Five Towns Jewish Home 5.18.23

Dear Readers,

Recently, while speaking with my niece, she told me that she just finished her last Friday of school – ever. She is graduating high school this year, and because of yom tov and other events, she won’t be having school on Friday for the rest of the year.

She then went into detail about all her trips and tests and events that she has coming up. I was excited for her. I remember the excitement of being a student and counting down the days until the end of the school year.

This time of year, we’re all counting down the days. I’m not referring to sefirah, though. I’m talking about looking forward to the end of the school year and the beginning of summer. And it’s not just students and teachers who experience this feeling. It seems that after Pesach, our calendars become full of Sundays that are maxed out with graduations, bar mitzvahs, weddings, and family gatherings. Add in shopping for camp and for summer, and the weeks fly by.

This week, while walking the board-

walk, I looked toward the ocean and took a deep breath. It was a cleansing, exhilarating feeling knowing that the summer months are almost here. But I also had that feeling of wanting – needing – to take it all in. Because we don’t have too many days of perfect weather and the opportunity to enjoy them, I felt like I wanted to bottle that experience and take it with me everywhere I went. When the summer comes, I only wish that I could spend my days watching the ocean waves and seeing the shifting sands.

Sometimes, amidst all those obligations and errands, we forget to enjoy the season for what it is: the culmination of a wonderful school year and lots of hard work, a period of blossoming and blooming, a time of renewal. We need to take a few moments to remind ourselves of the beauty of each day and the glorious opportunities that are given to us, especially this time of year.

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern, PUBLISHER publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Yosef Feinerman, MANAGING EDITOR ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com

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Friday, May 19 Parshas Bamidbar

Candle Lighting: 7:50 pm

Shabbos Ends: 8:58 pm

Rabbeinu Tam: 9:22 pm

Shabbos Zemanim

Partly Cloudy Mostly Sunny Sunny

Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy

Dear Editor,

I recently davened with someone for Shabbos. Friday night, right before Shmoneh Esrei, he took out two white sheets of paper, one with handwritten notes and the other with fully written text. In the middle of his Amidah, he pulled out both sheets and started looking over them with intent focus.

Tefillah is more than just standing before an awesome G-d to gain blessings. It’s also a conversation, a time to take pause and focus on how you want to grow with your Creator.

In another anecdote, someone I know who has basically perfected his middot told me that he keeps an ongoing daily journal tracking any concerns he might have relating to his character. Apparently, his character development didn’t happen overnight.

These occurrences illustrate that there is much room and potential to grow in closeness to G-d and character modification.

Steven Genack

Dear Editor, Thank you for the beautiful collection of tributes in your May 11 issue, “An Ode to Mom.” The stories, memories and lessons recounted were moving, beautiful and inspirational. It made my day, especially since I can no longer share Mother’s Day with my own mother, aleha hashalom.

Deena Greenberg Zivarts

Dear Editor,

First, I just want to tell you that I like your paper a lot, so, thank you for publishing it for all these years.

I really like the Letters to the Editor. I find it really interesting to hear what people think, what they take the time to write about, etc. Feel free to expand this section any time you can! (Though I must admit I very much do not like when the letters are political. Politics are way too charged these days and I could do without hearing people rant about that. I wonder if you can have letters about everything else but politics, and then an entirely different section of letters about politics (in the back of the paper LOL!).)

And speaking about politics, I know people have written to you about this before because I remember reading letters to the editor about this in the past, but, the section called “Notable Quotes” with comics and quotes is entirely right wing politically. There is almost no balance and certainly no left-leaning political quotes or comics in there. I don’t think you should assume that your readership is entirely politically right wing, just because the frum world tends to be very loud about its right wing opinions. There are lots of Independents amongst us, though many are afraid to voice an opinion for fear of being screamed down by someone within earshot who feels very strongly about their right wing political views. I guess I’m just asking that you consider balancing out that section somewhat. Or, make one right leaning “Notable Quotes” and another left leaning “Notable Quotes.” I happen to like that section of the paper, probably because I really enjoy comics.

Anyway, the actual reason I am writing in is because I very much like the section you put into the April 3rd

Continued on page 10

Continued from page 8 edition called “Chol Hamoed Places to Go, Things to Do.” It’s a great resource! I’ve seen you do it other times, and it would be great if you printed that EVERY Sukkos and Pesach. It’s a great resource for other times too.

Thank you again for a great paper!

Nichie Fendrich

Dear Editor,

It is important for our community to commend our public officials when they reach out to our community and show us that they understand our priorities and needs.

Reading your interview this week with Rep. D’Esposito is just one example is how a politician is reaching out to his constituents to understand them. I applaud our congressman for making this trip to Israel – his first! – and appreciate that he values his constituents enough to go across the world to show them that he cares.

Additionally, Mayor Eric Adams stood up for yeshivas this week at a recent Teach NYS event in town. Although we may not agree with everything the mayor says and we hope that he truly

stands by yeshivas in actuality, the fact that he praised yeshivas at a public event should be applauded.

And thank you to your publication for also including some of our politicians in your Mother’s Day “roundup.” It’s a cute way for constituents to see how approachable their representatives are and how some of their values may mirror our own.

Sincerely,

Adam Reiss

Dear Editor,

I love reading Rabbi Hershel Lieber’s articles in your paper every week. He is truly dedicated to Klal Yisroel – and to touring the world!

His article this week brought an important idea to mind: the concept of not traveling on a Friday. I know many people who will not travel long distances on a Friday or will only travel early in the morning if Shabbos is coming in very late. In this way, they know that they will never have to be concerned about what to do if they miss their flight or encounter traffic.

Kol tuv, Yerachmiel Leiser

Zelenskyy Nabs

Support – and Supplies

an arsenal of missiles, tanks, and drones.

On Monday, the U.K. pledged hundreds more air defense missiles, as well as attack drones with a range of more than 200 kilometers (120 miles).

France, where Ukraine’s leader met President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, said it would supply Ukraine with dozens of light tanks and armored vehicles, along with unspecified air defense systems.

Zelenskyy also visited Germany for talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose initial reluctance to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons was a source of frustration in Kyiv. Now, Germany has become one of the biggest arms suppliers to Ukraine, including battle tanks and the sophisticated IRIS-T SLM air-defense system.

Saturday in Rome, where he received a hearty commitment from Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni.

“We cannot call ‘peace’ something that could resemble an invasion,” she told reporters, Zelenskyy by her side.

The Ukrainian leader also met with Pope Francis, who repeated the church’s tradition of neutrality. While Francis has frequently prayed for the “martyred” Ukrainian people, he has also lamented the Russian mothers who have lost their sons.

Zelenskyy made clear he didn’t appreciate Francis’ emphasis on both Russian and Ukrainian victims of the war, tweeting: “There can be no equality between the victim and the aggressor.”

Thousands of people have fled their homes in the north-western Sagaing region as the army entered villages under cover of the cyclone.

In a whirlwind trip across Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently visited Italy, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom in an effort to drum up support and military supplies for his country’s newest counter-offensive. During the three-day trip, European leaders promised Zelenskyy

During Zelenskyy’s visit, Germany announced another 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion) worth of equipment, including tanks, anti-aircraft systems and ammunition.

Despite the mounds of weapons secured, Zelenskyy’s trip wasn’t completely successful, as he wants U.S.-made F-16s to supplement its Soviet-era jets, something nations are wary to send for fear of escalating the war.

Zelenskyy began his European tour

Cyclone Mocha Hits Myanmar

At least 32 people lost their lives and hundreds of homes collapsed in a powerful cyclone that pummeled Myanmar on Sunday.

Cyclone Mocha was one of the strongest storms to make landfall in the region this century, packing winds of about 130mph.

“It has been raining since May 12. We had run from the overflowing streams,” a resident in the region’s Kani township told the BBC. “The soldiers also punched. [Residents are] fearing the danger of the soldiers more than the danger of the storm.”

Locals estimate that some 15,000 residents from the Kani and Khin Oo townships have been affected by military attacks in the last two days.

“Myanmar is facing a storm on many fronts, with reports that the Myanmar army attacked villages in other regions while Cyclone Mocha unfolded in Rakhine state. The needs of families continue to be great,” NGO Partners Relief & Development, which works in the

cyclone-hit Rakhine state, said in a Twitter post on Tuesday.

Communities in Sagaing have put up some of the strongest opposition to the military. The division also houses a large number of anti-coup militias, known as the People’s Defense Force.

There were no immediate reports of casualties in neighbouring Bangladesh, but the category five storm crushed thousands of shelters in the world’s largest refugee camp at Cox’s Bazar. It is home to one million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.

About 750,000 people fled low-lying areas ahead of Mocha’s landfall last Sunday.

Cyclones are the equivalent of hurricanes in the Atlantic and typhoons in the Pacific.

Thai People Want Change

The two opposition parties that won the largest share of the vote in Thailand’s general election over the weekend said on Monday that they had agreed to form a coalition government. It remained unclear, however, whether the ruling junta

would hand over power easily.

The results of the election were a stinging rebuke to the country’s military leaders, who have governed Thailand since seizing power in a coup in 2014. Although Thailand is a nation where coups are not uncommon, it had never been under military rule for so long.

cured 151 seats out of the 500-member House of Representatives. The result defied opinion polls, which had predicted a strong victory for Pheu Thai, the country’s largest opposition party, founded by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Pheu Thai won 141 seats, which, like Move Forward, was short of a clear majority. The two parties announced during separate news conferences on Monday that they had agreed to work together to form a government.

Korea, Vietnam, Syria and Afghanistan, but there was insufficient information to provide credible minimum figures.

Iran put 576 people to death last year – up from 314 in 2021. Of this year’s total, 279 people were convicted of murder, 255 of drug-related offences, and 18 of the national security charge of “enmity against G-d.”

Many voters, disillusioned with the never-ending cycle of putsches and protests, used the election on Sunday to demonstrate overwhelmingly that they wanted change.

“People have been through enough of a lost decade,” Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the progressive Move Forward Party, told reporters on Monday. “Today is a new day.”

The Move Forward Party — which has called for an overhaul of the military and amending a strict law that criminalizes criticism of the Thai monarchy — se -

Pita has led the effort to build the coalition. He said that five parties, including Pheu Thai, had already joined him, boosting the opposition’s control over Parliament to 309 out of 500 seats. “It’s safe to assume that we have secured a majority in forming a government,” Pita said Monday.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the general who seized power in the 2014 coup, said Sunday that he “has respect for the democratic process and the election results.” His party, United Thai Nation, won only 36 seats.

It was still unclear if Pita would be allowed to lead the country as prime minister. The military-appointed Senate, which has the power to select the prime minister through a joint vote in Parliament, may still block Pita from the position. Many analysts questioned whether the Senate would tolerate any election results that threaten the status quo.

The king must also endorse the appointment of prime minister. (© The New York Times)

Global Execution Rate is High

In Saudi Arabia, executions tripled from 65 in 2021 to 196 in 2022 – the highest number that Amnesty has recorded in the country in 30 years. Eighty-five people were put to death after being convicted of terrorism offences and 57 for drug offenses, according to the report. The drug-related executions marked the end of a moratorium reportedly in place since 2020.

On a single day in March 2022 in Saudi Arabia, authorities carried out the mass execution of 81 people. At least 41 were members of Shia Muslim minority, including two convicted of crimes related to their participation in anti-government protests.

Amnesty has previously accused the Saudi justice system of meting out death sentences following trials that are grossly unfair, including basing verdicts on “confessions” extracted under torture or other ill-treatment.

Amnesty also reported executions in Iraq (11), Kuwait (7), the Palestinian Territories (5), Yemen (4), and Syria (unknown).

Elsewhere in the world, 18 people were executed in the U.S., up from 11 in 2022, and 11 were put to death in Singapore, where executions for drug offenses resumed after a two-year hiatus during the Covid pandemic.

Sentencing in Museum Heist

At least 883 people were publicly executed in 2022 across 20 countries, an increase of 53% compared to 2021 and the highest in five years.

According to Amnesty International, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt carried out 90% of those executions.

The figures exclude China, which is thought to execute thousands each year.

The group was also able to confirm that executions were carried out in North

Five men have been sentenced to several years in prison for their role in a $123 million heist that captured the world’s attention with its movie-like daring drama.

Most of the defendants involved received lighter sentences of up to six years in prison because they had

partially confessed to the crimes after a legal “deal” and some of the treasures were returned. A sixth defendant was acquitted.

The gang broke into the historic Green Vault in Dresden on November 25, 2019. CCTV camera footage showed two masked thieves smashing the glass and grabbing 21 diamond-studded artifacts.

The vault featured an astounding collection of historical jewelry and precious ornaments – from shimmering bowls carved out of crystal and agate to jeweled figurines and goblets fashioned from gilded ostrich eggs.

One of the most famous pieces of the collection, a 41-carat green diamond known as the Dresden Green, was not in the museum at the time.

One of the looters used an axe to break the glass on the exhibits – it took nine strikes before the glass broke. A nearby electrical fire knocked out street lights in the area at around the time of the robbery.

In just a few minutes, some of the world’s most valuable historic jewels had vanished. Only some of the loot has since been recovered.

The director of Dresden’s State Art Collection, Marion Ackermann, said

their material value doesn’t even begin to reflect their “incalculable” historical and cultural importance.

Nearly all the stolen artifacts were made during the rule of Frederick Augustus III, the last Elector of Saxony, who was later known as Frederick Augustus I, the first King of Saxony.

They included a 1780’s hat clasp decorated with 15 large and more than 100 small diamonds, as well as a 96-centimeter (38-inch) sword and a scabbard, or sheath, which together contained more than 800 diamonds.

The judges of Dresden’s Regional Court imposed multi-year prison sentences on the five defendants who were convicted.

In December 2022, Saxony Police said they were investigating a seventh possible participant in the heist. The person was seen at the scene of the crime a day before and was in the jewel room on several occasions as well.

“Her behavior was strikingly different from that of an average museum visitor,” police said.

Turkey Heads to a Runoff

The third candidate, Sinan Ogan, received 5.28% of votes, according to Anadolu, raising the possibility he could be a kingmaker in a runoff.

Kilicdaroglu welcomed the prospect of a runoff vote and said his party would triumph.

“If our nation says second round, we gladly accept it. We will absolutely win this election in the second round. Everyone will see that,” he said, of the runoff, slated for May 28.

On Sunday evening, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s lead in the elections slowly slipped away, it became certain that a runoff would be declared in Turkey. Erdogan has been the ruler of Turkey for the past 20 years. The high stakes election will ultimately decide the fate of a key NATO ally and regional power broker at a time when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has plunged much of the world into uncertainty.

With 97.95% of votes counted, staterun Anadolu news agency reported Erdogan had 49.34% of votes, compared to 44.99% for his main opponent, Kemal Kilicdaroglu – meaning neither could claim an outright win.

Sunday’s race poses the biggest challenge yet to Turkey’s strongman leader Erdogan, who faced economic headwinds and criticism stemming from the impact of the devastating February 6 earthquake.

For the first time, Turkey’s factious opposition coalesced around a single candidate, Kilicdaroglu, who represents an election coalition of six opposition parties.

Before the vote, analysts predicted that Erdogan would not give up power without a struggle – and that even if Kilicdaroglu managed to pull ahead, it was possible the numbers could be contested.

The outcome of the make-or-break vote is also being closely watched internationally, especially in Moscow

and Europe.

Turkey, a NATO member that has the alliance’s second-largest army, has strengthened its ties with Russia in recent years. In 2019, it even bought weapons from the country in defiance of the U.S.

More recently, Erdogan has raised eyebrows in the West by continuing to maintain close ties with Russia as it continues its Ukraine onslaught, and has caused a headache for NATO’s expansion plans by stalling the membership of Finland and Sweden.

After casting his vote in Istanbul earlier on Sunday, Erdogan told reporters, “We pray to G-d for a better future for our country, our nation, and Turkish democracy.”

Meanwhile, after voting in Ankara, Kilicdaroglu said, “We all missed democracy, being together and embracing so much. Hopefully, from now on, you will see spring will come to this country and it will always continue.”

Turkey has been facing economic hardship over the past few years, with prices ballooning. The devastating earthquake earlier this year exacerbated the living crisis. Erdogan took a lot of blame for slow rescue efforts and lax

building controls.

Turkey holds elections every five years.

Brazil’s President Visits China

cently, including those of France, Spain, Singapore and Malaysia, as well as Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Xi met late last month in Moscow.

China is positioning itself as the new answer to world order, offering a proposal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine and mediating a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also was in Beijing on Friday. While meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, she said that Europe would view any military escalation in the Taiwan Strait as “a horror scenario” that would have “inevitable repercussions.”

of relations after a period of strain under Lula’s predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, who had antagonized Beijing.

Xi described Lula as “an old friend of the Chinese people” and, according to Chinese state media, said China views its relations with Brazil as a “diplomatic priority.”

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Friday and praised the strength of the countries’ relationship.

“Our relationship with China is extraordinary, and it has become more mature and stronger over time,” Lula told Xi, according to Chinese state media. “We hope that Brazil-China relations are able to go beyond trade. Nobody can stop Brazil from continuing to develop its relationship with China.”

Other leaders have visited China re -

It was a stance many in Europe felt needed to be restated after French President Emmanuel Macron raised eyebrows when he seemed to endorse China’s approach to the island of Taiwan — which Beijing has never ruled but claims as part of its territory — during his own trip to the Chinese capital this month.

Xi rolled out the red carpet on Friday to welcome Lula, who has enjoyed a close relationship with China’s leaders for nearly two decades. The trip, Lula’s third state visit to China, indicates a repairing

During the meeting between Lula and Xi, the two sides signed agreements on science and technology cooperation, including the extension of an ongoing satellite project, and on customs inspections for animal products, and agreed to expand trade in each other’s respective currencies, according to a joint statement released by Chinese state media. The statement also said that Brazil viewed Xi’s 12-point proposal to end hostilities in Ukraine positively and that China supports Brazil’s desire to play a greater role in the United Nations, where Lula has advocated for Brazil to gain a permanent seat on the Security Council.

China is the top trading partner not only for Brazil but also for Chile and Peru. Last year, China’s two-way trade with Latin America grew to $486 billion, more than 40 times the level in 2000, according to Chinese customs data.

Pasta Prices Surge in Italy

despite the price of wheat — the main ingredient — falling in recent months.

Following the emergency talks, the commission said that pasta prices were “already showing the first, albeit weak, signs of a [decrease], a sign that in the coming months, the cost of pasta will drop significantly.”

Saturn Has 145 Moons

said Scott Sheppard, an astronomer from the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C. But Saturn “appears to have significantly more,” he said, for reasons that are not entirely understood.

The price of pasta in Italy has been increasing, soaring 17.5% in March from the same time last year.

Last week, Italy’s government convened crisis talks to investigate the reasons behind a surge in prices for pasta, one of the country’s most beloved and culturally important foods.

Adolfo Urso, the country’s minister for enterprise, chaired a commission of lawmakers, pasta producers, and consumer rights groups in Rome to discuss what could be done to bring down pasta prices. Pasta inflation moderated a bit in April, but prices were still up 16.5% over 12 months.

That climb was more than double Italy’s broader measure of consumer price inflation. Pasta prices have soared

It said it would continue to monitor the market closely to protect consumers, and to ensure that significant reductions in the cost of energy and raw materials, such as durum wheat, are reflected in the retail price of pasta.

The average Italian consumes about 23 kilograms (51 pounds) of pasta each year, Furio Truzzi, president of Assoutenti, a consumer rights group, said in a statement last month.

“Pasta is one of the foods most loved by Italians,” Truzzi noted. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last February had unleashed a “tsunami” of high prices last year for some of the raw materials needed to make pasta, he said.

Interestingly, pasta prices differ depending on the region, with the province of Siena in Tuscany notching an increase of more than 58%, while Alessandria, in Italy’s northwest, only saw a rise of 4.6%.

In the red corner, Jupiter, the largest planet orbiting our sun, which shaped our solar system with its gravitational bulk.

In the blue corner, Saturn, the magnificent ringed world with bewildering hexagonal storms at its poles.

These two giant worlds are late in their bout for satellite-based supremacy. But now the fight over which planet has the most moons in its orbit has swung decisively in Saturn’s favor.

This month, the International Astronomical Union is set to recognize 62 additional moons of Saturn based on a batch of objects discovered by astronomers. The small objects will give Saturn 145 moons — eclipsing Jupiter’s total of 95.

“They both have many, many moons,”

The newly discovered moons of Saturn are nothing like the bright object in Earth’s night sky. They are irregularly shaped, like potatoes, and no more than 1 or 2 miles across. They orbit far from the planet too, between 6 million and 18 million miles, compared with larger moons, such as Titan, that mostly orbit within a million miles of Saturn. Yet these small irregular moons are fascinating in their own right. They are mostly clumped together in groups, and they may be remnants of larger moons that shattered while orbiting Saturn.

The new moons were discovered by two groups, one led by Sheppard and the other more recently by Edward Ashton of the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics in Taiwan. Sheppard’s group, in the mid-2000s, used the Subaru Telescope in Hawaii to hunt for more moons around Saturn.

In March, Sheppard was also responsible for finding 12 new moons of Jupiter, which took it temporarily above Saturn in the scuffle to be the biggest hoarder of moons. That record was short-lived, it seems.

Ashton’s group, from 2019 to 2021, used the Canada France Hawaii Telescope, a neighbor of the Subaru Telescope on Mauna Kea, to look for more of Saturn’s moons and to verify some of Sheppard’s discoveries. For a moon to be authenticated, it must be spotted multiple times to “be sure the observations are a satellite and not just an asteroid that happens to be near the planet,” said Mike Alexandersen, who is responsible for officially confirming moons at the International Astronomical Union. (© The New York Times)

Synagogue Attack Wasn’t Antisemitic?

also known as the Djerba Synagogue, in Djerba, Tunisia, claimed the lives of two Jewish cousins and three police officers. Now, Tunisian President Kais Saied is saying that the attack wasn’t antisemitic.

According to the Tunisian newspaper La Presse, Saied spoke during his visit to the Ariana district near the capital on Saturday. A video of the visit and the president’s statements was published by Saied’s office as well.

Aviel Hadad, 30, who was also an Israeli citizen working as a goldsmith in the local market, and Ben Hadad, 42, who lived in France and came in order to celebrate the festivities, were killed.

According to La Presse, Saied said that “here, in this place where I stand now, Tunisian Jews fleeing the Nazi forces who had pitched their tents here found refuge in this house, that of my grandfather.”

attack antisemitic as “the forgers of history bent on distorting history, falsifying facts and spreading untruths” and accused them of plotting “conspiracies against the state and endangering social peace.” Saied added that foreign parties leveling accusations of antisemitism were displaying “a garish duplicity of attitude and a short memory in grasping history, real history.”

At Hadad’s funeral on Friday, his brother-in-law lamented, “We thought he traveled to Djerba to find a wife, that we would see him happy at his wedding. In the end, he returned in a casket.”

rael. They came to Israel accompanied by Jewish Agency Board of Governors chairman Mark Wilf, alongside various dignitaries and influencers. They were greeted upon landing by Jewish Agency chairman Doron Almog.

Last Tuesday evening, a shooting near the ancient El Ghriba Synagogue,

Saied responded to Western accusations of antisemitism and said that “these parties do not hesitate to make the false accusations of antisemitism while they turn a deaf ear when it comes to dealing with the plight of the Palestinians who are dying every day. The Palestinian people will succeed against all odds to triumph and recover their despoiled land.”

Saied referred to those calling the

Life in Prison for Elad Attack

“Touching down in Israel with a flight of new olim from Ethiopia is a breathtaking moment that reminds us how lucky we are to have the State of Israel as a homeland and safe haven,” Wilf said.

“Bringing these olim to start a new life in Israel embodies the Jewish Agency’s dedication to our historic role as an unwavering advocate for the Jewish people, wherever they may be.”

The new olim will be sent to one of 17 Jewish Agency-run absorption centers for Ethiopians where they will be provided subsidized housing that caters to their specific cultural needs. They will also receive financial support and guidance, Hebrew language education, and preparation for the Israeli employment market and education system.

Two Palestinians were convicted of carrying out a deadly terror attack in the city of Elad last year and sentenced to life in prison.

On May 5, As’ad Yousef As’ad al-Rifa’i, 19, and Subhi Emad Sbeihat, 20, hacked and stabbed three people to death and severely wounded several others.

They were each handed four life sentences for murder and attempted murder and an additional 20 years for related terror offenses by the Lod court.

Al-Rifa’i confessed to security forces that he committed the axe attack with Sbeihat, killing Oren Ben Yiftah, a 35-year-old driver from Lod, and Elad residents Yonatan Havakuk and Boaz Gol, both in their 40s. The pair attacked civilians on city streets and in a park as Israelis celebrated Independence Day with outdoor festivities.

111 Ethiopians Make Aliyah

One-hundred-eleven Ethiopian Jews made aliyah on Tuesday in a flight organized by the Jewish Agency for Is -

A continuation of Operation Zur Israel, initially launched in December 2020, aims to eventually reunite 3,000 Ethiopians with their families in Israel. The Jewish Agency is preparing Ethiopian immigrants for Aliyah in coordination with government ministries as the Aliyah and Integration, Interior, Foreign and Health ministries.

“We embrace the new olim from Ethiopia who have finally made it home to Israel and welcome the new citizens of Israel with love,” Almog said.

Overall, over 2,250 immigrants have immigrated from Ethiopia to Israel through Operation Zur Israel.

Israelis Should Read More

Israeli fourth graders displayed a dramatic drop in reading proficiency in the latest Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) published on Tuesday.

The study was conducted over two years during the Covid-19 pandemic in 57 countries and eight benchmarking entities. PIRLS 2021 was the fifth assessment

performed every five years since 2001.

According to the data made available by the Israeli Education Ministry, students in the Jewish state had the worst performance in more than 20 years with high reading skills decreasing by 11% and low reading skills increasing by 8%.

studies and that “the program will be introduced soon and will start already in the coming academic year.”

Despite the decline, Israel still places above the global average – ranking 30th among OECD countries. Most countries experienced a decline with a global average of eight points lost. Only Egypt, Oman, Singapore, Hong Kong and France saw improvement. (JNS)

FM Cohen Visits Sweden

Some 5,000 Israeli students in approximately 200 schools participated in the study.

“The data shows the crisis in which the education system is [experiencing]. Our mission is to get the system back on track, with an emphasis on the outstanding students and to help the age groups that were particularly affected by the [pandemic]. We have a great challenge, and a great responsibility,” Education Minister Yoav Kisch said.

The Education Ministry said that following the PIRLS results, they were crafting a plan to strengthen language

Israel’s top diplomat on Monday paid a visit to Sweden, in a new sign of warming ties between the two nations.

Eli Cohen’s trip to Stockholm was the first visit by an Israeli foreign minister to Sweden in 22 years.

“We are opening a new page in rela-

tions between Israel and Sweden, after years in which Sweden took a critical line against Israel,” Cohen said in the statement issued by the Foreign Ministry. He said his meeting with his Swedish counterpart, Tobias Billstrom, signaled a “change in direction” of ties.

Issues addressed during the meeting included Israel-EU relations, dealing with the Iran-backed terror, and fighting antisemitism.

Billstrom noted that the visit was “the first one in 20 years, so long overdue.”

“The purpose was to further strengthen the bilateral relations between Sweden and Israel and to discuss global and regional issues of mutual interest.”

Sweden’s previous Social Democratic government had a rocky relationship with Israel, after recognizing a Palestinian state in 2014, a move that prompted Israel to temporarily recall its ambassador to Sweden. Two years later, Israel said Sweden’s foreign minister at the time was “not welcome,” after critical comments of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.

Recently, relations have begun to thaw with Sweden’s new government. A number of Swedish political parties have called for moving the country’s embassy to Jerusalem, and its parliament unanimously passed a measure urging the government to brand the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization.

Nations Boycott UN Nakba Day

Germany, Greece, Italy, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Portugal, Slovakia and Ukraine.

The two events commemorate what Palestinians view as “the Catastrophe Day,” to “mourn” the creation of the State of Israel in 1948 and the resulting “destruction” of Palestinian villages and the displacement of 700,000 Palestinians who became refugees.

Evans said that “the United States continues to recognize the painful plight of Palestinian refugees and remains committed to a mutually agreed twostate solution that settles all final-status issues, including refugees.

He cautioned, however, that the “U.S. has longstanding concerns over anti-Israel bias within the UN system, which is counter-productive to peace. We do not support events organized by bodies designed to perpetuate anti-Israel bias.”

The first event included a wide-ranging speech by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas who disavowed the Jewish connection to the Temple Mount and the adjoining Western Wall, known to Muslims as al-Haram, al-Sharif and the Buraq Plaza. He called for Israel’s ouster from the United Nations and accused its government of fabricating facts at a level akin to that of chief Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels.

Abbas also charged that the U.S. and the United Kingdom were responsible for the Nakba and accused them of supporting Israel’s creation so they could rid themselves of their Jewish citizens.

At no point did Abbas speak about the United Nations Partition Plan that was created in 1947 and was accepted by the Jews but was rejected by the Arabs, which resulted in the 1948 war.

Terror Victim Laid to Rest

The United States deliberately missed two events at the United Nations headquarters in New York to commemorate “Nakba Day.”

“The United States also did not attend this event organized by the Committee on the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, and we never planned to attend this event,” the spokesman for the U.S. Mission to the UN Nate Evans said.

According to Israel’s mission to the UN, the United States was among 45 countries that boycotted the two UN Nakba Day events, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Austria,

Avramyan, 82, was killed on Thursday when a rocket scored a direct hit on her home in Rehovot, located 12 miles

Inga Avramyan, who was killed by a Gazan rocket during last week’s Operation Shield and Arrow, was buried on Monday in Kibbutz Givat Brenner.

south of Tel Aviv. The ceiling collapsed in her apartment as she tried to help her paralyzed husband, Sergei, who had not been able to reach a bomb shelter.

Avrayam was the only Israeli fatality during the five-day conflict against Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip.

Five other people were wounded in the rocket attack, including Sergei, who was lightly hurt but has lost his primary caregiver. More than 200 people attended the funeral, including Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, who represented the government.

“Inga was murdered by despicable terrorists who choose to indiscriminately fire at civilian population centers,” said Chikli. “The murderous, wretched terrorists will not succeed. Although we are forced to make sacrifices, we will never bow our heads to evil or surrender to it.”

A Palestinian man from Gaza who was killed by a rocket on May 13 while working in Israel was recognized on Sunday as a victim of terrorism.

Israel’s Defense Ministry and National Insurance Institute approved the measure, which entitles the family of Abdullah Abu Jaba, 34, to state benefits. Abu Jaba was killed by shrapnel from a rocket that hit an agricultural site near Moshav Shokeda in the western Negev. (JNS)

A Cure for Alzheimer’s?

gene blocked the disease from entering his entorhinal cortex. That tiny area of the brain is a hub for neurons involved in memory, recognition of objects, navigation and time perception. And it is there that scientists believe that Alzheimer’s disease begins.

A paper on the finding was published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine.

More than 6 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s, a disease that has been notoriously difficult to treat. Yet here was a man with a mutation that causes the most severe and rapidly progressing form of Alzheimer’s. And his disease was delayed for two decades. If a drug could do what the mutation did, resulting in most people getting Alzheimer’s very late in life, the outcome could be transformative.

into connections between Donald Trump’s campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. Durham’s report, which took more than three years to complete, also states that the FBI used “raw, unanalyzed, and uncorroborated intelligence,” to launch the “Crossfire Hurricane” investigation into Trump and Russia but used a different standard when weighing concerns about alleged election interference regarding Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

The man should have gotten Alzheimer’s disease in his early 40s — he had a gene mutation that guaranteed it, or so it seemed. Scans of his brain even revealed severe atrophying and the hallmarks of the disease: rough, hard, amyloid plaques and spaghetti-like tangles of tau proteins. But the fatal brain disease did not appear until the man was 67.

Now an intense research effort has discovered why. The man was protected because another mutation in a different

“This really holds the secret to the next generation of therapeutics,” said Dr. Joseph F. Arboleda-Velasquez, a cell biologist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston and a member of the research team.

Arboleda-Velasquez is a co-founder of a biotechnology company looking to produce drugs that could act on this research.

A drug that delays the disease by two decades is not out of the question, said Dr. Diego Sepulveda-Falla, a neuropathologist at the University of Hamburg in Germany and a member of the research team. The mutation results in a potent version of a protein, Reelin, in the entorhinal cortex. That super-potent Reelin ultimately prevents tangled strands of tau proteins from sticking together and forming the structures that are a characteristic of Alzheimer’s.

The idea is to “go in with a syringe and treat only one area” of the brain, he said.

The man with what the researchers are calling “resilience” to Alzheimer’s was part of a decades-long study of 6,000 people living in Colombia who have a gene mutation that causes Alzheimer’s in middle age. Many have agreed to genetic testing, brain scans and, after they die, brain autopsies. (© The New York Times)

Trump Investigation A Nothing Burger

This week, special counsel John Durham released a 300-page report concluding that the FBI should never have launched a full investigation

In other words, the investigation was truly a “nothing burger.”

Despite the conclusions, Durham did not recommend any new charges against individuals or “wholesale changes” about how the FBI handles politically charged investigations, even while strongly criticizing the agency’s behavior.

“Based on the review of Crossfire Hurricane and related intelligence activities, we conclude that the (Justice) Department and FBI failed to uphold their important mission of strict fidelity to the law in connection with certain events and activities described in this report,” Durham wrote.

The report also concludes that “at least on the part of certain personnel intimately involved in the matter” there was “a predisposition to open an investigation into Trump.”

“[Former deputy director of the counter-intelligence division Peter] Strzok, at a minimum, had pronounced hostile feelings toward Trump,” Durham wrote, while quoting in a footnote previously known texts between Strzok and Lisa Page, then an FBI attorney.

On Monday, Durham knocked the FBI for failing to take several steps before launching the Trump campaign investigations, such as interviewing relevant witnesses, reviewing its own intelligence databases or using “any of the standard analytical tools typically employed by the FBI in evaluating raw intelligence.”

Durham suggested that if the FBI had taken those steps, it would have found that U.S. intelligence agencies did not have any evidence tying Trump

to Russian leadership officials.

In a statement on Monday, the FBI said its leadership has “already implemented dozens of corrective actions, which have now been in place for some time,” in response to the conduct examined by Durham. “Had those reforms been in place in 2016, the missteps identified in the report could have been prevented,” the statement adds.

Trump had strong words to say.

“WOW! After extensive research, Special Counsel John Durham concludes the FBI never should have launched the Trump-Russia Probe!” Trump posted on Monday. “In other words, the American Public was scammed, just as it is being scammed right now by those who don’t want to see GREATNESS for AMERICA!”

In his report, Durham recommended that the FBI create a position for a nonpartisan FBI lawyer or agent who would be tasked with challenging steps taken in “politically sensitive investigations,” including surveillance warrant applications.

NYPD Officers Charged

with Stealing Champagne

justice system depends on members of law enforcement acting with the utmost integrity while on duty and following the same rules that apply to everyone else,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement.

As laid out in court documents, the detectives were part of a narcotics-enforcement detail on September 3 during last year’s version of the annual festival.

is the highest it has ever been since the survey began in 1987.

What are workers so happy about?

There are two key reasons for the record satisfaction level, according to Conference Board researchers: A tighter labor market, which has meant employees can command better pay, benefits and working conditions; and greater flexibility in work arrangements.

Three New York City police detectives were charged Monday in the theft of nearly $3,000 worth of Champagne from a VIP area at a popular electronic dance music festival where they had been assigned to stop drug-related activity.

Two of the three, Jonathan Gonzalez and Wojciech Czech, are accused of stealing pricey bottles of “Ace of Spades” Champagne at the Electric Zoo festival on Randall’s Island last fall, according to court documents. The third, Warren Golden, is accused of failing to stop them.

“Public confidence in the criminal

The detectives, court documents say, were stationed in a VIP area where people at one table had ordered bottles of the Champagne, which is officially named Armand de Brignac but is better known as Ace of Spades because of its logo. (The brand is owned by Jay-Z and French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.)

At one point, the people who had ordered the Champagne stepped away, and Gonzalez took two of their unopened bottles and put them on a different table near where he, Czech and Golden had been standing, according to court documents.

Gonzalez then retrieved a backpack, returned to the table and put the bottles into the backpack after Czech handed them to him, court documents say. One of the people who had ordered the Champagne saw what was happening, and when he and the rest of his group returned to their table, the detectives quickly left the area, court documents say.

With the backpack in tow, court documents say, the detectives tried to enter a restricted, staff-only area, where a festival security officer stopped them. Gonzalez identified himself as a police officer and insisted that he and his colleagues should be allowed to pass through, court documents say.

The people who had ordered the Champagne confronted the detectives in front of the security officer, who removed the bottles from the backpack, returned them to their owners and contacted his employer, who in turn contacted police, court documents say. (© The New York Times)

U.S. Workers are Happy

Surprise! Workers in the United States are happy – in fact, they’re happier than they’ve been in many decades.

A new survey released by The Conference Board on Thursday found that U.S. employees’ job satisfaction overall

Just over 62% of survey respondents indicated overall satisfaction with their jobs, a 2.1 percentage point increase over the prior year’s survey and a 5-percentage point jump over that recorded in 2020. The lowest level of satisfaction (42.6%) recorded in the history of the survey came in 2010 on the heels of the Great Recession.

Among the 26 metrics that respondents were asked to assess in determining their satisfaction: wages and bonuses, workloads, recognition, promotion policies, job security, people at work, quality of leadership and workplace culture; their commute; and several benefits-related metrics (e.g., vacation and sick days, family leave policies, flex time plans and pension/ retirement plans)

“Apart from competitive pay, the factors that most influence employee retention center around work experience and culture. … Across the majority of 26 factors surveyed, employees with hybrid work arrangements report the greatest job satisfaction compared to fully remote or fully on-premises workers,” Board researchers said in their analysis.

Interestingly, women seem to be less happy at work than men.

“Despite year-over-year improvements, job satisfaction among women remains below that of men, with large gaps appearing in job security, promotion policy and bonus plans, as well as across compensation and benefits, including pay, sick-day policy, vacation policy and health plans,” the researchers noted.

In addition to women’s dissatisfaction with those various compensation factors, they are also less satisfied with their workplace’s recognition,

Congressional Staff Attacked

wounding and one count of malicious wounding.

“At this time, it is not clear what the suspect’s motivation may have been,” USCP said in their statement. “Based on what we know right now, investigators do not have any information that the suspect was known to the USCP.”

Pham’s father said his son is suffering from mental illness and had been previously charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer before the charge was subsequently dropped. He had stopped taking his medication three months ago and was seen chasing a woman in his neighborhood with a bat earlier that day.

announced that he found a new CEO to take over Twitter, months after he first promised to step back from the role.

The new CEO will assume the role at Twitter Inc., which recently changed its name to X Corp., in the coming weeks, Musk said. For now, Musk is keeping mum on who will be his replacement. Still, rumors are swirling that Linda Yaccarino, NBCUniversal’s head of advertising, may be his pick.

“Excited to announce that I’ve a new CEO for X/Twitter. She will be starting in ~6 weeks!” Musk said in a tweet .

Florida jury returned a split verdict in a civil lawsuit filed against McDonald’s and one of its franchisees that alleged “dangerously hot” chicken nuggets from a Happy Meal burned a toddler.

Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly said two staffers were injured on Monday by a man wielding a metal bat who came into his district office in Fairfax.

One senior aide was hit in the head. An intern – her first day on the job –was also hit. Computers and windows were smashed as well. The Congressman described the attacker as filled with “out of control rage.”

The suspect, whom US Capitol Police identified as 49-year-old Xuan Kha Tran Pham of Fairfax, is facing charges for one count of aggravated malicious

Twitter’s New CEO

Musk will become Twitter’s executive chair and chief technology officer, overseeing product, software and system operations.

Last week, the jury found McDonald’s and franchise owner Upchurch Foods liable for failing to properly warn or provide reasonable instructions on the possible harm from the hot McNuggets dispensed at a Tamarac, Florida, drive-thru. However, only Upchurch Foods was found to be negligent. Jurors also found there was no inherent defect in putting McNuggets on the market and no breach of implied warranty.

Elon Musk has found a replacement. On Thursday, the tech leader

In December, Musk ran a poll on the platform asking users whether he should step back as Twitter’s CEO, which ended with the majority of users voting in the affirmative . Musk said he would abide by the results of the poll but later backtracked, saying he would hand over the role “as soon as I find someone foolish enough to take the job!” In February, he reiterated that he planned to find a replacement by the end of the year.

Musk has faced criticism for a series of policy changes at Twitter, which often came without clear justification and raised concerns about the impact on Twitter’s users.

Musk recently said that Twitter is now “trending to break even,” after previously saying it was at risk of bankruptcy. Now, the company’s new CEO will be tasked with trying to help turn around the struggling company and help Musk recoup some of the $44 billion spent acquiring the platform.

Even as Musk prepares to step back from the CEO role, he will likely maintain significant control over the future direction of the company.

Hot Chicken Nuggets

The suit was filed in 2019 against McDonald’s and Upchurch Foods. The Fort Lauderdale jury said both were at some fault for the burns sustained by Philana Holmes and Humberto Caraballo Estevez’s daughter when the hot nuggets fell onto her lap.

Holmes had bought the Happy Meal from the drive-thru and then drove away. A chicken nugget fell onto her four-year-old child’s leg.

“The Chicken McNuggets inside of that Happy Meal were unreasonably and dangerously hot (in terms of temperature),” and caused her “skin and flesh around her thighs to burn,” the complaint alleged, leaving her “disfigured and scarred.”

The complaint said the franchise should have known the nuggets were “unfit for human handling,” had a duty not to sell them, and it should have adequately trained and supervised its employees.

There will be a separate trial to determine the damages owed to the couple.

The case echoes the infamous McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit of the ’90s, in which a woman spilled coffee on her lap and suffered third-degree burns. A jury agreed with her contention that the coffee was unreasonably hot. The plaintiff in that case was initially awarded nearly $3 million, but she settled for less after an appeal.

In a statement, McDonald’s called it an “unfortunate incident” but that they “respectfully disagree with the verdict.” McDonald’s defense said it had no control over the injuries and damages.

a South

In a case reminiscent of the hot coffee verdict from years ago,

Cannabis Harmful to Babies

We found a significant decrease in birth weight of 154 grams. In terms of pounds, it’s about a third of a pound,” she said.

While one-third of a pound may not seem to be much, such slight decreases in weight have been linked to health problems as children grow, Bailey noted.

“What we are telling women is that it’s not an absolute certainty that your baby’s growth will be impacted if you are using marijuana. But we do know that you are at substantially higher risk for that outcome.”

Dawa may not hold the record for long. Kami Rita, who is also climbing on Everest now, could set another record if he makes it to the top.

Although marijuana has recently become legal in some states, it is far from safe. A recent study notes the significant health impact of marijuana use on fetal development as early as the beginning of pregnancy.

“That’s why these findings are especially important — people can often be well into the first trimester and don’t even know they are pregnant,” said lead author Beth Bailey, professor of psychology and director of population health research at the College of Medicine at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant.

“Our study drills down to look very specifically at a specific time point in pregnancy — the first trimester.

“Low birth weight is one of the strongest predictors of a child’s health and development long-term,” she said. “These kids are more prone to developmental delays, higher rates of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), learning disabilities, and have higher rates of emotional problems.”

If marijuana exposure continued during the rest of the pregnancy, birth weight dropped by another 31 grams (0.07 pound), the study found. In addition, the head circumference of the newborn was reduced if marijuana use continued throughout pregnancy. Smaller head circumference could be a sign the brain didn’t develop properly during pregnancy.

“Even when pregnant people stopped using marijuana by the third trimester, the babies were born with a smaller head circumference of about 1 centimeter (0.4 inch),” Bailey said.

The study was published this week in the journal Frontiers in Pediatrics . Researchers also noted that marijuana users who were pregnant tended to be significantly younger, more likely to be single and covered by Medicaid, and less likely to have an education beyond high school than those who did not use marijuana while pregnant.

A High Record

A Nepali sherpa guide climbed Mount Everest for the 26th time on Sunday, becoming the world’s second person to achieve the feat.

Pasang Dawa Sherpa, 46, stood atop the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) peak, sharing the record number of summits with Kami Rita Sherpa. But Pasang

Sherpas, who mostly use their first names, are known for their climbing skills and make a living mainly by guiding foreign clients in the mountains.

Nepal has issued a record of 467 permits this year for foreign climbers seeking to reach the summit of Everest. Each climber is usually accompanied by at least one sherpa guide, fueling fears that a narrow section below the summit, known as the Hillary Step, could get crowded.

Everest has been climbed more than 11,000 times since it was first scaled by Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Not all people managed to make it to the top, with around 320 people losing their lives in the process.

The Dog Did It

The man, whom police didn’t name, appeared intoxicated, and when asked by an officer if he had been drinking, he ran away. He was caught by police around 20 yards away.

The man was then arrested; his dog was handed over to his friend while he stayed in jail.

The police noted, “The dog does not face any charges and was let go with just a warning.”

Sounds ruff.

It’s easy to blame your dog when you forget to do your homework, but there are some things that you can’t blame on your four-legged best friend. A driver in Colorado tried to avoid a DUI arrest by swapping seats with his dog after being pulled over.

The man was stopped by police around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday for allegedly driving 52 mph in a 30-mph zone.

“The driver attempted to switch places with his dog who was in the passenger seat, as the SPD officer approached and watched the entire process,” the Springfield Police Department said on Facebook. “The male party then exited the passenger side of the vehicle and claimed he was not driving.”

Remember to Smile

the public. Now, with the lower half of their faces finally seeing sunlight, some Japanese people are concerned that they forgot how to smile.

To help them beam again, many are turning to experts to rediscover their cheerful expressions.

Speaking to the Japan Times, “smile trainer” Miho Kitano said, “I’ve heard from people who say that even if they’re able to remove their masks, they don’t want to show the bottom half of their faces, or that they don’t know how to smile anymore.

“Some say that they see more wrinkles around their eyes after using them more to smile, or they feel like their face is drooping because they haven’t been using it as much as before.”

Kitano is here to help. Her company, Smile Facial Muscle Association, has helped hundreds of people remember how to smile.

The “smile expert” gives her students exercises to help them with their smiles. Her pupils are given straws to bite down on with the aim that it elevates their cheek muscles to help show their teeth.

lagoon in Key Largo, Florida. That’s the longest time someone has spent living underwater without depressurization.

But Dituri is not stopping now. He is set to stay at Jules Undersea Lodge for at least 100 days.

“The curiosity for discovery has led me here,” he said.

“My goal from day one has been to inspire generations to come, interview scientists who study life undersea, and learn how the human body functions in extreme environments,” he added.

Only recently did Japan declare an end to pandemic restrictions. For the past few years, Japanese people have been showing only half of their faces to

“I meet many people who say they aren’t good at smiling, but it’s all about the muscles, and we have to use and train them in order to get good at it.

“Just as you might exercise your arms, exercising your expressive muscles is so important.”

Culturally, the Japanese smile differently than Westerners.

“Smiling and doing so with teeth hasn’t always been appropriate in Japan, and you can speak Japanese without moving your mouth too much,” Keiko Kawano from the Smile Education Trainer Association noted.

She says she has now taught 4,000 Japanese people how to smile again.

We’re happy to hear.

Under the Sea

It’s been more than 74 days since Joseph Dituri has seen the sun. The researcher has been spending all his time living underwater at the bottom of a 30-foot-deep

Did you know?

Unlike a submarine, the lodge does not use technology to adjust for the increased underwater pressure.

Dituri – who goes by the nickname Dr. Deep Sea – began his journey on March 1 at Jules Undersea Lodge, a small room that sits at the bottom of a lagoon in the Florida Keys. It is named after Jules Verne, who wrote the well-known sci-fi book 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

For the project, called Project Neptune 100, the University of South Florida professor is studying how the human body reacts to long-term exposure to extreme pressure. Researchers are studying the 55-year-old’s health, as well as the psychological effects of being isolated and confined for so long, by running a series of medical tests.

Dituri is keeping busy. He is teaching his biomedical engineering classes online while he lives in the lagoon, according to the University of South Florida. He wakes up at 5 am each day to exercise and eats protein-heavy meals that he can warm up in the microwave.

Still, it’s not easy living alone surrounded on all sides with water.

“The thing that I miss the most about being on the surface is literally the sun,” he told AP.

President Thomas Jefferson is credited with being the first person to introduce pasta to the United States, back in 1789.

Around the Community

Thousands of Five Towns residents attended and enjoyed Chabad of the Five Towns’ Lag B’Omer festivities at Cedarhurst Park last week

Photos by Mendel Geisinsky

Lag B’Omer at Siach Yitzchok

Achiezer CIMBY Summer Event

Achiezer’s CIMBY summer event made its long-awaited return to the Far Rockaway Boardwalk this past Sunday, May 14. What was billed as part one of a special sum-

mer camp fundraiser spearheaded by Achiezer, this beautiful cause turned into a stunning community day attended by hundreds of families, runners and supporters. Part two of the campaign,

including the incredible success of raising nearly $400,000 on behalf of local community children, was certainly a weekend that will not soon be forgotten. Not surprisingly, several ideas are

already being strategized to take this event to even greater heights in 2024… stay tuned.

Trike-A-Thon at Gan Chamesh

Braille at HALB

The children at Gan Chamesh enjoyed an exciting Trike-a-Thon in honor of Lag B’Omer. With their personalized drivers licenses, they scooted on scooters and pedaled on tricycles

around a delineated racetrack. Every child was a winner and received a gold medal and refreshing traffic light ices. A fun time was had by all celebrating Lag B’Omer at Gan Chamesh!

Lag B’Omer at Central

Last week, a small group of 3rd and 5th grade HALB students finished their unit on Braille. Mr. Levy, who

has been blind his whole life, came to visit and answered all the students’ questions.

The first two weeks of May at Central are abuzz with end-of-year activity – Central’s hockey, softball, and soccer teams are wrapping up their seasons, academic clubs are making their final meetings, and The Central Courier is putting its final issue to bed. Most notably, the first two weeks of May are national AP Exams, the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work. This is an opportunity for students to reflect on their year. Lag B’Omer festivities are the perfect opportunity to take a break from this work, join together and have fun as a community.

On the eve of Monday, May 8, Central seniors joined together at the home of their Senior Grade Dean, Mrs. Rivka Alter, who hosted the group for a bonfire and a chance to celebrate Lag B’Omer as a class amidst senior internships, APs, and Torah mini-classes. On Tuesday, May 9, Central hosted a schoolwide carnival to

celebrate Lag B’Omer, complete with a bouncy castle (with slide!), a ring toss, a milk smash, a Ferris wheel toss, cotton candy, and popcorn. That afternoon, as part of our Mental Health awareness month, Central students were treated to iMove with DJ Naz, giving students an opportunity for a mid-afternoon dance session – on Kangoo shoes, no less, as Central students from all classes were found bouncing through the hallways.

Needless to say, this year’s Lag B’Omer festivities will make for lasting memories. And the good times do not stop there – next Monday and Tuesday, the junior class will travel to Split Rock Resort in the Poconos, while the following week, the senior class will have its traditional end-of-year retreat celebration at Camp Kaylie. In June, the freshman and sophomore classes will be celebrating the completion of the year with a trip to Six Flags!

Children and flowers bloom at Shulamith ECC

Color War at HANC

On Tuesday and Wednesday, HANC middle school students cheered and rallied each other in Color War. The blue team and the orange team competed for top place in a variety of fields including cake decorating, flag football, softball, relay races, knockerball and more. On Tuesday, it was the athletic competition with the entire day filled with knockerball, gelly-ball and

sports. On Wednesday, the teams were challenged in a trivia competition and an Apache relay race.

Color war was a great way for students to build new relationships and experience collaboration and sportsmanship. Thank you to Mrs. Morey, Mr. Potok and Rabbi Dworetsky who made these two days possible!

YOSS fourth graders celebrated Lag B’Omer by using fractions to make s’mores

Flag Football Roundup

This past Friday was week 7 of FM Home Loans 5 Towns Flag Football. We overall had an amazing week and can’t wait for Playoffs this coming Friday.

In the Pre-1A division, under the direction of Rabbi Jeremy Fine, the boys worked on their catching in the end zone skills, and they are really making amazing progress.

In the 1st grade division, the Patriots defeated the Jets with an amazing interception that led to a touchdown by Dovi Zelman, and the Broncos defeated the Giants,

In the 2nd grade division, the Patriots tied with the Giants. The Vikings defeated the Commanders with Abie Myers’s short catches and touchdown. The Broncos defeated the Texans, and the Jets defeated the Eagles

In the 3rd and 4th grade division, the Saints tied with the Falcons. The Panthers defeated the Seahawks. The Patriots defeated the Giants. The Packers de -

feated the Vikings with Moshe Austein’s insane three touchdowns at the end of the first half. The Broncos defeated the Eagles with Akiva Yudin’s amazing defense. The Jets defeated the Raiders, and the Steelers over Dolphins.

In the 5th and 6th grade division, the Steelers defeated the Panthers with Issac Padeh’s TDP and defense. The Giants tied with the Packers. The Saints defeated the Broncos. The Dolphins defeated the Patios. The Seahawks defeated the Falcons with Pinny Bergen’s game winning touchdown, and the Raiders defeated the Jets.

In the 7th and 8th grade division, the Broncos defeated the Jets with Elisha Weber’s overall amazing performance after coming back from a broken foot.

The Eagles defeated the Vikings with Tzvi Cohen’s miss on an opponent and two touchdowns. The Giants tied with the Patriots.

Looking forward to what should be competitive playoffs games.

CAHAL Lag B’Omer at TAG

The CAHAL first grade class at TAG, led by Morahs Deena Schwartz and Keren Englard, participated in the Lag B’Omer celebration with the entire school. The children enjoyed the blow-up rides and barbeque lunch. 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.

Generations Day at HANC

HANC’s Elementary School in West Hempstead hosted some very special visitors this past week. In commemoration of “Generations Day,” each class invited their grandparents or other important family guests to visit the school and engage in an interactive program with their young grandchildren. In kindergarten and first grade, the grandparents were treated to a delightful performance by the youngest students, who sang a loving song in Hebrew about their “Savta and Saba.” The children then joined their guests at the tables and decorated a flowerpot that contained a succulent plant. Using glittering gems and shapes, together they designed their planter, and added a photograph of the family members on a photo stand that was placed in the soil. After enjoying a pastry and fresh fruit snack, the families engaged in playing a Shavuot-themed bingo game together. Before the program concluded, the grandparents were gifted with a tote bag that contained of school swag branded with the theme of the year “Let’s Grow Together.”

The next day, the second and third grade students invited their grandparents to school to share in the highlight of each week: the Shabbat Assembly. In addition to singing songs together to usher in Shabbat, the students enjoyed stories about the middot tovot among the student body, which gave the grandparents tremendous pride in the Torah learning that takes place each day in HANC. Singing, dancing, and the weekly raffle for fun prizes made the experience complete.

The fourth through sixth grade stu-

Color War, Lag B’Omer, Nissim Black, and Janice Hechter at YCQ

“Color War Breakout!” When superstar Nissim Black said those three words via video to the Junior High School, cheers erupted in the lunchroom. After the teams Aish (orange) vs. Mayim (blue) and their respective leaders were announced, the activities began.

Friday afternoon featured the boys playing football, soccer, and basketball in the yard while the sixth grade girls ran across the multi-purpose room in an action-packed game of Coke and Pepsi. Meanwhile in the gym, the seventh and eighth grade girls competed in a game of dodgeball. The day concluded with musical chair competitions throughout the building. After an afternoon of action, students headed home to rest up over shabbat for 2 more days of friendly competition.

After tefillah on Monday, students from each team presented Divrei Torah connected to their respective team theme. A breakfast filled with team cheers gave students energy for a busy day.

The morning was filled with competitions in freeze dance, cake wars, Family Feud, a “talk-a-lot” activity, hockey, basketball, dodgeball, and Torah Bowl.

ous! This Color War was closely fought by both teams, and a great time was had by all.

While of course, students enjoyed the days of activities, this was more than just a fun time. YCQ strongly believes in the pairing of a strong academic program with education outside of the classroom. Color War was a tremendous opportunity for experiential education. Every single student had the chance to apply their individual talents and strengths. From athletes to artists, to techies to Torah bowlers, everyone had the chance to shine and develop their personal and collaborative skills, alongside their leadership abilities. These opportunities truly enable students to develop a healthy sense of self-worth and confidence that will help them mature into successful Bnei and Bnot Torah.

dents invited their grandparents to Wednesday night Mishmar. This gave the grandparents a truly special opportunity to learn Torah together with their grandchildren, and to see firsthand how HANC expands and enhances the Torah learning of each child. After the learning was complete, the families were treated to a delicious dinner provided by Oma’s Grill. It was evident on all of the faces of the grandparents after each event that this chance to spend quality time with their young grandchildren in school was a welcomed addition to the family memory bank, one that they will cherish for years to come. The children were also thrilled to see their grandparents during the school day and truly enjoyed sharing this experience with them.

But wait, there’s more! After lunch and more divrei Torah, everyone turned to participate in and watch the amazing Apache relay race. Students participated in wacky activities such as flipping a water bottle 5 times or moving a ping pong ball with a spoon in their mouths and then passing a baton when the task was completed.

Trivia competitions, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader, team meetings, and a debate were some of the many activities that students participated in for the rest of the day.

To celebrate Lag Ba’Omer and the final day of Color War, students spent Tuesday morning outdoors. The talmidim ventured to Cunningham Park while the talmidot went to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Students enjoyed the beautiful weather playing sports and enjoying the fresh air. When they returned to school, students had a delicious BBQ lunch waiting for them.

After tallying up all the scores, Rabbi Landsman announced that Team Aish, the orange team, had emerged victori-

The Elementary School had an exciting Color War of their own to celebrate Lag Ba’Omer. Students in Grades 1-5 had a fun-filled day at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Four teams competed in friendly competitions in the park and around school.

The Junior High had the incredible opportunity to hear from Nissim Black on Wednesday, May 10. He told students all about his remarkable spiritual life journey and gave YCQ a taste of his amazing rapping and musical talents. Special thanks to Mrs. Victoria Zirkiev for helping arrange this special experience.

The Early Childhood Program had a blast on Lag B’Omer! Kindergarten students went on a trip to Fort Totten Park to learn about insects and nature, while Nursery students enjoyed a clown and bubble show at YCQ.

Grades 2 and 3 had a special author and illustrator visit with Janice Hechter. They learned about the writing process and read one of her books together. Thank you to Ms. Hechter, Mrs. Etta, and the YCQ PTO.

Students at HAFTR Celebrate Lag B’Omer

HAFTR’s Early Childhood, Lower School, and Middle School students had a blast on Tuesday, May 9 as they celebrated Lag B’Omer. The day was filled with fun-packed activities and celebrations.

At HAFTR Early Childhood, the festivities began with an upsherin celebration for Alec Slotnick. The Pre-K students then went on a field trip to Cedarhurst Park, where they had a great time playing games and having fun. Some parents even joined in on the fun, making it a special day for everyone. Our two- and three-year-olds had special outdoor gym programs. One of the best parts of the day was when everyone got to build their own s’mores!

The fun continued at HAFTR Lower School, where each grade had Field Day with their coach, Mr. W. Fourth grade students and teachers extended their field day and enjoyed a kickball game at Cedarhurst Park. First grade morot grilled

up a storm for the annual first grade BBQ and the PTA sponsored fifth grade BBQ and treats were a hit with everyone. Of course, stories and lessons about the meaning of the day were shared in every classroom and on the field.

At HAFTR Middle School, the celebrations took a different turn, with a range of special Lag B’Omer learning sessions and fun activities throughout the day. The students had a great time playing Laser Tag in their own multipurpose room. The 8th grade girls had a students vs. staff basketball game with their Morot, while the boys enjoyed playing sports outside. The PTA also sponsored a BBQ for them, which the students thoroughly enjoyed.

The day was filled with fun and excitement, and the students at HAFTR Early Childhood, Lower School, and Middle School had a fantastic time celebrating Lag B’Omer.

On Lag B’Omer, talmidim at Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim went to Epic Escape Rooms to work on achdus and comradery

Lighting Up the Night and Day at SKA Lag B’Omer at TAG

The students of the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls observed Lag B’Omer in spectacular fashion as they gathered for bonfires and achdut on Monday evening, May 8. The homes of SKA Principal, Religious Studies Mrs. Elisheva Kaminetsky, Ninth Grade Level Advisor Mrs. Jaclyn Joszef, and the Goodstein and Mandel families were lit up with the warmth of the celebrations.

Continuing the festivities the next day, SKA’s faculty and students competed in a fierce elimination game held outside in the beautiful yard of the school in addition to participating in other outdoor entertainment and just chilling!

Delicious treats from the ice cream

truck parked on the school grounds further enhanced our Lag B’Omer celebration!

Entering the TAG building on Lag B’Omer, TAG talmidos were greeted by two enormous standing balloon candles to light the way to all the many activities and fun that surrounded the special events. Moon bounces, picnics, barbecues, concerts, arts and craft projects were just some of the activities that each talmidah got to enjoy. Thanks to Shira Chatzinoff, who was instrumental in putting all the pieces together, and

Shevach Faces Today’s Technology Challenges Head On

Shevach High School is always at the forefront of providing experiences that broaden their students’ minds, while inspiring them to reach higher in their Avodas Hashem. Tuned into the challenges of technology today, Shevach is committed to giving its talmidos the tools needed to withstand these challenges and the desire to do so. To that end, Shevach Menaheles, Mrs. Shulamith Insel, invited Mr. Ronnie Adjmi to address the school.

Mr. Adjmi, a successful businessman, has made it his mission to educate people on the dangers of smartphones and how to limit our dependence on this

type of technology. He is eager to share that he runs his entire business with a flip phone. Mr. Adjmi explained that he used to own a smartphone, but upon hearing from his Rav how detrimental this technology could be spiritually, he took the difficult step of exchanging his smartphone for a flip phone. He did this despite the fear that without the ability to be in constant contact with his many clients, his business would plummet. To his surprise, and in spite of many dire predictions from friends and colleagues, he found that not only did he not lose any business, but that his business grew and is indeed better than ever.

Mr. Adjmi brought home the fact that a child’s mind is still developing until the age of 20, and screen time usurps that development. As the future mothers of Klal Yisroel, our high school girls need to be very careful with their life choices, and in particularly, their cell phone choices.

“Technology changes people’s minds,” said Mr. Adjmi. He cited studies that show that reading levels of children are down from what they were years ago. Children are not as focused as they once were. Their ability to soar in all areas is compromised due to the addictive nature of cell phones. Mr. Adjmi’s address was eye-opening and impactful.

to the mothers who came to help serve at the barbecue. Special thanks to the TAG’s Women’s League for sponsoring some of the events.

Kudos to Shevach’s Technology committee, Orit Beylus, Blimi Feder, Shira Hecht and Malka Neuman, who under the guidance of Mrs. Chaya Swerdloff, laid the groundwork for this inspiring address. Throughout the entire year they have been motivating the student body to minimize their cell phone usage through many different incentives and rewards. After hearing Mr. Adgmi, the girls came away with an even deeper understanding and stronger resolve to rise above today’s nisiyonos.

HAFTR Performances

Broadway has come to HAFTR Middle and High Schools! The stage is a great place for students to step out of their comfort zone and take chances that they had never before imagined. The middle school students at HAFTR worked hard for months learning the music, dances and blocking for “Annie Jr.” on stage. When the show day finally came, the students were ready and gave a fantastic performance that ended with a standing ovation from the audience.

The High School students had the best time taking on the comedic horror

story “Little Shop of Horrors.” This show was a challenge as turning a horror show into a comedy is not an easy feat for even the most advanced actor. The show contains sets and props that are complex in both size and mechanics. Nevertheless, the HAFTR students took this show head on and excelled in all areas. On stage, the audience laughed, cried and screamed in horror as a six-foot plant decided it wanted to swallow the cast. These students truly deserve a kol hakavod for their yearlong effort and an excellent performance.

Ishay Ribo Makes History Headlining Madison Square Garden Arena

Ishay Ribo is set to make history as he takes the stage at the Madison Square Garden Arena on Sunday, September 3. Live Nation, the leading international production company, has chosen Ishay Ribo to be part of its prestigious lineup of international singers this year.

The concert, which is being produced in partnership with Bnei Akiva of The United States and Canada, a movement at the forefront of connecting Israel to the North American Jewish community, is projected to be the biggest Jewish concert ever. With the internationally acclaimed Live Nation team leading the production alongside Davidson Management, the event is set to be on a caliber never seen before in Jewish music. Exquisite artwork, set design, and superb sound quality are just some of the features that will set this concert apart from anything done before.

The event will be part of Ribo’s annual Elul tour, known for its uniquely soulful and inspiring concerts where the artist weaves together traditional High Holiday melodies with his own music. The songs chosen for the tour have been updated and revised from previous years, with tracks specially selected to fit with the theme of the tour.

Since launching his first Album in 2011, Ribo has gained huge populari-

ty across the Jewish spectrum. He has managed to captivate diverse audiences throughout the frum world as well as Jews from secular backgrounds, both in Israel and abroad.

Over the past four years, Ribo has performed for tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans throughout the United States at renowned music venues such as Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre, New York’s United Palace, Miami’s Hard Rock Live, Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and the historic sold-out performance at Arthur Ashe Stadium last May.

Recently, The New York Times, one of the world’s most influential newspapers, featured a profile article delving into Ribo’s remarkable success, particularly among secular audiences in Israel and the United States.

In addition to his continued accomplishments in the United States, Ishay Ribo has graced stages worldwide, including London’s Palladium Theatre, Théâtre Mogador in Paris, Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne, Australia, as well as Sydney, Toronto, and more. He is scheduled to perform in Montreal next week and will embark on a tour to South Africa in November.

Tickets are now available at IshayRibo.com

The Lev Chana 3 year nursery finished the alef bet and celebrated with a siyum

MTA Celebrates Lag B’Omer HANC Middle School TNL

MTA talmidim enjoyed a special BBQ to celebrate Lag B’Omer last week. The delicious food was grilled up by a team of culinarily skilled eleventh graders. Dancing broke out as the talmidim and rebbeim excitedly celebrated the joyous day.

The week also saw incredible grade trips. The 10th and 11th grades headed to Philadelphia for outdoor laser tag and a Phillies game. The 9th grade took on the rapids on an awesome whitewater rafting trip.

This year, HANC Middle School launched a program called TNL or Thursday Night Learning. For the first half of the school year, on many Thursday nights, about 15-20 students would gather for dinner and learning in the 609 building. It was extremely enjoyable and very well received.

In fact, it was so well received that we decided to extend it to the adults. Earlier in the second half of the year, we had a father/son/grandfather/special person program in West Hempstead. On Thurs -

day, May 4, we held a mother/daughter/ grandmother/special person program in West Hempstead, and on May 8, we held a program for the Oceanside HANC community for students in grades 5-8 and their families. All of the programs were very well attended. They included a beautiful dinner catered by Saulys and an amazing learning program. The program included a source sheet, family learning, and then a culminating shiur with Rabbi Hecht.

Art at HANC

At HANC ECC, the Nursery Bet yeladim have been studying different art forms for our upcoming Art Gallery.

One of the forms that Morah Temira and Morah Tova’s class worked on is photography. The children took turns taking pictures of each other and the nature all around them.

Morah Caryn and Morah Yael’s class learned about the artist Jackson Pollock. They created their own “Jackson Pollock” masterpieces on the ECC veranda. They took off their shoes and socks, rolled up their pants, put on their smocks and got messy! Even though the paint got everywhere, they had a lot of fun!

5TLL Week 6

It was double the fun at the 5TLL by FM Home Loans this past Sunday as the boys enjoyed a double-header! 5 Towns Little League also honored Dee’s Day with an Israeli Flag hung by the entrance and every boy received a tote bag from Maidenbaum, the Dee’s Day sponsor.

K/P Baseball & Soccer Highlights

K/P Baseball: Yaakov Marx of Stone Group had a great hit with 2 RBIs & Moshe Silberberg played a fantastic first base.

K/P Soccer: Maidenbaum played a well defensive game led by GAME MVP Yitzchak Hertz in their win over Island Roofing! Haim Kramer made some incredible saves for Island Roofing in the loss.

1st/2nd Soccer: Wieder Orthodontics defeated Shana B Interiors 4-0 to win the first 5-game series of the season! Daniel Fuchs of Shana B Interiors won the Skill Challenge - completing the course in 15 seconds!

Minors (1st-3rd) Baseball Highlights

1st Grade: Asher Fogel knocked a big 3-run HR as Island Roofing narrowly defeated Evolve Design Group 8 to 7. SBS Energy Improvement beat Town Appliance 5 to 1 behind the bat of Moshe Beiss who knocked a 3 run HR. Zevi Berman homered in Wieder Orthodontics win against Evolve Design Group. Shimon Muller hit a clutch grand slam in the last inning to help Built By Nate defeat Maidenbaum.

2nd Grade; Mordechai Reisz had an amazing performance in the field for

Color War at Shulamith

At Shulamith, color war is the most eagerly anticipated activity of the year, and it never fails to provide opportunities for growth in many areas. Students have the opportunity to learn how to work as a team, to get to know girls from other grades, and to enjoy a period of increased school spirit and achdut. This year’s teams were centered around the theme of Yom V’Laila, with Teams Yellow and Blue participating in the many Color War activities and presentations including banners, songs, dances, and video presentations. The creativity, teamwork, and determination exhibited by each team was truly remarkable. Team Laila (Blue) were the

winners of the competition, but the truth is that everyone left the building feeling like a winner! Thank you to Mrs. Michelle Farbman for making this color war possible.

Island Roofing in their close 3-2 victory over Alpert Financial. Ari Pearlman delivered for Marciano Pediatric Dentistry with some nice hits in their 14-9 win over Posh Home & Bath 14 to 9. Built by Nate played a close hard-fought game! Nojo had a 10-6 lead in the last inning but Built by Nate came storming back –scoring 3 runs & threatening to take the lead but gold-glove Shmuel Pollak made the 5TLL play of the day with an amazing game-winning catch to win the game 10-9 for Built By Nate. In their 2nd game of the double-header Marciano Pediatric Dentistry defeated Alpert Financial 6 to 0 behind an incredible Anthony Rizzo-esque performance at 1st base from Sammy Schwartz.

3rd Grade: Game MVP Eliezer Eckstein hit an incredible opposite field homer to help Elegant Lawns defeat Town Appliance 6-2.Momo Friedman made an excellent catch in Stone Group’s win. Traditions had a great day Sunday. During the first game of the double-header, Chaim Indig, Menachem Gold and Noam Cohen had back-to-back-to-back homeruns leading the Traditions team to a win 12 to 9 against JNT. In their 2nd game, they flashed the leather with gold glove plays in the outfield by Alex Schoenblum and Solly Schattner, leading Traditions to a 3-2 nailbiter win over Stone Group.

Majors (4th & up) Baseball Highlights

4th Grade: Yehuda Pultman had an amazing pitching performance for Marciano Pediatric Dentistry in their 4-2 victory Island Roofing. Alpert Financial

beat Built by Nate 5 to 2. Levi Jeger was the difference, hitting a three run dinger in the victory. Avi Grinberg had 8 strikeouts in CG Floorings victory over Evolve Design Group. Island Roofing jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back, going on to defeat Built By Nate 9-3. Aharon Levitin hit an absolute monster HR in Wieder Orthodontic’s 6-1 win over Maidenbaum. Shua Friedman hit a walk-off single for Town Appliance as they defeated Marciano Dentistry 5-4.

5th Grade: Mordechai Markowitz hit a 3 run homer in Town Appliance’s 3-1 win over Posh Home & Bath. Ezra Berger of Island Roofing hit a grand slam in the first inning, but it was not enough as Posh Home & Bath went on to win 8-6

6th Grade: Dov Solomon pitched a nearly perfect first few innings for BayRock Insurance as they went on to win 5-1 over Stone Group. In Bayrocks 2nd game Zevi Taitlebaum hit a mammoth

HR as BayRock capped off a great day with a 6-4 win over JNT! Avi Ganz recorded 5 K’s in his team’s win Sunday.Ali Belsky hit a bomb HR in Stone Group’s decisive victory.

7th/8th Grade: Elegant Lawns took a 7 to 1 lead to the last inning but Posh Home & Bath came storming back, scoring 4 runs and then loaded the bases but Moshe Jacobs made an incredible play, tagging the runner out to end the game! Elegant Lawns 8 to 3 over JNT. Gavi Shore had some clutch hard hits in Elegant Lawns 8-3 win over JNT!

5TLL Game of the Week

In 5th grade, team Maidenbaum was down 4-2 heading into the last inning vs Carving Block but they knew the game was not over. Meir Greenfield hit a game-tying 2-run homer run and Yitzchak Herz followed up with a walkoff homerun to give Maidenbaum the 5-4 comeback victory!

Yeshiva Darchei Torah seventh grade talmidim who are in the E2K program of the Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE) learning all about rocket science

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato is proud to announce the expansion of the LIRR’s City Ticket program to the Far Rockaway station. Riders will now be able to travel to Manhattan for just $5 a ticket during off-peak times.

HALB Competes in Math Tournament

Math

a team of 7th

8th grade students to compete in the Michael

teachers Mrs. Auman and Mr. Panicker brought

and

and Irina Kimyagarov Math Tournament hosted

by Bnos Malka Academy. Congratulations to Arielle Katz who placed first in the individual round and to our eighth grade team who tied for first in the group round!

Morah Shanna Katz’s kindergarten students at Yeshiva Darchei Torah made their own Lag B’Omer “fire”

Over 150 Female Lay Leaders Convene at Orthodox Union’s Women’s Initiative Leadership Summit

Over 150 experienced and emerging female lay leaders from 40 cities across the U.S. and Israel recently drew inspiration, exchanged ideas and fostered connections at the Orthodox Union’s Women’s Initiative Leadership Summit at the Sheraton Eatontown Hotel in Eatontown, New Jersey.

Geared for community builders of all ages, the two-day biennial summit launched in 2019 offers participants a chance to learn, grow and network with fellow professionals while learning best practices and honing communication, leadership and fundraising skills in a relaxed environment.

“Seeing so many impressive women leaders gathered in one room to invest in themselves and their communities gives me a sense of optimism for our future,” said OU Women’s Initiative Director Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman, a featured speaker who also delivered the opening and closing remarks.

Rivka Ravitz, who served as chief of staff to former Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, delivered the keynote address on “Behind the Scenes of State Leadership—A Personal View.” Participants were moved by her personal story of raising 12 children while maintaining her high-profile role and remaining steadfast in her faith.

The summit’s 35 presenters included

Barbara Gottesman, founder of California-based BGCoaching & Consulting and a motivational speaker; Baltimore’s Dr. Leslie Ginsparg Klein, academic dean of Women’s Institute of Torah Seminary/ Maalot; Brooklyn’s Cindy Darrison, director of Organizational Advancement of HASC Center Inc., an educational nonprofit involved with school-based Holocaust education; New York’s Rachel Cyrulnik, founder of RAISE, a consulting firm specializing in resource development for nonprofit organizations; and Baltimore’s Chana Siff, Executive Director of the Neuberger Family Foundation.

Attendees chose from 33 sessions including “Trust or Bust: Building the Critical Foundation for Successful Organizations,” “The Art of Productive Nonprofit Boards,” “Effecting Change: Leadership Lessons from Women in Tanach,” and “Crowdfunding for the First Time.” Themes focused on collaboration, addressing common challenges, achieving successes and making a communal impact. Topics spanned everything from budgeting and effective communication to team-building and volunteer retention.

Assigned lunch-seating facilitated the cultivation of new relationships and professional connections, with women involved in similar initiatives grouped together. Joy Sklar of Bergenfield, New

Senior Seminars at Central

Central students spend their high school careers eagerly anticipating their Senior Seminars. Not only does the course mark a departure from the typical pattern of exams and term papers, but it also offers a chance to build a variety of real-world experiences and skills that, while often proving of crucial importance to someone on the cusp of adulthood, don’t often make their way to the classroom. This opportunity is predicated on the values that we teach and try to imbue in our students. Recent senior seminar topics have included marriage and Jewish family life, navigating Jewish life on campus, the kosher kitchen, financial literacy, and even car maintenance. But the class of 2023 is enjoying a new component to the Senior Seminar program: the opportunity to find a calling.

For the first time, Central seniors have

the option to complete an internship as a part of their seminar curriculum, giving graduates an early taste of life on the job. Central students will explore a variety of career options. Future teachers can be found at posts at early Jewish educators at SAR Academy, Yeshiva of South Shore, P.S. 154, and CAHAL. Seniors are also interning with dentists and hygienists, physical therapy practices, and doctors’ offices. Senior Rivka Sullivan, who was recently accepted to the prestigious YU/Albert Einstein College of Medicine Scholars Program, is interning at Spartan Anesthesia of Queens. “It was really enlightening to see the endoscopies and colonoscopies,” she said. “It was so interesting to be able to see inside the large intestines, esophagus, and stomach. It was especially exciting since we just dissected the fetal pig in AP Biology with Mrs.

Jersey, and Tzivia Weiss, of Houston Texas, were among two participants who developed an instant friendship based on their shared projects; both are working on consolidating all of the chesed resources in their respective regions so that they can be accessed on one cohesive website.

A networking room enabled attendees to meet with mentors, including OU Chief Human Resources Officer Josh Gottesman, and participants enjoyed night activities including learning at shiurim, swimming, exercising and painting. Said OU Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph: “The energy at the summit was palpable. I was blown away by the quality

of the programming and the level of detail-orientation that the conference planners actualized.”

OU Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer noted: “What we observe and experience in every realm is the immense power of joining with others in shared experiences of Torah study and Jewish activity. Via the OU’s Women’s Initiative, the Orthodox Union has prioritized creating community amongst women who engage together in meaningful Torah experiences and undertakings. The Women’s Initiative conference was an outstanding example of that, and it was a privilege to see the energy that it generated for participants.”

Fried. I got to see what I learned in the classroom come to life.”

Central students are also exploring industries within art, media, and design. Senior Sarah Weiss said, “I am interning at J Mark Interiors, located in the Five Towns. My favorite part of my internship is a project in which I have to design a home for a client using different fabric samples and the furniture in the storefront. I have always been interested in interior design, and it’s a really cool experience to be able to work with and learn from professionals.”

Some seniors chose to continue taking classes at Central, either instead of or in addition to their internships. A series of “mini-classes” was designed by the Central faculty to offer new perspectives on topics of emunah and living life as a Jewish woman. Class titles include

“The Jewish Perspective on Faith and Disagreement,” “20 Global Problems, 20 Years to Solve Them,” and “Choose Your Story, Change Your Life: The Power of Storytelling in the Torah and How It Can Influence the Way You Think.” Both programs require daily writing that asks the seniors to reflect on something they learned that day either in class or at work, something they struggled with, and something they enjoyed. These experiences and reflections will serve Central students well as they head toward graduation and become contributing members of the both the Jewish community and the world at large.

Graduation for Central’s class of 2023 will be held at Lamport Auditorium at Yeshiva University on Wednesday, June 7.

Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Schmidman

Rivka Ravitz

Lag B’Omer at the Shaar

Lag B’Omer at Yeshiva Darchei Torah

Celebrating the Sweetness of Torah at YOSS

This past week, marked a brandnew milestone at The Yeshiva of South Shore Mechina Division. The talmidim, together with their fathers/grandfathers, joined together to give kavod haTorah and celebrate the inaugural year of their Tuesday night mishmar. This mishmar program is unique in that it is completely optional, and yet was an amazing success! Every Tuesday evening, 7th & 8th grade talmidim came to “The Island Shul” and together with their chavrusos, they sat and they shteiged! No bells and whistles, no fanfare, and no over-the-top smorgasbord; just a group of highly motivated talmidim who appre -

ciate what it means to go to the Beis Medresh at night a learn! Each week, they heard divrei bracha from a local rav, rebbi, or rosh yeshiva, and each week they went home with the sweet feeling of true accomplishment.

To celebrate this special program, they invited participants together with their fathers and grandfathers to join together for an evening of Torah and song, and the event was truly something special! As one parent noted, “This was one of the most powerful and inspiration events I ever participated in.”

The 6th grade talmidim were also invited, and encouraged to join this mish-

mar when it resumes next year ,and by the time the singing and dancing was over, they were eagerly awaiting to join the mishmar. Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Rosh Yeshiva, expressed that every single talmid has a spark inside of him that is being fanned and strength-

ened each time he chooses to do more, and that this mishmar is something that they should be so proud to be a part of. In a world where the question often is “do I have to?”, it is so powerful to witness a group of boys who come and learn each week because “I want to!”

Bais Medrash Heichal Dovid in Lawrence hosted a Lag B’Omer event for the Shaar program at the home of Rabbi Eli and Estee Kopel

Photos by Yoel Hecht

Largest Daf Yomi Shiur Ever in 5 Towns / Far Rockaway

By Ezriel Tzvi Gantz

Excitement is in the air with the announcement that famed Daf Yomi maggid shiur Reb Eli Stefansky will be delivering a rare series of live shiurim to begin Maseches Gittin.

Though Reb Eli has delivered shiurim in New York in the past, they were either given at a siyum or as a spontaneous shiur in the middle of a masechta. This will be the first time that Reb Eli comes to the U.S. specifically to deliver shiurim to begin a masechta. If you have been waiting to join Daf Yomi until a new masechta, or if you are ready to reignite the spark of learning in your life, this is your chance!

The shiur in the Five Towns/ Far Rockaway area will take place at 11:00 p.m. on Motzaei Shabbos, May 20 at the White Shul (728 Empire Ave.) [Daf 5] Register at DafYomiLive.com.

Reb Eli delivers his shiurim from the Mercaz Daf Yomi beis midrash in Ramat Beit Shemesh, and his shiur is often referred to by the initials of the building, MDY. He spends upward of 14 hours a day preparing his shiur, which contains illustrative and informative charts to clearly explain the daf. In the past year, Reb Eli also introduced high-level animation to make complicated sugyos easy to understand and remember.

There’s a unique blend of charts, graphs, animation, humor, singing, and more. Once you’ve been a part of the shiur for a few months, you will be amazed at the changes in your life and at how much knowledge you have amassed.

Reb Eli and MDY have transformed the Torah landscape by encouraging thousands of Jews to join Daf Yomi mid-cycle. In the past, people began learning Daf Yomi at the beginning of every cycle – once every seven and half years. Now, it has become commonplace to join at the beginning of a new masechta, and often even in the middle of a masechta

MDY draws a wide range of Yidden From layman to rabbanim and roshei yeshivah, MDY has transformed the lives of countless participants. Reb Eli started small, giving his Daf Yomi shiur to just four people for eight years. After a period of explosive growth, his shiur members reached 15,000. Now you, too, can see

and experience what so many thousands of others are part of every day. And even better, you can do it live!

With so many living in the New York area, Reb Eli decided to embark on his first-ever New York-area tour with live shiurim in Brooklyn, Monsey, Queens, the Five Towns, and Lakewood. Over 500 people are expected to be in attendance at the 5 Towns / Far Rockaway shiur motzei Shabbos – perhaps the largest in-person Daf Yomi shiur ever delivered in the area.

Many people wonder: What’s the excitement all about? Why are so many people so devoted to this shiur that they even recruit others to join?

Don’t slip into that well-worn excuse: I’ll wait for another masechta.

No more waiting. This is your chance, right before Shavuos and Matan Torah.

Entrance is free, but space is limited and going quickly so register at DafYomiLive.com to reserve your spot. Choose your location:

Brooklyn: 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17 at Ateres Golda (1362 50th St.) [Daf 2]

Monsey: 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18 at Crowne Plaza Ballroom (3 Executive Blvd.) [Daf 3]

Queens: 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 19 at YCQ (147-37 70th Rd.) [Daf 4]

Five Towns: 11:00 p.m. on Motzaei Shabbos, May 20 at the White Shul (728 Empire Ave.) [Daf 5]

Lakewood: 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 21 at Ateres Reva (500 Summer Ave.) [Daf 6]

If you are a new member and pledge to join for at least seven shiurim, you get a FREE ArtScroll or Oz V’Hadar Gemara Gittin when you join!

Save your seat at DafYomiLive.com, and we will see you there!

Last week was packed with fun and excitement at BY5T. Lag B’Omer festivities began with the girls enjoying music and dancing around the bonfire and eating delicious s’mores! On

Wednesday, the fun continued with a trip to the park for a picnic, bubble activity and relay races. A great time was had by all!

Shulamith Wishes Morah Esther Kirschbaum Only Good Things

At the end of this school year, Morah Esther Kirschbaum will be retiring. Morah Esther’s career of over 25 years as an early childhood director is a testament to her passion for educational excellence. Shulamith School for Girls has benefitted from Morah Esther’s leadership. Under her guidance, Shulamith Early Childhood has grown and flourished. Her warmth, sincerity, and breadth of knowledge has been a source of inspiration and has greatly impacted

HANC H.S. Celebrates Lag B’Omer

Students at HANC High School started the Lag B’Omer festivities with an amazing bonfire led by Rabbi Hulkower. Students gathered around the fire, said tefillot and sang beautiful zemirot in honor of the day. All participants found the event to be meaningful.

Returning to a longstanding tradition, the entire student body and faculty continued the celebration of Lag B’Omer with an outing at Eisenhower Park. The weather was picture perfect and lent to the excitement as students boarded shuttle buses for the short trip to the park.

Various sports activities had been arranged which included basketball, soccer, kickball, ultimate Frisbee and football. The highlight of course was the restoration of the annual varsity softball team vs. the faculty, led by the majority of the Rabbinic faculty (clad in their uniforms) eager to show the students their athletic prowess.

Students started strong leading into the first inning but the faculty team settled in and ended up victorious. In the top of the last inning, Rabbi Weingot hit a three-run homer. Just as the students were making a comeback, Rabbi Weingot caught an amazing ball in left field, leading to a victory for the faculty. He was then titled as MVP for his amazing efforts out on the field.

The students had a wonderful morning which was topped off by a sponsored pizza lunch from the Parent Council. Thank you to Student Life for organizing an amazing Lag B’Omer and students are looking forward to continuing this tradition.

our faculty and students. We will miss her at Shulamith.

New Five Towns Organization Launching for Single Orthodox Women BYAM 7th Graders in Philadelphia

RISE is a new organization created to establish much-needed community and camaraderie for single Orthodox ladies. Our mission is to provide a supportive and empowering community for single Orthodox women to chill, learn, laugh, grow, and connect. At RISE, we believe that having a community behind and around us is essential to personal growth and happiness. RISE recognizes that being single in the Orthodox community can be a challenging experience, especially for those who may live far from family or work remotely, limiting their community integration.

Last week, the seventh graders at Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam had a wonderful experience in Philadelphia, visiting both the places of interest connected to American history as well as important Jewish sites such as the shul Mikveh Yisrael that has been around since the 1700s. One of the highlights was learning about the old Sifrei Torah there. The students also visited the Betsy Ross Museum, as well as the Franklin Institute. They rounded out the day by playing mini golf in a Philadelphia-themed course. On the way home, a student commented to a teacher that while the Constitution needed amend-

ments, our Torah has never changed and doesn’t need to change.

This sentiment and trip were aligned with the philosophy of the school, which strives to inject our yahadus into everything, including trips and curriculum.

The current sixth graders have been utilizing a World History curriculum that reflects this goal. While learning about each of the previous dynasties, they also learned about the empire’s effect on the Jewish people and the interconnection between what is learned in secular history and its overlap with the rich mesorah of the Jewish People.

Join us and discover a place where you can have fun, learn, and build meaningful connections with others. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind, try something new, or just connect with like-minded individuals, RISE has something for everyone. From paint night to spa night, interesting lectures to great food and company, we aim to cater to various interests. RISE plans to connect with partner organizations to provide networking opportunities, meet-theshadchan events, and community integration; all aimed at easing this stage for single women.

“Based on the feedback and outreach

Bas Mitzvah Mother-Daughter Event at BYAM

This past Sunday, Bais Yaakov

Ateres Miriam held their annual Mother/Daughter Bas Mitzvah event, arranged by Morah Bitan, middle school assistant principal. The room was beautifully decorated, and the girls took their seats next to their mothers. Morah Bitan presented a personalized name engraved Sefer Tehillim to each sixth grader. After receiving her Tehillim, each girl said something that she admires about her mother and would like to emulate. Each girl then presented her mother with a beautiful long-stemmed rose for the occasion. It was a very moving and emotional moment for mother and daughter.

Rabbi Nosson Neuman, Menahel, spoke from his heart. He ended by saying, “Although other nations of the world celebrate Mother’s Day once a year, we celebrate it every day. And nowhere is it more clear than by a Bas Mitzvah.

The mother/daughter relationship in Klal Yisroel is a bond that can never be broken. You, girls, are a link in the glorious chain of Imahos B’Yisroel.” Mrs. Zytman, principal, spoke and told the girls that true contentment and happiness comes from being close to Hashem. When people visit Eretz Yisroel they have a hard time leaving and want to go back as soon as possible. When they go to the Kosel, they can’t pull themselves away. Why? Because the Shechina is there, and we feel a closeness that we don’t usually feel. This makes us feel fulfilled and truly happy. She explained that this feeling doesn’t have to only happen in Eretz Yisrael. It can happen every time you do a mitzvah, a chessed, or keep yourself from doing or saying something you shouldn’t. When you fulfill Hashem’s will, you draw closer to Him and feel content and happy. It is one of the best

thus far, the desire and need for this kind of programming has become quite clear to us,” said Elisheva Cohen and Gittel Tova Grant, the organization’s founders. People are reaching out from across the greater New York area, spanning a large age range and geographic distance, showing us clear evidence of the need to build this community. The outpouring of interest we experienced over just one week has reinforced our commitment to launch RISE and create a living, breathing piece of belonging for singles in our communities. Our hope is to provide a space where single Orthodox ladies can come together and enjoy a range of social activities in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

RISE is having its inaugural event this coming Tuesday, May 23 at 7:45 pm in the Five Towns. Single women will enjoy a Caricature Class followed by a Couch Convo on “Caricatures in our Lives” followed by a S’mores Station. WhatsApp/text 347-418-2198 to RSVP.

For more information on the organization, including upcoming events and sponsorship details, please email rise5twns@gmail.com.

feelings one can have. That is the meaning of kirvas Elokim ki tov. Mrs. Zytman ended by telling the girls that being a bas mitzvah and mechuyav in mitzvos is something they should cherish, for they can now have a special relationship with Hashem. She gave them a bracha to con-

tinuously find contentment in doing so. The event ended with a jewelry making project that both mothers and daughters enjoyed. It was a beautiful event that no one wanted to leave. Mazal tov to the sixth grade.

Refreshing Wines for Shavuos

By Gabriel Geller, Rozal Wine/Kedem

While Pesach is officially Chag Ha’Aviv, the Holiday of the Spring, few people take the theme into consideration when choosing their wines. The truth is, spring weather is at its peak on Shavuos. With many of us having the custom of indulging in all sorts of dairy (AND meat!) delights to mark the gift of the Torah to the Jewish people, it is a great time (and excuse!) to pop some great white, rosé and lighter reds that make a better pairing with fish, cheesecake, pasta, etc. Let’s discover together some intriguing wines that will make your Shavuos meals truly special, while also keeping you fresh and alert to learn Torah all night long.

Château Genlaire, White, Bordeaux, 2021: There have been few kosher white wines hailing from Bordeaux. While most are good to excellent, they usually are on the expensive side. The Genlaire, however, is both quite refreshing and affordable. Please make sure to

serve it chilled but not too cold. With notes of Meyer lemon, hay, and earthy minerals, showcasing nice complexity and lively acidity, this is the perfect wine to pair with a cheese platter.

Yamas, Xynisteri, Cyprus, 2021: When reading the Pitum Haktores at the end of Mussaf, it is hard to relate to the term “Yayin Kafrisin,” Wine from Cyprus. Well, not anymore! Another great value wine from a rather “new” region to the kosher wine world, this zesty, tart yet fruity white has mouthwatering acidity and notes of lime, grapefruit, freshly cut grass, and green kiwi. It is made by no one other than Ido Lewinsohn, the famous Master of Wine and Technical Director of Barkan and Segal wineries in Israel. Best with either soft cheeses, creamy pasta, or some crunchy schnitzel. I know it is hard to stop smelling this wine, as its refreshing and floral aromas are apparent even to inexperienced wine drinkers, but it would be a shame to pass on sipping it!

Tabor Adama, Barbera Rosé,

2021: This wine is made in Israel, but the winemaker, Or Nidbach, was trained in the New World. Or’s wines are known for their remarkable freshness, and while it’s already close to two years old, the Tabor Adama Rosé is a perfect example of a rosé that has retained its vibrant fruit. While the color is a rather deep pink, this wine is bursting with floral, herbaceous and citrusy notes. It will go wonderfully well with gravlax, salads, or grilled chicken.

Tura, Mountain Vista, Pinot Noir, 2021: The terroir where this estate-grown Pinot Noir is grown combines a relatively warm climate with mountainous, rich mineral soils that retain rain and thanks to sharp temperature variations between the day and night times, the natural acidity is preserved. The result is a fuller-bodied wine with strong, ripe red fruit aroma, earthy minerals, roasted meat, herbs, and spices. If you have some fleishig meals over Shavuos, this will be a great wine to pair with BBQ lamb chops, short ribs or empanadas.

Mercaz Academy’s Lag B’Omer Bonfire and Barbecue

Mercaz Academy students enjoyed a colorful few days of fun at their Plainview school. Color Shalom, a field day in celebration of Lag B’Omer, is unlike any ordinary “color war,” although it allows students to have fun competing as teams to win points. However, at Mercaz Academy, the competing teams are not viewed as enemies, but as potential collaborators and boosters – in fact, one of the categories in which teams competed was how well they cheered on and assisted one another. The event was run by sixth graders, who displayed leadership, initiative, and a real flair for creative planning.

Mercaz Academy students, teachers, administrators, lay leaders, and their families topped off the exciting Lag B’Omer activities at the PTA’s Lag

B’Omer Bonfire and Barbecue. Older students and teens, many of them alumni of the school, played sports on our spacious green as younger children jumped in bounce houses, played on the playground equipment, and ran joyously through the crowd. Members of the PTA and friends manned the barbecue, keeping enormous quantities of hamburgers and hotdogs coming to go with coleslaw, chips, and all the fixings. Meanwhile, under the careful supervision of the Plainview Fire Department, the bonfire roared and sparkled, reminding students of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and the light of Torah.

Lag B’Omer ends the mourning period for the students of Rabbi Akiva and marks the first day of the Omer on which many can cut their hair. At Mer -

caz, haircutting served a communal goal – a professional barber was on hand for students who wanted to donate at least eight inches of hair to make wigs for sick children. Several Mercaz students opted to perform this mitzvah, and they are

Herzog, Lineage, Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County, 2022: This Sauvignon Blanc contrasts other new world examples of this variety, with less of an emphasis on the citrusy and grassy notes, but more of an interesting cocktail of stone summer fruits such as white peach and apricot and tropical notes of papaya and guava. The rounder profile makes it a great companion to herb-crusted veal chops, or trout baked in butter and almonds.

Have a wonderful yom tov, l’chaim!

easily recognized by their adorable bobs and generous hearts.

The evening ended with cookies, juice, and many memories of lighthearted fun.

Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s eighth grade enjoyed a trip upstate on Lag B’Omer to the Yeshiva’s Camp Oraysa

The Eternal Wisdom of Pirkei Avos

by Rabbi Yechiel Spero ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications

During this time of year, many devote time to study the timeless words of Pirkei Avos. In ArtScroll’s new The Eternal Wisdom of Pirkei Avos, Rabbi Yechiel Spero uses marvelous, poignant, true stories and penetrating insights to bring the messages of each Mishnah in Pirkei Avos into our everyday lives. Each Mishnah includes an insight, a story, and a practical takeaway for us to internalize these vital life lessons.

This bestselling author, master teacher and gifted storyteller will show you how the ageless wisdom of Pirkei Avos will improve and enrich your life.

It’s Your Life. Live It Well. Let “Avos” Show You How.

The shidduch not working out and you are so upset. Take a hint how to behave from Rav Chaim Volozhin, who learned it from Rabban Gamliel – in Pirkei Avos.

It’s just one of those days when nothing goes right for you. Time to read about the cheder rebbe who lost the $10,000 he’d borrowed for his child’s wedding, but who did not lose his temper or composure, because of something he’d learned from Ben Azai – in Pirkei Avos.

You try and you try and you try ... and you don’t succeed in learning. See what the Steipler had to say to a struggling bachur and how Rabbi Chalafta ben Dosa solved the problem – in Pirkei Avos.

For more than 1,000 years, Jews have spent long summer Shabbos afternoons studying the holy words of Pirkei Avos

Amazingly, the wisdom the Tannaim shared with us two millennia ago is still relevant, still contemporary – still guiding us to live the best lives we can.

In The Eternal Wisdom of Pirkei Avos, master teacher and storyteller Rabbi Spero shares with us an insight, a story, and a takeaway for every Mishnah in Pirkei Avos. By combining the brilliant understanding of the Tannaim with stories as contemporary as today, Rabbi Spero offers us a powerful way to bring the messages of Pirkei Avos into our daily challenges and experiences, enhancing our relationships and bringing new, joyful meaning to our lives.

The following is an excerpt from Perek 1 of Pirkei Avos.

Grabbing the Opportunity

Yose ben Yochanan, leader of Yerushalayim, says: Let your house be open wide; treat the poor as members of your household…

(Avos 1:5)

Yose Ben Yochanan Ish Yerushalayim teaches that one should open his house to guests and that poor people should be treated as members of his household.

The sefer Otzar Margaliyos (p. 170) wonders why the Mishnah reveals the hometowns of Yose ben Yochanan and Yose ben Yoezer in these Mishnayos What difference does it make where they come from?

There is a difference in mindset between large cities and smaller ones. Yose ben Yoezer came from Tzereidah, a small town. Thus, he felt it prudent to teach the people of his small village the importance of respecting and honoring

talmidei chachamim. While villagers, with constant passersby through their towns, may excel at hachnasas orchim, they have little exposure to gedolim and Torah scholars, and they require guidance in revering Torah giants.

In the large cities, though, people have a tendency to focus more on the talmidei chachamim, who frequent larger cities, as men of means compete to show honor to their respected visitors.

Often, however, the poor and indigent get brushed aside. It is for this reason that Yose ben Yochanan of Yerushalayim taught the importance of opening one’s home to the poor. Yerushalayim was a large city where they excelled in respecting talmidei chachamim

Gedolim lived in the city and Torah giants often came by. But he suspected that the residents may be lacking in their overall hachnasas orchim, so his words focused on the needy and the importance of opening one’s home wide to all kinds of guests.

Rabbeinu Bachya (Shemos 25:23) mentions that it was customary for people to fashion their coffins from their dining room tables. Obviously, this was not done due to a lack of wood.

Rather, there was great meaning to this custom. Just as the Mizbe’ach facilitated atonement for one’s sins, our “mizbechos,” our tables, where we provide food and drink to our guests, help us gain atonement for our sins, as well. The table’s components serve as an appropriate coffin, as they invoke merit for the chesed performed at the table.

There are costs to hosting guests. There is the financial burden of buying extra food, as well as the emotional strain and lack of privacy. The effort takes its toll. Nonetheless, the Gemara (Shabbos 127a; Shevuos 35b) reveals that hosting guests is greater than greeting the Shechinah.

Certainly, this sublime mitzvah is a worthy investment, an opportunity worth grabbing.

Rav Aryeh Levin, the tzaddik of Yerushalayim, once approached Reb Yaakov Yosef Herman and asked if he knows anyone who sells “Rav Nesanel Sofer” retzuos, tefillin straps. Rav Nesanel’s retzuos were reputed as the absolute finest, and Rav Aryeh’s had become torn.

Reb Yaakov Yosef asked Rav Aryeh

how much money he was willing to spend, and Rav Aryeh responded, “Up to two lirot,” a large sum in those days. Impressed, Reb Yaakov Yosef told him he would procure the retzuos for him. A short while later, Reb Yaakov Yosef brought the retzuos to Rav Aryeh, and Rav Aryeh handed him the money.

Rav Aryeh was curious as to how Reb Yaakov Yosef had managed to procure such rare retzuos on such short notice. Reb Yaakov Yosef explained, “I, too, owned retzuos from Rav Nesanel Sofer and I know how precious and rare they are. Yet I also know the value of the mitzvah of hachnasas orchim. Throughout my life, I was able to provide for my guests, but lately, our funds have been depleted and, because of this, I am concerned I won’t be able to continue having guests.

“So I sold you my own retzuos. I can buy less costly retzuos and use the extra money to host guests for the next month.”

One month of guests versus a lifetime of the best retzuos.

Reb Yaakov Yosef chose the mitzvah of hachnasas orchim.

Rav Aryeh was amazed by Reb Yaakov Yosef’s commitment and sacrifice for his guests, and grateful that the money he spent on his retzuos would serve a worthy cause.

Reb Yaakov Yosef Herman was dubbed the Avraham Avinu of his generation. His exemplary generosity to guests of all stripes was legendary. This incident was far from the only one that earned him such accolades, but it crystallizes just how much importance he attached to this mitzvah.

~TAKEAWAY~

The next time you are given an opportunity to host a fellow Jew, grab it.

It may just be one of the most worthwhile investments you ever make.

Chava Willig Levy, A”H WiTh love

By Mindy Sussman

There’s a deep void in my heart, a gaping hole in my neshama, So hard to accept – to find some nechama. My precious friend and soul-mate, Chavi, is no longer alive, And yet in my imagination, her essence still thrives. I hear her beautiful voice, singing with her signature soprano flair Enthusiastically greeting me when I call or visit from her constricted wheelchair. Thanking me profusely for the music or ideas I would share.

When it was I who was so grateful for this relationship so rare.

Every Sunday around 4:30 pm, I was blessed to enter her domain. While sitting at her desk, we virtually traveled to other times and places of exotic terrain, Whether it was a concert or performance of a gifted singer or musician, An old movie, Broadway play, comedy presentation or talent show audition. We’d exchange pictures of our precious eineklach with the joy that proud bubbies feel And sometimes a dvar Torah or a recipe as I helped her prepare her meal.

Her affinity for lyrics and wide range of musical knowledge was mind blowing. There were so many projects she wanted to do; her creative ideas were always overflowing. An essay, her autobiography, letters to the editor, children’s book, Kol Isha Society, brilliant Lectures to schoolchildren and her one of a kind “Breathtaking” podcast are only a few. She had so much to contribute: articulate insights, creative energy and life lessons, And she accomplished almost everything she set out to do!

I had the honor of accompanying my friend Chavi to concerts and Broadway shows,

As she navigated her way through the Long Island Railroad trains, city streets and theater rows. Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden were some of the places we went, As well as restaurants, Hatzalah barbecues, lectures and other community events. Her excitement and enthusiasm as an avid fan in the audience were contagious.

It was so much fun to go out with her; she was always so animated and vivacious.

After attending a Partners In Torah dinner where Chavi and her chavruta Linda were the honorees, I joined up too after thinking, “If Chavi can do it, why not me?”

She was so keenly aware of every Jew’s obligation to reach out to those in need, Whether it was through learning or trying to make shidduchim or just doing good deeds. She had a fierce passion for her fellow polio survivors and all people with disabilities, And she advocated for them through articulate essays and speeches with acute sensitivity.

I first met Chavi over fifty years ago when we were fellow undergraduates at Stern. I remember being so impressed at how she commuted to her classes in her wheelchair and her fervent desire to learn.

She was a member of the first Stern College Choir started by my classmate Aviva Schlossberg From Baltimore

Her lovely voice enhanced every performance and musical score. But after our college years, we lost touch for a few decades.

I made my home in Far Rockaway while Chavi on the Upper West Side stayed.

Many years later, I heard that she and her husband Michael and children had moved to Woodmere And we reconnected

Unfortunately, during the most recent years, Chavi was able to go out less and less Her independence was slowly being thwarted, yet she always thanked Hashem for the many gifts with which she was blessed. Her children and grandchildren were the great joys of her life,

I was involved in the Five Town’s Harmony production and to Chavi I suggested That perhaps she would be willing to perform with me and a few other women in an Acapella rendition

As well as her beloved husband Michael, to whom she was such a devoted and loving wife.

Of a medley of “Ka Ribon” zmirot melodies, harmonized to perfection. This was “right up Chavi’s alley” and she agreed (with a little persuasion)

And we began practicing in her home once a week to prepare for the occasion. Of course, Chavi not only lent her melodious voice and creative acumen to this endeavor

The cancer diagnosis was a devastating blow, But Chavi girded herself in her armor of emunah and bitachon and off to battle she did go, Those of us who loved and cherished her so much really believed she would live forever

For she had overcome so many battles and obstacles in her life –our Chavi couldn’t possibly die – no never!

But musical perfectionist that she was, she helped us create a masterpiece we will cherish forever.

But the Ribbono Shel Olam, our Father and King, had other plans for our precious friend.

Two years later, another Harmony production was being planned,

I hoped that Chavi would again be willing to lend her hand.

In His inexplicable rachmanus, Hashem wanted her physical pain and suffering to end.

She had the brilliant idea for a musical presentation in memory of the great Israeli singer and composer, Naomi Shemer, who had recently passed away, So again our creative juices merged and we began work on a medley of Shemer songs with universal Jewish messages to convey.

Hakodosh Baruch Hu needed to embellish His garden above

With this exquisite flower, a blossom of radiant splendor, infinite strength and love.

So beloved Chavi, to those who loved you so much, your memory will never, never die

For you are the prototype of “a life notwithstanding” – the “aim kol chai!”

Chavi managed to procure for us some intricate magnificent harmonies for the songs we chose, And we worked hard for months with our group to perfect our performance and also our Israeli pronunciation in time for the Harmony shows. Baruch hashem, I have videos of both of these monumental presentations, Which are a testimony to her exceptional musical abilities for future generations.

The ravages of deadly polio literally “took your breath away,” Chavi, but what did you do?

You became a wife, mother, grandmother, writer, singer, lecturer and devout Jew.

Instead of allowing yourself to succumb to its negativity and venom, You turned the tables and became a warrior instead of a victim.

During these years, Chavi initiated her famous “Kol Isha Society,”

A monthly venue for musical creativity and variety.

You became an awe-inspiring example of human courage and resilience, Of articulate speech, resonance and brilliance.

An invitation to her many female acquaintances and friends

You personified altruism, intelligence and veracity, Profound faith and extraordinary tenacity.

To drink tea at her dining room table and share meaningful musical gems. Through this group, many diversified songs were presented,

You rose above your limitations and saw your challenges through.

Chavi, there was nothing in this world more “breathtaking” than you!

Not to mention the close relationships that were cemented.

Yehi zichrah baruch!

Unfortunately, during the most recent years, Chavi was able to go out less and less Her independence was slowly being thwarted, yet she always thanked Hashem for the many gifts with which she was blessed. Her children and grandchildren were the great joys of her life, As well as her beloved husband Michael, to whom she was such a devoted and loving wife. The cancer diagnosis was a devastating blow, But Chavi girded herself in her armor of emunah and bitachon and off to battle she did go, Those of us who loved and cherished her so much really believed she would live forever For she had overcome so many battles and obstacles in her life –our Chavi couldn’t possibly die – no never!

Many years later, I heard that she and her husband Michael and children had moved to Woodmere

And we reconnected

I was involved in the Five Town’s Harmony production and to Chavi I suggested That perhaps she would be willing to perform with me and a few other women in an Acapella rendition

Of a medley of “Ka Ribon” zmirot melodies, harmonized to perfection. This was “right up Chavi’s alley” and she agreed (with a little persuasion)

And we began practicing in her home once a week to prepare for the occasion.

Of course, Chavi not only lent her melodious voice and creative acumen to this endeavor

But musical perfectionist that she was, she helped us create a masterpiece we will cherish forever.

But the Ribbono Shel Olam, our Father and King, had other plans for our precious friend. In His inexplicable rachmanus, Hashem wanted her physical pain and suffering to end.

Two years later, another Harmony production was being planned,

I hoped that Chavi would again be willing to lend her hand.

Hakodosh Baruch Hu needed to embellish His garden above

She had the brilliant idea for a musical presentation in memory of the great Israeli singer and composer, Naomi Shemer, who had recently passed away,

With this exquisite flower, a blossom of radiant splendor, infinite strength and love. So beloved Chavi, to those who loved you so much, your memory will never, never die

So again our creative juices merged and we began work on a medley of Shemer songs with universal Jewish messages to convey.

For you are the prototype of “a life notwithstanding” – the “aim kol chai!”

The ravages of deadly polio literally “took your breath away,” Chavi, but what did you do?

Chavi managed to procure for us some intricate magnificent harmonies for the songs we chose, And we worked hard for months with our group to perfect our performance and also our Israeli pronunciation in time for the Harmony shows. Baruch hashem, I have videos of both of these monumental presentations, Which are a testimony to her exceptional musical abilities for future generations.

You became a wife, mother, grandmother, writer, singer, lecturer and devout Jew. Instead of allowing yourself to succumb to its negativity and venom, You turned the tables and became a warrior instead of a victim.

During these years, Chavi initiated her famous “Kol Isha Society,”

You became an awe-inspiring example of human courage and resilience, Of articulate speech, resonance and brilliance. You personified altruism, intelligence and veracity, Profound faith and extraordinary tenacity. You rose above your limitations and saw your challenges through.

A monthly venue for musical creativity and variety.

An invitation to her many female acquaintances and friends

To drink tea at her dining room table and share meaningful musical gems. Through this group, many diversified songs were presented,

Chavi, there was nothing in this world more “breathtaking” than you!

Yehi zichrah baruch!

Not to mention the close relationships that were cemented.

Money Talks

$ Money is not the most important thing in the world. Love is. Fortunately, I love money. –

Jackie Mason

$

Be careful who you call your friends. I’d rather have four quarters than one hundred pennies. –

Al Capone

$ Money is like manure. You have to spread it around or it smells. – J. Paul Getty

$ Few people know so clearly what they want. Most people can’t even think what to hope for when they throw a penny in a fountain. – Barbara

Kingsolver

$ Every day I get up and look through the Forbes list of the richest people in America. If I’m not there, I go to work. – Robert Orben

$ Money often costs too much. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

You Gotta Be Kidding Me!

$

$ Electricity can be dangerous. My nephew tried to stick a penny into a plug. Whoever said a penny doesn’t go far didn’t see him shoot across that floor. I told him he was grounded. – Tim Allen

If you think nobody cares if you’re alive, try missing a couple of car payments. – Earl Wilson

$ Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like. – Will Smith

$ Somebody said to me, “But the Beatles were antimaterialistic.” That’s a huge myth. John and I literally used to sit down and say, “Now, let’s write a swimming pool.” – Paul McCartney

$

Why is there so much month left at the end of the money? – John Barrymore

I’m so poor I can’t even pay attention. – Ron Kittle

A bank robber pulled a gun on the bank clerk and manager and said, “Give me all the money here! I need it to set myself up in a trade or profession. You know, initial investment is needed to cover the overheads until my cash flow is established.”

The bank manager turned to the clerk, “You’d better do what he says. I think he means business.”

Penny For Your Thoughts Trivia

1. In honor of National Penny Day on May 23, let’s see what you know about this ubiquitous coin!

a. What are pennies made out of?

b. Copper

c. Zinc

d. Aluminum

e. Bronze

2. How much does it cost the federal government to make each penny?

a. 2.41¢

b. .01¢

c. 1.2¢

d. .5¢

3. When spinning a penny, what is the chance of it landing on tails?

a. 49%

b. 50%

c. 65%

d. 80%

4. What is the official name of the penny?

a. Pennacious numeracious

b. Cent

c. Minimal coin

d. Pluribus

5. What does the motto on the

Riddle me This

penny, “E Pluribus Unum,” mean?

a. A penny saved is a penny earned

b. This coin may smell like body odor

c. Best used for scratch-offs

d. Out of many, one

6. How many pennies stacked is the height of 1 inch?

a. 16

b. 22

c. 31

d. 46

7. When Nick Stafford from Cedar Bluff, Virginia, had a dispute with the DMV about a $300 fine, he decided to make them suffer a bit. How many pennies did he give them?

a. 10,000

b. 40,000

c. 75,000

d. 300,000

Answers

1. B- Pennies are made out of zinc and have a coating of copper.

2. A- Now you understand why our country is almost broke?!

3. D- This is because the heads side is slightly heavier. Don’t understand? Pay more attention in your physics class!

4. B- The name “penny” comes from the English small coin which was called a penny. Americans were used to that coin, so they referred to the new cent coin as a penny. I’ll take that all day over King Charles!

5. D- I’ll take my mussar from somewhere else. Thank you.

6. A- Something to try in class.

7. D- He used five wheelbarrows to bring in the coins. Nick Stafford for president!! Wisdom key

6-7 correct: You have common cents! (Had to do that…easy layup).

2-5 correct: Considering that this was really easy, “Ú Bee Dumiest.”

0-1 correct: You are at least as intelligent as a plastic piggie bank!

Friday, Jessica and Mary went to the cafe for some coffee. The total of $6 was divided equally among the friends. Jessica paid $2 and Mary paid $2 as well. Who paid the last $2?

Answer: Their friend Friday.

Parshas Bamidbar

By Rabbi Berel Wein

The book of Bamidbar is perhaps one of the saddest, so to speak, of all of the Holy Scriptures. Whereas the book of Shemot, which records for us the sin of the Golden Calf, also gives us pause, it concludes with the final construction of the Mishkan and G-d’s Presence, so to speak, resting within the encampment of Israel. But the book of Bamidbar, which begins on a high note of numerical accomplishment and the seemingly imminent entry of the Jewish people into the Land of

Israel, ends on a very sour note. It records the destruction of the entire generation including its leadership without their entrance into the Promised Land.

The narrative of the book of Bamidbar tells us of rebellion and constant carping, military defeats and victories, false blessings, human prejudices, and personal bias. But the Torah warned us in its very first chapters that “this is the book of human beings.” And, the weaknesses exhibited by Israel in the desert of Sinai, as recorded for

us in the book of Bamidbar, are definitely part of the usual human story and nature.

Over the decades that I have taught this book of Bamidbar to students and congregants of mine, invariably many of them have then asked me incredulously: “How could the Jewish people have behaved in such a manner?” I cannot speak for that generation of Jews as described in the book of Bamidbar, but I wonder to my-

Bamidbar is that the count of the Jewish people at the end of the forty years of living in the desert was almost exactly the same as it was at the beginning of their sojourn there. Though the following is certainly not being proposed by me as an answer or explanation to this unusual fact, I have always thought that this is a subtle reminder to us that that no matter how great the experiences, no matter how

self, “How can so many Jews in our generation relate to the existence of the State of Israel in our time so cavalierly? How do we tolerate the cruelties that our onesize-fits-all school system inflicts on the ‘different’ child? How do we subject our daughters to the indignities of the current matchmaking process? How, indeed!?”

And my answer to myself always is that for the great many of us, human nature trumps common sense, logic, and true Torah values. I imagine that this may have been true of the generation of the book of Bamidbar as well.

One of the wonders of the book of

magnificent the miracles, no matter how great the leaders, human nature, with all its strengths and weaknesses, basically remains the same.

It is not only that the numbers don’t change much, the people and the generations didn’t and don’t change much either. Human nature remains constant. But our task is to recognize that and channel our human nature into productive and holy actions and behavior – to bend to a nobility of will and loyalty. Only by recognizing the propensity of our nature will we be able to accomplish this necessary and noble goal. Shabbat shalom.

No matter how great the experiences, no matter how magnificent the miracles, no matter how great the leaders, human nature, with all its strengths and weaknesses, basically remains the same.

Parshas Bamidbar is read the Shabbos before Shavuos every year. The Shulchan Aruch codifies this practice in halacha (Orach Chaim 428:4). Tosafos (on Megillah 31b) explain that the source for this halacha is the Gemara’s statement that Ezra Hasofer instituted the reading of the rebuke in Parshas Bechukosai (the week before Parshas Bamidbar) before Shavuos and the rebuke in Parshas Ki Sisa before Rosh Hashana. But this explanation merely shows why we must get Parshas Bechukosai “out of the way” prior to Shavuos. It does not fully explain why there is an active obligation to ensure that we read Parshas Bamidbar immediately before Shavuos. And what is it about Parshas Bamidbar that prepares us to receive the Torah?

The Midrash (Bereishis Raba 3:5) says an amazing thing. Each of the five books of the Torah corresponds to one of the five times Hashem uses the word “light” on the first day of Creation. The pasuk, “And G-d said, ‘Let there be light’” (Bereishis 1:3) corresponds to the book of Bereishis. And the pasuk, “And G-d separated between the light and the darkness” (ibid. 4) corresponds to the book of Bamidbar. The Midrash explains that this is because “the book of Bamidbar separates between those who went out of Egypt and those who came into the land [of Eretz Yisroel…”

But this is very difficult to understand. How can the Midrash say that the people who were innocent of all of the sins of the generation in the desert were compared to darkness relative to their predecessors? And why is it so important to begin this book which separates between the light of the generation that left Egypt and the darkness of the

Parshas Bamidbar Bridging the Gap

By Rav Moshe Weinberger

Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

generation that entered Eretz Yisroel immediately before Shavuos?

Reb Tzadok Hakohein from Lublin, zy”a , explains in many places (including Pri Tzadik Bereishis 2 and Bamidbar 2) that the generation of the desert was characterized by their face-to-face relationship with G-d because they received the Torah directly from Moshe Rabbeinu. Hashem revealed Himself to them primarily through the written Torah. It was given directly from Heaven and through miracles. In contrast, the generation that entered Eretz Yisroel received the Torah from Yehoshua. Accordingly, their relationship with the Torah was primarily formed through their study of the oral Torah.

That is why the Gemara (Bava Basra 75a) says, “The face of Moshe is like the sun, and the face of Yehoshua is like the moon.” The generation that received

the Torah directly from Moshe was compared to light because they viewed the Torah through a clear lens. But the generation that received it from Yehoshua only saw the reflection of the original light. That is why they were compared to darkness.

That is also why Chazal teach us (Temurah 15b) that when Moshe Rabbeinu died, the Jewish people forgot three hundred halachos. According to some, it was three thousand halachos. And Chazal (Tanchuma 58:3) express the lack of clarity in the post-Moshe era when they state that “it is difficult to study the oral Torah, and there is great pain [in studying it] because it is compared to darkness, as the pasuk (Yeshaya 9:1) says, ‘The people who walked in darkness saw great light.’ This refers to the scholars of the Talmud who saw a great light when Hashem illuminated

their eyes [with the laws of] the prohibited and the permissible.” The Midrash compares those who study the Talmud, the oral Torah, to those who walk in darkness. That is why Chazal teach us (Tanchuma Ki Sisa 36) that when Moshe Rabbeinu was on Har Sinai, Hashem taught him the written Torah during the day and the oral Torah at night.

Based on the above, we can now understand why those who left Egypt and received the Torah from Moshe were compared to light and the generation that entered Eretz Yisroel and received the Torah from Yehoshua were compared to darkness. The generation which left Egypt received the Torah directly from Moshe, who received it directly from Hashem. For them, the Torah was as clear as day. But the generation which entered Eretz Yisroel received it from Yehoshua, whose light was only a reflection of Moshe’s light. For them, it took much more effort to understand the Torah. It was not as clear. That is why they were compared to darkness.

The Netziv, zt”l, teaches in his introduction to the book of Bamidbar that Moshe operated on a level above nature. He was surrounded by miracles. But Yehoshua operated according to nature. At the end of the forty years in the desert, we already began the transition to the way of Yehoshua. In the battles against Kena’an and Sichon, we began fighting in a more natural way. There was no more “G-d will fight for you, and you shall be silent” (Shmos 14:14). We had already begun to transition into the way of life of darkness and the oral Torah. That is the role of the book of Bamidbar: to usher out the age of light, of miracles, of the clear lens of Torah, and to

usher in the age of darkness, nature and viewing the Torah through a partially opaque lens. It became necessary to struggle to understand the Torah.

With this background, we can now begin to understand why Ezra instituted the reading of Parshas Bamidbar immediately before Shavuos. Doing so emphasizes the importance of the generation that entered Eretz Yisroel, who began to learn how to toil in Torah. They began to know what it means to struggle to understand Hashem’s will when it is not readily understandable. It demonstrates that it is Hashem’s will that we study Torah not only in the light of the day, but also in the darkness of night. Before we enter into the holiness of Shavuos, we must understand what it means to struggle to understand and clarify the Torah.

Rav Pinchas Friedman, shlita, the Belzer Rosh Kollel, explains, based on the Arizal, that each of the five books of the Torah corresponds to one of the five parts of the four-letter name of G-d: Yud – Hey – Vav – Hey. The book of Bereishis corresponds to the tip of the letter Yud at the beginning of Hashem’s name. Shemos and Vayikra correspond to the first two letters of the name, Yud

– Hey. Bamidbar and Devarim correspond to the last two letters of the name, Vav – Hey.

We therefore see that Shemos and Vayikra, which tell the story of the Jews who left Egypt and reflect a way of life characterized by miracles and the open revelation of the written Torah, correspond to the supernal, more elevated part of G-d’s name. This is the aspect

ural way of life in which the oral Torah was predominant, correspond to the “lower” part of Hashem’s name, the part which brings His essence down here to the earth, Vav – Hey. That is the aspect of “And let the earth be glad” (ibid.).

Parshas Bamidbar is the bridge between these two worlds: the worlds of the written and oral Torahs, the worlds of nature and miracles, and the worlds of

the light of the moon corresponds to the last two letters of Hashem’s name. The pasuk says that in the World to Come, “The light of the moon will be like the light of the sun…” (Yeshayahu 30:26).

The ultimate goal is to unite the first two letters of Hashem’s name with the last two letters, to reveal Hashem’s light in the oral Torah no less than it is revealed in the written Torah and to connect to Hashem through the leadership of Yehoshua no less than through Moshe Rabbeinu. “Let the Heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad.”

of “Let the Heavens rejoice” (Tehillim 96:11). The book of Bamidbar and Devarim, which tell the story of the generation which would enter Eretz Yisroel and was characterized by a more nat-

Moshe Rebbeinu and Yehoshua. It is the perfect introduction to Shavuos because it teaches us how to connect both worlds.

Before we do a mitzvah, many of us say that we are doing so “to unify the Holy One and His Divine Presence.” What does that mean? The Sefer Teshuos Chein (parshas Bo) explains that we unite the higher revelation of G-d known in kabbalistic terms as “The Holy One” and the more worldly revelation of His light called “His Divine Presence” by finding connections between the written and oral Torahs. That is why, in the Gemara, the sages always ask, “From where do we know this [law in the Mishnah]?” The entire Talmud is filled with the product of the sages’ efforts to find sources in the written Torah for the laws outlined in the oral Torah. They were really “unifying the Holy One and His Divine Presence.”

In every Gemara, we attempt to unite the more supernal, elevated part of G-d’s name, Yud – Hey, with the “lower,” more earthly part of Hashem’s name, Vav –Hey, by connecting the laws in the oral Torah to the pesukim in the written Torah. When we study the sages’ teachings, we connect “Give ear O Heavens and I will speak” with “And listen O earth to the words of my mouth” (Devarim 32:1). The sages’ whole goal was to bring together “the dew of Heaven and the fats of the earth” (Bereishis 27:28).

The sefer Megaleh Amukos says that the light of the sun corresponds to the first two letters of Hashem’s name and

We join together the worlds of light and darkness, Moshe and Yehoshua, the written and oral Torahs, by reading Parshas Bamidbar immediately before Shavuos. And we also work to make this connection on Shavuos itself by fulfilling the teaching of the Magen Avraham in the name of the Shelah Hakadosh, who says that one should connect the night and the day of Shavuos by spending the twilight period at the beginning of Shavuos and the period between first light and sunrise Shavuos morning in prayer and Torah study.

This is one way we “to unify the Holy One and His Divine Presence.” We bridge the gap between the infinite light of the written Torah with the constricted light of the details of the mitzvos outlined in the oral Torah. That is also why many people have the custom of reading the Tikun Leil Shavuos throughout the night. They join together the worlds of Moshe and Yehoshua not only by studying Torah and davening from twilight till first light, but also by studying portions of the written and oral Torahs contained in the text of the Tikun Leil Shavuos. That is how they unify the supernal aspect of Hashem’s light with His light as it is revealed in this physical world. Through this, they connect the first two letters of His name with the last two letters of his name and His essence above with the Jewish people’s observance of the details of the mitzvos here on earth.

In the merit of our observance of the customs of Shavuos, may we merit to succeed in seeing how “The light of the moon will be like the light of the sun…” with the coming of Moshiach soon in our days.

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

Parshas Bamidbar is the bridge between these two worlds: the worlds of the written and oral Torahs, the worlds of nature and miracles, and the worlds of Moshe Rebbeinu and Yehoshua.

Deepening Our Understanding of Sefiras Ha’Omer and Shavuos

By Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

In our previous article, we began exploring the depth of sefiras ha’omer.

Based on the Maharal and Ramban, we explained that we are not counting down to Matan Torah, but rather we are building up towards it, ascending one day at a time. We do not wait for Shavuos to arrive; we actively bring it ourselves through the time and effort we invest as we count the omer. After developing a general understanding of sefiras ha’omer, let us focus on a few specifics of the count itself. The forty-nine days of sefiras ha’omer parallels the forty-nineday process that the Jewish People went through upon leaving Egypt, before receiving the Torah. What is the meaning behind this process, and why is it specifically forty-nine days long?

While we likely take it for granted that the omer is forty-nine days long, the Torah explicitly commands us: “ Tisperu chamishim yom — You shall count fifty days” (Vayikra 23:16). Why then do we only count forty-nine days, omitting the fiftieth day completely? This seems to be in direct contradiction to the Torah’s command! Additionally, we seem to skip the first day of the counting, only beginning the count on the second day of Pesach. What is the meaning behind this?

Rebuilding the First Night of Pesach

The Arizal, Ramchal, Vilna Gaon, and many other Jewish thinkers explain the deep meaning behind the fortynine-day process of sefirah based on a principle we have previously developed. Every process contains three stages. The first stage is the high, a spark of inspiration, an experience of perfection

and clarity. However, this first stage is fleeting and is immediately followed by a dramatic fall — a complete loss of everything experienced in the first stage. The second stage is a process of rebuilding what was originally experienced, working and building toward perfection. There is then a third stage — a return to the original perfection of the first stage. However, this third stage is fundamentally different from the first. It is the same perfection, the same clarity, but this time it’s a perfection and clarity that you have earned. The first time it was given to you, but now you have worked to build it for yourself.

The first night of Pesach was a gift, an experience of infinite transcendence. This night was characterized by the miracles of Makkas Bechoros — performed by Hashem Himself — and Yetzias Mitzrayim, as well as the mitzvos of Korban Pesach and bris milah, mitzvos that connected the Jewish People to a

higher dimension of existence. However, immediately following this night was a complete fall from this exalted level of transcendence. The Jewish People faced forty-nine days in the desert, a place of spiritual emptiness. It was during these forty-nine days of counting and of building that the Jewish People were able to rebuild and earn that initial transcendent gift. What resulted from those forty-nine days of building was Shavuos, Matan Torah, an experience of transcendence, of infinity, and of the World to Come.

This is why the Korban Omer is a sacrifice of barley, a food described by the sages as animal fodder (Pesachim 3b). The Shavuos sacrifice is Shtei HaLechem, a sacrifice of bread made of wheat, a food characterized by the sages as human food (Aruch Hashulchan 489:3). Prior to the process of sefiras ha’omer, we are on a low spiritual level, the level of animals. After spending

the forty-nine days of the omer counting and building ourselves, we rise to a transcendent spiritual level, tapping into our true nature as tzelem Elokim , now worthy and ready to experience Matan Torah. Perhaps this is why there were two loaves of bread — one representing the original gift on the first night of Pesach, and the second representing what we earned after forty-nine days of building.

We don’t count the first night of Pesach, because this night is a gift of inspiration, intangible and unearned. We cannot pin a number down to it, as it is fleeting and elusive. Sefiras ha’omer is a process of building, and the building process only begins on the second day of Pesach once the gift has been taken away; it is at this point that we must start the work of truly earning it.

Forty-Nine Days of Building

Let us now turn to our next question: Why is the counting of the omer specifically forty-nine days long? Nothing in Torah is arbitrary; there must be a reason why we count exactly forty-nine days before receiving the Torah on Shavuos; there must be a significance to this specific number.

In order to understand the number forty-nine, we must recall a principle we have developed previously, based on the ideas of the Maharal. We live in a three-dimensional world, which includes the six directions of space: rightleft, up-down, and forward-backward. These are the six sides of a three-dimensional cube. However, the six sides don’t automatically result in a three-dimensional cube; the six sides can be lying face down on the floor, amounting

to nothing. The concept of “seven” refers to that which connects all the pieces together into a single unit. This is the unifying center, the unifying force that creates a physical form and vessel from the six disparate parts.

As we have discussed previously, the Maharal explains that seven is the number of the natural (Tiferes Yisrael, chaps. 1–2, 25). This is why all physical and natural components of this world are comprised of sevens: There are seven days in the week, seven notes in the musical scale, seven colors in the spectrum of light, among other examples. “Six” represents the physical pieces, such as the days of the week. “Seven” represents that which connects the physical pieces together, connecting the physical to the spiritual, like the day of Shabbos. The “eighth” refers to that which transcends the sum of the pieces; it is the transcendent element that emanates from the level of seven, transcending the physical. This is why bris milah is performed on the eighth day; we transform the most physical and potentially animalistic organ into a vehicle of holiness and transcendence. This same theme is why the miracle of Chanukah lasted eight days, and why the miracle occurred through shemen, a word with the same root and concept as shemonah.

This is why sefiras ha’omer is a seven-week process of seven days each. Sefiras ha’omer is a process of building from the physical to the spiritual, from the finite to the infinite. This is the journey from six to seven to eight. We build level-by-level toward transcendence, toward the infinite, and toward the eighth week — Matan Torah. We therefore count seven weeks of seven days for a total of forty-nine days, the ultimate expression of seven. This completes the physical building process, resulting in the fiftieth, the first day of the eighth week, the ultimate transcendence of the eighth level, Shavuos.

Two Types of Order

Another interesting feature of the omer is the emphasis on counting each day. This suggests that sefiras ha’omer is one long mitzvah, complete only if each of the forty-nine days are counted. However, l’halachah, we make a brachah on each individual day of the omer, suggesting that each one is a mitzvah in its own right. How can we reconcile this apparent inconsistency?

Rav Dessler describes two different types of order. The first is a practical

one, an order that facilitates access and usability. For example, a library is organized according to a system that allows one to access each piece of information efficiently. Without an ordered system, it would be hard to benefit from a huge collection of books. The order therefore provides access and usability.

There is a second type of order of a fundamentally different quality from the first. In this second type of order, the pieces of a structure come together in such a way that it results in a whole that transcends the sum of its parts. For example, a radio is composed of a

that which connects the pieces together, the eighth represents that which transcends the pieces and which emanates from the pieces. The level of “eight” after the seven weeks of counting is the fiftieth — the eighth week, the day of Matan Torah. We don’t count the fiftieth because we cannot build the fiftieth; the fiftieth is the transcendent level that results and emanates from everything we have built during our forty-nine days of counting. The fiftieth day, Shavuos, is the result of all the pieces coming together — of all of Klal Yisrael bonding into a oneness. The result is Matan To -

will that He bestowed upon us on the fiftieth day.

Why We Count from the Omer

This unique approach to sefiras ha’omer brings us back to our first point, deepening our understanding of why we count up from the omer instead of down toward Shavuos. Even if we are building, why don’t we build toward Shavuos, mentioning our destination of Shavuos and Matan Torah every time we count?

At least let us count toward the Korban Shtei HaLechem, the sacrifice we bring on Shavuos, instead of the omer, the barley sacrifice we brought back on Pesach. Why do we count from our point of departure, rather than toward our destination?

bunch of pieces, none of which is especially valuable on its own. However, when these pieces are assembled in just the right way, something incredible emanates from the pieces — a radio signal.

This level of order is fundamentally different from the first form of order. Regardless of their organization, each book in a library maintains its individual worth; nothing greater results from their order. However, in a system of the second type of order, it is only when the pieces come together that something truly valuable results.

This second level of order explains the dichotomy between each day of the omer containing its own significance and the fact that it is one long mitzvah, whereby if you miss a single day you can no longer count with a brachah. Each piece is omni-significant, but only inasmuch as each day is built correctly, building off the previous structure and preparing for what is yet to come. Only when each and every one of the forty-nine pieces are built correctly can the fiftieth emanate from the pieces and can Matan Torah occur.

Why Don’t We Count the Fiftieth?

This second type of order is also the secret behind why we do not count the fiftieth day of the omer. While six represents the pieces, and seven represents

rah, a transcendent experience of connection with Hashem, the infinite, and the World to Come (Maharal, Nesivos Olam, Nesiv HaTorah 1).

As we alluded to earlier, this is also why we do not count the first day of Pesach. The first day is the gift — fleeting and unearned, and therefore unreal. The next forty-nine days are the days of building, working, and creating it for ourselves. The fiftieth day is the same as the first day — transcendent, ethereal, and uncountable — but this time, we have earned it; it’s real, and it’s ours. In truth, even the fiftieth has a dimension of “gift” to it, but it is only given once we have created the vessel to receive it after forty-nine days of building. As the Ramchal explains, “ Techilaso avodah v’sofo gemul — The beginning is toil, but the end is a gift [from Hashem]” (Mesilas Yesharim, chap. 26). Although we have worked toward the fiftieth day for forty-nine days, the transcendence we experience on that day is infinitely more than anything we could have expected or imagined.

This is why we only count forty-nine days, and this is why the chag is called “Shavuos” (weeks), the same root as sheva (seven). We are building seven weeks, and the transcendent fiftieth, Matan Torah, is what manifests from that which we create. This is also why the Maharal refers to Torah as the “eighth,” as it is Hashem’s transcendent wisdom and

The answer is that we are counting toward the infinite, toward the transcendent. When building upwards, you begin by building a foundation and then ascend from there. The same is true for sefiras ha’omer. We are counting toward infinity, toward the fiftieth. While we do keep this lofty end-goal in mind, the mechanics of actually building toward the fiftieth require us to first construct a foundation — the first day of the omer — and then build our way up from there. May we be inspired to create something extraordinary as we build toward Matan Torah, one day at a time.

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

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

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

The fiftieth day, Shavuos, is the result of all the pieces coming together — of all of Klal Yisrael bonding into a oneness.

A Miracle Within a Miracle

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

Elisha HaNavi miraculously solved the drinking water issue in Yericho. The water there was poisonous and bitter. A group of young entrepreneurs earned a living by supplying the city with bottled water. However, their services were no longer required after Elisha miraculously purified the water. Apparently, people back then weren’t interested in buying bottled water, if free tap water was readily available.

These erstwhile entrepreneurs disparaged Elisha as he was leaving Yericho. They blamed him for destroying their lucrative source of income. The verse refers to these youths as “katanim.” This term generally translates as minors. However, these youths were halachically adults. The Gemara (Sotah 46b), therefore, wonders why the pasuk ascribes the label of “katanim” to them. The answer given is that the term refers more accurately to “little,” meaning they had little faith. They didn’t trust that Hashem would find them an alternate source of income. Faced with a bleak outlook for prosperity, they ridiculed Elisha.

The youths were punished for their indiscretion. Miraculously, bears came from a nearby forest and attacked the youths. The Gemara proceeds to cite a dispute between Rav and Shmuel about the exact nature of the miracle. There were certainly no bears there before. However, the argument is whether Hashem miraculously created a forest as well or it was pre-existing. The Gemara then inquires: what purpose would miraculously creating a forest serve? All that was needed was for the bears to attack the youths. The Gemara answers that the bears in the story would have been too afraid to attack the youths, unless they had refuge nearby in their home turf.

The Maharsha is incredulous! Once Hashem was miraculously creating

bears, couldn’t He create aggressive bears that had no qualms about attacking the youths without the need for a comfort forest?

The Steipler says that the answer lies in the mistake these entrepreneurs made. They assumed that their financial success was a result of their own efforts.

livelihood came directly from Hashem. This is because Hashem’s intervention is hidden in what appears to be the natural course of events in the world. In reality, nature itself is a miracle. Their livelihood was therefore a miracle within a miracle. For failing to discern this point, they were punished by a miracle within

he shared with his wife, a Toyota Camry. One day, while his wife was driving their car, she was involved in an accident with a police car. Eventually, New York City was found fully liable and paid for the damage. However, it would take two years for the check to arrive.

Meanwhile, the young businessman had to find a replacement car. The serious issue was his lack of funds. Fortunately, his sister-in-law was currently in Israel and graciously allowed the couple to use her car. However, the sister-inlaw let them know that she would be returning and would need her car immediately upon her return. Someone else in his office had also totaled his car. The co-worker announced that he found a replacement car for himself. The co-worker’s father-in-law was learning in a morning kollel. Someone walked into the kollel and announced that he had a car he wanted to give away. The co-worker thus had his problem solved.

They didn’t see the Hand of Hashem guiding their money-making enterprise. Consequently, they didn’t see any way they could earn a living after the bottled water market crashed. The truth is that Hashem is obviously not constrained by market forces. Hashem would have arranged for their livelihood to come despite the bleak market outlook.

These youths failed to see that their

a miracle. The bears were created, and their home in the forest was created as well. This serves as a lesson to us, that Hashem miraculously controls our livelihood, in the context of nature which is itself a miracle.

A young businessman, now in the Five Towns, started his career in a job that offered primarily commission-based compensation. He only had one car that

The young businessman thought to himself, “You see Hashem could get me a car in a blink of an eye, the same way He helped my coworker!” The young businessman was shmoozing with an old acquaintance from yeshiva. This acquaintance had already established himself in a different field. In the course of the conversation, the protagonist mentioned his car issue. His friend said, “Really? I have a car that I leased and I’m still making payments on it, but I already leased a second car. The first car has been sitting unused in my garage! Take my first car until the end of the lease!”

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.

Once Hashem was miraculously creating bears, couldn’t He create aggressive bears that had no qualms about attacking the youths without the need for a comfort forest?

What’s the Magic Behind

Reb Eli Stefansky and his Fa M ed da F YoM i s hiur?

By ezriel

Excitement is in the air with the announcement that famed Daf Yomi maggid shiur Reb Eli Stefansky will be delivering a rare series of live shiurim in the United States to begin Maseches Gittin

Though Reb Eli has delivered shiurim in New York in the past, they were either given at a siyum or as a spontaneous shiur in the middle of a masechta This will be the first time that Reb Eli comes to the U.S. specifically to deliver shiurim to begin a masechta. If you have been waiting to join Daf Yomi until a new masechta, or if you are ready to reignite the spark of learning in your life, this is your chance!

The shiur in the Five Towns/ Far Rockaway area will take place at 11:00

p.m. on Motzaei Shabbos, May 20 at the White Shul (728 Empire Ave.) [Daf 5] Register at DafYomiLive.com.

We spoke to Rav Eli about the origins of his shiur and about what made him leave Chicago for Eretz Yisrael to give his shiur.

another year. Essentially, we decided to ‘renew’ our contract annually.

“In the beginning, I didn’t give up much of my involvement in my business. I traveled to Chicago once a month for five days and was still heavily involved while in Eretz Yisrael.”

But he eventually gave up his direct control of the business to his business partner.

“Eretz Yisrael is all about ruchniyus,” he said. “People are more excited about ruchniyus here, and we wanted to give that feeling to our children. I wanted to see if we could make it here for a year, then we’d see what to do next. When the year came to an end, we decided to stay

“I took baby steps. I decided I wanted to get back into Daf Yomi. I had given a shiur in Chicago for eight years, but then I stopped not only delivering a shiur but also learning the daf myself; now I wanted to get back into it. I sat down in a local shul to learn the daf.

“It was siyata diShmaya that I had sat down amongst a chaburah learning the

daf b’iyun, and it helped me tremendously. That’s where I met my current chavrusa, who’s a true gadol b’Torah; he literally knows Shas ba’al peh. That’s another thing I highly recommend: Get yourself a mentor someone who’s better than you are in learning and hashkafah. I started learning the daf several times a day. I didn’t decide one day to drop it all and learn over ten hours a day; it happened gradually, increasing hour by hour.

“A big nekudah – and I believe it’s also a key component to growth in both business and in life – is creating a mechayev for yourself: Putting yourself into a situation where you have a responsibility to perform a positive action. I’m not a natural masmid. It was necessary for me to force myself to be

tzvi g antz

committed to this increase in learning. In the past, I would start learning and then get sidetracked by something – and that something could be scubadiving, skydiving, snowboarding or something else exciting.

“I wanted something more steady, so in 2016 I started giving a shiur once a week on Thursdays. I’d give a synopsis of the week’s seven dapim in 45 minutes, and I made a big seudah every week in order to be mechayev myself. We had 30 guys a week at the shiur; we also had cholent, kugel, sushi – the works. I knew guys would show up, so I had to be very well prepared. Even when I would travel back and forth to America, I would make sure to be back for the Thursday synopsis shiur. This forced me to learn on the flight and between business meetings.

“Several guys asked me to give the daily daf, and I agreed. Generally, when people want to start learning the daf, they wait for a new cycle to begin a new mesechta, or at least a new perek. The yetzer hara is a true professional in finding excuses. So we purposely started smack in the middle of Maseches Avodah Zarah daf chaf ches, in the middle of a sugya. When it comes to the

daf, every day is a new mesechta there’s always a new sugya that you can jump in and join. We started with five guys, and it quickly grew.

“I try to make the shiur exciting; I want to show that Torah can be very geshmak, and a good story or nice joke always helps. I spend time working on entertaining charts, and the shiur is carried out in a lively atmosphere.”

But Eli didn’t confine himself to just

giving the shiur to the attendees. I asked him what pushed him to create a video synopsis of the shiur.

“A few people told me that when they couldn’t make it, they’d still like to be part of the shiur. They asked if I would be able to livestream it. We started streaming live through YouTube, and it’s great that once the shiur is over, it’s automatically archived for later viewing. When you stream live, it’s a lot easier

than filming and later uploading.

“It’s interesting what has become of all this. Today there is a group of six Yidden living in Manchester who gather together to watch the shiur stream live. They use it to prepare for a local daf shiur that they attend later. They’re a very big part of our shiur; they ask questions online and share in our simchos.

“This past January, a Yid whom no one recognized showed up to our shiur. He told us that he lives in New York and watches the replay of the shiur every day on the subway and wanted to see the shiur live.

“Another unique advantage of our shiur is that since we live in Eretz Yisrael, we are the earliest daily daf shiur available online in English.

“The Eight Minute Daf was an idea I was toying with for quite a while. Instead of the weekly synopsis, I knew that a quick daily chazarah video would be of great benefit to the public. At the same time, I also knew the tremendous amount of time it would take.

“However, a close relative of mine was diagnosed with cancer, and as a zechus for her recovery I decided to begin the Eight Minute Daf daily videos in her merit.”

About to deliver his shiur before the siyum in London

I asked Reb Eli for his feelings on using technology for teaching Torah.

“It depends on how you use it; it is indeed a double-edged sword. It can be very bad. I am focusing on people who already use programs such as WhatsApp and who utilize these technologies anyway. I am not encouraging people who don’t have these technologies to get YouTube to watch the shiur. Rather, I am targeting Jews who already have it and use it; it reaches people far and wide.

“There is a gentleman from Los Angeles who, while on a surfing trip in Costa Rica, found our shiur online. Since then, he has never missed a day. He visited Eretz Yisrael for two days and spent them in Tel Aviv, but he made sure to make it to our shiur on both days, bringing us boutique coffee.”

What did he give up, as far as his business is concerned, to dedicate his day to learning?

“Everything,” Reb Eli asserts. “I was in charge of growing the business. Business, especially the real estate business, is all about chasing the next deal or adding to your portfolio. You spend time looking for another deal or making your current portfolio more efficient. There’s always something to improve. Giving up

that part of the chase was not easy.

“Financially, as my expertise is in

was very lucrative. It is a significant potential loss every year, but when I see the

add more time to his learning. When I first started giving the weekly synopsis of the week’s dapim a few years ago, I had no intention to learn all day.

“Each one of us can create a mechayev on himself. You can give a shiur. It can be two or three people, or you can commit to a chavrusa. One of the best ‘mechayevs ’ I’ve taken on was to take the Dirshu test. I went for the 240-daf test, and I never learned so much in my life; I highly recommend it. A commitment, such as a chazarah program, forces you to learn.

“People are very driven. We often dedicate 90-plus percent of our time to parnassah. If you sit back and reflect, you can add to your learning. If you learn 20 minutes, you can probably squeeze in some more time and learn 40 minutes. When I worked all day, I could not imagine giving up any of my work for learning; as I’ve said, it was a gradual process. We can all—every one of us— make small incremental changes. Doing so is guaranteed to change our lives.

construction, we had to give up the development portion of our business, which

satisfaction of those who learn any of our shiurim, it makes it worthwhile.

“Also, honestly, I don’t feel I can lose money. Hashem decides on Rosh Hashanah what I will get. I was nervous at the outset of my current business arrangement, but then a deal came out of nowhere, and I quickly realized that had I been in Chicago, I probably would have messed up Hashem’s plan of giving me parnassah.”

Was it difficult for him to give up control to his partner?

“Yes. Of course. It was very difficult. He’s a great guy and lets me think I’m in control, but he’s the one in charge of day to-day operations now. We speak at least 10-15 minutes every day. He has full access to my bank accounts. It’s part of the sacrifice for my new ‘business.’

“In terms of hishtadlus, there came a time when I realized that I’m getting older. I felt the need to make a change. I am an entrepreneur by nature, and this is my newest business deal. The more Torah I can spread, the more ‘business’ I can earn.”

What would he say to someone who says: “It’s easy for you to learn all day because you can afford to”?

“Look, I didn’t quit working cold turkey and learn all day; it was a gradual process. One of the main points I want to emphasize—and I think this applies to everyone—is that every one of us can

“That’s one of the concepts behind our daf yomi shiur. Every single day we learn a new concept in learning that we weren’t familiar with the day before.”

Does being a businessman affect the way he gives the Daf Yomi shiur or carries out into his other Torah ventures?

“I think it helps people relate to me. I am a simple baalabos, not a rav; I’m a regular business guy like everyone else. I like to learn, and I hope people think, ‘If he can do it, so can I.’ I’m one of the guys – a baalabos who gives a shiur. Plus, as I mentioned earlier, I use my entrepreneurial skills to make the shiur work.”

Reb Eli notes that the demands put on him by a daily shiur are serious.

“I went on a ski trip with my boys as I wanted to show my kids and others that you can live a life of Torah and enjoy life. No matter what’s going on, you can find time to learn the daf.

“That’s really my message in life. I’m not telling people to quit their jobs, but maybe you can work 14 hours a day instead of 15. Find ten minutes and then another ten. We’re hustling so much that we forget the point of why we’re working in the first place.

“And if you don’t have ten minutes, you can start with eight.”

Seeing Reb Eli give the shiur live is a unique experience. He involves everyone who is in attendance and creates an exciting, uplifting and friendly atmosphere.

TJH spoke with several members of Reb Eli’s shiur, and each one echoed the

“I like to learn, and I hope people think, ‘If he can do it, so can I.’”

other that the shiur—and Reb Eli himself—have become an important part of their lives. One member, who suffers from an illness, was grateful that due to the live recording he has never had to miss a shiur. Others expressed appreciation for how hard Eli works to sustain the project. From the fun and informative large slides that he brings to each shiur to the many gatherings he has organized, Eli doesn’t only give the shiur, he creates a deep camaraderie among the participants.

Today

Reb Eli delivers his shiurim from the Mercaz Daf Yomi beis midrash in Ramat Beit Shemesh, and his shiur is often referred to by the initials of the building, MDY. He spends upward of 14 hours a day preparing his shiur, which contains illustrative and informative charts to clearly explain the daf. In the past year, Reb Eli also introduced high level animation to make complicated sugyos easy to understand and remember.

There’s a unique blend of charts, graphs, animation, humor, singing, and more. Once you’ve been a part of the shiur for a few months, you will be amazed at the changes in your life and at how much knowledge you have amassed.

Reb Eli and MDY have transformed the Torah landscape by encouraging thousands of Jews to join Daf Yomi mid cycle. In the past, people began learn-

ing Daf Yomi at the beginning of every cycle—once every seven and half years. Now, it has become commonplace to join at the beginning of a new masechta , and often even in the middle of a masechta.

MDY draws a wide range of Yidden

From layman to rabbanim and roshei yeshivah , MDY has transformed the lives of countless participants. After a period of explosive growth, his shiur

members reached 15,000. Now you, too, can see and experience what so many thousands of others are part of every day. And even better, you can do it live!

With so many living in the New York area, Reb Eli decided to embark on his first ever New York area tour with live shiurim in Brooklyn, Monsey, Queens, the Five Towns, and Lakewood. Over 500 people are expected to be in attendance at the 5 Towns / Far Rockaway shiur motzei Shabbos perhaps the largest in person Daf Yomi shiur ever delivered in the area.

Many people wonder: What’s the excitement all about? Why are so many people so devoted to this shiur that they even recruit others to join?

Don’t slip into that well worn excuse: I’ll wait for another masechta.

No more waiting. This is your chance, right before Shavuos and Matan Torah Entrance is free, but space is limited and going quickly so register at DafYomiLive.com to reserve your spot.

If you are a new member and pledge to join for at least seven shiurim, you get a FREE ArtScroll or Oz V’Hadar Gemara Gittin when you join!

Save your seat at DafYomiLive.com, and we will see you there!

Giving shiur in Florida

Independence Day Reflections The Issues Facing Israel at 75

BY SHAMMAI SISKIND

March 27, 2023.

That evening, Jerusalem experienced the most potent wave of political frenzy in modern history.

By that point, protests opposing the judicial overhaul had been going on for nearly three months. Many of these demonstrations (and counter-demonstrations) had attracted hundreds of thousands of people. Some had even turned violent and ended in ugly clashes with police. Regular mass rallies on the issue of judicial reform were already the norm throughout the country.

But this time was different. You could feel it.

The bill containing the judicial reforms, denying certain powers from the Supreme Court and reorganizing the justice selection process, had passed initial read-

ings in the Knesset. The bill was nearing its final vote. In a very literal sense, the protest of that night, which drew 100,000 men and women from across Israel, was the culmination of the last ninety-days of campaigning. Throughout the entire City Center, the roar of the protesters could be heard. Traffic had all but come to a standstill in most central neighborhoods.

The pro-reform coalition, which until then had been steadfast in pushing through the overhaul, was beginning to waiver. Key members of the Knesset, including Defense Minister and long-time Netanyahu ally Yoav Galant, were expressing doubts – is this reform really going to tear the country apart? Finally, the announcement came. The prime minister had ordered the vote to

be delayed until the next parliamentary convening. The battle for the judiciary would have to begin again in a month’s time.

The protest camp was euphoric. Reform supporters were crushed.

Positions of the opposing parties aside, the end to the fever-pitch of protests could not have come at a more symbolically appropriate time. Israel was just then entering a series of commemorative days that sit at the root of our national identity. Pesach, the most widely celebrated yom tov in Israel, came little more than a week later. Next were the more “modern” memorial days. Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, and Yom HaZikaron, in memory of Israel’s fallen soldiers. Across

the political divide, the days served as a welcomed dose of perspective. As Israel’s president Yitzchak Herzog said in his mid-April plea for public calm, “Israelis just want the right to mourn in peace.” Indeed, there’s nothing like a day spent thinking about murdered Jews and war casualties to shift one’s attitude. On April 24, at military cemeteries across Israel, families from opposite sides of the political spectrum cried together over their sons, daughters, sisters, and brothers who died defending the country and people they all so dearly love.

To be sure, the fight over this highly controversial issue is far from over. There are still regular demonstrations taking place across the country (albeit nowhere near the scale of the past four months), and negotiations between lawmakers progress at a sluggish pace. But as Israel enters its most important days of modern celebration –Independence Day and Jerusalem Day, days highlighting modern miracles that people mere generations ago could not have imagined – there’s a unique opportunity to zoom out and obtain a more balanced, sober view of what the real issues of the day are.

1. It’s Not About Judicial Reform

There is a very tempting trap that people of good will fall into all the time when arguing their case.

They proceed on the assumption that it is the issue on the table that’s what’s bothering everyone. In truth, however, this is rarely the case – at least regarding the most contentious topics.

By now, it has become the common understanding in Israel that the contest over judicial reform is not really about judicial reform at all. While there are certainly more “localized” points worth discussing, such as the proper process for selecting judges and the constitutionality of Israel’s Basic Laws, both sides of this heated debate have made it clear that these are not the main issues at stake. To put it bluntly, the battle of judicial reform has exposed the most deeply rooted wounds in Israeli society, many having originated prior to the State’s existence.

The reform battle has become the locus point for the decades-old struggle in Israel known colloquially as “First Israel vs. Second Israel,” a concept anyone with any concern over the Jewish state should take a keen interest in.

On the one side is “First Israel,” characterized by the high earning upper echelons of Israeli society, mostly of Ashkenazi descent. They occupy the leadership roles in

the most prestigious institutions from academia to the military. They see themselves as the ideological descendants of the pioneer Zionists who brought the State into existence.

On the other side, “Second Israel” comprises the lower socio-economic strata, the bulk of which are descendants of Mizrachi Jews. They tend to be more religious and traditional and identify more with their “Jewishness” as opposed to their “Israeliness.”

First Israel’s grievances, framed in the context of the current political milieu, go something like this: “We built this country with our own hands. We drained the swamps of the Coastal Plain, tamed the hills of the Golan, and made the Negev bloom. We built the army that fought for the country’s birth and saved it on countless occasions. We created the ‘Start-Up Nation’ and the ‘High-Tech Miracle.’ We pay the bulk of the taxes. This is our country. The reform is an attempt at a bloodless coup to disable the one stopgap we have at preventing religious fanatics and nationalist lunatics from transforming the State into a tyranny.”

Second Israel’s retort: “From the very outset, we were subjected to the systematic discrimination of the Zionist establishment. We came wanting to participate, and instead were thrown to the margins of periphery towns and low earning industries. You occupy the prestigious units in the army, the elite professorships, and the powerful bureaucratic offices because you kept us out. At the center of this years-long systemic discrimination is the legal establishment which maintains veto power on any and all government action. Even if we achieve an electoral majority, it won’t do us any good. Your Supreme Court doesn’t represent us. Every one of the Justices come from a four-block radius in the posh neighborhoods of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The reform is our way to finally even the playing field.”

While both of these positions express carefully crafted narratives, they both contain much truth. Unfortunately, there is a lot of pain in recognizing this rift in the Jewish State.

For years, intellectuals from both the Right and the Left that sounded the alarm over growing dangers of cultural divide were mostly ignored, and the volcano has finally burst.

But perhaps there is a bit of good that has come from all of this. The intensity of the conflict has forced prominent figures on both sides to conceive at least some of the points of the other. As Yair Shavit, a long-time progres-

sive activist who participated in every Left-wing agenda of the past thirty years from Peace Now to the Gaza Disengagement, recently put it, “We have ignored our natural allies on the Right for too long. We have ignored the discrimination they’ve experienced for years, pretending like it did not exist. As a result, we are failing to find a middle-ground on the reform issue – even though most Israelis want it.”

Will this growing sentiment for compromise come through at the policymaking level? In the current deadlock, that is anyone’s guess. But at least many are finally recognizing the crux of the problem for what it is.

2. Dysfunctional Gaza Status Quo

The most important aspect of the recent flare up in Gaza was its banality.

Reports of hundreds of rockets once again raining down on civilian centers in Israel seemed almost as typical as a bad weather report. We try to remind ourselves of the absurdity of this situation by comparing it to any other hypothetical scenario. If a similar attack was launched on the United States, for example, shortly afterward there would be a new section of ocean on the spot where the rockets were launched. Yes, we try to remind ourselves. But often in vain. This is the “status quo,” one enabled ironically by our very own prowess.

The current situation is sustainable (to the extent that it is) by one single technology: The acclaimed Iron Dome.

To be sure, the Iron Dome is an absolute marvel of computer science and engineering. It is quite literally the only short-range missile defense system in the world with anywhere near its level of efficacy. But as economics legend Thomas Sowell once put it, “There are no solutions, only tradeoffs.” Nothing highlights this reality more than the Iron Dome-based Gaza strategy. The system’s very success is what creates the problem. The protection afforded by it makes the status quo tolerable. Thus, the idea of hordes of radical militants with the explicit intention of killing as many Jews as possible, armed with thousands of rockets situated mere miles from the biggest population centers of Israel is able to seem somewhat normal. And it is not just the precarious circumstances we allow ourselves to live in. Keeping Gaza on lockdown requires an immense allocation of the country’s resources. There is today an entire IDF division, the largest military unit in order of magnitude, dedicated solely to keeping the Gaza danger at bay. Artillery,

tanks, drone reconnaissance – these are all outrageously expensive systems to operate. Many of them have to operate all the time, which means hundreds of conscripts and reservists to man them. Defending Israeli citizens from Gazan missiles is by far the single biggest expense in this ensemble. Every “round” of Gaza fighting racks up an Iron Dome operating fee ranging between $700 million to $1 billion.

But today, the dysfunction seems all but routine, with no feasible plan to shift gears. The reason for this is simple: Seventy-five years after the State was established, Israelis prefer to think they no longer face any immediate threats in their own backyard. The days of fearing Syrian armor columns rolling through the Galil or the Egyptian army invading the South are over. Even the more extensive military operations from the past two decades such as Protective Shield in Judea and Samaria or Cast Lead and Protective Edge in the Gaza Strip are perceived by many as things of the past. But the inescapable fact is, the Gaza problem is not going to magically disappear. The Iron Dome and the rest of our technological wonders will not make it go away. They will only make it easier to ignore. As Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich put it in a recent interview ,“A major Gaza ground operation is inevitable.”

Since the most recent spike in fighting has quelled, it seems this “operation” will not happen this time around. But it has only been postponed. Mere days before Yom Yerushalayim this week, Israel has been reminded that even three quarters of a century since its founding, there are still very real dangers it must contend with.

3. Demographics is Destiny

A fact I’ve found more and more remarkable as of late is Israel’s unique ability to merge the best of modernity with what is the single most important element of a traditionalist value system: a family-centered society.

Israelis like children. They just do. And this is not only true of the religious sectors. It’s true across the board. The average fertility rate in Israel is 3.1 children per woman, the highest among all countries that comprise the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Compared to countries like the United States (1.8), the UK (1.7), or France (1.9), Israel is a remarkable outlier. And as if that didn’t make Israel unique enough, consider this: Across developed countries, there is a positive correlation between the

birth rate and the percentage of children born outside of marriage. However, this is not true for Israel. Israel has high fertility despite having one of the lowest rates of non-marital fertility (less than 10%, compared to about 40% on average in the OECD). So there you have it. Lots of married people with lots of kids (aka the Jewish State).

This is, in and of itself, a very good thing.

And at the broader level, this trend is producing very intriguing changes for Israel as a whole.

From its outset, Israel has had to deal with unique population challenges. Shortly after its founding, the embattled state was forced to absorb hundreds of thousands of refugees expelled from Arab countries. To this day, a major agenda of the government apparatus is tak-

lished an article with the headline, “There are Charedi women programmers that can compete with IDF intelligence veterans.” Since the opening of the first Charedi battalion, Netzach Yehuda, in 1999, numerous similar units have been established in Logistics, the Air Force, and Military Intelligence. These include several relatively new combat units such as the Chetz Unit in the Paratroopers Brigade and the Tomer company of Givati.

Among the social changes producing this trend is the population growth of Israel as a whole and the Charedi sector specifically. In a powerful testament to this reality, Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer recently wrote in his excellent Charedi publication Tzarich Iyun: “The sheer size of the Charedi public does not allow its confinement [...] and the demands made by the general public to participate in the different areas of state function resonates with ever-increasing intensity, both morally and existentially. Given newly acquired power and influence, many Charedim are demanding involvement in fundamental issues of the State of Israel. Responsibility gives us meaning, and what is true for individuals is no less true for an entire public: the Charedi person seeks responsibility, a Torah that makes a tangible impact.”

ing in immigrants from around the world. Israel’s size has always grown at a fast pace. And as all countries grow in size, they are forced to adapt in kind.

What has become more and more palpable over the past decade are the growing populations of Israel looking for more participation in society in general. From the religious Zionist community to the Arab-Israeli population, there is a measurable trend of more citizens seeking to take ownership over the destiny of the State.

Perhaps the most striking example is what has taken place amongst the Charedi population in recent years. Since 2017, the percentage of Charedim participating in the workforce has surpassed 50 percent. Today, that number hovers at approximately 65%. Industries ranging from business administration to accounting are dependent on their Charedi employees. This is the case even in the more prestigious high-tech sector. All the way back in 2011, the Israeli outlet The Marker pub -

A potent example of this trend took place following the establishment of Israel’s volunteer National Guard, a volunteer military-police unit that received final ratification by the government in early April. When the unit was first announced, an astounding 1,500 Charedi men volunteered within the first week, with many more signing up in the months that followed. Many of them had no military background. They had a very clear motivation to join: the Guard was addressing a need that was very close to home. Policymakers first forwarded the Guard concept in response to the terror wave of mid-2022, shortly after the deadly attacks in Bnei Brak and Elad. At a recruiting event coordinated with the Jerusalem Municipality, Netzach Yehuda Chairman Yossi Levi told a crowd of hundreds of Charedi young men: “We’re having this event since many of you sitting here approached me personally asking how we can join the Guard. You told me how you remembered [the attacks in] Bnei Brak and Elad and told me you want to take charge protecting your communities. Well, this is how you can do it.”

It is often cold necessity that initiates change. Thus, the changes in our beloved Land will come whether we prefer them or not. But for now, many are taking these changes as opportunities to help bring about a more cohesive and vibrant Israel.

For years, intellectuals from both the Right and the Left that sounded the alarm over growing dangers of cultural divide were mostly ignored, and the volcano has finally burst.

What Would You Do If…

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

My son is coming back from Israel before the summer. He is 22 years old and ready to start dating. The problem is (and B”H I have this problem!) that he is not even back yet, and people are already sending me shidduch resumes of wonderful girls. I am overwhelmed already.

Can you give me advice on how I organize the resumes and look through them to see which ones are the most shayach for him?

Many people who are sending me these resumes don’t even really know my son; is shidduchim about throwing darts at a wall?

I feel like I really need some help. Thank you for your advice!

The Panel

The Rebbetzin

Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

Iam going to assume that you and your son have already had several conversations about dating as well as what qualities he thinks he needs in a marriage partner. It’s a good idea to communicate and share perspectives on dating, marriage, and more. He has been away from home for a long time and has probably developed in maturity, perspective, and responsibility. His outlook may have shifted due to his experience in Eretz Yisroel and the influence of rebbeim and dormitory friends. It is important that you hear where he is holding and that you give him time to hear your thoughts about how you want to help him on his journey. Since the two of you (as well as your husband) will be helping him along, invest the time and effort to develop a team approach and clarity of commitment to one another. You want to have a basis of trust,

openness, and respect as your son prepares to date. This may take some time. Dating when one gets off the plane, boy or girl, may not be the best idea.

These conversations, and time, will give you a sense of where your son is holding. But you will still have to wade through resumes. If I were you, I would develop three groups/piles. One for those resumes that include names you recognize (teachers, references, neighbors, mechutanim, etc.) so that you will have someone you trust to call and follow up should you decide to do so. Another pile for those with no names you recognize. Then a third pile for the resumes that seem a little different, not cookie cutter, that will be refreshing to peruse. That’s already a big job. You can start reading through resumes with careful attention even before your son is actually prepared to date. Look for what is missing as well as what is there. Pay attention. And you can begin to make inquiries. There are ways to ask questions and probe, but the smart people begin by asking the reference to tell

you about the candidate. Attentive listening through a person’s recital is a good idea before you ask follow-up questions. You will pick up tone and nuance as well as where the person is coming from if you pay attention to a greater context. Don’t barrage the person with questions when you call. Listen, listen, and listen and then ask careful, open-ended questions.

You will get better at this as you develop experience and keep listening to your child. It may make sense to develop some questions before that will help you ascertain what the girl is all about both indirectly as well as directly.

One final word: It’s smart to inquire of adults, not young people who may not know how to communicate effectively about their friends and acquaintances.

No, this is not like throwing darts at a wall. You can develop interviewing skills and do your hishtadlus by talking with your son and with others. But you must daven for help from the One Above to help you help your child find his wife.

The Shadchan

Michelle Mond

Welcome to this new and exciting stage!

Every stage in life comes with its share of perks and frustrations. Here are three pieces of advice I have for you and your son. When vetting through ideas, look for things that just make sense. For a guy who is just starting to date, it is understandable to first check into ideas within the same geographical location. This not only comes with an automatic familiarity but there are

Dating when one gets off the plane, boy or girl, may not be the best idea.

cultural nuances that two singles from the same area just “get” about each other.

Have your son make the list of his top 10 – not just the top 10 things he is looking for in a spouse. Have him create a list of his own top ten qualities which will make him a good spouse, along with ten things he can work on to perfect his own middos. Is he impatient? Is he sometimes irresponsible? Is he generous? This will help him keep things in perspective: we all need to work on ourselves and are not a finished product. This is CRUCIAL in this day and age of dating where the men end up feeling as if their options are endless. He should also make a top ten list of the things he is looking for, and when you go through all the ideas you receive, choose the ones that are most in line with his needs.

Keep in mind constantly, “We are looking for ONE,” and put all your focus and energy into ONE person. After the research is done and you’ve gotten a yes from both sides, put your energies into her as if there is nobody else. It is so easy to end things prematurely hoping the next will be more XYZ or ABC enough without giving the current idea a fair chance. People date like this until they finally wake up still single years later. It is common within a sea of resumes and phone calls to believe the next one will always be a better fit.

Hatzlacha to you and your son!

The Single

Tzipora Grodko

My first suggestion is to ask your son if he is READY to start dating (and if the answer is yes) and what he is seeking in a potential spouse. I would recommend that you just start with one suggestion at a time, the same way anyone would tackle any overwhelming process. There may always seem to be a “better” option, whether that means closer in distance, social class, beauty preference, and personality. You’ll make yourself crazy if you try to “weed” out the best option because your pile may increase in time. My recommendation is to start with one at a time, focusing first on people who know you best vs. strangers. Trust that G-d has a plan and eliminate pressure or feeling rushed knowing He is guiding you with each person that comes your way.

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

You understand, of course, that many of our singles, especially our young women, would love to have your “problem.” Nevertheless, I can offer three different approaches to your predicament.

Pulling It All Together

The Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

Thank you for writing into the panel. How wonderful that you are receiving so many resumes. It’s understandable that this can be overwhelming. Full disclosure: organization is not my forte. It is something I personally struggle with. I will tell you what others have suggested to

A lighthearted, playful solution:

You’ve probably heard of Professional Closet Organizers or Professional Garage Organizers, who help clients get rid of clutter and get organized. Well, consider me your Professional Shidduch Resumé Organizer.

Here’s what might work for you.

Use a computerized Database Management System and categorize prospective dates based on hair color, eye color, height, age, or education.

Alternatively, utilize EXCEL spreadsheets, and classify them according to their financial expectations. Are they looking to marry someone who will be a PKB (Perpetual Kollel Bochur), a Yeshiva Rebbe, an accountant, a lawyer, a doctor, or a Wall Street Hedge Fund manager?

Or, perhaps, you could rent a local hall, anonymously invite all of those young women to a “Singles’ Event,” and conveniently forget to invite any other single men. This way, you (and/or your son) can interview each of them.

Sadly, my wife, who is both my best friend and harshest critic, discouraged me from suggesting such cynical and flippant ideas. Therefore, you need…

A more sincere, serious solution:

It’s important for you to respond politely to those who contact you, even if they don’t know your son.

An appropriate response could be, “This girl seems like a superstar, and anyone who dates her will be very lucky. I will file this suggestion for the time being. When my son starts dating, I’ll have a better sense of what he’s looking for. I’ll get back to you in a few months, and keep you updated. Thank you again for the kindness you’re showing our family.”

In addition to handling these interactions, help your son remain humble despite

the overwhelming number of resumés. Encourage him to understand that he is fortunate to receive such amazing suggestions and remind him that these wonderful girls may be more advanced than him, in terms of schooling or career achievements.

Also, suggest to your son how to respond to folks who overwhelm him with shidduch suggestions. He might wish to say, “Thank you for thinking of me. My mother is handling my shidduchim, so let me give you her phone number. Again, much hakaras hatov for your help and kindness.”

Finally, after a few dating experiences, your son will probably develop a clearer idea about the kind of girl he’d like to marry. When this happens, it will make it easier for you to sift through all those resumés and find suitable matches.

A computer’s solution:

Lastly, just for fun, I posed your question to the online, Artificial Intelligence program called ChatGPT.

It responded, “Remember, shidduchim are not about throwing darts at a wall. It’s a thoughtful and deliberate process that requires time, patience, and trust in the process. Trust your instincts, keep an open mind, and, most importantly, support your son in finding the right match.”

me in areas of my life that I need to organize.

It’s all about creating a system. Whether that system exists on your laptop, iPad or in some good, old-fashioned folders you keep in

a cabinet, start working on that system. Maybe the system includes a trusted friend or relative who can help you with all your reading material. You may want to separate the resumes of the women based on location, chosen career paths, and which resumes “pop” and would spark joy inside your son. You may also decide to review

a certain number of resumes per evening and when you reach your quota, you tell yourself that tomorrow is a new day. I do like to remind people, in general, to keep an open mind and that a person is so much more than a piece of paper.

Wishing you all the best.

-Jennifer

It is common within a sea of resumes and phone calls to believe the next one will always be a better fit.

School of Thought

Active Listening

By Etti Siegel

Q:Dear Etti, We are ashamed and mortified. You could say that we are heartbroken! I got the call no one wants to receive from their school; my kid is a bully. They got a few complaints, the teacher picked up on some “goings-on,” and after looking into the matter, it is a fact. My 9-year-old has been tormenting other kids. This can’t go on! Now what?

-Hanging Our Heads

A:Dear Parents,

No more hanging your heads!

Recognizing the issue is the first step. Kudos for you for taking it seriously and not making excuses!

It is hard to hear that your child is bullying others, but we look at it as a sign of distress or lagging social skills.

“Kids engage in all kinds of behavior that isn’t a reflection of who they are as a person,” says Dr. Jamie Howard, the Stress and Resilience Program at the Child Mind Institute director. “They’re still figuring things out. They can be nice kids who have made some mistakes.” And it definitely does not define you as parents.

A child’s state of friendships is a good indicator or a child’s overall social health. The Child Mind Institute lists reasons why a child might bully.

• The child might want to fit in with a group of children who act aggressively.

• The child is being bullied (at home or school) and is trying to regain control and power by bullying others.

• The child wants attention from others – teachers, parents, or classmates – and hasn’t been successful.

• The child is naturally more impulsive and assertive than the rest of the class.

• The child is overly sensitive and sees affronts where there aren’t any.

• The child does not realize how the victim feels.

(This is common in younger children.)

But the overall reason I find bullying happens is lagging social skills. At each stage of child development, children learn different coping skills. They learn to “read the room” and match their behaviors accordingly. They learn to make friends, negotiate positions, and communicate feelings. “Bullies” solve their problems through intimidation or acts of physical aggression. This is compensation for the skills they are not picking up. When the child feels insecure or there is a social problem, the child lashes out at another person, because when he/she feels powerless or lost, this makes the child feel powerful and in control. Just like some children have difficulty reading text and need extra help learning to decode and comprehend the written word, a child with missing or lagging social skills needs help as well learning to decode and comprehend the way people get along and how to master those skills.

All children want to belong, and be good, liked, and appreciated. And if they can, they do what they can to fit that mold!

Lagging social skills compensation include:

• Calling other people names

• Hitting and physically hurting people

• Forcing others to do things they don’t want to do

• Taking or breaking other people’s property

If your child found communicating and solving problems easier, he/she would not choose these aggressive ways to get what he/wants.

James Lehman, the author of The Total Transfor -

mation, writes better than I could:

Kids who are bullying others should be held accountable at home. They should be given consequences at home for their bullying behavior at school. And the consequences should look something like this: your child should be deprived of doing something he or she likes… And they also should have to do a task. For example, they should write an essay or letter on what they’re going to do next time they’re in the same situation or feel the same way—instead of bullying.

They must start thinking of other ways they can solve this problem. Understand that they may not have any ideas, and that’s where you have to interact with them and coach them as a parent.

If your child is hurting or bullying others, he needs to have conversations that solve problems. He does not need or benefit from conversations that explore emotions. Bullies tend to see themselves as victims, so the conversation has to focus on them taking responsibility for their behavior.

So, no more being ashamed. Instead, get to work. Help your child learn the social skills necessary so he/she can be a kind and personal adult. It’s a process, and you might need a professional to help guide you. But if you help your child with his/her lagging skills now, life will be much more pleasant for all, especially for your child!

Hatzlacha, and may you see much nachas from this child, iy”H,

-Etti

It is hard to hear that your child is bullying others, but we look at it as a sign of distress or lagging social skills.

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.

It’s a necessary but often stressful situation: you need some groceries or a few items and the kids are coming with you. The kids mentally have their own shopping lists – none of the items coincide with yours. They attempt to throw into your cart enough sugar to down a rhinoceros. Perhaps someone tries to run away or show off their gymnastics. Maybe a child attempts to drive the cart themselves – right into another shopper.

Some truly ambitious ones bring their little ones to toy stores, candy stores and other risky locations. As the child magically sprouts octopus-like tentacles, you wonder how so many items can simultaneously be thrust into your face and added to your cart.

The truth is these stores are very exciting for young (and not so young) ones and their enthusiasm can get ahead of their better judgment. It can be hard for a child to see their desired item as being a problem, after all, “it only costs X dollars” or “it’s only one thing.”

It’s easy to assume children intuitively understand how to behave in various situations, but what’s obvious to us is often a novel concept to them. Children benefit from being educated in the appropriate ways to behave in all

Shopping With Kids

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

the situations they will encounter, and shopping excursions are no different.

Children can also learn many skills sitting in that cart. We naturally can work on many things including basic counting, spelling and decision-making (picking the right Shabbos snack is a technique that lasts a lifetime). Shopping lists can be drawn using pictures to indicate items to help those not yet literate. With slightly older children, family shopping can also be an excellent time to work on mental math, budgeting, and understanding marketing techniques and comparisons. Of course, this all goes along with the bonding and connecting that happens over shared experiences.

My older children still have fond memories of going weekly to a local candy store. Each week, they would earn a little money to buy themselves a pre-Shabbos treat. Besides the sheer joy of being able to purchase their own sugary confection, my children learned many important skills. Some – like estimating, mental math and differentiating coins – are obvious. Learning how to ask for assistance, say “please” and “thank you” to the staff, and how to wait respectfully on the line were no less important. I only realized how

uncommon these basic behaviors were after the staff confided in me how few children knew they had to wait till it was their turn. What started as a small trip became beautiful memories they still treasure years later.

It took time, patience and effort, but my children soon learned that if they couldn’t behave appropriately in the store then we had to leave immediately – even if we had not yet purchased all the necessary items. It was incredibly frustrating for me to leave the store without everything on my list, but they quickly understood that if they wanted to shop then they needed to follow the rules.

Helpful Tips

It can be helpful to inform children in advance what you expect of them. For example, this may include not running in the store or that you’re not buying extra stuff. Knowing their individual child, each parent is aware of the probable pitfalls of each particular location.

When possible, it’s a good idea to phrase your expectations as what they should do and not only what they shouldn’t. This is because when we tell them a “no,” we’ve told them what to avoid but we still haven’t told them what

we expect of them. Our intentions may be obvious to us but not necessarily to a child. “Hold onto the cart and walk next to me” can sometimes be more helpful than “don’t run away.” Some kids are incredibly literal in their thinking and “don’t run away” never included “don’t walk away,” “don’t cartwheel into the tomatoes,” or “don’t ride the cart like a scooter.”

As challenging as it may be, it helps to keep the guidelines brief because kids tune us out after a few words. Initially, we may need to limit what we can realistically expect from a child. Some children find these limitations extremely difficult, and we may want to go slower instead of giving a long list of appropriate behaviors.

When beginning to educate children in appropriate shopping decorum, some parents may find it easier to start with one child at a time rather than the entire crew. Also, shorter shopping lists can be easier than a full trip that takes over an hour.

It’s best to begin with stores that you know well and have a clear idea of what you need and where you’ll find it. Needing (or wanting) to browse can take much longer than their attention spans permit. Also, it’s really hard to think

clearly when you have to multitask with a child while studying the items.

Reality doesn’t always align with our hopes. Emergencies or unplanned situations come up, and we may have no choice but to bring a tired or hungry child. There are also times we can do everything right and our kids still don’t act accordingly. Taking a few deep breaths and attempting to remain calm helps the adults stay in control of themselves and the situation.

The Don’ts

There are a few don’ts to shopping with children. These are well meaning but common mistakes that parents make which risk exacerbating the issue. By avoiding them we can help our children have the best chance to be their optimal selves.

We don’t want to bring hungry children to a store. Nobody is in a good mood when they’re hungry, and children are certainly not an exception. Even a quick snack in the car can help prevent a meltdown. It’s also not a good idea to shop for food when someone is hungry; it leads to unexpected spontaneous purchases.

Tired children are cranky people, as

are tired adults. It helps to be mindful of naptime and bedtime when planning shopping excursions. We have busy schedules and it’s complicated to fit errands in between all of our other obligations but, ultimately, our trip will be more peaceful if our shopping companions are well rested.

derstanding and are often happy to help.

It’s best to not bring a child into a particular store where you know they won’t be able to control themselves. Kids are still young, and temptation can be too much. This may be a candy store, a toy store, or anything especially appealing to that particular child. It’s

pressured. When we’re under stress, we’re more likely to yell.

Think of this like an inverse relationship (on a graph this means that as one parameter goes down, the other goes up). In practice, this means the more we’re rushed, the slower our child will move. Similarly, the louder an adult yells to rush a child, the slower the child’s movements will become. We can act philosophical and ask why this is the case, but the end result will still be the same – we’re going to be late.

Sick kids are miserable and can’t be expected to behave. Additionally, they may be contagious. Bringing an ill child on errands can be unpleasant for everyone involved. It can be helpful to take advantage of curbside pick-up and home delivery, when available. Most of our local community pharmacists offer both options. When that isn’t an option, neighbors and friends can be very un-

not fair to a child to put something particularly desirable in front of them and then say “no.”

It’s so tempting to fit in that last errand or slip in a trip when we have a few minutes before an appointment or we need to be somewhere. It’s almost guaranteed your child will not walk as fast as you hope or get out of the car promptly. When we’re rushed, we are going to feel

Shopping together with children can be a wonderful experience. There’s so much to see and excitement in everything around them. Just walking into the local shops is enough to help you feel Shavuos is coming. Helping our children be their best during errands can make even the most mundane trip into a fun, bonding experience. Have an amazing shopping trip!

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.

As the child magically sprouts octopus-like tentacles, you wonder how so many items can simultaneously be thrust into your face and added to your cart.

Health & F tness Seeing and Believing

By Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox

My children want to know about world events, and being children, they prefer watching the news over reading articles. When there is a tragedy or an accident or a frightening news item, I notice that even some of the frum online media will show images of accidents, of bloodshed and other graphic stories. Is it better that they understand the news by getting a clear picture of what has happened or is it better for them to be sheltered from disturbing photos and videos?

Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox Responds:

Our Sages in the Talmud and in the Mishna have taught us about the pliable minds of our young ones. Misinformation can sear its way into the mind, and it is hard to rehabilitate a child’s early erroneous mental imagery. In addition, when a child is presented with ideas and with images for which he or she is not yet ready, the mind will experience confusion. The more confusing and upsetting that exposure is to the young child, the more there is actually a risk of brain traumatization. There are topics, pictures and ideas for which young children are not mature enough to make sense of, and those images and words will hover within the child’s mind, hard to erase. A child may feel sickened, saddened, shamed or enticed

by exposure to things which he or she may feel were inappropriate, or for which they knew they were not supposed to be seeing at their age. When this happens, the mind will bounce between trying to suppress the thoughts and feelings and wanting to go back to those topics which have violated their innocence. In the extreme, this can lead children to obsess, be distracted, moody, or to feel conflicted

duct. The more one is exposed to violent imagery, for example, the more one might become conditioned to accepting violence as a way of life. Some of our failure to empathize with, to feel for those who suffer, is a result of overexposure to games involving aggression and stories about crime. As for the child who engages in such “play,” learning to accept and to tolerate these themes as an acceptable way of life can

victims and their families. News can be talked about and explained to children, so that there is healthy learning taking place. However, when a child is riveted to the scenes of broken glass, and bleeding bodies, of sirens and emergency medical procedures, that wholesome learning is usually obviated. Instead, the child will “at best” experience fear and worry and “at worst” will begin turning to such media with excitement, finding stimulation in these clips and remembering only the body count and the schadenfreude.

about themselves. It can also prompt acting out of violent and base urges. Children learn to believe that what they see must be acceptable.

Gruesome and gory pictures, grotesque scenes, and sensationalized stories bring the horror into the home, where children need to be children. Images which an adult might be able to handle because the mature brain is equipped to process such adult realities can nonetheless desensitize the adult to violence or to other miscon-

block their developing conscience, compassion, and impulse control. A significant number of children who struggle with inattentive and distracted thinking and behavior are preoccupied with fantasies and pictures which erode their ability to focus.

When the media covers, say, the story of an accident, this might be an opportunity to impress upon a young child the importance of safety, or safeguarding health, or exercising our faith and our prayers, or feeling sorrow and compassion for the

We recommend that parents think carefully about the tastefulness of allowing a child unnecessary exposure to graphic media which can contaminate the mind with ideas and with characterizations which are literally and figuratively over their heads. Educate your children by conversing with them, learning with them, exposing them to values rather than to vanity. Allow them to be children while they are young, so that they will be ready for a sensitive and stable adulthood.

Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox is a forensic and clinical psychologist, and director of Chai Lifeline Crisis Services. To contact Chai Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis helpline, call 855-3-CRISIS or email crisis@chailifeline.org. Learn more at www.chailifeline.org/crisis.

News can be talked about and explained to children, so that there is healthy learning taking place.

Harmony and the House of Joyful Noise

By Yeshaya Kraus, LCSW

In the world of marriage and relationships, the dynamic between spouses is often referred to as a dance. Personally, I like to think of it in terms of song. There’s a lot we can learn from singing together that can shed some light on both how a marriage works, how it doesn’t, and what we can keep in mind to help it work better.

One of the things you notice pretty quickly when you’re in shul is the state of the singing. There’s a wide range of variety. Some shuls sing a lot, with tunes popping out at times when you would not only not expect it but would expect there to not be one. You have places which sing pretty predictably, almost as a science. And then you’ve got the places that just don’t sing. “No frills,” they call it. “I came for Shacharis, not a concert.”

It’s an almost universal fact that wherever there’s singing, there’s harmony. Some harmonies are almost taken

for granted; a certain group of people will take the musical possibilities of That Song in That Direction, instead of sticking with the main flow of the tune. If the shul is singing That Song, it will be accompanied by That Harmony from That Group. There’s a reason for that; it sounds pretty good. It’s also a way of the harmonizers either putting their personal touches on the song, or of allowing them to participate on a key which isn’t really ideal for them.

There’s another type of harmonizer, though, aside from the usual crew. There are some real innovators out there, those who are always on harmony duty. This is regardless of whether the key is right for them or not. They sing on a different wavelength, and sometimes, it sounds absolutely awesome. Sometimes, it sounds less than awesome. One way or the other, you can always count on them to come up with something different. They do this for different rea -

sons, ranging from wanting to experiment with their innate creativity, to not wanting to be bored.

What does this have to do with marriage? Here are a few ideas.

Harmony requires a foundation

In order for a harmony to sound recognizable and good, someone has to be singing the main tune. If everyone is just singing their own harmonies, you’ll probably be able to pick out what the main song is supposed to be. It’s not as good as having an explicit baseline, though. For the personal tweaks in a relationship to work, you need to have the baseline of a healthy relationship up and running. In a nutshell, that means trust, safety, and mutuality. If that’s there, you can be creative with a lot of the rest of it. When a couple is operating on the same wavelength, they can both feel free to personalize things and work

in their harmonies. Absent that wavelength, they can’t. They can only take the liberty of experimenting when they trust each other to give them the space they need to do so, and to adjust their own harmony to accompany this new set of tones. If that’s not doable, it’s time to reevaluate the song overall. Do they need a different key to sing together on? Maybe they need a completely different song entirely, which is a discussion they need to work through together. If you’re in shul singing and someone randomly starts belting out a completely different song, that’s not going to sound so great. It’s jarring and will take people out of the moment.

Similarly, the direction two spouses try to move their relationship needs to be basically along the same wavelength in order to work. Each spouse can (and should!) throw in their personal tweaks, and really make the relationship unique and beautiful. The tweaks give their

connection personality and make it interesting. They need to fit in with what the other one is doing, though. When one spouse decides to consistently pursue his or her own agenda, with no regard for what their spouse may want or need, it throws off the foundation of the relationship. In order to continue building together, that foundation has to be strengthened and redesigned to work towards where both spouses want the relationship to end up.

Bumps in the road may need recovery. It’s happened to all of us; we’re sitting in shul and the chazzan’s voice cracks. Maybe he started off too high. Maybe it didn’t crack, but he realized that everyone else just won’t be able to hit that note with him. He’ll drop a key or two, and then everyone is together again and back on track.

It’s a given that in a relationship, things don’t always go smoothly. Spouses are different people, with different desires, interests, likes, and dislikes. Although we try our best, we can’t always anticipate how our spouse will react to something we do. If it doesn’t land well,

we may need time to recalibrate. When we get caught up in our personal agenda and don’t consider our spouse enough, we need to stop and rethink how we can include our spouse in a meaningful way. Although this doesn’t create a foundational flaw, both spouses need to take stock of where they are and how to re -

overpowering. You may end up seeing a sort of power struggle between the Harmonizers and another group that wants to hold on to the integrity of the song, leading to ever-increasing volume on both sides. Song battles are never enjoyable and tend to take you out of the moment.

not. They’re just overwhelmed by the controlling aspect of the other person. In extreme cases, the other person may stop “singing” altogether, choosing to not participate in the relationship at all.

Harmony and singing can be very nice, but it has to be centered around a foundation of a recognizable tune and awareness of where the song is supposed to be going. Otherwise, it’s just different people singing different things over each other; it’s raucous and noisy. There has to be that same commonality in a marriage in order for it to really work. The more spouses are able to do that, the more likely it is that we’ll end up with marriages that are beautiful and fulfilling experiences for everyone involved.

adjust. Like the chazzan, marriage isn’t supposed to be a solo concert.

Volume tends to take control

When you have The Harmonizer singing really loudly, it leads to one of a few things. Everyone else may have trouble keeping the main tune because of distraction. Some people may lose interest in singing because the harmony is so

A marriage is supposed to be harmonious; it’s supposed to be two people creating something unique together. When one person takes control, the other person may not feel it’s worth the effort. Whether this is intentional or not, it can be hard for the other person to keep doing their part unchanged. They may end up going along because the force of the other person is so strong, acting like they’re fine when it’s really

Yeshaya Kraus, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, writer, and speaker in Far Rockaway, NY, with a passion for relationships, couples work, and parent support. To book a session, or to learn more about his dating and engaged/newlywed workshops, reach out to him at yykraus@gmail.com. Feedback and discussion are welcome and encouraged.

Like the chazzan, marriage isn’t supposed to be a solo concert.

Feeling Full Without the Hunger Games

By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN

Satiety, or the feeling of fullness after a meal, is a key factor in maintaining a healthy diet and preventing overeating. It is important to understand the science behind satiety and how it can be achieved through proper nutrition. How do you truly satisfy your stomach, feel full, and no longer crave more food?

The first step is to focus on foods that are high in fiber. Fiber is a carbohydrate that cannot be digested by the body, meaning that it stays in the stomach for longer and keeps you feeling full. Some examples of fiber-rich foods are whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid choosing bread that appears to be whole grain simply because it has a brown color – there is so much more to whole wheat than just color. To ensure you are eating whole grains, the first ingredient on the label should be “whole wheat” or “whole grain.” This means that the bread is made with the entire grain kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. Also on the label, look for the 100% whole grain claim. This label means that all the grains used to make the bread are whole grains, not a mixture of whole and refined grains. In terms of fruits and vegetables, they are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and low in calories. Eating fiber-rich foods will help regulate blood sugar levels. Soluble fiber, in particular, slows down the absorption of glucose into the blood, which can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.

Fat is also an important nutrient for satiety, but it should be consumed in moderation. Fat takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, which means it can help to keep you feeling full. Fat also plays a key role in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are necessary for a wide range of bodily functions, including vision, bone health, and blood clotting. Without adequate dietary fat, the body

may have difficulty absorbing these important vitamins, which can lead to deficiencies. However, fat is high in calories, so it should be consumed in moderation. Fatty fish such as salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease. Also, dark chocolate (my personal favorite!) contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are healthy fats, as well as antioxidants. Chocolate should also be consumed in moderation, as a sweet treat or a mindful indulgence.

Along with incorporating these key nutrients, there are other strategies that help promote satiety:

• Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. This small change allows your body to register the feeling of fullness. The reason many people find themselves eating beyond the point of fullness is due to not eating mindfully. It is imperative to pay attention to your body’s signals of hunger and fullness by savoring each bite. It takes the brain 20 minutes to receive the signal from the stomach that it is being fed. Therefore, if you eat too quickly, you will not realize that you are full and end

up eating more than is necessary.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can often be mistaken for hunger, so staying hydrated can help to prevent unnecessary snacking. A study done in 2018 on young adults showed that having 1-2 cups of water before every meal decreased caloric intake during those meals, without compromising satiety levels after eating.

• Eat sitting down. When you eat standing up, this act is perceived as “grazing” or mindlessly eating, disallowing the hunger cues to reach your brain. Additionally, eating while standing up may increase your risk of heartburn or acid reflux. An article about amino acid availability explains that when you are standing, your stomach acids are more likely to flow back into your esophagus. This feeling of discomfort will make eating a negative experience.

• Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation causes the feeling of hunger to be amplified because the hunger hormone is depressed. Ghrelin is the hormone that stimulates hunger, while leptin suppresses it. When you don’t get enough sleep, ghrelin levels increase and leptin levels

decrease, making you feel hungrier and less satisfied after eating. Eventually, too little sleep will impair glucose metabolism and lead to insulin resistance. Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body, and its metabolism is essential for maintaining normal blood glucose levels and providing energy to cells.

• Understand the difference between satiety and fullness. Eat until you feel satisfied, not until you feel full. If you have a feeling of fullness, that means you ate too much. Overeating can put a strain on the digestive system, leading to bloating, gas, and discomfort. By eating until you’re satisfied, you give your digestive system a chance to properly digest and process the food. Also, your body is better able to absorb the nutrients from the food when you eat until you are satisfied.

It is important to note that everyone’s individual needs and preferences will vary when it comes to achieving satiety. Some people may find that eating several small meals throughout the day works best for them, while others may prefer to eat three larger meals. It is important to experiment and find what works best for your body and your lifestyle. Meeting with a registered dietitian can also be helpful in developing a personalized meal plan for maintaining satiety and achieving your overall health goals. By customizing your meals and snacks with satiety in mind, you can eat healthy and feel satisfied without diet hunger pains and cravings.

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

A Grandmother’s Gramma-tude

By Miriam Hendeles

“Nothing really can break in this room...and the bat and ball are so soft...

and...we promise we won’t break anything....

“And we never ever broke anything.... and it’s so much fun... please?”

My young grandsons beg me to let them play ball in the house, and I’m hesitant, wary.

Then right on cue, my husband who suddenly becomes their lawyer, adds for good measure the ultimate defense of said grandsons:

“Boys will be boys,” he announces.

He, the consummate fellow who loves to play rough-and-tumble to get them all riled up, tickling, throwing, joking around, doesn’t get my sensitivity. The noise doesn’t bother him because he can simply tune it out by learning from a sefer or getting absorbed in his computer work. And no, he doesn’t mind the mess.

Me, I prefer they play outdoors in the backyard when they come over.

“Okay. Boys may be boys,” I say. “But, grandmothers will be grandmothers.”

I worry that something might break or that a window will crack, although that hasn’t happened yet, and I don’t like the loud bumping noises in the house.

But the kids don’t always enjoy being outside with the ball; the weather is chilly, it’s rainy or it’s getting dark. And, oh yes, the balls go over the fence.

And my adult children wonder what in the world I am fussing about.

“Seriously, Ma? They’re kids. Come on...you raised five sons of your own, didn’t you, Ma?”

And so it goes. My grandsons, the good boys that they are, listen nicely and eventually go outside to continue playing.

But throughout all this complaining, I ask myself: Am I so old that kids playing in the house agitates me?

Am I experiencing the effects of old age – the withering of my patience and tolerance?

I remember my own grandmother,

who loved noise and never corrected us for a toy lying around. And I long to have these skills and to bestow the gift of serenity on my own grandkids.

I recall my grandmother’s happy face when the cousins ran around in the big house with all the rooms, upstairs and downstairs, playing hide and seek.

clearly felt badly about it.

Obviously upset about losing her valuable information on her laptop, she knew that exploding in anger wasn’t going to solve the broken laptop situation. Shattering her daughter’s ego when her daughter already felt badly would be damaging.

He wins, checkmating me in less than ten minutes – about seven moves. It’s a fun game.

Afterwards, we put the game back in its case, and he runs back to play with his brothers. I notice a few pawns left lying around on the floor, and this irks me. But then, I remember my grandmother’s smile after we played Chinese checkers and her quietly cleaning up the mess, I picture in my mind Ruchi telling her daughter, “I love you more than that laptop,” and I think of how my husband would probably not even notice the pawns on the floor. They’re just little, unimportant pawns in the grand scheme of things.

I quell my desire to call my grandson back to put away the last few pawns, and put them away myself.

Mess. Clutter. Noise. Tumult. Fingerprints and sometimes, crayon on walls.

Part and parcel of our blessed package of having children and grandchildren living nearby. Perfect physical surroundings cannot take precedence over a calming emotional environment for our family.

The fingerprints and sometimes crayon on the walls can be washed off. But the memories formed by a relaxed grandmother can never be replaced.

I focus on the beautiful grandchildren who enjoy a welcoming home where they can pop in and visit. Then, I calmly pick up the mess or ask someone to help out. Or ask my cleaning lady to come an extra day.

I was one of those kids.

I remember, recall and remind myself to be grateful for Hashem’s gift of becoming a grandmother and all that it entails. The good, the fun, the pride, the blessings, the memories. And some of the stress, too. It’s all part of having that special feeling of Grammatude.

My good friend, Ruchi Koval, once shared with me how her young adult daughter had borrowed her laptop, only for the system to crash when she used it. Her daughter told her the news and

So she took a deep breath and said, “I love you even more than a laptop.” Our kids know we love them, but when we stress over things, the message gets blurred.

One of my grandsons visits and asks me to play with him, reminding me in his friendly way, “Don’t play easy on me, Omi.”

I smile, enjoying the interaction and the game, playing what I think is my hardest.

“I love you more than a clean floor,” I told my grandson the other day.

“Duh,” he answered. “As if I didn’t know that...”

And we both smiled.

“I love you more than a clean floor,” I told my grandson the other day.

Fd for Thought Barnea Bistro

By Nati Burnside

These days, we are lucky to have so many options for high-end restaurants in the tri-state area. And while that’s obviously a good thing, it leads to different attitudes from the two different types of patrons of these places.

If you’re the type of person lucky enough to dine out in style with any frequency, differentiating between your choices might become difficult. Many feature similar menu items and decors, and it may all start to blend together. If, on the other hand, you’re the type of person who only patronizes these establishments for a special occasion, how do you choose one?

In my mind, the best places aren’t those that are the most expensive. The best destinations are those that feature high-end ambiance partnered with a menu that distinguishes the restaurant from its peers.

Barnea Bistro manages to be the best of both worlds. From the moment you walk in, you’ll see a small seating area in front of the stylish bar. Beyond that lies an elegant main dining room that features sleek modern decor and a window into the kitchen. If you’re lucky, you can catch a glimpse of Chef Joshua Kessler and his team putting out dishes from their inventive menu.

When I was invited to experience Barnea for myself, I had to make some tough decisions about what to order first. I like to start off by putting my best fish forward when the restaurant has good pescatarian options. With several paths to go down, I’d recommend the Ahi Tuna Tower as my favorite. This three-layer construction is packed with flavor and primarily features a corn chip, avocado mousse, and cubed ahi tuna with black lava salt and sesame seeds.

Served with sliced cucumber, you

can remove each layer by picking up the sturdy, yet light and crispy corn chip if you’re looking to share this. The mousse has a wonderfully light avocado creaminess, but the star is the tuna. The quality of the fish is on display with its color, texture, and taste as the lava salt and sesame complement nicely.

If it’s a meat appetizer you’re looking for, you have even more choices with which to stimulate your internal debate. And while I wouldn’t blame you for ordering half the menu, make sure that one of your selections is the Barnea Benedict. Kessler’s take on the classic morning item is this plate of eggs that will leave you wishing Barnea offered a full breakfast menu. An outer ring alternates between house biscuits (topped with a pareve béarnaise sauce and medallions of beef bacon) and piles of candied beef bacon strips, while the center of the plate features some crispy eggs topped with a full yolk for you to puncture.

Everything on this plate comes together skillfully as the biscuits and béarnaise are unbelievably pareve, the bacon medallions are juicy and delicious, the candied bacon is crunchy and savory, and the runny yolk provides a hearty substance in which you can dredge the components. This dish is a must, especially given its uniqueness.

Speaking of menu items that feature impressive imitations of dairy products, the Beef Bolognese will have you looking around the restaurant to make sure you’re actually seated in a kosher establishment. Pappardelle pasta is served in a beef ragù that carries a rich meaty flavor that is lightened slightly by the best cashew béchamel I’ve ever tasted. The effect is a bowl of pasta that you won’t forget.

Barnea Bistro isn’t a steakhouse.

Sure, there’s steak on the menu, but the real reason you are walking in that door is the style and care with which Kessler and his staff prepare their exquisite menu. With a bevy of options for main courses, you might want to try the Rack of Lamb. Plated against a swirled scoop of pomme purée, the lamb is elegantly served with two pairs of interlocked chops. The rainbow chard and beets offer some bright contrasting colors and textures, while the raisin gastrique has a perfect balance of sweet and sour for you to use as a light sauce for the dish.

But if I was restricted to recommending just one thing in the whole restaurant, it would have to be the Duck Breast. Choosing where to begin with this dish is difficult, but let’s start with the wild mushroom risotto that acts as a foundation for the plate. The hearty mushroom flavor is deeply imbued in one of the best pareve risottos I’ve ever tasted, as whatever substitute dairy products Kessler is using work flawlessly again. The assorted seasonal vegetables (a colorful trio of beets, squash, and zucchini for my experience) are grilled and

distributed around the outside. Saving the best for last, the sliced duck breast is simply divine. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, the only thing that’ll disappoint you about this duck is that your plate doesn’t magically replenish the supply.

So whether or not you chose Barnea for a special occasion, going there will seem like one. The flavors, the flare, and the feeling will all make you want to come back to try the things you missed. It’s a special place, even compared to special places.

In The K tchen

Milk Tart

By Dina Miller and Naomi Nachman

The first time I tried this delicious dessert was in South Africa, and I knew I had to get the recipe. My friend Dina Miller, who now lives in Australia, grew up in South Africa and gave me her recipe. Although Dina gave a recipe on how to make a pie crust, I made a shortcut by using the prepared pie crusts.

This Shavuot is the perfect time to make this for your family and guests. You’ll see how quick the recipe is to make and is a nice alternative to cheesecake. You can make this pareve by swapping out the milk and butter for non-dairy milk and butters.

Ingredients

Base

◦ 1 graham cracker pie crust

Filling

◦ 2 eggs

◦ ½ cup sugar

◦ 3 rounded tablespoons corn starch

◦ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

◦ 3 cups milk, divided

◦ 1 tablespoon butter

Preparation

Beat eggs, sugar, corn starch, vanilla, and 1 cup milk and set aside. Bring to a boil remaining milk with butter. Once the milk has come to the boil, lower heat, and slowly add the egg mixture to the pot on the stove and stir continuously till thick.

Pour mixture onto the pie crust and sprinkle with cinnamon. Place in fridge for a few hours to set before serving.

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.

Naomi with Dina Miller in Sydney, Australia, making the milk tart

Adam Levin on Your Company’s Cyber Security

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 Adam Levin, founder of CyberScout and author of Swiped

YS: Has the issue of cybersecurity become easier to deal with over time, or has it become worse?

AL: The problem has gotten a great deal worse. People are more aware of it. They’re making more efforts in order to make themselves harder targets. But the truth is that it’s been exploding. It was estimated that in the past year, over $1.2 billion had been paid out in ransom to different ransomware groups around the world. That’s just one small example of

how this has been impacting businesses, consumers, government agencies, etc. It’s a serious problem, and I think one that we have to get straight. There are an awful lot of people who say, “Who would want to hack me? I’m just a regular person.” Or a business that says, “We’re small. Nobody cares about us.” But no one is too unimportant, too irrelevant, or too small to be a target for a cyber-attack or a ransomware attack. You may look at yourself in the mirror and just see you. But when a hacker looks at you, they see Jay Z, Beyonce, or Adam Levine, because you’ve got what they want. You have personally identifiable information that can be used in identity theft. You have financial information. Or it may have nothing to do with you, but it may relate to someone you know, some place you work, someone

you’re related to, or some activity you’re involved in, and you are simply the conduit to a much larger river.

Could you explain what “phishing” is?

There are four major ways that you can be phished. One is an email that is generalized, like “dear card holder” or “dear member.” Then there’s the Spear-Phishing, which would address you by name. There’s Vishing, where you get a phone call from someone who’s representing themselves to be from a government agency or someone that your organization may be doing business with. And then, there’s Smishing, which is SMS text-based fishing. You’ll get a text that conveys a sense of urgency, like “your account has been frozen! Click here to reauthenticate yourself, and we can get your

account back up and running.”

There are also four kinds of hackers. There’s the State-Sponsored hacker. More and more, insurance companies are backing away from protecting you under cyber liability policies if it’s a State-Sponsored hack. There’s the For-Profit hacker, which we’ve certainly seen with Target, Home Depot, and a number of other iconic breaches that have occurred. There’s the Cause-Related hacker, for example the case of Sony being hacked because North Korea was extremely upset about a movie, although some people thought it was someone within the organization that had an axe to grind. And then, there’s the “Because I Can” hacker, which was referred to by a former president as “a 400-pound hacker on a mattress in his mother’s basement in New Jersey.”

How important is it to be prepared?

It’s critically important to be prepared. The problem is that, as an organization, you can do every single thing right. You can minimize your risk of exposure. You can monitor your systems. You can be absolutely secure at 9:00am. And then at 9:01am, somebody working remotely within your organization, or someone in the office receives an email as part of a phishing attack, and they click on the wrong link. And suddenly the bad guys are in your system. So, cybersecurity is a team sport. There are no victory laps in cybersecurity. And cybersecurity has to be an ongoing conversation, not something that’s just explained in a packet when someone is onboarded. It has to be part of an ongoing process. You have to always be thinking about educating everyone within the organization as to what are the threats, what are the red flags, and what are the things that you should be doing in the event that any of these things are apparent to you. There are people within organizations that have a culture where they’re terrified to tell their boss, “I think I just clicked on the wrong link.” Within an organization, you need to have a culture of privacy and security where everybody feels a stake, and nobody is afraid to say, “I think I made a mistake, and we’ve got to do something about it right now.”

What are some of the recommended best practices for a company with remote employees?

First of all, companies should employ a very strict security policy. There are people that say, “Well, this could be a little expensive,” but frankly, I think anyone that works for you remotely should be provided with a device that’s for work only, by the company. That device should have all of the security software that the company feels is necessary. And it should be made very clear that they should not use this device for anything other than work, and not to share it with their family members, especially their kids. I have a 10-year-old. I love him to death. But kids can be weapons of mass destruction within a family, especially when it comes to a business.

They should also make sure that any employee that’s connecting remotely is using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). You can get them for very reasonable prices. But don’t get the free ones, because they could be collecting data. Think of the VPN as an encrypted tube between your device and the network that you’ll be communicating with. It shields you from

spying eyes, so that if you’re browsing or doing something on behalf of the company, it’s difficult to tell where you are. And it’s an extra layer of protection.

Also, companies should make it clear that under no circumstances should an employee ever use any password that they use in their non-work life. And the passwords they do use in their work life should not even be a variation of a password they’ve used before. It’s probably better for them to get a password manager, which can create extremely difficult to decipher passwords at the drop of a hat.

oftentimes finds its way into security answers. It’s important to be a little creative, but not so creative that you forget what you did and end up being shut out of a system.

What are some of the most common lures used in phishing scams?

Any communication within an organization could be a lure, and some of them can be incredibly sophisticated. For example, there is a true story that circulated where the CEO of a portfolio company got an actual phone call from the CEO of

your risk of exposure and reduce your attackable surface. Think about all the internet of things devices in your office. Printers, computers, heating systems, security systems, etc. These things can be hacked, and someone can get into your network. So, make sure that you have strong password protocols and serious employee training. Antivirus software is as important for consumers on their digital devices as it is for a business to have on its network.

The second M is “Monitor.” Businesses need to have an active Vulnerability Management Program, where they have a process in place that any time they’re notified of a problem with software or hardware, they immediately move to apply whatever patch there is. They also need to monitor their systems to make sure that the flow of data isn’t unusually large on an exfiltration as opposed to a normal day.

It’s very important to separate what you do in your private life and what you do in your work life, especially when it comes to all things cyber.

What are some ways for employees that are using their personal computers to protect themselves?

Use long and strong passwords, don’t use dumb passwords, and don’t use passwords you share across your universe of websites. Enable two-factor authentication, which is when you log into a site from a new device and then it says, “We’re going to send a code to your device every time you log in, so that when you enter the code, we know it’s you.” That gives you an extra layer of protection. Do not download any apps that don’t come from legitimate app stores like Apple or Google Play. And even then, you need to be careful. You need to read reviews, because one thing’s for sure, if someone’s had a bad experience with an app, they’re going to get loud about it. Also, don’t click on links or open attachments unless you know exactly who they’re from. And it’s not even a bad idea if you get a communication from someone at work, you contact that person and say, “Before I do anything, I just want to make absolutely sure that you’re the one that sent me this communication,” because people can spoof that information. Also, when you set up answers to security questions for new accounts, lie like a superhero, because unfortunately so much about us is posted online, either by us or by others. And that information

the parent company, saying that as part of their co-op deal that they were doing, everybody was contributing to an account that they would use for advertising for the entire organization. And then, he asked if he could please arrange for a $200,000 wire. And, as he told others, “This was the CEO. I’ve talked to him before. I heard his voice.” So, he wired the money. And a few days later, he told the CEO, “I just want you to know that I took care of that wire you asked me to do.” Whereupon the CEO said, “What are you talking about?” It was an actual deep fake audio. And he fell for it.

That’s the problem. Some of the scammers are so sophisticated that you really have to be on the lookout. Even if you get a call or a communication from someone, call them back and make sure it was really them. And if they get a little miffed at you, you could have just saved your job anyway. But a lot of times, scammers will attack at the end of the day, end of the week, or the holiday season, where someone within the organization will get the communication, think it’s real, but it’s late and they don’t even know who to call at that hour, so they just take care of it because they’ve been left with the impression that if they don’t, it could jeopardize a contract they have. During the holiday season, most IT departments are shortstaffed because everybody’s taking their holiday time. And hackers know this.

Could you explain the 3 M’s?

The first M is “Minimize.” Minimize

The third M is “Manage.” How do you manage the damage? Develop a program where you actually train your employees to respond in the event that they are notified that there is a breach of the organization. And this can’t be just the IT department. This also has to be the legal department, the human resources department, and not only your inside communications department, but also the outside communications company that you use. Always have an outside identity theft protection organization on speed dial because you never know what’s going to happen. Know what your laws are. In this country, there is no national uniform breach notification law. There are 54 separate jurisdictions that have 54 separate breach notification laws. How you respond to a breach will define how regulators, class action lawsuit attorneys, and the public view your organization.

No one is too unimportant, too irrelevant, or too small to be a target for a cyber-attack or a ransomware attack.

Notable Quotes

“Say What?!”

Opportunities are going to present themselves throughout life. Everybody has different opportunities and then you have to make decisions. If you’re careful about that and make the right decisions, it’s better.

– WWII veteran Keith Davison, of Minnesota, age 100, in an interview with Fox Digital

When I was in Sunday school…we used to sing an old song about [how] G-d will take care of you. And I think that’s true.

- Ibid.

You’ve got to be open to things and use what you learn. And realize that human beings are different and you can learn something from anyone.

- Ibid.

I was hit at one point on the Subway by a man who was having a mental health episode. He sat next to me, and he was elbowing and flailing around. He hit me in the face and in my body. And, it was jarring, right? The idea that I would want him to be hurt in any way—I just didn’t want to be near him in that moment because I understood that something is going on here. Every one of us who has taken public transportation has seen someone struggling…but my fear is not the primary object of what we should be focusing on right now. It is the fact that this person is in pain. And, so, like, the politics of dehumanization, privileges, the bourgeois kind of concern for people’s immediate comfort in this narrow instance as opposed to larger humanity and life, it’s freaking twisted. Desire.

- Emma Vigeland of the liberal Majority Report, arguing that it’s twisted for people to be concerned for their safety on the subway rather than to be concerned for the lunatics menacing them

Hardy surprising. After @SpeakerMcCarthy canceled @RashidaTlaib’s “Nakba Day” event in the House, @BernieSanders comes to the rescue and hosts her in the Senate. And this as #IsraelUnderFire from Islamic Jihad rocket bombardment. Sanders is a disgrace and a Jew-hating enabler!

- Tweet by Arsen Ostrovsky

Bernie Sanders is approximately as Jewish as a ham sandwich topped with shrimp on lard bread.

- Response tweet by Ben Shapiro

Today, the civilization is once again at a decisive, turning point, and an actual war has been unleashed against our homeland again. But we fended off international terrorism, we will protect residents of Donbas too and ensure our security.

- Russian President Vladimir Putin at Victory Day address

Our heroic ancestors proved that there is nothing stronger, more powerful and more reliable than our unity. There is nothing in the world stronger than our love for the Motherland.

- Ibid.

Where I’m from, if I say I wanna go to the country, it doesn’t mean that place is a country. It’s just how we talk. If I offended anyone in China, I apologize. It was not my intention to harm anyone with what I said in the commercial.

- Former NBA player Dwight Howard apologizing to China for calling Taiwan a country when he appeared in a commercial for the country of Taiwan which China claims is not independent

With your voices and votes, I was able to fulfill my commitment to put the first black woman on the Supreme Court of the United States of America. And by the way, she is brighter than the rest. She is one bright woman.

- Pres. Joe Biden, in his Howard University commencement address, talking about Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who said during her confirmation hearing that she was unable to define what a woman is because “I’m not a biologist”

Stand up against the poison. White supremacy … is the single most dangerous terrorist threat in our homeland.

- Ibid.

And I’m not just saying this because I’m at a Black HBCU. I say this wherever I go.

- Ibid.

No you’re saying it because you’re a pathological liar propped up by the media to help fuel dangerous racial division.

- Tweet in response by Julie Kelly

You assume they are good intentions. They are not. He wants to erode the very fabric of civilization. Soros hates humanity.

- Elon Musk, responding to someone extolling the good intentions of George Soros, who is proud that he aided the Nazis (see his “60 Minutes” interview)

Was Netanyahu being anti-Semitic when he blamed Soros for the anti-deportation campaign in Israel?

- a Twitter reply to the Anti-Defamation League accusing Musk of antisemitism for commenting about Soros

ADL should just drop the A.

- Musk’s response

Instead of us focusing on how do we duplicate the success of improving our children, we attack the yeshivas that are providing a quality education that is embracing our children.

- Mayor Eric Adams at an OU event last week

We need to ask, “What are we doing wrong in our schools?” and learn what you are doing in the yeshivas to improve education.

- Ibid.

I think he’s a coward, and I think he’s a puppet of Putin. I really do. I think, I don’t know why. To tell you the truth, I can’t figure it out, but there’s no other conclusion to come to.

- Former Trump ally and now nemesis Chris Christie on the Hugh Hewitt radio show eviscerating Trump for not calling Putin a war criminal during his CNN townhall

We apologize but we consider this a product [that is] ideal for any athlete who wants to improve their nutritional habits. We regret if any woman felt offended.

- The organizer of seven-kilometer amateur race for women in Spain apologizing after being criticized for the winning prize being a food processor

Joe Manchin Weighs Challenging Today’s Stagnant Party Duopoly

By George F. Will

Progressive Democrats see Sen. Joe Manchin III as a buzzard on a branch, feasting on their agenda as on carrion. Republicans see the West Virginian as the most vulnerable Senate Democrat next year. More disinterested observers consider him an unusually senatorial senator — and someone who could challenge today’s stagnant party duopoly.

Manchin’s deviations from party solidarity began soon after his 2010 arrival in the Senate, when Democratic Leader Harry M. Reid said to him about a particular bill, “We’re all going to be for this,” and Manchin said no, he would not be. In 2020 and 2022, Manchin endorsed the reelection of Maine’s Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Alaska’s Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, respectively. His opposition doomed President Biden’s Build Back Better spending blowout. He has forced modifications of some other Biden extravagances — and has been burned by Biden’s reneging on some commitments.

Breaking ranks last week, Manchin urged Biden to negotiate concerning the House Republicans’ proposal for lifting the debt ceiling: “Speaker McCarthy did his job and he passed a bill that would prevent default and finally begin to rein in federal spending.”

Actually, it is a microscopic beginning — e.g., returning discretionary spending, a sliver of the budget, to the 2022 level and limiting to 1 percent future increases.

Note, however, Manchin’s language: McCarthy “did his job.” Congress, not just the president, participates in governance.

The Congressional Budget Office projects deficits averaging 6.1 percent of gross domestic product for a decade, up from about 3.5 percent over the previous half-century. Manchin thinks the nation is “at risk” because of both parties’ commitment to fiscal irresponsibility.

Manchin was 12 years old when West Virginia’s 1960 Democratic primary propelled John F. Kennedy toward the presidency. Manchin has told Biden that he cannot support policies that invert Kennedy’s famous Inaugural Address trope — policies that encourage Americans to ask not what they can do for their country but “how much more can my country do for me.”

lockstep enabler of presidential agendas. One valuable legacy of Manchin’s Senate years, however many more there are, will be his independence in attempting to restore the Senate to its proper place, with a will of its own, cooperative yet rivalrous with the executive.

The Republican Senate leadership has identified its preferred Manchin opponent,

About another possibility, Manchin is circumspect without being coy. He clearly has thought about the challenges of a third-party presidential bid.

He has long supported efforts to revitalize America’s political center. Today, one vehicle for that is No Labels, the group working to secure, as an insurance policy, ballot access in enough states to make 270 electoral votes achievable for a third candidate heading an improvised party, if the other two are 2020’s retreads.

Speaking three days after a seismic Washington Post-ABC News poll, Manchin adhered to his previous statement that all options, including a presidential bid, are “on the table.” The poll showed that more than 60 percent of Americans say Biden lacks the acuity to be president.

In another poll, 68 percent or more have consistently expressed pessimism about the nation being on the wrong track.

Manchin is a short-term pessimist but a long-term optimist: Both parties are, he thinks, too risk-averse to address the nation’s rapidly worsening fiscal precariousness, but dramatic improvements can come from policies that are straightforward.

For example, quickly do everything — build barriers, send troops, whatever — to secure the southern border, thereby making possible rational immigration policies that will enlarge the workforce to sustain the entitlement programs.

Politics is a team sport, but a senator’s principal team should be the Senate itself. Constitutional equilibrium depends (per James Madison’s Federalist 51) on the three branches “keeping each other in their proper places.” Each should have “a will of its own.” The ethic of party loyalty has destroyed such equilibrium, reducing the president’s party in Congress to a

West Virginia’s Gov. Jim Justice, who faces an expensively contested primary. No matter who prevails, for Manchin to win next year he must achieve an extraordinary amount of ticket-splitting, which he did in 2018. That year, after Donald Trump won West Virginia by 42 points in 2016, and before he won it by 39 points in 2020, Manchin won reelection by 3.3 points.

When Manchin played football he was a quarterback, and he still has an executive’s signal-calling temperament.

He will not choose his future path — a reelection campaign, or an even more challenging campaign — until the end of the year. Then he could, in football parlance, call a consequential audible.

Manchin is a short-term pessimist but a long-term optimist.

We Now Have a Biden Doctrine. It Makes Me Nervous

By Fareed Zakaria

We now have a Biden Doctrine. The Biden administration has set it out in a striking recent address by national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Sullivan outlines the administration’s international economic policy, but it is really the overarching framework for President Biden’s approach to the world, defining in lucid terms the ideas behind the slogan “a foreign policy for the middle class.”

Sullivan is a fiercely intelligent thinker and skilled policymaker who has come to dominate policy in the administration. His speech showcases these talents, and many of the specific initiatives are smart and worth pursuing. But the overall approach left me worried, along three broad dimensions.

First, it is a fundamentally pessimistic view of America’s recent history. Sullivan recalls the glory days of American economic power after 1945, but then notes that in “the last few decades” that strength has waned. He talks about the hollowing-out of the country’s industrial base, the export of American jobs and the atrophying of industries. We “stopped really focusing on building,” Sullivan said, as he summarized the subsidies, tariffs, bans and investments that are at the heart of Biden’s new approach.

Ironically, only a couple of weeks before Sullivan made his speech, the Economist had a cover story on “America’s astonishing economic record.” It begins with 1990 – often used as the start of the rot in the narrative of decline –and points out that despite the rise of huge new economies such as China and India, the United States’ share of global gross domestic product has stayed roughly the same since then: around 25 percent. During that same period, America’s share of the Group of Seven’s

economic output increased substantially, from 40 percent to 58 percent. Today, eight of the world’s 10 biggest companies are American. In 1989, only four were American (and six were Japanese). As for building, during these decades, the United States created and built the information economy, surely one of the greatest transformations and advances in human history.

In 1990, the great fear in the United States was of being overtaken by Japan, then seen as the predatory economic power that was eating our lunch. But, as the Economist notes in the same edition, in 1990, the income per person in the United States was just 17 percent higher than in Japan; today it is a staggering 54 percent higher. Look at demographics or energy or leading technology companies, and everywhere you see the United States in a dominant position. Perhaps we got something right.

The second worry I have is of the efficacy of large-scale government in -

tervention in the economy. Sullivan outlines the need for federal subsidies in certain areas, either to maintain the technological lead or for national security reasons. Brilliant people such as Sullivan might think they are well-positioned to identify the key strategic industries that need support. But historically, these kinds of interventions have not gone so well. Companies focus on lobbying the government rather than responding to the market, subsidies once in place become eternal, and innovation slows down. In the 1980s and 1990s, Japan’s much-admired technocrats picked industries and companies to push the country into the lead. Their strategic investments in artificial intelligence, maglev trains, micromachines and HDTV all proved to be “multimillion dollar debacles” in the words of a Harvard Business Review essay.

Finally, Sullivan insisted that these polices were not designed to be “America First” or “America Alone.” But the

facts are clear. Almost every element of Biden’s economic policy has a “Buy America” component to it. Its green subsidies are causing some European companies to build new plants in the United States. This sounds great to Americans but not to Europeans, who must now offer industries their own bribes to invest at home instead. It conjures up an autarchic vision of the world that is quite far removed from reality. (The iPhone, for example, is made with products from dozens of countries across six continents – though the vast majority of the profits accrue in the United States.) And as the United States preaches the need for a rules-based international order, it is worth noting that this new Biden Doctrine is violating the core of that order; every one of these policies is in violation of the letter or spirit of the World Trade Organization and its framework of open trade. This hypocrisy is rarely discussed in the United States but frequently and angrily pointed out abroad.

The greatest challenge for Americans over the past few decades has been that middle-class wages have not kept up with rising costs of living. That problem will surely get exacerbated by raising costs of goods throughout the economy through tariffs and industrial policy. As former treasury secretary and Post contributing columnist Lawrence H. Summers points out, protecting the 60,000 workers in the American steel industry sounds smart, but when you do it by raising the price of steel, the 6 million workers who use steel as an input in their goods all suffer. A foreign policy that produces persistent, systemic inflation will fail to deliver for the middle class, who are, as Joe Biden often says, its intended beneficiaries.

In Vienna, the U.S.-China Relationship Shows Signs Of Hope

By David Ignatius

As the United States and China veered toward confrontation in recent years, both sides gave lip service to the idea that they seek cooperation on issues of mutual interest. Little came from that rhetoric until last week in Vienna, when top Chinese and U.S. officials actually seemed to be creating a framework for constructive engagement.

After two days of intense meetings Wednesday and Thursday between national security adviser Jake Sullivan and top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, the two nations used identical language to describe the meetings: candid, substantive, constructive. For diplomats, that amounts to a rave review.

Talking about resets in foreign policy is always risky, and that’s especially true with Washington and Beijing. These two superpowers might be “des -

tined for war,” as Harvard professor Graham Allison warned in a book with that title. What they’ve lacked, in their increasingly combative relationship, has been common ground. But some shared space seems to have emerged during the long, detailed discussions between Sullivan and Wang.

The U.S. and Chinese officials are said to have talked for hours about how to resolve the war in Ukraine short of a catastrophe that would be harmful for both countries. They discussed how each side perceives and misunderstands the other’s global ambitions. They spoke in detail about the supremely contentious issue of Taiwan.

The frank discussion in Vienna was important because both sides have been running hard in the opposite direction in recent years. The Biden administration has concentrated on rebuilding U.S.

military alliances and partnerships but has had little constructive engagement with Beijing. China has proclaimed a “no limits” partnership with Russia and has fostered an alliance of the aggrieved but, in the process, has rebuffed the superpower that matters most to its future.

What was different in Vienna? From accounts that have emerged, it was partly a matter of chemistry. Sullivan and Wang are both confident enough to talk off script. Over nearly a dozen hours of discussion, they threw schedules aside. They have the confidence of their bosses, Presidents Biden and Xi Jinping, to engage in detailed discussion about sensitive issues. They appear to have found a language for superpower discussion, like what once existed between the United States and both Russia and China but has been lost.

Sullivan and Wang are said to have discussed the Ukraine war at length. China insists it won’t abandon Russia, its longtime partner. China seems to understand that this conflict won’t be resolved on the battlefield but through diplomacy. As Ukraine prepares a counteroffensive that could push back the Russian invasion, China fears a cascading series of Russian losses could destabilize President Vladimir Putin.

China has proposed a peace plan for Ukraine and is sending a special envoy this week to Kyiv, Moscow and other key capitals. U.S. officials expect that China’s role won’t be as a mediator but a check on Russia’s actions. If Xi decides it’s time for this war to end, Putin has few alternatives. That’s why the Kremlin is said to have viewed last week’s Sino-American engagement with dread.

In the background of the Vienna

discussions were two ruthlessly pragmatic questions for China. These issues form the context for a new stage in the relationship in which, as China’s foreign ministry spokesman put it, “China-U.S. relations should not be a zero-sum game where one side outcompetes or thrives at the expense of the other.”

The first baseline issue might be described as the “inevitability” question. Is the United States in inevitable decline while China is moving toward inevitable ascendancy? Xi’s policies have been premised on both outcomes, but the past several years have raised questions in Beijing. The U.S. economy and social framework have shown surprising resilience, and its technology remains supreme.

China might have imagined that it was dominant in artificial intelligence, for example, until the explosive impact of GPT-4. China, meanwhile, has faced economic and political head winds. Its global dominance is far from certain.

The Chinese leadership appears to be debating, behind the scenes, this question of America’s staying power. U.S. officials noted a blog post this month by Fu Ying, a prominent Chinese former

diplomat, questioning in veiled terms whether one country should question another’s power. The post was removed from the website of the university where she teaches, and U.S. officials say they believe Fu was reprimanded. What’s evident is that the issue is being debated.

ently a growing counterargument that the war strengthens America’s alliances in Europe and Asia and creates longterm trouble for China. U.S. officials say they believe the latter argument is gaining force in Beijing.

For the Biden administration, the

on core security issues such as Ukraine.

The U.S. message in Vienna is said to have been an emphatic “yes” on engagement. Sullivan praised Wang’s mediation of the bitter rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, for example, explaining that the United States could not have played a similar role because of its mutual antipathy with Iran but welcoming China’s effort to de-escalate conflict in the region.

Biden’s opening to China has been motivated by one simple idea: The United States doesn’t want to start a new Cold War. Biden took too long to implement this insight, bowing to the new conventional wisdom in Washington that the more strident the confrontation with China, the better. But he seems to have found his voice.

A second essential question for China is whether prolongation of the Ukraine war is in Beijing’s interest. Some Chinese officials are said to have argued that a long war is good for China, because the United States is bogged down in the conflict and Russia’s ties to China are reinforced. But there’s appar -

fundamental question has been whether it is in America’s interest to accept China’s growing global role and work with Chinese leaders to accomplish mutual goals. Sino-American engagement had been focused on “soft” issues such as health, food and climate change. But Biden encouraged Sullivan to engage

A few green sprouts don’t guarantee blossoms in spring, let alone a ripe summer. But based on Chinese and American accounts, what happened last week in Vienna was the beginning of a process of regular, direct engagement that will benefit both sides.

(c) 2023, Washington Post Writers Group

For the Biden administration, the fundamental question has been whether it is in America’s interest to accept China’s growing global role and work with Chinese leaders to accomplish mutual goals.

The 75 th anniversary of Israel brought forth many stories and recollections from the time that it became an independent country. Many volunteers answered the call to take up arms against hostile Arab neighbors who attacked immediately after the declaration of the state. At first the Arabs didn’t think that the Israelis had any type of air force and were surprised when Israeli planes began appearing in the sky. These early IAF (Israeli Air Force) pilots came from Israel and across the globe. Their experience eventually gave the Israelis an upper hand in the air. Some of these pilots became the nucleus of the IAF for next couple of decades.

Many of the senior commanders of the IAF in the 1950s and ‘60s were combat veterans of the War of Independence. One of these commanders was Menachem Bar (Bernstein) who was born under the British Mandate in 1924. He first took a glider course and in 1943 earned his pilot’s license before joining the Palmach as an instructor. Bar joined the Defense Air Service and in May 1948 became one of the first pilots for the IAF. During the war, he flew close to 100 combat missions and attacked enemy targets in Jenin and Turan while providing air support for the Golani Brigade.

Bar flew in a single engine light air -

Pilots in the Fledging IAF

By Avi Heiligman

craft designed for observation but that wasn’t to last too long. The air force wanted him to switch to fight aircraft and sent him and other trainees to Czechoslovakia to train in the S-199. The course was moved to Israel after being expelled by the communists, and Bar earned his pilot’s wings from the IAF in May 1949. He

manded Squadron 105 and in June 1953, together with Benny Peled, Bar established Israel’s first jet squadron. In 1956, he commanded pilots sent to France to bring French fighter jets to Israel. During Operation Kadesh, during the Sinai Campaign in 1956, he led four planes that sank an Egyptian cargo ship in the Straits of

were recruited to serve in the IAF during the Israeli War of Independence. Not all of these pilots were Jewish, including Canadian John McElroy and American Chalmers “Slick” Goodlin. McElroy was from Port Arthur, Ontario, and started his military career in the infantry before graduating flight school and becoming a fighter pilot in 1942. During World War II, he flew in British-built Spitfires and has ten kills, four shared kills and several probables to his record, making him a double ace pilot. Many of these aerial victories were over Malta, but the daring pilot also crashed at least four times – the last time in friendly territory in recently liberated French countryside. After leaving the Royal Canadian Air Force, McElroy continued flying with the Auxiliary Air Force and in 1948 jumped at the opportunity to fly in combat again.

was then assigned to Squadron 101 and was soon flying sorties in Spitfires. Bar and his wingman intercepted a Jordanian plane on its way to Egypt in 1950 and forced it to land. In 1951, he led a formation of four planes in the bombing of Syrian targets in a retaliation raid. Later that year, he was sent to England to learn how to fly jet aircraft and was soon certified to fly the two-seater Gloucester Meteor.

Upon his return to Israel, Bar com-

Tiran. Later, he established Squadron 109 and held various command positions for the next several years. During the Six Day War in 1967, Bar was the deputy for the air force commander during the planning and implantation of the pre-emptive strike take out of the Arab air forces. The operation was a success, and Bar soon retired from the IAF to fly for El-Al for sixteen years.

Many pilots from around the world

McElroy was recruited to fly for Israel by a few Jewish friends, and he helped recruited several other pilots. The non-Jewish pilot was assigned to Squadron 101 and was amused at the mixed types of aircraft that the unit flew. They flew aircraft made by the U.S. and Britain, along with Czech-built Messerschmitt fighters. On January 7, 1949, he and Goodlin shot down three unmarked enemy fighters. A week earlier, McElroy was credited with downing another Spitfire, whose pilot was

During World War II, he flew in British-built Spitfires and has ten kills, four shared kills and several probables to his record, making him a double ace pilot.

confirmed to have been flying a hostile Egyptian plane. McElroy later rejoined the Royal Canadian Air Force as an instructor. Goodlin became Israel’s first test pilot and also flew on missions that brought Jews from Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Germany to Israel.

Yaakov Avisher was another pilot sent to Czechoslovakia for training to fly the S-199. Born in Ukraine, Avisher’s family moved to Eretz Yisrael when he was four. He joined the Haganah when he was fourteen and in 1941 earned his civilian pilot’s license. The British refused to accept any-

one from pre-state Israel into the RAF, and he had to wait until 1948 to receive military flight training. He completed the IAF’s first pilot course and flew aircraft filled with supplies to outposts in isolated areas. Other flight duties included evacuating wounded soldiers, bombing enemy positions, and reconnaissance and photography flights. Later, in 1948, he returned from Czechoslovakia, and even though he was now a trained fighter pilot, he joined the 103rd Transport Squadron known as the Elephant Squadron.

In 1953, Avisher became the com -

mander of the 103 Squadron and successfully carried out a parachute drop of 60 paratroopers in the center of a stadium in a goodwill gesture by the military. During the Suez Crisis in 1956, he led the squadron in Dakota aircraft in dropping parachutists from the 890th Paratrooper Battalion over the Mitla Pass. The squadron then flew supply missions and rescued wounded soldiers from the battle. Avisher didn’t stay in the IAF for much longer after the 1956 campaign and soon became a Mossad agent.

Regardless of where the pilots origi-

nated from, the early airmen of the IAF showed tenacity and courage in the face of a stronger and better equipped enemy. The IAF soon became one of the best air forces in the world. It is the IAF’s early pilots that are Forgotten Heroes from the air force’s formative years.

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.

John McElroy during his stint in the Canadian air force

Slick Goodlin

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APT./COOP/CONDO SALE

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

Classifieds

APT./COOP/CONDO SALE APT. FOR RENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

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

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

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

5TOWNS FOR LEASE: OFFICE + STORAGE + PARKING LOT Bayview and Lawrence. Minyan Available immediately Call/Text/WA Owner: 516-206-1100

HELP WANTED 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.

Classifieds

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com

HELP WANTED

DIRECTOR

OF DEVELOPMENT

New York based - for Special Needs Organization. Major Gifts, Direct Solicitation, Managerial Experience Required. Flexible Benefits Package. Self -Starter/Team Player. Email renee@ou.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.

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

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

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.

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

HELP WANTED

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

Here in these United States, tax policy rests on the notion that tax rates should rise with income, so those who earn more pay a greater share of their income. In 2020, the top 1% of earners took home 22% of all income and paid 42% of all federal income tax. While a significant minority would prefer a flat tax, polls show most Americans support the current system.

But what about fines and penalties for things like parking violations, littering, and other low-level offenses? A $100 ticket can be devastating for a single New York mom struggling to feed her kids— yet the same amount is couch-cushion money for a downtown hedge funder. How fair is that?

Last month, New York City Councilman Justin Brannon introduced a bill that would apply a sliding scale to those sorts of transactions. They’re called “day fines,” and they’re set so that offenders pay a fixed percentage of each day’s income, regardless of how much that might be. Fines might look something like a quarter of a day’s pay for littering or half a day’s pay for double parking.

So far, just two of his fellow council members have signed on to the idea, and

Your Money Check Your Speed

By Allan Rolnick, CPA

the tabloids are screaming bloody murder. (That’s what makes tabloids so much fun to read.) But in an age when every dollar counts, it’s a plausible idea that might be worth considering.

Well, they do things a little differently in Finland. What else would you expect from a country where reindeer sausage is a delicacy and wife-carrying is a thing?

port, the polissi clocked him doing 64 mph in a -50 mph zone. They checked his taxes and discovered that he had made over 7 $ million the previous year. Then they fined him the equivalent of $65,000! (The press didn’t tell us what kind of car Kuisla was driving. But we can assume it came fully equipped with the latest heads-up navigation display,

seriously consider moving abroad,” he whined on his Facebook page. “Finland is impossible to live in for certain kinds of people who have high income and wealth.” Not surprisingly, no one listened to his tiny violin.

The trick, of course, is figuring out how much scofflaws make. Up until 1996, police relied on the honor system. Sometimes that worked, and sometimes it didn’t. In 1996, though, the Tax Administration’s technology made it possible for police to pull up tax info right on the spot.

(Cross the Finnish line first and win your wife’s weight in beer!) In Finland, when the police pull you over, they check your license, your registration, and your tax return . They want that ticket to hurt, even if you’re loaded—so the more you make, the more you pay.

Reima Kuisla is a Finnish investor, hotelier, and racehorse owner. One day in 2015, when he was driving to the air -

active suspension, and special charcoal scrubbers to filter out any stray whiff of poverty.)

Kuisla’s supercharged fine works out to the same as $415 for someone making $50,000 per year. Painful, though not fatal. But if you think he took it in the spirit of Nordic fairness, boy are you going to be disappointed. “Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have believed that I would

So, at least for today, we don’t have to worry about traffic cops and parking enforcement officers snooping through our taxes. But if we did, it would just be another good reason to have a plan to pay less. So set up a time to come see us. And watch your speed on your way over—we don’t want you wasting your savings on a ticket!

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.

In Finland, when the police pull you over, they check your license, your registration, and your tax return.

There’s lots of controversy around it.

Still, lots of people like to pound it.

While others would completely ground it.

Yet, for me, I’m glad I found it.

For those who enjoy riddles, I’m tempted to say, so what am I?

Sure, take a guess!

But that was meant to be an intro, not a quiz.

It’s not an earth-shattering topic; still, it does have its users, abusers and dissenters.

OK, I’m sure I’ve piqued your interest by now, so here goes…. Did anyone think it was this? Chewing gum!

Yes, that diabolical, amazing, chewing source that sticks around forever.

Now, it seems minuscule and innocent enough, so why does it inspire such extreme reactions?

Perhaps because of its flexible uses!

Perhaps because it inspires fear?

Just recall parental responses to their little ones chewing it… “JUST DON’T SWALLOW IT!” as if it will glue all their internal organs together, never to find independence and functionality.

Maybe because of its ability to last and last and this thus irritates others. It never goes away. People chew it and chew it and chew it. And rarely politely! And others go nuts listening and listening and listening and finally explode – “Stop chewing like a cow.”

Or there are those who enjoy popping it with little mini explosions every second while others cringe from this continuous sound, something I enthusiastically practiced learning as an adolescent, by rolling my tongue between my molars as instructed and now I must practice undoing because it was not one of the similarities I remembered to explore with my husband when we were dating. And he doesn’t enjoy hearing it. To put it mildly.

(Daters, maybe you better think about addressing this one while figuring it all out, though, recognize there will always be things you have to work through and

Stuck on You

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

collaborate on after your union, so maybe just leave this one on the back burner.)

There are those who would deposit it anywhere when done with it, without a thought of the trauma to the one who encounters it! Experiences such as: a stranger getting it stuck on their shoe and knowing the last thing they want to do is touch your yucky germs to remove it or

blowers.” Obviously not the most appealing look. But a skill we all try to master as kids. Hours of flattening the gum over our tongues and then blowing into it hard, unfortunately to have it land halfway across the room quite a number of times! That is, until we master the skill of getting the air subtly under it and thus creating that perfect balloon extending

keep blowing those bubbles? After all, who else is going to be impressed with this skill you worked so hard to develop?! The secret is to wet your lips before making the bubble – it’s helps at least 50% of the time to curtail the damage.

I personally find gum a great appetite suppressant. When I want something sweet, I find this works to satisfy my need and not add to my calories. I probably even work some calories off while I’m chewing it!

I know it’s not my best look. And though I do opt for sugar-free gum, I doubt my dentist would encourage it. My husband certainly doesn’t. But if I’m going to reach for something, I’d rather it be this than a candy bar or ice cream pop.

Wait did I just say, I’d “rather”? Correction: what I meant to say was, I sometimes choose to reach for the gum instead. I’d never rather!

And honestly some just seem to enjoy a snack that keeps on giving. That is, until the flavor is completely gone but then they just pop another piece in their mouth.

In fact, I seem to remember as a kid stuffing it all in at once. Just for the thrill of it.

It’s easy to have it around, takes up little space, and often with the right brand has flavor that sticks around a long time.

Now, non-users may claim it as an item that keeps giving to them too – as a good headache.

the nauseating experience of inadvertently playing with something under the desk and only realizing it’s used gum later.

Gum chewers often fail to think about the traumatic consequences to strangers who will encounter their gum flippancy.

There should be a gum etiquette manual written. Now there’s a job for someone looking for a gig!

Then there are also the “gum bubble

from our lips – interestingly, only to ever use the skill, again impressively, for the enjoyment and inspiration of another little kid who, then, lovingly smashes it into your face with glee while you spend the next 15 minutes picking it off your lips and the outside of your nose. Then, of course, your audience shouts, “Make one again!”

Then, of course, why wouldn’t you

So, whether you’re a user, abuser, or dissenter, I hope these insights can help us all learn to stretch a bit. And to be more considerate of others as we malign or partake in this underrated, extremely controversial activity.

Rivki Rosenwald is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with both couples and individuals and is a certified relationship counselor. Rivki is a co-founder and creator of an effective Parent Management of Adolescent Years Program. She can be contacted at 917705-2004 or at rivkirosenwald@gmail.com.

Gum chewers often fail to think about the traumatic consequences to strangers who will encounter their gum flippancy.