Five Towns Jewish Home 1.26.23

his week is yeshiva week for most of the schools in our area. That means that kids are off and parents are hoping to keep them entertained – whether at home or on the road.

There were many trips we took as a family when I was younger where we spent our days wandering around museums. I probably like museums more than my kids do; after all, I enjoy learning and hearing about new concepts and ideas. My kids equate learning with school, and when they’re on vacation, they prefer to leave the learning in the classroom. Some museums can be tedious, but if you go to the right one, it’s a wonderful opportunity to gain some knowledge and will keep you entertained.

But my kids don’t necessarily agree with my outlook. In their minds, the word “museum” is really spelled B-O-R-I-N-G. And so, as a family, we haven’t been to too many museums.

So, what to do when you’re on vacation with the family and it’s cold outside? Truthfully, I don’t mind the cold – especially this year, when winter has forgotten to arrive.

If you can, try to spend some time outdoors. With the right gear (gloves and hats are a must), being outside is the perfect antidote for kids itching for some entertainment.

Studies show that spending time in natural “green” and “blue” environments has a host of benefits. Taking a walk in a wooded area or jogging on the shore is almost guaranteed to help us destress. But it’s more than that. Being closer to nature helps to stimulate our brains and refocus. Immersing ourselves in the natural G-d-given

beauty of the world surrounding us will help us concentrate and think better.

How much time do we need to be near nature to feel calmer and more centered? Some researchers say that even looking at a flowering green roof for 40 seconds can help us sharpen our attention spans. Spending more time than that will only help us even more.

But it’s not just looking at nature that is restorative. Listening to the sounds of nature – birds chirping, winds blowing, waves crashing – will help us perform better in certain tasks.

All these amazing benefits of being outdoors –what can be better?

Well, ask other researchers, and they’ll talk to you about the benefits of spending time together as family. Sure, on family trips, you’re bound to have some fighting and some whining from the backseat. But spending time together cements the bonds that hold you together. It’s been proven that family time increases people’s wellbeing and reduces stress. Children who spend time with their families do better in school and have less behavioral issues. They learn how to better communicate and resolve conflicts. They have more confidence and more self-esteem.

And being the only family walking around the frozen pond in zero degree weather will create memories as a family – even if those memories revolve around the time you lost your way and it took you double the time to get back to your car.

Maybe you’ll try a museum next time.

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern, PUBLISHER publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

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Dear Editor,

I enjoyed reading your interview with Assemblyman Dov Hikind. He is very real when he addresses topics of antisemitism.

One issue you didn’t discuss with him is antisemitism when it’s seen online or on social media. He says we should fight back against antisemites and antisemitism. But how do we fight back when we encounter it online? Does it even help to counter these attacks in cyberspace?

Additionally, I feel that it’s of utmost importance to educate our youth. When they’re young and in yeshiva, they are only in touch with people who have the same views as they do. But what about when they go to college or when they enter the workforce. Chances are they will meet other people – and some of them will have negative views of Jews or of Israel. Are they well-prepared for the comments or attacks? Do they know how to properly address them and the other side’s arguments?

Dov Hikind mentioned that education is what sets us apart from other nations. We must educate our youth and help them be informed in these areas.

Sincerely,

Reuven Yaroni

Dear Editor, Legislation introduced in Albany to bar anyone who was convicted of participating in the January 6, 2021 riot at the Capitol sponsored by Manhattan State Senator Brad Hoylman titled “Restrict Insurrectionists from Office Taking” (RIOT) is just another “politically correct” liberal piece of legislation.

In New York, you can vote after incarceration for a felony conviction, or while

you are on parole or probation. In these cases, your voting rights are automatically restored. There is no prohibition about running for and holding public office. Why doesn’t he expand the scope of his bill to include other violent protests that occurred as well? What about Antifa and other demonstrations? These frequently turned into chaos or riots that took place after the unfortunate shooting and death of George Floyd or Rodney King. Millions of dollars in damages took place as a result of attacks on public buildings, private businesses, looting, arson, physical assault on law enforcement officials, and police vehicles. Taxpayers were stuck with the bill to clean up afterwards. Minority-owned businesses in communities suffered accompanied by the loss of some jobs as a result of this anarchy. Previous generations who engaged in peaceful protest would never dream of doing these things.

Sincerely, Larry Penner Great Neck, NY

Dear Editor,

This is for the woman who wrote about the rejections that wonderful young people in our community are feeling when they apply to camps.

I don’t have any solutions, but I have one idea that I think will help with regards to day camps in our area.

There are many day camps that are wonderful, and many schools have day camps in the summer. Perhaps there can be a special period in which previous campers and students in that camp’s school can apply before other families. This way, the school is

their students to get in their camp. Additionally, priority should be given to children who live in this community. If these are Five Towns camps, then Five Towns children should not be rejected because children from Queens or West Hempstead are being accepted instead. Five Towns camps should prioritize the kids who live in the Five Towns.

Sincerely, Faigy K.

Dear Editor,

As a child, I was able to win tennis tournaments based on athletics and a good backhand. But I never had the correct form for my forehand. I got away with it until I got a little older and faced opponents that had solid forehands and backhands. I had little chance to win in these matches. Their forehands would probably land in eighty percent of the time and mine about twenty percent and when my forehand did land in, it was poorly hit. What’s the point of this discussion? Basically, this weakness of failing to learn the method of hitting a correct forehand limited my ability to grow. In this world, everything has a method. There’s a method to understand this world in general, to build middot and how to do teshuva. Everything has a method. And there are those to latch onto who can guide us in all methods of Judaism. Choosing a rav, finding powerful speakers on given topics and connecting with a mentor are sure bets to build methodologies. This will give one the ability to grow without limits as the skills needed in each category can be imparted.

Steven Genack

Dear Editor,

I really enjoyed reading your letter to the readers last week and the thesis that “every encounter we have with our children will contribute to the feelings that define our children’s lives.”

Parents seem to take family vacations very seriously and go to great lengths to plan emotionally “memorable” trips. That is why I want to bring to your reader’s attention how counterintuitive it is that these same parents who have selflessly devoted countless hours and

expense to curate an enjoyable vacation are potentially contributing to emotional feelings that will define their children’s lives in a damaging, but not unpredictable, way. The incessant posts of children in their oh-so-adorable bathing suits, doing upside handstands and pool jumps, is an invitation to unscrupulous online predators to hijack these photos in a “memorable” way that you will wish to forget, but alas it will be too late.

Do you realize that social media posts can be taken and used for twisted purposes by deviant individuals? I am sure that you do not, since you are otherwise wonderful and nurturing parents. That is why I urge all parents to resist the temptation to showcase your children, and in case you think that I am just another alarmist who is out of touch with social media, please take the time to read about this phenomenon—I guarantee that if you view yourselves as responsible parents, you will err on the side of caution and share your vacation experiences differently. ( https://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/should-youshare-pictures-of-your-kids-online/, https://www.kfyrtv.com/2022/07/23/ experts-warn-about-posting-picturesyour-children-social-media)

A concerned reader

Dear Editor,

There has been much discussion lately about people listening to Hatzoloh calls without permission. People get a hold of radios, find out the channels, and listen in as an elderly man with dementia is treated, a call is answered regarding a mother in distress, or a kid who swallowed poison, r”l. These are just some of the examples of the hundreds of calls Hatzoloh takes every day. Unlike the need for the community to find a missing person or general awareness of health issues in our community, specific calls are none of our business. This is a privacy issue and a safety issue.

As Jews, we answer to a higher calling. A violation of privacy raises theft and modesty concerns. So the next time you hear the sirens, don’t answer “that call” – unless you’re a Hatzoloh member.

Chaim Yehuda Meyer Brooklyn, NY

Finland May Join NATO Without Sweden

unchanged. He said he had spoken with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who had stressed to Haavisto that the military bloc would like to see the two nations join simultaneously.

Until now, Sweden and Finland had been committed to joining the alliance together.

In a memorandum of understanding signed by the three countries at a NATO summit last year, Sweden and Finland committed not to support Kurdish militant groups and to lift arms embargoes on Turkey imposed after its incursion into northern Syria in 2019.

Pro-Kurdish and anti-Turkish demonstrations in Stockholm have complicated the process. On Saturday, a farright activist from Denmark staged a protest outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm, where he burned the Quran, Islam’s holy book. A separate pro-Kurdish demonstration was held later Saturday in the Swedish capital.

On Tuesday, Finland’s foreign minister said that his country might consider joining NATO without Sweden due to Turkey blocking their joint bid to enter the alliance.

Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto later backpedaled, but his comments were the first time a leading government official in either Nordic country appeared to raise doubts about becoming NATO members together at a time when the alliance is seeking to present a united front in the face of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Last year, Sweden and Finland rushed to apply for NATO membership following Moscow’s invasion, abandoning their long-standing non-alignment policy. In order to enter NATO, they need the approval of all existing NATO members, including Turkey, which has so far blocked the expansion. Turkey says that Sweden in particular needs to crack down on exiled Kurdish militants and their sympathizers.

On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Sweden again not to expect support for its application following weekend protests in Stockholm by an anti-Islam activist and pro-Kurdish groups.

Asked a day later whether it still made sense for Finland to proceed together with the Swedes, Haavisto said that his country would have to “evaluate the situation if it turns out that Sweden’s application is stalling for a long time to come.”

Haavisto later told reporters in parliament that his comment was “imprecise” and that Finland’s ambition to enter NATO jointly with Sweden remained

The Swedish government has tried to distance itself from the demonstrations, while insisting that such protests are protected by freedom of speech.

Erdogan slammed Swedish authorities for allowing the Quran-burning demonstration.

“It is clear that those who allowed such vileness to take place in front of our embassy can no longer expect any charity from us regarding their NATO membership application,” he said.

He also criticized the pro-Kurdish demonstration, accusing Sweden of letting “terror organizations run wild on your avenues and streets.” He said that if Sweden won’t show respect to Turkey or Muslims, then “they won’t see any support from us on the NATO issue.”

Germany’s Reluctance to Send Tanks

Since the defeat of Nazism, Germany has self-consciously devoted itself to promoting “peace” and integrating into a European and trans-Atlantic

security order where consensus has been the byword. Russia’s war in Ukraine is now forcing Germany to rethink decades-old ideas about its place in Europe, its relationship to Russia, and the use of military force.

Germany built its postwar economy on cheap Russian energy and supposedly apolitical trade with Central and Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union and China, believing that trade produces change, somehow moderating authoritarian regimes.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has challenged all of that. It has been as much a psychological shock to Germany as a political one, undercutting many of its assumptions about Russia; its president, Vladimir Putin; and the role of Germany in a Europe suddenly at war.

Nowhere is the disorientation more apparent than in Germany’s reluctance, for now, to send Ukraine its excellent main battle tank, the Leopard 2, or to allow other countries to do so. The stance

has risked isolating Germany and exasperating its allies. Most important, the Ukrainians say, Germany’s hesitance threatens to hamper their ability to hold off or turn around an anticipated Russian offensive this spring.

Although Germans overwhelmingly support Ukraine in its fight, the hesitation on sending tanks reflects the deep ambivalence in a nation with a catastrophic history of aggression during World War II and that remains pro -

foundly divided about being a military leader and risking a direct confrontation with Russia. Opinion polls show that half of Germans do not want to send tanks.

“German reluctance here can be summed up in one word, and that’s ‘history,’” said Steven Sokol, president of the American Council on Germany.

“Germans want to be seen as a partner, not an aggressor, and they have a particular sensitivity to delivering arms in regions where German arms were historically used to kill millions of people,” he said, citing Russia, Poland and Ukraine. “People do not want German weapons on the front lines being used to kill people in those regions.”

But Germans risk misinterpreting the lessons of their history, said Timothy Garton Ash, a historian of Germany and Europe at St. Antony’s College at Oxford. “The German position is profoundly confused, with the old thinking dead and the new not yet born,” he said. (© The New York Times)

Brazil: Businessman Behind Killings

Brazilian police announced this week that they planned to indict a Colombian fish trader as the mastermind of last year’s slayings of Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira and British journalist Dom Phillips in the Amazon rainforest.

Federal officials said that Ruben Dario da Silva Villar provided the ammunition to kill the pair, made phone calls to the confessed gunman before and after the slayings, and paid the gunman’s lawyer.

Fisherman Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, nicknamed Pelado, confessed that he shot Phillips and Pereira. He has been under arrest since soon after the killings in early June. He and three other relatives are accused of participating in the crime. They all live in an impoverished riverine community inside a federal agrarian reform settlement.

Villar has denied any wrongdoing in the case. Before Monday’s announcement, he was already being held on

charges of using false Brazilian and Peruvian documents and leading an illegal fishing scheme. According to the investigation, he financed local fishermen to fish inside the Javari Valley Indigenous Territory.

Pereira and Phillips were traveling in the remote area of the Amazon when they disappeared. Their bodies were recovered after the arrests. Phillips was conducting research for a book about how to save the world’s largest rainforest.

France: Former ISIS Members Come Home

This week, France said that it had repatriated another group of women and children from former Islamic State group-controlled areas of Syria, the latest return of French nationals who’d

been stranded in camps there.

The group was composed of 32 minors and 15 adult women, France’s national counterterrorism prosecutor’s office said. The women, ranging in age from 19 to 56, were held in custody — some on the basis of arrest warrants previously issued against them. The children were placed in the care of protective services.

The returnees had been detained in a sprawling and lawless camp in northeastern Syria that holds tens of thousands of

women and children, according to Kurdish authorities in the region. Around 50,000 Syrians and Iraqis are crowded into tents in the fenced-in al-Hol camp. Nearly 20,000 of them are children; the rest are mostly the wives or widows of IS fighters.

The camp also has a separate, heavily guarded annex holding 2,000 women from 57 other countries and about 8,000 of their children.

France has brought home women and children from camps in northeastern Syria in successive waves since the territorial defeat of IS in 2019.

Many European countries were slow to allow the return of women and children from areas where IS operated for fear they would violently turn on their homelands.

France saw more of its citizens join IS in Syria than any other European country and has been especially wary about having them back.

Authorities insist on repatriating citizens and their children on a case-bycase basis. French authorities have also insisted that adults, men, and women who fought with IS should be prosecuted in the country where they committed crimes.

Guatemala’s Ex-Pres. Dies

Guatemala’s former President Alvaro Colom died this week at the age of 71. He had been named in a U.S. list of Central American officials accused of corruption.

Current President Alejandro Giam-

18 mattei tweeted to express his “heartfelt condolences” to Colom’s family and friends.

Colom, who was in office from 2008 to 2012, was sanctioned in July 2021 by Washington, which placed him on the so-called “Engel List” of “corrupt and undemocratic actors” in Central America.

He was banned from entering the United States after being arrested in 2018 for fraud and embezzlement over a 2009 contract for several hundred public buses. According to Guatemala’s judicial authorities, the $35 million bill for the buses had been inflated.

The case was also investigated by the UN-backed International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala.

Colom’s ex-wife, Sandra Torres, is running for president in Guatemala’s June 25 general elections.

Was Russia Behind Bombings in Spain?

global terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department, is believed to have ties to Russian intelligence agencies. Important members of the group have been in Spain, and police there have tracked its ties with far-right Spanish organizations.

The apparent aim of the action was to signal that Russia and its proxies could carry out terrorist strikes across Europe, including in the capitals of member states of NATO, which is helping defend Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, said the U.S. officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivities around the investigation. Spain is a member of the alliance and has given military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, as well as diplomatic support.

One of the letter bombs was sent to Instalaza, a weapons-maker in Zaragoza that manufactures grenade launchers that Spain is giving to Ukraine, and another went to the Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base outside Madrid.

The Russian officers behind the bombing campaign work for the Main Directorate, commonly referred to as the GRU, one of Moscow’s more aggressive intelligence shops, U.S. officials say.

Spanish investigators have identified “persons of interest” they believe were involved in the attacks, one senior U.S. official said. (© The New York Times)

The Brazilian leader affirmed that the political conflict in Venezuela must be resolved through dialogue and not through blockades or threats of occupation.

Lula has also mentioned that many are now asking for “understanding” for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro but forget that they did “abominable things,” such as recognizing the oppositionist Juan Guaidó as president of the country.

Power Outage Sweeps Pakistan

said Akram Shah, a 45-year-old textile worker who was accompanying his sick mother at the state-run Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in Karachi. “Doctors asked most of the patients, who were at hospitals for surgeries and tests, to come again tomorrow.”

People in several cities complained that they were facing water shortages as water pumps, which run on electricity, were not working.

“We did not have water to wash the dishes, as water could not be pumped from the underground water tank to the overhead tank,” said Shafiqa Ali, a 45-year-old nurse who works in a private clinic in Karachi. “We could not book cars from the ride-hailing apps to send our children to schools.”

Many shopkeepers used small generators to keep their lights on. But some people complained that they could not withdraw money from ATMs because they had stopped working.

Millions of Pakistanis lost electricity on Monday as a major power outage swept across the country, the longest in recent years and a breakdown that put the focus back on the country’s battered and poorly maintained power grid.

Most people in the country use backup power devices in case of outages, but the small batteries of these devices often die when the outages last many hours. (© The New York Times)

American and European officials believe that Russian military intelligence officers directed associates of a white supremacist militant group based in Russia to carry out a recent letter bomb campaign in Spain whose most prominent targets were the prime minister, the defense minister, and foreign diplomats, according to U.S. officials.

Spanish and foreign investigators have been looking into who sent six letter bombs in late November and early December to sites mostly in Madrid, including the official residence of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, which also serves as his office; the U.S. and Ukrainian Embassies; and the Defense Ministry. No one was killed in the attacks, which U.S. officials consider terrorism. An employee of the Ukrainian Embassy was injured when one of the packages exploded.

Investigators in recent weeks have focused on the Russian Imperial Movement, a radical group that has members and associates across Europe and military-style training centers in St. Petersburg, the officials said. They added that the group, which has been designated a

Brazil to Reunite with Venezuela

Pakistan has been plagued by frequent outages and blackouts in recent years, and the latest to afflict its people began at 7:34 a.m. Monday. By late evening, much of the country was still shrouded in darkness. In some parts of Islamabad, the capital, and the neighboring city of Rawalpindi, power was restored after eight hours, officials said.

Protests in Stockholm Anger Turkey

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil announced on Monday from Buenos Aires that his country will reestablish diplomatic relations with Venezuela.

“We are going to reestablish civilized relations between two autonomous, free and independent states,” said Lula from the Argentine capital, which hosted the summit of countries of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) this week.

Lula made the announcement during a joint press conference with Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, in response to a question from the press to which Lula replied that he wants embassies in both nations.

Local officials said the outage began in southern Sindh province after an unusual fluctuation in the voltage. That led to a cascading failure at power plants throughout the country, Energy Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan said at a news conference.

The failure swept through major cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta, as well as dozens of small cities and towns, causing a widespread public outcry as officials scrambled to restore the power on a cold winter morning.

The power breakdown caused a major disruption in daily activity. Internet and mobile phone services blinked offline in intermittent outages across the country. Emergency generators helped some hospitals, government offices, schools, and airports continued to operate.

“There was complete chaos in the hospital because of the power outage,”

Over the weekend, an anti-immigration politician from a far-right party burned a copy of the Quran near the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm during a protest. The burning shocked Muslims around the world and drew condemnation from the Turkish ministry, which urged Sweden to take necessary actions against the perpetrators and invited all countries to take concrete steps against Islamophobia.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the vile attack on our holy book… Permitting this anti-Islam act, which targets Muslims and insults our sacred values, under the guise of freedom of expression is completely unacceptable,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that a planned visit by

his Swedish counterpart to Ankara had been canceled after Swedish authorities granted permission for the protests in Stockholm. Three protests had taken place in the city; all had received permits from authorities. One was in support of Kurds against Sweden’s bid to join NATO. A group of pro-Turkish demonstrators also held a rally outside the embassy.

The Quran-burning was carried out by Rasmus Paludan, leader of Danish

Pakistan Strengthens Blasphemy Laws

far-right political party Hard Line. Paludan, who also has Swedish citizenship, has held a number of demonstrations in the past where he has burned the Quran.

Several Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Kuwait, denounced the Quran-burning. “Saudi Arabia calls for spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, and rejects hatred and extremism,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The protests can have far-reaching effects. Sweden and Finland applied last year to join NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but all 30 member states must approve their bids. Turkey has said Sweden in particular must first take a clearer stance against what it sees as terrorists, mainly Kurdish militants and a group it blames for a 2016 coup attempt.

Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which can already mean death for those deemed to have insulted Islam or its Prophet Muhammad, can now also be used to punish anyone convicted of insulting people who were connected to him.

The move this past week by Parliament to further strengthen the nation’s strict blasphemy laws, which are often used to settle personal scores or persecute minorities, has raised concerns among rights activists about the prospect of an increase in such persecution, particularly of religious minorities, including Christians.

As Pakistani society has turned more conservative and religious in the past several decades, religion and the display of religiosity in public life have become more pronounced.

Those convicted of insulting the Prophet Muhammad’s wives, companions, or close relatives will now face 10 years in prison, a sentence that can be extended to life, along with a fine of 1 million rupees, roughly $4,500. It also makes the charge of blasphemy an offense for which bail is not possible.

“The punishment for disrespecting these sacred personalities was almost nil earlier,” said Abdul Akbar Chitrali, a lawmaker belonging to a religious political party and author of the bill.

The deputy speaker, Zahid Akram Durrani, called the legislation “historic” as he congratulated the lawmakers for carrying out what many saw as their religious duty.

Rights activists said the latest development left them further alarmed.

“The new legislation is very worrying,” said Saroop Ijaz, the senior counsel for Human Rights Watch in Asia. “Pakistan’s existing blasphemy laws have enabled and encouraged legal discrimination and persecution in the name of religion for decades.”

Those accused of blasphemy against Islam risk becoming targets of mob justice, fatally tortured, or shot by angry mobs before legal proceedings can play out.

In many cases, the accusations have arisen out of personal enmities or feuds over land. Not infrequently, the majority Muslim population has clashed with the minority Christian population.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, an independent rights group, said Friday it was deeply concerned over the latest legislation.

“Given Pakistan’s troubled record of the misuse of such laws, these amendments are likely to be weaponized disproportionately against religious minorities and sects, resulting in false charges, harassment, and persecution,” the group said in a statement. (© The New York Times)

Deri Dismissed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday the dismissal of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri from his ministerial positions.

The announcement follows last week’s Supreme Court ruling that Deri’s appointment was “unreasonable in the extreme” due to a prior tax fraud conviction.

bargain on tax fraud last February. The law had been unclear on whether the seven-year ban applied to suspended sentences.

“This unfortunate decision ignores the will of the people, as reflected in the great trust that the public gave to the people’s representatives…when it was clear to everyone that you would serve in the government as a senior minister,” wrote Netanyahu.

ernment’s chief legal adviser, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, refused to represent the government in the Deri case, basically siding with the prosecution. She allowed the government to hire outside counsel.

Netanyahu was under pressure to remove Deri following the court’s ruling and Baharav-Miara’s demand that he follow through and fire the chareidi minister. (JNS)

In his letter of dismissal, Netanyahu wrote, “As you know, I decided to appoint you as deputy prime minister and minister of the interior and health with the approval of the majority of Knesset members due to the fact that I see you as an anchor of experience, wisdom, and responsibility that are important to the State of Israel at all times, and especially at this time.”

The Supreme Court issued the ruling despite a Knesset amendment passed in December to allow Deri to serve as a minister. The amendment specified that a ban on persons serving as ministers for seven years if convicted of a criminal offense applies only to those serving active jail sentences. Deri was handed a suspended jail sentence as part of a plea

The premier concluded by stating that he will seek “any legal way” Deri can “continue to contribute to the State of Israel,” given his wealth of skills and experience. He noted that in the meantime, and “with a heavy heart,” he must remove Deri from his cabinet-level positions.

The Deri decision comes against the background of a political battle around the Netanyahu government’s judicial reform plan, which aims to curtail what it says is judicial overreach. The plan would give the Knesset the ability to overturn court decisions that cancel laws, allow elected officials greater influence in selecting judges, and reduce the power of legal advisers attached to government ministries.

In what reform advocates point to as a prime example of the latter, the gov-

CIA Helped Mossad Escape

In his recently published book, Never Give An Inch, former CIA director and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo revealed that the CIA was tasked to rescue Mossad agents who were in

imminent peril at the personal request of then-Mossad director Yossi Cohen.

Pompeo did not reveal which mission the CIA was needed to assist, although he called it “one of the most significant clandestine operations ever conducted.”

Still, rumors are swirling that Pompeo was referring to the daring enterprise in February 2018 in which Israeli agents seized Iran’s secret nuclear archive and were spirited out of the country. Sources insist that Americans were not involved

in that mission.

Describing one of several interactions with then Mossad Director Yossi Cohen, but without giving the exact date, Pompeo recounts hearing from an aide, “Mr. Director, [Mossad] Director [Yossi] Cohen needs to speak with you immediately.”

“The call from Yossi Cohen, the head of the Mossad, arrived shortly after I had stepped off a plane in a European capital. I turned around and went back onboard, where we had communications

equipment suitable for a classified conversation with the leader of Israel’s intelligence agency,” writes Pompeo.

“The voice on the other end was calm but serious: ‘Mike, we just had a team complete a very important mission, and now I’m having a bit of trouble extracting some of them. Can I get your help?’”

Pompeo continued, “Whenever Yossi called, I took it. He did the same for me... I was there to help our friends, no questions asked, no matter the risks. My peo -

ple swung into action across the world. We connected with his team, and within twenty-four hours, we had guided them to safe houses. Within the next two days, they were back in their home countries without the world ever knowing that one of the most significant clandestine operations ever conducted was now complete,” recounts Pompeo.

It is not known what mission Pompeo was writing about. During his tenure in public service, although not when he was CIA director, there were other major publicly known operations including the sabotaging of the nuclear facilities at Natanz in July 2020 and assassinating Iran nuclear chief Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in November 2020. Additionally, Pompeo may be referring to an operation that is not yet publicly known.

Bibi Visits Jordan

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to Jordan to meet with King Abdullah II, the first visit from the Israeli leader to the Hashemite kingdom in four years.

According to a statement from the prime minister’s office, the two leaders discussed “strategic, security, and economic cooperation.” They also spoke about the importance of the alliance between the countries.

It was Netanyahu’s first known visit to Amman since a secret trip in 2018, amid the Trump administration’s attempt to broker a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.

The Jordanians, in their readout about the meeting this week, focused “on the need to respect the historical and legal status quo at the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif and not to harm it.”

The barbed statement came weeks after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s first visit to the Temple Mount in office, which led to condemnations from the Arab world. Jordan subsequently summoned Israel’s ambassador for a dressing-down.

Israel captured the Temple Mount and Jerusalem’s Old City from Jordan

24 in the 1967 Six Day War, almost two decades after Amman conquered it during the War of Independence of 1948. However, since then, Israel has allowed the Jordanian Waqf to continue to maintain religious authority atop the mount. Jordan says that it has maintained custodianship over the holy site since 1924.

During the meeting with Netanyahu on Tuesday, Abdullah also underscored his support for a two-state solution guaranteeing a Palestinian state on the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Jordan and Israel signed a peace treaty in 1994.

Hezbollah Keeping Busy

Israel-Lebanon border over the past year.

According to U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Second Lebanon War between the IDF and Hezbollah, the terrorist group is forbidden from operating near the frontier.

Hezbollah launched the project in parallel to Israel’s construction of a fortified perimeter fence along the 140-kilometer shared border, Ynet reported on Monday.

Israeli media reported in June that Hezbollah had built 15 outposts on the Israeli border, with each such site containing an outlook position or tower, two to three housing units and storage facilities.

“The problem is that as soon as Hezbollah builds a post like this, the Lebanese army and UNIFIL [the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon] no longer arrive [in the area],” the reports quoted a senior Israel Defense Forces Northern Command source as saying at the time.

That same month, the IDF said that the Lebanese terrorist group had established an intelligence-gathering outpost on the Israeli border disguised as an environmental protection facility.

over military posts the group had recently erected along the border.

The flag of a supposed Lebanese civil organization, “Green Without Borders,” flies over the posts, but the IDF has exposed this as a fictitious group founded by Hezbollah back in 2018.

In a letter to the Security Council and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, Erdan warned that the “new reality on the Israel-Lebanon border points to a clear escalation that could ignite the entire region” and argued that the true objective of the posts is intelligence gathering.

“Under the guise of the so-called ‘Green without Borders’ environmental organization, Hezbollah is expanding its terror footprints on a daily basis, just mere meters from Israel’s northern border, and from within UNIFIL’s area of operations,” he said.

al 5.3 percent in 2022, up from the 2.8% increase recorded a year earlier, driven by the rising cost of housing, transportation, communication, and food.

The annual inflation rate stood at 5.3% in December, remaining at a 14year high for a second consecutive month and putting further pressure on the Bank of Israel to hike interest rates again in the following month, in an effort to tame prices.

The consumer price index (CPI), a measure of inflation that tracks the average cost of household goods, rose by 0.3% in December from November, compared with analysts’ expectations of between 0.3% to 0.4%, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics.

The Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorist organization has built more than 20 observation and guard posts along the

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan demanded in July that the U.N. take action against Hezbollah

“The use of this organization as a front for Hezbollah’s malign activities has been recognized by the U.N. and described in several periodic reports of the secretary-general. As has been flagged by several U.N. reports and noted in relevant U.N. resolutions, this perverse tactic, of terror organizations hiding behind non-profits and NGOs, is a growing phenomenon that is not only employed by Hezbollah but by many other terror groups across the globe as well,” stated the letter.

“These are military outposts for all intents and purposes, established and maintained by Hezbollah terrorists and not innocent Lebanese environmentalists. This is part of the broader picture of Hezbollah’s growing presence in southern Lebanon and yet another example of its ongoing hostile activity in the area,” the letter continues.

“Israel continues to stress that the responsibility for Hezbollah’s expansion lies squarely on the shoulders of the Lebanese authorities and expects the Lebanese government to take immediate action to curb Hezbollah’s advancements and military buildup,” wrote Erdan. (JNS)

Inflation Rose 5.3%

In 2022, transportation and communication prices increased by 9.2%, housing gained 6.3%, apartment maintenance prices were up by 5.7%, and food prices rose by 4.9%. Since 2017, consumer prices jumped by an aggregate 9%, according to the statistics bureau.

Still, inflation in Israel remains lower than in most developed countries. In the U.S., consumer prices from November to December declined 0.1%, the first drop in more than 2.5 years, as gas prices fell. On an annual basis, inflation decelerated to 6.5% in December, compared with a year earlier, down from 7.1% in November, adding to signs that the U.S. Federal Reserve will slow its interest rate hikes in the coming months.

Inflation also has been dropping, though to a lesser degree, in Europe. After months of rising prices, annual inflation in the 19 countries that use the euro currency fell for the second straight month in December, but still stood at 9.2%. That was down from November’s 10.1%, with energy prices having dropped from summertime peaks.

Bank of Israel governor Amir Yaron remarked that inflation pressure is expected to continue in the coming two months before starting to ease gradually, albeit at a slower pace than previously forecast.

Sheriff Bucks Gun Control Law

DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick of Illinois has come under attack from state lawmakers after he issued a

26 statement refusing to enforce a gun control law in favor of his higher oath to the U.S. Constitution.

26, 2023

Mendrick has worked in the Sheriff’s Office for 26 years. He was elected Sheriff of DuPage County, Illinois, in 2018. DuPage County borders the Chicago area. Chicago is one of the most violent cities in the country, and also one of the strictest on gun control.

On January 13, Mendrick issued a letter in which he argued that a recently passed gun control law was unconstitutional.

“I, among many others, believe that HB 5471 is a clear violation of the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution,” he wrote.

He further stated that he and his office will not check “to ensure that lawful gun owners register their weapons with the State.” He also said that he would not apprehend “law-abiding individuals that have been arrested solely with non-com-

pliance of this Act.”

HB 5471, which Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law January 10, is also known as the “Protect Illinois Communities Act.” The law advanced a wide ban on semiautomatic rifles and certain magazines.

A number of gun rights groups opposed the law as unconstitutional, with one Illinois judge blocking Pritzker from enforcing the ban just last week.

Mendrick argued that obeying HB 5471 would mean disobeying his oath to the Constitution.

“Part of my duties that I accepted upon being sworn into office was to protect the rights provided to all of us, in the Constitution. One of those enumerated rights is the right of the people to keep and bear arms provided under the 2nd Amendment.”

11 Killed on Lunar New Year

Eleven people were killed and nine others were injured at a dance studio on Lunar New Year in Monterey Park, California, on Saturday night.

“People are just in disbelief and

shock, and are feeling very numb,” Mayor Henry Lo said.

The shooting came as the city’s majority Asian community was marking the Lunar New Year, a traditionally auspicious day for the community.

Researchers recently monitored 4,500 people in the United Kingdom over seven days to determine which activities helped the participants’ short-term memory, problem-solving, and processing skills. Turns out that being active is the best way to pump up your brain.

The suspect in the shooting is Huu Can Tran, 72, who lives about 80 miles from Monterey Park. In his home, detectives found “hundreds of rounds” of ammunition, a .308-caliber rifle, and various electronic devices and evidence leading officials to believe he was “manufacturing homemade firearm suppressors,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.

Still, it’s unclear what motivated Tran to commit the mass murders at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio and later at the Lai Lai Ballroom. At one point, Tran had given informal dance lessons at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio, although not in recent years.

The suspect opened fire at Star Ballroom Dance Studio at 10:22 p.m. on Saturday. Around 20 minutes later, he entered the other dance studio, where a 26-year-old civilian charged him and wrestled the gun away from him, saving countless other lives.

“I just had this rush of thought and adrenaline. I was able to come to the conclusion that I needed to do something, I needed to grab the gun. I needed to save myself and people inside,” Brandon Tsay recounted.

Less than a day later, Tran was found dead, having killed himself inside a white van about 30 miles away.

The victims – five men and six women – were all over the age of 50, and three were over 70 years old, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.

“We will not let this murderer defeat us,” Former Assembly member Mike Eng said at a vigil on Monday night. “We will move forward with more enthusiasm and more love, because the only thing that defeats hate is love.”

Better Start Moving

Want to exercise your brain? You better start moving.

People who spent “even small amounts of time in more vigorous activities – as little as 6 to 9 minutes – compared to sitting, sleeping or gentle activities had higher cognition scores,” noted study author John Mitchell, a Medical Research Council doctoral training student at the Institute of Sport, Exercise, and Health at University College London

Moderate physical activity is typically defined as brisk walking or bicycling or running up and down stairs. Vigorous movement, such as aerobic dancing, jogging, running, swimming, and biking up a hill, will boost your heart rate and breathing.

The study, published on Monday in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, found doing just under 10 minutes of moderate to vigorous exertion each day improved study participants’ working memory but had its biggest impact on executive processes such as planning and organization.

The cognitive improvement was modest, but as additional time was spent doing the more energetic workout, the benefits grew, Mitchell said.

“Given we don’t monitor participants’ cognition over many years, this may be simply that those individuals who move more tend to have higher cognition on average,” he said. “However, yes, it could also imply that even minimal changes to our daily lives can have downstream consequences for our cognition.”

On the flip side, spending more time sleeping, sitting, or engaged only in mild movement was linked to a negative impact on the brain. The study found cognition declined 1% to 2% after replacing an equivalent portion of moderate to vigorous physical activity with eight minutes of sedentary behavior, six minutes of light intensity or seven minutes of sleep. Still, that change is only an association, not a cause and effect, due to the observational methods of the study, Mitchell stressed.

Egg Smuggling

Egg prices are soaring so high that people are bringing eggs into the country from other places.

Officers at the San Diego Customs and Border Protection Office have seen an increase in the number of attempts to move eggs across the U.S.-Mexico border, according to a tweet from director of field operations Jennifer De La O.

“The San Diego Field Office has recently noticed an increase in the number of eggs intercepted at our ports of entry,” wrote De La O in a tweet. “As a reminder, uncooked eggs are prohibited entry from Mexico into the U.S. Failure to declare agriculture items can result in penalties of up to $10,000.”

Bringing uncooked eggs from Mexico into the U.S. is illegal because of the risk of bird flu and Newcastle disease, a contagious virus that affects birds, according to Customs and Border Protection.

A massive outbreak of deadly avian flu among American chicken flocks has caused egg prices to skyrocket, climbing 11.1% from November to December and 59.9% annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The increased incidents of people attempting to bring in the eggs have been reported at the Tijuana-San Diego crossing as well as other southwest border locations.

For the most part, travelers bringing eggs declare the eggs while crossing the border, although they can’t bring them into the country. The eggs are then destroyed

In a few incidents, travelers did not declare their eggs and the products were discovered during inspection. In those cases, the eggs were seized, and the travelers received a $300 penalty.

More Classified Docs for Biden

Investigators for the Justice Department on Friday seized more than a half-dozen documents, some of them classified, at President Joe Biden’s res-

idence in Wilmington, Delaware, after conducting a 13-hour search of the home, the president’s personal lawyer said Saturday evening.

The remarkable search of a sitting president’s home by federal agents – at the invitation of Biden’s lawyers – dramatically escalated the legal and political situation for the president, the latest in a series of discoveries that has already triggered a special counsel investigation.

During Friday’s search, six more

items with classified markings – including some documents from his time as a senator and others from his time as vice president – were taken by investigators, according to the statement from Bob Bauer, Biden’s attorney.

Bauer did not indicate what had triggered the search, saying only that the president’s lawyers had offered to provide access for a search “in the interest of moving the process forward as expeditiously as possible.” Justice Department

investigators coordinated the search with Biden’s lawyers in advance, Bauer said, and the president’s personal and White House lawyers were present at the time.

“The FBI on Friday executed a planned, consensual search of the president’s residence in Wilmington,” said Joseph D. Fitzpatrick, an assistant U.S. attorney in Illinois who is serving as a spokesperson for the special counsel investigating the Biden documents case.

The search agreement with Biden’s legal team was negotiated by John R. Lausch, a federal prosecutor tapped to head the initial inquiry last year.

The search underscored the seriousness of the investigation into Biden’s handling of documents and, while not a surprise raid, in some ways resembled the extensive search of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida last summer.

Biden and his aides have repeatedly argued that the two cases are very different because the president has cooperated fully with authorities, while Trump and his lawyers resisted efforts by the National Archives and the Justice Department to return documents.

Trump and his advisers are also under investigation for obstructing the inquiry into the classified information.

But since the discovery of Biden’s documents, Trump has complained that

Justice Department investigators were treating his successor differently.

“When is the FBI going to raid the many homes of Joe Biden, perhaps even the White House?” Trump wrote in a statement on his social media site earlier this month. (© The New York Times)

FBI Agent Worked for Russians

sia’s government and its seizure four years before of the Crimea region from Ukraine. The aluminum billionaire was then indicted in September last year over a scheme to obtain U.S. citizenship for his two children in violation of the sanctions.

McGonigal, 54, is a former special agent in charge of the FBI’s counterintelligence division in New York. He retired in 2018.

Ironically, McGonigal supervised and participated in investigations of Russian oligarchs, including Deripaska, according to the government.

Prosecutors say that, in 2021, he and Sergey Shestakov, a 69-year-old former Soviet and Russian diplomat, “conspired to provide services to Deripaska,” violating the sanctions.

years in prison.

Once Russia’s richest man, 55-yearold Deripaska is currently worth $3 billion, according to Forbes. He founded of Basic Element, one of Russia’s largest industrial groups, whose interests include aluminum, energy, construction, and agriculture.

In 2018, the U.S. Treasury Department said Deripaska was being investigated for money laundering, extortion, and racketeering, and is tied to Russian organized crime and murder.

Last year, the United States charged British businessman Graham Bonham-Carter with helping Deripaska evade sanctions and is seeking his extradition from Britain.

Charles McGonigal, a former top FBI agent, was charged on Monday with violating U.S. sanctions on Russia by working for indicted Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska. He is accused of investigating a rival oligarch in return for secret payments from Deripaska, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

America slapped sanctions on Deripaska in 2018 over his close ties to Rus-

“Specifically, following their negotiations with an agent of Deripaska, McGonigal and Shestakov agreed to and did investigate a rival Russian oligarch in return for concealed payments from Deripaska,” said a Department of Justice statement.

McGonigal has been charged with four counts, including conspiring to evade U.S. sanctions, violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), and money laundering. Each carries a maximum sentence of 20

McGonigal had played a key role in the bureau’s controversial “Russiagate” probe of former President Donald Trump. He was among the first FBI officials to learn that Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos told an Australian diplomat that Russia had “political dirt” on Hillary Clinton.

The FBI investigation, dubbed “Crossfire Hurricane,” led to the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller and a 22-month, $32 million probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 election and potential ties to associates of Trump.

30 Shortly before Mueller was appointed, McGonigal sent a message to an FBI colleague that discussed how agents were interviewing another Trump campaign adviser, Carter Page.

26, 2023

“Our Team is currently talking to CP re Russia,” McGonigal wrote on March 16, 2017, according to Justice Department records released by Senate Republicans.

Bringing in More Refugees

The program, called the Welcome Corps, was billed by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken as “the boldest innovation in refugee resettlement in four decades.”

Under the program, groups of at least five individuals can apply to sponsor refugees and help them acclimate to life in the US, with the help of a consortium of non-profit resettlement organizations. The sponsor groups must raise a minimum of $2,275 per refugee, but they will not be required to provide ongoing financial support to the refugees they sponsor.

Julieta Valls Noyes, the assistant secretary of state for population, said, “It’s not about money. It’s about commitment. It’s about the community. It’s about bringing people together and forming a group so that the refugees have more than one person that they can refer to and can work with.

ful,” Valls Noyes said.

Refugee admissions to the U.S. have plummeted in recent years after former President Donald Trump slashed the refugee cap to historic lows. Although the Biden administration has raised the cap to 125,000 for the past two fiscal years, the admissions last year and thus far this year have fallen far short of that.

“In the program’s first year, our goal is to mobilize at least 10,000 Americans to step forward as private sponsors and offer a welcoming hand to at least 5,000 refugees from around the world,” Blinken said in a statement Thursday.

The Welcome Corps program is distinct from other programs unveiled by the Biden administration’s Department of Homeland Security to allow individuals to sponsor refugees from Ukraine and Venezuela.

where they worked, and then gunned down two others in the field itself.

“They were farmworkers affected tonight. There were children on the scene of the incident. This is truly a heartbreaking incident in our community,” said Supervisor Ray Mueller.

It is unclear what Zhao’s motive was in killing the farmworkers.

“This is a devastating tragedy for this community and the families touched by this unspeakable act of violence,” San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said.

The shootings in Half Moon Bay come on the heels of a weekend mass shooting in the Southern California city of Monterey Park that left 11 people dead.

Last week, the Biden administration unveiled a new program to allow groups of private citizens to sponsor refugees from around the world to live in the United States.

“It’s a lot of work involved in sponsoring a refugee – finding schools, helping them find affordable housing, getting their kids signed up for school, helping them find jobs, showing them where the pharmacy is, what bus to take. It’s a lot more than what the average American can do. And so we think that providing a group of five or more Americans is more likely to be success -

“In those programs, sponsors need to show that they can support the parolees financially during a two year parole period. The Welcome Corps, on the other hand, will enable private sponsors to support refugees from all nationalities who are being permanently resettled in the United States … and who ultimately may, and in many cases I am confident, will become U.S. citizens,” Valls Noyes said.

Half Moon Bay Massacre

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he was meeting with victims of the Monterey Park shooting when he learned about the mass shooting in Half Moon Bay.

“Tragedy upon tragedy,” he said in a tweet.

Biden’s New Chief of Staff

Seven farmworkers were killed on Monday in a mass shooting perpetrated by a Half Moon Bay resident, Chunli Zhao. The crime scenes spanned two separate areas.

Four victims with gunshot wounds were found dead at about 2:22 p.m. at a nursery. Shortly after that discovery, three more shooting victims were found dead at another nursery.

Zhao, 67, was taken into custody without incident at about 4:40 p.m. after he was found in his vehicle in the parking lot of the sheriff’s office substation in Half Moon Bay, the sheriff’s office said. A semi-automatic handgun was found in his car.

Zhao shot three of his victims in the trailers where they lived next to the field

President Joe Biden plans to name Jeffrey D. Zients, his former coronavirus response coordinator, as the next White House chief of staff heading into a crucial new phase as he confronts a Republican House and is expected to kick off a reelection campaign, officials familiar with the decision said on Sunday.

Zients will replace Ron Klain, who has run Biden’s White House since the president took office two years ago and is preparing to step down sometime after the State of the Union address on February 7. The change at the top may presage other personnel shifts in coming weeks and months as the White House gears up for the 2024 election.

An entrepreneur and management consultant who organized the largest vaccination campaign in American history, Zients is widely respected in Biden circles as a strong and capable technocratic leader, but he has little of the political experience helpful in overseeing

a presidential campaign. His selection suggests that the president could lean on Zients to help run the government while other advisers focus on the politics of winning a second term.

Zients, who declined to comment on Sunday, was considered the best choice for what aides expect to be a challenging period for the White House, which is bracing for a blizzard of political fights with Republicans now controlling the House and a new special counsel investigation looking into the mishandling of classified documents.

Into that fray comes Zients (pronounced ZYE-ents), who has been entrusted with some of the trickiest management tasks of the past two Democratic administrations — “the ultimate firefighter,” as once described by Denis McDonough, a former chief of staff for President Barack Obama who now serves as Biden’s secretary of veterans affairs.

Progressives have long been wary of Zients, who made a fortune building two consultancies and taking them public. Among other things, they cite his wealth and business orientation, his service on Facebook’s board of directors, his support for deficit reduction under Obama, and his time as CEO of Cranemere, a private investment firm.

Zients has admirers on both sides of the political aisle, including Joshua B. Bolten, who was the White House chief of staff for President George W. Bush.

“Jeff is a great choice for chief — firstrate talent, demeanor and experience,” Bolten said Sunday. (© The New York Times)

Lights On

Minnechaug Regional High School, located in the western Massachusetts town of Wilbraham, is suffering from a bright dilemma. There is no way to turn the lights off in the school – unless you unscrew the light bulbs or flip the circuit breakers that will leave entire sections of the building in the dark.

“We are very much aware this is costing taxpayers a significant amount of money,” Aaron Osborne, an assistant superintendent of finance at Hampden-Wilbraham Regional Schools, said. “And we have been doing everything we can to get this problem solved.”

For now, the lights are costing taxpayers thousands of dollars each month to keep the 7,000 lightbulbs burning bright.

The non-dimming debacle started when a computer server that controlled what was supposed to be a lighting system designed to save power failed in August 2021 and could not be fixed. The school reached out to the original installer and found the company had changed hands several times. Global supply chain issues kept delaying efforts to get the parts needed to fix the system. The cost to fix the whole system will be around $75,000.

You know what they say: a heavy purse makes a light heart.

A Burning Ghost Train

Thankfully, no one was injured, although it was on the fast track to a disaster.

A Rabbit Resort

Vijay completed her massive painting – a butterfly colored with a mix of turmeric, paprika, and cloves – back in September, but her record was only confirmed last week.

It’s been a year and a half since the lights have been turned off in a Massachusetts high school. Hopefully, by the end of next month, it’ll be lights out for the educational institution.

Authorities in southern Germany were trying to put out a fire on a train on Friday when things when awry.

While they were working, the train –without a driver – slowly began to move downhill on the sloping track.

As it rolled, it picked up speed and traveled several kilometers on its own, heading to the town of Freilassing as a burning, smoking driverless locomotive.

With firefighters in hot pursuit, railway officials managed to switch the “ghost train” onto a side track near Freilassing station where it was stopped by a buffer before it could cross the border.

Going on vacation? Your fluffy, fourlegged furball doesn’t have to stay at home awaiting your return.

In Hong Kong, rabbits can enjoy their own home-away-from-home at Bunny Style, a luxury resort for the little hoppers.

Donna Li, the owner of Bunny Style, said she’s fully booked for the Lunar New Year holiday. She keeps her bunny guests happy with regular exercise, parties, spa treatments, and lots of hay.

“We aim to provide a secure environment,” Li assures.

Li has two pet rabbits of her own. She started Bunny Style in June, with just a playroom offering space to hop and relief from Hong Kong’s hot, humid weather. But she soon realized that boarding facilities were desired by those who love their rabbits.

Now, she has 15 rabbits in her care, which keep her and her staff busy. Apart from feeding — some owners order special vegetable cakes in advance — there are hair-brushing, nail trimming and exercising to be managed.

“I think rabbits understand what people say. They can sense whether we are being nice to them and look after them well,” Li said. “And so, when I look after them, I talk to them a lot, telling them how beautiful and cute they are.”

Bunny Style charges about $15 per night, including half an hour of supervised play time. Beauty treatments and special menu items are extra.

Let’s not go down that rabbit hole.

Spice of Life

Preethi Vijay’s newest picture has quite an aroma.

The artist from British Columbia recently earned a very unique Guinness World Record after spending months painting an 84-square-meter cloth with colorful spices.

“I was so honoured and so thrilled that I was able to achieve something like this,” Vijay enthused.

She began teaching herself how to paint about a decade ago, after leaving behind a career in software engineering. She now sells portraits and paintings on social media. At some point, she decided to try painting with natural materials – mostly those found in the kitchen, including coffee.

“I love to work with coffee,” Vijay said. “Then I suddenly had this idea to work with spices like turmeric, paprika –vibrant colors.”

After learning someone had already set a Guinness record for painting with spice – a 62.72-square-meter piece created by a university student in 2020 – Vijay decided to take up the challenge.

The first hurdle was securing a large enough cloth, which she picked up in her hometown of Chennai, India, and had couriered back to British Columbia.

For paint, she used a combined five kilograms of spices that she mixed with water and applied with a normal paintbrush.

Because of the enormous surface she was using, Vijay was unable to pack up her painting at the end of the day or even protect it from the elements – which led to a few frustrating setbacks when the rain washed away her progress.

“I chose the summertime during July, August and September to do this, but the weather is still a bit unpredictable,” she said, referring to rain and wind that would ruin her outdoor masterpiece.

The wind would make the spices “fly and go up my nose,” Vijay said.

Finally, on September 12, the artwork was finished, and she was able to submit the records and measurements to the Guinness team for verification. The picture of the butterfly measured a whopping 908.39 square feet.

Sounds like this artist is worth her salt.

Around the Community

BBY Siddur Performance

Do you remember the first time you opened your siddur? The feeling of those crisp, untouched pages and the words emanating the familiar tunes of your preschool years? The tangible excitement of the first graders at Bnos Bais Yaakov of Far Rockaway upon receiving and davening from their own siddur reflects the intrinsic appreciation of tefillah that they continuously imbibe from their out-

standing Moros.

The heartfelt songs throughout the performance depicted the theme that shevach, bakasha, and hoda'ah (praise, supplication and thanks) are the three integral parts of tefillah. The girls’ exuberance upon joining the ranks of Klal Yisroel through the mesorah of tefillah was truly a sight to see.

The audience was addressed by both Mrs. Chaya Gornish, menaheles

of BBY-TMM and Morah Penina Neuberg, menaheles of the lower elementary school. Mrs. Gornish spoke about tefillah being a Jew’s most potent tool. She described a Jewish mother’s innermost desire: “We daven for them to want to daven and to appreciate and value the meaning of tefillah.” Morah Neuberg emphasized that the presence of the mothers and grandmothers at this siddur performance ensures that

our mesorah remains unbreakable. She also imparted the beautiful lesson that “Mizmor Lesodah, The Song of Thanks” is the torch of tefillah for our generation.

At BBY, the girls are given more than just a siddur; they are given the recipe to forge a meaningful connection with Hashem and feel the warmth of Yiddishkeit through their tefillah.

GOING ON VACATION?

NYS Assembly Proclamation

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato was thrilled to be able to attend Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s 50th Anniversary Dinner and present a NYS Assembly Proclamation to Rabbi Yaakov Bender. “Mazal tov to Darchei

Torah and Rabbi Bender on this momentous milestone! It is my honor to represent such a renowned institution, and I wish them all the greatest success moving forward!”

Moshe Futersak and Nochum Futersak with Rav Yeruchem Olshin, Rosh Yeshiva of BMG-Lakewood, at the Darchei Yovel Dinner

BYAM Tefillah Initiative

Tefillah is always a work in progress, and at Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam, the girls in grades 6 & 7 are working hard on connecting to Hashem through tefillah. Mrs. Zytman, menaheles of Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam, had an open discussion about davening with each of the 6th and 7th grade classes. The girls were very receptive and shared their feelings, questions, and aspirations about tefillah and connecting to Hashem. The girls spoke about wanting to have more kavana in their tefillah and brainstormed ways to

accomplish that.

Each girl, on her own level, has been striving to connect to Hashem through her tefillah and has her individual goals she is trying to reach. To show the girls that the Hanhala is machshiv the work they are putting into their tefillah, they made a “kiddush after davening” for them with pastries and drinks.

The girls know that a person doesn’t stay on one level but moves either upward or down. Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam girls are working on moving upwards!

Felder Tackles Gotcha! Tickets, Again

Last week, the New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senator Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn) that protects New Yorkers from hefty gotcha fines for expired inspection stickers. The law will require the Department of Motor Vehicles to provide drivers with advance notice of their upcoming annual vehicle inspection date requirement and provide a five-day grace period before a ticket may be issued.

Currently, the DMV does not provide any notice to motorists regarding their vehicle inspection. The parking fines for expired inspection sticker tickets contribute to over $565 million in revenue to NYC. Under the new law, DMV would notify drivers via postal mail or e-mail thirty days before their vehicle inspection sticker is set to expire.

“For hardworking New Yorkers, these GOTCHA tickets are infuriating! I am proud to continue my legacy that began with my first bill ever signed into law creating the 5-minute grace period

for parking meter tickets. NYers are not a cash cow,” said Senator Felder.

Rachel N., in a call to Senator Felder’s office, said, “I got a ticket for expired inspection on a Saturday, and the inspection station I trust was closed on Sunday. I was so upset that I made this expensive mistake, but even worse was watching my husband worry about getting another ticket before we could get an inspection. A notice in advance would save such a headache!”

After passing Senator Felder’s bill, for the third time in recent years, the Senate sent it to the Assembly, where it has previously stalled.

“Every business that expects payment from a customer sends an invoice, and New Yorkers deserve no less from their government agencies. Give people a fair warning, with a pinch of grace, and they will get it done without always reaching into their wallet first,” said Senator Felder.

Morah Deena Schwartz’s first grade CAHAL TAG class had a wonderful time participating in TAG’s Mesibas Siddur and receiving their siddurim from Rabbi Meyer Weitman.

Yeshiva Kol Torah recently celebrated achievements in conjunction with their Aliyah L’Torah program with a special ski trip

Kentucky vs. Long Island at Masbia’s Chop Hunger IV

On Wednesday, February 8, two culinary worlds will come together for one purpose. Restaurateur Micah Seavers, who got involved with the Masbia Relief Team in the aftermath of the tornado that ripped through Kentucky in December 2021, will come to New York City and contrast his cooking against long-time Masbia volunteer and cookbook author Naomi Ross.

Naomi Ross and Micah Seavers will each present six of their favorite dishes paired with selected wines at a beautiful event hosted by Digital Content Creator, Melinda Strauss, while showing their techniques and discussing their food heritage.

Chop Hunger IV will raise funds to help feed the needy at the Masbia Soup

Kitchen Network, where event MC, Melinda Strauss, who has been a long-time Masbia supporter through many of her endeavors, such as her famous annual Jewish Food Media Conferences and her personal birthday fundraisers.

“This new upscale take on the Chop Hunger event has two very notable, new features,” said Alexander Rapaport, Executive Director of Masbia. “All of the onstage participants have worked in the trenches with Masbia to feed the needy and it’s not a buffet event, but a high-end, gourmet experience.”

Micah Seavers, whose family has been in the restaurant business since he was 12 years old, turned their current restaurant, Southern Red’s BBQ & Catering, into a relief center immediately after the historic tornado of December 2021 due to the restaurant’s proximity to the tornado’s path of destruction. A few days later, the Masbia Relief Team arrived from NYC with much needed equipment and supplies, led by Rabbi Simon Taylor of the Orthodox Union and Naomi Nachman, cookbook author and co-chair of the Masbia board. Micah will bring his non-kosher, Southern culinary skills to New York on February 8 when he will present the kosher version of his dishes.

Cooking instructor Naomi Ross, who recently debuted her first cookbook, The Giving Table, after many years of teach-

ing home chefs of all ages, will juxtapose her kosher cooking skills and techniques against Micah’s. Naomi has been volunteering with Masbia’s head chef Ruben Diaz, taking part in food rescues at the Union Square Greenmarket, cooking hundreds of meals during COVID, sharing her recipes when needed, and helping with fundraising.

While the live event will be exclusively for those who have purchased the extravagant, high-priced tickets, Chop Hunger will run a pop-up restaurant throughout the day for those who want a taste of the action beforehand or simply can’t make it to the event. They will be able to buy lunch or dinner from a select menu for take home or delivery in the borough of Manhattan. The newly renovated social

Orthodox Union Tehillim and Chizuk Calls Still Thriving

In March 2020, the Orthodox Union began offering Tehillim and chizuk calls as a response to feelings of isolation during Covid. Run every day Monday to Thursday, the goal was to bring locked-down listeners together through 15 minutes a day of divrei chizuk. Due to the calls’ popularity, though, the twoweek initiative has continued for almost three years, and they are still ongoing today.

“I look forward to 1 p.m. every day,” said call participant Flora Goldsmith, who lives in Florida and heard about the calls from an OU email. “It doesn’t matter how my day was going before the call, or what is waiting for me after. For just those 15 minutes, I am focused on feeling inspired and grateful to be part of am Yisrael.”

The calls are recorded live every day Monday to Thursday at 1p.m. ET. Each

session consists of a 5-minute dvar Torah, 4 perakim of Tehillim, mi shebeirach for those who are sick, and acheinu. Participants may call in from around the world; at the height of Covid, 1,000 listeners worldwide connected every day the calls were offered.

Each call features a different pulpit rabbi across North America. Past rabbis include Senior Rabbi Efrem Goldberg of Boca Raton Synagogue; Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz of Beis Haknesses of North Woodmere, who also serves as director of semichah at Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) in Washington Heights, N.Y.; and Rabbi Ilan Feldman of Congregation Beth Jacob of Atlanta.

The calls are run by Rabbi Naftali Herrmann, executive director of the OU’s Synagogue Initiatives department, which offers support for synagogues and Jewish communities across North America.

“The calls neatly package up the spiritually uplifting prayers and words of Torah that callers are looking for, all in one 15-minute call,” Rabbi Herrmann said. “It’s a convenient way to feel inspired on a regular basis.”

Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer said, “At a time when so many opportunities for human connection were eliminated, Synagogue Initiatives quickly created this innovative opportunity that has become an invaluable resource. Participants come seeking camaraderie and a meaningful opportunity for personal inspiration and meaningful prayer. Judging by the response, they are finding this in our Tehillim calls.”

Even as Covid restrictions have ended, Rabbi Herrmann said the department plans to continue the calls indefinitely and possibly increase their frequency.

hall at the West Side Institutional Synagogue will be buzzing with excitement as chefs and foodies prepare a 12-course meal where each dish will be served with award-winning wine after being showcased on stage.

The OU Tehillim and chizzuk calls, held Mondays and Thursday at 1 p.m. ET, are open to all. To join, call 773-377-9170 (domestic and international).

During the Tornado Relief 2021 visit inside Southern Red’s BBQ. Micah Seavers with his father and Alexander Rapaport

At a past Masbia Chop Hunger event

Micah Seavers working the griddle

Around the Community

It was game 2 of the regular season, and it was an absolute thrilling ride at the JSL this past week with some jaw-dropping plays and nail-biting finishes.

JSL Juniors

The JSL Juniors continued to learn and improve their skills from our amazing coaches. They also engaged in some great, competitive, and fun exhibition games.

K/P Soccer: Jonah Zisser of ARG pulled off some spectacular saves, but Future Care Consultants came out on top with a commanding 7-3 victory over ARG.

K/P Hockey: Chaim Fein of Simcha Day Camp scored an unbelievable backhanded goal to tie the game, but with only 3 seconds left on the clock, Ezra Gruen sealed the deal for ARG with the game-winning goal. ARG beat Simcha Day Camp in a heart-stopping 5-4 finish. Apert Financial played great against Hewlett Auto Body scoring 6 goals in all. Elisha Hochheiser scored a hat trick in the win! Short-handed Home & Stone pulled off a 4-1 victory over Gourmet Glatt, with Ari Rabinowitz scoring the game-winning goal in a well-executed team game. 1st Hockey: ARG came out of the gates strong and never let up, led by team MVP Yumi Erlichman with a phenomenal 5 goals, to defeat Built By Nate. In another intense showdown, Pinny Weinstein

scored a hat-trick and the game-winning goal late in the second half to lead 4 Seasons to a 3-2 victory over Island Roofing.

Basketball Leagues

3rd/4th Basketball: Island Roofing and ARG ended in a thrilling tie, with Max Edery stealing the show with a dynamic drive and layup. He also won the Island Roofing vs ARG Skills Challenge completing the course in a lightning-fast 25 seconds. Posh Home + Bath put on an offensive clinic in their victory over Maidenbaum, with Gavriel Levine scoring a breakaway steal layup. Built by Nate beat Town Appliance in a 16-11 nail-biter, with Eli Oratz making the play of the game with a deep shot to tie the game. 5th-7th Basketball: Yehuda Katz had the highlight shot and a bunch of incredible steals on defense to lead Wieder Orthodontics to a 24-19 victory over Five Towns Orthodontics. Yoni Schaffran had an insane spin move for Maidenbaum, but Molly’s Jewelers took the victory in a forfeit. Extreme Vent Cleaners beat Marciano Pediatric Dentistry in a 16-11 hardfought battle.

Hockey Leagues

2nd/3rd Hockey: Alpert Financial had an incredible win against MoldPro with a 2-1 victory. Binyomin Tennenberg scored the game-winning goal, and Aaron Marmorstein had some game-sav-

ing saves as the goalie. Meat + Board had a victory over Elegant Lawns 6-2, with game MVP Ezra Donowitz leading the team with stellar goaltending. JNT beat 5 Towns in a 6-1 blowout. 4th/5th Hockey: 925 Sterling beat Autoclick 5-2, with the game tied late into the 3rd period until 925 took the lead and added two empty netters to seal the deal. Town Appliance had a comeback victory over Posh Home + Bath 6-5, with Yitzchak Polansky scoring 5 goals, including the game-winning goal with only a few minutes left on

the clock. Marciano Pediatric Dentistry put on an offensive clinic in their 7-2 victory over Five Towns Orthodontics. 6th-8th Hockey: Bayrock Insurance defeated Moldpro 12-3 thanks in part to Avi Adler who scored 1 goal and had 4 assists. Levy Guttman on Moldpro scored 2 goals for his team, and even though they lost, he never gave up on any play, showing his versatility on both offense and defense. Akiva Wielgus had an incredible save at the end of the game to win it 8-6 for Wieder Orthodontics over JNT.

GE Appliances (GEA) Completes Transition of Refrigerators to OU Kosher/ CRC Hisachdus Certification

In February 2023, GE Appliances (GEA) will begin production of a new line of OU Kosher/CRC Hisachdus-certified top-freezer refrigerators with manually operated, built-in Enhanced Shabbos Mode (EHM). These new appliances will allow users to easily turn EHM on and off. The OU Kosher symbol on the product will confirm certification.

Other OU Kosher-Certified Refrigerators

All other OU Kosher-certified refrigerator platforms from GEA, including Monogram, Profile and Café models, require ZMAN Technologies’ Shabbos Keeper for EHM. This easy-to-use device plugs into the data port of the refrigerator and automatically sets it to EHM each week, then sets it back to weekday mode after Shabbos (and yom tov). Built by

GE Appliances, the Shabbos Keeper deactivates door switches and controls interior lights; auto defrost sensors; touch screens; ice makers; and water dispensers. Some models require manually disconnecting the ice maker. For more details, see www.zmantechnologies.com

What is Enhanced Shabbos Mode?

During Shabbos and yom tov, EHM automates the cooling or heating system and disables electrical flow through door switches while automating sensors so computers can’t turn on any systems when opening or closing the door. It also controls interior lights that stay on throughout Shabbos at reduced brightness. EHM is the only standard that’s OU Kosher certified and isn’t to be confused with standard Shabbos Mode which is not certified by OU Kosher.

OU Kosher, through its partnership with Zman Technologies, continues to work with GE Appliances to increase availability of kosher-certified, halachically compliant EHM appliances including ovens, while making them more user friendly.

Said Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO of OU Kosher, “Improving access to kosher-certified appliances is in keeping with our mandate to support kosher observance. We’re pleased to be part of this important collaboration that offers consumers another option to maintain kashrus in their homes.”

Said Rabbi Elefant, COO of OU Kosher, “When people think of kosher, they typically just think about food. This development shows yet another way we’re evolving with the needs of kosher consumers and expanding in the realm of technology.”

Zman Technologies, under the guidance of OU Kosher, is working with GE on an app to control the functionality of these smart appliances including EHM management.

GEA Ovens With Manual EHM

GE ovens are also certified by OU Kosher with the use of the Shabbos Keeper and in models with manually operated EHM. As with top-door refrigerators, there are also lower-priced ovens that have built-in EHM operated manually. These and other new models as well as other OU Kosher-certified appliances will be available at local appliance dealers in March. For additional information, visit www.zmantechnologies.com . The complete list of Rabbinical endorsements is available at zmantechnologies.com/ endorsements.

Shnayim Mikrah at YOSS

Mazal Tov to Yitzy Statfeld on winning the Shnayim Mikrah Sefer Bereishis grand prize at Yeshiva of South Shore – an amazing electric scooter! The boys who did shnayim mikrah for at least 9 out of 11 were entered into the raffle, a testament to their hard work and consistency. More than 50 boys completed at least 7 out of 11 and earned a delicious doughnut and chocolate milk siyum. Iy”H Yitzy and all the other talmidim who participated in the Shnayim Mikrah program will continue through Sefer Shemos and beyond. The Kriah skills and habits they are developing now will be an invaluable asset to them in the future.

Senators Visit Start-Up Nation Central

On Friday, January 20, StartUp Nation Central hosted Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and a delegation from the US Senate Abraham Accords Caucus for a visit to its Tel Aviv headquarters to discuss “Innovation and the Abraham Accords.” Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), James Lankford (R-OK), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Ted Budd (R-NC) met with Start-Up Nation Central CEO Avi Hasson and Professor (Emeritus) Manuel Trajtenberg to discuss the role of innovation in developing regional collaboration. Professor Trajtenberg was recently appointed as the Executive Director of Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and is a renowned expert in the field of R&D,

patents, and innovation.

The delegation then participated in a panel discussion on examples of cross-border collaboration in innovation with Calanit Valfer, Managing Partner of Elah Fund; Yassine Laghzioui, Director of Entrepreneurship and Venturing at UM6P; and Shaikha Al Marzooqi, Director of Client Relationships & Management at ADGM.

Start-Up Nation Central is a non-profit organization that connects Israeli innovation to the world in order to help international entities solve global challenges. Focusing on the Israeli technology ecosystem, we provide a platform that nurtures business growth and generates partnerships with key countries, multinational companies, and organizations to strengthen Israel’s economy and society.

Rabbi Mordechai Stein, a fifth grade rebbe at Siach Yitchok, teaching his class about the halachas of shatnes. He is pictured here removing a piece of linen from the collar of an expensive suit.

L-R: Start-Up Nation Central’s Avi Hasson with Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) (Photo credit- Eliran Avital)

Photo by Ivan H Norman

Meeting about Security

“It was great to speak with RNSP to discuss new ways we can continue to protect our families and homes,” she said. “They are all

Talmidos B’rios at TAG

hard-working volunteers and are among the most dedicated in our community who I am proud to support.”

Assemblyman Brown Rallies For Increased Public Safety

Shvat is Talmidos B’rios month in the Ganger Early Childhood Center at TAG. They kicked off with an amazing Rosh Chodesh obstacle course, where they climbed, jumped, hopped, and balanced their way to an amazing day. The talmidos were then treated to a special healthy snack, generously donated by Gourmet Glatt.

Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst) joined members of the Assembly and Senate Republican Conferences, crime victims and their families, and members of law enforcement at a press conference this week to call for an end to the state’s dangerous cashless bail laws and the revolving door of criminal offenders in our court system. The press conference featured remarks from Tammy Patrick, whose father, John Lee, was murdered by an individual released from jail the previous day thanks to cashless bail laws.

“How much more violence must wash across our state before the governor and legislative leaders wake up and realize

bail reform is not only broken, but deadly,” Brown asked. “Innocent victims are being pushed onto subway rails and assaulted in the streets, and Democrats are shamelessly standing by bail reform as the crown jewel of criminal justice reforms. I hope Gov. Hochul can start to lead with her conscious and bring public safety back to our state.”

Gov. Hochul indicated a willingness to tweak New York’s bail laws during this year’s State of the State Address. This week’s press conference follows the release of a new Siena College poll showing a majority of both Democrats and Republicans believe crime is a serious problem across the state.

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato met with Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol (RNSP) at her district office last week.

Around the Community From Sinai to Yerushalayim

By Rabbi Nachman Seltzer

Twenty years ago, Roy (Yisroel) and Leah (Linda) Neuberger electrified the Jewish world with Roy’s book, From Central Park to Sinai, sharing the story of their return to Torah and Jewish life. Now, bestselling author Rabbi Nachman Seltzer joins them on their fascinating journey, revealing new and unusual parts of the Neubergers’ lives, both before they became observant and in the two decades since they shared their story and became world-traveling ambassadors of Torah.

Born to wealth and privilege, educated in the most prestigious schools, and, eventually, married to a wonderful woman, Roy Neuberger should have been a contented, happy man – and yet something was missing, always missing ... until he found Torah. Under the gracious guidance of Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis and her family, Roy and Linda – now Yisroel and Leah – opened their hearts to Yiddishkeit, their neshamos to Torah, and their homes to Jews searching for their heritage.

We will follow Roy as he faces down thugs in the subway and anti-Semites in the newsroom where he worked. We will travel with the Neubergers as they bring Hashem’s message to a forest in Russia and comfort wounded soldiers in an Israeli hospital. We will join them as they host thousands of Jews yearning for meaning, taking them in for a Shabbos meal, for a week or, in some cases, for years.

If you already read From Central Park to Sinai, be prepared to reexperience the drama of Roy and Leah’s return and follow them in their busy and fulfilling lives since that book was published. And if you did not read Roy Neuberger’s first book -- prepare to discover an adventure-filled life, full of surprises and inspiration.

The following is an excerpt from the new From Sinai to Yerushalayim, Our Jewish Journey Continues: The Story of Roy and Leah Neuberger, published by ArtScroll Mesorah Publications.

When Roy’s father was about a hundred and six, Roy brought a rabbi from the community over to meet him. The rabbi wanted to ask his father to what he attributed his incredible longevity and arichas yamim. The conclusion at the

end of that conversation was this.

Yashrus.

“Being a straight and scrupulously honest individual.” As Roy R. used to say, “I love to pay taxes.”

It boiled down to the fact that America had given him a good life and he wanted to give back.

Which is why it meant so much to him when the White House got in touch.

***

There is a medal which is bestowed by the President of the United States on specific people who have contributed much to the arts. It is called the “The National Medal of the Arts” and is given out every year. Roy R. Neuberger was the recipient of that prestigious medal at the sprightly age of 104 for his contribution to American art. The truth is, the Wizard of Wall Street truly deserved the honor. He had given numerous pieces of art to museums around America and had donated his entire priceless collection to the State of New York. His contribution to his country was incredibly unique, and the medal was America’s way of saying thank you to a man who had gone out of his way to show his generosity on countless occasions. More than all that was the fact that he had constantly been on the look-out to discover and support American artists – and many of the artists whose work he had purchased had gone on to take their place at the forefront of the American art scene.

Now it was 2008 and President George W. Bush decided that it was high time the United States recognized centenarian Roy R. Neuberger’s enormous contribution to the arts. He was invited to the White House for the ceremony, where he would receive the medal – along with another nineteen people – ten who were also receiving medals for their unique contributions to the arts and another ten, who were receiving medals for their contributions to the humanities.

After 9/11, visits to the White House had been curtailed, and that year they were finally beginning to happen again. Every honoree was able to bring along a certain number of family members and close friends to join them on such a momentous occasion. You can imagine the excitement when the official invitation

from the White House arrived in the mail! Everyone in the family was very proud of their father and grandfather, and all were eagerly looking forward to accompanying him to Washington, D.C., on the big day.

The invitation itself was something to see for the way it looked and more for what it represented.

Listen, it’s not every day that the mail arrives with a personal invitation from the Commander and Chief of the free world.

President George and Laura Bush invite you…

Like I said, something to savor and enjoy.

***

So it was that they drove down to Washington, D.C., – all of them gathered together at the appointed time for their patriarch’s big moment. Roy and Leah. His brother and sister. His father and one of his nurses. Even the director of The Neuberger Museum of Art was in attendance.

It happened to be that Roy R. Neuberger loved trains. In fact, his son recalls how the family once took a very lengthy train journey in the ‘50s to visit his sister when she was first married and living in New Mexico. The ride from New York all the way out to New Mexico was a memorable experience and a wonderful childhood memory, but at 104, the honoree was a little old for long train rides.

Getting into the White House took some time – and as he was going through security, Roy Neuberger couldn’t help but remember the conversation that he’d had with Hashem just prior to setting out on their journey.

”Ribbono Shel Olam,” he said, “I’ve been given the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States – arguably the most powerful man in the world. Obviously, I have to utilize this opportunity to be mikadesh sheim Shomayim. I need You to ensure that the right words come to my lips when I finally come face to face with George W. Bush. This is a unique chance for me to do something for Klal Yisroel. I’m going to be in the White House, and I don’t know if this will ever happen again. If I am supposed to speak with him, please arrange for it to happen. If I’m supposed

to speak with him about Israel, please give me the opportunity to do so.”

On the way to Washington, Roy told the members of his family that he hoped to speak with the president. Understandably, none of them were convinced that he would manage to pull off such a feat.

Little did they know…. ***

When the award ceremony was over, all the honorees and the president went into the next room for a photo op – while the rest of the guests entered the State dining room and headed in the direction of the buffet to have something to eat.”

Suddenly Roy turned to Leah and said, “President Bush is not going to come into the dining room. I know it.”

Roy didn’t know how or why he knew this, only that he did.

“He has other things on his agenda for today, and after he takes the pictures with the honorees, we won’t be seeing him again. I want to see if I can find him. I have to speak with him. I even had a conversation with Hashem about that.”

Suddenly, a door opened up into the hallway, and President Bush emerged from within. It was the door of the Lincoln Room where he had just been taking pictures with the honorees. The president was about eighty feet away from where Roy and Leah were standing. George W. Bush was surrounded by members of the secret service, and it

Around the Community

was obvious that he was about to leave. In a matter of moments it was going to be, “Goodbye Bush.”

Except for one thing. The president and his entourage were heading in the exact direction of Roy Neuberger, who was standing near the very set of doors they were planning to use to leave the building. On the other hand, even the fact that Bush was headed straight towards Roy wasn’t really going to give him much of an opportunity to speak with the president, since the group of secret service men surrounding the president were moving fast.

However, we cannot never discount the fact that Hashem is running the show.

Always. And forever. If He wants a person to have a conversation with the President of America, He will make it happen.

Suddenly the president caught sight of someone standing in the corridor whom he wanted to speak with. It happened to be that the person he wanted

to talk to was standing about five inches from Yisroel Roy Neuberger.

In his mind, Roy turned to Hashem and said, “Ribbono Shel Olam, the president is here, standing beside me. What am I supposed to do next?! Please place the right words into my mouth now!”

Roy was right beside the president, but George Bush hadn’t noticed him. He was still looking at someone else – staring in a different direction – and not at the one person wearing a yarmulke in the White House.

Very quietly – he didn’t need to speak in a loud voice since the president was standing right beside him – Roy said, “Mr. President, may I give you a blessing?”

***

“Mr. President,” Roy said, “I want to tell you why you are getting so much flak.

George Bush waited for the guest to continue. He was interested in what he had to say. Roy Neuberger had caught

the president’s attention.

“The reason that you are getting so much flak,” Roy continued, “is because you believe in G-d and most of the people out there in the world are not on your level. They don’t believe in G-d, and they don’t believe in morality. You believe in morality, you have standards –and they want to pull you down to their level – and that’s why you’re getting so much flak.”

He then added the following message.

“Mr. President, you are the most powerful person in the world at a time when the children of Israel are returning to their land after two thousand years in exile – as foreseen and described by the

Did you know?

Biblical prophets. You have been given the opportunity to help G-d bring about the prophesized return of His people to the Land of Israel.”

Then the bracha.

“Mr. President, I bless you to be able to help G-d carry out his wishes for our world.

“May G-d keep on watching over you and may He give you the right words to say. May He continue to enable you to do all the right things. Maybe He take care of you and may you continue to have tremendous success in everything that you do and be granted the opportunity to assist G-d in carrying out His plans for His people.”

There are more than 820 languages spoken in Papua New Guinea – that’s 12% of the world’s total.

TJH Centerfold

Gone-On-Vacation Automatic Email Responses



I’m not in the office right now but if it’s important, tweet me using #YOUAREINTERRUPTINGMYVACATION.

I am currently in St. Tropez, France. Enjoy your workweek.



I am currently out at a job interview and will reply to you if I fail to get the position. Just kidding—I’m only on vacation … but I wish I was on a job interview.



I am currently between two 60-foot palm trees on a hammock, listening to the waves and drinking a smoothie directly from a coconut. The last thing on my mind right now is your email… just like it’s the last thing on my mind when I am in the office.



I am on vacation. Please don’t contact anyone else in the company. The incompetence virus is rampant…just wait until I get back.



I am in Cancun and will return your email upon my return unless I buy out one of these tourist t-shirt shops and stay here forever.



I am currently out of the office on vacation. I know I’m supposed to say that I’ll have limited access to email and won’t be able to respond until I return –but that’s not true. I’m actually looking at your email right now but I’m not responding because I don’t have to.



I have gone on a cruise! Because I like volatile, slow moving, loud, covered-ingerms things…it reminds me of my office.





I will return your email upon my return to the office. Before sending your email to me, please have some pity and think about what the first day back at work is like after vacation. Think: Can this wait a few days?

Gone on vacation for 2 days to clear my mind so that I can return to this craziness for the next 363 days and be able to handle it without losing my mind.



work 51 weeks a year and go on vacation for one week a year. During my absence, please contact my boss who works one week a year— this week—and is on vacation 51 weeks a year.

Riddle Me This

A vacationing family sitting around the campfire has the following conversation:

Father: What day is it? I am sure it isn’t Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

Mother: Well, that’s not very helpful. Besides, yesterday was Friday.

Father: No, now that I think about it, yesterday wasn’t Friday; tomorrow is Friday.

Dave: The day after tomorrow is Thursday.

Sarah: You are funny. Tomorrow is Thursday.

Mother: Actually, it’s probably Thursday today.

Danny: All we know for sure is that it wasn’t Sunday yesterday.

If only one statement above is true, what day of the week is it?

His and Hers Road Trip…Before Waze

HERS: Pulls off at wrong exit. Opens window. Asks directions from a knowledgeable police officer. Arrives at destination within moments.

The only day mentioned one time is Monday. Therefore, it must be Monday, otherwise one of the other statements would be true.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Monday. How to get the answer: Number each statement and write down the list of days that it could be according to each statement.

HIS: Pulls off at wrong exit absolutely positive it’s the correct one. Drives five miles into wilderness, still thinks he’s right. Drives an extra 5 miles just in case. Finally rolls down window just to get fresh air. Pulls up to a 7-Eleven. Gets chips, ice cream and a large Slurpee. Asks person behind counter how to get back onto the highway. Gets back into car. Laughs at the idea of looking at a map as he pulls away from the 7-Eleven. Drives down a dirt road with no street lights, insisting this is the way back because guy from 7-Eleven said it was. Almost hits a deer. Spills his Slurpee. Drives and fiddles with radio. Waves off wife’s suggestion that he ask for directions again. Says he never wanted to drive anyway. Arrives at destination after an hour and a half. Turns to wife and says, “See, I told you I’d find it.”

Torah Thought

Parshas Bo

By Rabbi Berel Wein

As the drama of the Exodus from Egypt draws nearer its climax in this week’s Torah reading, one cannot help but be struck by the stubbornness of Pharaoh in the face of all of the plagues visited upon him and his nation. His advisers had long before told him that all was lost and that he should cut his losses quickly by freeing the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery. This seemingly wise and rational counsel was rejected by Pharaoh out of hand.

Pharaoh sees himself as a godlike fig-

ure, omniscient, supremely brilliant, and all-knowing. He is trapped in a propaganda web of his own making – he can never admit to being wrong or to having made an error of judgment or policy. In the course of human history, this has often been the fatal error made by dictators who were always supremely confident in their arrogance and who never acknowledged their mistakes. Just recall the mass murderers and dictators of our past century – Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Arafat, etc. None of them ever admitted to error, and

all of them led their people to disaster and untold suffering. This was the arrogance of power overwhelming rational thought and nullifying good strategic planning.

There is also an arrogance of intellect. The intellectuals amongst us, who always know what is best for everyone else, are never reticent about rendering opinions on all issues and policies. Again, the fact that they have been wrong – dead wrong – so many times in the past causes them

is achieved when the leader can no longer admit to error and remain the leader. “Hardening” the leader’s heart means there is an unwillingness to give up one’s position of power. Very few leaders in the history of humanity have willingly surrendered power.

Simply rising to a position of leadership, let alone absolute and dictatorial power, almost automatically “hardens one’s heart” and limits one’s choices and

no inhibition in advancing their current viewpoints.

The Torah seems to attribute Pharaoh’s continuing folly of unreasonable stubbornness to G-d, so to speak, “hardening his heart.” This implies that somehow Pharaoh’s freedom of choice was diminished, and he could not have capitulated to the demands of Moshe even if he had wished to do so. This philosophic and theological difficulty has been dealt with by the great commentators of Israel over the ages, with varying theories offered and advanced. It seems from many of their opinions that at a certain point in human decision-making, a tipping point

policy options. The Torah blesses a generation that is privileged to have a leader that is capable of admitting sin and error and can offer a public sacrifice in the Temple in atonement.

The greatness of King David lies not only in his heroic spiritual and physical accomplishments as king of Israel but in his ability to admit to personal failings and errors of judgment. Pharaoh is incapable of such self-scrutiny and realistic humility. His lust for power has “hardened his heart” beyond the power of recall. He has doomed himself as have so many of his ilk over the centuries.

Shabbat shalom.

Very few leaders in the history of humanity have willingly surrendered power.

From the Fire

Parshas Bo

Hashem’s Special Forces

By Rav Moshe Weinberger

Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

Hashem has many different names through which He reveals Himself. When Hashem first appeared to Moshe to tell him to speak to the Jewish People and tell them that Hashem was about to release them from slavery, Moshe asks Hashem (Shmos 3:13), “When I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The G-d of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?,’ What shall I say to them?” Hashem answers him (Id. at 14), “I will be that which I will be.”

The Midrash explains Hashem’s answer to Moshe as follows (Tanchuma Shmos 20): “Hashem said to him, ‘Moshe, you want to know my name? I am called according to my actions. When I judge my creatures, I am called Elokim. When I take revenge upon the wicked, I am called Armies. When I hold a person’s punishment in abeyance for his sins, I am called Keil Shakai. And

when I sit with the attribute of mercy, I am called Rachum. My name is according to my actions.” In other words, Hashem was telling Moshe that because Hashem’s essence is unknowable, we can only understand Hashem, through his various names, according to the ways He reveals Himself to us.

Of all of the names quoted by the Midrash, however, one of them, Hashem Tzivakos, Master of Armies, is not found in the Torah. The first time it appears is in Shmuel 1:1:11, in Chana’s prayer for a child, where she says, “Master of Armies, if You will see the suffering of Your servant...” The Gemara (Brachos 31b) relates the implication of Chana’s use of the name Hashem Tzivakos, Master of Armies. She was saying, “Master of the World, of all of the armies of armies that You created in Your universe, is it so bad in Your eyes to give me one son?” Here, the name Master of Armies, refers to the fact that Hash-

em is the Master of the legions of His creations in the heavens above and the earth below.

But in Parshas Bo, the word Tzivakos is not used as a name of Hashem, but rather to refer to the Jewish people (Shmos 12:41): “And it will be on that very day that all of the armies of Hashem [the Jewish people] will go out from the land of Egypt.” The Torah uses the word the same way earlier (Shmos 7:4), where it says, “And I will take my armies, my nation, the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt.” Therefore, when Hashem is called Hashem Tzivakos, Master of Armies, it means that He is the G-d of the Jewish people. Along those lines, Dovid Hamelech says to Golias (Shmuel 1:17:45), “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, and I come to you in the name of the L-rd of Hosts, the G-d of the armies of Israel which you have blasphemed.”

According to Rav Saadya Gaon, the

name Hashem Tzivakos , Master of Armies, refers to the fact that Hashem is the G-d of His armies, the Jewish people. The Ibn Ezra, however, maintains that the name refers to the fact that Hashem is the G-d of the multitudes of heaven: the sun, the moon, and the stars.

It appears that the Ibn Ezra’s view is more expansive because “armies” refers to all of Hashem’s creations above and below, while Rav Saadya Gaon’s view is more limited, holding that it refers only to Hashem’s relationship to the Jewish people. On a deeper level, however, these two views are not contradictory. Hashem is certainly the G-d of all of the armies of heaven and earth, but He has one special army among all of the others, an “elite unit” called the Jewish people after whom Hashem calls Himself “the L-rd of Hosts, the G-d of the armies of Israel.”

The name Tzivakos, “Armies,” as

applied to the fact that Hashem is the G-d of Jewish people, stands for “tzevah os , army of the letter.” Each Jew has his or her own letter in the Torah, a unique mission that only he or she can accomplish. Dovid Hamelech asked (Tehillim 24:10), “Who is the King of Glory?” Meaning, in what way is Hashem’s glory revealed in all of His worlds? And he answers, “The G-d of Armies is the King of Glory forever.” In other words, it is the Jewish people, out of all of Hashem’s creatures, which give Him glory, as the Navi says (Yeshaya 48:3), “Israel, in whom I exult.” Each of us must claim our letter, our mitzvah, with which we bring unimaginable glory to Hashem as part of His elite unit called the Jewish people.

The meaning of each mitzvah a Jew does as part of Hashem’s army is illustrated powerfully in a story related by Rav Yaakov Galinsky, zt”l, based on a story he heard directly from one of the greatest poskim of the previous generation, Rav Yitzchak Shlomo Unger of Bnei Brak, zt”l, quoted in the sefer “V’higad’ta” on Shmos, pp. 180-184.

Rav Unger related that about thirty years after the end of World War II, a Hungarian Jew came to him with a question in halacha. He saw that the man was shaking and asked him to sit down and tell him his question.

The man related that he was sent to Auschwitz in the last year of the war and that he shared a sleeping plank in his bunker with another Jew who was a child of tzaddikim. They became very close, and one day, this bunkmate, who used to keep track of the date, said, “In two more days, it will be Pesach. We have no shortage of marror, bitterness, here in the camp, but where are we going to get the proper measure of matzah?”

This Hungarian Jew therefore set his mind to finding a way to bake two measures of matzah, one for his bunkmate and one for himself. Without going into all of the details, he worked mightily and risked his own life and was finally able to bake two matzos in the proper measure, one for each of them.

On the way back to the bunker, hiding the matzah in his clothes, a Nazi saw that he was walking strangely and ordered him to stop and put up his hands. He did so, and the matzos fell to the ground, breaking into a number of pieces. Seeing this, the Nazi became furious and beat him to the point of death. Then, something else caught the Nazi’s

attention, and he ran off to attend to the matter.

This poor, beaten, and broken Jew picked up the crumbs of matzah he could salvage and hobbled back to the bunker. He finally arrived and collapsed. His friend helped him in and brought him to their “bed.” The beaten Jew told his friend everything that had happened and showed him the matzah he was able to salvage. His friend begged him to give him the matzah, as he had never missed out on the mitzva of matzah in his life. But the man refused. He had risked his life and had now been beaten to a pulp in order to fulfill this mitzvah, and he was not going to lose it. He originally made enough for both of them, but now that there was only one measure of matzah left, he was going to eat it himself at the “Seder.”

His bunkmate begged for the privilege to do the mitzvah, arguing that his entire family had been killed so he should do the mitzvah. The Hungarian Jew responded that his entire family had also been killed. The bunkmate told him that he had memorized all of the Haggada and Shir Hashirim and promised that if he would give him the matzah, he would recite it with him. Refusing, he said that he would forego the recital of the Haggada and do the mitzva of matzah instead. Broken, crying, and begging, the man finally said, “I promise you that if you give me the matzah, I will forego the reward of the mitzvah and give it to you, and I will recite the entire Haggada and Shir Hashirim with you as well.”

The man finally agreed to this arrangement, and they each carried out their respective parts of the agreement.

Things ended better for the Hungarian Jew than for his bunkmate. The next morning, as they were working and reciting Hallel by memory, overjoyed with his ability to fulfill the mitzvah of eating matzah on Pesach in Auschwitz, the bunkmate was overcome with emotion and yelled out the bracha on saying Hallel out loud. As he concluded the bracha

with the words, “Who sanctified us with His Mitzvos and commanded us to read the Hallel,” a Nazi guard shot him in the head.

This Hungarian Jew lived on, moved to Eretz Yisroel, built a family, and now lived in Bnei Brak. He then told Rav Unger that the night before, his old bunkmate appeared to him in a dream. He was dressed in white, and his face was shining. He asked him whether he remembered him and what happened with the matzah. Of course, the Hungarian Jew told his old friend, he remembered him and everything that happened. The friend who was now in the Olam Ha’emes said, “I have received reward for every mitzvah that I did in my life

with joy and that he should go at that very moment to the Bais Medrash, put his head in the Aron Kodesh, “remind” Hashem of every detail of the story, and then willingly give the reward back to his friend.

The man did so, and exhausted, returned home and immediately fell asleep, utterly drained after everything that had happened. His friend appeared to him one more time in a dream that night to thank him for giving up the reward for the mitzvah of matzah from that night thirty years earlier.

except for that one mitzvah of matzah. Please do me a favor and give me back the reward for that mitzvah.”

The Jew responded that he could not believe his old friend’s audacity. After he had risked his life and been beaten to the point of death, at the very least, he should be entitled to the reward he bargained for in giving up the matzah. After several arguments back and forth, the dream ended. This Jew then clarified that he had come to Rav Unger to find out if he was obligated to give the reward for that mitzvah of matzah back to his friend.

Rav Unger responded that this was a question for a Rebbe, not a Rav. So he sent him to ask the question to a Rebbe in Bnei Brak, the Machnovker. The man went to the Machnovker, told him the whole story, and asked him what he should do. The Rebbe told him that the proper thing was to give up the reward for the mitzvah to his friend. His old friend could no longer do mitzvos, but the Hungarian Jew had lived on and continued doing mitzvos for thirty more years. Not only that, with Hashem’s help, he would continue accruing more mitzvos until one hundred and twenty. Begrudgingly, the man told the Rebbe that if that was what the Rebbe told him to do, he would do it. But the Machnovker told him, no, that he had to do it

The man came back to Rav Unger the next day and told him what the Machnovker told him to do and about the subsequent dream. Rav Unger responded that he was not surprised. Imagine, he told the man, this Jew, who was the child of tzaddikim, surely grew up doing mitzvos his entire life and was enjoying the highest place in the World to Come. Not only that, but Chazal teach (Bava Basra 10b) regarding one who is killed sanctifying Hashem’s name that “no other creature can stand in their presence above.” Yet, with all of that, it was worth it for him to leave that place of ultimate pleasure and delight in Hashem’s presence and descend all the way back down into this world to pick up the reward for that one small measure of matzah.

From the time each of us becomes a bar or bas mitzvah, we are the chosen members of Hashem’s special unit, His holy people. As we see from this story, every single mitzvah we do has infinite depth and power. As the Midrash (Mechilta Shmos 12:7) says, “If you get the opportunity to do a mitzvah, do not let it become stale.” As members of Hashem’s elite team, we must not forego any opportunity to do any mitzvah because they are all precious beyond words. We must seek out our personal letter in Hashem’s Torah, our own unique role in Hashem’s special forces, and carry out that role with the knowledge of the infinite value for each of our mitzvos.

May Hashem help us recognize our own unique path in His service and take advantage of every opportunity to sanctify His name in the way we live our lives.

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

Each Jew has his or her own letter in the Torah, a unique mission that only he or she can accomplish.

Delving into the Daf Hiddur Miss

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

Daf Yomi learners just finished Masechta Nedarim and started Masechta Nazir. Those who learn Amud Yomi may feel bad that they didn’t cover as much ground and are not finishing yet another masechta. They learn three and a half blatt a week and will only finish Shas every 15 years. Oraysah followers learn only 2.5 blatt a week. Those who follow the Daf HaShavua regimen will need almost 52 years to finish Shas!

Rav Reuven Feinstein, shlit”a, broached this subject at the recent Darchei Yovel Dinner. After reciting the Hadran on Shas, he said to notice the words he just recited, “We toil, and they toil. We toil and receive reward, they toil and don’t receive reward.”

The reward for studying the Torah is based on the time and effort that one invests. He lamented that, too often, people focus on the number of masechtos one finished. However, the real focus should be on the time and effort expended. If one studies Daf HaShavua and spends two hours a day on it, the reward will be greater than if one studied Daf HaYomi and only set aside a half-hour a day for the limud. Whatever Talmud schedule one follows, one should be sure to focus on the time and energy that one is investing in the limud and not merely the amount of masechtos one has completed.

A wealthy person wants to construct a beautiful mansion, the largest house in the city. But he feels guilty spending such an extravagant sum when others are struggling. Perhaps Rashi in Bava Kama can come to the rescue.

The Gemara in Nazir (2b) states: It was taught in a baraisa that it is said, “This is my G-d, and I will beautify Him.” This can be accomplished through the following: I shall make before Him a beautiful sukkah, a beautiful lulav, beautiful tzitzis. I shall write before Him a beautiful sefer Torah, and I shall wrap it in beautiful silks.

What does the Gemara refer to when it mentions beautiful tzitzis? It refers to the

tzitzis strings. It is a hiddur mitzvah to use fine strings for the mitzvah of tzitzis. Rashi in Bava Kama, though, says that there is a mitzvah to beautify the tallis as well as the tzitzis. Evidently, the tallis refers to the garment and the tzitzis refers to the strings. Rashi perforce holds that there is a mitzvah to beautify the garment as well. This is troubling because the garment is not actually part of the mitzvah. One who wears a four-cornered garment is obligated to place tzitzis on it. In fact, at a chasunah, some bachurim were wearing four-cornered Mexican ponchos, and they were adorned with tzitzis. There is no mitzvah to wear the poncho, per se.

Once one is wearing one, however, it has to have tzitzis on it. Would one suggest there is a mitzvah to beautify the four-cornered poncho? Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, asked further: “What about a poor person who only has

Unfortunately for our well-intentioned homeowner, Rav Moshe, zt”l, said that this logic is incorrect. In fact, there is no mitzvah to beautify the poncho or any other four-cornered garment, with one major exception. If one is wearing the garment specifically to fulfill the mitzvah of tzitzis, then there is a mitzvah to beautify the garment. So there is a mitzvah to beautify the tallisos that men wear during davening. Likewise, there is a mitzvah to beautify the tzitzis garment that men and boys wear. Our minhag is to wear the garments specifically to obligate ourselves in and to fulfill the mitzvah of tzitzis.

In fact, Rav Moshe points out a halachic oddity. It is only a minhag to specifically wear a four-cornered garment for the sake of the mitzvah; it is not even a rabbinic obligation. Yet one who follows the minhag and dons a four-cornered garment for the sake of the mitzvah of tzitzis has a biblical mitzvah to adorn that garment.

If the homeowner would be building an edifice for the sake of a mitzvah, such as a shul or yeshiva, then there would be a mitzvah to beautify that building. However, most likely he is building the house for his own needs and then following the halacha by affixing a mezuzah.

It brings to mind the following anecdote: A chassid once held an apple in his hand and declared, “I am eating this apple in order to recite a blessing upon it.” Whereupon his Rebbe held an apple and declared, “I am eating this apple to fulfill my desires for tasty food.” The chassid exclaimed, “Is that the proper intention one should have when eating an apple?”

four-cornered garments – does he have a mitzvah to only wear fancy clothes?” If we would follow this flawed logic, then our homeowner could argue he is performing a mitzvah by constructing an ostentatious house. After all, the home will have a mezuzah affixed to it. Just as there is a mitzvah to beautify the garment that has tzitzis attached to it, there should be a mitzvah to beautify a house that has a mezuzah on it.

The Rebbe answered, “No. But at least I am being honest!”

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.

One who follows the minhag and dons a four-cornered garment for the sake of the mitzvah of tzitzis has a biblical mitzvah to adorn that garment.

Rav Reuven Feinstein, shlita, at the recent Darchei dinner

The Wandering Jew Eretz Yisroel November 2022

Part III

By Hershel Lieber

We had plans for Motzei Shabbos after the aufruf. We were scheduled to go to Beit Shemesh where we would make two visits. The first would be to spend time with the Lewkowicz family and then to visit our grandson Yidel Grossman, his lovely wife Ruchi, and their two children at their apartment. Yeedel and his family were in Yerushalayim for the aufruf so they drove us to Beit Shemesh. They dropped us off at the home of Tzvi nad Mazal Lewkowicz where we would get together with the entire mishpacha. I had written about the Lewkowicz family before, but I must give a brief introduction before I continue this article.

In the summer of 1989, Pesi and I were invited to help manage the Lauder Summer Retreat during its second year. The previous summer we had thirteen participants for Shabbos, of which six people remained during the week. This year, we were hoping that more people would join our historical mission to introduce Yiddishkeit to the next generation of Polish Jews. The number of participants was not much greater, but the seeds we planted eventually produced some lovely fruits.

We spent the Shabbos in Krakow before we started the retreat. We davened in the Remu Shul together with a small group of elderly Jews. In the shul, we were introduced to the Lewkowicz family from Wroclaw (formerly Breslau) who came to see their cousin Chaim Shalem

from Israel who was leading a Jewish tour of Poland. Chaim approached Pesi and asked her to reach out to his cousin Malka to help bring her closer to her roots. Malka was there with her husband Karol and their two children, Monika and Henryk. A complete Jewish family was rare in Poland, as intermarriage was the general rule by almost all Jews. After spending some time talking with her, in a combination of Yiddish and German, Pesi proposed that Malka bring her family and join us at the summer camp. Baruch Hashem, the next Shabbos, the whole family joined us as we celebrated a traditional Shabbos from the Friday night licht bentchen

to the Motzei Shabbos Havdalah. That Shabbos, a relationship was formed, which spanned over thirty years and continues to the present day.

Malka became very attached to Yiddishkeit. She introduced many mitzvos and traditions into her home.

Henryk had his bar mitzvah later that year in Wroclaw, and I took him to New York where he had his bris. A few years later, we began the process of having the Lewkowicz children sent abroad to study in Jewish schools.

Rabbi Schudrich, who subsequently headed the Lauder Foundation and is now Poland’s chief rabbi, arranged for Monika to study at the Maimonides School in Boston, while I eventually sent Henryk, who was now called Zvi, to learn at Dvar Yerushalayim in Israel. Karol, on the other hand, was not interested in all the changes that Malka wanted. The difficulty of maintaining a kosher home and keeping Shabbos was too much for him to accept.

The Lewkowiczes joined us each year for both the summer and winter retreats, where Malka’s talent with working with little children were remarkable. I spent a Shabbos in Wroclaw where Malka organized a Shabbaton, which I conducted and where I gave lectures. After high school, Monika, who was an excellent student, continued her education at a seminary in Israel. Zvi changed schools to Machon Brand, which offered a secular education program besides limudei kodesh.

With Malka (r), Monika, Zev, and their children

Together with Malka, Monika, and Zvi in Poland during the nineties

With Tzvi, Mazal, and their children

Real life presents constant struggles, and the Lewkowiczes had their share of challenges. I had written a previous article which highlighted their struggles and how they were baruch Hashem able to face them and make progress.

Zvi got married in Brooklyn in 2004 and, together with his wife Mazal, established a religious home. They have four beautiful daughters and a handsome son. They live in Beit Shemesh, and Zvi runs a successful air conditioning business.

Monika also married a year later in Yerushalayim, and we were privileged to be at the chasuna. She is a nurse in the neo-natal department at Sharei Tzedek Hospital. Her husband Zev, originally from California, is a professional computer analyst. They have two lovely children, a daughter and a son, and they also live in Bet Shemesh. Their home’s foundation is built on Yiddishkeit as well.

Ever since her children left Poland, Malka agonized that she was living apart from them. She was also determined to be in a religious environment where she would fully adapt to a frum lifestyle. As difficult as it was, she separated from Karol, who chose to remain in Poland, and moved to Yerushalayim. Only a few years ago, Karol died. Finally, last year, Malka retired from her occupation as a professional kindergarten teacher and moved to Beit Shemesh to be closer to her two children and her seven grandchildren.

Our families remain very close. They joined us at the weddings when three of our grandchildren got married in Israel and at their sheva brachos. Pesi speaks with Malka every Rosh Chodesh, and we keep in touch with her children from time to time. Malka is always grateful to Pesi for the role she played in starting her and her family on the road to Yiddishkeit. We, too, are grateful for the opportunity that

the Ribbono Shel Olam granted us to be a part of their lives.

When we arrived , Malka, Tzvi, Mazal, Monika, Zev and all their children greeted us affectionately. They prepared a beautiful, sumptuous Melave Malka with salad, pizza, and lasagna. We were reintroduced

Shemesh. We shared coffee and homemade cheesecake, sang the traditional Melave Malka zemiros, talked, laughed, and took photos. Yidel got us a taxi, and we were back in Yerushalayim in forty minutes.

On Sunday, we had a very full program. We all took the Hoffman Tour to

Yitzchok Avinu.

Our guide took us to the kevorim of Yishai and Rus, where we had never been before. He also showed us numerous sites in the West Bank that we had not seen previously. It was a long day but a very memorable one.

That evening, our daughter Itty Klein arrived together with Mechel’s wife Leah and their daughters Tzipi and Esther Rochel. Our daughter Chavi arrived Wednesday evening. At that point, our family was together and awaiting Thursday night’s chasuna.

to their children who all speak English as well as Hebrew. We shared family news and took many photos. We spent a lot of time with them and were proud of their many accomplishments.

Zvi then drove us to the apartment of Yidel and Ruchi. Unfortunately, the children were already sleeping. On the other hand, this gave us a more meaningful time with them. Yidel is in Kollel, and Ruchi’s parents live nearby also in Beit

Kever Rochel and Mearas HaMachpelah. I do not need to describe the emotions that one has when visiting the kevarim of the Avos and Imahos. Personally, I was most moved when we davened Mincha at the seventh step leading to the entrance to Mearas HaMachpelah. The Muslim rulers would not allow Jews to go up further on the stairway, and this added a special significance to the location. It is also directly across the burial section of

Our children had myriad plans for the next few days, but we took it easy. The only exception was Tuesday when we went with Itty to the Jewish Quarter. I love that place and am content to spend hours just roaming its streets and alleys. We toured the Hurva Shul, had a falafel in the Plaza, davened Mincha at the Kosel, and walked back to the Jaffa Gate, browsing in the shops in the Arab Shuk. We ended our day with a two-hour visit to the marvelous Israel Museum.

Thursday evening was the chasuna, followed by Shabbos Sheva Brachos. We made a Sheva Brachos for the new couple on Sunday evening at a catering hall. All these events were beautiful and gave us so much nachas and joy. We were truly glad that many family members joined us for this special occasion.

Monday was the day we dedicated to our dear friends Raziel and Rivka Mamet. We had met them in Poland at the Lauder Summer Retreats during the Nineties. They came from Petach Tikva to teach and assist with programs promoting Jewish knowledge and tradition. We became very close and continue our relationship until the present day. Razi works for the Sochnut in Israel and, as part of his duties, leads student tours to Poland and other countries to acquaint them with

Visiting with Rav Gamliel Rabinowich

Meeting with Mechel, Leah, and their children in the Arab Shuk Davening at the seventh step at Mearas HaMachpela

Personally, I was most moved when we davened Mincha at the seventh step leading to the entrance to Mearas HaMachpelah.

Melave Malka with our grandchidren Yidel and Ruchi

their heritage. Almost every time we were in Israel, we made sure to meet. Sometimes, they took us on outings to off-thebeaten sightseeing locations where Razi was able enrich our experience through his wealth of historical knowledge. Other times, we just went out for dinner. They joined us for many of the Sheva Brachos that we made for our grandchildren in Yerushalayim. Razi spent Shabbos with us twice, and we got together when they visited the States. We also have a continuous correspondence by email.

This time, we went to the Yaar Hakodashim, a forest planted in memory of the martyrs who were killed by the Nazis. The imposing sculptured monument is heartrending and was designed by Nathan Rapoport, who created the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising monument which is in Warsaw. Our next stop was Gush Etzion, a cluster of Jewish settlements in Yehuda. We visited the museum, which is dedicated to the four agricultural villages that were destroyed by the Arab Legion a day before the declaration of the State of Israel in May of 1948. Three of these villages were inhabited by religious Zionists, while the fourth was from the HaShomer Hatzair movement. Their story was made into a film which was shown at the museum. We could not contain ourselves as tears flowed from our eyes while we viewed the tragic episode. We are always thankful to Razi and Riv-

ka for taking us to such interesting and meaningful places.

We had one more day left to spend in Eretz Yisroel, and, of course, we went to say parting words and tefillos at the Kosel. We hope that we will return soon to Yerushalayim with the coming of Moshiach, bim’heira b’yameinu

Hershel Lieber has been involved in kiruv activities for over 30 years. As a founding member of the Vaad L’Hatzolas Nidchei Yisroel he has traveled with his wife, Pesi, to the Soviet Union during the harsh years of the Communist regimes to advance Yiddishkeit. He has spearheaded a yeshiva in the city of Kishinev that had 12 successful years with many students making Torah their way of life. In Poland, he lectured in the summers at the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation camp for nearly 30 years. He still travels to Warsaw every year – since 1979 – to be the chazzan for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur for the Jews there. Together with Pesi, he organized and led trips to Europe on behalf of Gateways and Aish Hatorah for college students finding their paths to Jewish identity. His passion for travel has taken them to many interesting places and afforded them unique experiences. Their open home gave them opportunities to meet and develop relationships with a variety of people. Hershel’s column will appear in The Jewish Home on a bi-weekly basis.

Pesi with Rivka Mamet at the imposing monument at the Yaar Hakadoshim

With Razi Mamet at the Yaar HaKadoshim

The Hurva Shul

What has poet and songwriter Leonard Cohen accomplished that he is considered one of Israel’s adopted sons, so much so that a street was named after him in Be’er Sheva immediately after his death in 2016?

At the age of 39, Leonard Cohen was rich and famous. He was one of the biggest names in the music industry in the Sixties, having packed stadiums and concert halls across the globe, but he was emotionally and creatively exhausted and was contemplating retiring. And then the 1973 Yom Kippur War broke out. In a show of solidarity, Leonard traveled to Israel immediately after Egypt attacked Israel. Performing for small groups of soldiers at the southern front in the Sinai desert with a borrowed guitar and a group of local musicians – literally “unplugged,” without amplifiers and stages – the war reinvigorated Cohen.

Although Cohen couldn’t speak Hebrew, and didn’t comprehend war machinations and politics, he understood his audience.

“I was afraid at first that my quiet and melancholy songs weren’t the kind that would encourage soldiers at the front,” Cohen told an interviewer, “but I

My Israel Home Hallelu-jah!

By Gedaliah Borvick

learned that these wonderful kids don’t need glorious battle anthems. Now, between battles, they’re open to my music maybe more than ever before. I came to raise their spirits, and they raised mine.”

This trying experience inspired Cohen to compose some of his best music. During breaks between performances, Cohen wrote a number of songs that were included in his 1974 album. The hauntingly beautiful “Who By Fire,”

One soldier’s quote, whose theme was repeated by many others, explains the country’s deep-seated admiration for Cohen: “What touched me very deeply was this Jew hunched over a guitar, sitting quietly and playing for us. I asked who he was, and someone said he was from Canada or G-d knows where, a Jew who came to raise the spirit of the fighters. It was Leonard Cohen. Since then, he has a corner of my heart.”

Leonard Cohen played to packed stadiums around the world. The world tour ended in front of 50,000 adoring fans in Israel. In a touch of spirituality, unity and drama, Cohen ended the concert by spreading out his fingers and blessing the crowd with the birkat kohanim, the priestly blessing of protection and peace.

Despite being an anti-war pacifist, Leonard Cohen came to Israel during one of the country’s darkest moments and connected with the Jewish nation in their mutual moment of despair. Those few weeks of compassion and empathy cemented Cohen’s eternal status as a national treasure.

Leonard’s version of the U’netaneh Tokef prayer from the Yom Kippur liturgy, clearly reflects the Yom Kippur War’s impact on him. Another example of Cohen’s Jewish roots that seeped into his music after the Yom Kippur War was his most famous hit, and considered by many to be one of the greatest songs of all time, “Hallelu-jah,” which he recorded a decade later.

Cohen’s last trip to Israel was in 2009. After spending many years in a Buddhist monastery, he discovered that his manager had stolen all of his savings. In order to replenish his bank account, Cohen – for the first time in 15 years –scheduled a concert tour and discovered that during his absence from the industry, he had ascended to the upper strata of fame. During his triumphant return,

This article is based primarily on “Who By Fire,” a fascinating account by Matti Friedman of Leonard Cohen’s unfathomable trip to Israel during the depths of the Yom Kippur War.

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.

“I came to raise their spirits, and they raised mine.”

Leonard Cohen performing for troops during the

Yom Kippur War

Friday morning brought the first piece of good news from Israel’s Supreme Court in years. Yediot Ahronot ’s top headline declared that Supreme Court President Esther Hayut intends to resign if the Knesset passes Justice Minister Yariv Levin’s judicial reform package.

Hayut’s stewardship of the court over the past six years has been disgraceful and destructive to both the court and the State of Israel. The Hayut court dropped even the pretense of judiciousness. Hayut cast the court on a course of ideological radicalism and politicization that has no parallel anywhere in the world.

Hayut’s radicalism was well known in the legal community. She wasn’t then-justice minister Ayelet Shaked’s first choice for the court’s top slot. But Shaked had no say in the matter. Israel’s current judicial selection process protects justices from accountability to the public and its elected representatives.

Esther Hayut’s War Against Democracy

By Caroline Glick

Supreme Court justices have a veto over nominees to the court, so everyone who gets the nod from the Judicial Selection Committee, including ostensibly conservative jurists, must embrace the organizational culture and values of the sitting justices.

The justices also control who serves as president. Under the current selection system, the president is the senior associate justice when the sitting president reaches retirement age. By controlling who gets appointed when, the justices are able to predetermine the identity of the president. In 2017, Shaked tried but failed to cancel the seniority selection process, and Hayut was promoted.

Outside observers were exposed to Hayut’s radicalism immediately before she took office. She set it out in a speech before the Bar Association in September 2017. Not one for understatement, Hayut compared herself and her colleagues to G-d.Bottom of Form

As she put it, “There’s a disadvantage that we flesh and blood judges have in comparison to the Creator of the Universe. Even in the situations where we understand fairly quickly the dilemma that brought the petitioners before us, it often happens that the solution we view as just and proper isn’t possible under the practice and requirements of the law. These situations in my view are among the most difficult and complex ones that we as judges are called upon to contend with.”

She continued: “How do we bridge the gap between the law and what is right? Finding an answer to this question, discovering the secret … ‘spice’ is perhaps one of the greatest tasks that lies before us as judges.”

By the time Hayut gave her speech, the court’s penchant for political judgments was well documented, and in the context of those judgments, her intentions were self-evident. On the eve of her inauguration as president, Hayut

declared that the court would disregard the law whenever it contradicted the justices’ values. And given the ideological conformity of the court, those values would without question be aligned with the leftist fringe of Israeli society, a fringe that would never, ever win an election.

Over the past few years, the Hayut court followed her non-legal judicial philosophy to the letter. An examination of a selection of her judgments suffices to demonstrate how it has worked.

In March 2020, without a shred of legal authority and in clear contravention of Basic Law: The Knesset, Hayut and her associates ordered then Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein to convene the Knesset plenary to vote on his replacement.

Following the third of four Knesset elections that took place between April 2019 and March 2022, after Benjamin Netanyahu was unable to form a 61-seat coalition, the mandate to form a govern-

ment was transferred to the Blue and White Party leader Benny Gantz. When it grew apparent that Gantz would also fail to form a Knesset, Gantz’s party decided to add dynamite to Israel’s political maelstrom.

Under Israel’s Basic Law: The Knesset, during the tenure of a caretaker government, the Knesset Speaker will remain the speaker elected under the previous Knesset. That is, from the moment a government loses a confidence vote in the Knesset and new elections are called, until a new government is sworn into office, the incumbent Knesset Speaker will remain in office.

In the face of political deadlock that prevented both Netanyahu and Gantz from forming a government, Gantz and his then partner Yair Lapid petitioned the Supreme Court to coerce Edelstein to convene the Knesset to elect a new speaker. The idea was that Blue and White would govern from the Knesset while Netanyahu would be completely paralyzed as caretaker prime minister.

The Supreme Court had no legal power to intervene. Basic Law: The Knesset stipulates explicitly that the Knesset “shall determine its procedures.” And as Professor Talia Einhorn explained at the time, the Knesset Speaker is solely responsible for implementing the Knesset’s procedures.

Despite its utter lack of legal authority, the Supreme Court accepted Blue and White’s petition, and in record time ordered Edelstein to convene the plenary immediately to choose his successor. Not wishing to openly defy the court by refusing to execute its illegal ruling, Edelstein resigned.

After her predecessor Miriam Naor’s court overturned three laws that sought to compel illegal aliens to leave the country in various ways, in March 2020, Hayut and her associates struck down the Knesset’s only remaining law to incentivize illegal aliens to depart the country. The law in question, dubbed the Deposit Law, required work migrants to deposit a fifth of their earnings in a trust and for their employers to deposit 16 percent of their national insurance deductions into the same trust. The funds would be paid to the migrant, with interest, upon his exit from Israel.

The court ruled that this was unfair because migrants make so little. The fact that the law was entirely legal made no difference to the justices. The law sat wrong with them, so Israel’s last legislative means to incentivize illegal aliens to leave was removed.

In his judicial revolution of the 1990s, Aharon Barak, the father of Israel’s judicial aristocracy, arrogated to the court the power to abrogate duly promulgated Knesset laws, with no legal authority. Last month, Hayut and her colleagues seized the Knesset’s power to write laws.

In a stunning ruling on Israel’s Citizenship Law, the court instructed the Knesset to expand the law to include four categories of persons eligible for citizenship that the Knesset had not included. The ruling constituted a breach of all the boundaries between the work of the court and the lawmaker. It transformed the court into a super-legislator, empowered to dictate the terms of laws

that Health and Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, the leader of the Shas party, may not serve as a minister in the government.

Hayut and six of her associates ignored the fact that there is no legal basis for the ruling and simply decided that it was “extremely unreasonable” for Deri to serve as a minister because he has a history of criminal convictions. Six justices also ruled that Deri shouldn’t be permitted to serve as a minister because, in a plea deal last year, Deri agreed to resign from Knesset.

As understood by the state prosecution at the time, his resignation from Knesset only related to the 24th Knesset, not to future Knessets. Despite this,

her views in an address before the Israeli-German Association of Jurists in May 2019 in Nuremberg. After chronicling the manner in which the German courts were taken over by the Nazis in the early 1930s, Hayut made the preposterous claim that had the German courts been stronger, they could have prevented the Nazi takeover of Germany and the Holocaust.

Hayut’s revisionist history was transparently self-serving and deeply hostile to both the historical record of Nazism in Germany and to her own people. Her implicit thesis was that everyone has a Nazi inside of him. Left uncontrolled, democracy, wherever practiced, is liable to bring Nazis to power. Politics, culture, history have no impact on the character of a nation. The only way for the Nazis to be kept in the bottle, whether in Germany or Israel, is for the courts to be more powerful than the public and their representatives.

to the people’s elected representatives, based on the values of the justices.

Last May, the court gave standing to the government of Ukraine to seek the abrogation of the Interior Minister’s power to regulate entry of Ukrainian citizens to Israel. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians sought refuge in foreign lands. In an effort to prevent Israel from being flooded with tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees, then interior minister Ayelet Shaked set a quota of five thousand Ukrainians that would be permitted to enter Israel. Last July, the Supreme Court sided with Ukraine against the government and ordered Shaked to abandon the quota and open the gates of Israel to Ukrainians, as if there were no war and no refugee crisis.

The capstone, to date, of Hayut’s seizure of the powers of the Knesset and government came last week, when she and her colleagues absconded with the Knesset’s exclusive power to approve duly constituted governments, and the prime minister’s exclusive power to appoint his ministers. Without legal basis, Hayut and her associate justices ruled

six justices claimed that by serving as a minister, Deri was breaking the terms of his plea deal (which in and of itself has no bearing on the legality of his service as a government minister).

Both grounds for Deri’s dismissal were rooted in Hayut’s notion that Supreme Court justices are endowed with special powers to discern right from wrong that mere mortals do not possess. The Deri decision effectively struck down the judgment of four hundred thousand Shas voters. Indeed, it struck down the ballots of 2.3 million Israelis who voted for Likud, the National Religious Party, Shas, and United Torah Judaism, with the goal of forming the current Netanyahu government, in which, all concerned assumed, Deri would serve as a minister. The court’s legally unhinged decision also struck down the Knesset’s exclusive power to approve governments, and the prime minister’s power to appoint his ministers in accordance with law.

The Hayut court’s contempt for the public and its elected representatives is rooted in Hayut’s pseudo-historical understanding of Nazism. She explained

Hayut then explained how Israel’s judicial aristocracy performs its function of guarding the people from their internal Nazis. German Jews in the 1930s, she argued, weren’t too concerned when Hitler rose to power, because the Weimar Republic’s constitution guaranteed their civil rights. They trusted that the Nazis would respect the constitution and the laws in force. In 1995, the Israeli Supreme Court used Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty and a means to transform itself into the protector of the liberal order from the politicians whose internal Nazis lurk under the surface, always.

As she put it, “One of the universal lessons that it is worthy to learn from the historical events that I discussed here is that judicial independence and the absence of judicial accountability on the institutional and personal level, is one of the important guarantors that the individual will have a place to turn to protect his rights.”

In the face of Hayut’s transformation of the Supreme Court from one that had some discourse with laws to one where judges are free to follow their passions in usurping the powers of the Knesset and government and people, it is clear that the most urgent order of business for the Knesset and the government is to restore judicial accountability. (JNS)

Caroline Glick is an award-winning columnist and author of The Israeli Solution: A One-State Plan for Peace in the Middle East.

Both grounds for Deri’s dismissal were rooted in Hayut’s notion that Supreme Court justices are endowed with special powers to discern right from wrong that mere mortals do not possess.

Of Art and Miracles

By Malkie SchulMan

Karin Holzer is a well-known, sought after Orthodox Jewish artist and architect who grew up in Kiryat Shemona, in northern Israel. Currently, she resides in Woodmere, NY, with her husband and two sons.

“I was born to art,” Karin shares. “My mother is an art instructor in Kiryat Shemona. The house I grew up in was literally an art gallery.”

These days, Karin admits, though she enjoys all her creative work, she feels more drawn to Judaica painting. As a Judaica artist, Karin participates in many prestigious international art exhibitions alongside many famous artists from all over the world. Karin’s typical artwork clients are either private citizens looking to adorn their living room walls with beautiful paintings whether it be a Judaica painting or, for example, a landscape painting, or institutions seeking to beautify their walls. Karin’s diverse list of clients includes the Tel Aviv Opera House, curators and art collectors around the United States, Europe and Israel, as well as yeshivot.

Karin says that she loves to create paintings of tzaddikim. When she gets the opportunity, she also personally visits many tzaddikim around the world.

“It’s very interesting,” she notes, “that every time I paint a tzaddik, I have someone who steps into my studio, sees the painting, and says they need that painting of that particular tzaddik.”

In fact, recently, a client visited her studio. He shared that the previous night, he and his wife had been discussing what kind of painting they wanted for their new home. They decided they wanted a painting of the Baba Sali.

“When he walked into my house, the first painting he saw that I had just finished putting the last touches to, was the Baba Sali. He immediately said, ‘This is mine.’ These kinds of stories happen all the time,” she says.

Karin shares the source of her passion for her art.

“All my art is infused with a spiritual component,” she maintains. “Especially with the spirit of Dovid Hamelech. Tehillim has been a part of my life from the day I was born, from even before I was born. My mother would constantly read out loud from Sefer Tehillim. I do the same thing. My children have heard me reciting pesukim from Sefer Tehillim from the time I was pregnant with them.”

The words of King David guide every aspect of her life, Karin declares, and each one of her paintings refer in some way to a perek in Tehillim. “I weigh every sentence in Tehillim because I see it as my instruction book for living,” Karin says. King David went through almost every conceivable difficult situation in his life, Karin explains, and he wrote it all out in Tehillim. There’s something in the Book of Psalms for everybody to relate to. But,

the bottom line is throughout all his myriad challenges, King David maintained the utmost faith in Hakadosh Baruch Hu.

“He also experienced miracles in his life,” Karin says. “My most favorite topic of conversation is talking about how we can connect our lives to Tehillim to see how Hashem is performing miracles for us all the time.”

Karin describes how she paints and how she views her art.

“I’m an artist that enjoys using metallic, light colors in her painting,” she says. “I feel they’re more luminous and translucent, and I love luminous colors. Many clients have told me that when they see my paintings, even if it’s just a landscape painting, they can sense a light emanating from it. They almost feel the Shechina radiating out of it and that is very gratifying to me.”

In fact, Karin uses her art as a means to serve Hashem. This was particularly manifest in The Next Original by Kessler art contest Karin recently entered. All the entrants were asked to submit three of their best paintings, and out of 5,000 submitting artists, a winner would be chosen. The winner’s painting was to be displayed on a 45-foot digital billboard in the famed Times Square in Manhattan on New Year’s Eve where it’s estimated that over 100 million viewers would see it. Karin entered two of her water lily paintings inspired by the famous French painter, Monet, and a painting of the menorah that is traditionally lit at the Kotel every year on Chanukah. Much to her surprise and gratification, Karin was one of the ten artists chosen to receive the coveted prize. But in her eyes, it is all a gift from Hashem and an opportunity to make a kiddush Hashem.

A Menorah (Painting’s) Journey

“I’d been working on my painting of the menorah at the Kotel for 3 ½ months (it’s very detailed work) and my husband would come into the room almost every day and ask, ‘Who are you painting this for? Did someone order it?’” Though nobody had commissioned it, Karin shares that she was confident somebody would want it. “’She [referring to the painting] knows her destination,” Karin would patiently tell her husband.

Initially, Karin was hesitant to submit her menorah painting to the contest. There’s so much antisemitism in the country today, she thought, what chance will it have to win? “But then I decided,” she shares, “to lean on my emunah and throw it up to Hashem. It was a beautiful painting and if Hashem wanted me to win, I would. I felt that if I would win, it would be a win for the Jewish people. I knew the winners were going to have their paintings seen in Times Square on New Year’s Eve so I felt the kiddush Hashem would be not only showing

the non-Jewish world that Hashem is still with us but showing us, the Jewish people, that despite the increase in antisemitic incidents, Hashem is still with us.”

On the Wednesday before Chanukah, Karin received the news that she, along with nine other finalists, had won the first round. She was invited with her family to fly down to Savannah, Georgia, to participate in the final round. The problem wa, that the final round would take place on Friday afternoon, erev Shabbat. It was not an option, of course, to be mechallel Shabbat so Karin put in a call to her rabbi, Rabbi Heshy Blumstein of Congregation Yismach Moshe of Woodmere, NY, to ask him what to do.

Rabbi Blumstein assured Karin that there was no problem attending the final contest round as long as, of course, they weren’t going to violate Shabbat in any way. So, before she accepted the invitation, Karin made sure the Kessler group would agree, for religious reasons, to accommodate her and her family in the hotel over Shabbat. With their host’s gracious permission to stay for the weekend, the Holzers arrived at the hotel for the judging ceremony. They were delighted to discover that all ten finalists had won the grand prize –to have their paintings displayed on a huge digital billboard in Times Square on New Year’s Eve plus a contract from the Kessler Group

The award winning painting

With other finalists for the Kessler Art contest

to represent their artwork for the entire upcoming year.

“We ended up staying for Sunday as well, returning home, with my menorah painting in hand, just in time to light the first of the Chanukah candles,” Karen says. “I have to say, that when my husband lit the menorah that night, I cried. I thought about the same candle be -

ing lit that day in the menorah at the Kotel, in the same menorah I had painted. It all came together for me, that Hakadosh Baruch Hu arranged it so that a non-Jewish organization would choose a painting of a menorah on Chanukah was way too coincidental. Hashem was clearly sending me and all of the Jewish people a message.”

Kiddush Hashem

The truth is, Karin explains, she could have chosen any one of the three paintings as the painting to appear in Times Square because the prize is awarded to the artist –in other words, all three paintings that Karin submitted had won.

“When they called to congratulate me and invite me to the Georgia ceremony,” Karin says, “I was asked which painting I would be bringing with me.”

Karin admits it was a moment of truth for her. She realized that if she would’ve replied that she would be bringing the water lily painting, she’d be playing it safe. However, she felt strongly that this was why she won the contest, to have the chance to display the menorah, the symbol of religious freedom, in front of so many nonJews especially in Manhattan where recently there have been antisemitic incidents.

“When the Jews who live here who have been hurt by these incidents will pick up their heads and see the menorah, they will understand that the miracle against the Greeks is still with us today. ‘Bayamim hahem ba’zman hazeh’ (in those days, at this time). Today, we too, experience miracles all the time.”

rah that represents the State of Israel in the Gola (exile) and is also symbolic of our role as a light unto the nations is hanging in Times Square in New York, the center of the Gentile world.

When asked what she thinks is so unique about this painting, Karin will invariably answer the Kotel (the Western Wall) in the background, behind the menorah, that symbolizes our prayers to the One Above. Har Habayit is right there, the holiest place in the world. It also represents, Karin shares, her personal yearning to be back home, in Israel.

Indeed, Karin believes winning the contest episode clearly revealed the hand of Hashem.

“I worked on this painting for three months without knowing where it would end up. I trusted Hashem would find the right place for it. Then I was hesitant to send it in to the contest for a non-Jewish organization, but Hashem guided me, and I did. I believe I won because my motive was for kiddush Hashem. I placed my trust in Hashem Who is above all nations.”

In addition to having a digital display of her artwork in the most populated area of the United States at the time of the year most eyes were upon it, the Kessler Group owns a chain of luxury hotels in the Southeastern part of the States with art galleries in each one. Throughout the coming year, as part of her prize, all Karin’s artwork will be displayed in these leading art galleries. Again, Karin feels this is a tremendous opportunity for kiddush Hashem.

Karin's painting of Monet's waterlillies

Karin believes Hashem is sending a message to our homeland, Eretz Yisroel, as well. Precisely while the whole world is celebrating the civil new year, the meno -

“There are Jews everywhere in the States. Who knows how many Jews will see my menorah painting displayed throughout the year and feel a strengthening of their emunah?”

Why You Need a Vacation and How To Do it Right

By S.T. Lerman

Aah! Vacation! Or should we say, Oy, vacation?! Vacation is here, but it seems like only weeks ago we were taking our kids on mini trips during their Chanukah break. But with days – or with some schools, weeks –looming on the horizon without school to occupy our children’s waking hours, it sometimes feels like a pressure to fill them with ever-exciting things to do.

Lest you think that you can’t take a day or two off to spend with your families, consider that you also need a break from work. And it’s more important than ever to take that time off. According to a survey taken in July of 2020, an overwhelming majority of Americans shortened, postponed, or canceled their vacation time within that past year. In fact, so many people in the U.S. are chained to their desks that The Center for Economic and Policy Research has gone so far as to call the U.S. the “No Vacation Nation.”

But staying plugged in is not good for us. Those working really long hours – 55 hours or more a week – are at a higher risk of disease and stroke. We’re stressed out, bogged down, and getting little satisfaction from filling in those spreadsheets. We need a break.

Taking a vacation from the drudgery at work can help spark creativity and stimulation. Our bodies are programmed to do what’s required of us at our jobs; being on vacation requires us to pay attention to what’s around us. Vacationing can help us with our well-being and with increased mindfulness. Think deep, relaxing breaths as you view the sun rising out your window.

And it’s not just your brain that will thank you when you cut the cord from your computer tasks. Your body will physically feel the benefits from a good vacation. According to one study, published in Psychology and Health, workers who vacationed more frequently were less likely to feel the debilitating effects of metabolic syndrome, which is a host of health woes – high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat – that raise the risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Of course, it could be that those workers who went on vacation just happened to be healthier people. But if we’re

telling you that vacationing may just help you be healthier, well, that’s a great excuse to book that plane ticket.

Remember how we talked about mindfulness and clearing that mental to-do list on vacation? It makes sense then to consider that taking time off will also reduce your stress levels (unless, of course, you’re trying to pick up a pie of pizza for your family in Miami during yeshiva week). A study released by the American Psychological Association concluded that time off helps to reduce stress by removing people from the activities and environments that they associate with anxiety – ahem, the office. Additionally, spending time with nature in the great outdoors – skiing, biking, swimming – is associated with good health and wellbeing, too – a win-win in the stress-reducing department.

Once we’re relaxed and enjoying the view, our brain is able to pick up things more easily. Ever go on a bike ride or a run and come up with a solution for something that’s been bothering you for days?

book that plane ticket.

break – and a break is sometimes about scheduling less into your day. Choose one major activity each day. That means that if you’re going to be enjoying a long day at an amusement park, don’t also schedule a dinner at a restaurant for the evening time, too. Your toddlers will be tired and cranky and sitting in a crowded eatery waiting for chicken fingers is not going to be relaxing – not for you and not for the kids. Consider ordering dinner into your hotel room or fire up the Betty Crocker or (I promise I won’t tell) serve cereal for supper. Extra points if it’s a major sugar cereal right before bed. Allow your children to be part of the planning. Show them ideas of what you have in mind to fill your days. Perhaps they’d like to go on a lighter daytime excursion so they can fill their evening with something more fun. Or maybe they’d like to decide what’s for dinner or lunch. Having their input will cut down on whining. After all, isn’t this activity what they decided that they would want to do?

It’s your brain finally being able to think more clearly because it’s more relaxed. That’s why employees come back so refreshed from vacations – their brains are being pampered during their time off and are more receptive to the tasks that lay ahead. But vacationing with the family – what can be relaxing about that? Turns out, there’s lots that can be enjoyable about a family trip; you just have to do it right.

Parents are people, too, and it’s your time off as well. Consider slotting in a little time each day (before the kids wake up or after they’ve gone to sleep or when the bulk of them are in PJs and are watching a video) to do something fun for yourself. A spa? A run? A walk on the beach? A little bit of “me time” is certainly warranted after a full day of vacation-parenting.

Consider your childcare arrangements before you head out on vacation. If you’re traveling with another family you can take turns babysitting each other’s little ones while you and your spouse head out for dinner. Or book a local babysitter in advance. This way, you won’t be scrambling last minute looking for a sitter while your little one takes a nap.

Firstly, some people like to do it all. They like to rise at dawn, be the first on line at the amusement park, head to a waterpark in the afternoon, do dinner in a top-rated restaurant, and then book bowling and an ice cream run for the evening. But what exactly about that is relaxing? Remember that a vacation should be a

Speaking of “me time,” we know that you have limits on screens, sugar cereals, and too much ice cream during the other 51 weeks of the year. But vacation time is vacation time. There’s going to be a lot more screens in their schedules and late nights, too. Allow the kids to feel more freedom in their day. There will be ample time during the rest of the year to implement those strict limits you have in place

If we're telling you that vacationing may just help you be healthier, well, that's a great excuse to

when it’s not vacation. Truthfully, I’m not advocating a free-for-all. But an extra bowl of Frosted Flakes or a late-night stop at Serendipity is not going to give them another cavity (we hope!), and it’ll make the day more exciting for the little ones in the crowd. That being said, kids do love structure (don’t tell them!). Spending time each morning to daven or to learn will elevate their day. And it will remind them of the priorities we have as frum Jews on vacation. Yes, we’re “off,” but there are certain things we never take off from – our connection to our Creator. In fact, learning on vacation can be so much more enjoyable. With a more relaxed atmosphere and a change of environment, the learning is so much sweeter.

Consider taking your youngsters (but not too young!) to minyan with you. They’ll meet Jews from all over and that will help to remind that Jews – regardless of where they’re from – are all connected.

One last tip – and this one is an important one. On vacation, you’re the driver, the scheduler, the arranger, the person in charge. But keep in mind that children are

responsible, too. Put them in charge of packing their snacks and their water bottles. They can be tasked with neatening up their beds or collecting their garbage from the car. Having them help – even with the little things – will ensure that you will be able to enjoy your vacation, too.

Dating Dialogue What Would You Do If…

Dear Navidaters,

Thanks for your column. I love reading it. I was wondering if you all could help me.

I am dating a great guy I’ll call Nisson. We had a Shabbos meal at their house recently where I got to meet them all, and I really feel like I fit in with his siblings etc. The only problem is his father really rubs me the wrong way. I grew up with divrei Torah, zemiros, and an overall Shabbosdik atmosphere at the table. His father talks a lot of lashon hara and loves to discuss the community “hock” – I almost felt like I was watching a Purim spiel about what not to do when your future daughter-in-law comes over for a meal. One example is, while we were eating the potato kugel at the meal, he commented, “How awful was the shul’s kugel this week? That’s because Mr. X* made it rather than the usual store-bought kind.” It’s totally the type that he will psychoanalyze me the minute I leave the house and he won’t be shy about it.

Shouldn’t he be on his best behavior for an occasion like this? It was almost comical. When I was helping in the kitchen and talking to the siblings after the meal, it was a very nice and pleasant time.

Nisson seems like a really great guy, and I don’t think I would break up because of this.

The thing is my mother, who I am very close to, keeps asking me if there is anything wrong. I think she picks up on my vibe since Shabbos since this has been on my mind. I want to talk to her, but I’m nervous she may encourage me to re-think the shidduch because of it. What do you all recommend?

-Chani

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

The Rebbetzin

Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

Iunderstand your concern about Nisson’s father’s behavior at the Shabbos table. However, why not apply what frum daters do in general to this particular concern? Frum daters talk about what kind of home they expect to build, what values they want to instill in future children, and sometimes even what kinds of schools they think would be compatible with their hashkafos. That’s because Jewish marriage is about more than just compatibility; it’s about nurturing generations with Torah values. So why not bring this up for discussion, but not immediately after your visit with Nisson’s family. What kind of Shabbos table do you envision? Do you think you want to have guests? Singles? Friends? People looking to learn about frum life? Shabbat. com people? Use Shabbos as a time to re-

connect as a couple and talk about interesting topics that you will prepare for?

Give Nisson a chance to talk first. You will probably be pleasantly surprised to hear him. Most dating adults have spent many Shabbos meals away from their own families and have a good sense of traditions, practices, and behaviors they will want to see.

Use this as an opportunity to share your own vision as well. Do you want a tablescape or a real conversation with traditions, zemiros, and divrei Torah?

Talk about your reaction to the Jewish magazines of today and the consumerism, competition, and social media pressure connected to it. Be vulnerable, share, and communicate for closeness and clarity. Talk about some memorable Shabbos experiences of your own.

As far as your mother is concerned, sharing with her is fine since she seems to be highly sensitive to your reactions. Articulate your willingness to give Nis-

son the benefit of discussion and sharing his vision. Make sure you come across as mature, so you don’t add to your mother’s worries. Neither your mother nor you will be bound to doom him because of his parental example.

If things progress, keep in mind that new couples don’t necessarily replicate their parents’ homes just as they don’t necessarily act exactly as their parents. However, it is what they are used to. It takes intention, effort, and time to craft the Shabbos environment of your dreams.

The Shadchan

Michelle Mond

Thanks for your kind words about our column!

Firstly, congrats on getting serious with a great guy whom you see yourself with. As

you must know, this is no small feat.

I understand your predicament with Nisson’s father – and I have heard stories like this before. Quite frankly, not everybody would get an A on a social etiquette exam. I will say that it is a relief that you are getting to know the family “for real” now, rather than the father masking his true identity. This will give you time to get used to it, and the differences between your Shabbos table growing up and Nisson’s.

I suggest you bring up the topic of Shabbos in general on your next date with Nisson. Ask him how he envisions Shabbos in his future home. Ask what, if anything, he would change about his Shabbos table environment growing up. This should be

Frankly, you’re not marrying his dad.

a question you both answer, so he does not feel put on the defensive. You should also plan a Shabbos meal with your family, so Nisson could experience a Shabbos how you grew up. Gauge his reaction afterwards; is he gushing with praise at how wholesome the seudah was? Does he sing zemiros with your father and brothers? Does he appreciate your family’s approach?

When a husband and wife marry, they come from two separate worlds, and they create a new one. With these tactics, you will find out how Nisson wants his home to be. You will learn to grin and bear his father’s table if he is the right guy; maybe you’ll even learn to laugh about it together. I hope it all goes well!

The Single

Tzipora Grodko

Families can be colorful, challenging, and unpredictable. We don’t understand G-d’s intentions, but trust that He always gives us exactly what we need. Since

life isn’t perfect, I can’t imagine that pursuing the perfect person with the perfect family and perfect financial status is going to be an option. You may not like his dad, and that’s OK! You don’t need to. Frankly, you’re not marrying his dad.

Regarding your mom, she may TRY to encourage you to rethink your decision, but at the beginning, middle, and end of the day, the decision is ALWAYS yours and that can’t be taken away from you.

Communication can be uncomfortable and tough, but welcome to growth. You got this! :)

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

If you do an internet search, you will discover over 200 different recipes for potato kugel. While all of them are basically casseroles with potatoes and eggs, the seemingly endless variations yield different tastes and different textures. Similarly, among our small tribe of obser -

Pulling It All Together

The Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

Thank you for writing into the panel! Sharing with your mother is secondary to what you feel about Nisson’s family. When you figure that out, sharing with your mother may suddenly not feel as weighty or as important. So, what has been on your mind since that Shabbos meal with Nisson’s father? I’m getting the sense that you are grap -

pling with Nis- son’s father’s person- ality and the very different “vibe” at your Shabbos tables, and likely, homes in general. What would it be like for me to be a part of this family? The siblings are great, but Nisson’s dad leaves a lot to be desired. Or, Nisson’s

vant Jews, you will find endless variations of unique individuals. At Shabbos tables, some will review divrei Torah, some will sing family zemiros, some will joke and laugh, and, yes, some will disseminate lashon hara.

From your description, it would seem that your prospective father-in-law is somewhat of a character. But, he goes to shul, he is shomer Shabbos, his family enjoys Shabbos meals together, and it sounds like he raised some very fine children.

The fact that he acts and speaks very differently than your father does not make him a bad person or poor father-inlaw material. He’s just very different than what you have experienced in your, possibly over-sheltered, background. So, don’t worry about it.

I do have a serious concern here, however. Do not, under any circumstances, criticize the father to either your boyfriend or your mother.

If you complain to your boyfriend, his protective reflex will kick in, and he will complain to his father, “My girlfriend doesn’t like how you acted last Shabbos. Don’t do that again.” That would be bad for you and is not a good way to start a relationship.

If you tell your mother, “I really

don’t like how his father acted last Shabbos,” your mother will discuss it with her sister, who will discuss it with her cousin, who will discuss it with her sister-in-law, and word will eventually get back to your boyfriend’s family. That would be bad for you and is not a good way to start a relationship.

What you might wish to do, instead, is tell a short dvar Torah, or start some nice zemiros, next time you’re at their Shabbos table. But, be prepared to accept that they are, and always will be, different than your own family experiences.

Remember that Shakespeare’s Hamlet explained, “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”

dad makes me uncomfortable. Or, I am worried that Nisson thinks this behavior is normal and may come to behave this way.

In my opinion, we really can’t hold people accountable for their parents. The important thing here is that you communicate your concern to Nisson in a respectful manner. Try to get a sense of what Nisson thinks of his father’s behavior. This is a potential opportunity to develop your relationship with Nisson. And if Nisson defends his father’s behavior, or thinks it’s normal to make fun of others, you will then have a decision to make about the future of your relationship with Nisson.

Another area I wanted to touch upon is your relationship with your mother. If you are happy and your mother tells you your decision is wrong, how much weight would her opinion have in your decision-making? Make sure that that is healthy for you. While taking a parent’s opinion into account is very healthy, it can become unhealthy when we do not honor what we feel is best for us and constantly do what our parents tell us to do. We need be respectful of our parents, and be open to their feedback, but must follow our own path and not betray our own intuition.

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.

Sincerely, Jennifer

We need be respectful of our parents but must follow our own path and not betray our own intuition.

School of Thought

By Etti Siegel

Q:Dear Etti, Why do teachers send home homework and checklists over winter break? Don’t they understand that the point of vacation is to have time off? Also, our schedule is not regular and we’re not going to end up doing it. Also, if we take it with us on vacation, I’m worried it’s going to get lost. On the other hand, if I don’t make my child complete it, she won’t get the prize or reward that they give out when school resumes and she’ll feel bad.

- Annoyed Mother

A:Dear Annoyed, I hear your angst, loud and clear. You want a break from school, homework and checklists included. There are schools that actually have strict rules about not assigning homework over vacations.

I am inferring from your mention of prizes and rewards that the homework is optional. This seems to make you feel even more guilty if the homework does not get done.

Let me share the teacher’s side to this dilemma. Homework offers practice. Without review, concepts are forgotten. “Consistent practice is essential for learning and growth,” says Janine Bempechat of Boston University in Massachusetts, which she proves in her studies of human development. Brian Platzer, who is the co-author of Taking the Stress Out of Homework, agrees with this concept.

No one believes children should have hours of

homework, but a sheet or two and some reading each day keep the brain tuned and engaged. This helps children come back to school somewhat connected to the work they will be doing with less of an academic slide we all see after vacations.

Be a cheerleader but not a taskmaster.

But what should you do if you are visiting family or being tourists for a few days? It is true, sheets might get lost.

I suggest you make copies of the assignments, and take one copy with you. If it helps wind everyone down after a fun day, you might find the routine of doing a little reading or a homework sheet before brushing teeth and going to bed very calming. If it just adds stress, remind the child(ren) that it is their homework to choose to do or not to do, and leave it at that. Bring it along for the long waits that being on vacation sometimes offers and allow the assignments to be one of the choices for “I’m bored.” If the sheets get lost, you know you have a copy waiting for you at home.

If you have an extra day before or after your vacation without school, encourage your child do the homework then.

Like you said, if your child doesn’t complete it, he/ she won’t get the prize when she gets back. Ultimately, that is something she needs to live with.

As parents, we work so hard to support and guide our children. But sometimes the biggest gift we can give our children is the gift of letting them learn from mistakes.

If your child chooses to not do the work assigned

and goes to school and does not get the prize given out, your child will have a chance to face disappointment and regret. These feelings build resilience and help them develop their social and emotional skills. Coping skills are like muscles, and we need to allow children to struggle and sometimes fail in small ways, so they can deal with challenges as adults. Even if it is unpleasant, this will make a child rethink about doing assignments in the future and allow them to weigh the pros and cons and make better decision.

“If parents swoop in to fix those problems, children miss out on that critical skill-building that results from learning from mistakes or failure. Further, children that don’t have opportunities to fail or struggle and recover have lower self-confidence and a less developed self-concept. They tend to be more fearful of failure and less willing to try new things because they don’t know how they will handle it” (Bright Horizons, 2021).

So be a cheerleader, but not a taskmaster. Enjoy the vacation and try to do a little reading every night with your children, even if no actual work gets done. Write your children notes saying what you did accomplish over the break, even if the assigned work was not done.

Feel good knowing that if your child(ren) refuses to do the work, they are making a harmless mistake that will build resilience, and resilience is essential in raising a successful and confident adult.

Enjoy your vacation!

- 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.

Parenting Pearls

Acknowledging Parental Stress

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

Parenting is a full-time job, and it can be rather stressful. There’s no denying that children are the greatest bracha. But, even the most wonderful child can overwhelm a parent, at times. Even when the children are perfect, outside life can throw us more than we can handle.

Parenthood comes along with many responsibilities. We are given the serious responsibility to provide for all the needs of our young charges. There are extra visits to doctors, multiple trips to the grocery store, and carpools everywhere. There is also the increased financial burden of feeding, clothing, educating, and providing for our precious youth. Truly, we are balancing a lot. From wake-up to bedtime, we are on our toes taking care of sweet, but often irrational, little people.

Recognizing when we’re stressed and taking the steps to defuse that tension can go a long way towards our own sanity and increasing the shalom in our homes. Additionally, our children can’t help but notice and be affected by our increased stress.

Accept Being Human

First, let’s destigmatize being human and having human frailties. If Hashem wanted us to be perfect malachim, then we would’ve been created as such. As imperfect creatures in a complicated world, it is only natural that we will experience a range of emotions.

We have to decide how we will respond to feeling overwhelmed. We can choose to ignore our emotions but that usually just results in angry outbursts. We can feel guilty but that will only make us feel worse while we still have unhealthy feelings. Or, we can accept the reality and address our needs in a way that effectively reduces our tension.

Being honest and open about our needs gives us the opportunity to best address the issues. Additionally, our children are more aware of our range of moods than we may like. When we accept and work through our stress in a healthy manner, we are demonstrating to our children what their own response should be. We don’t want our children sulking through the house and tantrum-

ing nor do they want us doing the same.

We want to avoid the guilt that easily creeps in. The stress may be a minor problem that mushrooms into a giant one from guilt alone. In these cases, guilt does nothing positive and should be avoided as much as possible.

Prevention

We may benefit from thinking of stress as water in a tea kettle. Some of our youth may not recognize this ancient device, so I will include a brief description. During the olden days, we had little teapots that went on the stovetop. The water was in the base that sat on the flame and was poured out through a spout once it was heated. The handle on top allowed for easy pouring without risking burns. Part of the brilliance of this little archaic device was the perforated lid that covered the pouring spout. The lid remained closed to allow for quicker heating and could be moved away for pouring. Even more amazing was the high-pitched shrill that was

emitted through the little hole from the steam, indicating the contents were boiled. An experienced kettle user could recognize the early signs of the steam coming out before the full noise was produced. If the spout’s little cover was left open, the water took significantly longer to boil and it never produced the shrieking noise.

We are tea kettles. At some point, we all find that our water is beginning to boil. If we can’t get away from the heat, we need to at least open the lid and allow the steam to dissipate before it builds up and we scream.

Prevention is always better than dealing with a crisis, and there are times when we can anticipate increased stress levels. We all know certain situations will trigger this pressure in us. For some, it’s yomim tovim, while for others, it’s family visits or tax season. Anything can be a cause, even Monday arriving.

We’re not here to judge whether the stress is petty or serious; we simply need to accept the reality. It doesn’t matter whether or not we should experience

stress from any particular event; if it boils our water, then we need to deal with it.

As the Steam Builds

Some tension can’t be prevented, and the key is to defuse our intense emotions before we explode. It’s nice to think we won’t lose our self-control, but that’s unrealistic for the vast majority of society. Even for those who don’t act out from stress, the unhealthy buildup of steam can still affect their overall health and ability to function.

The key is to have a healthy method to lift the spout’s lid and defuse the tension before it gathers too much steam. Every person is different, and there isn’t one fail-proof method to release it. I can offer some suggestions, but the key is to see what works for your individual needs and do what you find effective.

Physical exercise is a wonderful de-stresser. It’s a great way to get out your pent-up energy and emotions. It can be something formal like a class but even just a good walk around the block or dancing through your living room can be effective. I know a few families that keep a punching bag in the house for these special occasions. In general,

keeping an active lifestyle can be an excellent preventive method against stress, and many gym rats will confess this is their real motive for attending.

Creative expression is an amazing form of home therapy. Examples include art and writing. Art is a wonderful form of relaxation. Adult coloring books – once unheard of – have now become commonplace with even Crayola having an entire adult division. Writing, too, has

in the company of a true friend can do wonders.

Hot drinks are underrated. There is something very calming to slowing down and sipping a hot beverage. Many consider it a bonus to enjoy their beverage with a trusted friend, but even solo indulgence can be therapeutic.

Reading is an easy way to get your mind focused elsewhere and feel relaxed. Curling up with a good book has been a

We are tea kettles.

long been known as an effective way to release unhealthy feelings. The therapeutic world is full of angry letters that were never sent. Music, too, is calming – both playing and listening.

Companionship or “hanging with friends” can be helpful. Many of us have that person with whom we can be ourselves and just relax. Being able to confide in someone you trust or spend time

cherished pastime for generations. With so many quality Jewish books, it’s easier than ever to find something you’ll enjoy. Besides the Jewish libraries that are an excellent resource, even the local public libraries have a Jewish section to cater to our community.

Breathing is crucial to sustain life, but it’s also an incredible method to calm oneself. Deep, relaxation breathing is an

excellent tool, and there are many techniques available. It’s helpful to learn and practice these deep breathing exercises when you’re not under stress so you’ll be proficient in them when the steam starts to boil. Meditation can also be helpful, and Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, zt”l, wrote a book on Jewish meditation for those who would prefer a Jewish perspective and method.

Therapy is an important option that anyone can benefit from. We shouldn’t allow embarrassment to hold us back from availing ourselves of the experience of a professional.

Accepting our limitations and managing our feelings effectively are important in maintaining our emotional health. When keeping ourselves functioning at our emotional best, we’re also providing for our children the best parent we can.

Have a peaceful Shabbos!

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.

Health & F tness

Vacations the Healthy Way

By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN

While vacations are meant for relaxing and escaping routine, taking a break from our health and ensuring we continue to remain well-nourished is not an option. With resorts that offer unlimited buffets or airports that offer no healthy food, it can be easy to either overindulge or forget to eat entirely. During vacations it is important to remain thoughtful over our food choices and plan ahead to ensure we do not stray from our health goals.

Flights/Traveling

Finding nutritious food at the airport or during a flight is often challenging. Airports and flights typically offer fast food options, serving fried or high calorie meals, as well as snacks that are high in sodium and added sugar. Going to the airport prepared with packed snacks/meals or eating in advance is important to ensure you are not forced to rely on airport food.

Prior to traveling it is crucial to eat a

nutritious meal that is high in fiber and protein to enable you to remain satiated during your travels. Packing snacks such as all natural fruit bars or apple chips that don’t contain added sugar, or individually portioned 100 calorie bags of popcorn or whole grain pretzels, is also advisable. Being prepared before you travel will guarantee that you will remain well-nourished, as well as avoiding the high prices that individuals are often forced to pay at the train station or airport. Additionally, consuming a nutritious meal/snacks as well as remaining hydrated will help to prevent bloating and constipation, which many individuals experience during long flights or other forms of transport.

When traveling, it is often easy to forget to drink fluids, particularly as liquids are typically not allowed through security at airports. Bringing an empty water bottle and filling it up at the airport’s water fountain or purchasing a water bottle at the airport will allow you to remain hydrated throughout your travels.

Skiing

Skiing is phenomenal exercise and causes you to burn calories; therefore, it is important to provide your body with enough fuel for a day at the mountains. Just like at airports or train stations, it may also be difficult to find nutritious and/or kosher food options at the ski slopes, so preparing for the day is essential. Prior to leaving for the day make sure you eat a healthy breakfast that is high in fiber and protein. This will enable you to remain satiated and give you the energy you need. Breakfasts such as an omelet with vegetables and whole-wheat avocado toast or high protein, low-fat greek yogurt with nuts, seeds, and berries, and high fiber cereal are both excellent ways to start the day.

It is important not to skip lunch as you need enough energy for skiing and to prevent you from starving and overindulging later on at dinnertime. Packing a lunch for a day at the slopes and bringing whole-wheat bread or wraps for preparing sandwiches with protein filling such as turkey, lox, or tuna is im-

portant to enable you to have a nutritious meal on the mountains.

Additionally, don’t forget to bring snacks to sustain yourself. Protein bars that are low in sugar such as RX bars or No Cow bars are good options to keep handy in your ski coat pockets. While drinking cold beverages in the snow may be challenging, it is important to remain hydrated, and consuming warm herbal teas will prevent you from becoming dehydrated. Please remember that most hot chocolates are loaded with sugar!

Warm Weather

When lounging by the pool or beach, it can be easy to forget to eat, however, skipping meals is not advisable since it will cause you to become hungry and possibly (probably) overindulge at dinner. During the day, try to limit/avoid fried or high sugar snacks such as ice cream, chips, or fries. When snacking at the pool, pack veggies with hummus or whole grain pretzels and popcorn. These

will help keep you satiated throughout the day and are nutritious options. Fruit is the best option – such as an apple or pear, they are filling, crunchy and transport easily. Other great snack options are watermelon or fresh fruit smoothies, which are highly refreshing!

Although some may wish to indulge in cocktails or other alcoholic beverages when on vacation, try to keep these to a minimum and consume them in moderation as opposed to every day. Drinks such as pina-coladas and beer are high in sugar and carbs, and drinking alcohol daily can put pressure on your liver. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that men drink no more than two alcoholic beverages per day and women no more than one.

Drinking plenty of water during and in-between meals is critical to prevent dehydration, which we are particularly at risk for in the sun.

When ordering food at restaurants try to limit fried foods and focus on lean protein options such as baked fish, grilled chicken, or lean meat. Always order a non-fried veggie or salad. Ask for dressings and sauces on the side so you can maintain control of how much is being poured over your food without

having to consume unnecessary calories. Additionally, when at restaurants, try not to order more than one course, as this can result in weight gain. Due to large portions often served at restaurants, it may be advisable to share meals or to package your food for the next day. Mindful indulgences are certainly in order, especially on vacation. Choose your

Going on vacation and maintaining health goals can often be challenging. While it may be more difficult with a lack of kitchen, absence of familiar foods, constantly being surrounded by enticing food options, or a total lack of nutritious food, with the correct planning, staying on track is completely possible! Don’t skip meals because this will

treat, eat a few bites, and then move on!

Exercise is also important when on vacation. While it may be challenging to work out during the heat of the day, going on a walk or light jog early in the morning or late afternoon is a good way to maintain your fitness. Swimming, tennis, and biking are all great forms of exercise in the sun! Make sure to incorporate some kind of physical activity into your daily schedule.

lead to either making poor food choices or overindulgence. Try to go to the supermarket and purchase bottles of water and healthy snack options that you can keep in your room. This will both help to save you money and ensure that you do not go hungry throughout the day.

While going on vacation and stepping outside of your routine may seem daunting when considering how to

meet your health goals, through proper preparation and being mindful with your choices you will not need to compromise! Preparation is key to your vacation success. Pack healthy snacks, whole-wheat bread, low-fat peanut butter, and even pre-cooked frozen food if you know that you will have limited access to these items on the trip. Bringing a frying pan and burner or Betty Crocker Pizza Maker can be very helpful when one is faced with a lack of resources. Allow yourself to mindfully indulge occasionally, such as treating yourself once a day, just not at every meal and in-between meals! The goal for vacation is not to lose weight, but rather to do your best to maintain, or minimize a gain, and to eat healthy most of the time. Wishing all of my readers wonderful and safe travels!

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

Preparation is key to your vacation success.

Fd for Thought Fireside

By Nati Burnside

Fireside has been around for more than seven years and is still going strong. Whereas they originally opened as the sole high-end option in the Monsey area, they now have quite a bit of competition.

So why stick with the old favorite? Well, over the years, they’ve expanded their space to include more seating and party rooms to better service the community. They’ve also upped their game with an impressive array of cocktails that include house-made ingredients such as ginger beer and raspberry syrup. The ambiance is still a great one for any kind of fun night out.

But, when I was invited to Fireside, I was there with one goal in mind: The Meat Board.

That’s not to say that there aren’t other things on the menu that are worth going for, but The Meat Board is a truly unique item in the kosher restaurant world. Is there maybe some place that could make you something similar? Sure, but it’s not already on the menu, staring back at you as you sit across from the only other person you came with as you think to yourself, “I wish I had enough people to order that thing…”

The logical conclusion? Get yourself a crew and embrace the evening. This might mean a group of friends who you don’t see that often. Or maybe it’s a handful of couples where you always see each other on Shabbat and say you should get together at a restaurant, but you never do. Whatever the reason, The Meat Board is going to make the night feel like something great is happening.

Before we get to the main event, what about appetizers? Well, that depends on how many people you have and how hungry the group is. I’d say that if you were a group of six big eaters, you could take down the board if that was your whole meal.

Eight people is a more reasonable number to eat the board (and only the

board) as there’s certainly enough food there for eight people to walk away full. But a group of ten might be optimal for a few reasons.

Firstly, you can split some of the appetizers. I wouldn’t be too overzealous given the incoming board, but if you’re going to order something, here are a few recommendations.

It might sound insane given some of the more exotic choices, but go for the Beer Battered Chicken Fingers. With a flight of three dipping sauces, you’ll marvel at the amazing fluffiness of the meat and the lightness of the coating. The beer batter really sets them apart from the standard.

The Gravy Fries are also not to be missed. While many places try to make some version of the French Canadian street delicacy, few end up with a product that is truly memorable. In this case, the garlic aioli and beef gravy come together in a creamy base that is then topped with pieces of smoked beef. With more options for loaded fries than ever, this is a noteworthy version.

On to the main event, the board will come to your table carried by two servers who will place it on metal stands capable of supporting its significant weight. You’ll likely be taken aback by the initial sight, but that shock will abate rather quickly as your plate yearns to be filled with an assortment of the delicious eats that sit before you.

Having The Meat Board at your table is like having your own awesome private buffet. It features multiple types of steak including their massive two-person tomahawk, a delicious pepper-crusted Delmonico, and a beautiful chimichurri skirt steak. Other entrees from the menu that are on the board include the remarkably tender fruit-glazed short rib, a triple portion of the savory chicken marsala, and a double portion of their famous skillet pastrami.

Then there’s the stuff that isn’t on the regular menu but is made special just for

the Board. A succulent veal chop and an entree-sized portion of tangy barbeque boneless ribs are welcome additions. The veal chop alone might be reason enough to order the Board. There’s also an off-menu heap of tasty lamb bacon to enjoy.

With all the meat involved, you might (or might not) be asking where the carbs and vegetables are. Well, there’s a decent amount of creamy smashed Yukon potatoes, whatever the seasonal vegetable is (currently string beans), and a bowl of house slaw. Last, but certainly not least, is your choice of one of the meat pizzas.

For those unaware, Fireside is the birthplace of the kosher restaurant meat pizza craze. They offer three types of pies and each one can be made with a thin crust or deep dish style. I recommend the deep dish above the thin crust, and both the original and the East Side are great choices. If you can’t decide, get one as an appetizer so you can try both.

If you somehow still have room, Fireside also has a Dessert Board. While it says it feeds four, that might be a low estimate if you’ve just devoured The Meat Board. It might be a nice, final treat for those with a sweet tooth to cap an amazing night out.

It’s got lava cake, crème brulee, mousse, ice cream, zeppoles, cake, macarons, a waffle with toppings, fruit, and a

Fireside

whole portion of cotton candy. Similar to The Meat Board, you just can’t get everything from this selection by ordering off the regular menu.

Why not just use items already on the menu? Because Fireside’s management finds it creatively challenging to choose what goes on these boards, and using some off-menu items makes it more fun. That challenge is one they embrace as they truly enjoy catering to large groups. And while the $619 price tag on The Meat Board (and $95 for The Dessert Board) might make it hard to pull the trigger, I’d estimate that you’re getting a 25%+ discount off of the prices if everything could be ordered individually.

So, next time you’re planning a sizable get-together, and you’re looking for an upscale yet fun setting…now you know where to go. There’s nothing like sensing the envy of the other diners when they see The Meat Board approaching your table.

Do the responsible thing. Share that feeling with as many people as you can.

Meat - Steakhouse - Waiter Service (845)-517-3570

FiresideKosher.com Monsey, NY Rabbi Binyomin Gruber

In The K tchen

Tahini Chilean Sea Bass

By Naomi Nachman

Ami magazine recently took one of my popular fish recipes, Sake Sea Bass, from my book “Perfect Flavors” gave it an updated twist by swapping out the miso for techini. I love their idea and had to share it with my readers.

◦

Ingredients

1/3 cup sweet white wine

◦ 1/3 cup pure tahini (sesame paste)

◦ 2 tablespoons soy sauce

◦ ¼ cup toasted sesame oil

◦ 3 tablespoons honey

◦ 4 (6-ounce) Chilean sea bass fillets, each about 3/4-inch thick

◦ 2 tablespoons scallions, for garnish

◦ 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds, for garnish

Preparation

1. Mix wine, tahini, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey in a shallow glass baking dish. Add fish; turn to coat. Cover; refrigerate at least two hours and up to six hours.

2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Remove fish from marinade, reserving marinade; place fish on prepared baking sheet. Bake 30 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

4. Prepare the glaze by adding reserved marinade to a small pot; cook over medium heat until reduced by half.

5. When ready to serve, spoon some of the glaze over fillets. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

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.

Photo C R edit AM i M AGA zine

Mind Y ur Business

Richard Solomon & Real-Life Lessons of the Business World

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) sat down in conversation with guest, noted attorney Richard Solomon, in which they each shared some of the most valuable real-world business lessons they have learned in their years of experience.

* * *

YS: The first major business takeaway I’d like to share is to “plan for Plan A, prepare for Plan B.” A person always has to be prepared for Plan B. Of course, you should have everything scripted out and drilled down in order to make sure that your Plan A is solid. But sometimes, there are surprises. They’re unavoidable. So, for anyone, whether in business or just in life, it’s okay to chart out and have your Plan

A down to a science, however, always prepare for Plan B. Richard, what is one major piece of advice you would like to share?

RS: Providence favors the bold. You’ve got to take chances in business. Not risky chances – everything has to be measured – but you have to put yourself out there. You and I both took chances by working in radio, by writing books, you took a chance by starting Business Class, those were all chances. Even though the world is a lot different now, there are fewer trade shows and things are more virtual, you still need to increase your surface area. You need to be out in the real world as much as you can. You still always need to have business cards. The rules haven’t changed. You need to be bold. You need to take chances. You need to express yourself. Show everyone your unique attri-

butes, your approaches to business, and unique marketing ideas.

Another great one we hear all the time is “don’t give up before you try.” It sounds so simple. But there are many times when people will say, “This is never going to work because of X, Y and Z.” Now, you can’t ignore common sense. You have to factor in real world realities. But at the same time, don’t give up. There are so many times people will just give up. But did you try? Don’t give up before you try. It’s very important advice.

I’m going to give you two for the price of one. You need to be your own advocate and you need to be your own customer support. Advocate for yourself. If you think you have an idea, advocate for

yourself. If you feel that you’re not being heard, you’re not getting your message across, advocate. Don’t just stand there. Advocate.

And that’s coming from an attorney! Another important one is, don’t overplay a bad hand. One of the things that you see in business, in negotiations, tradeoffs, and lawsuits, is people constantly overplaying a bad hand. They just have a two, a jack, and a six. That’s a terrible hand. But they’re playing it as if it’s a royal flush. If you have a bad hand, make the most of it, but don’t overplay it. You have to cut your losses.

In a similar vein, don’t cry over spilled milk, but don’t let the milk

Richard Solomon

spill again. People are human. People make mistakes. It happens. But what are you doing to ensure that the mistake is not repeated? So often, people will make the same mistakes again and again. Call a timeout, do a post-mortem. What could you do differently to avoid repeating the same mistake?

A long time ago, I was listening to an interview with Carlos Santana, the guitarist and famous musician. And one thing he said that really struck me was, “Change is inevitable. Growth is an option.” It really stuck because change is truly inevitable. If you look at the way the world was and how business was done in the ‘80s, ‘90s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s, the transitions of technology have been incredible. I mean, we’re on Zoom now. But who knew what Zoom was back then? This is like something the Jetsons would have thought about. Change is inevitable. But growth truly is an option. Because if you’re not willing to adapt and embrace that change, you will be left behind.

Another one I feel is very relevant is to never guess when the data exists. I can’t tell you how often I see this. People are having a conversation and they will say, “Well, I guess,” even when the data exists. When the data does not exist, it’s okay to guess. It’s called a guesstimate. It’s something that comes from life experience, wisdom, and a variety of other factors. Then you can make a calculated risk decision, but it’s based on information you don’t have. However, never guess when the data exists. It’s so important. If you’re having a conversation with someone, and there is data to back you up, why guess? Just call a timeout and say, “You know what? I’m going to check that out. I’m going to get the actual data.”

Here’s another two-part one. Part one, be careful of hot mics. A lot of times, people will think that a Zoom meeting is over and start talking. I stayed on one Zoom meeting, and I heard all of the people talking about their settlement parameters, which they really shouldn’t have done because I learned all of their cards in the whole settlement game. Finally, someone said, “Is Rich still on?” I just said, “Yeah,” but I had already heard 20 minutes of banter that maybe they should have kept to themselves.

Part two, be careful when you hit “reply all.” For example, in the court system, you will get emails between all these peo -

ple, including judges and other staff, and then you’ll see someone hit “reply all” and include all of them in their email. So, be careful when you hit “reply all.”

Never be oblivious to the obvious. For example, there was a polling company that needed to run a poll to figure out how Orthodox Jewish voters would vote in a certain election. Now, in general, these phone polls are conducted on Friday night. So, the polling company wasn’t getting any type of results because, of

er, the pessimist always kind of spirals downward. They just obsess over challenges and therefore can’t move forward.

Leadership needs to lead. You actually need strong leadership. You need to have a vision and that vision needs to be communicated, and it needs to be executed. Too often, leadership leads from behind. That doesn’t work. In business, you have to be out there. You have to motivate your people. You have to problem solve. Be resilient. Know that change is inevitable and embrace it all. There’s a lot of dynamic uncertainty out there.

ing to be acclimated and trained on how to solve the problems on their own. So, if you’re a great problem solver, that’s great. But don’t try to always jump in and save the day because you will condition the team to always run to you to bail them out. You have to train people on how they can also solve problems.

Strike while the iron is cold. Why cold? A lot of times, there’s heated discussion, a lot of emotion, and you can’t talk to people because it’s just too hot. You know, in the military, they talk about hot landing zones. Sometimes, you just need to wait for things to cool down, so that calmer heads can prevail. And that’s why you have to strike while the iron is cold.

course, they’re calling Orthodox Jews on Friday night during Shabbos! They were oblivious to the obvious. Sure, they didn’t know that. But the point is to always just think about what you’re suggesting. Make sure that it’s a rock-solid idea. Never be oblivious to the obvious.

So, my next one is “what makes you think I put everything in the book?” I’ll give you a good example. I was litigating in a small claims court and I saw that my opponent took out and was using my book, “Winning in the New York Small Claims Court.” He showed it to me and said, “It’s a great book.” And we just trashed and killed him in court. As I walked out, I said to him, “What makes you think that I put everything I know in that book?” Always reach for real expertise, not just the book.

This is really a profound one. Pessimists focus on challenges. Optimists focus on solutions. There are people out there that just always run into problems. In fact, Norm Trainor has a great way of saying it, he said, “There are problem finders and problem solvers.” Optimists focus on solving issues. They don’t see roadblocks, just speed bumps. They understand it. They understand that there are some challenges along the way, but they don’t obsess over the challenges, they focus on the solutions and are successful in their goals. Howev-

I’d like to share a quote that has to do with my line of work. “Marketing’s role is to educate. The role of sales is to close.” Now, those who are in the sales and marketing world usually do realize this, but I know when I’ve shared this line, it hits home in a very strong way. The role of marketing is to educate, to create awareness, to build out the environment, to establish a narrative. However, the role of a salesperson is to close. The role of a salesperson is not to educate. Ideally, when a salesperson walks into a room to close a deal, the prospective client is fully educated on the product in advance.

One of my favorite quotes is, “I started with nothing, and I have most of it left.” There’s this concept that you need money to make money. I’ve interviewed a lot of very famous people like Steve Wozniak, and they all say, “I started with nothing,” and a lot of them really did. They started with very humble means, and yet they built empires on products that are now standard for everyday life. So, I always joke around, “I started with nothing; I have most of it left.” Now the truth is, you don’t want to have most of it left, except maybe only in the first inning.

Being a great problem solver can actually be a great problem. If you’re always going to jump in to be the safety net and solve the problem, then that’s a problem because the team is not go-

Don’t just look to solve an immediate problem. Rather resolve to look and solve the root of the problem. Many times, people are fixing the pothole, but the pothole keeps happening. Why are you just showing up with that pavement truck and not looking at the roadbed itself and fixing it? Don’t just look to solve the immediate problem. Find the root of the problem. Then you’ll be able to snuff out that issue so it doesn’t happen again in the future.

My final piece of advice is stand by your product. If you can’t stand by it, don’t sell it. So often, people call customer service, and they either don’t support the product or they don’t know how to support the product. You have to support your product. You have to stand behind it. That’s your reputation. That’s your brand. And by the way, the internet will make sure its reputation is spread far and wide if you don’t.

“Change is inevitable. Growth is an option.”

Notable Quotes

“Say What?!”

I identify as a black San Francisco resident. - One of many tweets in response to the San Francisco reparations panel suggesting a one-time payment of $5 million to each black resident

The cost of living in San Francisco is high. On top of that, eggs are close $10 per dozen and bread prices are rising. This is inadequate. It needs to be doubled at a minimum.

- Ibid.

Meet Ralphie. At first glance, he’s an adorable, highly sought after, young dog. People should be banging down our doors for him…. Ralphie is a terror in a somewhat small package…. We’d caution – proceed at your own risk….

When confronted with the question, if Trump is the party’s nominee and he’s running against Biden, who would you vote for? And I say it’s hard for me to see — I just find it hard to believe that I could vote against the Republican nominee under those circumstances, because I think the main threat to the United States and the main danger to our democracy, frankly, is the sort of radical progressive movement and the lurch to the left that has taken place.

- Former Attorney General William Barr on HBO

Bill Maher

More than the guy who you actually said tried to steal an election?

– Bill Maher

Absolutely.

- William Barr

It’s interesting how Biden and Trump have handled their situations differently. Biden has new documents found every week, while Trump went for the Netflix-style, binge-all-at-once release.

— Jimmy Fallon

He was rehomed. Two weeks into this new home and he was surrendered to us because “annoys our older dog.” What they actually meant was: Ralphie is a fire-breathing demon and will eat our dog, but hey, he’s only 26lbs.

Lots of people withheld Ralphie’s less than desirable traits, but we’re going to tell you all about it. He’s a whole jerk – not even half….

The ideal home for Ralphie is the Mother of Dragons, or an adult home free of other animals, with an owner who will lead him calmly and sternly…

Serious inquiries only. No, we will not make exceptions. No takesy backsies (kidding, obviously).

- From a Facebook post from the Niagara SPCA about an “adorable” dog named Ralphie who is looking for a new home

with

What we’re witnessing is a circus, not a government.

- Opposition chairman Yair Lapid after Israel’s Supreme Court ruled that Aryeh Deri can’t be a minister in the new Netanyahu government

Every time a right-wing government wins an election these days, the immediate refrain from the dominant global media is that it’s a threat to democracy. Israel’s new government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is getting this treatment now, and a brawl over that country’s Supreme Court illustrates why the issue is more complicated than the media narrative.

- The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board in an article titled: “Who’s Threatening Israeli Democracy? Israel’s Supreme Court makes the best case for its own reform”

Israel’s Supreme Court has more power than America’s but without the democratic checks. Unbound by any constitution, and loosed from requirements of standing and justiciability, Israel’s court strikes down laws that it finds merely “unreasonable,” which can cover most anything. Israel’s court even has a veto on the appointment of new justices, in contrast to the U.S. where the President and Senate share the appointment power.

– Ibid.

I thank Mr. Ammar Moussawi of Hizbullah for a tour d’horizon on issues of priority for #Lebanon, including the election of a new President, the functioning of state institutions and the impact of regional and international developments on the country.

- Tweet by Joanna Wronecka, the U.N.’s special coordinator for Lebanon, thanking one of the heads of Hezbollah, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the State Department

Is this real..?? An official Senior UN Representative thanks the terrorist organization responsible for the murder of a UN peace keeper for “a tour d’horizon”!!!

- Response by Joshua Zarka, head of strategic affairs in Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

So how does it feel to be indoctrinated by a terrorist? Care to share with us?

- Response by Yaki Lopez, head of public diplomacy at Israel’s embassy in Berlin

I remember several years ago, then-Sen. Biden in the late ‘80s was speaking at Wake Forest University and one of the things that he was saying is that we’re having a proliferation of drugs being shipped into our country and that is an act of war. Well, yesterday, I heard one of my fellow mayors say something that just struck a chord with me, that fentanyl coming from China is a weapon of mass destruction.

– West Virginia Mayor Steve Williams (D) on CNN

Kristen is like the last Infinity Stone to the People’s Republic of Astoria. With her election, we now have DSA members elected to every level of government!

- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Dem/Socialist- NY) speaking at the inauguration of a fellow Democrat Socialist, jokingly referring to Astoria by mirroring the name of the People’s Republic of China… a wonderful Communist country

Ethnically insensitive and pejorative language has no place in official government documents or government employee titles. The government has a responsibility to respect its citizens and use ethnically appropriate language, particularly when referring to ethnic minorities.

- Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-AR) on Fox News explaining why she banned the made-up term “Latinx” from all state documents

The call from Yossi Cohen, the head of the Mossad, arrived shortly after I had stepped off a plane in a European capital. I turned around and went back onboard, where we had communications equipment suitable for a classified conversation with the leader of Israel’s intelligence agency. The voice on the other end was calm but serious: “Mike, we just had a team complete a very important mission, and now I’m having a bit of trouble extracting some of them. Can I get your help?”

– Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo disclosing in his new book that the CIA helped extract Mossad agents from a sticky situation

Whenever Yossi called, I took it. He did the same for me.... I was there to help our friends, no questions asked, no matter the risks. My people swung into action across the world. We connected with his team, and within twentyfour hours, we had guided them to safe houses. Within the next two days, they were back in their home countries without the world ever knowing that one of the most significant clandestine operations ever conducted was now complete.

- Ibid. There’s no there there.

- President Joe Biden, when asked about his classified documents scandal, responding with the most annoying political catchphrase ever

If you’re a normal person, it’s a pretty weird experience watching Joe Biden’s presidency get euthanized by his own party. On one hand, there’s an undeniable thrill to it. You have to admit that. Biden is the most destructive president in American history. More things have broken under his watch than under any other president.

– Tucker Carlson

Joe Biden deserves to be driven from office and disgraced, but for this? Breaking federal classification rules, some of the stupidest and most dishonest laws Congress has ever passed? It’s like arresting El Chapo for expired plates. It’s missing the point, but it looks like that’s what’s going to happen.

- Ibid.

It seems like every day, one of Joe Biden’s lawyers shows up with more sheaves of classified documents like a dog who has found another dead chipmunk under the house. This bunch was in his office at Penn, the one paid for by the Communist Party of China. These were found next to his sad, little midlife crisis sports car in a garage in Delaware and so on. You keep waiting for the White House physician to announce another document trove has been discovered after a routine colonoscopy. It could happen, because at this point, you know exactly where this story is heading.

- Ibid.

Permanent Washington does not want Joe Biden to run for president again. This is how they’re sending that message.

- Ibid.

Xi’s Course Correction Reveals an Agile Autocrat Under Pressure

By David Ignatius

Chinese President Xi Jinping likes to cultivate an aura of careful, well-planned policy. He claims that’s the advantage of autocracy. But the past few months have looked more like an impulsive, zigzag journey along the edge of a cliff.

Xi in December announced a stunning reversal of major Covid-19, economic, and technology policies. This turnabout came just two months after an arrogant display at the Communist Party’s 20th Congress, during which Xi had seemed to be doubling down on failing strategies.

Xi didn’t explain or apologize in December. He just changed course. That illustrates his tactical agility and also his shamelessness about rewriting party doctrine. It also shows how erratic Xi can be and how important it is for the United States and China to establish guardrails so that misunderstandings on security issues don’t turn into disasters. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will try to deepen this U.S.-China dialogue when he visits Beijing next month.

An examination of Xi’s recent U-turns was compiled by the Asia Society Policy Institute, headed by Kevin Rudd, a former Australian prime minister and a China expert. In a paper released this week, the Society’s Center for China Analysis catalogued the policy changes, many of them announced during a meeting in December of the party’s Central Economic Work Conference. Their account matches recent reporting by Pamir Consulting, a leading advisory firm based in Vienna, Va.

The most dramatic change was the party’s “backflip,” as the Asia Society paper calls it, on its “zero Covid” policy. In his October speech to the congress, Xi had described his lockdown strategy as “an all-out people’s war to stop the spread of the virus.” But at that time, U.S. officials believe, Xi probably knew that the

omicron variant had spread so widely that it couldn’t be contained. Rather than admit error – and prepare to treat a spread of disease that could lead to 1.7 million covid deaths in his country by April, according to the British analytics firm Airfinity –Xi just waited.

Public anxiety mounted, and, by late November, protesters were in the streets of Beijing and Shanghai, holding blank pieces of paper because they feared the consequences of sending an explicit message of criticism. “The party appears to have been caught by surprise” by the protests, the Asia Society writes. “There followed a fortnight of political indecision…about the degree of suppression that would be tolerated to bring protesters back under control.”

Without any official explanation, Xi reversed course on December 8. China’s National Health Commission announced an end to automatic lockdowns, mandatory testing, and strict travel and quarantine rules. Evidently, Xi realized that the lockdowns – while failing to halt the virus – were freezing the country’s econ-

omy and jeopardizing his legitimacy as leader. A Pamir report explained: “China’s economic slowdown depleted financial resources for Chinese local governments and made Zero Covid unsustainable.”

Xi next moved to reverse the neo-Maoist economic policies that had demoralized Chinese entrepreneurs and enfeebled the country’s tech and real estate sectors. The Asia Society notes a series of changes in the December Work Conference report from the previous year’s version. The new edition was “less ideological,” more supportive of “market vitality and creativity,” and more enthusiastic about consumer spending. Previous references to “common prosperity,” a buzz phrase that Xi had used to undermine successful business leaders, were dropped.

The conference report’s language “could indicate a relaxing of heavy-handed measures that have punished the Chinese tech sector,” according to a Pamir report this week. The financial markets certainly think so. Shares of Chinese technology companies have risen sharply recently.

Xi’s December turnabout was sensible enough; many of his left-wing policies should never have been adopted in the first place. What was so Orwellian was that the changes were announced without any admission that Xi was altering direction. Since 2017, he had been gradually “advancing the state while restricting the private sector,” the Asia Society notes, with costs that economists could have predicted. In December – poof! – Xi reversed course.

Rudd’s explanation for this change is that “the party panicked” in late November and early December as protests spread, Covid surged, and the economy plummeted. Xi’s about-face might have averted disaster, but Rudd argues in an email accompanying the Asia Society report that his “political standing will take a medium-to-long term hit from such a dramatic policy U-turn and so little preparation for it.” Xi retains total control of the party, but more mistakes like last year’s could encourage opposition.

What are the lessons for the Biden administration? First, it is clearer than ever that Xi is an agile autocrat; his sense of self-preservation kicked in last month as he was nearing a precipice. Second, even in Xi’s police state, the Chinese can still exercise “people power” when they dare to use it.

Finally, the past two months were a reminder that Xi is ruthlessly unpredictable – a leader who will turn on a dime to get what he wants.

Is Xi’s new economic-reform tilt permanent, or simply a tactical shift? Has he learned anything from his Covid mistakes? As always with Xi, the best answer is to test him. The Chinese leader is a master of going in two directions at once.

Political Crossfire

After Often-Gloomy Davos, I’m Still Optimistic About the Future

By Fareed Zakaria

Davos is back with a bang. After returning to in-person meetings with a belated, pared-down version last May, this week the World Economic Forum’s annual conference has been packed with attendees trying to learn more about the world in 2023. It’s not a bad place to try. The conference was a truly global event; I was able to meet with Chinese officials, American CEOs, Ukrainian human rights activists, and Middle Eastern entrepreneurs.

Every year, some country or trend is surrounded by buzz. This year, there were three such topics – the Gulf States, India, and artificial intelligence. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, flush with oil wealth, were showcasing their formidable ambitions. From India, which might be the most optimistic country in the world right now, came representatives of many of its states, competing with one another for attention and investment. And AI was the futuristic topic that almost no one really appeared to understand but everyone was discussing.

Outside these pockets of energy, though, there was certainly a lot of gloom and doom. The big geopolitical topic was, of course, Ukraine, where most see a long, hard, costly slog. On the economy, storied companies such as Microsoft and Goldman Sachs have announced layoffs, and others, write-downs. In the West, people worry about inflation. In many developing countries, they are bracing for debt crises and defaults.

The challenges facing the world are real, but I came out of Davos thinking the big story is actually much more positive. Despite a series of severe shocks –Covid-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, global energy and food crises, inflation – the West and its partners, from Kenya to Singapore, are stepping up, cooperating and forging a new way forward.

The United States is in remarkably good shape. The Federal Reserve appears to be on the right track in tackling inflation. President Biden has signed some of the largest, long-term investments in the U.S. economy since the era of Lyndon B.

the European nations came together and stayed together.

As Matthias Matthijs points out in an excellent essay in Foreign Affairs, Europe can boast of several achievements. Despite the costs of war, high energy pric -

If anything, they have had to trim their sails. The one European country that is floundering is Britain, but in a way, that actually highlights the costs of Brexit and the virtues of European unity and cooperation.

Meanwhile, the greatest rogue state in the world, Russia, is largely isolated, struggling to sell its natural gas (roughly three-quarters of which used to go to Europe) and cut off from the modern technology it needs to modernize its economy and war machine. Even China has signaled a greater distance between itself and Russia in recent weeks.

There are lots of problems out there, from Ukraine’s future to inflation to climate change. But the big story is the unity and resolve of the democratic world. That unity is much stronger than at any point during the Cold War, when major schisms between Europe and the United States were commonplace.

Johnson half a century ago. U.S. technology firms continue to break ground in every field from AI to new RNA drugs.

On Europe, in contrast, most people at Davos were pessimistic. But even here, what I find to be striking is that facing enormous challenges – the first fullblown geopolitical crisis on its doorstep in decades, a disastrous energy crisis –

es, and the burden of Ukrainian refugees, Europe has remained strongly united on Ukraine. It is weaning itself off Russian energy much faster than anyone predicted. The European Central Bank, like the Federal Reserve, is managing inflation reasonably well. Populists in Europe, such as Viktor Orban and Giorgia Meloni, have not been able to seize the agenda.

We have wondered for a while what would happen across the globe as the United States’ role as sole superpower ebbed and it lost the capacity or will to be the world’s policeman. Many predicted that we would see a return to anarchy or the law of the jungle, in which authoritarian states would ensure that might makes right. But there are encouraging signs that what we are actually witnessing is a new kind of order built on the unity and cooperation of the world’s free nations. To be sure, coalitions of the free are always messy and contentious: Their unity will have to stand, their cooperation will have to grow. But it is possible that we will look back at these years and see that the age of American leadership was slowly replaced by one of democratic leadership.

The big story is the unity and resolve of the democratic world.

Jewish History Mar-A-Lago is Not On the Way To Auschwitz

By Rafael Medoff

Anew record may have just been set—for the most Hitler analogies in a 24-hour period.

From Moscow to Mar-a-Lago, public figures this week were inappropriately invoking Nazi-related terms to denounce developments that did not at all resemble those of the Nazi era.

Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, declared that the United States and its European allies are attempting to solve “the Russian question” in the same way that “Hitler wanted a ‘final solution’ to the Jewish question.”

Meanwhile, more than five thousand miles away, former President Donald Trump tweeted that the FBI agents who recently removed classified government documents from his Mar-a-Lago residence were “the Gestopo” (as he spelled it).

Before the news cycle was done, a former Israeli attorney general called proposed judicial reforms in that country “a pogrom,” and New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman described those proposals as a “putsch,” the term commonly associated with Adolf Hitler’s failed coup attempt in 1923, known as the Beer Hall Putsch.

If such outbursts were an aberration, it would be bad enough. But there have been numerous such remarks flung about in public discourse in recent months—just not all in a single 24-hour period.

Filmmaker Ken Burns, speaking on CNN about Holocaust-era immigration policies, said the decision by Florida’s governor to fly fifty migrants to Martha’s

policies are even more dangerous than Hitler’s policies, since in Nazi Germany there was (he claimed) the option of “hiding in an attic, like Anne Frank did.”

At least Kennedy retracted and apologized for his comment. That’s rare among those who use Nazi analogies as political weapons.

Five years ago, the United States Ho -

camps.” Erbelding’s statement was made “in a personal capacity” and “does not reflect the position of the Museum,” the museum emphasized.

Given the sudden proliferation of comparable statements by public figures, at home and abroad, this might be a good time for the Holocaust Museum to publicly reiterate its opposition to Nazi analogies.

Vineyard was “straight out of the authoritarian playbook.”

Not to be outdone, the Republican nominee for governor of Illinois, Darren Bailey, declared that “the attempted extermination of the Jews of World War II doesn’t even compare on a shadow of the life that has been lost with abortion.”

And Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said last year that America’s Covid vaccination

locaust Memorial Museum announced that it “unequivocally rejects efforts to create analogies between the Holocaust and other events, whether historical or contemporary.”

It issued that statement after one of its staff historians, Rebecca Erbelding, expressed support for the claim by Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez that U.S. immigration facilities resemble “concentration

Such analogies both exaggerate contemporary controversies and minimize what the Nazis did. Policies concerning issues such as immigration, abortion, or Covid restrictions naturally generate intense debate. But it should be possible to discuss even the most sensitive issues without resorting to absurd and insulting historical comparisons. Abortion is not another Holocaust. America’s immigration facilities do not resemble Dachau. And Mar-a-Lago is not on the way to Auschwitz.

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.

Forgotten Her es

The Jumping General

By Avi Heiligman

The concept of combat troops jumping out of airplanes onto a battlefield or behind enemy lines was proposed in the latter stages of World War I. Future British Prime Minister Winston Churchill brought up the idea in 1917 to break the stalemate of trench warfare, but it took until the interwar period for the idea to become a reality. During World War II, the United States had five parachute divisions: the 11th Airborne, which operated in the Pacific; the 13th which remained stateside; and the 17 th , 82 nd (All American) and the 101 st (Screaming Eagles); which all made combat jumps into Europe. To lead them into combat, some generals made the jump with their troops. One general in particular was cited for his leadership during airborne operations.

Known as the general who jumped first, Major General James Gavin became the army’s youngest major general at the age of 37. In addition to jumping with his soldiers in practice, he made four combat jumps with the 82 nd Airborne Division during World War II.

James Gavin was a Brooklyn, NY, native who enlisted in the army in 1924 and was first stationed in Panama with the Coast Artillery. A year later, he enrolled in the military academy at West Point and after graduation held several posts before training at the new parachute school in 1941. Gavin was given command of Company C of the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) and in 1942 built the 505 th PIR from scratch. In mid-1943, the 505th and the rest of the 82nd Airborne Division shipped to North Africa to prepare for a combat jump into Sicily.

Operation Husky – the codename for the Sicily campaign – started on July 9, 1943, and the 505 th was the spearhead unit of the 82 nd . Their mission was to stop the German and Italian advance on the General George Patton’s 7 th Army that would be landing from the sea. Gavin and most of the other 3,400 paratroopers of the 505 th were dropped very far from their intended drop zones and

were scattered all across the island.

Clutching a M1 Garand rifle, Gavin gathered up the troops near him and marched to the sound of the guns and defeated a larger Italian unit in a skirmish. Small groups of paratroopers, who were miles away from their actual targets, were using guerilla tactics to make it appear that they had landed with many more men than were actually on the island. As the battle progressed, Gavin gathered up more men of his battalion and successfully defended the Biazzo Bridge that was being attacked by a German Panzer force. They were reinforced by six Sherman tanks, and Gavin led a counterattack that pushed back the Germans. For his efforts on Sicily, Gavin was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and was promoted to brigadier general.

In the months after Sicily, Gavin became the 82 nd assistant division commander and went to England to prepare for the D-Day invasion of France. Learning from the mistakes from the

achieve the division’s objectives. One of those objectives was to capture a causeway on the Merderet River. Along with division commander, General Mathew Ridgeway, the men charged down a path that was subject to heavy German fire. The division captured the causeway, and along the way Gavin personally calmed down several soldiers that froze due to the heavy enemy fire.

In August 1944, Gavin assumed command of the 82nd Airborne Division and on September 17, led them in another combat jump this time into the Netherlands. Called Operation Market Garden, the large combined airborne assault failed to achieve its objectives, and the plan to secure a bridgehead over the Rhine River failed. During the jump, Gavin landed on pavement instead of grass and injured his back. Despite the pain, Gavin led the division in the attack of a key bridge but only captured it when it was too late.

After the failed operation, the divi -

they were able to advance. After the initial shock of the surprise attack, the Allies pushed back the Germans all along the front.

In the weeks following the German attack, Gavin led the 82nd in a counter assault that erased the German advances. Soon, he was leading his division across the Elbe River and accepted the surrender of 150,000 German soldiers of the 21 st Army.

Sicily drop, Gavin helped establish the Pathfinders, who would jump ahead of the main paratroop assault to mark the landing zones. On June 6, 1944, Gavin jumped from a C-47 Skytrain transport plane in a heavy cloud cover. Like the Sicily invasion, this jump also scattered the paratroopers far away from the intended drop zones, which resulted in chaotic fighting until the division was able to establish a command post.

Gavin landed two miles from his intended drop zone and gathered up as many paratroopers as he could find to

sion stayed in the Netherlands before moving to new quarters in France. On December 16, the Germans launched a brutal assault on lightly defended Allied lines in the Ardennes Forest. Known as the Battle of the Bulge, Allied commanders sent every available unit to stop the German advance. The 82 nd was called up to stop German General Gerd Von Rundstedt’s forces before they reached the Meuse River in the northern sector. They were sent to the Liege area where they put up a successful defense, fighting off attack after attack for a week before

In the years following his retirement from the army, Gavin joined a management consulting firm and later became the American ambassador to France under President Kennedy. He passed away in 1990 and is remembered for his leadership under difficult conditions. Gavin’s personality and coolness under fire helped him gain the respect of his soldiers while leading from the front. He was rarely far away from the front lines during an intense battle and was quoted as saying that a commander belonged at the front with his soldiers.

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.

Despite the pain, Gavin led the division in the attack of a key bridge but only captured it when it was too late.

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HEWLETT

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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

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WOODMERE

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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

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

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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

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?

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Must sell for any reason? Call for FREE Consultation. Call now 212-470-3856 Cash buyers available!

CEDARHURST

Magnificent Bright & Sunny furnished 6 Bedroom, 5 Bath Home Prime location in Cedarhurst Features

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NORTH

WOODMERE

JUST LISTED

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WOODMERE

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8 WOODMERE BLVD.

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NORTH WOODMERE

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CEDARHURST

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LAWRENCE

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HOUSE FOR RENT

WOODMERE

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WOODMERE HOUSE RENTAL

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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

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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.

FOR RENT

For Rent: Double car garage for rent, located in Inwood remote opener. Ideal for a business looking for extra storage space. 675 $ per month   Text Menachem at 347-946-5406 to view

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

APT./COOP/CONDO

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

SALE APT./COOP/CONDO SALE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

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

HELP WANTED 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

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.

GENERAL STUDIES TEACHERS

5th Grade Master’s in Education or currently enrolled in Master’s Program preferable. Excellent opportunity for students pursuing a degree in education. Afternoon teaching hours. Warm, collaborative environment. Excellent Pay Email resume: cliebhard@darchei.org

YESHIVA OF SOUTH SHORE

Looking for assistants and a long term elementary permanent substitute teacher. Afternoon hours, excellent working conditions,, competitive pay.  Please send a resume to monika@yoss.org.

IMMEDIATE OPENING ELA teaching position for Gr. 5. Mon.-Thurs., afternoon hours. Far Rockaway/5T area. Competitive salary, warm supportive environment. Teachersearch11@gmail.com

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 No Way To Run a Railroad

By Allan Rolnick, CPA

On January 19 – possibly at the very moment you’re reading these words – the U.S. government will hit the $31.3 trillion debt ceiling. Roughly, this translates into maxing out Uncle Sam’s American Express card. That doesn’t mean he’ll stop spending, of course. Instead, we’ll be treated to the slow-motion trainwreck of watching a divided Congress raise that credit limit. The ceiling itself is an arbitrary number. It doesn’t create any new spending. It just gives the Treasury statutory permission to borrow more to cover what they’ve already spent. But failing to find a solution would essentially mean missing a payment on that AmEx bill. That, in turn, would destabilize credit markets, raise borrowing costs, and perhaps even trigger a recession.

In the meantime, the Treasury will turn to “extraordinary measures” to keep the government spending machine chugging along. In this case, “extraordinary measures” means a grab-bag of spending gimmicks, one step removed from check-kiting, that would embarrass an Enron accountant. It starts by suspending contributions to government retirement programs (with promises to make everyone whole when the crisis passes). As things get tighter, it

turns into the government equivalent of scrounging through couch cushions to buy ramen noodles until the next paycheck hits.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has told Congress she can delay the day of reckoning until sometime in June. At that point, if Congress hasn’t acted, we’ll have to turn to the real gimmicks.

4.5% for a one-year note – then repays your principal. When the Treasury sells the bond, that action increases the federal debt – and uses up part of the available debt ceiling – by the face amount of the bond.

allowance by just half of that amount. Clever!

That could include minting a trilliondollar platinum coin to give to the Federal Reserve to pay down part of the debt. And there’s another idea that could solve the problem, with a bit of tax planning thrown in on the side. It’s called the premium-bond gimmick.

Ordinarily, when you buy a government bond, you give the Treasury cash equal to the face value of that bond. The Treasury pays interest over time – say,

However, while the debt ceiling limits the amount the Treasury can borrow, it doesn’t limit the interest it can pay. So, try this on for size: the Treasury can issue a 100 $ bond today and promise a %109 interest rate. That bond is clearly worth more than 100 $ –in fact, it’s theoretically worth the same amount as two hundred-dollar bonds paying %4.5. That means buyers should be willing to pay a 100 $ premium to get their hands on that bond. And voila – now the Treasury has collected 200 $ but increased their debt-ceiling

Where do taxes come in? Here’s the problem: if you pay $100 for the bond, and the Treasury pays you $109 in interest, you’ll owe tax on the $109. But $100 of that really ought to be a taxfree return of your original principal. Fortunately, tax rules let you take the extra $100 premium you paid above face value and amortize it over the life of the bond or use it to raise your basis in the bond. Either strategy can avoid the extra taxes that Uncle Sam would have to compensate you for to entice you to take the deal.

Some people nickname their accountant “the chef” because of the way he cooks the books. If the premium-bond gimmick sounds like something “the chef “would whip up after a three-day bender, you’re probably not wrong. Is it madness? Is it genius? Is it both? Whichever, we’re here to help you take it in stride!

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.

Some people nickname their accountant “the chef” because of the way he cooks the books.

Is being pampered good for you?

Are you kidding me? That’s like asking is poison bad for you, only in reverse!

Everyone can use some pampering some time. What form it comes in – well, that may be more personal.

Take a massage, for instance – some people really need their tensions kneaded out. They are so happy to have someone help their body feel less tight and more worked through. Others just can’t relax during the whole thing. To them, it is just one big giggle-fest.

Pampering is not one size fits all.

We may all have different things that make us feel taken care of.

Many women enjoy a simple thing like getting their nails done. They sit on the chair across from the person manicuring them and they feel centered and happy, allowing themselves those moments of abandon.

For others, it’s just a pragmatic way to care for their nails – a simple stop between the supermarket and running to pick up the kids.

Still, for others, it’s actually unsettling. They sit there, wondering how long it’s going to take before the first chip shows up and ruins the whole look! Why are they even wasting this precious time for what can be just a few minutes of looking good?

Life C ach

Pamper or Pander

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

That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get their nails done, if they want to, but it certainly isn’t their form of pampering.

The universal tenet is that the pampering should make someone feel good, embraced, and cared for. We all could use that.

Close your eyes and think: “What makes me feel delicious?”

Is it receiving a compliment, a gift, a

ication, the interest, and the friendliness. And let me not kid you, it feels pretty good having someone else shlep my bags, too!

Generally, I’m the original bag lady – I absolutely shlep as much as I can myself! Though I’m not complaining. I figure I save on joining a gym.

Also, when I run up a flight of stairs, I tell myself that it’s a Stairmaster. When I bend for something that fell, I say that

miss the opportunity?

So here are two helpful ideas: one is help them help you, i.e., leave a friendly note around that makes them feel good and explains what you need.

For example, “I know you care so much to make me feel indulged. That’s what makes you so sweet and thoughtful. I was thinking I really could use a __________.”

The second idea is, don’t put it in the hands of another person! Remember, you matter. You deserve breaks and reinforcing. Especially, because when you do something nice for yourself, it helps you show up better in the world…

So, if you can’t find it in you to do it for you, at least do it for them!

day at a spa? Is it being treated like I matter, I count, I make a difference?

Is it relaxing your body, or your mind, or both?

Obviously, it shouldn’t be all the time. Then it’s not pampering, it’s pandering – to our every desire. And that might relax us – but it irritates everyone else around us. You can’t be catering to you all the time!

Balance, as always, is key.

I know when I go to a highly serviced hotel that I feel awesome. I enjoy the ded-

I’m doing toe-touches. When I shlep the water on my cart at Costco, I say I’m doing weights. I turn it into my own pampering.

I try to think of it as self-care, getting in shape. And I get to utilize what I bent for, retrieve something I left upstairs, and drink my weights. Not a bad deal…

Of course, it’s not my first choice in the way I want to be pampered, but it certainly helps turn inconveniences around.

I recognize that some of the best pampering comes from someone else doing it for you. The glitch is what if they

And if, in any way, they say something derogatory rather than appreciative about your self-care, clearly enlighten them: “Oh no, I didn’t do this for me, I did this for you – so you can get a better version of me!”

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.

I’m the original bag lady – I absolutely shlep as much as I can myself!