Hundreds Inspired at EMET’s Community Shabbat in Kew Gardens-Richmond Hill

On Shabbat Parashat Pekudei, EMET Outreach continued its community Shabbat series in Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill. Seven local shuls participated, inviting Emet staff members to address their congregants and spread their message. They discussed the assimilation and intermarriage problem facing the community, and the amazing success they have seen, impacting over 6,000 students and showing them the beauty of Torah observance.

Popular lecturer Rabbi Bentzion Shafier was EMET’s featured guest. He spoke several times throughout Shabbat for men and women, including at a Friday night Oneg and a community address on Shabbat day at Khal Adas Yeshurun, aka “The Big Shul.” Rabbi Shafier discussed the concept of breaking through preconceived notions and glass ceilings. He reminded the audience that our greatest goal in life is to become the best possible version of ourselves.

Rabbis throughout the neighborhood welcomed EMET’s staff members to address their congregations. Rabbis Aryeh Sokoloff, Leibel Rockove, Dovid Willig, Nir Aminov, Ephraim Tanenbaum, and Chaim Schwartz spoke warmly and personally about the organization’s profound achievements in the Queens community over the past fifteen years.

This was a particularly meaningful Shabbat for EMET, as many of its staff members live in Kew Gardens, including co-founders Rabbi Mordechai Kraft and Rabbi Akiva Rutenberg, Associate Director Mrs. Rivka Muskat, and Campus Rabbi, Rabbi Michael Fuzaylov. Rabbi Josh Margulies of Yeshiva Shaar HaTorah is involved with the organization’s marketing and development. Rabbi Nissim Musheyev, Director of Torat Emet, who lives in Far Rockaway, joined the Shabbaton and addressed the large Bukharian congregation at Ner Mordechai.

Over 700 local residents participated, and many were amazed to discover the scope and reach of EMET Outreach. The organization runs 14 consistent weekly programs and hosts 1-3 shabbatons each Shabbat. 380 unique students participate each week in a dynamic Emet learning opportunity. Many were surprised to discover that EMET is one of the largest kiruv organizations in North America, and there is an enormous opportunity (and need) right now in the five boroughs, that’s being tackled by the organization.

In addition, staff members introduced the community to EMETConnect, and exciting new learning and mentoring initiative that will empower volunteers to share authentic Torah learning in a one-on-one chavruta setting. One Kew Gardens resident remarked, “I have been a neighbor and friend of Rabbi Akiva Rutenberg for many years, and while I knew he did kiruv, I had no idea about the magnitude and vast array of programs.”

Rabbi Leibel Rockove, Rav of Khal Nachlas Avos in Richmond Hill, referred to EMET as a “hidden jewel in Queens.” Rabbi Margulies spoke at Rabbi Rockove’s shul about EMET’s mission to combat assimilation and intermarriage, saying, ”Literally thousands of local public school graduates, many of whom are first-generation Americans, are very receptive to becoming observant and possibly keeping Shabbat. At the same time, they are tempted by the option of marrying a non-Jew and abandoning their religion. EMET rescues these students by showing them the beauty of Torah and developing lifelong relationships.”

Rabbi Margulies said that one of the earliest references we find to the term “kiruv” (which literally means to bring close) is in Pirkei Avot, where it says that “Aharon HaKohen loved all created beings and brought them closer to the Torah.” The commentaries explain that when Aharon discovered that somebody was committing sins, he would befriend the person. The person would then think to himself, “The great Aharon HaKohen is my friend. He would never expect a friend to sin.” As such, the person would stop sinning, because of his relationship with Aharon HaKohen. Rabbi Margulies explained that one thing that makes EMET so unique is that staff members develop deep, long-lasting relationships with students. They guide them after they graduate, get married, and raise families. They are available at all times of day, provide one-on-one counseling, and are there for their students in myriad ways. It literally is “kiruv”.

In addition to the community Shabbat, a group of 14 students of Torat Emet, EMET’s advanced division for boys, participated in a Shabbaton, giving Kew Gardens locals a profound first-hand glimpse into the work done by the organization. A Friday night oneg was held with inspiring Divrei Torah, stories, and powerful singing led by Shabsi Fixler and others. Cholent, kugel, and refreshments were served. Members of the community were joined by EMET students, many of whom remained until nearly midnight. Students enjoyed seuda shlishit at the home of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Press, followed by a stunning musical havdalah.

EMET’s leadership was encouraged and energized by the support and warm reception of the extraordinary Kew Gardens community. They’re looking forward to continuing their joint mission and—with Hashem’s help—enjoying ongoing success. To learn more about EMET and support their great cause, visit EmetOutreach.org.