As part of an ongoing initiative by Rabbi Yaakov Horvitz of Chabad Youth Queens to support public school students, members of the Forest Hills High School weekly Jewish Club boarded buses for an immersive, eye-opening trip to Crown Heights, Brooklyn, last week.
The students began their journey at 770 Eastern Parkway, the iconic headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. “We prayed for good grades,” shared Daniel, one of the participants. The tour of "770" included a visit to the historic broadcasting room, where students examined the vintage, yet once cutting-edge, telephone system used to broadcast the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s talks across the globe.
“The Rebbe taught us to embrace new technology and utilize it for good purposes, and this room stands as a testament to that,” the guide explained. “Chabad was a pioneer as the first Jewish organization on the radio, on satellite, and on the web. The Rebbe frequently quoted the Zohar, explaining that the advancement of technology serves as both a preparation and a sign of the ultimate redemption.”
Next, the students caught up with a Chabad "Mitzvah Tank"—a synagogue on wheels—operated by Rabbi Levi Baumgarten. The group had to move quickly, as the mobile unit was just about to head out to serve Jews across the city. Right before it departed, a passing man knocked on the door and asked, “Can I pray in here? I have never put on tefillin!” The high schoolers erupted into applause as they witnessed the man don tefillin for the very first time in his life.
The educational tour then moved to Machon Stam, a renowned scribal shop run by Rabbi Yitzchok Raskin. There, students watched sofrim (scribes) write and meticulously check tefillin, mezuzot, and Torah scrolls, while learning about the vital importance of maintaining these sacred objects.
“Just last week, a family brought in their mezuzot to be checked following a fire in their home,” one of the scribes shared. “Remarkably, the word 'Beitecha'—meaning 'your home'—was found to be misspelled in the text.”
Following a quick kosher pizza lunch, the group visited a state-of-the-art women's mikvah, celebrated for its modern luxury and innovative design.
“On Shabbat, this specific button releases air to the main desk to signal that someone needs to be let in, completely bypassing the need to operate electricity,” the tour guide demonstrated.
The students were struck by the physical beauty of the facility and appreciated the wealth of information about a mitzvah that is traditionally kept quiet. “Mikvah has historically been a very private mitzvah, but it is time for the younger generation to be exposed to its depth,” the guide added.
The tour left a profound impression on the youth. “When I walked out of the mikvah, I made a firm decision not just to observe this mitzvah when I eventually marry, but to share the beauty of this intimate tradition with my friends,” shared Jennifer, a high school junior.
The final educational stop brought the students to the global headquarters of OK Kosher Certification. Tour leader Rabbi Weinfeld opened with a staggering statistic: “You are about to witness how over one million ingredients all over the globe are overseen from this single office building in the heart of Brooklyn.”
The presentation opened the students' eyes to the immense complexities of modern kosher food science, revealing how seemingly innocent everyday products can often contain highly sensitive, hidden ingredients.
Before heading back to Queens, the group enjoyed kosher ice cream and posed for a commemorative photo to mark their successful trip.
This excursion marks the second public school program of its kind organized this year. Special gratitude goes to the dedicated staff at Forest Hills High School, including Principal Mr. Paul Wilbur, teacher Mr. Ben Tartak, Coordinator of Student Activities Tara Kelly, and many others for their invaluable coordination.
The program was made possible through the generous support of the UJA-Federation of New York’s Mesorah Bridges Grant. Additional thanks go to JIQ Schools and Rabbi Volovik of Ohr Avner Chabad for their vital assistance with transportation and logistics.
Chabad Youth Queens (ChabadYQ.com / Ohr Avner Chabad) facilitates numerous neighborhood initiatives, including in-school clubs that support Jewish youth in strengthening their identity and heritage. Rabbi Horvitz can be reached for inquiries at 347-770-4451.
Forest Hills High School Jewish Club Explores Crown Heights Chabad HQ And Jewish Life
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