If you’ve spent any time embedded in the Forest Hills nonprofit community, chances are you’ve heard of Mushky Mendelson. As an educator, Rebbetzin, ADHD and mental health advocate, and the founder of the Central Queens Jewish Community Circle (@cqjcc), Mushky has quietly built a network of support that spans generations.
Since 2005, Mushky has helped shape the Jewish communal landscape of Queens, creating programs that bring joy, comfort, and care to everyone from young families to Holocaust survivors. Whether she’s dropping off Shabbat packages, hosting a mental health workshop, or organizing holiday gifts for seniors, her impact is felt deeply—and personally—by all who cross her path.
We caught up with Mushky this summer to talk about her recent Shavuot initiative, her passion for mental wellness, and what makes Forest Hills the perfect home base for her growing family and community.
Q&A with Mushky Mendelson
Q: Can you tell us about the Shavuot cheesecake initiative you recently hosted for the local community? How many volunteers were involved, and how many people were served? Also, could you share a bit about the significance of cheesecakes for Shavuot?
We had approximately 10 amazing volunteers prepare and deliver 120 gift packages to vulnerable neighbors across Queens. Cheesecake is a traditional food for Shavuot for kabbalistic reasons—there’s deep spiritual symbolism behind it. I included some of that in our Shavuot newsletter, and I’m always happy to share more about the tradition if people are curious!
Q: You’ve lived in Forest Hills for years. What do you love most about raising your family here?
Forest Hills is really the best borough! It’s close enough to other areas of New York—especially Brooklyn, where my family lives—but it’s also quieter and more nature-filled. There’s a calmness here that you don’t always find in the city. The people are friendly, professional, and respectful. It’s a great place to raise a family and build community.
Q: You’re expanding your organization to include a deeper focus on mental wellness. What inspired that, and what kinds of programs can the community expect?
Mental health has been part of our mission from the very beginning. Between 2020 and 2022, we hosted several wellness webinars over Zoom, featuring insights from professionals in the field. Now we’re taking the next step—offering in-person wellness workshops and building a mental health referral network. We want to ensure that anyone in crisis, or even just in need of support, has a safe place to turn.
Whether it’s delivering holiday cheer or creating space for healing, Mushky Mendelson is proof that community starts with connection—and a whole lot of heart.
Follow along with the Central Queens Jewish Community Circle @cqjcc to get involved or learn more.
