More than one hundred community Rabbonim, dignitaries, politicians and friends gathered this past Thursday, October 25 at Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, a member of CenterLight Health System, for the Grand Opening Gala and Ribbon Cutting of the facility’s newly expanded and renovated Kosher Kitchen. Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, a landmark presence in Queens, is always spearheading new ways to improve its service to the Jewish Community. To ensure an environment that is welcoming to all – the entire facility, including the cafeteria, is now completely Kosher. Margaret TIetz has eliminated its non-Kosher Kitchen and gone all Kosher with a new, state-of-the-art Kosher Kitchen featuring separate meat and dairy – all Cholov Yisroel – sections under the supervision of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens. Following a festive ribbon cutting ceremony, speaker after speaker stood up to share their affinity and affection for Margaret Tietz. It was quite remarkable to hear each one mention a loved one – whether it was their father, their mother-in-law or sister – who was at one time attentively cared for at Margaret Tietz. Much thanks was offered to Rabbi Chaim Schwartz of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens, who was highly instrumental in expediting approval for this Kosher transformation from the NYS Dept. of Health. Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld, eloquent statesman and Rabbi Emeritus of Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, powerfully lauded Margaret Tietz for its outstanding work and paid special mention to Linda Spiegel, Director of Public Affairs at Margaret Tietz, for building a network of strong relationships throughout the community. His masterful speech encapsulated the sentiment that Margaret Tietz, built in response to the needs of those who suffered so horrifically in WWII, serves as an apt comeback to the Nazi’s attempt to defeat us. He noted the ironic significance of Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center's name, sharing the fascinating story of the famous Tietz Department Stores in Berlin – comparable to the Macy’s we know. Owned by Hermann Tietz of the prominent pre-war German-Jewish Tietz family, the stores were “aryanized” and renamed by the Third Reich in the 1930’s and the family's shares were seized . Still around today, there is little left to connect the chain to it’s original Jewish roots. However, the Margaret Tietz facility is doing the Tietz name proud, eternalizing it by embracing and caring for the survivors in our midst. Upon the conclusion of all the speeches, the guests were treated to a mouthwatering buffet of delicious dishes prepared by Margaret Tietz’s Executive Chef Yossi and his staff – all Glatt Kosher, of course