Baltimore Jewish Home - 4-18-24

The Chesed Fund and Project Ezra invite the entire community to the Harry A. & Lillian Frid,

Annual Baltimore

Pimlico Race Course Clubhouse Parking Lot

See Driving Directions Below.

Monday, April 22, 2024 | 6:30 - 11:15 AM sharp

NOTHING WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 11:15AM.

WITH MUCH APPRECIATION

to City Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer for making this year’s event free to the public!

FOOD DONATION DRIVE – Non-perishable items will be collected for distribution in the Park Heights community.

FOOD TRASH ONLY! Please be considerate; burn chometz, not plastic. If you wish to burn wrapped chometz, wrap it in paper bags - not plastic, not styrofoam, not aluminum foil. When plastic burns, it releases toxins which harm those present and the environment. Please do not attempt to burn frozen food items.

CLOSED CANS AND BOTTLES can explode when placed in the fire. You must put them in the provided dumpsters.

PLEASE RECYCLE – Designated dumpsters will be available.

BULK TRASH, such as furniture, appliances, etc., WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Food garbage can be placed in our dumpsters.

Easy Directions to Pimlico Race Course Clubhouse Parking Lot:

1. Head southeast down Park Heights Avenue, passing the Park Heights JCC on your right.

2. Proceed through the intersection at Northern Parkway, and continue through the intersection at West Rogers Avenue.

3. Make a left at the next light, onto Hayward Avenue.

4. Make the next right at Maple Avenue, into the Pimlico Parking Lot.

This event is also sponsored in memory of Mrs. Ruth Miller, ה׳׳ע.

Dear Readers,

Most people would agree that the central figure in the story of Yezias Mitzrayim was Moshe Rabbeinu. Yet, astonishingly, Moshe’s name is not mentioned anywhere in the Haggadah! Why isn’t his name mentioned?

Rabbi Yakov Frand, echoing the words of the Belzer Rebbe, offers a beautiful explanation. The mitzvah of the Seder is ךנבל תדגהו re-lating the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim to your child. But how could this have been accomplished at the first Seder ever when everyone experienced it firsthand, leaving nothing to tell? The answer is that Moshe’s children were not present during the Exodus as they were with their mother, Tziporah. Therefore, Moshe Rabbeinu fulfilled he mitzvah of ךנבל תדגהו by conveying the story to his sons.

This is perhaps why Moshe’s name was not mentioned in the Haggadah- he was the author of it as the originator of ךנבל תדגהו! Moshe Rabbeinu, the most humble of all men, naturally omitted his name! As a child, one of the highlights of my youth was spending Pesach in Washington, D.C. at my grandparents’ home in the Shepherd Park neighborhood. The rolling hills, cherry blossoms, and fragrant flowers brought Pesach to life, marking a renewal after a

long Baltimore winter. However, it was the experience within my grandparents’ home that truly left its mark. Both Holocaust survivors, they shared their own “Yetzias Mitzrayim” story—a Seder not of despair but of joy and gratitude for their personal salvations. Despite the palpable pain they carried, the prevailing message was one of survival, gratitude, and hope. When my grandparents uttered the words of ונחנא ןיא ךל תודוהל ןיקיפסמ during Hallel, it echoed a profound thankfulness for their journey.

Each family, each generation faces its own challenges, but Pesach offers a chance to share personal stories of redemption, uniting families and Klal Yisroel as we navigate the trials of Galus. The strength and inspiration gained from these narratives foster resilience for our personal journeys and those of future generations.

On a personal note, seeing my connection to Washington come full circle is gratifying. The BJH warmly welcomes the Greater Washington area to our news coverage, reinforcing the close-knit nature of our communities.

Wishing everyone a Good Shabbos and Chag Kasher V’Sameach! Aaron Menachem

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Around the Community

BCL Wraps up 2024 Season in Grand Fashion

The Baltimore Chesed League - by Columbia Group wrapped up its 7th season on Sunday evening, April 14th. With 150 boys spread across 22 teams, this was BCL’s largest season to date! The league marked the occasion with a celebratory banquet

at Ner Tamid, sponsored by Tactic Therapy and Rentals of Distinction

Most of the boys arrived at the dinner, proudly wearing their BCL sweatshirts, sponsored by the Kove Group.

At the event, the boys heard inspirational speeches from “graduating”

BCL player Aryeh Weinberger and first time coach, Mr Shlomo Brodie.

In addition to enjoying a delicious dinner, the boys participated in a fun “BCL trivia game” and then viewed a memorable slideshow to cap off the evening. A great time was had by all!

BCL would like to thank the coach-

es and organizations who partnered with us this year, helping to show the boys all the wonderful chesed opportunities we have in Baltimore.

The following pictures represent some of the chesed activities from the last two weeks of the season.

Team WesBanco Israel Bonds Match prepared and loaded food boxes with a local chesed organization.

Team Advanced Root Canal Specialists helped sort tzedaka coins for Ahavas Yisroel.

Team Naomi Center packaged close to 50 meals at the Khal Bais Nosson Food Pantry..

Team Union Bridge Family Dentistry helped support efforts at the Jewish Library of Baltimore.

Team Keren Reva Costume Gemach visited the Hatzalah garage and helped build pushkas.

Team Erez Seiferas, in support of CHAI, helped clean a local neighborhood.

Team Donny Ankri Architects helped load Shaimos at the Agudah Park Heights.

Team Pikesville Remodeling helped organize seforim at Ner Tamid.

Team Winner Insulation entertained the residents of Aventura Assisted Living.

Team King David Nursing and Rehabilitation helped organize, sort, and replenish the Agudah scrip program.

Team DC Dental partnered with Yachad to make seder plates for nursing home residents.

Team Kineged Glass joined the boys of Menucha for a nutritious dinner and a skillful game of Monopoly.

Teams Quarry Orthodontics helped clean the Tikva House for Pesach.

Team Flamm Insurance helped bury bags of shaimos.

Team JTAP Tennis had a great day with the residents at King David Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Team Kelemer Brothers helped empty the shaimos storage area at the Agudah of Park Heights

Team Pit Stop Tire had the zechus to help Chasdei Lev pack and load Pesach packages.

Team Owings Mills Podiatry baked two pans of desserts for bikur cholim.

Team Sage Ventures worked up a sweat helping Chai Lifeline families clean their cars for Pesach.

Team Tucker and Meltzer serenaded the residents at Sterling Care.

Team RenoSafe Homes helped clean up the Hebrew Friendship Cemetery.

Team CBT Baltimore enjoyed some pizza after assisting JCN in moving to a new office.

Music Runs In the Family – A Special Treat for Bais Yaakov of Baltimore Seniors

On March 4th and 19th, internationally acclaimed violinist Daniel Heifetz came to Baltimore to speak and play the violin for Bais Yaakov High School’s Voice Classes, taught by his daughter, renowned professional singer and voice teacher Elena Tal. Each year, Mrs. Tal invites her father to come to her voice classes, since she started teaching at Bais Yaakov, and every time it is a big highlight of the semester and the students leave feeling inspired and deeply moved. Mr. Heifetz shares his stories and amazing experiences as a world-class concert violinist, who has spent his life devoted to music and playing from his neshama, as well as the positive impact that Yiddishkeit has had on his illustrious career.

Mr. Heifetz is renowned on five continents for his extraordinary virtuosity, profound artistry and charismatic stage presence. His numerous appearances include recitals and solo performances with many of the world’s leading orchestras. His concert tours have taken him throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Central and South America. Daniel Heifetz is also the Founder of the Heifetz International Music Institute. In a career spanning over 30 years, Mr. Heifetz has dedicated himself to the art of communication through performance and education.

Mr. Heifetz has been a powerful force on major television and radio programs and was a prizewinner in both the Merriweather-Post competition in Washington, D.C. and the Inter-

national Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. As an artist who has always possessed a deep social commitment, he stunned the Tchaikovsky Competition officials and Soviet government when he met with Alexander Ginsburg’s wife and donated his prize money to the families of jailed Jewish dissidents Alexander Ginsburg and Natan Sharansky. As a result of this humanitarian gesture, Richard L. Thornburgh, former United States Attorney General and Governor of Pennsylvania, held a state dinner in his honor.

“It is a joy every year to speak and perform for Elena’s Bais Yaakov senior voice classes,” expresses Mr. Heifetz. “These are young women who are bright, intelligent and open to learning new things. I perform for them and teach them how sound is produced on a violin. I share with them insights into the classical music world and the life of an international concert violinist, as well as the impact Judaism has had on my personal life and my life as an artist. I explain that I was inspired by our daughter’s choice to become frum, for my wife and myself to become more observant, as well. I also show the students, by playing my violin for them, how Yiddishkeit affects my musicianship and the way I communicate my neshama through the music to the audience. I describe how it has also affected the kinds of career decisions I have made, using Jewish classical music to inspire different audiences in many different situations throughout the world. I share with them that it’s important to

have self-confidence, believe in themselves and not compare themselves to anyone else. I tell them that I pray that they live inspired lives connecting with Hashem’s “sacred fire” that burns inside of each of them.”

Elena fondly remembers as a child, going on tour with her father and performing together on many stages and concert halls, so it is always very special to rekindle those memories for her voice students. One of their favorite duets that they perform is the Vivaldi Concerto for Two Violins, with Elena masterfully singing the second violin part in scat (singing wordless syllables on the notes to imitate an instrument) - a memorable favorite of her classes throughout the years!

The importance and emphasis on musical expression was Mr. Heifetz’s reason for founding the Heifetz International Music Institute, which teaches gifted musicians from around the world how to be well-rounded performers who play with meaning and heart and to develop the expressive potential of every performer.

“My father always instilled in me that musical expression is just as important as technical skills. He inspired me to convey to my voice students that when you sing, you need to be willing to communicate what you feel about the music, and to not pursue music with the goal of being famous, but instead because you love it so much that you simply want to fulfill your G-d-given potential l’shem shamayim and bring people joy wherever it takes you!”

“Anyone can just open her mouth and sing,” elaborates Mrs. Tal, “but to be a true artist, one must reach the audience, and be able to convey what the song is about and the emotion behind it. This, too, is an integral part of singing. By the end of the school year, I hope to have helped my students find their own voices – that which is individual and unique to them. I encourage my students to be fulfilled musically and utilize their talents in a halachic way, filled with inspiration, kedusha and tznius.”

Even after graduating and going off to seminary or college, Elena’s voice students still reach out to express hakaros hatov and how this experience with her father has impacted them:

“Hi Mrs. Tal! I’m in seminary now and I thought I would let you know that my friend is giving a speech about music and I told her about the class we had when your father came in to speak and play for us. I was telling her how powerful the class and the music was and she is IY”H going to speak about it tomorrow. So thank you so much for all I learned last year. I’m still using the tools now!”

- Rikki K.

Elena Tal and her father, Daniel Heifetz hope to soon release some professional recordings of them doing more violin/voice duets together, so stay tuned!

For more information, please visit: https://www.elenatal.net/

$274.5 Million in FEMA Security Funding for Non-Profits in 2024 – A 10% Decrease From Last Year

The current anti-Semitic climate in the United States is frightening. Although anti-Semitism levels have been rising over the past several years, the number of incidents have surged by over 360% since Oct 7th. These incidents included 3,291 cases of harassment, physical assaults, violent online messages, phone threats, vandalism, and explicit support for Hamas and/or violence/genocide against Israeli and/ or Jews in the first three months of the war in Gaza. While American politics becomes more polarized leading up the elections, the only thing the radical left and extreme right have in common is anti-Semitism. According to FBI Director, Christopher Wray, the Jewish community is targeted by terrorists from “all sides” and from “across the spectrum” homegrown White Supremacists, Muslim terrorists, and extreme anti-Israel liberals. These threats together with the recent rise in armed robberies and car-jackings in Baltimore, make the need for security all the more vital.

Fortunately, since 2005, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to improve safety against acts of terrorism and hate crimes. Last year, the State

of Maryland and Washington D.C. received a total of $15.9 million from DHS that was awarded to 118 religious institutions and nonprofit groups across the state – a large portion of which were Jewish. This year, $274.5 million was granted to NSGP nationally which represents a 10% decrease since 2023. Although this will impact the total amount each non-profit can request, additional grant opportunities exist each year from the State of Maryland such as Protecting Against Hate Crimes or PAHC (Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention) and Hate Bias Crimes Grant (Maryland Center for School Safety). In recent years, most organizations were eligible for as much as $300,000 towards actual documented security expenses from State and Federal grants. Security grant can fund structural target hardening installations, such as cameras, alarm systems, fences, and secure doors, and windows as well as security guards and live surveillance.

Agudath Israel of America, the Orthodox Union of America and other lobby groups were instrumental in helping to encourage the development of NSGP and similar state-based grants over the past two decades.

“Agudath Israel of America has been deeply involved in the creation and annual funding of security grant pro-

grams to protect Jewish institutions,” Rabbi Ariel Sadwin, Executive Director of Agudath Israel of Maryland – Mid-Atlantic Region, said. “Beginning in 2005, scores of Jewish institutions across the country have been the beneficiaries of the federal Department of Homeland Security grant program for nonprofit organizations. Locally, Agudath Israel of Maryland has worked with the Associated’s Baltimore Jewish Council and other similarly focused entities to create grant programs to protect schools and houses of worship in Maryland.”

Although Jewish organizations have an advantage when it comes to security grants given the rise in anti-Semitism, this year will be more competitive than in previous years.

“It has recently been brought to my attention that FEMA’s Inspector General’s Office is cracking down on certain issues such as unfair competition, conflicts of interest and additional procurement regulations,” Capital Grant Consulting’s, Rabbi Gavriel Horan, said. “It’s essential that organizations adhere to full compliance in order to avoid a chillul Hashem and increase their odds of success.” Capital Grant has assisted a large portion of Synagogues, yeshivas, and other non-profits in the Baltimore community since 2019. In 2023, they helped procure a

Chasdei Lev’s Mission of Gratitude for Mehanchim

By: BJLife Newsroom

Chasdei Lev extends gratitude to our devoted Rebbeim and Moros who are mechanech our children, day in and day out, through ups and downs, with unwavering commitment and dedication. They are not only the heroes of their students, but the heroes of Klal Yisroel. There is no one more deserving of our appreciation.

Chasdei Lev helps lighten Pesach’s overwhelming financial burden for mechanchim across North America.

record number of security grants for the community. “In response to the increased scrutiny and decreased funds this year, we’re continuing to work diligently to ensure that local Jewish organizations have the best chance of winning grants,” he said.

The PAHC and NSGP application windows both just opened and will close in May and June respectively, making it extremely time sensitive for shuls and other non-profits to get working on their applications. The government strongly encourages organizations to apply for funding to facilitate safer religious communities, houses of worship and schools. New applicants receive bonus points so shuls or organizations who haven’t applied in the past have an even higher chance of being awarded funding.

“Given the growing anti-Semitism and crime in our community, I urge all community organizations to apply for security grants that we secured in the State budget,” Delegate Dalya Attar, said. “Professional and experienced grant writers like the Horans have assisted the community with obtaining these grants. Helping community members apply for and secure these grants has been crucial.”

Around the Community

Yeshiva Toras Simcha Students Watch the Eclipse

Yeshivas Toras Simcha Students Enjoy a Special Oneg Shabbos

Yeshivas Toras Simcha students enjoy an Oneg Shabbos with their rabbeim and Rabbi Hillel Shepard, Menahel. The Oneg Shabbos includes songs, divrei Torah and, of course, cholent and soda!

Photo Credit: Rabbi Dovid Kapenstein

REFORMERS V. TORAH

REFORMERS V. KEDUSHA

REFORMERS V. TZNIUS

REFORMERS SUED TO STOP GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS FOR KOLLEL YUNGELEIT!

RESULT: THE COURTS STOPPED THE FUNDS.

REFORMERS ARE BEHIND THE ONGOING COURT CASES BROUGHT BY THE WOMEN OF THE WALL!

THE REFORM AND CONSERVATIVE MOVEMENTS IN ISRAEL, AMONG OTHER PROGRESSIVE GROUPS, ARE BRINGING THESE CHALLENGES TO THE COURTS.

These are just some examples. Sadly, there are many more. How many more cases do we need to see? Can we allow this to continue?

RESULT: THE LITIGATION IS ONGOING FOR YEARS.

REFORMERS SUED TO PREVENT SEPARATE SEATING ON BUSES!

RESULT: BUS COMPANIES CAN NO LONGER DESIGNATE SEPARATE SEATING ON BUSES.

ENSURING ERETZ YISRAEL REMAINS ERETZ HAKODESH

eretzhakodesh.org

office@eretzhakodesh.org

Gavriel

of my writing career. A short time later the editor of Mishpacha Magazine saw a few of my samples and offered me a job on the spot. My first assignment was a bi-weekly column featuring kiruv organizations throughout the world. I was regularly featured in the

of Capital Grant Consulting – Baltimore’s Grant Writer

settle down in community bigger than Albany and smaller than NYC. Baltimore made sense. In 2016, I started a program in UMBC and eventually opened the RAJE Maryland branch at the urging of a few Russian students I met on campus. B”H it was the best

majority of our work involves NSGP (Federal) and PAHC (State) security grants. Last year we successfully won 54 security grants for the majority of shuls in the community! Dalya Attar, Yitzy Schleifer, and Rabbi Ariel Sadwin are very supportive of our work

and are always working tirelessly to help find funding opportunities – especially when it comes to keeping the

What items can shuls get from

Organizations can typically get as much as $300,000 each year towards security expenses to fund structural target hardening installations like cameras, lights, alarm systems, intercoms, generators, bollards, fences, and secure doors & windows, in addition to security guards. Over the past few years there were multiple carjackings that took place outside Synagogues - including the recent robberies that occurred in Beazer in broad daylight. Given the 360% increase in , there’s really no reason why every single shul shouldn’t have a government funded security guard – provided their Rav is on board. Congress cut funding this year by 10%. That means increased FEMA scrutiny and competition this year so it’s essential to hire a professional and experienced grant writer to ensure maximum compliance to in-

How should our shul president or nonprofit organization get in touch with you?

Make sure to tell your shul president to contact us at Gavriel@capitalgrantconsulting.com ASAP if they haven’t already!

Horan

The Week In News

stipulation, if the terror group cannot return forty female, young, elderly, or sick abductees, Hamas has to return adult men and captured soldiers.

Officials Fear Most Hostages are Deceased

According to a report published by the Wall Street Journal last week, officials from the United States and Israel are concerned that the majority of abductees kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 have since passed away.

Of the 253 individuals taken hostage on October 7 – when the Hamas terrorist organization invaded southern Israel and murdered more than 1,200 people – 129 have yet to be released from captivity. Through findings by Israel’s military and intelligence agencies, the Jewish state has determined that 34 of the 129 hostages have died, and the well-being of the other ninety-five abductees is still in question.

Based on Israeli intelligence, U.S. officials believe that most of the abductees are deceased, although such findings are preliminary. According to United States’ estimates, some hostages might have died from health issues or wounds, and some may have perished as a result of Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip. Those who are still alive are likely being kept in tunnels deep underground and are functioning as human shields for Hamas leaders.

According to other reports, Hamas has expressed that it cannot produce forty living hostages that fall under the category of women, children, the elderly, or the sick for the purpose of a hostage deal. Kan News has reported that Israel’s proposed hostage deal would involve the return of forty living hostages that fall under the aforementioned category. As part of Israel’s

Israel-Indonesia Normalization

In exchange for Indonesia’s accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), an intergovernmental bloc for developed countries, the Southeast Asian country is, according to officials, prepared to normalize ties with Israel.

Indonesia, which is home to 242 million Muslims, was initially going to join the OECD in February, but its entry into the organization was blocked by Israel. Before gaining admission into the OECD, all member countries must agree to the prospective nation’s accession.

Israel disapproved of Jakarta’s entry into the bloc because Indonesia does not have diplomatic relations with the Jewish state. Since then, Israel, Indonesia, and OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann have been privately discussing the prospect of Indonesia normalizing ties with Israel, a move that would be remarkable considering the Muslim world’s increasingly hostile relationship with Israel.

At first, Cormann convinced Jakarta to stop publicly criticizing Israel, although Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that such a move would not be enough to make the Jewish state change its mind. Two weeks ago, Cormann notified Katz via letter that Indonesia agreed that it wouldn’t be admitted into the OECD until Jakarta and Jerusalem normalize ties. Yedioth Aharonot reported that the letter’s wording was approved by Indonesia.

On Tuesday, April 9, Israel, for the first time, permitted Indonesia to take part in delivering relief packages to Gaza through an airdropping mission. During the presidency of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who is

currently at the end of his final term, Indonesia and Israel interacted infrequently, with Jakarta consistently dismissing the idea of normalizing ties with Israel.

Widodo has criticized Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip and has called on the Jewish State and Hamas to “stop the escalation, to stop the use of violence, to focus on humanitarian issues, and to solve the root of the problem, namely the Israeli occupation of Palestine.” Indonesia supported South Africa’s genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice, with the Southeast Asian country filing its own case against the Jewish state in January. Indonesia had, for some time now, refused to normalize ties with Israel until a Palestinian state is established.

Iran Targets the Holy Land

In retaliation for Israel’s recent strike on Iranian generals in Damascus, Iran launched 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles at Israel on Saturday night, marking Tehran’s first direct attack on the Jewish state in the Islamic Republic’s history in a move that may significantly heighten tensions in the region.

According to IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, 99% of Iran’s projectiles were intercepted by Israel, with help from the United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. No drones or cruise missiles entered Israeli airspace, while a few ballistic missiles hit southern Israel, causing “slight damage” at the Nevatim Air Base, added Hagari.

“Iran thought it would be able to paralyze the base and thus damage our air capabilities, but it failed. Air Force planes continue to take off and land from the base, and leave for offense and defense missions, includ -

ing the Adir (F-35) planes that are now returning from a base defense mission and soon you will see them landing,” said Hagari.

The only reported injury was of a seven-year-old Bedouin girl who lived near Arad and was brought to Beersheba’s Soroka Hospital in serious condition. The young girl had been injured by shrapnel after an Iranian ballistic missile was intercepted nearby.

Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon closed down their airspace in anticipation of the attack, with Jordan, in a surprise move, neutralizing many drones flying over northern and central Jordan. Hezbollah and the Houthis joined Iran in attacking Israel.

At 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, Israel shut down its airspace, and at 7:30 a.m., flights resumed at Ben Gurion Airport.

The world awaits Israel’s response to Iran’s unprecedented attack, with Israeli officials vowing to take serious action. According to reports, the security cabinet has permitted the war cabinet to confer on Israel’s response, allowing the war cabinet to make a decision without the security cabinet’s approval. Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, the defense minister of Iran, has stated that any country that “opens its airspace or territory for attacks on Iran by Israel” will face serious consequences.

“I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad,” Biden posted on X, with other U.S. officials issuing similar statements of support for the Jewish state.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, and others condemned Iran for its attack.

Israeli Teen Killed While Watching Sheep

The body of fourteen-year-old Benjamin Achimeir was found by authorities on Shabbos, following the Jerusalem teenager’s disappearance the day prior. No parties have

VOTING OPTIONS:

The Week In News

taken responsibility for his death, as of now. Before his death, Achimeir had been shepherding at a farm near Malachei Shalom, which is located close to Ramallah.

“We will get the murderers and those who helped them, as we do to anyone who harms the citizens of the state of Israel,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The death of Achimeir who, according to Israeli security forces, was killed by Palestinian terrorists, triggered acts of violence on Friday and Saturday in Palestinian villages, where Israeli residents of the area engaged in riots, according to Palestinian officials, killing a twentysix-year-old Palestinian, wounding

twenty-five individuals, and setting houses and cars on fire.

According to Yesh Din, an Israeli rights group, clashes between Israelis and Palestinians took place at dozens of Palestinian villages, including al-Mughayyir, a village northeast of Ramallah, where two homes and a few cars were allegedly burned, and Douma, where six individuals were shot and wounded.

“Clashes developed” between Israelis and Palestinians in multiple places in the West Bank, said the IDF and Border Police. Gunshots were fired and stones were thrown during the violence, and many Israelis and Palestinians were hurt as a result of the clashes, the military said, adding that it deployed “many forces” to the area to put an end to the chaos.

“I appeal to the public. Let the security forces act quickly in the hunt for the terrorists. Acts of revenge will make it difficult for our soldiers in their mission. The law must not be taken into one’s own hands,” said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Other officials, including Net -

anyahu and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, called on Israelis who reside in the area to stop interfering with the job of the security forces.

Hezbollah Commander Killed

The IDF and Hezbollah exchanged fire on Tuesday, with the Lebanon-based terror group launching two attack drones at northern Israel. A top commander in the terror group was killed in Israeli strikes.

Three people were lightly hurt in the Hezbollah drone attack, according to media reports and local authorities. The Israel Defense Forces said the two explosive-laden drones struck areas near the northern community of Beit Hillel.

Ismail Yousef Baz, whose rank is equivalent to a brigade commander, was killed by the strike. He was “a senior and veteran official in the military wing of Hezbollah,” holding several positions, the latest being the commander of the coastal region, the army said.

“As part of his position, he was involved in advancing and planning rocket and anti-tank missile launches towards the State of Israel from the coastal area in Lebanon,” it said.“During the war, he organized and planned a number of terror attacks against Israel.”

Hezbollah announced Baz’s death, saying he was killed “on the road to Jerusalem,” its term for terror operatives killed by Israel.

Since October 8, Hezbollah has attacked Israeli communities and military posts along the border on a daily basis with rockets, drones, anti-tank missiles and other means, saying it is doing so to support Gaza amid the war there. The group is an Iranian proxy in Lebanon. Palestinian terror groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are backed by Iran.

Baz was the sixth Hezbollah officer with a rank equivalent to a brigade commander to be killed by Israel in recent months, according to the IDF. The military has said that more than 30 Hezbollah commanders have been killed in its strikes in the past six months.

Hezbollah has named 275 members who have been killed by Israel during the ongoing skirmishes, mostly in Lebanon, but some also in Syria. In Lebanon, another 53 operatives from other terror groups, a Lebanese soldier, and at least 60 civilians have been killed.

Iran Seizes Israeli-Owned Ship

On Saturday, units from Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rappelled down from a helicopter onto an Israeli-affiliated container ship near the Strait of Hormuz and seized the vessel.

Iran’s state-run IRNA said a special forces unit of the Guard’s navy carried out the attack on the vessel, the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, a container ship associated with London-based Zodiac Maritime.

Zodiac Maritime is part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group. IRNA said the Guard would take the vessel into Iranian territorial waters.

The MSC Aries had been last located off Dubai heading toward the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. The ship had turned off its tracking data, which has been common for Israeli-affiliated ships moving through the region.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the West, particularly after the IDF attacked an Iranian embassy compound in Damascus, Syria, which killed several Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Reading

For

The Week In News

commanders, including two generals. Iran retaliated on Saturday night by sending hundreds of drones to Israel.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz called on nations to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization.

Iran “is a criminal regime that supports Hamas’ crimes and is now conducting a pirate operation in violation of international law,” Katz emphasized.

Iran offered no explanation for the seizure of the ship other than to say the MSC Aries had links to Israel.

For days, Iranian officials up to and including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have been threatening to “slap” Israel for the Syria strike. Western governments have issued warnings to their citizens in the region to be prepared for attacks.

The Gulf of Oman is near the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil passes. Fujairah, on the United Arab Emirates’ eastern coast, is a main port in the region for ships to take on new oil cargo, pick up supplies or trade out crew.

overall intake, eating rate, bite size and how long they snacked – and found that people eat larger pretzels quicker with larger bites. They also found that while people ate smaller pretzels slower and with smaller bites and ate less overall, they still had higher intake of sodium.

Seventy-five people were involved in the study. They were required to eat snacks at three different times. The oversized snack was about 2.5 servings of one of three sizes of pretzel – small, medium or large. When participants were given the same amount of food, how much they ate — in both snack weight and calories — depended on unit size. Those eating larger pretzels ate around 30 percent more than those eat the small- and medium-sized pretzels. People eating the larger pretzels also ate faster and took larger bites. These pretzels are making me thirsty.

Mustache Match

Keep Snacking

You may be chewing on matzah this week, but when Pesach is over and you bring out the pretzels, make sure you consider how big they are before you chow down.

According to researchers at Pennsylvania State University, the size of an individual snack piece not only influences how fast a person eats it but also how much of it they eat.

The team of food scientists led by Madeline Harper, a graduate student in food science, working with Prof. John Hayes who was corresponding and director of the Penn State Sensory Evaluation Center, published their findings in the journal Appetite under the title “Unit size influences ad libitum intake in a snacking context via eating rate.”

They investigated how the size of pretzels influences eating behavior –

Attendees at the National Beard and Mustache Championships in Florida broke three Guinness World Records for the longest chains of beards, mustaches, and partial beards this year.

The annual event, which is held in a different location each year by Beard Team USA, saw participants take on the three record titles on the Main Street Pier in this year’s host city: Daytona Beach.

The facial hair fanatics first attempted the record for the longest beard chain, which was previous-

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ly set at 150 feet during the previous year’s National Beard and Mustache Championships.

The beard-sporting participants stood side-by-side, and their facial hair was clipped together into an 86-person chain measuring a whopping 195 feet and 3 inches long.

Organizers then attempted the record for the longest mustache chain, with 27 participants achieving a record-breaking length of 20 feet and 4 inches.

The final record, longest partial beard chain, involved only those participants with partial beard styles, which include mutton chops, goatees and musketeer-style facial hair. The partial beard chain, made up of 24 participants, measured 42 feet and 8 inches long.

“I think it looks extra crazy because it’s so wacky to make a beard chain in the first place,” Bryan Nelson, creative director for Beard Team USA, told Guinness World Records. “But on top of that, there is the measuring, documenting, and all the official aspects of certifying the record title for Guinness

World Records.”

Mustache madness.

Art of the Matter

An employee of an art museum had his dream realized when a piece of his artwork was hung on the museum’s walls. It was a short-lived dream come true, though, as he had hung the piece himself on one of the walls of the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich, Germany. After security officials observed his actions, they promptly took the piece down and fired the rogue worker.

The 51-year-old exhibition technician and self-proclaimed “freelance artist” smuggled one of his paintings into the museum on February 26.

“A technical employee of one of the four museums represented in the Pinakothek der Moderne, who had not previously attracted attention in this regard, mounted the object in an exhibition room of the Sammlung Moderne Kunst outside opening hours,” a museum spokesperson said.

“As a result of the incident, he has

been banned from the museum until further notice and his employment will not be continued.”

The painting measured 60 centimeters by 1.2 meters.

Just after workers discovered the painting, the man emailed the museum confessing his actions, writing that “as a freelance artist, he has now hung his own picture [on the wall],” Christian Drexler, chief superintendent of the Munich Police, said.

A small artistic triumph.

O.J. Simpson Dies

Former football player and actor O.J. Simpson, who became infamous for being acquitted after going on trial for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her acquaintance Ron Goldman, died on Wednesday,

April 10, from prostate cancer at the age of 76.

Simpson’s diagnosis became known publicly around two months ago, and he was being treated with chemotherapy.

A talented football star, Simpson played for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. But in 1995, his fame turned into infamy, after Simpson was charged with the murder of his ex-wife and Goldman. In a surprising decision, the jury found him not guilty, although in 2016, the majority of Americans said they believed he was behind the double homicide, according to polls at the time. In 1997, Simpson was ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages in another case for the wrongful deaths of Brown and Goldman.

“News of Ron’s killer passing away is a mixed bag of complicated emotions and reminds us that the journey through grief is not linear,” said Ron Goldman’s parents, Kim and Fred Goldman. “For three decades. we tirelessly pursued justice for Ron and Nicole, and despite a civil judgment and

FOR THE FIRST TIME: DECAF IS NOW KOSHER FOR PASSOVER.

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his confession in (a book titled ‘If I Did It’), the hope for true accountability has ended.”

In a different case, Simpson was arrested in 2007 for armed robbery in Las Vegas after he, at gunpoint, attempted to steal what he claimed were pieces of his own sports memorabilia. He was sentenced to nine to thirty-three years in prison and was granted parole in 2017.

Born in San Francisco on July 9, 1947, Orenthal James Simpson, while enrolled in college, scored fifty-four touchdowns in two years, according to People magazine, thus putting Simpson under the radar of recruiters, including those from the University of Southern California (USC). In 1968, he won the Heisman Trophy. Simpson joined the 49ers in 1978, and two seasons later, he retired, after which he began acting in TV shows, movies, and commercials. He was also a sports-

Brown Simpson and 25-year-old Goldman were found at her home, dead from stab wounds. Days later, Simpson was charged with their murders. During the trial, he was told to put on the murder gloves, which he said he was physically unable to do, leading his defense attorney Johnnie Cochran to say, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”

Although Simpson never confessed to killing his ex-wife and her friend, he published a book in 2007 called, “If I Did It: Confessions of The Killer,” in which he vividly described how he would have “hypothetically” killed Brown Simpson and Goldman. The book’s proceeds were supposed to go to the family of Goldman, as ordered by a judge.

The U.S.’s

States, taking into account eleven factors: percentage of households earning $100,000 or more, poverty rate, housing-cost burdened, number of mentally unhealthy days, life expectancy, physical activity, rate of health insurance coverage, marriage rate, traffic volume, adequate space for physical activity, and overcrowding rate.

Want to be happy? Move down South. In first place was Arlington, Virginia, where residents enjoy a life expectancy of 85.3 years and have plenty of room to engage in physical activity. Although Arlington has congested traffic, the city ranked in the top ten for seven of SmartAsset’s “happiest metrics.”

In second place was Plano, Texas, and in third was Fremont, California. San Jose, California, took the fourth spot, and Seattle, Washington, took the fifth. Three cities

In all, California had sixteen cities on the list and Florida had twelve.

Texas, on the other hand, had three cities in the top ten least happy cities, including Laredo, Texas, which was ranked the second least happy city; El Paso, Texas, which was at the number eight spot; and Houston, Texas, which was at number ten.

Detroit, Michigan, was ranked the least happy city in all of the U.S., with the highest poverty rate, the lowest marriage rate, and the lowest percentage of households earning

In the World Happiness Report 2024, the United States dropped to the twenty-third spot, marking the

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first time since the report started twelve years ago that the U.S. was not ranked as one of the twentieth happiest countries in the world.

Tesla Lays Off 10% of Workers

Signs of turmoil at Tesla multiplied this week after the electric car company told employees it would lay off more than 10% of the workforce to cut costs and two senior executives resigned.

The job cuts, amounting to about 14,000 people, come as the company faces increasing competition and declining sales. The management changes and layoffs are a reminder of the unpredictability of CEO Elon Musk at

a critical time for the company.

Musk has not outlined a plan to reverse a decline in car sales, and he appears focused on long-shot ventures such as a self-driving taxi, rather than new models that would help Tesla compete with cars being introduced by established carmakers and new rivals from China.

“As we prepare the company for the next phase of growth, it is extremely important to look at every aspect of the company for cost reductions and increasing productivity,” Musk told employees in a Monday morning email, a copy of which was reviewed by The New York Times.

“There is nothing I hate more, but it must be done,” he wrote.

Hours after that email, Drew Baglino, a senior vice president who has played a big role in the company’s rise from startup to dominant electric carmaker, said he had resigned.

“I made the difficult decision to move on from Tesla after 18 years yesterday,” Baglino said in a post on the social platform X. Baglino is one

of only three managers besides Musk listed as a top executive on the company’s website. His longevity was unusual at a company known for high management turnover.

Tesla also appeared to be losing an executive key to winning regulatory approval for self-driving technology. Rohan Patel, who was Tesla’s head of policy and business development, tacitly confirmed reports that he was leaving. In a post on X, Patel thanked his co-workers and Musk for “the past eight years at Tesla.”

Investors often welcome job cuts because they can lead to higher profits. But that was not the case Monday, with Tesla shares ending the day down more than 5%. (© The New York Times)

Ethiopian Wins Boston Marathon

An Ethiopian won the Boston Marathon on Monday, but that’s hardly

a surprise. This time, though, is the first time the person who won, Sisay Lemma, declared victory in the Boston race, with a time of 2:06:17 in the men’s race. Hellen Obiri of Kenya retained her 2023 title in the women’s race.

Lemma, who is the fourth-fastest man in history after his 2:01:48 finish in the Valencia Marathon last month, set the early pace, racing into a big lead. Lemma, 33, was able to hold on for his second major marathon victory after winning the 2021 London Marathon.

Lemma finished 41 seconds ahead of Mohamed Esa in second and one minute and five seconds ahead of double-defending champion Evans Chebet in third.

The top performing men’s runner from the U.S. was CJ Albertson, who finished in seventh with an unofficial time of 2:09:53.

When it came to the women’s race, Obiri was neck and neck with former New York City Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi. But a few miles before

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the finish line, Obiri sneaked ahead and finished with a time of 2:22:37.

Obiri, 34, is the first woman to win back-to-back Boston Marathons since Catherine Ndereba accomplished the feat in 2004 and 2005. She also won the New York Marathon in November last year.

The top performing U.S. women’s runner was Emma Bates, who finished with an unofficial time of 2:27:14.

Exercise Reduces Stress

Going for a walk? That’s a great idea if you want to reduce stress and improve your cardiovascular health.

According to a study published this week in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, exercise, good mental health, and a healthy cardiovascular system all work together.

The study analyzed 50,000 adults around 60 years of age. Participants were given a survey to fill out about their physical activity, imaging of

their brains to track activity related to stress, and digital records of cardiovascular events.

“Individuals who exercise more had a graded reduction in stress-related signals in the brain,” noted lead study author Dr. Ahmed Tawakol, a cardiologist at Mass General Hospital and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

“We found nice associations that exercise appeared to, in part, reduce heart disease risks by decreasing stress-related signals,” he added.

Depressed? Exercise is your best bet to reduce stressful feelings.

“Surprisingly, we additionally found a greater than twofold increase in benefits of exercise among individuals who are depressed versus individuals who don’t have depression or don’t have a history of depression,” Tawakol said.

For people without any history of depression, the benefit of exercise on cardiovascular disease reduction plateaued after about 300 minutes of moderate physical activity a week. But for people with depression, the bene-

fits continued with more time spent, Tawakol said.

Exercise reduced stress signals and increased prefrontal cortical signals. Stress signals in the brain are also associated with things like inflammation, higher sympathetic nervous system activity, higher blood pressure, and diseases that thicken or harden the arteries. When exercise reduces those stress signals, it will end up reducing heart disease as well.

Still, these findings are just associations. Because the researchers observed participants rather than conducting a randomized trial with a control group, they cannot say for sure that the exercise caused the reductions or what the mechanisms are that underlie it.

World’s Largest Wildlife Crossing

the Simi Hills of the Santa Susana mountain range.

Construction of “the world’s largest wildlife crossing” began in April 2022. This week, crews will close a portion of the Los Angeles County’s 101 Freewa y overnight on weekdays for several weeks. As the project nears completion in 2025, the bridge will be covered in soil and native plants to blend in with the natural surroundings.

Officials say major highways are barriers to wildlife, affecting animals’ movement and gene pools.

“We can coexist side by side with all kinds of wild instead of paving it over and choking it off,” said Wallis Annenberg at the groundbreaking ceremony. “It is about bringing more attention to an ingenious solution so urban wildlife and ecosystems like this one cannot only survive, but thrive.”

The ants go marching one by one,

In California, they are making it easier for wildlife – including ants – to cross 10 lanes of highway from the Santa Monica Mountains into

The cros sing is named for the president and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation, a family foundation that supports non-profits.

It will provide habitat access to coyotes, bobcats, deer, snakes, lizards, toads and even ants, but cougars will be among its chief beneficiaries, the National Parks Service has said.

Mountain lions typically have a territory of 150-200 miles, but in Los Angeles, they have been restricted to a freeway-ringed “urban island,” causing inbreeding, according to the NPS.

shacharis

6:15 am Young Israel Shomrai Emunah M-F

6:20 am Silver Spring Jewish Center M, Th

6:25 am Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua M-F

6:30 am Beth Sholom Congregation M-F

Chabad of Silver Spring M-F

Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah OLNEY M-F

Silver Spring Jewish Center T, W, F

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah S YGW M, Th

6:35 am Ohr Hatorah M, Th

6:40 am YGW S, M, Th

6:45 am Kemp Mill Synagogue M, Th

Ohr Hatorah T, W, F

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah M, Th

Magen David Sephardic Congregation M-Th

6:50 am Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah M, Th

Silver Spring Jewish Center S-F

6:55 am Young Israel Shomrai Emunah T, W, F

7:00 am Chabad of Upper Montgomery County M-F

Kemp Mill Synagogue T, W, F

Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua S

Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah T, W, F

Young Israel Ezras Israel of Potomac M-F

7:05 am Kesher Israel M, Th

7:15 am Kemp Mill Synagogue M, Th

Kesher Israel T, W, F

Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/The National Synagogue M-F

Ohr Hatorah S

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah M-F

7:30 am Chabad of DC M-F

Chabad of Potomac M-F

JROC M-F

Kemp Mill Synagogue T, W, F

Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua M-F

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah S

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (Sfardi) S-F

7:35 am Young Israel Shomrai Emunah S-F

7:45 am YGW (Yeshiva Session Only) S

7:50 am Magen David Sephardic Congregation F

8:00 am Beth Sholom Congregation S

Kemp Mill Synagogue S

Kesher Israel S

Magen David Sephardic Congregation S

Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah OLNEY S

Southeast Hebrew Cong., Knesset Yehoshua S

8:00 am Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah S

YGW (High School; School-Contingent) S

Young Israel Ezras Israel of Potomac S

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah S

8:15 am Ohr Hatorah S

Silver Spring Jewish center M-F

8:30 am Beth Joshua Congregation / Berman Hebrew Academy S-F

Chabad of DC S

Chabad of Potomac S

Chabad of Upper Montgomery County S

JROC S

Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/The National Synagogue S

Silver Spring Jewish Center S

YGW (Summer Only) S-F

8:45 am Young Israel Shomrai Emunah S-F

9:00 am Chabad of Silver Spring S

Kemp Mill Synagogue S

mincha/maariv Before Shkiah, S-TH

Beth Sholom Congregation

Chabad of Potomac

Chabad of Silver Spring

Chabad of Upper Montgomery County

JROC

Kemp Mill Synagogue

Kesher Israel

Magen David Sephardic Congregation

Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah/The National Synagogue

Ohr Hatorah

Silver Spring Jewish Center

Southeast Hebrew Congregation, Knesset Yehoshua

Woodside Synagogue/Ahavas Torah

1:00 pm Silver Spring Jewish Center M-Th

1:50 pm YGW Summer

2:20 pm YGW School Days

2:45 pm YGW S-Th

4:30 pm Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah OLNEY S-Th mincha

The LEV Experience

The LEV Experience, a Jewish engagement organization that serves The Greater Washington area, has been responding to the newly awakened yearning and searching for Jewish connection by so many Jews since the October 7th massacre. Since its inception in 2018, The LEV Experience, led by Rabbi Shlomo and Devorah Buxbaum has been on a mission to create dynamic and innovative programs to respond to the needs and the interests of Jews of all backgrounds. They have become known throughout the DC area for creating workshops in people’s homes and community gatherings in innovative spaces such as art galleries, co-working spaces, Jewish community centers and most recently iHeart Radio Studio. During covid, that innovation moved to virtual programming such as the Metamorphosis tween and teen girl empowerment program, which

combined virtual meeting and weekly content delivery utilizing commonly used social media platforms. After the war in Israel began, and LEV’s planned womens Israel trip with 50 women had to be cancelled, LEV shifted into focus to uplift and connect people to the situation in Israel. Some of the programs included a night of educating teens with Standwithus, a challah bake featuring Israels’ popular Challah Prince, and a couple of evenings of music and song featuring both NOVA survivor, Roi Assaraf and IDF commander and Israel advocate on Capitol Hill, Benaya Cherlow. You can learn more about The LEV Experience and its programs and content by visiting Levx.org and following them on social media platforms.

Silver Spring News: Of Cookies and Camaraderie

Baruch Hashem, Silver Spring has seen an outburst of community sentiment, especially since the horrifying events of October 7th. Over the past several months, the community has united in several significant ways:

Most famously, Silver Spring found itself “on the map” when it spearheaded an initiative with Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Hamilton, Ontario, to bake and package over 1,000 cookies, which found their way into the hands of dozens of volunteer members of the so-called “Cookie Corp”. These packages, which included a thank-you message, were hand-delivered to security and medical personnel at the national DC rally in November. One epic picture of the initiative, included here, made national Jewish news.

Silver Spring remained active: the larger community– classrooms, shuls,

homeschoolers, the dance school, DMV Chabads, and many more– united over the course of several months to send over 1,100 handwritten letters to soldiers on the front lines of the war. Pictures of these often found their way back into local hands; some such included here.

Additional communal initiatives abounded in the past months, including women’s tehillim gatherings with local educators; shuls raising over $40,000 in funds and sending a local delegation to Israel; guest speakers; heartfelt kumzitzes; toy collection drives for displaced children; and more.

Baruch Hashem, the community is growing in both population and avodas Hashem, and always looking for more opportunities to support one another and our family, friends, and fellow Jews in Eretz Yisrael.

On a Meaningful Mission

By: Matthew Manes

In February, in a demonstration of solidarity, I joined the YISE Shomrai Mission Trip to Israel with over 20 other Silver Springers. Before embarking on the journey, I wasn’t sure what to expect, what we would accomplish, nor what the takeaways would be. Nonetheless, after 24 hours I quickly realized that this was a unique opportunity to experience the eternality of the Jewish people.

We volunteered on many different fronts. We packed and moved boxes at a second-hand thrift store that provides clothes and goods to displaced families. We sponsored and volun-

teered at a carnival for children who experienced the horrors of October 7th. We sorted frozen vegetables at a food bank that serves thousands of Israelis weekly. We sponsored a BBQ and served food to chayalim who were returning from combat in Gaza. And we visited and delivered gifts to injured soldiers in the hospital.

We mourned collectively with Israelis. We visited the sites of the atrocities that occurred on October 7th and gained first-hand accounts from family members, residents, and organizational representatives from Hatzala and Zaka. We spoke with members of the kibbutizim who wonder if they will ever feel safe to return to their homes. We paid a shiva call to a Silver

Spring native that lost her son in battle in Gaza. And we met with the families of hostages.

It was an emotional roller coaster. At one moment, we were empathizing with distressed individuals, and later that evening, we were serving waffles on a stick and making the children of Be’eri laugh. We internalized the loss of friends and families at the Nova music festival and then found ourselves serving food to soldiers and dancing with them in song. We consoled a mourning family only to find ourselves uplifted by their words of Torah and the father expressing his outlook on the mission of the Jewish people.

At the end of our intense 3-day itin-

erary, the realization came to the fore. Although we shed tears and sorrow together, the defining sentiment was resiliency. There was a constant cycle of giving and receiving of chizuk and encouragement. I witnessed and contributed to the defining trait that enables us to be an eternal nation. Achdus. Unity. When we support each other individually, we rise as a nation.

Plastered on signs and billboards throughout the cities and streets were the words, “חצננ דחי” - “Together, we will win.” During this trip, we lived the undeniable resiliency of our eternal nation. In the face of adversity, it was palpable that, together as a nation, we can truly accomplish our destiny of serving Hashem.

Uncle Moishy in Silver Spring for the first time

The Leo M. Bernstein Jewish Academy sponsored the first-ever Uncle Moishy concert at the Silver Spring Jewish Center on March 10. The program was opened by school principal Rabbi Mordechai Wecker. Throughout the concert, the community joined

together in song, and “felt the simcha in the air,” with amazing energy and achdus! The highlight of the show was the presentation of 3rd graders and brothers Jacob and Daniel Haas. With over 300 people present, they shared their mastery of the entire first Mishna of Maseches Brachos by heart! For

YGW Boys Mock Trial Team

The YGW boys division has had the privilege of participating in the Maryland Youth and the Law (MYLAW) Mock Trial program for the past five years. Mock Trial participants learn the valuable skills of argumentation, public speaking, and proper decorum in a formal setting, while also obtaining a greater

their efforts, they were awarded a medal of honor.

The SSJC and Bernstein JA were founded by Rabbi Chaim Herzel Kranz z”tl, Senior Rabbi of Greater Washington and one of the founders of the Kemp Mill Jewish Community. Coordination for the show came from

the talmidim of Kollel Chofetz Chaim, a small, warm Kollel located in the SSJC with a homeschool program.

Pictured are snapshots from the concert and candid shots of a typical day in Kollel Chofetz Chaim.

Sulam, an Organization Like No Other

At the heart of the Silver Spring community stands an organization like no other. Sulam, a special education inclusion program for children with learning differences, uses high quality, research-based practices to ensure that every child has access to a Jewish education.

Sulam’s devoted team of social workers, speech pathologists, reading specialists, Judaic and general studies special educators, and instructors provide the necessary supports for students with learning differences who wouldn’t otherwise be able to go to Jewish Day School. Students in the Sulam program are highly successful, graduating with the ability to attend yeshivas and seminaries, 2- and 4-year colleges, and vocational schools.

Sulam serves grades K–12 at Berman Hebrew Academy, and grades 1–5 at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day school.

“I credit Sulam with giving me the skills to make it in the [Towson University Honors program] and survive there.” — Mike Minsk, Sulam Alum, Class of ‘20.

Visit sulam.org to learn more.

understanding and appreciation of Maryland law and the legal system. This past season, the YGW Mock Trial team clinched a spot in the highly competitive Montgomery County playoffs, where they were defeated by Berman Hebrew Academy in a very tight match with stellar performances all around.

Seen here is this year’s Mock Trial team after a practice with Judge Matthew Solomon, a judge of the US Court of Federal Claims.

Sulam students take part in all aspects of school life, including extracurriculars such as sports

Delving into fields such as computer repair, Sulam students learn valuable skills

Sulam staff cultivate meaningful relationships as they work closely to support our students

Sulam students take part in all aspects of school life, including extracurriculars such as sports

Sulam students learn the workings of the school cafe as part of the elective program

Sulam students participating in the Yom Haatzmaut “daglanut” performance with their grade

Rabbi Mordechai WeckerPrincipal

Purim Around Yeshiva of Greater Washington

Yeshiva of Greater Washington hosted a learning program on Purim morning. Community members and students all came together to learn together!

TOGETHER, IN EVERY Generation

WE’VE BEEN BURDENED, AND WE’VE BEEN BLESSED.

As we gather around the Passover table, we embrace the legacy of our ancestors and the shared journey of our people. It’s not just their story; it’s our story .

This Passover let’s remember our strength in unity and our resilience . Together, we left Egypt, and together, we face the challenges of today.

Let’s stand together to stamp out antisemitism, support Israel and aid those in our community who are facing challenges.

Join us in supporting the needs of this generation and the next. Donate now at associated.org/give and make an impact.

An Evening of Hope to Support Bonei Olam’s Greater Washington Community

Bonei Olam’s annual fundraising event in Silver Spring, MD, drew upwards of two hundred people who came to support those who struggle with infertility in the Greater Washington Community. The standing room only crowd drew inspiration from Rav Eliyahu Reingold, shlita, the Rosh Kollel of the Yeshiva of Greater Washington who crystallized the pain of those struggling with infertility and encouraged all members of the community to ‘dig deep’ to support those families. The attendees also heard words of inspiration and appreciation to Bonei Olam firsthand from one of the Greater Washington’s community members who has benefited directly from Bonei Olam.

Did you know that...

1 out of 6 couples struggle with infertility

8 Bonei Olam Greater Washington

babies were born over the past year

21 Greater Washington couples received funding in 2023

29 Greater Washington couples received counseling and guidance over the past year

Bonei Olam is currently working with 13 Greater Washington couples

$100k needs to be raised to assist all the Greater Washington couples

Bonei Olam is currently working with

The annual event has passed, but there is still time to donate to this important cause. Baruch Hashem, we have raised upwards up 55k, but still have a ways to go to meet our goal of $100,000. Please visit https://www. rayze.it/greaterwashingtonevent/ to contribute, and remember to ‘dig deep’ and donate generously. Tizku L’Mitzvot!

Kulam Wraps Up A Successful Winter Season

Kulam, a community program created to provide boys in Yeshiva and Homeschool with fun and healthy outlets, had an incredible winter season. It included competitive football and basketball leagues, visiting local elderly couples, collecting Yad Yehuda pushkas, Shabbos Oneg’s, Melava Malkas, paint nights, and exciting trips! At Kulam, we recognize that there’s no such thing as your “average kid.” Every participant is unique, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. By providing wholesome and engaging extracurricular activities, Kulam’s goal is to partner with parents and schools to ensure the next generation of Jewish men will be passionate and inspired to grow in their Yiddishkeit. For more information, be sure to check out kulamsilverspring.org

THE MACHLOKES ABOUT MACHINE MATZOS

THURSDAY

TECHNOLOGY MEETS TRADITION

MACHINE MATZOS IN THE 19 TH CENTURY

ELECTRICAL ENHANCEMENTS

MACHINE MATZOS IN THE 20 TH CENTURY

MATZOS FOR MODERN TIMES?

MACHINE MATZOS IN THE 21 ST CENTURY

Each day’s topic is an independent subject 8:00 AM Shacharis, followed by Breakfast 10:00 AM Seder

Mareh Mekomos will be provided. Bring your own chavrusah, or we can provide a chavrusah. There will also be a Hachanah Shiur available. 11:10-11:40 AM Shiur by HaRav Mordechai Frankel א“טילש

LOCATION: AGUDATH ISRAEL OF BALTIMORE 6200 PARK HEIGHTS AVENUE

Breakfast sponsored by the Gibber family

AGUDATH ISRAEL OF BALTIMORE

ךמעכ ימ ﬦארשי

Copy by @riexpressions

The Natural, the Supernatural and the Counter-natural

By RaBBi yitzchok DoviD SchwaRtz, z”l

“therefore, say to the Bnei yisrael, ‘i am hashem. i will extricate you from the burdens of Egypt and free you from their slavery. i will redeem you with a demonstration of My power and with great acts of judgment.’” – Shemos 6:6

“i will harden Pharaoh’s heart and thus will produce the opportunities to display many miraculous wonders and signs in Egypt.” – Shemos 7:5

At the end of Parshas Bo, in validating the centrality of the mitzvos that serve as reminder of Yetzias Mitzrayim, the Ramban famously explains that the makkos were meant to pierce the veil that conceals Hashem. The strands of which that veil is woven are the Laws of Nature. All of the makkos were openly miraculous, flouting numerous laws of nature in the most overt way.

The Maharal and the Chidushei HaRim explain that the 10 makkos were the bridge between the asara ma’amoros shebahem nivra haolam, the 10 pronouncements through which the world was created, and the Aseres Hadibros, the 10 commandments through which the Torah was revealed. A world that does not perceive Hashem as the Creator is unready to accept Hashem as the Divine Legislator. By laying bare the existence of a Force that superseded Nature, that could utterly manipulate nature and that could bend nature to its supernatural will, the makkos removed any the lingering doubts about the existence of Hashem the Creator and proved the truth of numerous principles of our faith.

Thus understood, one could jump to the erroneous conclusion that the Hashem-concealing, illusion-of-independence-projecting, natural order is constantly at odds with Hashem. In fact, nature is the regular and consistent ex-

pression of the Divine Will. Why and when the Divine Will chooses to superimpose the hanhagah nisis – the miraculous management of the cosmos – upon and, apparently, against the hanhagah tiv’is – the natural management of the cosmos – is something that only the Divine Mind knows.

In this same vein, many of us striving to make good choices and grow spiritually regard our own human natures as obstacles. We are conditioned to fight our natural impulses. We associate them with our yetzer hara. But the pasuk says, “Everything that HasShem has made is for His own sake.”(Mishlei 16:4) That is to say, for His greater Glory. All of the works of creation are expressions of the Divine will.

When inanimate objects and living beings behave according to the laws of nature, they are fulfilling the will of Hashem. The great challenge with things behaving “naturally” is that they appear to be on autopilot. The Divine Will that created the Laws of Nature and that continues to direct natural law often becomes obscured by natural processes. This is why Torah numerologists have pointed out that “Elokim” has the same gematria as “hateva,” the nature (86), and why Torah etymologists teach that the root of the word Olam, world, is he’elam, concealment.

When Rabi Pinchos ben Yair trav-

eled to fulfill the mitzvah of pidyon sh’vuyim , he reached the banks of the Ginai River and could go no further. He commanded the river waters to interrupt their flow so that he could cross through the riverbed and proceed on his mission of mercy. The river responded, “You go to do the Will of your Creator, and I go to do the Will of my Creator. There is only a chance that you will fulfill the Creator’s Will but, so long as I flow, I’m most definitely fulfilling the Creator’s Will. If so, why should I cease my flowing so that you can get going?” (Chulin 7A).

Ultimately, the river split for Rabi Pinchos ben Yair, and he accomplished his mission of pidyon sh’vuyim. But the “conversation” between him and the river is significant in that it establishes beyond a shadow of a doubt that even inanimate things functioning according to the Laws of Nature are doing the will of Hashem. It belies the philosophy that Nature opposes Hashem. Nature is no more Hashem’s enemy than the veil is the face’s adversary.

Hashem brought the cosmos into being through the “10 pronouncements.” All that exists in the cosmos, and the way in which they function, are expressions of Hashem’s will. We define a mitzvah as a thought, word or act having a positive and ethical charge. What makes them “good” or positive is

that they are consistent with, and fulfillments of, Hashem’s will. As such, it follows that every one of Hashem’s non-free-will-endowed creatures that behave according to natural law is, in a sense, performing mitzvos

Rav Tzadok, the Lubliner Kohen, teaches that just as in the macrocosm, a river running downstream is “running to do with the Will of its Creator,” so, too, in the microcosm known as man, all the natural impulses induce man to “run to do the Will of his Creator.”

When a man thirsts, it is Hashem’s will that he hydrate himself. When a man hungers, it is Hashem’s will that he ingest nutrition. When a man grows fatigued, it is Hashem’s will that he sleep. When human acts of eating, drinking, and sleeping are done as responses to the dictates of human nature, they too are mitzvos. When they are indulged in excessively, going beyond the dictates of nature, they are not, and they cross the boundary into negativity.

Over the past decade, Perek Shirah has gained enormous popularity. This concept is the deeper meaning of Perek Shira. When we hear a frog croaking cacophonously, we run for a pair of earplugs. We hardly consider this croaking to be the music of a symphony orchestra. But when the frog tells King Dovid that “I sing Hashem’s praises day and night” (Zohar Pinchos 222:B) what it

really means to say is that just acting naturally and croaking, in accordance with the nature endowed in the frog by its Creator, is sweet music, a “singing of the Divine praise.”

“… [The frogs will be] in the homes of your officials and the people, even in your ovens and in the kneading bowls.”

- Shemos 7:28

“Why did Chananiah, Mishael and Azariah deliver themselves to the fiery furnace, for kiddush Hashem? They argued a kal v’chomer to themselves: If frogs [of the second plague] which are not commanded concerning kiddush Hashem yet it is written of them, “and they shall come up and go into your house…and into your ovens, and into your kneading bowls,” when are the kneading bowls to be found near the oven? When the oven is hot! [Then we must

certainly do so.]” -Pesachim 53B

While behaving “naturally” is the default setting for “running to do with the Will of the Creator,” it is essential to

When inanimate objects and living beings behave according to the laws of nature, they are fulfilling the will of Hashem.

remember that in some unusual times and circumstances, supernatural and contra-natural behaviors are required in order to “run to do with the Will of

the Creator.” The most basic instinct for all species is the survival instinct. Yet, during redemption process, when Hashem chose to superimpose the supernatural hanhaga nisis upon the hanhaga tiv’is, then, as part of the second plague, the frogs threw themselves into the hot ovens flames, contravening the

survival instinct that is most primary to all creatures.

While humans are endowed with free will and the rest of Hashem’s creatures are not, we must nevertheless learn from them and exercise our free will choices appropriately. While choosing to maintain our lives and responding to the dictates of our natures is often a mitzvah, making choices that are contra-natural, even to the point of mesirus nefesh and self-destruction, can be “running to do with the Will of the Creator” as well. As the pasuk says, “[Hashem] Who teaches us — from the beasts of the earth, and makes us wiser — from the birds of heaven.” (Iyov 35:11)

As it goes for the macrocosm, so it goes for the microcosm. There is room for the redemptive and the supernaturally, contra-naturally miraculous within human beings as well. On Pesach, we celebrate our capacity as benei chorin, free and ready to follow the will of Hashem wherever and however it commands us.

The article has been excerpted from the new book From The Waters of The Shiloach: Plumbing The Depths of Toras Izhbitz, available now in Jewish bookstores and on mosaicapress.com. It is a landmark work exploring the fascinating teachings and chassidus of The Mei HaShiloach and his disciples. Rabbi Schwartz, who dedicated his life to teaching Torah and being mekarev Yidden, spent the final years of his life writing this book. May this Torah be an aliyah for his neshama.

Torah Thought You Are Truly Special!

By Rabbi Zvi Teichman

The Ibn Ezra points out a striking similarity between the process of purification of the Metzora and the bringing of the Korban Pesach in Egypt. Both implemented the use of a bundle of Eizov — Hyssop. In the case of a Metzora, to sprinkle seven times, together with cedar wood, the bloodmixture upon the Metzora, and in Egypt, to use the hyssop plant to paint the blood of the Pesach upon the lintel and doorposts.

In the context of the Metzora — who we are taught is smitten with this unique disease due to his arrogant attitude, and the slew of offenses towards his fellow man catalyzed by that

haughty nature — we can well understand the symbolism of the humble hyssop being employed to minimize the cedarlike insolence of the Metzora. But what purpose could there be in using a meek hyssop alone to protect an already degraded people from the Plague of the Firstborn?

The Ibn Ezra directs us to a verse in Melachim I, that describes an aspect of King Solomon’s newfound wisdom in the following way: And he spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springs out of the wall… (5 13)

The citation of this verse is not meant solely to emphasize that King Solomon was endowed with wisdom

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that encompassed from the highest to the lowest of plants. It is much more about fathoming the depth and breadth of creation and realizing that each detail is pertinent, valuable and a critical entity to the furthering of G-d’s masterplan.

The Eizov represents each being’s purpose. Arrogance stems from an individual’s need to assert oneself by diminishing the worth of others. One who sees the greatness within oneself has no need to promote oneself. People who devalue others and are blinded by their own self-generated needs, will verbally, and eventually physically, assault others. The antidote to this plague is discovering self-worth, which must simultaneously be accompanied by an appreciation of others and their qualities.

The downtrodden Jewish slaves

took in hand the seemingly modest hyssop and painted their homes bright red exclaiming with newfound pride their worthiness. They were declaring that no matter how modest our abilities may appear they are cherished and significant in G-d’s eyes.

Rav Efrayim of Regensburg, the 12th century Tosafist, in his commentary writes that the enlarged letter gimmel in the word חלגתהו , that appears amid the details of the laws of Tzara’as — which according to the ‘mesorah’ is the midpoint of verses in the Torah — coupled to the letter daled that appeared two weeks ago reading, שרד שרד — which according to our oral tradition is the midpoint of words in the Torah — stand for למוג םילד — to benefact the meager. This principle to bestow kindness to others is accentuated at the center of Torah to

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Torah Thought

teach us that all the Torah that precedes and follows is equaled by the virtue of kindness one does. This notion is planted in the portion of the Metzora since we are taught tzara’as afflicts those who have a stingy attitude and narrow view of others — as evidenced in the law regarding the owner of the home whose house is afflicted with tzara’as — because he was unwilling to share his possessions with others — is forced to empty his house and display his stinginess publicly.

We are all familiar with the famous adage that ‘because we kept our identity in Egypt, by not changing our names, language and clothing, we were redeemed.’

The Tanna D’Bei Eliyahu tells us that what preceded that display of selfpride was a pact they made in Egypt — during those depressing times — to unite and commit to doing םידסח תולימג הזל הז — bestowing kindness to one another. (גכ”פ)

It was only when they fortified one another of their inherent worthiness by reaching out to assist each other lovingly in all ways, that they regained their ability to be ‘proud’ once again and no longer defeated by feelings of dejection and unworthiness.

In Shir HaShirim (5 1), G-d tells how “I have drunk my wine with my milk.”

The illustrious son of the Rebbe Reb Elimelech, Rav Eliezer Lipa of Chelminik, sees in this verse G-d alluding to wine — which relates to the midas hadin - strict judgment, since wine in its undiluted form is very potent — being tempered by milk — which represents midas harachamim – compassion, the nutritious and mild liquid that nurtures the young with a warmth of a mother. (קידצל חרוא)

The next part of the verse, “Eat, My companions, Drink and become intoxicated, O friends”, is what instigates this dilution. In the words of the great Rebbes of Slonim, ‘the friendship that exists between them, will be as satisfying as food, and they will become inebriated with their camaraderie.’ (תובאה תרות)

A remarkable story was retold by

a grandmother, Pessel — who had survived the nightmare of Auschwitz together with her two sisters — to her granddaughter.

After describing the unfathomable pain of hunger, they endured daily, she described how the three sisters affected a plan to survive:

The first day we received our ‘bread’ rations, we were so mad with hunger that we gobbled them up immediately. And then began an excruciating 24 hour wait until the next rations were doled out. After a few days of this, we realized that it was unsustainable. There was no way we could survive in Auschwitz if we didn’t ration our daily excuse for a meal, so we came up with what we thought was a foolproof solution. When the daily crumbs were doled out, each of us would oversee one ‘meal.’ I, Pessel, would use my rations to feed myself and my two sisters in the morning; Chanu would feed us at lunchtime, and Shifra’s crumbs would be our dinner. If any of us lacked the momentary courage to save our crumbs, the other two sisters would go hungry as well. This would be our primary motivation, enabling us to be strong. The was bound to work, due to the close bonds we shared. We guarded our crumbs of moldy bread with our very lives, knowing that without this life-giving sustenance, we would not be able to survive to see the destruction of our enemies, and carry on our family name. And then came the day our resolve, our very determination to survive, was sorely tested. It was a frigid evening in one of the harshest winters in memory. We spent hours outdoors, draped only in threadbare rags. By the time the roll call ended, and we dragged our weary bodies into the barracks, we were spent. It was then that I was approached by Ita, a darling girl from a small village near Uhel. Ita was a noble young woman, the daughter of a local Rav. She and her sister Faiga were the sole survivors of their illustrious family. Although our emotions had become numb, and we rarely cried in the camps, Ita’s eyes were red rimmed. “Pessel, I need a favor from you,” she

said tearfully. “It’s my sister, Faiga. She collapsed this morning, and I can’t wake her up. She keeps crying for bread. I’m afraid — I don’t think she’s going to make it. I feel terrible because I ate my bread ration before she collapsed, and I don’t have anything to give her. Pessel, I know you and your sisters pool your rations. Can you please give me some crumbs for Faiga? Otherwise, I don’t think she will make it.” I felt terrible for Faiga, but I had my own two sisters, who were starving and emaciated, to worry about. “I don’t know what to say,” I began. “I can’t make such a decision on my own. It’s only a few crumbs of bread, but it’s all we have until tomorrow. Let me discuss it with my sisters.” “Please.” Ita’s face had a haunted look. “My sister is all I have left. If she goes, I have nothing to live for.” I told Ita to wait a few moments and went to call my sisters. “Chanu? Shifra? I need to talk to you,” I said. In urgent whispers, I explained that Ita needed us to give her our rations to save her sister’s life, and possibly risk our own. We argued back and forth, trying to remember what the halacha was in such a situation. I recalled my father once teaching us that if one was stuck in a desert, or shipwrecked on the ocean, and there was only enough bread to sustain one person, one’s own life came first. “But that is if it is certain that we won’t survive without the rations,” said Chanu. “But perhaps, perhaps we can make it? The war is almost over; it can’t be much longer. And Faiga will definitely not survive without the bread.” I admired Chanu’s heroism and was moved to tears when Shifra agreed. The three of us went to Ita, and delivered our precious parcel, the crumbs of bread that were keeping the three of us alive. We watched as Ita spooned the crusts into Faiga’s mouth, along with a few drops of water. Miracle upon miracles! The half-dead young woman suddenly came alive, her eyelids fluttering, some color blooming on her withering cheeks. Within a few hours she was up and about, her hope in humanity restored. Both sisters lavished us with their enduring

gratitude, promising to be eternally in our debt. And while we were weak with hunger, we were sustained by the memory of the miracle, a miracle enabled by our sacrifice. Liberation came several weeks later; the three of us spent some time in a DP camp, and then emigrated to New York, where we married and rebuilt our lives. From time to time, I would wonder what happened to Ita and Faiga. Fast forward fifty years. I was in Eretz Yisroel, taking part in a family simcha, when I suddenly spotted a familiar face, I would recognize those features anywhere. “Faiga?” I whispered, coming closer. “Pessel?” she asked, her eyes wide with awe and wonder. We embraced and caught up on each other’s lives. Remarkably, Faiga was the matriarch of a large and glorious family, living in Bnei Brak. “Every single year, I make a seudas hodaah on the anniversary of the day you gave me your last crust of bread,” she related, through her tears. “I tell my children and grandchildren that they all owe gratitude to my friend Pessel and her sisters. Everything that I have today—nearly fifty descendants, Boruch Hashem, they are all thanks to you, and to the Borei Olam who kept us alive.” (CB Weinfeld, Yated Magazine)

Years ago, the saintly Chofetz Chaim penned the following words: Especially in these days when the measure of strict judgment is intensifying throughout the world daily, we must recommit to upholding the measure of compassion. This will awaken an equal measure of compassion from above to protect us from the harsh measure of strict judgment.

May we reaccept this pact of love and support, not just to act dutifully kindly to one another, but to restore a deeper appreciation of others and thereby gain confidence in ourselves, something that is more satisfying than food, and happily intoxicating!

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

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page 39

are courtesy of MyZmanim and are for the 21209 area.

Baltimore Weekday Minyanim Guide

Shacharis Mincha

Neitz Beit Yaakov [Sefaradi] M-F

Ohel Yakov S-F

6:00 AM Shomrei Emunah Congregation M-F

6:10 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore M, Th

6:15 AM Kol Torah M, TH

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah M-F

Shearith Israel Congregation M, TH

The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel M, TH

6:20 AM Agudah of Greenspring M, TH

Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F

Arugas HaBosem (Rabbi Taub's) S-F

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation M-F

Kehilath B'nai Torah M, TH

Shomrei Emunah Congregation S, M, TH

6:25 AM The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel T, W, F

6:30 AM Agudah of Greenspring T, W, F

Chabad of Park Heights M-F

Darchei Tzedek M-F

Kehilath B'nai Torah T, W, F

Khal Bais Nosson M-F

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek M-F

Kol Torah T, W, F

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah M-F

Ohr Yisroel M-F

Shearith Israel Congregation T, W, F

Shomrei Emunah Congregation T, W, F

6:35 AM Aish Kodesh (downstairs Minyan) M, TH

Ohel Moshe M, TH

6:40 AM Aish Kodesh (downstairs Minyan) T, W, F

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation M, TH

6:45 AM B”H and Mesivta of Baltimore (Dirshu Minyan) S-F

Beth Abraham M, TH

Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue M-F

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah S-F

Ner Tamid M-F

Ohel Moshe T, W, F

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim M-F

6:50 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore M, TH

Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] M, TH

Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh M, TH

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation T, W, F

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh M, TH

Derech Chaim M-F

Kol Torah M-F

Ohel Moshe S

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] M, TH

Shomrei Emunah Congregation M, TH

The Shul at the Lubavitch Center M, TH

6:55 AM Beth Abraham T, W, F

Kol Torah M, TH

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

Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F

Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] T, W, F

Arugas HaBosem (Rabbi Taub's) S

Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh T, W, F

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh T, W, F

Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue S

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek S

Kol Torah T, W, F

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah S-F

Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah M-F

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S, T, W, F

Shearith Israel Congregation S, M, TH

Shomrei Emunah Congregation T, W, F

Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh M-F

The Shul at the Lubavitch Center T, W, F

Tiferes Yisroel M-F

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

7:15 AM Kedushas Yisrael S

Kol Torah S

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

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah S-F

Ner Israel Rabbinical College S-F

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7:15 AM Shearith Israel Congregation T, W, F

Shomrei Emunah Congregation S

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim S

The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel S

Tzeirei Anash M-F

7:20 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore M, TH

Beth Tfiloh Congregation M-F

Kol Torah M-F

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] M, TH

Shomrei Emunah Congregation M, TH

7:30 AM Agudah of Greenspring S

Agudath Israel of Baltimore S, T, W, F

Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi] S

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim S-F

Bais Hamedrash and Mesivta of Baltimore S-F

Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh S

Beit Yaakov [Sefaradi] S

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation S

Chabad of Park Heights S

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh S-F

Darchei Tzedek S

Kedushas Yisrael S-F

Khal Bais Nosson S

Ner Israel Rabbinical College (Mechina) S-F

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah S-F

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S, T, W, F

Shomrei Emunah Congregation T, W, F

7:45 AM Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation M-F

Talmudical Academy S-F

Darchei Tzedek M-F

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah S-F

Mesivta Kesser Torah S-F

Mesivta Shaarei Chaim S-F

7:50 AM Derech Chaim S

Ner Tamid S

Ohel Moshe M-F

8:00 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore S-F

Beth Abraham S

Darchei Tzedek S

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek S

Kehillas Meor HaTorah S

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah S-F

Ohel Yakov S

Ohr Yisroel S

Pikesville Jewish Congregation S

Shearith Israel Congregation S

Shomrei Emunah Congregation S-F

The Shul at the Lubavitch Center S

Tiferes Yisroel S

Tzeirei Anash S

Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah S-F

8:15 AM Kehilath B'nai Torah S

Kol Torah S

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah S-F

8:20 AM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim S-F

8:30 AM Agudath Israel of Baltimore S-F

Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's) S-F

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah S-F

Ohel Moshe S

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] S

Shomrei Emunah Congregation S-F

Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh S

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

9:00 AM Aish Kodesh S

Agudath Israel of Baltimore S-F

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim S

Beth Tfiloh Congregation S

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation S

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah S-F

Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah S

Shomrei Emunah Congregation S-F

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim S-F

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

9:30 AM Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah S-F

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

10:00AM Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah S-F

Mincha Gedolah Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/Tzemach Tzedek

12:30 PM Kol Torah

12:50 PM One South Street, 27th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202

1:00 PM 10055 Red Run Blvd Suite 295

Milk & Honey Bistro 1777 Reisterstown RD

1:25 PM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim

1:45 PM Ohel Moshe

1:50 PM One South Street, 27th Floor (M-Th)

2:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F)

Big Al @ The Knish Shop Party Room

Kol Torah

Market Maven

Reischer Minyan - 23 Walker Ave 2nd Floor

2:15 PM Pikesville Beis Medrash - 15 Walker Ave

2:30 PM Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh

Tov Pizza Mincha Minyan

Ner Israel Rabbinical College

Mesivta Shaarei Chaim (Etz Chaim Building)

Shearith Israel Congregation

2:45 PM Kollel of Greenspring

3:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-F)

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

3:05 PM Kedushas Yisrael

3:15 PM Hat Box

4:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-Th)

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

5:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-Th)

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

5:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-Th)

6:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-Th)

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

6:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore (S-Th)

7:00 PM Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

14 Min Before ShkiAh Kol Torah

Mincha/Maariv Before Shkiah

Aish Kodesh

Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Agudah of Greenspring

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim

Beth Abraham

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation

Darchei Tzedek

Kehillas Meor HaTorah

Kehilath B’nai Torah

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek

Machzikei Torah (Sternhill’s)

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

Ner Tamid

Ohel Moshe

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi]

Ohr Yisroel

Pikesville Jewish Congregation

Shearith Israel Congregation

Shomrei Emunah Congregation

Shomrei Mishmeres

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim

The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel

The Shul at the Lubavitch Center

Tiferes Yisroel

Maariv

8:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

8:45 PM Darchei Tzedek

Ner Israel Rabbinical College (Mechina)

Ohr Yisroel

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

8:55 PM Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh

Maariv continued

9:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Arugas Habosem

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

Shomrei Emunah Congregation

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim

9:20 PM Kol Torah

9:30 PM Agudah of Greenspring

Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Kedushas Yisrael

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

9:40 PM Ahavat Shalom [Sefaradi]

9:45 PM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim

Kollel Erev Birchas Yitzchok (Luries)

Kollel of Greenspring

Machzikei Torah (Sternhill's)

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi]

Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah

9:50 PM Aish Kodesh

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh

Ohel Moshe

10:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Darchei Tzedek

Kehilath B'nai Torah

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

Shearith Israel Congregation

Shomrei Emunah Congregation

10:05 PM Kol Torah

10:10 PM Ner Israel Rabbinical College

10:15 PM Derech Chaim

Khal Bais Nosson

10:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

11:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

Agudah of Greenspring - 6107 Greenspring Ave

Agudath Israel of Baltimore - 6200 Park Heights Ave

Ahavat Shalom - 3009 Northbrook Rd

Aish Kodesh - 6207 Ivymount Rd

Arugas HaBosem - 3509 Clarks Ln

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim - 3120 Clarks Ln

Bais Hamedrash and Mesivta of Baltimore - 6823 Old Pimlico Rd

Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh - 6618 Deancroft Rd

Beit Yaakov - 3615 Seven Mile Ln

Beth Abraham - 6208 Wallis Ave

Beth Tfiloh Congregation - 3300 Old Court Rd

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation - 6602 Park Heights Ave

Chabad of Park Heights - 3402 Clarks Ln

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh - 3800 Labyrinth Rd

Darchei Tzedek - 3201 Seven Mile Ln

Derech Chaim - 6229 Greenspring Ave (Weekday)

Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue 6611 Greenspring Ave.

Kedushas Yisrael - 6004 Park Heights Ave

Kehilath B’nai Torah - 6301 Green Meadow Pkwy

Kehillas Meor HaTorah - 6539 Pebble Brooke Rd

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek - 6811 Park Heights Ave

Khal Bais Nosson - 2901 Taney Rd

Kol Torah - 2929 Fallstaff Rd

Kollel of Greenspring - 6504 Greenspring Ave.

Machzikei Torah - 6216 Biltmore Ave

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah - 6500 Baythorne Rd

Mesivta Kesser Torah - 8400 Park Heights Ave

Mesivta Shaarei Chaim - 3702 Fords Ln

Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah

To Raise a Laugh

By Mordechai Schmutter

Unanswered Pesach Questions We All Ask, But Not Out Loud

What day of the week does Pesach start, again?

- What’s wrong with the vacuum cleaner?

- How long has this one pickle been in the back of the fridge?

- Why are there so many pens in the minivan?

- What if I sold my car for Pesach and just rented one for Chol Hamoed?

- How come before Pesach, it’s okay to say that your house is completely Pesachdik for two weeks beforehand, but if I say the same thing two weeks after Pesach, people call child services?

- Is the reason Chazal made our kids such an essential part of the Seder so that we don’t just tape their rooms shut and sell them for Pesach?

- What day of the week does Pesach start, again?

- If my kitchen is 20 feet by 15 feet by 10 feet and has cabinets along two walls, how much foil do I need to buy to cover the entire room if I forget to leave a gap for the doorway?

- How come, even though I’ve seen all types of non-Jews in my life, when I picture the rabbi selling chometz to a non-Jew, do I always picture an Arab? In full garb?

- Also, why do I picture it always being a random non-Jew he flags down outside his house whom he’s never done this with before?

- Which one is Shulchan Orech, and which one is Shulchan Aruch?

- How many eggs did we use last Pesach? Should we buy extra to be safe? Is there room in the fridge for that many? Do eggs really need to be refrigerated? Can we put eggs in the freezer?

- How long does it take to hard boil a frozen egg?

- Why is hand shmurah matzah so expensive? Isn’t challah also made by hand?

- What exactly qualifies as kitniyos, again? What on earth is a legume? And is it pronounced like legroom or like resumé?

- Can I get romaine lettuce cheaper if I order it straight from Romania?

- Why does my wife keep optimistically buying toothbrushes for Pesach?

- What do Hagaddos have to do with coffee?

- Has my kittel been living at the dry cleaner

since Yom Kippur?

- Hey, it’s our Pesach toothbrushes from last year! Whose is whose?

- How old is this potato starch?

- What could I make that my son-in-law can actually eat?

- Where am I supposed to wash the chometz off my hands if the sinks are Pesachdik?

- How do I turn on the bathroom sink with my elbows?

- Did I just throw out another peeler?

- Did every single food I made today involve the same 3 ingredients?

- When does the guy who owns the pizza shop make Pesach? Is that who Pesach Sheini is for?

- Why does every Pesach fun page have a maze where you have to get to the afikoman? Who hides it at the end of a maze? How about a maze where you have to step around everything you took out in the process of cleaning a room while holding a vacuum cleaner?

- What day of the week does Pesach start, again?

- How do I get this bread to catch fire? No boy scout handbook ever advises anyone to start a fire using bread. Should I make a fire the normal way and then just add the bread after?

- How does one tell if horseradish has gone bad?

- Why do bugs like lettuce so much? I only eat lettuce to lose weight. Do bugs need to lose weight?

- How do I tell if this salt water is salty enough? Is there a recipe somewhere?

- Do I choose a Hagaddah that has a lot of divrei Torah, or one where I don’t have to turn so many pages? Because every time I turn a page, something spills.

- This isn’t really a question, but I can’t believe that I bought over 15 dozen eggs and not a single one came broken, but I have 6 functional matzos.

- Why do they make afikoman bags that can’t hold the bigger half of a matzah? Do I have to break it again? Then neither part is bigger.

- Can I talk after Urchatz? It feels weird.

- Why does my kid, who’s been singing the Ma Nishtana at the top of his lungs for three weeks, suddenly not want to say it at the Seder? Is it

because we told him we’re putting him to bed afterward?

- Why did everyone look at me when they said “Rasha”?

- Did I just sit on the afikoman?

- “We cover the matzos.” Wait. How long have these been covered?

- How DID we do this last year?

- Why couldn’t the rebbi just send home an answer key?

- Why does someone have to go to the bathroom after every single paragraph of Maggid? We’ve had one cup of wine!

- Why does the Hagaddah spend an entire page on each makkah? Don’t they realize how fast we breeze through that, and with wine on our hands?

- Is it just me, or was the matzah better last year?

- Will I ever swallow this bite of marror?

- How do I measure my matzah up against this size chart? My matzah isn’t square.

- Why did I make all this food for Shulchan Orech? I must have been really hungry.

- What am I supposed to do with the wine in the kos shel Eliyahu after he doesn’t drink all of it? Can I pour it back in the bottle, or is that germs? Can you get germs from someone who lives forever?

- Did he get the vaccine?

- Can’t I just buy myself a second kittel, and then use the dirty one for Pesach and the clean one for Yom Kippur? Which one would they bury me in?

- How come when I go upstairs after the Seder, I always forget the pillows?

- Did we lock the door after Shefoch Chamascha?

- Why does everything we’re eating taste like scrambled eggs?

- What do I do with all this leftover charoses?

- Why am I always starving at 11 PM on the third night of Pesach?

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

Mental Health Corner

Pediatric Grief

By Rabbi Azriel Hauptman

When a child loses a parent, their entire world is turned upside down. Pesukim in the Torah abound about the vulnerability of orphans and how mistreatment of an orphan is from the worst sins one can commit. As a result, the adults in their lives – the surviving parent, grandparents, aunts, and uncles –put all their efforts into helping the child grow, thrive, and overcome this incredible challenge. This is admirable and vital, and the day-to-day routines are necessary to help the child feel a sense of normalcy and security.

However, sometimes being overly focused on everything being normal may be at the expense of allowing the child to grieve. The child may get the message that they should not grieve their loss and that their responsibility is to just make believe that everything is okay. This might seem to work in the short term, but it can be harmful to the child’s long-term emotional wellness.

Certainly, the adults are doing their best and do not mean any harm. The problem is that there are many misconceptions regarding pediatric grief, and these may cause well-meaning adults to cause harm to grieving children.

Children grieve in different ways than adults, and they also tend to grieve in spurts over many years. Their natural resilience will often push them to act normal, but random events will trigger a memory of their loss, which may elicit a seemingly disproportionate response. This is absolutely normal and is what you would expect from a grieving child. The adults should allow the child to express their feelings even if it makes them uncomfortable.

Children are also going through specific stages and lifecycle events in their childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. There include birthday parties, the first day of school, bar and bas mitzvahs, weddings, and the list goes on and on.

Each of those events are trigger points for recurring grief which can manifest itself in many ways, ranging from sadness to anger and withdrawal. This starts from a three-year old’s upsherin who will be aware that one of his parents are missing all the way into adulthood when they can’t share the news of the birth of their own child with a deceased parent. This is normal and necessary. As the child goes through each stage and event, he or she needs to process the loss and build yet another layer of resilience. These spurts of grieving after many years might not make sense to the adults in the child’s life. Nevertheless, it is completely normal.

Another major issue in pediatric grief are the cues that the child picks up from the adults about their expected behavior. When a child wants to verbalize their feelings about their grief or talk about their parent, it is almost always beneficial for them. However, the adults often send signals to the child that they are better off not talking about it. The child will pick up on these cues and keep their feelings to themselves. This robs them of their ability to grieve.

A child also needs to maintain a relationship with their deceased parent. It is very healthy to help them memorialize their parent by sharing memories with them and talking about their parent in the most normal way possible. Even if they were very young at the time of the death and have very little actual memory of their parent, they will still have a strong desire to connect with their parent any way they can.

Children have incredible abilities to heal and thrive in spite of the incredible hurdle placed before them by the death of a parent. They have a special place in Hashem’s heart, who is the Father of Orphans (Tehillim 68). With the appropriate help and intervention, they will grow up into thoughtful, empathetic, and incredible adults.

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

Citizens for Sandy Rosenberg, Sondra Johnson, Treasurer

Parenting Pearls A Tov Yom Tov

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

Ioften like to write an article that focuses on an aspect of chol hamoed trips, such as bonding, wholesome activities, or trip tips. After looking at the calendar, I realized such an article is unnecessary this year.

This year, almost all of Pesach is yom tov or Shabbos, so it only seems appropriate to discuss some of the ways to maximize this unique time together. Over Shabbos, there is a special feeling in the air, and yom tov only enhances this. Days off from work and school, shutting down devices, and long, leisurely afternoons all provide us with a chance to tune out the outside world while refocusing on our inner world.

While many would rightfully declare that extra time davening and learning Torah is the only way to maximize this special time, children still have their needs and require their parents’ assistance. We can use this time to further improve our connection with our children and their love towards the yomim tovim and their associated mitzvos.

Additionally, many individuals find this time stressful. While we prefer to focus on the beauty of these days, we can’t ignore that many find this time challenging. Anything that can reduce that tension will directly enhance the day.

While I will provide suggestions for ways to interact with children, I am not a halachic authority, and there are diverse halachic opinions regarding which activities are permissible over yom tov or Shabbos. Additionally, what is appropriate for a young child may not be accepted for an older child or adult, even within the same p’sak. Please direct any halachic questions to your family’s rav.

Eat

There is plenty of food at the meals, but kids will still need a snack. Especially with the long stretches between seudos, it’s not healthy to go so long without nutrition. Hungry children (and adults) are not happy ones. Keeping snacks available ensures that everyone has something when they need it.

In my experience, people eat what’s

readily available. If the table is set with sweets and junk, few will search for fruit. But, if the table is laden with cut fruit, vegetables and melons, the kids and adults will devour them. Add some healthy family favorites to the shopping list and prepare them earlier in the day so they’re ready to go out during the afternoon.

Yom tov meals – particularly the Sedarim – are very late, and young children can’t wait so long to eat. Erev yom tov is hectic, and it’s easy to skip meals without proper planning. It’s important to have something basic, but filling, to serve them. It can be leftovers from the previous meal or soup chicken from the pot. I usually put extra chicken (enclosed in a net) into the soup for an easy but healthy protein during those busy times.

Sleep

Children will have late nights and be off schedule throughout Pesach – and for a few days afterwards. They will be crankier, act wilder or behave irrationally. Parents know it’s going to happen but are still surprised each year when it does. We do our best to keep them close to something that resembles a schedule, but there is only so much we can do. Be gentle on yourselves and your children. This, too, shall pass.

Naps are mandatory on erev yom tov – for both children and adults. Everyone left Mitzrayim, and everyone deserves to be awake and focused as we experience once again the miracles of that night. Kids don’t like naps, but older children can appreciate the logic that the more they sleep during the day, the longer they will remain awake at night.

Most adults enjoy a nap in the afternoon, but young children need constant supervision. Often, the younger your children, the more you need that extra sleep. There are many options to ensure everyone gets their rest. It’s better to make plans in advance rather than hope for the best at the last minute. Ultimately, parents are responsible for their children, and the job of babysitting shouldn’t be imposed on others, unless they really want to assist.

Play

Children are constantly playing or otherwise keeping busy, and yom tov is no exception. Children can play outside or visit friends when the weather is sunny. It is worthwhile to have indoors options, regardless of the weather.

Games are fun and encourage children to interact with each other. They’re also a wonderful way to jumpstart conversation between parent and child. Many families like to purchase new games before Pesach, both because it’s exciting and because they’re guaranteed to be chometz-free. There are a plethora of Pesach books for every age. Young children may enjoy the beautiful illustrations, and older ones can learn about Pesach in a way that is relaxing and engaging. Many of the books bring yetzias Mitzrayim to life in a new way. Keeping Pesach (or any) books in the main family area makes them more accessible.

Connection

This is the time we use to create memories for our children and connect them to our mesorah. Pesach is passing on the torch of our divine mission. We want to make sure we keep our children involved in the Seder and yom tov festivities. There are many ways to keep children engaged, and adults will have fun alongside their youngsters. Discussions can be kept on a child’s level and enhanced with some drama. Be creative, think outside the box, and bring the story to life. Toss ping pong balls, roar like lions and pack your bags to travel around the dining room table. It’s these small gestures that create lifelong memories and positive associations.

Pesach is the time when family minhagim become most prominent as we introduce and reinforce our nation’s purpose. Pass on your family’s unique traditions so your child can cherish them, too.

This is also a time when many share the personal challenges their parents and grandparents went through. This is another part of the unique tradition that is your child’s history to appreciate. Children best absorb information that is given on their level. Details that may frighten a child are best left for when your child is older.

Families can create their own unofficial “traditions.” Whether it’s a special chol hamoed breakfast, a Chad Gadya performance or a pre-Pesach family trip, anything you do each year becomes a beloved part of their Pesach memories. Many of us will recall these informal traditions as our most meaningful memories.

We are their link to the past and connecting to us is no less important. Our most powerful chinuch tool is the connection and love between us and our children. We can make the most of this time by spending it with our most treasured ones. Join them in their games, share a book together, or enjoy an afternoon snack together. As we give our children beautiful memories, we can create some for ourselves, too.

Have a chag kasher v’sameach!

Sara Rayvych, MSEd, has her master’s in general and special education. She has been homeschooling for over 10 years in Far Rockaway. She can be contacted at RayvychHomeschool@gmail.com.

My Israel Home

The Source of Israel’s Happiness

By Gedaliah Borvick

Israel’s consistently high rankings in the Happiness Index is fascinating. Fittingly, streets across the country have names that reflect this theme. For example, Netanya has a neighborhood filled with many joyful street names, including Ha’Gila, Ha’Rina, Ha’Ditsa, Ha’Chedva, and Tsahala.

The fact that Israel is ranked the fifth happiest country in this most challenging year of 2024 is astonishing. How can a country that has lived in a constant state of war since its inception, and is currently at war with Iran and its proxy of terror, all the while being vilified and boycotted globally, be so happy?

One explanation for the source of Israel’s happiness is that, while most countries’ populations are declining, our population is expanding dramatically and will double within the next 20 to 30 years. This growth elicits a national feeling of continuity and stability.

An inspiring answer is that Israel’s definition of happiness is deeply rooted in the Navi Yeshaya’s vision of the Jewish people’s role as an “ohr la’goyim,” a light unto the nations. Israel leads the world, on a per capita basis, in scientific publications, museums, and new book publishing, and boasts an inordinate number of Nobel Prize winners. Living a meaningful, value-driven existence can fill one with gratification.

A practical answer focuses on Israel’s economic success, spurred by its thriving high-tech industry and many other important fields. This sense of financial well-being helps create a national culture of contentment and confidence.

A spiritual explanation touches upon the religious nature of the Jewish nation. Less than one-third of the Jewish population considers themselves “religious,” yet two-thirds of this population consider themselves religiously connected.

faction knowing that their grandparents’ traditions and values are enduring.

A heartening explanation for the country’s high morale is that its younger generation is bravely fighting the current war with resilience and conviction. As VC Michael Eisenberg inspiringly wrote: “Our kids taught us to take the fight to the enemies of humanity, to stand tall, to believe, to know that the future will be better in their hands.”

An intriguing reason was proposed

Life in Israel, despite its hardships, is enriched with meaning and a sense of purpose and destiny.

This appreciation of a Higher Being endows people with a sense of purpose and meaning.

An uplifting answer focuses on the unprecedented amount of Torah being learned and the religious growth occurring here. The sheer number of people learning Torah is astounding, which is a source of pride not only to religious people, but also to many secular Israelis, who derive satis-

by my dear friend Dr. Joshua Lipsitz, a trailblazing professor of Psychology at Ben Gurion University, who in his relatively short life achieved so much. He maintained that most Israelis are more interconnected – they know each other and are concerned about each other’s welfare – than citizens of other countries. Consequently, the global crisis of loneliness and isolation is less common

in Israel. Although one may sometimes prefer to be left alone than to answer to multiple meddling Yiddishe mamas, the feeling of being connected to others is a source of serenity.

One final and powerful reason focuses on many Jews’ attachment to the physical land of Israel. Living in the land of our patriarchs and matriarchs fosters a reassuring sense of being a link in the long chain of Jewish history. Furthermore, being blessed with our own country allows us to defend Jewish lives, in contrast to the thousands of years when we had no homeland to escape to nor army to protect us.

The happiness that pervades Israel is not borne of naiveté nor established in denial of the formidable challenges that confront our nation. Rather, it is based on an understanding that life in Israel, despite its hardships, is enriched with meaning and a sense of purpose and destiny.

May our Seder prayer “Next year in Jerusalem” herald the Jewish nation’s long-awaited redemption.

Gedaliah Borvick is the founder of My Israel Home (www.myisraelhome.com), a real estate agency focused on helping people from abroad buy and sell homes in Israel. To sign up for his monthly market updates, contact him at gborvick@gmail.com.

Timor-David Aklin: I Left Islam for Judaism

Timor-David Aklin grew up in Jaffa, Israel as a Muslim Arab. Today he is an Orthodox Jew who passionately advocates for Israel, fearlessly confronting uncomfortable truths. He discusses his journey and what motivates him to vocalize his past and hopes for the future.

In our interconnected world, the power of the media cannot be overestimated. Internet websites, social media, radio, newspapers, and magazines increasingly control the fate of politicians and governments, world finances and morality. In the chareidi world, the messages conveyed by religious media can shape and strengthen emuna, enrich charitable efforts, and ferment new shul and yeshiva policies. Therefore, it was a great privilege to interview the highly influential Rabbi Eli Paley, owner of Mishpacha Media Group and publisher of the Mishpacha Hebrew and English weekly magazines.

“We should love everyone a little more”

ELI PALEY CEO OF MISHPACHA

Timor remembers having bad experiences as a child so to cope he found it easier to be alone. He always felt vulnerable around people and much stronger by himself. This helped him deal with the isolation and loneliness he’s been going through in the past few years. When he was mature enough to question things, he discovered the might to come out to the public with his conversion life story. At first, he was shy, scared, and paranoid. Being an Arab and choosing to become Jewish involves the religious aspect and the cultural aspect so there is much that you have to accustom yourself to and adapt and feel like you belong. Most of his interactions have been positive since he became a Jew.

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

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

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

and get killed, others prefer to have more money for killing Jews while others would give their son away if he was going to carry out a terrorist attack out of fear for their home being destroyed. It is a very common belief among most Arabs that when you carry out a terrorist attack you should be praised. His mother never told him to go out and attack but always tried to make him feel guilty about not doing so.

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

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

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

He never met his father and his mother “consumed Al Jazeera” her whole life. She is a devoted Muslim who does not accept his transformation and the life he chose. She celebrated terrorist attacks. Whenever there was a terrorist attack or Israeli aggression to take out terrorists, she would send him anti-Israel and very anti-Semitic articles. She was very violent with her messages.

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

Growing up he was raised to hate Jews but he felt he’s always been a Jew. They were always fed pure antisemitic indoctrination. Growing up he always saw guns and weapons which made him feel uncomfortable. He never thought he would live past 18 or that there was life besides prison and death. He had to fight for his life. He always sensed a hostility that he was not part of those people. As a child, he was mentally tortured for wanting to be kind, just for trying to be nice. If he tried to be gentle, family members would interpret it as weakness.

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

Many Muslim parents are proud to raise their children to go and kill

He’d like to say he’s brave but doesn’t think he is. When he converted, he knew that it would be hard but he told himself it would be worth it. He tries to keep his story quiet but recently he was exposed on TV which comes with fear, pain, happiness, joy, sadness, and loneliness, “a melting pot of emotions”.

He had many reasons to continue

and you have to get these thoughts, and beliefs out there about the Arab culture. When he was converting, he did not think about activism. He

live, to find happiness in the world, answers to why are we here, and if

tually one day something told him to take his camera and share what was on his mind.

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

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

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

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

Wherever he went he saw the ugliness in Arab Muslim people. They disrespect everyone and mock when they think people don’t understand Arabic, displaying hypocrisy when speaking English. He began sharing stories and his interactions with Arab Muslims. He documented Israel, the Jewish people, and the Arab Muslim culture and his whole platform became a truth story-telling vibe. He considers himself a “truth teller”.

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

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

his spiritual moral path which he felt was intertwined with the Bi ble. He watched a biblical movie series and he loved every charac ter. That was his first crush with the Tanach. It became a very dear document for him, even though he was a practicing Muslim. He was intrigued and wanted to learn more. He left Israel at 17 and the more he found out about Islam the more disappointed he became. He was traumatized when he found out Islam is not a legitimate religion and realized how they stole from the Jews. He began an obsession with just reading and researching. Baffled by so many things and never receiving satisfactory answers, he decided to leave Islam. He was always a spiritual person, and he found a lot of passion in the Aramaic and Hebrew languages and became obsessed with both. Somehow, he found himself just calling the rabbinate in Israel saying he wanted to become a Jew.

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

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

He knew his conversion was “irregular” as he was not in a relationship with a Jewish woman. He did not expect to be accepted so if anyone does accept him that’s a big bonus. Luckily the vast majority do accept him. He felt he had gotten closer to G-d now he would do what Avraham did. He took his name, Tamar, and turned it into Timor and said now you are on a spiritual

Since October 7th with antisemitism at the forefront, much has become distorted and taken out of context. The world is inherently antisemitic. He has seen Arabs celebrating and describes this as “the cult of death”. Muslims do not see themselves as evil rather the Jew is the liar, the master of deception. They inherently victimize themselves and see Jews as the enemy. They do not think they are bad people for killing Jews, they are doing justice and will go to heaven for killing a Jew.

He does not know if he is changing the world, he is just sharing his truth.

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

םכל םתחקלו

In just a few weeks, thousands of Lomdei Oraysa from around the globe will be celebrating the completion of Maseches Yoma with the Oraysa Amud V’Chazarah program that has revolutionized the Torah world.

On the first day of Chol Hamoed Pesach, Oraysa lomdim will begin Maseches Sukkah.

The timing of this next Masechta coincides beautifully with the calendar, as Oraysa is set to finish Masechta Sukkah just in time for Succos of 5785, bezH.

Participants describe the immense

satisfaction that they receive from the innovative program that calls for the studying of one Amud a day, 5 days a week, in a thorough manner. Each day, one new Amud is learned and yesterday’s Amud is reviewed, with Friday and Shabbos is dedicated to reviewing the two-and-a-half blatt learnt over the week. With this format, each Amud is learned and mastered.

The shiurim available on Oraysa’s website and hotline featuring topnotch Magidei Shiur in English, Yiddish, and Hebrew have also proven to be a major attraction. The handy Oraysa calendar is one user-friendly tool

that many carry around that helps lomdim stay up-to-date and keep track of what they’ve learned and is just one of the many resources offered by Oraysa.

Participants also have the option of taking an optional bi-monthly bechina, which is given every other Sunday on five Blatt. The bechinos have become a valuable tool for testing one’s knowledge and promoting retention, motivating participants to do additional reviews at the end of each two weeks.

It has become a common sight to see lomdim proudly bearing the highly popular “Yalkut Oraysa”. This booklet

is a masterfully created work of marei mekomos, explanations, daily quizzes and halacha l’ma’aseh which are utilized as important aids to enhance the learning of thousands of avid Lomdei Oraysa.

For anyone looking to acquire a Masechta and gain daily satisfaction and simcha in learning, Oraysa may just be the program you are looking for!

To join Oraysa for Maseches Sukkah or for more information, contact Oraysa at 914.8.ORAYSA or email info@oraysa.org.

When you have the opportunity to delve into the sugyos of the Yom Tov and attain a grasp on its אמויד ינינע, the appreciation for the Yom Tov is in the realm of both ׳הל as well as םכל

If you haven’t yet treated yourself to the satisfaction of learning Oraysa, Maseches Sukkah is a perfect time to start. APRIL 25

Horav Noach Isaac Oelbaum shlita Nasi, USA

Horav Dovid Cohen shlita Nasi, Eretz Yisroel

Horav Avrohom Gurwicz shlita Nasi, Europe

Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz Founding President HOW

AMUD A DAY - Five days a week

DAILY CHAZARA - Previous day's amud

WEEKLY CHAZARA - On Friday & Shabbos

AUDIO/VIDEO SHIURIM | DAILY MAR’EI MEKOMOS | OPTIONAL TESTS

Jewish History

Thomas Friedman vs. Eight Israeli Prime Ministers

By Rafael Medoff

In the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas invasion of Israel, Thomas L. Friedman of the New York Times has written numerous columns attacking Israeli Prime Minister of Benjamin Netanyahu.

But before anybody suspects Friedman of being obsessed with Netanyahu, let’s be clear: Friedman has publicly assailed seven other Israeli prime ministers, as well.

The first was Golda Meir. In his book From Beirut to Jerusalem, Friedman lambasted Prime Minister Meir for insisting on the inclusion of Holocaust studies in the curricula of Israeli high schools and army officers’ courses. She “encouraged” what Friedman called “the ‘Holocausting’ of the Israeli psyche,” turning Israel into “Yad Vashem with an air force” (pages 280-281)

Meir’s successor, Yitzhak Rabin, was Friedman’s next target. As one of the leaders of the “Middle East Peace Group” at Brandeis University in 1974, Friedman criticized opponents of Yasir Arafat’s infamous speech at the United Nations and demanded that the Rabin government negotiate with the PLO leader.

Some of Friedman’s criticism of Israeli prime ministers has bordered on the vulgar. His book From Beirut to Jerusalem included this tasteless analysis of Menachem Begin: “[He] loved the idea of Jewish power, Jewish tanks, Jewish pride…. He needed a war to satisfy his deep longings for dignity. And to cure all his traumas about Jewish impotence.” (p. 144)

From 1984 to 1990, Israel was ruled by a national unity government with Shimon Peres of Labor and Yitzhak Shamir of Likud each serving as prime minister for varying periods of time. Friedman continued blasting away: Israel’s leaders were afflicted by “megalomania”; “the Israelis are getting a bad press because

they deserve it”; Israel was “demonizing” the Palestinian Arabs; Israel’s reluctance to release 700 imprisoned Arab terrorists “certainly contributed” to the hijacking of a TWA airliner; the Labor-Likud government “used” and “exploited” Arab terrorists’ murder of U.S. Army Colonel William Higgins.

Peres, Shamir, and Rabin (their defense minister) were cowards, Friedman wrote in From Beirut to Jerusalem. Peres and Rabin were “moderates with no guts.” He and Shamir were “too frightened” to make more concessions to the Arabs. “Peres and Shamir, in other words, not only failed to lead,” he wrote, “they actually made the Israeli public dumb” because “they got them to believe” that creation of a PLO state next door was too risky. (pages 270-271)

Shamir was prime minister in 1990 when Friedman orchestrated the stunt in which Secretary of State James Baker publicly accused the prime minister

of not being “serious about peace.” Following Friedman’s suggestion, Baker recited the White House phone number aloud, for Shamir to call when he changed his mind.

There was a peculiar footnote to that particular episode. Nearly twenty years later, on November 7, 2009, Friedman wrote yet another column in the Times accusing Israel of not being seriously interested in peace. Benjamin Netanyahu happened to be prime minister at the time. In his column, Friedman recommended to then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that she should “dust off James Baker’s line: ‘When you’re serious, give us a call: 202-456-1414. Ask for Barack.’ Otherwise, stay out of our lives.” Remarkably, Friedman did not acknowledge in that column that he was the one who was the original author of that sarcastic jibe. Instead, he pretended that it was “James Baker’s line.” Invoking the former Secretary of

State gave the line more gravitas. And presumably, Friedman assumed most Times readers would not realize that Baker had already revealed the truth in his autobiography, years earlier.

Friedman’s ire was not reserved for Likud prime ministers such as Shamir, in 1990, or Netanyahu, in 2009; he did not hesitate to denounce Labor’s Peres when he served as prime minister in 1995-1996. The Times columnist decried a Peres government strike against Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon, in which some civilians were inadvertently killed, as “so out of proportion, its apology so lacking, its effect on Lebanon so devastating.”

Friedman never liked Ariel Sharon, either when he was prime minister under Likud or when he broke away to lead the country as head of Kadima. In one particularly acerbic column, on February 5, 2004, Friedman asserted that Prime Minister Sharon “had George Bush under house arrest in the Oval Office…surrounded by Jewish and Christian pro-Israel lobbyists, [and] by a vice president, Dick Cheney, who’s ready to do whatever Mr. Sharon dictates…” In that column, Friedman claimed Sharon, Jewish lobbyists, Cheney, and unidentified “political handlers” were “all conspiring to make sure the president does nothing [concerning Israel].” If you didn’t know it had appeared in America’s most prestigious newspaper, you might think such ugly talk of sinister Jews controlling the president emanated from some of society’s most unsavory corners.

Perhaps the most remarkable chapter in Friedman’s history of verbally accosting Israeli prime ministers concerns the tenure of Ehud Olmert, whose policies and positions arguably were the most left-of-center of any Israeli leader in many decades.

After years of rocket attacks on northern Israel, Lebanon-based Hez -

bollah terrorists crossed the border on July 12, 2006, and kidnapped two Israeli soldiers. Prime Minister Olmert responded by launching a full-scale air assault and ground invasion against Hezbollah’s forces in southern Lebanon.

Friedman demanded that Olmert stop short of defeating Hezbollah and instead put Israel’s trust in the creation of a new international force to guard its northern border. Friedman acknowledged, in a July 21 column, that “Israel does not like international forces on its borders and worries they will not be effective,” but after all, who cares what Israel likes?

Friedman urged the George W. Bush administration to press Israel to accept such a force, proposing it enlist former presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush to orchestrate the effort.

Five days later, Friedman challenged Olmert again. Fourteen days of hitting Hezbollah had been more than enough: “Point made,” he wrote. There was no need for Israel to deliver a “knockout blow.” Instead, “It is now time to wind down this war and pull together a deal — a cease-fire, a prisoner exchange, a resumption of the peace effort and an

international force…” He also urged the Bush administration to recruit Syria (!) as part of this effort, in exchange for negotiations over an Israeli surrender of the Golan Heights.

Friedman’s rhetoric escalated in the

ings, with the guilty and the innocent inside,” as if Israeli self-defense was the moral equivalent of the terrorist attacks he cited. (July 28) “Israel needs to get a cease-fire and an international force into south Lebanon — and get out. Is -

If you didn’t know it had appeared in America’s most prestigious newspaper, you might think such ugly talk of sinister Jews controlling the president emanated from some of society’s most unsavory corners.

days to follow. The region was descending into “madness,” he wrote. Muslim terrorists were carrying out atrocities in various countries, Friedman pointed out, including on his list “Israel retaliating by, at times, leveling whole build-

rael can’t defeat Hezbollah…” (August 9) The Israelis have “already inflicted enormous damage on Hezbollah,” he counseled. “[I]t shouldn’t throw more good lives after some elusive knockout blow.” (August 11)

In Friedman’s recent fulminations against Netanyahu over Gaza, one can hear the echoes of his 2006 criticism of Olmert for killing civilians in Lebanon, his demand that Israel quickly retreat, and his warning against knocking out Hezbollah altogether. How does that advice look now, with Hezbollah many times stronger and firing rockets into northern Israel almost daily? And how safe will Israel be from future attacks from Gaza if it follows Friedman’s current counsel?

One thing can be said about Thomas Friedman. In writing about the Middle East for more than four decades, he has been consistent and forthright: his problem is not Benjamin Netanyahu; his problem is Israel.

Dr. Medoff is founding director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies and author of more than 20 books about Jewish history and the Holocaust. His latest is Whistleblowers: Four Who Fought to Expose the Holocaust to America , a nonfiction graphic novel with artist Dean Motter, published by Dark Horse / Yoe Books.

TJH Centerfold Intelligence Test

1. Do they have a 4th of July in England?

a. Yes

b. No

2. How many birthdays does the average man have?

a. 1

b. 7

c. 72

3. Some months have 31 days; how many have 28?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 12

4. How many outs are there in an inning?

a. 1

b. 3

c. 6

d. 9

5. Is it legal for a man in California to marry his widow’s sister?

a. Yes

b. No

6. Divide 30 by 1/2 and add 10. What is the answer?

a. 20

b. 25

c. 70

7. If there are 3 apples and you take away 2, how many do you have?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

8. A doctor gives you three pills telling you to take one every half hour. How many minutes would the pills last?

a. 60

b. 90

c. 120

9. A farmer has 17 sheep, and all but 9 die. How many are left?

a. 8

b. 9

c. 17

10. How many two cent stamps are there in a dozen?

a. 2

b. 6

c. 9

d. 12

Answers

1) A- In England, much like America, July 4th comes after July 3rd. Everything else about the place is backwards, though.

2) A- Every person has 1 birthday… duuhh.

3) C- Last I checked, each month has at least 28 days, although we wish August had 60 and January had 2.

4) C- A full inning has six outs –

three for each team.

5) B- It would be pretty hard for a dead person to get married.

6) C-70 (30 divided by 1/2 equals 60. Then you add 10.)

7) B- Unless someone stole one of the apples from you, you have the two that you took.

8) A-60 – Start with the first pill; 30 minutes later, take  the second; 30 minutes after that, take the third.

9) B- Why don’t you think about this one a little more? Maybe read the question again.

10) D- There are twelve 2 cent stamps in a dozen.

Wisdom Key

8-10 Correct: You are probably the smartest person sitting around your yom tov table (which also makes you the most annoying person to sit near).

4-7 Correct: You are intelligent. But you shoot from the hip a bit too much.

1-3 Correct: Too much marror is known to kill brain cells. Slow down on the chomping and try this quiz again later.

? When three-letter airport codes became standard, airports that had been using two letters simply added an X.

?

Alaska is the only state that you can type out its name using only one line of a keyboard.

?

If you start counting at one and spell out the numbers as you go, you won’t use the letter “A” until you reach 1,000.

?

A normal, relaxed blinking rate is 6-8 blinks per minute, and the eyes are closed for about 1/10th of a second.

? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word “set” has the most definitions, with 464. The word “run” runs a distant second, with 396 definitions.

?

?

No word in the English language rhymes with month.

The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.

Riddle Me This

? There are more than 50,000 characters in the Chinese language. You’ll need to know about 2,000 to read a newspaper.

? If you have 3 quarters, 4 dimes, and 4 pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar.

? Rhode Island is the smallest state but has the longest name. The official name, used on all state documents, is “Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.”

? There are 10 human body parts that are only 3 letters long (eye, hip, arm, leg, ear, toe, jaw, rib, lip, gum).

? The plastic things on the end of shoelaces are called “aglets.”

?

Diet Coke was only invented in 1982.

You are given a 5-gallon barrel and a 3-gallon barrel. You are told to go to the sink and fill the 5-gallon barrel with 4 gallons of water. You don’t have any measuring devices.

What do you do to make sure the 5-gallon barrel has 4 gallons using your two items?

fill the 5-gallon barrel up and pour it into the 3-gallon barrel to fill it up. Now you have 4 gallons in the 5-gallon barrel.

pour what is left in the 5-gallon barrel into the 3-gallon barrel so that you have two gallons in the 3-gallon barrel. Then

Answer: You fill the 5-gallon barrel up and pour it into the 3-gallon barrel. Then dump the 3-gallon barrel out and

Notable Quotes

“Say What?!”

I’ve been more pro-Israel than any other president by far with Golan Heights — throw that one in there by the way; nobody even asked for it, and I got that for them.

- Donald Trump in an interview with Real America’s Voice Network

Donald Trump. Seriously.

- President Joe Biden, when asked on Univision to name the “primary threat” to “freedom and democracy” in the United States

If Hitler was alive today, he would be singing the U.N.’s praises.

- Israel’s UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan, while holding up a photo of Hitler with the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, taken when the two met to discuss how to collaborate in the execution of Jews

I can safely walk my dog to the Capitol today in a way that you couldn’t do when we all got here!

- Transportation Secretary Peter Buttigieg, who has a constant security detail, claiming on MSNBC that Washington, D.C., has gotten safer, despite the data which shows that it has had the largest crime spike of any major U.S. city

Because Joe Biden is a serious person who tells the truth, the press holds him to an exponentially higher standard than Trump.

- Former senior Obama advisor Dan Pfeiffer

Dear Senator Schumer, with your tremendous enthusiasm for Israeli politics, don’t forget that the gates of Israel are open to you. You are more than welcome to immigrate and vote in the next elections. Until then, please respect our democracy.

- Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, responding to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) efforts to undermine the Israeli government

The Iranians have lost control of the narrative. I like to quote Napoleon’s dictum: “When your enemies are making a big mistake, don’t interrupt them.” Iran interrupted its enemy at a time when Israel was increasingly isolated and on the defensive, both internationally and in its relationship with the U.S.

- Foreign policy strategist Richard Haass, in an interview with Politico

Today, the White House has already leaked to the press this morning that they’re not going to participate in an Israeli response to what Iran just did. Let me say it again. More sheep is not going to solve the wolf problem. My advice to the president today, for what it’s worth, Mr. President, don’t. Stop it. Support Israel. With respect, go to Amazon and buy a spine online! Peace through weakness never works.

– Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)

Canada was where every woke White college kid wearing pajama pants outdoors who had it up to here with America’s racist patriarchy dreamt of living someday. I mean, besides Gaza.

- Bill Maher, HBO, pointing out that the uber-left policies of Canada have caused it to become a total mess

They say in politics liberals are the gas pedal and conservatives are the brakes. And I’m generally with the gas pedal. But not if we’re driving off a cliff.

- Ibid.

My grandfather was truly a great influence.… I used to learn values from him and learned a lot. The most interesting thing is that, shortly before he passed away, he discovered that he was Jewish. He didn’t know but someone told him, “Your mother was Jewish, so you are Jewish.” So all the values that I received from him came from Judaism.

- Argentinian President Javier Milei speaking this week at the Shul of Bal Harbor in Surfside, Florida

Israel protected Al-Aqsa Mosque from destruction at the hands of Iran.

Are the Anti-Israel haters going to thank Israel for protecting one of the holiest sites in Islam? No.

Are the Anti-Israel haters going to condemn Iran for endangering one of the holiest sites in Islam? No.

Selective outrage is their modus operandi.

- Tweet by Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY), after the Iranian attack on Israel

Just because you shoot at someone and miss doesn’t mean you’re not trying to kill them. Yes, the Iranians were embarrassed. But they almost surely view this as a win. And they also crossed a red line by firing on Israel from their own territory. Yet Israel is apparently the only nation on Earth that is permitted to fully defend itself only if its enemies succeed.

– David Harsani, The Federalist

The only thing I have to say is, it’s just a further reminder of Ron being gone all these years.… It’s no great loss to the world. It’s a further reminder of Ron’s being gone.

— Fred Goldman, talking about his son’s murderer, O.J. Simpson, who died last week

This is who Tucker is: a click-chaser.

Tucker’s MO is simple: defend America’s enemies and attack America’s allies. There isn’t an objective bone left in that washed up news host’s body. Mindless contrarianism is his guiding principle, buttressed by his childish tactic to “juSt aSK quEsTiOns!

But any educated adult, especially one with such a long career in journalism, should occasionally try *answering* some of those questions objectively.

But he never does. Instead, he uses his platform to sow doubt and paranoia and false narratives.

He does this for one simple reason: clicks and engagement, which of course translate to monetary benefit. He wants you to believe he is the last place you can go to for truth, that he’s the ONLY one brave enough to reveal the elitist lies being told.

This nonsense about Christian mistreatment in Israel is just the latest example.

Tucker will eventually fade into nothingness, because his veneer of faux intellectualism is quickly falling apart and revealing who he truly is: a cowardly, know-nothing elitist who is full of [garbage].

- Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) criticizing Tucker Carlson after he had a radical Christian Arab on his show and declared that Christians should not support Israel

Elect me, I’m in the 20th century!

- Pres. Biden at a campaign event

It appears “don’t” is not a great foreign policy strategy.

- Chef Andrew Gruel, after Iran tried attacking Israel even though Pres. Biden told them, “Don’t!”

I encourage people who get stuck behind the pro-Hamas mobs blocking traffic: take matters into your own hands to get them out of the way. It’s time to put an end to this nonsense.

– Tweet by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR)

[O.J.] represented something for the black community in that moment, in that trial, particularly because there were two white people who had been killed, and the history around how black people have been persecuted during slavery.

- CNN contributor Ashley Allison

Long before the city woke up on a fall morning in 2017, Trump walked out of Lovelock Correctional Center outside Reno, a free man for the first time in nine years.

- From an L.A. Times obituary about OJ Simpson , highlighting how much Trump lives in their head

Yesterday, protesters blocked the Golden Gate Bridge and disrupted traffic in San Francisco. What if something similar to that happened all around the capital, so all the bridges from Virginia were blocked and members who needed to appear at a hearing couldn’t get there or were delayed in getting there? Would that be a violation of this provision?

- Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito questioning U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar about the scope of a federal law prohibiting “obstructing an official proceeding,” which prosecutors used against January 6th defendants

Shamefully, since Oct. 7, Joe Biden has transformed into an anti-Israel president. There’s really no other way to characterize it. He’s more concerned, seemingly, with placating the antisemites in his base than standing with our historic and vitally important ally.

– U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA)

I’m doing this not because I want Boeing to fail, but because I want it to succeed, and prevent crashes from happening.

— Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, a whistleblower who made alarming claims about the company’s jets

Dating Dialogue What Would You Do If…

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

I have been dating a girl for two months, and things are going well. We vibe and are looking for the same things. Hashkafically, we’re a match, and I was really feeling we were shayach.

Both our families happen to be going to vacation rentals in Florida for Pesach, so we are going to be able to go out. We were recently talking about packing and heading down to Florida, and I realize now how different she and I are and our lifestyles. My family is driving down to Florida, cooking and freezing ahead of time, and basically doing everything they can to make it economical. In her family, everyone is flying in, her parents are hiring a personal chef to cook on demand, and they are taking their cleaning lady along (paying her flight, too!). They are shipping all new linen and towels to the home as well, even though the home comes with all of these things (I guess they only use new?). She even told me she bought all new clothes and had them shipped directly to the home they’re renting.

With all this said and done, I literally feel like breaking things off just by virtue of the fact that I now recognize what different worlds we come from. We talked about it, and she was very clear that this is how she can imagine herself in the future and cannot imagine lowering the bar on these things. Honestly, there is no way I could keep up with a lifestyle like this, and this is what she is used to. Ever since that conversation, I have been less “into it,” and she is picking up on it. Do I let things end now? Before Pesach? Or do I spend Pesach with her and see if we could somehow work things out? I feel really stuck; any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for your time, Ephraim*

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.

The Panel

The Rebbetzin

Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

Ephraim, a relationship where socio-economic status is not negotiable is not a relationship. Whomever she marries must deliver on a high level. You also see her values clearly and that she is not flexible. Withdrawal is advisable when there is such a lack of compatibility. Count your blessings that this came up and there was clarity about where she stands.

When you date other girls, be sure to do your homework and look for a young woman who understands that it takes time and effort to develop a certain lifestyle. Of course, it is very pleasant to

live that way but it is not an entitlement to impose on a life partner.

The Mother

Leah Rabinowitz

E

phraim, you clearly like this girl, which is why you’re even asking this question. If you didn’t feel invested in this relationship, I think you would just call it off. But you have feelings for her, obviously, and although you are a little “turned off,” you are asking if you should continue dating her.

Good for you! That shows maturity and understanding that dating is not a situation where you just throw

something good away because you see something different than what you envisioned.

As a mother, I was also a bit turned off by her attitude. It sounds like she’s showing off to you about her family’s aesthetics when vacationing. I don’t know if she thinks this would be attractive and she’s exaggerating (ex. she ordered a few shirts online and is having them sent there instead of to her home because they won’t come in time or they bring their own towels because there wasn’t enough in the rental the last time they went down…).

Count your blessings that this came up and there was clarity about where she stands.

In any case, I believe that she definitely deserves a cautious, open conversation in which you tell her that you are not capable of supporting a girl on such a high level of lifestyle. Ask her how she thinks she will be able to maintain this lifestyle once she gets married. Are her siblings married? Do her parents support them? Will you, Ephraim, feel pressure to keep up with this family and their vacations and wardrobes?

These are hard conversations to have. If the girl you are dating is ma -

ture, it will make this conversation easier. And she may also come to the realization at the end of the conversation that she is looking for a boy who can support her at a high level – and you may not be the one.

Much hatzlacha with this! And enjoy Pesach with your family in Florida!

The Single

Dear Ephraim, it sounds like a good dose of communication is in order before jumping to conclusions and terminating the relationship based on fear, insecurity, and limited feedback

and judgement. Sometimes people’s values change, once they meet someone that may not check the boxes of what they thought they needed, once there is something in front of them that they want.

Regardless, it’s extremely important to exercise the communication muscle and have a mature discussion before jumping to any conclusion or finite decision.

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

Rich girl, poor boy. The story is as old as time. This is a

Pulling It All Together

The Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

Dear Ephraim

Thank you for writing in to the panel! I understand that since the woman you are dating told you she “cannot imagine lowering the bar on these things,” you have been feeling turned off and you’re simply feeling disconnected from her. I also understand that you have spoken, and you’re looking for advice. I wish I could tell you what to do, and I also wish I knew who would wind up happily ever after and who should not continue dating. I don’t know these answers. I can sense the urgency of this matter for you, and I know you are looking for resolution rather immediately.

Unless every fiber of your being is

telling you to run (and I believe that might be your intuition), I suggest really talking this through and learning more about what she means by “lowering the bar.” Who is expected to support her lifestyle? Is she expecting you to do that? Is she expecting her parents to continue supporting her luxurious lifestyle? Are her parents willing and expecting to do so?

The second thing you need to figure out is your comfort level with a woman who requires this type of maintenance and if this is your emotional/ lifestyle hashkafa If this kind of thing completely turns you off, and you can

classic tale of contrasting socioeconomic backgrounds.

Consider the following. Your girlfriend made very sure to let you know that her family’s vacation features their personal chef, their own cleaning lady, and that they’re shipping brand new linens and towels, even though they’re included in the vacation rental.

And, in case you didn’t get the message, she went on to make very, very sure that you knew that rather than being bothered to pack a suitcase, “she bought all new clothes and had them shipped directly to the home they’re renting.”

And, in case you still didn’t get the message, she made it very, very, very clear that “hhis is how she can imagine herself in the future, and cannot imagine lowering the bar on these things.”

Time and time

again, I see that “the right one” doesn’t give a person anxiety.

Uh, Ephraim?

She is telling you, very clearly, that this relationship is over if you cannot, or will not, support her in the style to which she’s become accustomed.

bear to live without this woman, then I think you know the answer.

I think that when two people truly love each other (or when the potential for true love exists), something like this isn’t going to get in the way. If she is completely turning you off after you speak a little more about this, then you don’t have true love. Love is about a deep appreciation for who the other is. You simply adore what the other is about, what she values, what she stands for, what she believes in, how she speaks, the way she crinkles her nose, her thought patterns, her feelings. You just love her and adore her and want her exactly as she is. Sure, she will annoy you and you will quarrel, but the thought of life without this person isn’t an option. Love just is. It’s just there. You have to take care of it, and work at maintaining the relationship, but love is just there. It’s a chemistry. A connection. A certain something. A deep respect.

If you walk away from the next level of this conversation with a deeper understanding and respect for this woman, then she may be the one. If you walk away even more turned off and tuning out, and you’re feeling your anxiety rise because you want to be “done with it before Pesach,” I think you have your answer.

Time and time again, I see that “the right one” doesn’t give you anxiety. Things are calm. Your nervous system feels good and relaxed.

I see people marry from different financial backgrounds all the time. That doesn’t concern me in the slightest. What would be concerning is if what you could provide for this woman would never satisfy her...and if the support was coming from her parents and that would make you feel unsettled.

Go with your instinct.

Sincerely, Jennifer

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

Tzipora Grodko

Stories to Enhance Your Seder

THE SEDER

Something Important to Say

Touched by Our Story

by Rabbi Yechiel Spero

Rav Shimshon Pincus once met a colleague who had just come back from a fundraising trip in America. The fellow was somewhat dejected, since he had been unable to gather the necessary funds for his yeshivah. Rav Shimshon told him that if he really believes in what he is doing, and is truly confident that it is beneficial for the donor to give him money, then he would be more successful. In fact, he insisted, there was no way he would ever fail. Rav Shimshon then gave an example to prove his point.

“One time, when I was in Los Angeles, someone showed me a New York Times article from 1942 where the Vaad Hatzalah advertised that for $50, one could save Jews in Europe. Imagine that you had read that article, and, unlike American Jewry in 1942, you knew what was happening in the war. You knew that every Jew there wasn’t safe and that he would, in all probability, be killed unless you were able to get him out of the inferno — soon. And for $50 you would be able to save those people. When you went knocking on doors, you would not leave without a significant donation. You would beg and implore every person to give you the necessary funding. You’d know the value of every $50.

“Indeed, if you really believed that it is beneficial for every person to give the money — so that he could take part in this precious mitzvah of saving lives — you would not leave without a check. Failure would not be an option.

“That,” he said, “is the key to raising money for those who are learning. You must really believe that the person who is giving the money is receiving a benefit by giving the money and joining in the mitzvah of limud haTorah.”

Rav Shimshon recalled an anecdote to emphasize his message.

“There was a housing office in Ofakim, where there were always very long lines. The woman behind the desk was careful not to let anyone cut the line.

“One day, I saw her father walking near our home, when suddenly he collapsed. Before anyone had a chance to revive him, he passed away. I quickly ran to the woman’s office to inform her of the tragic news. As usual, there was a long line, but I walked right up to the front. She immediately snapped at me that I was to wait in the back of the line like everybody else. But I told her that I have to talk to her about something very important. Again, she told me that I should go to the back of the line. I leaned forward and asked her if she knew where her father was. She did not understand the question, and I repeated it. ‘Do you know where your father is?’ I broke the news to her gently, and she began to cry. Of course, she apologized for trying to send me away.

“Can you imagine if I would have waited in line to tell her this news? What an absurd thought that is. I knew I had something very important to say to her, and I wasn’t about to let anything stand in my way.”

Although Rav Pincus used this story to encourage a fundraiser, this is the way a parent must approach the Seder. We have something very, very important to tell our children. We have the traditions and legacies that our parents passed down to us, and we need to convey the lessons to our progeny.

Initially, we may be met with resistance. Our children may not want to hear what we have to say. They may tell us to “wait in line,” by stating, “I have so many important things in my life. I have school and my social life and my other interests.”

Yet, tonight we cannot be pushed away. We must let our children know how important this message is: Do you know where your Father is? Do you know where the Almighty is in your life? When they see how serious we are about it, they will stop pushing us away. They will listen to everything we have to say and will be eternally grateful to us for sharing this message.

THE SEDER

Perfect Solution

Rav Chaim Kanievsky Haggadah compiled by Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Shteinman, adapted by Rabbi Dovid Hollander

Afamily was fighting bitterly about where to go for the Pesach Seder. The husband insisted that they go to his parents, and the wife was adamant that they go to hers. Someone suggested that the couple consult with Rebbetzin Batsheva Kanievsky – as she had much experience dealing with many different life situations — and do whatever she advised.

After the rebbetzin heard both sides of the issue, she came up with an idea that appealed to both parties: she invited them to her house for the Seder! The couple accepted the rebbetzin’s offer and joined the Kanievskys for the Seder, thus restoring domestic harmony.

THE SEDER

Fulfilled by Waiting

The Chazon Ish Haggadah compiled by Rabbi Asher Bergman, adapted by Rabbi David Oratz and E. van Handel.

“On this night — we all recline.”

One week before Pesach, a young scholar passed away in Yerushalayim, leaving a widow and seven orphans. The rosh yeshivah of Ruzhin, Rav Yehoshua Heschel Brim, supplied the family with all their holiday needs and even arranged for a young man to conduct the Seder for them. Before departing for shul on erev yom tov, Rav Brim told his family that he would come home late. He planned to stop at the widow’s house after Maariv to help with last-minute preparations for the Seder. Rav Brim found the atmosphere in the widow’s house mournful. The young man who was to conduct the Seder had inexplicably failed to appear. Without hesitating, the rosh yeshivah proclaimed, “Kadeish.” Joyously, he led the entire Seder, ate the festival meal with them, and sang the familiar melodies.

Half an hour before midnight, Rav Brim entered his own home, where his family was waiting for him to conduct their Seder. He immediately began Kadeish again. This time, he rushed through the Haggadah; the Afikoman had to be eaten before chatzos! Only after the Afikoman was eaten did Rav Brim apologize for the delay.

“True,” said one of the family members, “you did a great act of kindness for the widow, but your family, too, needed a Seder!”

Rav Brim explained by telling the following story.

“As a bachur, I frequented the home of the Chazon Ish. Once, he told my friend and me, ‘Reuven has reached marriageable age. You must help him find a wife.’ The words of the Chazon Ish were sacred to us. We made the necessary efforts and were successful. When we reported to the Chazon Ish, he said, ‘I would like to be present for the signing of the tena’im, but since my time is very limited, please come get me when the ceremony is about to begin.’ When we came for him, he was sitting in his study with a couple. They were reading a list of items and asking which ones were preferable and how and where to obtain each item. He answered all their questions patiently. For an hour and a quarter, we waited outside the open door. The Chazon Ish saw us, but continued the conversation. Finally, the consultation ended. The couple rose, and the Chazon Ish escorted them out and bid them farewell.

“As soon as they had left his home, the Chazon Ish quickly donned his hat and

we hurried to the tena’im.

“You are surely wondering,” he said, “why I kept you and all of Reuven’s guests waiting.

“The couple with whom I was speaking are Holocaust survivors. They had told me that they had no source of income and I advised them to open a store. Now they came to consult me about how to run it and what merchandise to buy.

“I could not help them financially, since I have no money. I was therefore obligated to assist them with advice, which is also a great mitzvah.

“This mitzvah was incumbent on you and Reuven’s other guests no less than on me. I fulfilled the mitzvah by advising them, and all of you fulfilled it by waiting for me.”

Rav Brim concluded: “Each of us was obligated to gladden the widow and orphans. I fulfilled the mitz vah by conducting the Seder, and you fulfilled it by waiting for me.”

YACHATZ

Old and New

The Rav Moshe Haggadah from Rav Moshe Feinstein, compiled by Rabbi Shalom Meir Wallach, adapted by Malky Heimowitz

TAVADIM HAYINU

Gratitude is Most Important

The Rav Shach Haggadah from Rav Elazar Menachem Man Shach, compiled by Rabbi Asher Bergman, adapted by Rabbi Yaakov Blinder

he granddaughter of Rav Shmuel Dovid Walkin asked him on the Seder night why we break the middle matzah to allude to the “bread of poverty” that we ate in Egypt, considering that the middle matzah corresponds to Levi, and the tribe of Levi was not enslaved.

Rav Walkin answered beautifully that it is to teach us that even though the tribe of Levi was not enslaved, they were heartbroken over the suffering of their brethren (Kisvei Abba Mari 241).

Once, the person who was supposed to drive Rav Moshe Feinstein to yeshiva to say his shiur was waiting, yet Rav Moshe, who was always punctual, did not emerge from his house. The driver was worried; he knew how important it was to Rav Moshe to arrive on time to avoid causing large-scale bitul Torah. He went up to see what had happened and found the outer door open a bit.

He went inside and heard the sound of crying coming from Rav Moshe. Frightened, he inclined his ear and heard two people sobbing inside the room. To his alarm, he recognized the sound of Rav Moshe’s voice. What had happened?

He looked at his watch — it was getting late. He opened door a crack and saw Rav Moshe sitting in his place, with an elderly man beside him. Both of them were sobbing.

The driver made a split-second decision to open the door and ask, “Rebbi, can I help?”

Rav Moshe looked up at him, his eyes red from crying. “Oh, it’s time to go say the shiur. Please wait a little. I’m busy now.”

The driver retreated and closed the door. A moment later, the old man emerged, leaning on his cane, with Rav Moshe escorting him. Rav Moshe then went to the sink and washed his tear-stained face.

“Forgive me for the delay,” he said to the driver. “But you saw. What could I do?”

They entered the car and hurried to the yeshiva.

“Why was the rav crying?” the driver asked. “Did some tragedy occur?”

“To tell you the truth,” Rav Moshe answered, “I don’t know why.”

“What?”

“Of course!” said Rav Moshe. “You heard him crying, but you didn’t hear him speaking. He came in, sat down, and spoke some unintelligible words. Then, he started crying bitterly. I didn’t know why he was crying, and I could not help him at all. But when a Jew cries, how can I not cry with him?”

“Had not the Holy One, Blessed is Be taken our fathers out from Egypt, then we, our children and our children’s children would have remained subservient to Pharaoh.”

This statement seems rather unlikely. The Pharaohs have not ruled Egypt for centuries. So utterly forgotten by history is the Pharaoh of the Exodus that no one even knows his true identity with certainty. Surely, over the millennia, the Jewish people would have shaken off the yoke of slavery under natural historical circumstances, even if not for the Exodus. There aren’t even any slaves anywhere in the world anymore!

The answer to this question, said Rav Shach in the name of the great rabbis of the Mussar Movement, is that if Hashem had not taken us out of Egypt, but we would have gained our freedom through some political or natural process, taking advantage of Pharaoh’s magnanimity, we might not have remained enslaved to Pharaoh, but we would have been subservient to him — that is, we would have been beholden to him with a debt of gratitude, which would remain an encumbrance upon us for all time. There is no greater responsibility than the indebtedness owed to a benefactor for his kindness.

Rav Shach himself exemplified this trait in his personal life, as the following anecdotes illustrate.

In 5749 (1989), Rav Shach founded a new party called Degel Hatorah, which split away from the old, established party called Agudas Yisrael. As the new party prepared itself to enter the political fray and participate in Knesset elections, Rav Shach was greatly concerned that it should not fail in its attempts to gain a foothold in Israeli politics. Such a debacle would bring about a chillul Hashem in the eyes of the general public, since so many Torah leaders had thrown their weight behind it. Anything less than two seats in the Knesset, Rav Shach felt, would constitute a failure at the polls. He invested a great amount of time, effort and emotional energy into the nascent party, which, as it turned out, did achieve a second Knesset seat, but by only a handful of votes. At that time, an individual who was the head of an organization of English-speaking olim (immigrants to Israel) went to Rav Shach with the following question. Their organization had received extensive assistance in several matters from a senior party activist of Agudas Yisrael. How, then, does Rav Shach instruct them to vote? Rav Shach knew very well — and he never missed an opportunity to stress to others — that the fate of Degel Hatorah depended on every single vote it could muster. Yet, despite his tremendous dedication to this cause, he told the representative of the olim organization, “Gratitude is the most important of traits! If your organization received assistance from Agudas Yisrael, you must vote for them!”

For many years, Rav Shach used to visit an elderly woman in Ramat Gan and inquire after her welfare, offering to help her in whatever way he could. Rav Shach explained the background to his connection with this woman:

“When I was a child, we lived in a little village called Vovoilnik. My mother had the practice of spending the entire Yom Kippur in shul davening, straight from Kol Nidrei until Ne’ilah. One year, when I was about 5 years old, I was playing outside, when a band of Gypsies came along and snatched me, pulling me into their wagon as they continued to ride along. It so happened that several girls saw what had happened and began to run after the wagon, crying, ‘Stop! Thief!’ The Gypsies became frightened and threw their ‘catch’ out of the wagon. Thus I was saved from being kidnapped and from who knows what other forms of calamity. This woman living in Ramat Gan is one of those girls from Vovoilnik!”

Many decades had passed since that incident. Rav Shach had gone on to study in Ponevezh, in Slabodka, Slutsk, Kletzk, Luninetz, Novoardok and Vilna. He had moved to Eretz Yisroel and lived in Yerushalayim and then in Bnei Brak. But he never forgot his debt of gratitude to that woman!

MAH NISHTANAH

Why Me?

The Generation to Generation Haggadah

by Rabbi Nosson Muller

“On all other nights we do not dip even once, but on this night twice.”

Several years ago, one of the hidden tzaddikim in the Boro Park section of Brooklyn, Reb Mendel Weiss, passed away. Although he dressed in layers of old rags and musty coats, those who merited to know him testified that Reb Mendel was a lofty, holy Jew who disguised himself as a simple, hapless Jew.

Someone who once gave Reb Mendel a ride was rewarded with this gem of a vort from this gem of a man.

“Why is it only on Pesach night that we ask why we dip twice, but on Rosh Hashana, we don’t ask? On Rosh Hashana, as well, we dip twice, first the challah in honey and then the apple?”

With a twinkle in his eye, Reb Mendel answered, “Because we tend to ask questions only when we dip into bitter things. When something is dipped into honey, we don’t have any questions!”

How true were his words. How many times throughout our lives, when things aren’t going well, are we quick to question the Ribbono Shel Olam, “Why me?” or “Is this really fair?” Yet, when things are going well and we are blessed with an abundance of sweetness, we somehow don’t rush to ask, “Why me?”

MAGGID

Old and New

The Sephardic Heritage Haggadah

By Rabbi Eli Mansour and Rabbi David Sutton

“Initially, our fathers were idol worshippers.”

There is a powerful story about Rav Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor of Kovna that sheds an interesting light on this passage in the Haggadah.

Rav Spektor was beloved by all Jews. Even the maskilim (the so-called enlightened Jews, most of whom had forsaken their precious heritage) admired him and thought that he was one of them, because in his rabbinical response, he seemed to them to have found leniencies in certain areas of halacha.

Once, when Rav Spektor was returning from a railroad journey to St. Petersburg, he stopped at the Vilna station on his way back to Kovna. Many people came to the station to greet him. One of the maskilim, who had been on the train but had not as yet seen Rav Spektor, became intensely curious as to the reason for the large crowd of well-wishers, and he was told that they had come out to greet Rav Yitzchak Elchanan of Kovna. At that point, the maskil wanted to meet the rav himself, and upon his being pointed out to him, the man saw a venerable chacham with a long beard and peyos, wearing a tallis and tefillin

MAGGID

Never Lost Our Identity

From Bondage to Freedom Haggadah by

Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski

“Vayagar sham, he sojourned there.”

The word “vayagar ” that the Torah uses in referring to Yaakov’s dwelling in Egypt has its origin in the word gar, which connotes temporary residence rather than permanent citizenship.

The Talmud states that although the Bnei Yisrael lived in Egypt for two hundred and ten years, they maintained their identity by retaining their Hebrew language, by retaining the traditional Hebrew garb, and by giving their children Hebrew rather than Egyptian names. It was this preservation of their identity that allowed them to remain a distinct people, by virtue of which they were redeemed at the Exodus.

Throughout history, some Jews have sought to avoid discrimination and persecution by phasing out their Jewish identities and by frank assimilation. While one can hardly be condemned for seeking a way to avoid the suffering of anti-Semitism, we must remember that we were commissioned by Hashem to be a spiritual people and to carry the message of G-dliness and spirituality to the world. We cannot carry out our mission if we lose our identity by assimilation and become part of the non-Jewish world. A spiritual person does not shirk responsibilities, even at the cost of personal distress.

• • • • •

An anti-Semitic Russian minister of education once challenged one of the noted Torah leaders: “You Jews do not observe the teachings of your own Torah. Your Torah states that you must follow the majority. You constitute only a small minority among a vast majority of non-Jews, yet you are obstinate in being different. You are violating your own laws.”

The gadol replied, “Your Excellency is not applying the Torah law accurately. We indeed do follow the majority, but only when we are in doubt about the nature of something do we assume that the benefit of doubt lies with the majority. Or if there is an admixture of kosher with non-kosher food, so that the non-kosher food is not recognizable, we may then apply the majority rule. However, the latter does not apply in absence of doubt or when something is clearly recognizable.

“We Jews are never in doubt. We know who we are and have never lost our identity. Furthermore, we are easily recognizable. Hence the principle of following the majority does not apply.”

• • • • •

Yaakov Avinu knew that his descendants would have a lengthy stay in Egypt. His message to them was that they must always consider themselves geirim, foreigners in an alien society. They must always remain distinct, and never allow themselves to be absorbed by the dominant culture.

MAGGID

Tears Over the Seder

The maskil could not disguise his disappointment. He said, “Rabbi, we used to praise you as being one of us, one of the progressive elements, a member of the new generation. But now I see that you are from the old generation!”

Rav Spektor smiled as he answered, “No, it is just the opposite of what you are saying: I am from the new generation – and you are from the old generation! After all, we say in the Haggadah, ‘Originally, our fathers were idol worshipers.’ That is the old way, the way you maskilim practice your religion [by revering the ‘gods’ of the secular world around you]. However, the way I practice my religion is the new way — G-d’s way!”

Food for Thought Volume 2

by Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger

Afew days before Pesach, Rav Yekusiel Yehudah Halberstam, the Sanz-Klausenburger Rebbe, was hospitalized with a serious virus. On Erev Pesach, the physicians examined him and decided that he has to stay in the hospital for the Seder night. They added that due to the seriousness of his condition, no one, not even close family members, would be able to be with him.

While accepting the doctors’ decision, the rebbe broke down crying. He was seem-

ingly devastated by what he had been told.

Toward the end of the month of Nissan, the rebbe was finally discharged and allowed to return home. At that moment, the rebbe explained why he had cried several weeks earlier. The

rebbe endured unspeakable tragedies in his life. His strength and fortitude were the things of legend. His faith was indestructible and his resilience rock-solid. Why had he suddenly broken down in the hospital?

“From the time I was born,” the rebbe explained, “I can honestly say that there has not been one tzarah that I have not endured, but I never cried or paid attention to my troubles. I was always concerned that someone might think that I may have even a tiny complaint against HaKadosh Baruch Hu, chas veshalom. I accepted everything with love.

“But when the doctors told me that I will have to remain in the hospital for the leil haSeder, I cried, because I saw the pain on the faces of my wife and my children. I saw their pain of not being able to be together for the Seder.

“It was my pain over their pain that caused me to cry.”

The rebbe’s close attendant, Rav Yosef Binyomin Williger, upon telling this story, would note that the rebbe was orphaned at a young age and went through the Holocaust, during which he lost his first wife and eleven children. Yet he never cried. He only cried when others were suffering and he felt their pain along with them.

MAGGID

Changing Who I Am

Rav Shlomo Zalman Haggadah

From Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, compiled by Rabbi Yisroel Bronstein, adapted by Rabbi David Oratz

“Who redeemed us and redeemed our ancestors.”

On Pesach, we say, “Who redeemed us and redeemed our ancestors,” yet on Purim, we say only, “Who has performed miracles for our ancestors.” If a person is required to personally thank Hashem for miracles that occurred to his ancestors — because, ultimately, he is affected as well — then on Purim, he should also say, “Miracles for us and for our ancestors.” If, on the other hand, one need not personally thank Hashem for a miracle that occurred to his ancestors, then why do we say “redeemed us” on Pesach?

The answer seems to be that a miracle that occurs to one’s ancestors, i.e., allowing the ancestor to live and bear children, does not require the descendant to offer personal thanks. The blessing that is said to express such thanks is “Who has performed a miracle for me in this place.” How can a person say for me when in his present state no miracle was performed for him (other than that he would not be in existence had the miracle not occurred to his ancestors)?

This is not the case, however, concerning the slavery in Egypt. Had Hashem not redeemed our ancestors, we would still have been born — but only in the lowly spiritual state of the enslavement, immersed in the fifty gates of defilement. In this case, it is appropriate to say, “Who has performed a miracle for me in this place.” The miracle He performed for me was that my ancestors were redeemed from this spiritual enslavement, thereby changing who I am. It is thus appropriate to say, “Who redeemed us and redeemed our ancestors.”

MAGGID

Look in the Mirror

Rabbi Yissocher Frand on the Haggadah

“And now, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”

Lest we think that the Jewish settlement in the land of Goshen was just happenstance, the Torah uncharacteristically mentions it as the dwelling place of the Bnei Yisrael no less than eight times, and that’s just in Sefer Bereishis, before the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim actually begins. In Sefer Shemos, Goshen is mentioned twice, both of which discuss how Hashem differentiated between the areas the Egyptians inhabited and where the Jews lived. In advance of Makkas Arov, the plague of wild animals, Hashem sent a message to Pharaoh: “And on that day, I shall set apart the land of Goshen upon which My people stands, there shall be no swarm there; so that you will know that I am that Hashem in the midst of the land” (8:18). In describing barad (hail), the Torah states: “Only in the land of Goshen, where the Children of Israel were, there was no hail” (9:26). Clearly, because the Bnei Yisrael maintained a separate settlement, they merited to see Hashem’s Hand differentiating between them and the Egyptians. But differentiation can also come with an inherent theological danger.

On January 25, 1991, the most devastating night for Eretz Yisrael during the first Gulf War, seven of Saddam Hussein’s Scud missiles landed in the country despite the Patriot Missiles the United States had sent to intercept them, destroying nearly 150 apartments and damaging another 400. Two of those Scuds landed in Ramat Gan, a neighborhood that is contiguous with Bnei Brak, with streets leading directly from one to another. One of the relatives of Rav Elazar Menachem Man Shach visited him the next day and smugly noted that the scuds had landed only in the less-religious Ramat Gan but not in the “holy city” of Bnei Brak.

“We have witnessed a fulfillment of the verse, ‘And I will separate the Land of Goshen,’” he declared.

“My reaction was exactly the opposite,” Rav Shach countered. “When the storm hit the boat that was carrying Yonah HaNavi, each of the sailors began to pray to his idol. What did Yonah tell them? “B’sheli hasa’ar hagadol hazeh aleichem, It is because of me that this great tempest is upon you” ( Yonah 1:12).

“Shouldn’t Yonah have told them, ‘If not for you and your idolatry, we wouldn’t be in this mess’?” asked Rav Shach. “Why did he assume that the storm was due to his failure?”

“Do you know why I think the Scuds fell Friday night at 7 p.m.?” Rav Shach continued. “Because at that time, during a January Friday night, rather than going to learn or reviewing the parashah, people were sitting around and schmoozing at their tables. I think that the Scuds landing at that time were a reminder to us, in Bnei Brak, that we weren’t doing what we should have been doing. It is incumbent upon us to say: ‘B’sheli hasa’ar hagadol hazeh… It is because of me that this great tempest occurred…”

• • • • •

In a similar vein, it is said that Rav Chaim Volozhin, the famed disciple of the Vilna Gaon, once passed a place in which a miracle had occurred to the Gaon’s mother. At that place he recited the blessing, “Who has performed a miracle for me in this place.” Now, it did not seem that a miracle was performed for him in that place; rather, as a result of that miracle, his master, the Vilna Gaon, came into existence. True, with or without that miracle, Rav Chaim would have been born, yet had the Vilna Gaon not been born, it would not have been the same Rav Chaim. Would he not have been the benefactor of the Gaon’s tutelage, he would have never reached those levels of greatness.

When tragedies occur, it’s so easy to point fingers at other segments of Klal Yisrael and blame them. The religious blame the secular, the frummer blame the more modern, the older generation blame the younger generation. But how many people look at their own shortcomings and try to improve?

Yes, Hashem sometimes differentiates between the Jewish people and others in the world. But the Torah philosophy is not to smugly point out how we were unaffected, but to think about the message Hashem is sending us through whatever catastrophe has struck, and to determine how we can improve so that we are spared a similar fate.

Reprinted

Common Cents

By Ella Shaby: Northbrook Financial Intern

Paying for College – Helpful Tips from a Student for Students Scholarships,

Work Studies, and Student Loans: Understanding Your Options

Paramount student loans are an unfortunate reality for many young Americans approaching their college years, with the average rate of tuition reaching a national Cost of Attendance1 (CoA) average of $36,436 in the past academic year (Hanson). Even with programs such as Student Loan Forgiveness and the One-Time Student Debt Relief Program, many continue to be burdened with student debt long after graduation. So, how can some students manage their debts with less difficulty despite similar financial situations while others remain trapped for years?

Understanding financing options for higher education and building a plan to maximize your college experience while minimizing the financial impact is key.

With that said, what options are available for students to help cover the cost of higher education?

The below list identifies the primary options available to students, listed in the preferred order to accept them:

• Scholarships

• Work studies

• Federal subsidized loans

• Federal unsubsidized loans

• State loans

• Private loans Scholarships:

Although the following options are commonly accessible, availability varies depending on many factors, such as location, institution, and individual eligibility criteria. More research is required based on each individual to determine what scholarships your institution or external organizations offer and for which you are qualified to apply.

• Merit-based scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, or other accomplishments.

• Need-based scholarships: Provided to students who demonstrate financial need, often determined by family income and assets.

• Athletic scholarships: Offered to student-athletes who excel in sports, typically at the collegiate level.

• Ethnicity-based scholarships: Aimed at students from specific racial or ethnic backgrounds, designed to promote diversity and inclusion..

• Subject-specific scholarships: Granted to students pursuing studies in particular fields or disciplines, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), humanities, or the arts.

• Career-specific scholarships: Available to students pursuing careers in specific industries or professions, such as healthcare, education, or business.

• Organization-specific scholarships: Offered by companies, non-profit organizations, community groups, or foundations based on specific criteria, such as affiliation with a particular organization or community involvement.

• Location-based scholarships: Provided to students from specific geographical regions, states, or countries, often to support local education initiatives or address regional needs.

Work Studies:

Work-studies are part-time employment opportunities universities offer in exchange for money towards the CoA for eligible students. Students must demonstrate financial need through a completed FAFSA form to participate in work-study programs. Eligibility is generally assessed through economic need, enrollment status, and available funding. After completing your FAFSA, you can indicate an interest in a work-study in the institution’s financial aid application. Once awarded a work-study, students can search for various work opportunities both on and off campus, including jobs within the university and in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or other community service positions.

Federal, Subsidized Loans:

Federal, subsidized loans are a type of loan for students who demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA. The most critical factor of subsidized loans is that during determined periods (generally ranging from as little as half of graduation time to a few years after graduation), the Federal government excuses/covers any interest that would accrue. This allows the student to borrow money for tuition, interest-free, for a specific time while focusing on their studies. Additionally, subsidized loans typically have lower interest rates than unsubsidized and

private student loans. These two factors make subsidized loans a more practical and affordable student borrowing option. The amount of money students can borrow through subsidized loans, however, is limited and varies depending on their year in school and dependency status.

Federal, Unsubsidized Loans:

Like federally subsidized loans, students must complete the FAFSA, and their college or university’s financial aid office determines eligibility for federal, unsubsidized loans. Federal unsubsidized loans differ from subsidized loans in that the government does not cover the interest while the borrower is in school, during the grace period after leaving school, or during deferment periods. This means that interest accrues on the loan from when it is disbursed until it is paid in full. While unsubsidized loans may not offer the same interest benefits as subsidized loans, they provide valuable financial assistance to students who may not qualify for the need-based aid provided by subsidized loans.

State Loans:

Individual states offer state loans which are typically designed to supplement other forms of financial aid, such as federal loans, grants, and scholarships. State loans for tuition may have varying terms and eligibility requirements depending on the state where the student resides or attends college. Generally, state loans for tuition offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options compared to private loan options, making them an attractive option for students who need additional funding beyond what federal aid covers. Students interested in state loans should contact their state’s higher education agency or visit their state’s financial aid website to learn more about available programs, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.

Private Loans:

Private loans are offered by private financial institutions, such as banks or online lenders. The government does not back these loans and typically requires a credit check, with interest rates and terms

varying depending on the lender and the borrower’s creditworthiness. Private loans may offer in-school deferment options2, but interest often accrues during this period. Additionally, loan limits are determined by the lender and may require a cosigner, especially for borrowers with limited credit history, which is common among undergraduate students. Furthermore, interest rates, only competitive within the banking/institutional market, are typically incomparable to that of federal or state loans. Before taking any private loans, students should ensure they have exhausted scholarship: workstudy: federal: and state aid opportunities, carefully compare loan options between banks, and consider the terms and conditions to find the best option for their remaining financial needs.

KeyTake Away:

Navigating the complex landscape of student loans can be overwhelming, but understanding your options for financing higher education is crucial. Exploring various payment plans and exhausting all ideal available aid options can significantly lower your financial burden and mitigate the student debt you graduate with. Taking proactive steps to finance your education wisely can pave the way for a brighter financial future beyond graduation.

Common Cents is now digital on YouTube @NorthbrookFinancial

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

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Health & F tness Is Date Night Overrated?

By Malka Klaver

What do you think of when I say the phrase, “date night”?

Some of you smile and nod. Some shrug and think, “One day.” Others may think, “Another person pushing date night? My spouse and I barely have time to talk at the end of the day!” I agree that there is an overemphasis on date night, but not because it isn’t essential; connection and friendship are the basis for a harmonious marriage, and you can only feel connected with someone if you take the time to do that – connect. However, there is far too much focus on making sure to go out often with your spouse, as opposed to focusing on how to maximize date night in marriage.

Let’s face it. We are all so busy. The to-do list never seems to end. And when it does, we are often drained and not in a positive place to create friendship in our marriage. So if we are going to make a significant effort to make date night happen, it requires an intelligent, goal-oriented approach. To do that, we need to emphasize how to date correctly.

Date nights in marriage are about quality, not quantity. Don’t go on weekly dates with your spouse so you can check that off your “we are in a good place in our marriage” list. Instead, your aim should be to figure out your needs as a couple and the best way to escape from the humdrum of life: connect, laugh, and remember why you chose one another to spend the rest of your life together.

How do we do that? How do we get the most bang for our buck regarding dating in marriage?

For every couple, it will look different. Weekly, out-of-the-house date night is what you will hear as the ideal setup. For some, going out every week is not what that couple needs. They can bond without being distracted by regular life by staying home, turning off their phones, making popcorn, and playing games. Or they can connect by doing a paint project, building something together, or baking (just a few ideas). For others, that won’t cut it; if they don’t leave the house, it won’t happen. With the myriad of distractions today, most people must

leave their house every so often to re-infuse the friendship in their marriage. Going out is a helpful way to shut out the world and focus your attention on one another.

But even if you are going out, you must be wise where you spend your time and money. This may sound obvious, but it’s not. And sometimes, it’s trial and error.

A key factor is knowing yourself and your spouse. Make sure to distinguish expense from experience. Sometimes, the cheapest dates can be the most fun and bonding. You don’t have to go to a fancy steakhouse. If you enjoy that as a couple, enjoy it, but you can also go out for ice cream or dessert. Play ping-pong. You can go for a walk. Sometimes, a long car ride can be a fun aspect of a date, where you can share new music you both like or talk uninterrupted. It’s essential to be clued into what works for you and what you as a couple enjoy doing together.

Many ask, “What if my spouse doesn’t want to go out?” Firstly, try to have a dialogue. Don’t mention it as a criticism (“how come we never go out anymore?”). Come from a place of vulnerability. “I miss you. I love spending time with you. I would love to go out sometime.” It may not be easy to make it happen – he or she may be overwhelmed with work, or finances may be

tight. Additionally, the longer you don’t go out as a couple, the more challenging it is to break out of the habit and go out on that first date. But once you do, you’re back in the game. It’s like getting together with a good friend you haven’t seen in a long time. Two minutes in, you’re saying, “Gosh, why did we wait this long”?

Another key element to making date night enjoyable and doable is not comparing! Remember to focus on what you and your spouse need to do to bond and feel closer. The number of times other couples go out is irrelevant to what you and your spouse need. Try not to focus on where other people are going. The goal is to discover what you enjoy and connect over.

But here is the key: you need to be honest. Know when it’s time to go on a date. Don’t wait until there is distance in the relationship. Many couples wait too long to spend quality time together. Not because they are bad, but because life is busy, and it takes effort and energy to go out. But it needs to be a priority.

Figure out what you need as a couple and stick to that plan. Sometimes, couples don’t go out because they don’t realize they need it. An excellent way to notice if it’s been too long since you went on a date is when you notice you’re each a little

more judgmental of the other and feeling unusually more sensitive or unloved. This can happen because you’ve had a big disagreement or you’re personally in a negative space, but it can also be a telltale sign that you haven’t connected for a while.

I once heard a speaker discuss the importance of going on dates. Someone from the audience responded in a way I couldn’t believe: “But what do we talk about?” What do you talk about?! Now, it could be that she and her husband were both quieter and liked to do things rather than talk, but I was still puzzled and saddened to hear her response. Sometimes this happens when couples become ships passing in the night and are no longer in the habit of spending time together.

You must have a place in your marriage for one or both parties to call out the issue and say, “I feel us slipping away from each other. Can we go on a date?” It shouldn’t be presented as a personal attack on anyone but as a need for the marriage.

Is date night overrated? Not if you’re taking advantage of the opportunity and what it offers. Be present, be a friend, and be curious. Look for opportunities to connect and court the other. Make them laugh. Listen. Share.

Prepare beforehand what your objective is. I want to connect! I want to know my spouse more and be known. Take advantage of the incredible gift marriage has to offer – to know and be known on an intimate level. Don’t let other relationships or life’s craziness pull you away from this incredible opportunity for meaningful friendship. Our marriage needs it. We need it. Let’s make it happen.

Malka Klaver is a certified marriage coach and marriage educator. She provides individual and group coaching, as well as yearly workshops, to educate and guide women to a closer, more connected marriage. She also hosts a weekly podcast titled, “Best Friends for Life,” where she discusses relatable challenges and practical tools to enhance marriage. For more information or to contact her, please visit malkaklaver.com.

How do you make your Seder an interactive event

for all ages? We asked readers to give us their ideas. Here are some ideas that readers submitted to TJH :

E We give out makkos prizes

E Our seder table is set up like Kriyas Yam Suf. I put out a blue tablecloth runner in the middle of the table with little people walking through and the Mitzrayim “drowning.” It always looks amazing!

E We put frog jumping toys on the table and have Makkos finger puppets.

E Other than finding the afikomen, we all just aim to get to bed before midnight.

E At “Ha lachma anya,” I put matzah on my shoulder and walk around the table as if walking in intense heat.

E We all walk around the table with a bag of matzos on our backs as if we’re leaving Mitzrayim. All the kids love it!

E We make the sounds of each stanza in “Chad gadya.” Animal sounds for the animals, obviously. We have to get creative when it comes fire and water, etc. When it comes to the last stanza (Hakadosh Baruch Hu comes), we all cheer.

E By the 10 Makkos, we have all around the table things connected to it, and the kids try to find it.

E We take turns reading different sections.

E To get our kids involved at the Seder and every meal on Pesach, we let each person in the family choose a makkah. They get to set the table with paper goods that they choose relating to their makkah, plus small prizes. Each person ends up planning and setting up one meal. For example, for Makkas Choshech, we used black tableware, costume jewelry and fake coins since they went into the Mitzrim’s houses, toy eyes, and sunglasses.

E We use leeks, chives or scallions, symbolizing a whip, and hit each other when we recite the parts about being slave and working hard.

When each kid asks a question, we give a chocolate or candy to them and to the person who can answer the question.

E My husband dresses up as Pharoah or as Moshe Rabbeinu (depending on the year).

E I have four kids, so each kid acts out the Four Sons. We rotate each year, so no one really feels like he or she is the rasha!

E Each kid always wants to say something at each part of the Seder, so we take turns so each kid gets a chance at each part and it doesn’t get too long. One year, I wrote down everyone’s names on slips of paper, and we chose the papers out of a hat to decide who gets to say their dvar Torah. It ended up being too much work keeping track.

E Anyone (big or small) who asks a question or reads a portion gets a candy from a dish set prominently on the table.

E We give out candies and prizes throughout the night.

E Our family loves to sing, so we sing a lot of the Haggadah. It’s so beautiful.

E Instead of hiding the afikomen, we make a sack and tie it on the shoulder of the children after “Ha lachma anya.”

E We make a huge deal out of hiding the afikomen for the little ones. That keeps them busy.

E Lots of chocolate and lots of candies. Anyone who says something or asks a question, gets to choose. The kids love it, and it keeps them entertained and engaged.

E By the Makkos, each person has a makkah they have to act out. They know beforehand, so they bring props to the Seder. It becomes very interactive!

Tech Triumphs

Amazon Mom As Told to Rebbetzin Sara Gross

It’s a difficult stage when your boys grow up and go to yeshiva. I was really fortunate that my son stayed in town and didn’t go away from home for high school, but he spent most of his time in yeshiva.

One day, I wanted to say hello, so I popped by to see him during his break. He was very sweet and thanked me for coming. Then, he asked if he could use my smartphone to order something he needed from Amazon.

I know it’s challenging to sleep away from home most of the week and not be able to get things he might need, so I allowed it. After a few min-

utes of waiting while he was ordering things on my phone, I started to feel impatient.

I came to see my son, but it felt like he appreciated being able to use the internet more than spending time with me. Tapping my watch to show him the time, I said I had to go, and he handed me back my phone. Next time I visit, I will leave my phone at home so I can spend quality time, not be a walking internet.

DID YOU KNOW: You’ve probably shared or forwarded pictures via email or the internet, but did you know that once you press ‘send,’ it’s

impossible to take it back? There are numerous ways to save shared content, and even self-destruct features can’t guarantee your pictures or information won’t be passed on to someone else, or be posted online. Here are tips to keep your kids and their private information safe: Teach them that shared content might not stay private.

Encourage real communication; if they can say it in person, they should avoid texting it.

Warn them that screenshots or special apps can save “self-destruct” messages or pictures.

Discourage them from sharing personal information like their name, address, phone number, or financial details.

Understanding the permanence of our digital footprint and the importance of protecting personal information is crucial for both adults and kids. It’s important to proceed with caution.

GLUTEN FREE & Kosher for Pesach!

chocolate cake the best!

For cupcakes:

what you will need:

6 eggs

1 ½ cups sugar

1 ½ cups oil

¾ cup cocoa

preparation:

¾ cup potato starch

½ tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. vanilla

¼ tsp. salt

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients until well blended. Pour into a greased bundt pan or a 9x 13 pan. Bake 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Sprinkle confectioners’ sugar over top.

1. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. Spoon a scant ¼ cup of the batter into each cupcake liner. Bake about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. To decorate, use homemade frosting and fill into pastry bag fitted with a #21 decorating tip. Decorate tops by starting along the outer edge of the cupcake and using a circular spiral motion, ending up in the center of the cupcake. Scatter colored sprinkles (or whatever you like) on the top.

what you will need:

6 eggs

2 tsp. baking powder

GLUTEN FREE & Kosher for Pesach!

by Mrs. ElainE bodEnhEiMEr GlutEnFrEE@baltiMorEJE wishhoME coM

what you will need:

2 eggs

3 Tbl Oil

1/3 tsp Salt

3/4 Cup plus 2 Tbl Instant Potato Flakes

preparation:

1. Beat eggs slightly with fork.

2. Add oil, salt, and potato flakes.

3. Refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes. If mixture is too loose, add more potato flakes. Form knaidlach and drop into boiling salted water.

4. Cook, covered, for 30 minutes.

what you will need:

2 eggs, separated ¾ cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 ¼ cups potato starch

preparation:

1/3 cup oil

½ - 1/3 cup blueberries (or mini chocolate chips)

2 Tbl of sugar and 2 tsp. of cinnamon mixed together

1. Pre-heat oven to 360 degrees. Line cupcake pans with liners.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat egg whites on high until stiff peaks form. Slowly add sugar, baking powder, potato starch, egg yolks, and oil.

3. Spoon scant ¼ cup of batter into cupcake holders. Sprinkle tops of cupcakes with sugar and cinnamon. Bake for 25 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Cool and enjoy for anytime!

Pulled Beef Fries

Yields 4-6 servings

Meat

Anything with fries makes me happy. If I was stuck on an island, all I’d need is a fryer and a case of potatoes, and I’d be good to go! I like to make this as a special side dish with any leftover meat I have from yom tov.

IngredIents

• 1 (2-lb) chuck roast

• 1 onion, sliced into strips

• 2 cups good quality BBQ sauce OR Victoria’s BBQ Sauce (page 134)

• Homemade Fries (page 190)

Paprika Mayonnaise

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 Tbsp paprika or smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ketchup

• 1 tsp schug (optional, if you want it spicy)

• 2 jalapeño peppers, sliced

• 1 red onion, diced

• ½ pint cherry tomatoes, diced

PreParat Ion

Preheat oven to 200°F.

Prepare the mayonnaise: mix mayonnaise, paprika, ketchup and schug together. Refrigerate until using.

Place meat, onions, and BBQ sauce into a pan. Cover tightly; bake overnight or 6-8 hours.

Shred beef. Place over fries. Serve with toppings and paprika mayonnaise.

When using leftover meats, I shred them, add BBQ sauce, mix together, and bake for 1 hour, well covered, at 350°F.

You can add or use any toppings that you think would work; some ideas are diced avocado, leftover matbucha dip, and chopped olives.

The pulled beef is freezer friendly, but make sure to reheat before topping the fries.

Apple Crisp with Pesach Crumbs

Yields 9 servings

Pareve

Apple crisp is probably the first recipe I ever made. I have vague memories of going to my teacher’s house and baking apple crisp with her for a school Shabbaton. Honestly, the memory I have of standing side by side with my teacher in her kitchen is priceless!

Every time I wanted crumbs for a dessert, I would take out a second bowl and make them. Then I had the brilliant idea of making a huge batch of crumbs, keeping it in the freezer, and grabbing a cup or two whenever I needed them.

Apple Crisp

IngredIents

• 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced

• 2 tsp lemon juice

• 2 cups Pesach Crumbs (see below)

PreParat Ion

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Place apples into a bowl; toss with lemon juice. Set aside.

In a round 9-inch pan or 8x8-inch square pan, press 1/3 of the crumbs; top with apples, then with remaining crumbs.

Bake for 45 minutes.

Pesach Crumbs

Yields 3 cups / Pareve / Freezer Friendly

IngredIents

• 1¼ cups ground almonds

• 1¼ cups potato starch

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ cup oil

• ½ cup sugar

PreParat Ion

Place ingredients into a bowl.

Mix with your hands until a nice crumb texture forms.

Store in a container or Ziploc bag.

note & tIPs

This recipe can easily be doubled.

Sometimes, the crumbs can get a little moist from the freezer and lose their crumbly texture. If that happens, simply add an additional ½ cup potato starch and mix until the texture is correct.

Adding additional fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, or pears, gives the crisp a delicious flavor.

Biscotti

Pareve

Freezer Friendly

My definition of biscotti was always the rock-hard sticks that you could crack your teeth on. There are very few foods that I won’t go near, but biscotti was just not worth it for me, until I discovered it doesn’t have to be that way. You can have delicious, chewy biscotti; ironically, my husband loves the super crunchy, almost-burnt version! So I always overbake some pieces for him.

IngredIents

• 2 cups potato starch

• 2 cups ground nuts (I use almonds)

• 1 cup sugar

• ¾ cup oil

• 2 eggs

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp imitation vanilla extract

• 1 cup chocolate chips

PreParat Ion

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until just incorporated (see Notes & Tips).

Shape batter into two skinny logs; place on prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Slice while warm.

note & tIPs

When the batter gets too difficult to mix with a spoon, I switch to using my hands.

I place the divided batter directly on the lined baking sheet and shape the logs there.

Sometimes I sprinkle on cinnamon mixed with sugar, as pictured, to add flavor and a little crunch to the biscotti.

Reprinted from My Pesach Kitchen by Faigy Murray, published by ArtScroll.

Yisroel N., 6

Yardena Markowitz, 5

Uriel Fuentes

Nati Coleman, 4 Moshe Sheynman, 6

Becca Artman, 8 Mayer and Bella Scheinfeld Ovadia M., 7

Aryeh and Basya Mondrow, 8 and 5

Ariel Simon, 5

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

Devora Rosenbaum, 11 Azi Loewenthal, 7 Aviva Gluck, 6 Chaim Shalom Esrig Chaya, 9

Leora Hersh, 7

Esti Katz, 6.5

Malka Katz, 9.5

Rosie Anisfeld, 5

Orli R., 6

Maya Milner, 10 Kaylah Minkin, 4

Rikki Hollander, 7

Esther Bondar, 8

Miri CalKo, 7 Esti Mainstain, 9

Leah Seidel, 5

Talya Zirkind Maya Pensak, 5

Tehilla, Rivka, Ari Rosenbaum, 7 Meira Tropper, 8 Noam Zirkind Chaya, 9 Rachel Zuber, 5 Penina Winchell, 5