Nestled in the heart of Kew Gardens Hills, Bet Midrash Ohel Michael serves as a vibrant center for Torah learning and community engagement. Established in memory of Michael Chaim Nisanov z”l, this institution reflects his unwavering commitment to faith, education, and communal service.
Born in 2002 to Boris (Braciel) and Ilanit Nisanov, Michael was known for his energetic and charismatic personality, humility, and exemplary character. At 18, he faced a severe illness with immense emunah and bitachon in Hashem, inspiring those around him with his resilience and unwavering faith.
Michael’s dedication to Torah was profound. He engaged in numerous chavrutot, often learning from his hospital bed without disclosing his condition. His vast array of Torah studies included the works of the Chofetz Chaim on lashon ha’ra, Zera Shimshon, Tomer Devorah, and Daf Yomi. Remarkably, he attended the Siyum HaShas three times and completed numerous masechtot.
Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Michael was a pillar of the Queens Bukharian community, volunteering in various capacities such as blowing the shofar, building sukkot, and selling esrogim sets. His selflessness and dedication left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Michael was niftar on Erev Shabbos Chazon – Friday, August 5, 2022 (8 Menachem Av, Erev Tish’ah B’Av) just before lecht bentchin. His l’vayah was held at the BJCC in Forest Hills that Sunday, followed by k’vurah in Eretz Yisrael.
Several initiatives were established in his memory, including a brit gemach and an interest-free loan gemach that were founded to assist those in need. Additionally, two sifrei Torah were written, two shuls and a kollel were established, and numerous chavrutot and lectures commenced, all dedicated to Michael Chaim’s memory, giving every day of his short life significant meaning.
In line with Michael’s dedication to Torah, his family sponsored the Michael Nisanov Edition of ArtScroll’s Hass Family Megillas Eichah, featuring the classic commentary of Rabbi Shimshon Chaim Nachmani. This sefer enriches the study of Eichah with insights from the Zera Shimshon.
To perpetuate Michael’s legacy, Bet Midrash Ohel Michael was founded as a center for Torah study and spiritual growth. The beis midrash offers daily t’filot: Shacharit at 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., each preceded by a 45-minute learning session; Minchah bizman; and Maariv following, with an additional Maariv at 9:30 p.m. It also offers learning sedarim: A daily learning seder begins at 8:20 p.m., fostering continuous Torah study. Additionally, there are Shabbat services: Weekly kiddushim enhance the communal Shabbat experience, with attendance often exceeding capacity.
The beit midrash, located at 150-62 78th Road in Kew Gardens Hills, is accessible via the staircase on the right side of the building. The k’hilah is led by Rabbi Yonah Nisanov, Michael’s second cousin and son of Rabbi Shlomo and Reb. Ora Nisanov. Shiurim are delivered by Rabbi Yonah, Rabbi Emanuel Aminov, and Rabbi Aharon Sulimanov, alongside other esteemed scholars, with active participation from dedicated community activists like Maor Na’im.
During a recent visit, I had the privilege of touring the beit midrash with Gedalya Meir Nisanov, Rabbi Yonah’s brother. During my tour, I observed many participating families enjoying a lively Motza’ei Shabbat extravaganza, where children were entertained by a balloonist and other treats, reinforcing their sense of belonging and importance within the shul community. This experience provided a firsthand glimpse into the vibrant learning environment and the profound impact of Michael’s legacy on the community.
The Nisanov family has been instrumental in the spiritual and communal development of the Queens Jewish Bukharian community.
As the rav of Kehilat Sephardim of Ahavat Achim, also known as the Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills, Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov assumed leadership at the young age of 19. Under his guidance, the synagogue has flourished, serving as a hub for prayer and community activities. He also founded and currently oversees the Kehilat Food Pantry, the largest kosher food distribution site in the country, providing essential nutritional support to those in need.
A graduate of Beer Hagolah Institutes and Shevach High School, Rebbetzin Ora (Olga) Nisanov has been a driving force in community outreach. Her early initiatives began with volunteering for Queens Tomchei Shabbos and evolved into establishing food pantries, creating Torah-themed lecture series, and hosting community youth for Shabbat meals – reflecting her dedication to cultivating Jewish identity and education.
Bet Midrash Ohel Michael stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Michael Nisanov z”l, embodying his passion for Torah, community, and service. Through the unwavering commitment of the Nisanov family and the collective efforts of its members, the beit midrash continues to inspire and nurture the spiritual growth of the Queens Jewish community, especially the flourishing and devoted Bukharian community centralized in the wonderful mosaic of our borough.
May the learning and t'filot at Bet Midrash Ohel Michael bring peace and comfort to the Nisanov and Maksimov families, and may Michael’s memory serve as a blessing and inspiration to all.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
Bet Midrash Ohel Michael: A Beacon Of Torah, Unity, And Legacy In KGH
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