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In 1960, a small group of orthodox Jews met in the apartment of Rubin & Rita Markowitz to discuss the viability of an Ashkenaz minyan to be rented on a monthly basis in a corner storefront on 78 th Avenue and Vleigh Place. The small committee gave us the support and go ahead and with the key man – Max Sattinger, A'H, (the superintendent of the housing development) in charge, we were "in business" as Congregation Beth Israel of Queens Valley.
In 1961 – when our congregation officially became a branch of National Council of Young Israel – we became the Young Israel of Queens Valley.
When word got around that a shul would be opening in August 1960 we were approached by Alex Steinberg, A'H, who in turn introduced us to his son, a recently ordained Rabbi of Yeshiva Mesivtah Torah Vodaath. His son, Rabbi Peretz Steinberg recently had received the prestigious Yadin Yadin Semicha from the Godol Hadoar, the renowned Reb Moshe Feinstein, A'H.
Alex Steinberg, a well known Baaltfilah would daven for us during the Yomim Naroim while his son, Rabbi Peretz Steinberg, became our excellent Baal Korah and would also give us several Divrei Torah.
Our small group suddenly started filling the small store front and we were forced to take over 2 more stores to accommodate the growing need for more space.
Finally in 1966 an effort was made to purchase the property on corner of Main Street and 77th Avenue. After much difficulty but with the help of Hashem and with support from our members and friends we were able to purchase the property and by 1967, we moved into our new spacious building and the rest is history.
If there is one key person who led the way in enhancing and bringing more vitality and family values to our distinctive neighborhood it was our very own Morah D'asrah
Rabbi Peretz Steinberg. The Kew Gardens Hills community has become a truly traditional vibrant orthodox Jewish enclave and a good deal of his efforts has made it possible.
Past president of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens, Rabbi Steinberg was the initiator of the Eruv – the first in Queens. Secondly, he was the driving force in building our community Mikveh, one of the busiest in Queens. Once again he was instrumental in developing and instituting the first Chevra Kadisha in Queens and was a major influence in the area of Kashrus. Also for the record, he was involved in starting our Gemilas Chesed Fund in 1966 and through his efforts, our Young Israel, subsequently opened a branch in Israel. For many years, he has been a Dayan of a "Beis Din" (religious court) overseeing the proceedings of "Gittin" (divorces) and other issues. He's also the co-chairman of Agudath Israel's Beis Din.
There are many other undertakings that Rabbi Steinberg is active in. One that particularly gives him a great deal of satisfaction is the Kollel he started in our shul back in 1981. The Kollel has attracted many Baale Batim, whose sessions take place in the late afternoon. In addition, his son, Rabbi Binyomin Steinberg is the magid shiur for a Daf Yomi group in the evening hours at the shul.
The learning of Torah is uppermost in the life of our Morah D'asrah. Despite his busy schedule, it should be noted, that Rabbi Peretz Steinberg has also written 8 volumes of Torah commentary entitled Pri Etz Hachaim.
A co-chairman of Agudath Israels Beis Din, he is also actively involved with his Young Israel Beis Din in the area of gittin and other issues. Additionally, he has been called upon to handle a number of conversions. Those individuals who are accepted for this major change in lifestyle are carefully screened and taught by a team of dedicated educators and shul members prior to their conversion.
The uniqueness of Rabbi Steinberg is his warmth and outgoing personality. He has extended himself to all elements of orthodoxy – he has made close friendships with leaders of Rabbonim from the many seats of Chasidim as well as to Rabbis in the traditional orthodox sphere.
Rabbi Peretz and Rebbetzin Chaya Steinberg are proud parents of Rabbi Binyomin Steinberg, Rebbetzin Ruchie Schechter, Rabbi Eliyahu Steinberg and Mrs Yocheved Davis of Chicago and their respective wives and husbands. |