Glaser
A H H
www.avigdorshelpinghand.com

New Holocaust era restitution project announced.

A new Holocaust era restitution project was announced today to identify the victims whose assets were confiscated by the Nazis.

An initiative of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), with the support of the Government of Israel, Holocaust Era Asset Restitution Taskforce - Project HEART — aims to provide the tools, strategy, and information to enable the Government of Israel, the project, and its partners to bring about a small measure of justice to eligible heirs of Jewish victims, the victims themselves, and the Jewish people.

At this initial stage, Project HEART is focusing on identifying individuals with potential claims regarding the following types of private property for which no restitution was received after the Holocaust era: (1) private property that was located in countries that were controlled by the Nazi forces or Axis powers at any time during the Holocaust era; and (2) private property that belonged to Jewish persons as defined by Nazi/Axis racial laws; and (3) private property that was confiscated, looted, or forcibly sold by the Nazi forces or Axis powers during the Holocaust era.

“Many victims of the Holocaust returned to their homes to find that they had no ability to recover their own property,” said Natan Sharansky, Jewish Agency for Israel’s Chairman. “Project HEART is a general comprehensive program that is launched to gather information with the eventual purpose of receiving compensation for property looted, stolen, or forcibly sold during the Holocaust.”

Jewish Holocaust victims and their heirs worldwide whose families owned movable, immovable, or intangible personal property that was confiscated, looted, or forcibly sold in countries governed or occupied by the Nazi forces or Axis powers during the Holocaust era are eligible. The only limitation for application is if restitution has been made to a victim or the victim’s heirs for that property after the Holocaust era; then they are not eligible for further restitution in connection with that property.

A simple eligibility process has been established. To participate, individuals only need to fill out the Questionnaire that may be found on the website http://www.heartwebsite.org.

Questionnaires will be processed based on agreements with relevant governments or authorities in their efforts to achieve restitution.

Contact Anya Verkhovskaya, Project HEART Director, at press@heartwebsite.org or +1-414-961-7417or visit http://www.heartwebsite.org for more information.

Kiruv opportunity: Queens one-on-one learning program

The Jewish Heritage Center, Roots USA and Project Inspire are organizing a Queens One-on-One Learning program, which will take place Tuesday nights, 8:00 - 9:00 and 9:00 -10:00 PM, in Kew Gardens Hills. The program is for men and women (learning separately). If you are interested in volunteering as a tutor / mentor for a less-affiliated Jew, or for more information, please reply to ephberger@gmail.com. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Hachnosas Sefer Torah in memory of Aliza a'h

With gratitude to Hashem,
I am pleased to invite all of you to a Hachnosas Sefer Torah in memory of Aliza a'h, Sunday, June 27th 2010 starting at 10:30am with writing the final letters of the torah and marching will start to the shul at 12pm.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who donated to such a worthy cause. I am sure that Aliza's neshoma will have a tremendous zechus, knowing that there is a Torah being read from... every week in her memory and that Chani will always know that this is in memory of her birth mother, Aliza a"h.

Chani and I are both so lucky and happy to have found an amazing wife and mother to be, and are looking very forward to starting our new lives together.

One of the main reasons for the Torah is so that Chani will have this Torah along with pictures and stories told to her to remeber Aliza for the loving and devoted mother that she was.

Please join us in celebration to complete the final letters of the Torah at the home of Shmuel and Rivka Kazernovsky (refreshments and L'Chaims will be served) followed by dancing, singing and marching to Congregation Ohel Yitzchak.

Please feel free to spread the word!!

Gabi Shull

Queens Reception for Beth Medrash Govoha

The Shafran family will be hosting the Annual Queens Reception for Beth Medrash Govoha.

The reception (which is for men only) will be graced with the attendance of HaRav Matisyahi Salamon Shlita (Mashgiach of Beth Medrash Govoha).

It will take place at 8:45 PM on Thursday Evening June 10th at their home 138-17 78 Drive and will include a hot buffet.

Urgent Tehillim Request - Surgery Fri. 1pm

Unfortunately, a close friend Pinchas Fleischman, one of our mispallelim at Cong. Ohel Yitzchok, was diagnosed yesterday with a brain tumor.

He is scheduled for significant brain surgery tomorrow (Friday) at 1pm at New York Hospital of Queens (Booth).

Please say Tehillim and have in mind Pinchas ben Zilah for a Refuah Shelaima.

He will likely be in the hospital for a while. Pinchas has very little family and has told me that he regards our Rav and our members as his family. Visitors are most welcome.

Please feel free to contact Shragi with any questions or to get an update. He may be reached via email or on his cell at (516) 817-2760.

May Hashem grant Pinchas a Refuah Shelaima bsoch shaar choleh Yisroel.

Annual AHH Pre Shavous Bake Sale-Monday May 17

Avigdors Helping Hand (AHH) is excited to announce that we will once again having our annual Pre-Shavous Bake sale at the home of  Debbie Benedict (138-23 78 drive) this Monday night,May 17 from 6-10 PM.

There will baked goods and other goodies available lekoved yom tov. We are also having a raffle for a beautiful grand prize.

ALL monies that are raised for  AHH (which is a registered 501C3 Charity) are distributed to almonahs & yesomim. The AHH organization is a All Volunteer local organization,supporting applicants from all over the country-Based from right here in KGH.

Reception to benefit the Children of Shuvu

YOSSI AND AVIVA HOCH

CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO A
Reception to benefit the Children of Shuvu

TOMORROW NIGHT • WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2010 • 8:30 PM
AT THEIR HOME • 137-13 72ND ROAD • KEW GARDENS HILLS

THE NOVOMINSKER REBBE
guest speaker

Yisroel Blumenfrucht
CHAIRMAN

FOR INFORMATION CALL: 212.425.3500
We are looking forward to greeting you!

“JERUSALEM IS NOT A SETTLEMENT”

QUEENS JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL
YOUNG ISRAEL OF KEW GARDENS HILLS
NYC COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES GENNARO
VAAD HARABONIM OF QUEENS

Cordially invite you to attend A RALLY IN SUPPORT OF A UNITED JERUSALEM
THE CAPITAL OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE

Sunday, Morning
MAY 9, 2010 • 10:00 a.m.

In front of the Vleigh Library
72-33 Vleigh Place • Kew Gardens Hills
For further information call QJCC 718-544-9033

lecture by Rabbi Paysach Krohn

The Erna Lindenfeld Hachnosas Kallah Fund of Queens invites the entire community to a lecture by Rabbi Paysach Krohn on Tuesday evening, March 16, 2010 at Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills at 8pm.

"YEARNING FOR REDEMPTION IN THE MONTH OF GEULAH"

Suggested donation to Hachnosas Kallah is $10.Men and Women are welcome to attend!

A SHABBOS OF INSPIRATION IN QUEENS

PROJECT INSPIRE PRESENTS
A SHABBOS OF INSPIRATION IN QUEENS
FEATURING
RABBI KEN SPIRO
World Renowned Author and Dynamic Presenter, Aish Jerusalem

“Rabbi Ken Spiro's quick-paced, humorous style catches and keeps an audience's interest; his ability to explain deep concepts clearly makes an impact that lasts long after the presentation.”

ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE OF CHARGE!

HEAR DIVREI TORAH FROM RABBI SPIRO AT:
· Shabbos Morning Drasha at Congregation Ohel Yitzchok, 137-58 70th Ave.
· Seudah Shlishis at Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, 150-05 70th Rd.

8:15PM Friday Night Oneg Shabbos: Shevach High School
75-09 Main Street (Hot and cold refreshments)

DRIVEN-THE ENIGMA OF THE JEWISH SOUL What's different about the Jews? Driven explores the nature of this enigma as the key to understanding the remarkable nature of Jewish accomplishment in history. Come find out why the tiny Jewish people have been one of the most monumental forces in human civilization.

3:30 PM Shabbos Afternoon Special Presentation for Women:
Fried Home, 72-23 139th St (off 72nd Rd)

THE SEVEN WONDERS OF JEWISH HISTORY This class is one of the most powerful presentations from Aish HaTorah's world-famous Discovery Seminar. The presentation examines the unique nature of Jewish history and its remarkable relationship to Biblical prophecy.

8:45 PM Motzaei Shabbos: Torah Center of Hillcrest
171-05 Jewel Avenue, Hillcrest

WHY THE JEWS The eye-opening explanation of the World's Longest Hatred. Why the Jews explores the deeper meaning and message behind humanity's longest, strangest and most intense hatred - Antisemitism. This presentation will completely alter your understanding of antisemitism, the Holocaust and Jewish History (includes PowerPoint Slide Presentation).

8:00 PM Sunday Evening: Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills
150-05 70th Rd. (PARKING AVAILABLE AT YCQ)

WORLD PERFECT - - The Jewish Impact on Civilization – What would the world be like without Judaism and the Jewish People? WorldPerfect explores 4,000 years of world history from this unique perspective. Join us for a fascinating presentation that will completely transform your understanding of Judaism and the mission of the Jews as a "Light to the nations" (includes PowerPoint Slide Presentation).

Women's League of Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills speaker

The Women's League of Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills will host Rabbi Haim Alcabes. Who will be speaking in the Young Israel Beis Medrash at 3:00 PM this Shabbos, January 9. (Please note the change in time). If you have questions or comments, please call/text Esther Koppel @ 1-917-359-8411. PS Our speaker for Parshas Hahodesh March 10, 2010 cancelled. If you have a suggestions or would like to volunteer, please call/text me. I hope to see you on shabbos @ 3 PM

Yom Hakaddish Haklali

Yom Hakaddish Haklali (For Tefillos And Kaddish In Memory of The Victims of the Shoah Whose Dates of Kiddush Hashem are Unknown)

The Queens Community invites all to participate on Asara B’Teves
Motzei Shabbos December 26, 2009 | 8:00 pm
Young Is rael of Kew Gardens Hills
150th Street and 70th Road

Introduction:Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld
Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills

Messages From Rabbi Shlomo Hochberg
Young Israel of Jamaica Estates
Past President, Vaad Harabonim of Queens

Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss
Agudas Yisroel of Staten Island
Noted Author and Lecturer

Brief video presentation Memories
by MBD & Avraham Fried

Congregation Ahavas Yisroel | Congregation B’nai Avraham
Congregation Degel Israel | Congregation Etz Chaim | Congregation Machane Chodosh | Congregation Ohel Yitzchok
Jewish Heritage Center | K’hal Nachlas Yitzchok | Kehilas Ishei Yisrael | Lander College for Men | Queens Jewish Center
Yeshiva Kesser Torah | Yeshiva Madreigas HaAdom
Young Israel of Forest Hills | Young Israel of Hillcrest | Young Israel of Jamaica Estates
Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills | Young Israel of Queens Valley | Vaad Harabonim of Queens

Sponsored by Irene & Sam Russo

*Separate Seating

Project Inspire – Kiruv Training Workshop in our shul

Project Inspire – Kiruv Training Workshop
November 22 & 29
At Congregation Ohel Yitzchok
137-58 70th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367

A Project Inspire Kiruv Training Workshop is scheduled to take place, IY”H, at Congregation Ohel Yitzchok on two Sundays, November 22 & 29 at 8:00PM and will be presented by Ephraim Berger.

The workshop is for men and women that either
• come in contact with people who are either not Shomer Shabbos or are becoming Shomer Shabbos and need to know how to answer or just talk with them.
• want to know how to reach out to people which might even include a neighbor across the street.
Topics include:
• Why do Kiruv? The obligation • Evidence for Hashem and the Torah
• Common Questions & Answers • Fundamental Insights about Judaism
• Misconceptions about Judaism • How to get others involved in Kiruv

There will also be Entertaining and Educational Videos.

For questions & RSVP, contact Yitzie Schwartz at yitzies@gmail.com or at 718-640-8831.

We hope to see you there!

A Time to Reach Out...

Please join the Queens community in a true showing of Achdus, and gain the confidence to share the beauty of Judaism with your fellow Jews.

Project Inspire presents a FREE Seminar series...
Featuring Rabbis Yechiel Milstein, Simcha Barnett and Chaim Sampson:

At the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills
Wednesdays Nov. 11, 18, and 25 @ 8PM.

Sign up online here or call 646-961-4961 or email yweinberg@projectinspire.com to register.

Registration is FREE and no payment information is required. We just need to know how many people will be attending.

Biala Rebbe of Bnei Brak in our community

The Biala Rebbe of Bnei Brak is in our community through Wednesday morning November 11. The Rebbe is available for private consultations, advice, and brachos at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Leslie Bennett at 135-40 78th Drive. Please call (718) 380-8597 for an appointment.

The Rebbe will daven Friday night at Cong. Ohel Yitzchok (Rabbi Arieli).

The Friday night tish will be at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Leslie Bennett at 8:30 P.M.

The Rebbe will daven Shabbos morning at Cong. Bais Yosef D'Ulem/Spinka (Rabbi Friedman).

The Rebbe will daven Mincha and have Shalosh Seudos at Cong. of Kew Gardens Hills (Rabbi Bergman).