Anshe Sholom Chabad JCC of Queens, NY, once a conservative temple, became a Chabad center 9 years ago.
On Chai Elul this year they celebrate their 89th year of service to the community.
“This years is Shnas Hakhel and there could be no greater time to celebrate such an amazing undertaking like this one at our Gala Dinner in Queens, said Rabbi Mordechai Z. Hecht, Rabbi of Anshe Sholom and shliach of Chabad Forest Hills.
The event took place at the most magnificent Oligarch Ballroom in Richmond Hill, NY.
The event included a Siyum Sefer Torah, of a newly restored Torah – conducted by Rabbi Bannon of Oraita, to add to the series of new and previously restored Torahs at the shul, sponsored by community members and the Chulpayev family.
Honorees included Mr. and Mrs. Leonard and Sharon Cohen and family, (Kesser Shem tov Award) Mr. and Mrs. Ilan Avitzedek and Family (Gemillut Chessed Award), Dr. and Mrs. Michael Goldberg (Torah Exemplar Award).
Additionally, special gifts were presented to Mr. and Mrs. Chulpayev for sponsoring the new Sefer Torah and who are active partners of Chabad’s work in Central Queens.
Rabbi Sholom B. Hecht, Senior Shliach to Queens, who first arrived here 43 years ago by the guidance and blessings of the Rebbe, addressed the crowd and reflected on the great accomplishments and growth the community and the importance of Jewish participation physically and spiritually, as well as financially.
Rabbi Mordechai Z. Hecht, Rabbi of Anshe Sholom and shliach of Chabad Forest Hills, led the dinner awards ceremony and spoke of the special day that is Chai Elul and of the unique contribution the Baal ShemTov and the Alter Rebbe made to world Jewry historically and presently with Chabad Lubavitch worldwide as well as the unique inclusiveness of Chabad and why every Jew, of all walks of life is vital in a community center, and to bring Moshiach now.
Rabbi Mendy and Chaya Hecht, the newest additions to the team of Shluchim in Queens serving Forest Hills North, prepared a beautiful photo montage of the most recent events and programs in Central Queens.
The event was honored by local Rabbonim and community activists. The crowd was full, the people were supportive, the aura was outstanding and warm – all in all it was an outstanding and most enjoyable event.
The event was accompanied by a lavish dinner and dancing with the new Torah and the new HafTorah Sefer Torah which was welcomed to Chabad as well, as Mr. Shulpayev said, “Ashkenazim and Sefardim together, we are all one family.”
An auction of prizes enhanced the event with a touch of fun and excitement, especially for the lucky winners. A beautiful gift basket, with honey and a custom pushkah and Kippah were given to each attendee and enjoyed by all as well.
A posthumous mention was made of Mr. Benzion Ben Sholom Benzur who has just passed away today at the ripe old age of 103, one of the founders of the shul, may his soul be blessed.
With admiration & respect,
Your cousin from Australia 🙂
After Hurricane Sandy when
I lost half of my belongings, Rabbi Hecht helped me immensely, I know Rabbi hechts overwelming ahavas Yisroel first hand. Reb Mordechai go mchayil el Chayl !!!
A Shliach that recuperated bh after being hit hard from Hurricane Sandy.
You are amazing we need you here in Queens till the coming of Moshiach!
What a great shliach!
Keep up you good work your making the rebbe proud
Thanks for posting such a beautiful collage!
Dr. And Mrs. Len Cohen
from strength to strength – go Hechts go!