Hagaon Harav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlita, Visits Queens for P’eylim Lev L’Achim Reception in Kew Gardens Hills

An overflow crowd of community members and local Rabbanim gathered at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Marc and Karen Silverman to show support to P’eylim Lev L’Achim and to hear Hagaon Harav Shmuel Kamenetsky, shlita, Rosh Yeshivah, Yeshiva of Philadelphia, speak on behalf of the organization.

The reception for Lev L’Achim is held every two years in Queens. The program included an elegant buffet.

First, Dr. Silverman welcomed everyone and noted that this was the 12th time he and his family were hosting this reception and he said that his connection to this organization came through Harav Doniel Lander, Rosh Yeshivah of Yeshivas Ohr Hachaim.

Rav Kamenetsky then stood and with his trademark smile he imparted, “This is a good environment all around. Queens should be proud of their accomplishments. It’s a pleasure to come here.”

He said a dvar Torah about Sefer Shemos and stated, “We should meet for kedushah and mitzvos. Klal Yisrael should benefit from our meetings.”

Next, Harav Eliyahu Meir Klugman, Rosh Yeshivah of Neve Tzion Yerushalayim, spoke. “People want to be in the same room with the Rosh Yeshivah.” He acknowledged all the chashuve Rabbanim in attendance and thanked Dr. and Mrs. Silverman for opening their home for this important event.

“Hundreds of thousands of baalei teshuvah doesn’t happen by itself.” He said there are thousands of stories every week that are happening because of Lev L’Achim. He shared a few.

“Lev L’Achim is changing the face of Eretz Yisrael today.” He noted that the government would shut them down in a minute. They have many expenses for transportation, etc. It’s a 10 million dollar budget.”

He added, “Today’s Roshei Yeshivah weren’t born Roshei Yeshivah. You never know who these children can become.”

The organization influences people from kindergarten through adulthood. The number of people who are touched in this way is unbelievable. It is so heart-warming and inspiring just hearing about this amazing, beautiful work of Lev L’Achim.

Rabbi Klugman stated, “We have to care enough and understand that they are G-d’s children. We are all in this boat together.” He then taught that if we want to be successful with our own children, we have to take care of G-d’s children.

A video portrayed all the amazing work of Lev L’Achim which includes people going door to door in non-frum areas and offering to learn with people, helping to enroll students in yeshivah, learning programs for children, teenagers and women, counseling and more.

On the video, one of the people who became observant through Lev L’Achim states, “Torah is the essence of life. Just show me the path.”

Donations can be sent to: 1034 East 12th Street,Brooklyn, New York, 11230.

To reach Lev L’Achim, call 718-258-7760 or fax to 718-258-4672.