Community Happenings

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 25, 2022 Around the Community

A Spectacular Finish for YLX

YLX 2022 ended with a splash! The YLX Grand Pool Party Finale was hosted by the Walden family in North Woodmere. The boys enjoyed a well-earned event they won’t soon forget. A gourmet barbecue partially donated by Meat Maven and entirely arranged by R’ Lazer Weiss featured incredible food, grilled to perfection by Chef Sachi. R’ Lazer Weiss also manned two outdoor deep-frying units featuring a variety of fried delights. The excitement was not merely gastronomic. The boys enjoyed basketball, swimming, and music from the talented DJ Joe Weiser. Of course, YLX superstar Rebbe R’ Yoni Sokol had the boys dancing the night away.

This year’s YLX program was extra special. For the first time in YLX history, YLX was extended an extra week. “We had to,” explains YLX founder, Rabbi Aryeh Dachs. “The program this year was extra special.”

Rabbi Dachs relates that he was amazed at the remarkable success of the program this year. Over 100 boys attended YLX 2022 in both locations, Lawrence, and Inwood. “And the boys learned!” Rabbi Dachs adds.

More specifically, this year the boys learned a number of specially crafted YLX sugyos with their talented YLX Rebbeim. The focus this year was loosely centered around bein adam l’chaveiro. The boys studied sugyos in kibbud av v’eim, lo sirtzach, geneivas da’as, lo sachmod, lashon hora l’toeles. Rabbi Dachs is also proud of a new YLX minhag started this year by R’ Shuie Greeenwald and R’ Chesky Schreier in the Inwood location: a pre-maariv rikud! The YLX energy simply refuses to dampen.

YLX is a community program and could not exist without help from local donors and restaurant sponsors. Long-time YLX sponsor, Traditions, provides the boys of YLX with their famous poppers and fries once a week. Other establishments helped as well. These include Carlos and Gabby’s, Bogo Pizza, Holy Schnitzel, Sushi Tokyo, Meat Maven, and Gourmet Glatt. Thank you!

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 25, 2022 Rav Dovid Cohen Hails Dirshu’s New Chaburas Shas Program as Golden Opportunity For Avreichim

By Chaim Gold

The newest Dirshu program has already created waves of excitement in the olam haTorah. The Chaburas Shas program, Dirshu’s latest iyun program created for mature bnei Torah, is already gaining wide popularity and has been enthusiastically encouraged by leading senior Gedolim both in Eretz Yisrael and America.

Gedolim such as HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Chevron, HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Feivel Schustal, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Tiferes Yerachmiel, and HaGaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka, have all praised the program as a worthy one for bnei Torah who find satisfaction in a limud that combines iyun kal with a clear schedule of learning and chazarah that, over time, empower the participant to cover large parts of Shas with iyun.

The program began masechta Bava Kama this past Rosh Chodesh Iyar. Reports thus far from the lomdim have been effusive. The structure and, even more importantly, the maareh mekomos provided by Dirshu have enabled the more than 2,000 participants to learn ten blatt a month and not just learn them superficially but to really gain a grasp of the sugya with iyun and deep havanah.

The Chaburas Shas features the learning of two and a half blatt each week (an amud per day) with Friday and Shabbos consecrated for chazarah. There are two tracks: Track one is Gemara, Rashi and Tosafos with a thirty-question test every month. Track two features Gemara, Rashi, Tosafos, the special kuntress published by Dirshu with maarei mekomos of the primary Rishonim and Acharonim on the sugyos being learned.

Rav Dov Landau: The Program is Excellent and Has All the Maalos!

When the hanahala of Dirshu recently went to meet with Rav Dov Landau, presenting him with the details of the program and a sample of the maareh mekomos, he exclaimed, “The program is excellent and has all the maalos! For avreichim who appreciate this way of learning, it is wonderful!” The venerated Rosh Yeshiva concluded by saying, “Ashreichem! Yagdil Torah v’yaadir, the more Torah there is; the more Torah that is being learned, the greater the zechus.”

In the few months since its inception, the program has really caught on and numerous chaburos have already begun learning the program together. Many night kollelim have also adopted the program as their night seder program. Thus, a motivated avreich, in addition to his two main sedarim in the morning and afternoon, can acquire a comprehensive knowledge of many masechtos b’iyun during night seder.

On a recent trip to Eretz Yisrael, Dirshu’s Nasi, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, gave an iyun shiur in the sugya of Masechta Bava Kama in which the program was holding. The shiur was given in the Zvhill Beis Medrash right near the Mir Yeshiva of Yerushalayim. Many avreichim learning in the Mir participated in the shiur along with avreichim from yeshivos and kollelim from all over Yerushalayim. The well-attended shiur was received with great enthusiasm by the lomdim and afterwards, many of them expressed their deep hakoras hatov to Rav Hofstedter for providing them with such a program.

One yungerman said, “We should pay to be able to learn in such a program, but instead we are getting paid for excellent test results in the monthly tests!”

Rav Dovid Cohen:

True Gedolim Come from

Combining Iyun and Bekius

Perhaps the Gadol who has been most involved in the program and has accompanied it since the conceptual stage is HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen. Rav Cohen explained that the Chaburas Shas program is really rooted in the derech halimud of the great yeshivos. In the pre-war olam haTorah there were two schools of thought regarding derech halimud. One approach was to consecrate part of the day for iyun and part for bekius. “That is what was done when I was a bachur learning in the Chevron Yeshiva,” he said.

Indeed, Rav Moshe Mordechai Epstein, the Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka in Lita and Chevron, first in Chevron and later in Yerushalayim, writes in the introduction to his sefer Levush Mordechai, “A person should institute two separate sedarim, one of Gemara with tosafos b’iyun and the other half of the day a person should learn Gemara and become a true baki…”

Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer, who learned in the Volozhiner Yeshiva that preceded Slabodka, said that in Volozhin there were a few schools of thought. There were those who utilized all their time to learn solely b’iyun. There were those who only learned bekius and there were those who split their time, part for iyun and the other part for bekius. The true Gedolim came from those who combined and synthesized the two approaches.

The Middle Ground

There is, however, a middle ground between the derech of in-depth iyun and bekius. That is the derech that in today’s world is called “iyun kal.” Iyun kal means that you learn the same thing every day. You don’t split up the morning for full iyun and the afternoon for full bekius, rather you learn the same thing in the morning and the afternoon so that you are deeply immersed in the same sugya all day. However, in this method, you learn at a quicker pace than regular iyun. You don’t look at all the Rishonim. Instead, you pick one or two Rishonim. Similarly, you don’t learn all the Acharonim but focus on the primary kushyos from the acharonim. Then you continue to the next blatt. There were great Gedolim who strongly advocated this approach such as the Brisker Rav, Rav Shach and Rav Moshe Shmuel Shapira. With iyun kal, Rav Shach held that one could learn 60-70 blatt in one zeman! In Rav Shach’s opinion, this was the proper way to learn, and he often urged bnei Torah to cover more ground.

“That being said,” Rav Dovid Cohen continued, “the fact remains that in most yeshivos, iyun kal is not the derech halimud. Most yeshivos learn with great depth and we sit on one sugya for

Rav Dovid Hofstedter discussing the Chaburas Shas program with HaRav Gershon Edelstein in his home

Hanhalas Dirshu discussing the Chaburas Shas initiative with HaRav Dov Landau

days and sometimes even weeks. We go through the different Rishonim and the differences between them, as well as the Acharonim. We give hagdaros and sevaros on every inyan.

“I believe there are several reasons why this approach has been accepted in our generation. Firstly, this derech really guides a bachur into how to think, what is a good sevarah and what is not. Also, we have seen from experience that this approach has the power to truly connect a bachur to learning, to give him a taam and a geshmak in uncovering the depth in each word of the Gemara and the Rishonim. I feel that in our dor, deep iyun brings a talmid to have a deep connection with learning.”

Rav Cohen was then asked, “What about avreichim who are already advanced in learning? Shouldn’t they start learning in a way that they will finish masechtos and cover ground?”

Rav Dovid responded, “One cannot tell a yungerman who derives great satisfaction from learning deep iyun to transfer to iyun kal just because he needs to cover more ground. After all, iyun offers a deeper, better understanding of what one is learning. That is also a tremendous maalah. Therefore, if a yungerman is learning with great hasmadah and finds great satisfaction learning this way one cannot, and perhaps should not tell him to stop and change the way he learns. Of course, he must also have a bekius seder to learn masechtos. I do not hold that anyone should only learn iyun.

“I remember when Rav Nochum Partzovitz, who was the ‘shpitz’ lamden, delivered a hesped on his grandfather, Rav Leizer Yehuda Finkel, the Mirrer Rosh Yeshiva, he said that a person who learns iyun without bekius, is not really learning iyun and someone that learns bekius without learning b’iyun is not learning bekius.” Rav Cohen concluded, “Those bachurim who only learn iyun do not end up growing properly. Similarly, those bachurim who only learn bekius are also missing so much. I remember when I learned in Chevron, we learned bekius much quicker than they do today. We did about 4 blatt a week and the Mashgiach, Rav Meir Chodosh would push us to do five blatt a week. He would say, ‘What is your plan to finish Shas?’ In fact, Rav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz once told me that because of Rav Meir’s hashpaah, he ended up completing Shas while he was still a bachur learning in Chevron!”

The “Golden Opportunity” for Avreichim

Rav Dovid Cohen explained that one of the reasons he is so enthusiastic about the Dirshu Chaburas Shas program is because it offers a beautiful synthesis of bekius and b’iyun in what is today called iyun kal.

“When I was a bachur,” Rav Cohen reminisced, “and I learned bekius, after I finished learning the Gemara with Rashi and Tosafos I wanted to catch a glimpse of the rishonim and acharonim on the sugya. I would quickly look into the Ketzos Hachoshen, Avnei Miluim, Rabi Akiva Eiger, Rav Chaim Brisker, the Brisker Rav… There were otzros, treasures of kushyos and approaches to the sugya. It is a pity to forgo all those wonderful treasures! It took me time to find the treasures. The amazing thing about the Chaburas Shas program is that you don’t have to spend time looking for the rishonim and acharonim that shed light on the sugya. The maareh mekomos prepared by Dirshu has saved you the time it takes to look around. It is ready for you. Those maareh mekomos are a tremendous help to be able really penetrate to the heart of the sugya and to access the basic lomdus and ‘rayd’ on every sugya.

“In truth, the better a person understands the sugya, the better he remembers it. This is why the Iyun Kal program not only serves as an iyun seder but also helps your bekius, helping you retain the many blatt learned.”

Rav Dovid Cohen concluded, “I think the Chaburas Shas program presents a golden opportunity for all yungeleit. It gives you the best of both worlds. It allows a yungerman to truly be koneh bekius in large parts of Shas, if he perseveres, while simultaneously enabling him to really understand the tzuresa d’shemaatsa, the structure of the Gemara in a comprehensive way.

“Another tremendous quality of the program is that it is most often learned during night seder. Therefore, a yungerman can learn two solid sedarim in his kollel and then join Chaburas Shas and have another seder that will enable him to make a siyum haShas b’iyun kal in about twenty years.”

What an opportunity!

Iyun or Bekius?

A discussion with the Rosh Yeshiva of Ponovezh, HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein, shlita

Iyun or bekius? How much of each should one learn? Is there a formula? This is a very common question in the yeshiva world. Some bachurim are more drawn towards iyun, others get satisfaction from covering ground and knowing large amounts. What is really the best way?

Before Tisha B’Av this year leading members of Dirshu’s hanhalah posed this very question to the senior Gadol Hador, HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein, shlita.

It was the day before the massive Dirshu Hachana event attended by some 4,000 bachurim entering yeshiva gedolah. In past years, Rav Gershon was a main speaker at this gathering and was slated to address the kinnus in person, but he had been hospitalized a week earlier and therefore could not personally be present at the asifa. Nevertheless, despite his weakened condition he felt compelled to address Dirshu’s hanhalah at an informal meeting at his home around his kitchen table the day after he was discharged from the hospital.

“Should we focus on programs that stress depth and quality of learning,” was the question, “or should we focus on programs that stress quantity?”

Rav Gershon smiled and answered, “Both.” He said, “Dirshu should be offering both options. Options that stress more iyun knowledge of less material and programs that stress more bekius knowledge of more material.”

“If we offer bekius programs,” Dirshu’s Hanhala asked next, “shouldn’t we worry that people will choose one of the limudim and neglect the other?”

“You do not have to worry about that,” Rav Gershon replied. “The nature of a person is to learn b’makom shelibo chafetz, where his heart pulls him. People have different natures. Some people are naturally inclined to bekius and others to iyun. That is why I feel that you should have many types of programs. Each person will find the program that appeals to his particular skillset, the place that is libo chafetz.”

Dirshu then asked the Rosh Yeshiva about the age restriction in its Kinyan Halacha in-depth halacha program. Until now, Dirshu limited the program to avreichim over thirty years old who already learned in kollel for several years and now wanted to begin pursuing in-depth halacha learning. There are many people under thirty, however, who wish to join the program?

The Rosh Yeshiva replied that they should allow those under thirty to join as well. “There are young avreichim who will thrive learning in such a program.

“The main thing,” the Rosh Yeshiva repeated, “is that every person should learn in accordance with his natural inclination. Chazal teach us that this is the way to truly grow in Torah!”

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 25, 2022 Camp Simcha Celebrates Dedication of Expanded Silber & Scheiner Families Medical Center

On Sunday, August 21, Chai Lifeline unveiled the newly-renovated Silber and Scheiner Families Medical Center at Camp Simcha in Glen Spey, NY. Hundreds of campers, counselors, staff, and friends were on hand to celebrate the year-long project, which was dedicated by Mendy and Barbara Silber of Lawrence, NY.

“The Silber and Scheiner Families Medical Center serves as the heart of Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “The Silbers have been longtime friends of Chai Lifeline who care passionately about our mission. Thanks to their generosity and support, children with serious illnesses will continue to receive top-ofthe-line medical care while enjoying an unforgettable summer experience. This critical project is an investment in the future of Camp Simcha and will allow us to meet the growing camper population.”

Established in 2010, Camp Simcha’s state-of-the-art medical center rivals and, in many cases, surpasses the capabilities of many of the best facilities in the region.

The yearlong renovation added more than 2,000 square feet to The Medical Center, significantly increasing the facility’s overall capacity and ability to handle all forms of complex medical situations. The expanded facility features new patient exam rooms, inpatient rooms, doctors’ offices, a conference room, an onsite pharmacy/lab, a physical therapy center, a staff break room, a hospital-grade HVAC unit and filtration system, and an ambulance bay. In addition, the project also includes a variety of new life-saving medical equipment and supplies, such as an intensive care monitoring system, a medical transport cart, cardiac monitors, defibrillators, hospital beds, and more.

“Every summer, hundreds of children from across the globe come to Camp Simcha to forget about their medical challenges and just be kids,” said Nachman Maimon, director of Camp Simcha. “This critical project is an investment in the future of Camp Simcha and will allow us to continue to meet the growing camper population.”

Camp Simcha/Special is Chai Lifeline’s flagship summer program for children and teens with life-threatening and lifelong illnesses. To learn more about Chai Lifeline, visit www.chailifeline.org.

AMIT Annual Yom Iyun

AMIT supporters on Long Island came out in force to participate in this year’s AMIT Long Island Yom I’yun. More than 120 women gathered at the Sephardic Temple on Wednesday, August 3, for our 22nd annual event. This program was chaired by Rebbetzin Mimi Mehlman and is our day of learning for women by women. We were honored to have keynote guest speaker Professor Smadar Rosensweig, who shared her parents’ personal connection to the AMIT Kfar Batya Village and gave a powerful shiur on “What Is the Secret of Yerushalayim’s Kedusha and Centrality in Our Lives?” Her words were impactful and set us up in a meaningful way for the approaching fast. Many expressed their appreciation for such a wonderful program, and we look forward to next year’s 23rd AMIT Yom Iyun – Be”H – A Day of Learning For Women by Women.

Did you know? Kite flying was banned in Japan in 1760 because too many people preferred to fly kites than work

Republican candidate for Governor of New York Lee Zeldin visited the Nikolsburg shul in Woodbourne, NY, this week

Cross River Celebrates National Nonprofit Day

Cross River Bank (“Cross River”), a technology infrastructure provider that offers embedded financial solutions, celebrated National Nonprofit Day, a day which brings awareness to nonprofit organizations and their lifechanging impact on communities.

“Cross River is proud of our unwavering commitment to community,” said Miriam L. Wallach, Head of Social Responsibility at Cross River. “Whether in our backyard or in someone else’s, through both equity and sweat equity, there is a thorough commitment to doing what is needed, where it is needed. Top down, the pledge to ‘do good’ is at the very core of what we do.”

As a leading financial technology company reshaping global finance and financial inclusion, Cross River is deeply invested in supporting initiatives that help communities drive positive change for a better future. Cross River’s social impact spans philanthropic giving and social responsibility initiatives, including significant employee engagement.

Cross River matches employees charitable giving (up to $500 per employee), and so far in 2022, the global Cross River team has donated to a diverse range of charities close to employees’ hearts. These include, but are not limited to: financial empowerment, health and human services, economic development, education, family and children’s services, international relief, animal rescue, religious institutions and sports programming. Cross River also encourages employees to give back and provides every employee—remote or Fort Lee-based—with two paid volunteer days. To date, employees have volunteered in states beyond Cross River’s geographic footprint, including Texas, California, Louisiana, Washington and Pennsylvania. As the company continues to grow, so do Cross River’s community efforts, financial literacy programming and philanthropic giving.

Cross River’s giving arm, Foundation@ Cross River, seeks to foster programing and initiatives focused on health, education and community support. Foundation@ Cross River is a section 501(c)(3) organization funded by Cross River Bank that makes charitable grants and funds initiatives, programs and projects in both the U.S. and Israel that seek to provide nonprofit and community organizations with funds and services that they need to achieve their goals. Foundation@ is intentional about aligning its mission to support the Bank’s regulatory compliance requirements under the Community Reinvestment Act. Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, Cross River recognizes the role played by those that support the ongoing demands for services directly benefitting low-moderate-income communities and individuals, providing vital services like social services, job training, youth development programing and financial education.

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 25, 2022 Brachos and Love for Every Jew at the Nikolsburg Shul in Woodbourne, NY

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 25, 2022 Local Bike4Chai Riders Hit the Road For Chai Lifeline

Close to 650 cyclists clipped in for the 13th annual and largest ever summer of Bike4Chai. The twoday premier cycling event, which took place August 17-18, is the highest per capita experiential fundraiser in the world, with proceeds benefiting Chai Lifeline, the international children’s health support network. Joining the ride were 10 riders from Team Houston.

Bike4Chai began Wednesday morning, August 17, in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania, with riders taking part in a 50-mile endurance ride through the picturesque Pocono Mountains. In the early hours of August 18, riders departed on 60, 85 and 100-mile route options, each with fully stocked rest stops along the way featuring food, supplies and entertainment.

The ride ended at The World’s Greatest Finish Line, the entrance to Camp Simcha Special, Chai Lifeline’s overnight camp for children with chronic illnesses and disabilities in Glen Spey, NY. There, the cyclists were greeted by hundreds of campers, family, and staff members, who will celebrated along with them.

Forty-four members of the community joined the call of Team 5T Riders. Team captain Allan Lieberman of Woodmere has been participating in the ride for 12 consecutive years, since 2011, and his son Joshua is currently a counselor at Camp Simcha Special.

“I love the adventure of riding through the spectacular 100-mile route through the well-marked mountain roads of Pennsylvania and New York,” Lieberman said. “The pastoral and breathtaking scenery, the myriad of cyclists from all over the world, well stocked rest stops and grand finish line, makes the ride epic. The kids’ smiles at our arrival will last a lifetime.”

“Bike4Chai is a highlight of the summer for our campers and an important fundraiser which enables Chai Lifeline to support its more than 6,000 families throughout the year,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “Every cyclist and every donor plays a critical role in transforming lives impacted by illness. We are inspired and grateful for their dedication and efforts on behalf of our kids.”

Riders were comprised of all ages and skill levels, and include professional athletes, business leaders, cancer survivors, and many riding in honor or memory of a loved one. Joining the cyclists were 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, 17-time Tour de France competitor George Hincapie, Super Bowl-winning New York Giant Amani Toomer, and Stanley Cup-winning New York Ranger Mike Richter.

“In addition to being a world-class cycling experience, Bike4Chai is an opportunity for a group of riders from all backgrounds to come together for one incredible cause,” said Zevy Bamberger, director of Bike4Chai. “The atmosphere is one of comradery, inspiration, energy and determination.”

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Around the Community The Last Week at Simcha Day Camp was Filled with Non-Stop Fun and Excitement for Campers

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 25, 2022 Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion High School For Girls Faculty Learning Week

Learn to Create Magic

In the first week of August, our staff at Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion High School for Girls in Queens joined together for our annual faculty learning week. Throughout the week, the team reviewed their mission and values, discussed ways in which they can improve their systems, and learned new skills to make this academic year the most magical one yet. Mrs. Zeryiker, the Menahelet, created an agenda for the week that covered four essential questions that the faculty would use to guide them through this year of teaching, guidance and growth.

The week started off with the discussion of how our faculty can bring YSZ’s mission to life. As an innovative, student-centered, Sephardic girls high school, our mission is to inspire, challenge, and empower. Inspire our students to live as proud, passionate and deeply-committed Jewish women; challenge our students to think and be curious lifelong learners; and empower our students to develop their character become the best version of themselves and live a life dedicated to family, community, and purpose. On this day, the teachers discussed the importance of their mission and how to incorporate that into the learning and ultimately into the girls’ future. They took notes on how they can instill a love for Judaism in their students and promote student thinking all whilst in a warm, encouraging environment.

On Tuesday, there was a heavy focus on creating the proper culture for a positive, safe, and encouraging learning environment. After watching a clip on the Navy Seals, the teachers were put to the test. They were broken up into randomized groups to put together scrambled tiles with minimal clues. This was followed by a conversation on the importance of teamwork. The teachers discussed how they can apply teamwork in their classes to motivate and empower the students in their interpersonal relationships.

Mrs. Zeryiker then played a video for the teachers presenting two different classroom styles which followed by a discussion of what tools they can incorporate in their classrooms to facilitate an environment of curiosity, respect, and a love for learning. This was a powerful moment for the teachers, as they realized some societal norms for a classroom actually inhibit learning. They took this time to reflect and ponder on the techniques they will use to give over their robust curriculums.

Wednesday quickly became one of the most impactful days for the teachers. Mrs. Zeryiker genuinely believes that before entering the year, the staff needed to deeply understand their students on an emotional and psychological level. Therefore, this day there was a spotlight on learning about the social-emotional wellbeing of teenage girls.

Our staff took their time to educate themselves on the hopes, worries, and fears of average high school girls, so that they are better equipped to support their students and help invest into their futures. Our staff at YSZ truly cares for each individual student; we used this time to set ourselves up for success in nurturing student relationships within the classroom and beyond.

On the closing day, the faculty started off with a scavenger hunt of everything they learned throughout the week. After each teacher found something inspiring to share, the groups put together presentations and really made the lessons of the week concrete.

A growth mindset is essential for our staff at YSZ High School for Girls, as we wrapped up the eek discussing coaching throughout the year to consistently improve our roles as educators, role models and life-long learners. As Mrs. Binyaminov said in her reflection of the week, “For me, it’s a reminder that I’m a teacher but also a lifelong student.”

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Hillel Day Camp Says Goodbye to Summer 2022

How do we take a year’s worth of activities and excitement and put it into eight short weeks? The answer is simple: Hillel Day Camp 2022. This summer was an incredible action-packed Summer. Every single day, there were multiple trips, special events and entertainment, and relationships and bonds formed and solidified.

Our mini city of Hillel Day Camp became a mecca of fun and happiness where campers and staff were engaged in myriad activities run by the ultimate team of professionals, educators, and community leaders. It is a place where we brought together preschoolers and adults – and every age in between – to work and have fun creating memories that will last a lifetime.

On Tuesday evening, local and state officials gathered together at Cedarhurst Village Hall for a press conference addressing the growth of antisemitism and crime in New York and across the country. Assemblyman Ari Brown and Rep. Lee Zeldin, candidate for governor, addressed the crowd.

Brown, who organized the event, spoke about growing up in Franklin Square and experiencing antisemitism there. He spoke about the need to speak up about the growing incidents of antisemitism and questioned why no one from the Democratic Party bothered to come to the press conference. He noted that city and state universities are institutions that foment, or at least, condone antisemitism on their campuses.

Zeldin echoed Brown’s sentiments and urged the crowd to educate their youth. Education is key in combatting hate, he noted. Zeldin spoke about the need to revoke cashless bail in New York State and to stand up for the police department. He urged New Yorkers to stand together against hate. “We are stronger when we stand together,” he asserted.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman added that he wished that people from all parties would have attended the conference. “This should not be about politics,” he said. “This should be about human decency.” He noted that under Police Commissioner Pat Ryder, criminals know that Nassau County will stand up against violence. Blakeman underscored, “The message today is that we fight.” He urged New Yorkers to fight back and speak up against hate.

Councilman Anthony D’Esposito noted that the conference took place right before the concert being held for “Jewish night” at Cedarhurst Park. He said that that’s indicative of what needs to be done. “We can’t stay inside,” he said. “We will continue to speak out against any form of hate.” We need to go out and address these issues. And these issues, he noted, affect everyone – regardless of race, religion, or party affiliation. We need to stand together to combat it.

Professor Jeff Lax also addressed the crowd. He spoke about his experiences with antisemitism on college campuses and in the classroom.

As the conference came to a close, Brown reiterated the need to vote Republican in the upcoming elections, underscoring the problems with the “bail reform” and defunding the police movements.

Kitzur Shaar HaBitachon –The Concise Shaar HaBitachon of Chovos HaLevavos

A Revered Classic in a Unique, Concise Format

Published by ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications

Written almost a thousand years ago, Chovos HaLevavos is a revered classic, learned by every generation since. First published in the middle of the eleventh century, Chovos HaLevavos is the oldest, and still among the most intensely studied, of all the mussar classics. Its combination of penetrating logic and emotional fervor has made it a preeminent road to achieving perfect faith and trust in Hashem.

Shaar HaBitachon, the fourth section of Chovos HaLevavos, in particular, has been effective in giving strength and encouragement to people facing difficult and challenging situations in every-day life. It is easy to become despondent when trapped in circumstances from which there seems to be no escape. Only Hashem knows how many people in many countries and many eras have found comfort and encouragement through their study of Shaar HaBitachon.

As vital as Shaar HaBitachon is to understanding and living our lives, not every reader can explore each nuance. A new special “kitzur” – concise – edition published by ArtScroll/Mesorah is designed for readers who want to absorb the wisdom of Shaar HaBitachon but are not yet prepared to learn it in its entirety, as well as those who wish a concise review.

Rabbi Eliyahu Meir Klugman is a veteran senior editor of many of important ArtScroll works. He has taught Shaar HaBitachon for many years to people on many levels of knowledge and observance. In this new work, Kitzur Shaar HaBitachon, he abridges Shaar HaBitachon using the Chovos HaLevavos’ own words. The English translation and elucidation and many explanatory notes and insights are taken from the bestselling Jaffa Edition of the Shaar HaBitachon, and much of the seeming repetition and complexity, and many lesser-known verses cited as proof, have been omitted.

Not long after the publication of Chovos HaLevavos, two abridged formats – kitzurim – appeared, so as to facilitate rapid study and review of its themes and ideas. R’ Asher of Luneil’s version included a schedule for its completion on a weekly basis, whereas the kitzur authored by R’ Menachem ben Zarach envisioned a full review over the Ten Days of Repentance. In line with these ancient precedents, ArtScroll has produced this new concise edition of the Shaar HaBitachon.

For the contemporary English-speaking reader, this concise edition is perhaps the most accessible, understandable, and helpful guide to emunah and bitachon in existence.

The following is a brief excerpt from the new volume, focusing on the difference between emunah and bitachon. • • • • •

In Shaar HaBitachon, Chovos HaLevavos discusses the fundamental concept of bitachon in Hashem; that is, placing one’s trust in Hashem and relying on His providential management of one’s affairs.

The term bitachon is often translated as trust. However, bitachon means more than mere trust or faith. It means reliance on Hashem — recognizing one’s utter dependence upon Hashem and completely placing one’s faith in Him, so that one securely and confidently relies on Him to fulfill one’s every need. In fact, after studying the words of Chovos HaLevavos in Shaar HaBitachon, one realizes that there is no single English word that can fully capture the profound meaning of bitachon. In this work, we use both trust and reliance, interchangeably, as translations of bitachon. These are the most convenient English terms, but in all cases the reference is to a deep, profound level of trust and security that manifests itself in relying on Hashem completely in every aspect of life.

David HaMelech expresses this concept in the verse (Tehillim 55:23): Hashleich al Hashem yehavcha vehu yechalkilecha, Cast upon Hashem your burden and He will sustain you.

The Relationship Between Emunah and Bitachon

Emunah (faith, or belief) and bitachon (trust, or reliance) are closely related ideas, but emunah is conceptual, whereas bitachon is practical. A person with emunah knows in his mind and believes in his heart that Hashem can provide for all his needs but has not necessarily applied that faith in actual practice. A person with bitachon, however, leads his life in accordance with the knowledge and belief that Hashem provides for him. When facing a crisis, the person with true bitachon will not resort to desperate measures to save himself, nor will he take steps that are unbefitting him. Rather, he will deal with the situation in a way that reflects his conviction that only Hashem can help him, and any measures he takes toward resolving the crisis will be consistent with that attitude (Chazon Ish, Emunah U’Vitachon 2:2). The same applies with regard to the effort one invests in obtaining his income. As the Chovos HaLevavos explains in Shaar HaBitachon, the person with bitachon will seek his income in ways that demonstrate his conviction that he will ultimately receive no more and no less than Hashem has ordained for him.

The Ramban, in addressing the relationship between emunah and bitachon (HaEmunah VeHaBitachon, Ch. 1), explains that bitachon is an outgrowth of emunah: Emunah (faith) is like a tree, and bitachon (reliance) is like the fruit that the tree produces. Emunah can exist without bitachon, but bitachon cannot exist without emunah, for it is emunah that gives birth to bitachon. Recognizing and believing that Hashem controls all events enables one to actually rely on Hashem to fulfill one’s needs, whether in moments of crisis or periods of tranquility.

JCCRP Backpack Distribution

The JCC of the Rockaway Peninsula held its annual backpack and school supply distribution on Monday, August 22. Hundreds of families from the community received new backpacks, pencils, markers, folders, binders, and other necessary school supplies.

“We are thankful to UJA-Federation of New York for their continued generosity to our community,” said Allison Deal, Executive Director at JCCRP.

The event was held at the Mark Ramer Chesed Center in collaboration with Kosher Response and the Leon Mayer Fund.