Five Towns Jewish Home 1.05.23

few weeks ago, I was listening to NPR in the car. I always like to hear their version of the news. Their guest that hour was a film producer who was speaking about his newest film on the Nakba. The producer was discussing how he interviewed Palestinians who had been in Israel in 1948 or were descended from those who were in Israel during that time and witnessed “massacres” perpetrated by Jews during that time. He said that “waves” of Palestinians were slaughtered by Jews during the Nakba. The history books have no evidence of those atrocities happening. According to this producer, though, his narrative is correct – it is the Israelis who are wrong.

The backlash to his film has been critical, but the producer is insisting that his views are factual. When asked by the host of the show if he ever experienced violence because of the stance depicted in his film, the producer answered that if he ever returns to Israel he would be “very afraid. This new government is radical and anti-democracy. In Israel, I would be afraid for my life.”

The whole interview for me was pretty horrifying. To have a skewed narrative produced for the world to see and believe and take as truth is alarming. But even more disturbing was the narrative put out to the world about Israel’s newest government. “Afraid for my life”? Really?

But perhaps I shouldn’t be too shocked. Media headlines – throughout the world – have been talking about this most extreme, right-wing government that has come to power. The word “extreme” is a pejorative. It refers to something that is radical and fanatic. And that’s the most common description given to the 37th Knesset.

They say that Israel has a social media problem. It does. The Palestinians and those on the left know how to deftly use social media and the news to promote their agenda. Far too often, Israel, as a country, struggles with skewed images that make the front pages of newspapers and garner the most likes on Instagram.

And it’s not just Israel that has a media problem. Too often, headlines in newspapers depict the frum community in a negative manner. Far too often, the stories that are anti-Jew take up the most space in magazines.

Just this week, Agudah put up a billboard in Times Square to fight back against the anti-Jew narrative that the New York Times loves to portray. “12 New York Times Articles Against Orthodox Jews in 3 Months,” the sign says. “Please Stop Attacking Our Community.”

That’s exactly what the New York Times is doing when it puts out story after story denigrating our community: these are attacks. Sure, there are no knives or bombs involved, but the narrative given is a promotion and advancement of an anti-Jew sentiment. And when that position is prevalent in a respected newspaper, it helps to shape even more anti-Jew views.

The truth is, there is a way to fight back against our media problem, and that’s to call out the media when they foment this anti-Jew narrative. Hopefully, if we denounce their rhetoric firmly and confidently, they’ll be forced to back down.

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern, PUBLISHER publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Yosef Feinerman, MANAGING EDITOR ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Shoshana Soroka, EDITOR editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Nate Davis

Editorial Assistant

Nechama Wein Copy Editor

Rachel Bergida

Shana Brecher

Lani White Design & Production

Gabe Solomon Distribution & Logistics

P.O. BOX 266 Lawrence, NY 11559 Phone | 516-734-0858 Fax | 516-734-0857

Classified Deadline: Monday 5:00PM classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com text 443-929-4003

The Jewish Home is an independent weekly magazine. Opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. The Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The Jewish Home contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.

Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy

Dear Editor,

I wish to commend The Jewish Home for printing the story of faith of Yoram Skolnick. We cannot judge Yoram; we were not there, we do not know what he was thinking or feeling at the time, we do not know the circumstances he found himself in.

I have a few thoughts.

First, when we read such articles, we need to read them with a different set of “glasses” than we normally would. We must put ourselves in the shoes of “acheinu Bnai Yisrael” who live in Eretz Yisrael. I just returned from a short visit to Israel. The country has experienced numerous terrorist attacks in the last few weeks (or should I say, in the last many weeks, months and years). I was told, many times, don’t take a ride in a taxi with an Arab driver, always be aware of your surroundings, do not drive near a car with plates indicating the car is owned by an Arab, be on the lookout for a “chaifetz chashud,” a bag or box that is left or is out of place, etc. Israelis live with this realization every day. Their mindset, therefore, is different.

Second, unfortunately, I must say, many Israelis do not trust the police or the judges when it comes to cases like Yoram’s. There is too much anti- “settler,” anti-Dati, left-wing bias in that system. Too often, at the end of the day, the police and courts are proven wrong. Another reason to wear those different “glasses.”

And finally, wow. Where does someone find such faith, such emunah, even in the most difficult of situations? It is a lesson for us all.

We all pray for the good health and future success of Yoram and his family.

Rabbi Pesach Lerner Far Rockaway, NY

Dear Editor,

We read your article about Yoram. Yes, it is a shame the government acts as it does. I agree with Yoram – the only good terrorist is a dead one. All his points on the subject are correct in my opinion.

But I don’t live there. The people of Israel have to decide how they want to live and elect leaders who will make JUST laws.

My two cents. Best, A. Stiebel

Dear Editor,

There is a reason why we thoroughly enjoy reading TJH every week, and your explanation this week about the thoughts behind each issue reinforced my feelings. I bring in almost all the frum newspapers/magazines into my home. I feel that having kosher reading material for my family is so important, especially for the long

Continued on page 10

When I finish reading TJH, I am not stressed, my anxiety levels are not increased, I am not thinking about abominations that are taking place in other people’s homes. There is no gossip; it’s clean, kosher material.

Your Year in Review section highlighted that even more. Where else can you come upon a year in review section without barely a mention of Trump? That shows your chochma – you manage to entertain and inform and educate without having to fall upon trite and tired pieces of news.

Yasher kochachem on a wonderful publication!

Yarom Berger

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my thoughts on your recent “2022 Year in Review” issue. As a dedicated reader of your publication, I must say that I love your paper and I especially enjoy the annual “Year in Review” section, which is always thorough, informative and entertaining.

However, I believe it is important to remind ourselves that “New Year’s” is an arbitrary, secular institution, and we should be focusing on the Jewish year rather than the secular one. According to Judaism, the events of any given year are decreed and determined in the “Beis Din Shel Maylah” from one Rosh Hashanah to the next, not from January to January. By marking the year as 2022, we are prioritizing a secular calendar over our own rich and meaningful tradition.

I understand that it may be easier to organize and present information using the secular calendar, but as Jews, it is our responsibility to prioritize our own traditions and values. Perhaps in the future, your newspaper will consider using the Jewish calendar as the primary means of marking the passage of time and publish a “5783 Year in Review” section instead. It would be a meaningful and respectful way to acknowledge and celebrate our rich calendar.

Natan Farber North Woodmere

Dear Editor,

A few weeks ago, around Chanukah time, a reader wrote in about Chanukah “lights” that they saw around town and how it rubbed them the wrong way.

I still am thinking about that letter (I know it’s from weeks ago), and I figured that since Chanukah is long gone and I am still thinking about it, maybe I should write in to you.

I agree with the writer. There is something that rubs me the wrong way when I see huge blow-up figurines of “Chanukah figurines.” Add in “Chanukah lights,” and my antennae go up.

Holiday lights and figurines on lawns have – for many, many years – been a symbol of a very non-Jewish holiday. Why do some people feel that they need to copy those non-Jewish practices and use them for a very Jewish holiday? What’s next? Chanukah Maccabee scenes on people’s lawns to mimic the scenes we see on the lawns of churches around this time, chas v’shalom?

We are living in a wonderfully free time in history, b”H. It is at this time when we should be very proud of our heritage and our traditions. There is no need to take “traditions” from non-Jews and make them ours.

R. Kurtz

Dear Editor,

It’s true that Elon Musk must be taken with a grain of salt. But his success, revolutionary thinking, and barrier-breaking ability in business is not debatable. He recently delivered a quote on a podcast where he summed up his thinking behind how he decided to fire or retain personnel in relation to the recent Twitter shakeup. He said, “Anyone who is exceptional at what they do, where the role is critical and they have a positive effect on others, and they are trusted, meaning they’ve put the company’s interests before their own, should stay.”

I worked at some companies that were very team-oriented. Everyone felt they wanted to succeed for the good of the company’s mission. In such an environment, personal aspirations take a backseat to achieving the company’s goals. However, if you’re not in the right role to use your talents, you won’t be able to advance the mission.

Judaism is the same. We must be exceptional in our individual roles, but it must be for the purpose of advancing the nation. If we’re using our utmost abilities and talents, then we are perfecting the klal’s mission to the highest degree. The common understanding of using Vayechi as the name of the parsha is because Yaakov in his death is still alive, as tzaddikm never die. Perhaps another explanation is that Yaakov gave his kids purpose and life in his blessings to them. He defined what each one stood for and what their destiny should look like. In this way, each had a path in knowing where they must deliver perfection.

Steven Genack

Fatal Floods in the Philippines

No Bank Robberies in Denmark

Thousands of people in the Philippines were overwhelmed by flooding late last week. At least 51 people died in the floods; 19 others are still missing.

As the floodwaters receded, residents were forced to sweep away thick layers of mud from the floors of their homes. Others saw trees in their yards uprooted or their huts flattened by the heavy rains.

The Northern Mindanao region bore the brunt of the disaster, reporting 25 deaths, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Most of the deaths were from drowning and landslides, and among the missing were fishermen whose boats capsized.

Even after water subsided, more than 8,600 people were still in shelters.

Over 4,500 houses were damaged by the floods, along with roads and bridges, and some areas still struggle with disrupted power and water supply, the disaster management agency said.

Officials said the government are sending food and other essentials, deploying heavy equipment for clearing operations, and providing iron sheets and shelter repair kits. Teams from the capital Manila were sent to assist communities with limited clean water in setting up water filtration systems.

At least 22 cities and municipalities have declared a state of emergency. The move will allow the release of emergency funds and hasten rehabilitation efforts.

A shear line — the point where warm and cold air meet — triggered heavy rains in parts of the country last week, causing the floods, the state weather bureau said.

When asked why he robs banks, bank robber William Sutton supposedly said, “Because that’s where the money is.”

Well, in Denmark, there’s not a lot of money to be found in banks. And so, as the country goes cashless, bank robberies are becoming a thing of the past. There were no holdups of banks in 2022 in the Nordic country.

Criminals have found it no longer pays to walk into bank branches in search of a bag of crisp notes, as falling cash use in society has pushed banks to trim costs by pulling cash services from most branches.

In 2021, Denmark only had one bank robbery, according to data from Finance Denmark, the country’s largest industry group for lenders. That’s down from 222 just two decades ago.

Danes increasingly use cards and payment apps on their smartphones for transactions, causing cash withdrawals to drop by about three-quarters over the last six years, according to central bank data. In total, only about 20 bank branches across Denmark have cash holdings, according to Finance Denmark.

As cash disappeared from banks, robbers started targeting ATMs, with such attacks peaking at 18 in the year 2016. Those have also come down to zero amid better surveillance and technical protection.

Mexican Prison Break

A prison break in Mexico’s Ciudad Juarez on Sunday left 17 people dead and

5, 2023

14 allowed 25 inmates to escape. The attack on the jail took place over the weekend when armed intruders broke into the prison. The attack is a shadow of the violence in prisons that took place in that same city, which borders the U.S., last year.

Just a few months ago, in August, violence between rival gangs in the city left civilians dead. State authorities are investigating the case and looking for the escaped leader of the criminal group Los Mexicles, the federal government said.

National Defense Minister Luis Cresencio Sandoval said on Monday that “there was overpopulation at the prison” and that state authorities could have filed a petition to move excess inmates through a federal program.

Ciudad Juarez, which reached infamy in the early 2000s due to high rates of murdered women and for prolonged drug-fueled violence, sits just across the border from Texas. The attack on the prison may have been sparked by an attempt to free gang leader Ernesto Alfredo Pinon, known as “El Neto.” His cartel-linked group was also involved in the August shootings, federal officials said.

Extra National Guard forces and the army have been sent to the city to find and capture the escaped inmates. President

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s government has been criticized for its security strategy, informally known as “abrazos, no balazos” or “hugs, not bullets.”

The government has said its plan has been effective in reducing homicides.

Xi and Putin Meet Again

have little room to maneuver, making the relationship all the more important, albeit also a lot more complicated.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February, Putin has been isolated and highly dependent on China to maintain a semblance of diplomatic and financial stability. His needs have intensified in recent months as the Kremlin has suffered setbacks on the battlefield in a war that has killed thousands of civilians and left Russia’s economy vulnerable.

became the first pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.

When China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, and President Vladimir Putin of Russia declared a “no limits” partnership 10 months ago, the pair projected an aura of strength in a direct challenge to the United States and the West.

As the two leaders met again on Friday via video, they found themselves in positions of weakness, encumbered by geopolitical and economic threats to their informal authoritarian alliance. Both now

This month, Xi has seen his much-touted coronavirus pandemic strategy unravel and Covid-19 cases explode, marring the image he wants to present to the world as the leader of a superior political system. With the current crisis, he can neither fully throw his weight behind Putin and risk sanctions, nor abandon him and risk losing a key geopolitical ally to counter the West.

They betrayed little shakiness in their situations Friday, pointing in public statements to beefier bilateral trade and growing military cooperation. In a seeming nod to the strains, Xi acknowledged the “complicated and consistently changing international situation,” but said China was ready to improve “strategic collaboration” with Russia, according to a transcript of Xi’s remarks published by state media.

“As long as the two have the U.S. as their shared common threat, the convergence of their interests will outweigh the divergence,” said Yun Sun, the director of the China program at the Stimson Center, a Washington-based research institute.

Putin used the call on Friday to reaffirm Russia’s ties with China, calling them “a model of cooperation between major powers in the 21st century,” according to a readout by the Kremlin. He invited Xi to visit Moscow in the spring and suggested the two countries could overcome the “unfavorable external situation” together.

“We share the same views on the causes, course and logic of the ongoing transformation of the global geopolitical landscape, in the face of unprecedented pressure and provocations from the West,” Putin said. (© The New York Times)

Former Pope Benedict Dies

Over the weekend, former Pope Benedict XVI died. He was 95.

Benedict had led the Catholic Church for less than eight years before stepping down in 2013, citing health issues. He

Benedict spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the walls of the Vatican where he passed away on Saturday. On Thursday, his successor, Pope Francis, will lead his funeral. Until then, the body of Benedict will be lying St. Peter’s Basilica for hordes of faithful to visit the Pope Emeritus.

In his first public comments since news of Pope Benedict’s death broke, Pope Francis called him a gift to the church, describing him as a noble and kind man.

President Joe Biden – only the second Catholic to serve as U.S. president – said Pope Benedict “will be remembered as a renowned theologian, with a lifetime of devotion to the Church, guided by his principles and faith.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Pope Benedict as a “defender of traditional Christian values” in his New Year address to the nation.

Born Joseph Ratzinger in Germany, Benedict was 78 when, in 2005, he became one of the oldest popes ever elected.

When he was 14 years old, Ratzinger joined the Hitler youth movement after membership became mandatory. Rabbi Marvin Hier of the Simon Wiesenthal Center noted that Ratzinger’s family was anti-Nazi and said that, at the time, most youths were forced to join the Hitler youth movement.

Ratzinger was captured by U.S. soldiers during his time in the army in World War II. After the war, he entered the priesthood.

For much of his papacy, the Catholic Church faced allegations, legal claims, and official reports into decades of child abuse by priests. Earlier this year, the former pope acknowledged that errors had been made in the handling of abuse cases while he was archbishop of Munich between 1977 and 1982.

4,000 people with exemptions from wearing masks during the coronavirus pandemic.

The doctor was convicted of “issuing incorrect health certificates” to people from across Germany, most of whom she had never met or examined.

In addition to the prison sentence, she was handed a three-year work ban and ordered to pay 28,000 euros ($29,550), the sum she had received for issuing the medical certificates. Her office assistant was fined 2,700 euros.

“The process is more reminiscent of a sale of certificates than a medical proce-

dure,” the court said in a statement. It noted that the doctor was not faulted for providing certificates to her existing patients.

During the trial, the defendant had argued that wearing masks was harmful to people’s health. She intends to appeal the verdict.

Germany ended requirements to wear masks in many indoor settings last year, although they are still compulsory on long-distance trains, in doctors’ practices, hospitals, nursing homes, and on some regional public transport.

Four people died and three others were seriously injured after two helicopters collided in Queensland, Australia.

The crash took place on Monday afternoon on the Gold Coast, a popular tourist area just south of the state’s capital Brisbane.

“Those two aircraft, when collided, have crash landed on the sandbank just out from Sea World Resort,” Queensland Police Inspector Gary Worrell, a regional duty officer for the southeastern region, said.

Thirteen passengers were aboard the two helicopters.

One of the helicopters from the popular theme park was able to land on the sandbank. Of its six passengers, five suffered minor injuries. The aircraft crashed and landed upside down; four people inside, including the pilot, were killed, while the three other people were critically injured.

For now, it is unclear why the helicopters collided, although it appeared that one aircraft may have been taking off while the other was attempting to land.

Clergymen or Russian Spies?

Andriy Pavlenko, an Orthodox church abbot in eastern Ukraine, seemed to be on a selfless spiritual mission. When war came, he remained with his flock and even visited a hospital to pray with wounded soldiers.

But, in fact, according to court records, Pavlenko was working actively to kill Ukrainian soldiers and Ukrainian activists, including a priest from a rival Orthodox church in his city, Sievierodonetsk.

“In the north, there are about 500 of them, with a mortar platoon, five armored personnel carriers and three tanks,” Pavlenko wrote to a Russian officer in March as the Russian army was hammering Sievierodonetsk and areas around it with artillery.

“He needs to be killed,” he wrote of the rival priest, according to evidence introduced at his trial in a Ukrainian court, showing he had sent lists to the Russian army of people to round up once the city was occupied. Pavlenko was convicted as a spy this month and then traded with Russia in a prisoner exchange.

His was hardly an isolated case. In the past month, authorities have arrested or publicly identified as suspects more than 30 clergymen and nuns of the Ukrainian arm of the Russian Orthodox Church.

To Ukrainian security services, the Russian-aligned church, one of the country’s two major Orthodox churches, poses a uniquely subversive threat — a widely trusted institution that is not only an incubator of pro-Russia sentiment but is also infiltrated by priests, monks, and nuns who have aided Russia in the war.

Recent months have brought a quick succession of searches of churches and monasteries, and decrees and

laws restricting the activity of the Russian-aligned church, confusingly named the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this month asked parliament to ban any church that answers to Russia, although no details have been proposed yet, so it remains unclear how that would work.

The Ukrainian crackdown on the Russian church has elicited howls of protest from the church and the Russian government, which call it an assault on religious freedom.

Early in December, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church called the accusations of collaboration between its clergy and Russia “unproven and groundless.” (© The New York Times)

Soccer Great Pelé Dies

“I was born to play football, just like Beethoven was born to write music and Michelangelo was born to paint,” soccer legend Pelé once said. The Brazilian star died this week at the age of 82.

For more than 60 years, the name

Pelé has been synonymous with soccer. He played in four World Cups and is the only player in history to win three, but his legacy stretched far beyond his trophy haul and remarkable goal-scoring record.

wrote in the British newspaper The Guardian that it likely started with school classmates teasing him for mangling the nickname of another player, Bilé. Whatever the origin, the moniker stuck.

As a child, his first taste of soccer involved playing barefoot with socks and rags rolled up into a ball. He said that he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. His father was a “good football player,” Pelé once said.

“He was famous in Brazil, in Minas Gerais. He was my role model. I always wanted to be like him, but what happened, to this day, only G-d can explain.”

Brazilian footballer Neymar said Pelé “changed everything.” In a post on Instagram, he wrote: “He turned football into art, into entertainment. He gave a voice to the poor, to black people and especially, he gave visibility to Brazil. Football and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King!” he added.

Pelé was not always known by just one name. He was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in 1940.

The genesis of the nickname Pelé is unclear, even to the footballer. He once

As a teenager, Pelé left home and began training with Santos, scoring his first goal for the club side before his 16th birthday. He would go on to score 619 times over 638 appearances for the club, but it is his feats in the iconic yellow jersey of Brazil for which he is best remembered.

He made his debut at the World Cup at age 17 and scored Brazil’s only goal in the country’s quarterfinal victory against Wales, then netted a hat-trick in the semifinal against France and two in the final against host Sweden.

ceived from Russia.

U.S. Natural Gas Arrives in Germany

The first regular shipment of liquefied natural gas from the United States arrived in Germany on Tuesday, part of a wide-reaching effort to help the country replace energy supplies it previously re -

Germany has also temporarily reactivated old oil- and coal-fired power stations and extended the life of its last three nuclear power plants until midApril.

Ukraine Fights Back

The tanker vessel Maria Energy ar-

rived at the North Sea port of Wilhelmshaven, where its shipment of liquefied natural gas will be converted back into gas at a special floating terminal that was inaugurated last month by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Germany has rushed to find a replacement for Russian gas supplies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The facility in Wilhelmshaven is one of several such terminals being put in place to help avert an energy shortage.

In one of their deadliest attacks yet on Russian forces, Ukrainians used American-made rockets to kill dozens — and perhaps hundreds — of Moscow’s troops in a New Year’s Day strike behind the lines, prompting outraged Russian war hawks to accuse their military of lethal incompetence.

The strike by the HIMARS rockets killed 63 Russian soldiers in a building housing them in the occupied city of Makiivka, in eastern Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday — an unusual admission for a military that has often refused to acknowledge serious losses. A former Russian paramilitary commander in Ukraine, Igor Girkin, wrote on the Telegram app that “many hundreds” were dead and wounded and that many “remained under the rubble.”

Ukrainian military officials said it appeared that “about 400” Russian troops had been killed, though they did not explicitly say that Ukraine was behind the attack.

None of the claims could be independently verified, but even the lowest number would represent one of the worst Russian losses in a single episode in the war and an embarrassment for President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

Pro-war Russian bloggers and some government officials said the debacle was caused by the military’s own repeated and costly mistakes, like garrisoning troops in a dense concentration within range of Ukrainian artillery, placing them in the same building as an ammunition depot, and allowing them to use cellphones, whose signals the Ukrainians can use to zero in on their target.

“Our generals are untrainable in principle,” wrote Girkin.

Some pro-war lawmakers demanded an investigation, and one of them, Sergei

pivotal bais medrash years.

22 Mironov, leader of a pro-Kremlin party in the parliament, called for the prosecution of all officials responsible, “whether they wear epaulets or not.”

The attack was “a massive blow,” said a spokesperson for the Russian-installed proxy government in the Donetsk region, Daniil Bezsonov. “The enemy inflicted the most serious defeats in this war on us not because of their coolness and talent, but because of our mistakes,” he wrote in a Telegram post.

On Monday, Russia launched a flurry of Iranian-made exploding drones at Ukraine, continuing its barrage against cities and civilian infrastructure, especially the power grid. But it appeared that Ukraine’s increasingly effective air defenses once again minimized the damage. (© The New York Times)

as a minister. It was also the fast of the Tenth of Teves.

Israel’s ambassador to Jordan, Eitan Surkis, was called into Jordan’s Foreign Ministry offices for a dressing-down, according to Hebrew media reports. Surkis told the Jordanians that Israel remained committed to the status quo, that there had not been any violations of the agreement, and that Israeli ministers have visited the site in the past.

After the visit, a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Israel said the status quo must be maintained at holy sites and that Jerusalem understood Washington’s position on the matter.

The UAE, a country with whom Israel has normalized ties, condemned the visit. Saudi Arabia did as well, as did Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, among other countries.

In Israel, Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef criticized Ben Gvir for the visit.

The population increase dwarfed the 1.8% growth in 2021, with the difference being attributed in part to a larger number of immigrants in the past 12 months.

percent of the 9.65 million total national population, according to an annual statistical report released early this week.

The data from the Central Bureau of Statistics data showed that with the charedi population’s current growth rate of 4% — the highest of any group in Israel — by the end of the decade, it will constitute 16% of the total population.

Ben Gvir Visits Temple Mount

“As a minister representing the government of Israel you should be acting according to Chief Rabbinate instructions, which have long forbidden visiting the Temple Mount,” Rabbi Yosef wrote in a letter to Ben Gvir.

Rabbi Yosef called on Ben Gvir to stop doing so “in order not to mislead the public.”

After visiting the site, Ben Gvir said, “Our government will not surrender to threats from Hamas.

Approximately 73,000 new immigrants arrived in Israel during 2022, compared to 25,000 last year, 80% of them coming from Russia and Ukraine.

Jewish Agency data for the period between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2022, shows that 37,364 immigrants arrived from Russia; 14,680 from Ukraine; 3,500 from North America, with assistance from Nefesh B’Nefesh; 2,049 from France; 1,993 from Belarus; 1,498 from Ethiopia as part of Operation Tzur Israel; 985 from Argentina; 526 from Great Britain; 426 from South Africa; and 356 from Brazil. Final totals for 2022 will be available after the year concludes.

Over 40% of those 1.28 million live in two cities, Jerusalem and Bnei Brak. Another 7% live in Beit Shemesh. Others live in areas like Modiin Illit, Beitar Illit and Elad, or in small enclaves in big cities like Ashdod, Petah Tikva, Haifa, Rehovot, and Netanya.

Other findings note that the charedi population tends to be poor and has a strong sense of community and charity.

The incoming government has proposed a broad range of measures to benefit the charedi population, including increasing stipends for yeshiva students.

Between 2014-2021, the IDI found that the number of men studying in yeshivas and kollelim grew by 46%, to a total of 138,367.

Dermer Sworn in

Israel’s new government faced a wave of international condemnation on Tuesday after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir paid a short morning visit to the Temple Mount site.

Jordan, which views itself as a custodian of the Temple Mount — a status Israel does not recognize, though it acknowledged the kingdom’s “special role” at the site in the countries’ 1994 peace treaty — castigated Israel over the minister’s visit.

“Jordan condemns in the severest of terms the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and violation of its sanctity,” the Jordanian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Ben Gvir did not enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He made a 15-minute visit to the Temple Mount compound around 7 a.m. — during the time Jews are allowed to enter the site. He had visited on numerous previous occasions, but Tuesday’s trip carried more weight as it was his first

“The Temple Mount is the most important place for the people of Israel. We maintain freedom of movement for Muslims and Christians, but Jews also go up to the site, and those who make threats must be dealt with, with an iron fist,” he said.

The Hamas terror group had warned that a visit by Ben Gvir to the site would be a “detonator,” and vowed resistance.

Israel captured the Temple Mount and Jerusalem’s Old City from Jordan in the 1967 Six Day War, almost two decades after Amman conquered it during the War of Independence in 1948. However, Israel allowed the Jordanian Waqf to continue to maintain religious authority over the area.

“It was a dramatic year that emphasized the value of mutual responsibility among the Jewish people, and during which the Jewish Agency helped strengthen the resilience of Jewish communities, empowered weaker populations in Israel, brought tens of thousands of olim, saved lives from all over Ukraine and brought them to a safe harbor in Israel,” said Jewish Agency chairman IDF Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog.

Overall in 2022, approximately 204,000 persons were added to the Israeli population, including 178,000 infants (74.8% born to Jewish mothers, 23.8% to Arab mothers), while more than 52,000 persons died and approximately 4,000 Israelis left the country for at least 12 months. (JNS)

Charedi Population Grows the Most

9.5 Million Strong

Israel’s population increased by 2.2% in 2022 to a total of 9,656,000, according to Central Bureau of Statistics figures released on Thursday.

Of the country’s residents, 7,106,000 are Jews (73.6%), 2,037,000 are Arabs (21.1%), and 513,000 are of other denominations.

population in the Holy Land has risen to 1.28 million, or 13.5

Former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer was sworn in Thursday as strategic affairs minister. Dermer, a confidante of Prime Minister Netanyahu and known as “Bibi’s Brain,” is set to resurrect a ministry closed down by the previous government.

While the vaguely-titled Strategic Affairs Ministry has been utilized to advance a host of issues since its creation in 2006, it has been used most extensively in recent years in the service of combatting the BDS movement.

Dermer, who was in the mix for the role of foreign minister, appears set to be given super-charged responsibilities in his new post, with Israeli media reporting that he will essentially serve as Netanyahu’s point man with Washington, focusing on advancing normalization with Saudi Arabia.

Dermer, who had a contentious tenure as ambassador during Barack Obama’s presidency, now will seek cooperation with the administration of President Joe

Biden, who served as Obama’s vice president.

In a discussion with JNS this past June, Dermer urged the Biden administration to confront Iran as a means to brokering an Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization deal. Speaking at the Tikvah Fund’s annual Jewish Leadership Conference in New York City, Dermer expressed confidence in an expansion of ties between Israel and Gulf Arab states, “because of the fundamentals that are

bringing us closer together. And those fundamentals are the huge instability that you have in the region, the fear and common danger of Iran, the common danger of Sunni radical forces like ISIS and other forces in the region. And also the understanding that the United States has withdrawn largely, certainly militarily, from the region.”

He also cited Gulf states’ appreciation for Israel’s technological advancements, “so to the extent that you have Arab lead-

ers who are concerned about the future of their countries, their national security, their national prosperity, then they should move towards Israel. What I’d like to see is the American administration help facilitate that.”

Claiming Biden would be worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize should a normalization deal come to fruition, Dermer was clear to JNS that he believed Washington’s posture towards Tehran was key. “They have to get their policies right.

And first and foremost, that means to confront Iran, and not appease Iran,” he said. “If you have an administration that is appeasing Iran, you are shrinking the space for the Arab leaders to move into an alliance with Israel. If they’re confronting Iran, you’re creating that space. And they have every reason to be confrontational with them, given what Iran has done and continues to do.”

Those comments came before full-on negotiations with Tehran over a revived nuclear accord petered out and before Russia began extensively using Iranian drones in its assault on Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia remains a holdout on that front, with its officials pledging multiple times after the signing of the Abraham Accords that full normalization with Israel will not be possible before an Israeli-Palestinian political settlement.

Dermer remains optimistic, noting that the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain were among the countries saying the same thing—until they didn’t.

“A lot of public statements were made by a lot of people over a long period of time. You have to ask yourself, what is the interest of the Saudis? Do they have an interest in moving into an alliance with Israel? And the answer is yes,” he said.

Dermer said the Biden administration could best facilitate a path to normalization by ceasing their efforts to appease the Palestinians.

“I actually think that the Palestinian issue complicates it by putting the Palestinian issue front and center. You’re making it harder for these Arabs leaders to move closer to Israel. And I’m not sure if a lot of that idea that we have to solve the Palestinian issue is actually not coming from Washington rather than Saudi Arabia,” he said.

Citing the Biden administration’s praise for the Abraham Accords, Dermer said the administration “should ask themselves, how did that happen? Why did we succeed? And if they confront Iran, if they embrace Israel, if they give the Palestinians a path, like Trump did, but don’t chase after them, they actually will open up the space to get an Israeli-Saudi peace.”

Claiming an Israeli-Saudi normalization agreement would bring about an effective end to the broader Arab-Israeli conflict, Dermer said the solution is “within our grasp. But you need a real change of Iran policy in Washington to be able to actualize that and to take advantage of the opportunity.” (JNS)

Israel is Strong

These are countries whose “foreign policies and military budgets are tracked religiously. When they make a pledge, at least some in the international community trust they will keep it. These countries project their influence on the world stage,” the outlet said.

Israel was tenth in the ranking for countries that have the “Strongest International Alliances,” as viewed by global survey respondents.

UN Condemns Israel More Than Others

key, Venezuela, and Qatar, which have poor human rights records or were involved in regional conflicts, were not hit by any resolutions criticizing them.

Israel is one of the 10 most powerful, politically influential, and militarily strong countries in the world, according to a roundup for 2022 published by U.S. News & World Report.

The paper also found that the Jewish state has among the strongest international alliances.

Overall, Israel ranked 37th “best” country in the world out of 85 on the yearly list, now in its seventh year.

Among countries considered most powerful because they “consistently dominate news headlines, preoccupy policymakers and shape global economic patterns,” U.S. News & World Report put Israel in tenth place. Top of the list was the United States, followed by China and then Russia.

Israel’s highest ranking was for its military, which was placed fourth, behind Russia, the U.S., and China.

As for political influence, Israel was put in sixth place, just behind Germany and ahead of France.

U.S. News & World Report described Israel as “the only Jewish nation in the world” and “a small country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea.”

“For its relatively small size, the country has played a large role in global affairs,” it said. “The country has a strong economy, landmarks of significance to several religions, and strained relationships with many of its Arab neighbors.”

The top three countries overall were Switzerland, Germany, and Canada. The U.S. was in fourth place, followed by Sweden, Japan, Australia, the UK, France, and Denmark to round out the top ten.

The year 2022 saw the United Nations General Assembly pass more resolutions critical of Israel than against all other nations combined, furthering observations that there is an ongoing lopsided focus on the Jewish state at the world body.

The General Assembly approved 15 anti-Israel resolutions last year, versus 13 resolutions criticizing other countries, according to a tally by the pro-Israel monitoring group UN Watch.

Russia was the focus of six resolutions condemning its invasion of Ukraine. North Korea, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Syria, Iran, and the U.S. were hit with one resolution each.

Saudi Arabia, China, Lebanon, Tur-

Since 2015, the General Assembly has adopted 140 resolutions criticizing Israel, mainly over its treatment of the Palestinians, its relationships with neighboring countries, and other alleged wrongdoings. Over the same period, it has passed 68 resolutions against all other countries, UN Watch said.

In the 193-nation assembly’s most recent anti-Israel resolution on Friday, it approved a call for the International Court of Justice to weigh in on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The resolution promoted by the Palestinians passed by a vote of 87 in favor, 26 against, with 53 abstentions.

The resolution, titled “Israeli practices and settlement activities affecting the rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories,” calls on the Hague-based ICJ to “render urgently an advisory opinion” on Israel’s “prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation of Palestinian territory.”

Other anti-Israel measures in the past year focused on the “occupied Syrian Golan,” Palestinian refugees,

Azerbaijan’s First Amb. to Israel

fairs from 2005 to 2013. This included his work at the Azerbaijani embassy in Belgium from 2009 to 2013. Since 2013, under the Ministry of Education, he has been head of the international cooperation department. In April 2021, he became the Deputy Minister of Science and Education. In this capacity, Mammadov supervised projects of innovative cooperation with Israel in the field of science and education.

Mammadov is fluent in Russian, English and Turkish.

month also marked the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Both Israel and Azerbaijan see Iran as a threat. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Israel buys 40% of its oil from Azerbaijan and supplied 27% of Azerbaijan’s major arms imports from 2011 to 2020, including 69% from 2016 to 2020. (JNS)

who had looked up to her throughout her career, Walters said they were her legacy.

“How do you say goodbye to something like 50 years in television?” she said in conclusion. “How proud when I see all the young women who are making and reporting the news. If I did anything to help make that happen, that is my legacy. From the bottom of my heart, to all of you with whom I have worked and who have watched and been by my side, I can say: ‘Thank you.’”

Azerbaijan appointed its first ambassador to Israel last week. According to Azerbaijan’s state news outlet Haqqin. az, Deputy Minister of Science and Education Mukhtar Mammadov has been appointed as the country’s first ambassador to the Jewish State.

“Congratulations and good luck to the first Azerbaijani ambassador to Israel!” tweeted George Deek, Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijan, upon news of the announcement.

Born in 1983 in Baku, Mammadov worked in the Ministry of Foreign Af-

“I warmly congratulate my colleague Mukhtar Mammadov on being appointed as the first ambassador of Azerbaijan to Israel,” tweeted Mammad Talibov, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Guatemala, and Honduras. “I wish you the best and greatest success in your endeavors and in your new role.”

The announcement comes after Azerbaijan announced in November that it would open an embassy in Israel. Former Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz visited Azerbaijan in October to discuss policy and foster defense cooperation.

Last April, Azerbaijan opened a tourism office in Israel for the first time and signed a cooperation agreement. The

Barbara Walters Dies

Walters was married four times; she had one daughter, Jackie, whom she adopted with her husband Lee Guber.

Walters was born in Boston. Her father was a nightclub owner and so Barbara had plenty of contact with celebrities and was not fazed by them. She earned her college degree from Sarah Lawrence College.

Some of Walters’ most famous interviews included a historic 1977 joint sit-down with Egypt’s Anwar Sadat and Israel’s Menachem Begin.

Officers Targeted in Times Square

Journalist Barbara Walters, known for her interviewing prowess, died this weekend at the age of 93.

Walters began her national broadcast career in 1961 as a reporter, writer and panel member for NBC’s “Today” show before being promoted to co-host in 1974. In 1976, Walters joined ABC News as the first female anchor on an evening news program.

At that network, Walters launched “The Barbara Walters Specials” and “10 Most Fascinating People” before becoming a co-host and correspondent for ABC News’ “20/20” in 1984. Along the way, she interviewed every U.S. president and first lady since Richard and Pat Nixon.

For more than five decades, Walters was in Americans’ home, speaking through the TV screen with world leaders and celebrities. Most recently, she launched “The View,” a daytime talk show with a panel of women. She left “The View” in 2014.

“I knew it was time,” Walters told CNN’s Chris Cuomo at the time. “I like all the celebration, that’s great, but in my heart, I thought, ‘I want to walk away while I’m still doing good work.’ So I will.”

Looking upon the numerous women

Three New York City police officers were attacked by a man wielding a machete on New Year’s Eve, just outside a security checkpoint for those viewing the ball drop in Times Square.

Trevor Bickford, 19, from Maine, is facing two counts of attempted murder along with two counts of attempted assault for the violent attack. Authorities say that he had expressed militant support for Islam prior to the attack.

The attack began when Bickford approached an officer and tried to strike him over the head with the machete before striking two officers in the head with the blade, Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said. The assailant was then shot in the shoulder and apprehended by police, Sewell said.

The three officers were hospitalized; one had a fractured skull, and another had a bad cut. They were discharged from Bellevue Hospital overnight.

Paul Cozzolino, Jr. is the officer who suffered the fractured skull and had just graduated from the police academy the day before the attack.

Federal agents had interviewed Bickford in mid-December after a relative alerted them and said that he had expressed militant support for Islam. He was also known to investigators due to his social media postings, although he does not have a criminal record.

A diary found by investigators contained information about who should inherit his belongings and where he wanted to be buried should he die in the attack. It also said he regretted disappointing his mother and that he hoped his brothers would join him in his fight for Islam. Bickford also made pro-jihadist statements from his hospital bed after his arrest.

U.S. News to Change Ranking System

Under pressure amid a boycott by top law schools, U.S. News & World Report told law school deans on Monday that it will make several changes in the next edition of its influential ratings.

In a letter to American law school deans published on its site, U.S. News said its next list would give more credit to schools whose graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees or school-funded fellowships to work in public-service jobs that pay lower wages. The magazine, which has been publishing the ratings for decades, is responding to criticism that its rankings overvalue high-paying private-sector jobs.

The 2023-24 rankings, scheduled to be published this spring, will also rely less on surveys of schools’ reputations submitted by academics, lawyers and judges, the magazine said.

A spokesperson for U.S. News said the list will no longer consider indicators of student debt or the schools’ spending per student. Critics have said the magazine’s previous metric for measuring student debt encouraged schools to favor wealthy students over those with financial need and that its use of spending per student figures favors wealthier institutions.

“We realize that legal education is neither monolithic nor static and that the rankings, by becoming so widely accepted, may not capture the individual nuances of each school,” Robert Morse, chief data strategist at U.S. News, and Stephanie Salmon, senior vice president of data and information strategy, wrote in the letter.

U.S. News will continue to rank schools that have declined to participate, using publicly available data. But it will publish more detailed profiles of schools that respond, a possible incentive for lower-ranked institutions eager to attract the attention of students.

The U.S. News list, published annually since 1987, is as influential as it is inflexible. Roughly the same 14 law schools have held the top slots for 30 years, alternating only slightly and prompting headlines when they do. Its criteria for the rankings are watched almost as closely.

In recent months, however, a majority of those top 14 schools have announced that they will no longer participate. Among those dropping out are Yale, which has topped the list for decades, and Harvard, Stanford, Northwestern, Georgetown, Columbia, and Berkeley.

A spokesperson for Yale University, Karen Peart, said in a statement that the law school’s decision to withdraw was made “based on what is best for the institution.” (© The New York Times)

Drink More Water

high water content.

More than 50% of your body is made of water, which is also needed for multiple functions, including digesting food, creating hormones and neurotransmitters, and delivering oxygen throughout your body.

We’ve been told to drink eight cups of water to maintain optimal health. Now, scientists are saying that drinking enough water is really important to stay healthy.

According to a National Institutes of Health study published this week in the journal eBioMedicene, drinking enough water is also associated with a significantly lower risk of developing chronic diseases, a lower risk of dying early, or a lower risk of being biologically older than your chronological age.

“The results suggest that proper hydration may slow down aging and prolong a disease-free life,” said study author Natalia Dmitrieva, a researcher in the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a division of NIH.

Learning what preventive measures can slow down the aging process is “a major challenge of preventive medicine,” the authors said in the study. That’s because an epidemic of “age-dependent chronic diseases” is emerging as the world’s population rapidly ages. And extending a healthy life span can help improve quality of life and decrease health care costs more than just treating diseases can.

About half of people worldwide don’t meet recommendations for daily total water intake, according to several studies the authors of the new research cited.

“On the global level, this can have a big impact,” Dmitrieva noted. “Decreased body water content is the most common factor that increases serum sodium, which is why the results suggest that staying well hydrated may slow down the aging process and prevent or delay chronic disease.”

Our serum sodium levels are influenced by liquid intake from water, other liquids, and fruits and vegetables with

The National Academy of Medicine (formerly known as the Institute of Medicine) recommends women consume 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of fluids daily, and that men have 3.7 liters (125 ounces) daily. This recommendation includes all fluids and water-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and soups. Since the average water intake ratio of fluids to foods is around 80:20, that amounts to a daily amount of 9 cups for women and 12 ½ cups for men.

Human Composting Legal in NY

Human composting, thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul, is now legal in New York. The Big Apple became the sixth state in the nation to legalize a form of technology that turns human bodies into soil after death.

Author and mortician Caitlin Doughty explained the concept for the New York Times, “With human composting technology, our dead have the chance to become nutrient-rich soil that can be used to plant trees and regrow forests.”

Also known as “natural organic reduction,” the practice sees a body decompose over several weeks after being shut in a container.

The process happens in special above-ground facilities. A body is put in a closed vessel along with selected materials such as woodchips, alfalfa, and straw grass, and gradually breaks down under the action of microbes.

After a period of around a month – and a heating process to kill off any contagion – the deceased’s relatives are given the resulting soil. The soil can ostensibly be used in planting flowers, vegetables, or trees.

Catholic bishops in New York State

36 vociferously opposed the legislation in New York, arguing that human bodies should not be treated like “household waste.”

5, 2023

In 2019, Washington was the first U.S. state to legalize it. Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, and California followed suit.

New U.S. Citizens Hit High

third-highest number ever, according to a recent Pew Research analysis, demonstrating the increasing effect of immigration on who lives and works in the United States — and who votes.

The total number of people seeking to become citizens is not reflected in the year-end data and is actually much higher because of the pileup of applications. Some 670,000 naturalizations are still pending.

The Biden administration has taken several steps to streamline the process, such as simplifying forms and redirecting interviewees from cities whose immigration offices are stretched to those that have capacity. That has helped reduce the backlog of pending applications from more than 1 million in December 2020.

on immigrants’ personal histories and countries of origin.

The Biden administration initiatives are a reversal from those of the Trump administration, which increased scrutiny of applications and made the citizenship test more cumbersome and challenging

But that administration’s immigration posture backfired, awakening many longtime legal residents to the fact that a green card does not shield them from deportation. And many felt compelled to seek citizenship in order to cast a ballot.

Tragedy on the Football Field

Across the country, naturalization ceremonies are making a comeback after a long hiatus caused by Covid-19 lockdowns that suspended public gatherings, shuttered immigration offices, and put thousands of citizenship applications on hold.

Nearly 1 million immigrants became citizens in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, the most in almost 15 years and the

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that handles the applications, also announced recently that it would soon conduct a trial of a redesigned naturalization test intended to be more fair and consistent. For the oral assessment, candidates will be asked to describe three photographs of everyday activities, the weather or food. The goal is to test ordinary use of English, rather than to rely on complex questions whose answers may differ considerably based

Immigrants who demonstrate continuous permanent lawful residence in the United States for at least five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen, are eligible to apply for citizenship. They must pass background checks, submit a bevy of supporting documents, and pass civics and English tests during an interview.

Newly minted voters could be crucial in states like Pennsylvania, Nevada, Michigan and Arizona, whose large naturalized-citizen electorates have been influential. Many more permanent residents in such battleground states are likely to naturalize in coming years. (© The New York Times)

Bills safety Damar Hamlin, 24, had been tackled by receiver Tee Higgins during a play. As Hamlin got to his feet, he then fell backward and hit the ground.

Immediately, it was obvious that something was wrong – really wrong. Emergency responders tended to Hamlin on the field, administering CPR for 15 minutes, before taking him to the hospital.

The game was postponed, then suspended.

The Buffalo Bills were trailing the Cincinnati Bengals 7-3 in the first quarter of Monday’s game when playing came to a halt.

On Tuesday, the Buffalo Bills issued a statement confirming Hamlin’s heartbeat was “restored” on the field:

“Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in the Buffalo Bills’ game versus the Cincinnati Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field, and he was transferred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”

Although extremely rare, an occurrence like this has happened before. Christian Eriksen was playing in the European Championship in June 2021 on the Denmark soccer team. He collapsed in the 43rd minute of a match against Finland, with doctors later revealing how incredibly close he came to death.

Several medics worked frantically to give Eriksen chest compressions while his teammates formed a circle around the midfielder to shield the scene from public view. A defibrillator was needed to restart his heart. Eriksen eventually recovered and played in the most recent World Cup.

There have been other, rare instances of players collapsing mid-game. Most of those players managed to survive, although some of them never played again.

Who Lives in Wyoming?

are the top 10 least populated states in the U.S.:

Wyoming - 576,851

Vermont - 643,077

Alaska - 733,391

North Dakota - 779,094

South Dakota - 886,667

Delaware - 989,948

Montana - 1,084,225

Rhode Island - 1,097,379

Maine - 1,362,359

New Hampshire - 1,377,529

tive” in a recent interview with the Associated Press, Kaptur said that her gender didn’t have anything to do with her decision to first run for office.

“I always say I ran as a person from the working class,” she said.

Migrants Flood FL Town

The states with the largest populations usually score the most headlines, but every state in the Union is an integral part of our country.

According to the 2020 census, the United States, including the 50 states and the District of Columbia, has a population of over 331 million. Since the 2010 census, there has been a population increase of 7.4%, notes the Census Bureau.

Wyoming is the least populated state in the U.S. According to the 2020 census, Wyoming has a population of 576,851 people. Since the 2010 census, the state had a population change of 2.3%.

What other states are really low on the population scale?

According to the 2020 census, here

Washington, D.C., had a population of 689,545, according to the 2020 census.

California has the largest population in the U.S. with more than 39 million people living in the state.

Kaptur is LongestServing Woman in Congress

A remote archipelago and national park off the coast of Key West, Florida, was closed Monday after a group of about 300 migrants arrived by boat on the islands’ shores, park officials said.

The cluster of mostly uninhabited islands, known as the Dry Tortugas National Park, is about 100 miles north of Havana and is known for its crystalline waters and coral reefs. But over the past few days, the islands have become a different kind of refuge.

Most of us have never heard of Rep. Marcy Kaptur, but on Tuesday she made history by being the longest-serving woman in congressional history.

The Ohio Democrat won her 21st term in office in November, after fighting off a challenge from Republican J.R. Majewski. The 76-year-old lawmaker first won election to Congress in 1982.

Former Sen. Barbara Mikulski (DMd.) previously held the record as the country’s longest-serving woman in Congress. Mikulski retired in 2017 after serving in the House and Senate for a combined 40 years.

There were 23 women in Congress when Kaptur began her tenure in the House four decades ago. The 118th Congress includes a record 149 female lawmakers.

In 1983, the year that Kaptur was first sworn in, Microsoft introduced its first computer mouse, “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” was a box office blockbuster, and then-President Reagan and Soviet leader Yuri Andropov were co-named Time magazine’s “Man of the Year” — before the recognition was changed to “Person of the Year” in 1999.

While acknowledging that “America is becoming more and more representa-

In addition to the 300 migrants who arrived on the archipelago, more than 160 other migrants have arrived in other parts of the Florida Keys over the past several days, according to the local and federal authorities. Officials did not specify countries of origin but said in a statement that the park and region had recently “seen an increase in people arriving by boat from Cuba.”

The influx of migrants began around New Year’s Eve, authorities said, and come amid a surge in seaborne migration. In the one-year period ending in September, the U. S. Coast Guard apprehended more than 6,000 Cubans, compared with close to 840 migrants the previous year, the authority said in a recent statement.

The archipelago temporarily closed starting at 8 a.m. Monday, so that authorities and medical workers could evaluate, care for, and transport the migrants to Key West, park officials said. The park’s own responders would provide food, water, and basic medical attention to the migrants until the arrival of the Department of Homeland Security, they added.

“The effort now is to try to get them transferred off the island via boat to mainland Key West and the Florida Keys, so they can then be transferred to feder-

al law enforcement agents,” Lt. Cmdr. John Beal, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard’s 7th District, said of the migrants.

“They’re uninhabited remote islands that don’t have the infrastructure to support them,” he said, adding that local, state, and federal authorities were coordinating to get food and water to the archipelago, which is usually staffed by just a few rangers.

Federal authorities said the migrants would be removed from the islands and processed to determine their legal status to remain in the United States or to be repatriated to their country of origin. (© The New York Times)

ed Smith & Wesson Schofield revolver and holster, which fetched a guns-blazing $152,750.

Abraham Lincoln’s Civil War presentation carbine only sold for $105,000, which Kolander said “seems like a steal.”

Sounds like a big shot.

A Familiar Ring

$1M for Teddy’s Gun

Shaina Day lost her engagement ring more than two decades ago. She had left her rings on the counter and, when cleaning up, ended up throwing the ring down the toilet.

Frantic, Shaina, who was newly engaged, said she climbed down into the septic tank at the home of her in-laws with a hose to suck everything up. Once she did that, she pumped it through a hose over a window screen and into a 55-gallon drum in hopes of catching the lost ring.

But the ring was not to be found – until now.

Teddy’s Roosevelt’s gun is gangbusters.

The former president’s iconic Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Single Action Revolver sold for a whopping $910,625 in Rock Island Auction Company’s December Premier Auction.

Joel Kolander, interactive production manager, noted that this price is historically high for a collectible firearm. He also described the iconic gun as being in “fantastic condition” even though it’s well over a century old.

“We’re thrilled any time a gun approaches that million-dollar mark,” he said of the collectible.

The Smith & Wesson was first presented to Roosevelt on May 12, 1898, the same day he left for San Antonio to train the Rough Riders. Even though the intention was to carry this revolver into war against Spain, documentation from Roosevelt’s bodyguard revealed that the president instead kept the gun on his bedside table. As such, the revolver became known in the White House as a “nightstand gun.”

Other historic items sold at the auction include outlaw Jesse James’ attribut-

A few weeks ago, her in-laws decided to have their toilet replaced. When the plumber removed the toilet, the ring dazzled in the excess water that had been dumped out.

Her in-laws decided that Shaina would appreciate being gifted her longlost ring.

Last week, when Shaina was unwrapping gifts, she and her husband Nick found a small, ceramic toilet figurine in a small box. Inside the mini commode sat Shaina’s sparkling ring. The couple was surprised and so happy to be reunited with the sentimental piece of jewelry.

“That just is absolutely amazing that it’s just been sitting there, because we had just thought it was gone. It was never coming back. It’s hard to believe,” Shaina said.

The ring itself was broken, although the diamond was intact. They have since repaired the ring.

The couple said that it is “now more meaningful than ever.”

That has a nice ring to it.

Earning this world record was a piece of cake.

Recently, Eric Finkelstein, a New York foodie, broke a Guinness World Record by dining at 18 Michelin-starred restaurants in 24 hours in the Big Apple.

The 34-year-old said his interest in dining out spiked when he moved back to New York in 2021. When he heard about the Guinness World Record for most Michelin-starred restaurants visited in 24 hours, he was intrigued.

“I loved the idea,” Finkelstein said. “It combined my loves of eating interesting food, working towards a checklist, and working towards something silly.”

But Finkelstein had to plan his feat from soup to nuts before starting out to make sure he didn’t bite off more than he could chew. It took months of planning to align reservations at some of the more in-demand eateries.

October 26 was the day (he was only recently recognized by Guinness for his prowess). He started at Le Pavillon, where he ate a grilled avocado salad with einkorn berries, charred kale and yogurt green goddess dressing. After an exhausting 11 hours, Finkelstein ended up chowing down on caviar-dressed chawanmushi at Noda.

In a little over 11 hours, Finkelstein

ate at 18 restaurants, including four twostar spots and 14 one-star locations.

Notwithstanding the restaurant marathon, the icing on the cake was that Finkelstein said he spent a grand total $494 on food, not counting tax or tips. But he certainly expanded his waistline. Finkelstein estimated that the attempt caused him to consume about 5,000 calories in one day.

Finkelstein, a former competitive table tennis player, previously set the Guinness World Records for longest table tennis serve (51 feet, 1 inch) and largest table tennis ball mosaic (313 square feet, 6 square inches).

Next serving, please.

80 Years of Happiness

“I felt sure he would come back. And I’m sure he felt he was going to come back too,” Edith Mae recalled.

Robert says that Edith Mae is perfect for him – “friendly and loving, and an excellent partner.”

While the centenarians — both of them are 102 years old — have been married for longer than one would expect, they are not the world record holders for the longest marriage. That honor goes to Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher who were married for 86 years and 290 days until the death of Herbert Fisher on February 27, 2011.

As long as they’re happily ever after.

Calling 911

Police in Florida received a call from someone, but no one answered the operator’s questions. Deputies showed up at the home, thinking that no one was home. It turns out that someone was home: a male suspect and his friend, who had entered the home through an unlocked door.

Officers had been searching for the male suspect after identifying him from security video as a burglar at a Dollar General store, where several items were stolen earlier in the day.

While speaking to deputies, the female suspect told them that she had called 911 so law enforcement could help them move their belongings from the house they were burglarizing. They also wanted to get a ride to the airport so they could spend the weekend in New York, the sheriff’s office said.

“Deputies DID help them with their belongings, and DID give them a ride, but it wasn’t to the airport … it was to the Polk Pokey,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post. “And they are welcome to stay there all weekend long. The Polk Pokey is much better than New York anyway.”

Robert and Edith Mae Schaum were married on December 26, 1942. Last week, they celebrated their 80th anniversary together. According to Robert, Edith is the “best thing that ever happened to me.”

The couple met in high school in 1936. Their first date was to a Friday night football game in Donora, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. Robert’s father drove them to the game.

After the couple married, Robert was drafted into the army, so for a few years, the couple was apart.

If you need help, you call the police. That’s always good advice – unless you’re a burglar and need help moving some of your stolen items.

If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.

Around the Community

Chagigat Siddur at Shulamith

Avery special simcha took place in the Shulamith auditorium on Sunday, January 1, as the Shulamith first graders received their first siddurim!

In the weeks before the event, Morah Rena taught the girls the songs and accompanying choreography, while

Morah Hoffman and Morah Freund, along with their assistants, practiced with the girls and taught them their parts. Parents and grandparents were delighted by the presentations, which featured Shabbat-themed songs such as “Shalom Aleichem” and “Lecha Dodi.”

The girls performed in pairs and im -

pressed everyone with their beautiful singing and exceptional choreography. Mrs. Elka Ginspag, principal, addressed the audience, speaking about the importance of transmitting our mesorah to the next generation. As each talmidah was called to the stage to receive her siddur, the pride, confidence

and absolute joy of our banot lit up the auditorium!

At the end of the event, each girl received a swag bag with a framed photograph and a scrumptious cookie! Mazal tov to all the Shulamith families on this milestone.

Achieve 3000 at YOSS

Several YOSS Mechina Students have already received high honors this year in Achieve 3000, a worldwide ELA program that focuses on reading and comprehension. Students are tasked to read weekly articles and complete quizzes and activities. Al-

though two weekly articles are required, the more articles completed, the more points a student can receive. YOSS students in Mrs. Krinsky’s ELA classes have reached the top leaderboard in both daily scoring statewide, as well as weekly scoring worldwide! Keep up the great work!

New Bright Futures Program is a Valuable Resource for Parents

Bright Futures is a new, local agency that provides HCBS services to children. Children qualify if they have Medicaid and struggle with ADHD or anxiety or a similar issue. HCBS stands for “Home and Community Based Services.” The goal of the program is to support children and their caregivers by addressing their needs related to their challenges and pursuing goals that will help the child flourish.

Those goals are met in two ways. First, Bright Futures helps eligible children enroll in a Health Home program. This means a dedicated Care Manager is assigned who helps the child and caregiver to evaluate and address the child’s specific needs.

Then, based on the child’s needs, the child is approved for services to help further their goals. These services can include respite, after-school programs, parent support, one-on-one help, and much more.

Bright Futures has also partnered with existing community after-school

programs like Warren Levi Karate, Spring Gymnastics, Spadida, and 5TLL little league.

Bright Futures has an office on Central Avenue in the Five Towns and serves families in the Five Towns, Far Rockaway, Queens and Flatbush.

Bright Futures has a dedicated team working to help parents with every step of the process. Mrs. Rivka Putter is the Director of Health Home. Mrs. Chaya Unsdorfer is the Director of HCBS services. Mrs. Yehudit Adress is the Intake Coordinator. Our mission is to support parents and children and to enable the child to thrive at home and in the community. Does this program sound like a fit for your child or a child you know? Do you work with children and want to learn more about the program to refer families? Are you looking for part-time work and have a passion for working with children? Contact the friendly team at Bright Futures by emailing info@ brightfuturesny.com or call/text 347970-9531.

Chanukah at MTA

Chanukah in MTA was epic! With incredible programing throughout the week, the talmidim and faculty enjoyed the festive atmosphere and took chizuk from a beautiful yom tov.

On Monday, talmidim and faculty showed up in their best Chanukah sweaters for a contest to see who wore their sweaters best and enjoyed delicious sufganiyot. On Tuesday, the ninth grade enjoyed the annual Freshman Frenzy, a chance to relax and play some sports with friends and rebbeim. Tuesday also saw shiurim enjoying lunch together catered by Carlos & Gabby’s. Some shiurim took

their lunch on the road and visited some of the fine dining establishments around Manhattan. On Wednesday morning, the whole yeshiva enjoyed a bagel breakfast, and after shiur there was a lineup and latkes, another opportunity to enjoy quality time with friends and rebbeim and fulfill the custom of eating fried foods. The grand finale came on Thursday when the yeshiva enjoyed a leibidig chagigah with Yossi Newman. The dancing was exuberant and the refreshments delicious, and at the end of the festivities, every talmid walked away with a new piece of MTA apparel, a little Chanukah gift from MTA.

YCQ Students Give Back

Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) students had the opportunity to spend the fourth day of Chanukah giving back to the community and doing hesed. While for many, Chanukah can often be a time of taking – receiving presents, eating doughnuts, grabbing all the gelt – YCQ students gave their time and effort to help bring joy to others.

The sixth grade girls visited Boulevard ALP, a local Assisted Living facility. They sang songs and played Chanukah Bingo with the residents, who were extremely appreciative of their visit.

The sixth grade boys split up to assist Tomchei Shabbos of Queens and Masbia, two organizations who provide food for those in need. Students packed boxes of Shabbat food for Tomchei Shabbos, while those who went to Masbia helped prepare ingredients and peel vegetables for their soup kitchen.

A special “getting to know you” game of dreidel was played at one of Ohel’s facilities, where the seventh grade boys had the pleasure of visiting. Each spin corresponds to a different question. This helped the students and residents become quick-

ly acquainted. They also enjoyed a game of Chanukah Bingo together. The seventh grade girls divided and conquered. Some helped prepare food at Masbia, while the other class sorted and packed toys for sick children at a Chai Lifeline warehouse.

The eighth grade girls helped sort materials, too. However, instead of toys, they organized donated clothing at Bobbie’s Place. The eighth grade boys will have opportunities in the future to do chesed. They spent the day strengthening their relationship outside of the classroom with students from the SINAI School at YCQ.

Last but not least, the fifth grade was also involved in the Chesed Day activities. As part of a lesson in budgeting, students collected money and then went to Amazing Savings to purchase toys for children being helped by Chai Lifeline.

“I am very proud of all our students. After a full week of Chanukah fun and entertainment, our students put their energy into giving back to the community,” remarked Mr. Jacob Grossman, director of Junior High School Student Life and Activities and organizer of the trips.

The children at Lev Chana worked together to create one very colorful agalah, wagon, which they filled with beautifully illustrated pictures of food for Parshas Vayigash

Chanukah at Torah L’Kulanu

Grandparents, Chanukah, and Color War at Central

It was a festive week in Torah L’Kulanu where we experienced Chanukah through many events and activities. On Tuesday, we conducted a Chanukah Olympics/color war featuring our two teams: the Chashmonaim (team blue) and the Macabees (team red). Students engaged in competition games including a basketball shoot out from different points of the court and a cook-off. On Wednesday morning, we hosted Rabbi Moish Steinberg and the 5th grade students from HALB for a Chanukah chagigah and assembly. Both Kulanu and HALB students danced together to live music, played by Zvi Lampert, and played dreidel and bingo games while enjoying Chanukah delicacies. On Thursday, we welcomed a class from HAFTR High School for a reverse inclusion minyan. Both Kulanu students and HAFTR students davened together

which included the singing of Hallel. Following davening, the students enjoyed a special breakfast along with dancing to festive Chanukah songs. Later on Thursday, we hosted Meish Goldish, a musician and children’s author who has written hundreds of children’s books. Meish played Chanukah songs on his guitar, showed magic tricks, and told over some of his best Chanukah riddles.

Throughout the week, classes also participated in various activities including menorah and dreidel decorating, latke and cookie making as well as candle making. At the end of each day of Chanukah, we conducted a Chanukah lighting ceremony where students gathered around to light the Chanukah candles and sing Maoz Tzur.

We look forward to many more exciting and meaningful events ahead at Torah L’Kulanu!

December has been an exciting, inspiring time at Central: preparations for midterms have been accompanied by the fun and excitement of holiday programming. The week of celebrations began on Monday, December 19 as Central grandparents, as well as a few enthusiastic parents, arrived at school in droves, greeted by faculty members and staff. Central has a long history of celebrating and paying tribute to intergenerational family relationships, and, in particular, the significant, special bond that exists between grandparents and grandchildren, a loving, supportive tie between the past and the present that contributes immeasurably to a student’s education. The morning included coffee, breakfast, and a special Chanukah Shiur with Rabbi Joshua Goller, followed by a full roster of classes ranging from Literature of the Prophets to Algebra to Honors Physics.

“I had eighteen grandparents!” reflected Mrs. Ruth Fried, whose 9th grade Biology class hosted visitors for a lesson on the digestive system. “It was so wonderful to meet the grandparents, and to see the excitement on their granddaughters’ faces.”

The morning ended with a rousing game of Chanukah Bingo, finishing off a day students will remember for years to come.

The week continued with a Chanukah Appreciation Mesibah on Tuesday the 20th, thanking Central’s faculty and staff for a semester of work, care, and diligence and giving the teachers a chance to relax

and enjoy a holiday lunch. But before the lunch, a bombastic announcement during that morning’s chagigah – Wednesday and Thursday would be Central’s annual Color War! Color War 5783 paid tribute to the holiday season with the theme “Light Up the Nights,” and a challenge to students to contemplate the concept of light, both during the holiday season and in their everyday lives. Students made a quick pivot from their best Chanukah gear to their grade team colors. The two days before the Chanukah break was a mad dash for the finish line. Competitions included highly-anticipated Chidon rounds, the Million-Shekel Pyramid, a “Shark Tank”-themed idea competition for the proposal that would bring about the most kavod in the Central community, a music video competition, a banner contest, and a grade cheer. For the freshmen, it was an exciting introduction to an annual event that many Central students consider to be defining. For seniors, it was a bittersweet, emotional experience – the last Color War, a milestone in a year filled with milestones.

Ultimately, the class of 2024, guided by junior team leaders Leora Strauss, Shira Rouhani, and Laura Nagler, won the day.

“Color War was such an amazing experience,” Leora said. “Our entire grade came together in unity and excitement. The most fun part of Color War was partaking in the amazing activities with my friends and making memories that will last a lifetime!”

YOSS Chevra Mishnayos celebrated the learning of more than 1,600 Mishnayos since Sukkos! Fifty-five eighth graders learn and review Mishnayos every day during their free time, culminating in this milestone.

Yom Iyun At SKA: Career Day

SKA’s Career Day program was an exciting opportunity for the students of the Stella K. Abraham High School to begin thinking about their expanding career choices. On Monday, January 2, over 60 observant professional women joined the event to showcase their fields and encourage our students to follow their passions.

The program’s keynote speaker, Mrs. Avital Chizhik-Goldsmidt, is a noted journalist whose work has appeared in The Atlantic, New York Times, The New Republic and many other publications.

In addition to being an adjunct at Columbia University School of Journalism, she is also the rebbetzin of the Altneu Shul in New York City. She shared her fascinating personal story with the entire student body, explaining how she began writing at a young age, always pursuing her dreams throughout the years. Her messages really resonated with the students who are now beginning to think about their future.

SKA students were also able to hear from the highly successful women professionals, many of them SKA graduates,

from such fields as finance, law, medicine, science, real estate, engineering, architecture, education, communal leadership, technology, and design. The women discussed their challenges and accomplishments with the girls, who appreciated hearing about the many options available. It’s never too early to think about a future career, the SKA students learned, and many presenters suggested the girls think about building their skills and leadership roles while still in high school.

In addition to the careers presented, the students heard from Mrs.Tami Radinsky, Audit Partner at Grant Thornton, and Mrs. Dana Frenkel, Managing Partner at JP Morgan, who spoke about the importance of first impressions.

Rabbi Isaac Rice, Head of SKA’s Torah S’Baal Peh Department, and Rabbi Shalom Axelrod, rabbi of the Young Israel of Woodmere, discussed practical applications of business and halacha.

The morning was filled with enthusiasm and energy! SKA’s Career Day really broadened our students’ professional aspirations.

Combining their knowledge of social studies with a little creativity and artistic skill, the boys of 5G at YOSS completed maps of the Thirteen Colonies highlighting the resources of each region.

Dear Friends,

I am writing you today to discuss an uncomfortable yet unavoidable topic.

The topic, in a word, is death.

Or, to be more precise, burial.

I realize that for most of you, the words death and Kevura are inseparably linked.

After all, what else could follow the death of a Jew than burial?

Does the need to emphasize the imperative of Jewish burial even exist?

Unfortunately, there is not just a need to speak about the necessity for a Jewish burial, there is an outright immediate and pressing obligation to do so, for all of us.

We go to the ends of the earth to reach all the forsaken Jews who have fallen prey to the acculturating and assimilating forces of secular society. Yet, there is one need in our community that does not receive the attention it should. Too few of us know about the widespread plague wreaking spiritual havoc among our brothers and sisters.

The curse of cremation is now a plague and scourge, horrifically invading our Jewish community. Who could have believed that we, who lived with those who survived the crematoriums of Auschwitz, would be forced to witness the descendants of those holy survivors willingly choose to be cremated?

Every sixteen minutes, another Jew in this country is incinerated by choice. How can we stand by and allow this to occur? Why are so many Jews opting to incinerate themselves? The only answer is ignorance. Ignorance on the part of our non-observant and uneducated brethren, and ignorance among us.

Among the non-observant, there is a

false belief that cremation is environmentally preferable. Secular culture promotes cremation as cleaner, easier, less burdensome, and progressive. These misleading ideas about the advantages of cremation have tragically gained traction, and thousands of our fellow Jews are now opting for cremation.

We must convey to our brethren that burial has and will remain the only Jewish way of dealing with the deceased.

Recently, a man came to me to inform me that his mother, as she was dying, told him that she had already arranged a pre-paid cremation. Her frum son was shocked. The woman who his children lovingly referred to as Bubby would be reduced to ashes stored in an urn?

He went back to his mother’s sickbed. Alas, it was too late. She was set in her decision.

When he asked her why, she offered a potpourri of fallacious and unfounded reasons.

“It’s better for the environment,” she said. And, “I’m afraid I would feel claustrophobic.” Unfortunately, she had legally appointed a legal executor, and her son had no ground to stand on. Things might have ended differently if he had had the conversation sooner. When his beloved mother passed away, there was no funeral, no kever to visit; all there was were ashes.

However, it didn’t have to end this way. All it takes is our willingness to be informed and to have an uncomfortable conversation before it is too late.

A few years ago, a non-observant woman named Sarah was in shul. It was Parshas Chayei Sarah.

I mentioned how according to Rab-

beinu Yonah, the tenth and most difficult test for Avrohom was finding a burial plot for his wife, Sarah. I used that as a springboard to discuss the necessity of having that uncomfortable conversation about burial with one’s loved ones well before it’s actually needed.

I spoke about NASCK and the importance of communication before the time when death is imminent.

Years later, I received a phone call from Sarah. She asked me to officiate at the funeral of her recently departed mother. I asked what made her choose me to officiate at the levaya. She explained that she always remembered my talk about Avrohom and the test he had in burying Sarah. She decided to have an uncomfortable conversation with her mother. She knew her mother was planning to be cremated. She reminded her mother of the yearly trips taken as a child to the grave of her mother’s grandparents, and how meaningful those visits were.

One day, her mother called her and announced she wanted Kevuras Yisroel. The mother explained that she had just attended the cremation of an old friend of hers. When she noticed a sign that read, “We are proud to offer families the opportunity to witness their loved one’s cremation,” she was horrified.

The thought of being proud to witness cremation repulsed her and triggered a forty-year-old memory. She recalled her mother’s funeral, where the Chevra Kadisha lovingly and gently laid her mother to rest in her grave. She then realized that a Jewish burial was her only option.

Sarah said, “Rabbi, I was totally ignorant of the importance of a Jewish burial. Thank you for making me aware and encouraging me to talk with my mother when I did.”

I need you, the frum, Orthodox Jewish world, who would drop everything to help a Jew connect with his or her Jewish birthright. I am imploring you now to help your fellow Jews connect with their “afterlife right.” The statistics have reached crisis level. Projections from the Cremation Association of North America forecast a cremation rate of 59.4% in 2023. Every 16 minutes in the U.S., another Jew is cremated.

Therefore, I need you, and all secular Jews in America need you.

What can you do?

First, wake up and realize the gravity and extent of the problem. Familiarize yourself with the horrific reality that 30,000 Jews per year are being cremated in this country. Arm yourself with information from NASCK, or better yet, join a NASCK workshop and learn how to prevent a cremation.

The second part of my request is the most crucial.

I ask you to leave your comfort zone and approach your fellow Jew. I know the conversation I am asking you to have is uncomfortable and awkward. It will require thought and time, and may take more than one conversation. However, if we truly believe all of Klal Yisroel’s neshamos are one, how can we not be concerned with the pain of that neshama?

The goal is to reach out to any Jew who may not be planning a Jewish burial. This conversation must be had with all Jews who come into our orbit. We must impress upon them that they deserve, and their neshamos deserve, a Jewish burial.

Rav Soloveitchik would visit his wife’s grave every Friday after she passed away in 1967. This was the only solace he had. As he so poignantly said, “The longing for one who has died and is gone forever is worse than death.” We must convey to our fellow Jews that they are denying their loved ones the solace one receives by being able to visit their grave.

The task in front of us is formidable.

Rav Noach Weinberg, zt”l, would motivate us to reach out to our fellow Jews by saying, “The train is leaving for Auschwitz. What are we going to do about it?”

In our times, the train is heading straight toward the crematorium filled with our brothers and sisters.

The question we must ask ourselves is, what will we do to halt that train?

The choice is in our hands.

“If Not Now, Then When?”-Hillel Ron Yitzchok Eisenman

Rav

Congregation Ahavas Israel Passaic, NJ

BYAM Students Hone Their Kriya Skills

Decoding and fluency in reading is more easily acquired when children understand what they are reading and when they find it interesting. Since Hebrew is our children’s second language, Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam realizes that by giving their students Hebrew books with enjoyable content to read, they will be able to surge forward in their kriya decoding and fluency skills, as well as gain a greater understanding of the Hebrew language.

To reach this goal, students at Bais

Yaakov Ateres Miriam are reading new decodable leveled readers individually, working with kriah manipulatives, and reading in small, leveled groups to read high interest stories. This allows the girls to acquire language and grammar exposure in a fun, stress free environment as well as allowing teachers to differentiate kriah instruction as needed.

Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam’s data on this has shown that the girls’ kriya fluency has increased as well as their interest in and knowledge of Hebrew.

Young Shatnez Checkers at YOSS

Rabbi Avrohom Berenstein, the Kriah specialist at YOSS, is also a certified shatnez checker and currently runs the Bayswater Shatnez Laboratory. Rabbi Rosenwasser’s eighth grade learned about shatnez in Chumash shiur. Recently, Rabbi Berenstein gave a handson, interactive shatnez presentation. It covered the halachos and practical applications of shatnez. The talmidim learned about the numerous procedures in wool

and linen thread manufacturing, and garment construction. They witnessed a suit, pants, tie, even Uggs boots being checked for shatnez. They then worked in groups to dissect different threads into fibers and used microscopes to identify the various fibers, based on Rabbi Berenstein’s presentation. The talmidim experienced the fusion of modern-day science and the practical halacha.

Did you know?

In many places, January 1 is also known as “Polar Bear Plunge Day.”

Chanukah came early in Queens as the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates celebrated all Kislev long! The festivities kicked off with YIJE’s monthly Family Mitzvah Morning. Parents and children came together in the spirit of Chanukah to create gift bags and Chanukah decorations for the residents at the Margaret Teitz Rehabilitation Center! The program was sponsored by Tammy and Hillel Bryk. The YIJE Sisterhood eagerly hosted its annual Friday Night Pre-Chanukah Shabbat Dinner after a two-year Covid hiatus. YIJE families came together for a lavish dinner. While Mara D’atra Rabbi Dr. Dov Lerner delivered an inspirational Chanukah message to

the adults, fun and games for the children were led by YIJE Youth Director Jacob Herskowitz and the Youth Department staff. The highlight of the evening was the parent/child sufganiyot eating contest...if only there were pictures!

The children of Jamaica Estates came together for more fun and games at the Youth Department’s Annual Chanukah Blast Chagiga. The kids danced to Chanukah tunes, created Chanukah decorations to take home, participated in a creative game show called Nes or No-Nes led by Jacob Herskowitz and Rabbi Lerner, and everyone worked together to build a giant Lego Chanukia under the direction of Aryeh

Chanukah Lasted All Month Long In Jamaica Estates Frindle at Cahal

While reading the book “Frindle,” Mrs. Shoshana Ayzin’s 4th-5th grade CAHAL class at Shulamith learned about the origins of words. The main character in the book decided to call a pen a “frindle” and was able to entice everyone he knew to shift to this new word. The students discussed

how advertising is a form of persuasive writing and slogans can engage and interest the customer.

After finishing the book, Mrs. Ayzin gave each student in her class their own “frindle” with their names on it for Chanukah. As a culminating activity, the students worked in groups to invent

Rozic. Of course, no party would not be complete without pizza, chocolate gelt, and sufganiyot!

To participate, sponsor or get more information about ongoing YIJE program-

ming for children and adults please email office@yije.org or visit yije.org.

a new word for an everyday object and wrote advertisements for it.

Flame Comes To Shevach

On Tuesday, December 20, for its annual Chanukah Chagiga, Shevach High School was transformed into “Flame” (or was that Fame?), an upscale clothing store. The Shevach chagigah heads, Tehilla Aranov, Gitty Hellman, Devora Trop and Sarah Wiederkehr, under the direction of Shevach Educational Administrator, Mrs. Devorah Kovitz, did an amazing job turning the multi-purpose room into a stunning boutique. While browsing around, the students were treated to a delectable feast featuring donuts, latkes, candy, and personalized flame cookies.

After warm opening words by Shevach Menaheles, Mrs. Shulamith Insel, the girls heard a meaningful d’var Torah delivered by Shevach Associate Principal, Mrs. Miriam Krohn, who spoke about the message of the dreidel. Mrs. Krohn vividly portrayed how the dreidel represents all the exiles of the Jewish people throughout time. The “dreidel” falls but will surely be picked up at the time of the future redemption. That

is why the numerical value of the letters on the dreidel is the same as Moshiach – 358.

The students were then treated to a special activity. The “fame”ous Faigy Wasserman, who on previous occasions has come to Shevach, wowed them once again, this time featuring her latest tap shoes. The girls danced up a storm while clicking away in their taps. The singing and dancing definitely put everyone into the Chanukah spirit and a great time was had by all.

Yet the best was yet to come, as all the girls were entered into a raffle to win a gift card to the Fame clothing store on Central Ave. Congratulations to the winner, Shevach junior Shifra Tchatchanachvili!

In the words of the Shevach students, “I think this was one of the ‘funnest’ activities I ever did.” “That was amazing! The decor, the food the dancing...”

These were just two of the many positive reviews given. All agreed that the Shevach Chanukah Chagiga 5783 was not only inspiring but also exciting and impactful.

Sushi with Seniors at Ezra

The principal at Ezra Academy Ms. Sima Fish-Berezovsky, Esq. has started a new initiative this year. She has begun having lunch with individual seniors or small groups of 12th grade students. The plan was to spend even more quality time with the older students as they are preparing to make incredibly difficult and significant life decisions and to hear the different ideas that the seniors have regarding a gap year in Israel, college, potential careers, marriage, etc… It was meant to lend support, an open ear, a trusted heart and some adult insight to wonderful kids making hard choices. As a warm, family-oriented school, that is demanding more and more from their students academically, the decisions they are facing are real as they contemplate which colleges to attend, which scholarships to accept, and how to convince parents to allow a gap year

(when the community they come from is less excited about the opportunity).

Ms. Fish looks forward to the lunchtime schmoozes where the seniors are treated to sushi and Ms. Fish is treated to the deep insightful thinking of her beloved students. It has been an inspiring initiative for the administration and meaningful for the 12th grade. So inspiring, in fact, that when lower classmen heard lunchtime appointments being made through the administrative assistant in the office, they asked for the same opportunity. Now, the lunchtime schmooze initiative is growing to include other grades, where students are openly discussing important ideas with the principal, but rest assured, the seniors maintain an element of senior privilege in the program because sushi deliveries are for seniors only.

Students in Rabbi Schulman’s class at YOSS Mechina built race cars powered by balloons to learn about potential and kinetic energy

The children at Gan Chamesh had an illuminating experience on Chanukah, as they explored a creative light museum and immersed themselves in unique and innovative light-based activities.

An Important Milestone

Mazal tov to Gesher’s first grade class on receiving their siddurim this week! This milestone was a culmination of learning about the gift of tefillah through the “Ani Tefillah” program. The children have been learning about the meaning of tefillah in order to gain a strong connection to the words they are saying. They have been working so hard to strengthen their kriah skills and can now open a siddur and daven effectively. Mazal tov to all the grandparents, parents, and children on this momentous occasion!

Netzach Annual Shalsheles Breakfast

With school closed, over 30 children spend the week at The Special Children’s Center of Five Towns Legal Holiday Program, filling their days with friendships and joy

Living with Appreciation

On Sunday night, January 1, a packed crowd filled the White Shul for a night of inspiration. Living L’Chaim and Asher to the Yatzar teamed up to produce the event titled “Living with Appreciation.”

The attendees were captivated by the talented guest speaker Rabbi Joey Haber of Brooklyn.

Yossi Hecht, founder of Asher to the Yatzar, delivered opening remarks and Mara D’asra Rabbi Eytan Feiner shared divrei bracha. Additionally, all had the opportunity to hear from our very own Dr. Hylton Lightman about appreciating our bodily functions.

At the conclusion of the event, many purchased the newly released Asher Yatzar Sefer. It was a great zechus to have in attendance the author, Rabbi Moishe Dov Lebovits.

Lastly, a special thank you goes to

it.

On Sunday, January 1, the rebbeim, talmidim, fathers and grandfathers of Netzach gathered for the annual Shalsheles Breakfast at the Mesivta. Following davening, everyone enjoyed a delicious catered breakfast and buffet, following which the talmidim joined their fathers and grandfathers for learning in the Beis Medrash. After receiving maareh mekomos on a sugya related to tefillah and “Hamadah

l’fnei HaMelech,” spirited learning began in the Beis Medrash with the sounds of Torah packing the room.

Following the learning b’chavrusah, Rabbi Yoni Mittledorf, Sgan Menahel and ninth grade rebbe, gave an in-depth shiur followed by a Q&A afterwards.

Netzach thanks the sponsors of the event and the rebbeim and admin staff for their efforts in putting together this beautiful event.

Chazaq and Torah Anytime for arranging a livestream for those who could not make

Will The Coming Wealth Transfer Be a Benefit or a Detriment to Your Family?

By Monet Binder, Esq.

Whether it’s called “The Great Wealth Transfer,” “The Silver Tsunami,” or some other catchy sounding name, it’s a fact that a tremendous amount of wealth will pass from Baby Boomers to younger generations in the next few decades. In fact, it’s said to be the largest transfer of intergenerational wealth in history.

Because no one knows exactly how long aging Boomers will live or how much money they’ll spend before they pass on, it’s impossible to accurately predict just how much wealth will be transferred. However, studies suggest it’s somewhere between $30 and $90 trillion.

A Benefit or Detriment? There is much talk about the many benefits the wealth transfer might have for younger generations and the economy, fewer are talking about the potential negative ramifications. Yet there’s plenty of evidence suggesting that many people, especially younger generations, are

woefully unprepared to handle such an inheritance.

Regardless of whether you’ll be the one passing on wealth or inheriting it, you must have a well-prepared estate plan in place to prevent the potentially disastrous losses and other negative outcomes such transfers can lead to. Without proper planning, the money and other assets that get passed on can easily become more of a problem than a benefit for you and your loved ones.

Proactive planning is the key. There are a number of proactive measures you can take to help reduce the risks posed by the coming wealth transfer. Beyond putting in place a comprehensive estate plan that’s regularly updated, openly discussing your values and their inheritance with your loved ones can be the best way to ensure your estate planning strategies work exactly as you intend. Here’s what we suggest:

Create your own estate plan. If you haven’t created your own estate plan yet—and far too many of you haven’t—it’s

essential that you put a plan in place as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter how young you are, how much wealth you have, or if you have any children yet—all adults over age 18 should have some basic estate planning tools in place.

Talk about wealth with your family early and often. Don’t put off talking about wealth with your family until you are in retirement or nearing death. As soon as possible, clearly communicate with your children, grandchildren, and other heirs what wealth means to you and how you’d like them to use the assets they inherit. Make discussions a regular event, so you can address different aspects of wealth with your family as the younger generations grow and mature.

When you do have conversations with your loved ones, focus discussions on the values you want to instill, rather than what and how much they can expect to inherit. Let them know what values are most important to you and try to mirror those values in your family life as much as possible. Whether it’s saving money, charitable giving, or community service, having your loved ones see you live your most important values is often the best way to ensure they carry those values on once you are no longer around.

Discuss your wealth’s purpose. You should also discuss the specific purpose you want your wealth to serve in your loved ones’ lives. You worked hard to build your family wealth, so you’ve more than earned the right to stipulate how it gets used and managed when you’re gone. While you can add specific terms and conditions for your wealth’s fu-

HALB Stem Club

HALB’s After-School STEM Club is a space where students can explore, experiment, and develop a love for STEM! Students in the lower school were challenged to make a structure using toothpicks, pasta, and candy to support the weight of a textbook. They spent time building and revising their strategies based on geometric shapes. All of the students had fun getting creative and using the strategies they learned to accomplish the goal!

ture use in estate planning vehicles like Trusts, don’t make your loved ones wait until you’re dead to learn how you want their inheritance used.

If you want your wealth to be used to fund your children’s college education, provide the down payment on their first home, or invest for their retirement, tell them so. By discussing how you would like to see their inheritance used while you are still around, you can make certain your loved ones know why you made the estate planning decisions you did. Having these conversations now can greatly reduce future conflict and confusion among your family about what your true wishes really are when you are no longer able to explain your wishes.

We are not like most estate planning lawyers. We will serve as your trusted, provide guidance to help you make a lifetime of wise choices for yourself and those you love most. We are also here to offer your loved ones the support they need to make the most important legal and financial decisions when you are no longer there to guide them. Schedule your Family Estate Planning Session and get started today 718.514.7575.

Monet Binder, ESQ., has her practice in Queens and Brooklyn, New York, dedicated to protecting families, their legacies and values. All halachic documents are approved by the Bais Havaad Halacha Center in Lakewood, under the direction of Rabbi Dovid Grossman and the guidance of Harav Shmuel Kaminetsky, shlita, as well as other leading halachic authorities.

Lechu V’ Nelcha

The past two weeks at Lechu V’Nelcha were filled with inspiration!

On the second night of Chanukah, we were privileged to hear from Mrs. Debbie Greenblatt, followed by an inspirational Chanukah kumzitz accompanied by live music. This past week’s shiur, sponsored as a zchus refuah shelaimah for Yeshayahu Dovid ben Chana Matla, was given by Rabbi Shaya Cohen, who gave a not-to-be-forgotten speech about bitachon.

LVN is excited about our upcoming shiurim – this Sunday, January 8, we will be having Mrs. Linda Nathan (8:00 at the Agudah of the Five Towns). The following Monday, January 16, we will be iyH hearing from Rebbetzin Tziporah (Heller) Gottlieb from Eretz Yisrael. Looking forward to greeting you!

The children at Shulamith ECC explored different textures and fabrics as they learned about Bigdei Choref

HALB Lev Chana Participates in Hidden Sparks

For the past several years, members of the staff of HALB Lev Chana have been participating in the Hidden Sparks Learning Lenses workshops. Hidden Sparks supports teachers as they help meet the needs of their students, who may have diverse learning and behavioral styles and may be struggling. The administration of HALB Lev Chana has been sending two or three teachers to each of the workshops with the goal of having all the teachers trained in this unique program which nurtures the hidden spark in each child.

Yashar Koach to the Shulamith Sharks on winning both of their basketball games this past week

Mercaz Academy Pajama Night: The Sequel

Mercaz’s Early Childhood Center enjoyed its second Pajama Night of the school year, with ECC Director Morah Joanne Mlotok and Admissions Director Morah Francie Goldberg welcoming families old and new so they could check out Mercaz Academy after dark. This Pajama Night focused on introducing younger current and potential students to the learning taking place in the Mercaz Academy kindergarten.

ECC students wore their pajamas to the evening event – but no one was ready for bed yet at Mercaz! Nursery Aleph, Nursery Bet, and Kindergarten students and their guests ate a delicious meal of macaroni and cheese or baked ziti and salad and socialized with their friends. The children enjoyed the late-night feel as they played together, exploring rooms that felt a little unfamiliar at night (and with parents in them).

After the meal, kindergarten teacher Morah Batsheva Berger explained that phonological awareness – the ability to recognize and manipulate the spoken parts of sentences and words – has been proven to be a good foundation for future success in reading. Mercaz Academy’s kindergarten students practice their phonological awareness daily, and one of their favorite methods is identifying rhyming words. Morah Batsheva then

led students in a rousing game of Rhyming Bingo, announcing a word and displaying an accompanying picture; then the children would look for pictures of things that might rhyme with that word on their bingo cards. Morah Batsheva’s assistant teacher, Morah Dalia Ozarko, read two rhyming stories in Hebrew, Hayom Halavan (The White Day) and Laila Tov! (Good Night!), both by Israeli author Shulamit Tzorfati.

Following these activities, attendees enjoyed a bedtime snack of cookies and went home for bed – under some protest.

Congratulations to the HALB Middle School Spelling Bee winners: First Place - Daniel Shayovitz;

Second Place - Rebeca Cunha; and Third Place - Rebecca Broder

In Me M ory

Remembering Dr. Allen Bennett, A”H

This past Sunday marked the last day of shiva for Dr. Allen Bennett, Avrohom Yehuda ben Aharon, a”h. Dr. Bennett was niftar on 29 Kislev, at the age of 72, just shy of his 73 rd birthday, which would have been this past Shabbos. A fixture in the Kew Gardens Hills community, Dr. Bennett is survived by his brother, Dr. Leslie Bennett (Kew Gardens Hills), his two sisters, Susan Kest (Los Angeles) and Lisa Neuman (Jamaica Estates), his five children: Naftali and Beth Bennett (Lawrence), Dr. Yaakov and Chayale Saibel (Ramat Bet Shemesh), Rabbi Yossi and Malkie Bennett (Woodmere), Rabbi Yaakov and Batsheva Bennett (Ramat Eshkol), Rabbi Mordechai and Hadassah Bennett (Baltimore), and 27 grandchildren.

Born in the Bronx in 1949, and having spent the greater part of his childhood growing up in Forest Hills, Dr. Bennett lived the vast majority of his life in Kew Gardens Hills, together with his wife Judy, a”h. Together, they raised five children with tremendous support and perseverance, all of whom are shomer Torah and mitzvos today and continue their incredible legacy. Dr. Bennett was unequivocally dedicated and supportive to his family, children and grandchildren and reaped the wonderful nachas that they gave.

Although Dr. Bennett’s private medi-

cal practice was primarily at his office in Gramercy Park, NY, he was, what many mentioned during shiva, a 24/7 doctor. Always available to those in need in the community, it was a regular occurrence for his Shabbos seudah to be interrupted by a knock on the door by someone requiring medical attention, and he would never turn someone away. Specializing in hematology, oncology, internal medicine and geriatrics, his proficiency in all areas of medicine was well known among his peers. Numerous physicians who visited the family were able to recount countless times that Dr. Bennett was able to advise and guide them in their own specialties, having a broad knowledge of all areas of medicine.

He sat on the Board of Medical Ethics for the State of New York, was the President of the Association of Orthodox Jewish Scientists for over 30 years, and was the Medical Director of Aishel Avrohom Nursing Home in Williamsburg. He was an expert in end-of-life issues, having written and lectured on topics including Brain Death, DNR’s, Organ Donation and Heath Care Proxies. His countless degrees, board certifications, and commendations were just a symbol of his dedication to his field and his patients.

Dr. Bennett will be remembered for his unwavering willingness to help those

in need. Who can forget his signature “Ani Oheiv Kol Yehudi” yarmulka? His children recounted growing up in the home of a physician. When traveling, Dr. Bennett would initiate a conversation with flight attendants upon boarding a plane, “My name is Dr. Allen Bennett. I am sitting in seat 13H. If there is a need for a doctor on the plane, you know where to find me.” Those visiting during shiva shared dozens of stories of Dr. Bennett dropping everything to help someone needing medical attention. Erev Rosh Hashana, erev Yom Kippur, on Yom Kippur, at 3:00 in the morning – so many stories were shared illustrating Dr. Bennett’s commitment and dedication to people in need and his community.

But beyond his medical career, Dr. Bennett was an askan before the term was even used. He was brilliant, confident, and had a unique drive to help others. Rabbonim and community leaders knew, if they needed something to get done, they could always call Dr. Bennett. It didn’t matter if it was changing a lightbulb in shul or filling in as a last minute ba’al korei, he was an “ish tziburi ” – a man of the people. Dr. Bennett lived by a number of mantras, one of which was the Mishna in Pirkei Avos, “B’makom she’ein anashim, yishtadel li’hiyos ish” – loosely translated as, “In a place were there is a void, a va-

cancy, a need for someone to step up, be that person.” He repeated it hundreds of times, and he lived it. He was an ish emes, a man of truth, and he did what he felt was right, regardless of popular opinion.

He served as the Chairman of Community Board 8 in Queens and was involved in many mosdos both in New York and in Eretz Yisroel. His nephew, Chaskel Bennett, a renowned community activist, recalled the time that during the Gulf War in 1990, when everyone was leaving Eretz Yisroel, Dr. Bennett closed his practice, purchased a ticket, and boarded a plane to Eretz Yisroel. He thought, “Maybe they need a physician. Maybe I could help.” Chaskel Bennett credits his uncle as being the inspiration for his involvement in community work.

Dr. Bennett was an ardent lover of Eretz Yisroel. He used to tell his children, “When I retire from medicine, I’d like to become an Egged Bus Driver.” He wanted to travel around Eretz Yisroel and show others its beauty. Dr. Bennett finally made it to Eretz Yisroel and is resting in Eretz HaChaim in Bet Shemesh together with his beloved wife, Judy.

The family should be comforted knowing that Dr. Bennett’s tremendous legacy lives on and the myriad mitzvos and ma’asim tovim accompany him in Olam HaBa’ah.

TJH Centerfold

Talk About luck…









(As reported in the Daily Telegraph, England)

Frane Selak, born in 1929, is a Croatian music teacher who used to be famous for his numerous escapes from fatal accidents:

In January 1962, Selak was on a train that derailed and plunged into an icy river, killing 17 passengers. Selak managed to escape with minor injuries.

In 1963, Selak was flung out of a plane when a door flew open. Nineteen people died but he was thrown clear of the crash and landed in a haystack.

In 1966, he was riding on a bus that crashed and plunged into a river. Four others were killed, but Selak managed to escape unharmed.





In 1970, he managed to escape before a faulty fuel pump engulfed his car into flames.



In 1973, another of Selak’s cars caught fire, forcing fire through the air vents. He suffered no injuries except the loss of most of his hair.





In 1995, he was hit by a city bus, but once again, suffered minor injuries.

In 1996, Selak escaped when he drove off a cliff to escape an oncoming truck. He managed to land in a tree and watched as his car exploded 300 feet below him.

To top it all off, in 2003, Selak won $1,000,000 in the Croatian lottery!

You Gotta Be Kidding Me!

Sadie visits her husband Yankel in the rehab and Yankel promptly says, “Sadie, I want to transfer out of this facility to another place.”

“Why? Is the food that bad?” asks Sadie.

“The food is fine. I can’t kvetch,” says Yankel.

“Is it the room?” asks Sadie.

“No, the room is beautiful,” says Yankel, “I can’t kvetch.”

“What about the staff? Are they not treating you well?” Sadie wonders.

Yankel replies, “They are the best staff possible. They treat me so well. I can’t kvetch.”

“So why do you want to be transferred?” Sadie asks.

Yankel replies, “Because I can’t kvetch!”

Bobblehead Trivia

In honor of National Bobblehead Day on January 7, let’s see how much you know about bobbleheads!

1. The first recorded instance of bobbleheads being used to promote a sports team was in the 1920s by what team?

a. Yankees

b. Dodgers c. Red Sox d. New York Knicks

2. According to Guinness World Records, Phillip Darling holds the record for the largest private bobblehead collection. How many did he have as of 2015, when he earned that distinguished record?

a. 2,396 b. 5,555 c. 17,230 d. 100,340

3. In 2011, the White Sox gave out bobbleheads of Roger Bossard. What was his role on the White Sox?

a. Groundskeeper (Known as the “Sodfather”) b. 50-year owner (Known as “The Boss”)

c. Long-time third base coach

(Known as “3B”)

d. Winningest White Sox pitcher (Known as “Mr. Heat”)

b. NY Giants c. San Francisco Giants d. Dallas Cowboys

4. One of the only two surviving bobbleheads representing the 1961-1962 New York Yankees – a generic Yankees player – sold for how much in 2015? a. $3,000 b. $15,000 c. $60,000 d. $1,200,000

5. Which team has done the most bobblehead promotions to-date? a. NY Mets

6. Where did bobbleheads originate, in the early 17th century? a. Egypt b. Ireland c. China d. England Answer 1-D 2-A 3-A 4-C 5-C 6-C

Wisdom key

6-7 correct: You definitely have your own bobblehead. Don’t believe me? Look in the mirror and nod your head up and down really fast. Come on…don’t be shy! 3-5 correct: You need a little more head and a little less bobble. 0-2 correct: You are about as smart as a bobblehead!

Riddle Me This

Spelled forwards I’m what you do every day, spelled backward I’m something you hate. What am I?

Answer: Live

Parshas Vayechi

By Rabbi Berel Wein

The traditional rabbinic approach as to why this portion of the Torah is the titled “vayechi Yaakov ” even though the subject matter of this Torah portion concerns itself with the death of Yaakov is that as long as his descendants – the Jewish people – are alive and functioning, then Yaakov is still considered to be alive.

The message here is one of immortality and continuity, family and generations. Like life itself and its counterpart, death, these words mentioned immediately above are difficult to define. Other nations and empires that are long ago extinct in terms of presence and partici-

pation in current world events also have biological descendants alive and present in today’s world population.

Nevertheless, we think of Rome and Babylon, Greece and Persia, the Holy Roman Empire and even the Soviet Union as being swept into the dustbin of history, never to rise to power again. So, the rabbis must be telling us a deeper message than mere biological and genetic survival from the past until today.

I have often thought that a great part of the secret of Jewish survival lies in the fact that different – completely different – generations are able to bond together, recognize each other and have the same

common goals, values, and lifestyle. My father was born before the Wright brothers flew an airplane and he lived to see human beings walk on the moon. In spite of the difference in age, background and even language, he had close contact with and a great influence on his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

one of his descendants could say in response to the blessing that each one received – all of them different and personal – that their old father and grandfather understood them and recognize them for what they were. And because of that, they treasured his memory and championed his cause throughout the ages.

They somehow recognized who he was in his essence and beliefs and easily responded to his presence and later treasured his memory. So, to a certain extent, we may say that he lived on through his descendants.

Yaakov recognized the different personalities, qualities, and talents of each of his children and grandchildren. His blessings to his children and grandchildren, as recorded for us in this week’s Torah reading, clearly indicate this fact. He had no one-size-fits-all blessing to bestow. And it is perhaps that fact that guarantees that as long as his descendants are alive, Yaakov also lives. Every

Relationships that bridge time and space, generations and world upheavals, can only be forged upon the recognition and acceptance of the uniqueness of the parties involved. There is no blessing ultimately in national and personal life that is brought about by conformity. The pithy remark of the great Rebbe of Kotzk was: “If I am I and you are you, then I am I and you are you; but if I am you and you are me, then I am not I and you are not you.”

The blessings of Yaakov to his future generations reflect the wisdom of this truism.

Shabbat shalom.

Yaakov recognized the different personalities, qualities, and talents of each of his children and grandchildren.

From the Fire

Parshas Vayechi

My Heart is in the East

By Rav Moshe Weinberger

Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

The parsha begins (Bereishis 47:28), “And Yaakov lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years and the days of Yaakov, the years of his life, were a hundred and forty-seven years.” Unlike every other parsha where there is a space in the Torah before the beginning of the parsha, Parshas Vayechi is “closed.” In other words, the last word of the previous parsha and the first word of Parshas Vayechi are adjacent to one another without any space between them. Rashi says, “Why is this parsha closed? Because when Yaakov Avinu died, the eyes and hearts of the Jewish people were closed because of the pain of the enslavement which they began to impose upon them.”

Many commentaries ask the following question about Rashi’s explanation: We know that the enslavement of the Jewish people did not begin until some time after Yaakov’s death. According to Rashi’s explanation, Parshas Shemos should have been the closed parsha because the enslavement of the Jewish people did not begin until the beginning of Parshas Shemos!

We have an additional question as well. Just before Yaakov’s death, he asked Yosef (ibid. at 29) to swear to him, “Do not bury me in Egypt.” When Yosef agreed, the pasuk said (ibid. at 31), “And Yisroel prostrated himself at the head of the bed.” Once he was assured that he would be buried in Eretz Yisroel, he bowed down. He was then ready to die. We see that Yaakov valued burial in Eretz Yisroel so much that he was not ready to die until he knew that he would be buried there. With this in mind, let us study a somewhat perplexing Midrash (Bereishis Raba 47:5):

It once happened that Rebbi [Yehuda Hanasi] and Rabbi Eliezer were walking by the gates outside Tiveria. They saw

the coffin of a deceased person who was coming from outside Eretz Yisroel to be buried in Eretz Yisroel. Rebbi said to Rabbi Eliezer, “What does this accomplish? Since his soul departed outside of Eretz Yisroel and is coming to be buried in Eretz Yisroel, I say about him (Yirmiya 2:7), ‘You have made my heritage an abomination’ in your lifetimes, ‘and you came and contaminated My land’ in your death.” He [Rabbi Eliezer] said to him [Rebbi], “Because he is buried in Eretz Yisroel, Hashem atones for him, as it is written (Devarim 32:43), ‘And his land atones for him.’”

This Midrash is difficult to understand. Why does Rabbi Eliezer prove from an oblique pasuk in Devarim that it is worthwhile to be buried in Eretz Yisroel even when one’s neshama passed into the Next World outside of Eretz Yisroel? Why doesn’t he prove it from the fact that Yaakov wanted to be buried in Eretz Yisroel although he was about to die in Egypt?

In order to make sense of these ques-

tions, we must first study a famous teaching of the Baal Shem Tov. The sefer Tzava’as Harivash (Hanhagos Yesharos 69) quotes a brief but powerful teaching: “A person is where his thoughts are.” His grandson, Reb Moshe Chaim Efrayim of Sudilkov, expanded on this concept when he wrote (Degel Machaneh Ephraim, Parshas Bereishis), “It is known that wherever a person thoughts are, he is entirely there.” The Baal Shem Tov’s primary student, the Magid of Mezritch, is also quoted (Hanhagos Tzadikim 27) as saying, “Whatever place a person is thinking about, he is attached to that place.” This is one of the fundamental teachings of the Baal Shem Tov.

We see the same idea based on a pasuk in Tehillim (87:5) which says, “And regarding Zion [Yerushalayim], it will be said, every man is born in her.” What does this mean? Is every Jew who will ever live born in Yerushalayim? The Gemara (Kesubos 75a) explains the pasuk as follows: “One that is born there and one that longs to see it.” According to the Gemara, one

who longs to see Yerushalayim is considered as if he was born there!

We have a beautiful teaching from Rabbi Chaim ben Betzalel, the brother of the Maharal (Sefer Hachaim and Geulas Yisroel, 1). He explains that the Gemara (Kesubos 110b) which says, “Anyone who lives outside of Eretz Yisroel is compared to one who has no G-d” is not referring to those Jews who are filled with love and longing for the land and are always waiting to see it. According to Rabbi Chaim ben Betzalel, if one is longing and waiting to see Eretz Yisroel, it is as if he is already there! That is why he is not in the same category as one who truly lives outside of Eretz Yisroel about whom the Gemara says that he is living without G-d.

It is known that Rav Kook, zt”l, was forced to live outside of Eretz Yisroel for several years during World War I because he was in Europe working for the welfare of the those living in Eretz Yisroel when the war broke out. During this period, while Rav Kook was serving as a rav in England, Rav Yaakov Moshe Charlap, zt”l, Rav Kook’s closest student, wrote in a letter (Hod Harim, Letter 31) to Rav Kook that someone told him the following: “The soul of your Rebbe pines exceedingly to be at the Western Wall. Sometimes, because of his great longing, when he concentrates his soul on that place, it is as if he is by the Western Wall. His soul actually comes there and draws all of his ideas from that place.” These mekubalim knew through their Divine inspiration that because Rav Kook’s thoughts were entirely focused on Eretz Yisroel, it is as if he was actually there.

Rav Yaakov Moshe also wrote (Mei Marom 5, p. 84) that Yaakov Avinu paved the way for his children so that even when they were in exile, if they would only long

to be in Eretz Yisroel, Mount Moriah, the place of the Holy of Holies, it would come to them. And within the darkness of their exile, the shining light of the redemption would light their way. Yaakov Avinu felt that he wished he was in Eretz Yisroel at the site of the future Beis Hamikdash when he said (Rashi on Bereishis 28:17), “Is it possible that I passed by the place where my fathers davened, and I did not daven there?” Rashi continues, “As soon as he made up his mind to return, and got as far as Beis El, the earth sprang toward him.” We learn from Yaakov Avinu that when a person longs for Yerushalayim, Yerushalayim comes to him! A person truly is wherever a person’s thoughts are.

It is told that after davening one morning, Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev came over to someone in shul and said, “Welcome back from Leipzig! It’s good to have you back in Berditchev!”

Confused because he had never been to Leipzig, the commercial capital of the region, the man replied, “But Rebbe, I’ve never been to Leipzig.”

“What do you mean,” Reb Levi Yitzchak replied, “Just now, during Shemoneh Esrei, you were strolling through the streets of Leipzig!” A person truly is where his mind is.

We are accustomed to Rashi’s explanation that Parshas Vayechi is a “closed” parsha indicates that there was some deficiency in the Jewish people because of Yaakov Avinu’s death. But perhaps we can explain, based on the above, that there is no separation between Parshas Vayechi and the prior parsha for a different reason. Because Yaakov’s thoughts were just as focused on Eretz Yisroel after he came

Because Yaakov’s thoughts were fixed on Eretz Yisroel, he never truly left. He could therefore not be used as an example of one who is buried in Eretz Yisroel after living in exile. Yaakov never really lived in Egypt!

Rav Kook taught the most beautiful thing along these lines (Oros, Eretz Yisroel): “The true encouragement and Jewish ideal in exile only comes from

to Egypt as they were when he lived in Eretz Yisroel, there was no separation between the Yaakov Avinu who physically lived in Egypt and the Yaakov Avinu who lived in Eretz Yisroel. That is why there is no separation between Parshas Vayechi and the previous parsha, Vayigash.

That is also why Rabbi Eliezer was unable to prove from Yaakov Avinu that even one who dies outside of Eretz Yisroel benefits from being buried in Eretz Yisroel.

the depth of the desire for Eretz Yisroel… Longing for salvation is the preservation of Judaism in exile… And in the Judaism of Eretz Yisroel, [longing for Eretz Yisroel] is the salvation itself.”

Let us conclude this thought with a few lines from Rebbi Nosson’s tefillos (Likutei Tefilos 84, 105) regarding Eretz Yisroel, which capture the true essence of longing for Eretz Yisroel in the most powerful way:

“Hashem, Hashem, merciful and compassionate G-d, patient and abundant in kindness and truth,” in Your great compassion, cause me and all of Israel to long, pine, desire, and want to come to Eretz Yisroel until I merit, in Your great mercy and powerful kindness to actualize my desire and will to go, travel, and come peacefully to Eretz Yisroel, quickly, speedily, and hastily. You know how much I must be in Eretz Yisroel, in the Holy land… Help me always desire, long, and pine to come to Eretz Yisroel. May I merit to draw upon myself the holiness of Eretz Yisroel all of the time and through this, may I merit perfect faith, to believe completely in Your providence at all times… May even those of us who do not merit to live in Eretz Yisroel merit to desire and long for Hashem’s salvation and Eretz Yisroel so that it will be our true place now, and with the coming of Moshiach and the complete redemption, may it be soon in our days.

Rav Moshe Weinberger, shlita, is the founding Morah d’Asrah of Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, NY, and serves as leader of the new mechina Emek HaMelech.

“Wherever a person thoughts are, he is entirely there.”

Think. Feel.Grow.

Chessed, Din, and Tiferes

The Guiding Principles of Reality

By Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

Sammy lived in a strange world. From the moment one entered adulthood, the government placed a special belt on them, one that was impossible to remove. This belt served to keep everyone in order. If someone defied a law, or misbehaved, the belt immediately administered an electric shock. The worse the offense, the stronger the shock. Everyone’s private lives were monitored closely, so there was no escaping punishment.

Sammy, though, was bright and creative. And most of all, he was tired of living in such fear and submissiveness. He finally decided that he was going to do something about it. But he had one problem: there was no way to dismantle the belt without triggering an alarm that would notify the police. For months, Sammy tried to think of different ways to circumvent the belt’s alarm. But one day, the miraculous occurred. Sammy’s belt malfunctioned. He couldn’t believe it! Maybe the battery ran out too soon, or maybe the government had lost control of him, but Sammy didn’t care; he was finally free!

At first, Sammy felt inclined to break the law. “Anarchy and chaos, here I come!” he happily thought to himself. Every time he broke the law, he relished the freedom he now had. But after a week of this, he began feeling bad about himself and started giving it some thought. He realized that deep down he really did want to be a good person; he wanted to do the right thing. The government had decided that the belts were necessary; society had gotten so out of hand that there was no other way to keep peace and order. Only by limiting people’s free will could they ensure everyone’s safety. But Sammy realized that even without the belt, he still wanted to do the right thing, through his own choice.

Weeks went by, and Sammy’s life went on as usual. One day, as he was walking home, a police car stopped right next to him, and an officer opened the door. “Hi, Sammy, can you please come with me?”

Startled and confused, Sammy nervously went with the officer, who took him straight to the police headquarters. “Oh no,” Sammy thought. “They must know

that my belt is broken! What if they decide to make an example of me? What if they lock me up! My life is over!”

The officer walked Sammy to a strange room filled with thousands of monitors. In the center stood the chief of police. “Hi Sammy, it’s great to finally meet you,” he said. “I know you’re probably scared and confused. Please don’t be. You have nothing to worry about. I want to show you something.”

On the monitor, Sammy saw a video of…himself. It was the day his belt malfunctioned. What did this mean? What was happening?

“For the past few weeks, your belt has been out of service. But this wasn’t a mistake. In fact, it was the opposite. You see, the belts are not ideal, they are only a means to an end. Years ago, they were a necessity. Free will had to be taken away for the greater good. But I believe that we are getting closer to the point where the people themselves can be trusted to make their own decisions, where their lives and choices are once more determined by their

own free will. So we decided to use you as our prototype, to see what would happen if we deactivated your belt. And you know the rest of the story.

“Sammy, thank you for giving us hope in humanity.”

Creating the World with Din

In our previous article, we explained the following fundamental Torah principle: The Arizal, Ramchal, Vilna Gaon, and many other Jewish thinkers explain that every process contains three stages:

• The first stage is the high, the inspiration, an experience of perfection and clarity.

• Next comes the second stage: a complete fall, a loss of everything that was experienced during the first stage.

• Then there is the third stage, a return to the perfection of the first stage. However, this third stage is fundamentally different from the first. It is the same perfection, the same clarity, but this time it’s a perfection and clarity that you have earned. The first time it was given to you, now you have

worked to build it for yourself.

This principle sheds light onto another enigmatic Midrash (see Rashi, Bereishis 1:1). Chazal explain that originally, Hashem created the world with strict din (justice). In such a world, one would get exactly what they deserved; if they sinned, they would be punished instantaneously. However, Hashem saw that the world could not be sustained with strict justice, so He added rachamim (mercy), enabling people to do teshuvah. This account seems extremely odd.

How can it be that Hashem made a “mistake” — that He originally wanted to create the world with din but then changed His mind? One only changes their mind when they receive new information. (For example, you would change your mind if you originally decided not to go to the store on Monday, because you thought it was closed on Mondays, but then later found out that the store was, in fact, open on Mondays.) Is it possible that Hashem did not already know that the world could not survive without rachamim?

The Maharal explains this Midrash according to the principle we have developed throughout this chapter (Gur Aryeh, Bereishis 1:1). In an ideal world, man would be judged according to absolute truth, absolute din and emes. In such a world, we would receive immediate punishment for any sins, and we would experience a world of clear cause-and-effect.

However, the purpose of this world is to earn our perfection and build our connection with Hashem, creating our share in Olam Haba. This is built on the concept of din: Justice means that you get what you deserve. Just as we receive our share in Olam Haba because we earned and deserve it, we should also receive full and immediate punishment for our sins because we earned and deserve it. (In truth, our share in Olam Haba is actually built off of chessed. Through chessed, Hashem gives us the ability to earn our share in Olam Haba. Thus, the principle of din, of earning our Olam Haba, actually rests on the foundation of chessed (“Olam chessed yibaneh — the world is built on chessed ”).

However, in such a world, humanity could not survive. This is due to the fact that we need free will in order to earn our share in Olam Haba; and because we have free will, we are likely to sin. (The very existence of free will allows for the possibility (and likelihood) of sin.) If we were punished with full force the moment we sinned, no one would survive. As a result, humanity needs the ability to do teshuvah without getting punished right away. And, on the flip side, if we were pun-

ished the moment we sinned, our free will itself would be diminished. If people knew that the moment they sinned, Hashem would punish them, they would be much less likely to make mistakes. (Imagine getting struck by lightning the moment we sinned. We would be a lot less likely to make mistakes, but this would also seri-

digm of chessed, din, and tiferes). When the Midrash says that Hashem originally intended to create the world with pure din, that was the ideal, the goal. Hashem then created a world that also contains rachamim, to enable that original vision to come to fruition. It is only through rachamim that we are able to utilize the

goal is to become G-dly, fully reflect our higher selves, create oneness, and enjoy every single step of the process!

Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is the author of the bestselling book, “The Journey to Your Ultimate Self,” which serves as an inspiring gateway into deeper Jewish thought. He is an educator and speaker who has lectured internationally on topics of Torah thought, Jewish medical ethics, psychology, and leadership. He is also the founder and CEO of Self-Mastery Academy, the transformative online self-development course based on the principles of high-performance psychology and Torah.

ously weaken our free will.)

As a result, Hashem mixed rachamim with strict din.

However, this is not so simple. How can Hashem mix rachamim with din if din appears to be “absolute,” all or nothing?

With din:

• We get exactly what we deserve.

• We receive it right away.

• There is no way of avoiding the consequences.

Rachamim, however, requires non-exactness; it therefore completely contradicts din. You either get exactly what you deserve, or you don’t – there can’t be a middle ground!

But the Ramchal provides an incredible explanation. The beauty of rachamim is that it doesn’t reject din, it creates a harmony (tiferes) that allows for 100% din and 100% rachamim (Mesilas Yesharim, chap. 4).

With rachamim:

• We get exactly what we deserve, but not all at once (gradation). This enables us to handle the consequences and keep moving forward. (For example, instead of receiving the brute force of a giant boulder, the boulder will be broken up into many smaller pebbles and a small child will throw them at him one at a time.)

• We receive the punishment following the sin, but only if we don’t take advantage of the opportunity for teshuvah

• We receive the consequences, but if we do teshuvah, then retroactively, there are no consequences to receive, as teshuvah undoes the damage itself. Once a person does teshuvah, they become a different person, and the punishment is no longer necessary or applicable.

This is the unique balance between din and rachamim (and is the greatest para-

middah of din and earn our share in Olam Haba. Once Hashem added rachamim to the world, the world itself became our “rechem” (womb).

The Process of Life

This is the process of life. The ideal is revealed, taken away, and then remains as our goal as we journey through life, trying to recreate that ideal. The key is to be inspired by the goal, not discouraged by the struggle. We must understand that our

After obtaining his BA from Yeshiva University, he received Semicha from Yeshiva University’s RIETS, a master’s degree in education from Azrieli Graduate School, and a master’s degree in Jewish Thought from Bernard Revel Graduate School. He then spent a year studying at Harvard as an Ivy Plus Scholar. He currently lives in Chicago with his wife and son where he is pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago.

To invite Rabbi Reichman to speak in your community or to enjoy more of his deep and inspiring content, visit his website: ShmuelReichman.com.

The purpose of this world is to earn our perfection and build our connection with Hashem, creating our share in Olam Haba.

Delving into the Daf A Powerful Tefillah

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

The Gemara in Nedarim expounds the earliest recorded example of hataras nedarim. Hashem told Moshe Rabbeinu that it was safe for him to return to Egypt “because the men who seek your life have died.” The Gemara explains that these men were none other than Dasan and Aviram. However, the Gemara records another implicit message in Hashem’s statement. The fact that the men, who Moshe Rabbeinu had reason to fear, had died, could be the basis for releasing Moshe Rabbeinu from his vow.

Moshe Rabbeinu swore to Yisro that he would not return to Egypt without his permission. In actuality, Yisro consented to Moshe Rabbeinu’s return. Yet the Nimukei Yosef explains that there was a double oath. The first part was the aforementioned oath. Additionally, Moshe Rabbeinu swore without reservation not to return to Egypt at all. It was this second oath that required annulment. Hashem advised and taught Moshe that this new circumstance can be used as a basis for releasing him from his vow.

Still, the Gemara does not record who actually was the sage that released Moshe Rabbeinu from his vow. The commentator on the side of the Gemara, which is identified in the Vilna Shas as Rashi (but surely isn’t), suggests that Moshe Rabbeinu released himself from his own vow. The Bach is tremendously bothered by how the commentator could suggest such an outlandish idea. He is forced to conclude that there is a textual error in the commentary. However, the Shaar HaMelech suggests that perhaps, in a select few situations, a sage can actually permit his own vow.

How could it possibly be that Dasan and Aviram already perished in Egypt, if they were part of Korach’s rebellion? The Gemara explains that they lost their wealth and prestige. They became close to penniless to the point that

they were deemed to be aniyim. The Chasam Sofer explains that the previous pharaoh passed away. There was a new king of Egypt at that time. Since Dasan and Aviram were poor, they lost all their influence with the royal court and could no longer spread loshon hara

are alive. These four are: a poor person, a metzora, a blind person, and one who has no children. When the Torah describes Dasan and Aviram as being dead, it is meant in the figurative sense. They became poor and were therefore akin to a meisim.

affected by this fact. Rather, the Gemara is motivating us to daven for these people.

Seemingly, Tosfos’s answer is hard to understand. Certainly, everyone knows how heart-wrenching it is when a couple r”l struggles to have children. When a family can’t afford the basic necessities r”l it pulls at our heartstrings. If someone is in danger, chas v’shalom, of losing their eyesight, we would certainly pour out our heart in tefilah. So how did Tosfos answer his question? People would certainly daven for these people even without knowing this Gemara!

Tosfos is teaching us an important lesson. Tefillah is an avodah performed with the heart. Every ounce of feeling and emotion that one can place into his tefillos can make all the difference in the world. Of course, people would regardless daven for these people that are suffering terribly. However, when a person studies this Chazal, he will take to heart how awful the Torah considers the predicament of these four groups of people. That will cause the person to daven even harder. That tefillah infused with such emotion is so powerful that in comparison to the tefillah that is lacking that little extra motivation, it is comparable in a certain sense to davening versus non-davening. Without this extra focus in his tefillah, one can say on a certain level, the individual did not pray at all! Therefore, when we daven for another Yid, we should open our hearts to feel their plight as much as possible. Every added degree of feeling is considered a whole new realm when it comes to tefillah.

about Moshe Rabbeinu to the new king who was unfamiliar with them.

Still, the pasuk does say that those men died. It does not say they became poor. The Gemara (Nedarim 64b) quotes a baraisa to reconcile this inconsistency. There are four people who are considered like a meis even though they

This certainly explains the pasuk, yet Tosfos remains with a question. What point was the baraisa trying to teach? What difference does it make if these four categories of people are akin to meisim? Is there any halachic relevance to this fact? Tosfos concludes that, in fact, there is no halacha that is

Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow is a rebbe at Yeshiva Ateres Shimon in Far Rockaway. In addition, Rabbi Sebrow leads a daf yomi chaburah at Eitz Chayim of Dogwood Park in West Hempstead, NY. He can be contacted at ASebrow@gmail.com.

Every ounce of feeling and emotion that one can place into his tefillos can make all the difference in the world.

My Israel Home

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

– and Generous

By Gedaliah Borvick

My company’s Netanya maven, Ruthie Yudin, texted me from Dona Gracia Street in Netanya. Googling the street name, she was blown away by Ms. Gracia’s life and wrote: “Her story must be told!”

Although streets in Tiberias and Haifa are also named in her memory, I was surprised that Dona Gracia’s accomplishments are unfamiliar to most people, as her biography reads like a best-selling novel, replete with espionage, adventure, intrigue, and highstakes finances.

In the 16th century, Ms. Gracia, affectionately known as La Senora, was the richest Jew in the world. She viewed her financial strength as a responsibility and expended considerable funds and leveraged her vast network of powerful connections to save thousands of persecuted Jews during the Inquisition. Let’s investigate the life and times of this heroic, trailblazing woman.

Dona Gracia Mendes was born in 1510, almost two decades after her family fled Spain to Portugal in 1492. Just a few years later, it was decreed in Portugal that all Jews should be expelled or forced to convert. These converts, who continued to practice Judaism secretly,

became known as “Marrano Jews.”

At the age of twelve, Dona’s parents revealed to her the family’s secret, and she began to learn Jewish customs. Six years later, she married her uncle Francisco Mendes, whose real name was Tzemach Benvenisti. He was born into an affluent family that dealt in silver, gems, and spices. In addition, the family’s Mendes Banking House was the world’s second largest bank, with branches in commerce hubs across the globe. Tzemach passed away nine years after they wed, and Dona Gracia, at the tender age of 27, was left with a huge fortune and a vast business empire.

Dona Gracia expanded the family’s trading enterprise and purchased a fleet of ships to distribute the spices. Her strategy to control the global movement of cargo was a precursor to Amazon, which came to the same realization and has acquired shipping companies and cargo planes.

Gracia’s activities were extremely unusual, as a woman living in the 16th century was only permitted to independently manage her life if she had the status of “widow.” Before marriage, a woman legally belonged to her father, and during marriage, she belonged to her husband.

This brilliant woman understandably was not going to relinquish her vision and control of her empire and therefore never remarried.

During the Inquisition, a period infamous for the severity of its persecution of Jews and Muslims, Gracia was on the move for many years – residing in Portugal, London, Antwerp, Venice, Ferrara, and finally Istanbul – staying one step ahead of the authorities who wanted to confiscate her assets. Always focused on the community’s needs, Gracia operated an extensive network of agents who clandestinely aided the Marranos as they fled the Inquisition, and Bank Mendes’ global branches secretly assisted them to transfer money and not lose their assets.

In Ferrara, Gracia began to live a publicly Jewish life and devoted significant time and resources to address the needs of the Jewish world. One interesting example of her creative generosity: with the invention of the printing press, she established printing houses that published the Bible and other holy books, as a corrective to the book burning of the Christian Inquisition.

A few years later, Ms. Gracia moved to Istanbul, where the Sultan welcomed

the Jews and allowed the Marranos to practice Judaism openly. She began to be called by her Hebrew name, Hana Nasi, and opened synagogues and Jewish schools and supported Jewish scholarship.

Towards the end of her life, Gracia appealed to the Sultan to lease her cities in Israel, and he consented to lease her family the city of Tiberias and several surrounding villages. She spent large sums of money to create a community, which served as a refuge for Jews who were persecuted in Spain and Portugal. Unfortunately, this project was shortlived, and the community petered out after only one generation.

Dona Gracia passed away in 1569 at the age of 59. Her life’s work underscored her courageous and inspirational devotion to Judaism, and her legendary personality epitomized triumph and hope over adversity and despair.

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.

An Israeli stamp depicting Dona Gracia

The NarraTI ve BaTTle

The Real Challenges Facing the New Knesset

By Shammai SiSkiNd

In early September, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer, now the Minister of Strategic Affairs in the newly sworn in government, was interviewed on his thoughts on future of Middle East politics.

It was a month before national elections. A sixth government led by the Likud party was already looking like a foregone conclusion. Listeners wanted to know what Dermer, as well as his long-time boss Benjamin Netanyahu, envisioned for Israel.

During the conversation, Dermer related an anecdote about his time as a diplomat in the United States. After arriving in Washington in 2013, he quickly began setting up meetings with fellow ambassadors from other countries that were also residing in the capital.

His first sit-down was with the ambassador from an up-and-coming East African nation. During the exchange, Dermer was impressed by how much the ambassador knew about Israel’s economic and technological achievements. But what he found notable was the total misconception of Israel’s history and even regarding current events in the country.

As expected, the conversation eventually turned to the Arab-Israeli conflict. At one point, the ambassador said he “lamented all the death and destruction” that had been inflicted on the Palestinian people over the decades. Dermer calmly asked the African diplomat how many Palestinians he thought had been killed by Israel.

“I think around 1 million, no?” the man responded. When Dermer told him that there had been approximately 20,000 deaths on both sides combined since the beginning of Israel’s existence, the African was visibly shocked.

“I thought ‘this has to be one-off,’” said Dermer to the interviewer. There was simply no way this perception of the conflict was common. “I decided I would take a survey.” So, in all of his talks with fellow ambas-

sadors on the subject of the conflict, Dermer would steer the conver sation to this question: what is the total number of ca sualties since the begin ning of the Israeli-Arab conflict?

“In all my time in Washington, the lowest answer I ever got to this question was half a million dead,” said Dermer, “only off by a factor of 20.”

In the decade since Dermer landed in Washington, these misconceptions have only intensified.

Shortly after the 37th Knesset was sworn in last week, the Palestinian Authority issued a statement urging the world to “refrain from all engagement” with the new government, a body “committed to carrying out international crimes, including annexation, political persecution and racial discrimination.” The document further pushed the International Criminal Court to investigate war crimes by Israel, referring to claims pushed by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas that Israel has committed “50 holocausts” against Palestinians. Sadly, these types of claims aren’t always dismissed as the unhinged rantings that they are.

It’s striking to consider the wide array of outlandish accusations that have been leveled at the Jewish people over the centuries. But what’s even more striking is that each recurring generation lacks all

self-awareness when reflecting on the smallmindedness of the last.

Ron Dermer’s enlightened colleagues would never entertain the belief that Jews have horns or that they poisoned the wells of Medieval Europe. That would be bigoted. But the notion that they slaughter hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in a matter akin to Nazi genocide is today, in 2023, completely acceptable.

The Uphill Narrative

Dermer’s story is actually quite useful for understanding the challenges facing the new government of Israel.

As the imminent American policy analyst Joseph Overton noted some thirty years ago, politics is very much determined by what is perceived as the range of acceptable options. What’s equally as important, noted Overton, is that tactics can be deployed by political actors to shift what’s in that spectrum of acceptability – and what isn’t.

Over the past several years, many important understandings about how Israel should be run internally and relate to the international community have emerged and developed. Some of these developments have clearly been for the better. The Abraham Accords, for example, orchestrated by Netanyahu’s last

5,

government in tandem with the Trump administration shattered the mistaken idea that Israel could not make any progress reconciling with its neighbors until the Palestinian issue had been completely resolved. Demonstrating that this understanding was wrong and introducing a new peace paradigm for the Middle East was a very positive thing.

But other shifts in Israel’s Overton Window have not been as good.

Each major ministry in the 37th Knesset has their own false narrative to combat. The challenges they’ll face won’t be limited to practical solutions. There will also be a fight against deeply entrenched perceptions, ones that have taken root both at home and abroad.

especially in the southern regions. This has been fueled by the slow but steady movement of illegal weapons to criminal organizations. According to one Bedouin activist group, currently working with the government to address the spike in crime, there are today some 70,000 contraband firearms being held by criminals in the Negev today.

The reason Ben Gvir received the electoral mandate that he did is that Israel, in fact, has a serious internal security problem, plain and simple. Ben Gvir seems more than willing to act – the real challenge will be communicating the effectiveness of his policies to both Israeli citizens and the world.

Law and Order

The first issue on the list is the problem of Israel’s internal security.

The narrative that has developed around this issue is that the right-wing government is grossly exaggerating the law-and-order problem and using it as a tool to further their extreme agenda. It’s unfortunate to see this idea even being peddled by Israeli media outlets. Of course, the factor most supporting this story is the newly appointed Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir.

Ben Gvir has made his political career exposing issues in Israel’s internal security, always making a lot of noise but never managing to gain enough of a base. A few years ago, the man couldn’t even manage to garner sufficient votes to enter the Knesset. Today, he is a major political figure, his party has six parliamentary seats, and he heads one of the most important ministries in the country.

Ben Gvir’s caustic personality and his history as a Rabbi Meir Kahana loyalist make it easy to present the picture of a right-wing government using security as an excuse for extremist policies.

However, the actual facts speak for themselves.

Over the past year, Israel has experienced a major spike in both crime and terrorist violence. Thanks to the incredible devotion of the army and police, most parts of the country, especially in urban areas, have experienced relative quiet. But the rise in violence has been real. Regarding terror emanating from Judea and Samaria, an end-of-the-year IDF report stated that 2022 saw 7,589 rock throwing incidents – up from 5,532 in 2021, 4,002 in 2020, and 3,805 in 2019.

There was also a substantial rise in 1,268 Molotov cocktail incidents, up 26% from 1,022 in 2021, 751 in 2020, and 839 in 2019. Most troubling were the 285 shooting incidents, almost five times the 61 incidents last year and nine times the 31 that took place in 2020.

In tandem with the rise in terror, another internal security issue has been the marked rise in crime,

The Face of Foreign Policy

When it comes to the Palestinian issue, Israel’s foreign policy stance has largely been one of appeasement. By this I mean relating to the Palestinian side as an equal and reasonable partner with whom real progress is feasible.

This conception has no basis in reality.

Perhaps the biggest strategic error ever made by Israel was allowing the Palestinian Authority to be created. At the time, during the height of the Oslo Accords

a

process, it could have seemed like a good idea – “let’s outsource the Palestinian problem to their own, and let them deal with their issues.” However, the decision to normalize the Palestine Liberation Organization, until that point a recognized terror group, in the form of the PA created a monster, one that Israel is still dealing with today.

On this point you do not have to take the word of any Israeli. Just go straight to the PA’s constituents. According to a poll taken less than a month ago by the Ramallah-based Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, more than 80% of Palestinians consider the PA a corrupt institution. This is due to unabashed

bribery that takes place throughout its agencies, a near total incompetence in all matters of administration, and decades of brutal crackdowns by a security apparatus that couldn’t care less for the wellbeing of its citizens. Mere months ago, in September, the entire world witnessed the horror show in Nablus (Shechem) after the PA made an arrest of a popular Hamas figure. The city quickly became an all-out war zone, not because of clashes between IDF troops and Palestinians, but from the PA battling its own people.

The new foreign minister is seeking to invert the narrative that has for long been a common understanding and instead shine light on the depravity of the Palestinian leadership.

In one of his first remarks as FM, Likud member Eli Cohen stated that the International Criminal Court in The Hague should try members of the PA for their involvement in terrorism. “It is the Palestinian leadership which should be on trial, not Israel,” he asserted.

Cohen’s call for prosecuting the PA was clearly a brash statement, meant to push back on similar calls by the PA that Israeli leaders should be tried as war criminals. But the point that was made was clear: the apologetics by Israel vis-a-vis the Palestinian leadership must end. Any international conversation must focus on the PA as an enabler of (and profiter from) the never-ending stream of violence targeting Israelis, as well as their fundamental corruption as a governing body.

Power of the Courts

“If this gang gets into power, they’ll make every effort to destroy Israeli democracy, to cancel all the authority of the courts, to destroy the separation of powers in Israel.”

This was one of the parting messages of former Prime Minister Yair Lapid before the formation of the current Knesset. It summarizes quite well a widely held belief that the Israeli Right seeks to completely undermine the judicial branch of Israel’s government.

The reality, however, is – to put it lightly – a bit more nuanced.

report

Members of the 37th Knesset

In Israel today, the judiciary has an enormous degree of power over the laws and policies elected officials seek to implement. The issues cited by reform advocates are, by any objective measure, quite serious. In Israel, Supreme Court Justices have veto power over who gets appointed to the Court, meaning elected officials do not have full control. There is no such thing as limitations of standing with regards to Supreme Court petitions, meaning anyone, regardless of their connection with the case, or even if they were affected at all by the case in question, can submit a case for review. An extreme example of this took place recently when a case was submitted to the court challenging Israel’s immigration laws by the ambassador of Ukraine. In how many countries can a foreign official petition the highest court in the land?

Similarly, the concept of justiciability, namely, that there are topics outside of the court’s purview, does not exist. This gives the Court de facto authority over all governmental issues, even those clearly within the domain of specific agencies – say, for example, issues of war and security. As renowned former Justice Ahron Barak once declared, “Everything is justiciable by this court.”

Most notable of all is the power of the Court in striking down laws. Typically, the power of a high court and voted-in legislation falls into one of two

categories: either the country has a recognized constitution which binds the court’s decisions, or, as is the case in commonwealth countries, the court gives recommendations on laws passed but does not outright disqualify them. This is not the case in Israel, which does not have a constitution per se, and yet the Supreme Court can (and has on multiple occasions) invalidated laws passed by a Knesset majority.

Now, these things are admittedly complicated. The balance of powers and branches within a functional government is a topic that requires prudent assessment. But considering the above issues, all of which are very serious, is it fair to classify anyone who wants to address them as an outright enemy of democracy?

At the end of the day, the most important initiatives of the new government are not all that revolutionary. They are simply addressing the objective realities of Israel’s challenges head on, as they are. But this won’t make their jobs any easier. To succeed, the new Knesset will have to overcome years of deeply rooted misconceptions about Israel, produced by a narrative machine that is still working overtime.

overcome years of deeply rooted misconceptions about Israel.

Ministers Yoav Gallant, Aryeh Deri, Benjamin Netanyahu, Yariv Levin and Eli Cohen

Dating Dialogue What Would You Do If…

Dear Navidaters,

Our son has been dating for the past year, and I have noticed a theme with his shidduchim. As long as a girl is very attractive, he is interested no matter what. He has dated a whole bunch of types of girls with many different personality types and has connected to them all as long as he finds them attractive. Always in the end, the girl has been the one to end it.

My husband and I are concerned because we think that it is possible he will want to just marry the first girl who likes him and wants to marry him. The reason we think this is because he has not been picky at all with anything else in particular with any of his prospects. Also, we realize that over time looks can fade.

We want to present this in the right way, but we also don’t want him to think we don’t trust his judgment. What’s the best way to go about this?

- Eva & Marc*

Disclaimer: This column is not intended to diagnose or otherwise conclude resolutions to any questions. Our intention is not to offer any definitive conclusions to any particular question, rather offer areas of exploration for the author and reader. Due to the nature of the column receiving only a short snapshot of an issue, without the benefit of an actual discussion, the panel’s role is to offer a range of possibilities. We hope to open up meaningful dialogue and individual exploration.

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

Eva and Marc, you are very attentive parents and have his best interests in mind. You have reached out for help and would like him to develop some self-awareness and dating goals. However close you are with your son, though, this must come through interaction with another party. Encourage him to talk to a mentor, dating coach or clergy member. Doing this without saying there is something wrong will take some strategy and skills. You can suggest marking the anniversary of his starting to date by doing a check in with a mentor and starting a relationship with a dating coach. His friends may have already suggested it, so you can suggest that he touch base

with his friends as to who is effective and helpful in this specialty.

It’s very popular to date with coaching and assistance these days. People need sounding boards and always have. The difference is now the person is called a dating coach and gets paid for his/her time.

I would make it clear that it will help him achieve clarity and save him time and questions as he understands his patterns, needs, and develops the skills to be a good dater.

I would not tell him what you observe. It may be wise to bring up scenarios, patterns, and more if he brings them up in the context of his dating skills and experiences with the coach. Do not tell him that he will fall for a pretty face only. Avoid saying things that will shut down communication. You may want to consider a few counseling sessions yourselves to be able to do this skillfully.

The Shadchan Michelle Mond

Eva and Marc, you sound like devoted parents who want the best for your son. You also sound emotionally in tune with your son and want to tread lightly because you do not want to lose his trust. Both of these things are very admirable, so give yourselves a pat on the back.

I have dealt with guys like this before, and to be honest, I am not very concerned. With shidduch dating, a lot of the “on paper” details are matched up before the couple even goes out. Although these young women may differ in personality, height, financial plans, schooling, and seminary type, I assume they are all within the same realm of hashkafa and midos based on your re -

search. Some guys do not prefer someone outgoing to someone introverted, or someone in college vs. a sheitel macher. These things might just not matter to him because he is simply uncomplicated. With this kind of fellow, my best advice to you as parents is to sit back and wait for the right one to come along. Hashem has His ways of weeding out the wrong ones for people; it will be wrong until it is right. When the right one comes along, she will be just as eager and interested. He will then ap -

Hashem has His ways of weeding out the wrong ones for people.

The Rebbetzin

proach the two of you as parents, and you can spend time with her, have Shabbos with her, and get to know her better. If at that point you have concerns about her, you may sit down and have a frank conversation with him about your feelings on the matter. You can address it lovingly and openly. However, I doubt it will come to that.

It sounds like he has level-headed parents who taught him the right way, and he will travel in their footsteps.

The Single

Tzipora Grodko

Dear Eva and Marc, I appreciate your sensitivity towards supporting your son without doubting his judgement. Often, people don’t know what they want until encouraged to think independently and ask themselves. I would encourage you to create a dialogue expressing interest in his

ideal wife and responding with questions rather than insight (to encourage independent thinking). Not “yes or no” answers but rather open-ended ones. For example, can you describe what you’re ideally looking for? What characteristics are you most attracted to? What traits are non-negotiables for you? How do you feel about her being a professional?

Make sure the setting is set for success by creating a more intimate environment. For example, going out for dinner, rather than both parties rushing in the morning towards work.

Good luck!

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

Hmm. Usually, the perceived problem is that a certain single is “much too picky.” Oddly, your diagnosis is that your son is not picky enough.

“Not being picky enough” may, actually, be a sign of a person who has a nice, easy-going personality. Being easy-to-please sounds like a very nice character trait.

(However, if I’m wrong, and your son is not the laidback, go-with-theflow type, he might have a problem. If his sole criteria for finding a soul mate is good looks, that is problematic. Women whose primary characteristic is being drop-dead gorgeous can be difficult to live with.)

Nevertheless, what I find really troubling about your son’s dating experiences is that the girls that he finds attractive consistently reject him. The problem may be that no one has taught your son how to play the dating game. Sometimes, it’s important for a single to play (just a little bit) hard to get.

Yes, it’s true, that playing slightly hard to get may seem somewhat dishonest. But, according to researcher Harry Reis, a professor of psychology at Rochester, “Making the chase harder increases a potential mate’s desirability. Playing hard to get makes it seem as if you are more in demand. We call that having

higher mate value.”

By contrast, “People who are too easy to attract may be perceived as more desperate,” according to Gurit Birnbaum, a social psychologist and associate professor of psychology at IDC Herzliya. “That makes them seem less valuable and appealing, than those who do not make their romantic interest apparent right away.”

We seem to ascribe more value to attaining something that seems somewhat unattainable. Remember the wise words of Groucho Marx who once wrote, “I don’t want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member.”

Pulling It All Together

The Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

Dear Eva and Marc, Thank you for writing into the panel. Your concern is understandable. Creating dialogue around what your son is looking for in a life partner is going to be essential. You may want to offer

him sessions with a dating coach to help him get a sense of what he values and holds dear, aside from a pretty face.

There are some people who are more “go with the flow” and simply… uncomplicated. Has your son been like this in other areas of his life in the past? Is he able to verbalize what he is looking for in a spouse? Does he want intimacy and support and conversation and a best friend?

Depending on your relationship, you may be able to have this conversation with him or he may have more success with a neutral party like a dating coach. Ultimately, all you can do as parents is bring the concern to his attention and offer him someone to speak with…. The rest is up to him.

All the best, Jennifer

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

Remember the wise words of Groucho Marx who once wrote, “I don’t want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member.”

School of Thought

By Etti Siegel

Q:Dear Etti, The teacher convinced me. Reading is important. Okay. I personally am not a reader, but I hear the benefits. They help children grow, learn so much more about life, explore concepts and places and situations they otherwise would not have been exposed to. But, as I said, I am not a reader. So how do I get my children to become readers?

-Not a Reader, but Willing to Become One

A:

Dear Not a Reader, You read my column, so you must be at least an occasional reader! Which is good, because modeling a love for reading is an important step.

Nancy Carlsson-Paige, Ed.D. is the author of Taking Back Childhood. She writes that part of enjoying reading is fluency and confidence but says the teaching part should be left to the teacher. “Parents shouldn’t be the ones reinforcing lessons or obsessing about fundamentals,” Dr. Carlsson-Paige writes. “They should simply be reading with their kids—that’s it.” So reading should be fun, and light, and make you laugh and gasp in delight.

“If we treat books like they’re magical, kids will grow up believing that too,” says Shanna Schwartz, who is the lead senior staff developer at Columbia University Teachers College Reading and Writing Project in New York City.

So make reading fun!

Read interesting and fun books to your child/children. I used to read Mrs. Piggle Wiggle and Pippi Longstockings to my kids, and my husband read The Gordian Knot to them when they were older, voices and all.

The best time to read to them is at night before bed, when the excitement of the day is waning. The dishes can wait. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents start reading out loud to their children from the time they are born and continue through kindergarten. I believe children should be read to as long as they are interested! Dr. Barry Zuckerman is a professor of Pediatrics at Boston University and says that reading with your kids is “one of the most pleasurable activities that you do with your child – there’s physical closeness, but it’s probably the most unhurried time that children have with their parent, and it is focused on them.” So read a little every night, and watch bedtime become the favorite time of day! (Obviously some nights won’t work out, but try to minimize those occurrences so

your children feel prioritized.)

You can build a library; you can add one new book every week. Too expensive? Make going to the library part of your weekly routine. Many communities have a Jewish library. Find out where it is and what their hours are. Many neighbors have books. See if anyone would allow you to borrow a few books at a time. (It’s also a great chance to teach responsibility; show children how one cares for another person’s property and be ready to replace a book that the toddler tears up.)

Reading

Play story building games in the car, or when sitting in the doctor’s office. Say a line, and have your child say the next. These games hone imagination and might inspire your child to be a writer, not just a reader.

Don’t forget to stop and answer questions and discuss what is on a page if there is a picture. Let your child choose the pace of how much you read, within reason. Remember that toddlers might want the same book over and over. It is comforting for them, even if it is boring for you. Toddlers also have a short attention span. Older children might want you to read a long chapter all at once, something that is not realistic and is unnecessary. Find good places to stop and leave them wondering what might happen next.

Let your children draw connections to their own lives. The self-to-text connection is a way to really connect with the book and with you as you recall events and create new memories.

Audio books are fabulous as well. Children love listening to a story being read as they follow along, and some books now come with a USB or CD just for that purpose. The library has audio books for the sight-impaired, and I believe anyone can borrow them.

Recording makes reading extra fun, too. Have your child create an audio book! The added incentive is having that audio book years later for the child to marvel at how cute he was when he was younger.

Don’t forget to make reading Hebrew enjoyable as well! Children who are comfortable reading Hebrew do better in school, have more self confidence (teachers call on students to read pesukim and read from stories all the time, so being able to read with confidence is confidence-building!), and are more likely to be able to pick up a sefer and look something up.

Some families read from Tehilim each night, and celebrate as they complete a Yom, with a Siyum after completing the Sefer. A school in Detroit has the first and second grade children read Chumash every night, with no translation, just to build fluency. They celebrate the “Melech” or “Malkah Bereishis,” Shemos… and present the ones who finish the whole Chamisha Chumshai Torah with a gift.

Children are surrounded by text and will read cereal boxes and store signs and become fluent from exposure. Hebrew, on the other hand, is not ubiquitous, and so fluency is harder to reach.

Make sure someone is reviewing pesukim every night (it is HW, after all) and check fluency. Contact your child’s Hebrew teacher if you are concerned and get your child the Hebrew reading help when they are young and willing, before they are embarrassed and self-labeling.

Welcome to a world where reading is magical and creates bonding time.

Have fun!

-Etti

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

should be fun, and light, and make you laugh and gasp in delight.

Parenting Pearls

Kiddush Decorum

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

There are many parts of Jewish life that bring excitement to kids. Lifecycle events include many simchas, and throughout the year we have beautiful yomim tovim. Now that Chanukah has passed, the kids are already planning their Purim costumes.

One of the unique celebrations of the frum community is the kiddush. A kiddush brings the family’s private simcha to the entire community, offering all of us the opportunity to celebrate together with them.

Many shuls maintain a weekly kiddush recognizing the camaraderie it offers the kehilla. This opportunity to socialize and connect after davening was something many missed under lockdown. It wasn’t just the food but also the chance to talk outside of davening, wish others mazal tov, and catch up. Many chaburas have been organized around a kiddush, and some kehillas have a special shiur reserved just for this unique time slot.

While I only rarely attend kiddushim these days, I have a unique perspective on this weekly ceremony. Besides the many kiddushim I’ve attended in the past, I grew up as the daughter of our shul’s kiddush committee chairperson. While more committee members were added and some left, my father was the mainstay of the kiddush committee for

decades. My mother assisted and a space in the house was reserved for the various kiddush paraphernalia we had. The shul’s joke was that after the birth of a boy, you called your parents, the mohel, and my father.

Being the daughter of the kiddush committee’s head gave us certain privileges. While the shul’s children would clamor by the window, desperate for a spot to look in and see what was to come, I was one of the few permitted past those doors. If the kids (and even some adults) had been permitted admission, it would’ve led to chaos with kids running everywhere and sampling the fares. It wasn’t just protektzia , my siblings and I had been carefully trained to not take from the trays early, never run around the area, and we often even helped plate the cakes or put out forks. You’d be surprised how many adults thought they were the exception and would find their way to the tables during davening to begin snacking.

It also gave me a unique perspective into what goes into preparing a kiddush and how “the other side” views the food spread. Rather than just a place to grab food and gorge oneself, the kiddush is a family’s special occasion. Even in the case of a yahrtzeit, it’s the opportunity for that family to remember their loved

one and share their memory with others. Our children’s chinuch includes everything, even how to tie their shoes or cut their nails. Teaching our children how to behave appropriately at a kiddush or any other public event is no less a part of their chiunch.

While I don’t usually get the chance to attend a kiddush these days, our entire family is looking forward to celebrating at a special kiddush this Shabbos. A close family friend will be celebrating his bar mitzvah, and we can’t wait to join him. Having known Jack since (before) birth, we will be feeling like family as we share in their simcha. Mazal tov, Jack! May you continue to bring all of us much nachas.

It saddens me that I need to make this disclaimer. This article is in no way discussing “kiddush clubs” or anything similar that is not sanctioned by the rav or shul leadership.

The Baalei Simcha

Kids easily forget there is a reason for the kiddush other than a sugar fix. It’s appropriate to wish mazal tov to our host.

Unless a child knows the baalei simcha very well, they’re going to feel uncomfortable wishing mazal tov on their own.

We have two easy options to teach our kids how to wish mazal tov and offer brochos to the baalei simcha. Which one you

choose depends on the child’s age and comfort level. The first option is to bring the child with us as we wish “mazal tov.” This is low pressure and even young children will usually be comfortable holding a parent’s hand as the adult extends the appropriate greetings. Children absorb their surroundings and will learn from watching us.

The second option is to prepare the child in advance that they will say “mazal tov” after the accompanying adult says it. It need not be more than just those two words. Know your child and skip this step if it’ll be too much for your child.

It may not be advisable to include your child if the parent plans on saying more than the briefest of well wishes. Children usually don’t have the attention span for these things, and they will quickly get fidgety.

The caterer puts in a lot of effort to make the kiddush special and that includes making it attractive to the eyes. While the caterer is providing a spread for the kehilla, they are employed by the baalei simcha. The businesses that provided the platters, flowers and other specialty items all work to make their contribution a beautiful addition to the table. Additionally, the baalei simcha themselves put in much effort to ensure their guests will enjoy themselves.

5, 2023

84 Too often, as soon as shul is done –or even before – someone, particularly a child, runs in and starts taking food even before the baalei simcha have had a chance to see the completed table. It can be a source of frustration to those that contributed their talents when, the baalei simcha they worked so hard to please, don’t even get a chance to see the uneaten spread. By encouraging our children to wait for kiddush before helping themselves, we will not only show the chashivus for the brachos of kiddush but also the respect we give to others by not grabbing first.

Kiddush Hashem at the Kiddush

When we’re at a kiddush, right after davening to Hakadosh Baruch Hu and with the sifrei Torah in another room, we certainly want our middos to reflect the atmosphere we’re in. Additionally, the caterers often employ gentiles or not frum Jews to assist. We want the way we and our children behave to reflect positively. By being mechanech our children about the appropriate decorum at a kiddush, we are giving them an important lesson for now and future simchas, including bar mitzvahs and chasunahs.

Children will be better prepared if we gently explain prior to the kiddush what our expectations are. “Please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” should be used, when appropriate. Garbage should be disposed of properly; it’s unfair to make the cleaning crew search between the seforim to find our trash nor is it kavod to a makom tefilla. Unless otherwise specified, the shul kiddush is not in place of

dush attendees sneeze or cough into the food, grab with their hands, and behave in ways that make the food unappetizing to others.

Little kids risk getting lost in the crowd so take whatever precautions are necessary to keep your child safe. As a general rule, it’s always a good idea to keep an extra eye on our precious youngsters in large crowds. Unfortunately, not

part to protect the future members of Klal Yisroel.

As adults, we lead by example, and we should be cognizant that our children learn from watching us. We should be courteous to others. This includes not pushing or stopping for a long schmooze over the food, preventing others from partaking.

Each shul has its own minhagim and policies that we should adhere to. A few potential examples include where strollers may and may not be brought and how the genders are separated.

the family’s seuda at home, and our portion size should reflect that. Demonstrate proper serving utensil usage (as opposed to using hands or personal utensils), particularly now when the flu and other viruses are spreading rapidly.

It’s often better if young children are served rather than helping themselves since little eyes are far bigger than little stomachs. I’ve seen the youngest of kid-

everyone around us is trustworthy with our treasures.

While we want to help others, we should be careful when serving young children that are not ours. Many children have allergies, and the littlest ones won’t be able to discriminate between a safe food and an unsafe one. Parents of allergic children know to watch their children carefully, but we all can do our

We should allow children to experience the joy that comes with being a frum Jew, and we shouldn’t forget that the excitement of a kiddush is one of the fun parts of a frum childhood. Along with the good food comes even more important lessons in derech eretz and proper middos. Wishing all of TJH readers many simchas to celebrate with each other! Mazal tov!

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

Rather than just a place to grab food and gorge oneself, the kiddush is a family’s special occasion.

The Most Important Meal

By Tehila Soskel, RDN, CDN

There are many reasons why breakfast is called the most important meal of the day and should not be skipped. After a long night of our body being in fasting mode, breakfast is crucial.

Glucose is our body’s main energy source which we get from eating carbohydrates in our diets. Our bodies’ energy stores are then replenished by eating breakfast. The best time to eat breakfast is within an hour to an hour-and-a-half of waking up. Including complex carbohydrates and protein at breakfast will help ensure you’re kept full and your blood sugar remains steady.

I often hear a variation of: “I’m not hungry in the morning, I don’t want to eat breakfast. I’m in a rush or I have coffee for breakfast.” Coffee is not breakfast.

If you find yourself not hungry or full in the morning, maybe you are eating too late at night. If that’s the case, try pushing dinner a little earlier than you usually eat. Ideally, dinner should be eaten at least three hours before bed. Not only will that help your appetite in the morning but eating right before bed can lead to indigestion and heartburn.

Additionally, having a lighter breakfast like a smoothie or yogurt topped with berries and chia, for that extra fiber, may feel better on your stomach if you don’t usually find yourself too hungry in the morning.

The Benefits

Studies have shown that eating breakfast regularly can help with weight maintenance and reduces snacking throughout the day. Eating breakfast controls your appetite throughout the day and helps to control changes in your blood glucose levels which can occur by skipping meals.

All it takes is 5-10 minutes in the morning to take care of yourself and fuel your body.

Waiting until 12 pm to first eat something will not do you much good. At that point, you’re hungry and probably not

making the healthiest choices.

That sluggish, weak feeling that starts to creep up on you during the day is your body’s way of telling you to eat. Your brain needs glucose (energy) to function properly. Skipping breakfast will decrease your focus during the day. Studies have shown that those who ate breakfast had better academic performance than those who skipped breakfast.

When it comes to breakfast or any meal, plan ahead. Just as you would meal prep for lunch or dinner, don’t forget about breakfast. Planning ahead will set you up for success. For example, if you want fruit or vegetables cut up with your breakfast, don’t wait until the morning. Spend a couple of minutes the night before cutting them up. Or if you know you’ll be rushing in the morning, take out any ingredients you’ll be using, as long as they’re not perishable, for your breakfast the next day.

Additionally, make sure your fridge and pantries are stocked with food items you plan to eat. Eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit, vegetables, and oats are all items to have handy. Be mindful with fruits and vegetables not to overbuy, as they go bad more quickly.

Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas

1. Oatmeal/Overnight Oats

Oatmeal contains a lot of fiber, high quality protein, and antioxidants. You can make oatmeal on the spot, or you can try making overnight oats for a quicker option to grab in the morning.

Overnight oat recipe: In a mason or glass jar combine ½ cup oats, ½ cup milk of choice, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, and 1 TBS chia seeds. Stir all ingredients together and let it soak overnight in the fridge. Top with toppings of your choice.

2. Chia pudding

Chia seeds are loaded with fiber, omega 3-fatty acids and may help reduce cholesterol levels. The serving size of chia seeds is around 2.5 tablespoons and contains 10 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein.

Chia pudding recipe: 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, ½ cup almond milk, stevia, and a splash of vanilla extract. Shake all ingredients together in a mason or glass jar. Let it sit for a few hours in the fridge. When the pudding becomes thick, top with fruit.

3. Yogurt Parfait

A cup of nonfat Greek yogurt provides around 100 calories and 16 grams of

protein. Yogurt also contains probiotics, which are really important for our gut. You can top your yogurt with berries for additional health benefits.

4. Smoothies

Having a smoothie for breakfast is a good option especially if you’re on the go. To make your smoothie more nutritious try this recipe: 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt, ½ cup berries or fruit of choice, 1 tablespoon of all-natural nut butter, and almond milk.

5. Omelet

Eggs are a great source of protein which will help keep you full for longer. One egg provides around 75 calories and 6 grams of protein. Eggs also contain choline, which is important for brain and liver health. An omelet with sauteed vegetables such as onions, peppers, and broccoli and a slice of whole wheat toast is delicious and filling.

6. Egg Muffins

Egg muffins are one of my favorite breakfast foods because of how easy they are to make and grab. Prepare egg muffins at the beginning of the week and just heat them up when you want. Loading up your egg muffins with lots of vegetables will make them more filling and nutritious.

7. Cottage Cheese Bowl

A ½ cup of cottage cheese contains around 13 grams of protein. Place cottage cheese in a bowl and top with vegetables or pineapple for all the health benefits such as aiding in digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity.

Remember, eating breakfast shouldn’t stress you out. If making an omelet in the morning is too much for you, then grab a yogurt and a fruit.

Tehila Soskel is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a private practice in the Five Towns. She sees clients for weight loss, diabetes, and other various diseases. Appointments can be made for in-person or virtual sessions: 516-457-8558, tehilasoskelrd@ gmail.com, tehilasoskelnutrition.com.

tness

A Dose of Reality About Fever-Reducing Medications and Antibiotics

By Hylton I Lightman, MD DCH (SA) FAAP

You may have heard about it from your pediatrician or pharmacist. And it’s true. There is a shortage of Infant’s and Children’s Tylenol and Motrin and children’s antibiotics to treat common sicknesses like ear infections and strep throats. Medications for ADD/ ADHD are in short supply.

What’s happening?

Presently, we are in one of the most virulent sick seasons ever for children. We are experiencing a “tripledemic” of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu, and Covid. Additionally, there is invasive strep throat. There are so many more viruses than I can enumerate here that must be monitored in our precious children that are beyond antibiotics. And, unfortunately, with the shortages of Motrin and Tylenol (CVS and Walgreens have placed nationwide limits on pain-reducing medication), it is all but impossible to find fever-reducing medications to make our children comfortable as these viruses

gallop through their bodies making them beyond miserable (but pathetically endearing). It’s challenging for physicians and parents alike.

Let’s first discuss these viruses.

RSV is not a new virus, but we are hearing more about it this season for several reasons. Thankfully, we have resumed many typical pre-Covid activities without masks and social distancing practices. Masking and social distancing were (almost) perfect methods for reducing incidences of RSV and other seasonal respiratory viruses. Some have theorized that community immunity has waned since RSV hasn’t been predictable regarding seasonality or severity since March 2020, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Atypically, we experienced RSV spikes the last two summers. But this fall and now the winter – well, it’s pushed pediatric offices and hospitals to the edge. All ages are susceptible to RSV (think of

the “common cold” in older children and adults), but RSV must be closely monitored in infants and young children as it can become severe on the turn of a dime, leading to respiratory distress, hospitalizations, and, G-d forbid, even death. RSV produces copious amounts of mucus in the respiratory tract which makes it harder to breathe. It’s no wonder how an infant less than 6 months of age and/ or with co-occurring respiratory or cardiac conditions may have difficulties with this virus. It can lead to ear infections or pneumonia which could mean hospital or intensive care admission. It is common that infants who weather the virus (or any combination thereof) may fare well but still experience a lingering cough which causes concern. Consistent, professional care that has been trained in diagnosing ears and breathing issues, combined with parental love and support, is key.

The flu is our next focus. It is a worthy contender to RSV.

Every year, the flu puts thousands of children into the hospital. Already this season, it has been reported that this flu season is the worst since the 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic. This is not a surprise. Most experts predicted a nasty flu season because of the low immunity throughout the population due to the masking and social distancing of the previous two years. Many of the population in the Southern hemisphere were decimated in their winter months.

The flu can cause cough, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, congestion and more in children, including severe illness and even, G-d forbid, death. In fact, the first infant death due to the flu in the United States for this season occurred by mid-November. It’s real. And that’s why I’m an unabashed proponent of the flu vaccine. While the vaccine may not prevent the flu from happening, it will help to mitigate its “bite” and harm. No child should die from a preventable death,

and the flu vaccine will help to reduce flu illness and hospitalizations and to thwart deaths.

And it’s not too late to make sure that your children have their flu shots done. Then there’s Covid.

So much has been written about this the last nearly three years and so much remains unknown. Epidemiologists will be researching for years to come whether the Covid-19 lockdowns increased the likelihood of surges of other diseases or that catching Covid-19 has made children more susceptible to other illnesses. Who knows? What we do know is Covid is here to stay. Period. In all its variants. When Covid combines with other viruses, our children are simply miserable.

Beyond the “tripledemic,” we are seeing an increase in illnesses caused by Group A streptococcus, a bacteria also known as strep A. Strep A is not usually life-threatening;

it might simply cause a sore throat or tonsillitis. In rare cases, it can cause invasive, potentially deadly infections including meningitis. These are highly unusual but knowing when to look for strep throat and diagnosing strep throat accurately is important.

I’ll go a step further.

Making sure that your children are fully vaccinated with the typical childhood vaccines may help to prevent your baby from getting sicker. How? We want healthy children. We want to keep preventable illnesses from entering and affecting them. If we can make sure they have the necessary “tools” to fight RSV, flu and Covid, then we can prevent the secondary illnesses like strep and ear infections from resulting.

And this is when we come to a problem, one that my readers no doubt believe is limited to Third World countries only.

The shortage of antibiotics. Especially for children. And the shortage of acetaminophen and ibuprofen which help to reduce fevers, headaches, and body aches.

Let’s start with the latter.

A fever is a good thing. It is actually a friend to your child’s body. Why? The fever itself is a sign your child’s immune system is working as it should. In fact, fevers help kill the bacteria and viruses that are making your child sick. For this reason, a reading above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit doesn’t necessarily always warrant medication. Your pediatrician may tell you that there’s no need to treat your little one’s fever unless your child is uncomfortable (i.e., not eating, drinking, playing, or sleeping normally).

If your child has a 103° fever and is

running around, do not panic. They don’t need medication. Only give the medication if the child is feeling poorly. Keep them hydrated and try to feed them good, old-fashioned chicken soup. Make sure they urinate at least once every 5-6 hours. If they have a history of a febrile seizures, then be vigilant in keeping the fever low.

However, reach out to your pediatrician immediately if your baby is under 8 weeks of age and is running a fever of 100.4° Fahrenheit or higher on a rectal thermometer; is under 2 years and has a

FDA works closely with them to prevent or reduce their impact. It is only recently that companies forced by the FDA to follow up on their obligation have been obligated to report steep rises in demand to the agency.

Some of the shortages are surely due to the pandemic. There have been reports that many of the sources for the raw materials are located in countries that, because of pandemic, were closed to travel. Now that borders have reopened, the FDA has resumed its site inspections. The

ics used in surgery, and many medicines given intravenously. Today, there are 123 drugs in short supply. An inadequate of raw materials is one factor in common between the two shortages. Let’s be frank – the medical supply chain is opaque on a good day.

My pharmacist friends and colleagues inform me that the shortages will be here for some time. They may even become more acute.

Ask your pharmacist which antibiotics are available. Is your pharmacist able to compound medications? What would be second and third choice antibiotics that are available? My team and I have had to go this route to make sure our patients are cared for.

This is a world that changes by the nano-second. Davening becomes even more important.

As always, daven. But daven even harder now. Please.

fever lasting more than 24 hours; is older than 2 years and has a fever lasting more than 72 hours; or if his/her fever goes higher than 104° repeatedly or is accompanied by other symptoms, no matter his/her age.

When it comes to the Tylenol and Motrin shortages, there are options available.

There are lukewarm baths, lightweight clothes, keeping the child hydrated, and running a fan nearby. Generic versions of medication are possible alternatives to name brands like Advil and Tylenol. Please do NOT give children under 18 years of age aspirin—whether that be whole, crushed up or halved—because it can lead to Reye’s Syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that causes sudden liver problems and brain damage.

More problematic are the antibiotics shortages. Older kids and adults know how to swallow pills which opens up the list of medication possibilities. Kids don’t have these options. This is why you may hear your physician dialoguing with the pharmacist about options available and what’s in stock.

There are many causes to this shortage. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “drug shortages can occur for many reasons, including manufacturing and quality problems, delays, and discontinuations.” This statement fails to mention the difficulties in acquiring raw materials, manufacturing problems, regulatory issues, business decisions, and disturbances within the supply chain.

Both generic and branded drug manufacturers are obligated to provide FDA information on supply disruptions. The

FDA is making sure that its standards of safety are met. This may contribute to the shortages. What a Catch-22.

However, there have been shortages of important generic drugs – both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) – over the years. In 2010, the FDA reported 178 drug shortages in cancer drugs, anesthet-

Dr. Hylton I. Lightman is a pediatrician and Medical Director of Total Family Care of the 5 Towns and Rockaway PC. He can be reached at drlightman@totalfamilycaremd.com, on

When Covid combines with other viruses, our children are simply miserable.

Health & F tness

Healthy Inside. Healthy Outside.

The relationship a young boy or girl has with his/her body is a multi-faceted one. Body image is a combination of the feelings we have about our bodies which are impacted by internal (i.e., personality) and external (i.e., family/social) issues.

Whether it’s in magazines, on billboards, or social media, young people are being bombarded with popular appearance standards. Ubiquitous public messaging for diet and exercise only reinforce these concepts. On a more personal level, while weight discrimination plagues the general culture, we face it as well in our own mini-culture –within our homes, schools, synagogues, etc. Family members generally try to be loving and well-meaning, but they tend to vocalize their “advice” in a straightforward, abrupt manner. For example, asking question like, “You’re wearing your hair like that?” or “Could you try on clothes that fit you better?” While these questions may be intended to offer genuine help, teens often encounter them as negative feedback. To take it a step further, the hurtful comments

from peers can be much more significant than those from family members, and if a peer situation intensifies, it can lead to verbal bullying. All in all, this societal pressure and familial influence take a severe toll on the mental health condition of our youth.

To date, the focus of body image research, due to the greater prevalence of these issues, support resources and treatment programs have been aimed at females. However, research now confirms that eating disorders and negative body image in boys is on the rise. Although there are many similarities when it comes to how body image concerns develop in girls and boys, there are a few key differences. For girls, their goal is primarily for slimness, and for boys, they are mostly focused on the lean, strong, muscular ideal. Boys may develop body image concerns as young as 7 years old, but it is more prevalent later in adolescence.

So, what can be done?

The role of parents is critical. They typically observe the issue at its earliest stages and are best positioned to

make an impact. Here are several signs that parents can look out for to detect whether their child is having body image issues:

1. Expressing negative thoughts or feelings about their body

2. Avoiding activities that reveal their body

3. Engaging in unhealthy dieting or exercise behaviors

4. Comparing their body to others

5. Showing a lack of confidence or low self-esteem

When one or more of these signs presents itself, parents are advised to seek professional help.

In the way of prevention, one of the best ways for parents to promote a positive body image in their children is to model the behavior and attitude they want their children to have. They do notice. Also, it is up to the parents to teach teens to combat society’s values about a girl’s physicality. Teens should learn to be skeptical of the images they see in the media and not take it at face value. Additionally, parents should speak constructively, with positive messages

and sincere compliments about their child’s body. Most importantly, mothers and fathers alike should celebrate their child’s non-physical attributes such as his/her personal attributes, talents, or abilities. When a child feels appreciated it build self-love and self-esteem.

Parents should keep in mind that the long-term goal in developing positive body image is to respect your own body and learn to overpower any potential negative thoughts and feelings with positive, strong, and loving ones. By providing a supportive environment at home, parents can help their children develop a healthy relationship with their physical bodies and their inner selves. Our clinical department is available to discuss any concerns on this important topic or any other challenge for your child might be facing. Feel free to contact Mindi Werblowsky, LCSW, Clinical Director at mwerblowsky@madraigos.org or 516-371-3250 x 112 for a free, confidential assessment.

When the Answer is That We Don’t Know

By Miriam Hendeles

Validation of feelings is a human need. But the need to be right all the time can become somewhat addictive or even pathological. You’d think that people these days would be winning large amounts of money to hear the words “that is correct” from their fellow posters or armchair arguers. Or even Shabbos table debaters. Why else would posters be rambling off righteous responses to every issue in the news? Why else would these people bristle at someone countering their thoughts of what they consider to be right and a moral way of doing things? Actually, acknowledging that one doesn’t know something is an art. And one that’s worth learning.

In the game of “Jeopardy!” the host reads aloud the answer and contestants (and audiences watching muttering under their breath!) have to come up with the question, using “who,” “what” or “where.”

Not easy. Coming up with answers to questions is hard, as is finding questions to answers. And the reward on these game shows is quite high – lots of money. And the answer has to come fast, before others.

I sometimes wonder if life has become some kind of game show where we think we have to be the first one to post the right

answer. And that answer has to remain the right answer. Heaven forbid, we retract our opinion and say, “I was wrong,” or “You are right.”

Oh no, no, no. People stand firm on their ground, spouting continuous arguments to advance their point.

Social media has various types of posters. The arguers, the accusers, the name callers, the preachers, the holier-

may not agree with you about X, Y, or Z, but I do see your point on A. Or B. Or C.” Meaning, this person would say to the other person, “You know, you’re right about such and such.”

The truth is that a bit of humility is in order here; none of us really knows the right answer to the question. Or the right question to the answer. Nothing is carved in stone in life.

The older I get, the more I love the feeling of not knowing. The idea of letting go and not having to be right all the time is freeing to me. It takes too much energy to always strive to be right and less energy to just enjoy the present moment of seeing things from both sides and then wondering which side will prevail. Here’s what we do know (if we’re really being honest): That we don’t know everything for sure. We know that Hashem runs the world, and only He knows what the end results will be.

The answer is: That perfectly satisfying but sometimes elusive response when all efforts lead to trouble and arguments and disagreements.

What is “I don’t know”?

Ding, ding, ding!

than-thou-ers, the shouters (in caps), the sighers. Then there are the “agreeto-disagreers,” the listeners, the sighers, the doomsayers. And finally, there are the blockers, and the posters-of-links-toprove-their-point.

But I have yet to find the following type of poster: The one who says, “You know, I

Do we really, really know for sure what the answer is? Can we sometimes wait and let things play out and see what is true and correct and what is not? Can that attitude help us in our relationships? Can we sometimes reflect on our own behavior when someone else is upset and perhaps validate the other person’s feelings?

Saying those words can be powerful. It may not get you that gorgeous car on a game show or millions of dollars on “Jeopardy!” But saying those words will enhance your relationships and improve your humility skills.

JWOW! is a community for midlife Jewish women which can be accessed at www. jewishwomanofwisdom.org for conversation, articles, Zoom events, and more.

I sometimes wonder if life has become some kind of game show where we think we have to be the first one to post the right answer.

◦

In The K tchen

Orange BBQ Chicken

By Naomi Nachman

This weekend, I was home for the long holiday weekend, and I was playing around with some ideas for chicken recipes for Pesach. I know people don’t usually look this far ahead to Pesach in January, but when the ball drops, I hear the crack of the matzah! I use this time to develop new and interesting Pesach recipe ideas (which also happen to be gluten-free). I hope you like this one, and I love hearing your feedback. Note: this dish can be served year-round; don’t wait for Pesach!

◦

◦

◦

Ingredients

2 tablespoon olive oil

8 pieces chicken bottoms

◦

1 large onion, diced

◦

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1 jalapeno pepper, sliced

◦

1 cup orange marmalade

◦

1 cup barbecue sauce

◦ 1 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes

1 large orange cut into ½ moon rings

◦ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

◦ Salt and pepper

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Place chicken in a large baking pan and season on both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Sautee onion on medium-high heat in large pan until translucent and add 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

4. Add garlic and jalapeño and sauté for 2 minutes on medium low.

5. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes on low, uncovered.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Pour sauce over chicken and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, uncovered.

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.

Mind Y ur

Jerel Benjamin: The Science of Scalability

This column features business insights from a recent “Mind Your Business with Yitzchok Saftlas” radio show. The weekly “Mind Your Business” show –broadcasting since 2015 – features interviews with Fortune 500 executives, business leaders and marketing gurus. Prominent guests include John Sculley, former CEO of Apple and Pepsi; Dick Schulze, founder and Chairman Emeritus of Best Buy; and Beth Comstock, former Vice Chair of GE; among over 400+ senior-level executives and business celebrities. Yitzchok Saftlas, president of Bottom Line Marketing Group, hosts the weekly “Mind Your Business” show, which airs at 10pm every Sunday night on 710 WOR and throughout America on the iHeartRadio Network.

On a recent 710 WOR “Mind Your Business” broadcast, Yitzchok Saftlas (YS) spoke with guest Jerel Benjamin (JB), founder and CEO of Consulting Group, on the subject of scaling a business.

* * *

YS: What is the inflection point when a business should consider hiring a professional to advise them on how to get to the next step?

JB: People constantly ask when I do when webinars and seminars, “How do I know I’m ready to scale?” Really, the answer is not what you would think.

It’s not a utopia or a certain place you actually come to, as much as it is looking at the areas of heartburn that are recurring. It’s realizing that you’ve hit what is sometimes referred to as a “glass ceiling.” Eventually, anyone running a business will realize that they’re the primary engine, but they can’t get it across that threshold. It’s not a lack of ambition. It’s not a lack of desire. It’s just that we’re not able to cross into that next phase of business. That’s really it. When you say, “I’ve hit the glass ceiling, and I know it.”

So, what’s the next step?

Once we’re actually looking at scaling, it comes down to one simple word:

systemization. Scaling requires systems. The systems have to do the heavy lifting. Once you make that realization, you have to step outside of your box and outside of your comfort zone because now you need to consult people who have not only scaled but scaled and failed. Failing is just as important here. Personally, I’ve owned nine corporations over a 27-year period. I always tell people when I speak to them, “Firstly, this is not a kumbaya story.” My first two companies failed miserably. And that had a lot to do with my own arrogance, being young and thinking I knew everything. I had to fall on my face twice to realize I didn’t. So, scaling requires people who have done it, but also failed at it. There’s an old sports analogy

I always use, “You don’t know how to win until you know how to lose.” When you consult with people who have lost, then you know, you’re in the right arena. They know what to look for. Twenty years ago, I never thought that those very painful setbacks would be some of the stories and experiences that to this day, I can still go back and use them to resonate with my clients. I always tell them, “Whatever you’ve done, I’ve probably done worse. So, let’s just have that conversation. Let’s get it out on the table.” You’d be surprised at the comfort level that develops very quickly with my clients.

How different is your approach for

Jerel Benjamin

advising B2C (business-to-consumer) and B2B (business-to-business) operations?

There are some differences. But ironically, the majority are the same. I’d say about 70% of the engine block is exactly the same. The difference is, with a B2C operation, you’re going directly to the consumer. Your outcomes are going to be based upon the response that you want to see from that customer. So, it’s going to be grounded in the response that you want to facilitate.

With B2B, usually your product or service is enhancing your client’s operation. So, you’re looking at it from “when I deliver, does what I deliver and the way I go about delivering, allow for my client to get to what their aspirations were when they came to consult with us in the first place?”

There’s similarity there, but B2C is going to be a lot more fluid, you’re going to have more of them. And so, there’s going to be a lot more energy over there. You have to look at a lot more components. But the principle is actually very similar.

business owner who’s thinking they can do this internally to know. The details that have to be committed to muscle memory to run your business are so intricate, but you know them so well, you don’t have to think about it. That’s why you go to an outside firm. We ask the questions. I can send a professional who knows nothing about your business, and they’re going to ask you all those questions, because we don’t have a clue. But we’re smart enough to ask them. And

should consider when they hit that glass ceiling?

There are two things that an individual needs to really adapt and absorb. One is that it’s not a cut against you or your ability to do your job, to seek outside help. There’s a level of maturity you must have if you really want to scale. It takes what’s outside of you to make that happen.

The second key is to realize that when you scale, you’re going to have to

the step-by-step details that will take me from this task to that outcome?” That’s the first thing we do inside of every organization. Because what it does is it sets the implementation in motion. Now I can come in, read the task, and I know exactly what details are required to get me to that outcome. So, it has to be a system. Implementation is a system, not simply work.

What is the general timeframe that a company should brace itself and be prepared for when going through the scaling process?

that’s how you get to that scalability component of being able to articulate what your business is. Someone on the outside has to do it.

How do you navigate around businesses that may be uncomfortable reaching out to an outsider to help them scale?

One issue is people are worried about how their team will react to the change. “How will people receive an outsider?” “How do I know they know my business?” These are all typical questions, and we can easily navigate those in the first few minutes of consulting with anyone. But I want you to realize that you know your business. Here’s an easy illustration. We’ve been driving cars for decades. If I live 10 minutes down the road, and you said, “Can you come on over right away?” you know that in 10 minutes, I’m going to be there because I’ve been driving so long. But if went to a 14-year-old kid at the mall and gave him a 10-minute crash course on how to drive your car, would you hand him the keys and let him drive from New York to South Florida? You may have taught him in 10 minutes how to drive a car. But you know there’s so many different intricacies – the mirrors, the ignition, how hard to touch the brake. You know those things. Those are all skills that have to be committed to muscle memory. But to that 14-year-old who’s never driven a car before, he’s going to need to know a lot more information.

So, here’s the thing I want every

Can you unpack the term KPI (key performance indicator)?

Basically, a KPI is just identifying the outcome. This is what you do, and this is exactly where we need to end up. That works in scaling a company and there’s no problem with that. But what we found over the years is that it doesn’t go deep enough. A real KPI, or in our case, what we call KPE (key performance execution), is the stepby-step dissertation of how we arrive at that outcome. What foot needs to be put in front of the other? I adopted it from the airline industry over a decade ago. In the cockpit, there’s a preflight checklist and a manual right behind the pilots’ heads that tells you, step-by-step, exactly how to fly the plane. Nothing is assumed. So, we’ve mastered this KPI/ KPE process by assuming nothing. We record everything in video and written format because that’s what businesses need to have to scale. You need to be able to take the power back, as an owner, and put it in a document where if a person has the ambition, they can read and follow instructions. They can do the job. The number one key to scalability is KPIs and KPEs.

What are some things an individual

step back to step forward. What that means is that while you may be on a trajectory right now, maybe increasing sales month over month, when that system gets introduced for that particular month, you have to be okay with the fact that your sales may stall. You may not get that month over month growth for a temporary moment in time. It’s a step back to step forward. But then you’ll find that when you step forward, you’ll accelerate way past where you would have been. That realism is what the executives and owners have to really breathe in. It’s a process. If you want that systematic, scalable growth, you’re not going to get there overnight. It’s a systematic change, but well worth it.

How does one implement a plan to scale a business?

I’ve mentioned that KPIs and KPEs are the backbone of any scalability because it breaks it down step-by-step. But the way that we get to that point is by using an algorithm of questions. We’ll ask them general questions just to articulate the known steps that they take in executing a position. Then you jump over, and you say, “For each known step we’ve listed, what is the outcome? What is the minimum level of performance that I’m willing to accept for that particular task?” And you define it as clearly as you possibly can. What you’ve done now is you’ve created a vision of where you are and where you want to be. Now, you close the gap by saying, “What are

We get that question a lot. And I always try to give people a benchmark. In other words, I’ll say, “you must give yourself 90 days to start seeing permanent change.” And I say, “Start seeing permanent change” because the length of the entire process can vary. But to start seeing permanent change takes 90 days. Usually when we go into a company, within the first 30 days you can feel the buzz and excitement. Everyone starts seeing what’s possible, starts understanding the vision, and starts to realize that they can have a role in that. So, you’re going to see some spikes in certain areas, just because you have that honeymoon phase. You have everyone really jazzed up because they’re on the same page. But the permanent change is another story. In other words, now we’re looking at documents that people can refer to. We’re starting to put the skeletal part of the framing together. That starts at about 90 days. You must give yourself that time, to start seeing what will become permanent changes in trajectory for your business.

“If you want that systematic, scalable growth, you’re not going to get there overnight.”

Notable Quotes

“Say What?!”

No doubt the NFL is considering postponing the rest of this game – but how? This late in the season, a game of this magnitude is crucial to the regular-season outcome… which suddenly seems so irrelevant.

- Tweet by Fox sports host Skip Bayless after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s on-field cardiac arrest, resulting in widespread condemnation

I don’t get the rage. Are people not understanding his tweet? Because the way I understood it is, and you know, (Roger) Goodell from the second that tragedy hit is like, “What do we do? What do we do? This is such a huge…game. What do we do? What do we do?”

The way I read Skip’s tweet is, you know, they’re doing that, and it doesn’t matter. It’s suddenly totally irrelevant. Sports playoffs, none of it matter. People are acting like he tweeted, “Roll him off the field and get going again.”

- Barstool Sports president Dave Portnoy

People think I’m being catty for saying this: it’s like, there were 10 years where I couldn’t stand my husband. And guess when it happened? When those kids were little.

- Former first lady Michelle Obama in a recent interview

For 10 years, while we’re trying to build our careers and worrying about school and who’s doing what and what, I was like, “Argh, this isn’t even!” And guess what? Marriage isn’t 50/50, ever. Ever. There are times, I’m 70, he’s 30. There are times, he’s 60, 40. But guess what? Ten years. We’ve been married 30. I would take 10 bad years over 30 — it’s just how you look at it. People give up — “Five years; I can’t take it.” - Ibid.

If you want to drain the swamp, you can’t put the biggest alligator in charge of the exercise.

- Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) explaining why he refused to vote for Rep Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to be Speaker of the House

They’re viewing [Gov. Ron DeSantis] as the grown-up version of Donald Trump and because of that reality, when he runs – because I believe he will – he’s not the easy target Trump is. You wanted Trump gone, not just because of his behavior, his perpetual lies, and all of this other stuff. You wanted him gone because of the policies. You wanted him gone because of how he reshaped the courts! You used his behavior to pull it off. You don’t get to do that with DeSantis. At least not based on what we know about him as of yet. That’s why I say, be careful what you wish for.

- Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith

I don’t know where she gets her information from. But if she has to still rely on a book like that, something tells me she’s not in the meetings, so she doesn’t know, so she has to rely on what other people write for her to say.

- Former White House Press Secretary for George W. Bush Ari Fleischer swiping at the current holder of the job, Karine JeanPierre, who uses a big binder to answer questions

College is supposed to be a place where you explore, and you have an opportunity to discuss certain things so that you can determine which way you’re going. And basically, what’s happening is people are being shut down. And it doesn’t have to be the government that shuts down your freedom of speech, you know, big tech, social media, college professors can shut down your speech.

– Dr. Ben Carson, talking about woke culture on Fox News

I voted for the omnibus and I’m proud to support it…but I don’t know exactly what every other member of the Senate has put in the bill.

- Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” admitting that he doesn’t know what was in the $1.7 trillion bill that he was proud to support

In the U.S., Sam Bankman-Fried is persona non grata. But in interviews across the Bahamas, residents say that his crimes were hardly comparable to the gang violence of the island and expressed fears of economic fallout if crypto investors don’t return.

- The New York Times being sympathetic to Sam Bankman-Fried, whose crypto exchange lost $16 billion of people’s money due to SBF’s alleged fraud

I was speaker and minority leader under President Bush, under President Obama, under what’s-his-name.

- Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Cali) in her farewell address as Speaker of the House

Hi Scott. My name is Scott Stallings as well and I’m from GA. My wife’s name is Jennifer too! I received a FedEx today from the Masters inviting me to play in the Masters Tournament April 6-9, 2023. I’m (100 percent) sure this is NOT for me. ... I play but wow! Nowhere near your level.

- Instagram direct message sent to golfer Scott Stallings from another Scott Stallings who had erroneously received the golf player’s Master’s invitation in the mail

You think of an idea, and you immediately think: “Oooh, is that going to get me into trouble?”

- Monty Python’s John Cleese talking about how wokeism killed comedy

There are people sitting there who are deliberately waiting for the thrill of being offended.

- Ibid.

I’m not so sure that the wokes would ever laugh at themselves, no matter how hilarious they are. - Ibid.

The short are also inherent conservationists, which is more crucial than ever in this world of eight billion.

- From an essay in Sunday’s New York Times titled, “There Has Never Been a Better Time to Be Short”

The future I envision is different: I want my children’s children to know the value of short. I want them to call themselves “short drinks of water” with “legs for minutes.” While one yells, “I’m the shortest,” I hope the other will bend his knees to gain an advantage, shouting, “No, I’m the shortest!”

- Ibid.

For those of you asking, yes, there will be a Fetterman in shorts today, but it’s not me.

- Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), in a tweet with a photo of himself on the first day of the job wearing a suit instead of his usual sweatshirt and shorts. His children in the photo with him are wearing wrinkled button-down shirts; one of them is wearing shorts

I’m kinda bored.

- Tweet by recently retired football great Rob Gronkowski

Happy New Year!! Boom!

- The taunting message on a drone rocket that Russia fired into Kyiv

The White Supremacist Origins of Exercise, and 6 Other Surprising Facts About the History of U.S. Physical Fitness

- Title of an article in Time magazine that claims that exercise stems from racism

First, math was a tool of white supremacy. Now, it’s exercise. Pretty soon, food is gonna be a tool to continue systemic racism oppression.

- Tweet by former heavyweight boxer Ed Latimore

Political Crossfire

The 10 Worst Things Joe Biden Did in 2022

By Marc A. Thiessen

The worst presidency in my lifetime got worse in 2022. In my last column, I offered my list of the 10 best things President Biden did this year. Here are the 10 worst:

10. He presided over a plethora of disasters

On Biden’s watch this year, our country experienced the worst inflation in 40 years, the largest decline in real wages in four decades, the highest gas prices ever recorded in the United States, the biggest annual rise in food prices since 1979, crisis-level labor shortages, and the worst crime wave in many cities since the 1990s. Not since Jimmy Carter has a president unleashed so many calamities at once.

9. He called Georgia’s election law “Jim Crow 2.0”

Despite Biden’s ugly and false claim, early voting shattered Georgia’s record for midterm elections, with Black voters accounting for 29 percent of early voters. And in the U.S. Senate runoff, Black voters cast 27 percent of the votes, five points less than in the January 2021 runoff. Biden owes Georgia an apology.

8. He and his party urged Republicans to reject extremists while promoting them in GOP primaries

Democrats spent tens of millions of dollars supporting MAGA candidates in GOP primaries, hoping they would be easier to defeat – one of the most cynical, immoral political strategies in memory.

7. His administration discharged thousands of troops for refusing Covid-19 vaccination

The Army fell short of its recruitment goals by 25 percent, or 15,000 soldiers this year, and Pentagon officials warned of the worst military recruitment crisis since the inception of the volunteer service. Yet more than 3,000 experienced, battle-hardened troops were needlessly forced out.

6. He begged foreign despots to pro-

duce more oil while weakening domestic production

Biden lifted sanctions and allowed Chevron to produce and export Venezuelan oil again, and he begged OPEC to produce more, all while leasing fewer acres of federal land for oil and gas drilling than any president since the end of World War II.

5. In an unconstitutional power grab, he canceled up to $1 trillion in student loans

His order – hung up in the courts –would force blue-collar workers to subsidize the higher education of white-collar professionals by using a 9/11-era law intended to help service members called up to active duty avoid default.

4. He has failed to avenge the Kabul airport bombing that killed 183 people, including 13 Americans

Biden warned those who carried out the 2021 attack: “We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay.” But since the U.S. withdrawal more than a year ago, there have been no “over the horizon” strikes against the ISIS-K terrorists responsible.

3. He signed into law an Inflation Reduction Act that will not reduce inflation

or climate change

This massive climate spending bill’s impact on inflation will be statistically indistinguishable from zero, and it will reduce the rise in global temperature by 0.0009 degrees – next to nothing.

2. He made the worst border crisis in U.S. history even worse.

In fiscal 2022, there were almost 2.4 million encounters at the southern border, plus more than 600,000 known “gotaways,” and 98 people on the terrorist watch list were stopped near the border. More than 800 migrants died crossing the border illegally. Yet when asked why he had not visited the border, Biden said he had “more important things going on.”

1. He slow-rolled military aid to Ukraine out of fear of provoking Vladimir Putin

He refused Ukraine’s requests for Stinger and Javelin missiles for months before Russia invaded. After Moscow attacked, he offered to help President Volodymyr Zelensky escape – to which the Ukrainian leader reportedly replied, “I need ammunition, not a ride.” Then Biden forced Ukraine to defend itself for months primarily with antiquated Soviet-era weaponry – and

blocked Poland from transferring Soviet-designed MiG-29 jets to Kyiv, terrified that stronger U.S. support could cause “World War III.” (This prompted Zelensky to ask “What is NATO doing? Is it being run by Russia?”) Biden waited more than nine months to give Ukraine just one Patriot air-defense system, allowing Putin to destroy schools, homes, hospitals, and critical infrastructure. When he finally did deliver the game-changing High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), they had been secretly modified so they couldn’t fire longrange rockets. And Biden still refuses to give Ukraine or longer-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles because they could (theoretically) reach Russia or M1 Abrams tanks. As a Ukrainian reporter asked Biden at his news conference with Zelensky: “Can we make long story short and give Ukraine all capabilities it needs and liberate all territories rather sooner than later?” Zelensky added: “I agree.” Biden’s refusal to do so is dragging out the conflict, leading to thousands of civilian deaths and delaying Putin’s defeat.

Limiting this list to 10 was extremely difficult, so here are a few dishonorable mentions: Biden engaged in weak public hand-wringing at a Democratic fundraiser about his fears Putin might start a nuclear war. He fecklessly depleted the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to lower gas prices before the midterm elections. He did not deliver on his promised support for Afghan women or for women rising up in Iran. And after promising to put his “whole soul” into uniting the country, he compared Republicans to racists, segregationists, and traitors.

Biden’s second year was even more divisive and incompetent than his first. I shudder to think what Year 3 will bring.

Political Crossfire Santos Must Have Taken Notes From Biden

By Marc A. Thiessen

New York Republican George Santos is a fabulist who lied to voters about his family, education and achievements. Incoming House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) said in a statement that Santos’s many lies make him “woefully unqualified” and “clearly unfit to serve” in Congress. He’s right.

So, what about Joe Biden?

When it comes to making up self-serving, politically advantageous details about his past, Santos seems to have taken a page from our fabulist in chief. Let’s review the record:

Biden has lied about his family history. During the 1988 Democratic presidential primary, it emerged that he had plagiarized a speech by British Labour leader Neil Kinnock, adopting Kinnock’s family history as his own. “Why is it that Joe Biden is the first in his family ever to go to a university?” Biden asked. “Is it because I’m the first Biden in a thousand generations to get a college and a graduate degree? ... My ancestors, who worked in the coal mines of northeast Pennsylvania and would come up after 12 hours and play football for four hours?”

Not only were many of the words stolen, so were the facts: Biden was not the first in his family to go to college (only the first on his father’s side), and his ancestors had not been coal miners (though a great-grandfather was a mining engineer). In 2008, he falsely told the United Mine Workers, “I am a hard coal miner.” (A spokesperson said he was joking.)

Biden has also made numerous false assertions about his educational achievements. He claimed in 1987 that he had “graduated with three degrees from college,” had received an award as “the outstanding student in the politi-

cal science department,” finished in the “top half” of his class at law school, and received a “full academic scholarship.” None of that was true. He received a single B.A. in history and political science, had only been put up for the award by a professor, graduated 76th in a class of 85 from Syracuse College of Law, and had a partial need-based scholarship. After the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade, he claimed to have written “a number of law review articles” on the right to privacy – which was untrue.

He has also falsely claimed to have been arrested multiple times for taking righteous stands. During his 2020 campaign, Biden repeatedly claimed that he was arrested in South Africa trying to visit Nelson Mandela in prison, adding that Mandela thanked him for it when he came to Washington. None of it was true.

Biden also claimed during a speech in Atlanta that he had been arrested while protesting for civil rights: “You think I’m kidding, man. It seems like yesterday the first time I got arrested.” According to the New York Times,

“There is no evidence he was ever arrested during a civil-rights protest.” He has also falsely claimed to have been arrested as a college student for entering an all-female dorm and sneaking into the U.S. Capitol. Has any president experienced so much imagined jail time?

He has also lied about his experience in war zones. In 2021, Biden told State Department employees that he was “shot at” overseas – similar to a debunked claim of being shot at inside Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone made during a Democratic presidential debate in 2007. (He later revised the claim, saying that, in fact, “I was near where a shot landed.”) In 2019, he told a detailed story about brushing off warnings of danger, when he was vice president, to pin a Silver Star on a Navy captain in Afghanistan.

The Post reported that “almost every detail in the story appears to be incorrect.” It was President Barack Obama, not Biden, who gave him the award; it was the Medal of Honor, not the Silver Star; and the ceremony took place at the White House, not in Afghanistan.

Biden has lied about consoling victims of tragedy. He claimed that he met in Washington with survivors of a school shooting in Parkland, Fla., while he was vice president, even though the shooting took place in 2018, well after he left office, and that he spent time at Tree of Life synagogue, after 11 people were massacred there in 2018, but it turns out he never visited. (He spoke to the rabbi by phone.)

He has lied about his relationships with foreign leaders. In 2020, he claimed that he had gotten China to join the 2016 Paris climate accord “after meeting with Deng Xiaoping,” who died in 1997. And he has claimed more than 20 times that he had traveled 17,000 miles with Chinese President Xi Jinping – earning Biden a “Bottomless Pinocchio” from The Post.

And, of course, Biden lies constantly about his record as president. He falsely claimed to have passed his student loan forgiveness “by a vote or two.” (Congress never voted on it.) He has repeatedly falsely claimed that he has cut the federal debt in half; that “real incomes are up” (they’ve suffered the largest decline in four decades); that his Chips Act will create 1 million construction jobs (the real number is 6,200); that his Inflation Reduction Act will reduce inflation (it will not); and that none of his military commanders advised him to leave a residual force in Afghanistan (they did).

Biden’s career has been a constant stream of untruths. Yet no Democratic Party leaders have suggested that Biden is “woefully unqualified” or “unfit to serve.” Maybe Santos should switch parties and run for president – then all would be forgiven.

Jewish History

A Harvard President’s Pogrom Warning

by Rafael Medoff

If American Jews “decide to remain apart,” antisemitism will rise to the point that “blood will be spilled,” one of America’s most prominent educators reportedly warned one hundred years ago this week.

That blunt and menacing demand was made by the president of Harvard University, A. Lawrence Lowell. It’s a reminder that the intense antisemitism in America in the 1920s was espoused not only by street corner bullies but among some leading figures in the academic community as well.

Lowell was said to have uttered his threatening words in a conversation with Harvard alumnus Victor Kramer when the two shared a train compartment in late December 1922. A few weeks later, Kramer recounted the conversation at a Manhattan meeting, and a New York Times correspondent who was present reported it on January 15.

“President Lowell takes full credit for the plan to limit the number of Jews who are seeking admission into Harvard,” Kramer said. “It is his view that so long as the Jewish people decide to remain apart, as a distinct entity in American life and not merging in a social way by intermarriage with the Gentiles, just so long will prejudice continue and even grow worse.”

“President Lowell also asserted that a Jew cannot be an American, for to be an American, in his opinion, one must be that and nothing else,” the Times reported. “President Lowell predicted that within twenty years we will see in the United States the same conditions that now exist in Central Europe, where blood is spilled as a result of anti-Semitism… His advice was that the Jews drop their faith.”

The next day’s Times carried a statement from Lowell that he “denied having said the things attributed to him,” claiming that Kramer had “grossly misrepresented” his views. Kramer, however, stood by his account, citing two witnesses who sat next to them and heard Lowell’s statements.

The theme of the attributed remarks— that Jews themselves are to blame for antisemitism, and responses to Jewish behavior could get much worse—was consistent with Lowell’s previously expressed opinions. In fact, a letter Lowell wrote to another alumnus in 1922, along these same lines, had been quoted in the Times the previous June.

“The anti-Semitic feeling among students is increasing, and it grows in proportion to the increase in the number of Jews,” Lowell wrote then. “If their number should become 40 percent of the student body, the race feeling would become intense… All this seems to me fraught with great evils for the Jew, and very great peril for our community.”

That was why Lowell went to the Harvard Board of Overseers in 1922 with his proposal to reduce the number of Jewish students on campus, which was about 25% of the student body. Until then, admissions had been determined on the basis of merit, that is, grades and test scores. Lowell and the board devised new criteria that would allow “careful discernment of differences among individuals,” as Lowell put it.

Henceforth, a Harvard admissions officer could reject an application based on the applicant’s “character.” Also, the applicant would be required to state his “race and color” and “religious preference,” and would have to explain if either of his parents had ever changed their names—so that the admissions officer would know whose “character” required special scrutiny. Applicants from New York City were classified according to whether their family name and photograph indicated they were Jews; they were classified as “J1” (definitely Jewish), “J2” (probably Jewish), or “J3” (possibly Jewish). Thus Jews could be singled out for rejection without anybody having to say the reason was that they were Jews.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served on the Harvard board in the 1920s, later boasted of his role in this episode. He and his fellow-board members decided that “the number of Jews should be reduced one or two percent a year until it was down to 15%,” President Roosevelt explained to Henry Morgenthau, Jr., the only Jewish member of his cabinet, in 1941. “You can’t get a disproportionate amount of any one religion.”

Lowell and FDR also shared an indifference to the plight of Jews in Nazi Germany. In his book, The Third Reich in the Ivory Tower, Prof. Stephen Norwood described Lowell’s rejection of an offer by a charitable foundation in 1933 to pay the salary of a refugee scholar from Nazi Germany if Harvard would hire him. Lowell accused the foundation of trying “to use the College for purposes of propaganda.”

James G. McDonald, the League of Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from Germany, requested an appointment with Lowell in March 1934. Lowell’s secretary told McDonald—according to his diary— “that he wasn’t interested in German refugees,” and “that he was tied up the whole day,” so therefore “couldn’t see me.” But when Hitler’s foreign spokesman, Harvard graduate Ernst “Putzi” Hanfstaengl, visited the campus three months later, Lowell found the time to have a friendly meeting with him.

Although a century has passed since Lowell, FDR, and their colleagues acted against the admission of Jewish students, Harvard is only just beginning to come to grips with this dark chapter in its history. Three years ago, following publicity about Lowell’s anti-Jewish policies (and policies hostile to other minorities), the faculty deans decided to take down a portrait of Lowell that was hanging in Lowell House, an undergraduate dormitory. The building itself, however, continues to bear his name. One wonders what sort of revelation it would take for Harvard to finally do something about that.

Dr. Medoff is founding director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies and author of more than 20 books about Jewish history and the Holocaust. His latest is America and the Holocaust: A Documentary History, published by the Jewish Publication Society & University of Nebraska Press.

Harvard president Abbott Lawrence Lowell met with US President Theodore Roosevelt, left, on July 22, 1910

Forgotten Her es Fighter Pilots in the Pacific

By Avi Heiligman

Aerial combat came about during World War I when pilots began to experiment with different methods to take down enemy airplanes. Grappling hooks, grenades, and handguns were all used to varying success. It was a French pilot who was the first to use a machine gun on a plane in battle, but there were design defects that hampered its effectiveness. Aircraft manufacturers and designers came up with planes designed to fight in battle without jeopardizing the plane or the pilot.

Fighter pilots were trained in air-to-air combat and are highly regarded within the military community. Here are some notable World War II fighter pilots and their stories while fighting the Japanese in the Pacific.

Marine fighter squadron VMF-214, known as the Black Sheep Squadron, was commissioned in 1942 and became famous under legendary commander Gregory “Pappy” Boyington. The Idaho native had been with the Marines since 1935, and in 1941, he resigned from the Marines to join the American Volunteer Group (AVG). Known as the Flying Tigers, the AVG began flying missions in China two weeks after the Pearl Harbor attacks, and Boyington scored two kills in the air before rejoining the Marines.

In his Vaught F4U-Corsair, Pappy became an ace while leading his squadron in the skies over the Solomon Islands in the Pacific. Boyington was later shot down and spent the rest of the war in a Japanese POW camp. Altogether, he had 26 kills (some records show 28 kills) to his credit and received the Medal of Honor.

While the lack of military discipline

tactics was to circle around an enemy airfield waiting for a large enemy force to come up to meet them where they would be waiting in ambush. In addition to shooting down enemy planes, the squadron also accounted for cargo ships and troop transports and destroyed several enemy installations. The squadron still is active and in 2022 transitioned to flying the F-35B Lightning II fighter.

force covers, fighter sweeps, strafing missions, and patrols. As a member of a division of four planes acting as a task force cover on September 18, he daring [sic] maneuvered his craft against thirty enemy dive bombers with fighter escorts and, pressing home his attack with skill and determination, destroyed two dive bombers and probably a third.”

He later shot down five Mitsubishi A6M Zeros, and the next day, he strafed an enemy airfield leaving eight destroyed Japanese planes burning. In 1948, Magee decided to join the fledgling Israeli Air Force even though he wasn’t Jewish. The fighter ace was assigned to the 101 st Squadron, flying S-199 fighters from Ekron Airbase. Magee returned to the U.S. without seeing action in the Israeli War of Independence.

in the squadron was appalling to some spit-and-polish officers, the results achieved in battle are very impressive even by World War II standards. The Black Sheep Squadron shot down 203 Japanese planes, with nine pilots attaining the status of ace (at least five enemy planes shot down). One of their

One of the other aces in the Black Sheep Squadron was Chris Magee from Omaha, Nebraska. He shot down nine enemy planes. His Navy Cross citation shares some of the details: “Displaying superb flying ability and fearless intrepidity, First Lieutenant Magee participated in numerous strike escorts, task

Early World War II fighter planes were limited in range and could not escort bombers on long-range missions. The introduction of the North American P-51 Mustang fighter changed the way bombing missions were planned. The P-51 had a range of over 1,600 miles and could go much further with external fuel tanks. A pair of Jewish P-51 pilots from the 78th Fighter Squadron, 15 th Fighter Group were credited with flying the last combat mission of World War II.

Japanese Emperor Hirohito had just accepted the Allies’ terms for unconditional surrender, but the flight crew did not hear the alert telling them that the war was officially over.

Jerry Yellin flew the last World War II mission in the Pacific Members of the Black Sheep Squadron

Captain Jerry Yellin was born in Newark, New Jersey, and started his fighter pilot career in P-40 Warhawks and P-47 Thunderbolts. On a training mission, the engine on his P-40 quit, and he was forced to parachute into the Pacific off the coast of Hawaii. Yellin was eventually rescued, and he was soon training to fly Mustangs. In March 1945, he landed at a recently captured airfield on the hotly contested island of Iwo Jima. His first combat missions were in support of the ground troops still fighting on the island and included

strafing and bombing entrenched Japanese positions. In April, he flew the first long-range fighter mission over Japan and was noted for his exceptional flying skills. Yellin is credited with shooting down a Zero while escorting B-29 bombers on one of his 19 very long range missions.

First Lieutenant Felix Phillip Schlamberg from Brooklyn, New York, was Yellin’s wingman in another P-51 on August 14, 1945. Japanese Emperor Hirohito had just accepted the Allies’ terms for unconditional surrender, but

the flight crew did not hear the alert telling them that the war was officially over. After completing their mission over an airfield, the pair flew into cloud cover, but only Yellin emerged. Schlamberg and his plane were never found, making him one of the last casualties of the war.

Yellin wrote books on his World War II experiences after his discharge a few months later. Both pilots were awarded the Air Medal. Yellin was also the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. World War II fighter pilots were

needed in large numbers to fill the tens of thousands of fighter planes rolling off the assembly lines. These pilots will be remembered for their sacrifices and bravery, while being an important asset in bringing the Axis powers to the surrender table.

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.

Boyington briefing members of his squad

Chris Magee, left, with Pappy Boyington

Classifieds

SERVICES SERVICES

PEACEFUL PRESENCE STUDIO

Men’s private yoga, Licensed Massage & Holistic Health Guidance 436 Central Ave, Cedarhurst Info. & free video training www.peacefulpresence.com 516-371-3715

GERBER MOVING FULL SERVICE MOVING Packing Moving Supplies Local Long Distance Licensed Insured 1000’S Of Happy Customers Call Shalom 347-276-7422

NP HOME CARE

We will serve professionally and sincerely  For all your private home care needs HHA, CDPAP, LIVE IN CAREGIVERS  917 972 1428 or 718 912 6425  nphomecare2022@gmail.com

VACUUM SALES AND REPAIR

All areas call Max Flam 718-444-4904

HANDYMAN AVAILABLE

For big or small jobs, Sheetrock, carpentry, painting, electrical, plumbing, install & repair appliances Call Ephraim at 347-593-4691

MANAGEMENT STAFF WILL ASSIST you with: * Obtaining Medicaid and Pooled Income Trust

* In-home Assessments, Individual and Family Counseling

* Securing reliable home care assistance

* Case and Care Management services Dr. S. Sasson, DSW, LCSW (718) 544- 0870 or (646) 284-6242

HAIR COURSE:

Learn how to wash & style hair & wigs. Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling Private lessons or in a group Call Chaya 718-715-9009

ZEVIZZ WOODTURNING JUDAICA

Challah knifes, batei mezuzah, besamim holder, kiddish cups, havdalah candle holders, yad for sefer torah, pens, stenders, bowls and more  952-356-2228

HOUSES FOR SALE HOUSES FOR SALE

WOODMERE - OLD WOODMERE

3 bedrrom 2 full bathroomsSD# 14 Features LG living room with fireplace, den, large dining room, kitchen and dinette area, high ceilings, hardwood floors, primary bedroom plus sitting area plus 2 additional bedrooms, full basement, alarm, sprinkler, close to all. $759K Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-845 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

DON’T GET STUCK WITH A TWO STORY HOUSE YA KNOW, IT’S ONE STORY BEFORE YOU BUY IT BUT A SECOND STORY AFTER YOU OWN IT! Call Dov Herman

For An Accurate Unbiased Home Inspection

Infrared - Termite Inspection Full Report All Included NYC 718-INSPECT Long Island 516-INSPECT www.nyinspect.com

WOODMERE

Charming Colonial on beautiful tree lined street in the heart of Old Woodmere. Home features 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, kitchen, dining area, living room, full basement. Relatively new heating system + hot water tank. Large & beautiful backyard. Great for entertaining. Close to all. $676K Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HEWLETT NEW TO THE MARKET

Luxurious Exquisite 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bath home situated on approximate 1.8 acre property in prestigious Hewlett Bay Park. Formal Living room and dining room, library, chefs Eat-in Kitchen, extraordinary great room leads out to veranda. large Gunite built-in pool + pool house with full bath, large slate patio, impressive sprawling property, school district #14 Hewlett-Woodmere. Close to all. P.O.R. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

Classifieds

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com • text 443-929-4003

HOUSES FOR SALE HOUSES FOR SALE HOUSES FOR SALE

WOODMERE

Great Home on a Cul-De-Sac, SD #15, Features 4 Bedrooms, 3 New Full Bathrooms, Gas Heat, Central Air Conditioning, Renovated Gourmet EIK w/2 Sinks, Granite Countertops, New Stainless Steel Appliances Leading out to a New Deck, Elegant Formal Dining Room, New Flooring, Moldings, and New Wood Bannister Leading to the Bedrooms, Spacious Master Bedroom Suite w/Jacuzzi Tub, Sep Stall Shower, and a Large Walk-In Closet. Generously Sized Den Leading Out to a Magnificent Backyard With a New Pergola, Great Home for Entertaining, High Hats Throughout, New Front Walkway Leading to a Nice Front Porch, New Front Windows

Close to RR, Shopping, Houses of Worship. P.O.R. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HEWLETT BAY PARK

Six bedroom home in highly desirable Hewlett Bay Park on 3/4 of an acre with an inground gunite pool and tennis court, en-Suite bathrooms and bedrooms on both floors, 1st floor Master Suite with steam shower and Jacuzzi tub, Eat-in Kitchen, with SS appliances, 2 sinks, 2 dishwashers, double oven, formal living room, formal dining room, den with fireplace. Close to railroad, shopping, and houses of worship. SD#14. Great house for entertaining. Park-like Property. P.O.R. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

Spacious 5 bedroom 4 bathroom split level in Saddle Ridge Estates Well maintained home home , renovated eat –in-kitchen , formal living room and dining room, den, central air conditioning, hardwood floors, high hats, master bedroom with a custom bathroom and Jacuzzi tub, close to all $995k Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE: NEW TO THE MARKET

Well maintained 4 bedroom home on a cul-de-sac in Old Woodmere SD#14. Features central air conditioning, gas heat, eat -in -kitchen with stainless steel appliances, very spacious den, 2 car garage, hardwood floors, high hats, magnificent yard with an in-ground saltwater pool, close to the railroad, shopping and houses of worship. Call for a private showing. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

NORTH WOODMERE

Bright and sunny 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms split level home. Features central air conditioning, gas heat, solar panels, eat in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, formal dining room and living room, den, finished bsmt with playroom and 2 additional rooms, master bedroom –fbth and 2 walk in closets, custom window treatments, new garage door, alarm, IGS, hardwood floors, 200 AMP service, gasline BBQ, new insulation, close to schools, shopping and so much more. 899K Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-2988457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HEWLETT BAY PARK

Prestigious Center-Hall Colonial in Hewlett Bay Park, Set Back on Private Property. This Stately Home Features a Grand Entry Foyer, Formal Living Room, Formal Dining Room, Chef’s Kitchen, Large Den, Master Bedroom suite with Sitting Room + 2 Baths (His & Hers) and Loft and Additional 3 Bedrooms + Bonus Rooms. Exquisitely Manicured Park-like property. Award Winning School District #14. Too Many Features To List. Will Not Last! P.O.R. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

Beautiful, brick, colonial boasting 5 bdr 3.5 Bth in pristine condition. Excellent location, near all! Move right in! RCUSA 516-512-9626

WOODMERE

Spectacular 5 bedroom, 5 bath renovated home in SD#14 with in-ground pool & pool house, lot size 111 x 107. Formal living room & dining room, magnificent kitchen with SS appliances, tremendous den with fireplace and 4 skylights, vaulted ceiling, LED lighting, master suite, new CAC, new roof. Outside totally redone with Stone and Stucco. Backyard with new pavers, park-like property, sandbox, great home for entertaining. Close to all. $1,499,000 Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516.298.8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

FAR ROCKAWAY

280 Beach 15th Large two family. Fully brick. Fully detached. Full basement Low taxes. $799,000 Dm Yehoshua 917-923-0011

LAWRENCE

Exceptional turnkey Mediterranean Colonial style home and beautiful manicured corner property. This home features exquisite architectural details with six meticulously designed spacious bedrooms and four full baths, open layout that allows comfortable living and entertainment. Large dining room and living room with gas fireplace. Beautiful updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances attached to Butler’s pantry, huge closet space and storage throughout. Park like backyard, hardwood herringbone floors throughout. Water filtration system and ground well for sprinklers. A must see! P.O.R. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HOUSES FOR SALE

CAN’T AFFORD YOUR PROPERTY TAXES?

MORTGAGE?

Must sell for any reason? Call for FREE Consultation. Call now 212-470-3856 Cash buyers available!

WOODMERE

Beautifully maintained Split Level home in the heart of Woodmere. This home boasts 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Eat-in Kitchen, Formal Dining Room, Living Room, a Finished Basement, and an office. Beautiful and spacious Backyard. Great location, SD#14. Close to all. Price Reduced $879k. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

CEDARHURST

Magnificent Bright & Sunny furnished 6 Bedroom, 5 Bath Home Prime location in Cedarhurst Features Dream Kitchen With Granite Countertops, Two Sinks, Two Ovens, Two Microwaves, Formal Dining Room With Washing Station, Formal Living Room. Smart Home, Radiant Heat, Speaker System, Timers, Cameras Inside + Outside, Master Bedroom Suite With Jacuzzi Tub + Shower. Two Large Walk-in Closets, Central Air Conditioning, Gas Heat, Two Car Garage, Great Corner Property, Large Side + Backyard, Finished Basement, Close To All. A Must See. Close To Shopping And Houses Of Worship. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

NORTH WOODMERE JUST LISTED

Move Right Into This Beautifully Maintained and Updated Three Bedroom, 2.5 Baths Large Split Situated on an Oversized Park-like Lot Overlooking the Pond. Home Features naturally bright lit rooms with a Ground Level Den Leading to Patio, With Another Lower Level With Partially Finished Basement. Hardwood Floors Throughout Updated Kitchen With Granite Counters in School District 14 and Close to all Houses of Worship. $949k Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

New to the market move right in 8 bedrooms 3 full bathrooms on a lot size 57x112. prime location features eat in kitchen with 2 sinks, new stainless steel appliances, gas heat, hardwood floors, possible mother daughter with permits, close to the railroad, shopping and houses of worship. OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY JANUARY 8 12:00-1:30PM 8 WOODMERE BLVD. N. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

NORTH WOODMERE

This is a Spectacular Home Rebuilt From the Ground Up in 2010. Features Inground Heated Saltwater Pool. Unique Beyond, Very Artistic. Designed by a Well-known Interior Designer. The House Was Knocked Down & Rebuilt. It has Steel Columns, Exposed Vents & Duct Work. Custom Door - Super Thick, Entry Foyer is Laser Cut Acrylic Tile, Custom Closets Throughout. Steel Bolder Sep. the LR & DR. DR has a Custom China Closet, Bar has a Swarovski Sink, Custom Scavollini EIK, Very European the way the Drawers Open + Cabinets Open Upwards. Countertops are Caesar Stone & Appl. are a Wolf Oven w/6 Burners, 2 Miele Ovens, and Built-in Coffee Maker. 1 Miele Dishwasher + 2 Fisher Paykel Dishwashers. Thermador Refrigerator w/Ice Maker. Double Sinks Plus a Veg. Sink, Walls are Painted w/Venetian Plaster. Office w/High Ceilings & Terr. Overlooking the Pool. Magnificent yard, MBR Suite w/a Spa Bath & a Huge WIC. MBR has Missoni Tiles. All Pella Windows & Doors. Home has Cameras, Alarms, IGS and So Much More! Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

CEDARHURST

Move Right In. Totally updated 2BR, 2 Bath, Apt. on the 1st Floor. Private Entrance, CAC, W/D in Unit, Kitchen with SS Appliances, Hardwood Floors, Recessed Lighting, Freshly Painted, Great Courtyard, Parking $95/Mo. Close to Railroad, Shopping, Restaurants, Cedarhurst Park + Houses of Worship. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-2988457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

LAWRENCE

Extra Large One Bedroom Renovated Apartment In Prime Lawrence. EIK With Granite Countertops Renovated Bathroom. Sunken LR, Dining Room, Close to All, Transportation, Shopping, Worship.$285k or rent $2,500 monthly Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@ bhhslaffey.com

HOUSE FOR RENT

WOODMERE

Move Right In. Renovated 8 Bedroom Colonial, Prime Location in SD#14 - Old Woodmere. Smart Home, Camera System, New CAC System, AG Pool, Large Eat-in Kitchen with Pantry. Finished Basement. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-2988457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

APT./CO-OP FOR RENT

WOODMERE

House rental Move right into this 4 bedroom colonial in the heart of Woodmere, with spacious rooms, hardwood floors, a finished basement, and a spacious yard. Close to railroad, shopping & houses of worship $4,500 monthly Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE/HEWLETT NECK

House Rental Magnificent 6 Bedroom Home. Formal Dining Room, New Gourmet Kitchen W/High End Appliances & Cabinets, Large Living Rm & Den, 3 Car Attached Garage, Hardwood Floors, Sd#14. 5 Bedrooms On One Level, Fabulous MBR Suite W/ New Bathroom. gas heat. central air conditioning, long driveway, parklaike property,& So Much More. Call for details Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

FAR ROCKAWAY

Spacious very nice 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment for rent. Great location in Far Rockaway. 908-415-5004

JERUSALEM RENTALS

Luxury five-bedroom, 3-bathroom beautiful duplex apartment in Arzei HaBirah available short term and Chagim.  Call Rivka 972-58-768-5783 or e-mail rivkat1696@gmail.com for details.

FAR ROCKAWAY

Spacious very nice 3 bedroom/ 2 bath apartment for rent. 908.415.5004

APT./COOP/CONDO SALE

CEDARHURST

Move Right In. Totally Updated One Bedroom Townhouse Apartment on the First Floor. Featuring 1.5 Bathrooms, Central Air Conditioning, Washer/Dryer in the Unit, Kitchen With SS Appliances, Hardwood Floors, and Recessed Lighting. Freshly Painted. Super on Premises. Underground Parking is $95/month. This spacious rental is managed by a responsible landlord. Great Courtyard. Close to the Railroad, Shopping, Restaurants, Post Office, Cedarhurst Park + Houses of Worship. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODSBURGH

Magnificent 2K Sq. Ft. Co-Op. 3Br/2Bth, Eik, Lr, Dr, W/D In Unit, Gar, 2 Stor Units, Elev, Near All $775K 516-846-1032 No Brokers

LAWRENCE

Spacious 2BR, 2 Full Bath Apt with an enclosed terrace in the heart of Lawrence. Well maintained & manicured building. New hardwood floors, updated Eat-in Kitchen with gas stove. warming draw, dishwasher & microwave. New windows on the enclosed terrace & one of the bedrooms. 3 New A/C Units & New Refrigerator. Close to shopping, transportation, library, schools, and houses of worship. $339K Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HEWLETT

Hewlett House 1 Bedroom Co-op. Unit Includes 1 Parking Spot + Storage Unit, W/D Outside of Unit. Close to Shopping, Schools, Houses of Worship, Restaurants + Parks.

Prime Location in the Heart of Hewlett. $109k Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@ bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

1 bedroom apartment, elevator building, eat-in kitchen, full bath, hardwood floors, plenty of closet space. Ceiling fan in bedroom & kitchen, laundry room in the basement. Close to the railroad, shopping, and houses of worship $168k Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@ bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

Totally renovated bright and sunny 1 bedroom corner unit apartment with a washer/dryer. Features quartz countertops, ss appliances, recessed lighting, bathroom with chrome fixtures, close to the railroads, shopping and houses of worship. Call for details Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

New to the market beautifully maintained bright and sunny 2 bedroom 1.5 bathroom co-op on the top floor in an elevator building with a private storage room. Renovated eat -in-kitchen with granite countertops, lots of cabinets, 2 renovated bathrooms. 2 spacious bedrooms with ceiling fans and air conditioners. hardwood floors, high ceilings , close to the railroad, shopping and houses of worship. Call for a private showing.$429K

Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

Classifieds

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com

APT./COOP/CONDO SALE APT./COOP/CONDO SALE APT./COOP/CONDO SALE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

WOODMERE

Beautiful & Spacious 2 Bedroom Apartment Across From The Golf Course. Elevator Building, Updated Kitchen, Gas Cooking, Granite Countertops, Washer/Dryer In Unit, High Ceilings, Great Closet Space, Storage in Basement, Close To RR, Shopping & Houses Of Worship.$349K

Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HEWLETT

Totally renovated 1 and 2 Bedroom, Apartments with washer/dryer, kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances. Recessed lighting, hardwood floors, storage in basement. Close to RR, shopping, and houses of worship. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HEWLETT

Hewlett 3 bedroom 2 bath co-op with central air conditioning, terrace, wash-er/dryer, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, magnificent kitchens, ss appliances, l/r, d/r, close to the railroad, shopping, and houses of worship. $300k Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

CEDARHURST

1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, totally renovated private entrance , central air conditioning, hardwood floors, washer/dryer, garage parking, dishwasher, recessed lighting, private playground, close to railroad, park, shopping and houses of worship.

Call for more details

Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457  mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

Move right in!! 2 Bedroom Apartment, Elevator Bldg in SD #14, Pre War Bldg, Pet Friendly, Laundry Room in Basement, Wood Floors, New Windows, Corner Apartment, Beautiful Renovated Kitchen w/SS Appliances, 3 A/C Units, Close to RR, Shopping & Houses of Worship. A must-see! $199k

CEDARHURST

1 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment, elevator building, eat-in kitchen, spacious rooms throughout, laundry room on-premises, garage parking, close to all Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

INWOOD

Storefront/Office for LEASE: Bayview Ave corner Lawrence. Street parking 600+SF - Available immediately. Minyan Call/Text/WA Owner: 516-206-1100

INWOOD

OFFICE + Large Parking LOT FOR LEASE: Bayview and Lawrence. Available immediately. Minyan Call/Text/WA Owner: 516-206-1100

ISLAND PARK FOR SALE or LEASE: 2 Stores ~1600SF; one leased to restaurant one perfect for owner-user - across from LIRR $549K obo - Call/Text/WA Owner: 516206-1100

Classifieds

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com • text 443-929-4003

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

SIACH YITZCHOK SEEKING

Additional assistant teachers for General Studies. Wonderful opportunity to observe great teachers, work one-on-one with students, and gain some classroom teaching experience. Send your resume to Email teachersearch11@gmail.com

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT

A multi-tasker needed for general office work. The ideal candidate is someone who is detail-oriented, responsible, and can take ownership. Looking for someone who is eager to learn, and expand his/her skill set while possessing the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience with Excel required. Five Towns location. In-office position only, not remote. Please send resume to 5tpart.timecareer@gmail.com

HELP WANTED

BOOKKEEPER

Excellent growth potential, Frum environment, Excellent salary & benefits. Email resume to: resumetfs1@gmail.com

A YESHIVA IN QUEENS is looking for an experienced part/ full time secretary, 2-year-old morah, kindergarten morah, kindergarten morah assistant and Pre-1A English teacher for the 2022-2023 school year. Nice and timely pay. Please email resume to mshelt613@gmail.com or call/text 718-971-9799.

YESHIVA DARCHEI TORAH MIDDLE

School is seeking to hire teachers in all secular subjects for grades 6-8.  We offer an excellent working environment and salary; Monday-Thursday, 2:30-5:30 PM.  Interviews are being held now.  Candidates should have prior teaching experience.  Please send resume to mhorowitz@darchei.org

MDS REGIONAL NURSE:

5 Towns area Nursing Home management office seeking a Regional/Corporate level MDS Nurse to work in our office. Must be an RN. Regional experience preferred. 2-3 years MDS experience with good computer skills required. Position is Full Time but Part Time can be considered. Great Shomer Shabbos environment with some remote options as well. Email: officejob2019@gmail.com

LEGAL SECRETARY

Boutique litigation and real estate law office in the 5 Towns seeking a legal secretary. Duties include assisting attorneys with files, preparing legal documents, keeping attorney calendars, interacting/corresponding with clients and basic managerial office tasks. Candidate should be responsible, detail oriented and able to work closely with attorneys.  Office experience preferred but willing to train. Interested applicants should please either call (516) 295-0707 or to cell (516) 810-7001.  Please also send resume by fax (516) 295-0722 or by email to paulmsod@gmail.com. Position available immediately.

5 TOWNS BOYS YESHIVA

SEEKING ELEM GEN ED TEACHERS

Excellent working environment and pay. Only lic/exp need apply. Email resume to yeshivalooking@gmail.com

LOOKING FOR A DRIVER

Business looking for someone that has a large van or sprinter that can work a full day on Wednesdays on a weekly basis throughout the year in Brooklyn. Please do not call if you do not have a large van or a sprinter 347.992.7411

MISC.

Approximately two years ago, a man’s watch was left in one of the bathrooms on the first floor at 445 Central Ave in Cedarhurst New York. If this is your watch, and you can provide an accurate description of it, please reach out to: Michael@paradigmcre.com.

Your Money Nanny Cam Reporting

By Allan Rolnick, CPA

In 2005, Carol Aebersold and her daughters introduced the world to the “Elf on a Shelf.” Every day for a whole month, the elf hides in a different spot in the house to see who is being good. At night, he flies back to the North Pole to deliver his intel. Fans praise the Elf as a playful new tradition. Critics dismiss him as “just another nanny cam in a nanny state obsessed with penal codes” that conditions kids to accept surveillance. The elf has thus come to occupy the intersection of an unlikely Venn diagram with two circles labeled “wholesome holiday fun” and “snitches get stitches.”

As for Uncle Sam, however, he has to find other ways to hold the naughty accountable. Sometimes, that’s easy. Take Sam Bankman-Fried, for example, the MIT math major who wants us to believe his crypto exchange lost billions because of “poor internal labeling.” He spent the holidays this year in an ankle monitor facing heat from a whole alphabet soup of agencies: the DOJ, the SEC, the FTC, the CFTC, and even the FEC. (At this point, we’re half-expecting the Fish & Wildlife Service to pile on, too.) Who needs an Elf on the Shelf for that guy when his top lieutenants have already

pleaded guilty and promised to testify against him?

Sometimes, though, Uncle Sam needs more help. So, he sets up third-party reporting tools to help monitor us. That’s especially true with taxes. Every year, employers and businesses issue millions of W-2s, 1099s, and K-1s. Every one of those forms is an Elf on the Shelf, help -

Venmo, CashApp, and Zelle. How can the IRS track all of that revenue? Current law requires “third-party settlement organizations” to issue 1099-Ks reporting payments when a taxpayer exceeds both $20,000 and 200 transactions.

However, the American Recovery Act of 2021 dropped that threshold to just $600, with no minimum number of

to defend it at an audit!

Fortunately, last week, the IRS announced they would delay the new rule for a year, to “help reduce confusion during the upcoming 2023 tax filing season and provide more time for taxpayers to prepare and understand the new reporting requirements.” But really, that’s a cry for help. What they want is for Congress to raise the threshold to a more reasonable level. There were bipartisan efforts to make that change in the $1.7 trillion legislation Congress just passed to avoid a government shutdown. Sadly, none of that last-minute scrambling made it into the final bill.

ing ferret out naughty little stinkers who don’t report their income. But now the IRS has announced a bit of relief from one such requirement, which had threatened to upend tax time for millions of gig workers and side hustles.

Technology has made it easy for taxpayers to sell billions of dollars of products on e-commerce platforms like eBay and Etsy. They send billions more in payments through digital wallets like

transactions. The change was projected to raise just $8 billion in revenue over the next 10 years – truly a drop in the bucket next to the overall $7 trillion “tax gap” of revenue the IRS expects to miss out on over the next decade. It would mean gazillions of new forms clogging mailboxes. And it would be all too easy for platforms to label personal transfers as taxable income. Just imagine using Venmo to split a brunch bill, then having

As the Elf on the Shelf heads back to the box in the garage, we see a welcome breath of common sense to ease us into 2023. We wish you and your family a happy new year, and we’ll be here to help with all the new rules Uncle Sam might bring!

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.

Just imagine using Venmo to split a brunch bill, then having to defend it at an audit.

Life C ach Cafe Olé

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

Ihave been having it out with Starbucks for years. I am not really a coffee drinker, but, hey, who doesn’t go to Starbucks once in a while?

So what’s my issue with Starbucks? I just don’t want to be controlled by their language culture.

I refuse to be all mixed up. I don’t want to call something that’s small tall because it isn’t! Something medium-sized isn’t “grand,” either. And what about a large cup, “vente,” what is that supposed to mean?

I have a hard enough time figuring out what I want to order or remembering to actually describe its size. So how can I justify that they want me to talk a language that doesn’t have anything to do with the size or drink I’m ordering? Give me a break!

I’ll let you in on a little secret – till this day, when I go there, I order a small, medium, or large drink – and believe it or not, they actually know exactly what I’m referring to!

And then I feel a little put off because they want my name on the cup in order to deliver my order. With a name like Rivky that adds extra confusion, so I just say “Rikki.” Which, actually, doesn’t necessarily quench my thirst because I’m not sure it’s the authentic me drinking my drink.

iced coffee. So what was the fun?! OK, I did add vanilla-sugar-free syrup so it kinda worked… After all, I’m only human! Starbucks somehow has lasting power. And I’m wondering: is it the coffee or another reason?

Now, I know some people go there and follow the ordering rules, of course.

stores are everywhere.

And some people go because they can also sit there and work, even if they purchase nothing.

And finally, I think they go there because the place actually gives out the bathroom code without an interrogation.

All and all, I’m not really that anti-Starbucks. After all, they do serve me even though I don’t follow their ordering rules. So even though I can’t use my given name when I get there, they do let me be my philosophical self. And that feels pretty good! Add a little ice, halfand-half, and whipped cream to that, and they get me time and again.

When I was really fit, I used to at least enjoy the place more. I would pound Frappuccinos. But speaking of pounds, then the pounds sort of snuck up on me, so I changed over to thin, plain, boring,

That’s probably because they are real coffee lovers, so getting the coffee is more important to them than taking any kind of philosophical stand.

But I think it’s also because these

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 917705-2004 or at rivkirosenwald@gmail.com.

Which, actually, doesn’t necessarily quench my thirst because I’m not sure it’s the authentic me drinking my drink.