With the Congressional vote on the Iran deal fast approaching, Rep. Grace Meng, one of the first Democratic lawmakers in Washington to oppose the deal, was hosted at a crowded public forum on August 18 at Young Israel of Hillcrest. “We are not here because we are against any deal, but we want a good deal,” said Meng. “When I negotiate with my seven-year-old on something, I don’t give up and give in just because I want an agreement with him.”
The event was hosted by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as an expression of gratitude, and to provide the Congresswoman an opportunity to explain how she reached her decision to oppose the deal. She was introduced by Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and Rabbi Shmuel Marcus, on behalf of the Vaad Harabanim of Queens. “Just last week, I returned from Israel where I was vacationing with my family,” said Rabbi Marcus. “Everywhere I went, I met ordinary Israeli citizens who are watching the political debate here in the U.S. with deep and growing concern. But when I learned from the Israeli media reports that our Congresswoman was the first Democrat in all of New York to oppose the deal, I was thrilled, I was thankful – but most of all, I was proud.”
Meng was interviewed by Sharon Goldman, the Northeast Regional Director of AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobbying organization that is leading the effort in Washington to oppose the deal with Iran. In the crowded synagogue were representatives of many Queens synagogues, Jewish organizations, and individuals. Among those praising the Congresswoman was Assemblyman David Weprin. “She is a person who builds coalitions. We listen to our constituents. It makes a difference.”
Meng agreed, noting that while only a few weeks remain before the vote, “in politics that’s an eternity.” With each article pointing out the flaws of the deal and images of clerics chanting “death to America,” more members of Congress will express opposition to the deal. Although she has been in Congress only three and a half years and in the middle of her second term in office, her early opposition to the deal made her name known at the White House. “There is tremendous pressure from the administration and I’ve never seen so much pressure coming on a single issue.”
Although hesitant on the agreement from its inception, Meng looked into the details of the agreement and found plenty of reasons for pause. “The more I learned, the more I disliked it. As someone who is not Jewish, I could hopefully sway and encourage others to come out against it.”
Among the details Meng finds troubling are the 24-day notice that inspectors would provide before visiting a site in Iran, and that the sites would be chosen and approved by Iranian officials. Additionally, “Iran funds Hamas and Hezbollah who killed American citizens. This is honestly terrifying,” said Meng.
When asked about the pressure to stand with President Barack Obama in favor of the deal, she said that the top arguments used within the party is that a vote against the deal is a vote in favor of another war, and that another deal will not take place if the current deal is rejected. Although individual lawmakers have to fear their respective Speakers and party leaders who assign them to key committee positions, Meng did not express any fear of retaliation from House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, arguing that she is following the wishes of her constituents. She acknowledged that in a rare move, whenever a fellow member of Congress expresses support for the deal, Pelosi sends out a mass email to fellow members of the party as an encouragement.
Meng recognized that she is in a unique position as a non-Jewish lawmaker who was among the first to oppose the deal and a staunch supporter of Israel, coming from a community that is largely indifferent to the Middle East conflict. “After my trip to Israel, I had an op-ed translated for Chinese and Korean newspapers. It is clear to me that Israel needs more friends,” said Meng. Describing AIPAC’s outreach as similar to her own, she praised the organization for contacting Hispanic and African-American leaders and taking them to Israel. “I grew up going to church almost every Sunday, so spiritually, Israel is a great place to visit,” said Meng. “As a mom, I remember the fortified steel playground in Sderot and the safety precautions that Israeli parents have to use. I got to speak to mothers in Sderot. It was very emotional.”
Goldman described the gathering as an opportunity to offer gratitude to Meng and hear her reasons for opposing the deal in detail. She also reminded the public about AIPAC’s work and the value of constituent calls to their lawmakers as a vital element in shaping the outcome of the deal in Congress. Meng agreed, telling the crowd to call their friends and relatives in other Congressional districts whose representatives are still undecided. “Encourage them to call,” said Meng. “It’s tremendously helpful.”
Since the forum, three of Meng’s colleagues representing districts within the city joined her in opposing the deal: Steve Israel, Eliot Engel, and Dan Donovan. Jerrold Nadler, whose district includes heavily Jewish neighborhoods in Brooklyn, expressed support for the deal. Among members of Congress representing parts of Queens who have not yet publicized their views: Joseph Crowley, Gregory Meeks, and Nydia Velazquez.
The vote in Congress and the Senate is expected to take place in mid-September.
UJA Collects Backpacks For Queens Yeshivas
By Sergey Kadinsky
Going to school requires tools: pencils, binders, rulers, and such. On August 23, the UJA-Federation of New York hosted its annual Queens backpack drive, which provides school supplies to nearly 400 students in eight day-schools across Queens.
“We are reaching out to the Orthodox community; this is our second year here,” said Adrienne Rubin-Prince, the women’s philanthropy director at UJA. The largest Jewish nonprofit in the New York region, the UJA provides for a variety of causes across the religious spectrum of the area’s Jewish population. In recognition of the great need to support Jewish education, the UJA partnered with Young Israel of Jamaica Estates. “UJA provides the background support and the money, we provide the volunteers,” said Rabbi Shlomo Hochberg, Mara d’Asra of the synagogue. “It’s the biggest of our monthly mitzvah projects because it involves other shuls.”
In preparation for the fall semester, the UJA contacts participating yeshivas in spring and in turn, the yeshivas select the students in greatest financial need and submit the number of students to UJA-Federation. This year, the backpack drive served 50 students at the Bais Yaakov of Queens, 50 each at Bnos Malka, Yeshiva of Central Queens, and Yeshiva Ketana of Queens. Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe received 36 backpacks and Solomon Schechter School of Queens received 35. “It’s helpful to a lot of families and I’m happy to sponsor it,” said Kew Gardens Hills resident Judy Tuchman, who underwrote the expenses for the supplies.
For Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, the back-to-school supplies drive is one of many tzedek projects on its calendar, others including “cups for cops” in the form of coffee and tea, and folders sent to Jewish students in France as a show of solidarity. Demonstrating the volunteerism of the synagogue, many parents brought their children to load up the backpacks that would be given to other children. An important Jewish lesson taught before the school year begins.
For more information on this UJA-Federation program, contact Adrienne Rubin-Prince at 212-836-1674.
Senator Schumer, State Senator Avella, And Assembly Member Simanowitz Call On FAA To Address Helicopter Noise Pollution In Queens Communities
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, State Senator Tony Avella, and Assembly Member Michael Simanowitz urged Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Huerta to help address prevalent noise pollution caused by heavy helicopter traffic throughout Northeast Queens, including Whitestone and Malba Garden.
Specifically, the lawmakers urged the FAA to monitor helicopter flight paths, track the frequency with which the helicopters fly over the affected neighborhoods, and monitor the noise levels that have negatively impacted the quality of life for the residents of these areas. In their letter, the lawmakers urged the FAA to apply its authority and create or make changes to helicopter flight patterns to redirect their flight paths, whenever possible, to all-water routes.
The letter went on to say that confining helicopters to all-water routes would significantly curb the abundant noise pollution that plagues the large population of residents whom inhabit high-density Queens. The lawmakers explained that, while rerouting traffic might add additional travel time or fuel expenses to those using helicopter service for their commute, the working families whose property values have suffered from the excessive noise would benefit from this reform.
“An over-the-water helicopter route for Northeast Queens communities will provide long-sought relief for so many residents that have had to endure onerous helicopter noise overhead,” said Senator Schumer. “There is ample space and safe all-water routes that East End-bound helicopters can travel which will relieve communities like those in Northern Queens from the incessant drone of low-flying helicopters, and I will fight hard to expand the all-water route. The FAA must do everything possible to alter its helicopter route and better track helicopter flight patterns, frequency, and noise levels to better protect quality of life in these communities.”
“The absurd level of noise caused by helicopters has become a daily issue for the residents of Northeast Queens. If the travel time for these wealthy commuters needs to be increased by a small fraction so as to alleviate homeowners from excessive noise pollution that decreases their property values, so be it. I call on the FAA to monitor this phenomenon, and redirect helicopter traffic to all-water routes,” said State Senator Tony Avella.
“The helicopter traffic over Northeast Queens has reached unreasonable levels in recent years. Residents have grown frustrated by this issue which can be mitigated by a number of proposed solutions. The FAA should explore these options to address this problem that has quickly become a quality-of-life and fiscal concern,” said Assemblyman Simanowitz.
Senator Schumer has long advocated for solutions to curb low-flying helicopters. For years, Schumer has worked with officials from the FAA, New York metropolitan-area helicopter operators, and airport mangers to establish solutions to eradicate onerous helicopter noise. In 2012, Schumer successfully pushed the Department of Transportation to finalize and publish regulations that mandate over-water routes for helicopters flying on the North Shore, and he has worked hard to further expand this route to cover all communities in Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island.
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Life-Changing Shalom Task Force Marriage Seminar In Queens
By Susie Garber
A beautifully orchestrated free event, sponsored by Shalom Task Force, CHAZAQ, and the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, enriched the married lives of the large group of couples who participated on Sunday, August 16, at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills. The event was coordinated by Basya Kovacs.
The speakers offered practical hands-on ways to elevate and protect one’s marriage. It was evident, as the workshop progressed, that couples were enjoying the program. There was plenty of conversation and smiles.
Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld, Mara D’asra of Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, greeted everyone. Mr. Eli Lebowitz, well-known stand-up comedian, emceed the evening, interjecting it with stand-up comedy, which lightened the mood and entertained the audience.
The first speaker, Dr. Sara Barris, offered a goldmine of valuable tips on how to sustain intimacy for the long haul. Something must be done about the steep rise in divorce; many marriages are not working up to their potential. It is important to look at who is getting it right and to learn from those models. She commended the couples who came to participate, saying those who come to Shalom Task Force workshops generally fare better.
She pointed out the work and studies of Martin Seligman, who focused on what is working well. She noted that happiness data intersects with marriage data. One half of our happiness is part of our genetic code. Then, 10 percent is environment and 40 percent gives us wiggle room. Here is where we can turn off difficult genes and turn on healthier ones. We need to use intentional discipline. Our Torah life is based on intentional discipline so this should feel natural for frum couples. She spoke of intentional discipline as filling a cup with one pebble at a time.
The secret to a marriage working well over the long haul is great friendship. This is a priority for both men and women. “So men and women come from the same planet, after all!” Barris quipped.
She taught that you need to be able to say what is on your mind and feel you are being heard.” The key is knowing and being known. You spend your whole lives together getting to know each other. It is not just about the first year. This must be a continuous process. “We want to know the details in each other’s lives.” This process of continuing to get to know each other is the purpose of the “date night.”
She then taught that differentiation is the ability to maintain a sense of self when you are so close to another. We need to cross over a bridge to connect. Differentiated people can have deeper intertwined relationships. A solid sense of autonomy and self-awareness helps the love to grow.
She also explained that it is crucial to give the permission to be human. It’s okay to sometimes not be okay.
Another important factor is appreciation and gratitude. You want to give each other a continuous message of gratitude, both verbally and/or via texting. Couples who are doing well are doing this.
She cautioned: Avoid the stumbling block of negativity. Don’t get caught in looking for what isn’t working well. She pointed out, “No one ever came to my office saying my spouse said ‘I love you’ too much.”
She also suggested that small things, like nicknames for each other, can really be impactful. “So many neutral moments can be turned to positive ones.”
She made an analogy to our davening. We thank Hashem every day in our prayers even if we aren’t feeling particularly thankful one day. Chazal taught us that we need to create a klee (vessel) to hold the good stuff. There is a template so that what feels not spontaneous ultimately becomes easier and feels more authentic with time. Dr. Barris cautioned that spontaneous is actually one of the most dangerous words. If you want an excellent relationship, you need intentional discipline, which is planned and out of one’s comfort zone. Our gift is to keep a “beginner’s” mindset.
She suggested we perform small acts of kindness for our spouse outside of our comfort zone. Be mindful of facial expressions. We need to create a roadmap so that when we fall off we can constantly and continually hop back on.
Barris shared, for example, that her husband gives her a card every week. Say in the card, “What would we do if we didn’t have each other?” Every time you give flowers say, “Thank you for being in my life.” Always add a detail. Take a personal or mental health day to spend together.
She explained that infidelity comes when people find emotional intimacy elsewhere. Be sure you have emotional intimacy, deep friendship, and real self-awareness. Be present and mindful when you speak with your spouse. We need to show up for each other. Dr. Barris then added that it is important to communicate and not expect your spouse to read your mind. You must communicate what you want. Also validate the other person’s feelings. Don’t try to find a solution; just listen and validate. She concluded that she is inspired by our couples who truly want to live a holy life.
Next, Dov Edell, a licensed marriage and family therapist in the Five Towns, spoke about the three relationships we have and how they are inter-connected: our relationship with G-d, our relationship with our fellow man, and our relationship with ourselves. He compared these to a three-legged stool. You need all three. You have to start with yourself. He noted how we don’t have any schooling for marriage – we just jump in. For bonding in our relationship we need emotional openness and physical closeness. If you have only one of these components, you won’t bond.
Next, Mrs. Judy Silverman spoke and shared some more vital tools for a healthy marriage. She recommended avoiding “you” statements and replacing them with “I” statements. “You” statements followed by criticism leads to defensiveness, not change. For example: “I felt uncomfortable when you did that,” instead of, “You shouldn’t have done that.” “I feel overwhelmed and could use your help,” instead of, “You never help me around the house.” Also avoid “always” and “never” in a negative context.
She suggested an essential tool, which is the daily temperature reading. This means spending at least 10 minutes with your spouse in face-to-face communication. Talk about anything you want. Include appreciation in this communication. Be specific. “Thank you so much for driving the kids today, or fixing that broken appliance,” etc.
Feeling appreciated by your spouse every day is huge. Also save some new information and share it face to face. In addition, ask each other questions – be interested in each other’s lives. You can stick in an issue that’s bothering you, with concerns and a recommendation, but that shouldn’t be the focus of your temperature reading time.
She also suggested that it is important to share wishes and dreams, but not every day. This is a positive connecting tool. You share the bigger picture. When couples say they are growing apart they are not using this tool.
She also spoke about making deposits in a care bank. She noted that we all have different needs and our needs change. You can’t have an account without deposits. The positive things we bring, say, or do in our relationship keep our relationship alive. Negativity and criticism constitute a withdrawal. She suggested keeping a notebook in your brain that tracks deposits you make each day. The five common deposits are: positive words of appreciation, spending time together (quality time without electronic screens), gifts and presents or a card, finding ways of helping each other, and showing affection physically.
She then suggested that you talk with your spouse about what makes you feel they care about you. Take note of what your spouse did to make you feel he or she cares for you. Mrs. Silverman suggested sitting down every three months and listing 10 things that make you feel cared about in your relationship. Speak, together, about how your needs change.
She also suggested couples discuss special circumstances and what your needs are when you are sick, etc.
Following these enlightening speeches was a delicious, gourmet, buffet lunch, and couples played a game called “Perfect Matches,” designed by Joy Lieber.
Rabbi Moshe Sokoloff then shared some interesting ideas about how to deal with stress and how to resolve conflicts. He taught that there are four types of people: the placatory – who gives in to everything; the blamer – who blames others in every situation; the computer- – who figures out solutions without taking feelings into account; and the distractor – who runs away from stress. First, we need self-awareness to determine which type of person we are, and then we want to try to become a leveler who uses all of these attributes in moderation and in a way that creates peace and solutions with his spouse. Sometimes when there is stress it is best to take a break and then come back to discuss the situation later. Always ask yourself, “Which category am I in, and where is my spouse?” He taught that the ability to grow from a stressful situation is in our hands. We can’t control the situations thrown at us, but we can control how we react to them.
The next speaker, Mrs. Rivki Rosenwald, offered tools for negotiating and fighting fairly. She conducted an interactive workshop. She emphasized that we need to learn how to listen. Having good talking skills means we are clear and concise. If we are not simple and clear we can overwhelm our mates. Also make sure we are conscious of our spouse’s feelings. Active listening means we are attentive and open to hear their side and we want to hear their side. We should reflect back their words and feelings to make sure we have it right. State the issue, share it, and repeat it. End with, “I appreciate you’re listening to me and trying. I hope we can work this out together.” This last sentence is crucial as it helps us reconnect.
Dr. Sara Barris concluded this part of the program, telling us,“These are magnificent tools. Use them.”
The program then concluded with the keynote address by Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz. He taught that the biggest predictor of change in a school is the principal’s attitude towards mistakes. If he compliments teachers for trying something new, even if it fails at first, then change happens. We need to remember that people do not change overnight. The fact you are here today at this seminar means you want to change. He then shared his principles for parenting: The first is to be flexible. This means to be open to change. The second is always put family first. This means to prioritize by putting your family first always. The third is to study parenting. It’s important to learn good parenting skills. “Raise your last child first” means to be relaxed with your first like you are with your last.
He shared many more important ideas about parenting, and shared his own expertise as an educator.
The Queens community is extremely grateful for this outstanding program that will truly make a difference in the lives of the couples who participated, their children, and others whom they influence.
The event be viewed on TorahAnytime.com.
100th Anniversary Memorial For Murder Of Leo Frank In Queens
By Susie Garber
On Monday, August 17, local politicians and community members gathered at the Cypress Hill Cemetery in Glendale, Queens, to commemorate the 100th year since the murder of Leo Frank in 1915, by a lynch mob. The program was sponsored by Councilman Rory Lancman, Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Queens Jewish Community Council.
Leo Frank was a native of Brooklyn who moved to Georgia, where he opened a factory to pursue the American dream. In 1913, he was convicted of murdering a thirteen-year-old girl who worked in the factory. The conviction was based solely on anti-Semitism. Georgia’s governor commuted the sentence in 1915. At that time, Georgia’s citizens formed a lynch mob. They kidnapped Frank from the prison and hung him on a tree. In response to this injustice, the Anti-Defamation League formed and became the country’s most outspoken opponent of anti-Semitism.
Councilman Rory Lancman, Master of Ceremonies, greeted the crowd. He quoted author Bernard Malamud, “If you forget you’re a Jew, the world will remind you.” Councilman Lancman spoke about anti-Semitism today and the worldwide boycott against Israel. In New York City, anti-Semitic incidents are up 29 percent. “Leo Frank was a Jew. He must have felt terribly alone, especially when he was kidnapped. He is not alone today.” Lancman emphasized that we came together to remember what happened and to keep in mind every victim of injustice and hatred. He expressed that Frank’s murder was a condemnation of the U.S. justice system of that time. We must never forget this tragedy in history and we must not forget the work we still have to do to remove hatred and bigotry.
Next, Councilwoman Crowley lamented that bigotry and hatred are still here today, 100 years after Frank’s murder. She shared that this is why it is so important to come together as a community to recall these acts. Racism is alive today in America. She stated that we are remembering a good man here and we must work to bring justice.
Following this, Public Advocate Letitia James pointed out that lynching is a part of our history. We must tell our story. There are ties between African-Americans and Jewish community members. She urged that we unite against bigotry and anti-Semitism. “The cry is, ‘Never again to hate. Never again to injustice.’” She stated, “We should take a moment to remember all who have died because of hate and we should stand as one, part of G-d’s human family.”
Some of the other speakers included Assemblyman David Weprin; Rabbi Daniel Pollack on behalf of Congresswoman Grace Meng; Queens Borough President Melinda Katz; Evan Bernstein, New York Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League; Dr. Dan Leshem, Executive Director of the Kupferberg Holocaust Resource Center Archives; and Cynthia Zalisky, Executive Director of Queens Jewish Community Council.
A special additional speaker was Mrs. Caroline Smithline, grandniece of Leo Frank. Mrs. Smithline noted that when she was growing up she never knew how her great-uncle had died. She always thought he died of pneumonia. She discovered the truth when she viewed a movie that had been made about his murder and then her relatives confirmed this was what happened to him. The family knew he was innocent. Her great-grandmother had stated, “Frank never lied to me in his life.” Her great-grandmother wrote that he was an upbeat and positive person. He possessed a lot of inner strength. Mrs. Smithline shared, “My consolation is his memory serves as a catalyst for learning and understanding.”
Councilman Lancman presented Mrs. Smithline with a proclamation plaque, which will stay on display next to Leo Frank’s memorial in the cemetery. Lancman read aloud a portion of the proclamation: “The case of Leo Frank shows hate and fear and bigotry Jews were subject to. It shows all people need to be guaranteed civil rights.”
The program concluded with the recitation of Psalm 23 and the Kel Malei Rachamim prayer by Rabbi Manny Behar.
http://georgiainfo.galileo.usg.edu/images/uploads/gallery/LeoFrank.jpg – Leo Fra k
Rabbi Yosef Chaim Schwab Speaks In Queens
By Susie Garber
On Thursday evening, August 13, Rabbi Yosef Chaim Schwab, son of Rabbi Shimon Schwab zt”l, delivered a shiur at Congregation Nachlas Yitzchok on behalf of Chazaq.
The shiur focused on Elul and the High Holy Days. Rabbi Schwab urged everyone to work on praying better and deeper and slower. He explained that selichos (special prayers said before Rosh HaShanah) must be recited for at least four days. This is because these prayers stand in place of a sacrifice and it took four days to check over an animal to determine if it was fit to be a sacrifice in the Temple. Rabbi Schwab noted that Elul is a time of mercy.
He then shared some fascinating gematrios (Hebrew letters’ numerical equivalents). He pointed out that the word Chazaq, spelled in Hebrew letters, equals 115. When you add up these digits it equals seven. Seven, he explained, is the number of holiness in Judaism. He then listed a huge number of things which add up to seven: The seventh day is Shabbos, the bride circles her groom seven times, there are seven blessings recited under the marriage canopy, Rosh HaShanah comes in the seventh month, Yaakov Avinu worked seven years for Rachel, Mashiach has seven names, etc.
Rabbi Schwab then delved into the Rambam’s laws of t’shuvah. He spoke about free choice. People are not programmed to be good or evil. We have free choice.
He spoke about the ten days of t’shuvah and about shofar blowing and the symbolism of the different types of sounds.
He concluded with the statement that there is no mitzvah greater than learning Torah. Let’s make it a sweet year from us to Hashem. Let’s decide “I will do for Him.”
This can be viewed on TorahAnytime.com.
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Agra D’Pirka Comes To Miami Beach
“This has been a life-changing experience for me!”
—R’ Shaya Labowitz, Agra D’Pirka Flatbush
“It’s so invigorating – I look forward to it every morning!”
—R’ Harry Trainer, Agra D’Pirka Boro Park
“All my life, I’ve been working… now it’s my turn to do what I really want. So here I am!” —Professor Yitzchok Klahr, Agra D’Pirka Flatbush
Sounds like these people are describing some life-enhancing elixir, a mysterious formula that is the gateway to happiness.
Indeed they are.
They’re describing Agra D’Pirka, an outstanding Torah learning program that has made a tremendous impact on so many lives in Boro Park, Flatbush, Queens, and Lakewood. Now the program is breaking new ground in a brand-new location. As of September 1, Agra D’Pirka will be coming to Miami Beach.
What is Agra D’Pirka? It’s an organized and serious morning kollel program geared towards local professionals, business owners, college students, retirees, or anyone else who wishes to increase his morning limud haTorah. It doesn’t really matter whether one was privileged to have learned in kollel during his youth or not. Agra D’Pirka is for everyone. The program, founded by R’ Ezra Klein of Flatbush, runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. with an outstanding roster of maggidei shiur at each location.
Those who are already involved in Agra D’Pirka are enthusiastically singing its praises. And once they get started, they maintain a permanent commitment. Says R’ Meir, a Lakewood resident, “For me this really anchors the day.” A Queens participant says that “my favorite part is the achdus. We are all here for one purpose.” And R’ Elchonon from Flatbush says, “I’ve never before seen such a brilliant group of people learning with such diligence.”
Rav Aharon Kahn, Mara D’Asra of Knesses Bais Avigdor in Flatbush, has been instrumental in helping establish the program. “Agra D’Pirka,” he says, “is the fulfillment of a dream. The credit for the realization of the dream goes to R’ Ezra Klein. He made it all happen and put together an array of maggidei shiur of the highest caliber and greatest skill.”
The program’s success has led its ambitious and visionary leaders to expand to new horizons. “It’s a program whose time has come,” says R’ Ezra Klein, “and it’s a program that will b’ezras Hashem continue to grow and grow.”
Thus did Agra D’Pirka makes its way to sunny Miami.
Why Miami? It’s well known that Miami is not just about beaches and palm trees. There’s a strong and vibrant Torah presence in the area – a full spectrum of kollelim, yeshivos, distinguished rabbanim, choshuve yungerleit, and committed balabatim. Recognizing the tremendous potential, Agra D’Pirka has decided to set up shop in this flourishing and growing community. The anticipation is growing with each passing day.
The program will be held at the Miami Beach Community Kollel on Monday through Thursday mornings.
Agra D’Pirka askanim have worked out all the details. A light breakfast of coffee and danishes will be available during the program, enhancing the experience for all. Round-trip transportation will be provided as well from Tower 41 and both Carriage Club buildings, ensuring that everyone will be able to participate.
There’s no doubt that the program in Miami will change people’s lives, just as it has everywhere else. Rav Kahn says that even the children of many participants clearly see a difference. “My father has become rejuvenated!” says one. “He has a renewed sense of joy and simchas hachayim!”
One young man in Flatbush joined the program because he lost his job and needed to keep himself occupied in the mornings. One day he arrived looking forlorn and close to tears. He was devastated. When Rav Kahn asked him what happened, he said, “I just got a new job.” Such is the powerful and magnetic effect of Agra D’Pirka on its participants.
South Florida residents will no doubt be similarly inspired, and it’s only a matter of time before the program will become the talk of town. As far as R’ Ezra is concerned, this is only the beginning. He will not rest until Agra D’Pirka is introduced in countless communities across the country. “We are mispallel that the Miami branch will bear fruit,” Rav Kahn comments, “and that it will carry Agra D’Pirka to other communities in Florida and beyond.”
What an awesome z’chus for those who are part of this unique and unprecedented program. And what an amazing opportunity for all of South Florida’s residents and guests. Those who take advantage of this program will have the distinction of being in on the ground floor of a Torah revolution that will only continue to spread. Says Rav Kahn, “I am already dreaming about setting up in Los Angeles.”
For more information visit agradpirka@gmail.com or call 718 490 9392.
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