Baltimore Jewish Home - 8-3-23

Dear Readers,

Earlier this week, a friend of mine remarked, “That’s it. It’s over. The kids are back from camp, and they’re soon starting school. Summer is officially over.”

I hear what they are saying. There are a few blissful, carefree weeks of summer with no homework, no carpools, and later wake-up. Kids play outside more, and they go to sleep exhausted after hours of play, dreaming of another popsicle-smeared relaxing day. Work, too, in a way, is more relaxed, as many take the opportunity to go on vacation during this season. And now, summer, in that sense, is seemingly drawing to a close.

But summer is not yet over. The sun still reigns supreme in the sky and heats the air with its pleasant warmth. There’s still a need for ices, ice creams and slurpees, too. The parks and swimming pools continue to beckon.

Still, within a few weeks, the children will be hopping into cars in the morning with their heavy knapsacks and sharpened pencils. But they shouldn’t ignore the beautiful day that will greet them when they come

home. They should utilize those delightful after-school hours and spend them outdoors, playing and jumping and swimming and biking. They should pack watermelon slices and frozen water bottles in their backpacks to enjoy during the day. They should breathe in the fragrant air deeply and enjoy the bliss that it brings.

We can hold onto summer, if we want to. We can still have barbecues for dinner –and s’mores for dessert. We can still slather on sunscreen and go for a swim. We can still take walks during the day when there’s time to get away from our desks. We can still spend time outside, gazing at the stars under the still sky. We just have to be mindful that it’s in our power to keep the summer going, if we want to. I’m going to try. I’m going to try to hold on as much as I can.

I hope you will too. Have a restful shabbos, Sarah Fried

When

Around the Community

Baltimore Chaverim’s Sweet Rescue: Free Ice Cream Treat for Menlo’s Kids!

By: BJLife Newsroom

BaltimoreJewishLife.com/Jeff Cohn

Cool news. As you may recall, a while back, a tow truck driver faced some trouble turning from Hopeton to Menlo. OK, he got stuck! Thankfully, our Baltimore Chaverim team came to the rescue, and the driver was deeply grateful for their help and the friendly

neighborhood.

In appreciation, the driver generously donated to Chaverim and requested that part of it be used to give out ice cream to the children of Menlo.

Sunday afternoon, Chaverim distributed ice cream near the corner of Hopeton and Menlo on behalf of the driver. The children enjoyed the treat which really brightened up your day!

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Inauguration of Hatzalah’s Baltimore County Operations Center

By: BJLife Newsroom BaltimoreJewishLife.com/Jeff Cohn

Hatzalah, with the invaluable assistance of County Councilman Izzy Patoka and the support of Councilman Yitzy Schleifer, inaugurated its Baltimore County Operations Center at the corner of Deancroft & Smith Ave. This new facility enables Hatzalah to continue its vital lifesaving work as the community expands.

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STAR-K Certification Hosts Diverse Klei Kodesh at 20th Annual Kashrus Training Program

By: Margie Pensak

Rabbi Michoel Lichtenstein, a longtime Kollel yungerman who has learned the halachos of Kashrus, shechita, and treifos over the last few years, traveled 5862 miles from Beitar Illit to attend STAR-K’s 20th Annual Kashrus Training Program in the agency’s Baltimore offices, July 17-20.

“I like a very practical approach to what I learn,” shares Rabbi Lichtenstein. “It was professional and on a very high level; very intense, but definitely worthwhile. I’d like to thank Rabbi Goldberg and the rest of the STAR-K staff for this tremendous special learning experience.”

Rabbi Meir Benguigui signed up for the program because he plans to implement what he learned in his future position as a Rabbinic Coordinator of the Vaad HaKashrus of Miami-Dade (Kosher Miami -KM). “I got to see, hands-on, a lot of things I never saw before,” explains Rabbi Benguigui, whose favorite part was going into the factories and seeing the shailos that come up. “I was amazed at how the STAR-K has experts in every area from bug checking to Shabbos electronics, shechita, soft drinks, hard drinks, etc.”

As the founding director of Jewish Family Experience (JFX), an innovative kiruv community in Cleveland, Ohio, Rabbi Sruly Koval, attended the training program to expand his horizons. “I learned a lot; it was very informative, beneficial, educational, and enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the bedikas toloyim sessions, learning things I previously had no knowledge of…I highly recommend this program

for anyone who wants to get a handson opportunity to see Yorah Daia and Hilchos Shabbos come to life, and interact with some of the leading experts in these areas.”

Attendee Rabbi Sholom Reindorp, Executive Director of Jewish Incarcerated Family Services of Maryland, notes, “As I delve deeper into engagements with various correctional and medical institutions and expand my involvement in their Kashrus, I am committed to enhancing my knowledge of the intricacies involved in commercial-scale Kashrus. In addition, the course has also provided me with invaluable skills to adeptly navigate challenging situations while approaching them tactfully, fostering positive relationships, and building trust. This expertise not only proves indispensable in matters of Kashrus for Jewish incarcerates but extends its impact to encompass broader human rights concerns within correctional facilities. By cultivating stronger relationships with the Department of Corrections staff, we can proactively ensure the rights of Jewish incarcerated individuals to practice their religion and advocate for and uphold the fundamental human rights of all those in their custody.”

Another attendee, Rabbi Dr. Yoni Esterman, inspects dozens of facilities – some, as often as three times weekly – for his local vaad, Oregon Kosher; it encourages annual training for its mashgichim. “What I’ve learned has been very

helpful; the question is, how can I most effectively implement it in an out-of-town location.”

Beit Shemesh, Israel; Richmond, Virginia; Merion Station, Pennsylvania; San Antonio, Texas; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Phoenix, Arizona; Lakewood, New Jersey; and, Woodmere, New York, are just some of the other out-of-town locations from which the attendees hail.

STAR-K’s popular annual Kashrus Training Program was held a week after its annual Food Service Kashrus Training Seminar. Participants of both seminars were addressed by STAR-K Kashrus administrative staff members about such topics as foodservice challenges and major Kashrus differences between Ashkenazim and Sefardim. They also benefited from a hands-on vegetable checking practicum and behind-the-scenes tours of local kosher food establishments, a kosher supermarket, and the kosher kitchen of the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre. Another highlight of these programs was the concluding “Ask the Rav” session, where the participants Kashrus

queries were answered by HaRav Moshe Heinemann, shlit”a. Certificates were awarded upon completion.

Rabbi Sholom Tendler, coordinator of the Food Service Kashrus Training Seminar, concludes, “It is always a pleasure to interact with our seminar participants. While they certainly gain much knowledge about the intricacies of the Kashrus world, we also gain tremendously by all the discussions and questions, and it is much appreciated by all the rabbis. We wish them much hatzlacha in their future endeavors.”

Adds Rabbi Zvi Goldberg, coordinator of the Kashrus Training Program, “We have been zoche to complete our 20th year of seminars. There is really as much interest on the part of both the participants in attending and the STAR-K staff in presenting as there was at the beginning -- perhaps even more. Boruch Hashem, Kashrus is thriving throughout the world, and STAR-K and Rav Heinemann, shlita’s, name continue to be respected worldwide. We can now start, iyH, on our next 20 years of seminars!”

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If you could start your dream

I’ve always dreamt of opening a business called “Fancy Drinks and Desserts.” The concept revolves around offering fancy cocktails, coffee drinks, and delicious pastries and desserts. Unfortunately, my wife is not too keen on the idea, so it remains a dream for now.

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The Week In News

innovation, along with its abundance of talent, has created a thriving global hub for entrepreneurs, e-governments, and multinational businesses.”

Amazon to invest $7.2 billion in Israel

The Israeli tech market is set to get a major investment in the form of Amazon Web Services (AWS). The company announced this week the money would be invested through 2037 and would bring 7,700 to the country as it would make Israel an AWS region. This move allows Israeli industries like their booming startup industry to have access to three AWS centers. A company official said in a statement “The launch of the AWS Region in Israel provides customers with the ability to build the most advanced cloud technology-based applications and achieve the highest levels of security, availability, and resilience. Israel’s strategy to promote technology

This move by Amazon follows another recent technology investment in Israel. In June, Intel announced that they would be investing $25 billion to open a new factory in Kiryat Gan. The company would hire thousands of new employees in Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu called it “a tremendous achievement for the Israeli economy90 billion shekels ($25 billion) - the largest investment ever by an international company in Israel”.

Israel is not headed to a civil war, the prime minister announces

Mass protests continue in the streets of Israel as Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed concerns about the country’s political crisis. He said in an interview “There won’t be civil war, I guarantee you that,” “When the dust settles, people will see this was necessary.” He said further that he is care-

fully readjusting the powers between the branches of government. A week earlier the Knesset passed a law stripping the Supreme Court from blocking government decisions. Netanyahu said that this gives too much jurisdiction to unelected judges, who are appointed by a panel, and now gives power back to elected politicians. The law passed on July 24 and is the first step by the Netanyahu government in the judicial overhaul. People against the overhaul have been protesting and in some cases rioting for months causing civil unrest.

Is normalizing ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia near?

For the past several months American officials have been pushing for a deal between the two Middle Eastern countries that have had many issues with each other, Saudi officials have previously said that any deal with Israel would have to include a creation of a Palestinian state but Israeli officials are determined not to make con-

cessions that will jeopardize Israeli security.

In a move that is seen as a softening up the relationship between the two countries, Israeli officials said that they will not oppose Saudi to enrich uranium for a civil nuclear program. One official said “Dozens of countries operate projects with civilian nuclear cores and with nuclear endeavors for energy. This is not something that endangers them nor their neighbors.”

In the past Israel has opposed Middle Eastern countries from building nuclear facilities and in at least two cases has destroyed them when they determined that it is for military purposes.

In related news, an Israeli company, SolarEdge, has signed a deal with a Saudi company to bring solar energy to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has been looking for long term alternatives to its reliance on oil and this partnership will serve leading facilities in Saudi Arabia. This comes on the heels of several other Israeli companies sending delegations to Saudi Arabia fir talks in investing in Israeli ventures. Some see this move as signal that diplomatic ties between them may in the near future.

heaviest

in 140 years

Heavy rains battered pasts of China including Beijing and caused widespread flooding and damage. One weather station reported that the amount of rainfall they have received in three days was the amount that nor-

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The Week In

combat the many drug shortages that the country has been experiencing.

It might be a while before consumers feel the effects of the plant’s damage, since many drugs already made by the plant, prior to Wednesday, are still being distributed and used by hospitals and medical facilities. However, once the current batch of medication runs out, there will likely be shortages.

“In a matter of weeks or months, the supply can just be depleted if other plants or manufacturers can’t expand their production,” Mariana Socal, an associate scientist at John Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health, noted.

The factory has about 4,500 employees and spans 250 acres of land, making the facility over 1.4 million square feet.

While the plant was successfully evacuated, some people in eastern North Carolina were hurt by the storm. The tornado, which raged at wind speeds of 150 miles per hour, had not killed anyone but more than sixteen have been injured, two of whom are in serious condition, according to the National Weather Service.

1 in 10 Teens Use E-Cigs

e-cigarettes.

Previous findings from the National Health Interview Survey have shown that cigarette use has fallen to record lows. E-cigarettes, however, have flared in popularity.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 10 young adults in the United States regularly use e-cigarettes.

The study, conducted by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, provides a snapshot of e-cigarette use in 2021. Based on data from the National Health Interview Survey, the report identified that e-cigarette use generally declined as family income increased. Adults under 44 were more likely to be dual users of both cigarettes and

From 2020 to 2022, e-cigarette sales jumped in the United States to 22.7 million products sold each month, according to previous CDC research . More brands – particularly of disposable e-cigarette products –entered the market, while fruit and candy flavors that appeal to younger audiences surged in popularity.

The new data indicates that a little under 1 in 20 adults reported in 2021 that they were current e-cigarette users, with slightly higher rates among men than women. Young adults, between the ages of 18 and 24, used e-cigarettes the most, with 11% indicating that they actively consumed the products.

As people got older, the study found, rates of e-cigarette use dropped – but traditional cigarette use steadily climbed. About 11.4% of survey respondents over 45 said they currently smoked cigarettes.

The rise of young adults using e-cigarettes is worrying. According to Dr. Joanna Cohen, director of the Institute for Global Tobacco Control at Johns Hopkins University, “If e-cigarettes were being used as we would hope, the only people who should use them are those who are using them to quit smoking. You would see very different patterns.”

“Tobacco companies are masters of targeted marketing as well as manipulation,” Dr. Cohen noted. “They want to make products that are attractive and appealing to a variety of demographics and ages. They also heavily promote their products … to particularly what we might call vulnerable populations.”

The CDC report arrives days after the American Heart Association released a statement warning of the health risks of e-cigarette use.

The statement sounded an alarm about the harmful properties of ingredients used in e-cigarettes, including nicotine – the addictive chemical in the products – and flavoring agents. It notes that those compounds have been shown to car -

ry risks for heart and lung disease in animal studies and that they could pose “dangerous health risks” in humans.

Masks Banned for Some Employees

known for — exceptional customer service and unmatched standards for health, safety and quality,” the memo said.

Biden Suspends Funding for Wuhan Lab

Customer service is key in certain industries, and what better way to connect with customers than with a smile? Recently, In-NOut announced that employees in five U.S. states will no longer be allowed to wear masks as part of new company guidelines that “emphasize the importance of customer service,” notably showing their smiles, according to a new policy issued by the fast food chain.

Beginning August 14, employees that want to wear masks must have a “valid medical note exempting him or her from this requirement,” an email to workers said. The policy is in effect for workers at its restaurants in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, and Utah, which amount to about 100 locations.

A policy for its California and Oregon restaurants, where it can’t ban employees from wearing masks, said that they have to wear a company-provided N95 mask. A majority of In-N-Out locations are in California, totaling about 300 out of 391.

“We are introducing new mask guidelines that emphasizes the importance of customer service and the ability to show our associates’ smiles and other facial features while considering the health and well-being of all individuals,” the memo said. Employees that have to wear masks, like in the “patty room” or lab technicians,” are exempted.

“Our goal is to continue to provide safe and customer-centric store and support environments that balance two things that In-N-Out is

According to a memo from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Biden administration is suspending all federal funding to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), the Chinese lab at the center of a controversy over the origins of the coronavirus.

The memo from an HHS official said the facility has repeatedly refused to provide documents and answer questions from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) about safety and security. HHS also told the lab it’s seeking to cut off funding permanently.

The Wuhan Institute “likely violated protocols of the NIH regarding biosafety is undisputed,” wrote the official, whose name was redacted. “As such, there is risk that WIV not only previously violated, but is currently violating, and will continue to violate, protocols of the NIH on biosafety.”

The institute, which has not received any federal money since 2020, now has 30 days to respond to the notice.

“Therefore, I have determined that the immediate suspension of WIV is necessary to mitigate any potential public health risk,” the HHS official wrote.

The document was made public by the House Oversight Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, which has been probing the administration’s grants to the Wuhan Institute. Republican members of the panel have said that the virus was manufactured in the Chinese facility with the aid of U.S. funding and spread world-

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The Week In News

wide because of a lab leak.

Much of the attention has been focused on EcoHealth Alliance, a U.S.based organization that received a 2014 grant from NIH that was partly sub-granted to the Wuhan Institute.

The U.S. intelligence community has yet to reach a conclusion about where the virus originated. At the same time, China has blocked international scientists from exploring all possibilities about the virus’s origin.

NIH officials have asserted that no taxpayer funds were used for research that could have supercharged a coronavirus and caused the pandemic, but they have also admitted they don’t know the full extent of research being conducted in Wuhan.

NYC Offers $13M to BLM Protesters

In May of 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man who lived in Minneapolis, died as a result of what protesters claimed to be

an act of police brutality and racism.

In the months that followed Floyd’s death, BLM protests were held in many areas of the country, including in New York City. In May and June 2020, the NYPD arrested over one thousand demonstrators, many of whom later sued the city for unlawful arrest and for allegedly violating their civil rights.

Last week, the City offered to settle the lawsuit, proposing that if a settlement is reached, New York will give around $9,950 to each of the 1,380 protestors, adding up to a total of $13.7 million. If a judge approves the offer, it will be the largest amount of money ever awarded to protesters in a settlement.

The lawsuit accuses the City of disregarding New Yorkers’ First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights and claims that police officials were “corralling protesters into spaces where they could not escape, beating protesters with batons and fists, throwing protesters to the ground, using pepper spray indiscriminately, and ultimately arresting many of the pro-

testers without lawful justification and without fair warning.”

“Protesters were physically restrained with flex-cuffs in such a manner that caused them unnecessary pain and suffering and, in some cases, possible serious and long-term nerve damage,” the plaintiffs claimed, adding that some “were subjected to lengthy and unnecessary arrest processing that put them in dangerously close quarters, all in the height of the global Covid-19 pandemic.”

In a statement, Stefan Mooklal, the NYPD’s deputy chief of staff, said that the department is committed to protecting the public and its constitutional rights, and “has improved numerous practices to address the challenges it faced at protests during the pandemic.”

According to reports, riots sparked by Floyd’s death caused about $2 billion in damages nationwide. In all, around 10,000 rioters were arrested throughout the country during that time.

Texas Protects the Border

The Biden administration and Texas Governor Greg Abbott are at odds over measures at the southern border between Texas and Mexico.

The administration says that Abbott’s government’s actions are disrupting U.S. Border Patrol operations in the region and put migrants at risk.

“It’s making our job harder,” one Homeland Security official told CNN.

Border agents have historically worked closely with Texas National

The Week In News

Guard and the Texas Department of Public Safety. But the latest steps taken by the state have made some day-to-day operations more challenging.

The Texas Department of Public Safety made certain portions of the Texas-Mexico border more difficult to access. Last Wednesday, the Justice Department said that it’s assessing the situation along the Texas-Mexico border – marking an escalation from an administration that for months had stopped short of taking any actions against Texas.

“The department is aware of the troubling reports, and we are working with DHS and other relevant agencies to assess the situation,” DOJ spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa said. An assessment could be the first step toward an investigation.

Internal discussions about legal action against Texas date back to last year, when Abbott began sending migrants to cities nationwide without alerting them and have continued with the deployment of buoys

in the Rio Grande. Additionally, migrants have been complaining of treatment they are receiving as they attempt to reach the United States.

In a Tuesday joint statement with other Texas top officials, including Department of Public Safety Chief Steve McCraw, Abbott’s office said there have been no orders or directions given under Operation Lone Star that “would compromise the lives of those attempting to cross the border illegally.”

Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro, a Democrat, said that he raised concerns about the reports of mistreatment to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, saying in a statement: “I raised the issue of Governor Abbott’s barbarity at a dinner tonight with Secretary Blinken. I read him the title and first paragraph of the Express-News article and urged the Administration to intervene – and to remove the death traps Abbott has installed for the sake of human rights.”

As Hot as an Oven

said in a Facebook post it was about 105°F outside and 190°F inside the car when the cookie dough was placed on the dashboard.

They were left there for about 4½ hours. Finally, when taken from the car, the cookies were deemed fully baked.

“Can confirm they are done and delicious,” NWS employees wrote. Officials said the project highlights the dangers of hot cars.

“This heat is still incredibly dangerous to anyone left in a hot car. Look before you lock,” they wrote. Sounds like these pastries were in the hot seat.

Oldest Bodybuilder

In an effort to prove just how hot it is in Texas now, National Weather Service personnel tried baking cookies in a car.

The NWS’s office in Midland

If you’ve never lifted weights in your life, it’s never too late to start. Recently, a California man who was named the world’s oldest bodybuilder in 2015 had his title updat -

Mother, Baby, and Reflux Medication

A beautiful letter arrived in Tehillim Kollel’s fax machine. Shortly afterward, the writer of the letter, a young mother, placed a follow-up phone call to personally give over her gratitude to the yungerleit who said Tehillim for her young child.

She could not stop thanking and praising Tehillim Kollel for literally saving her baby from his reflux saga, bringing an end to sleepless nights and endless visits to specialists.

She wrote:

It is unbelievable, but it is a fact.

My child, 14-months-old, suffered from a heavy case of reflux. The result was that he couldn’t eat and he cried nonstop. The hardest part was the sleepless nights. The baby cried and screamed straight through – sometimes until five o’clock in the morning, no exaggeration.

We began to go from one doctor to the next, from one medicine to the next, but nothing moved. Until I had the idea to sign up for a Tehillim Kollel membership with the minyanim yungerleit who say the entire Sefer Tehillim each day.

Wonder of wonders! The medicine began to work! The baby’s appetite improved, and the crying grew less and less. And finally… whether you believe it or not, my child is sleeping from 7:00 PM until 7:00 AM!

Thank you for being such great messengers!

The letter, without personal details of its writer, hangs on the wall of Tehillim Kollel’s central office and gives chizuk to continue this special undertaking to help Klal Yisrael.

The Week In News

ed when he participated in a recent competition at age 90.

Jim Arrington, who was first named the world’s oldest bodybuilder by Guinness World Records at age 83, broke his own record by participating in an International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness Professional League event in Reno, Nevada.

and alerted a boat nearby.

Shaddock’s boat had drifted more than 1,000 miles before he was rescued by the Mexican crew of the Maria Delia tuna boat.

The great-grandfather placed third in the men’s over-70 category at the event and first in the over-80 category.

The nonagenarian said he was born at just 5.5 pounds and suffered from multiple health issues during his early years. He started lifting weights at age 15.

“I wanted to be a superhero,” Arrington told Guinness World Records.

The dedicated athlete, who still spends two hours at the gym three hours a week, said holding the world record “opened an entire new universe,” including a feature in Men’s Health last year.

“I see all these fantastic physiques, and I knew the only way I could make it is if I outlast everybody,” Arrington shared. “And that’s exactly what I did.”

Tried and true.

Lost at Sea

Tim Shaddock set off from La Paz, Mexico, in April and attempted to sail across the Pacific Ocean to French Polynesia. But something went wrong with his vessel just a month into his voyage when a storm slammed his small ship, cutting off all electronics on the boat. Last weekend, the Australian native was saved when a helicopter spotted his ship 1,200 miles offshore

Over the past few months, Shaddock spent his time fixing his boat and swimming in the ocean. He had suffered from fatigue and never knew if rescuers were on their way.

After being rescued, the seaman said, “I feel really good. I’ve been struggling, you know, the health was pretty bad for a while. I was pretty hungry and I didn’t think I would make it through the storm, but now I’m doing really good.”

He survived on provisions he had packed along with fish that he caught.

Shaddock was not alone on his boat. He had his dog, Bella, whom he had met in Mexico before the disastrous voyage.

“She’s amazing. That dog is something else, I’m a bit biased but yeah,” Shaddock said. “Bella seemed to have found me in the middle of Mexico, she’s Mexican. She is the spirit of the middle of the country and she wouldn’t let me go.”

He gifted Bella to a crew member of the Maria Delia, on the condition that Bella would be well taken care of.

“To the captain and this fishing company that saved my life, I mean, what do you say? I’m just so grateful. I’m alive. I really didn’t think I’d make it,” Shaddock said.

Even though he still loves being alone out on the ocean, Shaddock doesn’t see himself sailing anytime soon and is looking forward to going back home to Australia in the coming weeks.

“I’ll always be in the water. I don’t know how far out in the ocean again I’ll be. I just love nature.”

We suggest he stay close to shore.

BY TEHILLIM KOLLEL

Healthy Tips For Your Summer Road Trips

By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN

The summer is filled with fun activities, family time, and maybe even a few road trips. On these road trips, it is easy to be tempted by the fast food along the route when you get hungry. It is important to eat nutritiously, especially on road trips because they often involve sitting for extended periods. This time spent sitting leads to a decrease in calorie expenditure. If you consume excessive calories without burning them off, it can contribute to weight gain and a decrease in overall health. Furthermore, the food you consume directly impacts your energy levels and mental alertness. Choosing nutritious meals or snacks can help sustain your energy throughout the journey, keeping you focused and alert. Conversely, consuming excessive processed and fast foods can lead to energy crashes and feelings of fatigue, negatively affecting your driving abilities.

Here are some ideas of snacks and meals that can be packed in a cooler or insulated bag and brought on a road trip:

Snacks

• Caprese skewers. For a light and flavorful snack, assemble Caprese skewers using cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Thread them onto skewers and drizzle with a balsamic glaze, if desired. These bite-sized skewers are easy to pack and eat on the go, making them a convenient option.

• Freeze-dried fruit. The brands Bare and Crispy Fruit sell delicious apple chips, freeze dried mango, and more. There is no added sugar, which makes them a nutritious option. Furthermore, they can be found in individual sized bags, which is helpful for portion control and make them easy to pack.

• Baby carrots with hummus. Pack baby carrots with a side of hummus in an air-tight container. If you do not have a container on hand, the brand Sabra sells individually packed hummus containers. They also have a guacamole version, which is another option. Customize this snack option by choosing a variety of vegetable sticks, such as cu -

cumber, jicama, or bell peppers.

• Fruit with yogurt dip. For a refreshing and healthy snack, pack a variety of seasonal fruits like watermelon, pineapple, berries, and grapes. Serve them with a side of fat-free yogurt dip. The natural sweetness of the fruits paired with the creamy yogurt creates a delightful contrast of flavors. This snack is not only delicious but also hydrating and great if you have a sweet tooth.

• Energy balls. Combine rolled oats, nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter), honey, and a mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits in a bowl. You can really make these snacks your own by adding your personal favorites to them. Mix well, then roll into bite-sized balls. These energy balls are easy to pack, require no refrigeration, and can be enjoyed on the go. An alternative is to purchase the energy bites by Power of Wholesome. The combination of healthy fats, protein, and natural sugars will keep you satisfied and focused throughout the journey.

Meals

• Turkey and avocado sandwiches . Start with whole-grain bread (such as 647 bread or Ro Yo) and layer with thinly sliced turkey breast, creamy avocado slices, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato. The combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich bread creates a well-rounded and nourishing meal. This sandwich is not only tasty but also easy to pack and eat on the go. It provides a good balance of nutrients to keep you fueled and satisfied during your journey. Also, try making the sandwich open-faced or using only one slice of bread. When sedentary on a road trip, you might find that it will take fewer carbohydrates to fill you up.

• Quinoa salad with roasted vegetables . Cook quinoa according to package instructions, and let it cool. Toss it with a mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with a lemon vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. This salad is packed

with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a good option for a long drive.

• Tuna wraps. Use tuna of your choice but avoid ones that are packaged in oil. Layer a vegetable, such as lettuce or kale, underneath the tuna. Roll it up tightly and secure it with a toothpick. This filling wrap provides a balance of flavors and nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a summer road trip.

Staying healthy during the summer involves adopting a holistic approach that encompasses proper nutrition, hydration, sun protection, physical activity, and adequate rest. Maintaining proper hydration is essential in hot weather to prevent dehydration. Aim to drink about 125 ounces of water as a male and 90 ounces as a female, as recommended by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Water is crucial for thermoregulation, nutrient transportation, and metabolic processes. Avoid sugary beverages and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration.

In terms of sun protection, protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation is crucial to prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Wear sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours.

Wearing SPF in the car is important as UV rays come in through the windows.

As for physical activity, engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Choose activities you enjoy, such as swimming, cycling, or hiking, to stay motivated and make exercise a part of your routine. These physical activity practices are put on pause during a long road trip,

adequate amount of water on the road and take a break from driving if you are feeling fatigued.

On the trip itself, it is possible to stay within your health goals even on vacation. In restaurants, choose lean protein, avoid fried foods, and always ask for any dressing on the side. To avoid eating out too often, it is a good idea to prepare some snacks and meals at home before your trip. Most of the snack and

and ordering sugary drinks, bring instant options that only need hot water. If you want to bring a portable grill on vacation, remember that you do not only have to grill hot dogs. Pack or buy chicken cutlets, turkey burgers, chicken burgers, and maybe even a lean cut of steak. For the burgers, the 647 buns from the brand Schmidts are a good option because they are low in carbs and high in fiber. If possible, make a trip to a local grocery store and buy vegetables to grill and pack your own spices. Seasoning your food with your favorite spices will make the vegetables tasty without the need for excess salt.

The summer is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family, indulge in your favorite activities, and enjoy the sunshine. Keep your health goals in mind as you enjoy your vacation.

which is why proper nutrition during these trips is so important. However, it is imperative to take breaks during the trip to stretch. Prolonged sitting in a car can lead to muscle stiffness and reduced blood flow. Regular stretching helps to alleviate muscle tension and increases blood circulation to the muscles, preventing discomfort and potential muscle strains. Remember to drink an

meal options listed above can be preserved in a cool environment and will last for days. Another option is to pack already cooked meals, such as grilled chicken, and freeze. Reheat throughout the trip for a quick protein option. It is a good idea to pack some non-perishable snacks such as high-fiber cereal and bread, beef jerky, and tuna packets. To abstain from going out for coffee

Aliza Beer is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition. She has a private practice in Cedarhurst, NY. Patients’ success has been featured on the Dr. Oz show. Aliza can be reached at alizabeer@gmail. com, and you can follow her on Instagram at @alizabeer

Prolonged sitting in a car can lead to muscle stiffness and reduced blood flow.

Torah Thought The Whole Truth, and Nothing but The Truth

By Rabbi Zvi Teichman

And it will be, if you hearken to My commandments that I command you this day to love the Lord, your God...

Each day we recite this paragraph which reiterates the obligation to love G-d.

Rashi adds on this directive, הבהאל ד תא, to love the Lord : You should not say: I will learn in order to become rich, or in order to be referred to as Rabbi, or in order that I receive a reward. Rather, whatever you do, do out of love, אבל דובכה ףוסו, and ultimately, the honor will come.

These last words of encouragement seem to negate the whole notion expressed immediately prior to it — that one should serve G-d for no other reason than pure and selfless love.

If a reward is promised, obviously it is not a bad thing, though one must devote fully to G-d unrelated to that promise. But if one needs assurance that ‘honor’ will come, doesn’t that contradict the whole command to sense only pure feelings of love?

Why does Rashi emphasize ‘honor’ specifically? Aren’t there two other possible ulterior motives mentionedwealth or welfare?

Maimonides too, reflects on this dichotomy, in his Laws of Teshuva (10 2), when he writes: One who serves [G-d] out of love occupies himself in the Torah and the mitzvos and walks in the paths of wisdom for no ulterior motive: not because of fear that evil will occur, nor in order to acquire benefit. Rather, he does what is true because it

in America and elsewhere. As young boys we were encouraged to aspire to become Talmidei Chachomim — scholars and rabbinic leaders, whether a great Rosh Yeshiva, Rebbi, or Rabbi. We dreamed of being successful and living inspired lives. Were they goading us to ignoble goals that counter our ambition to love G-d altruistically?

Of course not.

What they sought to instill within us was the notion of becoming vehicles in the promotion of the honor of Heaven. Whether it was the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s campaign to enlist children in Tzivos Hashem, soldiers in the army of G-d, doing good deeds and promoting Torah values, or prodding the aspirations of children to become Torah scholars and Jewish communal leaders — being proud representatives of G-d’s word — it was based in selflessness and infused with a devotion to a loving Father in Heaven.

Theדובכ — ‘honor’, that Rashi refers to as ultimately coming, is that healthy sense of nobility of spirit that enthuses all that we do in allegiance to our inspired mission.

of honoring G-d is accomplished.

The late Novominsker Rebbe, when hearing a principal admonish his students to behave nicely in public, lest they cause a chillul Hashem, a profanation of G-d’s Name — in misrepresenting Jewish values with their behavior, and should be mindful to sanctify the Name of Hashem, by acting properly and sensitive — would correct the school official by instructing him to teach the children to do what is right because it is right - תמאה תמא אוהש ינפמ, regardless of the negative or positive consequences.

A very dear young friend of mine, Yitzi Weiner, a bright and charming young man, who attended several years ago, Jemicy, a prestigious local private school, not a Yeshiva, that adequately provided for his unique needs, was just one of a handful of Orthodox Jewish students attending there.

instead the general ‘good and welfare’

educated in our youth in some of the

Maimonides as well, by formulating this ultimate goal as: ‘all the good that will come because of it’, is referring to those promises of rewards that are not intended as an end to themselves, but rather as the tools we will use in accomplishing our duty in promoting His will.

But there is one caveat we must be aware of in assuring we get there — whatever we do along that journey must be fueled solely out of pure love, not for the sake of accomplishing a goal.

Maimonides describes how ‘loving G-d’ is expressed in one’s performance of mitzvos, only when one תמאה השוע תמא אוהש ינפמ, ‘does what is true because it is true’. That is true love.

Too often, the ambition to be G-d’s agent in sanctifying His name, fuels a self-righteousness that corrupts and quickly transforms into a sense of ‘holier than thou’, all in the name of G-d of course.

A person’s motivation to do good must stem solely from a notion that it is — תמאה ינפמ תמא, true because it true, independent of whether the goal

His father shared with me that from the moment he entered the school some seven years ago, he had a special custom — to approach each of his teachers at the end of every class, expressing appreciation for having learned so much, sincerely thanking the teachers for the time, efforts, and expertise they put in.

He did not do it because a Menahel or Rebbi ever instructed him to be Mekadesh Shem Shamayim, just simply because he knew and sensed it was the right thing to do - תמא אוהש ינפמ תמאה!

Years later the Headmaster shared with his father that this practice has spread to all the students thanking their teachers at the end of class.

What a Kiddush Hashem!

But it did not happen because he was on a mission, but simply because his parents had inculcated within him the sense to do the Emes because it is Emes!

We all hope that we be privileged to serve as an instrument for G-d’s will in this world. That is a noble and admirable goal. We will only achieve that if we focus on our behavior and deeds, evaluating them by one yardstick only — the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!

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

seeing eye To eye

Meet the Israeli Doctor Helping Thousands In Ethiopia Receive Eye Care

By Andrew Jose

When Israeli ophthalmologist Morris Hartstein visited Gondar in 2014 for a family volunteering trip, he did not know he would start an initiative that would help more than 8,000 Ethiopians receive eye care.

Today, he is the founding director of Operation Ethiopia, a non-profit incorporated in 2022 and dedicated to providing Ethiopians in Gondar with high-quality eye care clinics, cataract diagnosis and treatment campaigns and eye surgeries, and training programs for local physicians.

In addition, the non-profit delivers humanitarian aid to Jewish communities in the country. Humanitarian aid organized by Operation Ethiopia includes a feeding program for malnourished children and nursing moms in Gondar, established in partnership with the Struggle to Save Ethiopian Jewry to prevent the stunting of children for lack of proper food.

The idea for Operation Ethiopia was born when the Hartsteins were helping the Mother Teresa orphanage in Addis Ababa and the Jewish community in Gondar as part of their 2014 volunteering trip, which exposed them to the country’s high levels of poverty.

On their last day in Gondar, the family’s tour guide asked Hartstein if he could examine a child’s eye. Soon, several people flocked to the doctor to have their eyes examined.

Despite lacking the necessary equipment, Hart stein obliged.

The unexpected experience left a lasting impression on him, he said.

On the one hand, he “felt accomplished” helping so many people, but on the other hand, he felt disappointed that he “did not have much to offer them,” Hartstein told JNS.

“Many of the people lived in mud huts with corrugated tin roofs, having no water, no toilets, and many people suffering from malnutrition,” he added.

“When you see such conditions up close on a large scale, it sticks with you.”

He found returning to his routine in Israel difficult; he kept thinking about his experiences in Ethiopia.

The Firs T CliniC

What was a one-week visit became regular annual trips.

In the summer of 2015, Hartstein and his family returned to Gondar with 12 duffel bags full of medical equipment, eye medication and eyeglasses. With these resources, they established their first mobile eye clinic in Gondar city’s Jewish compound and treated hundreds of people.

The volunteers’ project soon drew the attention and appreciation of the Gondar Municipality, which asked that Hartstein also help non-Jews in areas near the Jewish compound. His team began sending their mobile eye clinics to nearby villages. The initiative grew to include cataract treatment campaigns and surgeries for those with severe vision problems.

“Blindness from cataracts is one of the leading causes of blindness in Ethiopia,” Hartstein said, adding that there “are fewer than 300 ophthalmologists for a population of 120 million people, most of whom live in urban areas.”

And where there are doctors, many people cannot afford treatment, he said.

As a result, “not only there are cataracts but there are advanced cataracts – we don’t see much of this in the West.”

Operation Ethiopia aims to make treatment for cataracts and other eye problems accessible to people far from urban areas. Hartstein also launched an exchange program for local medical students and physicians in partnership with the University of Gondar.

As part of the program, select students and physicians from Ethiopia travel to Israel to work with Hartstein and gain hands-on experience.

“The training was very important because we were able to observe and do different surgeries that we never used to do in Ethiopia,” said Alemnew Demissie Kassahun, one of the 18 doctors trained through the exchange program. “We had a life-changing experience in Israel.”

Kassahun first met Hartstein while he was an ophthalmology resident at the University of Gondar in 2014. He now helps with Operation Ethiopia as a volunteer ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon.

“Operation Ethiopia brings many medical professionals during each visit who provide lifesaving basic life support training for doctors and other health care professionals. This training is very important in improving the quality of medical care that we provide for our patients,” Kassahun told JNS. The first few trips to Gondar that Hartstein organized were mainly a “family affair” with some volunteers tagging along, he explained. He added that his children would invite some friends to help. Hartstein formalized the initiative as an Israeli non-profit only eight months ago.

Since being incorporated as a non-profit, Operation Ethiopia has started to attract volunteers from all walks of life, both medical and non-medical professionals, according to Hartstein.

s miles on Their Fa C es

“We often take our eyesight for granted,” said Debby Ziering, one of the volunteers who worked with Hartstein during Operation Ethiopia’s 2022 mission in Ethiopia. She helped Hartstein and his team test patients for near- and far-sightedness, handle food and water distribution, and manage inventory.

Ziering told JNS that seeing the smiles on people’s faces after they could see following cataract surgery made her thankful for the “gifts we have in our lives.”

“Seeing a mother, who could see clearly after being given glasses, say she was happy to be able to do so not for herself but so she could help her children with homework was the most touching experience of all my time with the program,” said Yitzy Weiss, an EMT who volunteered in 2022.

“Working for Operation Ethiopia helped with my professional development. The specialized type of medicine Dr. Hartstein practices is complex. I had only learned about it in theory,” Weiss told JNS, adding that working for the initiative gave him a close-up view of ophthalmology.

Hartstein plans to expand Operation Ethiopia to include four trips to the country each year.

“We would like to do more cataract surgeries. Our goal this year is to do 2,000 surgeries,” he said. Additionally, Hartstein plans to bring more doctors in his specialty to Ethiopia. He also hopes to train more local doctors in the near future, he told JNS.

Hartstein has spoken at three Knesset committee meetings about the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia. In 2020, he accompanied then-Israeli Minister of Immigrant Absorption Pnina Tamano-Shata to Ethiopia on a diplomatic mission to the country. He flew back home with several olim on Operation Tzur Yisrael’s first aliyah flight.

Hartstein was invited to join the delegation accompanying then-Israeli President Reuven Rivlin during his 2018 visit to Ethiopia.

In August, the American Academy of Ophthalmology awarded Hartstein its 2022 Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award for his role in establishing Operation Ethiopia and its successful eye care outreach model. Hartstein also received the 2022 Nefesh B’Nefesh Bonei Zion Prize for Global Impact . (JNS)

Checking a patient’s eyes before cataract surgery

There “are Fe W er T han

300 oph T halmologisT s

For a populaT ion oF

120 million people.”

Volunteers testing patients for shortand near-sightedness

PHOTO BY El ISA H ARTSTEIN

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

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

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

1:45 PM Ohel Moshe

1:50 PM Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim

Neuberger, Quinn, Gielen, Rubin & Gibber

Wealcatch Insurance

2:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Big Al @ The Knish Shop Party Room

Kol Torah Market Maven

Reischer Minyan 15 Walker Ave 2nd Floor

2:30 PM Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh

Ner Israel Rabbinical College

Tov Pizza Mincha Minyan

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh

Mesivta Shaarei Chaim (Etz Chaim Building)

Shearith Israel Congregation

3:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

3:05 PM Kedushas Yisrael

3:15 PM Hat Box

4:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

5:00 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

5:30 PM Agudath Israel of Baltimore

6:00 PM Kedushas Yisrael

Agudath Israel of Baltimore

Mercaz Torah U'Tefillah

7:00 PM Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Friday at 6:30

8:00 PM Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah

14 Min Before ShkiAh Kol Torah

Mincha/Maariv

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

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)

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

Before Shkiah

Arugas HaBosem - 3509 Cwlarks Ln

Bais Haknesses Ohr HaChaim - 3120 Clarks Ln

Bais Hamedrash and Mesivta of Baltimore - 6823 Old Pimlico Rd

Bais Medrash of Ranchleigh - 6618 Deancroft Rd

Beit Yaakov - 3615 Seven Mile Ln

Beth Abraham - 6208 Wallis Ave

Beth Tfiloh Congregation - 3300 Old Court Rd

Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion Congregation - 6602 Park Heights Ave

Chabad of Park Heights - 3402 Clarks Ln

Community Kollel Tiferes Moshe Aryeh - 3800 Labyrinth Rd

Darchei Tzedek - 3201 Seven Mile Ln

Derech Chaim - 6229 Greenspring Ave (Weekday)

Greenspring Sephardic Synagogue 6611 Greenspring Ave.

Kedushas Yisrael - 6004 Park Heights Ave

Kehilath B’nai Torah - 6301 Green Meadow Pkwy

Kehillas Meor HaTorah - 6539 Pebble Brooke Rd

Khal Ahavas Yisroel/ Tzemach Tzedek - 6811 Park Heights Ave

Khal Bais Nosson - 2901 Taney Rd

Kol Torah - 2929 Fallstaff Rd

Machzikei Torah - 6216 Biltmore Ave

Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah - 6500 Baythorne Rd

Mesivta Kesser Torah - 8400 Park Heights Ave

Mesivta Shaarei Chaim - 3702 Fords Ln

Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah - 7000 Rockland Hills Dr

Neuberger, Quinn, Gielen, Rubin & Gibber One South Street, 27th Floor

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

Ner Israel Rabbinical College - 400 Mt Wilson Ln

Ner Tamid - 6214 Pimlico Road

Ohel Moshe - 2808 Smith Ave

Ohel Yakov - 3200 Glen Ave

Ohr Hamizrach [Sefaradi] - 6813 Park Heights Ave

Ohr Yisroel - 2429 Lightfoot Dr

Pikesville Jewish Congregation - 7644 Carla Rd

Shearith Israel Congregation - 5835 Park Heights Ave

Shomrei Emunah Congregation - 6221 Greenspring Ave

Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh - 2821 W Strathmore Ave

Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim - 7504 Seven Mile Ln

Talmudical Academy - 4445 Old Court Rd

The Adas: Chofetz Chaim Adas Bnei Israel - 5915 Park Heights Ave

The Shul at the Lubavitch Center - 6701 Old Pimlico Rd

Tiferes Yisroel - 6201 Park Heights Ave

Tzeirei Anash - 6706 Cross County Blvd

Wealcatch Insurance - 37 Walker Ave 2nd floor

Yeshiva Tiferes Hatorah - 6819 Williamson Ave

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Ihate waiting in lines of any kind; hate is a strong word that I should really not use but the visceral reaction that I get when on a line and someone cuts in front of me or the time spent waiting exceeds two minutes can get overwhelming for me.

When someone pretends that they don’t see me waiting and then they catch my judgmental facial expression, their reaction is not pretty; it’s usually childish and filled with excuses that no one wants to hear.

“Oh, so sorry, were you standing here? I did not see you. I only have this one thing to return – it won’t take long. Is it okay?”

In Israel, you need to learn how to accept this as a normal occurrence because failure to do so will find you feeling upset every time you are in a store, office or wherever you need to wait for something you thought you needed or wanted.

There is a place in Rechavia that takes me over the top. It is a very popular bagel cafe which caters to a mostly American clientele. People who eat and shop for yummy baked goods at this eatery are used to getting what they want when they want it, which is right now!

I cannot say that I am innocent.

Granted, the food is good; it suits the Anglo dining palate and probably serves the best bagel and coffee in the mehadrin world. The service, on the other hand, is just awful. That’s being kind but the only way to adequately describe it.

When you walk in, you will encounter two lines, one for drinks and one for food. I asked, “Can I get my drinks before I get the sandwiches?”

“Sorry, first the food and then the drinks!”

We tried to game the system by breaking the order into one for drinks and a separate one for sandwiches; our complicated list of drinks and sand -

Israel Today Waiting on Line

By Barbara Deutsch

wiches for seven people was too hard to memorize having lost that muscle memory skill during these cell phone days of having everything accessible on our phones.

Memorizing lists and phone numbers has become a thing of the past.

My cell phone-hating husband did not have his with him; I don’t know why I expected him to have it. Some background: our grandson Yoav told me he only uses the house landline phone (we still have one of those) to get in touch with Grandpa. Yoav considers it his cell. As we left our landline in America, he would not be expected not to have that or any phone with him.

When the boys were students at DRS where my husband taught for many years, I would text Yoav or one of his brothers, Jakob and Elly, if I needed to get a message to him. They would go to his class to share my questions or needs.

Now that our Canadian grandson Judah spends long weekends with us – he

wiches, breakfast had turned into brunch.

Now the drinks; I can’t go there because what happened takes things over the top of the top. Let’s leave it at that. Suffice it to say that by the time we got home, it was now lunchtime and the once hot crisp sandwiches had turned into a soggy mess.

All of my waiting on line frustrations were met: long lines, feeling ignored, getting cut off and being told that the coffee that I wanted was never made in the store even though I have had that certain blended iced black americano with no milk or sugar coffee many, many times in the past.

Check, check, check.

Hint: an iced coffee is a cold coffee here. If you order an iced coffee, you get a milky sugary mix of ice and weak coffee.

There is a pretty good bagel store on Ben Yehudah; it’s not as good but good

The questions that beg to be asked: which store is the one for you? Which is the one for me? Do you prefer taste or expedience?

Compromises need to be made.

I have to figure out this phone thing with my husband; I’ve tried but still have not gotten him to take his phone without reminding him before he leaves.

is a senior at YU –I text him when I need to connect with my husband.

I digress.

Left with no other options, we waited patiently (tried) for our food to be made; of course, the person delegated to us behind the crowded counter was brand new and learning. Our knowledge of bagel types in Hebrew is non-existent as were hers in English.

By the time we had all of our sand-

enough. When you walk in, you will find giant iPads posted on one wall, and across from it, a counter with fresh food, bagels, and a coffee and drink center. You plug in your order from the menu that appears on the iPad screen, print the receipt, give it to the cashier, and wait for your order.

Our family of five people got our breakfast in less than 10 minutes; hot and crispy and just the way we like it.

I love Israel, we plan to move here soon, so I’m thinking that I better work on my frustrations, get used to the lines and the people who populate them.

Mrs. Barbara Deutsch is currently the associate principal at HANC 609 and a longtime reflective educator, parent, grandparent, and new great-grandparent. Even after all these years, she still loves what she does and looks forward to working with kids every single day.

By the time we had all of our sandwiches, breakfast had turned into brunch.

Mental Health Corner

When Toddlers Bite

By Rabbi Azriel Hauptman

Sarah is a two-year-old child who has started attending a day care in the morning for the first time. Everything seemed to be going well, until the day care called and said that Sarah had bit one of her playmates. Sarah’s parents were aghast. Who did she learn this behavior from? Why is she acting so viciously? What is wrong with their child? Fortunately, the answer is… Nothing! Sarah is normal. Why would a normal child bite? That requires some background in child

development.

The toddler period is from age 1 to 2½. This age overlaps with a period of child development that is known colloquially as the “Terrible Twos”. Parents often dread the defiant behaviors, temper tantrums, and mischief that define this transitional period. However, may we dare suggest that in reality you should look forward to it, being that the Terrible Twos are indicative of your child growing up and adjusting to the world that he or she lives in.

If you put yourself in your child’s

shoes, you will discover that in many ways this period is very taxing. Your child is starting to experience a range of new emotions, such as anger, fear, and excitement. These emotions are confusing and your child has not yet developed a healthy way to express these emotions. Even if your child has an age-appropriate vocabulary, there are still not enough words in their repertoire to communicate something as abstract as emotions or feelings. Furthermore, as your child’s motor skills improve, he or she now has an opportunity to explore the world. This puts your child in contact with all kinds of sensory stimulation which are all completely new. This can be overwhelming for a young child. Your child is also teething, which can be a source of constant pain. Additionally, the child’s process of individuation makes the child want to feel somewhat autonomous from the adults which can lead to defiance.

If you put all of these factors together, we should be able to start to understand the difficulties that your child faces in his or her everyday life. With this background, we can now explore some of the situations that may lead a child to bite.

Frustration

Children of this age get easily frustrated. They often do not have a robust enough vocabulary to help them vent their frustrations. Sometimes, this will result in a temper tantrum. Other times, it might lead to biting behavior.

Setting Boundaries

Children at this age are starting to understand some abstract concepts such as ownership and personal space. When their newfound “property” is “invaded”, the reaction can be visceral. Would you attack a burglar who was carrying out a home invasion if that was your only option for survival? Your child feels the same way.

Attention Seeking

Children need our attention. Unfortunately, we often neglect our children as we are busy taking care of our own personal business while the children are blissfully playing in the background. They need us to talk to them, play with them, and spend time with them. If they feel neglected, they might engage in attention-seeking behavior. These little kids are smarter than you think, and they can intuitively figure out what they need to do to catch your attention.

Testing Reactions

Your child is just beginning to develop social skills. Trial and error are one of the ways that little children learn. Sometimes, the biting behavior is an attempt to see if this is an effective way of getting their needs met.

With time and guidance, children tend to develop appropriate ways of managing their feelings. As children mature, biting becomes less common. Biting in older children can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition such as a speech delay, sensory processing disorder, or autism spectrum disorder. A child psychologist can be helpful in exploring the roots of the behavior and developing a diagnosis and treatment plan.

The Terrible Twos are a delightful period in your child’s life. Your child is exploring, testing, and learning. The cognitive growth that your child achieves during this phase is staggering. The ride might be a bumpy one, but make sure to enjoy it!

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

My Israel Home Starting Up the Start Up Nation

By Gedaliah Borvick

We recently visited the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, and I parked my car a few blocks away on Weizmann Street. Not only is Rechovot Weizmann-focused, but over a dozen streets plus major institutions across the country are named in Chaim Weizmann’s memory. Let’s learn about Israel’s first president.

Chaim Weizmann was born in 1874 in Belarus, White Russia, and studied chemistry in Germany and then Switzerland, where he earned his doctorate. During his studies, he met his wife Vera, who served as his life-long partner in all of his academic and political activities.

Weizmann moved to England in 1904 and was granted professorship at the University of Manchester. His capacity for research was legendary, and his relentless efforts generated approximately 100 patents. Weizmann’s most famous invention was a new method to produce synthetic acetone, an important ingredient used in manufacturing smokeless gun powder, which was critical to the Allied war effort in World War I. Through his work, Weizmann gained the trust and appreciation of many prominent British journalists and senior Cabinet members, in particular First Lord of the Admiralty Arthur Balfour and Minister Lloyd George.

Through his deep and powerful network, which represented a veritable “who’s who” of British society, Weizmann became Europe’s most prominent Zionist leader. He leveraged these relationships to help secure the Balfour Declaration, a statement of support for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in its historical homeland. This document was a crucial breakthrough, as it represented the first official endorsement of the Zionist movement by a major global power.

Weizmann’s passionate belief in self-determination – that the Jews were

entitled to return to their homeland and create a safe haven – was based on having personally witnessed Russia’s state-sponsored pogroms in the 1880s.

known as “Synthetic Zionism.”

Between 1921 and 1946, Weizmann served for over twenty years as president of the World Zionist Organization

the Dead Sea potash plant and the Naharayim hydroelectric power plant.

Weizmann valued science as an important tool to develop a modern economy, and worked to promote higher education in Israel. He was one of the founders of the Hebrew University, as well at the Sieff Institute in Rechovot, in which he served as its president and also pursued research in its labs. In 1949, the academy, which grew dramatically in size and stature since its inception in 1934, was renamed the Weizmann Institute of Science in his honor.

Following the Nazis’ rise to power in Germany, Weizmann dedicated himself to saving European Jewry. He also aided the British war effort against Germany, utilizing industries throughout Israel, as well as the labs at the Sieff Institute, to help the British army.

in 1947, Weizmann played a major role in garnering support for the UN Partition Plan and met world leaders, including U.S. President Harry S. Truman, whom he encouraged to support an independent State of Israel, despite the objections of the State Department. In 1948, Weizmann was elected as the first President of Israel and served in this ceremonial role until he passed away in 1952.

Chaim Weizmann was a man ahead of his time. His vision of establishing prestigious institutions for research and higher learning, which would advance the country’s technological prowess, was prescient. Weizmann’s dream of Israel being a global leader in science and technology has become a reality.

In 1907, Weizmann made his first visit to Israel, which strengthened his conviction to settle the land while simultaneously participating in political lobbying. This combination approach became

(WZO) and as its main liaison with the British Government. Using his professional experiences as a model for the integration of science and industry, he successfully promoted projects such as

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.

Through his deep and powerful network, which represented a veritable “who’s who” of British society, Weizmann became Europe’s most prominent Zionist leader.

Tech Triumphs

Did You Hear the News?

By Rebbetzin Sara Gross

Major Jewish news sites were my go-to. Every day I would check the news and keep myself up to date on politics and Jewish news locally and in Israel. Whatever the news that day, the same two things were happening each day. One, I would get a daily dose of sadness and worry from all the pain and suffering in Klal Yisroel and the antisemitism around the world, and two, I would harden my heart to avoid the pain affecting me too much. In essence, it was doing me no good.

I decided to stop checking the news. I erased the app from my phone and my heart was lighter. Whenever something important popped up in the news, I would inevitably hear it from family and friends anyway, so I was never ignorant of the vital news, but I

was shielded from the daily dose of sadness or callousness at pain.

One day, I got an email about a local tragedy and felt terrible. I gave in to the temptation of wanting to know more about it and went to check the details on news sites. Because I was unaccustomed to seeing the news, I was extra sensitive. I found out the sad details, then continued to scroll down and see what else was new. I clicked on a story about an unfortunate fire in Israel. The gory details were so unnecessary to share and my heart broke. I was angry that the site deliberately shared horrors to sensationalize the story and sicken the readers. The privacy of the family in the fire was violated and the last moments of their child’s life were turned into a public affair. From then

on, no matter how curious I am, I will not go check for more information. I will find out what I need to know, but it wasn’t worth it.

Did You Know? Smoking near an Apple product can void the warranty on the device. Apple has a policy to keep their technicians smoke free, so they do not allow any smoking of tobacco near their devices. There are

many instances where an Apple product was denied warranty assistance if they believe there was tobacco smoke near it. Though there is no mention of this policy in written word, there are many consumers who experienced this unwritten rule. If tobacco tar is found settled on Apple device parts, the warranty is not honored.

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

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

THE BJH PRESENTS: A BOOST OF “INSPIRATION”

A Snippet From Judaism’s Number One Podcast

THE BJH PRESENTS... A BOOST OF “INSPIRATION”

A SNIPPET FROM JUDAISM’S NUMBER ONE PODCAST

espite being born with dwarfism, Yehuda strives to live life to the fullest. Hailing from Queens, NY, Yehuda credits his success and independence to the support of his family and friends who’ve shaped him to be the man he is today. What may seem normal and mundane to most people, is a success for Yehuda, from working full time to driving an adapted vehicle, and graduating from University with a Bachelor’s in Finance. In 2021, Yehuda entered the commercial real estate industry, where he is developing his networking and entrepreneurship skills to the next level. He has also made his mark in the Jewish music industry as a sought-after consultant and manager and is involved with a large network of leading musicians and singers producing music and events.

DIn 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.

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.

his father visited the Skeverer Rebbe for a brocha. The Rebbe wanted to know about his head and heart and when his father said both were perfectly normal, the Rebbe gave his father a brocha not to worry. Yehuda was in the NICU for a few weeks, he had bris late and came home with a feeding tube. The bones in his curved feet were broken and put into a cast to make them straight. Until the age of 2, he looked like other babies and most medical procedures

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

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

Yehuda Neuman physically has had tremendous challenges his entire life but he likes to make jokes about his situation. He feels it is the only way to live with it. People appreciate jokes and the jokes show that he is comfortable with himself, is not afraid, and accepts himself.

give up but I think the thing that helped me do this the most was the fact that I knew it was going to end at some point.”

Dwarfism & Determination: The Extraordinary Life of Yehuda Neuman ELI PALEY CEO OF MISHPACHA

Because he looks physically handicapped sometimes people think he is not normal. However, within a few seconds of talking, they realize he is completely normal. He loves educating people about his situation. People should not think that a physical challenge also implies a mental challenge.

written. The song is dedicated to the Special Children Center and has the simple message of fighting for a life that is worth fighting for. Yehuda is proud to share that message with the

People often say nebach when they see someone with a physical challenge but there is nothing tragic about Yehuda’s life. He is a normal person who drives a car and has a full-time job in commercial real estate. He says he has no secrets, he just wants people to know and understand that and that is the beauty of his life.

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.

were orthopedic surgery. He started walking at the age of about 3-4 and underwent continuous surgeries to keep his feet straight.

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.

Yehuda has Spondylo Costal Dysostosis (SCD), a common form of dwarfism, meaning that there is a deformity in the bones. He is also missing cartilage, has a hearing loss, and has very high prescription spectacles which he has worn since he was about 2 years old. When he was born his feet were curved, he had a cleft palate which was corrected with plastic surgery when he was about 1½. Everybody in his family is normal and when an early sonogram revealed his limbs were shorter

He adapted to his situation and learned to be comfortable in his skin. People knew he did not want to be treated differently. Whereas everyone around him loved sports he hated sports and was in his own little world.

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.

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.

He estimates he has undergone about 50 surgeries since he was born. Some were more challenging but Boruch Hashem he survived. He constantly required surgery to correct his legs and make sure they were straight. The last batch of surgeries took place when he was around 1819 years old in West Palm, Florida where he knew nobody and felt very alone. He says, “It was definitely a hard time, a dark time and there were times when I just wanted to

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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.

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.

Yehuda is very involved in the music scene. His connection to music goes back a long way. He never liked sports but always felt connected to music and was always thinking of melodies in his head from a young age. He wrote his first song in fifth grade. When he listens to music he feels that he is in a safe space, he can relax and be himself. Today he manages a few artists and bands and also does post-production.

Yehuda is 3’4 tall and jokes, “As small as I am, I’m not hard to miss.” He explains if people see disabled people in the street they should not assume the worst, there is nothing to feel bad for. He is not missing out on anything. He has traveled the world, flown an airplane, and been to the Grand Canyon and Israel. He thanks Hashem he can do everything as there are people with physical challenges not in the same position as him. Hashem made him the way he is and he would not trade it. He does not know what the future holds but being in this perspective gives him a whole new and different appreciation for life.

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.

In 2019 a friend asked him to go on a trip to Israel with the Special Children Center. He describes this as a major turning point. He met people who showed him what he is capable of giving to the world. At the time he had just finished college and he met people with other physical challenges. He says the trip showed him what he is really about. Among others, he met Yaakov Shwekey who recorded the song, Fighter, that Yehuda had

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.”

Yehuda’s advice is, “You don’t know how or who you will inspire. Just be yourself, be authentic and Hashem will work everything out.” He loves meeting new people. He hopes people realize that everybody has struggles, and “It’s okay to have struggles”. He reiterates, “Be authentic, be yourself.”

“You don’t know how or who you will inspire. Just be yourself, be authentic and Hashem will work everything out.”

The Scary Reality of Israel’s “Safest Border” A Deep Dive into the Difficulties in the Sinai

by Daniel Stiebel

Mohammad Salah crossed the Israeli-Egyptian border in the early hours of June 3. The 22-year-old Egyptian policeman carried his gun, a copy of the Quran, and, according to some reports, also a knife. He had come to kill – and eventually be killed.

Salah could hardly have found a better place to sneak into Israel. The terrain of this part of the border is extremely rough. It’s a desert, but not like in the movies – hot, flattish, with rolling sand-dunes. Rather, the ground is broken and extremely mountainous, with some mountain peaks reaching over 3,300-feet high. The climate in that almost-uninhabited, windswept region is equally inhospitable: temperatures often climb up to over one hundred degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, while in winter it is so cold, it sometimes snows. The conditions are so bad that the Israeli border guards often have trouble even communicating with each other and with headquarters. The border posts are far-between and isolated. The high mountains and strong winds occasionally disrupt, or even jam, radio signals – making the military walkie-talkies extremely unreliable at best.

It was this ugly terrain that helped Salah commit his first double-murder unobserved. His victims were a pair of IDF border guards, Sergeant Lia Ben-Nun and Staff Sergeant Ori Yitzhak Iluz. Did the broken terrain conceal his approach until he took the two by surprise? Did they try to radio a warning to headquarters but were unable to get through? While the IDF is investigating these questions, it is likely we may never know the answers. What we do know is that the army knew nothing about the attack for over an hour, until an officer who came to inspect the post discovered the soldiers’ bodies.

Salah could have used that time to try to re-cross the border and head back to safety. But he did not. Salah had come both to kill and to die, and so he moved even deeper into Israel. Israeli soldiers did eventually find Salah and kill him, losing another soldier – Staff Sgt. Ohad Dahan – in the shootout.

Salah’s attack shocked many Israelis. It shattered the illusion that the Egyptian border was not only Israel’s safest border but was actually safe. Israelis associate that border with cheap, relaxing vacations on the Sinai beaches, pleasant desert hikes, and somewhat annoying Egyptian guards who make the process of crossing an otherwise quiet border longer and more irritating than it ought to be. As part of that narrative, many Israelis assumed the IDF guards who patrol the border spend their time playing a lazy game of cat and mouse with a bunch of pitiable drug dealers.

The reality is different and the soldiers guarding the Sinai border knew better – even before Salah made the rest of the country notice. That border has presented the IDF with non-stop crises and challenges

for at least the past fifteen years. Although the public usually looked the other way, the crises originating at Israel’s southwestern frontier have played a major role in shaping Israel’s current political culture and public discourse. Knowing what really happens on that border and how it shapes Israel is critical to answering the host of questions that Salah’s attack has forced Israel to ask: was Salah acting alone, or as part of a larger terrorist network that plans to strike again? What motivated Salah? What does Egypt’s response to his attack tell us about the nature (and future) of Israeli-Egyptian cooperation?

The Main Players on the Border

Officially, North Sinai is just another of Egypt’s

twenty-seven provinces. But its unique history has shaped it very differently from Egypt’s heartland. Since the 19 th century, Egypt has treated Sinai less as a part of Egypt and more as a buffer zone between Egypt and its northern neighbors – first the Ottoman Empire and later Israel. But the last few decades have seen a change of policy; Egypt is now trying to develop that remote border region and make it more like the rest of the country. That new policy is making itself felt: hotels and resorts now dot once-barren sand dunes and beaches; the peninsula’s roads are in a better condition than ever; new bridges connect Sinai to the Egyptian heartland. The Egyptian government has invested heavily in turning North Sinai around, and it shows.

What is not obvious at first glance is that the government investment has done little for the locals. They are forced to adapt to the changing circumstances without getting to enjoy the benefits. That is because Sinai is not populated by ordinary Egyptians. Most of its six-hundred-thousand residents are Bedouins who are fiercely proud of their unique, independent-minded culture which most Egyptians don’t understand or respect. Like other nomadic people across the globe, Sinai’s Bedouins have been forced to adapt to the changing times. The last half-century has seen most of them settle down. A great many of them, perhaps even a majority, now work in the tourism industry. They live by working on the same dunes and beaches where their ancestors used to wander with their flocks – only now, the land is dotted with luxury hotels rather than sheep.

The major difference is that, just a few generations ago, the Bedouins were in control. They might have been poor, but they owned their own livestock and wandered where they chose. Today, the Bedouins don’t own the prime real estate they used to wander: the Egyptian government sold it all to outsiders, and the Bedouins are left working as taxi drivers, waiters, and hotel cleaners. The government has been pouring billions of dollars into making Sinai richer, but its programs often exclude the peninsula’s original inhabitants. In fact, one of its flagship programs incentivizes Egyptians to immigrate from the country’s heartland to the peninsula.

The government’s neglect of the Bedouins is intentional. The Egyptian government is highly suspicious of their culture and way of life. Egypt’s leadership is the product of a highly centralized, strictly hierarchical society. That’s how Egypt has been for millennia, and that’s how the country’s leaders want it to stay. Centralizing power allows them to hold onto it more easily. On the other hand, the Bedouins’ history and traditional way of life have combined to produce a notoriously independent culture. For millennia, the Bedouins have wandered whenever and whichever way they chose, always living on the fringes of settled society, sometimes raiding, sometimes trading – but always fiercely loyal to their individual tribes rather than to the state. Yes, most Bedouin have abandoned that traditional lifestyle, but the culture, values, and way of thinking which that lifestyle has produced still linger.

The Egyptian government’s policy towards the

Bedouins suggests that it believes that their independence and lawlessness is not going away anytime soon. Instead of making Sinai more like the rest of the country by turning the Bedouins into typical Egyptians, the government is trying to achieve that goal through colonization. That’s why the government is spending billions on getting ordinary Egyptians to immigrate to Sinai – it wants to turn the region’s Bedouins into an increasingly insignificant minority.

Unsurprisingly, the Bedouins aren’t going away quietly. Some have gone as far as join forces with the Islamic State (yes, ISIS) in an armed insurrection against Egypt. Some content themselves with engag-

country today in a manner that no other border crisis ever had.

The migrants came from a variety of backgrounds: some were southern Sudanese, fleeing their war-torn homeland; there were young Eritrean men who were escaping military service; and yet others were economic migrants arriving from as far west as Nigeria and the Ivory Coast. They were looking to improve their lives and earn wages that would make them wealthy men back in their home countries. The migrants all followed the same path: they made their way to Egypt and then paid Bedouin traffickers to guide them through Sinai and across the border with Israel. The Bedouin guides charged exorbitant fees for the passage – sometimes as much as twenty thousand dollars per migrant. Many of these guides were, unsurprisingly, unsavory characters: some pocketed their fees and then proceeded beat up, assault, or slay their customers. A few smugglers even forcefully harvested and trafficked migrants’ organs. Even the lucky migrants who succeeded in making it to Israel without being abandoned in the middle of the brutal desert or being robbed of a kidney soon found that life in the Promised Land wasn’t as good as promised. Yes, some found their dream jobs, but they were a small minority.

A young migrant whom I interviewed during the height of the migrant crisis in 2011 described some of the hardships most of his type faced. Mulu grew up in the small East African country of Eritrea. He loved his family and homeland but absolutely loathed the idea of being forcefully drafted to the Eritrean army. Military service in Eritrea is mandatory and open-ended: conscripts serve for as long as the government wants to keep them. Service typically lasts six years, but there are always some unlucky conscripts who stay stuck in the army for over a decade. The pay is lousy, roughly $30 a month, and the work is dangerous. So Mulu left Eritrea for what he hoped would be a better future.

ing in some traditional Bedouin cross-societal trading and raiding – what Israelis and Egyptians describe as smuggling.

A Leaky Border

The smugglers have a huge ally: the geography of the Israeli-Egyptian border. The countries are not separated by a geographic barrier – a similar, sparsely-populated desert stretches out on both sides of the border. Apart from a handful of Jews and Egyptians, the few people living on both sides of the border are the same Bedouins whose ancestors crossed and recrossed the border line long before it was demarcated. For them, the border doesn’t mark the limits of their country; it’s merely a non-too formidable obstacle that cuts across it.

Unsurprisingly, the Egyptian border has traditionally been Israel’s most porous. This became evident during the African migrant crisis of the late 2000s. It was the first time Israel had to contend with illegal mass migration, and its aftershocks still affect the

He endured the terrible journey to Israel through North East Africa and Sinai – except Israel wasn’t quite as good as advertised. Yes, he was now earning a salary of which his family members could only dream, but the jobs he worked were all menial and temporary. At the time of our conversation, Mulu was working as a farm laborer and was lonely and homesick. Just a few weeks after our conversation, I learned that he was no longer employed on that farm – he had gone, presumably, searching for a less lonely job.

Sadly, Mulu’s unsteady, depressed life was the norm among migrants rather than the exception. Many of his compatriots eventually drifted onto the streets of Israel’s poorest neighborhoods, most famously those of southern Tel Aviv. Many became drug addicts, some joined gangs, and others became petty criminals or offenders.

Israel’s response? Building a great, big border fence and deporting thousands of migrants. The strategy failed to fix the damage already done – to this day, southern Tel Aviv is a seedy, dangerous area – but it did end the migrant crisis. Migrants returned home, spreading the word that Israel was not worth the terrible cost of reaching it...

The migrant crisis has played a huge role in shap -

Even so, about twenty tons of narcotics – roughly forty-four thousand pounds – are still successfully smuggled from Sinai into Israel each year.

ing the public discourse in Israel to this day. It exposed the chasm between poorer Israelis whose neighborhoods suffered heavily as a result of the crisis, and some of the country’s liberal elites who believe that they have a moral duty to welcome migrants – into other people’s neighborhoods. It contributed to the rise of a generation of brash, often crass politicians, the spokespeople of the poorer Israelis who are sick of what they see as the country’s politically correct elites’ refusal to solve their politically-incorrect problems. In addition, the checks which the Supreme Court imposed on government attempts to deport the migrants helped fuel calls for judicial reform – the topic that’s now dividing the country jaggedly across the middle.

People smugglers and migrants were not the only ones taking advantage of the border’s porousness. The area was a busy little region long before the migrants discovered it. Bedouin smugglers worked around the clock to supply their dubious clients with the goods they desired: weapons for terrorists and crime syndicates, and narcotics for the wider Israeli public.

Members of terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda or the Iran-backed Popular Resistance Committees trained in Sinai before crossing over to attack Israelis. Egyptian border guards, hot on the trail of smugglers, inadvertently crossed the border before attacking their IDF counterparts – whom they mistook for the smugglers. At least that’s what the Egyptian government claimed. Israel suspected that the attackers meant to target Israelis all along, but no one could be sure. With the border so open and so poorly marked, anything is possible.

The problems of cross-border smuggling and terrorism were serious enough to cause top officials to suggest the idea of a border fence long before the migrant crisis finally forced the Israeli government to act. However, even as Israel was building the fence, it became clear the fence alone would not be enough to keep the border safe. The jihadists and smugglers simply did not give up; they became more creative. For instance, in August of 2012, a group of jihadists attacked an Egyptian border post, slaughtered Egyptian soldiers and policemen, stole an armored personnel carrier, and charged it across the border. (IDF warplanes and tanks destroyed the terrorists before they could wreak further damage.)

Cross-border smugglers adapted, too. Gone were the days in which they could simply stroll across the border loaded with goods. The new barrier slowed them down and threatened to expose them. The smugglers knew they did not have enough time to scale the fence before its cameras and smart motion sensors alerted Israeli patrols, who would swoop down and seize the expensive dope or arms. So the smugglers invented a new modus operandi: they now drive up to the Egyptian side of the border fence and quickly set to work. Some prop ladders up against the fence, while others, heavily-laden, swarm up to the top and toss the goods across the fence for their Israeli partners to pick up. The Israelis soon ride up on their quad bikes, grab the goods, and disappear into the mountainous, broken desert before border guards arrive.

This plan isn’t foolproof: smugglers risk losing their expensive goods and even their lives in an en-

counter with Egyptian policemen or Israeli patrols. However, they cut the risk by cooperating with the border guards’ other enemies, the jihadists, in a bond that lends a new meaning to narco-terrorism. The smugglers and jihadists terrorize the Egyptian border guards by attacking, and occasionally even murdering, some of them. The survivors are so cowed that they typically avoid encounters with smugglers whenever possible, opting to hunker down in their barracks or fire meaningless shots from a safe distance whenever smugglers pass through. The smuggler-jihadists have adopted a similar strategy when dealing with the Israeli border guards. They occasionally open covering fire from the Egyptian side in order to pin down the Israeli soldiers while the Israeli smugglers swoop in to carry off the loot.

Fortunately, the Israeli border guards are more aggressive and better trained than their Egyptian counterparts. Instead of trying to catch the Israeli smugglers as they arrive at the border fence, Israeli soldiers and policemen ambush them on their way back from the border – thus avoiding the Egyptian smugglers’ bullets (the Israeli smugglers are always unarmed: they don’t want to give the soldiers a reason to shoot). The IDF estimates that its efforts over the past few years have cut the cross-border narcotics trade to a third of its original volume. Even so, about twenty tons of narcotics – roughly forty-four thousand pounds – are still successfully smuggled from Sinai into Israel each year.

Closer, more effective cooperation between the IDF and the Egyptian armed forces could cut these numbers even further and possibly even crush the smugglers altogether. However, as the Egyptian response to the Salah attack suggests, closer cooperation is unlikely.

A Cold Peace

As soon as news of the attack broke, Egypt insisted that the attack was a tragic, innocent accident. According to the Egyptian version, Salah was a conscientious policeman who was fulfilling his duty by chasing down a group of smugglers. Unfortunately, Salah was such a great, ardent border guard that he accidentally chased the smugglers across the border and into Israel, before inexplicably getting into a firefight with the Israelis. Consequently, Egyptian Defense Minister Mohamed Zaki called his Israeli counterpart to offer his condolences “to the victims of the accident from both sides.”

The Egyptian account is an entertaining piece of fiction, albeit with a badly thought-out plot. Naturally, since all the forensic evidence is in Israel, it would have been ridiculous to expect Zaki to base his narrative on the facts – he didn’t have them. Nevertheless, he should have been done better than to recycle an old excuse which the Egyptian foreign office came up with after a similar incident almost twenty years ago. That excuse was credible back then when there was no border fence, which meant that an ardent Egyptian policeman could cross the border without realizing it. However, that excuse is no longer credible; in fact, it is outdated by roughly ten years. Moreover, Salah had been very vocal about his political opinions. As his Facebook and TikTok accounts show, he openly supported Hamas. He even boasted that he was planning to hurt Israeli troops.

The very fact that Defense Minister Zaki chose a line that was so patently false shows that he is not interested in helping Israel uncover and fix the problems which the attack has exposed. It means that, even though Egypt has officially agreed to a joint investigation of the shooting, the Egyptian contribution is likely to consist solely of burying evidence.

Egypt’s unhelpful attitude is nothing new – and is rooted in a deep dislike of Israel.

Although Israel and Egypt have officially been at peace for over forty years, only one side has given up its animosity for the other. Israelis have done their best to move past decades of conflict with their once-bitterest of enemies. They have largely forgotten the four bloody wars the two countries have fought. Israelis choose instead to focus on Egypt’s picturesque coasts and impressive archaeological relics. To them, Egypt is the first Arab country that was willing to accept them, the land of cheap vacations, scuba-diving, and endless beaches.

Egypt is yet to reciprocate that attitude. While Israeli tourists flood Egypt, the Egyptian government effectively prevents ordinary Egyptians from traveling to Israel. That privilege is limited to diplomats, journalists, or Coptic (Egyptian Christian) pilgrims.

The difference between the Israeli and Egyptian attitudes to peace is hardly surprising. Israel made peace with Egypt because it wanted to end the conflict between the countries. Egypt, on the other hand, cared less about ending the conflict with Israel and more about reaping the material benefits of a peace deal: control over the Sinai Peninsula and its oil fields, as well as receipt of mountains of U.S. cash and advanced American weaponry.

Despite signing the treaty, the Egyptian government behaves as if Israel is still the enemy. The names of multiple public institutions, roads, schools, and even cities keep alive the memory of Egypt’s most successful war with Israel, the Yom Kippur War. None commemorate the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty. Egyptian TV shows portray Jews and Israelis as spies, thieves, and killers. Textbooks still teach schoolchildren that Israel is an illegitimate, colonialist entity and that liberating Palestine is an Islamic duty. Israel is, quite literally, wiped off the map in Egyptian textbooks. And, of course, young Egyptians are still taught the bit about the Jews crucifying the Christian “g-d.”

As a result, Egyptian animosity to Israel runs deep. Academics boycott their Israeli counterparts. Anti-Israel protests are common. In 2012, when Egyptians were given the chance to democratically elect their president for the first and only time in their country’s history, they chose a man who described Jews as “descendants of pigs and monkeys.” (Muslims revile pigs as much as observant Jews.) That president also happened to be the candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood, of which Hamas (most famous for its contingent of Gaza rocket-boys) is an offshoot.

Given many Egyptians’ anti-Israel sentiments, it’s hardly surprising that Salah has become a posthumous online sensation in Egypt. Thousands are liking his Facebook posts; Egyptians have flooded social media with pro-Salah posters. He has become a hero, a source of national pride.

At least the Egyptian government’s reaction is more restrained. It only portrays Salah as an innocent victim rather than celebrating him as a national hero.

The Egyptian government playing pretend is ridiculous – but not surprising. It has a history of treating Israel pettishly and spitefully, even when it comes to

solving common problems. For instance, back in 2017, the Israeli and Egyptian militaries were cooperating closely to defeat ISIS in Sinai; yet when Egypt briefed diplomatic missions on the Sinai situation, it neglected to invite the Israeli representative.

There is no doubt that Egypt’s hostility towards Israel is an issue, but it’s important to put things in perspective. Egypt’s attitude is only making a bad situation worse. The root of the problem lies in Egypt’s (mis)government.

The Future of the Border

By keeping the Bedouins at the bottom of the economic food chain, the Egyptian government is pro -

That dynamic is unlikely to change anytime soon. The Egyptian government has more pressing concerns than cross-border smuggling in a remote province. The country itself is on the verge of collapse. It is facing a demographic crisis, and its over-centralized systems, coupled with decades of (ongoing) mismanagement, make it extremely hard for Egypt’s leaders to protect the country from the resulting shocks.

Additionally, Egypt’s high reproductive rate is putting tremendous stress on the country’s limited resources. Population has nearly doubled since the 1990s. The Nile, which has made Egypt the breadbasket of the Mediterranean for millennia, can no longer support even Egypt’s own population. The situation is so bad that Egypt is suffering from an acute water shortage; and Ethiopia damming the Nile further upstream is only making matters worse. Egypt’s up-and-coming generation will have to pay extra to import ever-growing amounts of food and water, but it seems likely that many young Egyptians will not be able to earn the necessary money. As of now, Egypt’s job market is incapable of expanding to accommodate the country’s increasing working-age population. Decades of misrule have created a fragile economy that is too over-regulated, centralized and fossilized to adapt to Egypt’s changing needs.

Sadly, the government is squandering the funds which it ought to be using to turn the country around. Its poor borrowing strategy will force it, as early as this year, to spend nearly half its revenue just to pay back the interest on its debt. In fact, even the Egyptian government is acting as if fixing the country is a lost cause. Its policies suggest that the government is instead gearing up for an inevitable struggle with its citizens. It keeps pouring more and more cash into its armed forces, even though Egypt is not threatened by a powerful external enemy. The lion’s share of that money is spent on buying fancy foreign weaponry – so much weaponry that, according to some counts, Egypt is now the third-largest arms importer in the world.

viding the smugglers with a massive pool of potential recruits. What about crushing the smugglers by force? Egypt has tried, but the government is just too weak. The police force it maintains in Northeastern Sinai is unmotivated and totally incapable of taking on the Bedouin narco-terrorists. Those policemen often don’t even want to be there. Serving so far away from home in an almost uninhabited desert – usually for months on end – is lonely and depressing, and any young Egyptian policeman who has enough money or connections to get himself stationed anywhere else does just that. The result is that the policemen who do end up there come from the dregs of Egyptian society: miserable, poorly-educated, and badly trained; men with an unhappy past and no future. Some are even convicts who agreed to swap their prison cells for service in the middle of nowhere. As expected, those conscripted policemen aren’t really interested in doing their job. They often desert their posts, sometimes for weeks on end. Some even cooperate with the smugglers; others turn a blind eye. As a result, the smugglers operate with impunity, at least on the Egyptian side.

The government isn’t only splurging on fancy new weapons. It’s also spending an estimated $58 billion on moving Egypt’s capital from its largest, most congested city into the empty desert. Why? Because the new, isolated capital will allow Egypt’s elite to continue running the country, even in the face of a popular uprising. Just over a decade ago, masses of anti-government protesters gathered in the capital city of Cairo, blockaded its streets, and physically paralyzed the government. Egypt’s new, isolated capital will give the government more breathing room in case of a repeat.

With Egypt on the verge of collapse, the Egyptian government is likely to pay increasingly less attention to its northeastern border. As a result, the Bedouin narco-terrorists will only grow bolder, and the Egyptian policemen who are supposed to keep them at bay will become even more restive, incompetent, and angry. Some might direct the anger at their government, but others will take it out on Israel, the country they were raised to hate. This is why Israel should take Salah’s murderous attack as a warning of things to come.

Israel would be wise to prepare for an even more violent future along its southwestern border.

Despite signing the treaty, the Egyptian government behaves as if Israel is still the enemy.

Israeli soldiers with a batch of seized drugs

TJH Centerfold

Vacational Speaking

What these vacation terms really mean

Old world charm = Shared bathrooms

Centrally located = Right under a highway overpass (Enjoy the balcony!)

Tropical = Rainy

Majestic setting = A long way from town

Options galore = Nothing is included in the itinerary

Secluded hideaway = Impossible to find or get to

Pre-registered rooms = Already occupied

Newly renovated rooms = Sure, we have some, but they are all booked. Enjoy your ¼-star rated room!

Explore on your own = Pay for it yourself

No extra fees = No extras.

Period

Knowledgeable trip hosts = They know how to point at a

You Gotta be Kidding Me!

star on a map and say, “You are here” Live music = Some lonely local convinced the hotel to let him play bad guitar in the lobby on Tuesday evenings between 7:00 and 8:30

Parking available = We will valet your car for a small fee of $47 a day

Game room on premises = There is an old, bacteriacarrying arcade game in a dusty hole in the wall… It will keep your kids entertained for hours

Family atmosphere = If we are short on towels, be prepared to share

#1 hotel for Nascar fans = “Y’aall sayyid yaall want toofffpaste? Whuut’s thayat?”

Jimbo and Mary Ann save up for years (their combined WaWa salaries) to take their kids on a fishing trip. They rent all the equipment – the reels, the rods, the wading suits, the rowboat, the car, and even a cabin in the woods. They spare no expense.

The first day, they go fishing, but they don’t catch anything. The same thing happens on the second and third day. Finally, on the last day of their vacation, Jimbo catches a fish.

As they’re driving home, they’re really depressed.

Jimbo says to Mary Ann, “Do you realize that this one lousy fish we caught cost us fifteen hundred bucks?”

Mary Ann says in astonishment, “Wow! Then it’s a good thing we didn’t catch any more!”

Vacation Trivia

1. How did the Disney park called Epcot get its name?

a. It is the Latin word for “universal”

b. It is an acronym for “Eat, Play, Create, Observe and Transform”

c. It was the name of Walt Disney’s childhood dog

d. It is an acronym for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow”

2. How many Smithsonian museums and galleries are there in Washington, D.C.?

a. 10

b. 13

c. 17

d. 19

3. Which country attracts the most yearly tourists?

a. France

b. U.S.

c. Italy

d. Japan

4. According to the Bureau of Transportation

Riddle Me This

Statistics, which of the following airlines has the worst on-time percentage?

a. Delta

b. JetBlue

c. United

d. U.S. Airways

5. Which national park gets the most yearly visitors?

a. Great Smoky Mountains

b. Grand Canyon National Park

c. Yosemite National Park

d. Yellowstone National Park

6. Which hotel chain has the largest presence in the U.S.?

a. Marriott

b. Hilton

c. Wyndham

d. Starwood

7. Which state has the most ski areas in the U.S.?

a. Vermont

b. Utah

c. Colorado

d. Wyoming

e. New York

Answers: 1-D

2-C

3-A

4-B- Would you believe it? We all love JetBlue, but this year, the airline came in at the bottom of the top five, with Delta Airlines coming in on time 84.8% of the time.

5-A- Great Smoky Mountains Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, draws more than nine million visitors a year, twice the number of any other national park.

6-B- Hilton has 3,382 hotels and 506,455 rooms in the U.S. (Don’t ask me how many bars of disgustingsmelling soap that is.)

7-E- New York’s 52 ski areas are the most in the U.S. Wisdom key:

6-7 correct: You know everything about vacations. You are the Ritz Carlton of vacation knowledge.

3-5 correct: You are mediocre when it comes to vacation, kind of like a Hamptons Inn.

0-2 correct: You really are off the mark when it comes to vacation. We’ll leave the lights on for you.

The Schwartz family is on vacation and trying to find the hotel that they booked. They stop and ask someone for directions, and he says that the hotel is one mile south of their location. This story takes place in New Jersey where it is practically impossible to turn around with all those concrete barriers separating the opposite lanes of traffic. The kids are hungry and tired and want to get to the hotel. Mr. Schwartz tells his kids that he is a magician (because he’s got to entertain them before they reach the breaking point). He says to them, “OK, kids, I will point this car north, drive it for one mile, and without turning around, we will end up at our hotel.”

How does he do it?

Answer: He drives his car in reverse.

Notable Quotes “Say

What?!”

It’s been a long week, and I’ve seen a lot of stuff. I’ve seen a lot of stuff suggesting I’m this, suggesting I’m that. Here’s one thing I feel: I feel like everybody’s entitled to their opinion. You can think something all you want to, it doesn’t mean it’s true, right?

- Country star Jason Aldean responding to a barrage criticism from the woke mob for a new song called “Try That in a Small Town,” the lyrics of which say that if criminals tried pulling off their crimes in a small town they’d be shot

What I am is a proud American. I’m proud to be from here. I love our country, I want to see it restored to what it once was before all this [garbage] started happening to us.

- Ibid.

I did release the handlebar and do a fist pump –twice.

Women who don’t like children are a massive glaring red flag visible from space. It’s irrelevant how they feel about dogs.

- Tweet by The Daily Wire’s Matt Walsh

- Michael “Hoogie” Hoogerwerf, 70, recalling receiving the news that he won the $1 million lottery while on a motorcycle run

I believe him now, absolutely. Or this is the best prank ever.

– Hoogie’s daughter, after joining him at lottery headquarters

If you must be outdoors, consider wearing an N95 mask to help reduce your exposure to toxins.

- From a New York Times article titled “Is It Safe to Go Outside? How to Navigate This Cruel Summer”

Why does Israel get under your skin? Because it’s democratic, pro-American, or Jewish? You don’t get worked up about massive human rights violations in China, Iran, Cuba, & Venezuela. You all would fit in great with the antisemites at the United Nations.

– Former South Carolina governor and Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley in a tweet aimed at Alexandria OcasioCortez (Dem/Socialist-NY) and other radical leftists in Congress who voted against the recent resolution in support of Israel

It is well known that I am not overly humble. Objectively, if, heaven forfend, Bibi disappears one day…and we find ourselves facing deterioration with regard to the Hezbollah or Iran and a socio-economic crisis, and someone has to make hard decisions…then objectively I am more suited than anyone else...in the country to take the driver’s seat.

- Anti-judicial reform leader Ehud Barack, in a recently disclosed video from three years ago, in which he is talking about creating a civil war in Israel to get into power

I have a friend who is a historian and who once told me: “Ehud, they will call on you [to lead] when dead bodies float in the Yarkon River,” but I wish to emphasize that the bodies will not be those of workers who infiltrated from the “territories” nor those of Israeli Arabs. The bodies that float will be those of Jews killed by Jews.

- Ibid.

We ask for your prayers for Carlee as she addresses her issues and attempts to move forward understanding that she made a mistake in this matter.

- Police Chief Nick Derzis, after it came to light that Carlee Russell, an Alabama woman, had lied that she was kidnapped and that she saw a toddler alone on a highway

Vivek Ramaswamy is now beating DeSanctimonious. Christie dead as his stomach band. “Aida” Hutchinson a solid minus 1%. I’m up 44 points!!! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.

– Social media post by Donald Trump

I often say, and I mean this sincerely, Wall Street — good folks down there — but they didn’t build the middle class. They didn’t build America. The middle class was built by the middle class.

- Pres. Joe Biden during a speech in Philadelphia

To what everyone from Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal has become my change, my different philosophy, they, I don’t think they started off trying to be complimentary because they started calling it Bidenomics. And our plan is working, Bidenomics.

– Ibid.

President Joe Biden has reportedly asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop pushing through a “divisive” judicial overhaul bill amid protests. This is the same Biden, incidentally, who crammed through a massive, highly “divisive,” generational spending bill with zero votes from the opposition; the same guy who regularly rules by unconstitutional executive diktats; and the same guy who has done more to delegitimize the Supreme Court than any president in modern history.

– David Harsanyi, The Federalist

A Mother’s Plea: Bring My Son Home

By Brendy J. Siev

On August 1, 2014, Leah Goldin’s youngest child, Hadar, was killed in a tunnel in Gaza.

It was two hours after a cease fire, brokered by the United Nations, the United States, and the European Union, was declared between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

It was five weeks before his wedding.

His chuppah never happened.

Nor did his levaya, his funeral.

Hamas has yet to return Hadar’s body to his family. And Leah has not stopped fighting to get it back and give her son the burial that all human beings are entitled, the chessed shel emet that all Jews deserve.

“Hadar was gifted. He was a beautiful son,” Leah says. “He was an artist, an intellectual. He had an intellectual view on everything.”

Indeed, in the years following his death, Hadar’s art has traveled the world, and his writings have been published. In 2016, his drawings were exhibited at the UN. They traveled the United States, starting at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. His explanation of Mesilat Yesharim was printed and widely distributed.

Hadar is one of Leah and her husband Simcha’s four children. His oldest sister, Ayelet, lives in Ramat HaGolan. His brother, Menachemi, resides in Yerushalayim. And his twin brother, Tzur, just had a newborn daughter.

In 2014, when Hamas rained thousands of rockets into Israel, Hadar Goldin was focused on his upcoming nuptials. He had designed and drawn his wedding invitation and was looking forward to a life of love and shalom bayit, not combat. Then, Israel launched Operation Protective Edge and sent their soldiers into Gaza to blow up the tunnels and stop the violence.

Tzur was assigned to rescue missions. He took the wounded out of Gaza and got them to safety and medical care. He rescued Israeli soldiers, and he also rescued Palestinian civilians who were caught in the crossfire or used as human shields.

Hadar was a Givati soldier, who was tasked with protecting engineers involved with eliminating the tunnels that bring terrorists into Israel. After the ceasefire,

Hamas fired on Hadar’s team, killing three soldiers, including the commander, and abducting Hadar into a tunnel. When a group of soldiers attempted to rescue him, they were unsuccessful.

The day was dubbed “Black Friday,” and the IDF initiated the Hannibal Directive, attacking the area, in an effort to save Hadar.

It was too late.

“We have been struggling for his body since then,” says his mother.

It’s been nine years.

The fifth day of Av will be Hadar’s ninth yahrtzeit, or hazkarah. On that day, the family be holding a major event called “Lizkor U’Lihzkir,” or “To Remember and to Remind,” that Hadar “must be brought home.” There will be singers and speeches, and friends and supporters will join the Goldins at Mitzpeh Hadar, the park they built in his memory outside his hometown, Kfar Sabba.

Through this all, Leah Goldin has been a true Jewish mother: dedicated, powerful, and relentless. She has traveled the globe to find allies who can pressure the Palestinian Authority to release her son’s body to her. She refuses to be daunted or drawn into political discourse on this. During covid, she met with Robin Meyerson of Momentum, an organization that has helped her reframe and finetune her message.

“Hadar is a victim of a ceasefire rather than a victim of a war,” Leah tells people. The ceasefire was brokered by the UN, the U.S., and the EU. “They are therefore responsible to bring him back.”

The Goldins stress that the UN is obligated to assist under UN Resolution 2474, which calls on member states to assist in repatriating prisoners of war and the remains of civilians and soldiers.

This legal framing of her case has enabled her to meet with world leaders and has garnered sympathy and assistance from them. Before December 25 of this year, she went to the Vatican to meet with the Pope. A month ago, she traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, to meet with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Last week, she joined Israel President Herzog’s delegation to the United States to meet for the third time with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres.

The Palestinian Authority has been using Hadar’s body as a “bargaining chip,” Leah asserts. “A bargaining chip for terrorists.” They say they will release Hadar, but only if Israel releases living terrorists from Israeli prisons.

That is an untenable solution.

Instead, Leah continues her crusade, meeting with powerful people in the hope that they can exert their power to leverage a proper burial for her son. In these meetings, Leah defines her case as a humanitarian one. The fact that the body has not been released is in direct violation of international humanitarian law. This means that those who violate it should not receive humanitarian aid or support.

This is not about politics, she stresses. This is about human rights. This is about religion and religious burial rights.

“It is the responsibility of Jewish people to bring our boys to kever Yisrael,” Hadar’s mother says.

Then she boards the next plane to bring a mother’s plea to another understanding listener, one who can hopefully convince those holding her son’s body to send him home. It is a Jewish mother’s plea for a final resting place for her child.

Leah and Simcha Goldin with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

Stories to Inspire Beyond Medical Expertise

Based on a story told over by Rabbi Paysach Krohn Prepared for print by Daniel Agalar

There was a man in his early forties who suffered from a severe illness, causing concern for his wife and children. The doctor expressed hesitation in performing the necessary operation, fearing the man’s possible demise on the operating table. He advised the man’s wife to seek approval from a higher authority, such as a renowned doctor from a prestigious hospital, to take responsibility for the procedure. Pondering who the highest authority she knew could be, she recalled her husband’s past association with Rav Moshe Feinstein during his time at Tiferes Yerushalayim.

With determination, she decided to approach Rav Moshe and seek his guidance. A few days later, the doctor called and inquired if she had consulted a higher authority. Calmly, she replied that she would be going the next day. Perplexed, the doctor questioned which doctor she was referring to; she clarified that she intended to consult a rabbi.

The doctor was incredulous, unable to fathom seeking a rabbi’s opinion on a medical procedure. He argued that a rabbi lacked the necessary medical background to make such a decision. Unfazed, the wife asserted that the rabbi was the highest authority she recognized, as per the doctor’s request for a “higher authority.”

Astounded and curious, the doctor requested to accompany her to meet the rabbi, as he wanted to witness the situation firsthand. She agreed, and the following day, they visited Rav Moshe at his residence on FDR Drive. Rav Moshe warmly welcomed them and inquired about the severity of the illness and the operation’s details.

As the conversation progressed, Rav Moshe mentioned that he was trying to recall the husband from his yeshiva days twenty years ago. The wife, eager to assist his memory, presented a picture of her husband during his time at the yeshiva. Upon seeing the picture and recognizing the young man, Rav Moshe was moved to tears.

operation should proceed but with an additional commitment from the sick man. He was to undertake that from that point forward, every blessing he recited would be said aloud, so those around him could respond with “amen.”

Rav Moshe explained the significance by highlighting the numerical value of “amen,” which is 91. Remarkably, the Hebrew word for “angel,” “malach,” also holds a numerical value of 91. Thus, whenever a person recites a blessing and someone responds with “amen,” they create angels who serve as protectors.

Armed with this newfound understanding, the man underwent the operation while adhering to the commitment of reciting blessings aloud. He also encouraged others to do the same, enabling him to answer “amen” to their blessings.

The operation was a success, and the man had the privilege of living for many years following the procedure, diligently reciting blessings aloud and responding “amen” to others.

Witnessing Rav Moshe’s genuine care and concern, the doctor turned to the wife and remarked that he now understood why a rabbi could make such a decision. He believed that someone who could empathize and shed tears over another person’s illness would be guided to the right decision by Hashem.

Rav Moshe then shared a profound insight that has the potential to transform lives. He advised that the

Daniel Agalar is the founder of Stories to Inspire, an organization dedicated to sharing curated inspirational stories from renowned rabbanim. With a widely popular podcast that has surpassed 4 million downloads, Daniel’s passion for spreading positivity shines through. Join the daily WhatsApp broadcast by messaging 310-210-1205 or explore over 4,300 stories on his website at www.storiestoinspire.org. The stories can also be accessed on the hotline at 718-400-7145.

Unfazed, the wife asserted that the rabbi was the highest authority she recognized, as per the doctor’s request for a “higher authority.”

Dating Dialogue What Would You Do If…

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

I am 24 years old and have been dating for a year.

Although I have gone on several good dates, I haven’t progressed past four dates with any one girl.

Can you give me tips on how to get me to the next level? I feel that after 3 or 4 dates, we sort of “max out” and things plateau from there.

Thank you, Avi*

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.

Avi, it’s smart to ask for some suggestions to bring your relationships to the next level, however, you don’t share much about yourself.

Here are some questions to ask yourself that may help. Am I varying the settings of the dates? Do I bring a sense of fun and spontaneity to things? Do I have the courage to be vulnerable on dates or am I trying to impress too much? Do I show myself as I am expected to be? Do I ask follow-up questions and am I an active listener? Am I measuring the young woman according to a checklist I have devised? What have I learned about myself during this year? What have I learned about my communication skills during this past year? Do I need some coaching?

The dating process is one of growth and self-discovery and not only about chemistry and the other person.

B’hatzlacha.

The Shadchan

Michelle Mond

After reading your question, a famous quote came to mind.

“The most successful people are not the ones who have all the answers, but the ones who are willing to ask the right questions and seek out solutions.”

You are on your way to success by virtue of the fact that you are asking these questions. You are correct to believe that there is something to uncover here. In the trajectory of dating, up until the fifth date, you are basically making a new, surface-level friend. Once date four and five

come along, you have known each other enough to be comfortable, are attracted, and want to continue to keep the ball rolling in the relationship. It is likely you max out here because your walls are up surrounding your vulnerability.

I would compare it to the following scenario. A person has three presents in front of him and can only open one. They are all packaged well. He starts with one present, and the wrapping paper is glued to the present itself. He tries ripping it off, piece by piece, but it’s hard, almost impossible to see the item. At this point, the person will likely just give up and choose another present. A present is supposed to be comfortable, easy, relaxed; all the opposite of ripping glued wrapping paper off a gift inside it. When a person is building a relationship, there will be good dates and bad dates, it surely won’t always be positive. However, when the relationship is right, there will generally be a feeling of upward motion. You’ll feel like you are getting somewhere.

If a person’s walls are up, it affects both daters, not just you. It is in situations like these where I find singles get stuck in the place you are at. What you can work on is being vulnerable and open with your dates. Perhaps create the ambiance of date four as one that is more tailored fit to your date. Invest in a really thoughtful date; prepare a picnic in a nice park, make a reservation at a nice restaurant, or choose a venue that you know she’ll love based on something she has shared with you. Bring up topics of conversation that you know will interest her and do a lot of listening. Practice the art of active listening, and compliment when appropriate. Be open with your date, and try slowly to share things that are more than surface level. Getting vulnerable is part of what will help you and your date get closer and move forward to the next stage.

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

You are telling us that none of your dating relationships have progressed past the fourth date.

Let’s assume that it is not you who has

always been ending the dating relationships, and that it is not the girl who has always been ending the relationships, but that both situations are happening.

Let’s further assume that you have been planning meaningful dates. Instead of sticking to the usual coffee in a hotel lobby, or dinner at a local restaurant, I hope that you have been planning dates that allow for more meaningful interactions. Activities like going on a hike, volunteering together, taking an interesting class together, or visiting a fascinating museum exhibit all help prospective couples to get to know each other and, perhaps, develop meaningful relationships.

If both of those assumptions are correct, then the obvious conclusion is that you, like the hapless fellow in the Johnny Lee song, have been “looking for love in all the wrong places.”

Whether you find your dates through a shadchan, through work or school interactions, through online dating sites, or through singles events, you might wish to reevaluate whom you choose to date.

Have you been choosing dates based upon good looks? Religious upbringing? Educational or professional accomplishments?

After you have been dating for a year, and not coming close to finding what you’re looking for, perhaps your dating choices are flawed. Perhaps it’s time for you to redefine or modify your criteria.

Yes, it’s hard to change what you think you want, or need, in a life partner. But remember the famous George Bernard Shaw quote: “Progress is impossible without change.”

If you succeed, perhaps you, like Johnny Lee, will be able to sing:

“No more looking for love in all the wrong places.

Looking for love in too many faces… I bless the day I discover(ed)

You…”

Perhaps it’s time for you to redefine or modify your criteria.

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Pulling It All Together

The Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

Dear Avi,

Thank you so much for writing into the panel! First and foremost, you may benefit from a few sessions with a dating coach to help you figure this out. Tips and advice are wonderful and helpful, but a few sessions with a dating coach may help you figure out what exactly is going on and what is contributing to your not getting past the fourth date.

Speaking from experience working with people who have expressed similar experiences, there is often difficulty

with vul - nerability at play. Some people have a hard time shifting from chit chat and “keeping it light” to having the DMCs (Deep, Meaningful Conversations) about feelings, needs, the past and traumatic life experiences. If any of this resonates with you, and maybe even if it doesn’t, processing this and figuring this out with a coach may be just what the doctor ordered.

General dating tips to help you move past the fourth date:

1. Make sure you are choosing your dating candidates wisely, based on values and non-negotiables.

2. Notice if you are interested in seeing the person again. There should be a feeling of interest and curiosity and wanting to know and learn more. You enjoy being in this woman’s presence.

3. Have a little fun! You do not have to sit at an airport lounge. Take a walk, go to the zoo, or a museum... do something a little out of the box. Sometimes, a stiff environment can stiffen a person right up.

4. Do you own hishtadlus. Are you holding back? Face yourself in therapy or coaching. Be open to self-exploration and considering: Am I afraid to open up? What is coming up for me as I think about

revealing all the parts of me to someone else?”

The most intimate, most passionate, most satisfying relationships are often shared between two honest, vulnerable spouses who aren’t afraid to emotionally show up. The work is hard, but the reward is priceless.

All the best!

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.

If a person’s walls are up, it affects both daters, not just you.

Start getting ready. Simcha is on the way! Lots of joy! How do I know?

Because I trust you. All of you.

I know just how you have been spending your last few weeks and what you’ve been doing:

-Holding doors open for others –even when you’re in a rush.

-Complimenting – more than usual – making that conscious effort.

-Calling that person who is lonely –even if it’s a hard conversation to have.

-Smiling at the lady next to you in line – even if you’re having a bad day.

-Buying an extra snack for someone else – and dropping it off when you’re running out of time.

-Even letting the other person cut in – without mumbling under your breath. Doing endless thoughtful things!

That’s what’s going to help to let the good times roll.

Life C ach Get Out Your Dancing Shoes

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

Years back, we were negative, doubting G-d’s ability to give us success in conquering the land of Israel. But we can reverse that negative energy with positive faith.

dentally, it also makes people feel great. Which, in turn, makes us feel great. Which, in turn, makes G-d “feel great.”

See how good it can be to take turns, after all?

can bring realities into being, davar. So let’s talk about good things and say good things, and thus infuse our world with positive energy.

And that way, we will bring to Life good things.

So, get out your dancing shoes, everyone. Simcha is hopefully just a few more good deeds away!

And I’ve got that positive faith in all of us.

You are awesome partners in changing the world.

When we do kind and thoughtful acts for one another, we reverse the baseless hate that took us down. Inci-

The Talmud says the month of Purim brings in joyful energy. The month of the destruction of the Temples brings in reduced joyful energy. But we are bigger than month energy. We’ve got creative energy.

Through speech alone, dibbur, we

Rivki Rosenwald is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with both couples and individuals and is a certified relationship counselor. Rivki is a co-founder and creator of an effective Parent Management of Adolescent Years Program. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or at rivkirosenwald@gmail.com.

You are awesome partners in changing the world.

Common Cents Bunching and Deducting: The One-Two Punch to Lower Taxes

Who said tax planning can’t be a bunch of fun? Buckle up, as we unravel the gift that keeps on giving: the savvy strategy of Charitable Bunching.

Some Tax Basics

Under U.S. tax law, taxpayers have two options: take the flat, no-questions-asked standard deduction (IRC § 63(c)), or go through the process of itemizing deductions (IRC § 63(d)). The standard deduction is a specified amount that reduces your taxable income, no receipts required. On the other hand, itemized deductions allow taxpayers to list eligible expenses (like home mortgage interest, state and local taxes, and charitable contributions), which can provide a larger tax break if their total exceeds the standard deduction.

The charitable bunching strategy is a tax planning tactic that takes advantage of the standard deduction and itemized deductions system in U.S. tax law. Under normal circumstances, taxpayers might spread out their charitable contributions evenly across multiple years. This often aligns with how people choose to make their charitable donations. However, with a charitable bunching strategy, taxpayers “bunch” multiple years of charitable contributions into a single tax year. This results

in a larger itemized deduction for that year. In the following years, without the bunched charitable contributions, the taxpayer’s itemized deductions might be less than the standard deduction. In these years, the taxpayer can opt for the standard deduction, which will provide a larger tax benefit than their remaining itemized deductions otherwise would.

By alternating between years of itemizing deductions and years of taking the standard deduction, taxpayers can maximize their total deductions over time. This strategy is especially effective for taxpayers who have itemized deductions that are close to the standard deduction.

Sample Scenario

Consider a married couple filing jointly, and have a taxable income of $240,000. Their state and local taxes amount to $12,000, and they pay a total of $13,000 in mortgage interest. They also give $5,000 annually to charity. The standard deduction for 2023 for most married couples filing jointly is $27,700.

In a normal tax year, without any special tax planning, their itemized deductions would total $28,000 ($10,000 in state and local taxes [subject to the “SALT Cap”] + $13,000 in mortgage interest + $5,000 in charitable contri-

By Elliot Pepper, CPA, CFP®, MST

butions). Since this is higher than the standard deduction, the couple will likely elect to itemize deductions.

Incorporating Charitable Bunching:

Charitable bunching could allow the couple to increase their tax deductions over a period of years. Instead of making the usual annual contribution of $5,000 to charity, they would bunch several years of contributions into one year. For example, they could contribute three years’ worth of donations, or $15,000, in 2023.

This would increase their itemized deductions to $38,000 ($10,000 in state and local taxes + $13,000 in mortgage interest + $15,000 in bunched charitable contributions) for the year 2023.

In 2024 and 2025, without the charitable contributions, their itemized deductions would be $23,000 ($10,000 in state and local taxes + $13,000 in mortgage interest). However, they could take the standard deduction of $27,700 instead, which is $4,700 more than their itemized deductions. In fact the standard deduction in 2024 and 2025 will be higher as it is adjusted for inflation. At their marginal tax rate of 24%, this additional deduction could save them approximately $2,256 on their taxes over the 3 year period!

Bunching in Practice:

One of the biggest issues around the charitable bunching strategy is timing between the best time to deduct charity for tax purposes and when you want the charitable organization to receive the contribution. This is where a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) comes into play. A DAF allows taxpayers to make tax deductible contributions of both cash and appreciated investments (which has its own tax benefit) to an account that itself qualifies as a charitable organization. You then “advise” the account, hence the name Donor Advised Fund, on where and when to direct your already deducted

charitable contributions to the charity of your choice. Let’s say you intend to donate $5,000 to a local food bank annually. Your awesome CPA at Northbrook Financial has recommended a charitable bunching strategy to save taxes, but you don’t want the food bank to receive $15,000 this year, you want them to receive the same even $5,000 contribution per year. A DAF will allow you to maintain both the maximum tax deduction, by bunching up $15,000 this year, and preserve the personal intent by directing $5,000 distributions to the food bank annually.

Brokerages such as Fidelity, Vanguard, and Schwab all offer DAFs and many local community organizations and federations offer them as well. Review the requirements before opening – there are sometimes minimum contributions that are important to consider.

As with all tax planning strategies, the practical application will vary by person based on your circumstances. There are other technical tax considerations beyond the scope of this article, so be sure to consult with your tax advisor.

Common Cents is now digital on YouTube @CommonCents613

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

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

Years ago, we never would’ve thought that personal phones would be such a hot topic. Most likely that’s because cell phones didn’t exist. A child with a private line simply had an extension of the family’s phone installed in their own bedroom. A few parents gave their children a separate phone number. Usually, a private phone line was less for the child’s convenience and more to ensure the parents had use of a phone during their talkative child’s teenage years.

Modern technology provides previously inconceivable convenience and communication, yet along with that comes new challenges to parents. Having the internet on a computer is complicated enough; handing someone that same tech in a handheld device offers a whole new dimension.

Like every area of life, there are pros and cons. As adults, we can appreciate the convenience of online banking. I can check my balance, arrange transfers between accounts, and deposit checks before I start my day. I can even pay bills or reimburse a friend who picked up a grocery item for me. I can make doctor

Parenting Pearls

Phone Basics

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

appointments using text or email and send my parents videos of their adorable grandchildren.

Alternatively, the phone can be a handheld time waster that follows you everywhere. Frequent text and email checking, along with the rest of the phone’s capabilities, ensure we’re occupied for hours – often with little accomplishments to show. As hard as we work to filter what comes through, it’s still too easy for questionable content to gain entrance. Off-color jokes, foul language, and hurtful comments are shamelessly passed along – even to those who don’t appreciate such content.

Even for kids who don’t really need a phone, it’s considered “cool” and a status symbol with younger and younger students asking for one of their own. As every child informs their parents, “all the other kids have one but me” (author’s note: that’s rarely true). Surprised parents are facing this question earlier than they expect. For many families, phone ownership is not even a discussion topic as some already decided a phone is mandatory, while others consider it off-limits. It’s crucial that parents make this

decision together before giving over their final judgment and not appear conflicted with each other in front of their child.

I will preface this article by clearly stating I am hesitant to take on this topic. I urge each family to speak to their rav, rebbetzin or chinuch mentor to guide them in making a final decision. What follows are simply my humble thoughts, along with issues for parents to include in the discussion.

Know Thy Child

Children are unique, and phone requirements are no different. Some children attend school around the corner and rarely go off too far on their own. Other children have long commutes or are away from home often, whether for educational or social reasons. Many of our community’s teens dorm. While there are children who may truly need a phone to keep in touch with their parents, for other kids, it’s merely a status symbol.

Additionally, different personalities can handle different privileges. Some children are incredibly impulsive, while other children are more restrained.

There are children who are open with their parents and comfortable communicating, yet other kids will hide to avoid getting into trouble. There are children who can withstand peer pressure, and others who won’t be able to stand firm when others are pressing them.

We need to take into account both their communication needs and their unique personalities when deciding phone conditions.

School Rules

Most of our community’s children attend private schools. Each yeshiva has their own policy regarding many areas such as clothing, internet, and vacation choices. The regulations regarding phone ownership are usually clearly delineated.

Speaking to parents, I know how emotional families can get regarding the rules and regulations that come in that handbook. This article is not the place to discuss what role school guidelines should play in their students’ lives; I will leave that argument for others to enjoy.

What is relevant to our topic is the attitude we are giving over to our child. It’s no secret that a number of parents

choose to not follow each rule for their family as set out in that handy guide. Your child may or may not know if your family follows each guideline, such as if your internet filter meets school regulations. Conversely, your child will see clearly if you allow – or encourage – a phone the school has banned. They will also notice if you permit them to “hide” the phone during school hours if that’s forbidden. When we openly allow our children to flaunt school guidelines, we are setting them on a path to disregard the school’s overall educational influence.

Positives and Negatives

Like most things in life, there are both positives and negatives. Knowing both sides can help in decision making. I’ll only be mentioning some of the more common issues parents may be facing. Having a cell phone allows children to easily communicate with their parents wherever they are. That ease of calling is a major safety feature. Wherever they may be, they can call us and

the natural freedom they need in order to develop.

Many of our youth use their phones to text and socialize. It can be hard on a teen to be left out of their friends’ conversations. Phones keep kids connected with each other in ways unavailable with landlines. Alternatively, texting can create poor social skills, bullying, and other hateful behavior. Knowing your child and their peer group is an important part of deciding how a phone will affect your child socially.

For children and teens who are ready, it can be a good opportunity to educate them on appropriate phone usage. Based on how the world is moving, it looks inevitable that our children will eventually become cell phone users. It’s important that our future adults learn how to use their device properly prior to going out in the “real” world. This productive education can only happen for children that are ready, though.

Cell phones can be incredible time wasters, and children have been known

text have been used for bullying and other aggressive behaviors. Naive youth have unwittingly given out their personal information to unreputable individuals.

Smart or Not Smart?

There are many options when it comes to cell phones. While most children want the newest phone – bells and whistles included – parents have many choices to pick from.

Most kids are probably begging for smartphones. These handheld computers do everything – sometimes they even make calls! Many chat groups and other apps will only function on a smart device. Parents that choose this option for their child can bring the phone to any number of professionals who can help block services that parents feel are not beneficial for their child.

Flip phones, often called “dumb phones,” are making a comeback. Now called “feature phones,” even those outside the Jewish community are valuing what a basic phone offers in terms of con

ture phone” can’t do the job. This can be a nice compromise for parents who want their child to have a phone that doesn’t support certain apps. Parental oversight may still be necessary as parents may not have a strong filter installed.

I won’t be popular with the kids when I say this, but not every child requires a phone. Some parents may choose to not provide their child with a personal device at all. Parents then have the choice of whether or not they want to have onhand an inexpensive “family phone” for emergencies or just for those times they want their child connected, such as for a long trip.

As the world changes around us, parents must continuously adjust. Taking into account our children’s needs, while davening for siyata dishmaya, can help us make the best decisions for them. Whatever we do, let’s make sure we stay connected to our precious youth.

Forgotten Her es Heroes Who Deserve to be Remembered

By Avi Heiligman

The list of Jewish Americans who have been cited for bravery and gallantry in action is quite long. There are documents and books that list many of these heroes, but they usually just mention a few details of their stories, like the name of the service member, their rank, hometown and awards received. Detailed research will often bring to light their actions that are rarely mentioned. This column has often written about these service members, and here are a few more Forgotten Heroes from World War II.

Alvin Hyman was a technical sergeant from Reading, Pennsylvania, and served with the 28th Infantry regiment, 8th Infantry Division. The division landed at Normandy almost a month after the invasion and saw action in Northern France, the Hurtgen Forest, the Rhineland, and ended the war fighting in Germany.

On February 24, 1945, Hyman’s battalion was fighting in Duren, Germany, when they ran into heavy gunfire coming from a pillbox. The men were pinned down, but Hyman took action and single-handedly assaulted the German position. He threw grenades into the pillbox and killed five German soldiers. Twenty-five other Germans came out of the pillbox and surrendered to Hyman, who was now out of ammunition. Hyman received the Distinguished Service

Cross for that action and the Bronze Star for fighting off a German attack in late 1944. After the war, Hyman settled in Baltimore, where he became a furniture salesman and was very active with the Jewish War Veterans organization.

Before joining the submarine service, Lieutenant Lawrence Savadkin of Forest Hills served on the destroyer USS Mayrant (DD-402). The Jewish engineering officer was with the ship following the North African invasion in late 1942. On July 26, 1943, the ship was attacked by German dive bombers. The Mayrant ’s engineering section was flooded, which usually spells disaster for a ship. However, due to the actions of several officers including Savadkin, the ship was saved. Even though he was wounded, Savadkin directed the able men of the section in both assessing and repairing the damage. Savadkin was awarded the Silver Star for his courage in saving the ship. As a side note, the ship’s executive officer, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr., the president’s son, was also awarded the Silver Star for saving the life of a badly wounded sailor.

Savadkin soon transferred over to working on submarines and was assigned to the USS Tang (SS-306) for the submarine’s fifth war patrol. Under Commander Richard O’Kane, the Tang sank a record 33 Japanese ships totaling over

116,000 tons. Savadkin was the assistant approach officer while on board, and his skills were on display when he assisted in the sinking of over a dozen ships while on patrol. One of the enemy ships was a destroyer, and this came at a time that the Japanese could ill afford to lose any ships at all. On October 24, 1944, the Tang approached the center of a large convoy headed to reinforce the garrison in the Philippines. The Tang sank a tanker and a large transport.

Erratic torpedoes caused many problems for American submarines, and the Tang’s incredible run was about to end. Early the next morning, the Tang fired her 24th and final torpedo. The torpedo made a circular run and hit the submarine, causing her to sink. Only nine sailors survived, including O’Kane and Savadkin who had been trapped in the flooded conning tower. He helped another sailor clear the submarine and made the ascent to the surface by finding a huge air bubble. The surviving sailors were taken prisoner aboard a Japanese destroyer and were eventually sent to the Ofuna interrogation camp where they were beaten and tortured. Savadkin was held at a POW camp until the end of the war. For his actions on the Tang, Savadkin was awarded the Navy Cross in addition to the POW Medal and the Purple Heart.

There are only a few Jewish aces that fought for the Americans during World War II. Robert Seidman from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was one of these pilots flying in the P-38 Lightning. The P-38 was an interesting-looking fighter plane as it had two piston engines with a distinctive twin boom design. Seidman was assigned to the 49th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group, Fifteenth Air Force that was in action in the Mediterranean. Seidman shot down five enemy planes, achieving the revered status of ace pilot. On May 14, 1944, he was killed by anti-aircraft fire while on his 50th combat mission near Aviano, Italy. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star, the Air Medal with eleven Oak Leaf Clusters and the Purple Heart for his achievements and bravery in the air.

The extraordinary actions of these men rightfully earned them decorations. Although their names are rarely seen outside of old headlines and military history books printed decades ago, these Forgotten Heroes deserve to be remembered.

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

Robert Seidman, right, with Lt. Joseph Havrilla

The USS Tang Captain Lawrence Savadkin

Richard O'Kane with President Harry S. Truman

Yehuda, 5

Eliana Lewis

U.N Fuentes, 5

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Today’s millennials and Generation Z have hit some speed bumps on their path toward financial independence—the dotcom crash of 1999, the Great Recession of 2007-08, and the Covid pandemic among them. Many seek whatever security they can find in traditional employment, then launch a side gig. Some of those side gigs feel a lot like work, like delivering for Instacart, recharging electric scooters, or renting rooms on Airbnb. Others are creative and fun, like starting travel blogs, creating online courses, or becoming online influencers, whatever that means.

The baby boomers and Gen Xers running the IRS are perfectly happy to share their success in the form of taxes on their profits. That means a generation of Americans who can still remember asking themselves, “Who’s FICA?” when they got their first paycheck is now asking themselves, “What’s a 1099?” But sometimes, a side hustle suffers a “failure to launch.” That’s when taxpayers discover Uncle Sam isn’t nearly as willing to subsidize the losses as he is to share the profits. It’s especially true if the side gig involves anything you might do just for fun.

The general rule is that if your side business loses money, you can use those losses

Your Money My Deduction Was This Big

By Allan Rolnick, CPA

to offset your salary from The Man. But if your hobby loses money, the “hobby loss” rule limits your deduction to your income from that activity. In other words, heads the IRS wins, tails you lose. (Now you know why Gen Z is so cynical.) The key to using those losses is to prove you started your side hustle with the intent to make a profit.

keeping a straight face when she found that Sherman didn’t operate Songswell in a businesslike manner, had no relevant expertise in video production, couldn’t substantiate the time and effort he claimed to devote to the business, and showed no success in similar ventures. Reading between the lines, it was clear she didn’t believe a

Homer, Alaska, 200 miles from his home in Anchorage. His biggest expense was an airplane he bought to shorten his commute— but he never got a pilot’s license to fly customers with him. He kept receipts but then just handed them to his accountant at the end of the year “to figure it out.” (That’s a direct quote from the taxpayer, and it’s also what the writers currently striking in Hollywood call “foreshadowing.”) Tax Court Judge Cary Pugh bought that Swanson knew how to catch a fish. But she wasn’t buying his ability to run a fishing business, and she disallowed his losses exceeding his paltry $7,554 in gross revenue.

Two recent Tax Court cases show how that necessary motive isn’t always easy to prove. Sherman vs. Commissioner involved an ER physician who moonlights as a guitarist. Dr. Sherman launched a side hustle called Songswell Productions to create music videos. He didn’t report any income, but deducted $87,674 for equipment, along with $17,084 in other expenses. Judge Courtney Jones may have had a hard time

word Sherman said, and she disallowed every dime of “alleged business expense deductions,” he claimed. (At least he wasn’t claiming losses from a DJing business, which is literally a job that some celebrities can do with one hand while holding a chihuahua in the other.)

Swanson v. Commissioner involved a retired bus driver who opened a charter fishing business with his 22-foot boat in

In Dr. Seuss’s classic Horton Hears a Who, we learn that “a person’s a person no matter how small.” Sadly, the same rule applies to your side hustle. Be sure to call us before you make any business decision so we can help you make the most of it!

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

That’s a direct quote from the taxpayer, and it’s also what the writers currently striking in Hollywood call “foreshadowing.”

In The K tchen

White Pizza

The recipe makes one 12-inch pie

By Naomi Nachman

My family loves pizza! Then again, what’s not to love, especially when you make it yourself? This dough recipe is quick and easy to make so you can throw together homemade pizza at the drop of a hat. It is one of the most popular recipes in my book Perfect Flavors.

When I make pizza for my family, I try to come up with interesting toppings. I recently made this one for my family even though I wasn’t sure if they would like a tomato-less pizza. Amazingly, it was a huge hit, and now I have gotten them to try all kinds of assorted toppings, sauces and vegetables on their pizza. (BTW, Australians love pineapple on their pizza!)

Ingredients

Dough

◦ 2 teaspoons dry yeast

◦ 1 teaspoon sugar

◦ 3/4 cup very warm water

◦ 2 cups flour

◦ 1 tsp. salt

Preparation

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Combine yeast, water and sugar in a bowl and let proof for 5 minutes, until bubbling.

Add flour and salt and knead for 2-3 minutes

until flour is well blended and a dough ball forms. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour. Roll dough to fit a 12-inch disposable pizza pan or pizza stone.

Ingredients

Toppings

◦ 1 cup ricotta cheese

◦ 1 cup mozzarella

◦ ¼ cup parmesan cheese

◦ 1 tablespoon olive oil

◦ 1 tablespoon milk

◦ ½ teaspoon garlic powder

◦ ½ teaspoon salt

◦ ¼ teaspoon oregano

◦ 8 oz. can pineapple chunks

◦ ½ small onion, sliced

Preparation

Mix cheeses, oil, milk, garlic powder and salt together in a bowl until smooth. Spread all over pizza dough, leaving a crust. Top with pineapple and onion and sprinkle with oregano.

Bake for 20 minutes at 450 degrees.

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