Baltimore Jewish Home - 1-19-23

Israel’s 89th Annual Dinner an Evening of Celebration a Huge Success

Bais Yaakov Baltimore Middle School wins at CIJE Robotics Tournament

Dear Readers,

The words הריזגה עור תא ןיריבעמ - הקדצו הלפתו הבושתו carry us through the Days of Awe. We do our best to increase Teshuva, Davening, and Tzedaka, in our hopes to clean our slate and be blessed with a happy and healthy new year. The effort that is undertaken during these days helps to define us as Jews and build a stronger relationship with Hashem.

A few weeks ago the Buffalo Bills were playing the Cincinnati Bengals when the unthinkable happened. A 24-year-old player on the Bills, Damar Hamlin, who was in peak physical condition, collapsed as he was making a relatively routine tackle. While attempting to stand up following the hit, he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. Immediately, doctors and trainers surrounded him and conducted a series of life-saving procedures in an effort to resuscitate him. Players from both teams were seen crying as their fellow athlete was taken away in an ambulance. There was a feeling of dread as many anticipated the worst. This led to a series of unprecedented occurrences:

• The NFL suspended the game. They determined that it was just too inhumane to force the players to play under such difficult circumstances.

• The entire world, as played out in the media, turned to prayer, charity, and repentance. The second part was shocking to me. During this

most precarious of circumstances, some of the most unobservant people were suddenly turning towards prayer! The only words coming out of the mouths of the sportscasters were fervent pleas for quick healing. Players were observed huddled on the field in a scene reminiscent of a “minyan.” And online they turned to charity. Damar had a charity that provided toys to underprivileged youth, which has raised almost $9 million since this incident (interestingly and comparatively, the Hatzalathon raised $16 million in just a couple of days - from a far smaller audience!). And finally, some of the most vulgar people softened. For a brief few days, there was real Teshuva. People were treating each other with more respect and the topics of conversation and interactions were tamed. One incident propelled the entire country into a brief state of spirituality!

The country stood on edge for a few days, and by the end of the week, it was evident that Damar would not just survive but make full recovery! Who knows, perhaps these efforts actually aided in this miraculous recuperation? There is one thing, however, that we as Jews do know- we always have these tools of Teshuva, Tefillah, and Tzedaka at our disposal, not only when the going gets tough

Wishing everyone a peaceful Shabbos.

Aaron Menachem

Bais Yaakov Baltimore Middle School wins at CIJE Robotics Tournament

By: BJLife Newsroom BaltimoreJewishLife.com/Jeff Cohn

Bais Yaakov middle school was excited to join in the middle school girls’ robotics tournament run by the Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE). In order to create a robotics league that catered to the unique demands of Jewish day schools, CIJE decided to network their participating schools and created a new Vex Robotics League. Established over ten years ago, CIJE has implemented a STEM curriculum which is utilized by 200 Jewish day schools across the country.

Bet Yaakov of the Jersey Shore hosted the tournament and 60 girls from schools in Maryland, New Jersey, and New York participated. Each year students are given a different robotics challenge. Students stay after school to join in the robotics clubs, starting in the Fall. Students learn about mechanical engineering and computer

programming as they build their robots. In teams, students researched, programmed, and designed their own robots. This year’s challenge requires robots to release discs from dispensers and shoot them into scoring zones. Students score extra points by having their robots expand to touch contact points. Rabbi Heshy Wieder, CIJE STEM Mentor, loves how the program makes students “feel good about themselves. You see them jumping and celebrating and the smiles on their

faces. It’s really heartwarming.”

Mrs. Rochelle Goldberg, Mrs. Miriam Schechter, and Ms. Meira Levi led the 8th grade robotics club at Bais Yaakov of Baltimore. The girls enjoy learning about robotics and teamwork and were excited to come to the tournament. All of the teams did an amazing job making the finals. In the end, Bais Yaakov teams ASA (Aidde Moss, Ayelet Elman, and Shoshana Salhanick) and Da’ Exploras (Shoshana Gross, Ruthie Weil, Zehava

Pepper,

won first place with 120 points, the highest league score so far this season! In addition to the main competition, Bais Yaakov team Infinity and Beyond (Avigayil Taub, Shana Horwitz, and Peninah Ayala Taragin) won first place in the difficult autonomous challenge! The robotics club will be returning to participate in the final CIJE tournament this spring.

Mazel Tov!

and Chavalah Reischer)

Ner Israel’s 89th Annual Dinner an Evening of Celebration a Huge Success

By: BJLife Newsroom BaltimoreJewishLife.com/Jeff Cohn

Photo Credit: Jeff Cohn

Baruch Hashem this year’s 89th Annual Dinner was a tremendous success, as together we celebrated the Torah,

Chesed and Greatness of the Persian community. The day began with a Yarchei Kallah on the yeshiva campus where alumni and guests spent time hearing words of Torah from their Rebbeim and reconnecting with chaveirim. The festivities then moved downtown to the Baltimore Renaissance Harborplace Hotel.

Guests enjoyed an evening of delicious cuisines amidst the backdrop of live music and singing from Shira Choir and eye catching visuals from Eagle Production Co. It was truly moving to see so many Persian talmidim, past and present, coming together from across the country to recount and celebrate the Yeshiva’s role in the rescue of

Persian Jewry. It was an evening of Hakoras Hatov to the Roshei Yeshiva and Hanhala for all that they did for the Persian Talmidim of Ner Yisroel and in recognition of all that those Talmidim have accomplished in communities across the globe.

TA 12th Graders Fahered at Yeshivas Ner Yisroel

By: BJLife Newsroom BaltimoreJewishLife.com/Jeff Cohn

TA’s 12th graders from Rabbi Eli Rifkind’s shiur were fahered (tested) on the first perek of Sukkah by Rav Tzvi Einstadter, R’M in Yeshivas Ner Yisroel, and the Rosh HaYeshiva, Moreinu HaRav Aharon Feldman, shlita.

Yeshiva Toras Simcha 4th Grade Visits Rav Moshe Heineman

Rabbi Rayman’s 4th grade class went on a very special trip to visit Rav Moshe Heinemann. Rav Heinemann shared a dvar Torah with the boys as well as a story about his Rosh Hayeshiva, Rav Aharon Kotler, zt”l. Each boy shook the Rov’s hand and then the Rov asked each boy his name and gave him a bracha.

1st Grade Siddur Celebration at OCA

By: BJLife Newsroom BaltimoreJewishLife.com/Jeff Cohn

Mazel tov to OCA 1 st graders on their Messibat Siddur!

Students performed some of the songs and tfilot they love, shared what tfilah means to them, and received a brand new siddur, with the siddur cover

designed by their parents as a surprise. They then decorated a personalized bookmark with their families that can be used for their siddurim, and enjoyed celebratory cake. We are so proud of our 1st graders for reaching this special milestone and wish for them to always be inspired by the words of tfilah they recite each day!

MLK Day Learning at OCA

By: BJLife Newsroom BaltimoreJewishLife.com/Jeff Cohn

MLK Day was marked as an important day of learning at OCA. In each division, teachers designed enriching lessons and held important conversations with our students about who Dr. King was and what he stood for.

Early Childhood Center:

Dr. King wanted everyone to love each other, even though we are each different. Classes read the book “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt. In the story the children noticed that each crayon was beautiful and unique in its own way. We looked at ourselves and reflected on how important it is to work together. We had a group discussion in which everyone shared what their dream would be for a safe world. We created a heart collage using rainbow colored dot paints and our fingerprints. We also read I Am Brave by Brad Meltzer and “Good Night, Martin Luther King, Jr.” by Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper.

Elementary School:

Students learned about MLK, Jr.

and his lasting impact. They discussed their dreams for themselves, their families, the community, and the world, using the lens of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The K-1st grade wrote a sentence or two about their dreams and illustrated it. The 3rd through 5th grade wrote more in-depth descriptions of their dreams. When completed, students taped their dreams to their lock-

ers

Middle School:

Students discussed interesting facts about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. They also learned about the role of Jews and certain rabbis in particular in supporting the civil rights movement of the 1950-60s. Students then listened to a version of Go Down, Moses and

discussed how enslaved people before the Civil War and southern Blacks during the Civil Rights Movement sang the song. They learned about parallels between the oppression/slavery of the Jewish people and Black people. Finally, they watched a video of MLK giving the “I have a dream” speech before the Lincoln Memorial.

to share with others.

Rabbi Yaakov Bender has taught tens of thousands: His many talmidim, the rebbeim he has guided, the parents he has advised and, of course, the many thousands of readers of his sefarim. In Rav Yaakov Bender on the Chumash Volume 2, this distinguished Rosh Yeshivah once again explores many of the Chumash’s timely and contemporary messages of strength, hope and chizuk. Through stories and insights, he helps us find our own strengths and reach ever higher.

THE STORY OF ROY AND LEAH NEUBERGER

Twenty years ago, Roy (Yisroel) and Leah Neuberger electrified the Jewish world with their book, From Central Park to Sinai, sharing the story of their return to Torah and Jewish life. Now, bestselling author Rabbi Nachman Seltzer joins them on their fascinating journey, revealing new and unusual parts of the Neubergers’ lives, both before they became observant and in the two decades since they shared their story and became world-traveling ambassadors of Torah, opening their homes, and hearts, to thousands of searching Jews.

“This book truly captures the essence of Reb Dovid in a most uplifting way.”

“I could not put the book down!”

“The stories – one after the other –are simply incredible!”

Bikur Cholim Co-Chairs Pumped For New Event, February

Q: Tell me how you both got involved in Bikur Cholim and this event in particular.

Malki: About a year ago, someone approached me and asked if I would join her Bikur Cholim Shabbos WhatsApp group. There are about 50 women on the chat, and every week she will post about a different family that needs meals for Shabbos. Whoever is available to cook will post what they can make that week and usually within minutes the meals are set. It is such an easy yet fulfilling chessed! I’m such a huge fan of Bikur Cholim that even though I am by no means any sort of event planner, when the opportunity came up to chair this event, I felt it was such a zechus to say yes.

Adina: The Baltimore community is giving and full of chessed, and I enjoy being able to give back. I have so much appreciation to Bikur Cholim from having a Seder in the Sinai Bikur Cholim room after my first baby to them being so helpful and available when my grandmother was sick. When

Malki approached me and asked if I would chair this event with her, I did not hesitate to say yes!

Q:

Cholim provides for the Baltimore community?

I think an easier question would be what services does Bikur Cholim not provide! We have volunteers that visit patients in hospitals weekly. There are people who go into our Bikur Cholim rooms in the various hospitals throughout the city to make sure the rooms are always stocked with kosher food and essentials. We also have volunteers that give rides to patients who have difficulty getting to doctor appointments. There are hundreds of volunteers that are part of many Shabbos groups that provide delicious home cooked meals for families and patients who are either at home or in the hospital. Our Covid vaccine clinic has been up and running for nearly two years now, administering vaccines to

anyone who wants. And of course, we cannot forget about our Patient Advocacy program. So many people experiencing medical challenges do not even know what questions they need to be asking. Our Patient Advocacy program offers guidance and assistance in navigating hospital processes, as well as fostering relationships with medical personnel to ensure each person receives the right care for their needs. Bikur Cholim even offers to lend out medical supplies and equipment when necessary. There is nothing our volunteers won’t do for this community!

Q: How does this Melava Malka support Bikur Cholim services?

Bikur Cholim is an amazing organization that does so much for our community. There are very few people who can say they have never benefited from Bikur Cholim services, even if it was for something as simple as a new mother having a nourishing snack from our many pantries. But every meal cooked, every ride given, every hospital visit, even every Covid vaccine administered could not have been done without the love and effort of our hundreds (yes hundreds!) of incredible volunteers. Unfortunately, the need for our services is only rising, and we hope this event is an occasion to not only show appreciation to our current volunteers, but will also be an opportunity to spread awareness and encourage others to get involved in whatever capacity they can.

Q: Tell us about Yaeli and what attendees may expect?

We are so excited to have Yaeli join

us! Yaeli is an artist from New York whose talent is known worldwide. For this event, she has designed a painting that encapsulates what Bikur Cholim stands for. Each woman who attends will be given a paint-by-number of that same design and will have the opportunity to paint alongside Yaeli and bring home something beautiful. If anyone is interested in seeing more of Yaeli’s work, they can check out her art at yaelivogel.com or @yaelivogel on Instagram.

Q: Why are you so passionate about Bikur Cholim?

It is so beautiful to be a part of an organization that truly supports every Jew from all walks of life. Bikur Cholim does not care what school you send your child to, what shul you daven in, or even what country you live in. If you need help, Bikur Cholim is there. Every patient is treated with the same level of care and dignity. And the same goes for the volunteers. Everyone is so willing to contribute in whatever they can, even if it just means cooking a little extra for a Shabbos WhatsApp group :-).

Q: What would make this melava malka successful in your opinion?

We really hope this melava malka will open people’s eyes to what goes in to this organization and all the people who give of their time in both big ways and small. We would love to see more people join so that Bikur Cholim can continue its mission to provide loving care and support for families in need.

Can you tell us about some of the critical services that Bikur

the business of athletics was a natural fit for me. I grew up in a family that encouraged me to chase my dreams and with their support I have been blessed to help lead the preeminent intercollegiate athletics conference in the country.

How did growing up in Baltimore impact your life?

Growing up in Baltimore was a blessing. It is a naturally tough city that promotes a heightened awareness to work hard to accomplish your goals and dreams. It’s part of the fabric of the city. I was also blessed to have 4 grandparents living in close proximity which greatly impacted my growth.

What are some of your favorite memories of Baltimore?

Davening at Shomrei Emunah, eating at Tov Pizza and Kosher Bite, playing basketball at the Park Heights JCC with my father, hanging out with Gilad Schwartz, Kenneth Hamburger, Alexander Matisyahu Porcelain, Eitan Lefkowitz, Eliav Boaz Langbaum, Yishaya Katz, and Israel Katz aka “Chargemaster”, watching Orioles,

and conduct is in line with what God demands. These two excel in this area.

I also am deeply inspired by my wife Rachie, grandfathers, Earle Freedman and David Neuman, grandmothers Trudy Freedman and (Celia Neuman A”H), my father, Craig Neuman, my mother Barbara Ellen Neuman, brothers Michael and Brian, sisters Tziporah and Idit Reiut, and my nieces and nephews.

How has your faith impacted the way you approach life?

It governs my decision making and life choices. I rely on Torah lessons to inform my thinking and behaviors in any given situation. We have an opportunity to make a difference in the world. We are also encouraged to continue to grow. My great friend Noella Yeung always encourages: “keep climbing.”

Rabbi Binyamin Marwick, Rabbi Ari Waxman, Rabbi Josh Joseph and Rabbi Yitzchok Gettinger are all Rebbeim I continue to look up to.

What professional achievement are you most proud of?

student-athletes greater exposure than any other collegiate sports conference in history. Starting in 2023, Big Ten Conference will increase distribution coast-to-coast featuring exclusive content across linear networks CBS, NBC, FOX and Direct-to-Consumer streaming platform, Peacock. This is the largest media rights deal in college sports history.

What has working in sports taught you?

Visibility matters. Everyone has a platform but in the sports business, there is a unique platform to influence. We have remarkable media viewership but what are we teaching the viewers? Are we teaching folks to win and lose with style, grace and class? Are we turning a lens to mental health and wellness? Are we encouraging folks to elevate their game in their personal lives with the same levels of earnestness as on the football field? Sports provides a central platform and leaves us with a responsibility to ensure that anyone who touches our product is ignited by the enthusiasm and pageantry

grateful; it’s grateful people who are happy. Gratitude is an important component to thriving personally and professionally. If you are grateful for what you have, your energy and work product will improve.

What’s the best advice you can give someone who is early in their career?

Be open to the ideas of other people. I think that’s the best definition of humility. With quick soundbites on Twitter, intense fixation on social media in general, there is a sincere sense of pride in being “right” all the time. We tend to lean into our feelings rather than consider other legitimate options. To be fair, it is useful to be strong in our values. But, more often than not, other people have great ideas and perspectives to share as well. Never lock into one path with such ferocity that it denies you the opportunity to seriously consider alternate perspectives. That’s how you get left behind.

What are your favorite books to recommend?

Torah - God

The Quest for Authenticity - Michael Rosen

The Lonely Man of Faith - Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik

Range - David Epstein

Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban - J.K. Rowling

How can readers follow you?

Twitter @adamjneuman

Hamas Shows Off Prisoner

Israeli military or security services. The two entered the Strip of their own accord in 2014 and 2015, respectively, and their families say they suffer from mental illness.

International law forbids taking civilians captive and bars using any prisoners for propaganda purposes.

Mengistu’s family has not seen any photos or videos of him since he crossed over into Gaza more than eight years ago. An audio file released by Hamas in June 2021 of an unidentified person who self-identifies as “an Israeli soldier” was thought to be a recording of Mengistu.

In June 2022, Hamas published a first video of the second Israeli captive, al-Sayed, a Bedouin Israeli.

of assassins from Pakistan who have ties to al-Qaeda and arrived in Georgia’s capital of Tbilisi to gather intelligence on the target.

The IRGC’s Quds Force Unit 400 works with international terror groups to fund and plot terror attacks across the world. The hiring of foreign nationals for the assassination attempt is evidence of the Iranian regime’s pattern of using international terrorist fighters to try to cover its tracks.

establishment of the Polish-Israel Friendship Group of the Knesset.

On Monday, Hamas’s military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, released a video of a prisoner, Avera Mengistu, reciting a short message.

“I am the captive Avera Mengistu. For how much longer will I remain in captivity?” he is heard mumbling in broken Hebrew before lamenting the Israeli government’s inaction in bringing about his return.

Mengistu is one of two Israeli men being held by the terror group, alongside the remains of two soldiers killed during Israel’s war with Hamas in the summer of 2014. Israeli authorities have been quietly engaged in fruitless negotiations for their release for years.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Mengistu, a Israeli civilian held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas for more than eight years, “is alive.”

“Israel does not stop its efforts to return Avera Mengistu and the rest of our captives and missing persons. Yesterday, we received another confirmation of what we knew all along — that Avera is alive.

“This is a young man, not in good health, and responsibility for his fate rests entirely with Hamas,” Netanyahu asserted.

The terror group said it released the video as a message to outgoing military chief Aviv Kohavi and his successor Herzi Halevi.

Hamas has repeatedly referred to Mengistu and the second captive, Hisham al-Sayed, as soldiers, despite neither of them having served in the

Aside from the two civilians, Hamas is also holding the remains of IDF soldiers Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, who were killed during a 50day conflict with the terror group in the summer of 2014.

Who Wanted to Assassinate Israeli?

Iran’s IRGC has implemented overseas assassinations into their military strategy for years – particularly against Israeli nationals. There were two foiled assassination plots in Turkey in 2022 against Israeli citizens. Israeli billionaire Teddy Saggi was tipped off by the Israeli authorities – likely the Mossad – that Iranian assassins were after him in Cyprus in 2021.

Iran has planned terrorist attacks in Georgia in the past, including in 2021-2022, and this is not the first time Moshe was targeted, according to Georgia’s security service.

“The connection between Iran and al-Qaeda is not new,” Georgia’s security service said at the time of the incident. “This attempted terrorist attack once again shows the close and years-long connection between [them] – specifically the use Tehran makes of the terrorist organization, including hosting its members on Iranian soil – to advance attacks on innocent civilians while trying to hide its direct involvement.”

“Visiting Israel and meeting with President Herzog was an extremely important and positive moment and hopefully this will be the start of a new period of improved relations between Israel and Poland,” said Polish Sen. Beata Małecka-Libera, who led the delegation.

The delegation also met with the National Emergency Management Authority of the Israeli Defense Ministry, visited Rambam Hospital and the Mashabim Center for Community Stress Prevention and toured Israel’s northern border. During the latter visit, they were shown a Hezbollah tunnel into Israel.

“As Europe faces similar challenges at our borders, it is important our countries work together to face these challenges and protect our values,” said Małecka-Libera.

The trip was organized by ELNET (the European Leadership Network), an NGO working to strengthen relations between Europe and Israel.

The IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force) members responsible for the failed assassination attempt of Israeli businessman Itzik Moshe in Georgia back in November were revealed by Iran International on Monday.

Hossein Rehban, Mohammad Reza Arablo, Mohsen Rafiei Miandashti, Farhad Fashai, and Ali Faizipour are said to be the main members of the assassination team of the Quds Force Unit 400 of the IRGC – the unit responsible for the failed terrorist plot against the head of the Israel-Georgia Joint Chamber of Commerce.

Georgia’s State Security Service announced in November that the assassination, which they stopped earlier that same month, involved a team

Reps from Polish Parliament Visit

Israel

A parliamentary delegation from Poland arrived in Israel this week with the goal of restoring “warm diplomatic ties” between the countries. The visit is the first of its kind in the past four years.

The 13-member delegation, all of whom are members of Poland’s Polish-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group, met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday and visited the Knesset on Tuesday. They expressed their desire to see the re -

“This is a historic visit meant to open a new page in relations between Israel and Europe.… This is a momentous occasion for both Israel and Poland, and ELNET is honored to play a role in fostering stronger ties between the two countries,” said Emmanuel Navon, CEO of ELNET-Israel.

Also leading the delegation was Michał Kamiński, deputy speaker of the Polish Senate. (JNS)

Terrorist Killed in Shootout

Hamed Abu Diah, a Palestinian terrorist who had shot at a bus in Gush Etzion a few days ago, had been shooting at Israeli soldiers near a checkpoint in the West Bank on Tuesday and was killed in the subsequent shootout.

According to Haaretz, Abu Diah

BJH: Tell us a little about your personal and professional background.

YC: I’m a lifelong resident of Baltimore. I graduated from Columbia University. I also have a Masters in Talmudic Law from Yeshivas Ner Yisroel and a law degree from the University of Maryland.

I married my wife, Geoula, in 1984 and we have eight children ה”עב

BJH: You are a published author, tell us about your books.

YC: I wrote three booksThe Runaway

Danny Gold shows up one day during the 1920’s on the Lower East Side just in time to rescue Joey Bergson from a bully. He’s eager to help the Bergson boys earn money and he’s good-natured, but he’s also a daring attention-seeker who dances with the organ grinder’s monkey and does chin-ups on lampposts, and he won’t tell anyone where he came from or why.

The Bergson children can’t help wondering what Danny is up to. Is he

Spotlight on Yehuda Cahn

a fugitive? A thief? Or is Danny really a good guy? Readers won’t want to put down this riveting tale until they find out.

Major theme: Loyalty. Danny explains that he kept kosher under difficult circumstances and wants to stay true to his heritage because he “didn’t want to turn traitor.”

V.I.P.

Thirteen-year-old Yitzy Blackton insists on being the center of attention, but his showing off gets him into a huge mess. His best buddy snubs him for getting him into trouble, his baseball teammates are upset when his showing off makes them lose a game, and he nearly drowns in a flooded lake after going out too far on the limb of a fallen tree. Kids won’t want to stop reading until they see how Yitzy is going to extricate himself from the predicament he’s gotten himself into.

Major theme: Accepting responsibility and correcting mistakes. The main character’s father tells him, “If you’re enough of a mensch to recognize that you’ve made some mistakes, then you’ll figure out a way to fix things.”

Ezra’s Secret

When Sam and Miriam Cohen agree to foster a troubled boy with a criminal history for just one summer, they don’t know what they’re in for. Twelve-yearold Ezra turns out to be a helpful and good-natured kid who earns his new foster parents’ love. But why is he so scared of making friends with other boys his age? And why won’t he tell anyone why he’s been stealing?

Major theme: “One of the main reasons Hashem sent us into the world is to help each other.”

BJH: What inspired you to write these books?

YC: Jewish values often differ from those of the general population and need special emphasis in children’s literature.

For example, we want kids to know that it’s important to tell the truth even when it’s difficult, but I don’t present the characters as angels. As one character in V.I.P. puts it, “Everybody tells a lie once in while even though they shouldn’t.” This makes the story more realistic, allows readers to identify with the characters, and makes the ending believable when the main character discovers that people ultimately benefit from being honest.

Similarly, it’s important for kids to know that everyone makes mistakes, but when someone does, they need to face those mistakes and correct them. In The Runaway, a rabbi and his wife mistakenly suspect Danny of stealing, showing that even respected adults can make mistakes. When they find out they were wrong, the rabbi makes a point of hunting down Danny and apologizing.

BJH: What’s your writing Methodology?

YC: I use several techniques to draw readers into the story and keep their attention. One is to create a mystery. In The Runaway, for example, the main character shows up on the Lower East Side out of nowhere and is evasive about his background and why he came there. In Ezra’s Secret, the main character seems like a nice kid, and no one can figure out why he sometimes breaks the law.

V.I.P. employs a different approach. The main character is good-natured but has a flaw — he likes to show off and it gets him into serious trouble. Since readers like him, they are rooting for him, but they cannot imagine how he’ll ever get out of the mess he’s gotten himself into. That’s the incentive to keep reading.

BJH: What’s the reaction that you get from parents and children who read your book?

YC: Many parents have told me that the novels are so absorbing that their children read through the whole thing in one sitting. I have also had a few adults tell me that they enjoyed reading them either along with their children or by themselves.

BJH: We can’t wait to read your books! How can we obtain a copy?

These novels illustrate Jewish values in the context of an exciting story while making sure that the themes are consistent with the plot and not preachy.

YC: These great books are available at Jewish bookstores or through Menucha Publishers who can be contacted at 855-636-8242 or online at www. menuchapublishers.com.

had previously served as a prisoner in Israel, but after his release, he worked as a Palestinian Authority police officer in the Bethlehem area.

A letter supposedly written by the 40-year-old Abu Diah was later shared on Palestinian news outlets, where he claimed that he had made the decision to “take revenge and hurt the Zionists” as well as sacrificing his life to protect Muslim holy sites.

el’s punitive measures against the Palestinian Authority.

The U.N. General Assembly late last month approved a resolution calling on the International Court of Justice to “render urgently an advisory opinion” on Israel’s “prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation of Palestinian territory.” In response to the P.A.’s ongoing “political and legal war” against the Jewish state, the Israeli Security Cabinet decided, among other measures, to withhold taxes and tariffs collected on behalf of and transferred to the P.A., in an amount equal to that which Ramallah paid to terrorists and their families in 2022 under its “pay-forslay” policy.

“We promised to fix this, and today we are correcting an injustice. This is an important day for morality, for justice and for the fight against terrorism. There is no greater justice than offsetting the funds of the Authority, which acts to support terrorism, and transferring them to the families of the victims of terrorism.”

For his part, P.A. Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said the punitive measures would “promptly lead to [the P.A.’s] collapse.”

In an interview with Haaretz, Shtayyeh described the Security Cabinet decision as “another nail in the Palestinian Authority’s coffin, unless there is immediate intervention by the international community, namely the [Biden] administration in Washington and Arab countries.”

10% over that span, losing about one percent every three years on average.

Also on Tuesday, a terrorist armed with a knife attempted to enter the Israeli settlement of Elon Moreh in the West Bank but was stopped by security authorities.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan praised the settlement’s leadership for their response.

“You showed bravery, and you saved lives in Israel today,” he said. “All settlements in Samaria are proud of you and the people of Israel are proud of you.”

Dagan noted that the terrorist was stopped after security cameras were installed by the IDF’s Home Front Command fairly recently at the settlement’s request.

“Here we had a miracle that the terrorist tried to infiltrate a settlement that had security cameras installed just a year and a half ago,” Dagan said. “What would have happened if there weren’t any installed? It would have been just like when Rina Shnerb was killed in Ein Bubin two years ago.”

He called on Israel’s security apparatus to immediately order more security systems for the settlements to be completed.

90 Nations: Restore Palestinian Funds

More than 90 countries signed a letter, published on Monday, demanding the “immediate” reversal of Isra-

The letter was signed by representatives of the Arab and Islamic countries, including Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan, along with Western and other nations such as Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Cyprus, Japan, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.

“Regardless of each country’s position on the resolution, we reject punitive measures in response to a request for an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, and more broadly in response to a General Assembly resolution, and call for their immediate reversal,” the letter states.

Similarly, a spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said he “notes with deep concern the recent Israeli measures against the Palestinian Authority,” adding that there should “be no retaliation…in relation to the International Court of Justice.”

In line with the Security Cabinet decision, Jerusalem last week transferred 138.8 million shekels ($39.5 million) of revenues collected for the P.A. to Israeli victims of terrorism and their families.

At a press conference, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said,

He added: “Previous Israeli governments worked to eliminate the two-state solution, and the current government is fighting the Palestinian Authority itself.”

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price described the step aimed at curbing and punishing Palestinian terrorism as a “unilateral move” that “exacerbates tensions.”

The P.A. pays monthly stipends to Palestinians, and/or their families, for carrying out terrorist attacks against Israel. In 2021, the P.A. paid out an estimated 512 million shekels ($157 million) as part of this “pay for slay” policy. (JNS)

A Decrease in the Jewish Majority

A recent surge in legal immigration has led to a decrease in Israel’s Jewish majority, according to an analysis of data from Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), Channel 14 reported on Sunday.

The Israeli Immigration Policy Center, an NGO established in 2012 to promote immigration policy which serves Israel’s strategic interests, found that last year’s 23-year record in the number of new immigrants had resulted in a 0.3% decline in Israel’s Jewish majority, to 73.6% from 73.9% at the end of 2021.

This continues a 30-year trend, with the country’s Jewish majority having declined by a total of about

“It shouldn’t be possible for new immigrants to lead to a decline in the Jewish majority. This is a demographic deficit that will harm the Jewish identity and character of the country,” said Attorney Yona Sherki of the Israeli Immigration Policy Center.

In the last year, 77,000 people received status in Israel, including 71,000 new immigrants who entered under the “Law of Return,” which recognizes an individual with a single Jewish grandparent as eligible for citizenship. However, such people are not considered Jewish according to halacha, Jewish religious law.

As a result of the “grandparent clause,” of the new immigrants in 2022, only 32,000 (45% of the total) were Jewish.

Of non-Jews who enter Israel, 85% on average immigrate under the Law of Return’s “grandparent clause.”

Regarding the Law of Return, then-Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion decided with the establishment of the Jewish state that “whoever was born to a Jewish mother and is not of another religion, or whoever converted according to Jewish law” will be considered a Jew.

In 1970, it was ruled that the children and grandchildren of a Jewish person could immigrate to Israel by virtue of the Law of Return. During those years, many discussions were held in order to determine who is a Jew and how to define a person who converts through a non-Orthodox conversion process, but to no avail.

The issue recently came to the fore after a wave of immigrants from Russia and Ukraine entered Israel following Moscow’s invasion of the European country, most of whom were not Jewish – only three in 10, according to mid-November data from Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority.

In November, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi David

Lau urged the Knesset to amend the Law of Return to curb non-Jewish immigration.

Coalition deals signed between Netanyahu’s Likud Party and the Religious Zionist and ultra-Orthodox parties call for a change to the “grandparent clause.” (JNS)

across the country were halted because the Federal Aviation Administration’s system to alert pilots to safety issues went down.

The FAA said Wednesday night that it had traced the outage to a damaged database file and that there was no evidence that it was caused by a cyberattack. The disruption was the latest example of serious problems in the aviation system and at the FAA, the agency responsible for safely managing all commercial air traffic that critics say has long been overworked and underfunded.

A Shaky Aviation System

Tens of thousands of flights were delayed or canceled around the holidays in December when frigid weather and storms made travel treacherous. But the weather was mostly fine last Wednesday morning when flights

The pause on flights across the country highlighted what aviation experts say are glaring weaknesses at the agency, long considered the world’s

premier aviation regulator. The FAA has struggled to quickly update systems and processes, many of which were put in place decades ago, to keep up with technological advancements and a sharp increase in the number of flights and passengers.

Problems with the system used to notify pilots of hazards in the air and ground began Tuesday night, forcing officials to reboot the system early Wednesday morning. To fix the problem, the FAA ordered airlines to delay all departing flights just before 7:30 a.m. That pause was lifted at about 9 a.m., but the disruption was far from over as airlines struggled to get back to normal throughout the day. Delays cascaded throughout the system, and, by the afternoon, about 9,000 flights had been delayed and 1,300 had been canceled.

Just two weeks earlier, hundreds of thousands of travelers were stranded by an operational meltdown at Southwest Airlines, the country’s largest carrier by number of passengers. Taken together, the two episodes underscore the fragility of the nation’s aviation system.

A big part of the problem, aviation experts said, is that Congress has not given the FAA enough money to do its many jobs properly, and the agency has sometimes been slow to make change even when it had enough resources. The agency’s budget was about $18.5 billion in 2022 — less than it was in 2004 after adjusting for inflation. (© The New York Times)

of a larger rules package that was passed this week with a vote of 105-51.

The dress code immediately drew criticism from local Missouri politicians, who took to Twitter to express their frustrations. The new dress code even has its own hashtag: #Sweatergate.

“I never thought my first national interview would be about what I can and cannot wear as a female lawmaker,” said Democratic Missouri Representative Ashley Aune.

The Missouri House has 116 men and 43 women. The House majority is held by Republicans, with 111 Republicans to 52 Democrats.

In the Missouri state Senate, there is no rule requiring women to wear blazers or jackets.

Rep. Ann Kelley, the Republican Congresswoman who sponsored the bill, wrote on Facebook, “How is encouraging professionalism wrong? If there is ever a time to honor traditions and be professional, it is on the House Chamber Floor in the Missouri House of Representatives; I will not apologize for standing up for these things.”

Under the prior existing dress code, women were required to wear “dresses or skirts or slacks worn with a blazer or sweater and appropriate dress shoes or boots” without a required second layer, reported the Associated Press.

California Soaked

New Dress Code for Female Lawmakers in Missouri

A fresh wave of storms inundated California again Saturday, swelling rivers, downing power lines, and imperiling travelers during yet another holiday weekend as a procession of atmospheric rivers continued to wallop the state.

At least 19 people have died since late December, with the toll expected to increase, in a series of powerful storms that unleashed destructive downpours.

The state’s northern and central

Women

regions have sustained the most damage: Levees have broken, thousands of trees have toppled, towering waves have shattered piers, and mudslides have blocked highways. Flash flooding has shut down critical roads in the valleys and coastal areas, and heavy snow has blocked passages east over mountain ranges.

As of Saturday evening, millions of residents were under flood advisories. Across the state, emergency officials said, more than 75,000 people were under evacuation orders and warnings. More than 23,000 utility customers were without power statewide. A federal emergency declaration covered much of the state, with the cost of damage expected to reach hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars.

The repeated lashings have left the ground beyond saturated in much of California, and the arrival of still more rain has threatened to compound the risk of flooding and mudslides. None of the current storms would be considered catastrophic individually, meteorologists say, but the cumulative impact of almost relentless precipitation and wind has posed a formidable challenge.

State authorities said the storms, taken together, had claimed more lives than the entirety of the past two wildfire seasons. Nancy Ward, director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, described the onslaught as “among the most deadly natural disasters in the modern history of our state.”

Some 1 to 5 more inches of rain was expected to fall by Monday morning, with 2 to 3 more feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada and up to 6 feet in some places. State, federal and local officials implored motorists to stay off roads.

Forecasts promised an incoming respite. “We are nearing the end of this active cycle,” said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA, noting that at least one more large storm system was expected to hit Sunday before a shift in weather patterns brings drier conditions. (© The New York Times)

Go Green

Taking a walk in the park may help you reduce the need for medication, a new study found.

“Physical activity is thought to be the key mediating factor in the health benefits of green spaces when availability or active use of green space are considered,” study coauthor Anu Turunen, a senior researcher at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare in Helsinki, noted.

The study found that visiting nature three to four times a week – taking a walk in the park, jogging around a lake – was associated with 36% lower odds of using blood pressure pills, 33% lower odds of using mental health medications, and 26% lower odds of using asthma medications.

Still, it’s not a perfect correlation between green space and lowering meds.

having access to the most green space reduced the women’s death rate by 12% — and improved their mental health.

A 2019 study of green spaces around the globe found people who live near them are less likely to die prematurely.

Grocery Prices Up

11.8%

“The analysis can reveal key associations, but we can’t say for certain whether it was the greenspace proximity or use that led to reduced use of medications,” said Lincoln Larson, an associate professor in the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, who was not involved in the study.

“Perhaps people who were healthier to begin with (and less likely to take prescription drugs) were more likely to get outdoors in the first place,” Larson said via email.

The study, published on Monday in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, interviewed approximately 6,000 random people in three of the largest cities in Finland about their use of green and blue spaces within a kilometer of their homes. Green spaces included forests, gardens, parks, cemeteries, moors, natural grasslands, wetlands, and zoos. Blue spaces included lakes, rivers, and the sea.

This is not the first time scientists have found that going blue and going green is the way to go.

A 2016 study compared the amount of plant life and vegetation near the homes of almost 100,000 women. After eight years, the researchers found

You’re not overbuying – prices in the grocery have been rising steadily over the past year, leaving consumers staggering upon seeing their grocery receipts.

Prices are now at nearly double the rate of overall inflation, at 11.8% year over year, according to data released last Thursday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What could be causing these overwhelming increases? Blame Russia, the weather, disease, and a host of other factors.

Eggs are now up 59.9% year over year, a rate not seen since 1973, when high feed costs, shortages, and price freezes caused certain agricultural products to soar in price. Since early last year, a deadly avian flu has devastated poultry flocks, especially turkeys and egg-laying hens. That was compounded by increasing demand and higher input costs, such as feed.

The cost of food is hard to swallow, but the latest Consumer Price Index shows that those price increases — by and large — are at least growing at slower rates.

In December, “food at home” prices increased 0.2% from the month before. That’s the smallest monthly increase since March 2021.

The expectations are for food price increases to continue to moderate.

Dangerous Fish?

When can fish be harmful to your health? When they’re filled with forever chemicals, scientists say.

According to a study of data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, fish caught in the fresh waters of the nation’s streams and rivers and the Great Lakes contain dangerously high levels of PFOS, also known as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, a known synthetic toxin phased out by the federal government.

The chemical PFOS is part of a family of manufactured additives known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, widely used since the 1950s to make consumer products nonstick and resistant to stains, water and grease damage.

Called “forever chemicals” because they fail to break down easily in the environment, PFAS has leached into the nation’s drinking water via public water systems and private wells. The chemicals then accumulate in the bodies of fish, shellfish, livestock, dairy, and game animals that people eat.

“The levels of PFOS found in freshwater fish often exceeded an astounding 8,000 parts per trillion,” noted study coauthor David Andrews, a senior scientist at Environmental Working Group, the nonprofit environmental health organization that analyzed the data. The report was published on Wednesday in the journal Environmental Research.

In comparison, the EPA has allowed only 70 parts per trillion of PFOS in the nation’s drinking water. Due to growing health concerns, in 2022, the EPA recommended the allowable level of PFOS in drinking water be lowered from 70 to 0.02 parts per trillion.

The Week In News

“You’d have to drink an incredible amount of water – we estimate a month of contaminated water – to get the same exposure as you would from a single serving of freshwater fish,” Andrews said.

“Consuming even a single [locally caught freshwater] fish per year can measurably and significantly change the levels of PFOS in your blood,” Andrews said.

Chemicals in the PFAS family are linked to high cholesterol, cancer, and various chronic diseases, as well as a limited antibody response to vaccines in both adults and children, according to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

It’s nearly impossible to avoid PFAS. Manufacturers add the chemicals to thousands of products, including nonstick cookware, mobile phones, carpeting, clothing, makeup, furniture, and food packaging.

A 2020 investigation found PFAS in the wrapping of many fast foods and “environmentally friendly” molded fiber bowls and containers.

A 2021 study found PFAS in 52% of tested cosmetics, with the highest levels in waterproof mascara (82%), foundations (63%) and long-lasting lipstick (62%). Polytetrafluoroethylene, the coating on nonstick pans, was the most common additive.

The latest study focused on fish caught in the Great Lakes from 2013 to 2015, which was the latest data available. Based on the findings, scientists say that people who fish for sport may consider releasing their fish back into the waters instead of bringing them home for dinner.

Biden’s Document Investigation

day to investigate how classified documents had ended up in President Joe Biden’s private office and home, opening a new legal threat to the White House and providing ammunition to its Republican opponents.

Garland assigned Robert Hur, a veteran prosecutor who worked in the Trump administration, to examine “the possible unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or other records discovered” at Biden’s think tank in Washington and his residence in Wilmington, Delaware, according to an order signed by the attorney general.

The White House promised to fully cooperate. People close to the situation said several Biden associates had already been interviewed. But the decision to open a full investigation put the president and the attorney general in awkward positions at the same time another special counsel appointed by Garland considers whether to charge former President Donald Trump or his associates with mishandling sensitive documents and obstructing efforts to retrieve them.

The circumstances in the Biden and Trump cases are markedly different. Trump resisted requests to return documents for months, even after being subpoenaed, while as far as is known, Biden’s lawyers found the papers without being asked and turned them over promptly. But as a political matter, the new investigation will muddy the case against Trump, who is already using it to argue that he is being selectively persecuted.

Biden, who excoriated Trump for being “irresponsible” with national secrets, now has to answer for his own team’s misplacement of sensitive papers. Moreover, his White House did not disclose to the public the discovery of the documents from his time as vice president for two months, waiting until after the November midterm elections.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president had not been informed in advance of Garland’s decision to appoint a special counsel. She declined to clarify what prompted the search or why the White House did not inform the public earlier. Biden, she said, “was kept informed throughout” but does not know what is in the documents.

The appointment of Hur on Thurs-

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel on Thurs-

The Week In News

day was intended to insulate the Justice Department from accusations of partisanship at a time when the new GOP majority in the House has embarked on an investigation into what it claims is the Biden administration’s use of government power against Republicans.

Under Garland’s order, Hur is authorized to prosecute any crimes arising from the inquiry or to refer matters for prosecution by federal attorneys in other jurisdictions. (© The New York Times)

“I see her [Moxie] in my mirror all the time. Her head is right up against my side. Sometimes she even rests her big snout on my shoulder with her chin up there.

“It makes me feel so happy that she’s really experiencing everything. It’s always new sights, sounds and smells that she’s looking at and experiencing.”

The group is traveling from “tip to tip and top to bottom,” making their way from Guatemala to Mexico, the U.S., Canada and on to the Arctic Ocean. They’ll then make their way down to South American and then fly to South Africa.

Dog Days

Once they reach South Africa, they’ll travel up the east coast of Africa to Egypt and then Greece, before “looping around Europe” and riding through Turkey and Central Asia.

The next leg will see them ride from India to Malaysia, where they’ll ship their bikes, and Moxie, to North America and then head back to their first and final destination Guatemala, which Stone describes as her “adopted home.”

Jess Stone is traveling the world and traversing 90 countries on her motorcycle. But it’s not her gilded wheels that garner drivers’ attention on her trip. It’s her companion – Moxie, her beloved dog.

Stone and Moxie, who weighs around 34 kilograms, are currently 10 months into an epic bike trip that will see them travel throughout Central America, North and South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

They have been on the road since last March, when they set off, along with Stone’s husband Greg, who rides behind them.

“I am always in the front,” explains Stone. “I want to go through the obstacles first.”

Moxie is comfortable on Stone’s bike, which is outfitted specially for her. Stone says experiencing the world with Moxie adds another dimension to her journey.

“It’s like you get to experience the adventure twice,” she explains. “You experience it for yourself. And then you experience it from her perspective, because she’s right behind me.

Stone estimates that they’ll be on the road for at least another two and a half years. But for the time being, she’s focused on making it to the next stage of the journey, and constantly building on her riding skills.

Her four-legged companion continues to be a source of inspiration, and Stone never gets tired of seeing the way others react to Moxie, joking that every gas station visit is like “a selfie palooza.”

“People just get out of their cars,” she adds. “And the first thing everyone says is, ‘Oh my G-d, she’s wearing goggles.’

“It brings a smile to everyone’s face. And that’s what I love. She just makes everybody have a good day.”

Every dog has its day.

Bankruptcy Avoided!

It was a big deal. Given the big profit, Baruch* even paid for the merchandise in advance. And then he waited. The shipment was due to arrive from China already, but it kept getting delayed. His client for whom he had brokered the deal was getting impatient.

“If the goods don’t arrive in time, by the date we agreed upon, you may as well keep the entire delivery,” he said.

Baruch grew anxious. His requests to speed up the shipment fell on deaf ears. After all, the merchants in China had already received their pay. There was no one to talk to on the client end either. His client was simply unwilling to wait even a few extra days. And, the client was right.

The tension was building up. Every day lost meant a day closer to terrible debt. Baruch couldn’t picture footing such an astronomical loss, numbering in hundreds of thousands. He tried to strengthen his bitachon and accept that he was in Hashem’s hands. He also decided to turn to the time-honored segulah –the Tehillim. Baruch asked for Tehillim Kollel to put his name on the list and have him in mind. He left the rest up to Hashem.

A few days passed. Nearly as quickly as his problem had surfaced, it disappeared. Baruch was excited to share the surprising developments with the Tehillim Kollel office. His client had turned around! Without any particular reason, he suddenly agreed to back off his ultimatum. From not waiting a day, he was suddenly ready to wait a few weeks.

“It must be that David Hamelech himself appeared to my client and convinced him…” Baruch said emotionally. “There’s simply no other explanation!”

The Week In News

If you’re traveling this week, you may not want to read this story.

An Oregon woman whose suitcase was misplaced during a flight is now reunited with her luggage. Don’t get too excited. It took United Airlines four years to send April Gavin her suitcase.

Yup, that’s four years.

Gavin had been flying home from Chicago in August 2018. Her luggage, though, did not make it home. After several months of searching, the airline told her that her bag’s location was a mystery and compensated her for some of her items.

This week, Gavin received a surprising phone call from the airline that told her that her luggage had showed up at an airport in Houston. Even more surprising was that it had taken a detour to Central America.

“It was in Honduras. And who knows where else it went,” Gavin said.

Although slightly worn out (hey, we’re all a bit worn out after these past few years), the suitcase and its contents were intact.

Sounds like a great bag of tricks.

Rock Bottom

Henao’s vehicle was not the only car damaged in the rockslide. At least one other parked car was hit by debris, which spread across four lanes of traffic.

Sounds like he went out with a bang.

Seeing Double

A California man has a phone call to thank for saving his life.

Mauricio Henao was parked outside his home at the side of a hill in Malibu when he got out of his car to answer a phone call and went into his home to retrieve an item.

Moments later, Henao heard booming noises.

“I just heard loud crashes,” Henao said. “And I ran out and saw my car just crushed.”

A 4-foot boulder had landed on the roof of Henao’s car, caving it in.

“The rock is the size of the whole hood,” Henao said. “The windshields are all broken, and the frame of the car is just all twisted.”

A lapse of memory has led a man to an experience he’ll never forget.

The Michigan man who likes to play the lotto couldn’t remember if he had already purchased a ticket for the December 17th Fantasy 5 drawing when filling up his car with gas. Playing it safe, he bought one again – just to make sure.

And it’s good he did.

“I have been playing Fantasy 5 for a long time, and I always play the same sets of numbers,” the player said. “I was at the gas station, and I couldn’t remember if I’d purchased a ticket for the Fantasy 5 drawing that night, so I decided to purchase one to be safe.”

Later, he determined that he had already bought the ticket at another store. But not to worry. His mistake turned out to be pretty fortuitous.

“After the drawing, I was on the Michigan Lottery website checking the numbers and when I saw the two locations where winning tickets were sold, I knew I had to be the big winner,” the winner recalled.

The bigger surprise was the amount that he won.

“I checked my tickets and confirmed I had won, but I thought I’d won $55,000 on each. When I called the lottery and they confirmed both tickets were $110,000 winners, a feeling of relief came over me,” the lucky man said.

What to do with all that money? For now, he’s using it for some home renovations and for his family.

It’s good he took a double take.

Digital Judaism at Ner Tamid Synagogue

What is this Digital Judaism event all about?

We are living in an age where it is almost impossible to avoid being connected to social media, and yet, we have not spent enough time discussing how we engage with this new medium. Some are able to completely sign off, but many others are not. The goal of this event is to speak openly and honestly about some of the challenges – and opportunities of the digital age.

Whose idea was this event?

Everyone’s. A day does not go by when someone does not comment that they spend too much time on their

phone or wonder about what they are consuming or second-guess what they are publishing. This conversation is long overdue.

Who are the panelists?

The panelists are all influential figures on social media. Dovid Bashevkin is the NCSY Director of Education, a writer with regular columns in Mishpacha and Tablet, and hosts a popular podcast, 18forty. Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt is a writer who has written for the New York Times, the Atlantic, among many other news outlets. She teaches journalism at Columbia University and Stern College

and is the Rebbetzin of the Altneu Synagogue. Yaakov Langer is the founder of the Living Lchaim podcast network. You’ve likely seen episodes or clips from one of their popular shows – Inspiration for the Nation, Kosher Money, The Spirit of Song, and Not Your Typical Podcast. Lastly, Bari Mitzmann is a popular figure on Instagram where she discusses Jewish life, mental health, and more. She has a podcast called, Women of Valor, and publishes a self-care book for every Yom Tov, called, Hakol B’seder. The conversation will be moderated by Rabbi Yisrael Motzen

What should attendees expect to walk away with?

Attendees will likely be inspired by the amazing work that each of the panelists are doing for the Jewish People. Additionally, the panelists will provide perspective on what is really happening on social media and the rules they live their online lives by. Most importantly, the goal of this event is to frame a much-needed conversation in a nuanced and healthy fashion.

Digital Judaism will take place Monday, February 23, 2023, at Ner Tamid. Tickets can be purchased at www.nertamid.net.

Torah Thought Escaping Reality

By Rabbi Zvi Teichman

At the end of the first assault against Pharaoh and the Egyptian nation, with the plague of Blood, despite the distress, stench and discomfort foisted on his people, Pharaoh can simply shrug it all off.

Pharaoh turned away and came to his palace. He did not take this to heart either. (גכ ז תומש)

Was Pharaoh so callous to his people to ignore their pain so arrogantly?

Why does the verse stress his go-

ing to the palace before pointing out his apathy?

Lastly, what is the verse referring too when it adds that he paid no heed, תאזל םג — to this either?

What ‘else’ was he being indifferent to that the plague of blood was a party to?

The Sifsei Cohen, Rabbi Mordechai HaCohen of Tzefas a 16th century Kabbalist and disciple of Rabbi Yosef Karo, quotes a most fascinating Zohar.

During the episode when Sarah under the guise of being Avraham’s sister, and possessing such remarkable beauty was taken by Pharaoh, the Torah records within one verse, Pharaoh’s name three times.

When the officials of Pharaoh saw her, they lauded her for Pharaoh, and the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s house. (וט בי תישארב)

Why the repetition when it is evident who the subject in the sentence is?

The Zohar reveals that the verse is referring to three different Pharaohs.

Evidently the first Pharaoh was so smitten with Sarah’s magnificence, and subsequently crestfallen when God intervened by afflicting him with a debilitating disease that prevented him from engaging with her, he couldn’t be placated.

To pacify his obsession, he commissioned an artist to paint a mural of Sarah in his sleeping quarters, depicting a likeness he could gaze at,

allowing him to imagine her. When that didn’t calm him down, he had an actual lifelike image of her formed on a board that he kept with him.

Each successive king: the Pharaoh in the days of Yosef, and the one that was confronted by Moshe, for a total of three, would gawk with pleasure at the portrayal of her, while accompanied by minstrels and entertainers who would enhance their enjoyment.

It was to confront this perversion that Pharaoh was struck specifically, as Moshe had warned him — and in your bedroom and on your bed. (תומש חכ ז)

In no other plague was this infiltration of his bed accentuated.

The Sifsei Cohen goes on to explain that it was to this ‘diversion’ that is referenced earlier in the plague of Blood that Pharaoh ‘escaped’ to. He

fled from the stress of the situation by indulging in a distracting endeavor that would numb the anxiety. Pharaoh thus retreated to his ‘man cave’ — the palace, diverting himself from the tension outside, triggering the release of endorphins through a pleasurable activity, that would artificially dull the pain, enabling him to ‘ignore’ the turmoil in his kingdom.

Perhaps this is why the Torah records his first entering the palace, before it reports that he shunned the effects of the plague.

This might also explain the תאזל םג — ‘this too’, since this was the ‘fix’ he used to deal with his angst, that he employed regularly whenever he felt uneasy with troubling circumstances. Here too, he implements this strategy in fending off the seriousness of the situation at hand, casually brushing away Moshe’s exhortations.

The Tanna d’Bei Eliyahu ascribes the punishment of the plague of frogs as retribution for the Egyptians having dispatched their Jewish slaves to fetch all sorts of reptiles and insects ‘so that we may entertain ourselves with them as we wish!’ (ז”פ והילא יבד אנת)

Empty entertainment is a distraction we employ to escape from reality. A good game of basketball is a great stress reducer. But it never resolves our problems. A movie, a show, a book, a game, surfing the internet mindlessly, or just simply scouring worthless magazines, are all activities we engage in to escape. Carnal pleasures when not placed in a purposeful context, also serve as synthetic islands of ‘happiness’. We utilize these avenues, too often, to evade reality.

The persistently annoying croaking of the numerous frogs coupled with the overwhelming stench their dead carcasses left, didn’t allow the Egyptians the opportunity to escape ‘reality’ in the games they played and the entertainment they would normally ensconce themselves in.

Pharaoh who could usually flee to the comfort and distraction of his ‘fortress of solitude’, running to his private bedroom, pulling himself comfortably under the covers of his bed and all the selfish indulgences that it symbolized — wouldn’t be able to evade reality this time.

The Vilna Gaon teaches that the frog is the only animal in the world that gives forth its voice incessantly day and night. It symbolizes the Torah scholar who dedicates himself to the sweet song of Torah, ceaselessly, day and night. (תודגא המכ לע רואיב)

The enjoyment of a life filled with Torah in all its forms is the sole pursuit of pleasure that brings us to a more accurate perception of reality. It counters the false enticement that physical gratification provides.

Reb Avraham Broida of Tarnopol once found himself in an inn amongst a group of maskilim, heretics.

As he set himself on the side to

pray the afternoon prayer of Mincha, they engaged in frivolous talk, raising their voices in boisterous conversation. Reb Avraham began to raise his voice louder with greater fervor, to counter their noise. When he was done, they inquired why he was screaming.

He responded, “The Torah retells how after each plague Moshe raised his hands in prayer and entreated G-d to stop the plague. Only after the plague of frogs does the Torah state that Moshe resorted to crying out loud as well, “And Moshe cried out to God.” (ח ח תומש)

“Evidently”, Reb Avraham rejoined, “when frogs are croaking one must pray even louder to be heard!”

We live in a world that seeks to seduce us with illusory happiness. So often we pursue pleasurable activities as an escape from our troubles. We continue an endless journey trying to discover the elusive elixir that will gratify us and remove the worries we are running away from. When that is the objective, we are in danger of becoming addicted to the drug called pleasure in all its forms, with the consequence of withering away in exhaustion.

We have a tradition that the Ten Plagues correspond to the Ten Commandments.

The second command is you shall not recognize the gods of others.

The plague of frogs teaches us that there is only one power and one reality. When we assert there are pauses in our life where we may submit to ‘other’ realities, we are guilty of transgressing this command.

The temptations ‘croak’ loudly around us, seeking to entertain us and promise us joy.

We must raise our voices even higher, intoning the exquisite song of Torah if we are to discover genuine and absolute pleasure in our sojourn through life in finding true reality.

You

the author at: Ravzt@ohelmoshebaltimore.com

Baltimore Weekday Minyanim Guide

Shacharis Mincha

Neitz Beit Yaakov [Sefaradi] M-F

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek M-F

Ohel Yakov S-F

6:00 AM Shomrei Emunah Congregation M-F

6:10 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore M, Th

6:15 AM Kol Torah M, TH

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah M-F

Shearith Israel Congregation M, TH

The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel M, TH

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, TH

Kehilath B'nai Torah M, TH

Shomrei Emunah Congregation S, M, TH

6:25 AM Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation T, W, F

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

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

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-F

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

7:00 AM Aish Kodesh (upstairs Minyan) M-F

Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F

Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] T, W, F

Arugas HaBosem (Rabbi Taub's) S

Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh T, W, F

Beth Tfiloh Congregation M-F

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh T, W, F

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek S

Kol Torah T, W, F

Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah S, M, TH

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S

Shearith Israel Congregation S, M, TH

Shomrei Emunah Congregation T, W, F

Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh M-F

The Shul at the Lubavitch Center T, W, F

Tiferes Yisroel M-F

7:05 AM Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) M, TH

7:15 AM Kedushas Yisrael S

Kol Torah S

Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) S, T, W, F

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah S-F

Ner Israel Rabbinical College S-F

AM

7:15

Shearith Israel Congregation T, W, F

Shomrei Emunah Congregation S

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim S

The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel S Tzeirah Anash M-F

AM

7:20

7:30

Agudath Israel of Baltimore M, TH

Kol Torah M-F

Shomrei Emunah Congregation M, TH

AM Agudah of Greenspring S

Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F

Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] S

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim S-F

Bais Hamedrash and Mesivta of Baltimore S-F

Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh S

Beit Yaakov [Sefaradi] S

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation S

Chabad of Park Heights S

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh S-F

Darchei Tzedek S

Kedushas Yisrael M-F

Khal Bais Nosson S

Ner Israel Rabbinical College (Mechina) S-F

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S-F

Shomrei Emunah Congregation T, W, F

Mincha Gedolah

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/Tzemach Tzedek

12:30 PM Kol Torah

1:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore 10055 Red Run Blvd Suite 295

Milk & Honey Bistro 1777 Reisterstown RD 1:25 PM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim

1:45 PM Ohel Moshe

2:00 PM Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Big Al @ The Knish Shop Party Room Market Maven

Reischer Minyan 15 Walker Ave 2nd Floor

Snider Law Firm 600 Reistersown Rd 7th floor

2:30 PM Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh

Ner Israel Rabbinical College

Tov Pizza Mincha Minyan

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh

Mesivta Shaarei Chaim (Etz Chaim Building)

Shearith Israel Congregation

3:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

3:05 PM Kedushas Yisrael

8:55 PM Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh

9:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh

Beit Yaakov [Sefaradi]

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

Shomrei Emunah Congregation

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim

9:20 PM Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek

Kol Torah

9:30 PM Agudah of Greenspring

Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Kedushas Yisrael

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

9:45 PM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim

Kollel Erev Birchas Yitzchok (Luries)

Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's)

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

7:45

AM Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation M-F

Talmudical Academy S-F

Darchei Tzedek M-F

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah S-F

Mesivta Kesser Torah S-F

Mesivta Shaarei Chaim S-F

7:50 AM Derech Chaim S

Ner Tamid S Ohel Moshe M-F

3:15 PM Hat Box

4:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

Mincha/Maariv

Aish Kodesh

Agudath Israel of Baltimore Agudah of Greenspring

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim

Before Shkiah

8:00

AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore S-F

Beth Abraham S

Darchei Tzedek S

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek S

Kehillas Meor HaTorah S Ohel Yakov S

Ohr Yisroel S

Pikesville Jewish Congregation S

Shearith Israel Congregation S

Shomrei Emunah Congregation S-F

The Shul at the Lubavitch Center S

Tiferes Yisroel S

Tzeirah Anash S

Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah S-F

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

Shearith Israel Congregation

Shomrei Emunah Congregation

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim

The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel

The Shul at the Lubavitch Center

Ohr Yisroel

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 Clarks 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

8:15

8:20

8:30

AM Kehilath B'nai Torah S

Kol Torah S

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah S-F

AM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim S-F

AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore S-F

Beth Tfiloh Congregation S

Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) S-F

Ohel Moshe S

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S

Shomrei Emunah Congregation S-F

Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh S

8:45 AM Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah S-F

9:00 AM Aish Kodesh S

Agudath Israel of Baltimore S-F

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim S

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation S

Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah S

Shomrei Emunah Congregation S-F

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim S-F

9:15 AM Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah S-F

9:45 AM Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah S-F

Maariv

6:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

6:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

7:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

7:15 PM Shomrei Emunah Congregation 7:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

7:45 PM Talmudical Academy

Ohel Moshe

8:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

Pikesville Jewish Congregation 8:10 PM Kol Torah

8:15 PM Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek

Shomrei Emunah Congregation 8:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi]

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah 8:45 PM Darchei Tzedek

Ner Israel Rabbinical College (Mechina)

Ohr Yisroel 8:50 PM Mesivta Shaarei Chaim (Etz Chaim Building)

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh - 3800 Labyrinth Rd

Darchei Tzedek - 3201 Seven Mile Ln

Derech Chaim - 6229 Greenspring Ave (Weekday)

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

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

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

Tzeirah Anash - 6706 Cross County Blvd

Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah - 6819 Williamson Ave

Friedman has been a Rebbi at Mechinas Ner Israel for over 40 years. He is widely sought after for his expertise in teaching the skills to help talmidim build a foundation to independent study in learning.

By Rabbi Azriel Hauptman

Death is part of life, and therefore grief and bereavement are also parts of life. Our existence in the set number of years allotted to us by Hashem tends to be full of emotional ups and downs. This is normal. Indeed, even some extreme symptoms of grief are normal for a period of time and can include emotions such as sorrow, numbness, guilt, and anger. But when a person gets stuck in their sorrow and the acute symptoms of grief persist, then we might be dealing with a disorder that is often called complicated grief. Or in other words, the individual is unable to achieve Nechama

When one is faced with the unfortunate loss of a loved one, especially when the death was unexpected or untimely, there are certain milestones

in one’s bereavement process that are helpful in achieving Nechama, such as facing the reality of the loss, allowing oneself to embrace and experience the pain of the loss, and adjusting and modifying one’s life incorporating the reality that the deceased is no longer in the picture. This process is not quick, but after several months, the acuteness of the grief should start to subside, and the sense of loss and emptiness starts becoming easier to handle.

After six months to a year, if the symptoms of grief linger or become worse the person is probably experiencing complicated grief. The symptoms include focusing on little else other than the loss, excessive focus or avoidance of reminders of the deceased, numbness, bitterness, seeing

no purpose in life, inability to enjoy life, not being able to reflect on the positive experiences that one had with the deceased, wishing one had died with the deceased, and social isolation. This can lead to additional problems, such as insomnia, increased risk of physical illness such as cancer and heart disease, suicidal ideation, and dependence on substances such as prescription drugs.

One of the most important factors in preventing the onset of complicated grief is talking about the grief and allowing oneself to cry and feel the pain. Although, initially the pain can be overwhelming, it is still very therapeutic. When one avoids the pain and suppresses the painful emotions, the grief just becomes stuck inside one’s psyche and starts wreaking havoc with one’s emotional health.

Another factor in the prevention of complicated grief is connecting with one’s family, friends, and community. Humans are social creatures, and our relationships and friendships are anchors that help keep us grounded in difficult times. Support groups with other people who share similar experiences can be very helpful as well.

The wisdom of the Torah that mandates a week of Nichum Aveilim now becomes abundantly clear. The week of Shiva is a time when the mourners process their pain by talking about the deceased and connecting with their

community who rallies around them to help them through this difficult time.

If months or even years have passed and someone is unfortunately suffering from complicated grief, “just getting over it” is not an option. He or she is suffering from a real mental health disorder and intervention is necessary. Therapy and/or medication is often a necessity in such a case. As grief and bereavement is a unique process and is not the same thing as typical depression, it is preferable to seek the services of a therapist that has training and experience in treating complicated grief.

It was once said, “The art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.” The goal of the bereavement process as well is not to forget the deceased, because something so special can never be forgotten. Rather, the goal is to have space in our heart for the full range of emotions from profound sadness to genuine joy. When we can reach this goal, we will have mastered the balancing act that is our lives.

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

ew inspirational music is hard to find in our plastic culture. Even with Jewish words, pop-music can be empty, bland and boring. What does it take to write and sing a song that reaches the souls of it’s listeners? What singer possesses the depth needed to write music and lyrics that are “heartzig”?

NIn 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, world finances and morality. In the chareidi world, the messages conveyed by religious media can shape and strengthen emuna, enrich charitable efforts, and ferment new shul and yeshiva policies. Therefore, it was a great privilege to interview the highly influential Rabbi Eli Paley, owner of Mishpacha Media Group and publisher of the Mishpacha Hebrew and English weekly magazines.

born to do. Lipa Shmeltzer suggested he use a shorter and catchier name than “Berele”, and “Beri Weber” was born. Without the biggest stages and crowds, Beri finds fulfilment in sharing his inner music, just being in a studio and singing.

Eli Paley is a businessman and social activist. He is chairman of the Paley Family Foundation which supports and promotes Torah Centers and social initiatives in the Charedi community. A member of the Jewish Funders Network, he is active in several philanthropic organizations.

Beri Weber is the answer: a newage Chasidic singer, composer, entertainer -- and Rosh Yeshiva! Born and raised in Brooklyn, Beri is a renowned “vocal powerhouse” and gained popularity soon after he began releasing his albums in 2007. In his unique style, inspired by mystical Chassidus and the teachings of R’ Nachman of Bresov, Beri aims – and succeeds – to motivate and elevate fans around the globe.

We discussed the Mishpacha’s origin, the challenges he is faced with policy decision making, and the overall goals he hopes to attain through the publication.

ELI PALEY

CEO OF MISHPACHA

The topic of poverty among Charedim and the poor economic situation in the Israeli community lay heavily on Eli’s heart. As part of the solution, Eli started the Charedi Institute of Public Affairs to engage with the government with hopes to resolve this in a way that will allow the Charedi society to retain its Torah values.

Eli was born in in the Mattesdorff neighborhood in Yerushalayim. His great-grandfather and grandfather arrived in Eretz Yisroel in 1925 to establish the Slabodka Yeshivah in Chevron. Later his grandfather became the assistant to Rabbi Herzel, the chief rabbi of Israel.

Eli himself is an alumni of Chevron yeshiva. When he married his wife, a graduate of Michlala in Bayit Vegan, his dream was to continue learning. However, a few months after his marriage, his brother mentioned a new monthly publication called Mishpacha was looking for someone to work as a distributor in Yerushalayim for a day and a half once every 5 to 6 weeks. With flex hours like that, Eli took the job, earning twice as much as he would be for an entire month in a kolel. Financially independent, he continued to learn diligently.

Beri grew up as a Shmiel Dovber Weber – Berele – in Williamsburg. He was raised as a Popaver chosid and, at age 19, took his guitar with him when he went to learn in Eretz Yisroel. He started exploring the world of music world but never dreamed he would pursue it as a career.

Time passed and Beri felt that he had an obligation to show appreciation for his success and give something back to society. He once sang at a yeshiva that was started for a group of teens who didn’t fit into a regular Yeshivah and were misunderstood. He spoke to them about what music meant to him in a spiritual and Chassidic sense. Eventually, he became a regular once-a-week visitor which progressed to his becoming the Rosh Yeshivah. Beri has been involved with the yeshiva for seven years. Yet he’s still more comfortable being addressed as Beri instead of Rabbi (since the name “Beri” has the same letters as “Rebbe” anyways).

His father, Rabbi Yehuda Paley, bought the Mishpacha Magazine business. To help his father, Eli got involved in the editorial angle of the magazine figuring out how it could make a unique contribution to the field of journalism. He left learning to pursue his new mission to inspire and influence the Chareidi community. It is that idealism that still drives him in his work so many years later.

After his marriage, lived in Monroe for a five years after which he settled in to Monsey. At that time, he was soul-searching -- looking for something that spoke to his heart -and that is when he found the Chassidus of Breslev.

realized that Beri Weber, the singer was the attraction for these boys and he was happy to give them the acceptance and love they sought.

While American Jews may have difficulty in relating to the issues overseas, Eli, as a born and bred Israeli is certainly in touch with the masses. He recalls the issue he faced during his kolel years when distributing the magazine. The government regulation forbid a yingeman from receiving Kollel benefits if he had any other source of income. Therefore, he was forced to register his side job under his wife’s name, a desperate solution used by many. In his publication, he attempts to broker a better solution.

“As humans, we all have struggles,” Beri states. “Being a Rosh Yeshivah has helped me in my own struggle of getting up in the morning after a late night. Since the boys are waiting, I can’t sleep in. If I don’t show up, nobody will!” He always tells the boys he is doing this for himself and not for them since having a schedule is so rewarding.

can he offer real help. “And it feels very good to help someone,” Beri says. “The holy way of doing that is to give some time and heart and go to that place where your student is holding. Listening to a person and feeling his pain for two minutes gets into your heart, and from there you can reach him.”

Another example of difficulties that Israeli chareidim face is the draft. Mishpacha discussed population statistics -- one out of four children is Charedi– and how the army and Charedi society can possibly reach a solution.

The paper is faced daily with Hashkafa decisions that have far-reaching effects on our society. The issue of printing pictures of women in the magazine has been debated back and forth in many forums. When Hilary Clinton was running for President, Mishpacha shocked many readers by publishing a blurry photo of Donald Trump and Hilary on the cover. “We just wanted to see how people would react,” Eli confides.

While Mishpacha is well-received around the world, the goal of Mishpacha is to serve, elevate and be the voice of the Chareidim, particularly in Eretz Yisroel. The real customers are not the advertisers but the audience. Mishpacha seeks to portray an independent voice which is unaffiliated with any political party. In the early years, in the chareidi world of pollicization, this was perceived as a weakness. However, the years have passed, and this freedom has become one of the most salient factors of its success.

Mishpacha was the first Charedi publication to give the same respect to the Sephardi and Ashkenazi societies, attempting to create a sense of unity. Over time, this adherence to equality and ahavas Yisrael became the secret to the business’ success.

Beri began work in construction but after the 2008 crash, work dried up. A friend suggested that he go to a studio at night and sing in a choir where he could make the same amount of money as he would in construction. Once he broke the ice, Beri’s talent was quickly recognized. Singing, sharing, exploring the Breslover Rebbe’s views on the spirtituality of music come naturally to him and he feels he has discovered what he was

Mishpacha’s quest in elevating frum society is done through sincere, honest writing. Mishpacha does not engage in pretending that society is perfect. While recognizing the great achievements and accomplishments in the frum world, Mishpacha will tackle even unpleasant issues, albeit in an extremely sensitive way.

How does one balance a career in music and serving as Rosh Yeshiva? Beri says humbly that “his selfish self” would not take the role of Rosh Yeshiva. However, the combination of learning and music is powerful. Without his singing, he believes, he would not have the attraction, influence, energy, and reason to go on. His music is about connection, meaning, and chizuk, and it’s on track with his goal to give and inspire the talmidim.

Beri always believed that when he had completed his shlichus with the first group of boys that Hashem sent to him, he would leave the Rosh Yeshiva position and not push himself where he did not belong. However his Rebbe advised him that as long as boys were reaching out to him it was his duty to give them a yeshiva. All the positive feedback gave him so much meaning “his selfish self” couldn’t ignore. He

Like most public figures, another of Beri’s struggles is keeping his family his priority, safe and private, being a good husband and father, while at the same time he is “out there” for the people who want to be entertained. Finding a healthy balance is a struggle.

Indeed, Beri’s message about sacrifice, giving up for Hashem, is important to everyone. From getting out of bed on time to maintaining relationships at work, in marriage, between partners and families, there is constant personal sacrifice involved. When one brings that sacrifice to Hashem it can serve as a kapora; it’s a matana, a gift; a real achievement.

The office did receive some complaints, but the Gedolim the magazine consults advised them to include her since there was a real possibility Hilary would indeed become president. However, in Israel, an anti-Mishacha publication blasted Mishpacha , claiming they were breaking the rules of modesty and Torah by publishing a picture of Hilary Clinton.

And Beri Weber’s music is a true gift to today’s Jewish world.

This became a real issue because it was very hard for Eli to justify in his mind why they could not print modest pictures of women, particularly considering how hard it seems to be to explain to ba’alei teshuvah why women are “ignored.” In order to make Mishpacha, often one of their first exposures to Yiddishkeit, more palatable, Eli is comfortable with his decision.

His new album, “Korbon,” is named for five years of sacrifices he surmounted while balancing his life and work. Every one of Beri’s albums mirror his experiences in life, and “Korban” invites the listener to hear how his life has changed. Beri sings from his heart and is comfortable promoting only what he himself finds meaningful.

He’s on a big mission: to expose our brothers to true Torah values, and he bears the responsibility seriously. He often employs a different way of thinking, a creative model, a stretch and a twist, that can support our lifestyle while at the same time show that we care about the Israeli economy, security, and its welfare system. “Instead of just complaining about why we are not understood,” Eli explained during the interview, “we must ask what we can do in this field. While we have to make sure that our kids are not too exposed to the big world, the (outside) world exists, and we have to face reality and come up with practical solutions. “

Rather than hiding his head in the sand, he is ready to take on the problems in our neighbourhoods and cities, working with the authorities instead of against them. Slowly, he believes, we will be able to build better trust.

Eli is proud that Mishpacha does not try to be sensationalist. Rather he makes an effort to keep his editorial policies responsible and sensitive. “If you’re going to do it le’shaim shamayim” Eli ended, “you’ll have disyata d’shmaya to do it right.”

In Yeshiva, connecting personally with his talmidim was initially a struggle, but Beri realized that in order to help someone you have to get down to the place where that person is. Only from there, with empathy and love,

An Unexpected Response

When I got married, we decided not to have internet in our home. As time went on, it became increasingly difficult to sustain that decision. My husband and I were in school at night and we both had flip phones with no internet. We would go to neighbors and family members to work, shop, or pay bills online and it was embarrassing how often we were bothering people to use their internet. We discussed the issue on and off and were starting to waver.

One day my father said something to me that had a tremendous impact. In my parents’ home, internet reigned free and everyone had constant access to whatever they wanted. After some chitchat, I mentioned to my father that

we were considering getting internet in our house to avoid being bothering our friends and family so much. My father was silent for a moment, then he said with strong emotion, which was totally out of character for him, “Don’t do it! I beg you. I will get you anything you ever need to order, just call me and it’s yours, but never cave. I am so proud of how strong you are. Don’t ruin your life with the internet.”

I was honestly shocked. My father was not the type to be strong about exposure and filters. He watched tv freely and talked about all the shows he enjoyed regularly. My husband and I took my father’s advice and stuck to our decision. We will take his words to heart, because they came

from his heart.

As told to Rebbetzin Sara Gross

Did you know?

Smartphone use started to become popular between the years of 2007 and 2013. Many of today’s children never lived in a world without technology as it is today. Only with this understanding can we fully comprehend the perspective of this generation. Their

A Healing Laugh

Using Humor to Cope with Stress

world is completely different from the world the adults of today were born into. If a child asks for updated tech, it’s to be expected. Once we recognize the norms of today’s children, we can temper our reactions appropriately.

To share a tech triumph or story of chizuk, please email Techtriumphs@tagbaltimore.org.

This is a service of TAG Baltimore.

TAG Baltimore is an organization that provides technology awareness, education, and support. They can be reached at 410-449-1824 or help@ tagbaltimore.org.

To share a tech triumph or story of chizuk, please email Techtriumphs@ tagbaltimore.org

School of Thought

By Etti Siegel

Q:Dear Etti, It seems like everyone is off to Florida, and we are off to nowhere. I have to work. My husband has to work. My kids resent the fact that we are not a normal family that has cool vacations. But, as I said, we have to work. Doesn’t anyone else have to work? What do working parents do about winter break?

-Working Mom

A:Dear Working Mom, I know that it sounds like everyone is off to Florida, but having worked in schools for years, the real number is closer to around 10%. Many of the students are in families like yours, with parents that have to work.

It doesn’t matter, though. Kids want to go away and have bragging rights after vacation is over.

So how do working families handle this time?

Some schedule time off at work during this time. Depending on your job, some find that scheduling time off is worth it, and then they plan some trips that don’t break the budget and are exciting.

Some call around and see if their child’s friend’s families are doing anything that might allow them to take a friend along. Trips to snowtubing, a day at the American Dream mall, and the like might be a trip a family could bring a friend along. Some families find bringing friends help the sibling dynamics and prefer it! Offer to pack lunches and snacks for them all, or just to take the family for a Sunday to give the mom a break on a day that you are available. It is a small price to pay when you know your child is getting to go on an

exciting day trip.

Some families have extended family that are willing to absorb the kids for a few days; winwin for all. The children spend time with grandparents or cousins, and you can go to work. Be careful, though. Family or not, everyone has a routine they are used to, and they might not be ready to take on your kids to make it work for you. Loving you and being able to twist themselves into pretzels for you are two different things. If they do take your children, don’t assume it is easy, and ask how you can help. Can you treat them to supper one night? If they are taking your children, maybe getting takeout would make life easier after an exhausting day.

Check out if any of the local schools, including your own, has a program for the many families in your situation. There are young entrepreneurs running winter break camps at this time, and some schools offer programs during this time, for at least a few days. The flyer might be buried in your child’s knapsack.

You and your husband might need to split the day, if you can, where one of you works in the morning and one of you works in the afternoon.

No matter what you end up doing, make the most of it.

Print out a calendar. Sit with your child(ren) and discuss the reality. Write in the calendar whatever you can plan, and then make sure to soften the edges of

the days that seem boring and plan some evening fun. Breakfast for supper (eggs and then pancakes and French toast served with whipped cream and ice cream…), camping out in the living room after making forts out of blankets, game night, and even an evening at the bowling alley – events that you do not usually do so they create memories and allow for pictures to create a photobook showcasing all the fun you had.

If you are able to go on a real trip one day, think about the kids whose parents work. Unless it will affect family dynamics adversely, usually bringing along friends adds to the fun. By reaching out to help others, you will be able to help someone in a predicament you know too well. And maybe they will return the favor if they can, one day.

Vacation is about spending quality time with the kids. It is about creating memories. Make some phone calls, search online. Not all great memories happen in Florida!

I’d love to hear what you ended up doing. Let me know!

Before you know it, they will be back in school. Hopefully you will have sent them back with positive feelings.

Mrs. Etti Siegel holds an MS in Teaching and Learning/Educational Leadership and brings sound teaching advice to her audiences culled from her over 35 years of teaching and administrative experience. She is an Adjunct at the College of Mount Saint Vincent/Sara Shenirer. She is a coach and educational consultant for Catapult Learning, is a sought-after mentor and workshop presenter around the country, and a popular presenter for Sayan (a teacher-mentoring program), Hidden Sparks, and the Consortium of Jewish Day Schools. She is a frequent contributor to Hamechanech Magazine and The Journal for Jewish Day School leaders. She will be answering your education-based questions and writing articles weekly for The Jewish Home. Mrs. Siegel can be reached at ettisiegel@gmail.com.

-Etti

I know that it sounds like everyone is off to Florida, but having worked in schools for years, the real number is closer to around 10%.

Last Wednesday, an elderly Jewish man with no living Jewish relatives passed away in Ukraine in the town of Bila Tserkva. A Christian burial ceremony was planned for the deceased until a local rabbi heard about the news and notified United Hatzalah volunteer Naftali Rabinovich, from the Uman branch of the organization.

Rabinovich was in Bila Tserkva together with United Hatzalah CEO Eli Pollak, VP of Operations Dov Maisel, and additional volunteers on a special delegation sent by the organization to distribute generators to schools, orphanages, and medical clinics throughout the city. The campaign began on Tuesday as a response to the severe shortage of electricity caused by the war and extreme winter conditions.

Putting the distribution temporar -

World Builders A Kevura of Kavod

By Raphael Poch

ily on hold, members of the delegation rushed to the cemetery where the deceased was moments away from being buried in accordance with the Christian

Team members recited Tehillim and said the Kaddish and El Maleh Rahamim prayers for the deceased. He was then laid to rest, as the volunteers put dirt into the

organization Dov Maisel noted, “United Hatzalah prides itself on offering help to everyone, Jewish or non-Jewish. In this instance, we paused our deliveries of generators for a short time so that we could help a man receive a proper burial according to his faith. It was an emergency call to provide the proper burial for someone in need. While most of our emergencies are usually focused on saving lives, we help wherever and whenever we can.”

ritual. After obtaining permission from the authorities, they immediately took the crosses off of the casket and covered his body with a tallit, before carrying out a Jewish funeral.

casket as per Jewish custom, carried the deceased to his final resting place, lowered the wooden coffin into the grave, and then covered the grave with dirt.

Vice President of Operations for the

“This was a very humbling and moving experience for me,” said CEO of United Hatzalah Eli Pollack. “We managed to scrape together a minyan and recite the kaddish for one of our fellow Jews who was about to have a non-Jewish funeral. I am happy to have merited to participate in this act of kindness upon kindness.”

They immediately took the crosses off of the casket and covered his body with a tallit, before carrying out a Jewish funeral.

VP Dov Maisel helping to carry the body

United Hatzalah personnel and community members lowering the body into the grave

CEO of United Hatzalah Eli Pollack reciting El Maleh Rachamim

TJH Centerfold

Whose Line is That

In honor of One Liners Day on January 21, match the quote with the person who said it

Anyway?

1. “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”

2. “The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”

3. “He has all of the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.”

4. “You can observe a lot by just watching.”

5. “Let me tell you something that we Israelis have against Moses. He took us 40 years through the desert in order to bring us to the one spot in the Middle East that has no oil!”

6. “Fools call wise men fools. A wise man never calls any man a fool.”

7. “The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.”

8. “I wake up every morning at nine and grab for the morning paper. Then I look at the obituary page. If my name is not on it, I get up.”

9. “A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don’t need it.”

10. “Most people work just hard enough not to get fired and get paid just enough money not to quit.”

A. Golda Meir

B. Benjamin Franklin

C. President Abraham Lincoln D. Yogi Berra

E. Ronald Reagan F. Albert Einstein

G. Bob Hope H. George Carlin

I. Thomas Edison J. Winston Churchill

Answer: 1-C; 2-E; 3-J; 4-D; 5-A; 6-I; 7-F; 8-B; 9-G; 10-H

Whose Handwriting is That Anyway?

Bada-Bing, Bada-Bong



Adam & Eve were the first ones to ignore the Apple terms and conditions.



The man who invented knock-knock jokes should get a no bell prize.

 The problem with kleptomaniacs is that they always take things literally.



I was wondering why the frisbee kept getting bigger and bigger, but then it hit me.



Just got fired from my job as a set designer. I left without making a scene.



You’ll never be as lazy as whoever named the fireplace. Will glass coffins be a success? Remains to be seen.

Notable Quotes

“Say What?!”

Honestly, I’m pretty sick of left-leaning media focusing so much on my race. It’s sad to see how triggered the left is over the fact that I’m conservative.

- Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), who is Latina, responding to an MSNBC article that accused her of being a white supremacist

Our best days are ahead of us. And I mean this from the bottom of my heart. I’ve been doing this a long time, folks. Our best days are ahead of us. Are not behind us. I’ve long said. I mean, this. I have never, ever, ever been more optimistic about America’s prospects. And am today. Never. Never. I’ve traveled over 140 countries around the world. I was the paraphrase the phrase in my old neighborhood. The rest of the countries the world is not a patch in our jeans. If we do what we want to do, we need to do.

Back in 2017, Trump floated the idea of nuking North Korea and blaming the attack on another country. The old “Canada did it” routine.

— Jimmy Kimmel

- Pres. Joe Biden in Kentucky making forceful remarks, with a touch of gibberish

I feel like a new man; this is just unreal.

- Butch Marion, an 82-year-old veteran who was given a $108,000 check so that he can retire, after a customer noticed him working as a cashier at a Maryland Walmart and started a Go Fund Me page to raise money so that he can afford to retire

Did you know that ongoing exposure to NO2 from gas stoves is linked to reduced cognitive performance?

– Tweet by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Dem/Socialist-NY), supporting the proposed ban on gas stoves

If you live in one of those neighborhoods and you have the same exact car I have in the other neighborhood, you pay more for your insurance than that side. No basis for it! None at all other than you’re black, and I’m white.

- Pres. Joe Biden at a MLK Day event

Let me – I’m going to get a chance to speak on all this, G-d willing soon, but as I said earlier this week, people and, by the way my Corvette’s in a locked garage, OK? So it’s not like they’re sitting out in the street.

- Pres. Joe Biden when asked by Fox’s Peter Doocy, “Classified material next to your Corvette? What were you thinking?”

Pres. Biden is frustrated with the ongoing backlash and particularly annoyed about what he views as likely sloppiness by aides.

- NBC’s comical report that Pres. Biden is frustrated with the sloppiness of his staff for not having a better handle on his sloppiness with classified documents

I’m suspicious of the timing of it… Things can be planted on people, places and things can be planted or things things can be planted in places and then discovered conveniently.

- Rep Hank Johnson (D-GA), who once expressed concern that the island of Guam may tip over because too many people lived on it, suggesting that the classified documents were planted to take down Biden

We don’t want to turn this into just a political football.

– Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), who is one of many Democrats who criticized Trump for having classified documents, singing a different tune about Pres. Biden’s classified documents issue

Full FBI raid happens when?

- Tweet by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) after a third batch of classified documents from the Obama administration era was found on Biden’s personal property

You’ve heard of Mar-a-Lago; this is Car-a-Lago.

— James Corden

Good L-rd, apparently presidents lose classified documents the way we lose AirPods.

— Jimmy Fallon

Which is more dangerous: Joe Biden having classified documents in his garage, or Joe Biden having the keys to a Corvette?

— Jimmy Kimmel

Today, Obama was like, “Nothing to worry about. If Joe had access, it wasn’t important.”

— Jimmy Fallon

Who wants to tell her about the First Amendment?

- Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Liberty Center tweeting in response to clown Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (DTX) who proposed a bill in Congress last week making it a federal crime for a white person to criticize a non-white person

I say, “Try things. If you fail, try it again ... but just keep trying.”

- Joan Donovan, 89, of Florida, upon earning her master’s degree in creative writing

Luck

- The name of a Wisconsin town where a $15 million winning lottery ticket was sold last week

Early this morning, all flights across the U.S. were grounded due to a failure with the F.A.A.’s computer system. Yeah. Zero flights took off, but somehow everyone’s luggage still ended up in Pittsburgh.

— Jimmy Fallon

Meanwhile, the outage happened while some planes were in the air. If there’s one thing you don’t want to hear from your pilot, it’s “Attention, passengers: Do yourselves a favor and stay off Twitter for a little bit.”

— Ibid.

That’s what’s scary. It seems like he funds corrosion. It’s like he wants these cities to fall apart. He wants crime to flourish. It’s almost like he’s an evil person in a Batman movie.

- Joe Rogan talking about billionaire leftist radical George Soros who funds the campaigns of many radical district attorneys who refuse to enforce existing criminal laws

So you know, now I hear he might want to run against me. So we’ll handle that the way I handle things.

- Former President Donald Trump when asked in a recent interview about the prospect of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) running for president

Dating Dialogue What Would You Do If…

Dear Navidaters,

Thanks for considering my question.

I’ve been dating a guy for 4 months, and I’m about to meet his parents. The last time I met a guy’s parents everything fell through after. I clammed up and I just wasn’t myself, they didn’t like how I was dressed – it was overall a bomb. I’m having a hard time going into this a second time while remaining confident. In my head, I keep ruminating about the last time. How can I make this time better?

-Malka

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.

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

The Panel

The Rebbetzin

Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

While it’s normal to feel nervous, some concrete action will help.

Write down your fears.

Discuss them with the young man you are dating. Opening up and being vulnerable will make you closer. His reaction will tell you a lot about his ability to understand you, empathize, share, and protect you.

Prepare topics to talk about.

Wear clothing and accessories that makes you feel confident.

If you have a tendency to ruminate about things that may you feel scared or worried, you may want to consider shortterm therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is evidence-based and helps.

The Shadchan

Michelle Mond

D

ear Malka,

It is important for you to realize that your prior shidduch did not fall through because

of anything you did; rather, it was not meant to be. You must tell this to yourself until you believe it. This is step number one towards moving forward. Know within your gut that the guy you had dated would not have been the one for you, and Hashem was saving you from the wrong person.

This brings us to number two: what can you do better? The prior statement does not negate the yoke of personal responsibility. You must learn from the past, which was to shield you from marrying the wrong person! Go out with a mentor and step by step have a mock meet-the-parents session. Be intentional with everything, from what you wear, to how you present and hold yourself.

Some steps to look confident in social situations:

1. Chin up, literally. Don’t look down or hide your gaze. You are special, you are worthy, be confident taking up space in the room.

2. Keep hands by your side rather than crossed at your chest. You will be giving a more open, soft, and inviting demeanor this way.

3. Eye contact with the parents is important – remember they are just as nervous about this meeting as you are.

4. Make pleasant conversation, and

Pulling It All Together

The Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

Dear Malka, Thank you for writing the panel. If you look back upon that meeting and think you may have been offensive (i.e., insulted the mother’s chandelier) or passive aggressive (i.e., “Yeah, you sure raised a great guy!” with an eye roll), or demanding (“Oh, you made chicken? I really wanted a steak”), then you likely did something to turn off this family. My gut tells me that this is absolutely not the case. (If it is, write back to us and I’ll write an entirely different

response.) My gut tells me that you were simply... nervous. You were meeting THE PARENTS and were likely scared. This is the most normal thing in the world. My gut also tells me that it is entirely possible that you became clammy and nervous because you intuitively felt judged by them. Whether the guy you were dating told you afterward they didn’t like your dress, or during, or a shadchan told

compliments never hurt! Whether it be complimenting his mother on her delicious cookies or the wallpaper.

5. Smile!

At the end of the day, this will work out if it is meant to be. I hope this is the one for you. Keep us posted!

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

Readers should understand that our little quintet of omniscient, all-knowing, Navidater panelists never get to meet each other, or discuss these questions, before coming up with our own wise answers.

However, after reading what my fellow panelists – all women – have been writing for the past two years, I am certain that they will advise:

1. It’s okay to be nervous. It would be strange if you weren’t.

2. Dress well but choose refined over trendy.

3. Prepare some interesting topics of conversation.

4. If the boy’s parents are liberal Democrats, don’t wear your “TRUMP 2024” hat.

5. Compliment the boy’s mother (“Those are beautiful earrings”).

6. Smile a lot.

7. Bring a small gift, like a platter

you, I’m wondering if you felt clammy because they made you feel uncomfortable. Malka, I failed my road test three times. (True story.) The first time I took it, I was 17 years old and a senior in high school. The instructor was so intimidating, I thought I might have an accident. I said, “Hi! My name is Jen. Nice to meet you.” I extended my hand, nervously, to greet her. And she said, “Driver, be seated. Turn on the car.” My stomach did an immediate flip, and I messed up my parallel park and made a sharp turn. I failed. I was devastated. I built up the courage to take the test again, and lo and behold, there she was... my nightmare. I panicked. I failed. And quite unbelievably, the same thing happened the third time. I then took driving lessons again after my year in Israel with a

of homemade cookies.

I would like to give you some perspective from the viewpoint of the boys’ fathers. We are just as nervous as you are. We worry that you are taking our son away from us, that you may not be comfortable becoming part of our family, and that you might be a weirdo.

Accordingly:

1. Avoid saying things like, “Wow, I would hate to live in a neighborhood like this,” or “I’ve heard some pretty weird things about your family.”

2. Instead, say things like, “I’ve heard some wonderful things about your family,” and, “I’ve been looking forward for us to get to know each other.”

3. Don’t wear a nose ring or three earrings in one ear.

Remember that you are not just marrying your boyfriend; you are marrying his family as well. It takes some effort, but it is wise and worthwhile for all parties to work at having a long, healthy, happy, lifetime relationship.

lovely man who said, “She is no one! Even if she is there again, she is no one to you! You’re amazing! You’re an amazing driver, and she is an angry woman. Why do you care what she thinks about you?” The story would end so much better if I told you that she was the instructor on the fourth exam, and I passed. I ended up with a different instructor, someone kind, and I breathed such a sigh of relief, and I passed. While age 17 is definitely in my rearview mirror, I can still feel my fear that the same thing would happen again.

Anyone who has experienced any sort of “failure” (and I put the word in quotes, because you didn’t fail...and we’re going to get to that in the next paragraph), and is going to go up to bat again, has felt the way you feel. You are a normal human ex-

You are a normal human experiencing the most normal feeling in the world.

periencing the most normal feeling in the world.

I am not a gambling woman, but if I had to bet, I would say that things didn’t work out with the last guy and his family because you are not cut from the same cloth. They sound to me like a family who was never going to accept you based on your clothing and dress. Everyone is entitled to their preference and to live comfortably. However, no one is entitled to make someone feel uncomfortable in their own home. That is the opposite of hachnosas orchim, and I don’t remember reading anything or learning about the mitzvah of judging someone. If someone were to clam up in your house, how would you want to make that person feel? Would you try to soothe that person? Would you try to give

a compliment or maybe share a personal anecdote about a time you felt nervous or clammy? Those are the things kind people do. And those are the things you should be looking for in a family. One clammy encounter would not be reason to end a shidduch if this family was going to accept you. So again, if you were not offensive, passive aggressive, or demanding during your meeting, my money is on you and this guy not being right for each other. Period.

I need to ask if you have any history of rumination, social anxiety, or anxious thinking. If you do, then you are familiar with obsessive thinking. And if you aren’t already, I encourage you to find a therapist who can help you make strides. If you have no history of rumination or anxious thinking or social anxiety (and even if you

do), I think we can chalk this up to firsttime jitters. I also can’t let this response go by without mentioning that you are not responsible for what the parents think of you. What is your responsibility is to be polite, kind, offer compliments, and show up as the most respectful version of yourself. Whatever they think of you, and whatever happens after that, is simply not your responsibility. Take all pressure to impress off your shoulders. The right family is going to love, adore, and treasure you and try to make you feel comfortable, even when they see you are uncomfortable, especially when they see you are uncomfortable!

Share your concerns with your man. You have a partner now; someone you are quite serious with.... Allow him to help you through this and support you. In the

words of Taylor Swift, “The haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate…. I’m just shake, shake, shake, shake, shake. I shake it off, I shake it off!” Shake these people off, and keep your head held high!

Sincerely, Jennifer

Whatever they think of you, and whatever happens after that, is simply not your responsibility.

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. She also teaches a psychology course at Touro College. 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.

Forgotten Her es Jewish Recipients of the Victoria Cross

By Avi Heiligman

Similar to the American Medal of Honor, the Victoria Cross is Great Britain’s highest award for gallantry on the battlefield. The prestigious award was first introduced in 1856 by Queen Victoria and is named after the British monarch. It was first awarded for actions during the Crimean War and since then has been presented to over 1,300 recipients. The servicemen who have been presented the Victoria Cross and their stories are history not to be forgotten.

Five Jewish soldiers received the Victoria Cross during World War I. Leonard Keysor enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in the summer of 1914. In April 1915, Keysor went ashore at Gallipoli, and two months later, he was promoted to lance corporal. At the battle of Lone Pine, the Ottomans were throwing grenades into the Australian trenches, but Keysor was there to stop them from wreaking havoc. He became proficient at smothering the grenades with sandbags or throwing them back at the Ottomans.

Keysor was wounded twice but refused evacuation until his unit’s position was safe.

Lieutenant Frank Alexander de Pass was awarded the Victoria Cross for entering an enemy stronghold and rescu-

ing a fellow soldier while destroying their position. He was killed while attempting to enter the stronghold a second time, because the enemy had reoccupied the position.

The other three Jewish soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross were Captain Robert Gee for singlehandedly taking out a fortified German position; Jack White (Weiss) for saving the lives of men

er from the Downham Market Royal Air Force Station. He flew 19 missions and 90 operational hours as a pilot in the Bomber Command. Aaron’s flying skills were so impressive that on one mission, despite receiving heavy damage, he completed the bombing run and returned safely to England.

On August 12, 1943, Aaron flew his 20 th mission to bomb enemy targets in

Bone airfield in Algeria, he directed the crew member on how to land in the darkness. After four failed attempts to land, the bomb aimer successfully landed the plane. Nine hours later, Aaron died from his wounds, but due to his sacrifice, the rest of the crew landed safely at a friendly airfield.

in his unit; and Issy Smith for assisting wounded men in the face of heavy enemy gunfire.

Flight Sergeant Arthur Louis Aaron was one of three Jewish servicemen awarded the Victoria Cross during World War II. He was born in Leeds, England, and received pilot training in Texas. As a member of the Royal Air Force, he flew a Short Stirling four-engine heavy bomb -

Turin, Italy, when his plane was attacked by an enemy fighter. Three engines were lost and received extensive damage to other parts of the aircraft. Aaron was hit by a bullet in the jaw and another to his lungs but was able to continue flying. Even after he was relieved of his pilot’s duties due to his injuries, he wrote instructions on how to fly the plane to other crew members. As they approached

Irish Guards Sergeant John Patrick Kenneally may or may not have been Jewish (his religious lineage is questionable), but his actions in April 1943 were so impressive that he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Kenneally was with the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards who had landed in Tunisia a month earlier. The North Africa Campaign was winding down, but Axis powers were not giving up without a fight. Casualties had been high, and by April 28, the 1 st Battalion was down to 173 soldiers. They were fighting on a ridge at Djebel Bou Azoukaz when they noticed a large group of German soldiers preparing to make an attack. Kenneally singlehandedly charged at the hundred enemy soldiers shooting at them from his hip with his Bren gun. The enemy soldiers scattered, and they were picked off by the Irish Guards. Soon the Germans regrouped and formed up to charge again at the Irish Guards, and again Kenneally surprised them while firing his gun.

He finished the job by using one hand to shoot his gun and the other to support himself on another soldier.

Leonard Keysor Lieutenant Frank Alexander de Pass A statue of Aaron in Leeds

Two days later, he charged at the enemy, and this time he was accompanied by a sergeant. Kenneally was shot and wounded in the calf but refused medical assistance. He finished the job by using one hand to shoot his gun and the other to support himself on another soldier. For his actions in Tunisia, Kenneally was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Jewish Petty Officer Thomas “Nat” Gould of the Royal Navy was born in Dover, Kent, and joined the Submarine

February 16, 1942, the Thresher was off the north coast of Crete when she sank a 3,000-ton enemy supply ship. A destroyer, which was escorting the supply ship, and Axis airplanes commenced dropping depth charges and 150 lbs. bombs on the Thrasher ’s suspected location. After seeing no signs of a sunken submarine (air bubbles or debris floating to the surface), the destroyer and the airplanes left the area.

After dark, the Thresher surfaced to

tenant Peter Roberts volunteered for the hazardous duty of removing the bombs. They easily removed the first bomb, but the second had gone through the side placing of the emplacement and the deck casing above the pressure hull. The two sailors entered the small space and lay flat while removing the bomb. Gould held the bomb with his hands, while Roberts dragged him by the shoulders. The bomb made noise as it was moved along, but they were able to move it twenty feet so

Roberts were awarded the Victoria Cross. Only a few soldiers have been awarded their country’s highest honor for bravery on the frontlines. While these recipients of the Victoria Cross may not be the most well-known honorees, their heroism and sacrifice in the most dangerous of situations makes them Forgotten Heroes.

Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes

John Patrick Kenneally receiving his Victoria Cross Nat Gould

Your Money Cool Cats

By Allan Rolnick, CPA

Someday, accountants will be cool. I don’t just mean in the “Oh, you’re majoring in accounting, that’s cool” sense. I mean Steve-McQueen-cruisingthrough-Rome-on-a-Vespa cool . Someday, little kids who dream of growing up to be accountants will collect bubblegum cards with Big Four partners’ pictures on one side and detailed career stats on the back. (Tax dollars saved, by year! Endorses checks: right-handed!) When they get to high school, they’ll be as popular as the quarterback of the football team and the Homecoming Queen. (56.8% of CPAs are women.) Someday, cool college kids will skip fraternities to party with the Accounting Club.

Unfortunately, today is not that day. Accounting is still crucially important. It’s still the language of business. But it’s still not cool. And that has big implications for the taxes Americans will pay as the accounting profession evolves over the next decades.

Last month, the Wall Street Journal published an investigation into why 300,000 accountants have left their jobs over the last two years. It’s not just baby boomer retirements. Young and midcareer professionals have been leaving since before the pandemic. And the article identified a fundamental problem with the

talent pipeline: “Many college students don’t want to work in accounting. Even those who majored in it.”

Companies working to make accounting cool are sending staffers into classrooms to change that perception. The AICPA sponsors a website at JoinAccountingPlus.com, celebrating the edu-

In the end, though, most accounting employers are simply going to have to pay more to compete with banks and consulting firms. That, in turn, means convincing their clients to pay them more. And that’s not always easy, especially when it comes to taxes. Fortunately for them (and us!), there’s a formula for providing better

get more and more complicated every year? (It turns out tax simplification is like the weather: everyone talks about it, but nobody does anything about it.)

Other tax pros, like us, want to help you pay less. We don’t just drive with the rearview mirror. Our value comes with more proactive questions that lead to more valuable answers. How can we help you restructure your business to keep more in your pocket? How can we customize your retirement plan to make the most of tax deferral when that makes sense? How can we help position your investment portfolio to make more out of the magic power of compound interest?

cation, lifestyle, and career opportunities available in the field. (“Is it easier for a pilot to start an airline or for an accountant to launch their own company?”) There’s a TikTok account, naturally. (Out: numbers in boxes. In: risk control, project management, controllership, asset management, audits.) Even the Sales Tax Institute is doing its part with its annual “Sales Tax Nerd Award.” If sales tax is cool – which it is! – then this year’s Sales Tax Nerd is the coolest cat around.

client service that does the convincing on its own.

Most tax pros are perfectly content to tell you how much you owe, then call it a day. That’s especially true for the storefront preparers (who really aren’t even accountants) that you’ll see advertising on NFL playoff games. They answer two very basic questions. Did something you already did last year give you a tax deduction today? And if so, how do you record it properly on the government forms that

In the end, the real goal isn’t just paying less today. The real goal is accomplishing your specific financial objectives with less interference from taxes. You won’t get that from a storefront tax preparer, or a faceless voice at the other end of an online chat, or even most full-service accountants. But you will get it from us. How cool is that?!?

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.

It turns out tax simplification is like the weather: everyone talks about it, but nobody does anything about it.

Common Cents

By Elliot Pepper, CPA, CFP®, MST

SECURE 2.0 – Big Changes for Retirement Planning

It’s not the most imaginatively named legislation, but the SECURE 2.0 Act expands the 2019 SECURE Act to make it easier to have a successful retirement. The legislation tackled retirement savings at several points on the financial journey, with a provision to enhance or facilitate saving and investing for almost everyone.

Whether you have student loans, need to catch up in the final years before retirement, are facing taking required minimum distributions in retirement, or want to enact a charitable giving strategy, new rules create a smoother path.

Combining all the different facets into one piece of comprehensive retirement legislation is an efficient way to enact changes, but it’s also a good reminder that retirement is never a “one-and-done.”

It is a continuum in which you spend the decades of your working years accumulating retirement savings, and then you flip to decumulation as soon as you retire. The two mindsets – of saving and spending –are very different. But the planning you do at each stage of the journey impacts the stages to come.

Just like taxes, retirement requires a multi-year financial planning strategy to keep you on track. Our quick read breaks down the major changes and will hopefully get you thinking about both your current stage and what you can do to maximize your retirement assets for the stages to come.

The Early Stages: Automatic Enrollment, Emergency Savings, and Student Loan Matching

Automatic enrollment in a retirement plan can mean building up invested savings from the earliest years of a career, which provides the longest amount of time to benefit from the power of compounding. Beginning in 2025, new employer-sponsored plans will be required to automatically enroll eligible employees, with a contribution rate of at least 3%. This

is coupled with new rules around portability. These often lower-balance accounts will also be allowed to be automatically transferred to a new plan in the event of a job change.

The 10% penalty on withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement plans often puts saving for retirement in opposition to building up an emergency fund. Not anymore. Starting in 2024, plans are allowed to add designated Roth accounts for emergency savings for non-highly compensated employees. Contributions are limited to a maximum of $2,500. The first four withdrawals in a year from the account will be penalty-free.

Student loan payments can be one of the bigger bites out of the paycheck in earlier career stages. Trying to pay off debt and contribute to retirement accounts is often out of reach. The new law mitigates this by allowing an employer to match student loan debt payoff amounts, so retirement savings can still accrue.

Late Career Catch-Up Contributions Are Increasing

The catch-up contribution for those 50 and above is one of the best ways to increase your retirement savings in the later years of your career. For 2023, the catch-up amount is increasing to $7,500. Beginning in 2025, the catch-up for workers aged 60, 61, 62, or 63 will be even larger. These employees are allowed to contribute the greater of $10,000 or 150% percent of that year’s inflation-indexed catch-up amount.

However, the tax treatment of catch-up contributions is changing. if prior-year earnings are more than $145,000, the age 50+ catch-up contributions must be made with after-tax dollars to a Roth account.

The Decumulation Phase Gets More Flexible

Tax-deferred contributions to retirement accounts lower taxable income in the years when you make them, but the IRS eventually comes

looking for their cut. The age to begin required minimum distributions (RMDs) is moving from 72 to 73 in 2023, providing an extra year for retirees that want to take advantage of lower asset values by converting some other of their savings in tax-deferred accounts to a Roth IRA. The amounts converted will lower the value of the account, which will reduce the amount of the RMD.

Beginning in 2033, the age for RMDs will move to 75. This expanded window can provide for significant tax-planning strategies, including the timing of asset sales and more time to convert additional funds to a Roth for income and tax planning.

The Bottom Line

Starting early and taking advantage of the tax benefits – and the power of compounding – are the key features of the years in which you are saving for retirement. The goal is to retire successfully and have enough to live the life you want. But saving is

just one piece of the puzzle. Thinking strategically about retirement at every stage can keep your plans on track.

The decision to start saving and investing is yours, but the “how” can be hard. We suggest speaking with a “fee only” financial planner operating as a fiduciary - having a CPA or tax background is a huge plus. 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.

OP-ED Baltimore County Wants YOU to Be a Reusable Bag Lady!

By BJLife/Isaac Draiman

Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka has proposed an acrossthe-board ban on all plastic shopping bags in Baltimore County. Shoppers would have 3 options to get their groceries home: (1) carry their groceries out of the store in their hands (!), or (2) pay the store 10 cents per bag for paper bags (!), or (3) bring their own used, dirty fabric bags from home (!). As with any across-the-board governmental dictate, there would be inevitable unintended consequences. For some, it would be mainly tremendous inconvenience, and for others, it may be much more than that.

This article seeks to enlighten the Baltimore County governmentamong other uninformed community members - with documented evidence culled from bona fide studies, as well as interviews of Seven Mile Market Manager Moshe Boehm and Market Maven Manager Eli Siegel. They dispel the myth that Councilman Patoka’s “Bring Your Own Bag Act” will have no ill effects (no pun intended!) for our community.

Just a year ago, Baltimore County’s website touted the effectiveness of the county’s handling of COVID-19 – the decrease of its COVID positivity rate by nearly 80 percent, its average 7-day COVID case rate decrease by over 85 percent, and the average number of hospitalized COVID patients decrease by nearly 50 percent. In fact, it still reads, “All residents are encouraged to continue taking precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

It seems incongruous that County residents with concerns about banning plastic bags - with mounting medical and societal study evidence that substituted reusable bags put our health and our lives at risk – have been met with undiplomatic condescension from Councilman Patoka’s chief of staff. Nonetheless, several District 2 constituents who opposed the ban for health/safety reasons shared their disappointing email responses with BJL Although they were, in part, customized, they each received this form language from Councilman Patoka’s Chief of Staff, Justin Silberman, in rebuttal:

“Thank you for your email.

Just for clarity, have you actually read the bill? Or are you just repeating similar talking points posted by

an abrupt, misinformed and largely factually incorrect opinion piece on the Baltimore Jewish Life’s website? It seems like you have not read the bill and are being misled with lots of misinformation unfortunately….

Furthermore, as some have suggested, any notion that “reusable bags harbor dangerous germs like E coli, salmonella, and staph when not cleaned and disinfected properly” is false and misleading.

As long as you wash the reusable properly and store them in a clean place, away from excess sunlight or humidity, a reusable grocery bag can last for many years, and you can use it to carry non-grocery items, too.

If you don’t have time to wash your reusable grocery bag thoroughly, then you can simple [sic] disinfect it with Lysol or other similar disinfectants. An antibacterial wipe works just as well.

Leaks are less likely to be a problem with reusable bags, and it’s easier to control where reusable bags have been and what germs they may carry.”

There is a federal requirement for the states to take some steps to reduce plastic bag litter. The states have leeway in deciding how to go about this. A wonderful source of information regarding what has been done to combat this in other states is a “Waste Management” article [sciencedirect.com], “Reducing single-use plastic shopping bags in the USA” (Travis P. Wagner). This research helps answer those who question. ‘If we have to reduce litter, is putting a ban on plastic bag usage the way – or the only way – to do it?’

Soon after reusable bags first appeared, a study, conducted in Canada, [“Grocery Carry Bag Sanitation: A Microbiological Study of Reusable Bags and ‘First of single-use’ Plastic Bags”, Dr. Richard Summerbell, 2009] found that bacterial contamination was common on reusable shopping bags.

A local health care practitioner shared, “because of the high rate of contamination of reusable shopping bags, it is possible it may lead to a higher rate of food poisoning, which may sometimes have long term complications.” It’s interesting that Consumer Reports [“Is Our Ground Meat Safe to Eat?”, Lisa L. Gill, 1/30/22] recently tested a lot of chicken and meat. “CR found salmonella in 23 of the 75 samples of ground chicken we tested. All the salmonella was resistant

to at least one antibiotic, and 78 percent were resistant to multiple drugs. We also found antibiotic-resistant bacteria in some samples of ground beef, and turkey. In fact, a salmonella strain found in a ground pork sample was resistant to 12 antibiotics, the most in our tests.”

The main point of the study was that foodborne pathogens are common, i.e., the food we buy is frequently contaminated. If we put it into a reusable bag, we are going to contaminate that bag. The government is trying to say, ‘So, just clean your bag!’”

“Sounds simple enough, perhaps,” continues this health care practitioner, “however, there are two main studies about the cross-contamination of using a reusable bag which indicate that after swab testing the bags and interviewing their owners, asking if they ever cleaned them, 97 percent of the people never cleaned their bags.” Food Protection Trends, Vol. 31, No. 8, Pages 508-513: “Assessment of the Potential for Cross-contamination of Food Products by Reusable Shopping Bags”, David L. Williams, Charles P. Gerba, Sherri Maxwell, Ryan G. Sinclair, August 2011. A Cleveland Clinic infectious disease doctor, Susan Rehm, MD, refers to this study in a YouTube video A similar study, conducted in Canada, [“Grocery Carry Bag Sanitation: A Microbiological Study of Reusable Bags and ‘First of single-use’ Plastic Bags”, Dr. Richard Summerbell, 2009], revealed less contamination, however, the 2011 study points out that temperatures in Canada are lower, contributing to less bacterial growth. If you leave your bags in the trunk, or out on a summer day or in a humid environment, the contamination will be much worse.

The Consumer Reports study in their recommendations states: “At the grocery store, keep raw meats in a disposable bag, separated from other foods. This can reduce the chance of a contaminated package coming into contact with other foods, especially uncooked foods that are consumed raw, such as fruits and salads.”

That is a really important consumer behavior to factor in. But the County is ignoring the reality that people are not cleaning their reusable bags and they are not going to clean their bags, either because they don’t have time, they don’t know how to do it, the chemicals irritate their hands, or it

aggravates their asthma; they are not easy to clean so people are not cleaning their bags.

The question that must be asked is whether the significance of this consumer behavior was factored into the legislation. Is it reasonable to expect the 80-year-old man or someone with asthma or others to be disinfecting their reusable bags? Certainly the 80-year-old is unlikely to be carrying his groceries by hand or to use a paper bag with no handles. And even if the paper bags have handles, we all know how easily the handles break, or the bag rips, or both. Or are people going to be careful to never put an apple in a bag that once had meat in it?

The fact is that a large portion of the population is immunocompromised, in addition to elderly people with weaker immune systems, who have 70-year-old habits of going to the grocery store and putting food in bags. They are not going to be cleaning these bags; it is hard enough for them to go shopping. For those people who used their bags for raw chicken or meat, and never sanitized them before their next shopping trip for apples, for example, they are contaminating those apples that will be going into their mouth and make themselves really sick – for some, it will be food poisoning, for others it will cause organ issues. Although it is a serious problem for the immunosuppressed, there are also children who have died from food poisoning.

The Consumer Reports study previously mentioned stresses, “At the grocery store, keep raw meats in a disposable bag, separated from other foods. This can reduce the chance of a contaminated package coming into contact with other foods, especially uncooked foods that are consumed raw, such as fruits and salads.”

Moshe Boehm of Seven Mile Market, notes, “The studies speak for themselves…I think the problems the proposed ban will lead to are much more significant than what we are dealing with, and we just don’t need the County to change its mind, we need the State to change its mind. Banning the bag is a much bigger issue than what people think it is. I don’t think it has been properly studied or vetted to get the results it hopes to get. Therefore, I don’t think we should do this right now.”

An additional concern of Mr.

Boehm, should the bill be passed, is differentiating between his honest shoppers and shoplifters. “It is very difficult to differentiate. Right now, shoppers who come into the store with a bag, are especially being watched. Last week, alone, we caught four or five shoplifters – imagine how many we didn’t catch. Banning the bag is going to make catching culprits even more tricky, and do you know who is going to pay for all that shoplifting? You are! We need to study what is being proposed and realize that there are other things more important for our elected officials to be dealing with than if my great-great-great-greatgreat grandchildren need to worry about something. Maybe we should stop selling bottled water, and just drink from our sinks? The point is, it’s just not about the bag.”

In defense of Baltimore Jewish Life regarding Councilman Patoka’s chief of staff’s accusation (“have you actually read the bill? Or are you just repeating similar talking points posted by an abrupt, misinformed and largely factually incorrect opinion piece on the Baltimore Jewish Life’s website? It seems like you have not read the bill and are being misled with lots of misinformation unfortunately….”), Mr. Boehm notes: “I have spoken to people who have read the bill and I know people who have read the article on Baltimore Jewish Life, and the BJL article seems to be very reliable and accurate.”

Mr. Boehm also mentions that in some stores, when shoppers come with their reusable bags, cashiers will not bag a customer’s order; they refuse to touch these bags. This will cause fights between the customer and the cashier… “Customers will need to bag their own groceries to prevent these issues. This has not been how we operate.”

“This has nothing to do with ban the bag, but with an outcome from these types of things…Do you have any idea how much these bags cost me yearly? A lot of money, yet we do it for a reason – it’s convenient for the customer, it works for the cashier – but whatever the ban will save us, I think, will cost us more in aggravation and tumult and fighting and stolen product and broken product in the parking lot. It is not about the money right now ... it will wreak tremendous havoc, un-

necessarily for all people involved – consumers and businesses, alike.”

Eli Siegel of Market

Maven is of like mind with Mr. Boehm.

“The issue is that the reality – based on our experience –is that reusable bags come in dirty; people don’t launder their bags between shopping trips. Although they say it is no big deal to launder these bags, the reality is that people don’t. So, what happens is that you get meat juice, chicken juice, and fish juice leaking in these bags – this is cross-contamination. If you are going to put an apple into a bag that yesterday had any of these juices in it, and you don’t wash that apple very carefully, you are going to put yourself in danger. We see bags coming in with dog and cat hairs that are smelly and filled with mold.

“Paper bags are nice,” Mr. Siegel continues, “but they are flimsy and rip, so you will have to double or triple the bags, and what happens when it rips? Who is responsible for replacing it and the broken products?”

Market Maven also experiences shoplifting several times a week, he says. “If someone comes in with a backpack or duffle bag, it right away raises a flag – it’s the tool of the trade. I am going to have to devote way more attention to security, and hire more security, just to look out for every person shopping with such a bag. I don’t have the resources to do it, especially with skyrocketing prices of food, and it will just be another financial burden on me. If I see someone walking out of the store with groceries in their hands, I assume they stole them. What if you did not bring a bag, and you don’t want to pay for a paper bag?

“I’m not against trying to better our behavior, create a better world for everybody, and keeping the waterways

clean, but I think there are so many issues that need to be addressed. At the end of the day, the extra expense will have to be passed down to the consumer. With the cost of goods more than I’ve ever seen in my lifetime, it will be throwing another burden onto the consumer. I feel it is just not the right time.”

Mr. Siegel believes there are many more things that we can do to help with pollution. “I’ve seen garbage being dumped on the side of the road regularly, tires, construction material, and other debris all over Baltimore. In New York, there are regular street sweeping days. Here, if the Pikesville streets get swept more than once a month, we are lucky. That garbage goes into the waterways. That is another way to combat pollution.”

By the way, on June 17, 2021, after months of studying and holding many meetings to improve solid waste issues in Baltimore County, the “Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority” submitted, “The Final Report of the Baltimore County Solid Waste

Work Group”. They made 19 recommendations which were listed in their report -eliminating the use of plastic bags by consumers was NOT one of their recommendations.

It seems obvious that Councilman Patoka’s proposed bill is about something other than what this esteemed solid waste work group thought was unnecessary.

Considering these studies and interviews, rather than sweeping legislation, perhaps this should be the beginning of a conversation about how we can reduce litter. What have other states done? What ideas do we have to get to the end goal of decreasing litter, while not trampling on people’s personal freedoms and not taking away options from those who, for example, are not capable of cleaning their bags? Even tripled paper bags will not guarantee the safe delivery of a couple gallons of milk home from the supermarket. There must be some discussion about exceptions and the least invasive way that gets the end goal, as opposed to the force-it-downyour-throat approach.

Councilman Patoka’s bill was proposed without first consulting the constituents of Baltimore County to gather their thoughts regarding how it would impact them. Now is the time for Baltimore County constituents who value their personal freedoms to speak up. It is important that we not only voice our opinion about this proposed bill, but that we are heard, respectfully validated, and truly represented by an official that the majority, I dare say, put into office because of the confidence they had in him.

In conclusion, former attorney Michael Steinberg, one of the top toxic waste attorneys in the country, shares: “Reusable bags are filthy, and I try to keep far away from them. They collect dirt, germs, pet hair, and other yucky stuff. This bill would turn our grocery stores into unclean and unhealthy places. It’s kind of like banning Kleenex and making people bring their used tissues to the store every time they shop. How gross! Maybe our elected officials could focus on something more constructive?”

EVEN MORE SUBMISSIONS

Tova Birnbaum, 4 Tova Baron Tamar Horowitz, 7 Suri Mael, 6 Shalva Baron, 4

Rachel Leah Perlman

Pearly Kiewe, 6

Naftali Shitrit, 2

Leora Bracha Gerard, 2

Leba Landa, 11

Leah Mael, 10 G.K, 12 Ephraim Grayman, 8 Chaviva Moskowitz, 8

Brachy Masinter, 11 Bracha Stieglitz, 9

Ben Golfeiz, 5

Asher Flamm, 6

Ahuva Salhanick, 7

Gila Barth, 9

In The K tchen

Salmon Cauliflower Rice Bowl

By Naomi Nachman

Ingredients

◦ 4 slices of salmon fillet, skinless (2 pounds) ◦ 2 packages cauliflower rice ◦ 3 TBS soy sauce ◦ 1-2 squirts sriracha ◦ 4 TBS mayonnaise ◦ Roasted seaweed cut into matchsticks ◦ 1 avocado, cubed

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Place salmon on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Season with salt, pepper and olive oil and bake for 25 minutes.

Once the salmon has cooled, place in a bowl and flake it up with a fork and set aside.

While the salmon is cooking, prepare the cauliflower rice.

In a large sauté pan, add two tablespoons of oil. When the oil is hot, add the cauliflower and sauté till lightly brown. Add 1 teaspoon salt.

Remove from heat and place in a bowl with the salmon.

And add soy sauce, sriracha, and mayo and mix well with a fork, almost smashing the rice with the salmon.

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.

Ph OTO C R ed IT M IS h PAC h A M A g A z I ne