Five Towns Jewish Home 5.11.23

Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid and Kollel Tirtza Devorah

Dear Readers,

Iwas awed and inspired by the responses we received for our tribute to mothers this week. So many people spoke of their mother’s awesome, powerful traits that helped to mold them and make them who they are. Others spoke of their mother’s soft-spoken, quiet, gentle demeanor, the hugs and kisses that made them feel secure. Some wrote about their mother’s upbeat positivity, the forward-looking optimism that always saw the sun peeking out of the clouds. In every lesson or story, you felt the admiration and appreciation for the person whom they call “mother.”

I wondered: as these mothers were busy being mothers during their years rearing their children, did they realize how much of an impact they were having on their daughters and sons? Did they recognize that their children were absorbing the lessons that they were subconsciously giving over?

It’s possible that they were not fully cognizant of the significance of their mundane actions in their children’s daily lives. As mothers, so much of our days are busy with the minutiae of life – the laundry that has to be done, the food that has to be prepared, the carpools that have to be run. But in between piles of folded shirts and socks, our children absorb the subtle messages that are being imparted.

You see, lessons of emunah and positivity and independence are not supposed to

be given over in grandiose speeches and presentations. Sure, we love to hear those lessons and stories once in a while. But to truly absorb these messages, one needs to see them and feel them being modeled consistently.

And what better way to model them through the “mundane” work of motherhood? Loading the dishwasher and sauteing the onions take on added meaning when we’re aware that it’s not just about the dishes; it’s about showing and modeling for our children the important, underlying messages of life. How we complete these tasks tells our children so much more about ourselves and our priorities in life.

There’s an anonymous poem that poignantly portrays this idea. Every time I read the poem, it reminds me of the monumental task of being a parent.

“There are little eyes upon you/And they are watching night and day/There are little ears that quickly take in every word you say.

“There are little hands all eager/To do everything you do/And a little boy who’s dreaming/Of the day he’ll be like you…

“You are setting an example/Every day in all you do/For the little boy who’s waiting/To grow up to be just like you.”

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern,

PUBLISHER

publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Yosef Feinerman, MANAGING EDITOR ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Shoshana Soroka, EDITOR editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Nate Davis

Editorial Assistant

Nechama Wein

Copy Editor

Rachel Bergida

Shana Brecher

Lani White

Design & Production

Gabe Solomon

Distribution & Logistics

P.O. BOX 266

Lawrence, NY 11559

Phone | 516-734-0858

Fax | 516-734-0857

Classified Deadline: Monday 5:00PM classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com

text 443-929-4003

PAYMENT VIA CREDIT CARD MUST BE SUBMITTED ALONG WITH CLASSIFIED ADS

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

Shabbos Zemanim

Friday, May 12

Parshas Behar - Bechukosai

Candle Lighting: 7:43 pm

Shabbos Ends: 8:50 pm

Rabbeinu Tam: 9:15 pm

Mostly Sunny Mostly Sunny Mostly Sunny

Dear Editor, Harvard educated David Sacks, a writer and Emmy winner for “The Simpsons,” with deep kabbalistic knowledge, recently shared an idea on his podcast that if implemented would give a person the ability to go straight to Heaven. He develops the kabbalistic concept that the heart and mind need to flow together. The heart, the driver to act, has an arlah around it, a stoppage. This stoppage can be broken, when the mind is allowed to integrate with the heart, that is when the mind’s knowledge of what must be done is merged with the heart that carries it out.

The Ertz Tzvi uses this to explain that there is Gehinnom above and on top of that there is Shamayim, the Heavens, but the Heavens has a blockage around it that prevents the soul from entering it immediately. He says that if you break the arlah, stoppage between the mind and heart in this world, then you will break the arlah that surrounds Shamayim and go directly there.

Steven Genack

Dear Editor, Fellow reader Larry Penner is watching the wrong card game. Kenny Rodgers would never fold with the royal flush in hearts that President Joe Biden is holding – record low unemployment, more jobs created in 2+ years than any President has created in four, rising wages, inflation falling, full shelves, shots in any American’s arms that wanted them, the first Infrastructure plan since before I was born (with well-paying union jobs), the CHIPS Act that is getting corporations to invest billions in America, the PACT Act protecting our brave veterans, and so many more achievements. That’s a winning hand for any incumbent because it is a winning hand for America.

Meanwhile, the GOP is choosing between a TWICE impeached 34 times indicted (at this second) accused … or a fascist book-banning wannabe dictator who is the laughingstock in every nation he visits while he is losing a battle with Mickey Mouse. That sounds like a hand so weak that you don’t even have a jack or better to open. Plus, he is running against a GOP House that has proven it is willing to take our economy hostage if they don’t get to cut millions for veterans, border security, and our kids.

President Biden is wise enough to run – all the way to the second term he and Vice President Kamala Harris have so richly earned!

David S. Pecoraro

Dear Editor,

The debate is underway about raising our national debt ceiling limit. President Biden forgot that, as a Senator, he voted against raising the debt ceiling several times. Our national debt is now $31.7 trillion. It is on a path to grow by trillions more for years to come. Today’s tab averages $94,779 per citizen or $247,766 per taxpayer. (Source: May 5, 2023 National Debt Clock)

President Biden and Congress should freeze overall spending. Any extension of the debt ceiling should be matched by corresponding real cuts in spending.

Implement “pay as you go” budgeting, means testing for all government assistance and sunset provisions for agencies and programs that have completed their missions.

Install national debt clocks in both Congress and the White House. They can see how much they are adding to longterm debt every time they pass spending

Continued on page 10

Continued from page 8

bills dependent upon borrowing to pay the tab.

Government, the private sector, and citizens must make difficult financial decisions on how to use existing resources. Americans prioritize their own family budgets. They make thehard choices on how existing household financial resources will be spent. The President and Congress should do likewise.

Sincerely,

Larry Penner, Great Neck, NY

Dear Editor,

I’m sorry, but the letter in your dating column this week made me almost want to throw up. This girl sounds so immature and so privileged and so spoiled. She is upset that her mother-in-law is “trying so hard”? Give me a break! Your motherin-law is being an angel, trying to have a relationship with you. She is trying to include you in the family. Pretty soon you’ll realize that you married a person who has a family, and it is in your and his best interest to connect with that family. She is trying to get to know you and in that way, love you and include you. You, on the other hand, are being ungrateful towards her overtures. Accept her invites

(no, you don’t have to go out to coffee with her every day) and appreciate her for her warmth and acceptance.

This is, unfortunately, indicative of how many young people act nowadays. There is a disdain for true understanding of marriage and relationships and family is about. As people mature, they understand. But it may take years before they really get what’s important in real life.

Sincerely,

Tzirel Reiss

Dear Editor,

Inbal Arieli may have been talking about Israelis’ success and the components that go into their upbringing, but I think it’s important to see beyond what she is saying.

So much of what she says contributes to the Israeli mindset can be incorporated into families too, to help children become more resilient successful adults. Allow your children to make their own decisions; give them their independence; give them jobs that require responsibility and decision-making; encourage them to speak up and question; foster an environment where risk-taking is appreciated… We can learn a lot from the Israeli culture – even if we don’t live there.

Y. Markowitz

Pomp and Circumstance

Queen, along with some royal family members greeted the throngs of well-wishers from the balcony. The weather did not disappoint, bringing out the typical London gray and dripping skies during the day.

On Sunday, during the coronation concert, Prince William told his father, “We are all so proud of you.”

He invoked his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

“I know she is up there fondly keeping an eye on us and she would be a very proud mother,” he said. He added that his grandmother had called coronations a “declaration of our hopes for the future.”

Heat Wave Hits Vietnam

“Long live the King!”

On Saturday, after 70 years of waiting, King Charles III finally took the throne.

The most dramatic part of the coronation of Britain’s newest monarch took place in private, behind a three-sided screen, when the Dean of Westminster poured oil from the Ampulla, a gold eagle-shaped flask, on to the Coronation Spoon, and then the Archbishop of Canterbury anointed Charles on his head, chest and hands, according to the Church of England’s liturgy.

Once he re-emerged, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby placed St. Edward’s Crown upon Charles III’s head. It was the only time Charles will ever wear St. Edward’s Crown, which is reserved for the coronation of a new monarch; the crown was made for the new King’s namesake, Charles II, in 1661.

After crowning Charles, Welby shouted: “G-d Save the King.” Those in attendance repeated the words.

After that, Camilla was crowned Queen. She was also anointed with the oil before having Queens Mary’s Crown placed on her head.

Royal members of the household made their appearances, including Prince Harry, who joined the festivities without his wife Meghan, who stayed in the United States with their children.

Prince William, the next in line for the throne, pledged his allegiance to the new King. His son, Prince George, 9, was a page during the ceremony, holding a corner of the King’s cape.

After the coronation, the King and

It was a scorcher in Southeast Asia over the weekend.

All-time highs were recorded in Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand’s capital, where the heat has been compounded by an intense smoggy season that has caused pollution levels to spike.

In Vietnam, temperatures reached 44.2 degrees Celsius (around 111.6 Fahrenheit) on Saturday in the northern district of Tuong Duong – the highest temperature ever recorded in the country, according to weather historian Maximiliano Herrera.

In neighboring Laos, the city of Luang Prabang hit 43.5 degrees Celsius (110.3 Fahrenheit) on Saturday, breaking the national record of 42.7 degrees Celsius (108.9 Fahrenheit) that was only set last month.

The Laotian capital Vientiane also broke its all-time record this weekend with a temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius (108.5 Fahrenheit).

Meanwhile, in Thailand, Saturday saw the hottest ever temperature recorded in Bangkok – 41 degrees Celsius (105.8 Fahrenheit).

The capital is among large parts of Thailand that have suffered under temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s Celsius since late March. In mid-April, the northwest city of Tak became the

first place in the country to top 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit).

Last month, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed concern over “dangerously high temperatures in various parts of Thailand.”

April and May are typically the hottest months of the year for South and Southeast Asia as temperatures rise before annual monsoon rains bring some relief.

A 2022 study determined that dangerous heat waves, at temperatures of 39.4 degrees Celsius (103 degrees Fahrenheit) and above, will occur between three and 10 times more often by the turn of the century.

Arab League to Readmit Syria

that metastasized into a long civil war.

Now, the region is normalizing relations, increasingly convinced that Arab countries are gaining little from isolating Syria, as the United States has urged them to. Refusing to deal with Syria means ignoring the reality that its government has all but won the war, proponents of engagement argue.

That leaves Syria poised for a triumphant return this month in Saudi Arabia at the Arab League’s next summit — perhaps represented by President Bashar Assad, the Syrian leader accused of committing war crimes against his own people. Syria’s rehabilitation could unlock billions of dollars in reconstruction projects and other investments for its tottering economy, further propping up Assad.

Revulsion at Assad’s actions, along with pressure from the United States, had left most of Syria’s Arab neighbors reluctant to engage with the government over the past decade. A few had openly supported the opposition fighting to topple Assad, and some remain loath to embrace him.

But the regional calculus has shifted. With the Syrian government in Damascus having retaken most of the country from opposition forces, it has been obvious for years that Assad is here to stay.

ter sending fighters and other aid to help Assad cling to power. The Gulf monarchies hope to peel Assad away from Tehran by engaging with him. (© The New York Times)

Gold Mine Fire in Peru

West had launched a “true war” against Russia – despite the Kremlin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Thousands of people lined the streets of Moscow’s Red Square as part of Russia’s annual parade, an exhibition of patriotism marking the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II.

Victory Day is the most significant day of Putin’s calendar, as he has long used it to rally public support, demonstrate the country’s military prowess, and rail against the historical injustices he perceives Western nations have heaped on his nation.

It was a small fire that broke out in a gold mine in southern Peru, but 27 people lost their lives in the incident, the country’s single deadliest mining accident in more than two decades.

In a statement, the local government said a short-circuit sparked the fire in the early morning hours of Saturday. Dark plumes of smoke poured out of the site.

This year, though, the parade was pared down in comparison to previous parades. Last year, 11,000 people and 131 types of weapons were involved. This year, there was just one ancient World War II-era T-34 tank leading the mechanized column on Tuesday.

Tigr-M and VPK-Ural armored vehicles were also on display, but the main focus was the country’s S-400 air defense system and its intercontinental ballistic system – the Yaris.

Arab nations agreed on Sunday to allow Syria to rejoin the Arab League, taking a crucial step toward ending the country’s international ostracism more than a decade after it was suspended from the group over its use of ruthless force against its own people.

When Syria’s neighbors and peers ejected it from the 22-member league in November 2011, months after its Arab Spring uprising began, the move was seen as a key condemnation of a government that had bombed, gassed and tortured protesters and others in a conflict

Neighboring countries including Lebanon and Jordan have been eager to work with Syria on sending refugees who fled there back home, while others hope to cooperate on efforts to stop the trade of Captagon, an illegal, addictive drug that the Syrian government has produced and sold as sanctions have bitten and its economy has cratered.

The leading Middle Eastern power brokers, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, were also looking for a new approach to dealing with Iran, which wields deep influence in Syria af-

“It’s been confirmed by the Yanaquihua police station, there are 27 dead,” local prosecutor Giovanni Matos told local television on Sunday.

Peru is the world’s top gold producer and second-largest copper producer.

According to data from Peru’s ministry of energy and mines, the incident is the single deadliest mining accident since 2000.

In 2022, 38 people were killed in mining accidents around the country, highlighting safety concerns in Latin American mining. Peru had its deadliest year in 2002 when 73 people died in different mining accidents.

Victory Day Parade in Moscow

“A true war has been unleashed against our motherland,” Putin said on Tuesday, claiming falsely that the West had provoked the war in Ukraine. “We have repelled international terrorism and to fit we will defend the residents of Donbas and secure our own safety. Russia has no unfriendly nations in the West or in the East.”

Throughout his short address, Putin praised Russian troops fighting in what the Kremlin calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine, saying the country is “proud” of everyone who fights on the frontlines.

“There is no more important thing now than your combat work,” Putin asserted.

He made no mention of the tens of thousands of people who have died since Russia invaded Ukraine last year.

Last week, Moscow accused Ukraine of attempting to assassinate Putin with drone strikes on the Kremlin. Kyiv and Western allies have denied Putin’s assertions.

Ukraine also celebrates Victory Day. This year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed moving the date of the celebrations to distance the country from its aggressor.

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin led a pared-down Victory Day parade in Moscow, repeating false assertions to his people that the

“It is on May 8 that most nations of the world remember the greatness of the victory over the Nazis,” Zelensky said on Monday.

China-Canada Diplomat Spat

China has ordered Jennifer Lalonde, a diplomat from Canada’s consulate in Shanghai, to leave the country, in a titfor-tat move hours after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government expelled a Chinese envoy from his nation. Lalonde has until Saturday to leave

the country, according to a statement on Tuesday from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. China called the move a “reciprocal countermeasure” and reserved the right to make further responses.

Just a day before, on Monday, Canada expelled Chinese envoy Zhao Wei after a Globe and Mail report claimed the diplomat was looking into penalizing Conservative lawmaker Michael Chong over his hardline positions on China. The punishments could entail sanctioning Chong’s

relatives in Hong Kong, the report said, citing a leaked intelligence document.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin called the Canadian claims “unfounded.”

“Canada’s ill-founded decision to declare a Chinese diplomat a persona non-grata is an egregious move that violates the basic norms governing international relations and a deliberate blow to Canada’s relations with China,” he added.

The diplomatic spat is the latest rup -

ture in ties between China and Canada. The two nations were caught in a yearslong standoff after Meng Wanzhou, Huawei’s chief financial officer, was held under house arrest in Vancouver as she battled extradition to the U.S. Canadians

Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were detained within days of Meng’s December 2018 arrest and held until all three were freed in September 2021.

During that period, China banned canola shipments from top Canadian exporters Richardson International and Viterra in March 2019, citing the detection of pests. Inspections on cargoes from other firms also got more stringent, cutting overall Canadian canola exports to China. In 2022, China lifted the threeyear ban on the Canadian oilseed and has been stepping up imports.

Ethnic Violence in India

Last week, violence broke out between members of the Kuki and Meitei ethnic groups in the Indian state of Manipur. Since then, more than 50 people have been killed. Hundreds have been hospitalized, and more than 23,000 people have been displaced from their homes.

The two ethnic groups have been clashing in the streets of Imphal in India’s east and elsewhere. Vehicles and buildings have been set on fire.

Indian army troops have been deployed to the streets to quell the violence, and a five-day mobile internet blackout is in force.

A youth tribal leader said, “What we are witnessing here unfortunately is there seems to be a very systematic, well-planned series of attacks. The execution is almost clinical, and they

know exactly the houses where people from tribal communities reside.”

The leader’s home had been vandalized and he is staying at an army base.

“A lot of houses are burnt, all our churches have been vandalized, some have been burnt. I barely escaped – the mob was already in the house. I climbed the fence over to the neighbors’ house. I just came with my laptop bag to this camp. I don’t have anything.”

He added, “There have been so many deaths. A mother and son, they were on their way to a camp. On their way, a mob encountered them and beat the son to death. The mother was trying to protect the son, she was killed, too.”

Earlier this week, the state’s governor, Anusuiya Uikey, issued “shoot-atsight” orders in an effort to bring the situation under control.

The orders were authorized for “extreme cases whereby all forms of persuasion, warning, reasonable force, etc. had been exhausted” and the situation “could not be controlled,” a statement from Manipur’s home department said.

The Meitei community, who make up about 50% of the state’s population, have for years campaigned to be recognized as a scheduled tribe, which

would give them access to wider benefits including health, education and government jobs.

Scheduled tribes are among the most socio-economically disadvantaged groups in India and have historically been denied access to education and job opportunities.

If the Meitei community is given scheduled tribe status, other tribal groups say they fear they will not have a fair chance for jobs and other benefits.

Iran Smuggled Weapons into Syria – in Earthquake Aid

humanitarian aid shipments as a cover following a devastating earthquake there in February.

Intelligence from both the United States and Israel suggests that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps., and specifically the IRGC’s Quds Force which specializes in unconventional warfare, used convoys from Iraq to covertly transport the arms and ammunition into Syria.

Intelligence officials believe the weapons were destined for Iranian proxy groups in Syria, who have repeatedly attacked U.S. military personnel stationed there as part of the anti-ISIS coalition.

“The humanitarian assistance of Iran to Syria was used as an umbrella of moving weapons capabilities into the region,” the Israeli defense official said.

Foreign aid poured into Syria and Turkey after February’s earthquake, which killed more than 50,000 people. The magnitude 7.8 quake was one of the strongest to strike the area in more than a century, with Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD) calling for international help.

The United States has approximately 900 troops in Syria as part of the ongoing mission to defeat ISIS. But those forces, spread across several bases in northeast Syria, have become a frequent target for Iran and its proxies in the region, who can launch drone or rocket attacks against U.S. positions.

Iran smuggled weapons and military equipment into Syria using

The Washington Post reported on the weapons shipments on Sunday, citing a leaked U.S. intelligence document – part of a trove allegedly leaked online over the last year by Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira. Reuters earlier reported that regional and western officials believed Iran was smuggling the weapons under the guise of earthquake relief.

President Joe Biden had ordered several airstrikes against Iran-backed militia groups in Syria, including as recently as March, when an American contractor was killed and five U.S. service members were injured after a suspected Iranian drone targeted a coalition military base.

“Iran threatens to push the Middle East into regional instability by supporting terrorist and proxy forces,” Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Mark Milley told lawmakers in March.

In recent weeks, airstrikes said to be from Israel targeting Iranian-linked groups in Syria have intensified. An

attack in late March attributed to Israel killed two military advisers with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Catastrophic Flooding in Congo

society group in South Kivu, where the floods took place. “It’s a humanitarian crisis that troubles our consciences.”

Kasindi said that survivors were looking for their family members in the mud, and that some bodies were pulled from nearby Lake Kivu.

Nearly 3,000 families were left homeless by floods and landslides, with their houses damaged or destroyed, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. Twelve hundred homes were completely razed, the office said. On Monday, Congo observed a day of national mourning for the victims of the flooding.

plagued by fighting between the Congolese army and rebel forces.

While the dry season for this region is fast approaching, the next 10 days look likely to have more rainfall, some of which could be higher than normal. Any rain, above average or not, that falls on the already saturated ground could increase the risk of flooding because the land and rivers already have abundant water and the rainfall has nowhere to go. The area is also mountainous, increasing the risk of landslides.

children, and I will make sure of that,” he added.

In the same video message, Prigozhin praised the former Deputy Defense Minister Mikhail Mizintsev, who has recently joined the Wagner Group as its deputy commander.

The death toll of last week’s deadly floods and landslides in Congo climbed to more than 400 people, the government said on Monday, as rescue workers and family members searched through debris and mud for victims and survivors of the disaster.

The flooding began Thursday, as heavy rains pushed rivers to overflow their banks, causing rushing water and mud to flow into villages, washing away homes and ravaging farmland.

“The situation is catastrophic,” said Remy Kasindi, a representative for a civil

Before the flood, people from the region had traveled to the area to sell their agricultural products at a market there, making it harder to count the total number of the missing, rescuers said. On Monday, bodies were still being pulled out of the rubble.

Several news media outlets reported that authorities had to bury the bodies in mass graves.

The floods hit the Kalehe Territory in South Kivu, and specifically the villages of Bushushu and Nyamukubi. The area affected by the floods had welcomed thousands of displaced people from the province of Nord-Kivu, which has been

The villages are next to the shore of Lake Kivu, which separates Congo from Rwanda. Last week, more than 120 people were killed in devastating floods and landslides caused by heavy rains in western Rwanda. (© The New York Times)

Wagner Demands Weapons from Moscow

Prigozhin, whose Wagner mercenary group has taken on a growing role in the Ukraine conflict as Russian forces falter, has been highly visible on the front lines in recent months – where he has claimed credit for territorial gains, particularly in the battles raging around the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

This is not the first time Prigozhin has stated that Moscow is not sending him sufficient supplies. He made a similar statement in February, standing next to a pile of dead soldiers.

Last weekend, he threatened to withdraw his troops from the city if Moscow didn’t provide more ammunition.

In a separate statement posted to Telegram on Friday, Prigozhin repeated the threat, saying his private military company would leave Bakhmut on May 10 due to a lack of ammunition.

In a video posted last week on Telegram, Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin accused Moscow of stranding his troops in Ukraine without ammunition.

“We are lacking 70% of the needed ammunition!” the head of the private military company said, bashing Russia’s military leadership and blaming them for his company’s “tens of thousands” of casualties.

“Shoigu, Gerasimov, where … is the ammunition?” said Prigozhin, calling out Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of the Russian armed forces Gen. Valery Gerasimov. He pointed to bodies of dead fighters on the floor, stating that those were the dead just from one day of fighting.

In another video statement, released Friday on Telegram, Prigozhin said, “The dead and wounded – and that’s tens of thousands of men – lie on the conscience of those who did not give us ammunition, and this is Defense Minister Shoigu and this is Chief of the General Staff Gerasimov.

“For tens of thousands of those killed and wounded, they will bear responsibility before their mothers and

“I declare on behalf of the Wagner fighters, on behalf of the Wagner command, that on May 10, 2023, we are obliged to transfer positions in the settlement of Bakhmut to units of the Defense Ministry and withdraw the remains of Wagner to logistics camps to lick our wounds,” Prigozhin said.

Known for its disregard for the lives of its own soldiers, the Wagner group’s brutal and often lawless tactics are believed to have resulted in high numbers of casualties, as new recruits are sent into battle with little formal training –a process described by retired United States Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling as “like feeding meat to a meat grinder.”

Former Pakistan PM Arrested

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested on Tuesday by paramilitary troops who

barged into a courthouse in Islamabad to detain him on multiple corruption charges.

The dramatic and sudden arrest of the former cricket star who became leader of Pakistan is the latest chapter in months of ongoing political turmoil in the nation after Khan was ousted last year.

Khan was arrested in Islamabad on charges brought by the National Accountability Bureau, the country’s anti-corruption agency. He was submitting his biometric data for a court appearance when paramilitary forces broke down a window to get to him before apprehending him.

Khan did not resist arrest.

Khan said he was “detained on incorrect charges” in a pre-recorded statement released on YouTube by PTI after his arrest.

“By the time you will receive these words of mine, I will have been detained on incorrect charges. Pakistan constitution, which gives us rights, which gives us democracy, has been buried. Perhaps I won’t get the opportunity to speak to you again,” the former leader said.

He asserted, “I have always followed the law. I am being apprehended so that I can’t follow my political path for this country’s fundamental rights and for me to obey this corrupt govt of crooks which has been hoisted on us.”

PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry described Khan’s arrest as an “abduction” and said he had been “whisked away by unknown people to an unknown location.”

Khan, 72, was ousted in a parliamentary no-confidence vote last year and has since led a popular campaign against the current government led by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, accusing it of colluding with the military to remove him from office.

He has faced a growing raft of legal cases filed against him and multiple arrest warrants have been made, triggering confrontations with his supporters.

Khan faces multiple allegations of corruption while he was in office, which he has rejected as “biased.” He says the charges against him are political.

Kahn’s supporters have clashed with police.

Pakistan is facing a devastating economic crisis. One third of Pakistan’s farmland was affected after catastrophic floods last summer. According to the International Rescue

Committee, 33 million people in Pakistan were affected by the severe flooding that has caused $40 billion in economic damage.

Inflation has soared in recent months, with ordinary goods becoming increasingly unaffordable.

China Raids Another Global Firm

China has targeted another global business consulting firm on national security grounds, launching an investigation of Shanghai-based Capvision Partners as part of a broader crackdown on

the industry, state media reported Monday night.

Officers raided several of the firm’s offices in China, including in Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou and Shenzhen, state media said, explaining that the company was not “earnestly fulfilling the responsibilities and obligations” of preventing espionage.

On Monday night, the company said on its official account on WeChat, a Chinese social media and chat app, that it

would “firmly implement national security development” and take a “leading role” in regulating the consultancy industry.

well as officials in sensitive fields such as defense and science. Authorities accused Capvision of hiring consulting experts “with high remuneration” to “illegally obtain various types of sensitive data,” which they said posed a “major risk and hidden peril to China’s national security.”

The investigation is the latest in a recent government crackdown on consulting and advisory firms, whose clients include overseas investors and foreign companies seeking information into Chinese industry. Mintz Group, an American company that specializes in corporate investigations, said in March that Chinese authorities had raided its offices, detained five of its Chinese staff and closed the branch. Last month, Bain & Co., a U.S. consulting firm, said security officials had visited its offices and questioned employees.

The police told Jiangsu Television, a state broadcaster, that Capvision had frequently contacted “secret-related personnel” in the Chinese Communist Party as

A separate report Monday by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said the multiagency probe resulted in the arrest of at least one employee of a state-owned company who was sentenced to six years in prison for providing “state secrets and intelligence” to Capvision’s foreign clients.

It’s unclear when the raids on Capvision took place or if other firms have been targeted besides Mintz and Bain.

Last month, China’s legislature passed a revised counterespionage law, broadening the definition of what may be construed as spying including sharing “documents, data, materials or objects bearing on national security and interests.” (© The New York Times)

PIJ Terrorists Killed

Bahtini, who commands Islamic Jihad in northern Gaza; Jihad Ghanem, a top official in the group’s military council; and Tareq Izz ed-Din, who it said directed Islamic Jihad terror activities in the West Bank from a base in Gaza.

Gas to be Exported to Egypt

A Palestinian Islamic Jihad squad in the Gaza Strip that sought to carry out an anti-tank guided missile attack against targets on the Israeli border was targeted in an airstrike on Tuesday afternoon near the city of Khan Younis.

The strike was carried out as members were taking missiles by car to a launch site.

“IDF soldiers monitored the activity of the squad and struck it while they were on their way to the launch pad,” the military reported.

The Hamas-run health ministry in the Gaza Strip said two men were killed and two were wounded in the strike. The strike brought the death toll since the military launched its operation against Islamic Jihad early Tuesday morning to 15.

The strikes came as Islamic Jihad was seeking to carry out reprisal attacks against Israel, after the IDF assassinated three senior members of the terror group in a series of strikes early Tuesday morning.

Earlier in the day, the IDF blocked access to some roads running near the enclave, over fears of anti-tank missile fire or sniper attacks.

The airstrikes in the pre-dawn hours came days after a short-lived but fiery flareup of violence set the region on edge. Islamic Jihad fired 104 rockets toward Israel on May 2 and 3, in response to the death of a member of the group who had been on hunger strike in Israeli prison.

Hamas health officials said 13 people were killed in the bombing runs early Tuesday. Islamic Jihad said the wives of the three commanders and a number of their children were among the dead.

Israeli residents of areas within 25 miles of Gaza were instructed to enter or stay near bomb shelters amid fears of reprisal attacks.

The IDF said it assassinated Khalil

The Israeli Cabinet on Monday approved a 900 million shekel ($246 million) project to expand natural gas exports to Egypt.

A 65-km. (40-mile) pipeline will be constructed along a route between Ramat Hovav, south of Beersheva, and Nitzana, near the Sinai border via Ashalim, allowing for an additional 6 billion cubic meters (BCM) of natural gas to be exported to Egypt each year.

The sale of the additional gas is expected to generate 200 million shekels ($55 million) in annual revenue for Israel Natural Gas Lines and hundreds of millions of shekels each year for the government in royalties and taxes.

It will be built by Nativ, a state-owned company that is responsible for the gas system throughout Israel.

“The current decision increases the potential for cooperation between Israel and Egypt in the field of natural gas in preparation for decisions on exports that will have to be made soon,” said Energy and Infrastructure Minister Israel Katz.

“Cooperation between the countries will strengthen the economy, strengthen the well-being of the citizens of the State of Israel and strengthen regional stability, and I will continue to work for its expansion in the fields of natural gas, renewable energies, hydrogen and energy storage,” the minister continued.

Israel’s Channel 13 last week reported that the government was holding secret talks with the Palestinian Authority on a proposal to develop a gas reservoir located off the coast of Gaza to benefit the Palestinians living in the enclave.

The Gaza Marine I gas reservoir is located about 36 km. (22 miles) off the Gaza coast and contains an estimated 33 BCM of natural gas. Gaza Marine 2

contains an additional 3 BCM of natural gas.

These talks took place with the approval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and are part of the political and security process stemming from recent summits in Jordan’s Aqaba and Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh.

An obstacle for the Israelis to the development is that the P.A. is not recognized as a state with legal authority to develop the gas reservoirs. A possible solution is for Egypt to sponsor the project, so Jerusalem has held discussions with Cairo about the project. (JNS)

Amb. Nides to Leave Post

summer after two years in the role. Supposedly, he had informed U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken of his intention during a visit to Washington last week.

Nides had worked with three different Israeli prime ministers: starting when Benjamin Netanyahu was in office, then serving through Naftali Bennett’s term, Yair Lapid’s short stint, and now once again under a Netanyahu government.

Nides’s term in office included a major push by Israel to enter the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. While significant progress has been made in the country’s bid for VWP membership, Jerusalem still has to check off several requirements.

While relations between the Biden White House and the current Netanyahu administration have been tense at times, Nides has largely been seen as a congenial conduit who is respected by senior Israeli officials.

Hezbollah Spy Continues to Recruit

into Israel is expected to increase competition and lower prices for the consumer.

Carrefour will run three types of branches in Israel: neighborhood stores called Carrefour City, minimarket stores dubbed Carrefour Market, and larger discount stores known as Carrefour Hyper (in Ra’anana, Netanya and Beit Shemesh).

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides is planning to leave his post over the

Speaking two weeks ago in Jerusalem, Nides said that despite any disagreements between Jerusalem and Washington, “at the end of the day, the support for the State of Israel is rock solid…. Like any great relationship, we’ve got to keep working and nurturing it. And when we have problems, we have to work it through.”

Ghaith Abdullah, a Hezbollah operative, was arrested in January by Israeli troops after crossing into Israel from Syria. He was later charged with spying on the behalf of Hezbollah.

The Israel Defense Forces has said Abdullah was part of the so-called “Golan File,” a Hezbollah plot that mostly involves collecting intelligence and recruiting operatives, but also has weaponry in its possession, namely explosives, light arms, machine guns, and antitank missiles.

According to the Kan public broadcaster, Abdullah was recruited by a Hezbollah member known by the nom de guerre Abu Ali, who is in charge of enlisting spies for Hezbollah in southern Syria.

Abu Ali claimed to be a Syrian intelligence officer. He would give recruits oil and food, bringing them in as spies.

Since Abdullah was arrested, Ali seems to have gone underground. But now, the IDF says he is resuming activities and enlisting locals to gather intelligence on Israel.

Authorities have from time to time arrested and charged individuals with spying on Israel for Hezbollah, including providing inside information, helping recruit people for terror attacks and more.

Iran-backed Hezbollah, considered the most significant threat along Israel’s borders, is Lebanese but has become increasingly active in Syria since coming to the aid of Syrian President Bashar Assad during the civil war in the country.

French Supermarket Chain Comes to Israel

French supermarket giant Carrefour officially opened 50 branches across Israel on Tuesday.

The international retail chain’s entry

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the move as “gigantic news.”

“What is good for Europe is good for Israel. Prices will be dropping, they will come down by dozens of percent on hundreds of products, and on thousands in the future,” Netanyahu said during a visit to a new branch Monday evening alongside Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat.

“This is the start of a change, which began when we enacted free education from ages 0-3. Together we are fighting the cost-of-living and increasing competition for the benefit of the citizens of Israel,” he said.

Israel is now the 50th country in which Carrefour operates, which is why it chose to launch 50 stores on its first day of operations.

The company has invested 250 million shekels (about $68 million) in the launch.

By the end of the year, it plans to operate as many as 100 branches nationwide.

Carrefour operates around 14,000 branches around the world.

Israelis have repeatedly listed the cost of living in the country as their top concern in public opinion polls. (JNS)

Kenyan Pres. Comes to Israel

Kenyan President William Ruto prayed at the Western Wall on Tuesday, a move not typically made by visiting heads of state.

Nairobi does not officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and has its embassy in Tel Aviv, though a senior adviser to Ruto, Dennis Nthumbi, called Jerusalem the capital of Israel on a visit

to the Temple Mount this week.

On his visit to Israel, Ruto visited the Western Wall. His predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, did so twice, in 2016 and 2020.

Ruto, an Evangelical Christian, said a prayer that the people of Kenya and Israel “be united in peace as one people at the Kotel.”

that Kenya will rise again from the economic ashes…that the people of Kenya be a free nation that will look up to the G-d of Israel.”

Ruto met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who praised the Kenyan president’s commitment to expanding ties with Israel. The leaders agreed to cooperate in the areas of trade, technology, cybersecurity and reestablishing direct flights between their countries.

Kenyan Foreign Minister Alfred Nganga Mutua met with his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen on Monday.

troops entered the Nablus Old City in order to arrest Hassan Qatnani and Moaz al-Masri, the Hamas terrorists who allegedly carried out the deadly attack on April 7. The officers were dressed like Palestinian men and women.

Migrants Waiting for Title 42 to Expire

The Kenyan president was accompanied by former Likud MK Rabbi Yehudah Glick. Earlier this week, Glick brought Nthumbi to the Temple Mount.

“This morning with the guidance of the Jewish Priest Rabbi Yehudah Glick, we ascended Zion to pray for His Excellency and for Kenya,” Nthumbi wrote on Facebook.

In a video posted from the Temple Mount on Monday, with the Dome of the Rock in view, Nthumbi prayed to “G-d … that He may strengthen the reign of His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, that no enemy be able to stand against him…and

Cohen called Kenya “a significant African player and an important factor on the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors.”

Dee Family Killers Eliminated

On Thursday, the two Palestinians accused of killing Lucy Dee, 48, and her daughters Maia, 20, and Rina, 15, in a shooting attack last month were shot dead by Israeli troops in Nablus along with a third Palestinian gunman.

The Shin Bet security agency, Israel Police, and Israel Defense Forces said

Members of the police elite Yamam counter-terrorism unit surrounded the home where the two terrorists were believed to be hiding. The forces fired a shoulder-launched missile at it, according to Palestinian media, in a tactic known as a “pressure cooker,” to flush out wanted suspects.

The two terrorists were then killed along with another gunman, Ibrahim Jabr, who had aided the murderers in hiding them.

A senior IDF Central Command officer told reporters that the operation on Thursday was carried out with “precision and professionalism,” leading to a quick raid with no injuries, despite it being nearly a month since the deadly attack.

“We consider this matter very important, the time that passes from the moment of the attack to the elimination… the speed with which the incident is dealt with is what thwarts terrorism, so time is important,” the officer said.

“It is important for us to make it clear to the other side that there are no cities of refuge anywhere in [the West Bank]. Even places that they apparently think are safe — are not,” he added.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Israeli security forces for “settling the score” with the alleged killers.

“Our message to those who harm us and those trying to harm us is that it may take a day, a week or a month, but be sure that we’ll settle the score with you. It doesn’t matter where you try to hide, we’ll find you. Whoever harms us forfeits his life,” the premier said in a statement.

More than 150,000 migrants are waiting across the border in Mexico for the expiration of Title 42. That includes 60,000 migrants in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, 35,000 in the state of Tamaulipas and 25,000 in the state of Coahuila, among others. The government estimates that hundreds of thousands of migrants are in the “pipeline” in southern Mexico and Central American countries.

Title 42 – a 2020 policy officials said was an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19 – has allowed U.S. authorities to swiftly expel migrants encountered at the southern border, with some exceptions . It’s set to lapse on Thursday, along with the nation’s coronavirus public health emergency.

Immigrant rights advocates call the regulation discriminatory. Federal officials say that when it expires, many more migrants will attempt to cross the border, exacerbating an already strained system.

The U.S.-Mexico border is already seeing an increase in migrant arrivals, with daily encounters between U.S. border agents and migrants climbing in recent days, surpassing 8,000 daily, a Homeland Security official said. That number could reach around 10,000 after Title 42 lifts, the official said.

Similarly, border communities have already seen an influx. In El Paso, Texas, thousands of migrants have been living on the streets for days.

Starting Tuesday, federal authorities will conduct an enforcement operation in El Paso, targeting migrants who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border and were not processed by officials, according to multiple sources familiar

with the operation.

Enforcement action will not be taken around so-called “protected areas,” like churches or places where enforcement would restrict access to essential services, as is common under Immigration and Customs Enforcement guidance, the department said.

The Biden administration is deploying 1,500 active-duty troops to the border – to support border agents in administrative roles, not law enforcement – for 90 days.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas – who has stressed that federal officials have prepared for Title 42 to lift – made a direct appeal on Friday to migrants traveling to the border: “The border is not open, it has not been open, and it will not be open subsequent to May 11.”

When Title 42 lifts, U.S. officials will lean more on the decades-old Title 8 , under which migrants could face more severe consequences for crossing the border unlawfully, such as being barred from entering the United States for at least five years. Asylum seekers who cross the border without first applying for asylum could be removed under that Title 8 authority.

While Title 8 carries more legal consequences, especially for those caught a second time, processing times under that authority take longer than Title 42 expulsions and could strain already pinched resources, creating a bottleneck amid heavy mass migration.

$30B to Plug Oil Wells in the Gulf

wells in the Gulf, the study said.

The $1 trillion infrastructure bill that President Joe Biden signed into law in 2021 sets aside $4.7 billion to plug orphaned wells, both onshore and off. That’s a sizable sum, but not nearly enough to cover the backlog of orphaned wells.

Still, in federal waters, the government can hold prior owners of wells liable for plugging them, even if the current owners go under or otherwise don’t fulfill their cleanup obligations. Of the wells under federal jurisdiction, 87% were once owned by one of the giant oil companies known as the “supermajors.” Many of these companies, which include BP, Shell, Chevron and Exxon, have recently booked record profits.

and cleanup effort.

In the Gulf, the abandoned wells, platforms and pipelines have also become increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather. When Hurricane Ida hit the Louisiana coast with winds of nearly 150 mph in August 2021, it set off a flurry of oil spills detectable from space.

The latest analysis focused on offshore wells, scrutinizing data on wells in the Gulf of Mexico, including those in federal offshore and state waters of Texas, Louisiana and Alabama. It was published on Monday in the journal Nature Energy. (© The New York Times)

Ever since the first offshore platforms went up off Louisiana 85 years ago, the Gulf of Mexico has been an oil and gas juggernaut. But decades of drilling has left behind more than 14,000 old, unplugged wells at risk of springing dangerous leaks and spills that may cost more than $30 billion to plug, a new study has found. Nonproducing wells that haven’t been plugged now outnumber active

“So for federal waters, these companies with deep pockets would be on the hook,” said Mark Agerton, an expert in energy economics at the University of California, Davis, who is one of the study’s authors. “There’s someone to go after.”

Even as the world starts to transition away from coal, oil and gas toward renewable energy, decades of mining and drilling in almost every corner of the world, including in oceans, have left behind the need for an immense plugging

Proud Boys Found Guilty

On Thursday, four members of the “Proud Boys” group were found guilty

of seditious conspiracy by a jury in Washington, DC, for their involvement in the January 6 th events.

Enrique Tarrio – the Proud Boys longtime chairman – Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl were found guilty of seditious conspiracy and a range of other charges, including three separate conspiracy charges, obstructing the Electoral College vote and tampering with evidence.

The guilty verdict marks the third time that prosecutors have secured convictions for seditious conspiracy in the Justice Department’s prosecution of those involved in the January 6 th events.

A fifth defendant, Dominic Pezzola, was found not guilty of seditious conspiracy after the jury returned for several more hours of deliberation..

All five defendants were found guilty of other charges related to January 6, including: obstruction of an official proceeding; conspiracy to prevent an officer from discharging any duties; obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder; and destruction of government property and aiding and abetting.

Each of the defendants were convicted of at least one charge that car -

ries a 20-year maximum prison sentence and could face a lengthy amount of time behind bars. They have not yet been sentenced.

The jury did not reach a verdict with regards to some defendants on charges of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers, as well as destruction of government property and aiding and abetting. A mistrial was declared on those counts.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said the verdict “makes clear that the Justice Department will do everything in its power to defend the American people and American democracy.”

Garland said that the DOJ’s massive investigation into the January 6 th events “has secured more than 600 convictions for a wide range of criminal conduct” during the chaos and in the days leading up to it.

The conviction of Tarrio is especially significant, because he was not in Washington, DC, on January 6. According to the indictment, the Proud Boys leader helped to create a command structure within the Proud Boys in the lead up to January 6.

Text and Signal messages highlighted in the indictment suggest that Tarrio was preparing for a “revolution”

and reviewed documents that set forth a plan to occupy a few “crucial buildings” in Washington, including House and Senate office buildings around the Capitol.

Tarrio was arrested on January 4, 2021, for bringing high-capacity rifle magazines to DC and ordered to leave the city.

CA is Best Place to Be a Cop

On Saturday, Mauricio Garcia, wearing tactical gear and armed with an AR15 style assault weapon, opened fire at Allen Premium Outlet Mall in Dallas, Texas. At least eight people were killed in the carnage. Others suffered from wounds from the shooting. Garcia was killed by a police officer who happened to have been at the mall that day on an unrelated call.

Saturday’s shooting was the 201st mass shooting of the year.

Looking for a job in law enforcement? You may want to head to the Golden State.

According to a WalletHub study, California is the best place to work as a police officer in the country. Washington, D.C., came in at second place, followed by Connecticut, Maryland and Illinois.

The report used three main criteria to assemble its rankings: opportunity and competition, police training requirements, and job hazards and protection.

The opportunity category factored in metrics such as average starting salary, number of officers per capita, how many homicide cases are solved and how frequently officers are assaulted on the job.

California ranked third in opportunities, second in training requirements, and 16th in job hazards.

D.C., meanwhile, ranked first in opportunities, third in training and 47th in job hazards — since it’s tied for dead last in high violent crime per capita.

Still, many of the biggest cities in the top-ranked states are watching police resign en masse. The Los Angeles Police Department’s 9,200 officers are short about 500 cops — with an additional 600 expected to leave or retire in the next year, according to the L.A. Times. San Francisco is in a similar boat, with its force size of about 1,500 well off its target number of 2,100, according to CBS News Bay Area.

D.C. has seen 400 officers leave its department since 2019, putting staffing at its lowest levels in decades.

Three of those who were killed were from the same family – Cho Kyu Song, 27, Kang Shin Young, 25, and their threeyear-old son. Their other child, James, 6, survived.

Two sisters, Daniela Mendoza, 11, and eight-year-old Sofia Mendoza, were also killed. They were named in a letter from their school in Sachse, Texas, which called the girls “rays of sunshine.”

Security guard Christian LaCour, 23, and Aishwarya Thatikonda, a 26-yearold engineer from India, also died, said the public safety department.

LaCour’s grandmother described him as “such a beautiful soul,” according to a post on Facebook.

“He was such a beautiful soul, 20 years old with goals for his future. I was so proud of him and so glad I got to see him two weeks ago,” said Sandra Montgomery.

Officials said the eighth person killed was Elio Cumana-Rivas, 32, from Dallas.

Garcia had been in the army years ago but was kicked out after three months. It is said that he was asked to leave due to mental health issues.

New Airline Rules?

It’s a pain the neck when passengers are stranded when their flights are canceled or delayed. Now, the Biden administration is hoping to write new regulations that will require airlines to compensate air travelers and cover their meals and hotel rooms if they are stranded for reasons within the airline’s control.

The compensation would be in addition to ticket refunds when the airline is at fault for a flight being canceled or significantly delayed. It would give consumers in the United States protections similar to those in the European Union.

started.

Airlines for America, which represents the biggest carriers, noted that airlines have no incentive to delay or cancel flights. The trade group said more than half of cancellations in 2022 and 2023 have been caused by “extreme weather” or air traffic control outages.

“Carriers have taken responsibility for challenges within their control and continue working diligently to improve operational reliability,” including hiring more workers and reducing their schedules, the group said.

ment. Airlines often try to persuade consumers to accept a travel voucher instead of a refund.

After widespread flight disruptions last summer, the Transportation Department posted an online dashboard to let consumers compare airline policies on refunds and compensation.

Mage’s win came after heavily favored Forte was scratched from the race earlier in the day after a Kentucky Horse Racing Commission veterinarian found the horse had a bruised right front foot.

“I know how frustrated many of you are with the service you get from your U.S. airlines,” Biden said on Monday. “That’s why our top priority has been to get American air travelers a better deal.”

The President added, “You deserve more than just getting the price of your ticket (refunded) — you deserve to be fully compensated. Your time matters, the impact on your life matters.”

Officials at the Transportation Department, which will write the new rules, said they didn’t have a precise date for when they expect to finish, but indicated they are working to quickly publish a notice that is required to get the process

Airlines have added about 118,000 workers since November 2020 and now have 5% more employees than before the pandemic, according to Transportation Department figures.

The rate of canceled flights has declined to 1.6% so far this year, compared with 2.1% in the same period last year. However, delays are slightly more common and a few minutes longer on average, according to data from tracking service FlightAware.

Currently, when an airline cancels a flight for any reason, consumers can demand a refund of the unused part of their ticket and certain extras that they might have paid to the airline, such as fees for checking a bag or getting a seat assign-

Biden and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg credited the dashboard with pushing the 10 largest U.S. airlines to promise to provide cash or vouchers for meals when a carrier-caused cancellation forces passengers to wait at least three hours for another flight. Nine of the 10 — all but Frontier Airlines — also promise under those circumstances to pay for accommodations for passengers stranded overnight.

Mage Wins Kentucky Derby

A 3-year-old chestnut colt was declared the winner at the 149th Kentucky Derby on Saturday.

Mage, trained by Gustavo Delgado, edged out Two Phil’s, who crossed the line to finish in second place. Angel of Empire finished third.

Forte had been listed as the 3-1 morning line favorite to win the first leg of the sport’s Triple Crown. Forte was the fifth horse to be scratched from the race and so the number of horses in the main event dropped to 18. It is the first time since 1936 that five horses have been scratched from the Derby.

“I never give up – I always try hard,” jockey Javier Castellano declared. “It took me a little while to get there, to finally get it.” The victory was the first at the Kentucky Derby for Castellano in 16 attempts.

Prior to the Kentucky Derby, Mage only had one victory in three career

starts. On Saturday, he finished the “Greatest two minutes in Sports” with a time of 2:01.57.

Mage will now have a chance to continue the chase for the elusive Triple Crown at the Preakness Stakes in Maryland on May 20. The third leg is at the Belmont Stakes in New York on June 10.

This year’s Derby was marred by an unusually high number of horse deaths in days preceding the main event, and two more died in earlier races on Saturday. In total, seven horses have died since April 27.

Measles in Maine

vaccine, but the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that it “is considering the child to be infectious out of an abundance of caution.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all children get two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine; the first dose between 12 to 15 months of age and the second between the ages of 4 to 6.

Some people may still get measles if they have received the vaccine, but those individuals typically have a milder version of the illness and are less likely to be contagious, according to the CDC.

Babies and young children are more likely to get “very sick” from measles, the Maine CDC said on its Facebook page.

The agency said it was still waiting for official confirmation of the positive case from the U.S. CDC, according to the news release.

The U.S. CDC said there has been 10 documented cases of measles in eight states so far this year.

cination rates in the U.S. have dropped in recent years, sparking new outbreaks. An outbreak that began in November in Ohio sickened 85 children, none of whom were fully vaccinated.

The disease is highly contagious: Up to 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to the virus will also become infected, according to the U.S. CDC.

Car Ramming in Texas

Eight people were killed when a vehicle plowed into a group of people standing at a bus stop in Brownsville, Texas, over the weekend. Seven people remained hospitalized on Tuesday from injuries due to the incident.

The bus stop was situated across the street from a homeless shelter. Several of those killed were immigrants.

The director of the Ozanam Center, Victor Maldonado, described those killed and injured as asylum seekers.

A vigil is planned for Tuesday evening in El Paso.

“As one united front, border communities across Texas stand in solidarity with migrants and refugees across our state and country who have arrived in search of safety and opportunity. You are not alone, no estan solos ,” said Fernando Garcia, Executive Director of the Border Network for Human Rights, one of the groups organizing the vigil.

The fatal crash comes as Brownsville and other border towns brace for a migrant surge when the public health emergency measure known as Title 42 lapses on Thursday.

Brownsville recently declared a state of emergency after receiving an influx of thousands of migrants, many from Venezuela, in the past several weeks.

The driver of the vehicle, 34-yearold George Alvarez, was charged with eight counts of manslaughter and 10 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Brownsville Police chief Felix Sauceda said on Monday.

A child in Maine has tested positive for measles, officials said, marking the first case in the state since 2019. The child had received a dose of the

Measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, thanks to an intensive vaccination program, according to the U.S. CDC’s website. But vac -

“They came seeking refuge. They were staying at our shelter because they arrived in this country with very little,” he said.

Alvarez ran a red light and lost control of his vehicle, which flipped on its side and hit a total of 18 people, the chief said. Alvarez then tried to flee the scene before he was detained by

bystanders, police said.

Alvarez has an extensive rap sheet, including prior charges of assault and driving while intoxicated, according to police.

Brownsville Police spokesman Martin Sandoval explained, “We are looking at it three different ways. One, to see if he was intoxicated. We took a blood sample, and we have to turn it over to the Texas DPS crime lab. Two, we have to look at it as a malfunction of the car. Or three it could be intentional. All of these are possibilities.”

A Family Celebration

ing us, and now graduating with us, it’s a surreal moment. It’s indescribable,” Harry Chhieu said of his mother Carol Kay, a single mother of three children, and brother Anthony.

Kay came to the United States from Cambodia when she was just 15 years old.

“I went to school, attended high school. And not knowing a single word of English is pretty scary, you know? After I graduated, the opportunity wasn’t there for me to go to school. So, I had to go to work and earn a living,” Kay said. “As my kids got older, I said, ‘I’m going to go back to school.’ Something I’ve always wanted to do.”

When she came to the United States, Kay didn’t speak English. She worked in a preschool to provide for her children.

“Man, life is crazy! From not knowing how to speak any English one word to speaking multiple languages.”

Anthony said his mom is the epitome of the saying, “It’s never too late to go back to school.”

After graduation this week, Carol said she hopes to become a teacher.

There’s a lot we can learn from her.

BFF

The Chhieu family has a lot to celebrate this year – they will have three college graduates at the University of Arizona.

Harry and Anthony will be receiving their degrees. So will their 57-year-old mother.

“I’ve grown up doing everything with my brother, he’s kind of my best friend. My mom has always pushed us to better ourselves not only focus on school, but do what makes us happy. With her push-

A Texas elementary school is all about friends.

The students in Valley Creek Elementary School recently broke a Guinness World Record when they spent

four months assembling the world’s longest friendship bracelet.

They started work on the massive woven ribbon bracelet on November 7. By the time they finished, on March 3, it was 2,795 feet and 9 inches long.

The colors chosen for the ribbons reflected the school colors for Faubion Middle School and McKinney High School, where most Valley Creek students will likely attend.

It’s not easy to measure that long of a trinket. The bracelet was laid out on the school district’s football field and measured by a crew from Underwood Drafting and Surveying.

It broke the world record that was previously 2,166 feet and 11 inches.

That’s a whole new level of BFF.

Crying Sumo Babies

Shigemi Fuji, chairman of Asakusa Tourism Federation, which organized the event, said some people might think it’s terrible they make babies cry.

“But in Japan, we believe babies who cry powerfully also grow up healthily,” he said.

A total of 64 babies participated in the ritual.

And yes, they cried like a baby.

A Bad Banana?

In a tear-inducing competition, dozens of Japanese babies faced off over the weekend in a traditional “crying sumo” ritual believed to bring the infants good health.

The competition had been put on hold for the past four years due to the pandemic.

On Saturday, pairs of toddlers dressed in sumo aprons were held up by their parents and faced each other in the sumo ring at Sensoji Temple in Tokyo.

Staff wearing “oni” demon masks tried to make the babies cry. The first child to cry was declared the winner by a sumo referee holding a wooden fan used to signal victory.

“We can tell a baby’s health condition by listening to the way they cry. Today she may get nervous and not cry so much, but I want to hear her healthy crying,” a mother of an eight-month-old said.

The “crying sumo” is held at shrines and temples nationwide.

Did you know?

Noh Huyn-soo was hungry, so he ate the closest thing next to him: a banana.

But this was no ordinary banana. The fruit had been attached to a museum wall by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan in his famous installation: a banana duct-taped to a wall and called Comedian.

While viewing the artwork at the Seoul’s Leeum Museum of Art earlier this month, Noh detached the banana, ate the fruit, and then reattached the peel to the wall with the duct-tape, much to the horror of museum staffers.

The sacrilege took only one minute but it rocked the art world.

Noh said that he was hungry and decided to eat the fruit, although his actions were videoed by his friend.

Noh, who studies aesthetics and religion at Seoul National University, also opined about the artist’s intent in an interview with KBS, asking if the fruit — which is replaced every few days to keep the installation looking fresh — is meant to be eaten.

And, says Noh, it’s possible that his actions could also be qualified as art – eating and then replacing the peel on the wall.

The Noh drama lasted only around 30 minutes, as museum workers installed a second banana to restore Cattelan’s vision.

For now, Noh is not being pursued for damages in the exhibition that is set to go through July.

This art installation doesn’t sound so a-peel-ing.

Nurses can walk between 4-5 miles during a 12-hour shift.

Around the Community

Strong Show of Support For the Madraigos Annual Five Towns Breakfast

The beautiful home of Tikvah and Dovid Azman was filled with friends and supporters of Madraigos this past Sunday morning, May 7, for the Annual Five Towns Breakfast. With the theme of the morning Supporting With Love, the community banded together for youth, families, and adults who are serviced by Madraigos throughout the year through innovative prevention programs and critical intervention and support services.

Rabbi Dov Silver, founder and Executive V.P., extended warm words of

praise and appreciation to Dovid and Tikvah Azman for their gracious hospitality in making this year’s event enjoyable, meaningful, and successful in every way. Rabbi Silver remarked, “The existence and growth of Madraigos is a result of sincere, committed friends like the Azmans. I am touched by their genuine sensitivity to the special needs of our teens and young adults and I am deeply humbled by their warmth and dedication.”

Dovid Azman commented, “It’s a privilege for our family to be involved

with Madraigos. We cherish our relationship with Rabbi Silver and look forward to many more years of friendship.”

To the credit of Tikvah and David Azman and the devoted members of the event committee, Madraigos was introduced to many new friends from the Five Towns and surrounding communities. Attendees learned about the scope of Madraigos’ services offered to families in our community and beyond.

“We are sincerely grateful to the Azmans for making this year’s Breakfast a great success. They truly believe in our

mission and actively shared their passion with others,” said Mrs. Sharon Gross, Executive Director of Madraigos. “We hope to build upon these relationships as we grow even stronger, effectively serving the needs of families in our community.”

For more information about Madraigos, please see www.madraigos.org or call the office at 516-371-3250. The community can still participate in the Annual Breakfast by visiting www.rayze.it/ Madraigos.com or contact Sharon Gross at 516-371-3250 ext. 103.

Cahal Learns About the Heart A Sensational Siyum

Mrs. Esther Malka Parnes, first grade teacher at the CAHAL class at Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island, brought in science teacher Miss Samimi to teach the class about our heart and how it pumps blood. The boys experimented with a fake heart to see how the

blood flows. CAHAL, the only program in the community with separate boys and girls classes for children with learning challenges in our local Yeshivas and Bais Yaakovs, is accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year. To apply, visit www. cahal.org or call 516-295-3666.

MTA Lends a Hand At Kosher Troops

Rabbi Ackerman’s 4th grade in Yeshiva of South Shore class reached a wonderful milestone this week – they were mesayem Parshas Va’eira. They enjoyed a beautiful siyum with delicious snacks and even turned it into a

huge Bracha and Amen party where they racked up the staggering number of nearly 3,000 brachos and Ameinim. May they be zoche to many more siyumim in the future – all their learning should be with the same excitement and simcha as this!

5 Towns Flag Football

Did you know?

Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, began her career as a nurse during the Civil War.

This past Friday was week 6 of FM Home Loans 5 Towns Flag Football. This week’s games were super exciting with all the boys receiving a custom FM Home Loans 5TFFL sweatshirt! We overall had an amazing Friday and can’t wait for next week!

In the Pre-1A division, under the direction of Rabbi Flecksher, the boys started working on their defensive line skills and already are doing great.

In the 1st grade division, the Broncos tied with the Patriots, and the Giants defeated the Jets.

In the 2nd grade division, the Jets tied with the Texans; the Giants tied with the Broncos; the Eagles tied with the Vikings, and the Commanders defeated the Patriots with Elysha Warsawsky’s incredible defense.

In the 3rd and 4th grade division, the Seahawks defeated the Dolphins with Azi Webber’s 3 unbelievable touchdowns. The Falcons defeated the Eagles. The Patriots defeated the Raiders with

Abie Krieser’s amazing play of a full field touchdown and 2 short pass touchdowns. The Packers defeated the Giants; the Panthers defeated the Jets; the Broncos defeated the Steelers; and the Vikings defeated the Saints.

In the 5th and 6th grade division, the Steelers defeated the Falcons with Eitan Reich’s catches and defense. The Broncos defeated the Patriots; the Panthers tied with the Giants; the Saints defeated the Seahawks; the Dolphins defeated the Jets; and the Raiders defeated the Packers with Ahron Scheininger’s consistent short plays.

In the 7th and 8th grade division, the Eagles defeated the Patriots with Quarterback Michoel Storch’s amazing throws and plays and Ben Battalion’s 3 beautiful touchdowns. The Vikings defeated the Jets, and the Broncos tied with the Giants.

A big Thank you to FM Home Loans for the amazing sweatshirts that all participants received this past Friday.

Last Wednesday, MTA talmidim from several shiurim across multiple grades traveled to Kosher Troops for a chessed trip. In preparation for Shavuos, the talmidim packed food

and other items to be distributed to Jewish soldiers serving to protect us and our families. As a sign of our hakaras hatov, these talmidim took the opportunity to provide assistance for a great organization.

The third grade in Shulamith recently went on a trip to Safety Town

MTA Legacy Day

On Sunday, approximately 100 grandparents joined their grandsons at MTA for the yeshiva’s annual Legacy Day. This special day, which allows the talmidim to learn with their grandparents, is one that is always enjoyed and the experience is cherished. The grandparents, after a delicious

breakfast with their grandsons, heard a shiur from MTA Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Michael Taubes, before joining their grandsons in their individual shiurim. The grandparents had the chance to learn with their grandsons and get to know the outstanding rebbeim of MTA.

Rav Yonasan Posnick, a rebbi in Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s elementary school and a member of its afternoon Kollel Mechanchim, delivering a chaburah on the sugya of Yoledes B’Shabbos during Second Seder.

An Award-Winning Achievement

Mazal tov to SKA Junior Talia Cohen who won First Place in her category in the 2023 Long Island Youth Summit (LIYS) and is a Finalist in the Long Island Science Congress (LISC)!

As part of SKA’s Research Program overseen by Dr. Parrino, Talia’s project focused on friendship and moods in high school students. Talia wrote a 3,000word research paper discussing previous studies, her research, and solutions regarding how to better mental health, self-esteem and wellbeing. She won “Best Research Paper” from LIYS! For LISC, Talia’s research was depicted on a poster and viewed by three judges.

Goal, Goal, Goal!

The 5 Towns Hockey League is finishing up what was an amazing season. The Playoffs have begun, and a champion will soon be crowned. Over 300 boys from 10 different communities participate in the league.

The most amazing aspect of the 5 Towns Hockey league is that all participants improve tremendously. When they start in Pre-1A and move up as they get older, they become real hockey players. They are the ones that are the best in their camps in hockey and the ones who make the teams when it comes to organized school sports. The skills they learn in the game of hockey follow them

SKA Awardees 2023

forever. The best emails we get are from parents after the summer telling us that their son was the best in the division in hockey or that he made the high school hockey team. Of course, sportsmanship and middot play a big role as well and that is stressed every game of the season.

The 5 Towns Hockey League, which is in its 25th year, has over 30 teams participating and enjoying the game of hockey. Every season, FM Home Loans, the corporate sponsor, provides an amazing giveaway from Nike hats to duffel bags. This season, they gave every participant a new 5 Towns Hockey sweatshirt. Looking forward to the spring season!

The Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls is proud to announce Arielle Rosman as Valedictorian, Atara Razi as Salutatorian, and Rebecca Brown as Keter Shem Tov awardee. Mazal tov!

Valedictorian: Arielle Rosman

Editor-in-Chief Yearbook; Editor-in-Chief Skappenings; Editor Holocaust Journal and Parsha Press; Keter Torah Awardee; Member Re’ut Honor Society; Social Entrepreneurship Club; Student Ambassador; Member of SPARKS; MACS; Israel Awareness Committee; Volunteers at i-Shine and Friendship Circle

*Will be attending Michlalah and Stern College for Women

Salutatorian: Atara Razi

Next Gen Hemostat Research Pro -

gram; Art and Media Editor Matrix ; Member Re’ut Honor Society; MAGIC Mentoring; Medical Marvels; Science Olympiad; Peer Tutoring; Israel Awareness Committee; RISE; MACS; Student Ambassador; Writer Skappenings, Parsha Press, Looking Glass; Volunteer at Maimonides Medical Center; Tennis Team; Track Team;

*Will be attending Stern College Medical Scholars Program

Keter Shem Tov: Rebecca Brown

Voted by her peers for her kindness and midot. SKA Chesed Head; Volunteers at I-shine; Yachad; Friendship Circle; Synagogue Group Leader; Member, Basketball Team; Tennis Team; Production

*Will be attending Tiferet and Touro College

Rebecca Brown

Atara Razi

Arielle Rosman

At the annual dinner of Beis Medrash Hachaim Vehashalom

At the Sunday Ribbon Cutting of The Gallery on Central Avenue, Yoeli Steinberg presented a welcoming Citation on behalf of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to Avrumy Flohr, proprietor, and his father, Moshe Flohr

Thanks go to Dr. Parrino for his valuable help with Talia’s project.

TOH Goats

This week, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town Board welcomed five baby goats and two sheep to the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve family. The sheep are named Boots and Socks; the goats are called Clay, Priscilla, Mia, Latte, and Sweetie.

Eleventh grade students of Yeshiva Nishmas Hatorah on a visit to the floor of The NY stock Exchange with their principal, Mr. Chesky Samet

Lag B’Omer dancing at Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid of Yeshiva Darchei Torah

YSZ Takes On Philly

The seventh grade girls of Yeshiva

Sha’arei Zion visited Philadelphia to explore the birthplace of the United States. Touring Independence Hall, getting up close to the Liberty Bell, and walking the streets of colonial America, the girls learned to appreciate the origins of our great country.

Hearing the history of Kahal Kadosh Mikveh Israel, the longest consecutive running Orthodox shul in America, the girls were able to appreciate its Jewish contribution to the USA. Ending off the day, the talmidos had fun at the Museum of Illusions and Urban Air.

The third grade talmidim of Yeshiva Darchei Torah enjoyed a grade-wide siyum on Sefer Bereishis last week. The guest speaker was Rav Yehuda Deutsch, associate dean of Torah Academy for Girls, who was previously a third grade rebbi in YDT. He inspired the boys with a story and message about the importance of Birkas Hamazon.

Lag B’Omer at Yeshivas Nishmas Hatorah

Shulamith sixth grade went on a trip to the Vanderbilt Science Museum, followed by a surprise ice skating session at Dix Hills Rinks

The Shulamith seventh grade enjoyed a trip to Philadelphia

Last week, the eighth grade boys and girls at HALB each took a trip to Ellis Island. They walked in the path taken by their ancestors and learned about the struggles of new immigrants that arrived in the United States.

Fish Tank at YOSS 2.0

The Abraham and Sara Silber Mechina Division at Yeshiva of South Shore held its 2nd annual Fish Tank competition which culminated with a fantastic showing of talent and great collaboration amongst students and their groups at this year’s finale.

Ten groups presented their inventions and business plans to an enthusiastic audience, and the students were skilled

in discussing their creations with a rigorous panel of judges. Some groups went into depth with their invention and potential profit and evaluation of their businesses, which included research and some excellent math skills.

Overall, the Fish Tank competition showed an impressive array of skills that our 7 th grade boys possess, and the rigor to compete in such an amazing competi-

5TLL Week 5 Recap

It was a beautiful sunny day at the 5TLL by FM Home Loans on Sunday, and the boys were eager and ready to play! The boys showcased incredible athleticism including some late game heroics. There was also a ton of swag given out this past Sunday, with the all the boys receiving FM Home Loans bat bags, water bottles, Wieder Orthodontics drawstring bags, Mets/Yankees schedule magnets from Five Towns Batting Cages, and some boys even got a FREE batting helmet. It was a great day for baseball, and we’re looking forward to double-header week this upcoming Sunday!

K/P Baseball & Soccer Highlights

K/P Baseball: Michoel Ruzohorsky ended the game on a walk-off for Stone Group against Wieder Orthodontics. Joseph Feldman and Yaakov Grossman each had nice hits scoring multiple runs.

K/P Soccer: Maidenbaum defeated Wieder Orthodontics 2-1 behind a stellar performance from Gadi Menche with 2 game saving incredible saves in goal to help keep the lead and secure the victory. Yehuda Schwartz had a great game in goal for Wieder Orthodontics.

1st/2nd Soccer: Yossi Efroymson scored the first goal of the game and Avi Halpern recorded a hat trick!

Minors (1st-3rd) Baseball Highlights

1st Grade: Charlie Rosenblatt had two amazing catches in the field to lead Stone Group to a 15-12 win over Wieder Orthodontics. Momo Caller hit a GRAND SLAM to tie the game for Shana B Interiors. Maidenbaum defeated Evolve Design Group 22 to 12 behind Yitzy Kohn’s Monster Grand Slam.

2nd Grade: Abie Shapiro hit a two run bomb as Nojo Promo defeated Wieder Orthodontics 13 to 7. Shmuel Herzka slammed a 2 run triple to left field in Island Roofing’s win over Town Appliance 12 to 5. Dovy Seltzer hit 2 homeruns and Eliyahu Ruzohorski was the hero, smashing a walk-off double to give Posh Home & Bath the 11 to 10 victory. In a back-andforth game, Alpert Financial took a 2 run lead in the top of the last inning but Elite Care stormed back when Tzvi Taub knocked a 2-run WALK-OFF HR to give Elite Cares the victory!

3rd Grade: Akiva Lesser hit a walk-off

tion.

Special thanks to the 7 th grade science teachers, Rabbi Dovid Schulman and Mrs. Rina Korman, program creator, for leading this project. Special thanks to our panel of judges including guest judge, Mrs. Yafa Lamm, Curriculum Designer and Developer for The Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE).

Congratulations to our top three

teams:

First Place: Soft Saver: Aharon M Levy, Yitzy Picker, Benjy Twersky, Eitan Weiss

Second Place: The World Cup: Sruli Klein, Moshe Moser, Isaac Weisfeld, Shmuel Weissman

Third Place: JIB Jacket: Baruch Guttman, Judah Kievel, Isaac Makowsky

single to give Wieder Orthodontics the 10-9 win over Town Appliance. Extreme Vent Cleaning just barely defeated Stone Group 11 to 10.

Majors (4th & up) Baseball Highlights

4th Grade: Maidenbaum beat Built By Nate 10 to 4 behind an incredible Shoehei Ohtani-esque performance from Joey Malkin, who pitched an incredible 3 innings & hit a 3 run dinger! CG Flooring beat Westwood Realty 5 to 3 behind Tani Benderley who drove in 4 runs. Marciano Pediatric Dentistry defeated Evolve Design Group on a double-play to end the game. Joe Nematnejad was named game MVP for Marciano Pediatric Dentistry with great fielding and 3 hits. Wieder Orthodontics defeated Alpert Financial 7–6 in extra innings thanks to an incredible performance by game MVP Benjamin Flegman who had a beautiful Superman dive to save 2 players from scoring & crushed a 2 run HR in the win! Yehuda Gorlin had an amazing outing on the mound as Town Appliance beat Island Roofing 7 to 5.

5th Grade: Carving Block defeated

Island Roofing behind some incredible defensive plays from Dov Kreisman and Yehuda Wertzberger. Game MVP Rafi Rose made a magnificent barehanded out as Town Appliance defeated Maidenbaum 11 to 7.

6th Grade: Yechiel Teteibaum pitched a perfect 4 innings for JNT as JNT beat Stone Group 6 to 2.

7th/8th Grade: Akiva Rosen of Posh Home & Bath nearly hit for the cycle Sunday & was the driving force behind his team’s victory! He hit a game-tying home run and a 2 run triple to help his team overcome being down 3 to 1 early on. Posh went on to win 7-3!

5TLL Game of the Week

Marciano Pediatric Dentistry had the bases loaded in the bottom of the last inning with no outs, down by 3 runs versus Westwood Realty on Sunday but Tzvi Jarcaig made perhaps the greatest defensive play in 5TLL history! The ball was hit to Tzvi who turned a triple play to end the inning and win the game for Westwood Realty. Avi Pelman hit two 3-run HRs for Westwood in the amazing victory.

Meet Real People Who Are Making a Real Difference

At the Great Israeli Real Estate Event in the Five Towns

We started launching real estate events several years ago, when it became clear that there are so many people interested in purchasing property in Israel and yet, they don’t have the first idea how to go about it.

We brought together developers, real estate agents, Aliyah advisors, community leaders, mortgage and finance consultants, interior designers and more to give investors, homebuyers, and potential olim solid information so that they could go ahead and make their “move” – both literally and figuratively.

Since those early events, our gatherings have become bigger and better, with the participation of more opinion leaders and people of influence.

Our latest event, taking place on Monday, May 17, at the White Shul in the Five Towns, will be the biggest yet, featuring an impressive lineup of fascinating speakers and an exciting selection of over 60 projects in all price ranges and in all the best Anglo areas across Israel. This is your chance to explore all the options and take advantage of special deals and offers exclusive to the event!

Not surprisingly, a large portion of those projects are located in Beit Shemesh, Israel’s fastest growing city and already home to a huge Anglo pop -

Did you know?

ulation. In recognition of the great contribution on the part of Americans, the city’s mayor, Mrs. Aliza Bloch, will be coming specially to speak at the event. Additionally, participants will have the tremendous honor of meeting the well-known and much-loved Rabbi Larry Rothwachs, who will soon be making Aliyah to the brand-new Beit Shemesh community of Rothstein Heights. Together with his wife Chaviva, Rabbi Rothwachs will head the community according to the American model of rabbinic leadership, with the shuls serving as hubs for communal life and spiritual growth, as well as for meaningful learning initiatives, social activities and chesed opportunities.

Other speakers will provide eye-opening tips on taking out a mortgage, navigating the Israeli real estate market and more. This is your chance to gain knowledge and information from seasoned experts who live and work in Israel and who have close familiarity and experience with this complex market.

Light refreshments will be served, and participation is free. Don’t miss this event of the year, where you can discover how to transform your dream into reality! Register today at https://realestateisrael.org/

Approximately 10% of nurses are men.

Having fun in the Five Towns with Special Children’s Center

Reclaiming Summer for Kids

Summers are not for couches. Summers are not for screens. Summers are for Slurpees, swimming, and singing around late-night bonfires. And while some kids who are home for the summer are fine on their own, the majority are not.

In fact, camp isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Without camp, many children would be spending their days in front of a screen. They won’t have the opportunity to be away from complicated home lives, enjoying their summers like the rest of their friends. Camp allows kids to return to school in the fall with confidence, healthy self-esteem, and excitement for the new school year.

Unfortunately, camp is not something all children get to experience.

The cost of living has increased exponentially in the past few years, making it difficult for regular, hardworking families to afford the extra expense.

At Achiezer, we believe every child in our community deserves to go to camp, regardless of their family’s finances. So we’re doing something about it.

We’re hosting our CIMBY Run for Summer campaign to benefit the Achiezer Camp Fund, an initiative to help families in the community cover summer camp costs. Join the Five Towns and Far Rockaway community at the Far Rockaway Boardwalk on Sunday, May 14. Whether you run in the trails or cheer on the runners, you will transform summers for dozens of children.

Participate from wherever you are!

Lag B’Omer at HANC ECC

The anticipation has been building as the yeladim in HANC’s Early Childhood Center in West Hempstead have been preparing for Lag B’Omer. Each child decorated a foam visor, attached colorful shapes, and then selected the letters in their name which they glued to the front of the visors. They also made their own binoculars, which they used on their nature walk to look for butterflies and other insects.

When the exciting day began, the

children wore their visors and binoculars and went for a nature walk, exploring all the signs of spring: flowers growing, trees blooming, warm air blowing, and birds chirping. Since they have been tracking the metamorphosis of caterpillars in their classrooms, they searched to see if they could find more caterpillars or butterflies in the grass or on the bushes that they passed on their walk.

Back at school, the children enjoyed an outdoor picnic, which included ices

Can’t be a part of the CIMBY run? You can still support the cause. On Monday, May 15, Achiezer will host a 12-hour crowd-funding campaign to raise money for the Achiezer Camp Fund.

We believe that the power of community can make a huge impact.

Together, we can help kids experience the joys of summer camp and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s make sure every child in our community has access to this opportunity.

In 2022, Achiezer helped 300 families and sent 1,000 kids to camp.

Let’s do it this year, too!

Join the cause. Help raise $400k for Achiezer’s Camp Fund.

Sign up to participate in the CIMBY Campaign Trail Runs at rayze.it/

achiezercimby

Donate at rayze.it/achiezerrunningforsummer

and ice cream that were generously provided by the PTA. After all, the rain that has been falling lately, and it was a treat to eat outdoors and relish the beautiful spring weather.

Adding to the enjoyment of the day, the children were treated to lots of fun in a Bouncy House. From the laughs and giggles that could be heard throughout the auditorium, it was evident that the children truly appreciated this fun-filled experience.

At the annual Aish Kodesh Hilula

YCQ Celebrates Over 30 Years of Rabbi Lonner’s Exciting Mishmar Program

Hachnosat Kallah at Shulamith

For 31 years, Rabbi Yaakov Lonner, YCQ’s Executive Director, has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Despite the long hours and the many responsibilities that come with the job, Rabbi Lonner took time out of his busy schedule to teach the students of our yeshiva. Every week, students who participated in the after-school Mishmar program had the opportunity to hear words of Torah and wisdom from Rabbi Lonner.

When Rabbi Menachem Rottenberg, zt”l, retired, he asked Rabbi Lonner to teach the weekly Mishmar slot. Mishmar was not part of the job description for either one of them. Rather, this was something that they initiated on their own to further connect with the talmidim they were giving so much to during the day.

Mishmar with Rabbi Lonner was an experience like no other. Though there were always snacks, raffles, and endof-year trips, the real excitement was watching Rabbi Lonner truly bring the material to life. He would act out stories in the Parsha, Pirkei Avot, and other sources and help students relate the Torah to their everyday lives.

Rabbi Lonner made it a point to cre -

ate a curriculum that stressed middot tovot. He would emphasize the importance of making a Kiddush Hashem and the obligation we have as Bnei Yisrael to be an Or la’Goyim. He helped students become better people and better Jews by helping create an emotional and genuine connection to Hashem.

When Rabbi Lonner recounted the experience of teaching Mishmar since 1991, he was glowing and explained that it was one of the most satisfying experiences of his career. He described how he would walk out of each session feeling invigorated and that the enjoyment of sharing Torah was something immeasurable. He was especially proud when parents would tell him how their children gave over the lessons that Rabbi Lonner had taught earlier that week at their shabbat tables.

Rabbi Lonner’s unwavering commitment to education, kindness, and compassion has inspired generations of students, and will continue to do so for many years to come. On Tuesday, Rabbi Lonner led the final Mishmar of the year with a group of 4th graders who will remember the experience for the rest of their lives.

At Shulamith, the eighth grade girls studied the mitzvah of hachnosat kallah with their teacher, Morah Shoshana Fischman. In order to contribute to our community and live what they learn, the students brought in small kitchen items for a subcategory of Yad Batya L’Kallah called Matnas Chaya L’Kallah. Mrs. Penina Rabinowitz, who started Matnas Chaya in memory of her friend Chaya Bistritzky, a”h, came to speak to the girls about the mitzvah she is a part of. Every month,

her and two friends put together 30 beautifully packaged boxes for brides in need. From ladles to oven mitts to peelers, the Shulamith students brought in helpful kitchen items that will ease the financial burden of brides by removing one less thing for them to worry about. It was inspiring to hear how Mrs. Rabinowitz was able to go through a tragedy, losing a dear friend, and using it as inspiration to start a chessed that has helped hundreds if not thousands of brides.

Gan Chamesh Celebrates Lag B’Omer

The children of Gan Chamesh celebrated Lag B’Omer with simulated bonfires. They learned Torah, sang songs, and enjoyed “roasting” marshmallows over the flickering flames

of the bonfires! The day culminated with the whole school assembling for a Hakhel Lag B’Omer gathering.

BY5T Nursery talmidos enjoyed celebrating their Alef-Yud Siyum

Pretty Presents by Chana

Iam super creative and artsy, and I love using my creative juices. I love making people happy and feeling cared for so I decided to start a personalized gift packaging business called Prettypresentsbychana. I first started off in Monsey, NY, and recently moved to the 5 Towns area.

We create custom packages for birthdays, anniversaries, get well packages, holiday gifts, and thinking-of-you gifts. We always ensure that each gift package stays within a customer’s budget.

Thank G-d, this business has really grown over the past few years! I enjoy shopping for the supplies and products and putting everything together in a cute and artsy way, making it look the most

YDT Semicha Chaburah

The avreichim of the Semicha chaburah at Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s Kollel Tirtza Devorah traveled to Brooklyn to be tested by Rav Yisroel Reisman, the Rosh HaYeshiva of Torah Vodaath, for the second time this year. Launched last Elul, the four-anda-half year program is covering a wide range of halachic sugyos in depth and will conclude with the conferral of fullfledged rabbinic semicha.

Celebrating Lag B’Omer at Shulamith

attractive. Sometimes, a customer will prefer more elegant and classy, while other customers prefer cute and fun...either way, it is so enjoyable, and the best part is being part of making others happy and uplifting their day!

Lag B’Omer was a fun-filled, festive day at Shulamith, with exciting activities and life-long lessons about friendship.

Grades 1-12 begin the day with a heartwarming kumzitz, singing together b’achdut. Afterward, students from grades 1-5 went to Cedarhurst Park for relay races, playground fun, and a pizza picnic! The fun then continued in school with decorating cupcakes to look like bonfires and making friendship bracelets.

Meanwhile, grades 6-8 enjoyed a day of increased school spirit and achdut for

Color War! The color war theme was Yom V’Laila, Day and Night, Team Yellow and Team Blue; check back next week to find out which team won!

Ushi Teitelbaum; Pesach Osina; Pinny Hikind, representing City Comptroller Brad Lander and presenting a Commendation at Boro Park JCC’s 2nd Annual Health Expo; Avi Greenstein; and Shulem Bornstein

Pictured, left to right: R’ Yonah Green; R’ Levi Goldman; R’ Yaakov Hirschman; R’ Daniel Schulman; Rav Dovid Bender, Rosh Kollel Tirtza Devorah; Rav Yisroel Reisman, Rosh HaYeshiva of Torah Vodaath; R’ Avi Lauterbach, Rosh Chaburah; R’ Levi Simsovits, Rosh Chaburah; and R’ Azriel Moskowitz.

Far Rockaway Community Leaders Meet with Queens District Attorney Melinda

Katz

Far Rockaway’s community leaders and members of the Far Rockaway Jewish Alliance recently met with Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz to support her re-election campaign.

Melinda Katz was elected District Attorney in 2019 and inaugurated in 2020. Despite taking office in the most turbulent of times, she’s provided a steady hand as she’s worked to keep Queens families safe and taken on crime head on.

Darchei Torah Eighth Graders

“Adopt” Holocaust Survivors, Retell Their Stories

Middos are the Way We Act

The eighth grade talmidim of Yeshiva Darchei Torah completed a four-month effort to interview survivors of the Holocaust and retell their stories by producing a beautiful event at the Yeshiva that was attended by hundreds of parents and grandparents.

The boys’ hard work, ingenuity and the gravity with which they took their mission were on full display that night in the Diamond Beis Medrash, in the form of videos that they produced about the survivors, PowerPoint slide presentations, and full-color, detailed dioramas and display boards that were set up around the room.

interview living survivors in person, some spent their time viewing recorded testimony and researching the stories of those who had been interviewed by students in previous years.

“The boys took this project very seriously,” says Rabbi Leff. “In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of that dark chapter in our history and learning valuable life lessons, they will now be able to retell the testimony of the survivors they met with, which is critical in a world where some dare to deny the Holocaust itself.”

While those are the lyrics to one of our favorite songs, it is also how the YOSS ECC functions on a daily basis.

Middos are how we live and taught by example by our talented Pre1A Rebbe, Rabbi Feivish Rotbard, and our warm and wonderful moros.

Throughout the year, our classes are filled with Middos activities and programs that encourage our children’s behaviors at home and in school: saying thank you, please, pushing in your chair, etc.

Each year, after Pesach, we connect the messages of Pirkei Avos, and get our children racing and running to help each other at our Middos Olympics.

This week, the boys presented more of their great Middos at our Annual Lag B’Omer Middos Parade. They marched up and down Serena Road, singing and waving to the neighbors, as they displayed banners and signs representing v’ahavta l’reacha kamocha, gemilas chesed and, of course, simcha!

The project, known as “Adopt-A-Survivor,” is the brainchild and was the life mission of Mr. Irving Roth a”h, a Holocaust survivor who visited the Yeshiva and met with the eighth grade students every year until his passing two years ago.

According to Rabbi Moshe Leff, principal of Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s middle school, each of the forty presentations had three components: the survivor’s life before the Holocaust, their experiences during the war, and their success and Siyata DiShmaya in rebuilding their lives in its aftermath.

While most of the boys were able to

The event brought to mind the haunting lyrics of the classic Abie Rotenberg song, Memories:

What will become of all the memories?

Are they to scatter with the dust in the breeze?

And who will stand before the world

Knowing what to say

When the very last survivor – fades away?

Thanks to the efforts and commitment of Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s eighth graders, the question posed by the song has an optimistic answer.

View a full photo gallery at darchei. org/Photos

Lag B’Omer fun at Shulamith ECC

Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid and Kollel Tirtza Devorah Dinner

Plainview’s Mercaz Academy Buzzing After Visit From Beekeeper

Dr. Elie Miodownik, a veterinarian from Queens, visited Mercaz Academy to talk about his unusual hobby: beekeeping. (Some students were a little nervous until he reassured him that there would be no live bees in his presentation.) Dr. Miodownik explained the importance of bees to our food supply, noting that it’s not just about the honey. Without bees, the pollination that allows fruits and vegetables to grow wouldn’t be possible.

Dr. Miodownik showed students all the tools of his trade, including one of his box-shaped hives still dripping with honey. Mercaz students got a close-up look at the honeycomb as Dr. Miodownik pulled frame after frame out of the hive. He explained the makeup of bee life in a hive, with a queen bee, worker bees, and drones, and how bees remove nectar from flowers to dehydrate into hon-

ey. Showing students the smoker he uses to calm the bees, Dr. Miodownik put on his protective beekeeping suit to demonstrate how he could handle bees without getting stung.

Mercaz Academy students were happy to learn that bees don’t bother people as long as people aren’t bothering bees. Dr. Miodownik told some concerned Nursery Bet children that, if a bee is too close for comfort, the solution is to blow it away because bees follow air currents.

Everyone agreed that the most exciting part of the presentation was when Dr. Miodownik passed around a tray of honeycomb for students to taste. The honey was sweet and delicious, and Mercaz students are now enthusiastic bee fans. Thanks to school librarian Morah Francie Goldberg for arranging this fascinating afternoon!

Photos by Naftoli Goldgrab

The presentation to Rabbi Moshe Chaim Horowitz, Kesser Torah Awardee

Surprise presentation to the dinner chairmen, Mordechai Rosen and Mordechai Heinemann

Rav Dovid Bender, Rosh Kollel, speaking

Rav Shlomo Avigdor Altusky, Rosh Yeshiva

Presentation to Mr. Yitzchok Fuchs, Avodas Hakodesh Awardee

Mr. Ronald Lowinger, president

The presentation to Mr. Chaim Tepler, Guest of Honor

Rav Yaakov Bender, Rosh HaYeshiva

Golda Meir, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo Da Vinci Visit HANC

The auditorium in HANC’s Elementary School in West Hempstead was transformed into a Wax Museum which was created by Mrs. Mindy Lehmann’s and Ms. Ricki Zimmerman’s third grade classes last week. The room was decorated like Hollywood, complete with the famous Hollywood sign, a photo booth, the Walk of Fame stars and handprints of the many famous people that the students were representing. This extraordinary program was the culmination of a research project on a famous person whom they wanted to portray in the museum. Utilizing their reading, research, computer and art skills, the students then created a myriad of presentations and artifacts that reflected their famous person. Once their person was selected, each child read a book about them, filled in a fact sheet about their life, created a speech about the person, and recorded all that they learned in a google slide presentation complete with a timeline

that recorded the significant moments in their life and a word cloud that included adjectives that described the character of the famous person that they had chosen. All of these presentations were included on a website for all the families to enjoy.

On the morning of the event, significant figures from the past to the present came to life as each child came dressed up as the person they researched. The famous people included scientists, world leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, authors, explorers, entertainers and fashion designers. Some of the famous people that were featured were: Golda Meir, Albert Einstein, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sandy Koufax, J K Rowling, Michael Phelps and Leonardo Da Vinci. The children stood like wax statues, and only spoke when approached by a museum visitor. As the room filled up with parents, the children proudly recited their speeches, highlighting the significant moments and accomplishments of their famous person. The

parents who visited the museum were dazzled by the magnificent costumes, the beautiful hand painted portraits, the creative wax artifacts that were created to represent each famous person, and the competence and confidence with which the speeches were expressed. It was truly an amazing event for the students and visitors alike.

Later that morning, the first and second graders were invited down to the auditorium for a Wax Museum fashion show. As each star entered the room, they carried an artifact that depicted their life accomplishments and strutted down the aisle in character. Bindi Irwin carried a stuffed animal from the Australian Zoo, Michael Jordan bounced a basketball, Julia Child carried her cooking utensils…all to illustrate their contributions to our world and history. The smiles on their faces was evidence that they were so proud of all that they had accomplished.

This year’s Wax Museum was made possible by a generous donation from Mrs. Randi Silber and family in memory of Randi’s mother, Mrs. Marion Zierler, z”l. Mrs. Zierler was an avid reader, and her love of reading will continue to inspire us all for many years to come.

To kick off Teacher Appreciation Week, HALB teachers were treated to Bean and Berry Acai bowls and Lev Chana teachers enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by Lollibop

The children at HALB Lev Chana enjoyed toasting marshmellows in their very safe medurah

YOSS Mechina Lag Baomer trip to Eisenhower Park

In honor of Lag B’Omer, Gesher students were treated to an exciting hands-on drumming circle led by the wonderful Mike from Impact Drumming Group. The children each got their own drums and learned how to create lively beats to the tune of Lag B’Omer music.

Lag B’Omer at BYAM

“V’ahavta l’reacha kamocha” was implemented in a tangible way on Lag B’Omer in Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam. Following an exciting trip to the park, the girls were treated to a visit by a Cholov Yisrael ice cream truck. Each girl was given a choice of an ice cream cone or a slushie. It was

a taste of vacation that turned a regular school day into something magical. Following that exciting visit, all the girls across the elementary grades joined together in the schoolyard. They stood in a big circle around a roaring bonfire. The Medura, and the uniqueness of the day, was used as an opportunity for con-

Lag B’Omer at Ezra Academy

nection. Each class stood separately in the circle, while the feeling of camaraderie and unity between the grades was felt by all. Each class took a turn to choose a song to sing, and then the other classes joined in the beautiful kumsitz, giving each group both a sense of individuality and security, as well as the opportuni-

ty to be part of something bigger – the privilege of being part of a special group of students that forms the student body at Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam. In fact, it was hard to determine what exuded more warmth – the fire or the singing!

Beginning from Monday evening and all through the school day the next day, Ezra Academy celebrated Lag B’Omer in true glory. The alumni and current senior class began the night by traveling to Monsey to join the Travel-

ing Chasidim and receive a bracha from the Koson Rebbe. The group then went to Ma’ariv and ate a seudah at Rabbi Royde’s home. Then a kumsitz began before the final stop of the night at the Nikolsberg Rebbe’s bonfire.

The school day began with davening followed by a trip to Flushing Meadows Park where a target practice activity of all kinds was played (part of the month of Iyar’s target theme). The students then played ball, relaxed, and spent time

hanging out with their rebbeim and morahs.

It was a good introduction for the students who are departing for the school retreat at Camp Moshava this weekend.

This past Sunday, HALB hosted its first ever Jewish History Fair. Morah Saba, Ivrit teacher for the fifth grade girls, spent the past year teaching the girls the various key periods of Jewish History. Their study culminated with a dramatic presentation along with an interactive fair held at the HALB gym.

Morah Saba spent the past six months creating representative models of elev-

en periods in Jewish History beginning with Avraham and going all the way through the founding of Medinat Yisrael in 1948. The fifth grade girls served as docents at this pop up museum, dressed in the costumes of the various periods in history and explained each exhibit. The exhibits included the time of the Avot, Yetziat Mitzrayim, the Shoftim, Ruth HaMoaviah, the Beit Hamikdash, the Shtetl, the Golden Age of Spain, the In-

quisition, the Holocaust, and the forming of Medinat Yisrael. In addition, there was an exhibit featuring the various famous synagogues from around the world. The students also created a personal family history which featured photos of their grandparents and great grandparents.

As Morah Saba said, “Our children learn various aspects of Jewish History in Chumash and Navi but are unclear how each period relates to the other.

Rav Druk on Shavuos and Megillas Rus

ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications

Rav Yisroel Meir Druk, son of the famed “Maggid Meisharim” of Yerushalayim and a noted talmid chochom and popular speaker, brings our understanding of Megillas Rus and the Yom Tov of Shavuos to a whole new level in ArtScroll’s new Rav Druk on Shavuos and Megillas Rus. His insights, firmly based on a large variety of classic Torah sources, are brief, readable, and intriguing.

Rav Druk on Shavuos and Megillas Rus offers us a new clarity on the fascinating story of Rus, from Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their saga, through the birth of the Davidic dynasty.

It includes:

• Commentary on Megillas Rus

• Special section on Krias HaTorah of Shavuos

• Inspiring essays on Kabbalas HaTorah

Read this volume before Yom Tov or take it with you to shul – your Shavuos will never be the same!

The following is an excerpt from this inspiring volume:

Repentance in Rephidim

“They journeyed from Rephidim and arrived at the Wilderness of Sinai and

encamped in the Wilderness; and Israel encamped there, opposite the mountain (19:2).

Rashi comments that the reason the Torah specifies from where the Jewish people had come is to compare their journey from Rephidim to their coming to the Wilderness of Sinai: Just as their coming to the Wilderness of Sinai was in a state of repentance, so, too, their journey from Rephidim was in a state of repentance. But what difference does it make that they repented in Rephidim?

We can explain this based on the Rema’s words at the very beginning of Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 1:1): “Even while lying on his bed, one should know before Whom he lies, and immediately when he awakens from his sleep, he should rise with alacrity to serve his Creator.”

Why did the Rema place this halachah in the first siman of Shulchan Aruch, which discusses the laws of rising in the morning, rather than in siman 239, which discusses the laws of the bedtime Shema? Why didn’t he write there that when a person lies on his bed, he should know before Whom he lies?

This halacha is deliberately placed among the laws of rising in the morning,

because if a person wishes to rise in the morning as a Jew and conduct his entire day as a servant of Hashem, that endeavor must begin at night, when he goes to bed. Having prepared himself in the morning, when he lies down at night, he already knows before Whom he lies.

Similarly, for the Jewish people to receive the Torah at Har Sinai, they could not have sufficed with repenting at the place where the Torah was to be given. Rather, they had to do teshuvah earlier, when they were leaving Rephidim.

This concept is reflected in the Gemara’s account (Bava Metzia 85b) of how R’ Chiya planted flax, from which he wove nets to trap deer, whose hides he used to prepare scrolls of parchment. He wrote the five Chumashim of the Torah and the Six Orders of the Mishnah on those scrolls, and then used them to teach Chumash and Mishnah to children. It was therefore said about him, “How great are the deeds of Chiya,” since he ensured that Torah was not forgotten from the Jewish people.

But why did R’ Chiya have to exert himself to plant flax, weave nets, trap deer, and prepare scrolls? Couldn’t he simply have bought kosher parchment and written the Torah and Mishnah on

They now have an understanding of the timeline of our Jewish people.”

The exhibits will be used throughout the year to give better context to the Jewish holidays we celebrate and to the full Jewish experience. HALB is grateful for the efforts of Morah Saba in putting this program together for our fifth grade girls.

that?

R’ Chiya’s actions teach us an important lesson: If we want to ensure that Torah not be forgotten from the Jewish people, we must do everything with sanctity and purity, for the sake of Heaven.

It was not enough for the final stages of the process of teaching Torah to be done with the proper motivations; even the flax used for the nets to trap the deer whose hides would be used for Torah scrolls needed to be planted for the sake of Heaven, so that the entire process would be carried out with holiness.

JCCRP Career and Networking Fair a Smashing Success

The Jewish Community Council of the Rockaway Peninsula hosted a popular Career and Networking Fair on May 3, 2023 at the White Shul which attracted over 160 attendees and more than 30 companies. From 3 PM until 5:30 PM, job seekers and networkers spoke to organizations and attendees and exchanged resumes, business cards, and brochures. Attendees came away energized, many of them availing themselves of the free suits generously donated by Suit Central and the free swag available in bags and on tables. They greatly enjoyed the available fleishig buffet, made possible by Carlos & Gabby’s, Rockaway Kosher, Seasons and Zomicks. Many spoke with Chaim Shapiro, LinkedIn professional, and with Lauren Levi, resume writer, to polish their resumes and LinkedIn skills; Binyomin Korn Photography took head shots for updating LinkedIn pages. Representatives from tabling companies left with smiles on their faces, toting stacks of resumes and business cards.

Some of the companies showcasing

open jobs included: Ohel, Kulanu Kids, Bright Futures, New Horizon, Orthodox Union, Future Care Consultants, Shalom Task Force, Integrative Psychotherapy, Yachad, Chase Bank, Family Always First Homecare, Tri County Care, St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Chazaq, Anchor Health Home Care, New York Community Bank, 718 Insurance Agency, The Jewish Board, The Special Children’s Center, 5 Towns Jewish Times, We Care, Catapult Learning, Premium Health, T.O.P Marketing Group, Amudim, Jewish Community Council of the Rockaway Peninsula, and Mitch Ackerman, CPA BC.

Feedback from fair attendees was overwhelmingly positive. “I have never seen this many people before at a single event receiving hands on practical guidance for their LinkedIn and resumes. Thank you so much for inviting me to the fair.” A grateful attendee emailed us the morning after the fair to let us know that the fair was a “smashing success.”

Attendee Adina N. said: “The LinkedIn tips and resume assistance were really useful! I was able to get a new profession-

al headshot to use on my newly updated LinkedIn profile. I spoke with companies that had job openings in the fields that I was interested in. I left the fair optimistic about the future. Thank you JCCRP for hosting this event!”

Representatives from organizations reached out after the fair to the event’s director, Baila Gold; they heard such incredible feedback from fair attendees and tabling representatives that they asked to table during the next job fair. Attendees and tabling representatives alike shared with the JCCRP that the fair filled an important communal niche in the Far Rockaway/Five Towns area.

The JCCRP would like to thank An-

chor Health Home Care Services; Gourmet Glatt and KolSave; Joshua Drang, CPA; Rubin Orthodontics; 718 Insurance; Premium Health; Northwestern Mutual; Suit Central and Orly’s for their generous sponsorships that helped make the event possible. Thank you to UJA-Federation of NY for your steadfast support of JCCRP.

Spring Into Action

The perfect time for your Israeli investment

By Ben Horodenker

“Never a dull moment” certainly applies to Israel at any point in time, now ever more so. And while the press has been working overtime to cast the county as is in the throes of constant social a coup, with chaos reigning in the streets, the vast majority of Israeli individuals and institutions are continuing with their lives, much as they always have been. The throngs of visitors, tourists and businesspeople who continue to occupy the hotels and landmark sites throughout Israel’s cities and towns are proof of Israel’s solid position as a destination of choice for as many reasons as there are people.

Take a drive through the capital and you won’t fail to notice the changes. Previously low-income neighborhoods are undergoing gentrification, as the city’s once-trademark 4-story walkups are steadily being replaced with glitzy high-rises. Fine restaurants, coffee shops and eateries with mehudar kosher certification dot the cityscape, and newly opened stores and malls likewise reflects a clientele that demands higher standards. Signs of intensive construction on transportation infrastructures are everywhere. Similar changes, on varying scales, can be observed in other cities, from north to south. Without a doubt, the consistent demand for real estate, evident since the start of Jewish settlement in the Holy Land, has gained tremendous momentum.

According to Gidon Katz, CEO of IMP and an expert in real estate marketing, the demand is only growing, and the high prices that are fueled by that demand will not go down. That said, the slowdown in the local market due to rising interest rates have created a special opportunity for foreign investors. “Developers are currently offering special deals and more flexible terms, making this the perfect time to seize the opportunity to invest in real estate in Israel.”

So many people are interested in purchasing a home in Israel but never actually move past the “thinking” stage. Without doubt, purchasing real estate outside of your area can be daunting Without doubt, purchasing real estate outside of your area can be daunting –but the rewards of having a home in the

Holy Land are immeasurable!

The following is a brief review of some of the most popular, in-demand projects and communities that are currently being marketed at the Great Israeli Real Estate Event, held in various venues across the New York area and New Jersey.

Sunny Forecast for Beit Shemesh

From its humble beginnings in the ‘40s as a transit camp, to the modern suburb that it is today, Beit Shemesh has come a very long way. The city is growing exponentially, with tens of thousands of new units in various stages of construction. In fact, Beit Shemesh is Israel’s fastest-growing city, with a population of over 140,000 (including a strong percentage of Olim) and is projected to nearly double in size by 2027.

Beit Shemesh, and particularly Ramat Beit Shemesh, aka RBS, is one of the most popular destinations for Anglo olim seeking a soft landing. Where else in Israel can you find medical clinics where the medical professionals speak your language, and even the signs that are in English? Much ink has been spilled on the pros and cons of living in an Anglo “bubble” where one could potentially live their whole life without speaking Hebrew, but the fact remains that RBS continues to attract a steady stream of American and Anglo olim.

As the largest, oldest and most reputable real estate agency, Yigal Realty was there when RBS was first built and was instrumental in the neighborhood’s “takeover” by English-speaking Olim. “It didn’t take much to convince families to move to a place with such beauty, tranquility and sense of community,” says Meir Dombey, who today serves as Yigal Realty’s managing director and leads the firm’s overseas clients division. “We helped them through every stage, from signing their contract to helping them collect their keys, and everything in between to help them overcome the challenges of buying and investing in a foreign country.”

What was true almost two decades ago is all the more relevant today, says Dombey, whose vast knowledge of RBS real estate and rich experience has made him one of the leading agents in this exciting, growing market.

Yigal Realty has earned a reputation as the agency that helps clients find ex-

actly what they need, as opposed to pushing properties that they have an interest in selling. “There are so many options, clients can surely find the perfect fit for them.” After finding the right property, the agency will hold the client’s hand through all the subsequent stages, such as obtaining a mortgage, interior designing services and, for those who buy as an investment, even finding suitable tenants to rent the property.

Within walking distance of RBS Aleph is a brand-new, well-planned neighborhood of luxury towers called Rothstein Heights. This upscale project boasts beautiful, thoughtfully designed, spacious apartments, ranging from 2- to 4-bedroom units. With over 1,000 units in total, Rothstein Heights will follow an Anglo model of rabbinic leadership, with the beloved Rabbi Larry and Chaviva Rothwachs, who will be making Aliyah. Under their leadership, the shuls will serve as hubs for communal life and spiritual growth, with meaningful learning initiatives, social activities, and chesed opportunities.

Neve Shamir is the newest neighborhood in RBS. The high-end Neve Amim project is located in the southeast corner of the neighborhood, adjacent to the country club and just a few minutes’ walk from the main shopping center. The project consists of 350 apartments spread out over 15 buildings, all finished to a high standard of technical specifications.

For families seeking exquisite private homes as well as multi-family residences with large, airy rooms, modern interior design, and elegant gardens there is the upscale Eucalyptus project — alongside the soon-to-be expanded Eucalyptus Park. This very luxurious project is in the Nofei Hashemesh community, led by the inspiring Rav Shalom and Dr. Tamar Rosner.

The new community of Eden Hills is nestled in the Judean Hills, surrounded by nature reserves, and yet just a 10-minute drive from RBS. The sold-out first phase of this neighborhood under construction is comprised of 270 two-story homes ranging from 145 to 210 sqm. This new second phase is comprised of approximately 50 single family homes, built to an extremely high level of technical specifications.

Yigal Realty also has fabulous luxu-

ry projects in Israel’s capital, including Consulate Towers. Situated in the very popular Arnona neighborhood, these are four luxury residential towers near the American Embassy and facing the open spaces of Kibbutz Ramat Rachel. This prime location provides quick and convenient access to everything Jerusalem has to offer via the nearby light rail’s “Green Line,” currently under construction.

All the projects are starting construction at this time, making today the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the competitive presale prices, convenient payment plans and special deals.

Tivuch Shelly – Welcome to the Family

A trusted realtor is a must when seeking to purchase a property close to home, all the more so when you’re dealing with a different language, laws and culture. And what could be better than a trusted realtor who helps her clients with her whole heart?

Shelly Levine, originally from New York, established Tivuch Shelly in 1988. In the ensuing years, Tivuch Shelly has grown to become one of Israel’s most established real estate agencies, with offices in Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Modiin, Ma’aleh Adumim, and now Netanya, where there are many exciting, new opportunities. Notwithstanding the company’s size, Shelly treats each client like a part of the family. Not surprisingly, many of Shelly’s customers come back 10, and even 20 years down the line — some, to move into a bigger place, and others, to buy a home for their children or to downsize as they get older.

Tivuch Shelly employs a full-service marketing approach, complete with technical designers that take you through the two-year process at the same fee. Together with an American colleague who works full-time, Levine takes clients through all stages, from finding the best location and community for them, to mortgage consulting and connecting with experienced real estate lawyers, to assisting with drafting floor plan modifications. For the entire duration of construction, Tivuch Shelly provides all the necessary services, acting as the conduit for clients who are in the U.S. Those who are in Israel also benefit from Tivuch Shelly’s assistance, such as with finding a rental property (free of charge), while

their home is under construction.

A brand-new project has been launched in the Moreshet neighborhood of Modiim with stunning garden apartment, lavish penthouses, and spacious single- and two-family houses.

In Ramat Beit Shemesh, in Neve Shamir facing the park, there is a wonderful project with hundreds of 2-, 3-, and 4- bedroom apartments, half of which have already been sold to frum American families. The apartments are in various stages of completion, with some slated to be ready in just over a year, while others will be ready in 2 or 2.5 years.

In Jerusalem, as well, Tivuch Shelley has projects in Arnona and in Old Katamon, within walking distance of the Kotel.

“We don’t just sell a property and walk away,” says Shelly Levine. “We do everything we possibly can for our clients.”

Jerusalem of Gold … and Platinum

Help! Navigating the Israeli real estate market is not for the faint-hearted.

Making sense of the numerous neighborhoods, complex zoning laws and seemingly incomprehensible prices of Jerusalem property is a challenge for seasoned Israelis, all the more so for Americans who want to purchase a home or an investment in the Holy City. And that’s where Abie Dayan, dynamic founder and CEO of Platinum Realtors, comes in.

Starting 15 years ago, Dayan and his team of go-getters have made Platinum a major player in what can be an aggressive market, by safely and reliably assisting private individuals and investors in the purchase and sale of real estate in

Israel. Clients also immeasurably benefit from their vast network of trusted legal, banking and mortgage professionals, as well as architects, appraisers and more. Yet, what sets Platinum apart, is an uncompromising adherence to the highest ethical standards. Says Dayan: “Integrity and transparency are our practical business guidelines for dealing with our clientele on a daily basis.”

One of the paths to a successful real estate deal in Jerusalem is to be aware of the various nuances of each Jerusalem neighborhood, the character of which can change dramatically over a distance of just a few hundred feet! Dayan and his team have projects all over the city, and are closely familiar with each.

One of the hottest neighborhoods in Jerusalem for the Charedi market is Ramat Eshkol. Thanks to its central location and access to main traffic arteries combined with privacy, tranquility and verdant tree-lined streets, the neighborhood has evolved into a warm, vibrant community with excellent schools, shuls, shopping, eateries and more.

“The area has become so popular that people are literally waiting in line for a rental apartment, notwithstanding ridiculously high rents,” says Dayan. “So why rent when you can purchase a magnificent home of your own built to the highest standards?”

Dayan highly recommends Capital Gold, which he says truly goes above and beyond to ensure that they are consistently at the top end of construction standards in the area. Capital Gold has several projects throughout Ramat Eshkol, which feature huge, luxurious pent-

houses, garden apartments, and units of all sizes with spectacular views. “What they all have in common is a level of excellence, down to the most minute detail, that Capital Gold prides itself on,” says Dayan.

At the other end of the city, Amim Towers in Arnona offers 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom units as well as spectacular penthouses in two magnificent high-rises that include a fitness room, a huge lobby, undergrounding parking, a storage room, and more. The apartments have spectacular views, some overlooking Har Habayit. The project is planned as a self-contained campus with its own shul and park. The highly respected Amim Group consists of four partners, including Netanel Stern, whose impressive portfolio includes the Waldorf Astoria hotel.

Also in Arnona is the brand-new Arnona Hills, located near the US Embassy and overlooking the green vistas of Kibbutz Ramat Rachel. More of a neighborhood than just a project, Arnona Hills will be built around an expansive combined park and archeological park. It offers gorgeous penthouses, garden apartments and apartments with balconies and panoramic views. The central location will become even more accessible with the completion of the light rail’s new Blue Line.

King David Views, on Mapu Street across from the King David Hotel, is a small boutique project in Talbieh, one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Jerusalem. This six-story building only has a few last units available, including a spacious 1-bedroom, garden apartment.

Rechavia is the neighborhood coveted by many. Alfasi 37 is a boutique project brought to you by Wolfson developers, one of the best in the field. The project is situated on a quiet, tree-lined street, and apartments include parking and storage. The project is mostly sold out; there are only a few apartments left waiting for you.

For those who love to be in the very heart of it all, City Park on Jaffa Street is a boutique project within walking distance of everything: the Kotel, Machaneh Yehuda Market, Geulah and Meah She’arim. Public transportation couldn’t be easier, with the project right on the light rail. City Park’s 1-bedroom apartments are perfect as an investment, Air BNB, and for those who come to visit.

Mekor Chaim, near Baka and next to Talpiot, is a boutique project uniquely located in a quiet corner of a bustling neighborhood. Under the very capable auspices of the well-respected Lifshitz developer, the project is slated to be ready within the year. The 1-bedroom units are great for investment; and the 5-bedroom units, for comfortable living.

Bayit Vegan, the veteran neighborhood that Anglos know and love, now has a boutique project with 1- and 2-bedroom units as well as a penthouse. Built by Jerusalem Up, the project’s location is rendered even more desirable by the fact that the building is located right at the entrance, giving easy access for coming and going. In addition to the stunning views, all units have underground parking and storage rooms.

Exploring Modern Halachic Dilemmas - Volume 3

Fascinating Halacha Discussions from Zvi Ryzman

Published by ArtScroll/Mesorah

Zvi Ryzman is a phenomenon. He calls himself an ish asakim, a businessman — which he is, and a successful one — but that is his sideline. His first love is learning, and he is an accomplished talmid chacham.

In his new ArtScroll book, Exploring Modern Halachic Dilemmas Volume 3, Rabbi Ryzman treats us once again to a fascinating array of halachic discussions, including topics that relate to current issues. Is melachah permitted before Havdalah? Should a kattan become intoxicated on Purim? Is one required to fast for more than twenty-four hours? Can one fulfill pirsumei nisa via Skype? Does lifnei iveir apply to a meat restaurant during the Nine Days? Have Chazal permitted minor sins to prevent major sins?

Rabbi Ryzman researches, analyzes, and elucidates. And when he’s finished, we have a clear understanding of the

topic and an understanding of the various halachic approaches.

The following is a fascinating excerpt from the book, providing a small taste of the compelling pieces found in this new volume.

Lifnei Iveir When Inviting Parents on Shabbos

Rav Moshe Shternbuch (Teshuvos V’Hanhagos 1:358) was asked by a baal teshuvah whether he may invite his parents for a Shabbos meal if he knows that they will drive home. Is such an invitation a violation of “lifnei iveir lo sitein michshol — not to place a stumbling block in front of a blind person”? (i.e., one may not facilitate another Jew’s transgression).

The son added that by inviting them, he is bringing them closer to observance, and, in fact, “he has already seen progress as to how they view religion. He feels [this change

in attitude] results directly from inviting them… He wishes to know whether [inviting them for Shabbos when they will drive back] is forbidden on the basis of lifnei iveir.

Rav Shternbuch responded:

“It would appear that the principle of lifnei iveir parallels [the simple meaning of the verse, which prohibits] causing a blind person to stumble. But in this case, where the son’s intention is only for his [parent’s] good — this is not ‘stumbling.’ This case is like that of a doctor who performs surgery, who clearly is not considered to be injuring his patient. So too here — he does not mean to cause his parents harm, or to give them bad advice, but he rather hopes his efforts will guide them closer to the correct path. Although they are mechallel Shabbos as a result of the invitation, it is as if they are harming themselves — and there is thus no prohibition of lifnei iveir. However, one should constantly warn and notify them of the severity of chillul Shabbos, as well as the sweetness of keeping it. With Hashem’s help, he will be able to bring them back to the right path — and there is no greater fulfillment of kibbud av va’eim (honoring one’s parents) [than bringing them back to observance].”

He then adds:

“Elsewhere, I cited the opinion of the Mishnah Berurah (Shaar HaTziyun 306:45) that a father is required to concern himself that his daughter not convert, since he is her redeemer and relative. Evidently, there is a special obligation for relatives to concern themselves [for the spirituality of their close ones]. Accordingly, even though in general there is no obligation to rebuke a mechallel Shabbos b’farhesia, since he is not ‘acting like the ways of your nation’ (see Mishnah Berurah 608, and Be’ur Halachah ad loc.), nevertheless, with regard to one’s

parent who has become assimilated, he is obligated to redeem him. This is based not only on the regular mitzvah of tzedakah, which one is obligated for all poor people in Klal Yisrael, but rather due to a special law of redeeming relatives (i.e., akin to the halachah that a relative is obligated to redeem his relative who was sold as a slave to a non-Jewish owner; see Kiddushin 15b). Even if they are mechallelei Shabbos, one must try as hard as possible to redeem them, since there is a special halachah mandating this.”

We see from this discussion that in questions involving a child inviting his non-observant parents, a critical consideration is the fulfillment of the mitzvah of kibbud av va’eim, [which is “one of the most important mitzvos,” and equivalent to honoring Hashem]. Additionally, there is a special obligation to restore them to the right path, since this is a form of “redeeming relatives” from their loss of freedom or assets. Although these arguments were applied to a son inviting his parents to a Shabbos meal to address a concern of lifnei iveir, these considerations must also apply to inviting parents to a Yom Tov meal.

Did you know?

Walt Whitman, one of America’s greatest poets, served as a volunteer nurse during the Civil War.

Top 20 Mom Jobs

1. Tantrum and meltdown negotiator

2. Search & Rescue Ops: Small plastic pieces unit

3. PhD in Anger Management

4. Keeper of Secrets

5. Toy Repair Expert

6. No-Thumb Sucking Enforcer

7. Play-Date Coordinator

8. Birthday Events Director

9. Sleep Scientist Scary Monster Patrol Officer

10. Dramatic Storyteller

11. Boo-Boo Fixer

12. Vacation Coordinator & Tour Guide

13. PhD in Reverse Psychology

14. Seamstress of Frilly Dresses and Superhero Costumes

15. Mrs. Fix-It

16. Stain Removal Expert

17. Multi-level Tutor

18. Archeologist Specializing in Under Bed and Inside Closet Digs

19. Personal Shopper

20. Uber!

Riddle me This

In honor of Mother’s Day, there is a cake-baking competition. The four moms who finish in places 1 through 4 win a prize. You have to determine the name of the four winners, what position they finished in, and what cake they baked.

Their first names are: Janna, Betty, Vicky and Sara

Their last names are: Cohen, Smith, Adler and Fried

Positions are: 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th

Cakes baked are: chocolate cake, cheese cake, fruit cake and sponge cake.

Clues:

1. Janna Fried beat Vicky by two places.

2. Betty’s fruit cake beat Mr. Smith’s wife’s cake, who came in 3rd.

3. The sponge cake, despite being a bit bland, got in the top three.

4. The judges obviously had a sweet tooth, as the chocolate cake came in 2nd place.

5. Cohen’s mother cried as she watched her daughter take 1st prize.

What are the full names of the top four, what position did they come, and what cake did they bake?

Vicky Adler came in 4th with her cheese cake.

Answer: Betty Cohen came in 1st with her fruit cake. Janna Fried came in 2nd with his chocolate cake. Sara Smith came in 3rd with her sponge cake.

Well Said, Mom

B“It’s not easy being a mom. If it were easy, fathers would do it.”

B“I am not an early bird or a night owl. I am some form of permanently exhausted pigeon.”

B“Becoming a mom to me means you have accepted that for 16 years of your life, you will have a sticky purse.”

B“When you become a mother of toddlers, your biggest fear suddenly becomes running out of cheese sticks and chicken nuggets.”

B“You wrestled a bear? Cool. I removed a splinter from a two-year-old’s finger. I think we’re even.”

B“Why don’t kids understand that their nap is not for them but for us?”

B“If at first, you don’t succeed, try doing it the way your mom told you to do it from the start.”

You Gotta Be Kidding Me!

David goes on safari in Kenya with his wife, Stephanie and his mother-in-law, Beth. One evening, while still deep in the jungle, Stephanie awakes to find her mother, Beth, has disappeared. Rushing to David, she insists on them both trying to find her mother.

Sighing heavily, David picks up his rifle and starts to search for Beth. Soon, in a clearing not far

B“The true test of patience is watching your child try to zip their coat themselves when you are running late.”

B“Being a mother is like folding a fitted sheet. No one really knows how.”

B“You know your life has changed when...going to the grocery store by yourself is a vacation.”

B“I slept in until 7:30 am this morning. The sink is clogged, the dog has a purple stripe down his back, and the chocolate cake is gone. So worth it.”

B“Bedtime is the leading cause of dehydration in children.”

B“Friend: Are you getting enough sleep? Me: Sometimes when I sneeze, my eyes close.”

B“I hate it when I’m waiting for mom to cook dinner, then I remember that I am the mom.”

from the camp, they come upon a frightening sight. Beth is backed up against a thick, impenetrable bush, and a large lion is standing facing her. Stephanie cries out in panic, “David, what are we going to do?”

“Nothing,” explains David calmly. “Absolutely nothing, my dearest. The lion got himself into this mess, let him get himself out of it.”

Parshas Behar-Bechukosai

By Rabbi Berel Wein

These two parshiyot together form the final bookend of the book of Vayikra. This conclusion of Vayikra is a rather somber one, with the dominant theme being the prediction of Jewish dereliction from Torah values and practices and the resultant exile from their land and sovereignty. Yet in these parshiyot there are also promises of prosperity and well-being and successful Jewish life.

The Torah generally conforms to such a pattern of great blessings and stern warnings. It really allows the Jews very little middle ground in which to maneuver the private and national lives of Israel. Our entire history is one of great vacillation between exalted and miraculous moments and dire events.

This certainly is true regarding the story of the Jewish people and the Jewish State over the past century. Our tears

are always mixed with joy, and our joy is always laden with a heavy dose of accompanying tears. The Torah’s message to us is that life constantly presents different emotions and scenarios that are rarely, if ever, completely positive or completely negative.

Perhaps this is one of the meanings of the words of the rabbis of the Talmud that everything that Heaven does has good within it. Even if the general event may be deemed to be a negative one, there always is a kernel of good buried within

We cannot fool ourselves into thinking that everything is always correct and well with ourselves and our society, nor can we be so pessimistic and down on the situation that it precludes honest attempts at improvement. The balance of hope and warning that these concluding parshiyot of Vayikra exude is an important lesson and guidepost.

This lesson lays embedded in another teaching of the rabbis in Avot: “It is not incumbent upon you to complete the entire task at hand, but neither are you free

it. So, our parshiyot reflect this duality of blessing and accomplishment as well as of defeat and hardship. This duality also applies to our daily dealings with others. Always try to see the good lurking within another person whenever possible –though I admit that there are situations that make it look impossible to do so. This has always been a premier Jewish trait. The rabbis in Avot taught us that every person has his moment, so to speak. Seizing and exploiting that moment is the main accomplishment.

But that requires a sense of realism.

to discard it entirely.” Reality dictates to us that we face our world and its dangers squarely and honestly. But we should not abandon hope and the effort to improve our lot.

We believe that positive effort and wise decisions, coupled with faith and tradition, allow us to survive and prosper. Therefore, at the conclusion of the public reading of these mixed messages at the end of the book of Vayikra, we rise and strengthen ourselves “Chazak chazak v’nitchzeik.”

Shabbat shalom.

Positive effort and wise decisions, coupled with faith and tradition, allow us to survive and prosper.

Parshas Behar-Bechukosai

How to Achieve World Peace

By Rav Moshe Weinberger

Adapted for publication by Binyomin

Wolf

Parshas Bechukosai begins by painting a picture of a perfect world, a world as it could be. It describes images of a physical world of peace, security, and tranquility. According to the pesukim, this ideal world will exist within the laws of nature. The Torah describes no miracles. In the midst of this section, however, the Torah describes something that sounds almost supernatural. The pasuk (Vayikra 25:6) says, “I will remove the wild beasts from the land and a sword will not pass through your land.” There is a dispute between Rabi Yehuda and Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai with regard to whether this promise will be fulfilled at the end of time by natural or supernatural means. The Midrash in the Sifra (Bechukosai 2) says as follows:

“And I will remove the wild beasts from the land,” Rabi Yehuda says that this means [Hashem] will remove them completely from the world. Rabi Shimon [Bar Yochai] says that it means that [Hashem] will remove their tendency to cause harm. Rabi Shimon says, “What is the greater praise of Hashem? That He removes animals which cause harm or that animals which normally cause harm are present but that they no longer cause harm? Certainly [His greatest praise is when He brings about] a time when animals which normally cause harm are present but that they no longer cause harm. This is what the pasuk (Yeshayahu 11:6-8) refers to when it says, ‘And the wolf will lie down with the lamb... the cow and the bear will graze together... and a child will play over a snake pit and over the eye

of an adder and a weaned child will extend his hand.’ This teaches that a Jewish child will be able to stretch out his hand into the viper’s nest and remove the venom from its mouth.”

Rabi Shimon brings a strong proof that the nature of the wild beasts will change in the times of Moshiach. The prophet Yeshayahu explicitly tells us that the nature of carnivorous animals will change such that they will live in peace with tame and peaceful animals and even children. According to the Ramban, Rabi Yehuda reads the pasuk which says, “And I will remove the wild beasts from the land,” according to its simple, natural meaning. The nature of the animals will not change. Rather, they will simply be absent from the land. As we see from experience, when a place is heavily populated and civilized, wild and dangerous animals simply find other places to live. Rabi Shimon, however,

is not satisfied with this naturalistic explanation. According to the Ramban, he explains that the pasuk means that the evil within the carnivorous animals will be removed.

According to Rabi Shimon, when mankind does teshuva, obliterates the reality of sin in the world, and returns the world to its state before the sin of Adam, then evil, aggression, and venom will automatically be removed from the animal kingdom as well. The world is a reflection of the spiritual state of its pinnacle, mankind. Therefore, when man rectifies himself, the world will automatically follow. As Rav Chanina ben Dosa (Brachos 33a) says, “It is not the snake that kills, but rather, sin that kills.” Therefore, when man removes the “evil beast” from within himself, then evil will be removed from the animals of the world as well. The Ramban, the master of the inner meaning of the To -

rah, concludes that he prefers Rabi Shimon’s explanation over Rabi Yehuda’s. The Rambam, however, explains the nature of the age of Moshiach differently. As a rationalist, the Rambam always chooses a natural explanation of the pesukim whenever possible. Here, too, he explains (Mishna Torah, Hilchos Melachim 12:1) that in the times of Moshiach, “The world will continue in its natural state.” He therefore explains that the seemingly supernatural prophecy in Yeshayahu, “And the wolf will lie down with the lamb,” should be interpreted allegorically to mean that the aggressive nations of the world will live together with the Jewish people in peace. The Ra’avad, who is connected to the secrets of Torah like the Ramban, argues with the Rambam, pointing to the pasuk in this week’s parsha, “And I will remove the wild beasts from the land,” to show that the evil nature of the wild beasts will change, just as Rabi Shimon says in the Sifra as explained by the Ramban. This would therefore imply that the Rambam sides with Rabi Yehuda in holding that the nature of the animals will not change in the times of Moshiach.

The Radvaz, however, defends the Rambam from the Ra’avad’s proof from our parsha. He says that the pasuk regarding the removal of the wild beasts from the land should also be interpreted allegorically to mean that the evil and wild people will be removed from the land of Israel in the times of Moshiach. Indeed, we find that evil people are referred to as “wild beasts” when Yaakov says (Bereishis 37:33), upon seeing the blood-soaked multi-colored coat brought by his sons, that Yosef had been

consumed by a “wild beast,” which alludes to the wicked people of Egypt and the wife of Potifar, who attempted to seduce Yosef to sin. So, too, the Radvaz explains that in the times of Moshiach, the wild and wicked children of Yishmael who live in the land of Israel, who are called (Bereishis 16:12) perah adam, animalistic men, will be removed from the land.

In actuality, however, the difference between Rabi Shimon/the Ramban/the Ra’avad on one hand and the Rambam and the Radvaz on the other, becomes less stark when one considers how the Rambam concludes his explanation of the times of Moshiach. He writes (Hilchos Melachim 12:5): “At that time, there will be no more famine or war, nor jealousy or envy... The world will involve itself in nothing but the knowledge of G-d alone.” While the Rambam characterizes his explanation of the end of times as completely natural, it is difficult to imagine a more miraculous world than the one described by the Rambam!

We must therefore explain as follows. The difference between the Rambam/Rabi Yehuda and the Ramban/ Rabi Shimon is not whether or not mankind will experience a spiritual trans -

formation. We see that both approaches agree that, in the end, mankind attain a spiritually elevated state of dedication to the service of Hashem. Rather, the difference must be that according to the Rambam/Rabi Yehuda, this transformation will take place gradually, and not all at once. According to this view, mankind has the natural ability and po -

the world, including the people who behave like wild animals and inhabit the land of Israel, it is doubtful that we will ever reach the ideal world in which all of mankind can live together in peace. This is the foolishness of the Western ideal of diplomacy. They believe that they can make peace with the Arab and Muslim world right now. They want to

tory].” This alludes to our victory over the “Palestinians.” In the second pasuk, however, we say, “Plishtim, join me.” Which one is it? Do we want victory over them or for them to join us in peace? The answer must be that there are two stages. In the beginning, the only rational approach is to vanquish those who try to harm us with a complete victory. Only after that can we attain the second stage in which we can call out to the children of Yishmael in friendship. We can only make peace with that nation after we have removed the wild and sinful nature from them and from within ourselves.

tential to rid itself of evil both internally in terms of sin, and externally, in terms of ridding the land of wicked people.

Rabi Yehuda/the Rambam’s explanation is the first stage. Once man does his part to rid the world of evil, the world will be ready for the second stage, Rabi Shimon/the Ramban’s world in which the evil within mankind will be transformed. If we try to skip over the first stage in which we obliterate evil from

skip the first stage and make peace with those who still actively want to destroy the Jewish people as well as the entire civilized world. We can only achieve the peaceful world described by the Navi Yeshayahu after those who do evil are destroyed.

We also find this two-stage process reflected in the pesukim in Tehillim (108:10 and 60:10). In the first pasuk, we say, “Plishtim, I will shout [in vic -

May we merit to see our leaders in Eretz Yisroel and the rest of the world begin to take the evil of the nations which terrorize the world seriously and begin to fight that evil in earnest so that we can reach the time of “And I will remove the wild beasts from the land,” when peace and the knowledge of Hashem will fill the world.

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.

The world is a reflection of the spiritual state of its pinnacle, mankind.

A Kohen and His Colorful Socks

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

There are many complex halachos about interrupting one’s prayers for various responses. At some points in davening, it is forbidden to respond, “Boruch Hu u’baruch Shmo.” At other points, one cannot even respond amein. At some points, virtually every response is forbidden.

Which point during davening would one assume would be most restrictive?

A) Birchos Kriyas Shema B) Silent Shemoneh Esrai C) Kriyas Shema

D) A Yisrael listening to Birchas Kohanim.

The answer is surprisingly D, Yisrael listening to Birchas Kohanim. The Gemara discusses various verses that a Yisrael may recite while listening to Birchas Kohanim. (Sotah 39b-40a). Rebbe Chanina Bar Pappa, however, strenuously objects to their recital. “Could there even exist a servant whose king is blessing him, and he doesn’t listen?!” Hashem is blessing us, and we should be preoccupied with reciting pesukim?!

Rebbe Chanina Bar Pappa’s reasoning is codified by the Mishna Berura. (128:102) There are differing opinions about whether or not is appropriate to recite the pesukim while the Kohanim are singing. However, while the Kohanim are actually blessing K’lal Yisrael, those verses may not be recited.

While one is reciting his private Shemoneh Esrei, he may not respond to kaddish or kedusha. However, he may pause his recital and listen to kaddish or kedusha. However, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zt”l, ruled that this would be wholly inappropriate during Birchas Kohanim. “Could there even exist a servant whose king is blessing him, and he doesn’t listen?!?” This could be relevant to a Yisrael who is davening in a minyan factory in Eretz Yisrael, for example. He hears kaddish or kedusha during Birchas Kohanim. He must ignore the kaddish or kedusha. His King is blessing him, and his mind should be elsewhere?! Of course, everyone knows how important Birchas

Kohanim is. This halacha just gives us added depth to our understanding. We should realize and internalize that Hashem is directly blessing us during Birchas Kohanim.

There is another dalacha discussed on the same daf that may expand our understanding of a concept that everyone knows. The halacha is that a Kohen

based on kavod ha’tzibbur. There should not be a lineup of shoes visible near the Kohanim. The Kohanim should try to hide their shoes under a table or bench. Also, a Kohen who is simultaneously acting as the Chazzan and duchening should not remove his shoes in middle of his prayer. Rather, he should remove his shoes beforehand (RSZ).

shoes. Even loafers without laces are excluded due to this custom. During Birchas Kohanim, one therefore has a chance to admire the fashionable and colorful socks that some Kohanim wear. However, Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, said that there is no issue in halacha with this. We do not need to be concerned that people will become distracted due to someone’s bright orange socks.

There is a hint of this halacha in the Torah. Hashem told Moshe by the Burning Bush to not come near and to discalceate (a rare word, meaning remove shoes.) The word used in the Torah, for “here” is “halom,” which has the same numerical value as “Kohen.”

must remove his shoes before duchening. The Gemara offers two rationales that are both somewhat unexpected. The first is that it is not proper kavod for the tzibbur to see the Kohen’s muddy shoes. Typically, Birchas Kohanim is on a raised area, and the Kohen’s dirty shoes would be on display. Therefore, the Kohen wears just socks. However, the same halacha would similarly apply to dirty socks. (MB 128:18) Two additional halachos are

The second reason for the Kohen to remove his shoes is that the Kohen’s laces may become untied while duchening. Out of embarrassment, he may descend off the stage/platform while duchening. Some may surmise that the Kohen stopped duchening because he was really the son of a divorcee and not a fullfledged kohen. To prevent this mistaken perception from happening, it became the custom that Kohanim do not duchen with

What’s fascinating is the halacha that Rabbeinu Chananel extracts from our Gemara. He rules that one is allowed to wear shoes in shul! There is a well-known concept that a shul is like a miniature Beis Hamikdash. One may have assumed that it is just a theoretical concept. That would be erroneous. It has halachic ramifications. Indeed, Rabbeinu Chanael even assumed there was a legitimate reason to believe one is not allowed to wear shoes in shul, the same way shoes cannot be worn in the Beis Hamikdash. He concludes, however, that shoes may be worn in shul. From the fact that the Gemara states that Kohanim must remove their shoes before duchening, it must be that they were wearing their shoes until now in shul. However, from the initial assumption of Rabbeinu Chananel, we can understand that he took Chazal’s dictum that a shul is like a miniature Beis HaMikdosh quite literally. This, too, gives us an added depth of understanding of a concept we previously knew.

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.

We should realize and internalize that Hashem is directly blessing us during Birchas Kohanim.

My Forty-Hour Escapade

By Hershel Lieber

Ihad journeyed to the Soviet Union twice in 1979, once with Pesi in May and again by myself in September. My so-called experience with navigating travel and meetings with Jews in the U.S.S.R. reached the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), the rabbinical arm of the Orthodox Union. I was invited to a meeting in late 1980 with a group of their rabbanim and was asked if I was willing to travel there again on their behalf. Their Beth Din was in need of someone who would be their shaliach in matters of gitten (divorces). When one spouse resided in the States and the other one in the Soviet Union, it was imperative to have a shaliach personally assist with the paperwork that would allow a get to be executed. I promptly responded that I would take on the challenge of this shlichus.

I was waiting for the finalization of gitten documents from the RCA before applying for a visa from the U.S.S.R. I was hoping that the rabbis would have everything ready so that I can leave in mid-January, since I needed to be back in time for the upcoming intensive tax season. Unfortunately the documents were not ready in time to submit a visa application and get it returned to me by mail before starting my journey, and so I booked tentative tickets to Moscow via Warsaw for Tuesday, January 20 and decided to fly down to Washington, D.C., the next day. I planned to personally submit my visa application together with a copy of my passport for immediate approval at the Soviet Embassy. The problem was that the next day was Friday, and Shabbos was starting about 4 PM. It was in the middle of winter, which always presents a possibility of a snow. Yet, I had little choice so I took the earliest Eastern Shuttle flight and hoped for the best.

I was at the door of the Embassy at 9 AM. Rabbi Yakov Pollak advised me to take a gift to the woman who was in charge of visa applications. He said that a modest gift had facilitated receiving immediate visas for him on many occasions. Pesi bought a good perfume in a crystal bottle which I took along. After waiting my turn, I approached the visa officer and submitted the application with a copy of my passport. I also put down the bottle of perfume on the counter without saying a word about it. She reviewed the application and discreetly moved the perfume bottle from the counter to her desk drawer. She told me that the application was filled in correctly but that it would take until the end of the day before approval would come in from Moscow. I explained to her that I had booked tickets to leave on Tuesday and still needed the visa to be sent to me at the latest by Monday. She answered that once she gets the approval,

she will send it to me by express mail. I had thought that I would be given the visa immediately, but I was wrong. I had no choice but to leave the Embassy and wait for the visa to come by mail – hopefully by Monday.

I still had time before my 1:30 PM return flight to New York. I decided to go to the Polish Embassy and apply for a visa there which I could use if I need to enter Poland while enroute to Moscow. I went into the embassy, filled out an application, and submitted it to the visa officer. He gave a quick glance at my passport and said that he was sorry, but since there was less than six months left until my passport expired, he could not accept my application. Evidently this rule was unique to Poland as the Soviets did not make an issue about my passport expir-

ing within six months.

I thought quickly and took a taxi to the Department of State. They are the bureau that issues passports. First, I found a photography shop nearby and had passport photos taken. I went into the State Department, filled out a passport renewal application, and submitted it with my old passport and a fee. I explained my predicament to a clerk, and within twenty minutes, I was presented with a new passport. I grabbed a taxi and returned to the Polish Embassy with my new passport, and within a short period of time, I was clutching a Polish visa in my hand. It was now about noontime, and I really had to make my way back to the airport.

On the way to the terminal, I realized that I had a major problem! When and if my visa arrives from the Soviet Embassy,

The USSR Embassy in Washington, D.C.

the passport number that would be listed on it would be from my original passport and not from the new one that I just received! I envisioned arriving in Moscow with a new passport, while my visa listed my old passport number. I imagined how I would be escorted to the next plane returning to the States.

I abruptly asked the taxi to return to the Soviet Embassy and ran in. The woman who was there in the morning was still at the counter, and when she saw me, she announced with a smile that she just got

I was probably the last passenger to board and made myself comfortable for the fifty-minute flight back home. About halfway through the flight, the pilot announced that there was a heavy snowstorm in New York and our plane was being diverted to Philadelphia Airport. There, we would wait out the storm or rebook for a future flight. By the time we landed, we were just about an hour away from the start of Shabbos. I had decided to take a taxi to the Yeshiva of Philadelphia where I was sure I would be welcomed.

the approval from Moscow and that my visa is ready. I thanked her profusely but added that in the interim I got a new passport since the old one was due to expire in less than six months. She was a bit skeptical about the reason why I went to get a new passport and said she would have to resubmit the application with the new passport number to Moscow. She nevertheless assured me that I would have it in New York by Monday. At this point, I had less than an hour to get to the airport and board my return flight to LaGuardia Airport.

I even remembered the address, since I used to correspond with a friend who was learning there fifteen years before. As we were leaving the plane, though, a younger man approached me and asked what I was doing about Shabbos. He introduced himself to me as Michael, originally from Israel, who was a doctor in a New York hospital. He added that he did not know anyone in Philadelphia and was concerned where he could stay for Shabbat. I told him not to worry and that he could surely join me at the Yeshiva. Since this was before cellphones were available, we alighted from the plane and made calls to our wives. Pesi was happy to finally hear from me but terribly disappointed that I would not be home for Shabbos. She was planning a surprise birthday party after the Friday night seudah with my mother, sister and brother-in-law joining our family for the celebration. Alas, it was not meant to be.

Michael and I arrived at 6063 Drexel Road with fifteen minutes to spare before Shabbos. That Shabbos was an off Shabbos in yeshiva, when most of the students went home for the weekend. We were given a choice of any room in the dormitory and provided with linen. After Kabbalas Shabbos at the Yeshiva, we were invited by Rabbi and Rebbetzin Yakov Stefansky to join them and their eleven children for a most beautiful and inspiring seudah. Bochurim who came over after eating for dessert added to the atmosphere by singing and saying over divrei Torah.

The next day, Michael and I davened at the Rayim Ahuvim Shul where there was a bar mitzvah followed by a grand kiddush. We returned to the Stefanskys

for the day seudah and again for Shalosh Seudos.

On Motzei Shabbos, after expressing our gratitude and bidding our hosts farewell, we took a taxi to Philadelphia airport. From there, we flew to Kennedy Airport, from where I took a taxi to La Guardia Airport where my car was parked. I walked into my house at 11 PM – nearly two days after leaving for a halfday trip. I was a bit tired but not enough to stop me from retelling my forty-hour escapade.

EPILOGUE: I never received my visa from the Soviet Embassy, and the whole trip was aborted.

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.

I abruptly asked the taxi to return to the Soviet Embassy and ran in.

The Yeshiva of Philadelphia dorms

Mayor Aliza Bloch, on a visit to the United States,explains why the city is ideal for English-speaking olim

By Alan Rosenbaum

“Beit Shemesh is a wonderful destination for aliyah,” says Dr. Aliza Bloch, Mayor of Beit Shemesh. It is not uncommon for a city’s leader to boast the virtues of one’s hometown, but in this case, the mayor’s words are more than just hyperbole.

The facts speak for themselves. Beit Shemesh, with a population of 115,000, is one of Israel’s fastest-growing cities, centrally located between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, near Ben Gurion Airport, and has been the go-to destination for English-speaking olim for more than twenty-five years. In advance of her visit this week to Washington, DC, New York and New Jersey, Mayor Bloch spoke with this writer about why Beit Shemesh is ideal for North Americans considering aliyah.

She immediately allays the fears of English speakers interested in Aliyah who are concerned about the difficulties of learning a new language. “Beit Shemesh is a city with many English-speaking communities. You can make Aliyah to Beit Shemesh without feeling like a stranger,” enthuses Mayor Bloch. “There are entire communities, synagogues and educational institutions in Beit Shemesh where a child who comes from the New York area will feel at home, because there are so many English speakers.”

Virtually all of the city’s schools, she explains, which range across the spectrum from secular to National Religious, from Haredi to Hasidic, have programs tailored for English-speaking, new immigrants. Mayor Bloch points out that Beit Shemesh offers an excellent public education system for all of the different streams, and says, smiling, “You don’t

have to sell your home to pay for a quality education here in Israel.”

The mayor refers to the growing number of retirees from the United States who have decided to join their children and grandchildren in Beit Shemesh and mentions the clubs and activities for English-speaking seniors available in the city. “It provides a special community feeling,” she says.

Bloch, herself the daughter of Moroccan immigrants, grew up in Kiryat Gat and moved to Beit Shemesh with her husband Aharon, a nephrologist, in 1992, when it was a small and sleepy community. Today, the sounds of jackhammers and cement mixers are heard throughout the city, as new neighborhoods are being built at a rapid pace. She rattles off the names of developments under construction that will be ideal for new immigrants from the United States, such as Nofei Eucalyptus, Ramatayim, Neve Shamir, Ramat Beit Shemesh Dalet and Hei – “large, beautiful projects” – as well as high-rise projects such as Ramat Lehi and Savyon. Bloch points out that these projects do not simply exist on paper– they are all under construction and will soon house entire communities.

With the major construction projects underway, the municipality is readying a variety of facilities to increase the quality of life of the city’s residents, including the Beit Shemesh Sportek, which will house a swimming pool, basketball courts, skate park, and Omega rides; baseball, soccer and tennis facilities at Park HaGefen near the city entrance, a country club in Ramat Bet Shemesh Hei, complete with pool and tennis courts, and a swimming pool in the Mishkafayim neighborhood adja-

cent to Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef.

No longer must immigrants from the US settle on a lower standard of life in Israel, says the mayor. “Even in Israel, it is easier than it once was, and people can have large homes and spacious gardens.”

Culture is no less important in Beit Shemesh. One of the city’s cultural gems is the Beit Shemesh Cultural Center, completed in 2021, which i ncludes an advanced and spacious theater, one of the most advanced sound and lighting systems in the world, innovative and cutting-edge design and more. The Center has hosted some of Israel’s leading performers since its opening, and the Beit Shemesh Art House displays the work of local artists.

Mayor Bloch adds that Beit Shemesh, being uniquely situated in a beautiful nature area, offers residents urban living in a green community that retains the aspects of a small town. “You are far from the big cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, but they are close by.”

For many years, Beit Shemesh was considered a bedroom community, and much of the city’s Anglo population worked outside the city. Today, says Mayor Bloch, the situation has changed. “Today, Beit Shemesh has a great deal of momentum with industry,” she says. Amazon will soon be opening its server farm facility in Beit Shemesh – the largest in the Middle East – and Mayor Bloch ticks off the names of several other companies that will be opening headquarters here, such as Fox and Deloit Israel, in addition to companies that have long had a presence in the city, including the Tuttnauer medical supplies company and Beit Shemesh Engines.

The advantage that Mayor Bloch touts more than any other in favor of Beit Shemesh is the city’s varied population, and the tolerance and understanding between different groups. “If you want to make aliyah to a charedi city, I don’t recommend coming to Beit Shemesh,” says the mayor. “If you are looking for a city with an exclusively national religious population (dati leumi), we are not for you. But if you value living among different kinds of people, then Beit Shemesh is the best place in the world. We have Ethiopians and Israelis and Russians and Israelis and Americans, and that is part of our story. The beautiful part is seeing everything.

“In Beit Shemesh, we celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut and the yahrzeit of a Chasidic rebbe, and the 19th of Kislev, the Chabad holiday, and Sigd, the Ethiopian Jewish holiday marking the renewal of the covenant between the Jewish people, G-d and His Torah. Everything is here, which is what makes it so good.”

Mayor Bloch sees Beit Shemesh as a model for the State of Israel, where different groups can live in harmony with respect for each other in a city that can provide a wide range of services, including “mikvaot and a culture center and soccer fields.”

This is Beit Shemesh in 2023 – a bustling, energetic city that retains its small town and friendly ambiance, with ample housing, quality education, a significant English-speaking population, and tolerance for everyone. It is a place, concludes the mayor, with all the advantages for any Orthodox Jewish family considering Aliyah. “This is our country, and ultimately, it is our home.”

Congressman Anthony D’Esposito Talks About His Recent Trip to Israel

By Su SA n S CH wA mm

Congressman D’Esposito, you just got back from a trip to Israel and Jordan. Can you tell us about your trip and the schedule?

It was amazing. We started our trek on Friday after votes. We left Andrews Air Force Base in D.C., and we stopped in Shannon Airport for fuel and then went from Shannon to Jordan. We landed in Jordan in the morning and did some touring of some areas. We also had dinner with the King.

How did that go?

We talked about the relationship between the United States of America and Jordan and the role that they serve in preserving peace in the Middle East.

The next morning, we left Jordan for Tel Aviv, and we landed in Tel Aviv mid-morning. From there, we immediately went into the Old City. First stop was the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We spent some time there, which for me was something I’ll never forget, for sure.

From there, we did some walking around. We went to the Western Wall and said a prayer with the rabbi. He presented a book to Speaker McCarthy. Later, we had an event at the Knesset where the Speaker hosted us. We had dinner at the Knesset with members of the delegations, Demo -

crats and Republicans, the speakers, some elected officials from Israel, the heads of their departments, and Ambassador David Friedman joined us, which was very nice.

The next morning, we started with a day of meetings. We went to the Holocaust Museum and placed a wreath there. From there, we went to the president’s residence and met with President Herzog. We talked about, again, the relationship with the United States and Israel and the challenge that he’s facing with a divided parliament, as well as some other issues throughout the Middle East.

Did you meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu?

Yes. After that, we had lunch with the prime minister, which was a great experience. He’s definitely a very detail-oriented, intense human being. He is beyond well versed in the issues that he’s facing not only in the Middle East but with all his relationships throughout the world. We spent about two hours with him, went around the table, did some questions and answers, and talked about how America could be helpful, and where he sees the future of the Abraham Accords.

From there, we went to the Knesset where Speaker McCarthy gave a speech to all the members. This was his first

overseas trip since becoming Speaker of the House. It was important that we were there to celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary of the independence, but he was also invited by the speaker of the Knesset to address the Knesset.

After that, we spent more time in the Old City and took a tour of all the underground work that they are doing there.

It was definitely an experience of a lifetime. I absolutely look forward to going back to Israel as soon as I can.

How many members of Congress were with you on the delegation?

There were around 16 of us. We had about 5 to 6 Democrats and the rest were Republicans, and the group was led by the Speaker. It was a great group from all over the country.

I think it sent a very clear message to not only everyone at home, but to Israel in general, that regardless of political party and regardless of how the current administration is treating or mistreating the relationship with Israel, there still stands Democrats and Republicans who will do the right thing and will honor our greatest ally and make sure that we stand against antisemitism and do all we can to provide the resources that Israel needs to maintain its peace and to keep it safe.

Were you surprised at how the Knesset runs in contrast with how Congress is run? Sometimes it can get a bit chaotic there.

You could definitely tell how divided the Knesset is. I couldn’t believe that there are around 16 political parties represented in the Knesset.

Yes, that certainly makes sense. And these parties are not, as you can see, aligned in many ways. Did the topic of judicial reform come up?

It did. It was more of a discussion that was had when we were one on one with the president and with Netanyahu. It wasn’t something that was discussed at the Knesset at all.

Is it something that you were aware of before you made the trip?

It was something that I read about on the way. I had heard about it, but never really focused on the intricacies of it and I definitely have a better understanding of it now and see where the division lies.

What were the impressions that you came away with about the topic of judicial reform after speaking about it with Herzog and Netanyahu?

I think that there’s always room for

r Meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

At Yad Vashem

compromise in any decisions that we make in government, but I do believe that, at least from what I hear and the impression that I had being there, the decisions that Netanyahu is making are based on the future of Israel. And I think that’s what’s most important.

When you walked around Jerusalem, were you able to see Jews and Arabs walking on the same streets, contrary to the media portrayal of “apartheid” that the media says is found in Israel?

I did see it. Well, we were obviously under heavy security scrutiny, but I did see some of that – how both cultures can walk around freely.

The other thing that was most impressionable and was a real honor was to see how much of this district is represented in Israel. Whether it was walking the streets or in the hotel and being greeted by an individual who came over and said that they have family in the Five Towns and that they know who I am. You travel halfway around the world and you’re recognized as being someone who stands with Israel and represents so much of the Jewish community here on Long Island, and that was a real honor for me. While I was there, some of the rabbis from the Five Towns touched base with me and said, “We heard that you’re in Israel because someone we know saw that you were there” – that was great. And you see so much generosity from names that are really influential in Long Island and in Nassau and in the Five Towns who have been so generous in the restoration of the Old City and in different ways.

Tell us about your meeting with the King of Jordan.

He was very warm and very welcoming. Obviously, they face challenges there, and he and his father have had a storied history, but he is another individual who’s super intense and has an unbelievable understanding of international policy of the goings-on throughout the world of things that really matter and governments throughout the world with regards

there not too long ago. Netanyahu was very complimentary and, quite frankly, thankful for us working together across party lines to take a stance and to make it known from every corner of this nation that we represent that there are individuals in Congress who truly stand with Israel. And because of the message that is sent by a visit like this and the visits of others, he believes that will aid in his goal of expanding the Abraham Accords.

sure that not only their constituents –now, remember, there were individuals on this trip and on previous missions this year that have a very small Jewish constituency – but they’re there because they know how important this relationship is for peace in the Middle East and for Americans at large. You know that old saying, to make sure that you put people before politics, and it’s unfortunate that the President is not doing the same.

Before you went to Israel, you must have heard certain things or were told certain things about the state. Did any of your impressions change since you made that visit?

to foreign policy. For me, it was my first time visiting Jordan, and it was impactful to understand and see firsthand how he has a finger on the pulse of every major country, whether they are allies or aggressors.

When you spoke with Netanyahu about the Abraham Accords, did he mention any specific countries he wants to connect with next?

He spoke in a broad sense that one of his interests was expanding the Abraham Accords and that he felt that visits like this are important. Just a week before, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was in Israel, and I believe that Schumer was

You just visited Israel with Speaker McCarthy and you mentioned that Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer were there not too long ago, and yet, President Biden has yet to invite Netanyahu to the White House. What are your impressions on that?

I can’t speculate as to what the President’s thinking because I think we all question his thinking more often than not. But what I will say is the only logical explanation could be is that it’s not a priority for him. He doesn’t see it as important. That said, leaders from both sides of the aisle from all walks of this country have made it a priority and have traveled halfway across the world to make

People have always said that, especially me representing the Five Towns for so long, that a trip to Israel really is a life changer. It’s a beautiful country; it has so much to offer in both history and landscape. And I think I may have taken that for granted. But visiting there and seeing the things that I saw, what it left for me is the feeling that I want to bring everyone there to experience how special the place is. I can’t wait to go back and spend some more time and literally do everything I did on this trip, but just spend some more time doing it.

Rep. D’Esposito, I appreciate you taking the time talking to us now. And I really appreciate that you went to Israel because it shows that you care about the people who live in your district and that you want to learn more about them and their culture and the history that they have and the land that they love.

It’s been a true pleasure.

r Members of the delegation with Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz at the Kotel

r With Speaker of the Knesset, Amir Ohana

r Shaking hands with President Herzog

r Speaker McCarthy addressing the Knesset

you travel halfway around the world and you’re recognized as being someone who stands with Israel and represents so much of the Jewish community here on Long Island, and that was a real honor for me.

An Ode to Mothers

In honor of Mother’s Day, we asked local community members and leaders for the lessons, stories, and memories that they have of their mothers and grandmothers. In each vignette, you’ll read about the special person in their lives who is honored to be called “Mother.”

by AssemblymAn Ari brown

my grandmother, Regina (Rivka Esther) Kramer, was a wellknown Italian furrier, who, along with my mom, Liana Kramer Brown, fled their home in Milan to escape the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini and Adolph Hitler.

In 1944, Ruth Gruber, an American journalist, photographer, writer, humanitarian, and United States government official, was assigned a secret mission to Europe to bring one thousand Jewish refugees and wounded American soldiers from Italy to the United States. Throughout the voyage, the Army troop transport Henry Gibbins was hunted by Nazi seaplanes and U-boats. This story was memorialized in Gruber’s book Haven. In fact, my mom and grandmother are referenced in the book and can be seen on the cover of the paperback.

This was also turned into a movie starring Natascha Richardson and Martin Landau. My mom and grandmother were two of the “lucky” ones to be chosen for this voyage.

Upon arrival to New York, Mom and my grandmother were placed in an internment camp in Oswego, New York, along with other Italian refugees who had also fled their homes. At the camp, they were provided with basic necessities like food, shelter, and medical care, but were not allowed to leave the premises. We hear about the Japanese internment camps, but never the Italian ones.

Living in the internment camp was not without its challenges. They were often discriminated against and viewed with suspicion by some Americans who saw these Italians as potential threats to their country. Despite the difficulties, they never lost hope that one day they would be able to leave the camp and start a new life in America. Finally, after 18 months of waiting, the camp was shut down and they were allowed to leave. With a mixture of excitement and apprehension, they stepped out into the world, eager to start my new life.

As Mom had said, “Looking back on my time in the internment camp, I realize that it was a difficult but formative experience that taught me the value of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. I will always remember the other Italian refugees who shared my journey, and the volunteers and Mrs. Gruber who assisted us in our time of need. Their kindness andcompassion helped us get through some of the toughest times of our lives.”

by AssemblywomAn s tAcey Pheffer AmAto

GrowinG up as the daughter of Audrey Pheffer was inspiring. I was blessed to be raised by a loving, caring, and strong woman. Throughout my childhood, the idea that I should not go along with the “status quo” if it is not the right thing to do featured strongly. My mother led by example. She was a trailblazer and taught me to be independent.

Independence doesn’t mean you are against or unaffiliated with something, but rather you have the ability and courage to think and act on your own. I have lived my life as an independent person, not afraid to stand up with the strength to say “I agree” because it is what I believe is correct, or even “I disagree” because I believe it to be wrong or not needed. I learned a lot just by sitting at the kitchen table, listening to my mother on the phone working to help others throughout her years serving as the Assemblywoman for South Queens for over 24 years. To this day, she inspires me, and now she inspires my daughter.

My mother also taught me determination and to forge on and do what it takes to get the job done. I especially appreciate this trait as an Assemblywoman, with a job that requires a lot of patience and fortitude to get a bill passed into law, to plow through the “red tape” of bureaucracy, or to solve a problem for a constituent.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us be grateful for our multi-tasking, hard-working grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters, and friends who showed us these wonderful, powerful traits.

by mindi werblowsky, lcsw

when I was asked to write a feature about my mother for the Mother’s Day edition, I did not hesitate to say yes. I have a very close relationship with my mother, and I knew I would have an easy time completing the assignment. Yet, surprisingly, when I sat down to start writing, I could not think of anything to say. I could not think of one major memory to talk about. And I realized that was the problem. When I think about my mother, I do not think of one specific memory or story. My mother is the sto -

ry. She is the backdrop to my entire life, the voice in my head. Memories of my mother include daily notes on brown paper lunch bags, after-school snacks at the kitchen table while we told her about our day, delicious home cooked suppers, birthdays full of presents and joy, and warm tight hugs that meant love and safety. As I got older, my memories broadened as I watched the mother of eight children be a full-time daughter, taking care of her elderly sick mother. My dating years, while filled with anxiety, are played to the background tune of years being the only child at home, watching my favorite cooking shows with my mother, long Friday nights of one-on-one time to talk and learn together, eating supper together, and re-decorating my room. And now that I am married, my memories are frantic phone calls about sick or bleeding children, calls of excitement with every new milestone, Sundays filled with laundry and muffins and visits.

I do not have one heroic story or memory of my mother to share with you. My mother is not the heroine of a major event. My mother is the continual presence in my everyday life. She is there in all the seemingly small events that are woven together to form my life. And perhaps, that, in it and of itself, is what makes my mother truly heroic.

by leG mA zi melesA PiliP

t he sky in Ethiopia is lit up with stars at night. They shimmer and glow with a light that brings an energy and emotion that I will not soon forget. That light and night sky reminds me of a special woman whose influence and life are so special to me. That woman was my Safta.

My Safta was a kind, strong and courageous woman. She was a leader in the village and someone whose inner light and faith embodied those stars in the sky.

Safta was all about family – literally and figuratively. She delivered the children in our village. Safta was part of that beautiful and magical moment for a woman. That moment is the snapshot in time when a child is brought into this world. She helped give life to our village through assisting countless women giving birth. In fact, one of those babies was me.

In addition to helping deliver babies, Safta was the one who provided the knowledge and advice for people who came to her with every condition imaginable. She was a vessel for life for everyone who dispensed knowledge to all who came to her. This inner fire in her being was even more powerful when I reflected on the fact that she was a single parent, as her husband died at an early age. She raised three children alone and did so with purpose, love, and investment in our faith.

My Safta was the one who connected and educated all of us on the aspiration and beating heart of going to Jerusalem where we belonged. She prayed at night under those stars in the sky. She was a beacon of hope, love, and kindness. I would stand with her outside as she prayed. Her “nickname” for me at this tender age was “Jerus” for Jerusalem.

When we finally made Aliyah as part of Operation Solomon, I felt raw emotion as a child watching my family get off the jumbo jet. We all kissed the ground as we arrived in Israel. My Safta was a driving force in our journey.

Like every member of our family, we all had our special memories. I remember how picky she was with food. I recall how accepting and kind she was with everyone no matter the is-

sue. One story encapsulates her with me forever. When I moved to the United States, she was very worried for me and my husband. Her concern was all about my welfare, faith, and life. It was about family. The life giver that was my Safta was always that – a giver. Her passing at the age of 103 was particularly poignant for me. I hope I will have the strength and purpose to carry on her work with my family.

She is an awfully hard act to follow.

by chAyA feldstein

Growin G up with a precious sister who has Down Syndrome didn’t feel any different. Gitty remains a regular part of the family life and is adored by all. We were once on an outing – I don’t remember if it was Chol Hamoed – and Gitty was dressed in her Shabbos clothes. I asked, “Why is Gitty in her Shabbos clothes? She will get them dirty.” To which Mom responded, “Gitty has a special neshama and needs to be treated with special care.”

by dr. hylton i liG htm An

my maternal grandmother Nadja, whose memory should be for a blessing and whom we called “Mum,” lived with my family. Every day when I returned home from school, she greeted me with a snack and a “shmooze.” As delicious as the food was, I loved Mum’s company and her stories and insights into life: They still warm my heart and shape my view of the world.

I’m not sure what level of education Mum achieved during her school years growing up in St. Petersburg, Russia. She immigrated to South Africa and mastered the English language. I spent many happy hours in this country locating novels in Russian which I sent to Johannesburg for her enjoyment.

Mum understood life. You respect your parents and elders. Family is paramount. Schooling is essential and never to be taken for granted. Besides respecting people, you respect “things” and the inanimate, including the upright piano that stood in our living room long before I entered this world. Not a single family member was musical nor did any of us have piano lessons but the piano was a constant presence in my life, collecting dust and holding pictures in frames.

Twice weekly, Mum would take me by the hand when I returned home from school, and we’d stroll across the road from our home to the store to purchase a cup of ice cream costing a “ticky” (about 2½ pennies). Time alone with this aristocratic looking woman who was dedicated to her family are moments I still savor decades later.

One day, I took the “ticky” Mum stored near the front door for our ice cream forages and purchased an ice cream for myself. Mistake, mistake, mistake. Meeting me at the front door, she took the beloved treat from my hand and threw it into the garbage pail. She turned to me, and said sternly, “It’s a privilege, not a right.” It was a lesson learned for life.

Life today can be complicated and certainly more fast-paced. Yet Mum’s teachings are engrained in me, and I hope that my children and grandchildren take them as their own.

we are busy planning for our mother’s 100th birthday party (B’EH), and we reflected upon three important lessons that we learned from her.

She taught us:

No matter how humble your background, strive to fly as high and as far as your G-d given talents and potential will take you. There is absolutely no limit to how much chessed you can do in this world.

If it’s raining, keep on singing in the rain.

by s teven GenAck

sometimes in life, the most basic things are overlooked. When I look back on my childhood, my mother was there to drive me to my basketball practices and games from sixth grade until eighth. She continued to attend games in high school, often driving me there and home.

Though I know she enjoyed the games, there were times when we ran into difficulties getting to the games, but she made sure we made it.

Though school “mattered” growing up, my heart was really into basketball. Her help ensured that I could engage in my passion with ease and comfort.

by yAAkov lAnGer

durinG my high school years at Yeshiva of Far Rockaway, my daily commute from Brooklyn to Far Rockaway (and back again) was an arduous journey, with a minimum of 45 minutes each way by van, provided by the Yeshiva.

Despite my inclination for late rising, my mother’s unwavering dedication, discipline, and love ensured that I never missed a single day of school. Well, besides one day.

Structure and learning Torah in Yeshiva was something that we never compromised in our home. Looking back, I understand how that mindset has helped me so much in life.

Her tireless efforts have been the driving force behind my successes in life, and I am forever grateful to have such a devoted role model.

Even today, my mother continues to look out for me, reminding me to schedule dentist appointments, maintain proper posture during podcasts, reminding me to do an oil change, and pay my credit card bills.

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, I am blessed to have had parents who consistently kept their priorities in order and modeled the importance of responsibility and self-care.

As a new parent myself, I am acutely aware of the profound impact that parental guidance can have on a child’s life. I am committed to passing on the invaluable lessons I learned from my mother – to demonstrate what truly matters in life, to shower

my children with unconditional love, and to gently nudge them towards good posture every now and then.

Oh, and the day I missed my van – I was sleeping at a friend’s house.

I love my mother.

by dovi

my mother has been instrumental in inspiring me to achieve financial responsibility and independence from a young age. I have been taught to be self-reliant, persistent to achieve my dreams and overcome obstacles with strength and faith. As long as I have myself and Hashem, I will always be okay no matter what happens.

Thank you, Mom, for teaching me that I have all the necessary tools and potential to be free, happy, and healthy.

Love,

Dovi by soshie hirth

Top Ten Things I Learned from My Mother

10. Always have a cup of coffee in the morning and continually ask your children to let you have it in peace

9. Always smile and say hello to people

8. Run after mitzvos and open your home to others

7. Always enjoy what you have and don’t fret on what you don’t have

6. Family First is not just a magazine; it’s a credo for life

5. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all

4. Believe in yourself and always think good (this she said in Yiddish)

3. Let music elevate your neshama and continue to dance through life

2. Always look nice and always act nice

1. Always believe that Hashem runs the world and never forget to be grateful for what He has given you.

I count myself extremely fortunate to have had the z’chus of having my amazing mother live into her 90s and be such an important part of my life. It has been only four years since her petirah, yet she remains with me almost every day. From an early age, due to circumstances in our lives, my mother treated me not only as a daughter but as someone she relied on. Being a divorcee with three children over 64 years ago was traumatic and unheard of at that time. But my mother truly showed her courage, her emunah and her determination to help her children through this difficult time, and that was something I always recognized and appreciated. She moved back to her hometown of New Haven, Connecticut, so we would have extended family to support us as we learned to adjust to our new reality. As the oldest, I was most aware of how smart it was for my mother to make this move. In fact, we lived in a house with my grandparents on the second floor and my great-grandparents on the third floor. We lived there

until she remarried and then moved to Crown Heights. My mother was a beautiful woman who radiated simcha even in the darkest of times. We chose the words, Ashira Lashem b’chayai for her matzeivah because that was her essence. She taught me to be resilient, compassionate and most importantly to rely on Hashem. Her sense of humor, her love of music, and her outgoing personality are traits that I see in myself. In fact, as I get older, family members remark on how much I now look like my mother. I can only hope and pray that I actualize her middos and continue to be a source of nachas for her, on high.

by rebbetzin nAvA orliAn

i am blessed to have a mother who is a tour guide. It happens to be (an unbiased opinion!) she is one of the best guides in Eretz Yisrael. She knows the country like the back of her hand and can teach for hours at a time. But what makes her so unique is her incredible passion and love for Israel, Tanach, and Torah.

My experience growing up with a tour guide as a mother extended far beyond geographic limitations. My mother’s perspective helped me formulate my outlook toward life. Life is always one big adventure for my mother. Whatever decision we had to make, whatever new endeavor we tried, was always portrayed as being an exciting opportunity. Whether a new hobby, camp, lesson, or trip, it was embraced as an opportunity for discovery. When we had to make choices in life, my mother was the first to point out that for most decisions we have to make, we are blessed to choose between good and good. Whatever we may choose, therefore, we can make good. And if, for some reason, we make a mistake, that too was looked on as a detour in the road and a chance to recalculate and try again. It was like a choose-your-own-adventure book, where you just turn to another page and keep going.

Whether on a Google map or the map of life, I am forever and continuously indebted to my mother for framing my worldview and enabling her children and grandchildren to navigate their life’s tour.

by r ’ Avromi mostofsky

b entchin G . Just the thought of it causes most to run from bread. Synonymous with “being fleishigs,” it is often seen as an unwelcome burden. But when my grandmother bentches, it is impossible to not watch. She always uses a bencher, slowly saying each word aloud. My savta taught us (and continues to do so) what it means to serve Hashem with love. When unable to attend shul, she could be found at our table, reading the entire parsha and haftorah from her Chumash. Even today, although justifiable, she never looks for loopholes. She understands that Judaism is never a burden, it is a privilege.

Similarly, when it comes to Kibbud (Av Va)eim, my mother knows it is a privilege, not a burden. Her parents, and now her mother, always came first. I got to see firsthand how she went above what most would consider kibbud av vaeim. It was

most apparent towards the end of my Saba’s life. She spent hundreds of hours taking care of him, while simultaneously shielding my grandmother from his drastic decline.

My grandfather had to be put into an induced coma at one point, and during a room transfer, his yarmulke got lost. From childhood, he never went a minute of the day without one on his head. Although he seemingly wouldn’t know the difference, my mother bought him new ones and instructed the nurses to always keep one on his head. I was standing next to him when he finally woke up, and watched as instinctively he reached up for his yarmulke. Thanks to my mother, it was right where it belonged.

These strong women understand that honoring our parents, and G-d, is a privilege, never a burden. I am thankful to both for imparting these lessons to me.

(Please daven for my grandmother’s refuah: Russa Feiga bas Kayla)

by shAni Gerlitz

one of many things I learned from my mother: Embrace your authenticity but not at the expense of others. Embrace others but not at the expense of yourself. My mother is artistic, intellectual, kind, and an advocate for the underdog. She taught us to think beyond ourselves and for ourselves but all within the boundaries of safety and sensibility.

Thank you, Ima!

by nAomi nAchm An

t here is nothing like a bubby, a grandmother. I chose the name “Bubby” for myself when I became a grandmother because my mother was “Bubby” and my grandmother was “Bubby” and the line of handing down the love and affection from one generation to another is so special.

Now that I am a grandmother, I feel like I am channeling all the women who come from my family line. I hope to perpetuate their special attributes to the next few generations of strong women, women who are survivors, women who are creative, who love to cook and support their family, women who love their family and will fight for their loved ones always.

by vicki

A mother is not just someone who gives birth to you. A mother is someone who cares for you and loves you unconditionally. As a child, a mother cares for you when you’re sick and takes you to the doctor. She stays awake with you after having a bad dream, does homework with you and school projects, goes on school trips with you. She laughs and cries with you. She arranges play dates, prepares all your meals, gets you dressed day after day. She tries to protect you from anything that you

might be afraid of.

As you get older, a mother teaches you how to be independent and to be a successful and happy person. She gives you advice, even if not asked. And sometimes, she becomes your best friend.

Some might say, I didn’t have the easiest or a typical childhood.

I grew up in and out of many foster homes.

My mother, who gave birth to me, wasn’t able to care for me the way others are able to. She loved me unconditionally but wasn’t well and didn’t have the ability to do what others could do for their own children.

I will tell you, that even if my mother wasn’t able to care for me like others did for their own children, I am the lucky one, because I was blessed with so many “adopted” mothers who cared for me from the moment I was born and continue to care for me each and every day.

I was and I am still able to learn so much about living a happy and grateful life from so many wonderful people who are in my life daily.

by rebbetzin mArG ie Gl Att

my mother taught me to laugh at life – and giggle a lot! Think Lucy Ricardo who never took herself too seriously and you can imagine a younger Ethel Korn, a”h. Her frum, Pittsburgh-born parents raised Mom in a loving, warm home. After Stern College where she met my Dad, Mom was free to run her own household with laughter, silly games and a unique personality that made others attracted to her. An intelligent woman who worked full time as a reading-specialist and instilled a love of books into the family, my mother found that people have the best stories of all. She enjoyed meeting others, hosting guests, and would cheer others with a good joke or two. Not only didn’t she “cry at spilled milk,” but she’d find the daily humor to lift everyone up. Of course, her own grandchildren were her greatest joy, as she loved to spend time playing games with them.

Mom is gone now for more than 10 years, unfortunately. But “Bubby Korn” stories of her attitude and ageless adventures delight my grandkids now, and she lives on in their laughter and hearts.

by miriA m lieberm Ann

o ur extended family had gathered together to celebrate the yahrtzeit of our beloved grandmother. I commented to my aunt, “Oma must have such joy and nachas when she looks down and sees this ka”h beautiful, growing family.” My aunt immediately replied with a wry smile, “Miriam, I hope so. It was very hard to make Oma happy.”

I did not truly understand her then. With the maturity that comes with age, I understand her comment now. Oma held herself to a very high standard and demanded the same of her family members. More than that, Oma lived through a terribly difficult era. Thank G-d, they left Berlin right before the war began. They traveled first to Antwerp and then lived in London for a decade or so, before resettling in New York. Oma lived her life

in survival mode. She felt the burden of responsibility for the entire family. She played a very active role in reestablishing her family, with each new move. She never relaxed her stance, never lowered her standards. She was meticulous and disciplined.

Oma assumed responsibility not just for her own immediate family, but for all Klal Yisrael. She carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. She brought children out of war-torn Europe with great risk to herself. She tended to the needs of refugees and survivors. She did her utmost to help them rebuild their lives. She financially supported extended family members and was exceedingly charitable to all segments of our greater Jewish community.

Those were exceedingly serious years, the years of rebuilding after Churban Europe. And my Oma had assumed responsibility for this major rebuilding. With Hashem’s help, she was successful in her mission. And I, for one, am exceedingly grateful.

May we all be blessed with shalom and shalva, peace and security, so that we may be able to enjoy Hashem’s bountiful gifts. And I do hope that our Oma and Opa enjoy a lichtege Gan Eden, reaping the rewards of their many good deeds on behalf of all of Hashem’s beloved children. Additionally, I do hope that Oma is exceedingly happy in her heavenly abode as she looks down and sees how miraculously Klal Yisrael has been rebuilt from the ashes. Hodu l’Hashem.

by A re Ader

A lesson I learned from my mother is to always think of others. From as young as I can remember, my mother has been collecting money for people who are less fortunate and always gives whatever she can. She never puts herself first and is always on the giving end, even when it’s difficult to be.

I hope to emulate her ways one day.

by osnA wA sser

As Rosh Chodesh Sivan and Shavuos approaches, I begin to think about one of the fundamental goals of Torah: to strengthen our emunah in Hashem. I reflect on a role model of mine who embodied the true meaning of emunah, and who expressed this precious middah through her continuous gratitude to Hashem. My mother, Sora Bick, a”h, viewed her life entirely through “rose colored glasses” and left an impression on everyone who met her. She possessed simchas hachaim at every life situation that crossed her path. My mother’s lifestyle is one we can all learn from, and it embodies a powerful lesson and path towards growth for the upcoming yom tov.

As I listen to my children’s laughter in the other room, I reflect on the simchas hachaim that has always permeated my life. As a child growing up in a house filled with positivity and happiness, I always assumed that this attitude was normal in all homes. I didn’t realize just how special it was.

Throughout my childhood, my mother always told my siblings and I the famous parable of the wind and the sun. One day, an old man was walking down the street wearing a long

coat. The sun and the wind argued who would be first to cause the man to take off his coat. They decided to compete on the matter, and so the wind began to howl as hard as he could. However, this only caused the man to hold on to his coat tighter. Then, it was the sun’s turn. With utmost warmth, the sun shined his glowing rays on the man. And clearly, it was the warmth of the sun that caused the man to take his coat off. Even as a child, the moral of this story was obvious, and it is a major concept to be applied to parenting today. Warmth and positivity towards others are what bring optimal results. As an adult, I realize that to my mother this was more than just a lesson of life. For her, it was a way of life.

There’s a saying that goes, “It is what it is.” In reality, however, “it” is truly “what you make of it.” This was my mother’s motto. You choose how your day will turn out. You choose your happiness. Positivity is something that’s contagious. The connections my mother had, with family as well as friends, were so strong since people loved being around her. Some of my younger cousins would tell me how when they were at a family simcha, they would specifically choose to sit with my mother since she was guaranteed to make the event most enjoyable.

My mother had her challenges like everyone else, but she worked on herself to be happy. This lesson has been engrained in me and helps me in my life each day. While as a child I felt this attitude of hers was “normal,” I now realize I have been given a gift. I know how lucky I am to have grown up with a mother like her.

Truthfully, what I find most meaningful is the realization that my mother’s positivity not only impacted me but my children as well. Hearing their encouragement, enthusiasm, and appreciation of Hashem’s gifts truly inspires me. The gift of positivity is like a special legacy that has been passed on. What my children have seen in her home, and hopefully in mine, should continue to enhance their lives forever.

As Matan Torah approaches us, may our emunah be strengthened by the power of positivity, and may this middah bring our ultimate geulah, b’meheira.

by rebbetzin sAr A hoPkovitz

s ince my mother, Mrs. Diane Weiss, a”h , passed away five years ago, Mother’s Day has gotten harder for me. It’s just not the same anymore. And although I felt that I was (too) young to experience this loss and it was extremely difficult, I realized that at any age it’s hard for a person to lose a mother.

About two months ago, on March 3, my father-in-law, Mr. Michael Hopkovitz, lost his mother. Margaret Hopkovitz was 97 years old, and my father-in-law was her oldest child (he himself is blessed with numerous grandchildren, ka”h). My husband, Rabbi Simcha Hopkovitz, was privileged to officiate his grandmother’s funeral in San Antonio, Texas, and bestow that last honor onto her. Tattooed with the number A10681, Margaret survived the horrors of Auschwitz-Birkenau, being examined by the infamous Dr. Mengele, as well as the Death March. With her amazing strength and perseverance, she and her husband Simon were able to start their lives again in America after the war.

I was fortunate to meet my grandmother-in-law a handful of times over the years at family occasions and on trips to Dallas, Texas (where she resided in her later years). She was a strong,

Hungarian woman that raised a sincerely religious family in San Antonio, Texas. Since there were no yeshiva options in San Antonio, with bittersweet sentiments she sent her oldest son to the Skokie Yeshiva in Chicago. Simon and Margaret’s home was also always open to guests. Every Shabbos and Yom Tov, they hosted people, in particular Jewish soldiers stationed at the Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio, Texas. Being a beacon of light and having such an impact in a small community in Texas is an inspiration to us all. I hope her and her husband’s legacy as people that embodied faith, chessed and hachnosas orchim will impact my children and future generations to follow in their footsteps.

by le Ah liG htm An

my Granny, Alice Rosenfield, left this world when I was only 5 years of age, but she endowed me with values that endure for a lifetime.

When Granny’s parents arrived in the Boston equivalent of Ellis Island in the early 1920s with their four children, with the family name Kershner. The Irish American officer who reviewed the family’s paperwork decided that King was a more American name. The King family settled in the Roxbury area of Boston among other East European Jewish immigrant families. The local landsmanschafft society, which included people from the Kings’ hometown of Suchowola (in what is now northeastern Poland), became their extended family, including “Aunt Rose” and her family. Although they were not blood relations, the King and Miller families were close: Pesach seders included both families, and simchas were planned and executed only with the other extended family present. This happened because Granny treasured the people in her life.

Granny met David Rosenfield of Grodno through the landsmanschafft society. Aunt Rose encouraged the shidduch even though Granny was four inches taller than Papa. I have photographic evidence of this couple who did not hold by conventional standards in this regard.

Granny did not work outside the home. Rather, she ran a home where being and living as a Jew was the world’s greatest honor. She made sure that my late father and aunt were educated secularly (my father was an optometrist) as well as Jewishly. They were proud graduates of Boston’s Hebrew Teachers College, and both earned advanced diplomas in teaching Jewish studies. Ahead of her time, Granny oversaw the family finances. Money was always tight, but she knew how to make it stretch, even building bank accounts for each of her grandchildren.

While Granny did not wear her emotions openly, we grandchildren knew she loved us. She watched us play, appreciating our exuberance and creativity. She valued what we said and thought. And her cooking. She loved to cook for us, recipes from her childhood. Her sweet lokshen kugel with cinnamon and raisins was family legend. Granny brought this and other recipes to this country in her heart and head from the Old Country because it was one of her languages of love.

I carry Granny in my heart. When I think about her, I hope that she is in Olam HaEmes, enjoying that her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who are continuing in her path as committed, religious Jews. May her memory be for a blessing.

By Daniella Quinn

Dear Teen Talk,

Thank you for answering my question.

I am in ninth grade. I went to sleepaway camp last year and really enjoyed it.

I am going to the same camp again this year, but I’m a little nervous. Last year, I went with a few girls who I was friends with, and it worked out really well. This year, another one of our friends is going to camp with us. She is part of our “group,” but whenever she is around there is always “politics.” Maybe it’s her personality or maybe she is behind it all, but there is always politics wherever she goes.

Teen Talk, a new column in TJH, is geared towards the teens in our community. Answered by a rotating roster of teachers, rebbeim, clinicians, and peers (!), teens will be hearing answers to many questions they had percolating in their minds and wished they had the answers for.

I don’t want to go to camp and be surrounded by drama. I didn’t request that she is in my bunk but she may end up with all our friends.

What can I do to make sure this doesn’t ruin my summer?

Thank you so much!

Thank you so much for writing in. I think this is a great question! Let me start by saying that you are at a stage in life where friends are such an important thing. Having good friends can make a world of difference when you’re in high school, and I’m genuinely saying from my own experience. It’s amazing that you have friends that you were able to go to camp with last year and have a good time with. That alone is such a special thing.

I think that may also be the reason that this situation is especially frustrating. You had a great experience last year, and you are hoping to have the same this summer. As much as you hope you’ll have a great time, you can’t help but think there’s a big chance that this girl will ruin it with whatever politics she brings along. I get it; I wouldn’t want that for myself either. Nobody wants to spend their summer break surrounded by drama, especially if they had to deal with it during the year.

However, and I think this is a really import-

ant point to take in, there is something we need to remember here.

High school is a time where we are growing and finding ourselves. It’s a time when we make new friends and lose old ones. It’s a time where we become more independent as we make more choices on our own. Basically, it’s a big deal.

Because it is such a fundamental time in our lives, it can also be a challenging one. It’s a time when you have to adjust to a lot, whether it be

brings drama everywhere she goes is having a very hard time with all the change. There could be a million different reasons why she acts the way she does, but we don’t have a right to judge. Sometimes, it’s easier to just be annoyed that someone is acting in a way that bothers us rather than take a moment and remember that they are a person just like we are. It’s not so easy to stop and think about how they have things that are going on in their lives just like we do.

the heavier workload, different schedule, or even changes within friend groups. Not everyone has an easy time navigating this.

Now, before I lose you, let me circle back and explain to you why I am telling you this.

It is very possible that your friend who

However, when you take a moment to stop and think about this, the way you look at her will change. You won’t see someone who ruins everything with their politics. You won’t see someone who is running after drama. You will see another girl in high school just like you, who is trying

You get to decide how your summer will be based on the way you choose to look at things.

to figure things out. You will feel so much better when you start seeing her as something beyond the drama she brings out. It will make such a big difference for you as a person when you change how you look at her, how you look at anyone. It’s so important to look beyond the surface and see a person who has faults just as you do but things that are great about them as well.

Again, this is not something that is going to be easy, and it’s not going to be something that you will change overnight. The way we look at things is not so easily changed. It’s a conscious choice that you have to make, to choose to see the good in people especially when it feels easier to focus on the negative. But what I can tell you is that with time it will change. Even more than that, it will be worth the effort that you put in, and you might even be proud of yourself for doing so.

Are you a teen with a question?

If you have a question or problem you’d like our columnists to address, email your question or insight to editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com , subject line: Teen Talk.

So now to answer your question of how to make sure this doesn’t ruin your summer. It’s entirely up to you. You can’t control the choices anybody else makes. You can’t decide if she will bring out drama or not. You can’t decide if anybody else in camp will start up with politics. But you can choose how you react. You can choose how you will look at things. This is what will make the biggest difference.

You get to decide how your summer will be based on the way you choose to look at things. If you take on the attitude that there is no way this summer will be fun if she comes, then you have already decided for yourself how it’s going to be. But if you choose to take on a positive attitude and give it a chance to be great, you are setting yourself up to have a much better time!

Hatzlacha and have a great summer!

Daniella is originally from Houston, Texas, and recently moved to Baltimore, Maryland. She currently works in a school while studying for a degree in psychology.

What Would You Do If…

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

Dear Navidaters,

I’ve been divorced for two years with a young child. I’m almost 30 years old. I currently work in a frum day school bringing in a small income. I’m ready to go to a college program for healthcare to obtain a higher paying profession. I will not be finished until age 32 or 33 and will have to take out a $20,000 student loan.

My question is, does it make sense at age 29 to start a career or will it jeopardize chances of getting re-married anytime soon? Is it bad to wait until age 33 when I finish my degree to start dating again?

The Rebbetzin

Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

Go ahead and continue your life. Single or single again, one has to move forward in one’s development of self, career, and interests. A shidduch will come when Hashem decides. Go ahead and date while you are in school. Why should one cancel the other? Worthwhile prospects will respect and value your ambitions and efforts. You will deal with the loan repayment once you have established yourself professionally, whether you are single or married.

While it may be true that you will have student debt hanging over you, your future husband may have student debt as well as kids. Life always comes with financial responsibilities.

The Shadchan

Michelle Mond

You must do what you feel is right for your next step in life, for you and

your child. Ask yourself, will this opportunity bring you joy and an ultimate feeling of satisfaction? Are you able to balance mommyhood within it all? In direct correlation, this will impact your mood, confidence, and overall wellbeing. All of those things, if positively affected, will also enhance your shidduch prospects. After all, there is nothing more attractive than a driven, confident person living life fully. Everyone has loans – do not let that stop you.

The only thing that will jeopardize your chance of getting married at a given time is if you physically do not make time for dating. It is important to do your hishtadlus, as with anything in life.

The Single

Tzipora Grodko

The Brisker Rav states that when it’s the right time for someone to get married, not even an iron wall will be able to prevent it from happening. You will never interfere with G-d’s plan. I strongly encourage you to chase your

Pulling It All Together

The Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

Thank you for writing into the panel. It is so wonderful that you are thinking about pursuing further education. I do not have the answer to your question about whether or not this makes sense. If this is something that tugs at your heartstrings and will improve your life and the life of your child and will give you personal satisfaction,

then the decision seems like it has the poten- tial to be a good one.

In my opinion, and it is only an opinion, I think that as a divorced woman and mother, the first priority needs to be you and your child and doing what makes the most sense for the

ambitions if it will increase the quality of your life. That’s exactly what we are supposed to do – focus on our spiritual, emotional, and professional development and continuing to evolve into the best human beings we can possibly be!

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

You have overcome a very traumatic phase of life, and it sounds like you are now in a very healthy frame of mind, with a healthy sense of purpose.

Psychologists report that, after divorce, men are much more likely to develop health problems, while women are much more likely to see their divorce as an opportunity for growth. After divorce, healthy women often pursue new friendships, new interests, and new educational opportunities.

I love that you are planning to attend that college healthcare program. Those student loans may seem staggering and stressful just now, but it will definitely be worth it. Pursuing a higher-paying career will improve your financial situation and help provide a better life for yourself

and your child.

Moreover, your college degree will bring you not only more financial stability, but also very valuable and powerful feelings of dignity and self-worth. And, as an added bonus, having a vital and fulfilling career can make you more attractive to potential partners.

But why do you feel that furthering your education and dating are mutually exclusive? You can certainly do both at the same time. There is no reason why you can’t start dating while you’re in school, working towards your degree.

So, get out there and get that college certificate and that marriage certificate. Good luck from your Navidater friends.

two of you right now. I understand that going back to school and taking out student loans may not be very attractive to certain potential suitors as you will be in a transition time of life while you are dating. It is certainly nice to feel settled and able to bring in income while dating.

As you make this decision the first question needs to be: “What is best for my child in the long run?” If the answer to that question is going back to school, then that is your answer. The right man will understand this, accept this time in your life, celebrate you for this difficult decision, and find you incredibly attractive for having made it. The wrong man will pick it apart. It is a wonderful filter -

ing system to weed out the wrong guys. All the best to you and good luck making your decision! I am trusting the organic process of life on this one…. Do what’s best for you and your kid, and let Hashem handle the rest. A good man won’t find this “jeopardizing.” Your man is going to love it! We can’t stifle the natural course of life for dating. We allow life to happen and hope and pray that we attract the right person to our honest, authentic, “do what we got to do” lives. You’re a rockstar mom for even considering this.

Sincerely, Jennifer

After all, there is nothing more attractive than a driven, confident person living life fully.

Jennifer Mann, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and certified trauma healing life coach, as well as a dating and relationship coach working with individuals, couples, and families in private practice at 123 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst, NY. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 718-908-0512. Visit

School of Thought

Active Listening

By Etti Siegel

We all know that listening is important. We listen to understand information, learn, and even to be entertained. Yet research on adult-to-adult listening shows that we only retain 2550% of what we hear, which means we are not listening very well! We often half-listen, forming an opinion before the person finishes speaking, deciding we know what the person is saying, or simply tuning out.

Dr. David Lieberman, PhD, recounts a study in which 15,000 convicts were surveyed to see if they thought the legal system was fair. The prisoners’ responses were varied; some were simply receiving probation, while others had up to 20 years of incarceration. Interestingly enough, their responses were not based on the length of their sentences but were determined by how long their public defender spent with them. Even those that only got minimal sentences felt the system was unfair if their lawyer didn’t seem to listen to them, while those given long sentences answered positively if their lawyer spent more time with them.

Let’s apply this information to our children and students.

Often, teachers come in to the new school year with expectations of being listened to and forget that the most effective way to get children to listen is to have children understand that we will hear them. I am not advocating a classroom where children call out at will but a safe place where children know the adult in charge cares about them and will always be out to do what is best for them.

Let’s model active listening by paraphrasing what a student says and even by calling on another student to repeat back what the student asked.

Let’s model active listening by building personal relationships. Ask children about their weekend, their position in the family, how they feel about a subject. If she asks a personal question to you, realize it is a student’s way of engaging and deflect the question by

turning it right around. The student wants to talk about themselves, they just need the opening!

Let’s model active listening by giving children a voice. At the end of an assignment or test, have them write what they found easy, difficult, and how they liked the subject in general. Let students ask questions, delve deeper, and compliment them on their thinking. A student loves to hear the teacher doesn’t know the answer and will look it up, especially when the teacher seems impressed with the level of thought being displayed. (A teacher who takes the question personally is not actively listening, she is forming an opinion before the speaker is finished speaking.)

Let’s model active listening by staying neutral and asking a student if everything is okay. Her head might be down for so many reasons; let’s not decide the answer before we ask the question.

I remember walking into my classroom and feeling instant dismay as I noticed Rachel (name changed) sitting with her head in her hands, shoulders shaking. “Who bothered her this time?” I remember thinking as I instantly recalled her daily, sometimes hourly, complaints about all the people around her. I restrained myself, and after starting the class with their morning routine, turned into active listening mode and quietly crouched beside her.

“Rachel, you seem sad. Is something wrong?” I asked neutrally, a key ingredient in active listening.

“The baby was sick this morning and my mother was so busy with him and she pushed me onto the bus without even giving me breakfast and I am so hungry!” she responded, proving once again the benefits of active listening and not pre-forming excuses or reasons.

I sent her to the office with a note, and while they procured a sandwich for her, I had time to reflect.

To be an active listener:

1- Pay attention and show you are listening. Look at the speaker. Work on being present and don’t prepare an answer before the speaker is finished their thought. Nod occasionally. Make sure your stance is open and inviting. (Keep in mind, crossed arms means distance.)

2- Provide feedback. Repeat back some of the thoughts: “Sounds like you are saying” and “I am hearing” are two great starters for reflection. Saying yes, no, and umm periodically show feedback as well.

3- Let the person finish before commenting or asking questions.

4- Respond in kind. Be honest and respectful as you answer.

I received a note from a model student that surprised me by its venom. In very disrespectful terms it informed me that if I did not change her seat to be near her friend she would take decisive action against me (speak badly about me to others, tell her parents how mean I was being…). Of course I wrote back, reflecting how angry she seems to be feeling, but how I knew that she was aware that I could not respond to such a letter. I invited her to write me a new one. A new one appeared a day later, much more appropriate, again requesting that she sit near her friend. Now I was able to validate her angst at being separated but explain how important it was that she not sit near her friend so that I would not have to constantly remind them not to socialize during class. She accepted the response and never asked to switch again.

Active listening – it works!

Let’s model active listening by giving children a voice.

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.

As I shooed another little hand away from my Chromebook screen, I thought that maybe it’s time to discuss the issue of privacy and respecting private property. As much as I adore that sweet little hand and the cute boy it’s attached to, I have a right to my own property. Rather than me just being mean, it’s also important for that small hand to learn to respect others.

It’s the pride of each parent to attend their child’s haschalas Gemara . What could be more meaningful than seeing the next generation begin this important step in the holy sea of Torah? Interestingly, the first perek they will start with is understanding the halachos of watching another’s property.

There are so many lessons we could start with, but our tradition is to begin with teaching the importance of protecting that which belongs to another. While there are many reasons why we start with this sugya , it’s clear that halacha places a priority on this.

There are many ways to show we value another person; protecting their property is a very basic one that even

Private Property in Parenting

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

younger children can understand.

Private Ownership

As much as we value sharing, private ownership is important to society. While many have envisioned a perfect society where everything belongs to everyone, that has never worked in real life and major empires have collapsed attempting this goal.

I am not an economist, and I won’t approach this topic from that angle. What I do want to discuss is the important role that owning and respecting private property can have in our child’s chinuch. Rather than merely protecting a simple object, this goes one step towards setting the stage for children who grow up understanding privacy and boundaries.

Besides the chaos that ensues when theft is prevalent, there are important lessons to learn from both owning property and respecting that of another. We may think of property as something large like a vehicle or expensive such as a home. For the sake of this discussion, “property” refers to even minor items

such as pencils or a snack bag.

Children don’t need to acquire major items to appreciate ownership. To a child, their small toy is very important. Ask any therapist or doctor how much mileage they get out of a small prize or sticker. My little one looked at me in shock the first time he discovered that I don’t get prizes from my health care providers. He couldn’t figure out why I would even go for an appointment without the appropriate compensation. He knows his physicians based on the distributed treat at the end. He has a “sticker doctor” (pediatrician), a “prize doctor” (dentist), and a “lollipop” doctor (ophthalmologist). Fortunately, his parents pick his health care team based on more discerning criteria than he does.

As parents, we are allowed to have things that are not for kids. Our precious youth are not entitled to everything they see or want, even if it’s in the house or table in front of them. We are permitted to keep items for our own usage, whether it’s expensive or not. While we can appreciate not having our stuff touched, it’s also a simple lesson of re -

spect and boundaries for our children to learn.

It’s important to remember that this requires a certain level of development. A toddler will certainly not understand ownership, and it’s pointless to lecture them on it. Even older children may find this challenging at times. It’s better to keep anything valuable away from little hands rather than leaving it accessible where they will inevitably touch it and then rebuking them afterwards.

Kids also should have private property. They are permitted to have something that is their own. While it’s important to teach them to share, that doesn’t obligate them to give out their private items each time a sibling asks. This may be more challenging in larger families, but it’s no less important. Please note that I’m certainly not disregarding the importance of teaching children to share. Like all areas in life, balance is the key.

Boundaries

Recognizing that “mine is mine and yours is yours” is one small step

towards creating healthy boundaries. This is such an important topic that I hope one week it will receive an article all its own. Healthy boundaries extend beyond mere objects, and, even more importantly, into interpersonal relationships. Teaching our children how to create respectful boundaries with others is a true, lifelong gift.

Appropriate boundaries include being able to tell others no and respecting someone’s time and personal limitations. “I’m sorry, you can’t borrow that now.” “I’m unavailable to babysit; I need that time to study.” “I don’t feel up to that today.”

We can be respectful while still making our needs clear. Kids, too, can learn these skills. Children and teens, even more than adults, are very susceptible to peer pressure and being unable to create boundaries.

Boundaries are crucial to protect us from unhealthy people or situations. Those who lack the ability to delineate clear guidelines to others risk being taken advantage of or otherwise mistreated. Many people are uncomfortable setting clear boundaries, which subsequently results in unhealthy relationships. Sadly, this can even (or especial-

ly) include family members.

Conversely, those incapable of respecting the boundaries of others are not only likely to be oiver issurim bein adam l’chaveiro; they also will have difficulty maintaining friendships. Very few people want to be connected to someone that doesn’t understand their need for space or privacy.

loving. Boundaries can – and should –be part of a healthy relationship.

Healthy boundaries are crucial towards preventing unhealthy interactions. It’s also imperative to have clear guidelines with those that we love and are close to. While we often recognize the need to create boundaries with those that are unsafe, we may not appreciate the same importance to erect fences with those that are healthy and

Too often, we’re afraid to inconvenience people, but it’s actually helpful for others to know what our limits are. For example, I was concerned that I was asking too much from a friend and imposing on her. She was very clear: “I have my boundaries, and if you accidentally overstep them, then I’ll (politely) let you know.” Now I knew that when she said “no problem” or “I’m happy to help,” she really meant it. Only when someone can say “no” does their “yes” truly mean it.

Any new skill can seem daunting in the beginning. It can be easier and feel less threatening to start by creating

boundaries with those we are already comfortable with and trust. We can model the language for our children such as “I can’t do that,” “I don’t have the time,” or “that’s too much for me.” Boundaries can be far more complex to maneuver, but these are simple phrases children can begin to use.

Being capable of creating healthy boundaries doesn’t mean we should permit our children to hang out with toxic friends or those that are not a good influence. Healthy boundaries may not work with unhealthy people.

Everyone has that which they are and are not comfortable with, and it’s important for children to begin to learn how to express that to others. Recognizing the boundaries around ownership is one beginner’s step towards respecting and appreciating the needs of others. With Hashem’s help, our children will be capable of healthy relationships throughout their lives.

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.

Healthy boundaries are crucial towards preventing unhealthy interactions.

Is Your Multivitamin Really Necessary?

By Tehila Soskel, RDN, CDN

Around half of American adults take multivitamins, and billions of dollars are spent on them per year. While multivitamins may be necessary for some, for others, it may not be needed. Before taking multivitamins, you can take a look at a few factors.

Multivitamins are combinations of vitamins, minerals, and sometimes other ingredients, too. Many multivitamins brands vary their nutrient composition. They are made and can be taken in many forms such as gummies, powder, tablets, capsules, and more.

Consuming a well-balanced diet that includes whole grains, healthy fats, protein, fruits and vegetables provides you with plenty of nutrients that are crucial for good health. There is not much benefit of taking multivitamins for those that are consuming a balanced diet. With that being said, taking multivitamins should not be a substitute for a healthy diet, as eating healthy, wholesome food should take precedence. Unfortunately, those who do not consume a balanced diet may very well be lacking various nutrients. In addition, there are certain groups of people who may need specific nutrients to prevent certain nutrient deficiencies.

Although it’s more rare in the U.S. and other countries in which people have access to a wide range of foods, unfortunately, there are a number of diseases that may be caused if someone is lacking specific nutrients in their diet. A few are as follows: Beriberi (lack of vitamin B1/thiamine), rickets (lack of vitamin D), pellagra (lack of vitamin B3/ niacin), and scurvy (lack of vitamin C). Symptoms of these diseases may range from loss of appetite, muscle pain/ weakness, delayed growth, and easily bruising. Again, these diseases are not so common here in the U.S.

Folate is crucial during pregnancy, and so pregnant women need to ensure

they are getting enough folate to help prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. Additional supplements of choline and iodine may also be recommended to women who are pregnant if there are inadequate amounts. B12 is mainly found in animal foods, so vegans and vegetarians may benefit from vitamin B12 as their diets lack vitamin B12.

Another example of those who may need to ensure they are getting enough nutrients are older adults. Older adults are often at risk for poor food intake whether due to difficulty chewing/swallowing or side effects from medication. Certain medications may deplete the body of specific nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and potassium or even prevent the absorption of certain vitamins in the body and should be monitored.

Iodine helps support the thyroid gland, therefore those with specific thyroid conditions may benefit from certain iodine supplements.

The most common deficiency is iron deficiency, also known as anemia, and affects more than 25% of people world-

wide. The best sources of iron are red meat, beans, seeds and dark leafy greens like broccoli and kale. Some of the more common vitamin deficiencies are iodine deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, calcium deficiency, vitamin A deficiency, and magnesium deficiency. In these cases, specific vitamins may be beneficial in those circumstances. As always, consult with your doctor first.

While multivitamins and specific vitamins may be crucial when your diet is not meeting the nutritional requirements or because of certain underlying conditions, if that’s not the case for you and you are consuming a healthful diet, a multivitamin may not really be so necessary. A healthy diet cannot be replaced by a multivitamin. Your focus should be on consuming a well-balanced diet over supplementation. If a multivitamin is, in fact, needed, the most expensive brand multivitamin is not necessary.

There are many ways to help ensure you are eating a balanced, healthful diet.

• First off, try replacing items such as sugary drinks for water. As enticing as

those drinks may be, water is essential for good health. Drinking enough water helps lead to better skin hydration and may help with many health problems.

• Don’t drink your calories. Aim for more wholesome food that will keep you feeling full as well as your best.

• Focus on more wholesome and less processed food. Skip the packaged food items and try cooking more at home.

• Get your family involved in the kitchen. If you are trying to get your children to eat healthier options, my advice is to get them involved. Let them help you cook and bake with you as they’ll be more eager to eat it that way.

• Add color to your diet. Eating a meal with dishes of all the same color, such as grilled chicken, cauliflower and baked potato, will be pretty boring. Try incorporating more colors into your meal. Instead, serve grilled chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and a garden salad. In addition, different colors of fruits and vegetables provide various vitamins and minerals that help promote good health.

• Get creative. Try experimenting with different recipes to keep it exciting. If you find yourself constantly repeating the same few dinners, then change it up.

The bottom line is that multivitamins and certain supplements may be very beneficial in certain circumstances. It’s important to keep in mind that a multivitamin shouldn’t compensate for a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet may ensure good health over any multivitamin.

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

Calm Cooking in the Kitchen

A Conversation with Elizabeth L. Mandelbaum and Dr. Alyssa D. Berlin, authors of Plated

hen it comes to cookbooks, sometimes two is way better than one. Plated: A Curated Dining Experience is a fabulous collaboration between Elizabeth L. Mandlebaum and Dr. Alyssa Berlin. In Plated, we discover how to achieve the near-impossible: creating gorgeous, creative, and health-friendly meals while keeping our cooking experience calm, stress-free, and, yes, lots of fun.

Elizabeth is a popular food blogger, recipe developer, and personal chef, particularly famous for recipes that work with food allergies and sensitivities. Alyssa is a respected psychologist with a focus on the mindbody connection and the therapeutic value of cooking and baking, what she calls “therapeutic cooking.” And both of these accomplished women share a passion for great food. Together, they created a unique process for “calm cooking.”

In Plated, they don’t just share recipes, they plate them as well! On the same page, you’ll find a full meal – protein, carb, veggies, garnishes, dips, sauces, even easy-to-follow plating instructions and substitutions for those with food sensitivities. Plated’s unique organization of recipes and focus on complete meals and composed plates make it a convenient and stress-free option for those who want to enjoy delicious, “calm cooked” meals at home without the hassle of meal planning and endless grocery shopping.

Elizabeth’s focus on health and simplicity combines with Alyssa’s passion for exploring new flavors, textures, and food pairings to create a truly unique cooking experience, one that’s fun, calm, and scrumptiously delicious.

Elizabeth, can you tell readers a little about your background and culinary philosophy?

Throughout high school, I was very focused on living a clean and healthy lifestyle, emphasizing exercise and healthy food. I found that too many recipes

Wonline or in cookbooks consisted of ingredients that were unhealthy or steps that were time consuming and complicated.

When I got married, I began experimenting in the kitchen with different foods, creating and developing my own recipes to be yummy, flavorful, simple and healthy at the same time. I started a food blog about five years ago just for fun, and to my surprise, it took off! I got numerous requests to cook for people. Since

ploring new flavors, textures, and fusion cuisine, as well as creating beautiful plating for a memorable dining experience. While in graduate school, the kitchen was my sanctuary, where I bonded with my husband, connected with friends, and expanded my culinary skills. We hosted Shabbat dinners for singles and attended various cooking classes together. As a mother, my focus has shifted to finding kitchen shortcuts and hacks to create fast, flavorful, and impressive dishes that fit my busy life.

So interesting, Alyssa, that you’re a psychologist. How did your training and experience affect this book?

As a perinatal psychologist working with growing families, I believe in the importance of creativity and flexibility when adjusting to parenthood. I started recognizing the synergy between my profession and my passion for cooking, which led me to develop the concept of Therapeutic Cooking. This approach aims to reduce stress and improve mental well-being through cooking and baking, either independently or as a complement to traditional therapy. By incorporating Therapeutic Cooking into my practice, I’ve helped clients explore emotions, develop mindfulness, and gain control over their eating habits. The book reflects this unique blend of culinary art and psychological insight, with a focus on calm cooking, healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make recipes that also nourish the mind and soul.

my recipes were healthy and allergy friendly, many of them gluten free and vegan friendly, so many people were asking me to cook for them. Although I had never contemplated that idea, I decided to give it a try. I fell in love and became a full-time personal chef and food blogger.

Alyssa, how about you?

I am a psychologist by profession, but my passion for cooking and experimenting with food has led me to become a self-trained chef, foodie, and cookbook author. My culinary philosophy revolves around ex-

Calm Cooking? What’s that about?

Calm cooking is our philosophy towards the kitchen. It is a way of approaching cooking that emphasizes mindfulness, simplicity, and relaxation. It involves taking a more leisurely approach to the cooking process, allowing yourself to fully engage with the task at hand and savor the experience of preparing food.

One of the things that brought us together was our shared belief in “having fun” in the kitchen! We both approach cooking as a fun and exciting experiment. It doesn’t have to be so serious or so precise. “Don’t like cilantro? Swap it for parsley!”

As a mother, my focus has shifted to finding kitchen shortcuts and hacks to create fast, flavorful, and impressive dishes that fit my busy life.

We emphasize the importance of being present in the moment while cooking, paying attention to the smells, sounds, and sensations of the cooking process. This can help you to feel more grounded and centered and enhance the fun factor.

You will feel our calm cooking philosophy throughout Plated. We simplify the cooking process by using fewer ingredients and simpler techniques. Plated will help reduce your stress and overwhelming feelings in the kitchen and will make cooking a more enjoyable and relaxing experience.

How did the two of you “find” each other? How did the collaboration work?

Alyssa and I have known each other for a while. We share common cooking strategies and flavors. One of the things that really connected us was our “something for everyone” philosophy. We both never host a meal without thinking about everyone who will be at the table. We are passionate that everyone eating in our homes finds wonderful things to eat regardless of taste or dietary needs or preferences. We made sure we translated this passion into Plated by including tips for tweaking recipes to accommodate various dietary needs. We view our readers as guests. Just like everyone who comes to our table will find something to eat – everyone who picks up our book will have something (many things!) to cook!

What makes Plated so different from other cookbooks?

Plated is unique because unlike most cookbooks that give you separate sections of proteins, carbs and vegetables, Plated gives you a fully composed meal, with all the necessary elements. Plated pairs flavors and foods for you, helping to structure your meal. And not only do we compose meals, we plate them as well! With the perfect puree, garnish, and sauces, and the simplest plating instructions, Plated teaches you how to cook and present the perfect meal.

This unique format is where “Calm Cooking” shines through – removing the stress from cooking. One of the stressful aspects of cooking for most people is deciding what to make, creating a menu or organizing a meal. We de-stress that for you by composing the meals. For example, a recipe for pecan crusted chicken (yum!) is paired with recipes for a complimentary starch; a sweet potato mash, a vegetable; sauteed broccolini and a tangy mustard sauce, all on the same page. This approach simplifies meal planning but also allows for plenty of creativity in the kitchen, as readers can experiment with different combinations of dishes and flavors. Overall, Plated’s unique organization of recipes and focus on complete meals and composed plates make it a convenient and stress-free option for those who want to enjoy delicious, “calm cooked” meals at home without the hassle of meal planning and endless grocery shopping.

The food photos are gorgeous. Who designed and photographed them?

Our food photographer, Marina Moward, is an in-

credible food stylist and photographer. We handed her the food with an idea or concept of how we wanted it served and she created an image that was just so perfect, so magical, and brought the photos to life! She understood our mindset and style and did the best job.

Can you tell us a little about the process of recipe development?

Some of the recipes in the book were dishes we’ve been making for our friends and families for years. We knew they would be a hit and perfect for the book because of all the positive feedback those recipes have gotten. Some of the recipes were actually created on the spot. Elizabeth’s focus on simple and accessible recipes emphasizes the practical and functional side of cooking. On the other hand, Alyssa’s focus on uniqueness and presentation represents creativity, aesthetics, and experimentation. Together, we balance these two elements to create recipes that are both approachable and visually appealing. By combining our strengths and perspectives,

Any great serendipity stories?

Our meeting was the most serendipitous and is a testament to the power of unexpected connections. Years ago, Alyssa was Elizabeth’s teacher, but we lost touch over time. That is, until Alyssa stumbled upon Elizabeth’s Instagram page and was immediately struck by her style and the content she was producing. Alyssa reached out to Elizabeth to see if she was interested in partnering up to write a cookbook together. As we began to work together, we realized that we shared a philosophy, an approach to cooking and flavors that complemented the two of us perfectly.

Tough question: Alyssa and Elizabeth: what are your favorite recipes?

Elizabeth: Definitely a tough question! I love so many different ones, but I would have to say the salads! I love a good salad, and we have too many good ones to choose one.

Alyssa: Elizabeth, you and I are once again kindred spirits. It’s salads all the way for me. Even as a young girl, most parents would promise their kids ice cream in exchange for good behavior; for me, it was always salad. You wanted me to “behave” – forget ice cream and offer me a salad.

Tell us a little about the recipes with allergy-free ingredients.

we’ve created a cohesive cookbook that speaks to a wide range of readers who value both simplicity and creativity in their cooking.

Any fun disaster stories?

Not all-out disaster stories, but there was definitely a need to go with the flow on many occasions. When Alyssa is working with new moms, she often tells them that each new baby comes with two new best friends –“creativity and flexibility” – which is a great reminder and equally applies to the home cook.

Let’s just say there was more than one moment of having to be creative and flexible and think on our feet – but those make for some of the most unexpected and best flavor combos. We will leave it to the reader to guess which recipes were the result of these spontaneous and fun kitchen moments.

This kind of circles back to “something for everyone.” The idea is to give alternative ingredients to make each recipe perfect for each person, so that everyone has something to eat. Elizabeth has always had food sensitivities as well as overall health concerns. Alyssa suffered from different medical issues that medications couldn’t solve, and she went on a wellness journey to heal herself through food, In addition, being married for over 25 years and the mom of four kids, Alyssa has had to adapt recipes over the years for different health needs of her husband and kids. Dietary and health needs were never going to compromise flavor. Together, we tweaked recipes in the kitchen until the “alternative” or new recipe was just as good if not better than the original.

What is your “plating” philosophy?

Clean. Simple. Beautiful. Nothing should be overly complicated. Sometimes less is more!

I admit it: I like great food but don’t have a lot of time to prepare it. What does this cookbook do for me?

We are right there with you. This cookbook gives you a grocery list with all of the ingredients you would need to create the recipes, and a sample menu for you to work off of – again, removing the stress of having to think twice about it. Elizabeth has little kids and Alyssa is a full-time psychologist – we both need fast and simple!

Just like everyone who comes to our table will find something to eat –everyone who picks up our book will have something (many things!) to cook.

A Taste on Your Plate

Spinach Waldorf Salad with Garlic-Chive Dressing

Dairy | Serves: 4

Some special dishes have the power to transport us to a certain time, place, or feeling. S’mores bring us back to summer camp bonfires, while turkey reminds us of rambunctious Thanksgiving dinners with the whole family. These foods are favorites because they are both delicious and memory-provoking.

Our Spinach Waldorf Salad is the newest addition to this category. It will make you feel as if you’re at an upscale hotel for brunch with the girls or a late-afternoon garden party. Classy and luxurious, this salad is sure to be a hit and a treat.

Ingredients

• 10 oz fresh spinach

• 8 oz Medjool dates, pitted and diced

• ½ red onion, half diced and half thinly sliced

• 4 oz walnuts

• 6 oz crumbled feta cheese

• 1 pear, thinly sliced

Garlic-Chive Dressing

• 1 Tbsp honey

• 1/3 cup oil

• 1 Tbsp fresh chives, chopped

• 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 3 tsp minced garlic

• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

• ½ tsp mustard

Preparation

Place the dressing ingredients into a food processor; pulse to combine.

Place the spinach, dates, and diced onion into a large serving bowl. Toss with the salad dressing. Top with the walnuts, sliced onion, and feta. Add the sliced pears in 3 groupings, slightly fanned. Drizzle with additional salad dressing.

Tip: If you do not have mustard, you can use ½ teaspoon ground mustard instead.

London Broil with Emerald Rice and Baby Zucchini

Serves: 4-6

For a holiday or special occasion (or even an everyday dinner), make this your new go-to. Take the guesswork out of creating a well-balanced and nutritious meal — this pairing is the perfect combination of carbs, veggies, and protein!

London Broil

Ingredients

• 1 (2-3-lb) shoulder London broil

Marinade

• ½ cup pineapple juice

• ¼ cup tamari sauce

• ¼ cup rice vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 Tbsp chopped scallions

• 1 Tbsp honey

• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

• 1 Tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce, optional (see note)

• ¼ tsp chili flakes

• Salt

Preparation

Place the meat and all marinade ingredients into a resealable bag; seal. Turn the bag a few times to coat the meat. Refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Transfer meat and marinade to a cast-iron pan (see note).

Cook on the stove top over high heat for 5-7 minutes. Flip the meat; cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. Using tongs, press any uncooked part of the meat onto the pan until all the meat is cooked on the outside.

Transfer the pan to the oven; bake for 8-10 minutes.

Notes: Vegetarian oyster sauce can be found at your local grocery. Feel free to omit it.

If you don’t have a cast-iron pan, use a regular frying pan, then transfer the meat and liquid to an ovensafe pan to bake.

Emerald Rice

Ingredients

• 1½ cups basmati rice

• 2¼ cups water

• 2 tsp oil

• Salt

• 1 (12-oz) bag frozen spinach

• ½ cup sliced scallions

• ½ cup finely chopped parsley

Preparation

Place rice, water, oil, and salt to a stock pot; bring to a boil. Cover, cook over low heat for 15 minutes until the water has been absorbed. Let sit covered for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Place the frozen spinach into a microwave-safe bowl; microwave on high for 5-7 minutes. Stir; microwave for an additional 5 minutes as needed. Let cool; squeeze out liquid.

In a jar or bowl, combine together all the rice dressing ingredients.

While the rice is still warm, combine it with the dressing, spinach, scallions, and parsley. Press rice tightly into a mold; cover and refrigerate.

Remove rice from the refrigerator an hour before serving to allow rice to come to room temperature.

Baby Zucchini

Ingredients

• 3 (8-oz) bags baby zucchini, cut in half lengthwise

• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, crushed

• Salt

• Pepper

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place a metal cooling rack on a baking sheet and lightly coat with cooking spray.

Toss together zucchini, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper; place on rack in a single layer. Roast for 45-50 minutes, until golden brown.

• Pepper

• 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted (see note, p. 138)

• 16 oz fresh spinach

• ½ red onion, sliced

• 1 orange, peeled, sliced, and cut into half-moons, optional

• 1 grapefruit, peeled, sliced, and cut into half-moons, optional

Balsamic Honey-Mustard Dressing

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 Tbsp honey

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• Salt

• Pepper

• Garnish

• Microgreens

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Wash the beets well; drizzle with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Wrap the beets in foil; place on a baking sheet. Roast for 50-60 minutes until fork-tender. Check the beets for doneness every 20 minutes.

Allow to cool. Peel the beets; dice.

Balsamic Honey-Mustard Dressing

Combine all the salad dressing ingredients in a jar or bowl; mix until emulsified.

Plate It

Dressing

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• ¼ cup rice vinegar

• 1½ tsp Dijon mustard

• 2 Tbsp minced shallots

• 1 tsp Herbes de Provence

• Salt

• Pepper

Note: If baby zucchini is hard to find, replace it with 4 regular zucchini, cut into fries.

Spinach Balsamic Salad

Ingredients

• 2 beets

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• Salt

In a large serving bowl or on individual plates, combine the spinach with the diced beets, red onion, walnuts, orange, and grapefruit, if using. Toss with the dressing.

Place the zucchini on a platter; slice the beef, place on a second platter, and garnish with microgreens.

Invert rice mold onto a cake plate or serving dish; lift off mold.

Peanut Butter-Filled Chocolate Cake

Pareve | Serves: 10-12

A favorite flavor pairing gets a new look with this enticing dessert. A moist chocolate cake meets peanut butter mousse and is finished with a silky chocolate glaze.

Ingredients

• 2 cups white whole wheat flour

• 1½ cups sugar

• ¾ cup cocoa

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1¼ tsp salt

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup almond milk

• ½ cup oil

• ¾ cup vegan sour cream

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup hot brewed coffee

Peanut Butter Mousse

• 2 (9-oz) containers Cocowhip

coconut whipped topping

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Glaze

• ½ cup chocolate chips

• 1 tsp coconut oil

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch Bundt pan.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt. Using a stand mixer, beat in the eggs, milk, oil, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla. Add the coffee; beat to combine.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 5060 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

To make the Peanut Butter Mousse: Remove the Cocowhip from the freezer; let soften slightly.

Place the peanut butter into a microwave-safe bowl; microwave for 30 seconds on medium power.

In a bowl, combine the Cocowhip, peanut butter, and vanilla. With an electric mixer, beat on low until well combined. Chill for 1 hour to thicken.

Slice off the top inch of the cake. Set aside.

Hollow out the middle of the cake to make a well, making sure to keep the walls of the cake intact. Spoon mousse into the cake. Replace the top of the cake.

Chocolate Glaze

Place chocolate chips and oil in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave for 30-60 seconds on medium heat, stir. Drizzle over cake.

Variations: Coat 2 (10-inch) round cake pans with cooking spray.

Pour half the batter into each pan; bake for 30 minutes. Use the PB mousse as a filling between the cake layers. Cover cake with chocolate glaze. Glutenfree recipe works best with this variation.

Gluten-free Chocolate Cake: Substitute whole wheat flour with 11/3 cups oat flour and 2/3 cup tapioca flour. Follow directions above.

Recipes excerpted from Plated: A Curated Dining

Experience by Elizabeth L. Mandelbaum and Alyssa D. Berlin published by ArtScroll/Mesorah.

The K tchen

Spiked White Chocolate Mousse

By Naomi Nachman

Ingredients

◦ 3 bars good-quality white chocolate (about 10½ ounces or 300 grams)

◦ 2 eggs, lightly beaten

◦ 2 cups heavy cream

◦ ¼ cup Irish cream whiskey

Preparation

Place chocolate in a glass bowl over a simmering pot. Allow to melt, stirring continuously until it’s very smooth. Cool slightly and mix in the eggs.

Combine the heavy cream and Irish whiskey and beat to soft peaks. Fold the chocolate and eggs into the whipped cream. Refrigerate for two hours until it sets.

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.

Dairy desserts are my favorite, and with Shavuot around the corner you’ll want to add this to your menu. It’s a really easy mousse recipe, and the white chocolate is spectacular.

Mind Y ur Business

Stephen Shapiro: What’s Your Innovation Personality?

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 previous 710 WOR “Mind Your Business” broadcast, Yitzchok Saftlas (YS) spoke with guest Stephen Shapiro (SS), NSA Hall of Famer, keynote speaker, and author, on the topic of innovation. * * *

YS: What would be your parameters for setting up a great brainstorming conversation?

SS: One is to make sure you have the right people in the room. When we’re working on a marketing or sales problem, we tend to only bring people from marketing and sales into the room, but that’s a mistake because they have a limited perspective. What we want to do is to bring diverse points of view into the room.

The second thing is coming back to making sure we’re solving the right problem. If I had a group of people in front of me, and I said, “What are some of the ways we can attract new customers?” the immediate response is probably going to be something like doing outbound marketing, social media, some kind of cold calling, or we might generate lots of different ideas around getting new customers. But what if I change the question from getting new customers to generating more revenue? Let’s face it, we could get more customers, but we could also generate more revenue by selling more to our existing customers, by creating more value for our existing customers. So, that one very simple reframe is going to change the direction of the conversation, because instead of more customers, we’re now talking about a deeper relationship

with our existing customers. And we can go a lot of different ways with this. That is so important. If you start off with the wrong question, no matter what answers you develop, they’re not going to be the right ones.

When entering a brainstorming meeting, how important is it to come in asking questions to drive the conversation?

It’s probably one of the most important parts of the innovation process, because what ends up happening is, when we’re brainstorming and asking people to give us their ideas, we tend to ask questions that are very broad. If I gave you a blank sheet of paper and said, “Give me some of your best ideas,” you’re going to come up with a lot of ideas. The odds are,

though, they’re not going to really solve any important problems. So, what we want to do is actually move the conversation in a particular direction. And the way we do that is by framing the question in a different way than we had in the past. Because we’re so focused on solving a particular problem one way, we might miss other opportunities that are in our peripheral vision.

What are some of the questions a salesperson should have in mind when they’re trying to close a deal?

The first question when trying to close a deal is trying to figure out what is it that they would use to define success? I see some salespeople that are so focused on closing the deal, but they don’t look at the long-term impact on the organiza-

tion. So, we talked about the reframe of going from more customers to more revenues, but maybe it’s about profitability. And one of the things we really need to start looking at as well is, are we selling to customers who are high maintenance and take a lot of our energy, which is then bad for the organization? Maybe instead of more customers, we want fewer customers. But we want fewer, more profitable customers where we can go deeper. And that to me is really one of the big questions that I want organizations to think about. Instead of asking, “How can we create transactions?” ask, “How do we create relationships with customers where we can better understand their needs, so that we can create more value for them?” Because if we’re creating more value for our customers, they’re going to open up their wallets and do more business with us.

In your book, Invisible Solutions, you talked about the 25 Lenses for Reframing Problems. Could you explain those to us?

We make decisions and ask questions based on our past experiences. And it gets very difficult for us to be able to see the world in a different way, because we’re so heavily influenced by our past. So, what happens is, we make assumptions that, if not questioned, are going to lead us down the path of solving a problem that is past-based, rather than future-based. The purpose of the 25 Lenses is to challenge a number of different assumptions that we might have. I’ll give you a very simple one that I like to use a lot, which is the Resequenced Lens. We typically make assumptions in the problems we’re solving around when things need to occur. During the pandemic, everybody assumed that because we couldn’t meet in person, we always had to meet on Zoom or Teams. So, everybody was going online and doing lots and lots of meetings. The assumption was, in terms of timing, that we all needed to be there at the same time. But one of the big breakthroughs and opportunities with the pandemic was to realize we don’t always need to be together at the same time. What can we do asynchronously, so that when we are together synchronously on a Zoom call, we’re actually spending time doing real conversation? If you’re doing a status meeting, why have somebody get up in front of the room and talk for 15 minutes about what they’re up to, while everybody is sitting there listening? Record a 15-minute video, put it on your portal,

and have people watch that before the meeting, so they can come to the meeting with questions.

Could we focus on Lenses 3 and 4 –Reduce and Eliminate?

We always seem to assume that adding more makes something better. But I believe that simplification is the best innovation. There’s a great quote the author of The Little Prince said that I’m going to paraphrase: “Perfection is not achieved when there’s no longer anything left to add, but when there’s no longer anything left to remove.” So, sometimes the only way to get work done is to know what to kill, what to stop, what to eliminate, and how to simplify. Some -

home when they’re in our store?” Some of the most profound solutions have been found when we moved away from “how do we get a five out of five on our customer evaluation satisfaction scores?” to “how do we make sure that every person in our organization feels valued, wanted, needed, and appreciated?” That might be a means to that five out of five, but it has a lot deeper meaning to it.

Could you elaborate on Lens 19, Pain vs. Gain?

Most of the time, we’re going to adopt a new technology if it solves a problem, rather than if it’s nice to have. In 1978, Citibank spent a ton of money on ATMs. But people didn’t want an ATM. They

would recommend to develop an innovative mindset?

times the best solutions are the ones that don’t have everything thrown in there. Rather, they’re elegant and simple. So, if you’re designing a product, what can we eliminate? Do we need to add more features? Or how can we eliminate features like Apple does? Think about the remote control for the Apple TV. It’s got like one button. How much simpler can you get? That’s the beauty of their products. It’s not like a typical TV remote control, which has 100 buttons, and you don’t know how to use any of them.

Lens 14 is Emotion. Could you discuss how that might play into the brainstorming process?

I know we love to talk about thinking outside the box. But the reality is, the bigger the box, the more noise we create, and the more wiggle room we have for moving in the wrong direction. My belief is that we don’t want to think outside the box, we want to find a better box. The Emotion Lens is a different box. And the reason why it’s a different box is because most of the time when we solve problems, we look at it from a very analytical lens. We might say, “How do we keep our customers?” There’s no emotion in that. It’s all logical. But what if we reframed it to something like, “How do we have our customers feel like they’re at

wanted to talk to a teller and go into the store. They didn’t feel comfortable with the technology. Then, in February of 1978, there was a blizzard. New York had two feet of snow, and the city was completely shut down. People couldn’t go to the bank because there were no people working in the bank. They tried going to the supermarkets but couldn’t get cash there either. So, they turned to the ATMs. And for Citibank, this was a pivotal time, because the number of people who started using ATMs due to that pain increased significantly. It really was one of the catalysts for them being so successful in New York City.

We saw the same thing with the pandemic. Zoom and other technologies have been around for decades. But people didn’t use them as much until the pain was there and we needed to use it. So, we know that people are going to adopt an innovation when it solves a problem. And the bigger the problem, the more likely they are to want to adopt it. That’s not necessarily always true. Like right now, ChatGPT solves a problem, but it wasn’t like we needed to have this disruption like a blizzard or pandemic. So, it doesn’t always have to be that way, but it’s very common in many cases.

What are some techniques that you

The first thing is to recognize that we all contribute to innovation, but we sometimes do it in a different way. We’re all wired a little differently. Some of us are very analytical and data oriented. So, when it comes to innovation, we might not be the person that is going to come up with a really cool, wacky idea. But we’re going to have the data and the information to know that this is a real problem that if we solve is going to have great value. That’s still innovation. It’s just a different part of the innovation process. What we want to do is figure out what is our own personal innovation style? What’s our innovation personality? Once we do that, we need to also recognize that some of the things we’ve been taught about innovation actually lead us in the wrong direction. One of the big jokes is, never say, “Yeah, but…” You always want to say, “Yes, and…” But here’s the problem. “Yeah, but…” is not the enemy of innovation. It’s the “wow, this is a great idea.” Now, it might seem counterintuitive, but the problem is, once you start loving your ideas, something called “confirmation bias” kicks in. And now, all of a sudden, even if we get information about our innovation that tells us it’s actually bad, the brain is going to filter that out and only focus on the good aspects. And so, what ends up happening is we invest in innovation and fail because we didn’t really validate our hypotheses.

There’s a great quote from Scott Cook, “For every one of our failures, we had spreadsheets that looked awesome.” I love that quote because we can validate and justify however we want. But until we actually go into the real world and test it, we’re never going to know if these are great ideas.

“If you start off with the wrong question, no matter what answers you develop, they’re not going to be the right ones.”

Notable Quotes

“Say What?!”

I know Elon, and basically, what I would tell him is like, OK, if you’re going to move Twitter to Florida, are you bringing woke employees to Florida or are you bringing just your people? If it’s just his people, then it may be good.

- Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) reacting to the possibility of Twitter CEO Elon Musk moving the social media giant’s headquarters to Florida

Imagine if the governor of a blue state told a company from a red state not to bring its “MAGA” employees to their state. Rightwing media & the GOP would melt down. As ever, conservatives get to demonize/delegitimize certain cities and citizens, but never the other way around.

- Tweet by NBC’s Mehdi Hasan

No business wants to move to a blue state, so your theory will remain untested.

- Response tweet by Gov. DeSantis’s spokeswoman, Christina Pushaw

I left so that I could talk about the dangers of AI without considering how this impacts Google.

- Geoffrey Hinton, who has been called the “Godfather of AI,” explaining to the New York Times why he quit working for Google last week

Democrats hate Justice Thomas, and they save this special degree of hate for him, because he’s a Black man, and their view is an African American is not allowed to be a conservative, is not allowed to disagree with left-wing orthodoxy.

- Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) on Fox News

All they’ve heard is negative news for three years.

- Pres. Joe Biden in an interview with MSNBC when asked why his polling numbers are so low, mistakenly giving a very honest answer

I’ve acquired … a lot of wisdom and know more than the vast majority of people. I’m more experienced than anybody who has ever run for the office. And I think I’ve proven myself to be honorable as well as effective.

– Ibid., explaining why he is running again despite his old age

This is an art form. It’s also a form of commerce, and it makes money. But it’s an art, and no one should be telling me as an artist that I have to give in to the latest, most current idea of what morality is.

- Legendary actor Richard Dreyfuss on PBS commenting on the Oscars Academy releasing new diversity standards for judging movies.

What are we risking? Are we really risking hurting people’s feelings? You can’t legislate that. And–you have to let life be life. And I’m sorry, I don’t think that there is a minority or a majority in the country that has to be catered to like that.

- Ibid.

The equivocal number from 1860s for 40 acres today is $200 million for every single African American.

– A speaker at the San Francisco Reparation Hearings arguing that every African American should get $200 million

A mere pittance. Do better!

- A commenter on Twitter

He’s certainly correct that his numbers are equivocal…

- Another Twitter commenter

When it comes to illegal migration, you have seen it come down by more than 90%, and that’s because of the actions that this president has taken.

- White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre lying about illegal immigration numbers

If the dramatics could come down a little bit.

- Ibid., in response to Fox’s Peter Doocy pointing out that she was not telling the truth

We’re different—Warren and I are looking for the easy job we can identify.

- Charlie Munger, 99, explaining at Berkshire Hathaway’s yearly meeting how he and his partner Warren Buffett, 92, are different than Elon Musk

One of the inane things that’s taught in modern university education is that a vast diversification is absolutely mandatory in investing in common stocks ... That is an insane idea. It’s not that easy to have a vast plethora of good opportunities that are easily identified. And if you’ve only got three, I’d rather be in my best ideas instead of my worst.

- Ibid.

I’m sorry to see that Donald Trump feels like if he gets on the stage, he’s at risk of losing his lead. If, in fact, his ideas are so great, if his leadership is so outstanding, then his lead will only increase if he gets on the stage, not decrease. But obviously, he’s afraid.

- Chris Christie, former Trump confidant and now rival, responding to Trump’s announcement that he won’t participate in primary debates

Wimmin: A nonstandard spelling of the word “women” used by feminists to avoid the word ending “-men.”

- From the University of Texas at Austin’s “Language Matters: Glossary of Terms”

After today’s terrorist attack, there are no options left aside the physical elimination of Zelensky and his cabal.

– Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, after Russia accused Kyiv of targeting Putin in a drone attack

In the name of rights, what they’ve actually done is created a new culture of oppression in the opposite direction.

If you believe in [Trump’s] policies … he’s the last person who could actually execute them and achieve them. He does not have the discipline. He does not have the ability for strategic thinking and linear thinking or setting priorities or how to get things done in the system.

– Bill Barr, who served as Trump’s Attorney General

It is a horror show when he’s left to his own devices. And so, you may want his policies, but Trump will not deliver Trump policies. He will deliver chaos, and if anything, lead to a backlash that will set his policies much further back than they otherwise would be.

– Ibid.

I’m with Tucker. Time to boycott Fox until they come to their senses and let the man speak.

- Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, on Fox News, talking about woke culture

- Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre

After a Month of Baseball’s New Rules, It’s Time to Rejoice

By George F. Will

When he was a New York Mets baseball broadcaster, Ralph Kiner once explained how cold weather can shorten by 25 feet the distance a flyball travels: “If the fence is 338 feet [away] and you hit the ball 338 feet, you’ll be 25 feet short.” Baseball produces more numbers than numeracy.

This season, however, the revived national pastime (more about that designation anon) is giving the nation a lesson in how to put the spring back in its step by taking numbers seriously enough to decisively modify them. Even if, inexplicably, you are not a fan, pause to appreciate major league baseball’s solutions to the problems caused, paradoxically, by everyone in the game behaving reasonably on the basis of accurate data.

Stuffed to the gills with “analytics” (baseball-speak for information) about pitchers’ “spin rates,” batters’ “launch angles,” etc., baseball sagged into longer nine-inning games – 3 hours and 5 minutes on average last season. Pitchers standing 6-foot-5 and throwing more than 95 mph were overwhelming the game with velocity. It seemed sensible to try to score with one mighty home-run swing than by stringing together hits.

So, soon there were seasons with thousands more strikeouts than hits. As games lengthened, action became rarer. Batters put fewer balls in play: One-third of at-bats ended in walks, strike outs or 360-foot saunters, i.e., home runs. Batted balls that 15 years ago would have been hits, or fielded by feats of extraordinary athleticism, were turned into routine outs by shifts positioning three infielders to one side of second base. (Such shifts are now banned.)

Fans responded by yawning, then disappearing. Annual attendance declined from 79.5 million in 2007 to 64.5 million last year.

Major league baseball’s solution this season? Change some rules, beginning with adding a pitch clock: Pitchers must deliver the ball 15 seconds (20 with runners on base) after receiving the ball from the catcher, otherwise a ball is called. If the batter is not ready with eight seconds remaining on the clock, a strike is called.

on a walk-off home run – there was constant action (there were no strikeouts) packed into – wait for it – 2 hours and 36 minutes.

Writer Jayson Stark notes that in 2022 there were 232 nine-inning games at least 3 hours and 30 minutes long, more than one a day for six months. If 2023’s games

ing told “you can’t turn back the clock,” should rejoice that MLB has done this.

Before this season’s resurrection-through-reform, baseball was tumbling toward steadily decreased significance. Sensibilities change; entertainments are perishable.

For decades, boxing was one of America’s premier pastimes. Most people knew the names of recent and contemporary heavyweight champions: Jack Dempsey, Gene Tunney, Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, Rocky Marciano. Go ahead: Name today’s champion.

Baseball is reconnecting with its past and is poised to reclaim the title of national pastime. It temporarily lost this to the NFL, which, like boxing, involves the public deriving pleasure from watching athletes accept a high risk of brain damage.

Baseball has revived itself by remembering something that is encoded in America’s DNA, something that has been intensified by life lived at digital speed: impatience. One of professional baseball’s founding fathers, A.G. Spalding (18501915), noted, “Two hours is about as long as an American can wait for the close of a Base Ball game – or anything else, for that matter.”

A wit has wondered why fans in ballparks stand in the seventh inning to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” when they are already there. Perhaps this is because of baseball’s glorious everydayness: “Take me out to tomorrow’s game, too.”

Few such infractions are occurring; people adjust when they must.

In this season’s first 383 games, scoring was up over this point in the 2022 season. The average nine-inning game took only 2 hours and 36 minutes.

In arguably baseball’s greatest game – game seven of the 1960 World Series, when the Pirates beat the Yankees 10-9

are on average 25 minutes shorter than last year’s, this will effectively spare position players, in a six-game week, from the equivalent of a full game on their feet.

Some self-described “traditionalists” regret this restoration of traditional baseball – the game as played and experienced through most of the 20th century. Real conservatives, who are forever be -

“Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow / Creeps in this petty pace from day to day”? Not in ballparks in 2023. Fans, rescued from a creeping pace, can, unlike sourpuss Macbeth, cheerfully anticipate briskly played games tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.

DeSantis Made Himself a Conservative Juggernaut. What Has Trump Done?

By Marc A. Thiessen

Republican voters who are trying to figure out which candidate they will support as their next presidential nominee should consider the past six months.

Since winning reelection last November, Gov. Ron DeSantis has unleashed a tsunami of conservative reforms: The Florida Republican signed one of the most comprehensive school choice laws in the country and expanded the Second Amendment rights of Florida citizens with “constitutional-carry” legislation. He signed laws cracking down on frivolous lawsuits and protecting Floridians from left-wing “bail reform.” He enacted legislation reducing the number of jurors needed to impose capital punishment and making child rape eligible for the death penalty. He signed legislation barring “environmental, social and governance” investing of state assets and enacted laws to prohibit abortion after a heartbeat is detectable and to expand support for pregnancy and parenting. And he acted to nullify Disney’s efforts to subvert his legislation taking on the company’s woke crony capitalism.

He also published a No. 1 New York Times bestseller on his Florida record; headlined record-breaking GOP fundraising dinners in New Hampshire and Alabama; and traveled to Japan, Israel, and Britain to meet with world leaders.

What has Donald Trump done in this time? The former president accused DeSantis of turning Florida into a hellhole of “misery and despair,” mocked him as “pudding fingers” in a sophomoric new ad, and parroted Democratic talking points charging him with wanting to cut Social Security and Medicare.

DeSantis is delivering victory after

victory on issues conservatives care about. Trump is delivering name-calling. Yet a new Wall Street Journal poll finds that during this period, Trump has jumped from a 14-point deficit in a presidential matchup with DeSantis to a 13-point lead.

Trump is surging even though Republicans say DeSantis is more conservative (by a margin of 37 to 35 percent), has a more presidential temperament (48 to 28 percent), and a better chance of defeating President Biden (41 to 31 percent). On this last point, they are right: In a headto-head matchup, DeSantis leads Biden 48 to 45 percent in the poll, while Trump trails by the same margin.

What’s going on? Trump is clearly benefiting from his indictment by Democratic Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg over alleged hush money payments, which has caused Republicans to rally around the former president. But Trump’s boost in

support might be a mile wide and an inch deep. A new CBS News poll finds that just 24 percent of Republicans say they will only consider Trump as the GOP nominee, while 49 percent say they are considering both Trump and other candidates. Twenty-seven percent say they are not considering Trump at all.

That means 76 percent of the GOP electorate is up for grabs, including more than half of those who tell pollsters they support Trump. The challenge for DeSantis and other GOP presidential contenders is to win over that 76 percent – most of whom have a favorable view of Trump but could be convinced that he is not the right man to carry the party’s banner in 2024.

These voters won’t respond to frontal attacks on Trump’s character or record. They won’t be convinced that Trump was a terrible president (he wasn’t) or that his moral failings disqualify him from

office (most don’t believe they do). Quite the opposite: If Trump’s rivals attack him on these fronts while he is under legal and rhetorical assault from Democrats, they will be seen by Republican voters as teaming up with the left to gang up on him – and that could drive voters closer to Trump.

Moreover, the eventual Republican nominee will need the support of the 24 percent who say they are only considering Trump. If they stay home on Election Day, Biden wins. Alienating them is political suicide.

The best argument against Trump is that he can’t win. He has made himself so irreparably toxic with swing voters, who will decide the election, that even those who disapprove of Biden disapprove of Trump even more. So if Republicans make Trump their nominee, they will effectively be handing Biden a second term – and, given Biden’s advanced age, quite possibly put Vice President Harris into the Oval Office.

While Trump is leading, it’s still early. Trump knows he is vulnerable, which is why his attacks on DeSantis will escalate. Instead of taking the bait and responding in kind, DeSantis should ask GOP primary voters: Which is more important, avenging Trump or defeating Biden? Do you care more about grievance or results? Look at what DeSantis has accomplished in Florida in just a few months and imagine a similar legislative juggernaut in Washington. Then look at the serial catastrophes Biden has unleashed and imagine what he could do in four more years.

Three-quarters of the GOP electorate is open to that message.

Liberal Jewish Groups Need To Own the Disaster at the Border

By Jonathan S. Tobin

It’s not as if no one saw this coming. Ever since President Joe Biden took office and began rolling back the tough anti-illegal immigrant measures employed by his predecessor, security at America’s southern border has been largely curtailed in a historic dereliction of duty that may have no precedent in U.S. history.

The result has been a surge of a record 3 million illegals crossing into the United States. That has created a humanitarian crisis in those states faced with dealing with this enormous influx of people. And it is something that has only gained attention as a result of Republican governors in those states bussing some of the illegals to Democrat-run cities in the north so those who opposed former President Donald Trump’s stands on the issue can also play a part in coping with the crisis.

Yet, as bad as it’s been, the situation is about to get exponentially worse. At the stroke of midnight as Friday, May 12 begins, Title 42—a heretofore obscure provision in the Public Service Health Act of 1944 giving the government the power to exclude people from the United States

during public health emergencies—will expire. It was this rule that allowed first Trump and then Biden to prevent the entry of illegal immigrants posing as asylum seekers and to swiftly expel some of those who are caught when entering the country. That reinforced Trump’s hard line that kept the problem under control during his administration; it also kept the border catastrophe that Biden incited with his more “compassionate” policies from getting even more out of control than before.

But with the coronavirus pandemic officially over, Biden won’t be able to lean on Title 42 to limit the damage that his public stands have caused so many people to believe that they could enter the United States without permission. As The New York Times reported, anticipation that the rule is about to expire has set off another surge of illegals who anticipate that they will be able to claim asylum in the United States as refugees.

Congress is scrambling to find some way to reinstate the rule in some form, though the effort is doomed to fail because of partisan differences over the issue. But

while the two parties appear more focused on blaming each other for the mess, among those who also deserve some of the opprobrium for the ongoing disaster are organizations that purport to represent the Jewish community.

From the outset of Biden’s administration, groups like the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, HIAS, the left-wing rabbinic group T’ruah and the Anti-Defamation League have been calling for the revocation of Title 42. They’ve called it “cruel” and unfair, and have responded with anger when Biden—acting out of a desperate desire to avoid what’s coming this week—extended the rule for as long as possible even though everyone knew the pandemic was over long ago.

In a very real sense, the liberal Jewish establishment is as culpable as anyone in the administration for what is about to happen.

Why is there some kind of Jewish consensus in favor of a policy that is clearly against the country’s interests as well as creating untold human distress for those involved?

The liberal stand on immigration stems from the history of the community. Most American Jews are descendants of those who came here from Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries during the last decades of mass legal immigration to the United States.

That immigrant mentality remains deeply rooted in Jewish political sensibilities. It is also an expression of a belief that the ideal stand on immigration to the United States was the state of affairs before the passage of the Johnson-Reed Immigration Act of 1924, which placed severe restrictions on entry.

When placed in historical context, the Johnson-Reed Act was an inevitable development given that the conditions that demanded unlimited immigration for a country desperately in need of people to settle empty land and work in labor-intensive industries had already begun to change in the 1920s. Support for restrictions on immigration would become a matter of national consensus only a few years later when the Great Depression struck in 1929 and the notion of importing

more people to compete for jobs in an era of massive unemployment made no sense.

Unfortunately, at the same time that most Americans were deeply opposed to liberalizing immigration laws for economic reasons, the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany created a desperate need to open the gates to endangered European Jews. Sadly, the United States never relented in its refusal to act to save Jewish men, women and children fleeing for their lives.

That is why so many Jews still react to this question as if those who support restrictions or rigorous enforcement of the law are the moral equivalent of those who turned away Jews during the Holocaust, thus dooming them to death in Hitler’s inferno.

In this way, liberal Jews groups tend to speak of the millions streaming to the southern border looking for economic opportunities as if they were no different from the victims of World War II.

Policies Have Caused Enormous Human Suffering

Central Americans who view America as a land of opportunity do have some things in common with Jews who arrived at Ellis Island a century or more ago. But

the notion that any but a small minority of them are in any real sense refugees, as opposed to economic migrants, is risible.

Open-border policies and Democratic promises of amnesty for what may be as many as 30 million illegals already in the country seem to be based on an idea that borders are themselves wrong and that

fueled an addiction crisis throughout the United States.

They are equally oblivious to the way that the illegals are exploited by cartels, as well as by others in the country who have created a situation where underage migrants are being used for illegal child labor. The only way to deal with this is

by a population that, while certainly desirous of a better life in the United States, does not fit the traditional definition of an asylum seeker. The answer isn’t a more compassionate asylum process but a shift in the laws that would make it harder to make such false claims and to ensure continued swift deportation for those who break the law. And with that must come the recognition that these groups of people are not in fear for their lives the way European Jews were during the Holocaust.

free passage for those who want to try their luck in the United States is necessary.

Jewish groups who advocate for this position, however, are ignoring that the mass illegal immigration wave that they have done their best to encourage is being largely dominated by the actions of illegal drug cartels that control the Mexican side of the border, and who traffic in both people and the fentanyl that has

not by reforming our treatment of illegals but by shutting down the flow of them to the border.

The irony here is that well-meaning left-wingers aren’t just pushing for open borders; they have been advocating for policies that have directly caused enormous human suffering.

Some liberal Jewish groups continue to pretend that the process isn’t being gamed

So as the images of government dysfunction and the massive flouting of the rule of law accumulate in the coming days as the end of Title 42 creates a new border crisis, those who have advocated for this disaster ought to acknowledge their error. It is long past time for Jewish organizations to stop acting as if it were 1938 when speaking of immigration and asylum laws. By pushing for open borders and amnesty, they have helped create the conditions that made the fiasco at the border inevitable. As the situation unravels, it’s time for liberals to own the mess they made and to stop calling for measures that will only make it worse. (JNS)

Jonathan S. Tobin is editor-in-chief of JNS (Jewish News Syndicate).

Anticipation that the rule is about to expire has set off another surge of illegals who anticipate that they will be able to claim asylum in the United States as refugees.

Shattering Another Excuse For FDR’s Holocaust Apathy

By Rafael Medoff

Arecent New York Times feature about a troubled World War II veteran has inadvertently shed fresh light on the Roosevelt administration’s refusal to bomb the railways leading to Auschwitz. The story also implicitly undermines one of the major themes of the recent Ken Burns documentary about America’s response to the Nazi genocide.

According to the Times, Brooklyn resident John Wenzel, who will soon celebrate his 100th birthday, had never wanted to discuss his wartime service. But recently he began suffering nightmares about it, prompting him and his daughters to examine a long-unopened box of letters that he wrote to his family during his time in Europe.

Wenzel was a fighter pilot who flew bombing missions over German-occupied northern Italy and southern Austria in early 1945. His targets, the Times article noted, included “Axis railroad cars,” “a rail line,” and “stalled enemy train cars.” He was wounded— and subsequently awarded two Purple Hearts—while providing air support for soldiers “pushing toward a rail hub.”

Here’s how Wenzel’s story intersects with the Holocaust. Contemporary defenders of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Holocaust record argue that there was no point in bombing the railways to Auschwitz—over which hundreds of thousands of Jews were deported to their deaths—because the Germans sometimes were able to repair railway lines fairly quickly. Ken Burns promoted that claim in his recent film, “The U.S. and the Holocaust.”

The reality, however, is that the Allies constantly bombed railway lines throughout Europe, despite the possibility of the Germans repairing them.

Bombing railways, including the bridges along their routes, consumed

no less than 32% of the bomb tonnage utilized in the Allies’ entire strategic air campaign in Europe. John Wenzel was just one of more than 165,000 American pilots who graduated basic flight training in World War II. Yet the bombing of Axis railway targets in Europe was so common that when the New York Times picked one pilot’s story to spotlight, sure enough he was among those involved in the railway attacks.

When the Allies began preparing to invade Italy in 1943, they carried out extensive bombing of enemy transportation routes there. Likewise, during the months before the crucial D-Day landings in 1944, American and British pilots attacked railway targets across France, Belgium, and western Germany. By D-Day, France’s railways were functioning at just 10% of their normal capacity.

The impact of these raids was felt in many ways. The Germans were forced to divert tens of thousands of laborers from military construction in order to repair damaged railroads. Trains carrying army supplies were stranded for long periods of time, and some war materials remained in warehouses for lack of transportation to the front. Hitler’s

Ardennes offensive (the Battle of the Bulge) was repeatedly postponed because damage to transportation routes prevented resupplying German troops there. Air strikes on rail marshaling yards destroyed freight cars, locomotives, and military goods awaiting shipment.

As a result, many German army units went into battle without adequate equipment or personnel. Of the 2,100 tanks manufactured by German factories in the autumn of 1944, less than half reached German forces. The quality of their weaponry also was affected, because disruptions to the rail lines interfered with testing and modifying armaments. Army morale was affected, too; military leaves for many German soldiers were suspended for lack of trains.

The pre-D-Day focus on railways was so successful that the Allies decided to move transportation systems up to second on their priority list in the strategic bombing campaign in 1944. These massive Allied air attacks on railways and related targets were taking place at the same time that Jewish leaders were pleading for the bombing of the railways and bridges leading to Auschwitz.

Later that year, Allied air attacks

targeted and destroyed 20 rail centers, 113 bridges, and 28,000 railroad cars in German’s Ruhr region, its major source of coal. The result was a reduction in coal production by two-thirds, and a significant depletion of coal stockpiles—a major blow to the German war effort. The ripple effects included shutdowns in various other industries. The Strategic Bombing Survey, an internal analysis conducted by U.S. government experts, concluded that the targeting of transportation routes in Ruhr and elsewhere in 1944 “was the most important single cause of Germany’s ultimate economic collapse.”

Yet when American Jewish organizations asked the Roosevelt administration to bomb a few specific railway lines and bridges leading to Auschwitz, U.S. officials claimed that would be an unjustified “diversion” from the war effort—even though German troops and war material traveled on those same routes, in addition to the deported Jews. Was the administration’s refusal based on the possibility that the Germans might try to repair the railways? Obviously not. The refusal was rooted in the Roosevelt administration’s view that military resources should never be used to assist Jewish refugees, even if it involved nothing more than targeting a handful of railways and bridges—at the very moment that Allied pilots were constantly being sent to bomb so many other railways, as the New York Times feature on John Wenzel reminds us.

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.

Militaries are always looking to upgrade their weapons systems and spend a lot of money resources to achieve that goal. Articles in newspapers and headlines on news networks often go into detail about the newest and most technologically advanced weapons that have recently been commissioned. However, there are some weapons that have been in service for quite a while, and plans to replace them can be decades away. This list includes ships, aircraft, firearms and a host of other gear needed to outfit a military. These weapons and systems are battle-tested and have withstood the test of time.

The USS Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned ship still afloat. Known as Old Ironsides, she was launched in 1797 as a 44-gun frigate. She was one of three ships completed after Congress approved a plan to build them to protect shipping from the Barbary pirates. The ship was involved in the Quasi-War and the Barbary Wars in the Mediterranean. During the war of 1812, she defeated five British ships and later served as a flagship for overseas squadrons. By the time the Civil War

Some of the Oldest Military Equipment

By Avi Heiligman

started in 1861, the Constitution was well beyond her intended lifespan and she served as a training ship. In 1887, she was retired from active duty and in 1907 became a museum ship. After undergoing restoration, she was recommissioned in 1931 for a tour of port cities

that was commissioned in 1970 – and the time the navy plans on retiring it is in 2039. The 53-year-old ship has a sophisticated communications system and is the flagship for the 7 th Fleet based in Japan. The ship is armed with a Phalanx weapons system, cannons and machine

are currently being used in the Russian-Ukrainian War. The oldest American-built tanks still in service are ten M3 Stuart light tanks built during World War II. Named after Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart, they were first used during the North African Campaign and are still employed by Paraguay.

and in 1940 was recommissioned again for World War II service. Currently, 75 active duty U.S. Navy officers and sailors on special duty staff the historic ship with the mission to promote the Navy’s role in war and peace.

Even though the USS Constitution is still commissioned, it doesn’t serve in an operational capacity. That distinction belongs to the USS Blue Ridge. The Blue Ridge is an amphibious command ship

guns and has a flight deck that holds two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters. Her record includes serving in the evacuation of Saigon in 1975 during the turbulent political situation as the Vietnam War came to a close.

While many military tacticians think that the era of tank warfare is behind us in history, there are still tanks being produced. Others are being brought out of reserve to serve on the front lines and

Air forces worldwide are always researching and testing new types of aircraft to replace aging planes and helicopters in their fleet. The lifespan of planes that hit full production can be between a couple of years and three or four decades. The B-52 Stratofortress bomber is a notable exception and first flew in 1952. Seventy-two B-52H bombers are still flying combat missions for the air force, and their airframes are over 60 years old. These particular planes were last built in 1962 and the last of them are not expected be retired until the 2050s. In one of its first missions, a B-52B dropped a thermonuclear bomb in a test over Bikini Atoll in 1956. The bombers were very active during the Vietnam War, especially in the Linebacker missions in 1972. During Desert Storm in 1991, seven B-52 bombers made a record flight of 35 hours of continuous flying. They flew the

He killed more than two dozen Germans, captured another 132, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

The USS Constitution

The USS Blue Ridge

35,000-mile round trip from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana to target over Iraq and back, made possible by midair refueling. Alternatives to the B-52 aren’t cheap, and the air force plans to keep on upgrading the remaining planes for the foreseeable future.

When it comes to longevity in guns, the M2 machine gun, the M1911 pistol and the M1919 machine gun are on the top of the list. The M2 Browning heavy machine gun is a .50 caliber weapon that was first introduced in 1933. Sometimes referred by its informal nickname, “the Ma Deuce” has seen actions in most war

starting with World War II and is currently being deployed in the current Russian-Ukrainian War. The gun is known for its reliability, durability, accuracy at long range and has powerful stopping power. It is very versatile, as was illustrated by American sniper Carlos Hathcock during the Vietnam War. He converted it into a sniper rifle and hit a target from 2,000 yards. Three million M2 machine guns have been built since its introduction, and there are no real plans to replace it at the current time. The Colt M1911 is a .45 caliber pistol that was developed in the years lead -

ing up to World War I. Like the M2 and M1919 machine guns, the M1911 was designed by John Browning, saw action in numerous 20th century conflicts, and still is in use today. The M1911 was very handy for the trench fighting of World War I and was the weapon used by Sgt. Alvin York who singlehandedly took on a German battalion. He killed more than two dozen Germans, captured another 132, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. Other sidearms have replaced the reliable M1911, but some units within the American military still use updated variants of the pistol.

The saying “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” certainly applies to military equipment and weapons that have been detailed in this article. There are other weapons and equipment that have been in use for some time, and others that were only recently introduced that will be in service for decades to come.

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.

An American M3 Stuart tank captured by the Germans, 1943

The B-52 bomber

SERVICES SERVICES

PEACEFUL PRESENCE STUDIO

Men’s private yoga, Licensed Massage & Holistic Health Guidance

436 Central Ave, Cedarhurst

Info. & free video training www.peacefulpresence.com

516-371-3715

GERBER MOVING FULL SERVICE MOVING

Packing Moving Supplies

Local Long Distance Licensed Insured

1000’S Of Happy Customers

Call Shalom 347-276-7422

HANDYMAN AVAILABLE

For big or small jobs, Sheetrock, carpentry, painting, electrical, plumbing, install & repair appliances

Call Ephraim at 347-593-4691

VACUUM SALES AND REPAIR

All areas call Max Flam 718-444-4904

MANAGEMENT STAFF WILL ASSIST

you with:

* Obtaining Medicaid and Pooled Income Trust

* In-home Assessments, Individual and Family Counseling

* Securing reliable home care assistance

* Case and Care Management services

Dr. S. Sasson, DSW, LCSW

(718) 544- 0870 or (646) 284-6242

HAIR COURSE:

Learn how to wash & style hair & wigs. Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling Private lessons or in a group

Call Chaya 718-715-9009

ZEVIZZ WOODTURNING JUDAICA

Challah knifes, batei mezuzah, besamim holder, kiddish cups, havdalah candle holders, yad for sefer torah, pens, stenders, bowls and more  952-356-2228

LOOKING FOR PRIVATE PAY CLIENTS  NPhomecare Service

Food prep meals, light house cleaning and laundry. Grocery shopping. Hospital visit. Be Padiatist. Physical Therapist. Educational therapist

Maintains your Independence in the comfort of your own home

Tel: 718 912 6425

Tel: 917 972 1428

Email: npersaud2022@gmail.com

HOUSES FOR SALE

LAWRENCE

Stunning One of a Kind Mid Century Modern 6 Bedroom, 6.5 Bath, Contemporary Ranch. Resort Style Home on Over an Acre of Property in Back Lawrence. Incredible Views, Regulation Size Tennis Court - Deco Turf. IG-Gunite Pool, Low Taxes, 5318 sq. ft. of Main Floor Living Space. Plus 5000 sq. ft. Basement With Very High Ceilings. Call Mark 516-298-8457 for more details Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@ bhhslaffey.com

HOUSES FOR SALE

DON’T GET STUCK WITH A TWO STORY HOUSE YA KNOW, IT’S ONE STORY BEFORE YOU BUY IT BUT A SECOND STORY AFTER YOU OWN IT!

Call Dov Herman

For An Accurate Unbiased Home Inspection

Infrared - Termite Inspection

Full Report All Included NYC 718-INSPECT

Long Island 516-INSPECT www.nyinspect.com

HEWLETT

Luxurious Exquisite 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bath home situated on approximate 1.8 acre property in prestigious Hewlett Bay Park. Formal Living room and dining room, library, chefs Eat-in Kitchen, extraordinary great room leads out to veranda. large Gunite built-in pool + pool house with full bath, large slate patio, impressive sprawling property, school district #14 Hewlett-Woodmere. Close to all. P.O.R. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HOUSES FOR SALE HOUSES FOR SALE HOUSES FOR SALE

CAN’T AFFORD YOUR PROPERTY TAXES? MORTGAGE?

Must sell for any reason?

Call for FREE Consultation. Call now 212-470-3856

Cash buyers available!

NORTH WOODMERE JUST LISTED

Move Right into this Beautifully Maintained and Updated Three Bedroom, 2.5 Baths Large Split Situated on an Oversized Park-like Lot

Overlooking the Pond. Home Features naturally bright lit rooms with a Ground Level Den Leading to Patio, With Another Lower Level With Partially Finished Basement. Hardwood Floors Throughout Updated Kitchen With Granite Counters in School District 14 and Close to all Houses of Worship. $939k

Mark Lipner Associate Broker

Berkshire Hathaway Laffey

International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HEWLETT BAY PARK

Six bedroom home in highly desirable Hewlett Bay Park on 3/4 of an acre with an inground gunite pool and tennis court, en-Suite bathrooms and bedrooms on both floors, 1st floor Master Suite with steam shower and Jacuzzi tub, Eat-in Kitchen, with SS appliances, 2 sinks, 2 dishwashers, double oven, formal living room, formal dining room, den with fireplace. Close to railroad, shopping, and houses of worship. SD#14. Great house for entertaining. Park-like Property. P.O.R.

Mark Lipner Associate Broker

Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

New to the market. 3 bedroom 2 full bathrooms with a full basement. Ranch home in the heart of Woodmere, SD#15, on a lot sized 90x118, gas heat, garage.

Mark Lipner Associate Broker

Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

CEDARHURST JUST LISTED

Magnificent renovated 4 bedroom 3 bathroom in SD#15, new roof, windows, plumbing + electric, gas cooking, new marble bathrooms, marble kitchen with stainless steel appliances, LED lighting, security cameras and speakers throughout the home, custom closets, outdoor patio, 1 car garage, near all. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

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 inground 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

WOODMERE

Charming Colonial on beautiful tree lined street in the heart of Old Woodmere. Home features 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, kitchen, dining area, living room, full basement. Relatively new heating system + hot water tank. Large & beautiful backyard. Great for entertaining. Close to all. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@ bhhslaffey.com

HOUSES FOR SALE

Woodmere Renovated 8 Bedroom

Colonial, Prime Location in SD#14Old Woodmere. Smart Home, Camera System, New CAC System, A Large Eat-in Kitchen with Pantry. Finished Basement. NEAR ALL Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-2988457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

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. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@ bhhslaffey.com

CEDARHURST

New to the market: Move right into this magnificent home with a state of the art kitchen with 2 sinks, 2 dishwashers, 2 microwaves, double oven, stainless steel appliances, large island radiant heat, master bedroom suite on the 1st floor with 2 additional bedrooms and bathroom, main floor family room, upstairs has an additional 2 bedrooms and a full bathroom, park-like property close to all. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

COME TO LONG BEACH, NY FOR THE SUMMER, STAY ALL YEAR

Long Beach is a very warm community with an out-of-town feel only 20 minutes from the Five Towns. We offer a choice of shuls as well as kosher food options all within an easy walk to the ocean, boardwalk and beach.

This beautiful Tudor offers 3 Bedrooms, 2 full & 2 half baths. It is a very well maintained 2600 square foot home in the Westholme area. Easily walkable to shuls, beach & the train. There is a Giant Primary bedroom with walk-in closet & en-suite, a finished basement and lots of original details.

ASKING $990,000

Classifieds

HOUSES FOR SALE APT./COOP/CONDO SALE HOUSES FOR SALE APT./COOP/CONDO SALE

CEDARHURST HOUSE FOR SALE BY OWNER

In the heart of Cedarhurst (Close to Woodmere , Lirr & Cedarhurst Park)

EIK Kosher Kitchen/ Dr/Lr/Family Room/ Playroom/ 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths/ Basement:

2 Bedrooms, 1 Full Bath, Kitchenette, Separate Entrance

Asking $1.3m

Whatsapp Text Only: 845-213-0002 No Brokers

WOODMERE

Move right in. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms split level. Features eat-in-kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, formal living room and dining room, main floor family room with fireplace, 2 master bedrooms with full bathrooms, central a/c, gas, heat, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, cedar closet, sauna, generator and much more. $1,115,000.

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

Beautiful, brick, colonial boasting 5 bdr 3.5 Bth in pristine condition. Excellent location, near all! Move right in! RCUSA 516-512-9626

FOR RENT IN ISRAEL

RAMAT GAN, ISRAEL

Furnished 1br deeded 52 sqm holiday apartment at Kfar Maccabiah Hotel. 20 mins to central TLV, 24/7 Front desk, 3 pools, full gym, parking. 6 months annual usage.  Priced to sell at NIS 950,000.  Contact Carol at 646-6454935 or carolinalevine@gmail.com

SPACIOUS AND CLEAN: Prime location! Right across from RavShefa Mall -Two floors up (There’s a elevator) 3 beds, 2 Bathrooms, Large couch, porch with a hammock, tables and chairs, Washer dryer in Apt. linen and towels included. Email Chaim for pictures: Acsteier1@gmail.com

APT./COOP/CONDO SALE

LAWRENCE

New to the market Jr. 4 apartment in an elevator building with a terrace and underground parking, laundry on premises. Kitchen with granite countertops, 2 sinks, ss appliances, spacious step down living room with high ceilings, guest room/ office, spacious primary bedroom with 3 closets, full bathroom with full vanity, medicine cabinet, toilet and lighting, custom blinds, near the railroad, shopping and houses of worship.$289K Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 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

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. NO BROKERS FEE Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457

mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

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 284 CENTRAL AVE B-5 Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-2988457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

CEDARHURST

Move Right In. Totally updated 2BR, 2 Bath, Apt. on the 1st Floor. Private Entrance, CAC, W/D in Unit, Kitchen with SS Appliances, Hardwood Floors, Recessed Lighting, Freshly Painted, Great Courtyard, Parking $95/Mo. Close to Railroad, Shopping, Restaurants, Cedarhurst Park + Houses of Worship NO BROKERS FEE Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

LAWRENCE

One Bedroom Renovated Apartment In Prime Lawrence. Efficiency Kitchen, Renovated Bathroom. Sunken LR, Dining Room, Close to All, Transportation, Shopping, Worship. $275k Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@ bhhslaffey.com

HEWLETT

3 bedroom 2 bath co-op with central air conditioning, terrace, washer dryer, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, magnificent kitchens, ss appliances, l/r, d/r, close to the railroad, shopping, and houses of worship. $319k

1201 EAST BROADWAY H-23 Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

Cul-de-Sac in Village of Lawrence , Main Flr Master Bdrm Suite with Many Closets and Bthrm, Addional Main Flr Bdrm & Bath,

Classifieds

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com • text 443-929-4003

APT./COOP/CONDO SALE APT. FOR RENT

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

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

APT./COOP/CONDO SALE APT./COOP/CONDO SALE

LAWRENCE JUST LISTED

This amazing two-bedroom two full bathroom condo Features a luxurious lifestyle in the beautiful city of Lawrence. What more could you ask for? The building has a 24-hour doorman and elevator access, with a social room, library, washer/dryer inside the unit, and terrace. Plus, the added benefit of having a live-in super to ensure maximum safety and security! And don’t forget about your new kitchen complete with a gas stove, refrigerator, microwave, and even two dishwashers! The living room and dining room are spacious and have recessed lighting installed throughout. Both bedrooms feature lots of closet space for storage. To top it off, there’s even garage parking available to make your life just that much easier! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. Please call for a private showing Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-2988457 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

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

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 Mark Lipner

Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HEWLETT

Spacious and Sundrenched 1st Floor 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath Unit In The Incredibly Maintained Garden Town. Updated kitchen with Granite Countertops and Gleaming Hardwood Floors Throughout With A Private Washer/Dryer. Best Views from Every Window And The Large Terrace Facing The Beautifully Landscaped Courtyard. Indoor Parking Available As Well And An I Adjacent Municipal Lot. Convenient To The LIRR, Shops & Restaurants. Maintenance includes all your taxes, heat and water. No more shoveling or gardening for you reduced to $185k Mark Lipner

Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-2988457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

5TOWNS FOR LEASE: OFFICE + STORAGE + PARKING LOT

Bayview and Lawrence. Minyan

Available immediately

Call/Text/WA Owner: 516-206-1100

FAR ROCKAWAY

2 BDRM apt. Bright 2-bedroom apartment; 2nd floor-Eat-in kitchen; washer/dryer hook-up Private entrance; On Sage Street, parking available-Near main Shuls & LIRR $2100/month includes heat & water. For more information call (718)327-4386.

HELP WANTED

PRESCHOOL TEACHERS AND ASSISTANTS

needed for 2023-2024 school year!

JELC Preschool of Merrick is opening more classrooms and seeks highly motivated, creative, and loving teachers & assistant teachers for the upcoming 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR. Infant, toddler, nursery and pre-k positions available! Competitive salary and warm working environment.  For more info, call Gayle at: 516-833-3057 ext 110 or e-mail resume to admissions@jewishelc.org  or WhatsApp 516-236-2239

ALTERATIONS BOUTIQUE

Part-time position available at Cedarhurst must have computer knowledge Will train contact: sheva.muller@gmail.com or text 516-314-4810

YESHIVA KOL TORAH

Is growing and seeking phenomenal teachers to join our amazing faculty. We are seeking high school science, math, English and elective teachers. Warm, professional, supportive and growth-oriented environment. Excellent pay. Interested candidates should submit resumes to srada@ yeshivakoltorah.org.

JOIN OUR TEAM!

ABA company located in the 5 Towns looking to fill multiple full-time administrative positions

Knowledge of Central Reach a plus, but will train the right candidate Great work environment

Call 516-670-5374 or Email your resume to: Careers@supportivecareaba.com

SEEKING ELA TEACHER

Immediate opening. ELA teaching position for Gr. 5. Mon.-Thurs., afternoon hours. Far Rockaway/5T area. Competitive salary, warm, supportive environment. All teaching materials provided. Teachersearch11@gmail.com.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

YSZ IS HIRING!

Open Positions: Director of Admissions, Rebbeim, Morot, General Studies Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Dean of StudentsBoys’ Division General Requirements: A passion for education, A desire to grow professionally, A love for children, Want to join a strong, supportive team, A strong Yeshiva background, An advanced Degree in Education

Send your resume to: afridman@ yszqueens.org

For more information, visit: yszqueens.org

REBBEIM

TEACHERS & ASSISTANTS

CAHAL is hiring Special Ed Rebbeim, Teachers and Assistant Teachers for 2023-24 school year. AM or PM, FT or PT. E-mail resume to shira@cahal.org or call 516-295-3666 for information.

HELP WANTED

DELIVERY PERSON NEEDED to deliver Newspaper every Thursday morning to locations in Brooklyn. Must have Minivan or SUV and availability to work consistently every week! Please email gabe@fivetownsjewishhome.com or call (917) 299-8082

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.

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

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

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT

A multi-tasker needed for general office work. The ideal candidate is someone who is detail-oriented, responsible, and can take ownership. Looking for someone who is eager to learn, and expand his/her skill set while possessing the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience with Excel required. Five Towns location. In-office position only, not remote. Please send resume to 5tpart.timecareer@gmail.com

HELP WANTED

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

IMMEDIATE OPENING

ELA teaching position for Gr. 5. Mon.-Thurs., afternoon hours. Far Rockaway/5T area. Competitive salary, warm supportive environment. Teachersearch11@gmail.com

BOOKKEEPER

Excellent growth potential, Frum environment, Excellent salary & benefits. Email resume to: resumetfs1@gmail.com

MISC. SECTION

GEMACH ZICHRON TOVA  Loans up to $5000 head checks and 2 co signers required. Call 7186146789 or 7186143271

It May be Artificial, But Is It Intelligence?

By Allan Rolnick, CPA

Last month, an outfit modestly calling itself “The Future of Life Institute” released an open letter calling for all artificial intelligence labs to pause the development of new AI systems more powerful than OpenAI’s GPT-4, the current gold standard. The group argues that if labs won’t do this voluntarily, “governments should step in and issue a moratorium.” Thousands have signed that letter, including Apple founder Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, and Rachel Bronson, who heads the Union of Concerned Scientists that sets the Doomsday Clock. (I bet they didn’t think Skynet would be a threat when they created it in 1947!)

Technically, GPT-4 is a “multimodal large language model” that uses the contents of the entire internet to respond to text and graphic inputs. Think of it as autofill on all the steroids. GPT-4 can build websites, write novels, and teach languages. It scored 1510 on the SAT, passed a Wharton MBA class on Operations Management, and scored in the 90th percentile on the Uniform Bar Exam. It even passed the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Advanced Sommelier exam, with a score of 77%. (Skynet recommends a substantial Tuscan red, like a Chianti Classico Reserva, to pair with your steak salad.)

But there’s one thing AI hasn’t passed

yet, and that’s accounting class. Last month, a group of researchers working with Brigham Young University fed a collection of over 27,000 questions to ChatGPT, the previous version of GPT-4. The chatbot scored 47.4%, far less than the student average of 76.7%. Skynet scored better on true/false questions than multiple choice and short-answer ques -

these are all automated tasks that something like ChatGPT can significantly impact and free up resources,” said Greg Selker, managing director of a New Yorkbased executive search firm.

What about taxes? When most people hear “accountant” or “CPA,” they assume that means someone who knows taxes. In fact, while accounting programs typical-

the wall. Preparing taxes is an expensive process, and you can be sure that any firm that incurs those costs on behalf of clients will look for ways to do it cheaper and faster.

It’s ironic that people are freaking out over artificial intelligence, considering how many of us are still looking for signs of natural intelligence here on earth. And just imagine what happens when we all have chips embedded in our brains and we can read minds! Politics surely won’t be the same anymore. And IRS audits will be a lot easier when examiners can just peer into our brains for evidence of willful misbehavior.

tions. It scored highest on information systems and auditing topics, and worst on math-heavy topics like managerial assessments.

Does that mean accounting and tax preparation are safe from the coming AI overlords? Well, not quite.

“Lower-level finance jobs, like identifying credit risks across a customer base or protecting against expense fraud, or embezzlement or money laundering,

ly include tax content, you can sit for the CPA program after just one class in tax. And tax topics make up about 60% of the “Federal Regulations” section of the CPA exam, which is just one of four sections.

When OpenAI, the developer of GPT4, rolled out the new system last month, they capped off the demo by preparing a tax return, live, for a million viewers. It wasn’t an especially complicated return. But it’s not hard to read the writing on

Artificial intelligence is here, and it’s only going to get more powerful. Our challenge, as tax professionals and humans, is to harness that power for good, not evil. We’ll be here to help you use AI wherever possible to pay less. Hopefully that will still matter in the AI-powered future!

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.

IRS audits will be a lot easier when examiners can just peer into our brains for evidence of willful misbehavior.

Going the Extra Mile

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

You may be wondering what it’s like to be the third wheel on a business trip.

Well, guess what? So am I.

For years, when my husband went to interesting places on business trips, he would invite me to join.

I would ask what would that mean for me. Would I get to be his lawyer at his interesting meetings? After all, I’m trained and have done investment banking! Would we get to travel, and would he wine and dine me?

He would look at me as if I was from Mars. “How can I bring my wife to a business meeting? How could they take me seriously?” he feared.

I actually know he feared my beauty and perfection would be just too much of a distraction for everyone!

What I would get to do is to sit near him on the flight. Of course, that is while he caught up on all the work he never has enough time to do. But no worries – we would be together.

Then maybe, somewhere during the trip, between his highly scheduled meetings and his literally passing out to get up early for another highly planned day, he might find time, no guarantee, to do something with me.

But, it would be good for me. I could

get to see and visit all the terrifically fun, interesting, and romantic sites with great, great company – me!

And, I would also get the benefit of a luxurious, beautiful room to stay in –that we had paid for either way.

I opted for staying home, working, changing dirty diapers, and enjoying the “fun” of motherhood. I guess I didn’t appreciate my own company enough to give up all this “excitement.”

pleasure for him, too. But he just needs to focus on getting done what he needs to get done. After all, that’s the impetus for the trip.

Therefore, he sincerely figures my coming is a win-win. He covers the business end, and I cover the touring end. And since we are “one,” he’s done it all. So here I am joining the trip. After all, who hasn’t dreamed all their lives of going to Dubai and Abu Dabi?! Or may-

through the terminals. Young, energetic, and good-looking stewards and stewardesses are asking us what we need and making us feel cared for. I’m tempted to stay right here on the plane! At least this way I know exactly where my husband is.

Well, in 14 hours, I should be starting my actual journey. I’ll take in the sites and experience everything I can in the time allotted.

And hopefully, my husband will be available at times also, but just as importantly, I hope he’s earning the funds to pay for this trip and the “shopping” I’ll do, too. After all, it’s dangerous to leave any woman, even a low maintenance me, all alone, with too much free time on her hands!

But now that he’s started traveling again, I’ve reconsidered my old choices.

I don’t know if I finally started liking being with me more, or I have realized that I have work to catch up with on the plane, too.

I’ve honestly decided that I probably won’t get to visit many places with him if I wait for him to travel for pleasure. I realized that, for him, work is pleasure!

Of course, I know, being with me is

be realistically in the last few years, if at all! Before that, the only time anyone I know ever mentioned these places was when they were babbling like a baby –Aba dahby, dubu babbee. But, they are big now, so I’m off on the adventure.

I’m not sure what to expect yet. I’ve just begun the first leg of my journey. I’m in the plane with those stunning uniforms we’ve only ever seen parading, with perfect posture and dignity,

Remember: the important thing in life is to grab opportunities and make the most and the best out of them!

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

I realized that, for him, work is pleasure!