Chazaq Energizes Queens Over Chol Hamoed

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Wow! Succot in Queens was something special. Chazaq hosted an array of Chol Hamoed activities for all ages.

Wednesday, Beth Gavriel Community Center opened its doors for the world renown mentalist Marc Salem. Attendees’ minds were blown as Marc guessed the impossible over and over again. Most notable was the iconic “dollar bill serial number guess” with his eyes taped and blindfolded.

Chazaq brought families of Congregation Ohr Torah of North Woodmere a remarkable Succot treat - Magician Shlomo Levinger!  Children and adults alike were entertained with trick after trick especially when Shlomo made predictions reality. 

Thursday was simply put magical. Hundreds watched as the sought after Ben Cohen joined Chazaq on stage at the Yeshiva of Central Queens for a day Succot delight. Queens residents were treated to three unique performances showcasing the best of Kosher magic along with enjoyable Succot tales to keep the audience enthralled. Yitz the Great & Friends were also on hand creating their signature balloons, even a lulav and etrog for the special occasion. Each show concluded with a guest becoming a magician right before everyone’s eyes!

73rd Avenue and Main Street was the epicenter of a groundbreaking Simchas Beis Hashoeva Thursday evening. Congregation Od Yosef Chai in conjunction with Chazaq presented a memorable event in their spacious succah that no rain would dare prevent. Chief Bukharian Rabbi Rav Yitzchok Yisraeli alongside Rabbi Boaz Bardea joined community Rabbanim including Rav Noach Isaac Oelbaum, Rav Ilan Meirov, Rav Menashe Tzadka, Rav Michael Cohen and Rav Refael Zavulunov among others. Wise words of introspection on the holiday of Succot were delivered by the respected Rabbanim. A note of thanks to Yitz the Great for keeping the youth entertained with his unique balloon designs. Afterwards, the crowd took to the streets for joyous singing and dancing headlined by Mizrachi singing sensation Avi Peretz!

Hoshana Rabba night was once again a highlight for the Queens community at large as Chazaq organized an all night marathon of A-list lecturers at the Young Israel of Forest Hills under the leadership of Rabbi Ashie Schreier. Special thanks to TorahAnytime and Hidabroot for live-streaming the events to 1000s. The custom to spend the night of Hoshana Rabba immersed in prayer can be traced back to the Ushpizin of that night. Dovid Hamelech is said to have remained awake singing praises to Hashem. It is also taught that our judgement is sealed on this sacred night. Speakers included: R’ Schreier, Mr. Steven Savitsky, R’ Moshe Bamberger, R’ Boaz Bardea, R’ Shaya Cohen, R’ Mordechai German, R’ Ilan Meirov, R’ Yitzchok Bistrisky, R’ David Shelby, R’ Simantov Yametz, R’ Yehoshua Zitron and R’ Yaakov Rachimi. The evening was sponsored by the Meirov family in memory of their matriarch Esther bat Sarah.

The fun continued Sunday as Chazaq presented the legendary Uncle Moishy joined by his Mitzvah Men and Cousin Nachum along with The Twins from France for an hour and a half of absolute laughter and suspense at YCQ. All went home ready to celebrate the chag with an extra fever of excitement.

To learn about future Chazaq events and programming visit www.CHAZAQ.org  or call 718-285-9132.