Baltimore Jewish Home - 1-11-24

VISIT US ON THE WEB! WWW.THEBJH.COM Vol. 10 Issue #1 | January 11 - 24, 2024 | ‫י״ד טבת תשפ״ד‬-‫א׳‬

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TA’s Nishmasi Program Encourages Responsible Use of Technology

29

The Heroes of Our Heroes: Israel’s 669 Unit

48

Rav Matisyahu Salomon zt”l Understanding the Loss

64

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Dear Readers,

Contents

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

JANUARY 11, 2024

COMMUNITY

Around the Community

6

Community Calendar

36

Weekday Minyanim Guide

39

JEWISH THOUGHT Rabbi Zvi Teichman

32

Shomer Shabbos Owned Businesses

61

PEOPLE 613 Seconds - Rabbi Meir Khaver

15

FEATURES

The Heroes of Our Heroes: Israel’s 669 Unit

29

Rav Matisyahu Salomon zt”l Understanding the Loss

48

HUMOR & ENTERTAINMENT Centerfold

50

Notable Quotes

52

Kids Coloring Contest

68

LIFESTYLES Mental Health Corner

40

Tech Triumphs

42

A Boost of Inspiration

44

Bikur Cholim

46

Dating Dialogue

56

Forgotten Heroes

60

Your Money

63

Common Cents

64

To Raise a Laugh

66

In the Kitchen

71

For the past couple of months, the Inkredible Kids Tehillim Army livestream has become a staple at our supper table. Every evening at 5:45 pm, my kids eagerly rush to secure a spot among the first logins on the Zoom call. Once on the call, they eagerly await Morah Tziri to go live, bringing an evening filled with entertainment and inspiration.

The Tehillim Army initiative was spearheaded

by Morah Tziri as an extension of her Inkredible Kids podcast in response to the tragic events of October 7th. The session kicks off with captivating performances by renowned Jewish entertainers or educators, followed by the recitation of Tehillim. Each evening, a different child leads the responsive reading of a Perek. The livestream concludes with numerous raffle draws.

Initially skeptical as a typical Yeshiva-educated father, I doubted the sustainability of this concept. How could one engage children after a long day at school consistently? However, it didn’t take long for me to realize its enduring appeal.

Morah Tziri, from what I’ve observed, possesses an engaging manner that resonates with the children. They perceive her as a friend and hang on to every word she shares.

Managing a livestream with thousands of kids is no easy feat. Imagine the scenario when Morah Tziri attempts to spotlight a boy named Moshe T. and announces, “Let’s spotlight Moishe T.” The result? Many kids promptly change their screen names to “Moishe T.”—making it a

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That’s Odd

24

National

26

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Occasionally, I’ll peek in if I catch wind of Shwekey or another prominent performer headlining the show, or if a familiar child or family is featured. However, what truly impresses me is witnessing my kids along with thousands of others, reciting Tehillim along with the group.

There’s no denying the positive impact these Tefillos have had!

Kids from various parts of the world tune in— from Baltimore, Lakewood, Monsey, Flatbush, Passaic, Detroit, Cleveland, and many other cities. Yet, the Baltimoreans take special pride as Morah Tziri hails from their city. She consistently emphasizes her Baltimore community during each livestream. Amidst these challenging times, Baltimore has been a source of tremendous good, and Inkredible Kids Tehillim Army undoubtedly ranks right on the top of the list.

I strongly encourage those unaware of this initiative/program to tune in. Furthermore, if you’re an educator seeking inspiration to enhance your interaction and rapport with students, take a glance as well!

Wishing everyone a Gut Chodesh and a peaceful Shabbos!

Aaron Menachem

SEND US YOUR NEWS!

Send us your: community events, articles & photos, and mazal tovs to editor@baltimorejewishhome.com to be featured in coming editions!

CONTACT INFORMATION

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

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Police & Fire 911 Hatzalah 410-358-0000 Shomrim 410-358-9999 NWCP 410-664-6927 Chaverim 410-486-9000 Misaskim 443-265-2300 Chesed Fund 410-340-1000

NEWS Israel

challenge to spot the intended child! Yet, amidst this chaos, Morah Tziri handles it with remarkable composure, and the kids connect with that calmness.

PUBLISHER

editor@baltimorejewishhome.com

Berish Edelman

AMF Creative

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MANAGING EDITOR

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The Baltimore Jewish Home is an independent bi-weekly newspaper. All opinions expressed by the journalists, contributors and/or advertisers printed and/or quoted herein are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, Internet or another medium. The Baltimore Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The BJH contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.

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Around the Community

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

JANUARY 11, 2024

JCFL – By Your Kitchen Spot Completes Another Successful Season

T

he 2023 Goldberg’s Bagels/ Mama Leah’s Postseason began on the cold and rainy Sunday morning of December 10th.

While the league hoped the weather would hold up, with only a few minutes remaining in the first half, the initial drizzle at the start of the game quickly became a torrential downpour. With the “Y & L Landscaping” fields covered in puddles, the “I Heart Remodeling” officiating crew quickly reviewed the “Markovitz Orthodontics” league rules and in an unprecedented move, postponed the game to be continued the following week.

Games were resumed on Sunday, December 17th and at the conclusion of the two exhilarating matches, Sushi Sakura and Worthy Insurance were set to battle each other for the 2023 “Zion IV” Championship Trophy.

Read on for details from the Playoffs and Championship games: Playoffs

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Sushi Sakura Clothier

14 2

In true Chanukkah fashion, a game that was supposed to take two hours ended up taking two weeks. The game opened on December 10 under miserable conditions, with neither team able to move the ball. The only points came on a safety, resulting from an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone. Mercifully, the game was postponed until the following week.

Sushi Sakura opened “week two” of the game with a promising drive derailed by an endzone interception.

Sakura’s D-line came to play, disrupting Clothier all day. Sakura then marched down the field with a clutch first down pass to Chaim Pleeter, a long completion to Gedalia Gelb on the left side with one second left, and a touchdown to Mitch Gross. Gross was active, with two touchdowns and five interceptions on the day. The daggers came with an endzone interception by Asher Meth and a demoralizing safety at the hands of Nosson Waldman.

Journeyman Dudi May complemented Waldman on the D-line and stepped up into the quarterback role due to Saku-

ra’s quarterback suffering a pediatric injury. Sakura’s locker room was festive and excited about the postseason win, despite the kri’a Clothier made on Josh Kronick’s jersey.

Worthy Insurance Tripping Kosher

26 25

In a brilliantly dramatic game that came down to the final play, Worthy Insurance held off Tripping Kosher for an impressive win and a second consecutive trip in as many years to the JCFL Championship. Worthy benefited heavily from a penalty called on a 2 point conversion attempt, late in the game. That penalty gave Worthy a 7 point lead with only minutes remaining in the game.

Despite the setback, Tripping Kosher’s QB, Chaim Fink, rallied his troops and led an impressive drive downfield, culminating in a beautiful rainbow pass in the back of the end zone to All-Pro WR Mordy Reches to pull Tripping Kosher within 1. But Worthy Insurance made a defensive stand on the extra point attempt, in essence ending the game to give Worthy the win.

Championship

Worthy Insurance Sushi Sakura

38 25

The 2023 season of the Jewish Community Football League was one for the ages. In a year with 4 new captains and 25 new, young, talented players, some thought that this would finally be the season that the young guys took over the league. But it was the veterans of Worthy Insurance, led

by Captain Chaim Finkelstein, who proved that experience still matters.

Worthy got the ball first and wasted no time scoring.

On the third play of the game,

IDF veteran Sammy Cohen got behind the secondary and Finkelstein heaved a 45 yard bomb to the endzone for the first touchdown of the game. Sushi Sakura responded with a TD run from rookie QB Yaakov Rosenblum and a defensive TD (Pick 6) by Eli Dollman. Worthy tied the game on a 35 yard touchdown grab by superstar Shloime Scheinfeld, and after Finkelstein intercepted Rosenblum, Scheinfeld caught his second touchdown of the day.

But Sushi Sakura regrouped and with time running out in the first half, Roseblum hit star WR Mitch Gross for a TD, giving them a 19-18 lead at halftime.

On the opening possession of the second half, Sushi scored another touchdown (this one by rookie, Dudi May). Unbeknownst to the Sakura team, this would be their final TD of the game. The rest of the game was the Yoni Finkelstein show.

After dominating last year’s Championship Game, Yoni’s encore was even better. First, he made a jaw-dropping, leaping grab for a 30 yard touchdown that tied the game again.

On the next drive, he caught his patented 10 yard back-shoulder touchdown for the go-ahead score. Then, he sealed the game (and the Walter Johnson Jr. Most Valuable Player Award), with an incredible 15 yard touchdown snag, in traffic, coming across the endzone.

Worthy’s defense shut down Sushi the rest of the game thanks to great line play from veterans Avromi Freund, Motti Bendet, and rookie Eitan Rock.

Bentzion Shamberg, Shragi Lerner, and Moishe Stal were also big contributors to Worthy’s win. Final score Worthy Insurance: 38 - Sushi Sakura 25.

Thank you to all the referees, sponsors, fans, and players for a wonderful season! See you all next year!

7

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Around the Community TA’s Nishmasi Program Encourages Responsible Use of Technology

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

JANUARY 11, 2024

By: BJLife Newsroom

E

arlier this year, TA Elementary School initiated the Nishmasi program.

Participating students committed to not owning their own internet capable device and to not use technology for entertainment purposes on MondayThursday. Additionally, parents of participating students committed to ensuring that all devices their son may have access to are appropriately filtered and that they will monitor and establish boundaries for technology use. This program was introduced to 2-5 grades and B”H there is over 80% participation of the student body.

Nishmasi members recently went on a bowling trip to celebrate their commitment to their Neshama.

Baltimore Community Unites in Havdalah Program to Inspire Unity During Challenging Times By: BJLife Newsroom

T

he Associated, in collaboration with the JCC, hosted a Havdalah program with the aim of strengthening community bonds and fostering unity in these trying times. The event was marked by its meaningful and uplifting atmosphere, attracting attendees from all walks of our community.

The program commenced with welcoming remarks by Linda Hurwitz, Event Co-chair. Rabbi Shmuel Silber, Rav of Suburban Orthodox Toras Chaim, delivered words of chizuk, setting the tone for the evening. JCC Chief Arts Officer Sara Shalva provided valuable insights on the events in Israel. Rabbi Andrew Busch of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation shared highlights from the Associated Mis-

sion to Israel. The musical component of the evening’s program began with a moving Carlebach Havdalah and featured inspiring songs led by the talented Acoustic Soul’s Moishe Abramson, Eli Cohen, Zevi Daniel, and Matt Schoenfeld. Linda S. Elman, Chair of the Associated’s Jewish Life Lead Team and Event Co-Chair closed the evening with thanks to Barak Hermann, Chief Executive Officer of the JCC and to The Gordon Center staff for partnering with The Associated for this event. She also thanked the Tribe Transformed Task Force members, drawn from our entire community, who developed the concept for this program and will be continuing to plan future programs. She concluded with stirring remarks stemming from her family’s trip to Israel including October 7th.

Taking place on the eve of the 3-month anniversary of the heartbreaking attacks, this gathering allowed our community to come together, draw strength from one another, and demonstrate the strength of a unified Jewish nation.

The Associated is proud to contin-

ue the momentum that was started this evening with programs on the 7th of every month. A special program is being planned with The Jewish Connec-

tion Network on Wednesday, February 7th from 7:00-9:00pm at the DoubleTree in Pikesville.

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JANUARY 11, 2024

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Around the Community

TI Holds Special Edition Avos Ubanim

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

JANUARY 11, 2024

Photo Credits: Mrs. Meira Portnoy

O

n Motzei Shabbos Parshas Vayigash, The 5th and 6th graders of Torah Institute along with their fathers, had a special Avos U’banim program at Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion. The shul reverberated with the sounds of fathers and sons learning together. What a joyous sight it was to see the shul filled to capacity with a strong kol torah for the learning part of the evening. Afterwards, the boys heard words of chizuk from the administration and HaRav Shimon Hirsch the Menahel of the Cheder.

The boys were then treated to a delicious Melava Malka from Milk and Honey Bistro and enjoyed an exciting trivia game. The evening concluded with a Chinese raffle featuring multiple prizes.

A big thank you to the parent committee Dr. Elie Portnoy, Dr. Dani Sova, and Dr. Dovid Daniel and their wives for spearheading this event.

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Around the Community

Yeshivas Toras Simcha Haschalas Gemora

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

JANUARY 11, 2024

Photo Credits: Dovid Kapenstein

O

n Sunday December 31 the 5th grade students at Yeshivas Toras Simcha celebrated receiving their first Gemora Bava Metzia. Parents and grandparents enjoyed the opportunity to learn with their children. Rabbi Pinchas Gross, Rav of Congregation Derech Chaim, addressed the students and stressed the importance of learning Gemora.

The talmidim’s simcha and excitement inspired everyone and swept them off their feet as they danced, expressing a sentiment of love and commitment to Torah that will last them a lifetime.

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I believe every school in Baltimore has its place, and we work together with the other schools to ensure that each boy is getting what he needs. At Tashbar, it comes down to a child feeling that someone cares about his personal growth and learning and will be there to guide him toward success.

BJH: Can you tell me more about that? How do the students gain that feeling?

BJH: I am here today with Rabbi Meir Khaver of Tashbar in Baltimore, a fantastic K-8 school in the heart of our community.

How are you today, Rabbi?

Rabbi Khaver: I’m doing great.

Thanks for asking, and thanks for having me!

Rabbi Khaver: Well, really, it was sort of an accident. A few Rebbeim got together and saw a community need. Some local boys needed to learn, and we learned with them. It was small, warm, and closeknit, and the children were happy. Word got around, and we grew. Five years later, we’re a full-fledged school!

BJH: Did that small, close-knit feeling stay alive in the school?

Rabbi Khaver: 100%. That’s what sets us apart. I should clarify, though, that

BJH: That’s quite impressive! It sounds like the boys feel comfortable and know they can be accepted as their authentic selves.

Rabbi Khaver: Yes, that’s exactly right. You know, a lot of times, a student may have been flailing to keep afloat in an environment that just didn’t cater to his success. Perhaps the schoolwork was too overwhelming or he may have felt like he was being pushed into a direction that wasn’t for him. At Tashbar we meet the boys wherever they are. Once they experience that, they naturally become comfortable. This, we believe, is the way to spur true growth.

BJH: I’m getting the picture—sounds one-of-a-kind! How many boys are in the school?

Rabbi Khaver: Right now, about 55.

BJH: I’m sorry, can you explain that?

Didn’t registration close many months ago!?

Rabbi Khaver: We have an open registration policy. If a boy needs a school and we think we can do the job, we tell him to come immediately.

BJH: Now that is something I’ve never heard of. I’m genuinely impressed.

Rabbi Khaver: It’s just how we see things. We have a very small teacher-student ratio; six Rebbeim for our group of 55 students, and more hands-on staff as needed.

BJH: I’m sure it’s not easy to maintain that type of individualized attention.

Rabbi Khaver: You know, we realized early on that to succeed, we needed to feel free to move away from the classic school setup in some areas. We need to teach our boys to have accurate expectations of themselves—and that means they need to know themselves.

BJH: Can you explain that a bit more?

Rabbi Khaver: Sure. Let’s use our afternoon program as an example. The boys aren’t divided by grade; it’s more by skill level. The boys do a lot of their work independently with the staff checking in on them to help them stay on task. Each student has a box of materials set aside for the afternoon but two boys are not necessarily assigned the same work. One boy might

have more advanced English while another boy might have more advanced math.

We think through what each child needs.

BJH: And what results do you see because of this difference?

Rabbi Khaver: The students learn how to succeed themselves. They get it done because their goals are attainable and realistic to them. They’re also super motivated…because honestly, we have amazing incentives. Our program includes trips, prizes, special lunches and more!

BJH: That’s fantastic. Let’s mention something about your upcoming campaign. I hear it’s the first one for Tashbar?

Well, Shehecheyanu! Please, tell me about it!

Rabbi Khaver: It’s going to be January 21-22. In part, this campaign is aimed at keeping our amazing program open to every child who needs us. We know that so many more children can use our school— and we need to be ready for them. Often these amazing children, whose potentials are as big as the world, may need something more, something different to help them uncover their unique abilities. As a community, it is our Achrayis to reach every child and offer him the chance to thrive and learn Hashem’s Torah.

BJH: OK, I’ll mark the date. Thanks again for being with us today. We wish you tremendous success on the campaign!

Rabbi Khaver: Amen!

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BJH: Let’s get right to it, Rabbi.

Tell me about Tashbar - how did it start?

What’s it all about?

Rabbi Khaver: It just has to be genuine. If we care, they feel it. If we think that they can succeed, they feel it. Usually, within a day, often less, a new student absorbs this and even expresses how good he feels to be in Tashbar.

Next week, there might be a few more coming.

JANUARY 11, 2024

613 Seconds with Rabbi Meir Khaver

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

Sales Manager

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JANUARY 11, 2024

16

The Week In News

Three Missing Israelis in Gaza

According to IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, three Israelis who went missing on October 7 were among the more than 240 people who were taken hostage by Hamas on that day when three thousand terrorists invaded southern Israel, murdering over

1,200 people. There are currently 132 abductees remaining in Gaza, some of whom have perished while in Hamas captivity.

The three Israelis confirmed by Hagari to be in Gaza were named by members of their family as Hanan Yablonka, 42, Idan Shtivi, 28, and Ilan Weiss, 56. Both Yablonka and Shtivi were at the Supernova music festival when they were taken hostage and are believed to still be alive. Weiss was among the 1,200 people slaughtered on October 7; his remains are in the possession of Hamas.

Weiss was part of the Kibbutz Be’eri security team and was murdered while defending his kibbutz from the terrorists. His wife and daughter were taken hostage and were set free as part of the temporary ceasefire that took place in November.

The war continues on with fierce fighting in the Gaza Strip, as Israel soon enters its 100th day of fighting against the Hamas terrorist organization.

On Thursday, January 4, the IDF announced that its Kiryati Armored

Brigade and the 55th Paratroopers Brigade were responsible for killing several terrorists in Khan Younis.

Kiryati Brigade Col. Mickey Sharvit declared that “there is no innocent infrastructure” targeted in their missions in Gaza.

“We encounter terror in almost every home, in hospitals and schools.

Our forces even eliminated terrorists who emerged from an underground [tunnel] in a school,” Sharvit added.

In one instance, around twenty Hamas gunmen working within a tunnel were killed by the IDF, while five others attempted to flee and were subsequently forced to surrender to the Israeli army.

In another instance, Mamdouh Lulu, a senior member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, was killed as part of an IDF airstrike in Gaza, the Israeli military announced Thursday.

“Lulu was a central figure in the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, initiating and leading numerous terror attacks and assaults from Gaza against the State of Israel, routinely and during the war,” the Shin Bet and IDF noted.

Families of Hostages Visit Qatar Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and other Qatari officials met with families whose loved ones were taken captive by Hamas on October 7. The meeting took place in the Qatari capital of Doha over the weekend.

As part of a press conference that took place outside the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the families who visited Qatar said that the meetings went well.

“We met with the Qatari prime minister,” said Daniel Lifshitz, whose grandfather Oded is among the 132 hostages in Hamas captivity. “It was

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important for them to directly hear the perspectives of the hostages’ families.

The key message given to us in the meeting we held: that a ceasefire will speed up the advancement of negotiations to release all hostages.”

“We felt the Qatari government was committed to the goal of releasing all the hostages and considers it [a mission] of the greatest humanitarian importance that will bring quiet to the region,” Noam Perry, son of hostage Haim Perry, claimed.

“They were attentive, familiar with our stories, and showed sympathy to us,” said Ruby Chen, the father of hostage Itay Chen.

According to family members of the hostages, Qatar said that the recent killings of Saleh al-Arouri, the deputy leader of Hamas, and other top Hamas officials, have made Hamas less willing to negotiate the release of hostages. The terror group has refused to set any more abductees free until a permanent ceasefire is achieved.

Doha hosted the families of six Israelis whose families were taken hostage on October 7, marking the first time that abductees’ families have gone to Qatar. The Qatari capital has also, in the past, hosted Hamas officials.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a similar meeting with families of Israeli soldiers who were kidnapped by Hamas, in which he promised that the IDF’s ground campaign into Gaza will continue until all hostages are released.

A Qatari official said that the country is “painfully aware of the suffering of the remaining hostages and their loved ones” and that “we have engaged directly with the hostages’ families to share as much information as possible, and to assure them that Qatar is committed to using every resource to secure their release. We will continue to engage with these families.”

“We are using every possible channel and collaborating closely with our counterparts in the U.S. and Israel… but Qatar is a mediator. It does not control Hamas,” the official said, adding that it has been “increasingly difficult” to mediate the conflict due to the “escalation of bombardment in Gaza and elsewhere, which candidly complicates the hostage negotiations.”

The attack that killed Arouri in Beirut, Lebanon, has been credited by

many to Israel, but the Israeli government has yet to confirm whether they were indeed responsible for his killing.

Largest Gaza Weapons Plant Uncovered Israeli forces operating in central Gaza have found the largest weapons manufacturing site discovered since the start of the war, containing rockets capable of reaching north of Tel Aviv, the Israel Defense Forces announced on Monday.

The weapons plant was part of a massive tunnel system 30 meters (nearly 100 feet) underneath the Al-Bureij camp, according to the IDF. The rockets produced in the facility had a range of over 100 kilometers (62 miles). Other weapons factories were also found for the production of explosives, rocket guidance systems, mortar shells, small arms and drones.

“This is the largest weapons manufacturing site we have discovered since the beginning of the war,” IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said on Monday during his daily press briefing.

“This factory was connected to an underground tunnel system, through which weapons were transferred throughout the Gaza Strip. The rockets manufactured there were launched toward central Israel and other areas in the State of Israel. We will continue to operate against Hamas’ manufacturing infrastructure, against their underground system and against Hamas leaders throughout the Gaza Strip,” he said.

According to the IDF, the Al-Bureij camp is where Hamas terrorists produced many of the weapons used during their October 7 invasion of southern Israel. On that day, thousands of terrorists rampaged across the northwestern Negev, murdering around 1,200 civilians and soldiers,

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The Week In News to 185 since troops entered the Gaza Strip in an effort to eliminate Hamas and free the hostages being held by the terrorist organization.

The army said the six reservists, all combat engineers, were killed when explosives intended for demolishing a tunnel detonated during activity in central Gaza’s al-Bureij refugee camp.

The explosion, which is being investigated by the IDF, occurred close to where officers were leading reporters on a tour of a Hamas rocket manufacturing plant.

The six fatalities were named as Sgt. First Class (res.) Gavriel Bloom, a 27-year-old reservist from Beit Shemesh; Master Sgt. (res.) Amit Moshe Shahar, 25, from Ramat Yohanan; Cpt. (res.) Denis Krokhmalov Veksler, 32, from Beersheba; Cpt. (res.)

Ron Efrimi, 26, from Hod Hasharon; Master Sgt. (res.) Roi Avraham MaiOn Monday, six IDF soldiers were killed in an explosion in central Gaza; mon, 24, a paramedic from Afula; and Sgt. Maj. (res.) Akiva Yasinskiy, 35, three others died in intense battles in from Ramat Gan. the south of the Strip. The deaths of Other soldiers were injured in the those who perished this week raises explosion.

Among them was actor Sadkhin-BJH-HalfPageAd1-05.pdf 1 1/5/2024 3:53:16 PM the count of those we lost in fighting wounding thousands more and taking about 240 hostages back to Gaza.

While a large number of hostages were released as part of a ceasefire deal in November, it is believed that 132 are still being held captive. Thousands of rockets were fired at Israel during the assault. (JNS)

9 Precious Lives Lost in 1 Day

Idan Amedi, who plays an operative in the hit TV show “Fauda.”

Also on Monday, in Khan Younis, Sgt. First Class (res.) David Schwartz, 26, and Sgt. First Class (res.) Yakir Hexter, 26, were killed in a rocket-propelled grenade attack. The two combat engineers, part of a paratrooper force, were from Elazar in the West Bank and Jerusalem, respectively. Sgt. Roi Tal, a 19-year-old infantryman from Kfar Yehoshua, was killed in another mission during a battle with Hamas operatives.

Although the army has said that it will be scaling down the intensity of the fighting, on Tuesday, it said it was expanding ground operations in Khan Younis and fighting Hamas deep within the southern Gaza city.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting Israel once again this week, pushing for lower intensity fighting.

He is also supposed to be pushing for a release of the 132 people who are being held hostage by Hamas.

Israel also expects Blinken to focus on the “day after” — who will rule Gaza, who will be responsible for secu-

rity, who will handle civil matters and where will funds come from.

At a meeting with Blinken on Tuesday morning, President Isaac Herzog underscored that Israel is doing its “utmost under extremely complicated circumstances on the ground, to make sure that there are no unintended consequences and no civilian casualties.”

Standing next to Herzog, Blinken spoke about Washington’s “relentless efforts” to bring the remaining hostages home from Hamas captivity.

Kfir Bibas Turns 1

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The Week In News Kfir Bibas, the youngest hostage to be held by the Hamas terrorist organization, turned one years old this week.

In acknowledgment of Kfir reaching this milestone while in terrorists’ hands, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan reminded delegates about it in a UN General Assembly discussion on the Israel-Hamas war on Tuesday.

Kfir was just nine months old when he was kidnapped, together with his parents Shiri and Yarden, and his four-year-old brother Ariel. The entire Bibas family has been held hostage for over three months.

“Many of you are here, parents or grandparents,” Erdan said. “Every milestone in your children’s lives is a celebration. Their first step, their first word, their first smile and laugh. Babies are a source of light and hope – a symbol of life.”

He added that Kfir “has become a symbol of the most despicable cruelty that humanity has known, the cruelty of Hamas.”

“A quarter of a Kfir’s life has been spent in captivity. He was kidnapped

before he even learned to say the word ‘mother.’ Does he get the food and vitamins he needs to grow and develop? Does he crawl? How can a baby be a target for fighting? What kind of monsters are able to deliberately take a baby captive and treat him as an enemy? Instead of receiving love and warmth, Kfir is surrounded by pure evil.

“If you ignore the suffering of our children, the suffering of little baby Kfir, I will stand here today and mark Kfri’s first birthday,” Erdan told the General Assembly. “I will remind you of your moral obligation to fight for Kfir and his right to celebrate his birthday.”

Erdan held up a birthday cake with a picture of the little boy and said, “Kfir, this birthday cake is for you. You are the reason Israel is fighting day and night. My only wish for you, for your first birthday, is that next year, G-d willing, you will celebrate your birthday surrounded by the love of your family, and that we will live in a world where the suffering of Israeli babies is important to the UN.”

Erdan asked that Kfri’s cake “remain here as a painful reminder so that every speaker today remembers Kfir and our duty to bring him home.”

3 Million Visited Last Year

Three million tourists visited Israel last year, with the first nine months before the outbreak of the war with Hamas setting a record for tourism from the United States, the Israeli

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Annual tourism for 2023 fell precipitously short of the 4.5 million who visited during the record tourism year in 2019 due to the sudden collapse of tourism in the last quarter of the year, when most international airlines suspended flights to Israel, but was still higher than the 2.67 million figure for 2022.

The top 10 countries for incoming tourism last year were the United States, France, England, Russia, Germany, Italy, Romania, Poland, Canada and Spain.

The average tourist stayed in Israel for eight days, with 70% coming independently and 30% as part of organized groups, according to a tourism survey carried out during the first nine months of 2023.

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The Week In News relatives and friends and 13% stayed in short-term rentals.

In all, Israel’s tourism revenue last year reached $4.85 billion.

Meanwhile, Lufthansa, along with its subsidiaries Swiss and Austrian Airlines, resumed flights to Israel this week, becoming one of the first major foreign airlines to renew service to Tel Aviv since the outbreak of the war.

“We are preparing the necessary infrastructure that will enable us to operate swiftly and efficiently on the day after, in order to help jumpstart the economy and to offer the country additional resources for rehabilitation and growth,” said Tourism Minister Haim Katz.

“While some tourists postponed their vacations because of the war, many did not cancel their reservations and are waiting for the right time to travel. Israel has much to offer as a tourism destination and we are looking forward to once again welcoming tourists to our country,” he added.

(JNS)

Marathon Earth Challenge

Ben Pobjoy is joyful about running.

The Toronto native ran 242 marathons in nearly 70 countries in 2023 in his Marathon Earth Challenge.

The challenge was Pobjoy’s attempt to complete more than 240 solo marathons in one year and surpass Larry Macon’s 2012 title for 239 marathons completed that year.

Now, it looks like Pobjoy is ready

for his crown. He cranked out three more marathons over the December holidays, making it a total of 242 marathons for 2023. He is waiting for Guinness World Records to acknowledge his feat (or is it feet? He certainly was pounding the pavement).

Pobjoy used to work in marketing, but he’s also a documentarian, and he made sure to chronicle his journeys.

“Step by step, word by word, and image by image, each freestyle marathon is a way to nurture my curiosities and document my findings—in written essays via my newsletter, on social media, and photographic books—for others to enjoy,” he said.

Pobjoy’s running journey spanned more than 7,000 miles across South America, the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Along the way, the Canadian encountered -20 degree temperatures in Mongolia—and had to make do with makeshift winter gear—as well as extreme humidity in Malta.

“This past year has been mentally and physically taxing,” he said of the

experience, “but it’s an incredible feeling to have achieved this momentous goal of mine and meet incredible people along the way.”

He wasn’t always so physically fit. Back in 2015, Pobjoy was severely overweight and dealing with many health issues. He began taking outdoor walks and lost 100 pounds in eight months. He eventually began running.

“The big takeaway?” he wrote on Instagram. “BET ON YOURSELF.”

He Beat Tetris

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The Week In News the first human gamer to reach level 157 of the classic video game nearly 40 years after its release.

“I’m going to pass out; I can’t feel my fingers,” Gibson said after his feat caused the game to crash in a video posted to YouTube last week.

“When I started playing this game I never expected to ever crash the game, or beat it,” Gibson wrote in the video’s description.

It took Gibson 38 minutes to shut down the nostalgic game.

Tetris was created by a Soviet engineer in 1984. It involves fitting falling blocks of various shapes into straight rows. As the levels go up, the blocks begin to fall faster.

To date, over 200 official variants of Tetris have been released on at least 70 systems, a world record, according to Guinness World Records.

The Electronic Arts developed mobile version released in 2006 has been sold 100 million times, making it the third best-selling video game of all time.

The Dog Ate It

Clayton Law and his wife Carrie love Cecil, their 7-year-old goldendoodle. But this week, Cecil gave them a run for their money.

The couple had left an envelope filled with $4,000 cash on the counter. They were having a fence installed and the worker had asked for cash. But it seems that Cecil couldn’t resist the sweet smell of money. After Law came back to the kitchen around a half-hour later, he found Cecil munching on the greenbacks.

“I walked back into the room and then all this cash was on the ground.

He’s just like this, standing there, and I’m just like, oh my gosh, he ate some of this money and was in shock.

I yelled to Carrie, ‘He ate the money, he ate $4,000,’” Clayton said.

The couple tried to reassemble the shredded bills, coming up with $1,500 worth of cash with serial

numbers that were intact enough to have them replaced by the bank.

Later that evening, when Cecil threw up, a few more $100 bills were recovered. But the rest of the cash was pieced together after a few days, when the couple cleaned up Cecil’s messes, if you can understand what we’re saying. Yup, it was really dirty work.

They washed those shreds of bills and then taped them together to be brought to the bank.

“I never thought I’d be able to say I’ve laundered money, but there is apparently a first time for everything,” Carrie told The Washington Post.

In the end, the couple were able to salvage $3,550.

The couple said they are going to mail the rest of the bill remnants to the U.S. Treasury Department in the hopes of recovering more of the money, but if not, they will at least have a fun story to tell their son one day.

“We’ve kept at least one of the torn-up bills so we can do a piece of artwork and frame it to commemorate the entire situation,” Carrie said.

“Not that we’d ever forget.”

Despite this unforgettable experience, Clayton and Carrie love Cecil.

“We couldn’t be mad at him – he’s a very lovable dog,” Carrie said.

With very expensive taste.

Senior Skier

Dwan Jacobsen Young is now the world’s oldest female water-skier.

The 92-year-old from Utah has been making a big splash since she was 29, when she first dipped her toes into the water sport. She had purchased a home on a lake and noticed that waterskiing was popular among the locals.

Now, she and her family water ski every summer and spend as much time on the lake as possible. Dwan

says that the sport is the most fun when the water is smooth. She insists that once you know how to water ski, the sport begins to feel “natural.”

Still, “I always get butterflies before I get in the water,” she confessed.

Initially, Dwan learned to water ski by using two skis. Her favorite waterskiing moment is when she was finally able get up on the slalom.

Dwan’s daughter had entered her into the Guinness World Record and presented her with a plaque of her achievement during their family holiday party.

“Our daughter announced that our granddaughter had a surprise,” she said. “Up on the screen came a video of me skiing this summer.”

Her granddaughter Becca presented her with a Guinness World Records plaque as everyone applauded.

“I could not believe it. I still cannot believe it,” said Dwan. “What a surprise and what an honor.”

She encourages those who want to try out new endeavors to make the effort.

“Do not be afraid to try a new sport when you are older,” the nonagenarian asserts. “You are more capable than you think.”

Plane Blows Open Midair

The 177 passengers on Friday’s Alaska Airlines flight from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California, went into a state of frenzy after a giant, fridge-sized hole suddenly opened up in the airplane’s wall. How the fuselage door plug broke off twenty minutes into the flight when the Boeing 737 MAX 9 was 16,000 feet in the air

is currently unknown, but the fact that no one was injured or killed is nothing short of a miracle.

The large airplane part was later found in the yard of Bob Sauer, a teacher from Portland. The National Transportation Safety Board had launched a search for the part in hopes of discovering what went wrong.

During the panic, the cabin depressurized, thus causing oxygen masks to lower. Those onboard screamed in fright and bid farewell to loved ones via text, convinced that they wouldn’t survive the flight. Headrests, cushions, and some passenger possessions, including airpods and garments, were blown away. The shirt of a boy sitting near the hole was blown out the plane.

The plane successfully landed soon after, and no one was seriously hurt.

Following the major mishap, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily grounded some Boeing 737 MAX 9 airplanes. The grounded crafts will undergo thorough inspections.

Since Friday, hundreds of Alaska Airlines flights have been canceled – 160 on Saturday, 170 on Sunday, and an additional 60 were canceled on Monday. United Airlines similarly canceled 270 flights over the weekend and paused use of its Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes.

The part that blew off was located between sections 26A and 26B of the plane. Fortunately, not a single passenger was seated in those areas. And since the plane had not yet reached cruising altitude, those on board were seated – which likely saved lives.

Thirty-three-year-old passenger Nick Hoch said he heard a “boom,” after which the aircraft “jolted.”

“We had our oxygen masks fall from the top and we put those on immediately, but it was a disorienting experience,” Hoch said. “A mist or cloud whooshed past me that kind of hit me in the face.” He had been seated a few rows in front of the panel that had flown away.

Some were physically injured, but each passenger has “been medically cleared,” said Alaska Airlines in a statement.

“Safety is our top priority, and we deeply regret the impact this event has had on our customers and their passengers,” Boeing stated. “We agree with and fully support the FAA’s decision to require immediate inspections

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and “continued to work from home through the holidays.” The White House was not told that Austin was having the procedure.

Lloyd Austin was MIA

On January 1, Austin began experiencing “severe pain” and was transported from his home to Walter Reed by an ambulance, Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said, where he was admitted to the intensive care

unit.

“He was conscious, but in quite a bit of pain,” Ryder said. He underwent “tests and evaluations” at the hospital that evening and on January 2, and delegated some authorities to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks “on the basis of medical advice.” The same day, Austin’s chief of staff Kelly Magsamen, senior military assistant Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown were notified of Austin’s hospitalization.

Many are concerned by these revelations. Ryder noted that at “no time was national security in jeopardy,” and that as he understood it, Austin was “capable of executing his duties as the Secretary of Defense.”

Among those who knew of Austin’s trip to the hospital were his personal security detail, who accompanied him to the hospital, and a junior military aide who met with him at Walter Reed on January 2.

For days, other Pentagon officials and senior members of the Biden administration — including President Joe Biden — did not know that the defense secretary was in the hospital.

Among those in the dark was Hicks, to whom Austin transferred some of his authorities on January 2.

Supposedly, Lloyd’s chief of staff Kelly Magsamen was sick with the flu and wasn’t able to tell Hicks about the procedure earlier.

In a memo on Monday, Magsamen directed a 30-day review of the Pentagon’s processes and procedures for notifying senior national security leaders and the White House when the secretary needs to transfer his authorities to the deputy secretary of defense.

The memo, which appears to be the first public memo from Magsamen, reflects the Pentagon’s understanding that the notification process surrounding Austin’s hospitalization was lacking.

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The Heroes of Our Heroes: Israel’s 669 Unit

JANUARY 11, 2024

“In distress you called, and I rescued you.” – Tehillim, 81:8

It

was 50 years ago in the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War when the elite rescue unit of 669 was first created. The war had begun on the afternoon of October 6, 1973, as Egypt and Syria simultaneously launched attacks against Israel on two fronts, on the holiest day of Yom Kippur.

Hundreds of aircraft were shot down and crashed behind enemy lines; Israeli pilots were taken captive. There was no official

50 years to the day, when vicious terror attacks came upon Israel on the morning of the holy and traditionally joyous day of Simchat Torah. Deployed within minutes, Unit 669 members arrived on the scene to begin the grueling search and rescue process. Since that day, they have been utilizing their specialized set of skills to help soldiers and civilians alike, working nonstop to save lives on all fronts.

Bar Reuven is one of these elite Unit 669 soldiers, serving as an officer in the unit. Currently a reservist, Reuven is the co-founder of the Elite Unit 669 Alumni.

The Cat Association, its logo symbolizing the agile “flying cat” soldiers of 669, was established in 2014 with a mission to help 669 veterans successfully return to civilian life. In 2018, the American Friends of Unit 669 was founded to raise awareness and additional resources as needed. Reuven serves as Executive Vice President of Development. At present time, the AFU 669’s work is focused on the tremendous necessity of additional supplies and support for the unit and its reservists through the operations of the current Gaza War. Reuven was born in the small Israeli town of Gedera. His grandfather had served in the Indian Navy and his father

in the Israeli Navy. Reuven himself opted to apply for Unit 699 for the opportunity to focus on the mission of saving lives. He describes his unique unit and its exceptional group of soldiers, who are often the first line of medical treatment.

“We know how to extract people from airplanes and from cars, how to do water rescues and jump from the helicopters; we know how to do rope rescues from caves and cliffs,” he shares. “We’re all medics – we’re a combat medical evacuation unit.

Each team includes one paramedic and one doctor. Some are not 669 veterans but are doctors in their civilian lives who have combat experience in their military service. In the last 15 years, 25% of 669 vets go on to study medicine because of the nature of our work. So they also come back as reservists – these are the best doctors we can get.”

During their military training, these young, determined soldiers live in uncertainty, never knowing when they will eat or sleep in order to prepare for the unpredictable and harsh situations they will encounter during active duty – whether at sea, under fire, or in the dark of night.

While on duty, the 669 soldiers remain ready for any scenario at any moment –

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Bar Reuven

rescue plan in place. IDF Air Force commander Benny Peled had previously petitioned for a designated rescue force, and the need for such a unit then became critically evident.

In 1974, the Israel Defense Forces formally established the 669 Unit “Yechida Tactit LeHilu’tz Meyuchad 669” – a tactical unit for special rescue as a division of the Israeli Air Force. Yoram Shachar and Avner Ilnai steered this specialized airborne combat search and rescue unit and served as the unit’s earliest commanders.

Unit 669’s comprehensive range of capability encompasses helicopter maneuvers, land warfare – including jungle, desert and urban terrains – scuba and rescue diving, rappelling and high angle rescue, parachuting, solo navigation, and even counterterrorism. Each team in the elite unit includes doctors trained in combat and soldiers trained as medics, and every soldier is trained to be a leader. Though its initial mandate was to extract and provide treatment for downed IDF pilots, the unit has grown to become the safety net of the Israeli and the Jewish people, standing ready and able to rescue anyone in need, nearly anywhere around the globe.

Fast forward to October 7, 2023, almost

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JANUARY 11, 2024

30

Eitan Yahalomi, 12, upon his release on November 27, 2023, wearing a jacket from a member of Unit 669

from rescuing a stranded hiker in the desert to the extraction of a soldier in an active combat zone, often with no warning of the conditions before arrival. The missions are among the most physically and psychologically demanding of the IDF, yet nothing they previously experienced would compare to the events of October 7th.

Reuven

relays the timeline of

the tragic day.

“The soldiers on base had 15 minutes.

Those who got calls at home early Shabbat morning arrived at 9:30 AM. Because there was no information and nobody knew what was going on and what the threat was to the helicopters, a lot of the active soldiers took cars from the base and started driving south. Those called from home took their equipment and drove south. People arrived at the kibbutzim three, four, five hours after everything started.

“We have specific equipment for specific scenarios, but because it was so extreme, they lacked medical equipment,” Reuven adds. “Some of them just didn’t have enough tourniquets, for example, so they started using belts and shirts -- whatever they could find. At some point, even these things ran out. It was ongoing. They got called from one kibbutz to another.”

Reuven continues, “I spoke with someone who was there as a first responder, and he didn’t sleep for three days. They just moved from one to another, under fire – they worked nonstop.

“Unfortunately, there’s something called triage. When you get to a mass casualty event, you need to decide who you’re treating first, because you cannot treat everyone and you need to give up on some people. It’s very difficult,” he says.

“This is another thing that our soldiers deal with – thinking, ‘Did I do everything right? Did I save enough lives? Could I

Members of 669 celebrating Chanukah near the Gaza Strip

have done more? Why didn’t I save this person, but I saved this person?’”

Reuven shares, “It makes for a lot of difficulty in the future for some people.

Because there were so many casualties and lack of medical forces, they had to give up on a lot of people. If you see someone that is really badly injured and the chance of saving him is very low and instead you can save two others for sure, then you have to go and save the other two. It’s a very hard decision to make – on the field, under pressure.”

Bar Reuven representing Unit 669 at last year’s AFU event

average of five people a week, depending on the period. This year, in just 60 days, they saved approximately 700 people – and 100 of those were in those first 36 hours.

Sadly, since the beginning of the war, the unit also lost more people at once than ever before. In one week, they lost three soldiers in just three days.

“It’s never happened before,” Reuven shares. “It’s very difficult.”

Refraining from disclosing exact numbers, Reuven describes the increased stress on the soldiers. Unit 669 currently has

“I spoke wIth someone who was there as a fIrst responder, and he dIdn’t sleep for three days.”

Understandably, a huge part of Reuven’s focus during peacetime is on helping support the mental health of his 669 Unit members.

Another mission for the unit included caring for the incoming hostages.

“For the days that hostages were getting released, Unit 669 was on call to meet them with helicopters, with troops and medical personnel. The unit was responsible to bring the hostages who needed medical treatment or medical supervision until they could get them to the hospitals. Some of them had to get critical medical procedures during the flight.”

Reuven talks about the magnitude of the October 7 th attacks and the people whom the unit were helping.

In the first 36 hours of the October 7 th attacks, Unit 669 rescued more people than in the 50 days of 2014’s Operation Protective Edge. In the 50 years since the Yom Kippur War, the unit rescued 15,000 people, civilians and soldiers – typically at an

three and a half times the forces than usual, serving two and half times the amount of locations. Reservists are now serving 60 days in a row, not a week at a time. Some have gotten a few days off, as many are parents who want to visit their loved ones back home. Soldiers flew to Israel from the States and around the world, leaving families and businesses behind.

What

kind of soldier is a 669 soldier? The unit is one of the four elite units in the IDF. Incoming soldiers have to volunteer to participate and are then required to serve at least two more years past the compulsory service. Each year, thousands of 16-18-yearolds apply for admission to the unit during “Yom Sayarot” – the Special Forces tryout day. About 10,000 soldiers are able to move to the next stage after the basic evaluations. These 10,000 will endure six days of training and intense physical and mental tests. Once they pass those tests, only 50

candidates are selected to begin the grueling 669 training course, one of the longest in the IDF at one and a half years. Only 30 soldiers will ultimately graduate per year.

This year, for the first time, two women were eligible to start the training course, potentially making them the first female soldiers to join the 669. The 669 reservists train more often than those in other units and serve between 50-60 days a year to ensure that they are always ready, with their skills strong and ready. They are doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, parents – all prepared to leave to be soldiers.

“Because the missions are very diverse and surprising, you need to know how to adjust to the situation,” Reuven relates.

“It’s not like other units where you may have months to years to plan a specific mission. Here, you have 15 minutes once you hear the siren to be in the helicopter with equipment ready for the worst scenario. It could be a mild car accident in the south, but in the same preparation time you can find yourself in Gaza with mass casualties under fire working with ropes. You need to be very flexible and creative – not just strong and tough – but then you also need to have the sensitivity when you speak with the injured.”

He points to Eitan Yahalomi, a 12-yearold hostage rescued after 50 harrowing days in captivity. Eitan was hesitant to exit the helicopter with the press and the attention. 669 members gave him a coat for comfort and warmth, eventually helping to coax him out to safety.

Unit 669 soldiers regularly participate in international missions. In 2010, they took part in the rescue mission after the earthquake in Haiti, helping set up advanced field hospitals and saving lives.

They were among the IDF personnel sent to Nepal in 2015 to join rescue efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake and ensuing avalanches. In 2012, 669 sent soldiers to

31

50 years of achievement. Reuven is instead now urgently working to raise funds to support the unit through the ongoing Gaza War. Medical supplies, protective gear and tactical equipment are among the highest priorities, with funds for PTSD workshops topping the list.

“We have a lot of needs to accomplish,” says Reuven. “We were supposed to celebrate 50 years of the unit this year with a big event, and we, of course, postponed it. Now, our target is also to be able to build a new monument to the fallen soldiers in the unit as a result of this war – to understand the dissonance between what we planned to do versus what we’re dealing with now.”

For more information, visit American Friends of Unit 669 www.afu669.org.

These members of Unit 669 lost their lives in the current war Hy”d Chief sergeant first Class dudy digmi reservist, combat paramedic major Ben shelly, 26 years old, combat platoon commander sergeant first Class rom hecht, 20 years old, combat soldier lieutenant shay ayeli, 21 years old, cadet at officer’s school lieutenant nethanel menachem eitan, 22 years old, cadet at officer’s school major dr. eytan neeman, reservist, combat physician Captain Ido Joshua, Veteran

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civilian l i f e as an entrepreneur is likely less stressful – his first start-up was Mishlohof in 2016, a GPS-based delivery app delivering

basis because it’s the nature of the unit to always get into crisis…blood, dead bodies…

This time it was extreme, as we all know.

There are more people to take care of and also so many reservists. The transition is difficult from civilian to active duty – an engineer in an office and a few hours later on the battlefield...

“My teammate is currently in Gaza, in a special division that operates in cars and not only helicopters. He’s been there since October 7th. He’s a physician. He served with me; he’s my age. Married with two kids, and he’s there every day since then.”

Reuven recalls his perspective during his time in the November 2012 Pillars of Defense operation. “As active combat soldiers, you want to do something… Back then, we said this is what we’re trained for. But when you grow up and you lose people…when you actually know someone – not someone who knows someone – or you’re a parent and you have more to lose, you don’t want a war. You just want to live in quiet and do your thing. We’re not looking to have another war or two or three.

It’s not something that they want or Israel wants. But this is my opinion.

“Now we’re fighting the social media and hasbara war, not only the war on the battlefield,” Reuven notes. “It’s important that it’s part of the discussion to know that Israel risks lives of soldiers on an ongoing basis to save other people. Sometimes, it’s the Sudanese who run from the Egyptian border to Israel. Sometimes, Syrians who ran from their civil war, who know we’ll treat them as if they were our brothers and put them in our Israeli hospitals. Even during the earthquake in Turkey – and we all see now how they treat Israel in this conflict – but we sent teams to Turkey to extract people from the earthquake. We want people to understand. 669 is a very humanitarian unit. We save lives all around the globe – not only Israelis and Jews.”

AFU 669 was scheduled to hold a gala event on October 12 to celebrate the unit’s

JANUARY 11, 2024

Reuven’s

food and beach supplies to people on the beachfront. Prior to October 7, Reuven had been working remotely from Israel, traveling one week a month to the U.S. Though his military work is so specialized and so vital, Reuven was nonetheless tasked with a different type of “deployment” – Reuven has now been in the States since early in the war, leaving his wife and daughter in Tel Aviv.

“We didn’t know exactly what was going on at the time. I saw the footage and everything that was happening. I texted the deputy commander if I should come or not.

Should I stay and keep doing my work for the organization to support the unit? Since they knew it was going to be long, they said, ‘Stay and do what you do; there are others who could do the combat work but there’s no one else who can do what you do’. And this is what I’ve done since.”

Reuven admittedly has mixed feelings.

“My family is there, my friends are there. I feel proud and I feel it’s important to represent the unit here and my friends, but it’s also difficult to talk about it again and again and to show the pictures…but I do feel complete with the work I do because I know how important what we do here is.”

Since the beginning of the war the AFU 669 has supported the = members of Unit 669 with necessary equipment – gloves, kneepads, medical kits, and food for all the bases. Reuven’s work also helps support their spirits with a challah operation.

“Every Friday, we are making sure that we send fresh challah made by volunteers to every solder, no matter where they are.”

Addressing the emotional toll on the soldiers is vital. Reuven worries about the “day after” and the 669 team dealing with the very difficult images and situations – the kids of 20 and 21 years old going into a kibbutz and seeing what they saw.

In that vein, he says, “We raise funds to be able to give them preventive PTSD workshops and treatment to be able to cope with the experiences. We do this on a regular

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Bulgaria following the Burgas bus bombing which targeted Israeli tourists. Within a few hours after the attack, the 669 soldiers were already en route back with the wounded for treatment in Israel.

Reuven’s own unit was in Bulgaria during the rescue mission. They brought back 33 injured people, heroically performing medical procedures while in flight. Reuven recently heard an interview with an Israeli actress who shared her experience in this attack, recalling being comforted when the soldiers gave her a chocolate bar.

Reuven was moved by how this was a detail that she remembered, with all the chaos of that day; this woman was Reuven and his partner’s rescue.

Reuven was recently asked a question after an interview about the Golan bombing. 669 members had been there, utilizing the special vehicle division that could get deep into urban areas like the Gaza Strip.

“Two soldiers were killed in Golani bombing,” he recalls. “Eight people died there, and they were two of them. When they heard the force got hit by a bomb, they just ran into the situation to help.

Then there was another bomb, and more people died. I was asked, ‘If you know there is fighting, why risk more people to extract the soldiers?’” Reuven explained, “This is what we do. This is exactly what 669 soldiers do. This is what we were trained for.

You asked me about what kind of people serve in the unit – this kind.

“We see a crisis scenario – blood, dead bodies, fires, any risk – we jump right into it and do not hide or run away from it. You also don’t know how many missions were accomplished in the same way with no casualties from our side and how many lives were saved.”

32

Torah Thought

By Rabbi Zvi Teichman

M

oshe and Aharon are told by G-d to confront Pharaoh once again, warning him to release the Children of Israel or face the consequences of the plagues.

In their first attempt to impress upon Pharaoh the power of their message, G-d instructs them that when Pharaoh will request of them to “provide a wonder for yourselves”, Aharon should take his staff, cast it down before Pharaoh and ‫יהי לתנין‬, it will become a tannin.

Aharon proceeds to do as he was told and indeed his staff transforms into a tannin. Pharaoh then directs his sorcerers to duplicate this ‘trick’ and they succeed in doing so. Aharon’s staff eventually swallows up the all of their staffs and despite that remarkable feat, Pharaoh remains unimpressed hardening his heart and refusing to free the Jews.

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What was intended in this introductory episode before the onslaught of the ten subsequent plagues? There was no punishment afflicted upon them merely an attempt to impress

Pharaoh with the power of G-d that Moshe and Aharon represented. But it didn’t work and there seems no obvious message inherent therein. Although the plagues didn’t accomplish their goal either until the very last one, nevertheless there was a clear progression in the message being conveyed; G-d’s total mastery over sea, land, sky and beyond. What then was the objective in transforming a staff into a tannin?

Most commentaries translate tannin as ‘snake’. Yet when Moshe was told by G-d to display a similar miracle before the Children of Israel it refers to the more common word nachash, in describing how the staff turned into a ‘snake’. Why is the use of ‘tannin’ used here?

The Ibn Ezra and others imply that perhaps the serpent depicted here was no simple snake but rather a crocodile.

The Prophet Yechezkel describes Pharaoh as: Pharaoh, King of Egypt,‫התנים‬ ‫ — הגדול‬the great ‘serpent’ that lies in the midst of his rivers, that has said: “My river is mine own, and I have made myself." )‫(יחזקאל כט ג‬

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In ancient Egypt the crocodile was deified as the very source for the mighty river Nile that it inhabited. Its image became the hieroglyphic for ‘monarchy’ as the verse indicates the Egyptian rulers viewed themselves as the ‘Great Crocodile’ who created his own image and the river as well.

These creatures were mummified, enshrined and worshiped.

The Holy Cohen of Tzefas, Rabbi Mordechai HaCohen, in his remarkable work, Sifsei Cohen, avers that G-d actually transformed Pharaoh into a veritable crocodile. He points out on the verse previously cited that foretells how after Aharon will cast his staff to the ground it will turn into a tannin, it states '‫'יהי לתנין‬, in the grammatical form of a command to turn into a tannin: ‘and it shall be a tannin’, rather than using the more accurate wording, '‫'ויהי לתנין‬, simply predicting how at that future encounter it will turn into a tannin. He therefore understands G-d’s words as an order to Pharaoh, not only the stick, to transform into a crocodile, ‫יהי לתנין‬, and ‘he’ shall become a crocodile.

This, he suggests, was the method by which G-d assured Pharaoh would remain stubbornly hard-hearted and not easily give in. He would have to transform him from his formerly fragile human form into the mightily resistant crocodile who would never readily succumb. He points out that the word ‫תנין‬, serpent, is numerically equivalent to the word ‫תיק‬, which in the cypher system known as '‫'את בש‬ — where the first letter of the aleph beis, )‫ (א‬corresponds to the last )‫(ת‬, the second letter )‫ (ב‬to the next to the last )‫(ש‬, (thus called ‫את בש‬,) and so on with each subsequent letter — ‫תיק‬ corresponds accordingly to the letters ‫ם‬- ָ‫ד‬- ָ‫א‬, man, thus intimating his metamorphosis from man to beast.

Only the aggressive and greedy crocodile would lock its most pow-

erful jaw in utter refusal to release its prey — the Jewish nation, from its grip.

The great nineteenth century Hungarian rabbinic figure and scholar, Rabbi Aharon Fried, in his work Zkan Aharon, explains the evolution of the Egyptian thinking that led to the deification of crocodiles. Quoting from the Sefer ha-Ikkarim, the popular tome of fifteenth century philosopher, Rabbi Yosef Albo, he describes how the people observed how the natural world generally functions without struggle, fear or worry. Animals are born equipped with clothing, food and shelter naturally available to them.

There is no need for production of clothing, processing of food, nor complex building of shelter. Acting out of instinct and being part of the ecosystem of nature, they exist in calm bliss.

Man though from the moment of his frail birth must ward off the elements, fight for his bread, and compete for his space, living in conscious fear and anxiety as to how he will possibly survive. They concluded that man must be despised by the gods for how else can one accept the life of travail he must face. They therefore loyally committed their allegiance to the powers of nature, seeing in the Nile that source of life, the mighty crocodile who instills fear in all who enter its space as the symbol to emulate in a world where ‘force’ and ‘might’ reign supreme. It is man’s right, nay, duty, they claimed, to assert his authority in controlling the weaker elements within the natural world under his domain.

That is the natural order for life. They venerated this notion and considered those who would be vassals of the state as fortunate to be part of ‘ecology’ of the Egyptian state.

This would shed light on another anomaly in the verse. G-d refers to Pharaoh’s eventual request of ‫'תנו‬ '‫ מופת‬- ‫ לכם‬-, literally translated as to ‘provide a wonder for yourselves’.

33

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Wasn’t Pharaoh challenging them to provide a sign that would impress him and his cohorts; ‘give me a sign of your might’, and not for the sake of Moshe and Aharon?

There was a major philosophical polemic taking place. Pharaoh claimed that the Jewish nation were happy to be part of the ecosystem of Egyptian society and were already consumed within its reality. The forces of nature under which he claimed the world pledged allegiance had absorbed them into its ‘clamped jaw’, and they were helpless in extricating themselves from its inevitable grasp.

We all live, in a manner, in ‘crocodile infested waters’. We feel constrained by our nearsighted vision that refuses to accept our potential for growth. We despair that we are limited by our deficient intellect, poor skills or weak social position. Our failures in the past only convince us that we cannot succeed. We often allow ourselves to be consumed by the ‘bigger fish in the sea’ submitting to all the mighty crocodiles that lurk in the darkness.

The great and illustrious Rabbi Meir Shapiro adds another layer to this important message.

It was the evidence of the stick, from the strata of vegetative growth, which was able to elevate itself to the next level of animative life, which would seek to expose Pharaoh’s fallacy. Moshe sought to introduce Pharaoh to the notion that each level of the four categories of the natural world: the inanimate; the vegetative; the animal; and the speaking humans, raises itself by serving each subsequent higher level until one reaches the driving force behind this hierarchy, the absolute ‘will of G-d’ that generates the power within this marvelous machine, drawing them all to a supernal purpose.

The transforming of the holy staff that had the Ineffable Name of G-d etched into it would become a contaminated serpent in the company of Pharoah and his lackeys. However, the minute Aharon HaKohen would retake it, it returned to its natural holy state.

This was instructive to the Jewish nation in teaching them that their despair stems from being in the clutches of the jaw of that crocodile state Egypt. The second they are willing to accept their greatness; their mission; their inherent worth and connection to G-d they can escape and achieve all that they truly desire to.

This lesson was indeed a wonder that reflected on the greatness of man and his ability to inspire a world by allegiance to the word of G-d.

We too fall victim to the poisonous forces of the society we live in and its values. If we are to extract ourselves from its powerful grip we must elevate ourselves to newer and higher realities.

Pharaoh would eventually shed his crocodile suit and come to terms with this new realization. But in the first foray in deconstructing Pharaoh’s crocodile philosophy, it was vital for this very significant demonstration to assert this contrary belief.

The Kabbalists point out that this enemy’s very name ‫מצרים‬, Mitzrayim, is a contraction of the two words, ‫מיצר‬, confined space, and ‫ים‬, the expansive sea. This represents their limited view that confined their world to the edges of the natural world, as far as one can see, but never making the next natural association in observing the color of the sea, that is similar to the color of the sky, that is reminiscent of the hue in the Throne of Glory above.

Crocodiles have the mightiest jaws in the world able to apply 5,000 pounds of pressure per square inch. Yet ironically its jaw’s opening strength is so meek that its jaws can be held shut with a simple rubber band.

The lesson is clear. Never be exposed to the clutches of these dangerous attitudes. All it takes is a simple commitment to keep that trap shut.

If we stay away we are guaranteed to flourish naturally, basking in G-d’s benevolence and kindness, growing unimpeded in our avodas Hashem.

You may reach the author at: Ravzt@ohelmoshebaltimore.com

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26

19

12

5:18 PM

Shevat 30

5:09 PM

Shevat 23

5:01 PM

Shevat 16

4:53 PM

Shevat 3

Saturday Saturday 13

BY Production see page 3

5:49 PM

Shevat 10

‫פרשת וארא‬

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5:56 PM

Shevat 17

6:04 PM

6:11 PM

Shevat 24

‫פרשת יתרו‬

Adar 1

‫ פרשת משפטים‬6:19 PM

10

3

‫פרשת בשלח‬

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‫פרשת בא‬

BJSZ Celebratory Shabbos

Shevat 9

4:45 PM

Shevat 2

Friday Friday

Community Calendar

Shevat 8

‫ראש חודש‬

Shevat 1

Thursday Thursday 11

18

Shevat 15

Shevat 29

Shevat 22

Simchas Esther Chinese Auction see page 13 Next BJH Issue

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1

8

Next BJH Issue

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME JANUARY 11, 2024

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38

Nefesh B’Nefesh Closes 2023 with 720 North American Olim Amidst Iron Swords War The last week of 2023 alone brought 200 new Olim, with nearly 4,200 requests to open Aliyah files in the last quarter, an increase of over 120% compared to 2022

N

efesh B’Nefesh, in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and JNF-USA, has recorded 720 newcomers who arrived in Israel since the onset of the war, with 200 of them landing just in the last week of 2023.

In the last quarter, 4,175 requests to open Aliyah files were submitted by individuals and families interested in making Israel their new home, in comparison to 1,985 in 2022. 3,709 of these individuals plan to make Aliyah from North America (as opposed to from within Israel as part of the “Guided Aliyah” process), which is a 142% increase compared to last year. Deeper analysis of the data has shown that the main reason for the increase in Aliyah interest is due to Zionism (50%), while

the issue of Antisemitism drives only a small amount of the applicants (6%).

“The significant number of new immigrants to Israel during the Iron Swords War and the tremendous increase in requests to open Aliyah files are an important demonstration of Zionism and a beautiful expression of solidarity with the country, providing us with a much-needed boost to our morale,” said Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Ofir Sofer. “Together with our partners at The Jewish Agency for Israel and Nefesh B’Nefesh, we

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are working to improve the absorption process by easing the bureaucracy as well as helping with Hebrew learning and job placements. We believe that full integration of the newcomers will contribute greatly to Israeli society and economic growth.”

In total 3,020 individuals from North America have made Aliyah in 2023. Among the newcomers who arrived this year with the assistance of Nefesh B’Nefesh are 545 families, 616 children, 958 single men and women, and 432 retirees. The average age of Olim over the last year is 32 years old, with the oldest being 100 and the youngest a 3-month-old baby.

The Olim came from all over North America, most notably New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, Maryland, and Ontario. The most sought-after destinations of the Olim this year were Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Beit Shemesh, Netanya, and Ra’anana.

“Our Olim never cease to amaze us as they prove their commitment to fulfilling the Zionist dream of making Israel their home,” said Tony Gelbart, Co-Founder and Chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh. “These individuals have not only remained steadfast in their desire to make Aliyah despite the war and escalating regional tensions but have felt an even stronger impetus to do so out of a profound sense of connection and solidarity with the Jewish people and our homeland. In light of the significant surge in Aliyah submissions, we are entering 2024 with optimism and, together with our partners, are prepared to welcome every individual who chooses the State of Israel with open arms.”

The Olim who arrived in Israel in 2023 hold a variety of occupations, the most prominent of which is the field of medicine. In 2023, 65 doctors and 28 nurses arrived in Israel, most of

whom began the process of converting their medical licenses during the annual Nefesh B’Nefesh ‘MedEx’, established to expedite the license conversion process and enable the medical practitioners to swiftly integrate into Israel society upon their arrival.

“Aliyah in these times is another expression of the partnership of world Jewry in building, and now in rebuilding, the State of Israel,” said Chairman of The Jewish Agency, Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog. “I embrace each and every one of the Olim who are building their lives in Israel these days and call on all of Israel to receive them with love and open arms. The Jewish Agency will continue to work, together with its partners in Israel and around the world, to strengthen the resilience of Israel’s society as a whole.”

In addition, 231 young individuals who made Aliyah in 2023 will serve as lone soldiers in the IDF as part of the FIDF-Nefesh B’Nefesh Lone Soldiers Program, and 35 young women will be lone national service volunteers with the “Ori” Program. # # # For more information, please contact: Jake Sharfman, J Cubed Communications Jake@jcubedpr.com About Nefesh B’Nefesh (www.nbn.org.il): Founded in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh, in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and JNF-USA, strives to facilitate and celebrate Aliyah, advocate for Olim, and education towards a stronger connection to Israel. By minimizing financial, professional, logistical, and social obstacles, Olim are able to actualize their dreams and continue building a stronger Israel. The support and comprehensive social services provided by Nefesh B’Nefesh to its over 75,000 new immigrants have ensured that 90% have remained in Israel.

Shacharis

Baltimore Weekday Minyanim Guide M-F S-F M-F M, Th M, TH M-F M, TH M, TH

M-F S, T, W, F T, W, F S T, W, F T, W, F S S T, W, F S-F M-F S, T, W, F S, M, TH T, W, F M-F T, W, F M-F

7:05 AM Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) 7:15 AM Kedushas Yisrael Kol Torah Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah Ner Israel Rabbinical College

M, TH S S S, T, W, F S-F S-F

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7:20 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Beth Tfiloh Congregation Kol Torah Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] Shomrei Emunah Congregation

M, TH M-F M-F M, TH M, TH

7:30 AM Agudah of Greenspring Agudath Israel of Baltimore Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim Bais Hamedrash and Mesivta of Baltimore Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh Beit Yaakov [Sefaradi] Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation Chabad of Park Heights Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh Darchei Tzedek Kedushas Yisrael Khal Bais Nosson Ner Israel Rabbinical College (Mechina) Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] Shomrei Emunah Congregation

S S, T, W, F S S-F S-F S S S S S-F S S-F S S-F S-F S, T, W, F T, W, F

7:45 AM Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation Talmudical Academy Darchei Tzedek Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah Mesivta Kesser Torah Mesivta Shaarei Chaim 7:50 AM Derech Chaim Ner Tamid Ohel Moshe

M-F S-F M-F S-F S-F S-F S S M-F

8:00 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Beth Abraham Darchei Tzedek Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek Kehillas Meor HaTorah Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Ohel Yakov Ohr Yisroel Pikesville Jewish Congregation Shearith Israel Congregation Shomrei Emunah Congregation The Shul at the Lubavitch Center Tiferes Yisroel Tzeirei Anash Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah

S-F S S S S S-F S S S S S-F S S S S-F

8:15 AM Kehilath B'nai Torah Kol Torah Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 8:20 AM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim 8:30 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Ohel Moshe Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] Shomrei Emunah Congregation Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh 8:45 AM Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 9:00 AM Aish Kodesh Agudath Israel of Baltimore Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim Beth Tfiloh Congregation Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Shomrei Emunah Congregation Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim 9:15 AM Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 9:30 AM Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah 9:45 AM Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 10:00AM Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

S S S-F S-F S-F S-F S-F S S S-F S S-F S S-F S S S S-F S S-F S-F S-F S-F S-F S-F

Mincha

Mincha Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Gedolah

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/Tzemach Tzedek 12:30 PM Kol Torah 12:50 PM One South Street, 27th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202 1:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F) 10055 Red Run Blvd Suite 295 Milk & Honey Bistro 1777 Reisterstown RD 1:25 PM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim 1:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F) 1:45 PM Ohel Moshe 2:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F) Big Al @ The Knish Shop Party Room Kol Torah Market Maven Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Reischer Minyan 15 Walker Ave 2nd Floor Snider Law Firm 600 Reistersown Rd 7th floor 2:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (Sunday) Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh Tov Pizza Mincha Minyan Ner Israel Rabbinical College Mesivta Shaarei Chaim (Etz Chaim Building) Shearith Israel Congregation 2:45 PM Kollel of Greenspring 3:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F) Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 3:05 PM Kedushas Yisrael 3:15 PM Hat Box 3:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (Sunday) 4:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-Th) Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

Mincha/Maariv Before Shkiah Aish Kodesh Agudath Israel of Baltimore Agudah of Greenspring Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim Beth Abraham Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation Darchei Tzedek Kehillas Meor HaTorah Kehilath B’nai Torah Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek Machzikei Torah (Sternhill’s) Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Ner Tamid Ohel Moshe Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] Ohr Yisroel Pikesville Jewish Congregation Shearith Israel Congregation Shomrei Emunah Congregation Shomrei Mishmeres Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel The Shul at the Lubavitch Center Tiferes Yisroel

Maariv

6:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 6:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 7:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah 7:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 8:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 8:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah 8:45 PM Darchei Tzedek Ner Israel Rabbinical College (Mechina) Ohr Yisroel

Maariv continued

8:50 PM Mesivta Shaarei Chaim (Etz Chaim Building) 8:55 PM Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh 9:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Arugas Habosem Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah Shomrei Emunah Congregation Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim 9:20 PM Kol Torah 9:30 PM Agudah of Greenspring Agudath Israel of Baltimore Kedushas Yisrael Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 9:40 PM Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] 9:45 PM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim Kollel Erev Birchas Yitzchok (Luries) Kollel of Greenspring Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah 9:50 PM Aish Kodesh Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh Ohel Moshe 10:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Darchei Tzedek Kehilath B'nai Torah Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah Shearith Israel Congregation Shomrei Emunah Congregation 10:05 PM Kol Torah 10:10 PM Ner Israel Rabbinical College 10:15 PM Derech Chaim Khal Bais Nosson 10:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah 11:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah Agudah of Greenspring - 6107 Greenspring Ave Agudath Israel of Baltimore - 6200 Park Heights Ave Ahavat Shalom - 3009 Northbrook Rd Aish Kodesh - 6207 Ivymount Rd Arugas HaBosem - 3509 Cwlarks Ln Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim - 3120 Clarks Ln Bais Hamedrash and Mesivta of Baltimore - 6823 Old Pimlico Rd Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh - 6618 Deancroft Rd Beit Yaakov - 3615 Seven Mile Ln Beth Abraham - 6208 Wallis Ave Beth Tfiloh Congregation - 3300 Old Court Rd Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation - 6602 Park Heights Ave Chabad of Park Heights - 3402 Clarks Ln Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh - 3800 Labyrinth Rd Darchei Tzedek - 3201 Seven Mile Ln Derech Chaim - 6229 Greenspring Ave (Weekday) Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue 6611 Greenspring Ave. Kedushas Yisrael - 6004 Park Heights Ave Kehilath B’nai Torah - 6301 Green Meadow Pkwy Kehillas Meor HaTorah - 6539 Pebble Brooke Rd Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek - 6811 Park Heights Ave Khal Bais Nosson - 2901 Taney Rd Kol Torah - 2929 Fallstaff Rd Kollel of Greenspring - 6504 Greenspring Ave. Machzikei Torah - 6216 Biltmore Ave Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah - 6500 Baythorne Rd Mesivta Kesser Torah - 8400 Park Heights Ave Mesivta Shaarei Chaim - 3702 Fords Ln Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah - 7000 Rockland Hills Dr Neuberger, Quinn, Gielen, Rubin & Gibber One South Street, 27th Floor Ner Israel Rabbinical College - 400 Mt Wilson Ln Ner Tamid - 6214 Pimlico Road Ohel Moshe - 2808 Smith Ave Ohel Yakov - 3200 Glen Ave Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] - 6813 Park Heights Ave Ohr Yisroel - 2429 Lightfoot Dr Pikesville Jewish Congregation - 7644 Carla Rd Shearith Israel Congregation - 5835 Park Heights Ave Shomrei Emunah Congregation - 6221 Greenspring Ave Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh - 2821 W Strathmore Ave Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim - 7504 Seven Mile Ln Talmudical Academy - 4445 Old Court Rd The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel - 5915 Park Heights Ave The Shul at the Lubavitch Center - 6701 Old Pimlico Rd Tiferes Yisroel - 6201 Park Heights Ave Tzeirei Anash - 6706 Cross County Blvd Wealcatch Insurance - 37 Walker Ave 2nd floor Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah - 6819 Williamson Ave

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7:00 AM Aish Kodesh (upstairs Minyan) Agudath Israel of Baltimore Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] Arugas HaBosem (Rabbi Taub's) Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek Kol Torah Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] Shearith Israel Congregation Shomrei Emunah Congregation Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh The Shul at the Lubavitch Center Tiferes Yisroel

T, W, F S S S M-F

JANUARY 11, 2024

6:20 AM Agudah of Greenspring M, TH Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F Arugas HaBosem (Rabbi Taub's) S-F Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation M-F Kehilath B'nai Torah M, TH Shomrei Emunah Congregation S, M, TH 6:25 AM The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel T, W, F 6:30 AM Agudah of Greenspring T, W, F Chabad of Park Heights M-F Darchei Tzedek M-F Kehilath B'nai Torah T, W, F Khal Bais Nosson M-F Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek M-F Kol Torah T, W, F Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah M-F Ohr Yisroel M-F Shearith Israel Congregation T, W, F Shomrei Emunah Congregation T, W, F 6:35 AM Aish Kodesh (downstairs Minyan) M, TH Ohel Moshe M, TH 6:40 AM Aish Kodesh (downstairs Minyan) T, W, F Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation M, TH 6:45 AM B”H and Mesivta of Baltimore (Dirshu Minyan) S-F Beth Abraham M, TH Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue M-F Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah S-F Ner Tamid M-F Ohel Moshe T, W, F Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim M-F 6:50 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore M, TH Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] M, TH Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh M, TH Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation T, W, F Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh M, TH Derech Chaim M-F Kol Torah M-F Ohel Moshe S Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] M, TH Shomrei Emunah Congregation M, TH The Shul at the Lubavitch Center M, TH 6:55 AM Beth Abraham T, W, F Kol Torah M, TH

7:15 AM Shearith Israel Congregation Shomrei Emunah Congregation Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel Tzeirei Anash

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Beit Yaakov [Sefaradi] Ohel Yakov 6:00 AM Shomrei Emunah Congregation 6:10 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore 6:15 AM Kol Torah Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah Shearith Israel Congregation The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel

Neitz

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Mental Health Corner Silence

A

wkward silence. The dreaded fear of all humans engaged in conversation.

This is what you fear the most during a date, a job interview, or any other important conversation. Humans fear that silence so much that researchers have found that the average time between people taking turns talking in a conversation is 200 milliseconds.

That is one-fifth of one second!

Other research has found that people become visibly uncomfortable when the silence extends to merely four seconds.

This is in stark contrast to the famous Gemara (Berachos 6b) that the reward for visiting a mourner is for remaining silent. Chazal are clearly sending us a message about the role of silence and how it relates to the Mitzvah of Nichum Aveilim (comforting the mourner). Let us, therefore, spend some time on exploring the forgotten

art of silence and how we can hopefully learn how to utilize it.

Thinking: We often are so afraid of that dreaded lull in conversation that we say things that are shallow or unhelpful. If you are comfortable with some silence, you can develop your thoughts before you say something. In the long run, your words will be appreciated and respected.

Listening: When someone sees that you have paused before you responded, they will actually feel heard.

When you wait a mere 200 milliseconds before responding, you have to formulate your response while the other person is speaking. If you pause, your friend will see that you listen, absorb, and think before you respond.

Your friend will see that you actually want to understand what your friend is telling you.

Respect: Sometimes we say something and when the response does not

Some thingS need to be tailor made.

come immediately, we feel nervous that we were not heard and we will repeat the statement, embellish it, or move onto another topic. In reality, the other person might be thinking about what you just said, and in your haste to kill the awkward silence, you have robbed your friend of their chance to respond. When you allow some silence, you are showing that you respect your friend, are not rushing him or her for a response, and have as much time as they need.

Avoiding Anger: Sometimes we are told something that makes us feel angry. If you are not accustomed to digesting before responding, you are likely to respond with something hurtful that you will never be able to take back. When you are in the practice of utilizing silence in conversation, you will have those few seconds that you need to catch yourself and diffuse the situation rather that escalating it beyond the point of no return.

Comfort: When you are comfortable with another person, you do not feel the need to create a distraction by talking and talking. When silence is not awkward, you are communicating to the other person that you can just spend time with each other without the need for empty fillers.

Nonverbal communication: Research has shown that most communication is nonverbal. When you feel the need to keep on talking, you are putting too much pressure on the words being said, and ignoring the other ways that we are communicating our

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thoughts and feelings. Allowing silence in conversation provides space for your other cues to be absorbed. Ultimately, you will be heard on a deeper level.

Learn: When you rush to respond, you might not be letting your friend say everything that they want to say.

This might rob you of information that the other person wants to communicate to you. When you listen, you learn.

In psychotherapy as well, silence is extremely important. In therapy, we want to gain insight, process emotions, and achieve inner peace. Silence plays a pivotal role in facilitating these goals.

Our Sages tell us (Megillah 18a) that if a word is worth one Sela (a type of coin), then silence is worth two. When we embrace silence, our depth in our communications grows tremendously. Mastering the art of silence can be tricky and sometimes the silence will feel awkward. However, that should not deter us from learning the art. As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “Silence is not always a sign of wisdom, but babbling is ever a mark of folly.”

This is a service of Relief Resources.

Relief is an organization that provides mental health referrals, education, and support to the frum community. Rabbi Yisrael Slansky is director of the Baltimore branch of Relief. He can be contacted at 410-448-8356 or at yslansky@reliefhelp. org

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Triumphs

Tech

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

JANUARY 11, 2024

Close Call

As Told to Rebbetzin Sara Gross

A

s an eighteen-year-old, I was a new driver trying to navigate the streets of Baltimore. The city had just implemented the hands-free driving law, and I didn’t have Bluetooth on my flip phone. I was driving around with my phone to my ear, talking to my mother about a shopping list for Seven Mile Market when a police car appeared in my rearview mirror.

I suddenly remembered that I wasn’t supposed to have my phone in my hand and tried to quickly hang up before I got a ticket. To my dismay, the police car pulled up beside me and motioned for me to lower my window.

With a pit in my stomach, I put down the window and waited for a ticket.

To my surprise, the police officer looked at me curiously and asked, “Is that a flip phone?” I nodded with a gulp, and he looked amused and incredulous at the same time. “How old

are you?” he asked with a smirk.

“I’m 18,” I replied tentatively.

“And you have a flip phone? Cool!

Well, goodnight then.” He smiled and waved, powered up his window, and drove off. My mouth was open in shock, and then I breathed a sigh of relief. I was saved from a ticket by shocking the police officer that a teenager of today’s day and age wasn’t attached by a leash to her smartphone!

Go me!

DID YOU KNOW? Spotify is a widely-used app for enjoying music and podcasts, yet it contains a considerable amount of objectionable content. With a free account, users gain access to nearly all content on Spotify. While this encompasses a range of safe material such as Jewish music (both contemporary and classic) and high-quality Shiurim (Torah classes), it also includes music with explicit

language, uncensored video podcasts, and pirated movies catering to any interest. A misspelled search or a curious teen can easily reveal this material. Free accounts also insert audio or video advertisements that cannot be skipped. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to be immersed in a Yeshiva’s Shiurim on Spotify, only to be interrupted by a commercial promoting beer or shampoo.

Subscribing to a paid plan can eliminate ads, but opting for an even pricier family plan is necessary to access parental controls that restrict the

user to non-explicit content. Regrettably, there is a significant amount of highly explicit content that remains unmarked and unblocked by parental controls. Additionally, there are loopholes that can be exploited, rendering these controls pretty useless. While filtering solutions may conceal static images on Spotify’s PC version and smartphone app, none of them can restrict access to the content.

Although Spotify is free and offers a vast array of content, those benefits are overshadowed by risks. If you’re in search of Jewish music, podcasts, and Shiurim, numerous alternatives exist. Various Jewish music and podcast apps, along with safer methods for obtaining other content, are available. Schedule an appointment with our technicians at TAG Baltimore to explore a solution that best suits your needs.

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A Snippet From Judaism’s Number One Podcast

My Impossible Journey fromONEDeath A SNIPPET FROM JUDAISM’S NUMBER PODCAST Camps to Chief Rabbi of Israel - Rabbi Yisroel Meir Lau In our interconnected world, the power of the media cannot be overestimated. Internet websites, social media, radio, newspapers, and magazines increasingly control the fate of politicians and governments, abbi and Laumorality. was Inborn on world, the messages conveyed world finances the chareidi by religious shape and Junemedia 1st,can1937 in strengthen Piotr- emuna, enrich charitable efforts, and ferment new shul and yeshiva policies. Therefore, it was a kow Poland.

He isinfluential a greatTrybunalski, privilege to interview the highly Rabbi Eli Paley, owner of Mishpacha Media Group and publisher of the Mishpacha Hebrew and prominent Jewish religious leader “shalom of separation”, a picture he English weekly magazines.

R

ELI PALEY

“We have a Father in heaven who

day we have a home, and we have an Israeli army, who are ready to sacrifice their lives to protect the CEO OF MISHPACHA nation and the land. During the their father to take care of Lulek. and Holocaust survivor. After im- never forgets.

Rabbi Lau’s father had told war we were alone. The British, migration Israel in and 1945 Rabbi Eli Paley is atobusinessman social activist. He isHis chairman of thehid Paleyhim Family brother in a sack Naftali that they were the 37th gen- Americans, French, and Soviet Foundation which supportsto and promotes Torah Centers and social initiatives in the Lau dedicated himself religious knowing that he if ishe were seen he eration of rabbis in the chain which armies fought Hitler and the NaCharedi community. A member of the Jewish Funders Network, active in several studies and rabbinical leadership. zis but theysituation did notinfight to save a Thedid topic poverty Charedim and the poor economic the Israeli would be shot as Buchenwald was he notof want toamong be broken.

Their philanthropic organizations. community lay heavily on Eli’s heart. As part of the solution, Eli startedChurchill, the Charedi Institute He was appointed as the Chief only for adults who could work. father Jewish person.

Rooscould not demand Naftali to of Public Affairs to engage with the government with hopes to resolve this in a way that will We discussed the Mishpacha’s the challenges he is faced with policy decision Rabbi of Tel Aviv in 1985.origin, In 1993 evelt, Stalin, and De Gaulle did not There were no women or children continue the chain buttoifretain Lulek sur- values. allow the Charedi society its Torah making, and the overall goals he hopes to attain through the publication.

Rabbi Lau reached the pinnacle there. When they arrived in Buch- vived, he would have the chance to go to war to save the Jews. No one to to thesave issuesus overseas, Eli,we as adid bornnot was born inleadership in the Mattesdorff neighborhood in Yerushalayim. His great-grandfather and While American Jews may have difficulty in relating ofElireligious by becomcame because enwald Naftali took him out of the carry onIsraeli and be another link in the and bred is certainly in touch with the masses. He recalls the issue he faced during grandfather arrived in Eretz Yisroel in 1925 to establish the Slabodka Yeshivah in Chevron. ing the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Rabbi Herzel, the Stateregulation of Israel. his kolel when distributing the magazine.

The government forbidIn a 1948 A sympathetic German chain toyears continue the rabbinate.

He have Later his grandfather became the assistant tosack. the chief rabbi of Israel. offiIsrael, a role he held until 2003. cer, named Haman, said he would was Israel won the War of Indepenyingeman from receiving Kollel benefits if he had any other source of income.

Therefore, the first to continue the chain in he was forced to register his side job under his dence wife’s name, a desperate by Eli himself an alumni of Chevron yeshiva. When he married his wife, a graduate of His tenureiswas marked by efforts against sevensolution Arab used nations, keep him in Barak No 8 among the Holy Land. many.

In his publication, he attempts to broker a better solution.

Michlala in Bayit Vegan, his dream was to continue learning. However, a few months after tohisbridge gaps between secular Russian prisoners of war. was They Rabbi Lau never considered in 1956 Israel succeeded in the Simarriage, his brother mentioned a new monthly publication called Mishpacha Another example of difficulties that Israeli chareidim face is the draft. and religious communities in Is- inhad and again in the Sixlooking for someone to work as a distributor Yerushalayim for a day and a half once every potatoes daily, in addition to becoming a Chief Rabbi, only nai Campaign Mishpacha discussed population statistics -- one out of four children is 5 toand 6 weeks.

With flex hours like that, Eli took the job, earning twice as much as he would rael to promote Jewish unity.

Day War against Egypt, Syria, and the 150g he of continued bread the Jewish pris- continuing thetheunbroken chain.

Charedi– and how army and Charedi society can possibly reach a solution. be for an entire month in a kolel. Financially independent, to learn diligently.

Rabbi Lau’s legacy is one of re- oners got. A young Russian boy He started as the rabbi of a very Jordan in only 6 days. In the Yom The paper is faced daily with Hashkafa decisions that have far-reaching ourSyrHis father,spiritual Rabbi Yehuda Paley, bought the Mishpacha Magazine business. To help his silience, leadership, and Kippur War against effects Egypton and from Rostov took care of “Lu- small in the southern partof of society.shul The issue of printing pictures women in the magazine has been debated back father, Eli got involved in the editorial angle of the magazine figuring out how it could make commitment to the Jewish people lek” ia Israel victorious in battle in andAviv. forth in many When Clinton was runningwas for President, Mishpacha (his Polish nickname).

He Tel Afterforums.

5 years heHilary moved a unique contribution to the field of journalism.

He left learning to pursue his new mission and their heritage. shocked many readers by publishing a blurry photo of Donald Trump and Hilary onmission the 18 days.

Even Israel’s to inspire and influence the Chareidi community.

It is that idealism that still drives him in stole food for him and made sure to a large synagogue in North Tel cover. “We just wanted to see how people wouldtoreact,” EliJews confides. his work so many father years later.

Rabbi Lau’s was the chief to keep him warm. Rabbi Lau re- Aviv save held hostage

by Idi and after 15 years became rabbi of Piotrkow in Poland.

He Amin in Entebbe was successful.

The office complaints, but the Gedolim the magazine consults advised mained there a fewismonths.

While Mishpacha is well-received around the world, the goal of for Mishpacha to serve, the rabbididofreceive the some whole of North them to include her since there was a real possibility indeed become was taken totheTreblinka together particularly waswould victorious because we elevate and be voice of the Chareidim, in Eretz Theclose real customers Barak NoYisroel.

8 was to the Tel Aviv.

Then he was elected to IsraelHilary president. However, in Israel, an anti-Mishacha publication blasted Mishpacha , claiming are not advertisers but theFor audience. seeks to portray an independent voice with histhe 13-year-old son. threeMishpacha have a father in heaven who wants of Buchenwald.

One day be chief rabbi of After they were breaking theNetanya. rules of modesty and Torah by publishing a picture of Hilary Clinton. which is unaffiliated with any political party. Ingate the early years, in the chareidi world of in years, Rabbithis Lau the April pollicization, wasremained perceived asin a weakness.

However, the years have passed, and this 1945, towards the end of the 9 years following the death of his us to be in our homeland, suffering This became a real issue because it was very hard for Elithe to justify his finally, we are freedom has become one of the salient factors of its success. ghetto with his mother andmost older wayinbut war Lulek saw his brother being father-in-law, Rabbi Frankel, he along mind why they could not print modest pictures of women, particularly brother, Naftali, who was 11 years home.teshuvah We are here forever considering seems rabbinate to be to explain at to ba’alei why women are until tosame therespect gate to goSephardi out. His was electedhowtohard theitchief Mishpacha was the first Charedi publication totaken give the to the and older than societies, him. Then, at thetoage of a sense “ignored.”

In order to make Mishpacha, often one of their first exposures to Yiddishkeit, Moshiach comes to save us.

Ashkenazi attempting create of unity.

Over time, this adherence to brother saw him behind the fence of Tel Aviv. Four years later he more palatable, Eli is comfortable with his decision. Rabbi Lau’s message for Jews and ahavas Yisrael became secret to the business’ success.

7,equality the Gestapo rounded up allthe the came to him and told him that they was elected Chief Rabbi of Israel.

Jews to the train station. They were to beandproud Jews, He’s on a the big mission: to expose brothers Torah values, he bears the secMishpacha’s quest in elevating frum society iswould done through sincere, not see eachhonest otherwriting. again but Before elections, he our went to toistruefirstly responsibility seriously.

He often employs a different way of thinking, a creative a put into 2 different groups, womto study Mishpacha does not engage in pretending that is perfect.

While recognizing the ifsociety by some miracle Lulek survived, daven mincha at the Kotel with his ondly not to be ignorant, model, stretch and a twist, that can support our lifestyle while at the same time show that we care great achievements and accomplishments in the frum world, Mishpacha will tackle even en and children on one side and he should remember that he has to brother. the Bible, the Shulchan Aruch, the This economy, was thesecurity, secondand time about the Israeli its welfare system. “Instead of just complaining unpleasant issues, albeit in an extremely sensitive way. men who could work on the oth- go to Eretz Yisrael, our homeland, they history about had why we are not understood,” Eli explained duringoftheour interview, “we and must tradition, ask what gone to daven mincha laws can do in this field. While we have to make sure that our kids are not too exposed the er. Before going into the wagons the place that belongs to the Jewish atwethe and thirdly to make aliyah totoIsraKotel, the first big world, the (outside) worldtime exists,being and we have to face reality and come up with practical his mother pushed him towards his people, a place where Jews are not when el. We should not only say Le’shasolutions. “ arrived in Israel. they brother who was then 18 and cried killed. However, Naftali jumped B’Yerushalayim on PeRabbi Lau says that on Simchat na Ha’ba Rather than hiding his head in the sand, he is ready toand take at on the in our Kippur to his brother, to take the child. The from the wagon and could have Torah, sach theproblems end of Yom Octoberand7th men, women, neighbourhoods cities, working with the authorities instead of against them. Slowly, last time he saw his mother was escaped but instead, he smuggled and he believes, we will be able to build better children were slaughtered buttrust.but rather make aliyah and come just before the wagon doors were himself back to Buchenwald to it was not like the Holocaust. In home to await the full redemption Eli is proud that Mishpacha does not try to be sensationalist. Rather he makes an effort closed. She looked back, didn’t say keep the promise that he made to the of the Jewish people with MoshiHolocaust Jews were alone, toto keep his editorial policies responsible and sensitive. “If you’re going to do it le’shaim a word, and waved. This was the ach to asdosoon as possible. shamayim” Eli ended, “you’ll have disyata d’shmaya it right.”

wants us to be in our homeland”

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“YOU GUYS DO ALL THAT?”

By Rabbi Moshe Dear

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

JANUARY 11, 2024

Executive Director, Baltimore Bikur Cholim

A

number of weeks ago, while doing some shopping in one of our local establishments, I found myself waiting at the long check-out line behind a long-time Baltimore resident.

As two Jews would typically do, we started talking about where I have been and what I have done, and how I recently relocated to Baltimore to work for Bikur Cholim. A pleasant smile came to his face at the mention of Bikur Cholim, and he said, “Oh yes, my wife and I recently enjoyed a wonderful snack in one of your hospitality pantries while visiting my daughter in the hospital”.

After I expressed my happiness that he found our hospital pantry helpful, the gentleman paused a few seconds and asked, “What else do you guys do?”. Now, this grey- haired resident had been a Baltimore community member for a number of decades, so fighting to hide my incredulousness,

I began to list the many vital services that Bikur Cholim volunteers have been providing for years. I told him about our visitation volunteers and our medical equipment Gemach. I told him our patient advocacy, medical referrals, and transportation services.

When I was done, my check-out partner raised his voice with excitement and said, “You guys do all that??”.

“Yes”, I responded. “We do all that.”

While walking back to my car with my groceries, I was reminded of the Gemara in Shabbos which tells us that Hashem told Moshe that He has a great gift secured in His Heavenly treasure house, and “Shabbos” is its name. Go and inform Bnai Yisrael of this.

Chazal learn from here that when one is to be the recipient of a gift, they need to be made aware of the gift and its full preciousness and value. And I felt that that if a long-time resident of our community was unaware of the services of Bikur Cholim, then we

have to do more to inform and educate our community. Our hopes and prayers are that they should never be needed but it is comforting to know that we are here in an emergency.

So, allow me remind the reader of some of the services Bikur Cholim provides, and to know that we are more than meals and pantries.

TRANSPORTATION- Bikur Cholim’s volunteers assist in transporting patients who do not or cannot drive to medical or therapy appointments.

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Dovid Kossman (Baltimore) & Bracha Sobel (Atlanta) Avi Edelman & Hannah Tanzer Menachem Sheen (Baltimore) and Avigail Gottesman (Petach Tikva) Menachem Yunes (Satellite Beach, FL) & Devorah Fishman (Baltimore) Aharon Kreymer & Sheindel Meister (Both Baltimore) Shmuel Goodwin (Baltimore) & Chaya Adler (Brooklyn) Yosef Abramson & Gila Fink (Baltimore) Want to see your simcha here? Email mazeltov@baltimorejewishhome.com or text 443-675-6507 to submit your simcha!

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JANUARY 11, 2024

Rav Matisyahu Salomon zt”l Understanding the Loss

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

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R

av Elya Ber Wachtfogel, shlita, once observed his father, Rav Nosson Wachtfogel, zt”l, the Mashgiach of BMG in Lakewood, in a remarkable state of joy and simcha. Rav Elya Ber asked him, “What is the cause of such elation?”

Rav Wachtfogel zt”l responded, “I am in a state of joy that the famed Mashgiach of the Gateshead Yeshiva, Rav Mattisyahu Solomon, will be joining us in the Lakewood Yeshiva. I anticipate great things to come, b’ezras Hashem, and that is why I am so happy.”

And great things did come. Great things that Klal Yisroel will so sorely miss.

Rav Matisyahu, zt”l, clarified matters of mussar and Torah to thousands and thousands of people, and through his insights, knowledge and love influenced us all.

“What is the inyan of kavod HaTorah?” he would ask. “Among other things, by us showing kavod to a person or to any other matter of Torah, we are machshir ourselves to become influenced by that person to receive ao from that person or from that matter of Torah.”

He would say, What is the idea of “Talmud meivi li’ydei Maaseh, that studying Torah brings us to action”? It is only true if we approach it with binas halev, understanding of the heart. If we approach Torah like we would approach any other area of knowledge, chas v’shalom, it would have no impact.

Aside from his duties in the Yeshiva, Rav Matisyahu involved himself in communal matters and also with people – with individuals. He had a unique love for people.

He motivated. He consoled. He stimulated.

He inspired. And he advised.

He did it to talmidei chachomim. To Kollel wives. To mechanchim. He did it to tzubrocheneh menschen, and he did it to everyday regular people.

A father had lost his precious child. Rav Matisyahu advised him to use his talents and abilities to help bring about greater emunah to Klal Yisroel. He gave him brachos and encouragement. He told him, “I know you have the kochos to implement this project.” The man was simultaneously consoled and inspired.

The Mashgiach once asked: the Mid-

rash tells us that Hashem posed the question to all of the other nations whether they wanted the Torah. They all inquired as to what was written in it. And most everyone is familiar Klal Yisroel’s answer of “Naaseh v’Nishma.” But what would have happened if Klal Yisroel did not answer in this manner? What would have happened if we had said, “What is written in it?”

Rav Matisyahu answered this question in the name of another one of his rebbeim, Rav Leib Gurvitz. He said that Hashem would have said the laws of lashon harah and rechilus are written in it. But if it was so hard, how then could we have managed to say, “Naaseh v’Nishma”? He answered that we knew that Hashem would give us the strength and capacity to overcome the everyday challenges involved. We have that ability within us – all of us have it.

What motivation! What inspiration!

This was the Mashgiach.

To mechanchim, the Mashgiach quoted the Gemara in Sukkah 49b which explained, “Toras chessed al leshonah.” The Gemara asks, “And is there a Torah of chessed and a Torah that is not of chessed?”

The Gemara answers that it is a Torah of chessed when it is studied l’shmah, and not of “chessed” when it is studied shelo l’shmah, with the improper intent. Rav Matisyahu delved further and asked, “But the first opinion needs more clarification – why is it still called Toras Chessed just because it is l’shmah?” He answered based upon Rav Chaim Volozhin who says (Nefesh HaChaim 4:11) that if, chalilah, the world would be bereft of Torah for one moment, it would be destroyed. “You, mechanchim, who teach Torah l’shmah and spread it – you are holding up the world!”

What chizuk, what encouragement, to mechanchim who teach Torah to Klal Yisroel!

When Rav Matisyahu first arrived in the United States, he spoke at an Agudath Yisroel sponsored CLE (Continuing Legal Education), which is mandated for lawyers to maintain their credentials. Agudah rented a hotel conference room in Queens, had catered meals, and brought gedolim and poskim to the conference, making it a simultaneous Torah learning experience as well. Rav Matisyahu, fresh from

49 ideals of the mussar of Torah would penetrate the heart.

He himself studied Mussar in this manner and tried to inspire others to do the same. He printed an article to this effect in the 7th volume of Chizuk that is published

by Dirshu (2007).

A number of years ago, at the dedication ceremony of the matzeivah for the Kedoshim that were murdered at Kelm, there was a gathering of mashgichim of all of the Yeshivos. Rav Matisyahu sang the “Adon Olam” in such a tearful dirge – it was so tearful that there was not a dry eye at the gathering. And yet his “Adon Olam” conveyed such depth of emunah B’Hashem that all present were deeply impacted as well. He sang it as well at the rededication of the matzeivah for Rav Yisroel Salanter, zt”l, which had been re-found in the city of Koenigsberg which was in the former Germany but now in Russia.

Rav Matisyahu had once said that whoever says, “After the Holocaust, I stopped believing in Hashem,” is lying. He never had true emunah in the first place.” Someone asked Rav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, about this and asked if it was halachically valid to the degree that his shechita would be pasul for all shechitas past. Rav Chaim

responded that hakol l’fi haInyan, which apparently meant that Rav Matisyahu did not mean absolutely everyone; it is just that the person is looking for an excuse.

Rav Matisyahu, zt”l, absorbed and transmitted matters of mussar and inspiration from wherever he saw it. Even though he was from a thoroughly Litvish background, he imbibed yiras Hashem and ahavas Hashem from other Torah sources as well.

Once, while in Manhattan, he happened to meet the son-in-law of the author of the Nesivos Shalom. Excitedly, he told him, “I am not in the position to evaluate what that Sefer has had on our generation, but I do know the incredible influence and effect it has had upon me personally. To this day, I have been thoroughly impacted by that remarkable sefer.”

Rav Matisyahu was not just the Mashgiach of Beis Medrash Gavoah in Lakewood, he was all of Klal Yisroel’s mashgiach. He was the father, the zeideh, and Mashgiach of us all wrapped in one unique individual and personality all in one. He will be sorely missed.

The author can be reached yairhoffman2@gmail.com.

at

JANUARY 11, 2024

mitzvos, even mitzvos that were uniquely his. And he had done so thousands of times! Why then was he so saddened?”

Rav Matisyahu answered with a mashal. Imagine a man who had achieved arichas yamim of 100 years. He does not say, “Listen, I have lived one hundred years and I have breathed so many times. What do I need to continue breathing for? To Aharon HaKohen, each unique mitzvah was life itself!”

This is the inspiration that we must all take from Aharon HaKohen’s reaction.

Each mitzvah is as precious as life itself.

Mitzvos are what powers our lives.

Rav Matisyahu adopted the Kelm Mussar of his Rebbe, Rav Elya Lopian. Kelm, of course, was the Yeshiva where the Alter of Slabodka had studied and the Yeshiva where the Alter had sent Rav Yeruchem Levovitz. It was the Yeshiva that was founded by Rav Simcha Zissel Ziv, zt”l, one of the primary students of Rav Yisroel Salanter, zt”l who had started the Mussar Movement. Rav Matisyahu would explain that Rav Yisroel Salanter had conceived of the idea of “Sfasayim Dolkos – Lips Aflame,” that the study of Mussar should be done in an emotional manner – with a unique singsong so that the concepts and

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England, spoke and said the following encouraging words: “It is absolutely remarkable that baal habattim such as yourselves have gathered here for no other purpose other than to learn Torah l’shmah!” I was sitting next to Reb Chaim Dovid Zweibel and had asked him, “You didn’t tell explain to Rav Solomon that this was CLE?” He answered, “I thought he knew!” Regardless, we see that Rav Matisyahu’s very mahus, the very fiber of his being, was to inspire and encourage others. This is true tzidkus and ahavas Yisroel.

He once told a wealthy gvir that the true purpose of money – that Hashem made people very wealthy – was so that they could be mekadesh Shaim Shamayim with their money. And then came the chizuk, the inspiration. He informed the gvir how what he did sanctified Hashem’s Name immensely.

Rav Matisyahu had a unique ability to explain things with mashalim. In Parshas Bahaloscha, Rashi explains that Aharon HaKohen was deeply saddened that he did not partake in the dedication of the Mishkan like the Nesiim had done. Rav Matisyahu asked, “Why was Aharon HaKohen so sad? He had partaken in so many other

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1. *

TJH

Centerfold

High-Frequency Lines Somebody just gave me a shower radio. Thanks

You are no more in your body than Beethoven is

a lot. Do you really want music in the shower?

inside your radio. - Deepak Chopra

I guess there’s no better place to dance than a slick surface next to a glass door. - Jerry Seinfeld

Sandy Koufax throws a “radio ball,” a pitch you hear, but you don’t see. - Gene Mauch

The great improvement of the radio over the telephone is that it may

I love sports. Whenever I can, I

be turned off without offending the

always watch the Detroit Tigers on

speaker. - Richard Armour

the radio. - Gerald R. Ford

On some nights, I still believe that

Television contracts the

a car with the gas needle on empty

imagination and radio expands it. -

can run about fifty more miles if you

Terry Wogan

have the right music very loud on the radio. - Hunter S. Thompson

If people can finally recognize you on radio without being told who it is, that’s

The radio craze will die out in time. -

what you aim for. - Johnny Marr

Thomas A. Edison People in America, when listening to radio, like to I could tell my parents hated me. My bath toys were

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a toaster and a radio. - Rodney Dangerfield

lean forward. People in Britain like to lean back. Alistair Cooke

If it weren’t for Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of

In radio, you are the game, so to speak – you have

television, we’d still be eating frozen radio dinners.

to describe every aspect. - Marv Albert

- Johnny Carson In radio, you have two tools: sound and silence.

I got my start in silent radio. - Bob Monkhouse

- Ira Glass Radio...that wonderful invention by which I can

I have the perfect face for radio. - Virginia Graham

reach millions of people...who fortunately can’t reach me. - Milton Berle

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1. Who is credited with the invention of radio? a. Thomas Edison b. Guglielmo Marconi c. Nikola Tesla d. Alexander Graham Bell

3. What does AM stand for in AM radio? a. Audio Modulation b. Analog Mode c. Amplitude Modulation d. Antenna Multiplex

5. Which radio host is known for the phrase “the rest of the story”? a. Paul Harvey b. Rush Limbaugh c. Dick Cavett d. Sean Hannity 6. According to Pew Research, what percentage of Americans listen to the radio at least once a week? a. 25% b. 40% c. 62% d. 80% 7. What did Rush Limbaugh call his

4. The “Golden

You Gotta be Kidding Me! with a radio.

One turns to the other and

Answers: 1-B 2-A 3-C 4-B 5-A 6-D 7-C Wisdom Key: 6-7 correct: How many transistor radios do you have?

3-5 correct: You only stay for 11 minutes of “22 minutes and we give you the world.”

0-2 correct: You are not exactly in the Radio Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Riddle Me This What type of radio has a crew cut?

asks, “What’s your favorite music?” responds, “I’m a big metal fan.”

Answer: A short-wave radio.

The other windmill

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Two windmills are on a hill

broadcasting network? a. The Conservative Network (TCN) b. Rush On the Radio (ROR) c. Excellence in Broadcasting (EIB) d. Taking Care of Business (TCB)

JANUARY 11, 2024

2. What event marked the first transatlantic radio transmission? a. The Titanic sinking b. Lindbergh’s solo flight c. The first moon landing d. The conclusion of World War II

Age of Radio” typically refers to which era? a. 1900-1910 b. 1920s-1940s c. 1960s-1980 d. 1990s-2010s

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Radio Trivia

52

JANUARY 11, 2024

Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

I’m going to pass out. I can’t feel my fingers.

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- Willis Gibson, 13, of Oklahoma, after becoming the first person to ever reach level 157 of Tetris

A few hours after the implementation of the operation, the Zionist regime ordered the ISIS caliphate to accept the responsibility for this action.

- Tasnim News Agency, associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran, claiming that a bombing in Iran by ISIS which killed 80 people was at the instruction of Israel

It’ll take time, as it took time after the Munich massacre, but we will put our hands on them wherever they are.

- Mossad chief David Barnea after Israel killed senior Hamas leader Saleh Arouri in Lebanon

They see what is happening in Gaza. They know we can copy - paste to Beirut.

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- Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, declaring that Israel is not scared of going to war with Hezbollah in Lebanon

By giving us money or weapons, you are supporting yourselves. You are saving your children, not ours. Putin senses weakness, like an animal, because he is an animal. He smells blood; he feels his strength. And he will eat you for dinner with all your EU, NATO, freedom, and democracy.

I am not afraid of faith…. I want to go to synagogue; I want to put on tefillin.

It’s part of me, and I am not giving up on it. If I were to see a massive ad of someone reciting the Shema prayer with tefillin on his forehead, why shouldn’t I be emotional about it?

- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with the Economist arguing that the world should provide more support to Ukraine

– Israeli Actor Guri Alfi in an interview with the Yediot Achronot

I want to extend a warm greeting to all the Jewish people and in particular to those who have family or loved ones near the front lines.

I accompany you in this difficult moment and I want to ratify at this moment my unalterable commitment to the State of Israel and to the Jewish people in their fight against Islamic terrorism.

The world sees us as one piece. We have entered such a deep mindset of political identity for so many years that every side is certain that the other side is trying to take something from its identity. I am not part of any group and don’t feel like anyone is taking my identity.

- Ibid.

Cool, so when should we expect to see a short white/Asian women [sic] on the Mavs?

- Elon Musk, responding to Mavericks owner Mark Cuban’s tweets in which he argues that focusing on diversity when hiring employees is good for business

- Argentinian President Javier Milei at the opening ceremony of the Pan American Maccabi Games, an international tournament for Jewish athletes

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Hamas is reeling after losing two of their most cherished leaders on the same day: military commander Saleh al-Arouri and Harvard President Claudine Gay. - The Babylon Bee

I just think the Democrats wake up every morning and look at the calendar, the iPhone, the date says January 6, 2021. The date never changes.

- Former Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway on Fox News

- Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich

BREAKING: Buses are now pulling up to @ JMHSBklyn and dropping off illegals. School is closed tomorrow because illegals will be sleeping in the school’s gym. This is disgraceful!

NYC is prioritizing illegals over Americans.

– Tweet by Libs of TikTok

This is what happens when you run out of hotel rooms. Soon, cities will run out of schools to vacate. Then they will come for your homes.

It is not lost on me that I make an ideal canvas for projecting every anxiety about the generational and demographic changes unfolding on American campuses: a Black woman selected to lead a storied institution.

- Ousted Harvard president Claudine Gay, who was found to have repeatedly plagiarized in her papers, writing in The New York Times that she was really ousted because of her race

JANUARY 11, 2024

The Jewish settlement should be established in the territory of the Gaza Strip so that there will be Jewish presence there for a long time, so that terrorism does not grow there. If not, there are two million Nazis in Gaza who want to destroy us when they get up every morning.

Almost every time Al Sharpton speaks, I get angry, because Al Sharpton pretends that he knows what every single person of color in this country thinks, believes, how they should live, how they should act, how they should vote. I just wish he would go away.

- Former ESPN host Sage Steele on Fox News

- Elon Musk in reply

– Sports radio host Mike Francesa criticizing the NFL for putting some of the playoff games on a streaming-only platform

People wait all year for these playoff games.

They love these playoff games; and you’re gonna now charge them extra for a playoff game? They don’t give enough? You don’t make enough?

- Ibid.

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This is a joke that the NFL would do this with their playoff product. It’s bad enough they would do it with a regular season game on a Thursday night or do it with a regular season game on a Saturday; but to do it with a playoff game is the biggest slap in the face to their national fanbase.

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JANUARY 11, 2024

54 I’ve spent more time in the Bethel AME Church in Wilmington, Delaware, than most people I know, black or white, have spent in that church because that’s where I started a civil rights movement.

- Pres. Joe Biden at a campaign stop in South Carolina invoking a debunked claim that he started the civil rights movement in Delaware

Ron: “We must protect our environment and the great outdoors.”

- Tweet by Florida Democrat Party after a recent heavy storm, imploring Gov. Ron DeSantis to do something about the weather

You want to turn Florida into California, where entire towns burned to the ground due to uncontrolled wildfires. Was that Gavin Newsom’s fault or is it only Republican politicians who can control the weather?

- Gov. DeSantis’ spokesperson in response

How dare Governor DeSantis not walk on water and not calm the storm with his hands.

- Another tweet in response

MSNBC host Jonathan Capehart pulls out a tissue and starts crying as he struggles to compose himself while discussing the events of January 6th These people are pathetic paid actors!

- Tweet by Libs of TikTok

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JANUARY 11, 2024

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JANUARY 11, 2024

Dating Dialogue

What Would You Do If… Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

I want to thank you for your column. I’m a weekly reader, and the different perspectives provided are so enlightening. I am in the market for a new car lease, and after doing my research, it seems

that a Tesla Model 3 is one of the cheapest cars right now (after all the EV tax incentives). I am leaning towards getting it but am concerned about the impression it may give. I am not overly materialistic and pretty low maintenance. I do enjoy nice things from time to time, but my main reason for getting this car would be the low cost. I want people to judge me for who I am and not based on a certain

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stigma that may or may not exist out there. Should I be concerned about this, or should I just do what I want and hope people would get to know the real me before making any generalizations? I don’t want to create a facade, but at the same time don’t want to give off any false impressions.

Disclaimer: This column is not intended to diagnose or otherwise conclude resolutions to any questions. Our intention is not to offer any definitive conclusions to any particular question, rather offer areas of exploration for the author and reader. Due to the nature of the column receiving only a short snapshot of an issue, without the benefit of an actual discussion, the panel’s role is to offer a range of possibilities. We hope to open up meaningful dialogue and individual exploration.

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JANUARY 11, 2024

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JANUARY 11, 2024

The Panel

The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

Y

ou are asking a sincere question which puts economy versus impression front and center as you invest in a new car. If you are ready to handle the comments, go ahead. You should not be on the defensive if you buy the Tesla and may want to roleplay some reactions with a friend. You may want to think about some good responses such as: isn’t it a strange world where a showy car turns into the practical choice?

The Shadchan Michelle Mond

G

o for it!

You need to do what is best for you, which is getting a Tesla right now.

It makes sense financially, and I’m sure you will enjoy the new car. There are many stigmas surrounding things when a person is in the shidduch parsha. The best way to navigate it is to lead from a realistic perspective. If there is a stigma against something which is truly best for you and your life, then you must go

with what is best for you in the long run.

Enjoy the ride!

The Mother Ariella Weinstock

I

t sounds to me like you are struggling with who you are and who you are concerned people will perceive you as.

This is something many people struggle with. We don’t want to send people a certain message about ourselves that is different from what we are trying to convey. In this instance, you are concerned that your date will see you as “higher maintenance” because you are driving a more expensive car, but that in your core, you are a more “low maintenance” person.

Here’s one important thing to keep in mind. We all make judgments about people when we first meet them. That’s very normal. But that initial impression is not necessarily the impression that will stay with us forever. For example, if you meet someone wearing a professional-looking suit and he’s sitting behind a desk at a huge law firm, you’d expect him to be smart, professional, and competent. But if you are speaking with him for an hour and he begins to go off

on unhinged rampages about weird topics, your impression of him will change.

When you take a girl out on a date, she will have an initial impression of you (and you will have one of her as well). But that impression may change over the date(s) as she gets to know you.

Will you be talking only about materialistic topics throughout the date? Well, that may cement her impression of you that you are a high-maintenance, materialistic person. If your focus is on more substantial topics, then she will see you as a more substantive person.

The car doesn’t make the person.

Drive whatever car you feel would be best for you, and show your date your “real” side during the date so she can truly get to know you.

Good luck to you!

The Zaidy Dr. Jeffrey Galler

I

had two different approaches to this problem.

Approach #1 – Humorous puns Wheely?! This question drives me crazy. The editors should put the brakes on transmissions that are absolutely exhausting.

But my wife (who is also my best friend and harshest critic) said, “No, Jeffrey. First of all, readers won’t understand that you were trying to be

We all make judgments about people when we first meet them.

funny. And, second, maybe the guy who wrote this letter really needs a serious response.”

So: Approach #2 – A Serious response Unless you are driving a very junky car (like a 1995 Chevy that has been in a few collisions) or an ultra-fancy, expensive car (like a bright red Lamborghini Sports Coupe), the make and model of your car really does not matter.

What matters is that: You make sure that the car is clean and free of odors.

You act like a gentleman and hold the door open for your date.

You drive safely and obey the traffic laws.

You’re sure that the car is a Fordable.

And, of course, after you give your date a ride in your new car, you hope that she’ll say, “I a-door you!”

And, of course, if you buy an electric car, make sure that your driving license is current.

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Pulling It All Together The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

T

hanks for reading the column and writing the letter! I say, go for it! Get the car.

Live your life. Enjoy it. Your personality will shine through. And the woman who is meant for you will see that. I believe it is as simple as that.

Sincerely, Jennifer

Jennifer Mann, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and certified trauma healing life coach, as well as a dating and relationship coach working with individuals, couples, and families in private practice at 123 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst, NY. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 718-908-0512. Visit www.thenavidaters.com for more information. If you would like to submit a dating or relationship question to the panel anonymously, please email JenniferMannLCSW@gmail.com. You can follow The Navidaters on FB and Instagram for dating and relationship advice.

59

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JANUARY 11, 2024

Forgotten Her es

Civil War Heroes

By Avi Heiligman

A depiction of the Battle of Gettysburg

A

side from top commanders like Generals Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, most soldiers from the American Civil War are almost completely unknown to the public. Digging through resources has uncovered some incredible stories of bravery and heroism of individual soldiers from that time period. Several of these heroes were awarded medals, citations or given promotions, while others were mentioned in newspapers, books or letters.

There wasn’t a variety of medals given out for bravery during the 1860s except for the Medal of Honor. The standard for the award was much lower than it is today, but there were many who truly deserved the honor. William Edward Miller from Pennsylvania was one of those soldiers. He joined the local cavalry at the age of sixteen and in 1861 entered the Union Army. A lieutenant with Company H, 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry, Miller and the unit trained for several months. Their first action was during the Peninsula Campaign in Virginia. Miller received commendations from two generals, one being General McClellan, for successfully delivering a message. During the Battle of Antietam, Miller came to the aid of a Union gun battery that was about to be overrun by Confederate General Stonewall Jackson’s troops. For his gallantry in saving the guns, Miller was promoted to captain.

A Medal of Honor from the Civil War

The next Confederate invasion of the North was in 1863 and culminated with the Battle of Gettysburg. Company H saw action on the second day of the battle when they were placed on the Union right flank and then moved forward to slow the advance of Confederate cavalry. The next day, Miller was given the direct orders to hold his unit’s position “at all hazards.” However, he noticed that Confederate troops in large numbers were advancing on the Union line, and in doing so, they left their flank exposed. Miller disobeyed orders and ordered a charge on the Confederates. This caused the enemy to break formation in confusion as they thought their path of withdrawal was being cut off. This action saved the Union line – some historians say his actions ensured the Union victory at Gettysburg.

During the fighting on July 3, Miller was shot in the arm and survived his wounds. Even though he failed to comply with his orders, Miller was never disciplined for moving his company’s position. In fact, he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1897 and is the only recipient of the award for disobeying direct orders.

Charles E. Phelps was another officer noted for gallantly leading his troops in battle. He was a colonel in the 7 th Maryland Infantry Regiment. During the Battle of the Wilderness, his horse was shot and killed while Phelps was riding on it

during the fighting. At the Battle of Spotsylvania in Laurel Hill, Virginia, he rode to the front of the troops that were assaulting the Confederates position. The Union troops had already suffered heavy losses but Phelps was able to rally them to within a few feet of the enemy. There, he was severely wounded and captured.

Cavalry under Union General George Armstrong Custer rescued Phelps, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions. Phelps later became a judge for the Circuit Court of Baltimore and served in the House of Representatives.

The Continental Marines were founded in 1775 but were disbanded in 1783.

The current Marine Corps was established in 1798 and has fought in every major American conflict since. Their role during the Civil War was small, but several marines made an impact during the hostilities. One of those marines was English-born Private Henry Thompson.

After moving to the United States, he volunteered for the Marines in 1863 and was assigned to the frigate USS Minnesota. In January 1865, he was part of a much larger Union force that assaulted the coastal stronghold of Fort Fisher in North Carolina. The marine detachment from the USS Minnesota landed on the beach along with other naval crewmen. Many men of the unit were killed or wounded, while others retreated in the face of the enemy entrenchments.

Thompson, who had made his way to the top of a sand hill, took charge and remained with the wounded until it was safe to move them off the beach. He took the wounded, arms, and colors with him and was recognized with the Medal of Honor for his actions in saving the wounded.

On February 22, 1864, Company D of the 4th Regiment Missouri Volunteer Cavalry led by Captain Frederick Hunsen was in Mississippi when they clashed with forces under Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Hunsen was thrown from his horse and was cut off from the rest of the company by enemy gunfire. Private Charles Beiger rode through the gunfire and rescued his wounded captain. Hunsen took Beiger’s horse and rode to safety while Beiger managed to catch the captain’s horse.

Beiger then rode that horse back to the Union lines. For saving his captain’s life, Beiger was awarded the Medal of Honor.

These are just some of the stories of the men who received the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. Their bravery in battle is history to be remembered.

Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@gmail.com.

61

Headlines

Halacha

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

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Shomer Shabbos Owned Businesses

JANUARY 11, 2024

G

The Source There is a Rashi (Vayikra 25:14) that sheds much light on this fascinating concept. He cites a Sifra (Parashas Behar, 3), one of the oldest commentaries on Sefer Vayikra: From where do we know that when one makes a purchase, he should purchase only from his fellow? The verse therefore tells us “or when you purchase, from the hand of your fellow.”

While this Rashi tells us the existence of this mitzvah, it does not provide the “why” behind it. What might be the reasons for this mitzvah? A cursory examination will reveal three fundamental issues: (1) It is an expression of the mitzvah of Ve’ahavta lerei’acha kamocha, loving thy neighbor as thyself; (2) it supports our own economy; and (3) it creates a stronger bond among our own citizenry.

This is not to say that we should entertain an antipathy or a xenophobic attitude toward foreigners. Our sages (Pesikta Sh’mos 20:23) tell us that all people were created in the image of Hashem and thus must be treated with respect and dignity.

Indeed, we find in the Midrash Rabbah (Bamidbar 8:4) that Hashem tells Ye-

hoshua concerning the Givonim that “if you distance those that are far, you will end up distancing those that are close.”

Clearly, we must be concerned about everyone. Notwithstanding these concepts, however, there is clearly an obligation to look out for one’s own first.

This mitzvah is cited by numerous halachic authorities: the Sefer HaChinuch (end of mitzvah #337), the Chofetz Chaim in Ahavas Chesed (5:7), the Rama in his Responsa (#10), and the Chasam Sopher (C.M. V #79), among many other authorities (Tashbatz Vol. III #151; Maharam Shick C.M. #31; Minchas Yitzchok III #129).

Possible Issues We will attempt here to discuss some of the issues that pertain to this important concept.

Logistical difficulties: What happens if, from a logistical perspective, we encounter difficulties? The mitzvah applies even if it is more difficult to make the purchase at an establishment owned by one’s fellow than at one owned by other vendors (Maharam Shick, C.M.

#31). Thus, distance, a lack of adequate parking, and just general inconvenience are not factors that exempt one from the mitzvah.

Price: Is price a factor? Most authorities (Rama, Tashbatz, Chofetz Chaim) rule that the obligation to purchase from a fellow citizen exists even if his price for the item is higher than that of the other vendor (See Note 1). There is a distinction, however, when there is a significant difference in the price.

When the price of the other vendors is significantly less, some authorities rule that there is no obligation to purchase from a fellow citizen (See Note 2). Other authorities rule that even in such a case one must still purchase from his fellow citizen (Minchas Yitzchok’s reading of the Rama). Certainly, if the fellow citizen is having difficulty making ends meet, all would agree that one must purchase from him even if there is a significant difference in price (Ahavas Chesed 6:10).

The question arises as to what exactly constitutes a “significant difference” in price. Dayan Weiss (129:5) explores the possibility that “significant” may

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o to Amazon, and you will see that you can check off buying only from women-owned businesses or minority-owned businesses.

Keeping Shabbos is a declaration to the world that we believe that Hashem created the world and that those who do good are rewarded and those who opt for evil are punished. And, believe it or not, there are halachos concerning our obligation to do our business with those who are shomrei Shabbos.

Buying from shomrei Shabbos brethren demonstrates a concern for their welfare. The act of directing our purchases can also make a paradigm shift in our own psyche. It can affect who we are, making us into better people. When witnessing the impact that our own consumer choices can make, it is clear that we have to re-analyze our purchasing habits and bring them closer to home.

Reb Tsemach Glenn relates that when one of Rav Yisroel Belsky’s zt”l sons got married, every single possible vendor and worker, m’choitev aitzecha ad sho’ev maimecha, was shomer Shabbos. This is something that not everyone can do.

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JANUARY 11, 2024

62 be equivalent to the concept of “hefsed merubah” – “a large loss” – found in the poskim regarding issur v’heter (certain kashrus issues). If so, there would be a distinction between someone who is wealthy and someone who is poor.

Another possible definition of “significant difference” is if the price is onesixth more than the other vendor’s price (Responsa Nachalas Shiva #55, cited

by Dayan Weiss 129:5). Finally, a third possibility is that the term varies from person to person.

Exclusion of price gouging: It should be noted that price gouging by the citizen-owned store is also forbidden and if the citizen store owner engages in this type of activity, shoppers may purchase at other vendors (Dayan Weiss 129:7). If the citizen storeowner is not engaging in price gouging but merely cannot receive the price discounting from wholesalers that other vendors (such as foreign chain stores) can receive, then this does not constitute price gouging.

Occasional purchases: Some authorities (Responsa of Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, in T’shuvos VeHanhagos #805) have written that occasionally one may make purchases at other vendors, as long as one does not do so on a regular basis.

This is further qualified to only include minor purchases. Major purchases must still be made at an establishment owned by one’s fellow citizen.

End consumers: Some authorities (Responsa Maharam Shick C.M. #31) have written that this obligation only applies to the end consumer. However, a person who has a business, where his live-

In conclusion, we can say that this is an area which has unfortunately been rather neglected. Often, we may erroneously place our values of thriftiness and economic prudence above some of our other values. But this should not be.

We must look toward our fellow citizens as if they are our brothers. If your own blood brother was an electrician, and

We must look toward our fellow citizens as if they are our brothers.

lihood is to resell items at a profit, may purchase from other vendors if their price is cheaper. It is meritorious, however, to purchase from his fellow citizens even in such a case.

Difference in quality of item: Others have written that if there is a difference in quality between items purchased from different vendors, then the concept does not apply and one may purchase from other vendors (Nesiv Yosher 1:4, by Rabbi Yehudah Itach).

you were in need of such a contractor, wouldn’t your father want you to conduct business with him instead of a stranger?

In the merit of our observing this mitzvah may our nation be safe, strong, and dwell in peace.

NOTES: 1. The Ramah and Tashbatz cite some proofs from the Talmud to prove their point. In Bava Metziah 71a, we see that one is obliged to provide his fellow

with an interest-free loan before he may loan his money to a stranger for interest.

Similarly, we find in Pesachim 22a and in the first chapter of Tractate Avodah Zarah that one is obligated to give neveilah meat to a ger toshav rather than selling it to a stranger.

2. The Chofetz Chaim rules this way in Ahavas Chesed 5:7, and this is the way that Dayan Weiss in Minchas Yitzchok reads the Tashbatz. It is interesting to note that the Chofetz Chaim seems to read the Rama in this manner, as well; however, the words of the Rama seem to clearly indicate otherwise. Dayan Weiss’s reading of the Rama (Minchas Yitzchok Vol. III 129:3) is that even if the price of the other vendors is significantly less than his fellow citizen’s price, he must still purchase at his fellow citizen’s establishment. It is possible that the Chofetz Chaim was referring to the view of the Tashbatz, who indicates that there is no obligation if there is a significant difference in price.

This article should be viewed as a halachic discussion and not practical advice. The author can be reached at yairhoffman2@ gmail.com.

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Your

Money THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

“Shotime”

By Allan Rolnick, CPA

JANUARY 11, 2024

I

up to $237 million per year on total salaries. Pay anything more and they owe the league a “luxury tax” on amounts above that cap. Ohtani and his agent didn’t want to swallow the team’s entire allowance. So they structured his deal to earn just $2 million per year while he’s playing. When that period ends, he’ll get $68 million more for each of the next 10 years.

Assuming the rate hasn’t gone down, that puts nearly 98$ million more in Ohtani’s pocket.

“But wait?” you might be asking yourself. “Won’t California just tax him anyway since he still earned that income playing in the state?” Fortunately for Ohtani, Washington passed legislation almost 30 years ago forbidding states

It offers him yet another bonus – it could help him save nearly $100 million in tax.

So, here’s how the tax angle works.

As long as Ohtani plays in the United States, he’s subject to 37% federal income tax. However, as long as he plays in L.A., he’s also subject to California’s highest-in-the-nation state income tax. That tax just went up this week to %14.4 on wage income over 1$ million per year. When he reaches that point in the contract – at age 40 – he can retire outside the state and avoid that bite.

from clawing back tax on former residents’ retirement income so long as it’s paid in “substantially equal installments” over 10 years or more.

Of course, that means “Shotime” won’t be able to start spending those installments until 2034. But don’t feel too bad for him. He’s expecting to earn another 50$ million in endorsements next year, including his own line of branded shoes and apparel through New Balance.

Like many athletes, Ohtani’s finances haven’t all been roses. In November of 2021, he took an equity stake in cryptocurrency exchange FTX to become a “global ambassador.” A year later, FTX declared bankruptcy, costing investors and customers billions. Ohtani is currently a defendant in a class-action lawsuit against him, along with Tom Brady, Steph Curry, and Naomi Osaka. At least he’s not chilling with FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried in the same Brooklyn jail where Jeffrey Epstein didn’t kill himself.

And so, baseball fans, what have we learned today? It’s not just how much you make that counts – it’s how you make it, when you make it, and sometimes even where you make it. That’s the sort of planning we love to do. So call us before you step into the batter’s box and let us help you hit a financial grand slam in 2024!

Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.

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f you’re a football fan, you’ve just come off a weekend-long binge full of college and NFL games. If you’re a basketball fan, March Madness is just around the corner. If you’re a hockey fan… well, does anyone but another hockey diehard know what’s going on in your head right now? So you might not be thinking much about baseball. But L.A. Dodgers fans are excited to host their season opener against St. Louis on March 28. That’s because, just last month, they lured twoway star Shohei Ohtani away from their crosstown rivals, the Angels.

Ohtani is one of the hottest players in baseball. So how did the Boys in Blue lure him north from Anaheim? They did it the Los Angeles way – with money. Lots and lots of money. Specifically, they signed him to a 10-year, $700 million contract making him the highest-paid athlete in the history of pro sports. But the real value isn’t just the number. Ohtani’s record-breaking contract includes a unique twist designed to “help” the Dodgers spend more to build a competitive team around him. And it offers him yet another bonus – it could help him save nearly $100 million in tax.

Baseball lets teams pay their players

64

Common

Cents

By Elliot Pepper, CPA, CFP®, MST

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

JANUARY 11, 2024

Understanding Your Financial Anatomy

A

nother year has come and gone, and with 2024 just getting underway, it is time to not just talk about getting into financial shape, it is time to do it!

Physical health requires a combination of “checkups” with a general practitioner and sometimes visits to specialists for specific medical purposes. However, the most essential part of a long-term, physically healthy life is what you do between doctor appointments. How well are you eating, exercising, and caring for yourself?

Financial health operates the same way. It is essential to have regular “checkups,” sometimes a visit to a specialist is needed for a specific situation, but what matters most is your behavior, discipline, and motivation.

When it comes to successful financial planning, most of the outcome is driven by behavior and action plans, so why do we spend so much time looking for shortcuts, get-rich-quick schemes, and guaranteed passive income streams? Life is never as easy as a 90-second TikTokers jetsetting worldwide makes it seem, but they are so popular because we humans always love a good shortcut. Shortcuts are great, but taken too far can have disastrous outcomes.

Financial wellness, like physical wellness, is mostly rooted in healthy, consistent, and long-term behaviors that compound their benefits over time.

If you were hoping this article would offer you a quick path to riches, now would be a good time to go back to scrolling YouTube shorts and hoping your NFT will make that big come-

back. However, keep reading if you are looking for foundational advice on what you can do today to set yourself up for financial success tomorrow.

Understanding Your Financial Anatomy Financial Checkup: As you would assess your physical health before starting a fitness regimen, understanding your financial situation is crucial.

This involves calculating your net worth. Calculate the total value of what you own (assets) and subtract the total amount you currently owe (liabilities). This is your starting point and a great reference point for next year’s checkup to help assess progress.

SMART Financial Goals: Like setting a goal to run a marathon or lose a specific amount of weight, your financial goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound. Whether saving for retirement, buying a house, or paying off debt, your goals should be clear and actionable.

Remember, saying you want to be rich is like saying you want to be fit; without a detailed plan, it’s just a dream.

Financial Diet Plan Income and Spending: Your income is your nutrition, and your spending is your calorie intake. To be financially fit, you must consume less (spend) than you intake (earn).

Creating a budget is like planning your meals; it helps you make healthy choices about where your money goes.

Emergency Fund: This financial pantry is stocked with healthy essentials you can rely on during tough times. Just as you might have canned goods and non-perishables for a storm,

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your emergency fund protects you during financial downturns.

Regular Financial Exercises Saving: Like a daily jog or gym routine, regular saving is the exercise that builds your financial strength over time. It’s not always exciting, but the consistent effort pays off. Automate your savings to make this as painless as possible—think of it as having a workout buddy who nudges you out of bed for a morning run.

Investing: If saving is your cardio, then investing is your weight training.

It helps you build and grow wealth over time. Diversify your investments to spread the risk; it’s like cross-training to improve fitness.

Debt Management: Managing and reducing debt is like shedding unhealthy weight. High-interest debt, especially from credit cards, is like junk food—it might feel good at the time, but it’s harmful in the long run. Focus on paying off high-interest debts first, then work your way down. It’s not the most enjoyable part of financial fitness, but it’s essential.

Avoiding Financial Injuries Impulse Spending: Just as overeating or overtraining can lead to injuries, impulse spending can hurt your financial health. Avoid it as you would avoid junk food. If a big purchase tempts you, sleep on it. Often, you’ll find you didn’t need it as much as you thought.

Not Overdoing It: In fitness and finance, overdoing it can lead to burnout or injury. Don’t be so frugal that you’re miserable, and don’t invest so aggressively that you’re stressed. Find a balance that allows for enjoyment while still moving towards your goals.

Regular Check-ins and Adjustments Track Your Progress: Just as you might track your fitness progress with regular weigh-ins or time trials, check your financial progress regularly. Are you moving towards your goals? Do you need to adjust your budget or savings plan?

Stay Flexible: Life changes, and

so will your finances. Be prepared to adapt your financial plan as necessary. A sudden expense or change in income shouldn’t derail your entire financial fitness plan.

The Role of Discipline and Consistency Discipline and consistency are as crucial to financial fitness as physical fitness.

It’s not the big gestures but the daily habits that make the most significant difference. Stick to your budget, save regularly, and keep your goals in sight.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey Just like physical fitness, financial fitness is a journey. There will be ups and downs, but the key is to stay consistent and motivated. Celebrate your victories, learn from your setbacks, and keep moving forward.

Remember in the gym of life, financial fitness is just as necessary as physical fitness. Keep lifting those savings and trimming that debt, and you’ll be in great shape! And hey, if you ever feel like giving up, just think of compound interest as your trainer – it works you hard now so you can relax later!”

Common Cents is now digital on YouTube @CommonCents613 The decision to start saving and investing is yours, but the “how” can be hard. Email commoncents@northbrookfinancial.com to schedule a free financial planning consultation with our team.

Elliot Pepper, CPA, CFP®, MST is Co-Founder of Northbrook Financial, a Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Management Firm. He has developed and continues to teach a popular Financial Literacy course for high school students.

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

JANUARY 11, 2024

To Raise a Laugh

Sit n’ Shiver

I

t’s cold. That’s all I can think about right now, as I sit in my drafty 80+ year old Passaic house, five feet from my front door.

As I’m writing this, it is 7 degrees outside, and according to my device, it feels like it’s negative six.

How do they know what it feels like? There are no instruments to measure that. Do they have a guy standing outside who’s just really good at judging what it feels like?

“Hey, Gary! What does it feel like?”

“It feels like… No, not negative five… Negative six.”

“Great job! Stand outside until we ask you again.”

“Wait, what?”

How does anyone even know what it feels like?

We can’t even decide what day of the week it feels like. People say, “Oh, it feels like a Monday.”

But why when it comes to the weather do we get to hear what it feels like? The news never says, “Today is Wednesday, February 3rd… but it feels like a Monday… maybe April 22nd.”

Sure, it’s nice that the streets are a little quieter because of the cold. I bet crime is down. And the criminals who are still out there are pretty easy to catch. The police say, “Freeze!” and they do. Or they try to get away, but they can’t get their car doors open.

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By Mordechai Schmutter

And it could be worse. Right now, there are parts of the United States where it’s negative 46 degrees, and the people here are saying, “What do we have to complain about? It could be worse.”

Yeah! Don’t be cold; other people are colder!

It happens to be that I don’t really like writing about weather in the first place, because in my experience, by the time the article runs, the weather has totally flipped and nobody knows what I’m talking about. In fact, there’s something about weather – and cold weather in particular – that makes people forget what’s other weathers are like. Whatever is not happening right now seems unlikely to ever happen again. Like if the forecasters say it will be

cold, everyone says, “What are you talking about?

It’s not cold now!” Because you’ve never witnessed the weather changing before, right? This is the first time this has ever happened in your lifetime.

And then we walk outside, and even though we know, on paper, what the temperature is, as soon as we open the door, as say, “Oh… Are you kidding me?”

And then when we come in, we have to show everyone how cold it is, in case they don’t believe us.

“Here – feel my hands!”

We brought samples from the outside. And heaven forbid if they don’t immediately feel your hands, they should brace themselves, because you’re going to touch their neck.

“AAAAAI believe you!”

I do have to go outside, though, despite the weather. Though that’s not easy. Today my son woke me up at 6:30 to tell me that he couldn’t get outside to catch his ride because the front door was frozen shut. The last thing I wanted to do was force it and make the door fall off the house when it was that cold, so I told him to go out the back door. I had no time to get the blow dryer. And this is not to mention the sliding door on my van – the one I use to do carpool in the mornings – which sometimes freezes when it’s not even that cold outside. We’re actually on our third door handle.

And one of the worst parts of going outside in the morning is sitting down in the car and having your suddenly ice-cold pants leg press against the back of your leg.

“AAAAAI believe you!”

I would consider wearing snow pants just because of that.

(For those who only wear normal pants, snow pants are something you put on when there’s snow on the ground so that people can hear you coming.

And it doesn’t actually have to be snowing. They also keep our legs warm, due to the friction you make when you walk. It’s like trying to start a fire with two sticks that squeak when you rub them together).

And inside the house isn’t safe from the cold either. All week long, we’ve had to keep the sink run-

ning and the tub dripping, and we have to flush the toilet every five minutes… If we don’t, the pipes will freeze, and then we’d have to quickly turn the heat all the way up and start blindly blow-drying the walls in an attempt to guess which part of the wall the pipes are in exactly, because otherwise the pipes will burst, and if you think it’s bad to have ice all over the inside of your home, think about what’s going to happen once the pipes thaw and there’s still a hole there.

And yes, our pipes freeze, because our house was built back when builders said, “I know! Let’s run the pipes on the outside wall of the house! It’s not like we’re putting insulation there anyway!”

This was in a time before science was invented.

And if that’s not enough, I have to keep reminding my kids all day not to turn off the sinks, because they’re having midwinter vacation at the moment.

What is that? I don’t remember having midwinter vacation when I was in school. If there’s a midwinter vacation, why is there no winter camp? I can’t even send the kids outside.

“Go outside and ride your bike.”

“How?” What, are we supposed to go on vacation somewhere so our pipes can freeze without us knowing?

“Um, did we leave the water running?”

“I think so.”

“Good.”

“Why, is it that cold?”

“Yeah. Hey, Daniel! What does it feel like outside?”

“N-n-negative seven.”

“See?” “Can I climb down off the roof rack now?”

“No, your door doesn’t open.”

Mordechai Schmutter is a freelance writer and a humor columnist for Hamodia and other magazines. He has also published eight books and does stand-up comedy. You can contact him at MSchmutter@gmail.com.

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JANUARY 11, 2024

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Simcha K., 5

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Adiel Shemuel Souri , 5

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Ahuva & Aryeh Shames

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Note: Not all submission have been published. Keep sending in your artwork for another chance to be featured!

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In The K tchen

Maple Orange Short Ribs

By Naomi Nachman

JANUARY 11, 2024

I made ribs last week on Gourmet Glatt’s Instagra m page. I received a mazing feedback from the viewers and my fa mily. I served the dish on Shabbat, and my fa mily and guests licked the platter clean.

It’s important to sear the ribs, so don’t skip that step.

It really helps lock in and enrich the flavor.

Ingredients

◦ 10-12 pieces short ribs

Preparation

Preheat oven to 325°F.

◦ ½ cup your favorite spice blend

Coat the ribs on all sides with the spice rub.

◦ Canola oil

In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat oil on medium heat. When oil is hot, sear each rib for a few minutes on each side till brown, then place in an oven-to-tableware

◦ 1 tablespoon mustard

dish. Set aside and repeat with all the pieces.

◦ ½ cup orange juice ◦ ½ cup BBQ sauce ◦ ½ cup maple syrup

In a small bowl, mix remaining ingredients together and pour over the meat on the dish.

Cover the meat and cook in the oven for 3 hours.

◦ 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Naomi Nachman, the owner of The Aussie Gourmet, caters weekly and Shabbat/ Yom Tov meals for families and individuals within The Five Towns and neighboring communities, with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributing editor to this paper and also produces and hosts her own weekly radio show on the Nachum Segal Network stream called “A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomi gives cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website, www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.

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