How One Summer Changed Jackson Heights
Summer 2020. People were slowly recovering from the heat of the pandemic, and they needed a boost. Most summer programs were still barely running, or running with strong restrictions and limitations.
At Chabad we knew we needed to do something special. It began by recruiting a team of 40 Yeshiva students and giving them Mezuzas with equipment and brochures. And they took off like an army. They visited hundreds and hundreds of homes in many neighborhoods all around Queens, some neighborhoods with more Jews and some with less.
One of the neighborhoods they visited was Jackson Heights. They were told right away that this would not be the place to find Jewish people. ‘There once was a vibrant Jewish community here but it is dying out. You should find another place to visit.’
But, Chabad’s volunteers knew not to be discouraged. They continued working in Jackson Heights even after the summer, and opened a Jewish stand throughout the year. In the cold winters and the hot summer, Jackson Heights began to see a revival. A Jewish revival, a real change.
What everyone said was impossible, has finally pulled through this week! On behalf of our team at ChabadYQ, we are excited to welcome Rabbi Meir Pape and family as he has made the move to officially open up Chabad of Jackson Heights!
Sometimes all that is needed is a bit of willpower and you can turn over complete neighborhoods of Jewish people.
Rabbi Meir Pape can be reached at 347-450-6005. | 
