July 31st was a real day of unity for the Queens community. They say that one person can make all the difference in the world, but what can a community of Jewish people accomplish when they work together? The 30 hours which began at 2pm on July 31st and lasted until 8pm the next day really demonstrated how great a Kiddush Hashem we could make together when we decide to focus on what unifies us. Of course, I am talking about the amazing sum of money raised for the new Queens Community Mikvah at Beth Gavriel. Approximately $430,000 towards a Mitzvah which our rabbis tell us is the cornerstone of Jewish continuity. The Charidy campaign was a resounding and even miraculous success. The money came pouring in from literally all around the world: all 50 states, Canada, Israel, Europe, South Africa, South America….
Though we can see this as a global effort, the truth is that none of this would have been possible without the ‘home base’ working so hard. The Queens Jewish community mobilized with amazing speed, alacrity, and deliberation. Also, rarely do we ever see any issue or cause become an astounding bridge between all the colorful groups of Jews from around the country and around the world. In Beth Gavriel’s Mikvah Campaign, there was no difference between Sephardi, Ashkenaz, Chassidishe or Litvak. There was only One Jewish nation and One Mikvah. Therefore, much gratitude due to all those who participated in one way or another, without you, the world would not witness the beautiful occurrence of Global Judaism unified around a single cause.
We even had a special event on the night of the Campaign arranged for the local women to celebrate the great opportunity of uniting for holiness. On July 31st at 9 P.M., ladies from different communities gathered together at Beth Gavriel Center for the Paint Night Event celebrating our amazing cause. This event was organized and instructed by Olga Shimonova, the founder of Pencil N’More Art Studio. Here, the women got to enjoy sushi, wine and exquisite desserts, all while DJ Lana’s inspirational music helped channel creativity. The result was great fun, dancing, and beautiful take-home art. The women also participated in raffles with proceeds contributing to the new Mikvah. The theme of the night was waterfall-art, which represented the foundation of Mikvah.
The word Mikvah means “gathering of waters” from a natural source. So, too, unity is like a purifying Mikvah. Those who immerse themselves in a good cause discover the collective joy of a mission accomplished for the betterment of all. When we work together, our accomplishments reveal to us that our natural state really is one of harmony and unity.
By Adam Suinov
Thirty Hours Of Unity Gives The Queens Jewish Community A Beautiful New Mikvah
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