[COMMUNICATED CONTENT] One of the most iconic jewish music events is coming back this Sunday night at 7:30pm to Queens College/Colden Center to benefit National Council of Young Israel & Queens Jewish Community Council. Headlining the event is Jewish music superstars Avraham Fried, Michoel Pruzansky, Lipa Schmeltzer, New York Boys Choir, and Nachas. The show is also featuring Zmiros Choir. Tickets to the event can be purchased at www.jewishtickets.com or at the Queens College/Colden Center Box Office.

Jewish music sensation, Lipa Schmeltzer, announced on Friday that he will be running (or perhaps, strolling) in the 3rd Annual 5K Run / Walkathon on behalf of Our Place NY on Sunday, October, 27th at Floyd Bennett Field. Through its 5K, Our Place NY, New York’s premier organization offering at-risk Jewish youth a second chance, will be raising awareness and much-needed funds for at-risk youth in our communities, suffering from drug addiction, abuse, depression and other life debilitating circumstances.   “The Youth of Our Place have always been close to my heart. I see and sense their pain; but together as a tzibur we need to do more to support these struggling youth, and help to lovingly bring them back to our community,” Lipa explained. With just one week left until the race, Lipa knows he has ambitious goals. “I want to really help Our Place do its incredible, life-saving work. I will be creating my own team for the race, TEAM LIPA. My goal is to raise an additional $50,000 and get at least 100 additional participants to join me on my team.” (Almost $90,000 is already pledged with $57,000 already paid and 272 participants are already registered to run). In exchange for their support and participation, Lipa promises that all runners of TEAM LIPA will receive personalized photo-ops, TEAM LIPA t-shirts, as well as, special participation in a post-run concert that he will be performing live at the event, as soon as he crosses the finish line. To run with Lipa or just support his efforts, please visit the TEAM LIPA homepage.   Rabbi Aryeh Young, Executive Director of Place NY, explained “we are absolutely thrilled to have Lipa joining us. His participation will bring a boost of energy and excitement to an already-fun filled day. Whether one is a competitive runner, a casual jogger, or just want to walk with friends – a 5K Run / Walkathon is a great way to get out with friends and family on a Sunday morning, enjoy Lipa in concert, raise some money for a very special Tzedaka and get some much-needed Post-Yom Tov exercise.”   The 5K Run / Walkathon, which will take place at Floyd Bennett Field is a unique event, hosted exclusively by Our Place NY. This exclusivity enables separate men’s and women’s races (staggered 30 minutes apart), something rarely available to the Orthodox community. Eli Verschlieser, Co-Founder of Our Place thanked Lipa profusely for his support. “Lipa’s offer to assist Our Place comes just at the right time. More than ever, we need the backing and support of our community. Over 100 teens are rolling through our teen drop-in centers each night. They count on us for dinner, therapy, mentors, safety from violence, rehab placements, and so much more. We are truly fortunate that Lipa understands the critical role we play in the community and we hope that others will follow his example in their support of the at-risk youth population in our communities.”   In addition to TEAM LIPA, this year’s race features a number of teams representing various local organizations, schools, and companies, including teams from Rambam Mesivta, Lander College for Men, B & H Photo, as well as, a special team honoring the family of Rabbi Zvi Gluck, Director of Crisis Intervention at Our Place.   Founded in 1998, Our Place NY is a registered

  Music fans of all ages and walks of life came together on Sunday, June 2 for a star-studded celebration of the special U.S.-Israel relationship. The 20th Annual Israel Day Concert was by far the biggest yet, with thousands coming to hear some of hottest musical acts in the Jewish world. Dubbed “the concert with a message” by its organizers, the gathering, which was free and open to the public, also featured presentations by prominent American and Israeli leaders including media personality and former U.N. ambassador John Bolton, and Israeli Deputy Defense Minister and Knesset Member Danny Danon. The concert, which paid tribute to the memories of Carl Freyer—one of the event’s original founders—and Dr. Manfred Lehman (z”l), was organized by Dr. Joseph Frager, with Dr. Paul & Mrs. Drora Brody serving as the Concert’s chairpersons. Sponsoring the event was the Israel Concert-in-the-Park Committee in association with Young Israel Chovevei Zion, with catering by the ever-popular Mendy’s Kosher Delicatessen. Special thanks were also given by Brody and Frager to the National Council of Young Israel—and in particular the organization’s Chief Operating Officer Chaim Leibtag—for their assistance. The program began just as the Annual Israel Day Parade (a separate event sponsored by New York’s Jewish Community Relations Council) was drawing to a close, with many of the parade’s participants ultimately finding their way to the concert. The Concert showcased a veritable who’s who of Jewish entertainers. Lending their star power to the event were headliners Lipa Schmeltzer and Edon Pinchot. The many opening acts preceding them, however, were celebrities in the own right. Brought together by Musical Director Zvika Bornstein, these included popular Israeli Chassidic-Folk trio Simply Tsfat; 2012 Jewish Star International Music Contest Winners Dovid Moskovits (of Queens, NY) and Choni Goldman (coming all the way from Johannesburg, South Africa); Dr. Meyer Abittan—a cardiologist who, fittingly, touched people’s hearts with his moving rendition of the theme from Exodus–“This Land is MINE, G-d Gave This Land To ME!”; Jerry Markovitz; the Shloime Dachs Orchestra & Singers; Chaim Kiss; Izzy Kieffer & Heshy R (who delighted with a musical homage to Reb Shlomo Carlebach); and rising music star Elron Zabatani. Zabatani, a resident of Jerusalem’s Old City and an alumnus of the Ateret Cohanim Yeshiva (who has also worked as a tour guide and medic), was to be accompanied by piano phenom Shlomi Aharoni. Unfortunately, Aharoni, who helped Zabatani prepare for his performance, was unable to attend due to a recent automobile accident. Staying true to the concert’s theme, the entertainment was interspersed with impassioned speeches by top Israeli and pro-Israel leaders. The Israel Day Concert, declared Dr. Frager, is unique by virtue of its “significant message.”   “That message is, of course, one of unity. And the unity we’re speaking of is the unity of Yerushalayim [Jerusalem], and of course the unity of all of Eretz Yisrael [the Land of Israel].” Dr. Brody would later echo that sentiment, explaining that “The main purpose of the Concert is to show the world, from Washington to Jerusalem, that we are not prepared to give up any land, and we believe in Eretz Yisrael hashleima[a whole, undivided Israel], and Jerusalem … will stay reunited forever.” Following Dr. Frager’s introductory remarks, the concert began in earnest with the performance of the Hatikva (Israel’s national anthem) by

[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] On Thursday night the eve of 20 Tishrei, thousands of holiday celebrants filled the Jerusalem Convention Center for an unforgettable concert. The crowd came to show their support for United Hatzalah. The concert featured renowned singers of Chassidish music Avraham Fried and Lipa Schmeltzer together with Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot. The show opened to thunderous applause from the audience as Avraham Fried started the show with a holiday medley of songs composed by Shlomo Carlebach. The crowd immediately got into the music and dancing began in the chairs and aisles, and continued throughout the event. This was Fried’s second concert in three months in support of the organization. The first concert in August featured Avraham Fried singing at a tribute concert for a crowd of thousands of United Hatzalah volunteers and their families from across Israel. Fried, who is no stranger to the organization, took some time out before the concert began to talk about why he supports United Hatzalah so staunchly. “United Hatzalah is close to my heart,” explained Fried. “ Eli Beer (the Founder and President of United Hatzalah) is a great guy and he runs a critical and wonderful organization that helps save lives. Whatever I can do to be a part of that, to help that, I am here. Hineni.” When asked to elaborate why he believes United Hatzalah to be so critical, Fried responded by saying, “You know Love of thy fellow man is a big mitzvah in the Torah, one of the biggest. Most of us go through our lives, and we can do acts of loving kindness in our lives, helping people across the street and other instances. But here you have 3,000 volunteers going through their lives and 24/7 they are willing to put everything on hold to help save the lives of their fellow people. There is no greater act of loving kindness than that.” Fried said that “it is humbling and an honor to be invited to become a part of that”. Fried focused on the strength of the organization coming from within the community. Illustrating that there is a place for everyone to be able to help their fellow, Fried said that “United Hatzalah saves lives, they save bodies. Music is the language of the soul. Souls can be touched and inspired and uplifted. For the last 40 years, I’ve been trying to do just that. To give strength to others. People today need a lot of help. We are all able to help in our own way. Some can save lives, some can touch souls, some can say a good word and make someone smile, everyone can be involved in bringing strength and good cheer to people. In essence, people can perform their own ‘hatzalah’ no matter where they are, and I am happy to be a part of this Hatzalah and help this organization.” During the event, Eli Beer awarded the Ambassadorship of Hatzalah to Bob Book and Yaron Lemelbaum for their continued support of the organization. Book and Lemelbaum accepted their awards on stage and were joined by volunteer paramedic Muawia Kabha who is a Muslim from Nazareth, Israel’s first deaf EMT Nechama Loebel, and two other volunteers. In a very touching moment, Beer called up to the stage Yulia, a woman

At a special concert fundraiser for Israel’s largest volunteer EMS service held at the Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York on Sunday, United Hatzalah was honored by Jay Leno, who performed a long comedy set and offered on the spot to donate a $36,000 fully equipped ambucycle for the EMS organization to use to save lives in Israel. The former Tonight Show host called Eli Beer, Founder and President of United Hatzalah, to the stage after his act to tell him “What you guys are doing is so special I am so proud to be here and be part of it. I have 117 motorcycles in my collection but none of my motorcycles save lives. I want to donate an ambucycle with all of the trappings.” The ambucycle, once it is outfitted and adorned with Jay Leno’s name, will join the fleet ambucylces of over 400 used by the volunteer EMS organization to continue to provide free treatment to anyone who needs while cutting down emergency response time throughout the country to under 3 minutes. Leno, who traveled from Los Angeles specially for the concert, also challenged the audience to join him in supporting lifesaving in Israel by donating on the spot to the organization and offering that anyone who donated $1,000 would receive a free tour of his garage to see his large car and motorcycle collection. Leno’s rare car and motorcycle collection is considered to be one of the finest in the world. Thanks to Leno, an additional $50,000 was raised on the spot to support saving lives in Israel. The concert took place at the Jazz at Lincoln Center in midtown Manhattan and featured performances by musical entertainer Lipa Schmeltzer and the Rock band 8th Day. The event also featured Neshama Orchestra and was hosted by Jewish Radio personality Nachum Segal. The event was made possible by the sponsorship of Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein together with Bob and Amy Book and Mendy and Barbara Silber among many others. The venue, which can seat close to 1,300 people, was a complete sell-out. Leno got a first hand look at the ambucycles of United Hatzalah as he made his grand entrance onto the stage riding one of the organization’s ambucycles and wearing a EMT vest identifying him as a supporter of the organization. After receiving a miniature silver ambulance from United Hatzalah to add to his collection, Leno told the crowd “See you next year in Jerusalem.” This statement both invoked a famous Jewish refrain and hinted at Leno continuing his yearly visits to host big events in Israel. In 2014 and 2015, Leno hosted the Genesis Prize award ceremony in Israel, following which he was attacked on social media for his support of the country. Leno brushed off the attacks and kept coming back to support the Jewish state in spite of the chastisement. “People want a good time and people want to do good deeds,” said Founder and President of United Hatzalah Eli Beer. “So for those who cannot physically come to Israel, like Leno did, but still want to help, the concert was a golden opportunity to come out and support the country while performing one of the greatest gifts of loving kindness that there is, saving lives. What Jay Leno, Lipa, 8th Day and

The day started out with a steady drizzle and overcast skies, but that didn’t put a damper on the spirits exuberant men, women and children boarding the majestic ship for Misameach’s one-of-a-kind Annual Cruise. The singing could be heard from down the block, getting louder and louder as we approached the ship standing ready and waiting at the Liberty state Marina. Walking up the gangplank and entering the boat, we were immediately enveloped in the joy and the excitement reverberating throughout the boat, as we were greeted by volunteers as if we were family. The music started before the boat left the marina, as the dance floor took on a life of its own. Families settled in, finding their places at the many gaily decorated tables and enjoying the lavish lunch buffet that seemed to never run out. And then, with a slight lurch, the boat took to the choppy waters of the Hudson River, as it embarked on its three hour trip, a trip that, since its inception several years ago, has become symbolic of the remarkable experiences created by Misameach for hundreds of sick children and their families. Somewhere between the Hudson River and the East River, the rains died down and the sun broke through the crowds, as families enjoyed the view out on the decks, taking in the sights of the Statue of Liberty, South Street Seaport and the helipad, and for some of us – the homes of some of our favorite people on the Lower East Side of Manhattan! Inside the ship, the Ruach never abated, thanks to the musical talents of the legendary Avraham Fried, Shimi Engel and Eli Marcus, accompanied by the Harmony Band and the most leibidig volunteers known to mankind. Never seeming to tire, the volunteers danced the cruise away, sweeping children into the lively circles and watching the smiles transform their faces as they felt the warmth and the love and the joy of their Misameach family. While the ground level was turned into a concert hall, the second floor was home to a child’s wonderland. Aside for the food, a whole host of games and activities entertained the children for the duration of the cruise. Crafts, face painting, cotton candy and more were supervised by dedicated volunteers who naturally and gracefully made every child feel special. Scooter the Schnitzel Man created balloon sculptures according to every child’s specification, while keeping them laughing, dancing and singing as they waited. Scooter also performed a hilarious show, with his unique blend of magic and comedy – okay, mostly comedy – that had children and adults laughing unabashedly. One of the highlights of the cruise was the opportunity to pay tribute to a man who had been a lifesaving force for so many present, and so many more in the community and beyond. Dr. Lapidus, of Pediatric Affliates represented Dr. Shanik in presenting an award to Dr. Craig Alter, Director of Endocrinology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). “Dr. Alter is available to his patients whenever they need him,” said Dr. Lapidus. “While it is not unusual to find a top doctor of his stature in CHOP, what is so remarkable about Dr. Alter is that he is a mentch beside.” That mentchlechkeit shone to the fore as Dr. Alter humbly accepted

Several hundred people laced up their athletic shoes this past Sunday morning at Brooklyn’s Floyd Bennett Field as they gathered to show their support for Our Place with a fundraising 5 kilometer run. 344 people were registered to traverse the 5K course with separate races held for men and women, in order to raise desperately needed funds for the teen drop in center that also offers programs and other services for Brooklyn young adults. Event organizers estimate that approximately 500 people were in attendance for the morning’s events which also included a concert by superstar Lipa Schmeltzer, a bounce house for children, cotton candy, popcorn and pizza. Our Place’s executive director, Rabbi Aryeh Young, called the event “a huge success” noting that Our Place exceeded its financial goal of raising $120,000 by over $15,000. “It was extremely gratifying to see how many people contributed to the cause and came out to support our work, but given the enormous expenses we face on a daily basis, the reality is that the money raised by the race is only enough to tide Our Place over for the next several weeks,” said Rabbi Young. “We hope that people will continue to donate generously to Our Place.” Adding to the excitement that was already crackling in the crisp morning air, was the ability to run in teams, something new for this year’s third annual run. “The team concept was perfectly in sync with the motto of Our Place, which is ‘Nobody is in it alone,’” said long time Our Place activist Rabbi Zvi Gluck, whose eleven person Team Gluck brought in the largest amount of money, over $25,000. Among those running with Gluck were his wife, his four children and his mother and his father, Rabbi Edgar Gluck. “Our Place is ever growing and continually expanding what we are doing, but we still need support from the community,” explained Gluck. “If nobody is in it alone, then it is very clear that together we can conquer the world.” Among the other teams registered were groups from the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, Rambam Mesivta in Lawrence and Run 4 Rivka, a 35 person team created in support of 20 year old Rivka Apfel from West Hempstead who is recovering from a recent liver transplant, with Rivka herself stunning participants by showing up and completing a portion of the race. A team from Our Place’s Living Room program was the largest group that ran the race, featuring over 40 runners and Our Place also fielded both separate boys and girls teams, with a combined registration of over 30 participants from its drop-in centers. Superstar Lipa Schmeltzer, who fielded his own team in the race, praised Our Place for the vital role it plays helping teens from all segments of the Jewish community. “Our place is everyone’s place,” said Schmeltzer. “We can all use a warm place like Our Place.” Participants were encouraged to run or walk the race at their own pace and nearly 300 of the registered entrants actually completed the entire 5K. The top finishers in the men’s group were Zalman Leib Charnoff of Brooklyn (19:22.5), Yaakov Shapiro of Brooklyn (19:56.4) and Rafi Abraham of Teaneck (19:57.0). Taking home the top honors in the women’s race were Leiba Rimler of Brooklyn (23:50.8), Blima