Baltimore Jewish Home - 12-30-21 by Moshe Rubin

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

DECEMBER 30, 2021

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

DECEMBER 30, 2021

B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M

CONTENTS COMMUNITY Around the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

DECEMBER 30, 2021

BJH 2021 Pictorial Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

JEWISH THOUGHT

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

Rabbi Zvi Teichman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

PEOPLE 613 Seconds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

HUMOR & ENTERTAINMENT Centerfold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Notable Quotes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

LIFESTYLES Year in Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Dating Dialogue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 NEW

Teen Talk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Common Cents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Forgotten Heroes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Dear Readers, In so many ways 2020 & 2021 have blended together in an amalgamation of political, sociological, and health mayhem. How many times have we heard, “The world has gone insane?” And it has. Life as we know has forever changed, highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The past couple of years has introduced us to new words, new sayings, new people, and our lives have been consumed with Covid-19 and a bevy of keywords such as: Corona, flatten-the-curve, intubate, lockdown. Social distancing, flu-like symptoms, no taste or smell, pandemic, outbreak. Epicenter, isolation, sanitizer, N-95, non-essential, Zoom. PPE, PPP, stimulus, disinfect, postpone, cancelled, Hydroxychloroquine, Dr. Fauci, Dr. Zelenko, Dr. Ditchek, Dr. Frankel. Contact-tracing, Remdesivir, monoclonal antibodies, asymptomatic, government intervention. CDC, WHO, China, bat flu, Wuhan, Israel, vaccine, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, MRNA. T-cells, rapid test, PCR, vaccine card, herd immunity, bubble, immunocompromised, incubation, mortality rates, ventilator. Variants, alpha, delta, omicron, homeschool, droplets, quarantine, Ishur, drive-thru testing, Star-K testing, food boxes, Vaad Harabonim, patient-zero, super-spreader. Mass psychosis, vaxxed, hybrid-work, backyard minyanim, shuls shut-down. Trump, Trump, and more Trump. A couple years ago if someone would have shown us the above list of words, you might as well have introduced us to a foreign language. What has happened is so beyond comprehension. However, there is so much good that has come out of this as well. So many chesed initiatives have been sparked and charitable giving has been revolutionized. Rabbeim, teachers, and school administrators have dedicated themselves to continuing education in any way possible. Parents have bent-over backwards to keep their kids occupied and growing despite the challenges. Rabbonim have persevered and led with more creativity. Tough times brought out the best in the Jewish community. Let’s hope that 2022 get’s summed up with words like: simcha, shalom, nachas, gezunt, and geula!

Aaron Menachem

Mental Health Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Recipe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

NEWS B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M

Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 National. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 That’s Odd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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

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

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Op-Ed: Where there is smoke, there is fire?

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

By Rabbi Daniel Cohen Dear Reader, I share with you a journey I took roughly three weeks ago that brings me to today, a man with a brand-new perspective. The tone and thoughts related are my own journey and not meant to rub the reading audience the wrong way. There are those amongst the people I associate with who are skeptical, and have not attempted the journey, and those who looked at it and dismissed it. You may not agree with me, but please don’t dismiss it off hand…. “Where there is smoke there is fire”. Let’s think about that for a minute. Were the riots in Kenosha Wisconsin “mostly peaceful”? Is Israel unleashing its fury on the hapless Palestinians again? Is the United Nations correct about the country in the Middle East who seems to have every possible sin in the history of mankind? OK, so we can probably agree that “Where there is smoke there might be a smoke machine”. We can agree to the fact that the media alters the truth to drive an agenda, shape public opinion, or just blatant antisemitism.

For years, up until roughly three weeks ago, I was a member of the “I don’t understand why everyone is making such a big deal out of the whole Rubashkin ordeal”. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy he got out of his exaggerated sentence, but… let’s not make someone who did wrong, into a hero. For close to fifteen years, I was fed information from the media. Did I believe all of it? No, but “where there is smoke there is fire”. Let’s work through some of the facts we can all agree on. The presiding judge over the Rubashkin case, was way out of line when she was so heavily involved with raid on Agriprocessors’s down to the finest details. Rubashkin was found not guilty on the 9,311 charges against him. All those charges were expunged from his record because of his innocents. The bank fraud charges which landed him in jail, only showed up, a year or so into the ordeal. (While the prosecution was working their magic to ensure it would happen). The 27-year sentence for bank fraud was nothing short of antisemitism. Prison time? Maybe. (Assuming

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he wasn’t targeted by the prosecution who forced his company into bankruptcy (fact), collapsed his assets and colluded with a witness and judge to lock him up, which is all backed by incriminating evidence). But 27 years for a first-time nonviolent offender? Antisemitism. For some reason, all these fires are quickly overlooked, and we point to the smoke on the other side. Is it at all possible that the smoke is from the confirmed fires? So, when Rubashkin published his book, “The Inside story”, I decided that if I can give the media 15 years, I can give Rubashkin two weeks. So, I picked up a copy and began to read. It didn’t take me two weeks; I simply could not put it down. For the first time, I heard the other side, and it was nothing short of painful. I came out seeing things in the light of a man that was targeted and crushed because he was Jewish and successful. A person who used his time in prison to lift himself up and become a better person. Someone who didn’t compromise on the smallest detail of Avodat Hashem, at the expense of being physically beaten and thrown into solitary confinement; for nothing more than trying to serve Hashem. Someone who has dedicated his life after prison to strengthening people who are going through hard times, and those who could simply use some inspiration. Then came the new wave of criticism from our very own. “What did you think he was gonna’ write?” “Of course he’s going to write he was innocent!” “If half the things he says in there are true, He is the Gadol Hador!” (sarcastically). “Are you telling me he didn’t even hire one illegal?!” (He was found not guilty and did not face imprisonment on those charges). “The truth lies somewhere between the two stories”. with the flick of a wrist and a catchy phrase, the whole Rubashkin affair is dismissed. Lies. Is it possible, the court can find him not guilty, but to us he is still guilty? HE is lying? The media MUST have some merit? The judge wasn’t biased and running an agenda? If these stories came out of Communist Russia, we would teach them to our children and travel to get a bracha from him. Since they happened in America, he’s lying. Not to mention, our obligation of being ‫תוכז ףכל ןד‬, which should not be too difficult when the likes of Attorney Gary (Chaim Yosef) Apfel could take off two full years from his firm to work on behalf of Rubashkin

pro-bono because of the total corruption in the case. (a slightly higher level of ‫שפנ תריסמ‬ than being ‫תוכז ףכל ןד‬ ). Along with the many askanim from all sects of the Jewish spectrum (including those who do not see eye to eye with Chabad) who dedicated time, energy, and money to help him, and corroborate his story. It may be time for some real introspection. Why is it, that a man who was known for his kindness, integrity and philanthropy is discredited, when even in our own narrative there was incredible injustice? Why is it that we can’t listen to our own brother? Why can we not forgive even for charges he was found innocent for? Very telling sign of where we might stand, is the answer to the following two questions. When we saw the injustice of a 27-year sentence, did we pray for him? When the funds had depleted, did we bother funding the effort? If the answer is in the negative, then it’s not about smoke and fire. Because that had no merit. And even if your right, and the smoke lead to a fire, Are we so perfect? Did we ever do something on our taxes that wasn’t so ay yay yay because the IRS will never know? Did we ever hire illegal cleaning help or waiters for a simcha? Did we ever go above the speed limit? Make no mistake about it, he was treated the way he was because he represents me and you. Not because of what he did or didn’t do. Not because he’s a Lubavitcher. Because he’s Jewish. VERY Jewish. He was our scapegoat for the fury they would’ve loved to shower on us all. In closing, it’s quite possible that the dismissal of his side of the story comes from a defense mechanism, that it is inconceivable that the American Justice System would target and punish an innocent man. But for those not familiar with the details, there are quite a few former Attorney General’s, Senators and prestigious lawyers including Alan Dershowitz (who played an integral role in his commutation) who don’t see it that way. So yeah, I went to the fah’breng when he came to Baltimore. Because he is a bastion of Emunah and bitachon. Because he was targeted because he represents me. Because he used his nisayon in ge’henom to become a better person and is now sharing that with us. Mashiach is not here because of hate. Enough is enough. “Where there is smoke, there might be a smoke machine”.

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Around the Community

The STAR-K Mikvah of Ranchleigh Construction is Underway!

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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

DECEMBER 30, 2021

Photo Credits: Jeff Cohn, BJL

n Thursday, November 18th, the Mikvah of Baltimore dug boros as they began construction on the new Ranchleigh-area branch that will used on Friday and Yom Tov evenings. Rabbonim from the entire community along with the leadership of the Mikvah of Baltimore, joined together for this auspicious occasion. Construction is expected to take eight months. To have a share in the mitzvah of building the Ranchleigh Mikvah, donate by visiting: http://www.mikvahofbaltimore.org/donate.html

Lotzer Rebbe Visits Baltimore

n Parshas Shemos the Baltimore community was graced with the presence of the Lotzker Rebbe of Yerushalyim along with 150 of his Chasidim. The Rebbe led inspiring tishim that took place at Bnos Yisroel as well as a Kesivas Osiyos for a new Sefer Torah at Machzikei Torah.

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

ChillZone: A Party Every Week

or kids across America, these past few weeks have been the start of something exciting: a new ChillZone season! With over 35 locations from Baltimore to Boston to Manalapan to Bensalem to Hollywood, hundreds of children and teens showed up for opening week. (And that’s not including ChillZone Yerushalayim!) Chillzone, is an offshoot of TheZone, Oorah’s summer camp, but word spreads a lot further than just Zone campers. Many locations that started with just a handful of attendees last year opened with dozens this year! It’s a movement that is quickly picking up steam, with more communities hosting ChillZone programs every year. ChillZone is the answer for parents who want their children to learn more about their Jewish heritage in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. With exciting hands-on programming, Yiddishkeit comes alive, enriching the lives of hundreds of youth nationwide. And judging by the effort some children make to be at ChillZone each week, it’s an opportunity they aren’t willing to give up. The ChillZone program is a vital way for Oorah to keep up its connection with children and their families throughout the year. Boys and girls alike look forward to ChillZone every week for the opportunity to “chill” and learn with friends and Oorah volunteers. Besides the warm atmosphere and learning one-on-one or in small groups, there’s hot pizza and fries, exciting prizes, and activities that make each week fun.

One father told us that his daughter is so excited for ChillZone every week that she chooses her ChillZone outfit at the beginning of the week! As he says, “Kids wake up, go to school, do homework and go to sleep. ChillZone is something exciting for them and an out from school. It is a program that is entirely about the kids. I love that they are learning, there are fun projects, raffles, pizza, soda, candy… I know that they are in good hands and taken care of.” For kids who are beginning to take on mitzvah observance and adapt a Torah outlook on life, having a place where they can both reinforce and decompress is essential. At ChillZone, they can dive right in, surrounded by like-minded kids and encouraged by enthusiastic volunteers. Yehudis, a ChillZone volunteer shares: “I walk out every week on a high; I genuinely can’t get enough of it. All types and all stripes just come to bond and grow together, and that feeling just carries me throughout the week. It’s incredible to see volunteers coming in from all over so that they can help make a difference.”

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO of OU Kosher, Presents Shiur at STAR-K By: Margie Pensak

n November, at the annual Kosherfest trade show, the President of STAR-K Kosher Certification, Dr. Avrom Pollak, met with Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO of OU Kosher. During the conversation, Dr. Pollak extended to Rabbi Genack an invitation to visit STAR-K headquarters and deliver a shiur for the staff of Kashrus Administrators. Rabbi Genack accepted the offer and on Thursday, December 16, 2021, he arrived in Baltimore and was warmly welcomed by STAR-K leadership and staff. STAR-K and OU work closely together. They share a Universal Kosher Database - together with other kashrus agencies - to maintain kashrus standards, and both have executive membership status in the Association of Kashrus Organizations (AKO). Additionally, they operate jointly in hundreds of plants all over the world. A

fact perhaps less known, mentioned by Rabbi Genack, is that both OU and STAR-K employ numerous talmidim of STAR-K Rabbinic Administrator Rabbi Moshe Heinemann. Many of OU’s Rabbinic Coordinators studied in yeshiva in Baltimore and learned from Rabbi Heinemann. The topic of Rabbi Genack’s shiur was “The Kashrus of Gelatin”, which he noted is a subject that he and Rabbi Heinemann have discussed many times over the years. STAR-K Kashrus Administrator Rabbi Moshe Schuchman synopsized, “The shiur focused on Rabbi Aharon Kotler’s highly influential responsa on gelatin, written in 1962, which transformed

prevalent halachic practice from considering gelatin as kosher - even when derived from non-kosher animals - to the universally accepted view that it is prohibited unless produced from properly shechted animals. Rabbi Genack developed an analysis of the material based on principles from the teachings of Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik and his son, Rabbi Yitzchok Zev, the Brisker Rov, interwoven with insights of Reb Chaim’s grandson, Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik of Boston. Interspersed with fascinating stories, the shiur featured lively interaction with Rabbi Heinemann and other STAR-K rabbonim, in the style of bais medrash learning.” Rabbi Genack concluded with pos-

itive words about the relationship between the two organizations and praise for STAR-K staff as B’nei Torah. He expressed his wish for STAR-K to reciprocate with a shiur in the OU office. STAR-K Kashrus Administrator and Director of Special Projects, Rabbi Zvi Holland, added, ““Rabbi Genack’s outstanding choice to focus on Rabbi Kotler’s responsa represented the close friendship his own rebbi, Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, had with Rav Heinemann’s rebbi, Rabbi Aharon Kotler. This was a wonderful opportunity to host Rabbi Genack, who expressed his amazement at the growth of the Baltimore community and of STAR-K since his last visit about 30 years ago.”

OU CEO Rabbi Menachem Genack was invited to present a shiur to STAR-K staff members in December. Pictured L - R : STAR-K President Dr. Avrom Pollak; Rabbi Genack; STAR-K Rabbinic Administrator HaRav Moshe Heinemann, and OU Executive VP Rabbi Moshe Hauer.

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Rabbi Daniel Rose, Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Where were you educated? Having grown up in Baltimore, I am a proud alumnus of TA, after which I spent many years at Yeshivas Ner Yisrael. It is a special privilege to serve as a rav here in the community where I grew up. Having been given so much by Baltimore, its rebbeim and its institutions, it is a zechus to be able to give something back.

Have you always wanted to be a rabbi? At a certain point in my days in yeshiva, I understood that the role played by rabbonim is uniquely special. What makes the rabbanus special is not just the opportunity to answer shailos or to teach torah. It is the chance to make Hashem and His Torah a meaningful part of people’s everyday lives -- their challenges, their simchas, their growth and their dreams.

What is the history of Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion? A very long and proud one. The two shuls -- Bnai Jacob and Shaarei Zion -- were each founded over one hundred years ago. They have both contributed a great deal to the development of the Baltimore frum community. A little more than twenty years ago, under the leadership of Rabbi Moshe Hauer, these two shul merged to create the magnificent shul we have today. BJSZ is famous for being a family shul. How have you achieved this? We place great value on making the shul a place where all our members of all ages feel at home. We offer shiurim and programs that are geared towards all ages, from our very active youth programming to our shiurim to our special events geared toward the different demographics of men and women within the shul. And we make it a point to include members of all age in our shul leadership and in our davening. As one example, we had an event this past Chanukah where this

What is a typical day like in the rabbinate? There is no such thing as a typical day in the rabbanus. But the common theme of everything is being engaged with people and helping them to grow, to succeed and to fill their lives with the beauty of Torah and its guidance. Any given day might involve meeting with people, preparing programs for the shul, attending a simcha or the opposite, responding to sheilos in halacha or hashkafa or general advice, giving shiurim and learning with individuals, working on communal issues,

and being prepared for the inevitable surprises. Rabbanim bring Torah to life, and life is always changing. But every day I can make a difference is a zechus. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know? On Sunday and Monday, January 2-3, BJSZ will be holding its annual matching campaign. This is a vital source of funding for the shul to continue to do everything it does for the greater Baltimore community. The campaign is in conjunction with our annual dinner, celebrating the installation of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Rose as the leaders of one of Baltimore’s largest community Shuls, which will be held on Motzei Shabbos January 15. Please contribute and/or make reservations for the dinner at bjszdinner. com. Looking forward to seeing you there!

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Tell us about yourself. I grew up in Baltimore and am very glad to have spent almost my entire life here. My wife, Yocheved, and I have seven children, ka”h, between the ages of 15 and 2. Before becoming the Rabbi at BJSZ, I served as the assistant rabbi for ten years under Rabbi Moshe Hauer. I have also written for Artscroll’s Mishnah Elucidated, served as the director of Jewish Hospice Services for Seasons Hospice and have also written a book called Building Eternity: A New Perspective on the Meaning of Marriage.

was on full display. One of our social halls was geared toward children, with special activities and entertainment, while the neighboring social hall was for adults, with a delicious Chanukah menu and a chance to enjoy spending time together. The energy and the feelings of togetherness were palpable.

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Eruv Celebrates 40 Years

Shoreshs Got Talent BJH

OCA Participates In Truman Scholars Program

Cicadas invade Baltimore

OCA My Family Story Exhibition

To be included next year, remember to send your pictures to ads@baltimorejewishhome.com

Kesser Torah Musical Banquet

JEWELS / TA “Bochurim” Finish First Perek of Chumash and are “Farhered” by Rabbi Yaakov Hopfer

DECEMBER 30, 2021

Kesser Torah Uninturupted Learning Celebrated By A Musical Banquet

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Bikur Cholim Vacc Clinic

Beis Medrash of Baltimore Annual Campaign

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Yom Haatzmaut at OCA

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TA Welcomes Rabbi Sass

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TI Chemdas Trip

DNM Raises Money for Meron Victims

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Rabbi Paysach Freedman Receives COVID Assistance Award

Torah Institute evening of Hoda’a

Bachurei Mercaz Celebrated Grand Banquet

Kesser Torah Graduation

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TA 5th grade Mishkan Diplay

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Jewels Satellite Carnival

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TI Meets the Skulener Rebbe

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Yeshivas Toras Chaim Row A Thon

DECEMBER 30, 2021

RAJE Returns In-Person

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Biker Cholim

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Celebrating Covid Heros

Etz Chaim: Raise the Steaks

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JCSL Championship

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

Pre-High Holidays Security Meeting at City Hall

Chabura Zichron Shaya- Siyum Held for Shaya Gross, A”H

Keren Hashviis Mercaz Torah uTefilla

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Kehillas Bnei Yeshiva, New Kehila in Baltimore

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Simchas Beis Hashoeva

Sukkos at Aberdeen Proving Ground

Mercaz Chol Hamoed Learning Program

Mercaz Siyum Hashas

Likras Sabbos Siyum Celebration

BCL Girls: Launch of Their Third Season!

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Baltimore Chesed League Girls: Launch of Their Third Season!

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

Baltimore Chesed League - Girls: Weeks Two and Three

Khal Chassidim Bechinos

Siyum on Meseches Rosh Hashanah at Mercaz

WITS Career Day

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Baking in Harmony Challah Bake

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Compensation for Tragic Loss

cides. In 2017, the Jerusalem District Court convicted Barko of two counts of manslaughter and four counts of grievous bodily harm. As part of a plea bargain, Barko, who admitted to committing the offenses, was sentenced to three years in prison and committed to pay immediate compensation totaling 200,000 NIS ($64,563) to the family.

Officer Cleared in Sniper’s Death The Gross family, whose daughters Avigayil and Yael were killed in a 2014 pesticide disaster, is set to receive 3.5 million NIS ($1,130,199) in monetary compensation. According to journalist Lia Spilkin, the compensation will be paid by the exterminator, as well as by the clinic where the girls were examined after the pesticide poisoning but whose representative determined that it was a virus that would pass. In January 2014, Yael, 2, and Avigayil, 4, died after exterminator Yosef Zvi Barko sprayed a chemical in their Jerusalem apartment, using it as a pesticide to kill cockroaches. The girls’ brothers, ages 5 and 7, were seriously injured from the fumes and required hospitalization. Their parents suffered moderate injuries. Although the family brought their children to the clinic after they complained of nausea and headaches and told the doctors that their home had been treated with pesticides, the clinicians ignored the possibility that their children had been poisoned by the gases emitting from the pesti-

An IDF probe examining the death of Border Police officer Barel Hadarya Shmueli earlier this year concluded that his death was the result of a “professional error,” not of negligence. The results of the probe were released on Monday and shared with Shmueli’s family. They included several errors in how the IDF responded to the riot itself, but cleared the officers involved and disputed the claim that the cause of Shmueli’s death was restrictive open-fire regulations.

In the summary of its investigation, the IDF wrote, “The decision to move and set up along the border according to plan, based on past experience and intelligence information, when the rioters were right next to it

and its disadvantages outweighed its advantages, was a professional error in retrospect. The use of live, deadly weapons by the rioters next to the ‘Wall of Courage’ was not expected.” The probe added, “The open-fire policies and rules of engagement allowed for freedom of action to hit the primary and incendiary rioters, and indeed significantly more shots were fired compared to during previous riots.” Other errors including keeping the troops along the wall after Shmueli was shot and after rioters attempted, twice, to steal soldiers’ weapons. The report also praised the officers for acting with “noteworthy coolness of spirit and self-control,” as well as praising the medical treatment Shmueli received after he was hit. In their response to the findings, Shmueli’s family said, “Barel is gone and the commander of the Northern [Gaza] Brigade (Col. Yoav Bruner), the person who was responsible for the area, received a promotion after this event and now, in the internal military investigation, gets a citation.” The “citation” refers to the October appointment of Bruner as commander of the Paratroopers Brigade in October. The protocols for riot response have been changed since Shmueli was killed in August. Soldiers are now stationed in safer shooting positions.

Israel to Invest $1B in Golan Heights

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opportunity and takes it to advance the interests of the State of Israel,” Bennett said. “This is our moment and the moment of the Golan Heights. A combination of factors led us to direct investments of about one billion shekels to the area.” Bennett added, “The plan approved today comes a considerable delay of years and aims to double the settlement in the Golan Heights. To that end, we will strengthen the city of Katzrin with two new neighborhoods and prepare two new settlements – Asif and Matar.” Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar (New Hope) said, “Today, the order of the day is: the development momentum of settlement in the Golan, rural and urban at the same time. This is an opportunity to move forward with all our might on this issue.” Sa’ar continued, “We bring to the best of my knowledge the most extensive development plan for settlements there has been in the Golan Heights with a realistic goal of doubling the settlement within a few years. “The goal is to encourage sustainable demographic growth in the Golan and Katzrin Regional Council localities with a goal of doubling the population within five years,” Sa’ar said. “The move will include planning, marketing and development of residential housing units and development of supportive geographical growth, economic development to create employment and improve employment and diversifying jobs and improving the quality of life that will also contribute to attracting a new population to the Golan Heights: Education. Regional infrastructure. Personal security. And more.”

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Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett opened Sunday’s Cabinet meeting about the Golan Heights with news of the government’s decision to invest significantly in the region’s development. “Zionism from its inception to the present day is characterized by points in time that the leadership seizes an

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surveyed in the study no longer have enough money to purchase sufficient food; 45% said children had to miss meals or eat less per meal. Latet’s report, which surveyed respondents from among the 80,000 receiving assistance from the organization, also found that over 80% suffered severe financial harm from the pandemic, with 10% saying they had no permanent housing and 22.9% saying they were at risk of losing their housing due to inability to pay rent. Nearly 70% said they had to skip buying medication or seeking medical help due to insufficient finances. According to Latet CEO Eran Weintraub, “The serious consequences of the economic crisis are reflected in the formation of a new ‘poor middle class.’ A quarter of the population, affected by the economic crisis, failed to recover and reached the poverty line and were in real danger of falling below it.” He noted, “The ongoing erosion of the middle class and the fact that hundreds of thousands of families are at risk of falling into poverty threat-

ens the resilience of Israeli society and economy.”

Deri to Resign

Israel’s Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit on Thursday announced that MK Aryeh Deri, who chairs the Knesset’s Shas party, has signed a plea bargain admitting to two tax-related crimes. As part of the plea bargain, Deri also agreed to pay a fine of 180,000 NIS ($58,015). Following the agreement, Deri will resign from the Knesset, to be replaced by Rabbi Yossi Taib, who served as MK during Deri’s time as Interior Minister. “I thank the Master of the World that these seven years of torturous investigations have come to a close. These years have been unbearably

hard for my family and myself,” Deri said. “The investigation began with a great tumult and with grave suspicions raised of terrible wrongdoings – and ended, in the words of the Attorney-General, Dr. Avichai Mandelblit, with ‘not even a little mouse out of this case.’” He continued, “With regard to the disputes over taxes, I have decided to take responsibility for mistakes that were made, without any criminal intent, in order to put this matter behind me and avoid the necessity of an entire legal process.” Deri concluded, “I wish to thank my attorney, Navot Tel Tzur, for his devoted work. I will continue to focus on my work for the public interest and will lead the Shas movement with all my strength and faith.”

Standing Up for Homesh Yeshiva Thousands of people from around Israel joined a protest in memory of

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poverty. Another 932,000 households – 31.6% of all households – live in a state of economic distress, according to a recent survey. According to Latet, an Israeli aid organization, the portion of households at risk for poverty reached 23.6% in 2021, up from 14% prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. These households belong to the “poor middle class,” the report said. The report also showed that 651,900 Israeli households (22.1%) lack essentials such as housing, education, healthcare, and food, and are thus considered living in poverty. This percentage is lower than 2020’s 29.3%, but still “high,” Latet said. Over the course of the pandemic, the “middle class” shrank from 58.3% prior to the pandemic to 48.3% in 2021. In addition, around 630,000 households suffer from food insecurity, including around 300,000 who suffer severe food insecurity. Nearly 800,000 children are affected. Latet noted that 77% of households seeking assistance who were

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The Week In News Homesh yeshiva student Yehuda Dimentman, demanding that the yeshiva he studied in be legalized, not razed, following his murder. The protesters, numbering an estimated 5,000 to 15,000, were led by Dimentman’s widow Ettya and his father. Held at the conclusion of the traditional “shivah” week of mourning for the young yeshiva student, the march began in Dimentman’s hometown of Shavei Shomron and continued to the yeshiva where he studied. It followed the exact route he had traveled with two friends on the day he was murdered by Arab terrorists as he traveled home from yeshiva. A memorial service was held at the conclusion of the march, attended by mourners as well as Knesset members and other public figures. YESHA Council Director Yigal Dilmoni, the director of the Yesha Council, spoke at the march, saying, “For the past 15 years, since the Expulsion [from Gush Katif], the yeshiva students continued to learn here. This is the status quo of this place – yeshiva students arriving here to strengthen

the site, to strengthen the settlement enterprise.” He emphasized, “The government must not award a prize to terrorism. The yeshiva must be legalized. “Route 60 that leads right here – a route that has historic significance to the Jewish People – must be secured in an organized manner. We will reinforce the yeshiva of Homesh, and we call on the government to regularize the status of the community.”

“I am definitely the first in Israel,” he said but noted that some immuno-compromised people had already received a fourth shot in some countries and conceded it was possible that others have illegally obtained additional vaccines.

A 4th Shot Prof. Jacob Lavee became the first person in Israel to receive a fourth Covid vaccine when he was jabbed on Monday at the Sheba Medical Center. “I did this with a full, full heart for two reasons — first, to protect myself,” the Israeli heart surgeon said. “And no less important, my desire to avoid transmitting the disease to our patients.” Lavee was the first of some 150 health workers at the hospital outside Tel Aviv participating in the study to get the vaccine.

The health workers who received the fourth dose had also been among the first people to receive the third dose and had a lower level of antibodies than their coworkers. He expressed, “Do not fear the vaccine. It’s effective, it’s for the benefit of our future. Go get vaccinated.” Sheba’s Prof. Gili Regev-Yochay, a lead researcher in the experiment, said the start of the process was “an

exciting moment.” “This study is expected to shed light on the additional benefit of giving a fourth dose, and lead us to understand whether and to whom it is worth giving a fourth dose,” she added. “There are many questions so it’s important to conduct this in a serious manner. It could be that we’ve reached a maximum and a fourth shot will not give much. That’s what we’re checking. In a few more days we’ll know if it’s safe and effective.” The Sheba Medical Center said Sunday that under the study, 6,000 individuals will be given a fourth shot. The study, the first of its kind in the world, is being carried out in conjunction with the Health Ministry and has been approved by the government’s senior panel on human medical trials. Last Tuesday, the Health Ministry’s expert advisory panel had already signed off on distributing a fourth dose to those over the age of 60, along with others at risk. The program was delayed as authorities noticed that with the Omicron variant people are 50% to 70% less likely to need hospitalization than those with the Delta strain.

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lon’s blue Acura MDX was located in Delaware about 45 miles from where the incident occurred. Five suspects were found inside the vehicle.

A Special Song The walls of the Tehillim Kollel oﬃce have heard everything. So many broken hearts, so many supplications. People call to plead for parnassah, health, and nachas. They look toward the powerful Tehillim for every sort of yeshuah.

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But the kind of request that came in this past Monday was a novelty even between the Tehillim Kollel walls. On the line was an elderly woman whose family name has been on Tehillim Kollel’s steady list for the past eight years. “I would like to renew my membership for another year,” she says. “What zechus should we remind with your name?” came the typical query. “Sign us up with a teﬁllah of gratitude. That my husband and myself thank Hashem daily for all the chassadim and good things He does for us constantly.” Indeed, the steady minyanim of talmidei chachamim who fervently recite the entire sefer Tehillim daily have added a column – a new request with new names on its list. “Thank You Hashem, for blessing us with so many chassadim all the time!”

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Democratic Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania was carjacked at gunpoint last Wednesday afternoon, in broad daylight as she was walking to her car. The carjacking occurred in south Philadelphia’s largest park, following a business meeting. Two armed men demanded Scanlon’s keys. One drove off in her car; the other followed in a dark colored vehicle. Scanlon’s spokesperson, Lauren Cox, noted, “Wednesday afternoon, at around 2:45 p.m., Congresswoman Scanlon was carjacked at gunpoint in FDR Park following a meeting at that location. The Congresswoman was physically unharmed.” “She thanks the Philadelphia Police Department for their swift response and appreciates the efforts of both the Sergeant at Arms in D.C. and her local police department for coordinating with Philly PD to ensure her continued safety.” Cox added that Scanlon’s personal belongings, including her government-issued ID and phones, were stolen during the carjacking. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said, “I’m appalled to learn of this violent crime that was perpetrated against my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon. Everyone deserves to feel safe in our city, and sadly, as we know, that hasn’t always been the case this year. It’s disheartening, and quite frankly infuriating, that criminals feel emboldened to commit such a reckless crime in the middle of the day in what should be a place of tranquility and peace – one of Philadelphia’s beautiful parks.” The night of the carjacking, Scan-

The Redfin real estate organization has published a report on how lockdowns and working from home have changed the way Americans buy and sell houses. According to the Manistee News Advocate, “This past year, home-sale prices hit the highest median of all time, the number of homes for sale fell to an all-time low, and there was record demand for second homes.” Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather added, “The ongoing pandemic, including its seismic effect on the U.S. economy and the way Americans live and work, has made 2021’s housing market anything but typical. Remote work, low mortgage rates, a shortage of building materials and wealth inequality that has allowed an influx of affluent Americans to buy vacation homes, to name just a few factors, have come together to create a historic year for real estate.” He noted, “Buyers paid more for homes, bought sooner than they planned, searched outside their hometowns or all of the above. This year’s frenzied housing market has been one for the books—but it may become more balanced in 2022.” According to Redfin, the typical U.S. home sold for nearly $400,000, and the national median home-sale price hit $386,000 in June, an alltime high and up 24.4 percent year over year. In addition, home supply dropped to its lowest level in history, with just 1.38 million homes for sale nationally in June, on a seasonally-adjusted basis. At the same time, Redfin said, “the typical home sold in just 15 days, the lowest median days on market in history and down from 39 days in June

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The Week In News 2020.” “The speed of the market is due partly to the supply problem, which has led buyers to pounce on homes as soon as they are put on the market.” As a result of this, over 60% of homes went off the market in two weeks, and 56.5% – a record high – were sold for above list price. Redfin noted that 31.5% of users – nearly one-third – were looking to move to a different metropolitan area in the first quarter of 2021. This number, it said, represents an all-time high, as well as a 26% rise from the one year earlier.

Truck Drivers to Canada Need to be Vaxxed American truck drivers crossing the U.S.-Canada border will soon be required to be vaccinated, and some are concerned the requirement could contribute even more to a crippling supply chain crisis. Canada is set to require “essen-

tial service providers, including truck drivers” to be fully vaccinated upon entry into the country, starting January 15, 2022. Truck drivers entering the U.S. will face a similar requirement one week later, on January 22. Last Wednesday, during a roundtable with northern-border state truck drivers, Montana’s Sen. Steve Daines, a Republican, warned, “These overreaching vaccine mandates will shutter Montana businesses and force Montanans out of work. It’s going to hurt our Montana trucking businesses and make this inflation and supply chain crisis even worse.” Daines added, “It has made no sense to me. Why the President kept the northern border locked down and the southern border wide open? Canadians have a vaccination rate of about 80%. On the southern border, like when the Haitians were flooding across, it was less than one percent.” He noted, “Creating carveouts for some companies and not others shows how arbitrary and senseless this mandate really is. I am doing all I can to reverse this mandate and look forward to the Supreme Court taking this issue

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up.” Steve Hanson, general manager of Hanson Trucking, said, “We pull probably 12 to 14 loads a day in and out of Canada. The concern that drivers have to be vaccinated to come back into the United States – get into Canada and come back here – is a big concern as far as our employment goes. As with any small business in Montana, two to three people can break a business quick.” He added that 99% of his drivers had received the vaccine and called himself “lucky.” But he said that “some drivers have done it under protest” and the “biggest driver behind that protest is because it’s a mandate.”

WeDash at DoorDash

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don’t be surprised. DoorDash is asking its employees – even its CEO – to again make a delivery at least once a month. The on-demand food delivery company in the New Year will reinstate a program, called WeDash, that it had paused during the pandemic. DoorDash launched WeDash in 2013, when it started operations. Its founders said they wanted to engage the company in community and philanthropic efforts from the outset. “As the company grew, the founders wanted everyone to experience different parts of the product so we could get closer to all our audiences and understand how the product works,” a DoorDash explained. “By engaging as a Dasher, supporting a merchant, or shadowing a customer experience agent, employees learn first-hand how the technology products we build empower local economies, which in turn helps us build a better product,” the company said. The program, which extends to all non-delivery employees including engineers and senior executives, will return in January.

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Granted, some employees are not excited to deliver pizzas. “This is a valued program we’ve had since the company’s beginnings,” DoorDash said.

Cash Box Postmarked November 10, 2020, Vinod Menon discovered the cardboard box while sifting through a pile of mail in his office. The box was large – around the size of a toaster – and had been sitting in the mail pile for months. Addressed to the “Chairman, Physics Department,” it had $90 worth of postage on it. Menon, who was the chairman of the physics department at City College of New York, was shocked when he finally opened the unassuming package.

needy students attend the college. The note was unsigned, and the name on the return address, Kyle Paisley, was not listed as a graduate in the college’s records. College officials contacted authorities to ensure the cash didn’t come from nefarious sources. After police determined that the cash was not connected to criminal activity, CUNY Board of Trustees voted to formally accept the thousands of dollars in cash. “That is absolutely astonishing, $180,000 in cash in a box,” said the board’s chairman, William C. Thompson, in introducing the vote earlier this month. For now, the funds will be used to gift two full scholarships each year and should last for more than a decade. In the spirit of the donation, he said, the fellowship would require the students to “give back in some way,” perhaps by peer mentoring. Talk about a big bang for your buck.

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In it, the physics professor discovered cash – lots of it. In fact, the box was full of $50 and $100 bills, totaling a whopping $180,000 “It was a complete shock — I know a lot of academics and I’ve never heard of anything like this,” the 49-year-old said. “I didn’t know if the college accepted cash, so I didn’t know if they’d keep it.” A letter accompanied the cash, explaining the donor’s motivations but not his or her identity. “Assuming that you are bit curious as to why I am doing this, the reason is straightforward,” wrote the donor, who said he or she “long ago” took advantage of the “excellent educational opportunity” of attending both Stuyvesant High School and earning a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics at City College, which helped lead to “a long, productive, immensely rewarding” scientific career. He or she wanted to help

Two McDonald’s locations in China have announced that they are testing in-store exercise bikes. A video of a woman sitting on a stationary bike while eating a hamburger at McDonald’s recently went viral. The company confirmed that the bikes have been installed as seats at locations in Guangdong and Shanghai. McDonald’s China said the bike seats are part of the company’s ”Upcycle for Good” initiative, which aims to promote sustainability. The company said the exercise bikes generate electricity that customers can use to charge their cellphones and other devices. It also serves as a means of helping customers stay healthier while eating fast food. McDonald’s may expand the program to other stores in the near fu-

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The Week In News ture. For now, we would suggest staying away from McDonald’s – and then there won’t be much of a need for a bike.

$25K to Ditch Tech

the campaign, Kahlúa said it’s issuing this challenge because nearly half of Americans “admit” that they spend “five to six hours on their phones daily,” which the brand claimed is equivalent to almost nine years spent on mobile devices. The coffee liqueur, which is owned by Pernod Ricard, is reportedly hoping to encourage couples to spend more time with each other with this 30-day challenge. Sounds like a real coffee break.

A Souvenir from Space The Kahlua Coffee Liqueur company really wants you to stay away from technology. The liquor brand is offering $25,000 to couples in the U.S. who can stay away from internet-based technology. The “Kahlúa Stir Up Your Routine” dare will last for 30 days. To make sure that couples were able to stay off the social media sauce, Kahlua will make them take and pass a polygraph test before they can claim their cash winnings. Aside from the lucrative prize, the winning couple will also receive a “Kahlúa Kit” on wheels, which appears to be a metal bar cart filled with 30 nights of activities, including Kahlúa Espresso Martini mixes, cooking challenges, and feng shui guides. Detailing its motivation behind

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The first Emirati astronaut brought an Israeli flag with him when he traveled to the International Space Station in 2019. This week, Hazzaa al-Mansoori gifted the flag to Israeli officials during a visit to the Israeli pavilion at the Expo 2020 in Dubai. “This is a gift for all Israelis,” al-Mansoori said. “I am happy to be here and to give the Israeli flag as a gift to the people here and to the public in Israel.” The astronaut’s trip — the first

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by an Arab to the International Space Station — came nearly a year before Israel and the United Arab Emirates agreed to normalize diplomatic ties as part of the United States-backed Abraham Accords. In October, Israel and the United Arab Emirates finalized an agreement to collaborate on a number of space projects, including a joint launch of the “Beresheet 2” mission to the moon, Israel’s attempt — its second — to land an unmanned spacecraft on the lunar surface by 2024, when the countries expect to plant their flags alongside each other. The Beresheet 2 mission is being coordinated by the Israeli non-governmental organization SpaceIL. The UAE has its own successful space program, launching the “Amal,” or “Hope,” space probe to Mars earlier this year. Sounds like a gift that’s out of this world.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Ryan Wasson gave his brother, Eric, a gag gift 34 years ago and now the joke’s on him. More than three decades ago, Ryan gave his brother a box of Life Savers candy, knowing that Eric didn’t like them. But Eric didn’t eat the candy. Instead, he saved the box of candy so he could gift them to his brother the next year, starting a tradition that has been kept since that year. “Neither one of us will give up because we’re brothers. We can never give up,” Ryan said. “If you ask which one has ever done the best as far as giving these, we’re both going to say it’s ourself. We’re never going to give in.” The brothers said their annual gifting has gotten creative, with

elaborate pranks involving family, friends, coworkers and even the local sheriff’s office. “They melted one year, so they look pretty sad. So we’ve got the original box and then we’ve got a new box…. The old ones are pretty sad. I wouldn’t try those,” Eric Wasson added. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

A Tasty TV

When watching TV, viewers can see what’s going on and can hear what the characters are saying. But one thing hampers their experience: they can’t taste the food that’s being prepared on the screen. Now, a professor at a Japanese university is attempting to help viewers with their tasting sense as they watch their favorite programs. Homei Miyashita, an associate professor in the School of Science and Technology at Meiji University, said his “Taste the TV” invention uses a combination of 10 flavors to create the taste of the food pictured on the screen. The flavor is dispensed onto a film that slides onto the screen, allowing viewers to experience the taste of the food they are seeing. Miyashita is envisioning giving viewers who cannot travel the ability to taste and sample flavors from around the world. “I am thinking of making a platform where tastes from all over the world can be distributed as ‘taste content.’ It’s the same as watching a movie or listening to a song that you like,” he explained. “I hope people can, in the future, download and enjoy the flavors of the food from the restaurants they fancy, regardless of where they are based in the future.” Sounds like an acquired taste.

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Torah Thought

Holy Amphibians By Rabbi Zvi Teichman

hen G-d first instructs Moshe to confront Pharaoh, he is told to tell him that “the G-d of the ‫עברים‬/ Hebrews, happened upon us. And now please let us go...” Although Jews are previously identified in the Torah as ‫ עברים‬in the plural, and ‫ עברי‬in the singular, this is the first time G-d is described as the ‘G-d of the ‫עברים‬/Hebrews’. In the prelude to the three plagues of ‫דבר‬/Plague, ‫ברד‬/Hail, and ‫ארבה‬/ Locusts, Moshe again is told to warn Pharaoh in the name of the ‘G-d of the Hebrews’.

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Elsewhere Moshe speaks of the ‘G-d of Israel’. Why regarding these plagues is G-d associated with the Hebrews specifically? This appellation relates to the very first Hebrew, our illustrious ‘father’, ‫אברהם העברי‬, Avraham the Hebrew. This connotes his having stood ‫בעבר‬ ‫אחד‬, on ‘one side’ against the entire world who all opposed him. His descendants who hopefully follow suit, thus also earn the title ‫עברים‬/ Hebrews. The Midrash, though, offers an alternative explanation, alleging that ‫עב־‬ ‫ רים‬is a contraction of the two words: ‫עברו ים‬, they passed through the sea, a

reference to their miraculous crossing the ‫ים סוף‬, the Sea of Reeds. Isn’t that an event that had yet to transpire? How could that be the source of this term that was used to describe the family of Yosef much earlier in Egypt? Water symbolizes physical matter. It is not only since water is necessary for all living organisms. Its very nature, that allows it to take on the form and shape of the vessel it is placed in, emphasizes its lack of meaningful ‘form’. When we entered the Sea of Reeds, we entered a new realm of life where man can now remain with his feet on terra firma, anchored to our spiritual nature, without being inundated by the waters of nature, the forces of materialism. We can defy the laws of nature. This quality was already inherent within us, a quality we inherited from Avraham Avinu who was able to withstand the powerful forces of nature,

remaining ‘apart’ and unaffected from the attitudes and indulgences of a pagan world. ( The world couldn’t figure out what these Jews are all about. Are they one of us, they wondered, or are they different creatures? Perhaps this is the condescending reference to the ‫ עברים‬who seem to connect with the societies they inhabit yet remain apart. That was Pharaoh’s initial fear regarding the ‘fifth column’ which lived amongst them. Will they remain allied to us or will they suddenly transform into a different being? My dear friend, Dr. Edo Lavi, a prominent physician and Talmid Chochom, father of a beautiful and inspired family, shared with me a very touching anecdote related to his personal trajectory to the meaningful life he merits to live. Coming from a traditional, but not

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Torah Thought fully observant home, his parents sent him to a local coed Jewish Day school, renowned for its academic excellence. Hailing from a home of sophisticated professionals, he was highly motivated and excelled in school at both his Judaic and secular studies. A darling of his Rabbeim, he advanced each year in his personal observance of mitzvos. Towards the end of his junior year, his principal approached him and inquired about his summer plans. He told him that he was very much looking forward to an action-packed funfilled summer together with friends at a coed youth program at a Kibbutz in Israel. His principal, the legendary Rabbi Binyomin Shubert, looked him squarely in the eyes and asked him if he was an amphibian. The young man was bemused by the question but quickly understood his principal’s intimation. Here he was growing in Torah and mitzvos during his sojourn on the fertile terrain of his school, and for the next two months he’d be jumping into the dangerous waters of temptation.

He contemplated for a moment and responded with a sheepish grin, “Indeed, I’m amphibious and can live happily in both worlds!” His genuinely concerned principal firmly, but warmly, responded that he was in error, because an amphibian is not a creature that lives part of the year one way and the other part differently. An amphibian exercises its ability to alight on to land even while it swims in deep waters. That brief exchange transformed his entire perspective. He decided then and there to take his principal’s advice to join NCSY’s sports camp that summer. The rest is history. When G-d created the world, He decreed “let the waters beneath the heaven be gathered into one area, and let the dry land appear”. Man struggled to maintain his equilibrium despite the tension that existed between the waters which held back its waves, allowing man to flourish on dry land. If man remained ‘apart’, the land gave forth its bounty, preventing

the waves of temptation from inundating him. But humanity failed. They indulged, descending to depravity. The waters were unleashed and flooded the planet. And He blotted out, ‫כל היקום‬, all the existence that was on the face of the ground... Egypt represented a return to those earlier follies. G-d was ready to forge a nation that would escape from these clutches learning how to live as true amphibians, never succumbing to the tidal waves that sought to drown them. G-d would demonstrate before the world that the mighty forces of a physical world would go awry in the face of those who couldn’t maintain a healthy and safe distance, drowning in its pull. The word used to portray man’s success in life, utilizing plant and animal life to support his vital needs and developing society and commerce is ‫יקום‬, translating literally as that which gives man ‘standing’ on safe ground. The three plagues that specifically

attacked vegetative and animal life, the source of man’s sustenance, were: Plague — that devastated their livestock; Hail — which destroyed much of their crops; Locust — that decimated all the plants that were left. The Children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea... When we, ‘‫עברים‬/Hebrews’, entered the sea it was a reenactment of creation. This time we became so elevated to be beyond the limitation of nature. We breathed as if we were on land despite being surrounded by a world lacking gaseous oxygen. We are ‘holy’ amphibians who can overcome the powerful forces of our material existence by nourishing our lungs with the oxygen we need that can only be provided by immersing ourselves in a life of Torah and mitzvos — the gills that provide eternal life. You may reach the author at: Ravzt@ohelmoshebaltimore.com

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‫ראש חודש‬

Shevat 1

Teves 23

Monday

2021-22

Shevat 7

17 Shevat 15

Shevat 8

N’shei Shiur @9:00pm

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Campaign see cover

Teves 29

Teves 22

Sunday

Shevat 24

Shevat 17

Shevat 10

Shevat 3

Teves 25

Wednesday Wednesday 29

Shevat 18

Next BJH Issue

Shevat 11

Shevat 4

Next BJH Issue

Teves 26

Thursday Thursday 30

Friday Friday Teves 27

4:35 PM

Shevat 5

5:45 PM

Shevat 6

5:39 PM

Teves 28

Saturday Saturday

‫פרשת וארא‬

‫פרשת בא‬

5:51 PM

5:59 PM

Shevat 27

‫פרשת משפטים‬6:06 PM

‫פרשת יתרו‬

Shevat 20

‫פרשת בשלח‬

Menucha Melava Malka see page 57 OU Nach Shabbat see page 72 BJSZ Banquet see cover

Shevat 13

Netzach Yisroel Shabbaton see page 71 4:41 PM

Shevat 12

4:48 PM

Shevat 19

5:04 PM

Shevat 26

4:56 PM

Daf HaYomi B’Halacha Celebration see page 46

Shevat 25

OU Nach Yomi Cycle Begins see page 72

Next BJH Issue

December/January Community Calendar Teves/Shevat

Shevat 23

Shevat 16

Shevat 9

Shevat 2

Teves 24

Tuesday Tuesday 28

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Shevat 14

Shevat 22

Shearith Israel Campaign see page 2

Ner Yisrael Dinner see page 16

16 OU Siyum NY see page 72

Shevat 21

Netzach Yisroel and Nshei Aguda Shiur @10:15am see page 71

23 Daf HaYomi B’Halacha Celebration see page 46 NSCY Music Festival see page 9

DECEMBER 30, 2021

To have your future event listed in the Community Calendar please contact Ads@BaltimoreJewishHome.com

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,‫ כל השונה הלכות בכל יום‬:‫תנא דבי אליהו‬ ‫מבטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא‬

’

Join Daf HaYomi B Halacha and have your name

in the Sefer Gibborim

The celebrations marking the completion of the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha cycle will BE”H begin with a delegation of Gedolei Yisrael and noted Rabbonim traveling to Eastern Europe to daven for the success of both present and future

Daf HaYomi B’Halacha Participants.

THURSDAY–SUNDAY, JANUARY 20-23, 2022

‫כ״א שבט תשפ״ב‬-‫י״ח‬ Tefillos will be held at the kevorim of the Vilna Gaon, zt”l, in Vilna, the Chofetz Chaim zt”l, in Radin, as well as the 9th Fort in Kovno,

B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M

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FRANCE

ENGLAND

NORTH AMERICA

Jan. 20, 2022

Shabbos Parshas Yisro Jan. 21-23, 2022

Feb. 10, 2022

Feb. 13, 2022

Feb. 16-19, 2022

March 3, 2022

‫ט׳ אדר א׳‬

‫י״ב אדר א׳‬

‫ראש חודש אדר ב׳‬

‫כ״א שבט‬-‫י״ט‬

February 12, 2022

‫ י״ח אדר א׳‬-‫ט״ו‬

‫י״ח שבט‬

‫י״א אדר א׳‬

Shabbos Parshas Pikudei March 4-6, 2022

‫ ג׳ אדר ב׳‬- ‫א׳‬

SOUTH AMERICA SOUTH AFRICA AUSTRALIA — DETAILS FORTHCOMING —

DirshuWorldSiyum.org

The ‘Sefer Gibborim’ contains the names of all present

The delegation will include the following Gedolim:

‫הגאון הרב יצחק קולדצקי שליט"א‬ ‫חתנא דבי נשיאה דמרן שר התורה שליט"א‬

‫הגאון הרב יעקב מאיר שטרן שליט"א‬ ‫דומ"צ ביד"צ זכרון מאיר וביד"צ קרית ויזניץ‬

‫הגאון הרב דוד כהן שליט"א‬ ‫ וחבר מועצת גדולי התורה‬,‫ראש ישיבת חברון‬

‫הגאון הרב ניסן קפלן שליט"א‬ ‫ראש ישיבת דעת אהרון‬

‫הגאון הרב שריאל רוזנברג שליט"א‬ ‫ראב"ד בד"ץ בני ברק ורב שכונת רמת דוד‬ '‫ב"ב ומג"ש ב'דף היומי בהלכה‬

‫הגאון הרב מאיר מרקוביץ שליט"א‬ ‫דומ"צ סאטמר לונדון‬

‫הגאון הרב צבי חייקין שליט"א‬ ‫ראש ישיבת חכמי צרפת אקס לה באן‬

‫הגה"צ הרב שמעון גלאי שליט"א‬ ,‫רב ביהכ"ס "המרכזי" שכונת אוסם ב"ב‬ '‫וקהילת "חניכי הישיבות" שיכון ה‬ ‫הגאון הרב בנימין פינקל שליט"א‬ ‫משגיח ישיבת מיר‬

‫הגאון הרב אברהם אררען שליט"א‬ ‫ ורב דק"ק אברכים גייטסהעד‬,‫דומ"צ העיר‬

DECEMBER 30, 2021

‫הגאון הרב בנימין עקשטיין שליט"א‬ ‫דומ"ץ דחסידי בעלזא לונדון‬

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Daf HaYomi B’Halacha participants, as well as anyone who accepts upon himself to learn Mishnah Berurah and mussar daily.

OP U PO NIQ OF RT UE FE UN R! IT Y

‫הגאון הרב צבי אלימלך פדווא שליט"א‬ ‫דומ"ץ דקהילת אגודת אחים ציריך‬

Sefer Gibborim at the Chofetz Chaim’s Kever

I would like to have my name inscribed in the Sefer Gibborim, and for the Gedolim to daven on my behalf at the Kivrei Tzaddikim.

Hebrew name________________________________

Full name ___________________________________________

Mother’s Hebrew name _______________________

Address_____________________________________________

 I am presently a participant in the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha Program

_____________________________________________________

 I undertake, bli neder, to join the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha program*

Phone number_______________________________________ Email address _______________________________________

* A kabbalah, the sefarim teach us, strengthens one’s resolve. It is understood that the kabbalah is bli neder and that circumstances can crop up that will make it difficult to keep. There is no minimum time requirement.

Please fill in the pertinent information, take a picture and email: Dirshu@DirshuGlobal.org, no later than Monday, Jan. 10, ‫ח' שבט‬. Or visit: DafHalacha.com/Join

B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M

 Yes!

BottomLineMG.com

HaRav Binyomin Finkel at the Chofetz Chaim’s Kever at a previous Dirshu mission to Radin in 2015

Thanks to the Initiative of the Eretz Hakodesh Party:

B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

MK Yitzchak Pindrus and Rabbi Pesach Lerner Start a Knesset Lobby for the Strengthening of the Bond with the Jews of the Diaspora In a first for the Knesset, the Eretz Hakodesh Party, which represents the Jews of chutz laaretz, started a Knesset lobby to strengthen Israel’s bond with the Jews of the Diaspora. At a special gathering held by MK Pindrus (Yahadut HaTorah) together with Rabbi Pesach Lerner, chairman of Eretz Hakodesh, the new lobby was announced with the goal of strengthening and appreciating the efforts of organizations that work to protect our mesorah and true Jewish identity in the Diaspora, as well as strengthening the Jewish connection felt by the younger generation around the world in order to fight the terrible assimilation that is destroying Jewish communities. Despite recent tensions between the government and the opposition, the gathering was attended by members of both groups. They all expressed their support for this new lobby and announced their participation for the purpose of continuing their work with representatives of the organizations in order to strengthen the Jewish identity of those living in the Diaspora. The MKs and organization representatives thanked Rabbi Lerner, who traveled to Israel in order to participate in the event, for the vital work that his organization is doing to strengthen the bonds between the State of Israel and the Jews of the Diaspora, which is being done in cooperation with the Orthodox organizations. They also expressed their appreciation for his organization’s important achievements within the World Zionist Organization and in the Mosdot Haleumim, Israel’s National Organizations

(WZO, Jewish Agency and KKL-JNF) Among the participants in the gathering were Diaspora Minister Nachman Shai (Labor), MKs Michal Shir and Tzvi Hauser of Tikvah Chadashah, MK Sharon Rofeh-Ofir of Yisrael Beiteinu, MK Nira Shpak of Yesh Atid, MK Betzalel Smotrich and Michal Waldiger of Hatziyonut Hadatit, MK David Bitan of the Likud, MKs Uriel Buso and Michael Malkieli of Shas, and MKs Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev of Yahadut HaTorah. Also participating was Mr. Yaakov Hagoel, who is the chairman of the WZO and acting chairman of the Sochnut (Jewish Agency).

Also attending were leaders of organizations that work to strengthen Yiddishkeit among the Jews of chutz laaretz, including Rabbi Avi Berman, director of the OU in Israel; Rabbi Yehuda Weinberg and Rachel Moore of Aish HaTorah; Rabbi Yosef Friedman of Project Inspire; Rabbi René Gutman of the Conference of European Rabbis; Rabbi Eli Naiditch of Chabad; Rabbi Zecharya Greenwald of The Yeshiva And Seminary Coalition for Bnail Chul, Mrs. Stephanie Strauss of Yeshiva University Israel, Rabbi Paysach Freedman of Chaim V’Chesed and Mrs. Leah Aharoni of Am Echad. There were also members of Eretz Hakodesh in attendance, including Rabbi Nechemya Malinowitz, Israel director of Eretz Hakodesh, and director of Diaspora-engagement at the WZO; Mr. Steve Rosedale, a member of the Jewish Agency Board of Governors on behalf of Eretz Hakodesh; and Rabbi Binyamin Aizenstark of Nefesh B’Nefesh. MK Pindrus began the proceedings by saying that “the goal of this gathering is to show who is truly working to save the Jewish nation, and who can truly represent the Jews of the Diaspora. That is why we have invited the central organizations that work for the Jewish nation.” During the course of the gathering a number of people spoke about the challenges that are on the agenda. One of the speakers who stood out was Mrs. Aharoni of Am Echad, which was founded by Rabbi Moshe Sherer, z”l. She thanked the members of the lobby for giving her the opportunity, for the very first time, to present significant data

trends among Jewish youth in the diaspora to members of the Knesset. She said that in recent years there have been two major trends: A reduction among the Reform and Conservative movements, and an increase and connection to authentic Jewish identity. “This is reflected,” she said, “in intergenerational gaps. While 70% of Jews who are 65 or older identified as Reform or Conservative, only 37% of the younger generation—ages 18 to 30—identified with those movements. We see the opposite of this when it comes to the strengthening of the Orthodox, with three percent of the over 65s identifying as such, versus 17% of the younger generation. Alongside this welcome statistic, however, there is also the worrying growth among those who are unaffiliated as a result of Reform’s decline, going from 22% among those 65 and older to 40% among those under 30.” Mrs. Aharoni also presented the figures of shuls in the Diaspora that have closed down in recent years. She said that since 2001 25% of Reform temples have been shuttered, while Chabad shuls have grown by 300% in that time. At the conclusion of the gathering MK Pindrus announced that the Knesset members would be working together to continue helping the organizations that work to strengthen Jewish identity around the world as well as to solve the issues raised by the organizations. “It is clear to all of us,” he said, “whether they are present here or not, that the only way to combat assimilation is to strengthen the connection with the Jewish identity. We have seen today a number of organizations that invest major funds in strengthening Jewish identity around the world, with the approximate total of money spent reaching two billion shekels annually. Anyone who truly cares about the future of the Jewish nation must strengthen these organizations and utilize them. We will continue with such meetings in order to understand how to bring more and more Jews to connect with the authentic Jewish identity.”

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2021 AROUND THE WORLD

Egypt

Connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, the Suez Canal is a mere 120 miles long. But something went wrong on March 23, when a massive cargo ship ran aground in the canal, blocking the vital waterway and disrupting shipping worldwide. Finally, a full six stressful days later, the container ship was dragged off the banks of the channel and refloated. And the world’s shipping system went back to normal – or whatever that is, considering today’s major supply chain issues.

Haiti

On July 7, armed hitmen burst into Haitian President Jovenel Moise’s bedroom and gunned him down, leaving his wife wounded. A recent report noted that Moise may have been killed because he took on the drug cartels, ostensibly compiling a list of drug traffickers to give to the U.S. to help stem the tide of drugs into and through his country.

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Myanmar

The military takeover of Myanmar was swift. On February 1, the army seized power and prevented Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party from a second term in office. Nationwide peaceful protests ensued; the military quashed them with deadly force, killing around 1,300 civilians. In December, Suu Kyi was convicted by the military courts of incitement and sentenced to two years in prison.

Mexico

Mexico City was plunged into mourning on May 3, when an overpass carrying the Line 12 of the Metro train system collapsed. The last two cars of the train fell onto the street below,

killing 26 people and injuring 79 others in what was the Metro’s deadliest accident in almost fifty years. Residents said that the train was plagued by scandal since its inception and that the cars would squeak and clatter, forcing conductors to slow down while driving the trains.

Afghanistan

For the past twenty years, the United States battled to keep the Taliban from ruling Afghanistan. Alas, in August, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that the United States would be unilaterally withdrawing all U.S. troops from the country, resulting in chaos and an immediate – mere days after his announcement, on August 15 – takeover by the Taliban. Photos of throngs of people desperate to leave Afghanistan – even hanging onto

airplanes as they lifted off the ground – tore at people’s hearts. Although the Taliban vowed to turn another page and rule the nation more democratically, it was apparent from the start – with their beheadings, murders, assaults, and destruction – that Taliban tyranny would be the rule of the land.

Japan

The Summer 2020 Olympics began a bit late this time around – on Friday, July 23, 2021. And even while it opened to mostly empty seats, Japanese locals were mainly against the Olympics coming to their country. In fact, just a few weeks before the Games, one of its biggest sponsors, Toyota Motor Corp., pulled its Japanese TV ads lest it be forever bound to the event. Even so, the show must go

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2021 AROUND THE WORLD

DECEMBER 30, 2021

South Africa

Here we go again. A new variant – called Omicron – of the coronavirus we have been battling for two years was detected in a lab of Botswana and South Africa on November 22. The World Health Organization was notified on November 24. Health officials note that the Omicron variant spreads faster than the Delta variant, although Omicron appears to present with much milder symptoms than its slower-spreading sister variant.

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on, and the United States came out on top, leading the world with 113 medals – including 39 golds. China nabbed 88 medals, 38 of them gold, and the Russian Olympic Committee earned 20 gold medals with a total of 71 medals by the time the Olympic torch was passed to Paris for the next Games.

China

This July, China celebrated 100 years of the Communist Party of China (CPC). At the ceremony on July 1, outstanding Party members were honored with the July 1 Medal, the highest honor in the CPC. The country celebrated in grand style to mark the centenary. Speaking in front of 70,000 people in Tiananmen Square, leader Xi Jinping vowed that if foreign countries dare to bully, oppress, or subjugate China – “anyone who

dares to try – will find their heads bashed bloody against a great wall of steel forged by over 1.4 billion Chinese people.”

United States

Ninety-eight people lost their lives in the tragic collapse of the 12-story Champlain Towers South building in Surfside, Florida, in the morning hours of June 24. Four people were rescued from the rubble, and yet, despite rescue crews’ valiant efforts to find signs of life, tens of people were never found. Many frum people were in those buildings and lost their lives that day. Investigators noted that there was degradation in the structural support of the building; residents said they heard cracking noises moments before the horrific event.

Most passengers on Ryanair flight 4978 weren’t that concerned when they heard the flight from Greece to Lithuania was being diverted to Minsk on May 23. But journalist and dissident Roman Protasevich knew that he wouldn’t be sightseeing when the plane touched the ground. He was wanted on a variety of charges in Belarus and was arrested upon landing, in what many noted was a “state-sanctioned hijacking.” After spending time in detention and under house arrest, Protasevich once again addressed his followers online in July, asserting that he was never tortured, a common refrain many dissidents repeat after they have been arrested.

Russia

Putin is not inviting Alexei Navalny to his next birthday party. In fact, he’d prefer never to see the activist again. Back in 2020, Navalny fell into a coma after being exposed to a chemical nerve agent on a return flight to Moscow, forcing his plane to land in Germany. Putin denied any connection to the poisoning. After spending time recuperating in Germany, Navalny flew back to Russia on January 17 and was subsequently arrested. On February 2, he was sentenced to more than two years in prison. On October 20, Navalny was awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought from the European Union. Yup, that would definitely make Putin want to invite him to his next party.

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2021 BY THE NUMBERS

$1.4 Million

A record amount of fines were levied against unruly airline passengers this year. Flight crews reported more than 5,200 cases of unruly passengers to the FAA since January 1. Oh, if thousands of dollars in fines isn’t enough to deter drunk or angry passengers from lashing out at fellow flyers and flight attendants, consider this: the FAA announced this week that passengers that exhibit unruly behavior may also be reported to the TSA, which may remove them from the privileged TSA PreCheck. “If you act out of line, you will wait in line,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson warned.

$1.2 Trillion Yup, that’s trillion, with a T. On November 15, President Biden signed a more-than-$1 trillion infrastructure bill into law. Included in the law was $550 billion in new funds for transportation, broadband, and utilities. According to the President, Americans should be assured that with this trillion-dollar package, “your life is going to change for the better.”

On January 13, President Donald Trump became the ﬁrst president in U.S. history to be impeached twice, as a House majority voted to charge him with inciting an insurrection by his supporters in the events of January 6. On February 8, Trump’s impeachment trial began; by February 13, he was acquitted by the Senate. Seven Senate Republicans voted with the Democrats to impeach No. 45 this second time around.

$700 Million In what may be the richest naming rights deal in sports history, in November, Staples Center in Los Angeles announced that it will be renamed Crypto.com Arena in a record-setting deal with the Singaporean company. The home of the NBA’s Lakers and Clippers, with 20,000 seats ﬁlled with fans on most nights, had been called Staples Center since October 1999.

6.8% Hear your bank account groaning? It’s probably the massive inflation numbers that have been steadily climbing over the past year. In November, U.S. inflation reached a nearly four-decade high. The consumer-price index – which measures what consumers pay for goods and services – rose 6.8% in November from the same month a year ago. That was the fastest pace since 1982 and the sixth straight month in which inflation topped 5%. The so-called core price index, which excludes the often-volatile categories of food and energy, climbed 4.9% in November from a year earlier. That was a sharper increase than October’s 4.6% rise, and the highest rate since 1991. Looking for a new car? Fuhgeddaboudit! The increase in prices for new vehicles, which came in at 11.1% in November, was the largest on record, as were those for men’s apparel and living room, kitchen, and dining room furniture. A 7.9% surge in fast-food restaurant pr ic e s l a s t month marked the sharpest on record too.

$103,410,000

You can always count on a Picasso to bring in the big bucks. Pablo Picasso’s Femme assise près d’une fenêtre was the most expensive work of art sold at auction this year – and the only one to break the $100 million mark. The brightly colored portrait had previously been sold at auction in London in 2013 for $44.7 million.

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

2021 BY THE NUMBERS

50 Years, 11 Months On the morning of Sunday, May 23, Phil Mickelson’s manager texted the golf player before the PGA Championship: “Phil, I’m getting too old for this, but you aren’t. Let’s get this done.” Mickelson, in turn, hit it out of the park (we apologize for using shifting metaphors here) when he became the oldest player to win a major golf championship at almost 51 years old on a windy day at the Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Later, Mickelson said of the scene, “Slightly unnerving, but exceptionally awesome.”

87 Days

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For almost three months, the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the island of La Palma spewed red lava, covering 1,000 hectares of land across the Spanish island. What started erupting on September 19 forced the evacuation of thousands of residents on the popular European destination. For 87 days, the fiery molten rock flowed down towards the sea, destroying around 3,000 buildings in its way. Fields of thick, black hardened lava entombed banana plantations, ruined irrigation systems, and cut off roads. Finally, on December 24, scientists declared the eruption to be over.

$177 Million

$302 Billion 2021 was a great year to be Elon Musk. The CEO of Tesla and founder of SpaceX’s net worth surged to more than $300 billion in October, making him the ﬁrst person on the planet (and beyond!) to reach that milestone. Want to know how much $300 billion is? Well, it would take a long time to count, so consider that it’s greater than the GDP of nations such as Finland, Chile, and Vietnam.

963,309 Acres It’s possible that a delayed worker from Pacific Gas and Electric Company may have been the one to have been majorly responsible for the largest non-complex fire in California history. On July 13, a PG&E maintenance worker noticed that a tree had fallen on power lines and started a small fire. He attempted to put out the fire, without success. Eventually, what started small ballooned and resulted in 963,309 burnt acres before the Dixie Fire was contained on October 25. Aside from destroying over a thousand buildings, one firefighter died from the raging flames. Smoke from the blaze could be seen as far east as Utah and Colorado.

90 Years Old On October 13, actor William Shatner became the oldest person to head to space. Considering that only a few have ventured so far out, Shatner is certainly lucky to have enjoyed that 10-minute, rocket-powered ride to the edge of space, pushing his 90-year-old body through crushing g-forces that some describe as “face-bending.” Speaking after the experience while standing on terra ﬁrma, Shatner exulted, “Everybody in the world needs to do this!” In amazement about the vastness and awesomeness of the universe, Shatner added, “I hope I never recover from this. I hope I can maintain what I feel now. I don’t want to ever lose it. It’s so much larger than me and life… It has to do with the enormity, and the quickness, and the suddenness of life and death.”

Although fashion tycoon Serge Azria purchased his Malibu home in 2013 for $41 million, 2021 saw him more than double – or even triple on his investment (dare we say quadruple?!). The sale of the seven-acre, two-plot residence sold for a whopping $177 million, making it the biggest property deal in California’s history and the most expensive home sold this year.

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Sunisa Lee

Tom Brady

After Simone Biles summarily left the Olympics, Sunisa No “Year in Review” section in the Lee jumped in and nabbed the gold at the Olympic Games. past who-knows-how-many years The 18-year-old proved her skills in uneven bars with a would be worth its salt withscore of 15.300, besting all other competitors by choosing out mentioning Tom Brady. a routine with the highest degree of difficulty. She scored a On February 7, in what was very strong 14.600 on billed as the Super Bowl vault and remained solfor the ages, Brady led the id enough on the balance Tampa Bay Buccaneers beam to edge into lead with past quarterback Pata 13.833 score. She scored rick Mahomes and the 13.700 with her floor routine. Kansas City Chiefs Lee was crowned the new Olymto secure his unprecedented seventh championship ring. The 43-yearpic women’s all-champ on July 29, old secured his seventh Lombardi Trophy – two more than any player in earning a coveted gold medal and NFL history and one more than any other NFL franchise has achieved. a warm place in Americans’ hearts. On December 23, Brady announced his new clothing line with its very own signature color – Brady Blue. The bright blue color is intended to “inspire fearlessness, resilience, and confidence towards achieving peak performance,” Brady tweeted.

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Biggest Mouth

Edward Durr

Sam Ramsdell has the world’s biggest mouth – and she’s proud of it. This year, the American woman was conﬁrmed by Guinness World Records as having the world’s largest mouth gape (female), measuring 6.52 cm (2.5 in). Perhaps larger than her mouth is her TikTok following, which totals more than 2.6 million followers. “Getting a Guinness World Records title, it’s ﬁnally being almost able to show some of the bullies or people who doubted me, or tormented me, that hey – I have a big mouth but at least I have the biggest one in the world!” the 31-year-old quipped.

Before November 2021, Edward Durr drove a truck for Raymour & Flanigan. Now, he is preparing to take his place in the New Jersey senate. Durr managed to unseat State Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, who was the second-most-powerful lawmaker in the Garden State, in the recent elections. New Jersians were fed up with Democrat rule and opted for Durr, a Republican, who ran for office on a lark. Durr said he spent $153 on his campaign (although finanThis baby spent 275 days in the hospital before finally going home. cial reports indicate he spent around The determined infant was born in April 2020 and was the world’s $2,200 on his race). Even so, his cammost premature baby – born almost 19 weeks premature. Curtis Zypaign “video” was shot on his phone Keith Means weighed a mere 420 grams at birth. “They didn’t know if and showed him stepping out of his he was going to survive so they just told me to keep on praying,” Curtis’ truck and then riding off into the mother revealed. On April 6, 2021, Curtis’ mother was finally given perdistance on his motorcycle. Seems mission to take her little one home. like he ran away with this victory.

Curtis Zy-Keith Means

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202 1 WIN N ERS & LOSERS

Zaila Avant-garde

Can you spell “murraya”? Neither can we. But Zaila Avant-garde can. The 14-year-old from New Orleans, Louisiana, became the winner of the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee on July 9. She is the first African American to win the bee. Avant-garde faced off against 12-year-old Chaitra Thummala in the final rounds. After the girls spelled two words correctly each – fidibus, haltere, nepeta and fewtrils – Thummala faltered on neroli oil, leaving Avant-garde the opportunity to claim the title and the $50,000 prize.

Atlanta Braves

“I’m still numb,” Atlanta Braves ﬁrst baseman Freddie Freedman said after his team won their ﬁrst World Series title since 1995. “I don’t really have emotions.” The Braves defeated the Houston Astros 7-0 in Game 6 on November 2 in Houston in front of thousands of fans. Jorge Soler, whose third homer of the Series traveled an estimated 446 feet, was named Series MVP. “I knew I hit it well, but to be honest, immediately after I hit it, I turned around just to look at our dugout and start celebrating,” Soler, who was born in Cuba, said.

LOSERS Jussie Smollett

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The Global Supply Chain

Attempting to garner fame and piggybacking off of inflamed tensions, actor Jussie Smollett told authorities that two pro-Trump men attacked him outside of his Chicago apartment on January 29, 2019, looped a noose around his neck, and told him he was in “MAGA country.” Turns out, Smollett made up the tale. He had paid two men he knew to perpetrate the “attack.” Several presidential hopefuls pledged their solidarity with Smollett before it became clear that he fabricated the incident. “We are with you, Jussie,” Biden had said. On December 9, 2021, a jury found Smollett guilty of five of six charges in connection to the staged attack.

Raise your hand if you thought about t he g lob a l supply chain before 2021 and we’ll give you – wait, we don’t have anything to give you because it’s all stuck at port. This year created a cascade of supply chain issues worldwide that reminded consumers just how dependent we are as a global economy and how companies rely on outsourcing for so much of their products. Whether it was the blocking of the Suez Canal by a container ship or the shutdown of Chinese ports due to COVID-19 cases or workers refusing to work because of mounds of money the government was funneling into their accounts, the world suﬀered big time due to obstruction. Thrown in tumultuous supply of semiconductor chips – which seem to be in everything – gasoline, chlorine, chicken, corn, and toilet paper, and consumers found that less of what they wanted was on the shelves for them to purchase.

Robinhood

Was Robinhood looking out for the little guy on January 28 when it temporarily blocked traders from purchasing what it said were several volatile stocks touted on Reddit’s “WallStreetBets” forum, including GameStop, AMC Entertainment and Nokia? GameStop was one of the most-shorted stocks on Wall Street before the sudden interest caused the stock price to surge. The trading frenzy triggered a “short squeeze,” costing hedge funds that bet against the stock billions of dollars. The stock surged more than 200% before Robinhood and other brokerages enacted a buying halt. Robinhood began accepting buys again the next day but enacted a limit of just one share per user as of the close of trading. Lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle immediately called for an investigation into Robinhood’s decision to halt buying.

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

te an ar

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WITH ALL THE MONEY SHIMON SAVED ME ON INSURANCE, I EVEN SEND MY SOCKS TO THE CLEANERS NOW

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

2021 CAME & WENT

Jeff Bezos

It was 1994, on a cross-country road trip from New York City to Seattle, when Jeﬀ Bezos founded Amazon. What began as an online bookstore has since taken on a life of its own, becoming ubiquitous to almost every home and business in the United States and in many countries around the world. Now worth approximately $1.75 trillion, Amazon made Bezos a household name and catapulted him into the top ten richest people in the world. On February 2, Bezos announced that he would be stepping down as the company’s chief executive; in July, he said he would be handing over the reins to Andy Jassy. Jassy grew up in Scarsdale, NY, and is Jewish.

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Hand Over Head

Never has a hand over the head become more scrutinized. But when attorney David Schoen held his hand over his head every time he stopped to take a drink of water during President Trump’s impeachment trial in February, America began to wonder. In due time, Schoen made clear that Orthodox Jews cover their heads while eating and drinking and saying a blessing. Asked by CNN why he wouldn’t just wear a yarmulke, Schoen answered, “I just wasn’t sure if it was appropriate, frankly. I didn’t want to oﬀend anyone.”

SpaceX Crew Dragon

After spending ﬁve months in space, the four astronauts aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon soared back into the Earth’s atmosphere and landed with a splash into the Gulf of Mexico on May 2. NASA’s Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon Walker, and Soichi Noguchi, an astronaut with Japan’s space agency, had boarded their Crew Dragon capsule on Friday afternoon from the International Space Station and spent all night aboard the 13-foot-wide, fully autonomous capsule as it conducted a series of engine burns and maneuvers to prepare itself for reentry. The mission marked the end to NASA and SpaceX’s landmark mission, dubbed Crew-1, which set a record as the longest time in space – over 5 months – by a crew that launched aboard an American-built spacecraft. Glover remarked about the mission, “I looked out the window and saw the Earth from 250 miles up. I will never forget that moment...It wasn’t about the view. It was how the view made me feel...the Earth is amazing.”

Juneteenth

Also known as Black Independence Day, President Joe Biden officially declared Juneteenth a federal holiday this year, to be annually celebrated on June 19. The holiday is now the 12th legal public holiday and the first one created since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was signed into law in 1983. Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans. On that day in 1865, Union soldiers led by Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in the coastal city of Galveston, Texas, to deliver General Order No. 3, officially ending slavery in the state. At the signing ceremony of the new holiday, Biden declared, “Juneteenth represents not only the commemoration of the end of slavery in America more than 150 years ago, but the ongoing work to have to bring true equity and racial justice into American society, which we can do.”

Inflation

It’s time to hold onto your wallets, folks. According to U.S. Labor Department numbers published on December 10, the annual inﬂation rate for the United States is 6.8% for the 12 months ended November 2021 – the highest since June 1982 and after rising 6.2% previously. The next inﬂation update is scheduled for release on January 12, 2022. Perhaps the biggest indicator that prices are on a runaway train with no brakes is Dollar Tree’s recent announcement that all items in their stores will now cost $1.25. That’s a 25% jump in prices. It had been selling products at the $1 price point for 35 years.

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

2021 CAME & WENT

DECEMBER 30, 2021

Bitcoin

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele is all about Bitcoin. In September, the Central American country became the first country to accept Bitcoin as legal tender. In November, the young leader said that his country plans to build the world’s first “Bitcoin City,” funded initially by bitcoin-backed bonds. The city would be powered geothermally from a volcano and would not levy any taxes except for a value added tax. Bitcoin City would feature a central plaza designed to look like a bitcoin symbol from the air. “This is going to make El Salvador the financial center of the world,” Bukele declared.

As three severe winter storms swept the United States in February, Texas suffered from freezing temperatures. But it wasn’t just the drop in Fahrenheit that created the crisis that aﬀected 4.5 million homes and businesses in the Lone Star state. As the weather became colder, power lines snapped and the power grid froze, and electricity failed across the state. Residents were left shivering in the cold, many without heat, water, or food. More than 210 people were killed directly or indirectly from the power failure that took weeks to ﬁx.

Angela Merkel

S t a lw a r tly leading her country for 16 years, Angela Merkel became the face of Germany on the world stage. But in September, the 67-year-old leader announced she would be stepping down as chancellor of Germany at the end of the year. During her tenure, Merkel was regarded as the leader of the European Union and led Germany through varied crises, including the global ﬁnancial crisis, the migrant problem, and tackling Covid-19. She also was seen as a reassuring ﬁgure on the continent, especially as Britain left the European Union.

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It was ten years in the making, but on June 9, the Keystone XL pipeline was oﬃcially no more. TC Energy, the Canadian company behind the project, announced that it would terminate the project that aimed to carry oil from the tar sands of Canada into the United States. Environmentalists brought out party hats to celebrate the end of a project they vowed would wreak havoc and destroy the country. The American Petroleum Institute, the oil and gas industry’s largest trade group, expressed disappointment over the news. President Biden had cancelled the necessary permits needed for the pipeline earlier in the year.

Texas Power

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Naomi Osaka

Grappling with mental health issues, tennis superstar Naomi Osaka announced on July 31 that she would be withdrawing from the French Open, one day after she was fined for not appearing at a press conference. Osaka stated that she needed to skip the conferences for her mental health; the heads of four of the Grand Slam tournaments noted that players need to meet with the press following their matches. She later wrote in an article in Time magazine, “Perhaps we should give athletes the right to take a mental break from media scrutiny on a rare occasion without being subject to strict sanctions. It’s O.K. to not be O.K.” The 24-year-old player has been ranked No. 1 by the Women’s Tennis Association and is the first Asian player to hold the top ranking in singles as well the first player from Japan to reach No. 1.

Keystone Pipeline

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

2021 CAME & WENT

Bibi & Bennett

It was an event that no one would have ever predicted: the curtain fall for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But after 12 years of leading Israel and representing the Jewish State on the world stage, Bibi reluctantly – kicking and screaming – handed over the reins to his former aide, Naftali Bennett. Bennett’s coalition seemed equally inconceivable to survive. His party won a mere seven seats, and he cobbled together a coalition from eight diﬀerent parties, including United Arab List, the ﬁrst Palestinian party to join a government. Speaking in October, Netanyahu stormed about Bennett, “He has the title, but he is not a real prime minister. It’s not only pathetic – it’s dangerous. He has no achievements and no ideology. He is not a leader. Everything is fake.” Regardless of what Israelis think of the coalition, Bennett’s gover n ment i s forging ahead with its varied agenda, intent on moving Israel as far left as Israelis can swallow.

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Grumpy Gloves Leave it to Bernie Sanders to make a presidential inauguration during a pandemic even more miserable. Before President Biden took the podium to be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on January 20, Sanders unceremoniously took his seat oﬀ to the side, wearing a thick parka, a blue mask, and huge, brown, knitted mittens. The mittens were gifted to the senator from Vermont by a teacher who likes to knit mittens and gloves. With his crossed arms and legs and a scowl that emitted from behind his glasses and mask – along with the manila envelope that he was holding – Sanders made sure to broadcast his curmudgeon-y image for all of America to see.

King Cuomo

Oh, you know, the higher they are, the harder they fall. But Andrew Cuomo, governor of New York State, was so high up that he refused to leave. Despite myriad scandals that threatened to take him down, King Cuomo held fast to his throne of power until August 10, when he announced that he would be resigning in 14 days. In a 22-minute televised address, Cuomo told New Yorkers after eleven minutes of sharing his political opinions, “I think that given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside.” He made sure to assert, “In my mind, I’ve never crossed the line with anyone. But I didn’t realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn.” He left the reins of New York State with Kathy Hochul, the ﬁrst female to lead the Empire State.

Simone Biles

It was a case of the “twisties,” Simone Biles said. That was her reason for leaving her teammates in the lurch in the Olympics in Japan – and essentially handing the Russian gymnasts the gold. It was the first time since 2008 the U.S. did not win gold in that segment. Biles, the reigning all-around Olympic gold medalist and one of the faces of the American contingent in Japan, left the team final after a disappointing vault performance. She later said she was feeling “good” physically and only returned to perform at the final event, nabbing just a silver and a bronze at the Tokyo Olympics. Later in the year, Time magazine named Biles 2021 Athlete of the Year.

Liz Cheney

Although Liz Cheney insists she is a committed Republican, the GOP in Wyoming doesn’t think so. In November, they formally passed a resolution to no longer recognize her as a member. This is not the ﬁrst time Liz wasn’t made to feel welcome in her party. Her vociferous and constant jabs at President Trump forced House GOP colleagues to remove her from her leadership position in the party; before the demotion she was the House Republican Conference chairwoman. After she voted to impeach Trump, the Wyoming Republican party had her formally censured in February. “I love my party and its history and its principles. But I love my country more. And I will do all I can to defend her,” Cheney said in November.

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

2021 CAME & WENT

Afghanistan

Megxit

Meghan and Harry decided to oﬃcially leave the UK this year, announcing their move across the pond on January 8 and saying that they would step back as senior members of the royal family. Buckingham Palace conﬁrmed the decision on February 19, 2021, and said that the Duke and Duchess would relinquish their royal titles and duties. Granted, Harry and his B-list actress wife thought that their departure would produce more tears, but alas no one seemed to care that they decided to move to Hollywood. And so, they spent the year attempting to generate publicity, sitting for what was supposed to be a tear-inducing interview with Oprah in March. In November, it was reported that Meghan had been cold-calling U.S. senators and using her title to persuade them to vote for certain legislation.

Meta

Goodbye, Facebook. Hello, Meta. Perhaps Mark Zuckerberg should have consulted with a few people before deciding to change his company’s name to Meta on October 28. The name change was greeted by amazement, then by incredulity, then by scorn. According to CEO Zuckerberg, “Today we are seen as a social media company, but in our DNA, we are a company that builds technology to connect people, and the metaverse is the next frontier just like social networking was when we got started.” Name change or not, the company is the largest social media platform globally with 2.85 billion monthly active users worldwide. India has the most FB users with over 260 million; followed by the U.S. (180 million); Indonesia (130 million); Brazil (120 million); and Mexico (84 million).

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2021 will go down as the year when the United States left Afghanis in the clutches of the Taliban. Yes, we ended a 20-year war, but the messy pullout and the fact that no U.S. troops were left to keep some semblance of order guaranteed that the Taliban would take over Afghanistan. The bloodthirsty group took mere days to conquer cities and gather in the capital with their guns and gulags. Thousands of Afghani citizens, desperate to leave, headed to the airport, only to be thwarted by the Taliban at every turn. The U.S. left barely intact; a suicide bomber at the airport killed 13 U.S. servicemembers and dozens of Afghanis. He had been let out of prison by the Taliban three days before the attack. On August 31, the U.S. oﬃcially left Afghanistan. Speaking with the American people, President Biden asserted, “My fellow Americans, the war in Afghanistan is now over.” He added, “I give you my word: With all of my heart, I believe this is the right decision, a wise decision, and the best decision for America.”

DECEMBER 30, 2021

Biden’s Approval Ratings

When Biden entered the Oval Oﬃce on January 20, 2021, he came in with sunny approval ratings, ranging between 54% to 57%. Ninety-one percent of Democrats approved of the new president; only sixteen percent of Republicans were happy with him. But December saw more dismal numbers for the commander-in-chief. A recent national poll found that only 48% of Americans approve of the job he’s done over the past eleven months; a full 48% disapproved; the rest were not sure. The economy was clearly on Americans’ minds. Sixty-nine percent of Americans disapprove of how Biden is handling inﬂation. On top of this, 57% of Americans disapprove of Biden’s handling of the ongoing economic recovery. Only 41% of Americans support the Build Back Better bill. Lastly, recent polls indicate that 61% of Americans, including 65% of independents, think the country is heading in the wrong direction. The bright side for Biden? Vice President Kamala Harris has an approval rating as low as 28%, so it looks like Americans are happier with their president than their veep.

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January 6

We all breathed a sigh of relief when we turned the calendar on 2020, hoping that 2021 would be a less stressful year. But 2021 came in with a bang – literally – when hundreds of people converged on the U.S. Capitol on January 6. The mob sent Congresspeople to huddle under their desks in fear of the group who were armed with cameras, phones, fur pelts, horns, and podiums and who had wanted to interrupt the counting of electoral votes that would formalize President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Since then, at least 727 people have been charged in connection to the mobbing, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi continues to hold the United States hostage by waving the “insurrection” ﬂag at every high-proﬁle speech she gives.

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

TJH

Centerfold

Predictions for Mark Zuckerberg will reveal in 2022 that he was joking when he renamed Facebook the worst name in the world, Meta. Instead, he will call it Facebook…which will cause people to throw up in their mouths again.

cians will still tell you that they are ( fixing the problem (riiiight…by approving another few Amazon warehouses).

Pres. Joe Biden will learn how to read his speeches off of the teleprompter so he doesn’t always sound like he is trying to say, “How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood.”

Kyle Rittenhouse will start a coffee company and market it on conservative talk radio.

Everyone in New York City will wake up on January 2nd and say, “Thank G-d, de Blasio is no longer mayor!” Another 42 restaurants will open in the Five Towns (because, after all, don’t we need variety?). You will spend a total of 250 hours stuck in Rockaway Turnpike traffic and the politi-

Vice President Kamala Harris will continue to make former Vice President Dan Quayle seem smart.

Chris and Andrew Cuomo will start a garbage can cleaning business. Trump will launch two more social media platforms because the four that he launched in 2021 were reaaaaally successful. Dr. Anthony Fauci will reveal that if you wear 24 masks then you don’t have to get the seventeenth booster shot, but if you

did get the seventeenth booster shot, then you only have to quarantine for sixteen days from the fourteenth day that you first noticed your symptoms but if you didn’t get the seventeenth booster shot but have a “Thank you Dr. Fauci sign” on your front lawn… then you are really crazy and must get a life now! Bernie Sanders will announce his 2024 bid for president, making him the oldest person to run for president… by 80 years. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will announce that they still won’t go back to England and still don’t want to perform any royal duties and everyone in England will say, “Good riddance, because you are most certainly rubbish.” Nancy Pelosi will retire and become her wax figure at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

1. Who had the highest batting average in the MLB last season? a. Trea Turner b. Juan Soto c. Bryce Harper d. Starling Marte

3. Which team won the 2021 NBA Finals? a. Atlanta Hawks b. Milwaukee Bucks c. LA Lakers d. Houston Rockets e. NY Knicks (are they still even a team?) 4. Match the player with the money earned in 2021: Conor McGregor $130 million LeBron James $107.5 million Dak Prescott $96.5 million Lionel Messi $180 million

Answer Key: 1. A 2. B 3. B 4. Conor McGregor $180M; Lionel Messi $130M; Dak Prescott $107.5M; LeBron James $96.5M 5. B 6. C Scorecard: 5-6 correct: You are a big winner! Not as big as Roger Federer, though. 3-4 correct: You are middle of the pack. If you were an athlete, you’d only make around $107.5 million per year. 0-2 correct: I guess you preferred to watch Covid press conferences over sports. “Oh…we have a triple mask, quadruple vaccine, mandatory quarantine lockdown regulation…. Let’s see, will he announce it? Yes! Yes! Yes! Put it in the books! Wow, what a press conference!”

You Gotta Be Kidding Me! A man who had too much to drink decided to walk home on New Year’s Eve. A policeman stopped the man and asked where he was going. “I’m on my way to a lecture,” the man replied. The cop suspiciously asked, “Who gives lectures on New Year’s Eve?” The man answered: “My wife.”

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5. Which athlete made $30,000 from actually playing his sport and $90,000,000 from endorsements etc.? a. Kevin Durant

6. How many no-hitters were there in the 2021 MLB season? a. 3 b. 5 c. 9 d. 17

DECEMBER 30, 2021

2. Who was the MVP of the 2021 Super Bowl? a. Rob Gronkowski b. Tom Brady c. Mike Evans d. Ndamukong Suh

b. Roger Federer c. Tiger Woods d. Phil Mickelson

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2021 Sports Roundup Trivia

DECEMBER 30, 2021

Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

Masks are like the Democrats’ MAGA hat.

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- Joe Rogan

I’m a Fauci groupie. I’m a thrice-vaccinated mask adherent. I buy KN95 masks by the ... caseload. They’re in every pocket. I wear them everywhere except when I sit down. - Nicolle Wallace, host of MSNBC’s “Deadline White House,” describing herself on her Monday night show

There is no federal solution. This gets solved at a state level. – President Biden, whose campaign refrain was” I’m going to shut down the virus!” talking about Covid last week

At stake here is the integrity of women’s sports. The precedent being set — one in which women do not have a protected and equitable space to compete.... It is the responsibility of the NCAA to address the matter with an official statement.

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- Parents of 10 female swimmers, demanding that the NCAA address the issue of “Lia” Thomas competing as a woman after three seasons of competing as a man

Bodies compete against bodies; identities do not compete against identities. - Cynthia Millen, who resigned in protest over “Lia” Thomas, a mediocre male swimmer who decided to compete on the University of Pennsylvania female swim team this year and won every single race, in an interview on Fox News

Shame on Wu! - Protestors outside Boston City Hall, protesting Mayor Michelle Wu’s vaccine mandate

There has been a twelve percent increase in the positive COVID rate. Even more alarming is that half of those people have no symptoms. - Headline this week on WCBS 880 News

In fact, the U.S.’s COVID-19 vaccines were developed during the Trump administration. Biden has not made any practical moves, which is retrogression. - From an article in China’s state-ran Global Times, titled “‘No federal solution’ sheds light on Biden’s empty promises, poor governance”

Shoot for the stars. - Republican strategist Matt Whitlock in response to President Biden’s chief of staff retweeting an article titled “Let’s be honest: 2021 wasn’t all bad”

Frankly, one of them is our democracy. There is, I think, no question in the minds of people who are foreign policy experts that the year 2021 is not the year 2000. - Vice President Kamala Harris when asked on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” to name the biggest national security challenge facing the U.S.

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

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The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

70 Well, right now, what we’re seeing is this massive new wave of fear that is fueling our second pandemic after COVID-19, which is a pandemic of lunacy, which is Omicron. Now, I call it omi-cold. If you look at the epidemiological data, the epicenter is now way down from Omicron. The hospitals have some hospitalizations, not much. They were short. They averaged twoand-a-half days instead of eight days. But a study just came out of the University of Hong Kong telling us that Omicron does not invade the lung tissue that’s deep in the respiratory tract. It stays superficial in the nose and bronchus. So that’s why we’re seeing a common cold-like illness. This new scientific data from the lab explains the epidemiological data and the bedside observation of doctors that this is far more mild, the piece all fits together now, and that’s why I call it omi-cold.

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- Fox News Medical Contributor and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Professor Dr. Marty Makary on the “Brian Kilmeade Show”

We’ve got to reduce testing in low-risk situations. If you test everyone in the United States, you will find a virus particle in the nose of some fraction of Americans forever. Now, you can continue to do universal testing, like a lot of universities, and continue to sample people and bring them in, and if they test positive, put them in jail for ten or fourteen days. But if you do that with meningococcus, which is a bacteria that causes meningitis, you will find it living in the nose of 10% of the U.S. population. And so we can’t go hunting for a problem that is a very mild or asymptomatic illness. - Ibid.

That’s more than some nurses make, ain’t it? Pretty bogus. I’m out here saving lives, and you’re putting smiley faces on paper.

I asked her to stay out. Don’t support me because if you get involved in any way, you’ll get hurt and I don’t want my friends hurt. - Dr. Oz, who is running as a Republican in the Pennsylvania senate race, relating what he told his good friend Oprah Winfrey

While Elise Stefanik is focused on starting culture wars, I’m focused on helping everyday New Yorkians. - Tweet by Democrat Matt Puroti, who is running in upstate New York against Rep Stefanik (R)

A “New Yorkian,” what? Is that a cross between a person who lives in New York and a Yorki Terrier? Was that developed in Wuhan, China, too? - One of many responses on Twitter

Tutu minimized the suffering of those killed in the Holocaust. He has attacked the “Jewish” — not Israeli — “lobby” as too “powerful” and “scary.” He has invoked classic anti-Semitic stereotypes and tropes about Jewish “arrogance,” “power,” and “money.” He has characterized Jews a “peculiar people” and has accused “the Jews” of causing many of the world’s problems. Tutu’s good deeds should not shield him from accountability for his long history of antiJewish bigotry. – Professor and famed attorney Alan Dershowitz in a Newsmax article titled, “Bishop Tutu Was a Dangerous Antisemite”

- One viewer’s response to a viral video by a Costco employee talking about how he makes $29.50 an hour

MORE QUOTES

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The Netzach Yisroel kehillah is based on the Torah hashakfah of Harav Moshe Shapiro ztz’l, who was the rebbe of Netzach Yisroel’s rov, Rabbi Yisroel Roll. The kehillah is for families who are looking for a warm, connected davening with like-minded Bnei Torah in the atmosphere of an inspired and growing kehillah. There are three unique dimensions of Netzach that are attracting new participants every week. Netzach has inspiring Baalei Tefillah like Nossi Gross and Uri Rabinowitz whose ruachdik davening inspires a new level of closeness to Hashem through nigunim and a deeper understanding of the siddur. The Torah hashkafa and chidushim of Rav Moshe Shapiro, who was the leading proponent of the teachings of the Maharal. Rabbi Roll has written four seforim based on the chiddushim of Rav Moshe, including From a Rock, Honey, and Self Esteem in the Talmud. Rabbi Roll presents innovative and inspiring shiurim based on the chiddushim of his Rebbe. The kehillah provides unique learning opportunities for women to learn on Shabbos and Sunday mornings where fun and educational children’s programs are provided during Shabbos davening and during the Sunday morning shiurim so that women can learn with the knowledge that that their children are enjoying a healthy, spiritual, and fun program.

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

Men’s Programs One of the greatest delights in Torah life is when a father and son learn together. It is an opportunity for a father to convey his love of Torah to his son, and offers an emotional and spiritual bonding opportunity. Netzach Yisroel is offering fathers of boys starting Gemara Eilu Metzios to make your learning with your son more meaningful and effective. Renowned mecahnech and Rosh Mesivta of Toras Chaim, Rabbi Ayson Englander will guide your preparation of Eilu Metzios with a step by step understanding of the Shakla Vetaria and insights from the Rishonim and Acharonim. He will also teach fathers how to motivate their sons to “ask the next question” and “make your son into your chevrusa” with dynamic learning. Starts January 16. Rabbi Josh Livingstone is offering men a Monday night chaburah of advanced learning and teaches a mehalach in learning. Monday nights at 8 PM at Shomrei Emunah. Resumes January 3. Rabbi Yisroel Roll, rabbi or Netzach Yisroel says, “we are inviting men of the community to engage and reconnect with Torah learning with excitement, as Rav Wolbe teaches that we must learn Torah in the same manner it was given at Har Sinai, with excitement and passion. This is learning “Maamad Har Sinaidik.” You can visit the Netzach shiurim at Rabbi Roll’s YouTube Channel. Rabbi Roll presents a weekly Sunday morning Chaburah on the positive mussar of the Alter of Slobodka, in Ohr Hatzafun, on Sunday mornings at Shaarei Zion. Resumes January 9.

ic motivational speaker Mrs Jaclyn Sova on Tznius Revsited: More than Hemlines and Inches. Sunday January 16 at 10:15 AM at Shaarei Zion. The women’s shiur allows women to learn with Yishuv Hadaas as you can bring your children ages 3-10 to our simultaneous Children’s Arts and Crafts program at 10:15 AM at Shaarei Zion during the women’s shiur. The kids love it!

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Netzach Yisroel Launches New Website www.netzach.us with New Learning Initiatives

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

Let’s go Brandon, I agree. - President Biden responding to a father participating in an annual White House holiday call, who ended his call by saying to the President, “Let’s go Brandon”

I mean, this is a deep, deep sickness in our democracy. And I don’t know how you address it…There is not a shred of evidence out there that this election was stolen. And, in fact, court after court after court and commission after commission after commission has said no, it’s not. And yet, you get guys like this. I mean, set aside the basic indecency, set aside what it says about our country that people talking to the President of the United States can’t put aside their petty grudges to behave with some respect. This is a cancer. This is a deep, deep cancer on our democracy, Jim. And I really worry about what that means for 2024 and beyond. - Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) on CNN

You sound like a communist demagogue. Prices rise during inflation. Inflation happens when the government prints too much money. - Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R-FL) spokesman responding to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) blaming grocery store chains for high grocery prices

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Nach Yomi Siyum Celebration Nach Shabbat

New Nach Yomi Cycle Begins

Shabbat Shira, January 15

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Dating Dialogue

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

Dear Navidaters,

I finally met the family of a guy I’m dating and suddenly feel so torn.

He’s a great guy and has a lot of the qualities I’m looking for in a husband – but his family is so different from mine. His siblings are more hippy-ish, his parents are

B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M

baalei teshuva (which is not bad, but so different from what I’m used to). We were sitting together at the Shabbos table when the family dog came running around eating scraps and leftovers. I just wanted to cringe! I always saw myself with a more baalabatish type of in-law family. Do I sound so immature? Even typing these words makes me doubt myself. Please help... -Rivka

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.

75 This ad is sponsored Le’iluy Nishmas Reuven Aron ben Sender

We had a string of older singles in our immediate family and in our extended family as well. We connected our family and friends to the Tznius Hotline and also encouraged them to listen to the Shmiras Halashon extension. Everyone took upon themselves to listen to the story and the halacha and to make a commitment in Tznius. We printed and distributed the Tznius bulletin in many places. The unbelievable occurred! Two

My son was scheduled to start putting on tefillin. We were notified that the tefillin would not be ready on time. I was about to write an email to a male co-worker when I noticed that one of the words was addressed in a personal manner, so I decided to erase that word. I remembered hearing on the hotline that correspondence with male workers should never be personal. I asked Hashem that in the merit of Tznius, my son’s tefillin should be ready on time. That same evening, we received a phone call that the tefillin were ready.

A “gadget” that destroys homes I wanted my husband to leave his filtered smartphone at work, not to be connected to the internet at home and in general to guard his eyes and his thoughts. I knew that the danger is great for him and my family. I took upon myself a commitment in Tznius for 40 days. The miracle occurred on the 21st day of my commitment. My husband asked for the kosher phone that we have at home and he totally gave up his smartphone. Thank You Hashem for enlightening me and saving my husband and my entire family from breaking apart.

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I threw out three shirts I looked for a job for a very long time, but nothing seemed to work out.

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Waiting for a zivug

In the merit of one word...

I called up for a job that was being advertised but the secretary told me she had just hired someone else. I felt very discouraged. I opened up my closet and took out three shirts that were small on me and put them in a bag to throw away. Just then I got a phone call from the same secretary I had just spoken to. She asked if I could start working the next day because the lady she had previously hired didn’t work out in the end. The salary and the work conditions were beyond my expectations. I was in shock by the speed of what had transpired. What did I do already? I just put three shirts in a bag…

DECEMBER 30, 2021

I never thought that the halachos in the workplace had anything relevance to me. I needed a short term job, as I was due to give birth in three months. I was very doubtful if anyone would hire me under such conditions. In the end I found a job that was a half hour drive from my house. During the interview I realized that the job was not within the boundaries of the halachos of Tznius. We asked a Rav and in the end it was decided that I shouldn’t take the job. It was very difficult and challenging, but we stood up to the challenge. Just a short time later, a nursery school teacher called up and asked if I was available to take a full time job. I explained to her my condition but she agreed to hire me. She also told me that she would hire me full time after my maternity leave was over. We were shocked by the fact that I now had a full time job close to home. We passed the test and Hashem paid us back doubly.

bachurim from the same family got engaged. The first one got engaged on the 40th day and the next one ten days later.

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Good Parnasa when careful about Halacha

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

The Panel The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

ivka, you are bringing up a concern which is valid. If it bothers you, then it is valid in terms of a permanent relationship which is marriage. It is not immature. Family fit or comfort level plays a role in observant matches because of the many chagim we celebrate and the role of mesorah in how we address values and practices. Halacha is one thing but minhag matters to many frum daters because of the long-term implications, not just the immediate comfort level. There is a lot more to it than style and the presence of a dog at the table. This is something you are going to have to explore further in your relationship with the young man. This is his family, and you are going to have to accept them fully and embrace the family culture. You will have to come to a place of openness and love for them even if it is not what you are used to. A joyous, informal Jewish family does have appeal. Therefore, keep dating and exploring to see if your relationship can develop to the point that it can handle significant family differences in outlook and practice. If yes, the two of you should have discussions about these matters and discuss them as a couple with religious mentors/teachers. Negotiating these differences and willingness to include a mentor will tell you about the sustainability of this relationship. It can work but you will have to invest additional effort and thoughtfulness, which can strengthen the two of you.

where you are dating a guy whom you finally feel is husband material. As you and I both know, that does not come along often, and it is something for you to feel gratitude for. When singles are dating someone seriously, worrisome thoughts pop up. Issues arise, and that is to be expected. What is also to be expected is making mountains out of molehills because this is going to be the biggest decision you ever make. The first step is to acknowledge how normal it is to be suddenly feeling these feelings. Secondly, accept that every guy you will ever be at this stage with will come with his own package. Perhaps his family will be more baalabatish but you might feel intimidated or judged. Perhaps the family will be the type to expect their daughter-in-law to walk out of the hospital after having a newborn baby wearing a freshly washed sheitel, 3-inch heels, and dressed to the nines. (I actually had a mom describe what her son was looking for using that specific example, so realize there are people like this out there.) Every person is a package, wrapped up with middos, character traits, and inborn nature instilled by the environment he/she was brought up in. Right now, you are experiencing a different kind of in-law family meal than you would have otherwise wanted. Your concerns are valid – if they are concerning to you. But you must make a decision about whether this is something you can handle with the broader knowledge that every person comes with his/her own pekelah.

The Engaged Single Rivka Weinberg

The Shadchan Michelle Mond irstly, remember to count your blessings. You are in a position

ivka, I can understand why this is overwhelming and may cause fear and doubt. Your family acts one way, and now you are introduced to a family with an entirely different mindset and behavior.

To answer your question: no, I do not think you sound immature at all. The dating process is one big bubble of change. At times, it can feel like everything is simply going out of control and you can’t get a grasp on anything. You imagined it would go one way, and Hashem throws you a curveball and it goes another. To be in the dating scene means you have to get used to being vulnerable and uncomfortable, because if not, the process will be that much more difficult. We have no idea what is in store for us, but we turn to Hashem with high hopes of clarity and answers. You must keep in mind that you are dating the boy and not his mother, father, siblings, or dog. How did he handle the dog situation? Was he uncomfortable as well? Oftentimes, peo-

The dating process is one big bubble of change. ple don’t necessarily agree with their parents’ ways and would do things differently in their own home, and even if he didn’t see anything wrong with the situation, that can be OK, too. I suggest you speak to the guy you’re dating and understand his perspective. Does he hear you out and validate you even if he doesn’t exactly agree with what you’re saying? While I believe it’s important to look into a family with regards to

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Dr. Jeffrey Galler

have three thoughts to share. First, interestingly, you do not discuss what you like about the boy,

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

ear Rivka, Thank you for writing! When the in-law family is so different from our own, or not at all what we had envisioned, it can leave some people feeling confused. Envisioning yourself at the Shabbos table with Sparky wasn’t a part of your plan, and it clearly makes you uncomfortable. The hippy siblings and his baal teshuva parents are simply not within your comfort zone. As with all things in life, no one can tell you what to do, and you will have to trust your intuition. Here is some food for thought as you work out your

decision-making process. We do not control all the variables. We do not get to choose our in-law families. We don’t even get to choose our own families. We do, however, get to choose a spouse. When someone comes from a very dysfunctional or toxic family, we may wonder if we can spend the rest of our lives dealing with these people. And that is understandable. In my opinion, a dog near the table is not a reason to give up a man you want to marry. It is

something you deal with when you visit his parents. It is something you discuss with your partner privately and decide together whether or not you will have your own dog in your own home. I’m not sure how serious you are about this relationship if you are considering breaking up because of this. If you really have feelings for your guy, and you want to proceed, you are going to have to let go of the in-law Shabbos table you had always dreamt of. You can take a little time and allow yourself the process of letting go. Whenever we let go of something, there may be a little grieving involved. That is OK. Allow yourself your feelings without judging yourself (i.e., wondering if you’re

Perhaps the family will be the type to expect their daughter-inlaw to walk out of the hospital after having a newborn baby wearing a freshly washed sheitel, 3-inch heels, and dressed to the nines.

immature. Shaming yourself won’t help.) Letting go will allow you the space you deserve. You will need to fully embrace your partner and your potential new life. And as long as Sparky isn’t up on the counter serving chulent out of the crockpot, or invited to sing zemiros at the table, you may find yourself coming to enjoy the love and affection of a family dog. Loosen up your vision, see if there is any wiggle room within yourself to truly let this dream of the perfect baalabatish family go, and try to make room for the potential beautiful life Hashem has presented to you. If you really can’t do it, that is OK, too. But I would advise speaking with a professional to make sure you are comfortable with your decision. All the best, Jennifer

Jennifer Mann, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and certified trauma healing life coach, as well as a dating and relationship coach working with individuals, couples, and families in private practice at 123 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst, NY. 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.

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the dining room table? The purpose of meeting the family is NOT to see if you come from the same background. That’s not so important. What is important is to make sure that you and your boyfriend have the same values, dreams, aspirations, and plans for the future. Third, Orthodox Judaism is a large tent that can lovingly accommodate folks from very different backgrounds. It is not healthy for all of us to cloister exclusively with tribe members who are exactly like us. I strongly believe that it is very healthy for the future of Judaism for Ashkenazim to marry Sephardim, for Chassidim to marry Litvaks, for FFBs to marry BTs, Jews of Polish descent to marry Jews of Hungarian descent, and for Yankee fans to marry Met fans. (On the other hand, if your family members are cat-lovers, and his are dog-lovers, that could pose a serious problem…)

DECEMBER 30, 2021

The Zaidy

merely what you do not like about his family! Do you feel a strong attraction to this young man, or does he simply satisfy the check marks on your shopping list? You write that, “He’s a great guy and has a lot of the qualities I’m looking for in a husband.” If you really liked the young man, if you really felt strongly attracted to him, and if you really felt that he could be a loving, life partner, that fact that his family comes from a different background shouldn’t be so problematic. Second, let’s discuss why it’s a good idea to meet a prospective mate’s family. Meeting the family allows you to observe: are family members sociopaths? Do family members hate each other? Do they abuse drugs or alcohol? Do they floss their teeth right at

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shidduchim, we must keep in mind that no family is perfect, and unless it’s a severe situation, we cannot hold an individual accountable for his or her parents’ actions. Of course, if a family situation impacted a child, it should be looked into, but everyone needs to decide for themselves how much research is required around various topics. If we held every parent’s actions against a child then no one would be married, because isn’t everyone’s mother-in-law crazy?

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

Teen Talk

By Rabbi Doniel Drandoff

Dear Teen Talk,

column in

a new

TJH, is geared to wards the teens in o ur commu nity. Answered by a rotati ng roster of teachers, rebbeim, clinicians , an d peers (!), te ens will b e hearing answers to many que stions the had perco y lating in th eir minds wished th an d ey had th e answers for.

I am 16 years old and have five younger siblings. I have always been what the world would consider a “good kid.” I do what I am told. I am studious and responsible and have always helped with my siblings. The problem is that I can’t seem to get my parents’ attention! I mean, they love me and will always help me if I need them. But my siblings just take so much of their energy and time. I have all kinds of worries and challenges and I don’t feel like my parents care enough to notice. Maybe if I had acted out like my 14-year-old brother does I would get more attention. How can I get my parents to notice me?

Answer: B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M

Teen Talk ,

Wow! You sound like every parent’s dream! A mature, responsible, young man who takes life seriously and is interested in his parents’ advice and attention. Although being so mature seems like it hasn’t really worked out in your favor, I assure you that it has. We simply have to learn new ways of reaching out and seeking help, because the wisdom that is expressed in your question is a tool that will serve you very well in life. Don’t think for a second that you would be better oﬀ if you would “act out.” You are strong and caring and smart, and you have a track record of making good decisions. Let’s make sure that those amazing qualities are used to further your mission in life

and, with lots of siyata dishmaya, secure the best future possible! So, how do you get your parents attention without the beneﬁt of the easy, attention-grabbers such as acting out and misbehaving? Before answering your question, I want to note a few points from your question that stick out to me. As the oldest of six, you must have found yourself in a helping position from a fairly young age. I imagine that in some ways you have been like a third parent to some (all??) of your siblings. How many diapers have you changed? How many bottles have you fed? Do you feel the weight of this as a burden? As a responsibility? Being the oldest sibling in a large family almost always comes with certain realities – extra

tasks and chores and duties to fulﬁll. This can build character and become a great strength as you become a young adult. However, you also need the space to be a teen who has a social life and hobbies. You need to make sure that you are taking care of yourself and that you see yourself as worthy of happiness of your own. Do you take the time to consider your own joy and enjoyment? Do you have friends that you enjoy spending time with? You can’t be living day after day as a 16-year-old going on 40. If you ignore yourself and your needs now, when you are 40, and you are responsible for your own family, you may feel worn down and worn out. Or you may begin to develop assumptions about

One of the biggest - and most natural mistakes that humans make in relationships is waiting for their loved one to intuit or recognize that something is wrong. while at the same time communicating that it has been a challenge to maintain your high level of familial responsibility. I have a feeling that this would open up a great deal for you and your relationship with your parents. If it is approached in a truly respectful way, you may ﬁnd that this alone will be the ultimate answer to your conundrum. I now want to turn to another aspect of the challenge you are facing. Based on your question my assumption is that your parents have no idea that you are struggling. They see a diligent young man who is respectful, doing well in school, and, seemingly,

Rabbi Doniel Drandoff is a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in the Five Towns/Far Rockaway community, as well as Clinical Director of My Extended Family. He works with teens, young adults, families, and couples. You can reach Rabbi Drandoff at Dndrandoff@gmail.com.

B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M

ing contradiction here. Not to call you out, but to bring the truth to light. The truth is that people often have conflicting feelings. Two feelings that seem to contradict each other. I want you to know that that is completely normal! You feel your parents’ love, and at the very same time you feel that they don’t care! In truth, you know that they care. But it can definitely feel as though they do not. So, the real question is: how do you tap into that love and care that you know your parents have for you and gain their much-needed attention? The first thing I would like you to consider is if you have any resentments

happy. I doubt they have any idea that you have so much on your mind. Additionally, since you are their oldest, they really don’t know what to expect. Seriously! Your parents have no experience parenting teens! You are the one they are learning on. So teach them. One of the biggest – and most natural – mistakes that humans make in relationships is waiting for their loved one to intuit or recognize that something is wrong. The belief is that: if they really loved me, they would know I’m hurting. Now, of course, it feels good when we see that our loved ones can pick up on our subtle cues. However, this waiting game is a recipe for disaster and often leads to serious resentment and anger. This type of dynamic often plays out in marriage as well, and it leaves the hurt spouse in an ever-growing state of pain and resentment. The good news is that by communicating your feelings you can get exactly what you’re looking for. This is true in all relationships, and it is a great lesson to learn as a teen. If you have something on your mind, something which you need support to manage, don’t wait for someone to notice. Reach out and lean on the people who care about you! You have two loving parents who, I have no doubt, want to help you however they can. By reaching out to them you will not only be able to access the support that you need, but you will also build a bridge to your parents which will strengthen your bond with them. The value of that cannot be overstated.

DECEMBER 30, 2021

towards your parents for all the help you have provided with your siblings. From the sound of things, there are some resentments, and, if that is the case, the best thing would be to air that out. Now, you have to be respectful and mindful of all that they have done for you. So, when approaching them, it must be handled with care. Keep your goal clear: you want to express your appreciation for all they do,

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responsibilities that are a bit distorted. You must be a teen during these teenage years. This doesn’t mean you should make trouble, chas v’shalom. However, it does mean that you must see yourself as a person separate from those who rely upon you. So go out with friends. Pick up a book. Play ball. Whatever enjoyable healthy outlets are available to you, seek them out! Now, on a diﬀerent note, let’s talk about your relationship with your parents. On one hand, you say that they care about you and love you. On the other hand, you say that you don’t feel that they care enough to notice your needs. I want to highlight the seem-

Are you a teen with a question? If you have a question or problem you’d like our columnists to address, email your question or insight to editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com, subject line: Teen Talk.

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

Common

Cents

Saving for College Education

September 2021 article in US News & World Report noted that over the last 20 years, average tuition and fees at in-state tuition at public universities increased by 211%. Contrast that to a 54% increase in the total consumer price index over the same period, and the high stress and anxiety that families feel when considering the cost of higher education is warranted! Simply meeting our expenses and obligations today can be challenging, so the thought of setting aside thousands (tens of thousands?) more to cover our children’s higher education costs on top of pricey Jewish day school tuition can be overwhelming. Now, you may be asking, how can I even approach such a high savings goal? Are there any tax smart strategies that can make the savings process easier? What is a FAFSA anyway? Sounds familiar? Let’s consider these questions and more to bring a thoughtful and actionable plan for higher education savings.

nize a goal of having enough money set aside for college/yeshiva/seminary costs to assist their child as they segway into adulthood. If the parents initially set aside $2,500 as soon as their child is born, and then added $250 per month for 18 years, assuming a 7% annual compounded return, they would have $110,447 in the account to spend by the time their child graduates high school. Even though they only contributed $56,000 over the course of 18 years, they have nearly doubled their balance due to the power of staying invested and compounding. There are many helpful online calculators (https://www. investor.gov/financial-tools-calculators/calculators/ compound-interest-calculator) to enter amounts and calculate the expected balance in the future. This can be a helpful way to test out different scenarios and strategies toward reaching your goal. Remember, the more time you have on your side, the greater opportunities there will be for your money to really grow. Invest early, and invest often!

Reasonable expectations Saving for a child’s education is no small goal. Average annual tuition for a public in-state school was $10,338 for the 2021-2022 school year and much higher for out-of-state and private colleges. Multiply that by 4 years per child, add some inflation and you can easily be in the 6 figures. The decision for how much support to provide for education costs will vary by person, and does not have to be an “all or nothing” proposition. Some parents might choose to cover the cost of just in-state tuition, while some might opt to help out with just a percentage. Have an honest discussion with your children about what you can realistically afford and frame the discussion as an opportunity to work in partnership, working toward the same goal and contributing together to get there. No matter what your funding number is, it is important in any long-term goal to celebrate the small wins along the way. Acknowledging small wins sparks the reward circuits in your brain that can encourage a positive feedback loop and increase the likelihood that you will reach your goal. Consider breaking up the long-term goals into 4 smaller parts and treat yourself to something nice after reaching 25%, 50%, 75%, and finally 100% of the goal.

Being tax smart Not all investment accounts are created equal. Accounts are typically delineated by their tax preferences - and those preferences have a real impact on how you contribute to, distribute, and grow the accounts. 529 accounts and ROTH IRAs are two common tax-preferred accounts to consider for your long-term education savings goals. 529 Accounts: These accounts are designed to incentivize education-related savings. Accounts can be opened by anyone and must name a beneficiary, the person who will use the future education expenses. Cash contributions can be invested for growth and then distributed tax-free for qualifying education expenses. Tax preferences include: 1) Federal and State tax free growth while the account is growing, 2) Tax free distributions if used for qualifying education expenses, and 3) Possible state tax deduction on contributions (check your state). Allowable contributions to a 529 account are much higher compared to a ROTH IRA (consult a CPA for gift tax considerations) and most plans have easy “set it and forget it” target date funds that will be invested along with your time horizon for when you need the money. If money is taken out and not used for qualifying education expenses, there will be both taxes due and a 10% penalty. It is possible to transfer accounts to a different beneficiary, in the case that one child ends up not needing their 529 funds due to a scholarship or other career plans. ROTH IRAs: These accounts are traditionally viewed as being for retirement. However they can also serve well for college savings. Accounts can be opened by anyone who has earned income, but higher income earners are limited in their ability to contribute (“backdoor ROTH IRAs” help address this limit). Cash contributions can be invested and

The power of time “The first rule of compounding is to never interrupt it unnecessarily” - Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman Berkshire Hathaway. When investing, stack the odds in your favor as much as possible. Putting time on your side is incredibly important for any longterm goal. The earlier you can start saving, the less you will have to put in.The magic of compound interest will cover more of the heavy lifting in reaching your target goal. Imagine if new parents recog-

By Elliot Pepper, CPA, CFP®️, MST grow tax-free. Tax preferences include: 1) Federal and State tax free growth while the account is growing, 2) Tax-free distributions if taken after age 59 ½, and 3) No deduction allowed on contributions, but they can also be withdrawn at any time. Allowable contributions to a ROTH IRA are limited compared to a 529 account. For 2021, maximum contributions are $6,000 ($7,000 for ages 50 and older). Distributions of original contributions are always tax-free, while distributions attributable to account growth are potentially tax-free. At age 59 ½, all distributions are tax-free. Distributions of the earnings portion before the age of 59 ½ will be subject to both taxes and a 10% penalty, but if the early distribution is for education-related expenses, there is no 10% penalty. Student aid - Master the FAFSA! As your children get closer to college age, familiarize yourself with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application needs to be completed in order to apply for student aid such as federal grants, work-study, and loans. Additionally, many states and colleges use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for state- and school-level aid. The FAFSA application window typically opens on October 1st each year for the following academic year - and it is important to get your application submitted as close to the opening of the window as possible! The FAFSA will ask questions about your income and assets, and the determination of eligible aid will be based on the information provided. It is important to keep in mind the impact that 529 and ROTH account assets as well as withdrawals can have on your FAFSA application. Visit Studentaid. gov to learn more about applying for federal aid. Don’t leave free money on the table! Saving for college is a tall order. However, by setting realistic goals, utilizing tax savvy strategies, and becoming a “FAFSA Master”, you can better equip yourself to provide your family with a strong level of educational financial support. 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.Elliot Pepper, CPA, CFP®, MST is Co-Founder of Northbrook Financial, a Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Management Firm. He has developed and continues to teach a popular Financial Literacy course for high school students.

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OU Women’s Initiative Celebrates First Nach Yomi Siyum This January, the Orthodox Union Women’s Initiative will be celebrating the culmination of its first two-year Nach Yomi cycle featuring shiurim from women scholars, with a series of celebratory events in New York, Israel and across the country. The Torat Imecha Nach Yomi program began in January 2020 and has featured daily downloadable audio shiurim on Nach, Nevi’im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings). “What Nach affords you, as a learner, is to be part of the journey and history of the Jewish people and be an audience to the sacred words of our prophets.” says Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman, director of the OU Women’s Initiative. Siyum events begin with shiurim

on Shabbat Shira, January 14-15, by Nach Yomi educators at shuls across the country. Renowned female scholars will speak in communities from California to Colorado and from Toronto to Texas. So far, the list includes 22 speakers and cities, but will continue to grow as the event nears. “The OU Women’s Initiative Nach Yomi program was an inspired idea that has created a spiritual anchor for what has become a learning community of thousands of women who are infusing their every day with Torah knowledge, guidance, and connection. We view this as a critical contribution to Orthodox communal life and look forward to its growing impact,” observed Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union.

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Rabbi Josh Joseph, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of the OU remarked, “The number of women now learning Nach on a daily basis is quite simply astounding. We thank the Torat Imecha Nach Yomi participants and our leadership for making this the largest women’s learning program…ever. With so many women learning the same text with the same teacher - Yeyasher Kochachem!” The siyum festivities continue on Sunday, January 16th with a celebration at Congregation Beth Sholom in Lawrence, NY. This women-only program will include music by composer and vocalist Sorah Shaffren, talks by Nach Yomi educators and a catered lunch. Nach Yomi participants in Israel will enjoy two more special events starting with shiurim at the OU Israel Center on Sunday, January 23rd. On Monday, January 24th, events continue with a talk entitled “Yehoshua and You” and a tour of Qasr al Yuhud and Mitzepe Yericho with Rivi Frankel and end with a grand siyum celebration in Yerushalayim in the evening. “Rebbetzin Dr. Shmidman and the OU’s Women’s Initiatives Department advances the fundamental values of Torah Judaism. The Nach Yomi program exemplifies this commitment, ensuring that each and every day includes an expansion of one’s Torah knowledge,” commented Moishe Bane, president of the OU. The program has been a tremendous success. More than 6,500 women are subscribed to receive the daily learning modules, which total 742 individual shiurim, and more than 1,000 women have completed the full series. The program is meant for women of all ages and religious and educational backgrounds to learn on their own

schedules. “What’s truly remarkable is to find women of such diverse backgrounds— learning, hashkafic, geographic, age— being part of the same classroom, learning and growing together, “ says Shmidman, who is also rebbetzin of The Lower Merion Synagogue in Bala Cynwyd, PA. “Torat Imecha Nach Yomi has created a space of strength and support through the gift of our holy sefarim. The dedication of both participants and educators is extraordinary and speaks to the remarkable impact of this program.” Participants who have completed the series are invited to add their names to the online Siyum Scroll at ou.org/women/nachsiyum. The program launched at a particularly opportune time. In January 2020, when the most recent cycle of Daf Yomi started, there was an increase in attention on daily learning. Shortly thereafter, the Covid-19 pandemic forced many to isolate and find more virtual learning opportunities. “It’s been incredible to hear from so many participants how connected they feel to these beloved texts and how much, over these last two difficult years, these words have been such an anchor,” says Shmidman,” says Shmidman. Elaine Tuchman, a Nach Yomi participant from Baltimore, is one such example. “I so much appreciate this program as it permits me to learn whenever it is most convenient for me,” she says, “Torat Imecha Nach Yomi is a very important part of my day. It brings me so much simcha.” To donate and participate in the in-person events or to livestream the celebrations, visit ou.org/women/ nachsiyum.

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Forgotten Her es

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Jewish Aces of the Air By Avi Heiligman

Yakov Ilyich Vernikov

uring aerial combat, a “kill” is the termed used for downing an enemy aircraft whether it is a fighter, bomber, cargo, observation plane or any other type of manned vehicle that flies (drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles are a different story). Five “kills” to a pilot’s record gives him or her the coveted status of an ace pilot. During World War II, many pilots were needed to fill roles on the expanding air forces, and thousands of Jewish airmen and women answered the call. Jewish pilots have served on aircraft since its adaption for military usage over a century ago, with dozens achieving the title of an ace pilot. Yakov Ilyich Vernikov was a Jewish pilot from the Soviet Union during World War II. As a child, he was fascinated with model airplanes and flight in general and learned to fly when he was just 17 years old. Upon completion of his original flying course, he became an instructor and in 1938 was drafted into the Red Army. The army sent him to an aviation school for military pilots in Odessa, and when the Germans invaded Russia in 1941, he was a member of the 234th Aviation Regiment. His first victory was a Heinkel He 111 bomber that he shot down over Kursk. The types of aircraft he flew varied, and throughout his career he piloted 140 different types of planes. Most of his victories came in a LaGG-

Lieutenant Colonel Murray Shubin

33 or Yak-7 during the years 1942 and 1943. By the end of the war, Vernikov accumulated 15 kills in 68 air battles while flying an extraordinary 424 sorties. He was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his actions during the air battles. Several Jewish double aces (with at least ten kills) flew for the Allies during World War II. Lieutenant Colonel Murray Shubin from Pittsburg had the distinction of becoming an ace in a day on his way to recording a

George Ernest Goodman

left alone to fight off five more Zeros. His shooting was accurate enough to hit one in the cockpit and scored a deflection shot on another Zero. Two others were soon out of the sky, while the remaining Zero was able to escape. Even though he couldn’t confirm four of the planes as actual kills, American ground troops observed the aerial dogfight and confirmed that he shot down six enemy planes in just 45 minutes. Shubin was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as

American ground troops observed the aerial dogfight and confirmed that he shot down six enemy planes in just 45 minutes.

total of eleven air-to-air victories. He flew a P-38 Lightning fighter for the 330th Fighter Squadron and recorded his first kill while flying on a bomber escort mission over Bougainville. While flying near Guadalcanal on June 16, 1943, Shubin led three other P-38 fighters in an attack on a larger group of Japanese Zeros. The four Americans each shot down an enemy fighter, and Shubin recorded another kill when a Zero pulled up in front of his plane. The three other Americans had to return to base, and Shubin was

a host of other medals, including the Silver Star, for his heroics in the air. Pilots from around the world joined the RAF during the war and flew British planes in their fight against the Nazis. Pilots from Poland and Czechoslovakia, in particular, were known for their heroics in the air. Flyers from parts of the British Empire also came to fly for the RAF, including George Ernest Goodman from Haifa, which was then part of the British Mandate. He joined the RAF in 1939 and flew a Hawker Hur-

ricane during the Battle of France in 1940. On May 13, he shot down a bomber and a Bf-110 fighter-bomber and shared a kill the next day. Before leaving France, he knocked another He-111 bomber out of the sky. During the Battle of Britain, Goodman shot down at least four more planes before crashing in the British countryside. Goodman quickly recovered from the crash and was in new Hurricane and was involved in the downing of two more German planes. He was awarded Distinguished Flying Cross for his aerial actions during the Battle of Britain which read, in part, “He assisted in the destruction of an enemy bomber which was attacking an aerodrome in the failing light at dusk. His courage and resourcefulness have enabled him to destroy at least six enemy aircraft.” Experienced fighter pilots were needed in North Africa, and Goodman was sent to the 73rd Squadron fighting in Libya. He was credited with shooting down a Fiat CR.42 flown by a top Italian pilot. On April 9, 1941, Goodman was shot down again, but as before, he survived the crash and continued flying. Five days later, he shot down a Ju-87 Stuka and shared two more kills. On June 14, he was shot down by flak over Gazala Airfield in Libya, and this time unfortunately he was killed. Goodman was Jewish (some records have him listed as a Christian

Lieutenant Harold Segal

also credited with twelve victories while flying a Corsair F4U fighter in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. Emil Fechtner was a Jewish Czechoslovakian pilot who flew for France and then England and had at least five kills against Nazi pilots to his record. British RAF pilot Cyril “Bam” Bamberger fought during the Battle of Britain, the defense of Malta, and later in the Korean War.

He has five confirmed kills, including downing two Ju-87 dive bombers over Malta and another over Sicily. Changes in the way aerial combat is fought today is making it more unlikely that a pilot will become an ace by traditional standards, Drones, faster jets and better weapon technology have taken over from the days of aircraft chasing each other with guns blazing.

The ace pilots of the past, while not always getting their names and stories on headline news, are heroes who deserved to be remembered.

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

DECEMBER 30, 2021

but those are incorrect) and had ten individual victories to his record along with six more shared kills. There were other Jewish ace pilots that were discussed in previous articles. Lydia Litvyak was a Jewish airwoman from Moscow during World War II. Before she was killed after an aerial dogfight in 1943, she had recorded twelve kills. American Marine Lieutenant Harold Segal is

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Using Humor to Cope with Stress

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Mental Health Corner

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DECEMBER 30, 2021

Overdependence on Therapy By Rabbi Azriel Hauptman Psychotherapy is an incredible tool for dealing with many kinds of challenges that we face. Countless people can tell you how therapy has changed their life or even saved their life. However, therapy is delivered by human beings who are far from flawless. Sometimes, therapists can cause real psychological harm. This can be due to having a lack of empathy for their client, making their client feel powerless, or in general being ineffective. Another way that therapy can be damaging is if the therapist encourages overdependence. Before we discuss this particular issue, we first need to digress into an extremely fundamental principle of therapy. We are referring to transference. Transference describes a situation where the client takes his or her feelings, desires, and expectations of one person are then redirects them to another person. For example, a client who lacked a wholesome relationship with a parent and is craving such a relationship might develop those feel-

ings for their therapist who in their subconscious mind is stepping in and taking over the role of a parent. Transference can be therapeutic gold as it helps the client develop a deeper understanding of the basis of their distress. This can help the client process their experiences and learn how to develop and maintain healthy and fulfilling relationships outside of therapy. There is a catch to transference. Transference can only help us resolve our unmet emotional needs. It cannot fulfill them. It is true that during the initial phases of therapy, it might feel like the therapist is fulfilling those needs. However, this should be a means to an end and not an end unto itself. This is where overdependence come in. When your therapist is not focused on helping you move past your feelings of dependence on the therapist, you are at risk of developing an unhealthy overdependence on your therapist. The harm that this can cause to you is incalculable. Your therapist’s

job is to provide you a therapeutic experience. When your therapist fosters an overdependence, you are not receiving what you came for. Rather, you are potentially opening yourself up to a very traumatic experience. How do you know if you are overly dependent on your therapist? If you really need therapy, then why is it so bad if you are dependent on therapy? Just like if you had physical ailments you would be dependent on physical therapy, similarly if you have psychological ailments you would be dependent on psychotherapy. The answer is that there is a tremendous difference between needing therapy and needing your therapist. As long as you are suffering, you need therapy. Needing your therapist is something entirely different. That might be a sign of an unhealthy relationship with your therapist. Another question you can ask yourself is if your relationship with your therapist is enhancing your other

relationships, or are your other relationships suffering because all of your emotional energy is being channeled towards your therapist. Ultimately, it is your therapist’s job as a trained professional to monitor the health of the therapeutic alliance. If you have any concerns about the relationship, then you should feel free to have a discussion with your therapist. However, you must maintain your own vigilance and make sure that your therapy is leading you in the right direction. Although, there are phases of therapy that might involve dependence on your therapist, that is not the overarching goal of therapy. This is a service of Relief Resources. Relief is an organization that provides mental health referrals, education, and support to the frum community. Rabbi Yisrael Slansky is director of the Baltimore branch of Relief. He can be contacted at 410-448-8356 or at yslansky@ reliefhelp.org

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In The K

tchen

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Top of the Rib Wine Roast By Naomi Nachman

DECEMBER 30, 2021

Looking for an easy roast to make for Shabbat? Here is one that I recommend. I found all the necessary ingredients in

can make one and freeze one �mofo (make one freeze one!)

◦ 4-pound top of the rib roast 2 onions, sliced into rings Favorite spice rub (I used Simply Gourmet Chili Lime Rub) Kosher salt to taste 1 cup dry red wine 1 cup ketchup

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. 2. Place onions on the bottom of a roasting pan. 3. Season the roast on all sides with spice rub and salt. Place the meat on top of the onions.

4. In a small bowl, whisk the ketchup and wine and pour the mixture over the meat.

5. Cover pan tightly and bake for 3 hours. 6. After the meat has cooked, cool and slice.

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

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Ingredients

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fast. Also, this recipe doubles easily � so you

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my pantry, and the recipe came together so

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