7 EMET Staff Members And 70 Students Share A Shabbat Of Inspiration In Jamaica Estates & Fresh Meadows

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Last month, EMET Outreach held a community Shabbat of Chizuk and Inspiration in Jamaica Estates and Fresh Meadows. “This was a watershed moment for our organization,” said one EMET staff member. “We had the exciting opportunity to share our success with this amazing community, and we’re hoping to build on our new partnership by working together moving forward.”

Founded 15 years ago, EMET has been a Queens staple for many years. Last year it moved into a new headquarters in Jamaica Estates, and has been welcomed graciously the surrounding neighborhoods.

Five shuls participated in this jam-packed Shabbos—the Bukharian Jewish Congregation of Jamaica Estates, Bet El, Beit Eliyahu, Anshei Shalom, and Kehillat Avodat Hashem. Seven EMET rabbis and staff members participated, most spending the entire Shabbos locally with their families. EMET’s Program Director Sara B. brought tremendous energy to the Shabbos, and was extremely involved in recruiting and planning. Rabbi Akiva Rutenberg, Rabbi Mordechai Kraft, Rabbi Reuven Kigel, Rebbetzin Devorah Kigel, Rabbi Nissim Musheyev, and Rabbi Hersch Goldberger all spoke at local shuls, sharing Divrei Torah and words of chizuk during Friday night services, Shabbat morning services, and Seuda Shlishit. In addition, community lectures were given by Rabbi Kraft and Rebbetzin Kigel.

Beyond the uplifting messages, EMET’s staff raised awareness of their mission to connect with unaffiliated college students who have minimal yeshiva backgrounds and show them the beauty of Torah. With programs on 8 campuses, EMET attracts college-aged adults, many of whom are searching for answers and meaning, and teaches them all about Judaism and Torah observance. Rabbi Musheyev observes that what makes EMET unique is that it remains connected with students for years after they graduate. “Unlike other organizations, EMET develops deep relationships with students that last throughout their lives. We have programming and divisions dedicated to young professionals and married couples, most of whom have been homegrown and nurtured through the EMET system.”

In the 15 years since its inception, the Queens-based organization has had enormous success. It has over 6,000 students and alumni and its couples’ division has over 1,200 members. Each year hundreds of classes are given on and off campus, over 50 Shabbatons are held, a weekly Bait Midrash Program thrives, and the organization offers community lectures, one-on-one counseling, learning and educational trips to Poland, Prague, Israel, Miami, Arizona, Los Angeles, as well as Oceanside weekend alumni retreats, and much more. Many EMET students have become fully Torah observant, raise observant families, and many go on to attend yeshiva to further their Judaic growth.

Rabbi Musheyev told community members that Yaakov Avinu sent Yehuda to Mitzrayim to open a yeshiva, because the Jewish nation cannot survive without a Jewish education. Today, thousands of college students in the New York City area are severely lacking Jewish education. Tragically, they are assimilating and inter-marrying. The average college student who grew up with limited background has no desire nor motivation to go to shul, keep Shabbos, or be involved with anything Jewish.

Astoundingly, many of them are extremely receptive to learning about their heritage and discovering the beauty of Torah. Yet it takes manpower to find and connect with these students. Rabbi Musheyev points out that EMET is providing a major need. “These students are not running to us. We reach to them, and bring them Judaism. Ten fellowship classes per semester, stimulating discussion, and Shabbatons and trips, all of which are subsidized. We do all this is to attract students and build a lasting relationship.”

Many Jamaica Estates and Fresh Meadows community members were surprised and awed by all that EMET has done. They were unaware of the pressing need and urgency across local campuses, and the dangers of assimilation by thousands of Jews who live so close to their community. One staff member remarked, “This showed congregants problems they were unaware of, and the many programs EMET offers to fill that void.”

Throughout the community, approximately four hundred people participated in this historic, eye-opening event. Rabbis and board members partnered with EMET on this initiative, and graciously welcomed staff members to join their congregations. They were extremely supportive of EMET’s message and mission. “This Shabbos was a tremendous Kiddush Hashem,” said Rabbi Goldberger.

In addition to hearing from staff members, congregants witnessed a genuine glimpse of EMET’s work. Seventy St. John’s University students and their friends participated in a special Shabbaton, with lavish catered meals at the Bukharian Center of Jamaica Estates, held in conjunction with the Shabbos of Chizuk. These members of the school’s Jewish Students Association, many of whom attend EMET Fellowship classes each week, have partnered with the organization on many joint programs. This large crowd of enthusiastic students gave the community a very tangible picture of the work JSA and EMET do in tandem.

For the past several years, the JSA at St. John’s has been growing and thriving beyond anyone’s wildest expectations. The group’s nearly 200 members participate in weekly programming and learning (in conjunction with EMET Outreach) and host numerous special events, making the Jewish presence on campus a force to be reckoned with.

Its president and driving force, Natalie Eshaghian, genuinely wants every Jew from all backgrounds to feel comfortable and part of the “JSA family.” The other JSA board members, Nicole Babayev, Svetlana Bachayev, Daniella Borukhov, William Dayanayev, Dina Sarikov, Moshe Priyev, and Joseph Sachakov, all participated in the Shabbaton and were extremely involved in planning and coordination.

In addition to its seven other campus programs, EMET, in conjunction with JSA, hosts regular programing on St. John’s campus. This includes its fellowship for beginners in which students participate in two semesters of weekly learning, two Shabbatons, and earn a once-in-a-lifetime educational trip to Eastern Europe, and “lunch and learns” attended by 50+ students each week. The JSA’s leadership has bolstered the Jewish presence on campus and lobbied the school to address their specific needs, including a new Jewish prayer room on campus, and a class in Biblical Hebrew for college credit, taught by EMET’s Co-Director Rabbi Mordechai Kraft. In addition, the JSA recently hosted a Challah bake on campus with EMET’s support.

Rabbi Goldberger discussed the fact that accepting rebuke is extremely difficult, even for great Torah scholars. He cited sources that say there are two components to properly helping people grow and change. You need to fully believe in and embody your words and have a sincere personal commitment; and you need to really care about the person and truly want to help them. Rabbi Goldberger went on to say that EMET Rabbis and staff exemplify both of these things. They are constantly working on themselves to grow along with their students. As an example, each EMET rabbi begins their day with Torah learning. When students walk into the EMET office, the staff greets them warmly and with full excitement, and each student feels royally welcome. They have a deep personal connection with every student and alumnus.

Rabbi Kraft gave a community lecture, in which he discussed strategies to cope with life’s challenges and always see the good in any situation. He explained that in tough situations fraught with challenge, we may be overwhelmed and not have the strength to see the positive. Rather we need to condition ourselves during calmer moments and smaller struggles to recognize and feel Hashem’s presence. Then we will have that power, strength, and clarity when things get tough.

EMET’s leadership was extremely encouraged and energized by the support and warm reception of the extraordinary Jamaica Estates and Fresh Meadows communities The future heralds a continued partnership with local shuls, and a host of uplifting events, in which EMET and community leaders and members will continue their joint mission and—with Hashem’s help--enjoy ongoing success.