Five Towns Jewish Home 6.8.23

Dear Readers,

Over the weekend, I was able to catch a glimpse of the gadol, Harav Gershon Edelstein, zt”l. Between the articles written about him and the stories being told, I felt as if I was able to acquire a picture of who he was. Of course, the picture that I have is small compared to the gadol who led our generation, but at least I managed to see a little bit of who he was.

So many of the articles written about Rav Gershon spoke of his derech ha’limud and Torah learning. They highlighted his rigorous schedule, his consistency in learning, his drive to accomplish and grow. But what spoke to me the most was his method of chinuch and his understanding of this generation. When asked about relationships between children and parents, Rav Gershon would emphasize love, warmth and encouragement. He would stress that parents need to give criticism in a loving way, respecting their children’s feelings and sensitivities. He noted that children should feel good about their learning and chinuch; they should learn in a pleasant environment of support and reassurance.

Rav Gershon understood this generation. He understood that these children need a different form of chinuch than what worked years ago. But his understanding of the need for encouragement and support was not based on his perception that this generation isn’t capable of greatness. Instead, he saw that today’s children were just as capable; they just need to be motivated and not forced, encouraged and not commanded. In this way, they will become successful and thriving people who love Torah and Yiddishkeit.

Rav Gershon was 100 years old when he left this world. It cannot be said that every person who is involved in chinuch for so many generations has been able to understand this generation as well as the previous ones. It takes a tremendous amount of care

and concern, a deep understanding of students and the world they live in, to be able to connect and mold the children of today.

We are fortunate to be living in a community where we have so many caring and loving mechanchim and mechanchos who take the time to understand and connect with their students. I don’t take that for granted. I know that the right teachers and rebbeim spend copious amounts of time and energy on their students. Their concern extends way beyond the classroom, spilling into meetings and phone calls and sleepless nights. They care about their students’ scholastic successes and also about how they’re faring emotionally and socially. They believe in them, and they support them. They encourage them and show them that they care.

This week, Sara Rayvych reminds our readers to reach out to those dedicated teachers and rebbeim to express the hakaras hatov that they deserve. Truthfully, throughout the year, we should be letting our teachers know how much we appreciate them, but we don’t always remember to do so. Now, as the year comes full circle and we can see the progress that our children have made – both in the amount that they’ve learned and in the strides they’ve made to refine their characters – it’s impossible to ignore the debt of gratitude we have towards our partners in their education. We owe them so much. Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

P.S. Next week is our Graduation Edition! Join in the celebration and send in a congratulatory message to your graduate of the class 2023. Whether they graduated medical school or pre-1A, send in a greeting to your graduate in TJH. Deadline is Tuesday at 2pm. Email your greeting with a photo, if you’d like, to me at editor@fivetownsjewishhome. com. Mazal tov!

Yitzy Halpern, PUBLISHER publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

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Shabbos Zemanim

Friday, June 9 Parshas Beha’alosecha

Candle Lighting: 8:06 pm

Shabbos Ends: 9:16 pm

Rabbeinu Tam: 9:38 pm

Partly Cloudy Mostly Sunny

Dear Editor,

This is to the parent who wrote into the School of Thought column this week.

First, I want to say: I am sorry you are going through this. It never feels good to feel judged as a parent or to know that your daughter is being judged. You know that your daughter is a good person, and it shouldn’t matter what she’s wearing.

There is something I wanted to point out, though: in your letter, you say, “I want you to address it... Share how no one can judge what goes into other people’s homes.”

ter might be picking up that it’s OK to talk to people in this way, and it might be fueling some of the tension going on at school.

Sharon Kew Garden Hills, NY Dear Editor,

In a democratic society, debate is supposed to be a prerequisite for the winner. Popularity contests are generally regulated to a high school setting, not national elections. However, in recent years, the drive for power has shut down substantive arguments as an electoral winner. Since the age of Covid, the embrace of electoral tactics as the primary “tick for tack” war in an election season has taken form. Early voting and mail-in ballots have been the two key factors of the new electoral era.

You wrote in because you were feeling judged and/or attacked, and I don’t want you to feel judged further. I haven’t met you; I can only go by what I see in your letter. But I wonder if it’s not your daughter’s clothes, but perhaps the way she talks, that might have caught the attention of the people in her school.

You might’ve said, “I am hoping you will address it...Can you please share..?” Instead, you phrased your sentences more like a demand.

If someone spoke like that to me, I would feel bossed around, like I was just an object. If someone asked me politely to do a favor, I would feel, instead, that they see me as a person.

If at home, or around your daughter outside your home, you speak to people the way you did in the letter, your daugh-

Lemon 108 118

In 2020, 60% of early votes came from Democrats, while only 32% came from Republicans. Similarly in 2022, Democrats in battlegrounds like Michigan and Pennsylvania voted early by more than at best 20% than Republicans, while nationally Democrats bested Republicans by 10%. Democrats’ embracement of voter contacting strategies to court voters to vote as early as possible has resulted in victory after victory. This includes candidates that are viewed as more vulnerable including gaffe-filled President Joe

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What’s your favorite Snapple flavor?

Strawberry Half-Half Mango

Continued from page 8

Biden, ill-stricken Senator John Fetterman, abortion-loving Governor Gretchen Whitmer, etc. Candidate quality does not matter as much as it once did; instead, strategy quality is where the money is at.

Two weeks ago, the only other viable Republican running for president announced his official run. When Ron DeSantis announced his run, the official primary began. In the past two weeks, with all the battles between team Trump and DeSantis, the overarching factor that matters the most has gotten less attention: ballot strategies. Since Covid, Democrats have sought out early voters and engaged with voters in a more organized and efficient strategy than Republicans. The top priority in the Republican Party should not be what nickname Governor DeSantis has today but instead building a ballot-chasing/harvesting strategy for the GOP.

The arguments over the party leader in 2023 are a distraction from the real issue. Having a candidate like DeSantis in the race where his state’s GOP pursued early voting and won the vote, leading to a 20% overall victory, is a start. DeSantis in this debate has the record, while Trump has the record of rhetoric. Republicans must demand both Trump and DeSantis for

a concise and efficient operation to win elections, thereby countering and defeating the Democrat machine. As a famous saying goes, “Fight fire with fire!”

Sincerely,

Donny Simcha Guttman

Dear Editor:

Bill Thompson is a nice fellow, as was his Dad, the judge.

That said, let us again discuss the craven, warped, weak and dishonorable behavior of the leadership of the JCRC of New York. We refer here to the TOP leadership, as board members have no say there. Having been there for an aggregate 20 years, I know.

The moment of the greatest eruption of vicious, open anti-Semitism in the entire history of the City University of New York is not the time to honor its chairman. Under duress, Thompson and his trustees issued a perfunctory statement of the kind JCRC typically issues – but no action.

JCRC, eager to justify its existence, issued a declaration of “mission accomplished” over the creation of some CUNY Jewish advisory board, leaving aggrieved Jewish students and Jewish faculty in the dust.

We who served on that board under

Pataki/Giuliani/Bloomberg know what must be done to curb this cancer of radical Islamists, leftists and anarchists who have control over the University. It involves security, muscle and yes – funding conditions.

All else is a ruse.

JCRC weakens the position of Jews in New York through incompetent “diplomacy.”

“When Jewish dignity suffers, the worst follows.” -Ze’ev Vladimir Jabotinsky Jeffrey

S Wiesenfeld

Trustee, The City University of New York, 1999-2015

Dear Editor,

The Jewish Home should be commended for its outstanding photomontage of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Memorial Day Parade. Honoring those who help assure our safety and well-being is the least that we, as a community, can do. The parade route should be crowded with well-wishers on this special day. Men women and children should fill the streets, standing tall and applauding while cheering on these selfless heroes. Yet sadly, such had not been the case. Central Avenue had a smattering of well-wishers who were few and far between. It was embarrassing, a shande, to say the least.

As a community, we must give thanks to those who keep us safe. Attending the parade is one sure way of saying thank you.

SP Hersh Lawrence, NY

Dear Editor,

The letter from fellow reader Rafi Metz was prefaced as satire. Too bad the next letter from Donny Simcha Guttman wasn’t also labeled the same.

For four impossibly long years, Americans feared a nuclear war provoked by a tweet from Trump, the man who admitted committing multiple assaults, the man who said there were good people on both sides when one side was a group of actual Nazis who chanted “Jews will not replace us” as they marched past a synagogue. We heard him trying to extort false information against Joe Biden from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.

We watched his administration tear children from the arms of migrants trying to seek asylum, a right guaranteed by U.S. and international law. He promised balanced budgets but instead exploded the deficit with tax cuts for the wealthy that cost Long Islanders their SALT deduction. He repeatedly promised an Infrastructure Week but never delivered – just as he did

when he repeatedly promised a working replacement for the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) that never materialized.

Far from hope, many Jews like me rightfully tearfully prayed that our nation could survive Trump’s assault on America.

Then Joe Biden entered the race to fight to save the soul of our nation, and thanks to 81 million Americans, he has delivered more than anyone can imagine. Shots in the arms of every American who wisely wanted one. Full supermarket shelves. A Recovery Act that has given us the lowest unemployment in modern history, saved the jobs of police, firefighters, and teachers, and saved the private pensions of many hardworking Americans. A bipartisan Infrastructure Act that will make this the Infrastructure Decade, with union jobs that pay well and don’t require a college degree. A CHIPS bill that will return us to being a worldwide technology leader. An Inflation Reduction Act that cut the deficit (unlike Trump) and cut our inflation, which was already lower than the rest of the industrialized world. And now he has saved the economy of our nation and the world by diffusing the radical Republican threat to hold our nation hostage, putting together a deal that also protected Social Security and Medicare from savage GOP cuts.

We barely did survive after Trump provoked a domestic terrorist attack on our Capitol, in which the seditionist white-supremacist Proud Boys he told to “stand back and stand by” assaulted and murdered police while wearing Camp Auschwitz shirts as they attempted to overturn the will of the voters. But now we have an America where our nation is a world leader rather than a laughingstock. While Trump tried to destroy NATO, our alliance is stronger than ever and united to save democracy in Ukraine.

Now we have both Trump and DeSantis running to see who can be the bigger dictator.

Thus far, the book-banning Florida governor who is stripping away the rights of women and […] Americans may be leading the race to the bottom.

Over sixty years ago, the West German people re-elected Konrad Adenauer, Der Atlter, who was even older than President Biden because they recognized and respected his wisdom guiding his nation from its Nazi past.

I pray American voters are wise enough to do likewise.

David S Pecoraro Former Vice President Rosedale Jewish Center

This has certainly been a wonderful year, one worthy of ending off with a grand celebration. Honor your graduate with a congratulatory message (and a photo if you’d like) to be presented in next week’s TJH. Whether they’ve just finished eighth grade, twelfth grade, college, or even medical school, they all deserve the biggest shoutout ever!

Looted Antiquities Returned to Italy

part of a collection of stolen art that has found its way home.

The objects “offer a cross-section of the many productions of ancient Italy and the islands,” including “numerous and diversified archaeological contexts (funerary, cultural, residential and public) … concentrated in particular in Etruria and Magna Graecia,” according to a statement from the Ministry of Culture.

Among the recovered items from the Roman and Imperial eras is a bronze tripod table from an aristocratic Etruscan family, two parade headgear for horses, two funerary paintings, male busts in marble, various portions of statues and bronzes, and a wall painting with the depiction of a small temple, likely from a Vesuvian residence. There are also precious gems set in gold, silver, bronze, as well as bone and amber.

“The company, which had always opposed the repeated recovery attempts by the Italian Judicial Authority, (and) subject to bankruptcy proceedings in the United Kingdom, was also sued in Italy, through the Attorney General of the State, for the return of the goods or civil compensation for damages,” Italian Attorney General Lorenzo d’Ascia said during the press conference.

recovery of illicitly stolen cultural heritage is one of the priorities of my program; protecting it also means preventing our heritage from being plundered by unscrupulous traffickers.”

Heart Attacks on Monday

More than 750 looted archaeological treasures were taken from British antiquities trader Robin Symes and returned to Italy after a decades-long fight for their return, the Carabinieri art police said last week.

The artifacts, which are worth more than $12.9 million, will go on display in Rome’s Castel Sant’Angelo museum as

Other pieces include weapons, sarcophagi, funerary urns, ritual objects, furnishings in bronze and marble, mosaic and painted decorations.

The artifacts originate from “clandestine excavations on Italian territory” and were illegally obtained by Symes Ltd, the company owned by Symes, a major trafficker of cultural goods, according to the ministry statement.

Symes had sold precious artifacts to some of the world’s most prestigious museums, but he fell from grace in 2016 when a Swiss warehouse he rented was raided. In 2005, he had been indicted for illegal trafficking of antiquities in Italy, but he denied the charges, saying that he had always been assured by his collaborators that the provenance of every object he procured was on the market legally. He was often investigated but never charged for his alleged crimes despite countless attempts by Italy and Greece.

Another 71 objects, currently in the United States, will be recovered in the next few days.

The return of these 750 objects marks another success in Italy’s attempt to recover its stolen treasures. Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano said at the press conference: “The

Monday is a hard day for many people. But new research coming out of the United Kingdom suggests that Mondays aren’t just hard for people – they can be deadly. Researchers report deadly heart attacks are more likely to occur on Mondays than on any other day during the week.

Doctors at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Royal College of Surgeons analyzed data encompassing 10,528 patients from all over Ireland

14 admitted to hospitals between 2013 and 2018 with a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Doctors consider STEMI the most serious form of heart attack, which occurs when a major coronary artery becomes completely blocked.

The research team observed spikes in rates of STEMI heart attacks at the start of the work week, with rates reaching their highest levels on a Monday. Interestingly, higher rates of STEMI than expected were also seen on a Sunday.

For now, scientists aren’t certain what is the cause behind the deadly heart attacks on Monday, a phenomenon known as Blue Monday.

Earlier studies have indicated that heart attacks are more likely on Mondays, pointing to an association with our circadian rhythms, or the body’s sleep and wake cycle.

“We’ve found a strong statistical correlation between the start of the working week and the incidence of STEMI. This has been described before but remains a curiosity. The cause is likely multifactorial, however, based on what we know from previous studies, it is reasonable to presume a circadian element,” explains Dr. Jack Laffan, who led the research at the Belfast Health and

Social Care Trust.

This research was recently presented at the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) conference.

Saudi Arabia Welcomes Maduro

few months, the oil-rich kingdom has restored relations with Iran’s theocracy and Syria’s President Bashar Assad – both seen as pariahs in the West.

Last month, the Saudis welcomed Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a close Western ally, to an Arab League summit. But days later, they hosted a senior Russian official who is under Western sanctions.

The Saudis say they are pursuing their own national interests in a world increasingly defined by great power competition. But experts say the diplomatic surge is aimed at shoring up regional stability and improving the kingdom’s image as it seeks international investment for massive development projects.

In Hong Kong, Journalist Conviction Overturned

The president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, arrived in Saudi Arabia on an official visit on Sunday, another instance of the kingdom reaching out to another U.S. foe in a flurry of diplomacy.

Saudi Arabia is hosting an international conference on combating extremism later this week in the capital, Riyadh. The gathering will be co-chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Saudi Arabia has been a close U.S. ally for decades, but relations have been strained in recent years. Over the last

Maduro was re-elected in 2018 after judges banned his main opponents from competing. Since he’s been running the country, the nation has been plunged into a severe political and economic crisis. The United States has backed Maduro’s opposition and has imposed heavy sanctions on Maduro’s autocratic government. Maduro’s government has dodged the sanctions with the help of Russia, Turkey and Iran.

This week, in a rare positive circumstance for media freedom in Hong Kong, a panel of judges on the territory’s top court unanimously voted to overturn the conviction of award-winning journalist Choy Yuk-ling, also known as Bao Choy, who had investigated the police response to a 2019 mob attack that left dozens injured.

The case against Choy sparked outrage and concern among local journalists over the territory’s shrinking media freedoms. Choy was convicted in 2021 of improperly accessing vehicle records in connection with the attack.

Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal said in a written judgment that “in

drawing the inference that the appellant knowingly made a false statement, substantial and grave injustice has been done to her.”

Choy, a former producer and freelancer for public broadcaster Radio Television Hong Kong, had sought the vehicle records for a documentary about the police response to the attack during the wave of protests that swept through Hong Kong in 2019.

The attack, by a group of rod-wielding assailants against anti-government protesters and bystanders in a subway station, undermined confidence in the police, who arrived only after the mob had fled the scene.

Choy had applied for the records of vehicles that had been there, a standard investigative practice for Hong Kong journalists. The online records application required a declaration of purpose from a set of choices in a drop-down menu that did not include media use. Choy selected “other traffic and transport related issues.”

She was found guilty in 2021 of making false statements and fined about $775. The day before the verdict, her documentary episode, titled “7.21: Who Owns the Truth,” won one of Hong Kong’s highest journalistic honors, the Kam Yiu-yu Press

Freedom Award.

After the judges overturned her conviction, Choy told reporters that the judgment affirmed the importance of Hong Kong’s constitutionally protected freedoms of press and speech.

“Over the last few years, we might have found that many things have disappeared quietly,” Choy said. “But I believe our beliefs in our hearts can’t be taken away that easily.”

Hong Kong’s independent media landscape has been decimated since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law on the city in June 2020. At least 12 news outlets have closed amid heightened scrutiny, according to the International Federation of Journalists. Pro-democracy outlets such as Apple Daily have been closed following police raids under the auspices of the law.

Hong Kong’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has plummeted since the law was imposed, according to Reporters Without Borders, which compiles the rankings. The territory, which was ranked 18th 20 years ago and 80th in 2021, is now ranked 140th out of 180 places.

OPEC+ to Cut Oil Production

increased quota of 200,000 barrels a day, beginning in 2024. The UAE has long sought to produce more oil, even staging a rare public fight with the Saudis in 2021 and suggesting it might leave OPEC. (© The New York Times)

34 Years Since the Tiananmen Square Massacre

The group of major oil-producing countries known as OPEC+ agreed on Sunday to embark on a complex effort to adjust production as it aimed to halt the recent slide in oil prices, including an additional cut in output of 1 million barrels a day by Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi cut would be for one month beginning in July but could be extended.

The group, which also includes Russia and its allies, was under pressure to produce a deal to reverse the pessimism that has dominated the oil market in recent weeks. Despite two substantial output cuts since October, the price of oil has drifted about 15% lower over the past seven months.

The agreement, the result of lengthy negotiations on Saturday and Sunday, reworks the output quotas of several countries, with the United Arab Emirates gaining and some others losing production levels.

The agreement includes a voluntary cut of 500,000 barrels a day that Moscow announced in February.

Comments at the news conference after the meeting revealed skepticism that Russia was abiding by those lower production levels. High Russian production levels, and its increased share of Asian markets including India, often at the expense of Middle East oil producers, have become a sensitive issue in the group.

Some of the data “from Russia just does not add up,” said Suhail al-Mazrouei, the oil minister of the United Arab Emirates. He said Russian officials “are reaching out to explain the numbers.”

OPEC+, in a statement, said that it was acting “to achieve and sustain a stable oil market” and that it was continuing its recent approach of being “proactive, and preemptive.”

As far as the markets are concerned, the key feature of the agreement is the additional production cut by Saudi Arabia, which would bring its daily output to about 9 million barrels a day.

The UAE, which is investing billions to increase its capacity to produce oil, was a modest winner on Sunday, gaining an

In 1989, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in the city center of Beijing, China, demanding democracy and reform. The Chinese military responded to these protests with violence, sending soldiers and police into the crowd, firing bullets. It is estimated that hundreds or even thousands were killed on that day, but the exact number is unknown. This historical event is known today as the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

On Sunday, June 4, many citizens in Hong Kong wished to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the day. However, while attempting to do so, twenty-three people involved were arrested. The Hong Kong police claimed that these people were taken away because they were “breaching public peace.”

According to witnesses, those arrested by Hong Kong police include Alexandra Wong, a 67-year-old activist who was carrying a bouquet of flowers, a man who was holding a copy of a play on the Tiananmen Square Massacre, as well as an elderly man holding a candle on a street corner.

The People’s Republic of China, according to rights groups, censors any mention of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, and while its citizens are not subject to the exact same laws as those who live in Mainland China, the laws of Hong Kong have been getting stricter in recent times, making it more difficult for “Hong Kongers” to speak out against the Chinese government.

Senior officials, while warning people to follow the law, have not yet answered whether such commemorations are against the law.

If these commemorations are, in fact, illegal in Hong Kong, as many would

assume them to be based on police response, Taiwan would be the only Chinese-speaking country that allows citizens to freely discuss and commemorate the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

Tragic Train Crash in India

Hospital by Saturday afternoon. A medical officer who works in the facility noted that 183 of them were already dead, and fifty-five more later died at the hospital.

“We are all in shock. It is very painful. I have never seen in my life such a huge accident on a railway track. Whoever still has life in them, we need to get them treatment right away,” Dola Sen, a member of Parliament from West Bengal, said. “The railway track, the electrical lines, the electrical posts — everything is entangled.”

The government has started an investigation into the causes of the crash, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi insisting that “whoever is found guilty will not be spared.”

train crash, saying: “Tragic news of the train crash in India. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. My thoughts are with the survivors and emergency services.”

In India’s history, there have only been two train crashes with a higher death toll, both of which occurred in the 1990s.

Peace Between Armenia and Azerbaijan?

On Friday, two trains in Odisha, India, collided head-on, resulting in 288 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries. A day later, the search for survivors in the wreckage ended. According to India’s Railways Ministry, “restoration work” is in progress.

This tragedy occurred at around 7 p.m., when a train carrying passengers from Howrah to Chennai crashed into a freight train. One-thousand-fifty-three victims were brought to Balasore District

Citizens of India and people all around the world have been in shock over these tragic events, with the government of Odisha declaring Saturday a day of mourning and leaders from other countries offering their condolences. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that the reports “broke his heart.” U.S. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said that the department is monitoring news of the crash and that “our thoughts are with the people of India at this time.” British Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, also spoke out on Twitter about the

Armenia and Azerbaijan, neighboring countries in the South Caucasus, share a complex history of territorial disputes, notably over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. This conflict has seen armed clashes, intermittent ceasefires, international mediation, and even two wars.

However, on Sunday, a senior Armenian official said that by the end of 2023, a peace deal with Azerbaijan could potentially be signed. Such a peace deal would end the thirty-year conflict between the two nations.

Armen Grigoryan, the secretary of Armenia’s Security Council, was reported by TASS, Russia’s news agency, to have said that the negotiations were “intensive” and that “if we can maintain this intensity and there is strong support from the international community to achieve progress, then there is a chance to have a peace treaty by the end of the year.” It has been reported that in July, European Council President Charles Michel, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev would meet.

In 2020, Azerbaijan took control of certain areas in and around Nagorno-Karabakh. Although occupied mostly by Armenians, these seized areas are internationally considered to be Azerbaijani territory.

In November of 2021, Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to a ceasefire after a 44-day war, which left 6,500 people dead. Since then, the ceasefire has been violated several times, with both sides accusing the other of launching attacks and breaking the truce.

The United States, European Union, and Russia have independently been trying to bring about lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan for years now.

Protests in Poland

On Sunday, hundreds of thousands of people protested in an anti-government rally in Warsaw and other Polish cities.

Citizens and politicians marched to defend their democratic rights and demand change, with protesters chanting, “Democracy!” and “Constitution!” as they marched from Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki’s office to the Royal Castle.

Poland, a member of the European Union, is currently controlled by the Law and Justice Party, an organization known for its right-wing policies. Those in the opposition fear that the ruling party will move the country away from democracy, moving the nation towards autocracy instead. Other concerns include the party’s strict anti-abortion stance, high-rising inflation, the possibility that Law and Justice will force Poland to leave the EU, and the party’s control over the legal system and the media.

On the opposite side is the Civic Platform Party, led by ex-Prime Minister and former European Council President Donald Tusk.

Tusk, who called for and participated in the rally, told the crowd, “We are going to these elections to win and to right human wrongs. We promise you victory, a settlement of evil, compensation for human wrongs, and reconciliation among Poles.” In response, government spokesman Piotr Mueller accused Tusk and his allies of “trying to overthrow the government.”

On May 29, President Andrzej Duda signed a law that allowed the government to create committees in order to investigate Russian influence in Poland. This new law reminds many of the acts of Joseph McCarthy, a U.S. senator known for his aggressive anti-communist campaign during the 1950s. Through sensationalist tactics, he accused numerous individuals of being communist sympathizers or spies, leading to widespread fear and suspicion. In this case, many Poles fear

that the government might start witch hunts to discredit its opponents, simply by claiming that they are aligned with Russia.

Members of the opposition felt that these concerns were proven legitimate when the leader of the Law and Justice Party, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, accused a journalist of representing the Kremlin. The journalist had asked Kaczynski if he still trusts the defense minister after a Russian missile fell on Polish land last December. Kaczynski asserted that “only the Kremlin wants this man to stop being the minister of national defense.”

President Andrzej Duda, while maintaining that the new law is essential, acknowledged the objections and proposed amendments to it last Friday in an attempt to fix some of its issues. However, the law will remain in effect and unchanged unless parliament decides to pass the proposed amendments.

Dam Collapses in Ukraine

A major dam and hydro-electric power plant in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine collapsed early Tues -

day, prompting mass evacuations as Ukraine accused Moscow’s forces of committing an act of “ecocide.”

images showed the dam was damaged days before it collapsed.

Still, both Ukrainian and Russian officials said the dam collapsed in an explosion and are blaming each other for it. The incident happened as Ukraine was gearing up for a widely anticipated counter-offensive.

ineffective. As was the case in the past, many experts still take issue with the idea of implementing a price cap.

Residents downstream from the Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in Kherson were told to “do everything you can to save your life,” according to the head of Ukraine’s Kherson region military administration, as water burst from the dam.

The Nova Kakhovka dam is the largest reservoir in Ukraine in terms of volume. It’s the last of a set of six Soviet-era dams on the Dnipro River, a major waterway running through southeastern Ukraine. There are multiple towns and cities downstream, including Kherson, a city of more than 300,000 people before Moscow’s invasion of its neighbor.

It is unclear what caused the dam to collapse in the late evening of Monday or early hours of Tuesday. Satellite

The Ukrainian military intelligence said an explosion occurred early Tuesday morning, when “Russian terrorists carried out an internal explosion of the structures of the Kakhovka hydro-electric power plant.”

Meanwhile, the Russian-installed mayor of Nova Kakhovka, Vladimir Leontiev, initially denied the dam had collapsed in an interview with Russian state media RIA Novosti, calling it “nonsense.” He later confirmed the destruction of parts of the dam in what he called “a serious terrorist act” but said there was “no need to evacuate.”

Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, said the attack was “planned and carried out by order received from Kyiv, from the Kyiv regime.”

He added that Russia “unequivocally” believes the attack was “a deliberate sabotage” by Ukraine, aiming to “deprive Crimea of water.”

The dam holds back around 18 cubic kilometers of water in the Kakhovka Reservoir, about equal to the Great Salt Lake in the U.S. state of Utah.

UK Considers Price Caps

Economists say that such measures would result in product shortages (due to increased demand and less production). Not only that, but controlling inflation in such a way should only be done in “extreme circumstances,” wrote Neil Shearing, group chief economist at Capital Economics, adding that “the current food price shock does not warrant such an intervention.” Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, added that price controls wouldn’t make a “jot of difference” to food inflation. The reason is because of other present factors, such as energy, transport, and labor costs, which are responsible for the high prices the UK has been seeing.

Undeniably, inflation has negatively impacted many people in the UK. Poor households, for example, tend to spend much of their disposable income on food, and as such, are having an especially difficult time coping with high prices. As a result, more people than ever before are depending on food banks. For instance, the Trussell Trust, the biggest food bank network in the United Kingdom, gave out nearly 3 million emergency food parcels from March 2022 to March 2023.

Sunak, who will likely be facing re-election next year, promised to cut inflation in half in 2023, from 10% to 5%. As food prices are a major contributor to the country’s inflation issue, Sunak and Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt “have been meeting with the food sector to see what more can be done,” according to a government spokesperson. The spokesperson added that “any scheme to help bring down food prices for consumers would be voluntary and at retailers’ discretion.” However, retailers have been quick to reject the government’s proposal.

In order to combat rapidly increasing inflation in the country, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is considering implementing voluntary price caps for essential food items. This is in response to shop price inflation rising 9% since the beginning of 2023, as well as food inflation, which is currently at 15.4%, the second highest rate on record.

These measures have been compared to U.S. government attempts to control inflation in the 1970s. During Richard Nixon’s presidency, for example, wage and price controls were imposed, only to be lifted later when they proved to be

School-Age Afghan Girls Poisoned

Over the weekend, seventy-seven female students were poisoned in Afghanistan’s Sangcharak district.

According to Mohammad Rahmani, the head of the provincial education department, these girls are in grades one through six. Rahmani also said in his statement that sixty of these students were poisoned at Naswan-e-Kabod Aab School, while the other seventeen were poisoned at Naswan-e-Faizabad School. He added that “both primary schools are near to each other and were targeted one after the other.”

“We shifted the students to hospital, and now they are all fine,” said Rahmani, adding that the department he heads is conducting an investigation on the poisonings. Preliminary findings suggest that this attack might have been orchestrated out of revenge and was ultimately carried out by a third party.

How these school-age girls were poisoned, and how badly they were injured, remains unknown.

This attack is the first of its kind in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s takeover in August of 2021 when the terrorist organization began imposing strict Islamic law in the areas it gained control over. Under these laws, females are forbidden from getting an education past grade 6 and are also banned from most occupations and public areas.

While the poisoning is a first in Afghanistan’s recent years, a similar situation took place in Iran last November, when thousands of female students were poisoned. And just like the seventy-seven Afghan poisonings, it still hasn’t been revealed who or what is responsible for those attacks.

Kosher Pizza a Slice Above

La Piedra came in at the 38th slot. This is the first time that a kosher pizza restaurant has made the list.

At the ceremony that brought together the best pizza makers in the world, Avi Sinclair, chef and co-director of La Piedra, received a certificate from the guide, referred to by experts as the “Michelin of pizzas.”

“I am proud of this international recognition for my partners and myself, which crowns years of hard work. We are happy to pave the way for pizzerias in Israel so that others can join the ranking in the years to come, because many deserve it,” said Sinclair upon accepting his certificate.

La Piedra, which has two branches in Jerusalem, offers pizzas cooked over a wood fire, with dough made in the Neapolitan way – from Italian flour rising for 24 to 36 hours before being cooked.

3 IDF Soldiers Killed by Egyptian Policeman

The Top 50 Pizza guide, an Italian-made ranking of the best pizzerias in the world, recently came out with its top ranking and a kosher pizza establishment located in Jerusalem has nabbed one of the top prizes.

Three Israeli soldiers were shot and killed by Mohamed Salah Ibrahim, an Egyptian policeman, on Saturday.

Ibrahim, 22, was drafted into the Egyptian army in June 2022 and stationed on the Israel border as a policeman. He was reportedly set to end his service in the near future.

He killed Staff Sgt. Ori Yitzhak Iluz, 20, Staff Sgt. Ohad Dahan, 20, and Sgt. Lia Ben Nun, 19. The IDF soldiers, tasked with guarding the border, were buried on Sunday at military cemeteries in their hometowns.

Ibrahim is believed by the Israel Defense Forces to have acted alone in the deadly attack. Egypt has sought to distance itself from the policeman, with Egyptian officials saying they had been unaware of his intentions.

Ibrahim was killed in a subsequent gunfight with IDF soldiers. After his death, it was found that he had been carrying two combat knives that he used to breach the barrier, as well as food, a Quran, and six magazines for his assault rifle, indicating he had planned a larger attack.

Israel handed over Ibrahim’s body to Egypt for burial on Monday.

Ibrahim had entered Israel through an emergency gate used by the IDF to cross the border if necessary. He had walked three miles from his guard post in Egypt and climbed up a cliff to reach the emergency gate. He cut through the zip ties with a combat knife, opened the small entrance to Israel, and walked around 150 meters to the guard post where Iluz and Ben Nun were.

Ben Nun and Iluz had begun a 12-hour shift together at 9 p.m. on Friday night at the military post on the Egyptian border. At around 2:30 a.m., troops foiled an attempt to smuggle drugs over the border, around 1.8 miles north of Ben Nun and Iluz’s position, seizing contraband with an estimated value of NIS 1.5 million.

At 3 a.m., the smuggling incident was wrapped up; and at 4:15 a.m., troops radioed in to the guard post where Ben Nun and Iluz were located, who responded

that everything was okay.

Ibrahim snuck up at the guard post between 6 to 7 a.m., killing Ben Nun and Iluz. After the soldiers did not answer calls on the radio on Saturday morning, shortly before their shift was set to end at 9 a.m., an officer went to the scene and discovered the pair dead near the post.

The two soldiers had not fired their weapons, according to the IDF’s investigation, indicating that they were caught completely by surprise by the attacker.

After the officer discovered Ben Nun and Iluz’s bodies at around 9 a.m., military officials declared a terror incident in the area and began searches. Shortly after 11 a.m., an army drone identified the attacker hiding behind a rock formation one mile from the border.

The killer opened fire at a group of soldiers approaching the area, fatally hitting Dahan. Several minutes later, another group of soldiers closed in on the terrorist, killing him.

The IDF said the Egyptian army was fully cooperating with the investigation.

The Israel-Egypt border has been largely peaceful since the two countries signed a peace agreement in 1979, Israel’s first with an Arab state. In the past decade, Israel built a large barrier along the border, largely aimed at keeping out African migrants and Islamic terrorists who operate in Egypt’s Sinai.

Life Sentences for Killer of Malachy Rosenfeld, Hy”d

This week, a military court handed down two life sentences to a Palestinian terrorist who carried out a deadly shooting attack in the West Bank in 2015.

Maad Hamed was part of a Hamas cell that killed Malachy Rosenfeld, 25, and wounded three others in a drive-by shooting attack near Shvut Rachel, north of Ramallah, on June 29, 2015.

Hamed was convicted in December 2022 of intentionally causing Rosenfeld’s death, a charge equivalent to murder. He was additionally convicted of attempted murder, several other security offenses, and various charges over a separate shooting attack that caused no injuries, also in June 2015.

In addition to the two life sentences, Hamed was also ordered to pay a total of NIS 1,090,000 to the Rosenfeld family and other victims wounded in the attack.

An indictment filed last year said Hamed had established a terror cell on behalf of Hamas “with the aim of carrying out attacks against Israeli targets, and planned, together with other members of the unit, to carry out a shooting attack.” It

added that he had shot at the vehicle with the other cell members, killing Rosenfeld.

Hamed was arrested by the Palestinian Authority in July 2015, not long after the attack, and remained in PA custody until April 2022, when he escaped, according to the Shin Bet security agency. He was then arrested by Israeli security forces in the West Bank town of Silwad, considered a Hamas stronghold.

Malachy Rosenfeld’s three friends, who were with him in the car, were wounded in the attack. The Hamas terrorists opened fire on their car near Shvut Rachel as they returned home from a basketball game. The four friends, all of whom lived in the West Bank community of Kochav Hashahar, had been driving near Route 60, the main north-south artery running through the West Bank, when they were attacked.

A Taxi in the Sky

Meet the Jetsons.

Israel has started test flights of drones that can carry passengers and heavy cargo as the country prepares its national airspace for air taxi transportation and multiple drone delivery services.

The first air taxi test flights conducted

in recent days are part of a NIS 60 million two-year government-led pilot project, also known as the Israel National Drone Initiative (INDI), which was originally established in 2019, to create a national drone network and prepare the sky for drone deliveries across Israel.

an additional tool to deal with congestion.”

The initiative is a partnership between government entities led by the Transportation Ministry, the Israel Innovation Authority, Ayalon Highways Ltd., and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI).

various purposes, including healthcare, commerce, security, safety, and in the future passenger transportation.

The overall aim of the project is to fly passengers and heavy cargo from one place to another and improve traffic congestion on Israel’s busy roads by using drones, as well as provide commercial and public services more efficiently.

“This is the first initiative of its kind in the world for an extensive and multidisciplinary examination of new technologies, including the transportation of cargo and later, people,” said Transportation Minister Miri Regev. “The collaborative project examines all the aspects – including regulation and legislative changes – involved in the commercial operation of drones, as

As part of the second phase of the INDI project launched earlier this year, 11 drone operating and delivery companies were involved in tests and experimental flights throughout Israel last week. For the first time, test flights of an autonomous flying vehicle, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with long distance capabilities were conducted in a managed urban airspace carrying heavy cargo loads, which in the future could transport people.

One company flew a two-seater electric aircraft that can carry up to 485 lbs. and travel almost 100 miles. Another company demonstrated its two-seater air taxi drone that can fly a distance of 18 miles using an intelligent command and control system.

To safely deploy and monitor hundreds of drones operating in the same airspace as manned aircraft, the INDI initiative is also working on the development of a “system of aerial routes in the skies.” The system will allow different types of drones to fly simultaneously for

Israeli airspace is among the most tightly controlled and busiest relative to the country’s size. It has a lot of incoming and outgoing planes and at the same time, there’s a heavy military air presence, with planes and helicopters on the move both in training and on active duty.

Horrific Plane Crash in Virginia

Sunday’s fatal crash of a private plane left first responders horrified. The air -

craft had left a “crater” in the ground near the George Washington National Forest in Virginia when it crashed, as it is believed that it hit the ground at a very steep angle. Only four recognizable pieces of the wreckage of the plane were visible.

The plane had flown near the U.S. Capitol region on Sunday, although it was unresponsive when authorities attempted to track it, prompting military fighter jets to rush to intercept the aircraft before it went down in Virginia, leaving no survivors.

The civilian aircraft, which had four people on board, missed its destination by more than 300 miles before plunging to the ground on Sunday afternoon. It had taken off from Elizabethton, Tennessee, and was headed for New York’s Long Island MacArthur Airport.

The U.S. Capitol complex was placed on an “elevated alert” when the plane flew near the area on Sunday afternoon, U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement. F-16 fighter jets were “authorized to travel at supersonic speeds” as they raced to make contact with the aircraft, a Cessna 560 Citation V, according to a news release from the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region. The plane’s extraor -

dinary speed caused a sonic boom in the Washington, D.C., area.

Residents in Maryland also reported hearing the boom.

The private aircraft was registered to Encore Motors of Melbourne, Inc., a company based in Florida. Members of the Rumpel family were aboard the plane, including a daughter, their twoyear-old granddaughter, and the nanny.

“My family is gone, my daughter and granddaughter,” Barbara Rumpel wrote in response to a post on her Facebook profile in which others were asking if she was on the plane.

President Joe Biden was golfing at the Andrews Air Force Base golf course near Maryland’s Joint Base Andrews when the sonic boom resounded through Washington.

Apples VR Headset

Apple lived up to months of expectations on Monday when it introduced high-tech goggles that blend the real world with virtual reality. The $3,500 device, called the Vision Pro, will offer “augmented reality” and introduce “spatial computing,” Apple said.

But conspicuously absent from the company’s carefully choreographed announcement were the words “virtual reality,” underscoring the challenges the tech giant is likely to face in marketing the device to a mass audience.

so far failed to demonstrate what is indispensable about virtual reality.

Analysts do not anticipate the Vision Pro, which will be available early next year, to have significant mainstream appeal — at least at first. The $3,500 price could dissuade many consumers.

If the device lacks broad appeal, it could still be a useful trial run for Apple, which could eventually create a virtual reality product aimed at a wider group of consumers, like a lightweight pair of glasses.

Interest in virtual reality picked up briefly after the idea of the metaverse — an immersive online world popularized by science fiction — was introduced to mainstream audiences during the pandemic. But the concept lost steam as people returned to their pre-pandemic lives, investors pivoted to artificial intelligence, and it became clear how much technological innovation would be required to achieve such a futuristic vision.

Past virtual reality offerings, including Google Glass, Magic Leap, Microsoft’s HoloLens and Meta’s Quest Pro, have been either commercial failures or only modest successes. And companies have

“I don’t think Apple has super-huge expectations,” said Jeff Fieldhack, a research director at Counterpoint Research. “They know this is an evolution that’s going to take some time.”

Apple could also vault to the forefront of the XR market — a term for extended reality, similar to virtual reality, Fieldhack said.

The headset, which looks like a pair of ski goggles, will have a three-dimensional interface in which users can view their surroundings and virtual reality at the same time, or toggle between the two to emphasize one mode or block it out entirely. It will feature the same kinds of applications, such as FaceTime and Safari, as other Apple devices, with screens hovering in the air in front of users’ faces and

growing larger or smaller at will. A wire attached to the headset plugs into a battery pack, providing two hours of battery life. (© The New York Times)

USPS Dog Bite Rankings

year. The USPS reports that, in all, more than 5,300 of their employees were victims of this harsh phenomenon.

In light of similar statistics from past years, an annual public service campaign called “#dogbiteawareness” was launched. As a part of this campaign, the United States Postal Service releases information, as well as suggestions, to dog owners in order to increase awareness of this issue, in hopes that such knowledge will lead to a decrease in dog bite incidents.

Linda DeCarlo, the USPS Occupational Safety and Health Senior Director, stated that “when our mail carriers are bitten, it is usually a ‘good dog’ that had not previously behaved in a menacing way.”

ous for the child.

Postal workers are trained to avoid interactions with dogs, and in the event of an attack, should block themselves from the animal with something like their mail satchel.

U.S. Sanctions

Former Haitian Prime Minister

$60 million from the Haitian government’s PetroCaribe infrastructure investment and social welfare fund for private gain,” Blinken said. “Through this corrupt act and his direct involvement in the management of the fund, he exploited his role as a public official and contributed to the current instability in Haiti.”

In 2021, Haiti President Jovenel Moise was assassinated, leading to an increase in gang activity, corruption, and chaos, and leaving the country without a permanent leader or even less of a normal government. Moise had selected Ariel Henry as acting Prime Minister shortly before his death, but Henry, despite calling for 2023 elections, has not set any dates yet.

While famous for being man’s best friend, dogs, for some reason, are a mail carrier’s worst enemy.

In an annual ranking by the United States Postal Service, it has been revealed that California had the most dog bites of postal carriers, with 675 reported attacks in 2022. Texas came in second, and New York came in third, with 404 and 321 bites, respectively.

The Postal Service also ranked cities, with Houston, Los Angeles, and Dallas ranking the highest in dog attacks last

“When letter carriers deliver mail in our communities, dogs that are not secured or leashed can become a nemesis and unpredictable and attack,” Leeann Theriault, USPS employee safety and health awareness manager, noted. As such, dog owners should keep their pets on a leash, and should make sure that their dogs aren’t outside when the mail is being delivered. Another suggestion from the Postal Service is to make sure children are not handed mail directly from the carriers, as the dog may interpret such an interaction as potentially danger-

On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced sanctions on former Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, who is now blocked from entering the United States and Canada. These restrictions have been placed as part of the U.S.’s goal to eliminate corruption in Haiti.

“Lamothe misappropriated at least

The U.S. Justice Department investigated the Haitian president’s assassination, which led to the arrest and charging of eleven suspects, one of whom pleaded guilty. The other ten are expected to be put on trial in July.

Laurent Lamothe is not the first Haitian politician the U.S. has placed restrictions upon. Former President of the Haitian Chamber of Deputies, Gary Bodeau, was also banned from entering the country. In addition, Rony Celstin and Richard Lenine Hervé Fourcand, two former Haitian senators, were banned for inter-

national drug trafficking. And in November, then-President of the Senate Joseph Lambert and former Senate President Youri Latortue were sanctioned for allegedly supporting gang violence through money laundering and drug trafficking.

And now, as Haiti, which hasn’t held a democratic election since 2016, experiences political instability, gangs are becoming more powerful. Sixty percent of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, is now under gang control, according to the United Nations.

In October, a gang blocked the flow of goods from the Varreux fuel terminal, which led to disastrous consequences. Hospitals couldn’t power their generators, and due to poor access to clean water, many residents of the capital contracted cholera after more than three years of no one catching the illness.

After the devastating 2010 Haitian earthquake, former President Michel Martelly appointed Laurent Lamothe to oversee Haiti’s recovery. Lamothe was in office for two years. After the country’s 2014 political crisis, an 11-member commission asked him to step down, and he resigned.

Nikki Haley Hosts Town Hall

our friends – don’t congratulate our enemies,” she said. She then added that the WHO is a “farce.”

The topic of discussion eventually shifted to China, a country Haley claims “is our No. 1 national security threat,” adding that the pandemic showed us that the United States is overdependent on Chinese goods. And while she hopes to end tech exports from China, she specified that she does not intend on restricting the trade of Chinese agricultural products and general consumer goods to the U.S.

“What I will focus on is when I become president, the very first day you look at it and say, if China pulls the rug out from us tomorrow, would we be ready? Would we be safe?” she said.

Haley added that she would not put U.S. forces on the battlefield if China invades Taiwan, but would instead make sure that Taiwan has “the equipment, the ammunition and the training to win themselves.”

Moving on from foreign policy, Haley discussed her views on current national issues. On the topic of abortion, she labeled herself “unapologetically pro-life,” adding that she also believes that women who go against these laws should not be put in jail. “Our goal should always be, how do we save as many babies as we can, and support as many mothers as we do it,” Haley went on to say.

Another issue addressed in the town hall was gun rights. Haley voiced her disapproval of the Red Flag Gun Law, which is a law that allows officials to temporarily take away firearms from an individual, based on the ruling of a judge that such a person presents a danger to themselves or to others.

Transportation (HDOT) and were soon identified as bedbugs.

This discovery prompted the department to close gates E5, E6, and E7, as the areas needed to be deep-cleaned by the HDOT’s staff. To prevent these bugs from returning, additional cleaning over the next three weeks is required, after which the closed gates are expected to reopen.

This incident has not impacted any flights.

walked off the job, accusing the company’s chief executive of decimating its local newsrooms and demanding a change at the top.

According to the union representing the journalists, the walkout was the biggest labor action in Gannett’s history. It included workers from about two dozen newsrooms, including The Palm Beach Post, The Arizona Republic and The Austin American-Statesman.

Gannett’s annual shareholder meeting was held on Monday. The NewsGuild, which represents more than 1,000 journalists from Gannett, sent a letter to Gannett shareholders in May urging a vote of no-confidence against Mike Reed, the chief executive and chairman.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the recent increase in bedbug findings can be attributed to “more travel, lack of knowledge about preventing infestations, increased resistance of bed bugs to pesticides, and ineffective pest control practices.”

“Bed bugs have been found in five-star hotels and resorts, and their presence is not determined by the cleanliness of the living conditions where they are found,” the EPA clarified on its website. Rather, these insects can be introduced into any environment, including clean and well-maintained spaces.

This is not the first time bedbugs have affected travelers. In 2018, for example, bedbugs were found in the Kansas City International Airport and on a flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to India.

In the letter, the NewsGuild criticized the company’s merger with GateHouse Media in 2019, saying it “mortgaged the future of our company” by loading it up with debt.

The letter also criticized Reed, who was previously the chief executive of GateHouse Media and took over Gannett after the merger. The union said his compensation — $7.7 million in 2021 and $3.4 million in 2022 — was far too high for a company shedding jobs and paying what the letter said was “depressed wages” to the remaining journalists.

“Gannett has created news deserts everywhere you look,” said Peter D. Kramer, a reporter for the USA Today Network. “That’s Mike Reed’s Gannett.”

Because of dismal salaries for journalists, many of them have had to take on second jobs or even leave the industry altogether.

Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor and a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, participated in a CNN town hall in Iowa on Sunday.

While discussing foreign policy, Haley called Russian President Vladimir Putin a tyrant and spoke of her support for Ukraine, saying that “this is a war about freedom and it’s one we have to win.” She went on to claim that if President Biden had handled the withdrawal from Afghanistan in a more functional manner, Russia likely would not have attacked Ukraine.

Haley was a UN Ambassador when Donald Trump was president. However, during the town hall, she made it clear that she did not approve of the former President’s congratulations to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for having been admitted to the World Health Organization’s executive board. “Congratulate

The presidential contender said that she wants to raise the retirement age for people currently in their 20s. She would also like to place limits on the benefits the wealthy receive from Medicare and Social Security.

Haley also mentioned how she believes that the events of January 6th at the Capitol was “terrible” and added that, unlike some Trump supporters, she believes that Joe Biden won the election.

Bedbugs in Hawaii Airport

Last Monday, bugs were found in the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Hawaii.

Spotted in the Honolulu airport’s second terminal, these insects were investigated by the Hawaii Department of

The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is Hawaii’s largest airport, and it accommodates around 73,000 passengers each day. It was known as the Honolulu International Airport until it was renamed on May 30, 2017 to honor the late Hawaiian senator of the same name.

Journalists Walk Out

Gannett became the largest newspaper publisher in the United States after its merger with GateHouse, a deal that the companies said at the time would result in annual cost savings of up to $300 million and help them survive the headwinds battering the news media industry.

The merged company, which took the Gannett name, owns USA Today and more than 200 daily newspapers in 43 states, though it has closed dozens of publications since the 2019 deal.

11,000 RVs on the Streets of LA

There are, by the latest count, more than 11,000 people living in recreational vehicles (RVs) across Los Angeles County. But there are more expected to come. Many people were forced onto the streets due to the pandemic. Some of those living in the RVs have jobs but don’t want to pay rent on an apartment.

Some of them own their RVS; others rent them out for hundreds of dollars a month – far less than the rent for an apartment in the area.

In Los Angeles, you are allowed to sleep in a vehicle on some streets. There are, of course, parking restrictions on many streets. But as the number of RVs has grown, enforcing those restrictions has become harder. Large, immobile RVs require large tow trucks. And, according to the city, destroying a dilapidated RV that might contain harmful chemicals can cost up to $9,000 per vehicle.

solutions, the number of RVs on county streets has risen by more than 50% –from more than 4,500 in 2018 to more than 7,100 at last count. Reports are regularly requested and written by various city and county departments.

Councilwoman Traci Park noted that people, called “vanlords,” are renting out unsafe RVs.

“There is a thriving trade in RVs being rented out as dwelling units on the internet,” she said.

to a vulnerable person as a dwelling unit.”

She is facing opposition from those who say that she is targeting the poor and the homeless.

Cornel West for President?

expanding civil liberties, cleaning out corrupt government, guaranteed quality education, taking on climate change, stopping foreign military aid and forgiving all student debt.

Spy Robert Hanssen Dies

Many residents are angry at the RVs lining their streets, complaining that they are a blight to their neighborhoods.

In the five years since Los Angeles County commissioned one of many reports into the RV problem and potential

Park proposed a motion that would explicitly add RVs to part of the city code that “prohibits a person or entity from reserving any street, parking space, or other public space without written authorization from the City while conducting business pertaining to new and used vehicles.” The motion would also force RV owners to comply with a state law, “which requires that any RV offered for sale, sold, rented or leased within California meet the design safety standards of the American National Standards Institute and Fire Protection Association.”

Currently, Park noted, “Apparently anybody in the city of Los Angeles can buy a junker RV off of a salvage lot and without any oversight or regulation, rent that unsafe inoperable vehicle out

A well-known critic of the United States wants to be its commander-in-chief.

On Monday, Cornel West made the stunning announcement that he has tossed his hat into the 2024 presidential election. The news was shared on West’s official Twitter account.

He wrote: “I am running for truth and justice as a presidential candidate for the People’s Party to reintroduce America to the best of itself – fighting to end poverty, mass incarceration, ending wars and ecological collapse, guaranteeing housing, health care, education and living wages for all!”

West, 70, is an author and a former professor of the practice of public philosophy at Harvard University. He is infamous for his vitriolic views towards United States culture, focusing on gender, race and class in American society.

In the video that accompanied his announcement, West explained his approach to politics. “We’re not talking about hating anybody, we’re talking about loving, we’re talking about affirming, we’re talking about empowering those who have been pushed to the margins,” he commented. “Because neither political party wants to tell the truth about Wall Street, about Ukraine, about the Pentagon, about Big Tech. Do we have what it takes? We shall see.”

The clip also included West talking to Bill Maher about how the only options voters have are “neofascists like brother Trump or milquetoast neoliberals like brother Biden.”

West is running as a third-party candidate and endorsed Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.

According to his campaign site, West policies will include Medicare for all,

Robert P. Hanssen, a former FBI agent who spied for Moscow off and on for more than two decades during and after the Cold War in one of the most damaging espionage cases in American history, was discovered dead in his prison cell in Colorado on Monday, federal authorities announced. He was 79.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that Hanssen was found unresponsive just before 7 a.m. at the U.S. Penitentiary Florence, where he was serving a life sentence. He was pronounced dead after lifesaving efforts by emergency medical workers.

Hanssen’s case was considered one of the most notorious spy scandals of his generation, shocking FBI leaders and other government officials when they learned that one of their own had been feeding information to the other side with impunity for so many years. To this day, the FBI describes him as “the most damaging spy in bureau history.”

In exchange for $1.4 million in cash, bank funds and diamonds, Hanssen passed along a torrent of secrets to Moscow, including one disclosing that the U.S. government had dug a tunnel underneath the Soviet Embassy in Washington to eavesdrop on diplomatic and other communications. He also informed Moscow about three KGB officers who were secretly spying for the United States, two of whom were later executed.

“The magnitude of Hanssen’s crimes cannot be overstated,” Paul J. McNulty, the U.S. attorney who prosecuted him, said Monday in response to reports of his death. “They will long be remembered as being among the most egregious betrayals of trust in U.S. history. It was both a low point and an investigative success for the FBI.”

Hanssen pleaded guilty to 15 counts of espionage and conspiracy to avoid the

death penalty and expressed remorse for his betrayal. “I am shamed by it,” he said during the 2002 hearing at which he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Robert Philip Hanssen was born April 18, 1944, in Chicago to Vivian and Howard Hanssen, a career Chicago police officer who did intelligence work for the department. Robert received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1966 from Knox College in Illinois, where he also studied Russian, but after graduation he was rejected by the National Security Agency when he applied for a position in cryptography.

He enrolled in dentistry school at Northwestern University, but later transferred to the business school, where he received a master’s degree in business administration. While in dentistry school, he met and married Bonnie Wauck and converted from Lutheran to join her Roman Catholic faith. After a year working at an accounting firm, he took a position with the Chicago Police Department specializing in forensic accounting. Four years later, he moved to the FBI.

With six children in parochial schools or college, he attributed his decision to spy for Moscow to money, although his reasons were never fully understood. (© The New York Times)

Drug-Dealing Grandpa

An exasperated court in Germany gave a “last warning” to an 82-year-old who was found guilty of dealing drugs.

The grandpa was able to avoid jail this time, despite 24 previous convictions.

The retired seaman said he was selling marijuana to supplement his $855 monthly pension.

German news agency dpa reported that prosecutors had asked the court to impose a prison term of 34 months in view of the man’s lengthy criminal record and an existing suspended sentence. But judges said they would make an exception and classify the latest crimes as “less serious offenses” due to the man’s particular circumstances and recent health problems.

It’s good he’s able to avoid the joint this time.

Every Dog Has Its Day

customers between May 29 and July 2 to hop on a scale at the gates of certain flights departing from the Auckland International Airport, according to a press release from the airline.

According to the airline, the weights were anonymously recorded, and staff and fellow passengers weren’t able to see the numbers. Additionally, the weighing program was on a voluntary basis.

When Grace Mariani received her diploma last week from Seton Hall University, her four-legged friend was right beside her.

Mariani’s fellow graduates cheered as school President Joseph Nyre handed her the diploma. She earned a B.S. in education, graduating magna cum laude. But Nyre wasn’t done. He then turned to Justin, Mariani’s service dog, and held out a diploma for him, too.

Justin, ever loyal, accepted the white cylinder and grasped it in his mouth.

Truly, Justin earned the degree. The six-year-old dog had attended all of Mariani’s classes with her throughout her years of college.

He deserves a round of a-paws.

Weigh to Go

Heading to New Zealand soon? You may need to watch your weight.

Air New Zealand recently announced that it is weighing some international passengers before they board flights this summer in an effort to gauge average passenger weight and improve fuel efficiency.

The airline asked more than 10,000

“We know stepping on the scales can be daunting. We want to reassure our customers there is no visible display anywhere. No one can see your weight — not even us! It’s completely anonymous,” Air New Zealand load control improvement specialist Alastair James said in a press release on the announcement.

This is not the first time passengers had to hop on the scale. Air New Zealand previously weighed passengers flying domestically in 2021. Supposedly, the data is used to help improve fuel efficiency.

“We weigh everything that goes on the aircraft — from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold. For customers, crew and cabin bags, we use average weights, which we get from doing this survey,” James explained.

Finnair also weighs passengers on a voluntary basis.

Well, I ain’t gonna volunteer for this program – no way!

Around the Community

Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim Celebrates its Second Siyum Graduation

On Monday evening, parents, grandparents, and family members gathered together with the talmidim of Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim to celebrate the siyum on Meseches Megillah that the talmidim have learned as well as celebrating a graduation for those students completing senior year.

Rabbi Boruch Oppen, principal, opened the program with a welcome, expressing hakaras hatov to Hakadosh Baruch Hu, the esteemed board members, the many people who help the Yeshiva on a daily basis with internships, professionals, and presenters of our Life Skills Courses. The audience had the op -

portunity to hear from executive board member Mr. Menachem Landau, who shared the Yeshiva’s vision and goals and encouraged the talmidim to set a schedule for the summer which should not only include davening and learning but internships and most importantly keeping the kesher with the Rosh Yeshiva and Menahel throughout their vacation.

The Honorable Ronald Goldman, administrator to the Village of Lawrence, stressed the huge benefits and unique opportunity which the students have at the Yeshiva. Naftali Lader, an eleventh grade talmid, spoke from the heart about the warmth he feels at Yeshiva and the

relationships with his rabbeim and peers that he looks forward to building and strengthening.

After a video message from Rabbi Moshe Don Kestenbaum about the position the talmdim are in to truly connect to Hakadosh Baruch Hu in a Yeshiva that represents a crown of Torah, Rabbi Boruch Oppen then presented awards to each student in areas that they matured significantly throughout the course of the year along with a sefer written by Rabbi Kestenbaum.

A short video reflecting the momentous year the talmidim had was shown. Yanki Herskovits, now a graduate of

Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim, completed Meseches Megillah. Rabbi Gedaliah Oppen, Rosh Yeshiva, then concluded the siyum/graduation with a message on chinuch, divrei bracha, and the hadran, which was followed by refreshments and joyous dancing. Mazal tov!

Thank you to all of our esteemed Board Members, Honorable Goldman, the PTA, our General Studies Head of Department Mr. Shuei Steinberg, corporate sponsors, and parents for your support. Looking forward to an incredible year ahead!

Students from SKA at the Celebrate Israel Parade

HANC Marches in Celebrate Israel Parade

Under a beautiful spring sky, the HANC 609 contingent marched, danced and sang their way up Fifth Avenue in the Celebrate Israel Parade last Sunday. Marching behind a magnificent banner celebrating Israel’s seventy fifth year of independence, the HANC Elementary Color Guard twirled their flags, the dancers danced their hearts out and the rest of the students, staff and parents proudly marched in support of our beloved State of Israel. As the words “I’m a Jew and I’m Proud” blared from the loudspeakers, one could not help but reflect on the fact that despite recent events, we were marching proud and tall through the streets of one of the greatest cities in the world, declaring our pride as Jews and as faithful supporters of Israel.

The excitement spread out to the sidewalks, as additional HANC families cheered us on along the parade route. Rabbi Ouriel Hazan, Director of HANC’s West Hempstead Campuses, could be heard for blocks as he encouraged the crowds to cheer for their love of Israel.

“HANC LOVES ISRAEL!” was the re -

frain that echoed through the streets of midtown Manhattan. The exuberance that emanated from the children was apparent to all those who were watching, and their teachers and parents took pride in the children’s perseverance as they marched all the way to 75th Street.

For Rabbi Ouriel Hazan, this year’s Celebrate Israel Parade had deep significance.

“This was only my second year joining the parade, and it felt even more magical than last year. The preparations for this year’s parade did not begin a few weeks ago, but rather since the beginning of the year as we are constantly learning

about the modern day miracles associated with the founding and existence of the state of Israel. Our students understand the historical significance of our Jewish homeland, and those deep connections were on full display on Sunday. I was truly moved to see our students jumping with joy for the opportunity to show our love for Israel.”

The students were deeply moved by this truly special experience. “It was so fun,” remarked fourth grader Adira Isse -

roff. “I liked that so many people were cheering for Israel.” Gabby Schwartz, another fourth grader, reported, “I loved seeing all the happy faces on the people who were watching the parade from the sidewalk.” Leila Perezelsky admitted, “It was very tiring but very important.”

The HANC contingent was a spectacular tour de force, and the inspirational experience was one that the students will never forget.

NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli greating Great Neck activist Dr. Paul Brody at the Celebrate Israel Parade

Students at Central marching in the parade

Mercaz Puts its Best Feet Forward at the Celebrate Israel Parade

Mercaz Academy students from third through sixth grade synchronized their steps as they joyfully danced up Fifth Avenue to salute Israel at the Celebrate Israel Parade. Students of all ages, parents, grandparents, administrators, teachers, and lay leaders joined, with all wearing bright orange t-shirts emblazoned with an Israeli flag and the number 75. The enthusiastic mood was matched by the upbeat Jewish music that set the pace as the Mercaz marchers celebrated Israel’s 75th anniversary by marching along the parade route. With thanks to Sharon Stochel and Ellen Zimmerman, the dancers rhythmically led the school up the avenue. Behind a banner proclaiming that

Mercaz Academy unites central Long Island through Jewish education, the school united our communities in robust support for the Jewish state. Flanking the rear of the marchers, a colorful banner beautifully depicted Israel’s harvest, not only to reflect Israel’s bounty but also to symbolize Israel as a model of renewal. Liz Danziger (who designed the t-shirts, with a valued assist by Esther Linder) created and handpainted the banner, which now adorns the school’s corridors. Thanks also extend to Rabbi Rubel for coordination of the event and to Barry Helprin for behind-the-scenes assistance.

The Mercaz marchers passed the reviewing stand as the announcers wel-

comed the school’s entry into the parade in the school’s first year and the cheering spectators likewise happily greeted the sea of orange. No doubt, the students—

A Teen’s Reflection on the Celebrate Israel Parade

By Joey Philips

This year’s Bnei Akiva’s Israeli Day Parade Shabbaton was like none other. Marching in the Celebrate Israel Parade with Bnei Akiva truly brought out my Jewish pride and love for Israel. The singing was unmatched by any other group participating in the parade. Yibaneh Beit Hamikdash, Hatikva, and the Bnei Akiva anthem were just some of the many songs we sang as we marched, waved flags, and held signs. Even though this year’s Shabbaton was exclusive to Bnei Akiva tzevet (teen staff members) in local communities and Bnei Akiva day camps, and thereby smaller in number than previous years, the ruach felt a lot

stronger. The smiles on the faces of those watching the parade were truly empowering. Although there were many protesters there, we did not let them sour our mood and continued to spread positivity while the protesters screamed absurdities. While the parade was beyond amazing, I’d have to say that Shabbat at Moshava IO was surely the highlight of the weekend. As someone that lives in an anti-Zionist Jewish community and goes to an anti-Zionist school, it was a breath of fresh air to be around fellow Zionists that genuinely care about Zionism and the Jewish people. Not only were the staff kind and caring, but the kids were approachable and friendly. The divrei Torah was inspiring, and the shiurim were

engaging and thought provoking. Over Shabbat I learned Eim Habanim Semicha with a chavrutah that I met at last year’s IDP and discussed many of the different concepts that I learned in it with staff

and the entire Mercaz community—will be eager to display public support for Medinat Yisrael each year.

DRS Marching at the Celebrate Israel Parade

and other kids. All in all, I would say this year’s IDP was my favorite Shabbaton I have ever been to and I honestly cannot think of anything I could have changed to make it better.

Shulamith Marches for Israel

On Sunday, June 4, Shulamith School for Girls proudly turned out on Fifth Avenue to Celebrate Israel! Wearing matching blue t-shirts celebrating Israel’s 75th year of statehood, students, faculty and parents of grades 5-12 marched to honor and support Israel. Following directly behind

Nefesh B’nefesh, the girls marched with spirit, enthusiasm and pride. Shulamith’s opening banner was emblazoned with the words, #THANKFUL and #HAKARATHATOV, expressing our gratitude for the gift of Israel and some of her holiest places: the Kotel, Kever Rochel, Me’arat Hamachpela, and Tzfat. The

closing banner of the Shulamith contingent featured the words of David Hamelech, “Hodu l’Hashem ki tov… Give thanks to Hashem for He is good, and His mercy endures forever.” From the signing of the Declaration of the Establishment of the State to the opportunities for Jews worldwide to make Aliya, we praise Hashem for

our Holy Land!

It is our hope and dream that the State of Israel will be strong and proud, with its people happy and fulfilled, unified in solidarity as we work toward the goal of being a light unto the nations in a world at peace.

Did you know?

The first Snapple “fact,” printed on a bottle cap in 2002, was: “A goldfish’s attention span is 3 seconds.” It has since been retired.

He Dreamt. He Built.

By Mordechai Kastlebaum

Buildings are built by builders. Communities are built by visionaries.

Among the many visionaries who built the greater Five Towns and Far Rockaway community, Mr. Morty Davis Davidowitz stands out as one the leading forces behind the area’s explosive growth.

Morty, together with his dear wife Rozi, a”h, dreamt of a bustling Torah community with schools, yeshivos, shuls, and community organizations. Those dreams would ultimately become the foundation of an exemplary kehilla, leading the way for a flourishing center of Yiddishkeit in our midst.

Their name graces numerous community landmarks upon which they made their mark for eternity. Sh’or Yoshuv was one of the many mosdos that were the beneficiaries of their staunch support.

Armed with sheer determination, Morty almost single-handedly procured the land for its magnificent campus and built the edifice that we now all know and love.

It is difficult to imagine a community without the Sh’or Yoshuv that it is today, and it is difficult to imagine how this great makom Torah could have been built without the tenacity of the Davis Davidowitz family.

Though they usually shy from the limelight, the time has come to pay tribute to the family that has dreamt and built for decades. This year’s dinner will honor their accomplishments and pay tribute to the memory of Rozi, a”h, the great matriarch of the family.

Please join us in at this meaningful event on June 14 in Sh’or Yoshuv and show your admiration for the great builders of Torah in our community. You can make reservations or place an ad by going to ShorYoshuv.org today.

Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam State Fair

Shulamith’s Exhibition of Talent

Do you know where the Bunyan House is located? How about Silver Wood Theme Park? Which are the best skiing sites in the country? The answers to many of these questions were answered at the State Fair at BYAM this past Wednesday afternoon.

Grandparents, parents, and fellow students filled the lunchroom (decorated with a wall-sized flag!) to learn more about the many diverse states that make up our country. Following a standards

based social studies inquiry unit, each of the 5th graders went on a ”road trip” to an individual state. Each student created a gorgeous float, as well as produced a well-researched piece of writing based on “her state.” All the visitors enjoyed looking at the beautiful floats and learning some new and interesting facts that often came with some fun giveaways. This was definitely an experience that won’t be soon forgotten!

After months of careful preparation and planning, Shulamith fourth graders hosted Emunah B’emunut – an annual Shulamith event that gives each girl a chance to take pride in her artistic abilities.

The evening began with a musical and dance performance which the girls prepared under the direction of musical director, Morah Rena Greenberg, and dance director, Morah Tali Spector.

Following the performance, guests were surprised to find the lower level transformed into a spectacular art gallery! Each girl had four pieces of artwork on display that they had created over the course of the year with Mrs. Robyn Rackman, inspired by artists M.C. Escher,

Claude Monet and Wassily Kandinsky. The girls did an excellent job taking what they learned from these famous artists and infusing their own original creativity and imagination to create impressive works of art.

The event could not have taken place without educational directors, Morah Mindy Futersak, Mrs. Shoshana Gross and Mrs. Estie Samet, who oversaw every aspect of the production. Special thanks to all those who worked behind the scenes, and to the evening sponsors who made this event possible.

The event was a great success, and every student was left with that very special feeling of accomplishment.

A view of construction earlier this week on the expanded beis medrash at Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s Camp Oraysa in Sullivan County. The new 7,200-square-foot beis medrash will be one of the largest in the Catskills.

Bnos Bais Yaakov Announces Campus Expansion at 29th Annual Dinner

On May 29, parents and friends of Bnos Bais Yaakov and Tichon Meir Moshe gathered for a spectacular evening of vision and gratitude in support of the school and its remarkable faculty.

“IGNITE the Spark Within” celebrated the blazing love for Torah and Yahadus that the school inspires in talmidos of all ages, transmitted through cohesive leadership and meaningful student/teacher relationships. BBY’s centrality to the Torah growth of the communities it serves motivated the outstanding efforts of its dinner “Luminaries” – a dedicated group of parents who stepped forward to ensure the success of the event. The Luminaries reached out to contacts in their Far Rockaway, Bayswater, Inwood, Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Woodmere, North Woodmere and Great Neck neighborhoods to promote an exciting pre-dinner Charidy event – Project IGNITE 3M – a 3X match campaign which netted 101% of its goal for Bnos Bais Yaakov.

Dinner emcee Mr. Yehuda Zachter, VP of the Executive Board, welcomed guests and set the engaging tone of the program. He began with an appreciation to the dynamic Executive Director, Rabbi Ephraim Blumenkrantz, and to Mrs. Chaya Gornish, the devoted Menaheles “at the helm of it all.” He went on to reflect, “We focus tonight on what makes BBY burn. The Morah, who is willing extend herself beyond what is expected for the benefit of her students – our children. When I go to PTA, I walk away with such a feeling of pride in the unique blend of middos our morahs possess. They are confident and passionate, yet tzanuah and unassuming. They are outstanding, yet don’t stand out. And I see how our girls exude that same rare balance of

traits. It doesn’t just happen by chance. It’s the result of the selfless dedication and example of our morahs each and every day.”

Mr. Zachter called up Rabbi Blumenkrantz, who warmly thanked his entire staff, board, parents, volunteers, and all who participated in the success of the campaign. He went on to reflect on “the secret trademark of BBY Chinuch,” observing how, “Every morah, hanhala and staff member recognizes that each child is a holy Sefer being developed and refined. Every stage in their school experience is another chapter, another rung on their ladder to becoming a true Aishes Chayil. And when they graduate, they are filled with endless potential and the ability to change the world. This is how we develop true nachas.”

The Olam then heard from inspirational guest speaker Rav Uri Tigger, a close chavrusa and confidante of HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l. Rav Tigger shared his moving personal journey from life as a secular Israeli youth to the privilege of serving beside one of the generation’s leading Gedolei HaDor, who recognized his potential and believed in his ability to be and do more. “We all have this responsibility to our children and students,” said Rav Tigger. “We have to believe in them and help them believe in themselves. That is what BBY does. We need to be cheerleaders for our children and recognize the greatness inside them.”

Esteemed BBY President Mr. Yoily Edelstein was the next to address the gathering. Thunderous applause broke out as he announced the commencement of a momentous campus expansion initiative to accommodate the school’s exponential growth, with the goal of alleviating overcrowding in the elementary and junior high schools. “This campaign represents a significant milestone as we pave the way to a promising future,” he declared. “The new buildings will be more than bricks and mortar. They will be a testament to our commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to the success of every single student who walks through our doors.”

Keynote speaker Rabbi Paysach Krohn, renowned Maggid and proud BBY/ TMM grandfather, capped the evening with stirring remarks. He described the transformative effect of the education that BBY provided to two of his granddaughters “with such great heart and sensitivity.” He then reflected on Chinuch Habanos pioneer, Sara Schenirer, who was nifteres just after performing her last mitzvah in life –lighting the Shabbos candles. He quoted the eulogizers who lamented, “What would become of the holy flames that she kindled in our hearts, and the great torches that she lit in this world?” He observed that “naming tonight’s program ’IGNITE’ was genius, because that’s what Sara Schenirer did. That must be our role. We must become the torchbearers.” He stressed the importance of supporting and expanding BBY, noting how the devouring flames of secularism fight our children today. “We can fight back if we ignite, in our hearts, the willingness to commit to our children’s future and support it like never before.”

Three magnificent video productions complemented the speaking program, treating the audience to renderings of the impressive new campus; to thoughts shared by some of the remarkable Mechanchos who IGNITE daily at BBY; and to a delightful music video by parent Joey Newcomb featuring highlights of the school year, with song lyrics by Mrs. Liba Brisk, a multi-talented BBY administrator.

The BBY Preschool and elementary school BBY have grown to 1,100 students and 400 students in its TMM high school.

Each division continues to see exponential growth and the current campus, designed to accommodate 600, can no longer support this level of growth. Elementary school classes fill the existing building to capacity, while the high school is housed in small trailers.

The capital expansion will see the construction of a permanent TMM high school building and separate early childhood center.

In addition to classrooms, and a spacious auditorium, state-of-the-art resources in the 57,000 SF high school building will include:

- STEM and computer labs

- An expansive library

- Resource suite

- Crafts studio

- Indoor and outdoor athletic centers

- A terrace and two large balconies offering beautiful multi-purpose space

The 51,000 SF preschool building will have innovative amenities to support young students, including:

- Spacious classrooms

- Auditorium

- Skills, therapy and resource rooms

- Extended outdoor and indoor play areas

- A sensory playground

Plans call for supplementing the recreational facilities in and around the existing elementary school building with a new indoor athletic center, two outdoor courts, and an upgraded outdoor play area. The reimagined campus will also house an executive office complex, and a fully renovated aquatic center.

“BBY is distinguished by high academic levels, unmatched ruach, and an unwavering commitment to Torah hashkafos. Nevertheless, we aspire to be even greater, better and stronger,” says Rabbi Blumenkrantz. “Our future campus will meet the needs of every student through a stimulating, encouraging learning environment. With ongoing Siyata d’Shmaya and the full support of our parents and communities, we will build a brighter, more expansive future for the next generation of Bnos Yisroel.”

A formal groundbreaking and Hanachas Even Hapinah event is scheduled to take place in fall 2023.

Central’s Athletics Luncheon

Celebration of Learning at Central

Athletics are an important part of a student’s high school experience, where she can learn to work with others, lead and improve her skills and physical health. Central’s Athletics Luncheon, held on Tuesday, May 30, was a celebration of our athletics teams. It was a chance for Central’s sports teams – basketball, softball, volleyball, hockey, soccer, and tennis – to recognize the year’s achievements. Coaches for each team gave moving remarks praising the athletes and distributed awards for overall performance, improvement, and sportsmanship, addressing the entire skill set needed for the student-athlete

experience – talent, resilience, and a deep respect for the supportive bond that exists between teammates.

Junior Simona Pitterman was awarded the Sportsmanship Award for her work on Central’s hockey team. “Being on the hockey team this year was incredible,” she said. “I played as goalie for the first time, and it was so much fun to play both as a defenseman and then as a goalie. It was cool to experience both roles, and with the help of my coaches and teammates, it was a very easy transition. I’m so happy to have been a part of the hockey family this year!”

Work At It in the Five Towns

Kids today are blessed with many options when choosing careers, yet so many are confused and uncertain about what to do with their lives and often flounder for a while trying to figure things out. It is never too early to start the process of noticing one’s strengths and thinking about how they can be used in the future. Recently, local schools have done just that - -hosting creative workshops whose aim is to help their students start this process.

On May 17, TAG hosted a workshop run by Work At It for its senior classes on self-discovery – becoming aware of your strengths. Through an interactive game, the students identified some of their own unique character traits and learned about how their peers perceive them. Some students were hesitant at first and said that it feels like boasting or showing off to talk about themselves but were encouraged about the imperative of knowing oneself for planning critical next moves for their future. After observing a mock interview where a peer spoke about what she brings to the table, another student remarked, “She sounds so poised and professional! “

On May 18, HAFTR brought Work At It in for their senior seminar week, giving them the opportunity to explore how a diverse group of professionals experience the triumphs and challenges of being Orthodox in the workplace. Issues addressed were navigating ethical conflicts, dealing with co-workers who may be resentful of extra time off for Shabbos and yom tov, and how, in general, staying true to one’s values can often be respected and appreciated by colleagues.

These Work At It workshops were made possible through a grant from Community Chest of South Shore. Work At It is an organization started five years ago to help struggling youth ages 16-24 find a practical way forward. Using a holistic and highly tailored team approach, participants are provided with strength/ skills assessments and career coaching. Educational advisement and job matching are provided as well. Over the years, Work At It staff became aware of the need for these services in the general community, and offers high school and community workshops to that end. For more information, see workatit.org.

The students of Central are finishing up a vibrant, exciting school year. On Monday, May 15, Central held an end-of-year Celebration of Learning for our students featuring guest speaker, Rabbi Yosef Bitton, former Chief Rabbi of Uruguay. Rabbi Bitton’s lecture, “Dinosaurs in Tanach,” was discussed by students using the CER (Claim/Evidence/Reasoning) framework, a format they’ve been studying since their first day of school.

The event was both a celebratory learning experience for the class of 2026 and a part of a year-long interdisciplinary project on which Central Science Department Chair Mrs. Ruth Fried, History Department Coordinator Mrs. Amy Katz, and Torah She’baal Peh Chair Rabbi Dr. Joshua Strulowitz collaborated in conjunction with Ti-Tech MIT, generously funded by a national philanthropic organization that seeks to inspire project-based learning and encourage

the growth of teacher learning. This interdisciplinary experience, a learning collaboration between ninth-grade history, science, and Talmudic courses, was part of that initiative. Our teachers spent their summer in the labs and classrooms of MIT, collaborating with each other and faculty from other schools in makers spaces to push themselves in new directions. The students took this late-year opportunity to turn the tables and teach their faculty using the CER framework, a method that made an impact on more than one student.

“CER truly revolutionized the way I think, forcing me to better understand and analyze text and articles by separating them into Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning,” said freshman Sarah Leah Sullivan.

Mrs. Fried, Mrs. Katz, and Rabbi Dr. Strulowitz recently presented their successful project at the Legacy Heritage Teacher Institute Colloquium.

Pheffer Amato Succeeds In Getting 4-Way Stop Sign for Cedar Lawn and Virginia

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) for years has advocated and worked with members of the community to install a stop sign on Cedar Lawn Avenue and Virginia Street in Far Rockaway. Earlier this week, persistency paid off when the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) approved a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Cedar Lawn Avenue and Virginia Street. This intersection has been known for frequent car crashes and many “near-misses” on a daily basis.

“After years of advocacy by my office, along with many neighbors lending their voices, we are finally getting a key

safety measure we have longed for. One denial followed the next, however, it did not stop us from proving the need of this safety measure which will save lives,” said Pheffer Amato.

The Assemblywoman had personally brought members of DOT to that area so they could see firsthand the need for a four-way stop sign.

“I thank all the families who constantly made their voices heard. Together we worked with the New York City Department of Transportation to achieve this victory for the community and public safety,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato.

Yom Shalom at HANC ECC

It has been a week of joy and celebration in HANC’s Early Childhood Center in West Hempstead. Each class of four-year-old students performed in their Yom Shalom ceremony, which served as a moving up and end-ofthe-year celebration. As the parents and grandparents entered the auditorium, there was a tremendous sense of excitement in the air. Reflecting the theme of “Building Blocks of Growth,” the stage was adorned with large, primary-colored blocks that were decorated with pictures of what they are thankful for. As the children walked up on the stage in pairs to give introductions to the next song, they added another block that illustrated the theme of the next musical number. Performing a delightful mix of Hebrew and English songs, accompanied by the ECC music teacher, Morah Kayli Joseph, the children expressed their gratitude to Hashem for everything that He has bestowed upon them.

Throughout the delightful program, the children also thanked their families

ABC Countdown at YOSS

Although we are sad that the year is coming to an end, Mrs. Salzberg’s class at Yeshiva of South Shore is having a great time counting down from A to Z to the year’s end! We started with A by doing a fun Art project and are working each day on a different letter of the alphabet. So far, we blew Bubbles, drew with Chalk, played in the Dark, did some fun Ninja Exercises, read our Favorite book, played Games, wore silly Hats, made Ice cream, and wrote a Joke book. For Kindness, we wrote cards to thank all of the people in our school who are so kind and helpful to us. We wrote Letters to people we love and even got to mail them out! Since movement is so important to keep our brain healthy and focused, Ninja exercise was so much fun. Reading books Outside was exciting, and so was playing a fun game or hopscotch while we were at it. Playing in the Playground while eating Popcorn and having a Picnic was a Pop -

Did you know?

ping blast! We are up to Q for Quiet day. We practiced quiet movements with yoga and played the “broken telephone” game. All in all, we are filled with mixed emotions as we count down each day to the end of a great year, filled with learning and growth. We are becoming more confident students who will face each challenge, knowing that if we can’t do it now, it really means we just can’t do it “YET.”

Snapple moved its headquarters from Brooklyn to Long Island in 1991.

for their love and support, their friends who add so much joy to their lives, and their teachers who taught them so much during the course of the year. HANC alumni Morah Rena Maryles and Morah Caryn Lenefsky even taught the children the school song that they used to sing when they were young students in HANC. At the conclusion of the program, each child received a certificate of completion and then joined their families for a delicious dessert reception that was sponsored by the HANC PTA.

The children have all grown in tremendous ways, physically, educationally and emotionally, and their many accomplishments were reflected in their Yom Shalom Ceremonies. As Morah Trudy Rubinstein, Director of HANC’S Early Childhood Center, stated, “It is such a bittersweet moment; we are extremely proud of all of the growth and accomplishments of all of our students, but we must say goodbye to our oldest students. Although we will miss them at the ECC, we know that they will transition beauti-

fully into kindergarten.”

HANC wishes to thank the dedicated ECC staff for providing their students with a loving, nurturing environment in which to learn and grow and for all of their efforts to make this past year of learning so exciting and meaningful for their young students. Hakarat hatov also goes to Morah Kayli Joseph, for writing

some of the songs that the children sang and for accompanying them so beautifully on her keyboard. Additional thanks go to the PTA for providing the yummy treats that added icing on the cake for the darling yeladim, which left them with extra sweet memories of their year in the HANC Early Childhood Center.

Yeshiva Kol Torah celebrates a year of aliyah in Torah through the boys’ participation in the Aliayh L’Torah program

NYC Retirees – When Getting an F May Be Better Than a (Part) C

This past March, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that the Office of Labor Relations struck a deal with Aetna to discontinue the GHI Senior Care Plans and sign up their NYC Municipal retirees for an Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO (Part C). This change will affect the coverage of well over 200,000 people who are now left with uncertainty and questions instead of solid health insurance. If you are one of these hard-working retirees with well-earned benefits, you are probably wondering what is in this new coverage option, what does this change mean for you, and what are your options going forward.

Let’s take the first issue. If your insurance is being switched without your permission, you probably want to know what the difference is between the old and the new insurance. The main distinction between the new Aetna plan is that it is a Medicare Advantage plan, whereas the old GHI Senior Care plan was a Medicare supplement policy. On the old plan, you could walk into any doctor or hospital in the country and, as long as they took Medicare, you were covered, because Medicare

remained the primary insurance with the Senior Care plan acting as the secondary. On the Aetna Advantage plan, Aetna will become the primary insurance company, relegating Medicare to the backseat as the secondary. Practically, this means that the doctor or hospital can accept Medicare, yet still not be in-network on the insurance plan because they don’t take Aetna. However, it is worth noting that on this plan one can use in and out-of-network doctors (with no referrals) which is comprised of 95% of utilized providers either in-network or are eligible to participate in Medicare and agree to accept Aetna on an out-ofnetwork basis. That is the main difference between the two plans, but what are the options going forward?

Effective September 1, 2023, all members will be taken off the GHI Senior Care Plan and automatically enrolled on to the Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO Plan, unless the members choose to opt out of the City health coverage plan. NYC retirees are now at the fork in the road, staring at the two roads that diverged in a yellow wood, only able to choose one option. Here are some pros and cons for each option.

If you choose to opt out, then you will retain Medicare as your primary coverage and will have to enroll in a Medicare supplement plan, which has superior doctor and hospital coverage across the board compared to Advantage plans. This means a large, nationwide network of doctors and never having to worry about insurance or bills in case of an emergency. However, choosing to opt out of the City health coverage plan means that they will lose a major benefit of the NYC Retiree plan: Part B Reimbursement. On all NYC retiree plans, the City pays for the members Part B premiums, which on the low end means almost $2,000 worth of annual savings. Giving up this plan and opting to go with a Medicare supplement means losing this highly valuable benefit. But, all that glitters is not gold. There is a reason that the City is retaining this prized benefit: to dress up a health insurance plan whose health coverage isn’t all that great. It’s tough to tell at this point in time what the network of doctors is going to look like, and even if they have a vast network of doctors, if your specific doctor isn’t in network, that could mean incredibly high health costs for you. The Aetna Plan

does offer other unique benefits on top of Part B Reimbursement, like total coverage for days 1-100 in a skilled nursing facility and a $1,500 out of pocket maximum.

Each side has its benefits and its downfalls. If one would like to keep Medicare as the primary insurance, opting out is a must. A fair course of action appears to be to not take any action. Wait for the September 1 deadline to come and go and see how the coverage is. If the coverage offered on the new Aetna plan is atrocious, then switch off and go on to Original Medicare with a supplement. If the coverage turns out to be good, then you are left with good health insurance and reimbursed Part B premiums.

If you would like to discuss the topic further, or want to keep Medicare as primary and get a supplemental plan F or others please feel free to reach out to Medicare Michael Friedman from Mindful Medicare Solutions at (347) 738-6846 or at Insurancemd@gmail.com. He is an expert in navigating the maze of Medicare and has been helping clients for over 15 years without taking a dime from the customer and is licensed in over 20 states.

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato was thrilled to be able to attend Bnos Bais Yaakov’s Annual Dinner. “I am so proud to represent BBY! The presentation of the new buildings was beautiful, and I look forward to lending my support to the school’s growth in any way I can.” The Assemblywoman is seen here with Rabbi Ephraim Blumenkrantz, executive director.

Math Olympiads at Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam

The 7th and 8th graders at BYAM thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Math Olympiads program this year, along with students from all over the globe! The program provided the participating students with five monthly math contests. The unique problem sets that were provided helped foster strategies for problem solving, as well as strengthened mathematical intuition and developed mathematical creativity. Congratulations to all those who participated in this enriching program.

Special trophies were awarded to Gavriella Hyman, Sarah Greenspan,

Former IDF Soldiers Join HAFTR Community for Sports and Celebration

and Kayli Fox, who scored in the top percentile of all the internationally participating students. We can’t wait to see what the future has in store for these mathematical minded individuals!

Former IDF soldiers from Peace of Mind joined the community on Sunday, June 4 for an afternoon filled with sports and celebration. The collaborative event, organized in partnership with HAFTR, Peace of Mind, The Gural JCC, and the Irving Place Minyan, brought together families and athletes to honor Israel and express gratitude to the brave soldiers who protect its people. MD Hospitality co-sponsored and catered delicious Israeli food for the event.

After the spirited Israel Day Parade, HAFTR families and former IDF soldiers converged at the school for an afternoon

Did you know?

of engaging sports activities. The event kicked off with basketball drills. At the same time, a soccer game took place. One of the highlights of the event was the highly anticipated basketball game between the HAFTR High School Varsity Basketball team and the former IDF soldiers.

This remarkable event was an incredible opportunity for the HAFTR community to come together and continue to celebrate Israel after the parade. The event embodied how HAFTR fosters a strong sense of unity, friendship, and appreciation of Israel.

Wendy Kaufman, the “Snapple Lady” from Snapple’s commercials in the ‘90s, was a real employee and graduated from Lawrence High School in Cedarhurst, NY.

Top Israeli General Comes to Rambam

Rambam Mesivta is renowned for its pro-Israel advocacy and curriculum. Students are fortunate to hear from many speakers and soldiers over the course of the school year. Recently, the school was privileged to host Major General Nadav Padan.

Major General Padan is a recognized hero in Israel who was head of the IDF’s Central Command from 2018-2020. In this role, Major General Padan was in charge of the defense of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and all areas in the center of Israel. To the excitement of all in attendance, he expressed that he was familiar with Rambam’s reputation as an advocate for the security of the state.

After briefly describing some of his past experiences and some current matters of Israeli national security, he welcomed questions from the audience. The current rift in Israel was brought up

and addressed. He was also asked about Iran’s nuclear program and Israel’s reaction. He cryptically said, “Haven’t you heard about explosions taking place in Iran?”

Major General Padan patiently answered all questions and expressed his thanks to Rambam for making its mark in support of Israel. He closed by saying that Jews must remain united and that Americans can support Israel by following Rambam’s lead.

Rav Nochum Cohen, shlita, tzaddik and mekubal from Yerushalayim, (top photo) and Rav Uri Tigger, shlita, addressed Yeshiva Nishmas Hatorah this week

SKA’s End of Year Celebration

HANC State Fair

The end of year program at the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls was an absolute blast! The expansive grounds of the schools were filled with an incredible roller skating rink, exciting rides, carnival food machines and a graffiti t-shirt-making activity.

Everyone had a great time before the advent of finals and Regents!

The fifth grade students in HANC’s Elementary School in West Hempstead brought social studies to life at the annual State Fair. Since January, when each child was assigned a state, the students researched many aspects about that state. They began the research process by filling in a note sheet, which required them to discover and record the state map, flag, flower, and food that is indigenous to that state and the date that the state was admitted to the Union. They explored events and attractions that take place in their chosen state, the state’s nickname and the name of the state bird, as well as famous people who were born or grew up in that state. From the information they gathered, the students utilized their technology skills to create a virtual poster which contained general facts about their state. The children also created a travel brochure for visitors to their state, which included maps, attractions, landmarks, historical sites and famous people from that state. In Language Arts, they wrote an original newspaper article that also included unique aspects about their state.

On the day of the State Fair, all of the children came to school dressed up to represent their state birds, bugs or foods.

The talmidos of the Ganger Early Childhood Center at TAG reviewed their S.A.F.E. TAG Talmidah program this week. The talmidos received stickers and magnets and made special cards for their carpool and bus drivers to thank them for keeping them safe all year!

Others dressed up as famous people who came from their states. All of the costumes were creative, and some were cleverly homemade. The children arrived dressed up as: an airplane pilot, a deer, popcorn, a skier, a parking meter attendant, a Nike sneaker and famous athletes from their state, just to name a few. As they entered the lobby, patriotic music was playing to set the tone for the day.

Parents were the first guests to arrive at the State Fair. Inside the auditorium, the display tables were covered with red, white and blue tablecloths and patriotic streamers and decorations were hung from the ceiling. On the display tables that covered the entire periphery of the room, each station included maps, brochures, and a Chromebook displaying a virtual trip from the child’s home to the state that they were representing. As the fifth grade parents and students from grades four and six visited the Fair, the students shared their expertise on the states that they researched with their many guests. The fifth graders had a great time preparing and sharing their findings with everyone at HANC and were very proud of the work that they had done entirely in school.

Shulamth first and second graders enjoyed a fun and educational trip to Green Meadows Farm, as they learned about farm animals and their needs

MTA Tested by Harav Hershel Schachter

On Monday morning, the 12th grade talmidim of Rav Tanchum Cohen had the unique zechus of meeting with YU Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Hershel Schachter, shlita, for a farher. This distinct privilege is an experience unique to MTA talmidim who have the chance to learn from the gedolim of our generation during their four years in yeshiva.

HANC Middle School Recognition Dinner

Thursday night was the annual HANC eighth grade recognition dinner. Students came into the room, which was set up beautifully with decor befitting the evening. There were balloon centerpieces on each table. The tablecloths and place settings were very festive. The evening began with the singing of the national anthem and Hatikvah. This was followed by a lavish buffet from Oma’s. Stu -

dents and faculty enjoyed sliders and all kinds of chicken and fries. Of course, there was sushi as well. Next, Rabbi Hecht explained that this night was about, highlighting the individual talents and exceptional qualities of each of the graduates. Faculty members had worked on paragraphs for each of the graduates, and they were read at the program. The students felt very proud of their accomplishments

and they each supported each other. It was a fantastic evening!

MTA’s Annual Siyum and Seudas Preida

On Thursday night, the Max Stern Athletics Center of Yeshiva University was filled with smiling talmidim as the yeshiva celebrated its annual siyum and seudas preida in front of proud parents, grandparents, and rebbeim.

The event was punctuated by many talmidim making siyumin on several masechtas to begin the evening and by an incredible kumzits that left all of the many attendees uplifted and inspired.

It was the perfect way to conclude a stellar year at MTA filled with so much growth.

Shulamith Earns First Place at CIJE Event

By Mia Kaplowitz and Daniella Weinstein

Last Tuesday, everyone at Shulamith involved in the STEM elective was fortunate enough to attend the CIJE Capstone event. We spent the day at the American Dream Mall, where we got to present our projects and innovations to students from multiple schools and a panel of judges. There were 47 schools in total that participated in Capstone, and everyone got a chance to hear about and see different inventions made by students

from other schools. Shulamith had multiple projects submitted by both groups from ninth and tenth grade, and each group had spent this past semester working hard to design and program our inventions. Our group entered our project, the Cargo Cruiser, the first ever automatic airplane trolley, and we won first place in aeronautical transportation! Another tenth grade group won the pitch award for their invention, the Smart Brush, the first cavity sensing toothbrush. One of the ninth grade groups won third place in Jewish innovations for their Sukkah

Surveyor, which can easily tell you if your sukkah is kosher!

Not only did we get to see all of our hard work pay off, but we had the best time spending the day with other students and hearing about their innovations and ideas. We got to experience this with our amazing teacher Dr. Haar, and we were so grateful for this opportunity. We wish the best of luck to all future STEM students and their endeavors. CIJE was an unforgettable experience and one of the many highlights we got to enjoy while participating in the STEM course this year!

Veteran Principal Devorah Katz to Head Up IVDU Five Towns School

By Sandy Eller

Continuing its mission to provide a solid educational foundation to elementary schoolers with mild to moderate learning disabilities and children on the autism spectrum, IVDU Five Towns is welcoming Mrs. Deborah Katz as its new principal for the 20232024 academic year.

Mrs. Katz brings 35 years of experience to IVDU, with a successful track record in the field at Gesher Yehuda, Ichud Mosdos Hachinuch, Darchei Torah and PTACH. Despite having officially retired in June 2022, Mrs. Katz accepted an invitation from IVDU’s head of schools Rabbi Michoel Druin to visit the Five Towns school last winter. Seeing the critical role that IVDU plays in the community, Mrs. Katz chose to come out of retirement, accepting Rabbi Druin’s offer to serve as the school’s next principal.

For the past three months, Mrs. Katz has been working part-time at IVDU and getting to know its students. She looks forward to officially taking charge of the school for the upcoming academic year.

“I want parents to know that if they service their children in their earlier years, the success rate later on is much greater,” said Mrs. Katz. “Giving children a good educational foundation is like putting in a good foundation in your house. If you do it right, you will have your house forever, but if you cut corners you are going to have to keep putting on Band Aids.”

IVDU’s flexible-grade curriculum includes literacy, kriah, parsha, yahadus, math, science and English, with a high teacher-student ratio and visual handson learning provided in a warm environment. The school also provides on-site speech, physical, occupational and art therapy, with out-of-the-class learning fostered during through gardening,

Lechu V’Nelcha

Lechu Vnelcha of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway has been going strong week by week! We would like to welcome back all seminary girls from their year in Eretz Yisrael and invite you to attend our future weekly shiurim catered just for you.

Up next, we are very excited to hear

weekly gymnastics and other extra-curricular activities. In addition to expanding IVDU in order to serve even more students, Mrs. Katz hopes to be able to add additional learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom setting to the school’s program.

With special education requiring unique skills and expertise, Rabbi Druin explained that bringing in a veteran principal was of paramount importance to IVDU.

“Devorah Katz’s experience and leadership will most definitely contribute to the growth and success of IVDU,” observed Rabbi Druin. “As a principal who is both professional and warm, Mrs. Katz will create a positive and inclusive school environment that will foster the students’ development and well-being, ultimately benefiting the Five Towns Jewish community.”

The educational arm of YACHAD, IVDU started its first school in Brooklyn in 2002, with two more divisions subsequently opened to meet communal needs. IVDU launched its Five Towns elementary school in North Woodmere in 2017, giving parents in the area and surrounding neighborhoods a high-quality academic institution geared to helping children maximize their potential, without having to travel to Brooklyn.

a halacha shiur by Rabbi Pinchas Birnhack. The shiur will take place on Monday night, June 12, at 8:30 PM at 765 Caffery Avenue in Far Rockaway.

To stay informed about future shiurim and events or to sponsor a shiur, please email lvnfarrockaway5t@gmail. com

Morah Shoshana Ayzin and Rivky Braun’s CAHAL fourth grade class participated with all the 4th graders in Shulamiths end-of-theyear performance. The girls learned songs and dances and put on a show in front of parents and guests. They also displayed the art they have been working on all year for the Night of the Arts at the school.

New Bright Futures Program for Community Children

There is a new NYS-funded program that has educators, therapists and parents buzzing. The program is called Home and Community Based Services, HCBS, and it is designed to help medically fragile children or children struggling with mental health.

Bright Futures provides staff for HCBS and Health Home services, and the Bright Futures team is located in Cedarhurst, although they help children across Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens.

The HCBS program is for ages 0-21, and it is funded by Medicaid, although there is a waiver option for children who do not have Medicaid to still join the program. Bright Futures can help parents through the process of enrolling via a waiver if their child does not have Medicaid but is eligible for the program based on the state’s criteria.

Many parents are familiar with OPWDD, which is a program for children with developmental disabilities. Another great program is ABA, which helps children on the autism spectrum. This new program, HCBS, was designed to help

children avoid hospitalization or institutionalization by being preventative and providing home and community-based support for struggling children.

There are two main pathways for eligibility for the program. Children who are medically fragile are those who have ongoing medical challenges that require frequent medical attention. This can include undergoing chemo treatments, heart or kidney issues, other long-term health challenges, etc.

The second target demographic are children with mental health struggles. To be eligible, children need to have serious emotional issues that are manifesting in multiple “systems.” This means that they are struggling in school (for example, they have an IEP or 504 plan) and at home or in another system (for example, they receive counselling, or have other support in place).

Eligible children are first assigned a

Health Home Care Manager, who is the family’s point person for the child’s care and can help connect them to resources like counselling, organizations, and more.

Children in the Health Home program may then be eligible for HCBS services, based upon their Care Manager’s assessment. HCBS services are performed after school and on weekends. These services may include respite or Caregiver Family Advocacy Supports Services. Providers work with the child or parents to help accomplish their customized goals.

If your child can benefit from the program, or if you are a healthcare professional who wants to learn more about how Bright Futures can help children you work with, you can contact Bright Futures by phone/WhatsApp at 347-9709531, via email at info@brightfuturesny. com, or you can see more information at brightfuturesny.com

HANC Middle School Hockey Championship Parade

Tuesday night, May 30, was one of the most memorable nights in HANC Middle School history. The Middle School boys’ hockey team had an amazing parade to celebrate the school’s first ever hockey championship. The parade began at HANC ECC, where the team took photos with the Town Clerk, Kate Murray. Then the team marched down Hempstead Avenue with the trophy in hand all the way to HANC 609. It was an amazing sight to behold as there were many people who marched

with the team, as well as many onlookers there to support the Hurricanes. At HANC 609, the entire crowd got to see a replay of the double overtime game winning goal and heard speeches from Rabbi Hecht and Coach Harris. Following this, everyone in attendance was treated to an amazing BBQ dinner provided by I&D. We truly hope that this is just the beginning of many championships for the school, as IY”H we look forward to doing this for many years to come.

Netzach HaTorah Annual Gala

Now entering its seventh year, Mesivta Netzach HaTorah has quickly grown into a premier boys high school in the Five Towns community and beyond. This vibrant and exciting Mesivta continues to hold true to its founding mission in which every student is inspired to: “Learn Torah and live Torah.” Under the leadership of the Menahel, Rabbi Yitzchok Yurman, the Mesivta is proud of the tremendous accomplishments the talmidim have had at Netzach as they enter the next stage of their lives.

“We could not be happier with what our boys have achieved over the last four years, in their learning, middos and personal development. As a new Mesivta, we are honored to have our talmidim be accepted into the finest yeshivas and continue their growth next year,” said Rabbi Yurman.

With the tremendous growth of the Five Towns Jewish community in recent years, Netzach HaTorah was founded by visionaries to meet the needs of both the growing community as well as provide families with the opportunity to join a warm and close knit Mesivta experience. What began as only a dream quickly turned into a reality with families in the Five Towns, Far Rockaway, Queens and Brooklyn joining the Netzach family. As the Mesivta added grades over the years, they continued to expand an immersive and intensive Limudei Kodesh focus, coupled with a thorough academic program, preparing the talmidim ready for Kollel and college. Netzach looks to meet the entire needs of every student without compromise.

“I am truly in awe of the tireless dedication of the Rosh HaYeshiva, Hanhala

and staff of the Mesivta. They have built a Yeshiva that is the pride of the community in just six years. I am so proud to be a part of the growth and impact that this Mesivta has, and will have, on the entire Klal Yisrael,” said Shalom Vegh, president of the board. “With experiential learning, trips, kumzitzes, chessed partnerships and many other opportunities inside and outside of the classroom and Beis Medrash, Netzach focuses on building the students with the mindset and responsibility of personal growth and helping others.”

On Sunday, June 11, Netzach HaTorah will celebrate another successful year as a Mesivta as they enter the next phase and begin “Building Towards the Future.” This gala will pay tribute to three families who embody the vision and mission of the Mesivta and continue to play an important role as builders of the Mesivta’s future. The Guests of Honor are Dovid and Katie Gamzeh, parents of Yehuda in the 11th grade. Dovid is a native of Cleveland and Katie a native of Stamford, Connecticut. As members of the Beis Medrash of Lawrence, the Gamzehs have become an essential part of the Mesivta and even greater Five Towns community. Dovid owns and operates

long-term care businesses, and Katie is a volunteer case manager for Chai Lifeline. The Gamzehs are well known for their kindness and willingness to help others and are beloved by the entire community.

The Harbatzas Torah Award will be presented to Rabbi Yechiel and Adena Weberman, parents of Moshe Dov in the 12th grade. Having been a part of the Mesivta since its inception, they are true builders and have seen firsthand the growth and development of Netzach into the incredible institution it is today.

Rabbi Weberman is involved in countless Limud HaTorah initiatives including the Daf Shiur in Beth Shalom, rebbe in DRS High School, rebbe in the Shaar Program in Sh’or Yoshuv, rabbi of the Irving Place Minyan, and rebbe in Camp Sdei Chemed. Adena is a well-known speech therapist in the community. The Mesivta is honored to recognize the incredible Harbatzas HaTorah of the Webermans and their commitment to the growth and success of the Mesivta in every way.

The Parents of the Year award will be presented to Martin and Liba Friedlander, parents of Yossi in the 12th grade and distinguished recipient of the Salutatorian of this year’s graduating class. Having moved from Brooklyn to Cedarhurst a

few years ago, the Friedlanders have become respected members of the community with their chessed and involvement in many initiatives. Martin received his semicha from Rav Pam, zt”l and is a wellknown attorney who runs his own law practice and was the drafter of the new Halachic Prenuptial Agreement. Martin enjoys close relationships with many rabbanim and community leaders and is regarded as one of the top experts in his field, using his experience and influence to help many in the Jewish community over the years. Liba provides executive support at the District Attorney’s office in Kings County and has devoted many years to providing Holocaust education to school groups at the Amud Aish Memorial Museum. The Friedlanders embody the very essence of the Mesivta’s vision, being true baalei Torah and middos, and the Yeshiva is proud to present them as the Parents of the Year.

Featuring an elegant BBQ and world renowned music star Beri Weber, Netzach invites the community to join them for their 6th Annual Gala, this Sunday, June 11 at 12:30 PM. Reservations can be made at Netzachhatorah.com/gala.

HANC seventh graders enjoyed an amazing day at Six Flags Park

Dovid and Katie Gamzeh

Martin and Liba Friedlander

Rabbi Yechiel and Adena Weberman

Rabbi Pesach Lerner with Israel Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan at the Arutz Sheva Jerusalem Conference in NYC on Sunday

Shalom Task Force Holds Annual Seminary Workshop in Jerusalem

Shalom Task Force, an organization dedicated to fostering healthy relationships within the Jewish community, hosted the “Let’s Talk Relationships,” a workshop for seminary and gap-year program students at the Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah Campus in Jerusalem. The program, held on May 15, brought together students from 10 different seminaries for an enriching evening of learning and discussion.

Dr. Shana Frydman, CEO of Shalom Task Force, led the engaging and thought-provoking workshop, which addressed crucial aspects of building healthy relationships. Attendees were guided through a comprehensive curriculum, designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of relationships in the modern world.

The program covered a range of essential topics, including building a relationship with yourself, understanding and dealing with expectations of relationships, noticing and responding to Red Flags, and universal components of all healthy relationships

As a follow-up, Shalom Task Force is pleased to invite the parents of men and women that are dating to a webinar. “Let’s Talk Dating: A Parents Role,” scheduled for June 20 at 8:30PM EST, will feature:

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Marah D’asarah of Boca Raton Synagogue

Rachel Tuchman, a highly regarded therapist and educator

Lisa Elefant, Director of Adopt-aShadchan

This webinar will focus on helping parents navigate and understand their

role throughout the dating process and how to best support your child to build safe and healthy relationships.

YOSS 3rd Grade Siyumim on Sefer Bereishis

This past Sunday, Rabbi Floran’s class at Yeshiva of South Shore held the final of our three 3rd grade siyumim on Sefer Bereishis. Parents and grandparents attended the beautiful event with music, singing and a performance by his class. Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, the Rosh Hayeshiva, and Rabbi Avraham Robinson, the Elementary division menahel, spoke as well as their rebbi, Rabbi Florans, who described how the spiritual DNA of our Avos and Imahos is passed down to each and every one of us – and the children are the ones who will carry it over to the next generation. Each

of the boys then presented a summary of the six parshiyos they learned throughout the year. The siyum culminated with Rabbi Drebin giving the class a “test” in song – he asked questions and the talmidim answered in song. All the parents and boys were treated to a beautiful catered brunch. It was a beautiful siyum, and iy”H the talmidim should only continue their growth in Torah and avodas Hashem.

The other two third grade siyumim of the classes of Rabbi Heimlich and Rabbi Gardenswartz were just as special and enjoyable!

For more information about this webinar, please visit www.shalomtaskforce. org/pdw

Lev Chana’s four-year-old nursery students went on a fun and informative trip to Green Meadows Farm last week

The fourth grade girls at HALB celebrated the generations that came before them at their M’dor L’dor program last week. Students spent the evening with their mothers and grandmothers, celebrating past generations

who gave them the opportunities they have today. Everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner from Central Perk, and the girls did a beautiful job on their performance. It was a wonderful and meaningful night for everyone!

HAFTR Student Becomes First Yeshiva Student to Earn Academic All

Kaitlin Pollack, a junior at HAFTR High School, recently made history by becoming the first yeshiva high school student to earn Academic All American recognition from the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA). Kaitlin also holds the highest ranking in the Citron Online Speech and Debate District, which was created to allow Sabbath-observant students to qualify for national NSDA competitions.

Kaitlin broke both high school and district records by achieving the rank of Superior Distinction through competition. This accolade places her among a select few. Out of a total of over 134,000 students in the entire United States, only 2,674 or 4% have achieved this Superior Distinction ranking and even fewer have been named Academic All American.

“I am very proud of Kaitlin for being

awarded this very prestigious honor,” said HAFTR Speech and Debate Coach and Chair of Citron Online District, Mr. Alex Libkind. “In order to achieve this ranking a student must compete and win in numerous tournaments throughout the year. Since her freshman year, Kaitlin has shown an uncompromising commitment to speech, debate and model congress. Starting from winning the Yeshiva League Model Congress in her freshman year, Kaitlin earned recognition at YUNMUN two years in a row and earned a prestigious qualifying slot in the Nationals Model Congress. She has shown exceptional leadership as President of the HAFTR High School team, chair of the student committee of Citron Online, and captain of the YUNMUN team.”

As Kaitlin continues to make strides

in her academic and debate endeavors, she is setting a great example for other students to follow. Her achievement is not only a testament to her personal success, but it also reflects the quality of education and support provided by HAFTR High School.

“I am very proud to earn this distinction,” said Kaitlin Pollack. “I hope to be an example to all yeshiva high school students who I feel can also earn this distinction by being active in both the National Speech & Debate Association and in the Citron Online District.”

Kaitlin’s dedication and hard work have earned her this rare achievement. Her exceptional academic and competitive debate skills make her a valuable asset to HAFTR High School. Kaitlin’s talent and achievements have garnered national recognition, and she is now

gearing up to compete in Congressional Debate at the National Tournament in Phoenix, AZ, from June 12 to 16.

Kaitlin will be joined by HAFTR High School students Sophia Feiler, Maya Karasanti, Michal Mari, Noa Sharon, and Dasi Well at Nationals.

Maran Harav Dov Landau

Maran Harav Dov Landau, the Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka Yeshiva in Bnei Brak and one of the preeminent leaders of the Torah world, visited Yeshiva Darchei Torah on Tuesday.

He first addressed the middle school talmidim of Darchei and other local yeshivos in the Diamond Beis Medrash. He then delivered a shiur on a sugya in Pesachim to the Mesivta, Beis Medrash and Kollel, in addition to a brief hesped on Maran Rav Gershon Edelstein, zt”l. His shiur and hesped drew crowds of rabbanim and talmidim from other local yeshivos as well.

Photos by Naftoli Goldgrab

L-R: Rav Shay Schachter, Rav Moshe Bender, Mr. Shimon Glick, Maran HaRav Dov Landau, Rav Yaakov Bender, Mr. Lloyd Keilson, Rav Yosef Landau, and Rav Avrohom Bender

Middos… Mitzvos… BINGO!

Right after Pesach, we launched one of our most popular programs for the talmidim in grades 1-5 at YKLI. The program was wildly popular, as the boys discovered that simply by doing a mitzvah, or displaying a particular middah, they could create, and fill, their very own Middos Mitzvah Bingo cards!

Shortly before Shavuos, Rabbi Shlomo Dovid Pfeiffer, creator of this innovative program, had the boys bring their unique and completed cards to yeshiva, where over 100 participants played a rousing game of Middos Mitzvah Bingo. The boys took tremendous delight in the game, covering their game-card squares which showed that they called a grandparent, helped a neighbor, played nicely with a sibling, or showed respect for

YCQ Visits Google NYC Headquarters

an adult. What better way to bring our younger talmidim into Zman Matan Toraseinu than to remind them of the middos and mitzvos that we aim to exhibit and fulfill every single day.

Many winners walked away with brand new sports equipment, and every boy who participated enjoyed YKLI’s famous chocolate milk and a Danish.

Aselect group of YCQ students had the incredible opportunity to visit Google’s New York headquarters recently. Seventh and eighth grade students who participate in the after-school Robotics and SET³ programs ventured into Manhattan for an amazing and educational experience.

Different Googlers (Google employees) described the fascinating history of the tech company. Students also had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Joel Wein, a Senior Director Of Engineering at Google and the president of YCQ’s Board of Trustees.

Students then broke into two groups and participated in a round-robin of

activities. Students worked on a stepby-step algorithm to tie shoes, learning valuable coding skills in the process. They also worked on an activity in which they had to determine the correct path to cross a grid, testing their teamwork and memory skills.

Following the activities, students went on a tour of the huge and state-ofthe-art complex and ate lunch on a terrace with a beautiful view of Manhattan. Thank you to Ms. Jessica Faibish, who was instrumental in coordinating the event. Thank you to our faculty, Mrs. Fabish, Mr. Grossman, Ms. Blackwood, and Mrs. Jaffe, for all their efforts as well and for chaperoning the trip.

America’s Most Important Political Leaders Recognize Met Council

On Sunday, more than 350 elected officials, dignitaries and community leaders lauded the Met Council, America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy, for its work distributing over 20 million pounds of food to more than 325,000 New Yorkers in 2022. The Legislative Breakfast was held at the Yale Club just prior to the start of the Salute to Israel Parade.

The distinguished crowd at this year’s event included New York Gov. Kathy Hochul; U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles “Chuck” Schumer; Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, the minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives; Congressman Jerrold Nadler; New York State Attorney General Letitia James; New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli; New York City Mayor Eric Adams;

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine; Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson; Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso; Queens Borough President Donovan Richards; New York City Deputy Police Commissioner Edward Caban; New York City Housing Preservation & Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr.; Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark; Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez; and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

Israel Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat and Acting Consul General of Israel in New York Israel Nitzan also were in attendance.

“It has been more than 50 years since Met Council first opened its doors and we’ve never experienced the level of government partnership on the city, state

and federal levels before. We’re incredibly grateful,” said Met Council CEO David G. Greenfield. “Each of the officials, elected and appointed that joined us at our legislative breakfast spoke loudly and clearly – that no community should be marginalized and every New Yorker in need deserves all the help we can give them. That’s the essence of what Met Council does.”

This year’s gathering paid special

tribute to Rep. Jeffries; New York State senators Roxanne Persaud and Daniel Rosenthal; UJA-Federation of New York CEO Eric Goldstein; Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr.; Senior Advisor to Mayor Adams, Joel Eisdorfer; Borough President Levine; New York City Council members Crystal Hudson, Lynn Schulman, Shekar Krishnan and Marjorie Velázquez.

Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s Pre-1A talmidim received their first siddurim

The Outdoor Classroom at Shulamith ECC

At Shulamith Early Childhood Center, the beautiful weather finds the children playing and learning in our outdoor classroom. Our banot are extremely excited to use the two new additions to the playground thanks to our generous donors.

Our new Imagination Station is a unique outdoor play structure specially tailored to the developmental needs of our young children. Made possible by a grant from the Slomo and Cindy Silivian Foundation, it was designed by the renowned Maggie Gray from the Long Island Children’s Museum. The children enjoy climbing, swinging, twisting, crawling, and imagining as they develop their muscles and their minds.

The Kidstruction Zone features fabulous hollow blocks, generously donated by Mr. and Mrs. Chaim Langer. These blocks are large enough to enable lifesize constructions, allowing the children to exercise their large muscles as well as their imaginations as they work to create planes, houses, and obstacle courses. They work collaboratively as they encounter architectural challenges and develop important STEM skills each time they make plans and adjustments.

We thank the Slomo and Cindy Silivian Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Langer, and Maggie Gray for their magnanimous contributions to the Shulamith Early Childhood Center outdoor space.

DRS Yeshiva’s “Ma’amad Har Sinai” Event

As Shavuot approached, the DRS Yeshiva organized a special event called “Ma’amad Har Sinai” to honor the yom tov and kabbalas haTorah. In the yeshiva’s beautiful Beit Midrash, the boys gathered to complete two sedarim of Mishnayos in under an hour. With a tremendous kol Torah filling the Beis Me -

drash, the Yeshiva prepared for a meaningful celebration of kabbalat haTorah. Talmidim learned b’chavrusa with fellow classmates and rabbeim. Following the siyum, the talmidim celebrated with lively dancing and Dunkin Donuts for the whole yeshiva.

In conjunction with their “Shabbos unit,” the nursery talmidim of Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s Harriet Keilson Early Childhood Center were treated to an exciting presentation by Mr. Scott of Ossie’s Fish

Annual Shomrei Hachomos Breakfast this Sunday at the Edelman Home

Alongstanding Five Towns tradition that comes with the onset of summer is the Annual Breakfast benefitting Kollel Shmorei Hachomos of Reb Meir Baal Haness. Graciously hosted by Alex and Susan Edelman for as long as anyone can remember, this popular event highlights the special bond shared by the Edelmans, their friends and the entire Five Towns community with one of Eretz Yisrael’s oldest and most revered charities.

Established by the disciples of the great Chasam Sofer more than 160 years ago, the Kollel today is a conglomerate of multi-million-dollar initiatives covering virtually every facet of Jewish life. Each of these divisions is perhaps an institution in its own right with its own staggering monthly budget.

The primacy and the merit of supporting the charity of Reb Meir Baal Haness is a revered tradition handed down from generation to generation.

This year’s breakfast is dedicated in memory of the Kollel’s longstanding Gabbai Kodesh, Reb Nussen Ehrlich, a”h. A special tribute ceremony at the breakfast will honor his esteemed son-in-law, Mr.

Berish Sober along with the Edelmans’ son, Mr. Mordy Edelman, both of them newly installed, dedicated Gaba’ai Kodesh of Kollel Shomrei Hachomos.

The reception will take place on Sunday, June 11 at the Edelman home, 49 Lawrence Avenue in Lawrence, with a brief program beginning promptly at 9:30. The guest speaker will be Rabbi Motti Neuburger, Associate Rabbi of the White Shul.

The event will spotlight on the myriad monthly budgets funded by the Kollel, with the participants getting an inside glimpse of the detailed application process, financials, distribution data and line-item budgets for those on the receiving end of Kollel Shomrei Hachomos’s projects and operations, spanning every area of Torah, Avodah and Chesed.

The presence of each and every attendee is a source of support and encouragement for thousands of families in Eretz Yisrael who count on Kollel Shomrei Hachomos for their survival. The Edelman and Sober families look forward to greeting everyone personally.

To contribute to the breakfast online visit rebmeir.org/Edelman.

Life Transforming Kinyan Chochma Mussar Program Set to Being Sefer Orchos Tzadikim

By Chaim Gold

This 29 Sivan/June 18 could be a turning point for you!

It is a day that can transform your life from that of someone going through the motions of Yiddishkeit to someone on fire with Yiddishkeit – with ahavas Hashem, yiras shamayim and well-balanced middos tovos

Today we live in a generation of segulos, old segulos, new segulos, segulos for this and segulos for that. In truth, however, age-old methods are the ones that are foolproof and have proven the test of time. That is where 29 Sivan/June 18, comes in. That is the day that Dirshu’s Kinyan Chochma program will begin the learning of the mussar sefer Orchos Tzaddikim.

Orchos Tzaddikim, a sefer written by one of the Rishonim based on the Chovos Halevavos (and much easier to learn than the Chovos Halevavos), gives a person the proper perspective and balance between his obligations of bein adam l’chaveiro and bein adam l’Makom.

One prominent Rav explained, “It is a misconception to think that Rav Yisroel Salanter instituted something new with his advocacy of learning mussar The mussar works are from the Rishonim who preceded him. The Gemara is replete with mussar. What then did Rav Yisroel do? When he realized that people were not absorbing the mussar lessons from the Gemara and the mussar sefarim as they did in the past, he created a special, self-contained limud of mussar which he then advocated learning with fire and enthusiasm. Kinyan Chochma is a program that enables a person to build time to learn mussar into his schedule every day.”

In Dirshu’s Kinyan Chochma mussar learning program, a person can learn the entire sefer by setting aside just a few minutes a day and reap the dividends of a life full of meaning.

The impact those few minutes make on the day is colossal.

Indeed, just a few months ago, during the last week of Shevat, a special meeting was held at the home of HaGaon Rav Gershon Edelstein, zt”l, attended by the elder mashgichim of Eretz Yisroel, where Rav Gershon spoke passionately about the need to learn mussar and hailed the Kin-

yan Chochma program as an important vehicle to achieve that purpose.

The Zechusim…and the Pitfalls

Established at the melave Malka of the Dirshu Convention in 2017, Kinyan Chochma is one of Dirshu’s many programs created to enhance the ruchniyus of hundreds of thousands of Jews, all over the world.

What was the impetus behind the creation of this program?

At that Melava Malka, Dirshu’s Nasi, Rav Dovid Hofstedter explained: “Our generation has so many zechusim! Beautiful edifices of Torah that we have built on the ashes of the Holocaust! It is unprecedented. Righteous women who are moser nefesh for Torah and who raise wonderful families! Such indescribable chessed!

“Still, perhaps in our generation we have been somewhat inundated with goyish culture. How can we access bracha if we are immersed in the tumah of Mitzrayim?

“Yes, we have zechusim but to be an oveid Hashem requires tochen pnimi. To think that with a thirty or forty-minute, superficial seder or a five-minute daily dose we are yotzeh and then we are done?!

“We must internalize the fact that we are not American society. We are not a nation obsessed with acquiring material possessions. We are not a nation of jealousy, of greed, with a superficial veneer. We are the am hanivchar. We are the mamleches kohanim v’goy kadosh!”

Proposing a Protection

As a result, Rav Hofstedter introduced a program that can potentially serve as an antidote to the superficial host culture that has unfortunately infiltrated even the most sheltered of our communities. He said, “Therefore, morai v’rabosai, achai vera’ei, it is our zechus to present a new program, entitled Kinyan

Chochma, a daily limud of mussar and hadracha culled from various mussar seforim, Tomer Devorah, Orchos Chaim l’Harosh, Orchos Tzaddikim, Avos with the commentary of Rabbeinu Yonah and others…”

Rav Matisyahu Salomon, the venerated Mashigach of Lakewood (may he have a refuah sheleima), hailed the program saying, “The obligation to learn mussar daily is well known, as Rav Yisrael Salanter explains at length in his sefer Ohr Yisrael, in the name of the poskim. It does not require a haskama. Nevertheless, because of its great benefit, the yetzer hara tries to find all kinds of excuses to deter a person from learning mussar

“That is why we are so glad that the Dirshu Organization has included mussar learning as one of their daily learning programs. This will encourage people and make it easy for lomdim to learn mussar daily, to know mussar and then to absorb the lessons into their lives…”

A Source of Bracha and Happiness

Of course, learning mussar has the power to bring one closer to Hashem and change his spiritual life. What is less known, however, is that which the wellknown mashpia, Rav Meilech Biderman, recently indicated that learning mussar can also bring with it great bracha and happiness. “A person once came to the famed mashgiach of Mir and Ponovezh, Rav Yechezkel Levenstein, bemoaning the fact that he had not yet been blessed with children. Rav Chatzkel advised him to accept upon himself to learn a seder in mussar for ten minutes each day. The person accepted this advice and before long was blessed with a child. Rav Chatzkel explained that this was not a miracle. Simply, when a person accepts upon himself a positive undertaking, he becomes akin to a new person. He is no longer the same person that he was before. Thus, if it was decreed that so and so should not have

children, the decree wasn’t said about the ‘new person’ that he has become.”

The Pnei Menachem’s Seven Daily Mussar Kabbalos

Gedolei Yisroel from across the entire spectrum have themselves constantly engaged in learning mussar and have encouraged their followers to do the same. The Pnei Menachem of Ger was wont to encourage his talmidim and chassidim to make sure a day should never go by without learning mussar. The sefer Orchos Tzaddikim was especially dear to him.

He had numerous siddurim from which he used to daven. In each one, he wrote on the front page seven things that he clearly wanted to think about while davening.

He started with a tiny introduction: “To try with the help of Hashem to remember [the following]. Most of them are from the sefer Orchos Tzaddikim….”

1. Hashem Yisborach has mercy on me more than anyone else who is merciful, and He protects me even when I don’t protect myself.

2. Everything comes from Hashem. Any favor done for me by others is Him. All people are His emissaries.

3. Every favor done for us is due to Hashem’s kindness. Not because we are worthy.

4. It is impossible to add or take away from Hashem’s decree. Except through tefillah to Hashem.

5. Hashem knows whether our trust in Him is complete. It is impossible to hide this from Him because it is impossible to fool Him.

6. To make a conscious decision to constantly fulfill the words of Chazal, “Make His desire, your desire.” If one does not do this, he exemplifies the passuk that states, “For what is the hypocrite’s hope? ...Will Hashem heed his cry? … [Iyov 27:8-9]?”

7. To give thanks and praise to Hashem that He did not make me a gentile.

Anyone who has participated in the Dirshu Kinyan Chochma program has seen their quality of life, both material and spiritual, improve exponentially. Why not you?!

For information on how to join Kinyan Chochma and to receive a copy of the day’s limud, please call Dirshu at 1-888-5Dirshu or email info@kolleldirshu.org

HaRav Elimelech Biderman meeting with Rav Dovid Hofstedter

HaRav Matisyahu Salomon addressing Dirshu’s 10th Anniversary

YOSS Learns Civics  Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character

The fourth graders in Mrs. Zicherman’s class at Yeshiva of South Shore have been learning about the three branches of government. It has been an exciting and active unit, especially since the boys have so much background knowledge they want to share and contribute! We have covered the responsibilities of each branch of government, on both the federal and state levels, and have made many real-life connections to this topic. To wrap up the lesson, the boys created their own flip book, detailing the three branches of government. In each section of the flip book, they described the role of the branch, who works in the branch, and where you will find those workers. They also learned about those responsible for choosing or voting

each branch into power. It was an enlightening and practical civics lesson, and one which the boys truly enjoyed!

5 Towns Little League

It was an action-packed Sunday at the 5TLL by FM Home Loans this past week! The regular season wrapped up for grades 1-8 with some incredible games and finishes, and our incredible coaches and sponsors came out for the annual Coaches HR Derby sponsored by Extreme Vent Cleaning. Meir Ribowsky, assistant coach of 4th grade Westwood Realty, took this year’s crown. It was also JSL DAY at the 5TLL, as the JSL Jaguar came by, and all the boys received amazing JSL swag in preparation for the upcoming JSL Fall Season. The fun doesn’t stop as the annual 5TLL Baseball Night sponsored by Five Towns Orthodontics will take place this Tuesday night. There will be All-Star games, skills competitions, raffles, and more.

K/P

Baseball & Soccer Highlights

K/P Baseball: David Ghoori hit a 3-run homerun for Alpert Financial, and Gav Prince made some incredible plays at shortstop for Stone Group.

K/P Soccer: Led by Ari Jaroslawicz with stellar defense, Team Maidenbaum recorded their 6th win of the season, beating Island Roofing 5-3.

1st/2nd Soccer: Wieder Orthodontics continued their great season, winning 8-1 as they took a 2-0 series lead in the 2nd 5-game series of the season.

Minors

(1st-3rd) Baseball Highlights

1st Grade: It was walk-off day in the 1st grade. Stone Group won on a walkoff single over Evolve Design Group & Eliyahu Kornbluh hit a 2-run walk-off

single to give Maidenbaum the 21-20 win over Town Appliance. Asher Gold played an incredible all-around game and was named game MVP in the win for Stone Group. Aryeh Templeman made some incredible defensive plays and slammed a grand slam to help Built By Nate defeat Shana B. 18-11 and remain undefeated in the regular season.

2nd Grade: Sruli Jacobowitz made a couple of clutch inning-ending plays in the field to kill rallies as Westwood Realty beat Built By Nate and claimed the #1 spot in the division. Alpert Financial was threatening to take the lead in the last inning when Shua Zitron made the incredible game-saving line drive catch to seal the victory for Wieder Orthodontics and give them the #2 spot in the division. Some are calling it the play of the season. Yehuda Manela had himself an afternoon. He led off the game with a home-run and then notched 2 RBIs in the top of the last inning. Then, with his team leading by 3 runs, he made an incredible catch to end the game and give his team the victory.

3rd Grade: Shlomo Cohen channeled his inner Jeter with some tremendous plays at shortstop in Stone Groups 7-1 win over ARG. Akiva Lesser’s bat was red hot Sunday as he went 4-4 with 3 homers and 6 RBIs in Wieder Orthodontics 18-10 win over JNT. Yosef Abramason started a triple play in the win as well.

Dovid Schattner hit a homer to go along with some dazzling plays in the field, including a clutch double play, as

These are the four pillars of the national honor society. This week, Ezra inducted new members into the National Society, Ezra Academy Chapter. As old members ran the ceremony and explained the pillars, new members were called individually to be recognized in front of family and friends. The event is a favorite of Mr. Daniel Miska, the advisor to National Honor Soci-

ety. He remarked that the culmination of students’ hard work, service and leadership deserves national recognition. Leah Abramov, current president of NHS – Ezra Chapter, congratulated the new members on a job well done. A small collation was enjoyed by all after the ceremony ended. It’s an honor to honor these new members.

Town Appliance beat Traditions in a close one 5-4.

Majors (4th & up) Baseball Highlights

4th Grade: Tzvi Rosenberg was tremendous on the mound for Alpert Financial as they defeated Maidenbaum 12-5. CG Flooring remained undefeated and clinched the #1 spot behind Elchonon Schwadel’s grand slam in the top of the last inning and Avi Grinberg’s shutout on the mound as they defeated Built By Nate 10-0.

5th Grade: Carving Block defeated Maidenbaum 13-8 behind a great performance from GAME MVP Shmuel Wechter. Town Appliance clinched the #1 seed behind the bat of Gavriel Reisz who homered twice in the 15-10 win over Posh Home + Bath.

6th Grade: Simcha Hersh allowed only 1 hit as Stone Group defeated BayRock Insurance 2-1. Shimon Jacobowitz had a great pitching performance as JNT

defeated Marciano Pediatric Dentistry.

7th/8th Grade: Shimon Weissman and Avi Cohen combined for 7 K’s and 1 run on the mound as Wieder won their 2nd straight game to give themselves some much needed momentum heading into the playoffs. Elegant Lawns rallied in the last inning to erase a 4-run deficit and jump out to an 8-6 lead. Shloime Jacobs sealed the deal to give Elegant Lawns the win & the #1 seed in the division.

5TLL Game of the Week: In the 2nd grade division, Marciano Pediatric Dentistry and Nojo Promo battled it out in this week’s game of the week. Nojo Promo jumped out to an early 3 to 0 lead before Marciano was able to manufacture 3 runs to come back and tie it in the last inning. The game went into extra innings where Marciano went on an offensive clinic – scoring 5 runs to win 8-4.

New from ArtScroll: Backstage HANC High School End of Year Trips

Backstage. It’s the place to go…if you want to know the full story!

The almanah desperately wanted to honor her late husband with the writing of a Sefer Torah. But with ten yesomim to take care of, it seemed an impossible dream. Until a certain askan took a trip to a cemetery – and things began happening backstage...

To all who knew her, she was a wonderful, caring Bais Yaakov girl. But to an overloaded chinuch system she was a “leftover,” the girl no high school could find room for. Until her father took care of some unfinished business – and things began happening backstage ...

Why do tens of thousands love to read C.B. Weinfeld’s stories?

Maybe it’s because they fill us with hope, optimism, and emunah. Or because even as they touch our hearts, they open our eyes to the wonders of our lives. Perhaps it’s the surprise endings, the

unexpected twists and turns. And, of course, it’s certainly because C.B. Weinfeld tells really great stories.

In the brand-new book, Backstage, published by ArtScroll/Mesorah, we take behind-the-scenes looks at a harried rebbetzin dealing with a major Kiddush where everything that could go wrong ... does. And we’ll see how “backstage” nothing could have been better. In these stories, we meet young people in shidduchim, men and women dealing with parnassah or shalom bayis or countless other contemporary challenges with faith and courage.

And a special treat: Backstage features a “mini-novelette” based on a true story of a heroic mother’s journey through a life-altering medical condition, a story of hope, strength, and tremendous reserves of faith.

As we go “backstage,” we will see, with magnificent clarity, how Hashem takes good care of His precious children.

The seniors at HANC High School traveled to the Poconos for an amazing two-day trip. After their adventurous rafting excursion in the Lehigh River, students were treated to a sumptuous catered dinner. In the evening, seniors traveled to The Mountain Laurel Resort and spent time reminiscing while singing songs around a bonfire roasting marshmallows and signing yearbooks late into the night. Rabbi and Mrs. Mezei prepared a home-cooked meat late night buffet that was enjoyed by all.

The next day was spent in Hershey Park enjoying rides and eating chocolate. The group also had a wonderful lunch at the Kosher Mart. After an exciting and fun-filled day, seniors ate dinner at Noah’s Ark in Teaneck, New Jersey.

Special thanks to chaperones, Mrs. Marie Palaia, Rabbi Daniel Mezei, Rabbi Ahron Friedler, and Mrs. Laura Eisner. Special Thank you to Rabbi Slomnicki for joining in the evening events.

After months of planning and anticipation, the junior trip to Connecticut got underway. On Wednesday, May 22-23, the junior class set out on an unbelievable overnight trip to New England, Connecticut. The first day started off with paintball, where students were divided into teams where they received their gear for the matches. Both teams had a great time. After paintball, a dairy buffet lunch was served with a surprise birthday cake for Noa Ben-Hamo.

The students then arrived at a high ropes course, where they zip-lined, climbed, and challenged themselves to ultimately succeed and complete the various challenges given to them. A fantastic home cooked BBQ dinner was enjoyed and a stunning grade picture was taken at the waterfall together with faculty. After a long day, the students arrived at the Heritage Hotel. After settling in a text

was sent from Rabbi Hulkower letting everyone know to board the buses for a surprise trip to the bowling alley. Congrats to Noah Ben Dayan for being the highest scorer of the night bowling 195. The surprises did not end there! Upon return to the hotel students davened Arvit and enjoyed a mid-night surprise buffet of Carlos and Gabby’s.

On day two of the trip, students woke up bright and early davened, ate breakfast and had some coffee before heading out to Sports Center of CT where students had options of playing Mini Golf, Laser Tag, Ice Skating, the Golf Range and the Arcade. A pizza-salad lunch was served followed by Mincha and loading the buses off to the next destination to the Palisades Mall where students enjoyed the amenities. Before heading back home the juniors enjoyed dinner at Kosher Castle in Monsey, NY.

Thank you to Rabbi Hulkower for preparing an incredible trip and to the chaperones Ms. Zucker, Rabbi Friedler, and Morah Feder for helping to make this trip memorable.

On Thursday, June 1, the freshmen and sophomores traveled to Pennsylvania to the Delaware River for an amazing rafting trip. After their adventurous rafting excursion, students were treated to a delicious catered dinner by Rabbi Hulkower, who barbequed for all. During dinner, students came together to hang with friends, walk through the park, and play basketball.

Students had a wonderful time bonding with their peers and teachers. Thank you to those faculty members who chaperoned and enjoyed the trip. Rabbi Slomnicki, Ms. Zucker, Morah Fink, Rabbi Friedler, Rabbi Orlofsky, Rabbi Weingot, Rabbi Chrein, Mr. Pickering, Professor Murrell, Ms. Ganchrow, and Mrs. Zimmerman.

That Means What? You Don’t Belong

Each of these words were in the final rounds of the 2023 Scripps Spelling Bee. Do you even know what these words mean (never mind spelling them!)? Match the spelling word to its definition. All except for one person were in the final rounds of the 2023 Scripps Spelling Bee. Can you spot the person that doesn’t belong?

1. Psammophile A. Currency in Macau

2. Zwitterion B. An instrument that measures the velocity and temperature of water at certain depths

3. Pataca C. A congenital defect in which a vertebra is malformed

4. Bathypitotmeter D. Lacking energy

5. Pharetrone E. Relating to the underworld

6. Schistorrhachis F. A city in South Africa

7. Daviely G. Preliminary discussion of and deliberation on something (as a legal measure) later to be submitted to another body of voters

8. Probouleutic H. Group of sponges

9. Chthonic I. A dipolar ion

10. Bloemfontein J. Any plant which thrives in sandy conditions

Dhruv Subramanian

Vikrant Chintanaboina

Shradha Rachamreddy

Arth Dalsania

Dev Shah

Aryan Khedkar

Tarini Nandakumar

Surya Kapu

Senterr Foldcomishiner

Answers: 1-J; 2-I; 3-A; 4-B; 5-H; 6-C; 7-D; 8-G; 9-E; 10-F

You Gotta be Kidding Me!

Answer: Keep trying!

A guy went out with a girl who lived in China. Her mother was from Trinidad, and her father was from Morocco. But he didn’t marry her because there were too many red flags.

Raise That Flag

Can you guess the country that each flag belongs to?

Wisdom key: 6-8 correct: Knowing your flags is actually a red flag!

4-5 correct: You are flying at half-staff.

0-3 correct: Did you design the Antwerp flag? You probably should have included a border around the flag!

Riddle me This

What did one flag say to the other flag?

Answer: Nothing, it just waved.

2.

7.

8.

1.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Answers: 1. Mozambique; 2. Antwerp, Belgium; 3. Nepal; 4. Bermuda; 5. Bhutan; 6. Trinidad; 7. Morocco; 8. China;

Torah Thought

Parshas Beha’aloscha

By Rabbi Berel Wein

The Torah instructs Aharon, and through him all of his successors, the High Priests of Israel, that when lighting the great menorah one should make certain that the six outside lamps should all face into the center lamp. There are various opinions amongst the commentators as to how this was to be accomplished. The wicks were bent inwards or perhaps the lamps themselves were tilted towards the middle lamp – or

it could have been that this was only one of the recurring miracles that defined the Mishkan and later the Temple in Jerusalem. These are just some of the ideas advanced to explain how this matter was, in fact, accomplished. The greater question obviously is what lesson the Torah is imparting to us by this instruction that the outside lamps should face the middle lamp. I think that the idea that the Torah wishes us to internalize is that the light of

the holy menorah requires focus.

We know that in the physical world the more intense and concentrated the focus of the light, the greater is its ability to illuminate and reveal. Diffused light creates mood and atmosphere, but it does not really show what lies before us. The light of the menorah is symbolic of Torah in Jewish life. Torah, its study, support and observance, requires focus and concentration. It cannot serve its true purpose in our lives when it ex-

talents and resources upon. Judaism demands that we focus upon love and study of Torah and its observances. We should concentrate upon our daily conversation, so to speak – our prayer services – with our Creator.

We are required to serve G-d and do His bidding, and that requires effort, sacrifice and devotion. It is perhaps the most challenging area of our religious life and demands total focus and concentration. Kindness towards others certainly

ists amongst us only in a diffused and generalized sense. Our rabbis taught us what the focus of Jewish life is and should be: Torah, G-dly service, human kindness and consideration for others. Other causes are only to be granted – diffused light – and they, by themselves, will not serve to erase the darkness of our existence and society. Every human life, every family, even every educational and commercial enterprise requires focus and concentration in order to be successful and productive.

We all have priorities in our lives. These priorities become the plans, actions and ideas that we focus our attention,

requires focus. In theory, in a world of diffused light, we all subscribe to the notions of good behavior, social responsibility and charitable ideals. However, when we are faced with the individual test of performing a specific human kindness to a specific human being, we oftentimes shirk that responsibility. Our focus is not present and thus we are prevented, not out of malice but simply out of lack of concentration, from performing the necessary act of kindness that lies before us. The lesson of the menorah is one of focus – the focus that will allow the spirit of G-dliness to light our way through our lives.

Shabbat shalom.

Torah, its study, support and observance, requires focus and concentration.

Parshas Beha’aloscha

The Problem with Complainers

By Rav Moshe Weinberger

Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

This is a sad parsha. All of our dreams for greatness, all of our idealism began to unravel in this week’s parsha. We spent almost a year encamped beside Har Sinai. We were poised to march into Eretz Yisroel to claim the great destiny that Hashem promised to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. But then something happened. Moshe begged his father-in-law Yisro to remain with the Jewish people and “make aliya.” Although he did not know it at the time, not only would Yisro not make aliya, but Moshe Rabbeinu himself would die in the desert, never to step foot in Eretz Yisroel because of the problems to come. In preparation for the great journey to Yerushalayim, Moshe Rabbeinu said (Bamidbar 10:35), “Arise Hashem and disperse Your enemies and those who hate You will flee from before you!” But when he said that, Moshe never imagined that the enemies of Hashem would not come from Canaan, the land they would conquer, but

from within the Jewish people!

Immediately after we read of Moshe’s prayer for our success in conquering Eretz Yisroel, the descent begins. When all is said and done, the parents would die in the desert and the children would wander for decades. What was the central reason for our downfall? What was the common denominator in all of the myriad of failures and foibles during our time in the desert ultimately leading to the decree that an entire generation would never step foot in the promised land? The easy answer is that it was the sin of the Golden Calf. But Chazal explain that this was a circumscribed fault, a terrible miscalculation and mistake, but it was not an all-encompassing fault.

In this parsha, and in those that follow, the Jewish people crave meat and complain to Moshe about it, Miriam complains about Moshe, the spies complain about Eretz Yisroel, Korach and his cohorts stage a rebellion against Moshe, complaining that he was con -

solidating all of the honor, glory, and power to himself, and the list goes on and on. What was the common denominator in the failings of the desert which continue until this day? Complaining. Yet we do not find that one of the 365 prohibitions in the Torah is “Thou shalt not complain.” But this pattern of complaints repeats itself again and again as the central downfall of our people in the generation of the desert.

The Torah teaches us several things about the essence of complainers. First, the pasuk (Bamidbar 11:1) starts by saying, “And it was that the nation was complaining, which was evil in the ears of G-d, and G-d heard and was angry.” Yet the Torah never tells us what they were complaining about! What do we learn from this? That the complainers’ problem was not the topic about which they are complaining. That has nothing to do with it! The complainers’ problem was their nature as complainers.

In halacha, we often make a dis -

tinction between a cheftza , an object, and a gavra, a person. One might have thought that a complainer’s problem is in the cheftza , the object of his complaint. One could mistakenly think that if we resolve the complainer’s complaint, he will be happy. Indeed, if someone who is not generally a complainer complains about something, this is, in fact, the case. If we resolve the object of his complaint, he will be satisfied. But this is not the case for those people classified as complainers. The moment we resolve one complaint, he has something new to complain about. It never ends. This is because his complaints are not about the cheftza of his complaint. The object of his complaints is simply the most readily available outlet for his nature as a complainer. The problem is with the gavra. The person is a complainer, so he will complain regardless of his external circumstances. His worldview is negative. He looks at the world through a jaundiced, critical

lens. His mind is twisted by nature, so he seeks out the bad in everything. He is predisposed to feeling that everyone else harbors ill-will toward him and that the world is filled with incompetent people whose lives are devoted to making him miserable.

We all know such people. These are the people who gleefully pounce on the person reading the Torah whenever he makes a mistake. Such a person goes into a state of mourning if the reader manages to read the Torah perfectly. These are the people who whisper to the person who is about to lead the davening, “You won’t extend the davening an extra minute if you know what’s good for you.” It does not matter whether it is the temperature in shul, the chazzan, the rav, the fellow next to him, or anything else. He will find something to complain about because that is his nature.

We learn several other things about complainers from the parsha. The Torah (Bamidbar 11:4-6) says: “And the mixed multitude among [the Jewish people] caused themselves to have a craving and the Jewish people also cried again and they said, ‘Who will feed us meat? We remember the fish which we ate in Egypt for free… Now our souls are dry. There is nothing before our eyes except this manna!’” The complainers began complaining and brought everyone else into their misery with them.

The Torah teaches us two additional aspects of complainers here. The first is that they try to rope others in and spread their toxic outlook as widely as they can. A person can be completely content with how things are going, but after ten minutes with a complainer, suddenly everything looks dark, dismal, and bleak.

The second thing we learn about complainers from these pesukim is their trademark opening line: “I’ve spoken to a lot of people, and they all feel this way.” They all feel that “everyone” agrees with them. “It’s not just me who feels this way. A lot of people agree with me. They just don’t want to come forward.” The complainers are the only brave souls who care enough to come forward with their criticism.

Finally, a complainer sees only the bad in the present and feels sure that the future will be even worse. The only thing in which the complainer sees anything good in is the past – no matter how much historical revisionism is necessary to see it in such a light. These people looked back longingly at the free

food they received in Egypt. First, of course it was free. They were slaves! And never mind the genocide committed against the Jewish children. Never mind the back-breaking labor. Think of the free food! But when it comes to the present, everything is dark and black. They said about the manna, which fell as a gift from Hashem every day, “our souls are dry. There is nothing before our eyes except this manna!”

Nevertheless, Hashem fulfilled the wishes of the complainers by giving them more meat than they could possibly eat. But of course, they hated that, too. Hashem therefore points out that

which was not even one of the 613 mitzvos, Moshe immediately threw up his hands, gave up all hope, and begged G-d to just take his life? Why was this?

We see from Moshe’s reaction that when it comes to complainers, you can never win. The moment you resolve one complaint, they have another. It is an all-encompassing fault. As bad as the sin of the Golden Calf was, it was a circumscribed mistake, a tragic miscalculation. Moshe knew that he could work with that and help the people rectify their mistake. But again, the problem with complainers has nothing to do with the particular subject of their com-

do? Rashi explains that it was “so that the Jewish people should not say, ‘For his sister he prays at length, but for us he does not pray at length!’” Notwithstanding all of Moshe’s sacrifice and lengthy prayer for the sake of the Jewish people, he knew that the complainers would forget all of that and simply complain if Moshe uttered more than a few words of prayer for his sister’s recovery. With complainers, one simply cannot win.

Building Eretz Yisroel, or anything worthwhile, requires the attitude described in the pasuk (Tehillim 34:12), “Who is the man who desires life, who loves days to see good.” Builders, creators, and idealists love life. They see good. This is the prerequisite for a person who wants to build and create. It is the opposite of the quality exhibited by complainers, those who look at the world through the lens of a crooked mind which sees only negativity and incompetence around him.

the problem was never with the object of the complainers’ complaints; it is with Hashem Himself. They are ingrates. Hashem explains this as follows (Bamidbar 11:20), “Because you have hated Hashem who is among you and cried before Him to say, ‘Why did we ever leave Egypt?’” Complainers do not lack anything with respect to the object of their complaints. The problem is with their nature, outlook, and personality. The complainers in the desert even convinced themselves (Bamidbar 16:13) that Egypt was “a land flowing with milk and honey!”

Complainers Can Only Destroy, Never Build

And what was Moshe’s response to the people’s complaints? How did the greatest leader in our history respond? He begged Hashem (ibid. at 11:15), “Please kill me if I have found favor in your eyes!” Moshe essentially said, “Gd, if you love me, just kill me now.”

Why did Moshe react this way? Is this the same man who heroically came to our rescue when we built and worshiped the Golden Calf shortly after receiving the Torah at Sinai? Why was Moshe our fearless advocate after that terrible sin, but when we complained,

plaints. The trait of being a complainer is ingrained and cannot be resolved by addressing the complaint itself. Dealing with complainers is a never-ending, life-sucking, toxic enterprise. Moshe therefore gave up and said, “Just kill me now. I cannot work with these people.”

And when the Jewish people complained after the report of the spies, Hashem Himself said that there was no hope for that generation. He decreed that they die in the desert. Eretz Yisroel cannot be built by complainers. They only know how to destroy, to criticize, to negate. They are incapable of building anything.

It is the same thing in any organization, institution, or shul. The idealists build and create while the complainers find faults with everything the builders and creators do. “Look at this! There’s a loose tile in the social hall! What kind of shoddy work is this!” As if they would have ever built anything themselves.

We see Moshe’s awareness of the difficulty in dealing with complainers reflected later in the parsha as well. When Miriam is afflicted with tzara’as, a skin disease, Moshe offers the shortest prayer ever for her recovery (ibid. at 12:13): “G-d, please heal her!” That was the extent of his prayer. Why did he not pray at length, as he surely wanted to

My wife told me that one of the women in the shul once made a resolution before Rosh Hashana not to complain during the upcoming year. Although this woman is not a complainer by nature, due to the pressures of making a living and raising her large family, she found herself complaining more often than before, and it was bothering her. She therefore resolved not to complain. She wanted to see the good and be grateful for all of Hashem’s blessings in her life. Such a resolution is extremely powerful and has the power to change the quality of one’s life for the good in an immense way.

While I have no doubt that complainers will simply complain about what I have said here, I encourage everyone reading what I have said to discuss this issue with his or her family and friends. Think about whether and to what extent you have been a builder or a complainer.

With Hashem’s help, may we merit to see the ultimate good and the fulfillment of everything we have been working toward building throughout the long years of exile with the coming of Moshiach and the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash, may we see it 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.

A person can be completely content with how things are going, but after ten minutes with a complainer, suddenly everything looks dark, dismal, and bleak.

The Rights and Wrongs of Writing

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

In 2010, vice presidential candidate

Sarah Palin delivered a highly anticipated speech to around 1,100 supporters at a Tea Party Convention. However, she couldn’t get through it without a few notes scrawled on her hand. She famously wrote on her hand the words: energy, budget cuts, tax, and lift American spirits. The word “budget” was crossed out, though.

She booked this appearance months in advance and knew that both her speech and the question-and-answer session that followed would be highly anticipated by the media and voters. Yet, she decided to save some money on index cards and use her hand instead. Unfortunately, her gaffe was picked up by many videos and photographs. The next day, she was ridiculed by many, including the White House press secretary, Robert Gibbs. He said he also had written some things down on his hand. Breaking off from a question on healthcare reform, he said that he planned to make pancakes for his son if the snow in Washington continued. “I wrote ‘eggs,’ ‘milk,’ ‘bread,’ but I crossed out ‘bread.’ Then I wrote down ‘hope’ and ‘change,’ in case I forgot.”

Perhaps, if you are not being videoed, you can get away with writing notes on your hand. But is it halachically permitted?

In the general populace, tattoos have become commonplace. A doctor who works in the emergency room remarked that it is rare now to see an adult patient come in for care who does not have a tattoo. But there is a biblical prohibition against getting a tattoo. The Mishnah in Makkos states (21a): “One who incises a tattoo [receives lashes]: If he inscribed the pigment but did not puncture [the skin], or [if he] punctured [the skin], but did not insert the pigment [into the incision], he is not liable until he inserts the pigment and punctures [the skin, and the pigment must be] with ink, or anything that leaves a permanent mark.”

It is forbidden to write on Shabbos.

The Torah prohibition only extends to permanent writing; however, rabbinically, one cannot even write something that will only exist temporarily. For example, one should not write letters on condensation that formed on a window on Shabbos. Nor should one form letters with the gravy left on his plate on Shabbos. Although such

The Minchas Chinuch understands that Tosfos in Gittin (20b) subscribes to this logic. Therefore, one would not be allowed to write on his skin or use a temporary tattoo. He posits that although the Rambam does not specifically say that this practice is forbidden rabbinically, he might nevertheless agree. However, the

the skin surface would be prohibited rabbinically. The Minchas Chinuch said that he never saw anyone write on his skin in a permanent manner. It is not clear what this permanent manner is. Perhaps the Minchas Chinuch would hold that nowadays one cannot intentionally write on skin with a Sharpie.

Rav Vozner, zt”l, and Rav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, are both of the opinion that temporary writing on the skin is permitted. Tosfos, who seems to hold that writing without an incision is forbidden rabbinically, is to be understood as discussing a case where there was already an existing incision – from a wound, for example. Temporary writing on the skin is too different from a tattoo to be forbidden even rabbinically.

It is now somewhat common in preparation for surgery that doctors write on the skin to ensure that the correct limb is operated on. The Nishmas Avraham quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman, zt”l, as saying that this is permitted. It would seem, therefore, from the modern poskim, that temporary tattoos are permitted.

writing is certainly only temporary, it is still forbidden rabbinically. So, too, one could make an argument that in regard to a temporary tattoo or writing on the hand, it should be forbidden rabbinically. The idea behind this theory is that the rabbanim wanted to distance someone from coming to a Torah prohibition by enacting a rabbinic prohibition. So, if a temporary tattoo would be forbidden, then one would certainly refrain from a more severe permanent tattoo.

Mishnas Chachamim disagrees. He points out that in his time, it was commonplace even for Jewish people to write marks on their skin to remember necessary information. In the end, the Minchas Chinuch suggests that the prohibition of a biblical tattoo includes an incision and permanent ink. Writing with permanent ink without an incision would only be forbidden rabbinically. However, writing on skin with regular ink would be totally permitted. Only some type of permanent writing on

As an aside, it is interesting to note that Rabbi Dr. Ari Zivotofsky wrote a well-researched article about a common myth. There is a misconception that a Jew with a permanent tattoo may not be buried in a Jewish cemetery. It has even been spread through Jewish and secular media. However, Rabbi Zivotofsky writes that this belief has no basis in Jewish law. Just as a Jew who violated other Torah laws may be buried in a Jewish cemetery, so, too, may one who violated the prohibition against being tattooed be buried there.

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.

Perhaps the Minchas Chinuch would hold that nowadays one cannot intentionally write on skin with a Sharpie.

Israel Today Holding On to All of Efrat

By Larry Domnitch

Recently, my neighbor, a soldier in the IDF, took me up to the northern slope of Dagan hill in Efrat to show me the efforts that he and other volunteers, both young and old, make to keep the land as part of the city. The volunteers regularly go and plant trees and set up paths. Their enthusiasm and love for the land is what keeps them coming back, despite the sabotage of neighboring Arabs who seek to take control of the area. Trees planted have been regularly uprooted, and the paths made by the volunteers have repeatedly been destroyed. The ground shows the remains of damage caused by Molotov cocktails thrown. Not long ago, a motorcyclist from the nearby city of Beit Lechem tossed a firebomb at recently planted trees with the clear intent of engulfing the area, including nearby homes, in flames. He managed to get away. A guard booth set up by the IDF during the time of the Oslo Accords (1993) is along the path. An Israeli flag hangs upon its roof. The flag has been torn down and replaced numerous times.

In the face of all these challenges, the volunteers have not been deterred. They envision a future where these hills will be full of Jewish homes, synagogues and parks as part of the future of the city of Efrat. These dreams inspire them.

Efrat is a well-established city of about 14,000 residents in the Gush Etzion region of Israel. The northern slopes of Dagan

Hill are the next frontier. Dagan currently boasts about 400 homes.

The steep slopes of the northern edge of the Dagan Hill of Efrat extend down to a valley from which water flows from winter rains to the nearby Pools of Solomon. Waters were carried by aqueducts which are still visible on the steep countryside into the Pools originally constructed during the

The area of Efrat is part of what is known as “Area C” which, under the Oslo Accords, Israel is supposed to have full control to plan to either develop land or to destroy illegal housing. Permission to build is often impeded by time-consuming petitions filed by leftist groups such as Peace Now. Local Jewish communities such as Efrat face building delays while

Eitam Hill, continues unabated.

According to Gidon Margalit, a local businessman who specializes in real estate in Judea and Samaria and consults with the city municipality on Efrat land-related issues, “The mission is to preserve state land that was not mapped yet by the State of Israel. Actions include squatter watch, trees planted, and paths and rest/picnic zones creation.”

Volunteers in Efrat have set up a website, Vaad Karkaot (lands committee), which describes activities of Efrat residents on the hill and in maintaining its appearance.

era of the Chashmonaim. The Pools were a major water source for Jerusalem during the era of the Second Temple, although the region itself also supplied water to Jerusalem during the First Temple.

The city has yet to receive the confirmations from the government to build upon the land, which is state land, but has not yet been zoned to Efrat for development. Presently, it is not enough to own the property on paper. If not physically held, it can belong to the next group that lays claim. The struggle is to hold onto Efrat property so it can be developed in the future.

Arabs build illegally in an attempt to hinder the communities and impede their growth. There is also illegal Arab building on nearby Eitam Hill. Underneath the slopes of Dagan Hill is the ancient city of Eitam mentioned several times in the Bible and Talmud. Less than a mile to the east is the modern hill of Eitam, which takes its name from the nearby ancient city and awaits residential development. It is a vast area which would contribute immensely to the size of Efrat.

Illegal Arab building, which threatens the future development of Dagan Hill and

According to one of the volunteers, who has been active in preserving the land and helping to bring volunteers to the site, “A tree, a bench, a park is a sign of a presence in the land of Israel.” The hill is “overall, a beautiful place for people to come, volunteer and enjoy the land of Israel. To make a presence and continue to build the land of Israel.”

Margalit describes the current challenges, “While we add life, love and abundance to Jews and Arabs, the people fighting us from the Palestinian side are harvesting hate and murderous thoughts.”

Larry Domnitch is the author of The Impact of World War I on the Jewish People by Urim Publications. He lives in Efrat.

They envision a future where these hills will be full of Jewish homes, synagogues and parks as part of the future of the city of Efrat.

A guard booth on Dagan Hill

From Dagan Hill looking towards Eitam Hill

The Wandering Jew Atlanta and The Smokies

Part II

By Hershel Lieber

at its base. Just sitting there gazing at the spectacle generated complete serenity and tranquility. It was hard to tear ourselves away, but Shabbos was around the corner and we had to be ready to greet it in style.

duced in 1953, was sheer boredom to us. Neither of us have any knowledge relating to automobiles, and we can barely recognize the make and model of our own car. We did a perfunctory walk through the vast exhibit and headed out.

Halfway through our May 2011 trip, we had settled into a cabin perched on a ridge in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. We spent the past two days exploring this great wilderness and its rugged beauty. We treasured the wealth of the flora and fauna that we witnessed as we drove along the pathways, hiked on the trails, and waded in the streams with ample stops to take in Hashem’s glorious handiwork. We would be staying there over Shabbos in solitude with nature, and we eagerly looked forward to it.

On Thursday, we took a short break from the Smokies and headed sixty miles northward toward Knoxville, Tennessee. We only spent about four hours in what is known as “Marble City.” Some of the most famous buildings in our nation, like the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and Grand Central Station in New York City, used marble quarried from the Knoxville area. Sightseeing is generally light in this town, but we found a number of places of interest. First and foremost was the Sunsphere, a remnant from the 1982 World’s Fair. At the time of our visit, the 266-foot-high structure be -

came the symbol of the city but was not being utilized. Today, the structure has an observation deck with a 360-degree view of the entire area. We also visited the Knoxville Museum of Art and the ornate Blauy Mansion. Then we spent some time strolling Market Square where we were entertained by street musicians and mimes within the confines of the historic pedestrian-only city center. The small surrounding buildings house shops selling a variety of merchandise ranging from clothing to art and pottery as well as cafes with sidewalk dining. Sitting in the small adjacent park, munching salad and melba toast, we were treated to a soulful rendition of jazz played by a lone saxophonist who appreciated the donation we tossed into his instrument case.

On Friday, we replicated our previous expeditions within the vast beauty of the Smoky Mountains, albeit in an abridged version. We took the Roaring Fork Drive, a narrow road that ran between a rockstrewn river with its rushing waters and a dense forest with cracks of blinding sunlight piercing its pitch darkness. We arrived at a one-hundred-foot-high cascading waterfall that formed a large pool

Shabbos really needs no introduction, as this precious gift is so unique especially when one is alone and away from home. We davened and learned together. We ate traditional Shabbos food with some variation to accommodate the limitations we encountered when traveling. We sang zemiros, and I said divrei Torah at the table. We also took a very long Shabbos nap. Then we read a little and talked a lot while swaying in rocking chairs on the wooden porch as we viewed the magnificent scenery that met our eyes.

The next couple of days we were basically on the road lodging in a number of cities in Kentucky and Tennessee. On Sunday, we visited the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The museum, which had dozens of models beginning with its first Corvette that was intro -

From there, we drove two hours to explore The Mammoth Cave National Park. There are more than four hundred miles of caves that have already been discovered and an estimated six hundred miles that have not been seen by the human eye. They are the world’s longest known cave system. We took a two-hour tour with a guide which only involved moderate walking and climbing. The special lighting effects bring out the natural beauty of the stalagmites and stalactites. The underground pools and the rivers meandering between the boulders added a touch of mystery to the cold stony backdrop.

The next day, we took the Corvette auto assembly tour. The Chevrolet plant which produces the iconic sports car has an exciting tour showing all phases involved in the assembly of this popular vehicle. This tour actually captivated

At the State Capitol in Frankfurt, KY

Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky

our interest as one observes automobiles being mass assembled from their humble beginnings to a finished polished product. The entire process takes about twenty-four hours, but we saw snatches of each component in the assembly line in less than ninety minutes.

Kentucky is world famous since it produces ninety-five percent of the world’s bourbon. The popular spirit is made solely from corn, rye, and malted barley. It is then aged in charred oak containers. The state’s mineral-laden waters contribute greatly to enhancing the quality of its bourbon. This hard liquor is mostly considered kosher even without certification. The tourist industry persuaded the many distilleries in Kentucky to create “The Bourbon Trail.” This route includes visits to up to thirty-seven distilleries where connoisseurs can observe the production process and get the opportunity to taste each still’s distinctive flavor. We are in no way aficionados of any liquor, and though I like a shot of bourbon from time to time, Pesi would rather not partake in this tasting experience. Nevertheless, how can one simply ignore Kentucky’s pride and joy? And so, we actually drove three hours to the state’s oldest distillery, Buffalo Trace, near the state capital of Frankfurt. The tour was enlightening, and we even bought a quart of the famed bourbon as a souvenir. We kept saving it for a special occasion. In the meantime, we found out that Buffalo Trace was Jewishly owned, which presented us with the problem of chametz which was not sold before Pesach. I wound up giving it away to the non-Jewish bookkeeper that I employed.

After visiting the distillery, we rushed to take the last tour of the majestic State Capitol Building and to see the monument of the famed pioneer, Daniel Boone.

Tuesday, we made our way to Louisville, Kentucky, where we took a ninety-minute walking tour of Old Louisville. This section has the largest collection of Victorian homes in the entire nation. The ten-acre, forty-eight square block neighborhood has over 1,400 houses which were built between 1850 and 1920. We were so enchanted with the decorative details that we could not stop taking photos. We have seen other Victorian neighborhoods in a number of cities, but nothing matched Louisville.

From there, we continued on to Nashville, the capital of Tennessee. The city, known as the legendary country music capital of the world, did not have much attraction to us. We passed the Grand Ole Opry and walked along Broadway, which is known as The Honky Tonk Highway. Located there are dozens of clubs

and bars with music and songs blaring out onto the sidewalks. I actually like the sound of country music but certainly not the lyrics. We spent a very short time

The unusual pairing of two opposite cultures started out as the private collection of Jack & Marilyn Belz, whose interests included both civilizations. The museum

dinner. We were joined by a local baal teshuva named Pinchas who entertained us with his life story and his path to Yiddishkeit.

We were leaving Thursday to go back to New York, but we still had a couple of hours left to do one more thing. We chose to visit the Civil Rights Museum at the site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The displays and exhibitions were very moving, and we felt the pain of slavery and its aftermath. As Jews whose ancestors went through intolerance and discrimination, pogroms and death camps, we felt more sensitive to the plight of black slaves and identified with their continuous struggle for civil rights. The museum gave us a lot to think about.

there since the culture was not appealing and the lifestyle displayed was somewhat degrading.

Our last destination was Memphis. We arrived there on Wednesday and our first stop was at The Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson’s home. We took a quick tour of the mansion and headed to the Mississippi River to take a paddle-wheeler riverboat cruise. The ninety-minute narrated tour was interesting and quite relaxing. Then we went downtown to the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art.

was truly an unexpected highlight of our visit to Memphis. From there, we headed to the kosher restaurant at the Jewish Community Center for a simple but tasty

After the museum, we rushed back to pack up and leave to the airport. This two-week journey was coming to an end, but the experiences and knowledge we gained would last a lifetime.

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

Victorian houses in Old Louisville, KY

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains

We are in no way aficionados of any liquor, and though I like a shot of bourbon from time to time, Pesi would rather not partake in this tasting experience. Nevertheless, how can one simply ignore Kentucky’s pride and joy?

Israel’s strategy of “Deterrence” Is a MotI vatIon for terror

A thorough analysis of Israel-Gaza policy

by Avi SchwArtz

It was Mid-November 2019, but it almost could have been May of 2023. A group of bored Israeli soldiers sat relaxing on benches inside their base. Some were playing chess, some were smoking, and some were snacking. They were stationed just a few miles from one of the most violent terrorist hotbeds in the Middle East. But they weren’t particularly excited or tense. Even the newcomers, who arrived on base that morning, were just mildly curious. Only the many bomb shelters scattered all over the base suggested the threat of imminent violent conflict. There was nothing in the soldiers’ attitude to suggest that they had been forced to rush into those shelters multiple times over the past week. Rocket attacks were the norm, and the soldiers accepted it.

An often misunderstood hotbed, the Gaza Strip has become notorious for its brutal Hamas regime. But the

truth is that, like every place, even Gaza’s Hamas has political rivals: oh yes, they all aim to wipe Israel off the map, but each has its own loyalties and religious views. Usually, they lead a tentatively peaceful coexistence; sometimes, they actively cooperate against Israel; and occasionally, they squabble among themselves.

November 2019 was squabble time. Hamas was in the midst of negotiations with Israel, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the second largest organization in Gaza, wasn’t impressed. So early in November, the PIJ fired missiles at Israeli border towns, probably in order to force both sides to break off talks.

A few of my friends found “the Gaza situation” an entertaining break from the monotony of soldiering, but the old-timers were not only bored but also frustrated. They had enough of the base. The clouds of flies, the

sea-air humidity, and the heat rolling in from the south combined to make this outpost a particularly detestable one. In fact, those old-timers should have been gone by now. My unit, which was supposed to replace them, had arrived; but they had to stay on base an extra few days thanks to PIJ’s antics.

We were used to the trigger-happy ways of the PIJ. But their shelling had not succeeded in killing anybody; and since Israel had declined to retaliate, we assumed that it was just going to blow over.

We were wrong.

The very next morning, we were awakened by the blaring of sirens – followed almost immediately by a series of loud explosions. Half-dressed soldiers rushed out of their barracks and scrambled to the bomb shelters, buttoning their shirts as they ran. Some were barefooted,

Rockets launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel Israeli soldiers gathered at the border of the Gaza Strip

Members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad during a military parade

others ran in flip-flops. Missiles were flying overhead from all directions: some were heading our way from Gaza, while others were IDF missiles sent to intercept them. We heard the explosions as the missiles collided mid-air: the severed half of one crashed to the ground and lay half-buried in the sand just a few yards away from one of our watchtowers. Israel had just killed Baha Abu al-Ata, a senior PIJ commander who was presumably behind the earlier rocket attacks, and the PIJ was now retaliating.

The pattern that followed during the next forty-eight hours has since become depressingly familiar. The PIJ fired hundreds of rockets at Israeli cities, the Israeli Air Force responded with select targeted attacks against the PIJ, and then both sides agreed to a cease-fire. Abu al-Ata, who was responsible for the whole flare-up, was dead but replaceable. There’s no evidence that his death harmed the PIJ war machine in any way. As far as we can tell, Abu al-Ata’s successor is no less competent – and just as violent as his predecessor.

a Pattern of terror

The November 2019 flare-up was just one of a series. To date, there have been seven (!) such flare-ups since 2018. The latest, known in Israel as Operation Shield and Arrow, ended just a few weeks ago.

The flare-ups all follow the same pattern. The trigger which a terrorist faction in Gaza responds to might be anything: a botched IDF operation, Jews parading through Jerusalem, or even Israel negotiating with a rival terrorist group. Gaza terrorists then fire rockets at Israeli civilians, the IDF retaliates by killing a few of the offending organization’s senior (but not too senior) terrorists, the terrorists respond by firing some more rockets, and then there’s a cease-fire. The PIJ (or Hamas, depending on the situation) replenishes its stock of missiles and promotes new commanders to succeed those whom Israel killed, and all is quiet on this western front – until the next time.

The cycle is so repetitive and predictable that the more experienced IDF soldiers on the Gaza border have learned to identify an imminent flare-up just by watching the actions of the Hamas border guards who are posted opposite the Israeli positions: when the border guards vacate their positions, it means that they think a retaliatory Israeli air-strike is coming their way. They’re often right.

Why are these flare-ups so frequent and predictable for those who look out for them? The answer has to do with Israel’s policy. Israel’s goal has shifted: it no longer tries to crush terrorism or even destroy the capabilities of the Gaza-based terrorists. Instead, Israel is now focusing on what Israelis confusingly call Harta’ah – literally “deterrence.”

t he t heory of Harta’ah

Deterrence: your opponent learns never to mess with you again. Recall the end scene of Karate Kid: the poor, thin boy claims his victory as the big bullies hang their heads, knowing they will never touch him again. Harta’ah is the new buzzword when it comes to the Gaza terrorists: Harta’ah is what needs to be strengthened,

achieved, and won in every one of these flare-ups, Israeli leaders assure the public.

Sounds great. Except that in Israel’s case, this particular word has become malleable. Harta’ah – well, it doesn’t quite mean what you think it means.

The fuzziness of the meaning of the term was put on display just a few weeks ago, when pollsters found that most Israelis believe that Operation Shield and Arrow strengthened Israel’s Harta’ah vis-à-vis Gaza and that a majority expect another flare-up within months or even days.

Wait a second. So, deterrence worked – but didn’t work, since we’re in for another round in just months? It seems that most Israelis believe that the terrorists are so deterred, yes, deterred, by Israel’s response that they’re going to go back to attacking Israel in the very near future.

So really, the term Harta’ah as it is used in Israel doesn’t actually mean deterrence. To understand what it actually means, picture a pair of soccer or basketball players who confidently threaten to beat each other up, knowing that their friends will intervene before anything actually happens. They then allow those friends to separate them, muttering things like, “You’re lucky your friends separated you before I got the chance to really beat you up!” or “I taught him a lesson!” The skeptic will ask – and rightly so – what lesson was taught, exactly?

And in Israel, the response to such a heretical question is a dramatic waving of hands and loud reiteration that a lesson was taught, I tell you it was, it was! For in Israel’s case, the rivals are separated by feverish American, Egyptian, and other international players’

pressure and the violence does not achieve any long-term objective. Even though retaliating against rocket attacks does eventually stop them, it’s only temporary. The Harta’ah Israeli leaders brag about achieving is really just an endless cycle of rocket attacks, retaliation, and ceasefires, reflecting Israel’s new aim of managing the conflict rather than winning it.

co-existing with terrorism

The term Harta’ah sounds great. It suggests that Israel is so overwhelmingly strong that it doesn’t even need to beat the Gaza-based terror organizations. Israel is so powerful, it can terrify the other side into good behavior merely by a show of force, by demonstrating the damage Israel can wreak when aroused.

But, the opposite is true: Israel no longer believes that it can crush terrorism, so its policy is geared towards short-term damage control. It avoids violent confrontations whenever possible, and, when violence is inevitable, ensures that it ends relatively quickly and painlessly. In other words, Israel is trying to coexist with terrorism rather than eradicate it.

The shift away from aiming for victory started shortly after a particularly bloody round of fighting between Israel and Hamas back in 2009, in which Israeli ground troops temporarily invaded Gaza. The then-leader of the Opposition, Benjamin Netanyahu, claimed that there was only one solution: Israel had to take down Gaza’s terrorist regime. Within months, Netanyahu was prime minister and in a position to do just that. But he never did. As he explained almost a decade later, merely unseating Hamas would not be enough. That would have ended just like the Afghanistan War, in which the U.S. poured blood and treasure into defeating the Taliban, only for the Taliban take over again as soon as the NATO troops pulled out. The anger, hatred, and foreign cash which have built up Hamas and made it so powerful aren’t going to disappear, even if Israel were to invade Gaza and unseat the Hamas regime. And if that were to happen, Hamas would just make a Taliban-like comeback once Israel withdrew its troops from Gaza – unless Israel could hand Gaza over to a powerful regime that would keep Hamas out of power. But Israel could not find that alternative government. As Netanyahu pointed out in 2019, “We didn’t conquer it [Gaza] because we would have had to hold it and take responsibility for another two million Palestinians or give it to somebody. I spoke with many Arab leaders. No one volunteered.” It seems even in the Arab market, terrorist hotbeds aren’t particularly desirable.

Five years after the operation that prompted Netanyahu to declare that Israel had to overthrow Hamas, the IDF re-entered Gaza in response to Hamas rocket attacks. While Hamas holds power in the Gaza Strip

t he Harta’ah Israeli leaders brag about achieving is really just an endless cycle of rocket attacks, retaliation, and ceasefires, reflecting Israel’s new aim of managing the conflict rather than winning it.

Israel wasn’t interested in destroying Hamas, it did want to damage Hamas’ offensive capabilities to such an extent that it would force Hamas to agree to a long-term cease-fire. The 2014 campaign lasted nearly two months but achieved comparatively little. Yes, the IDF scored a few tactical victories, but that didn’t really matter long-term since Hamas is adept at rebuilding. Yes, the average Gazan might have been furious at Hamas for launching a painful, pointless war, but as a dictatorship, Hamas has the privilege of ignoring popular opinion. Hamas was still so strong no rival faction dared question its rule. So the real outcome was a respite in which Hamas could lick its wounds and leisurely re-arm. It took a few years, but eventually Hamas bounced back, more powerful than ever.

The 2014 operation marked a turning point in Israeli strategy. It was the last time Israel tried to seriously hurt Hamas in Gaza. After that, Israel gave up on trying to limit Hamas’ offensive capabilities in favor of Harta’ah: persuading Hamas not to use its ever-growing power against Israel. Israel’s new strategy is based on the belief that a poor Hamas is more likely to attack Israel than a powerful Hamas, simply because it has less to lose in an armed conflict. So Israel actually wants Hamas to become even more powerful; so powerful that Hamas would do anything to avoid losing all that power – even if it means not attacking Israel.

Because of this, Israel has allowed Hamas to grow and develop its armed forces, and even helped Hamas develop the Gaza economy by encouraging cross-border trade and by allowing Gazans to work in Israel. A more prosperous Gaza means a richer Hamas, and a richer Hamas means a Hamas that’s not going to risk war with Israel, because that war might result in the return of the bad old days.

Of course, that strategy means that Israel is reluctant to seriously harm Hamas if it does misbehave. For instance, if Hamas fires rockets at Israel and Israel responds by cutting cross-border trade, then Hamas will no longer fear that a conflict with Israel would result in a significant loss of revenue – because that revenue would have already been lost. In other words, Israel’s strategy is double-edged: it might protect Israel from Hamas attacks, but it also protects Hamas from Israeli retaliation when it does attack.

At first, Israeli leaders thought that Harta’ah was all-powerful. There was no way Hamas could wriggle out of that protection racket-like strategy. In fact, Israel thought that Hamas was rendered so desperate, Israel could not only bully Hamas into good behavior but could also make Hamas force other terrorist organizations, such as the PIJ, to stop firing rockets at Israel.

That did not work so well. As the November 2019 flare-up ended, when the old-timers were finally allowed to move on from the sweaty post, leaving me and my friends to play ping-pong and watch the Hamas guards

for clues as to future violence, Israel’s Minister for Regional Cooperation, Tzahi Hanegbi, explained why he believes Hamas failed to stop the PIJ from shooting rockets: “We saw that it [Hamas] isn’t willing to confront the PIJ, because their [the PIJ’s] patron is probably Iran, and they [Hamas] didn’t want tense relations with the Iranians. So we had to take responsibility ourselves.” Harta’ah wasn’t the magical solution after all.

What do you do when your strategy fails? In Israel’s case, the answer is to double down on it.

When the Israeli leadership discovered that Harta’ah wasn’t nearly as effective as they had initially hoped, they reacted by trying to extend it to the PIJ as well. That is why Israel doesn’t respond to PIJ rocket attacks by destroying its arms dumps and munitions factories, decimating its fighting force, and killing its entire leadership. Instead, Israel counters with a few targeted strikes in

really after is gaining more support among their own people by showing potential recruits that they’re strong, brave, and willing to defend their honor. Of course, the best time to strike is when tensions are already high: when jailed terrorists make the headlines by going on a hunger strike, when worshippers riot in the Al-Aqsa mosque during Ramadan, or when Israel cracks down on terrorists in Judea and Samaria.

Hamas and the PIJ view those high-tension moments as massive opportunities: there’s always a chance that firing a couple of rockets into the mix will be enough to make the tension explode. In those cases, firing at Israel and paying the fixed penalty becomes a low-cost, high-upside investment.

The spring of 2020 showed us just how high the “upside” can be. Jerusalem was simmering. Worshippers at the Al-Aqsa mosque rioted and barricaded themselves in the mosque. What made Ramadan of 2020 different from any other Ramadan was the fact that the Supreme Court had just ruled that the descendents of some Jewish families who were expelled from their East Jerusalem homes as a result of the Arab revolt of 1936-39 have the right to repossess the properties. Local Arabs rioted. And then Hamas stepped in. It demanded that Israeli police withdraw from the Temple Mount and the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood (where the disputed houses are located). When Israel ignored its ultimatum, Hamas began firing rockets.

Hamas’ attack did little direct damage. But it did trigger the worst wave of pogroms and lynching since the 1930s. Mobs of angry Israeli Arabs decided to follow Hamas’ lead and attack their Jewish neighbors: burning cars, torching synagogues, and beating up whomever they could lay their hands on.

Of course, most Gaza flare-ups fail to achieve the spectacularly horrible results of May 2020. Most are relatively bloodless but not harmless. Even if those frequent attacks “only” serve to increase the PIJ’s popularity, an increase in popularity means, in the long-term, more recruits – and therefore more attacks on Jews. It might seem as if they think that these uneasy periods of peace punctuated by short intervals of rocket fire serve both sides well. However, the truth is that while Israel gets relative peace in the short-term, organizations like Hamas and the PIJ get ever-increasing power.

order to show the PIJ leadership just what could happen if things got serious, and the PIJ fires off lots of rockets to send its own message. The Gaza flare-ups have become a violent form of communication. Hamas (or the PIJ) fires rockets at Israel before letting Israel know that it’s not interested in a long, bloody conflict, ensuring that Israel continues with its strategy of Harta’ah and doesn’t strike back too hard.

t he Price of Israel’s strategy

Harta’ah ensures that the Gaza flare-ups remain short, relatively bloodless – and frequent. It sets a fixed price tag for short-term Hamas and PIJ rocket attacks, and it leaves it up to them to decide when it’s worth it.

When Hamas or the PIJ fire rockets at Israeli cities, their main goal isn’t to kill, maim and terrify Jewish civilians; that’s just a bonus. What those terrorists are

Of course, terrorists aren’t becoming stronger just for strength’s sake: they’re just biding their time until they’re ready to inflict serious damage. When will that time come? Maybe when Israel is vulnerable militarily, such as a time when the IDF is preoccupied with a more serious threat, like Iran or its Lebanese proxies and can’t devote the resources to protecting the Gaza border? Maybe when Israel is vulnerable diplomatically and isn’t prepared to deal with the international criticism that would inevitably follow a brutal war with Gaza?

Of course, it’s quite possible that Israel will be the one that ends the Harta’ah-induced cycle at an opportune moment. But whenever it does, Israel will have to face Netanyahu’s dilemma: how to find a capable power that’s willing to govern that fiery Strip? For this reason, it may be that the strategy of Harta’ah will prove to be the lesser evil even in the long-term. We will not know until we discover the true long-term cost of Israel’s policy of containing terror – and that might be years away.

a more prosperous gaza means a richer Hamas, and a richer Hamas means a Hamas that’s not going to risk war with Israel, because that war might result in the return of the bad old days.

Hamas members showcasing a rocket launcher during a rally in Gaza

What Would You Do If…

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

I have a question I’d like to pose to the panel. My son recently married a nice young woman, and they make it a habit to come to our home every Sunday with their baby. We are happy to host them as we have a lovely pool and deck. They enjoy relaxing and having brunch with us.

Things were going swimmingly until I decided it was time to get brand-new outdoor furniture. The furniture is very expensive and was a real investment. Recently, when they have been coming, my daughter-in-law brings food out onto the new lounge chairs, changes the baby’s diaper on them – needless to say the deck furniture she uses gets mighty dirty. Last week alone, I spent two hours scrubbing them from the visit.

I have already learned not to bring up these kinds of issues with my son as he thinks I’m just being ridiculous. It is bothering me so much that I’m re-considering our Sunday arrangements. Can I say something directly to my daughter-in-law? I don’t understand why it is so offensive. It makes perfect sense to me, to keep other people’s properties pristine. What do you think?

Thanks in advance.

Sheila*

The Panel

The Rebbetzin

Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

Iunderstand your interest in keeping your relationship with your couple and maintaining the Sunday visits with good feelings on both sides.

Be smart. Prepare towels and cover the cushions of the furniture before they come. Make them feel welcome, of course, and nicely explain the obvious reason for the towels: you want to keep this furniture nice for many years. It’s not too hard if you are careful with your words and are gracious.

Keep in mind that your daughter-in-law may be used to a big household with several generations. Not everyone is aware of the amount of effort to keep things pristine. People have different housekeeping standards, as well.

Families that have grandchildren understand that having grandchildren around takes a toll on things. You will learn to

keep this in mind as this baby grows into toddlerhood and more grandchildren join the family. To have nachas without stress, childproofing your house and removing delicate items before children arrive is a good idea. This will be important going forward if you want to have the kids around. Remember that people are more important than things.

The Shadchan

Michelle Mond

Dear Sheila,

As I’m sure you’ve learned, life is a growth process. No new nachas comes without careful navigation. You have a choice right now. You can focus on your things, on your people, or make room for both. When you bought an expensive set of outdoor furniture, you didn’t realize your daughter-in-law would treat it like outdoor

furniture. Outdoor furniture is open to the elements; there is no reason she would entertain the thought that using it as such would upset you.

I implore you to work on your patience with a new mother and her baby. There are so many obvious solutions to your quandary. You may line the outdoor furniture with covers, towels, or simply wash them afterwards. You can replace any of those things, but what you won’t ever be able to replace is this time with your kids and grandkids. Use this as an opportunity to work on yourself.

The Single

Tzipora Grodko

Dear Sheila, I’m confused by the overwhelming anxiety that you have around the question. Simply let your daughter-in-law know that you prefer to keep the outdoor furniture for

as long as possible and prefer to keep the baby and any food away from them. You don’t need to appease everyone in order to be a kind, loving, and giving mother-in-law. Making boundaries or stating preferences is not an oxymoron.

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

How lucky can you get? You have children who feel welcome in your home, and you get to see your new grandchild ev-

Remember that people are more important than things.

ery week.

I discussed your dilemma with my wife, who, besides being my partner, is also my best friend and harshest critic.

Initially I was going to comment, that since you knew that your children and grandchild would

be visiting weekly, why in the world would you buy such expensive, luxurious lounge chairs that are magnets for dirt and stains?

But, my wife said, “Don’t write that. People will think that you’re being mean and insensitive to the refined tastes of a

Pulling It All Together

The Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

Hi Sheila,

Thank you for writing into the panel. In my opinion, this is only offensive if said offensively. While some people would never dream of having poolside furniture that they can’t enjoy a cup of coffee on or dig into a delicious messy sandwich on a lazy summer afternoon, others would never dream of doing such a thing. Their visions include hotel-like cleanliness and comfort. And I don’t think anyone is right or wrong, just different. Who told you or continues to tell you it is offensive to ask your daughter-in-law to change the baby inside and eat food at the table? The only way this could be possibly offensive is in the way it is said. This is your home, and you have a right to have a rule about dirty diapers and food on your furniture that you bought with your own money. I am wondering what is making this so difficult for you, whether it is a family member telling you this, or if it is an internal struggle you have around setting boundaries with others.

Instead of expecting your daughter-inlaw to know intuitively that she shouldn’t eat or change a diaper on the new furniture, how about saying something to her? The furniture may have changed, but she doesn’t realize that the rules have as well. And she can’t be blamed for what she

doesn’t know. She hasn’t changed her behavior. It’s the furniture and the rules that have changed. How about saying something along the lines of: I’m really in love with this furniture and I’m trying something new. How about we all eat at the patio table and change diapers in the house? I know we used to do those things on the old furniture, but I want to make a real effort to keep this new furniture stain-free.

When parents are overbearing with their rules, or have their own rigid issues about structure and cleanliness, it can give children anxiety and either breed the same in the child or it can make children resentful and not want to clean anything...ever.

If you are more on the high-strung side, in all areas, your son’s current reaction to you may not be respectful, but it can be understood. However, if you know that you are healthy in this area, then your son thinking you are “ridiculous” and expressing that to you is entirely disrespectful and speaks to a larger issue.

My suggestion is to speak to your son and daughter-in-law together. Address them as the unit they are. As Melissa Urban, the author of The Big Book of Boundaries, might suggest, “Go in green.” Going

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

lady who enjoys maintaining an elegant, beautiful home.”

So, instead, I was going to suggest that you have a heart-to-heart talk with the baby, and politely suggest that he eat at home before coming to your pool and not defecate until he returns home.

But, my wife said, “Don’t write that. People won’t understand that you’re simply trying to be witty and amusing and will think that you’re being mean and sarcastic.”

So, instead, may I respectfully suggest

that you click on Amazon.com, and purchase pretty, yet functional, protective furniture covers at prices ranging from $29.99 to $129.99.

My wife said, “You know, common sense is very uncommon.”

in green is making an assumption that people actually want to know how you feel and what you need and want to be respectful. Make a light, easy breezy boundary. Feel free to use humor, and be as kind and loving and gentle as possible or as you would like to be. I am afraid that keeping this in will eventually lead to some sort of explosion.

I am not here to comment on whether or not pool furniture should be family friendly or not, only to say that it is OK to have healthy boundaries and that we all need to do a little self-inventory to examine if our boundaries are healthy, weak or rigid.

Good luck!

Sincerely, Jennifer

No new nachas comes without careful navigation.

School of Thought

By Etti Siegel

Q:Dear Etti, I’ve seen your column in The Jewish Home. Perhaps you can help me.

My very bright 6-year-old grandson does not listen. This is a problem in school, home and at Bubby’s. Can you recommend some strategies and/or books to help me with this problem? Here’s an example of what he does at my house. It’s time for him to go home, and when asked to put on his shoes, coat, etc., he runs the other way and often starts grabbing things he shouldn’t, such as tools my husband might leave around, or flashlights, or he’ll begin jumping on the sofa (a no-no), etc. He gets very defiant, and his dad ends up yelling. It makes the visit very unpleasant for me. There has got to be a better way.

-Exasperated Bubby

A:Dear Bubby, This is not actually a school-related question but can help parents and teachers alike, so I will share what I can and hope it helps.

As I tell teachers all the time, being proactive solves most problems. Unfortunately, we are mostly reactive with children. When they do something, we respond. We rebuke. We cajole. We reward. We reprimand. The most effective way to deal with misbehavior is before the misbehavior happens.

Let’s take the facts from your letter.

You know he is six. You know he is bright. You know he likes your house since he doesn’t want to leave.

If you want your home to be a pleasant place for a visit, you need to prepare for it.

Teachers make sure their classrooms are ready for the class. Supplies are within the teacher’s reach, she has her books, her lesson plans, and her schedule. I imagine you would be horrified to find out that a teacher would be teaching in a classroom that is still undergoing construction and would be questioning how a school could be so irresponsible as to have not made better plans. It would not satisfy you to hear that they will keep an eye

on the children and make sure no one gets hurt.

If you know grandchildren are visiting, make sure the tools and flashlights are put away. It is not a time for blame or criticism, just the facts – tools should not be out when little children visit.

Extinction is the act of getting rid of a challenging behavior. In school, we help children slowly stop behavior that is negative and replace it with positive. Introducing the solution when the problem is not happening is best.

Have stickers (and do I dare say candy) to encourage great behavior. Show him the treat when he comes and tell him what they are for. “I have these special treats for my special grandson. When I see good listening, I will be so happy to give you one – good listening by cleaning up, and good listening when Tatty tells you it is time to leave.” Then later you can say, “Tatty is getting ready to leave, and I think I have special treat for a boy who is ready to leave as well.”

Offering choice is a great idea for a smart little boy as well. I often encourage teachers to use Choice Boards for some assignments. Choice Boards are designed to offer a few different assignments that the children can choose from to practice their spelling words, for example. Children like some autonomy. In your case, offering choice takes away the sting of the no and actually makes the event fun, instead of an act of defiance.

If you know he likes to jump on your couch, try investing in a small trampoline, especially made for younger children with a bar for holding on to if they want. Then you can say, “Remember, no jumping on the couch, but yes jumping on the trampoline.” You can still say no to jumping on the couch, but always try to offer another choice. Can you direct him to jump off the second step of your staircase? Can you tell him he is such a good jumper; can he show you how high he can jump from the floor? Of course, he will need appropriate oohing and ahhing

when he does.

Attention should be something special one gets when visiting a grandparent.

Have special Bubby and Zaidy games and be prepared to tune in, focus, and play those games with your grandchildren when they visit. Or take out the games and sit and offer praise and ask questions while they play.

In the classroom, like the world at large, competition is a useful tool. Children try to be better than their last attempt, or better than the other team.

Children like when tasks are introduced in game-like fashion. That is why we see many young children like racing against time and trying to beat the clock. “I wonder if Rafi (made up name) can be faster than my counting. Rafi, do you think you will win or I will win? I am going to count to 20.” Don’t count too fast or too slow. Try to get him to win. Make sure you are talking with a smile.

Or say, “I am going to the kitchen to get Rafi a treat. I wonder if he will be ready before I come back. Rafi, who is going to win, you or Bubby?”

In summation, turn visiting Bubby and Zaidy into a positive experience by being more proactive.

Teachers and other adults in a child’s life should be offering unconditional and non-judgmental love.

So when your grandson starts acting defiant to his father, close your mouth, and leave the room. Don’t criticize and don’t express any judgement. Try to use the strategies listed above. I’m sure his parents will also enjoy the lack of stress and embarrassment

comes with your new approach to your grandson.

Remember that a bright and rambunctious little boy can develop into a great force in the world one day. Treat him with the knowledge of what his future self can become!

Wishing you much nachas,

- Etti

that

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.

Turn visiting Bubby and Zaidy into a positive experience by being more proactive.

With Much Gratitude

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

Once again we are reaching the end of another school year. Until three years ago, none of us could appreciate the beauty of in-person classes. As children count down the dwindling number of days, parents mentally check off their list of pre-summer preparations.

A lot of effort and emotions go into creating a successful school year. As parents, it includes everything from carpool and last-minute project supplies to homework help and test review. Children put in many hours, both in and out of the classroom, experiencing everything from fun with friends to stress from exams.

For teachers, it’s hours of preparation even before stepping foot inside that classroom. The time spent in front of students is only one portion of their duties. When the kids are dismissed, phone calls with parents and marking papers round out the evening. I remember the surprise one husband expressed when he saw the hours his wife’s teaching job necessitated outside the school building. “I thought this was a part-time job,” he innocently asked.

Many parents may be unaware of the emotional investment teachers put into each student. Most of my students are married with children, and I still recog-

nize many of them when I pass them in the street. It’s not hard for me to recall details from those pivotal months I spent with them.

Many think, “It’s the school’s job to mechanech children. They’re just doing what they’re supposed to.” I’d like to gently correct that misconception; it’s actually the parents’ job to educate a child –v’higadeta l’bincha. When parents enroll their child in a Jewish day school, they are asking for assistance in accomplishing the greatest achievement – raising a child in Torah, mitzvos and to serve Hashem every day of their life. Certainly, we need to appreciate those that assist us in this monumental task.

Summer is an amazing time for children and families, and it’s only natural to look forward to what’s to come. There’s so much to do, buy and pack to prepare for the upcoming two months. Before closing the door to this past year, take a few minutes to look back and show gratitude to the individuals that made this school year a time of growth and progress for your precious child.

Hakaras Hatov

Showing gratitude is an important middah in Judaism. As Jews, we’re called

“Yehudim,” originating from the word for “thanks.”

Learning to appreciate what each of us has is an important step towards personal happiness. As Avos teaches us, “Aizehu ashir, hasameach b’chelko, Who is rich? He who is happy with what he has.” What a shame to go through life with all the gifts Hashem has given us yet fail to recognize and appreciate them!

Expressing gratitude towards others is important for both the giver and recipient of the favor. When we say “thank you” to someone for helping us, it not only shows the giver how much we value what they did for us, it also makes us better people. As parents, potentially the most effective way to raise grateful children is to lead by example, both showing appreciation in our personal lives and assisting them in thanking others.

Expressing basic hakaras hatov at the end of a school year is just one small step we can take. We tend to associate buying fancy gifts or spending lots of money to show our appreciation but it’s easy to overlook the simplest, yet most appreciated option – a thoughtful note or kind word. There are many individuals who keep a box designated to hold the special thank you cards they’ve received from others.

You don’t need to be a professional writer nor do you need to be a poet to create a humble gesture of gratitude to another. It’s the thought and care that you put in which demonstrates your appreciation.

Your Child’s Main Educator

Whether your child has a rebbi, a morah, a teacher or any combination of named educators, they’ve each invested hours dedicated towards a year of growth for your unique child. Each person has their own gifts and challenges, requiring a custom-tailored approach to maximize that child’s potential.

When a teacher stands before a classroom, they’re not only teaching a group of 25-30 people, they’re educating each individual student and they need to reach the heart and mind of every one of them.

Therapists

In today’s teaching environment, there are multiple staff members assisting any given student. These professionals work as a team united to ensure – with Hashem’s help – a child’s success. Their name may not be on the class list so it’s easy to forget about them, but they, too, play a pivotal role in meeting a child’s educational needs.

The Front Office

Years ago, I put in a few months working in a yeshiva’s photocopy room. I was fortunate to see firsthand how each cog in the office worked to keep the entire school running like a machine. Phones need to be answered, schedules arranged, mailings sent and kids’ questions answered (it’s surprising how many kids walk in –daily). Someone took the time to do that all year long.

It’s easy for parents to overlook the role the secretary and office workers play, as well as the security and janitorial staff. Saying “thank you” when you see them –and encouraging your child to do the same – shows respect for those often overlooked.

Principals/Menahalim

I think most parents recognize the role of these individuals in the running of the school. Still, they, too, must get their fair share of complaints and kvetches from everyone. A little thank you goes a long way.

Your Prized Student

Yes, your child worked hard all year and deserves to be appreciated. When thinking about all the stress adults go through, it’s easy to forget how challenging school can be for a youngster. It’s long hours, lots of

work with stressful tests, and they’re meant to be continuously challenged to work harder and harder. Each new concept and greater accomplishment is one more brick building them into their future selves but

is a daily necessity, and children often call on them for test review. Life gets stressful, and children know who to unload on and which staff is always there for emotional support and a listening ear. That person

others, it may not have been the best fit with their teacher or something else that didn’t click. Be there for your child and let them know you love them just for who they are. Feel hopeful that next year will be better and see what steps can be taken to make that goal a reality.

I hope all our children had a wonderful year and feel accomplished when they look back and track their growth. Let’s all take the time to acknowledge the individuals in our life that help us and our children get to where we are. It takes a community to raise a child and bring them to success.

the road is not an easy one. A hug, a smile and some kind words can show your star that you recognized their progress.

The Support Staff

There are individuals that are always on-call during school hours and often assisting with each task outside of school hours. School supplies need to be purchased, snacks and lunches prepared, and clothing laundered. Homework assistance

who does it all is you. Take a few minutes to shep some nachas and appreciate the role you played in your child reaching this milestone.

The Other Side

I speak to many parents, and I know that sadly, not all children experienced the rosy view discussed above. Some children are simply going through a rough time and school didn’t work for them this year. For

This is a special week for our family, one in which we clearly get to see the growth and transition of a child into an adult. I’d like to wish my brother, his wife and our entire family a tremendous mazal tov on the bar mitzvah of their son (and my nephew), David Alper. May you continue to grow, accomplish and bring us much nachas. Have a wonderful Shabbos!

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

Before closing the door to this past year, take a few minutes to look back and show gratitude to the individuals that made this school year a time of growth and progress for your precious child.

My ADHD Superpower

By Mrs. Barbara Deutsch

Yup, anyone who has ever heard me tell a story can look at the images here and think, “That’s Barbara.”

It took me a very long time to figure out that I have ADHD. Actually, it was a colleague who I worked closely with at Kushner; he set up shop in my palatial office when no alternate space could be found for him.

My office was the size of a classroom, was a classroom, and gorgeous. Given the offices that I have had both before and since, it was an anomaly. But, as is my way, I digress.

My officemate is now a principal in California; I still miss his guidance and good company. Given my present (formerly a supply storage space) office, there is barely room for me, much less anyone else.

I digress again.

When I was a teacher at Flatbush, I was promoted to the position of Dean of Students with an office of my own, about 10 years into my time there.

The building was majestic but old, so old. The administration found an old book closet that could be vacated as the books stored were old and mostly useless. The office was cleared out save for the back bookcases which were deemed, “let’s see what happens.”

The minor problem was that the

tenants, mice, did not leave along with the renovations. The “neighbors” stayed mostly between the stacks but would often join me when I met with parents.

“Mrs. Deutsch,” parents would comment open-mouthed, “are you aware that there are mice behind you running around?”

“Oh yes,” I would respond unimpressed, “they keep me company when

a plush carpet; a new and pristine one.

As I come almost full circle in my career, my office is at the top of the stairs in the middle of the HANC building. It has two windows, one facing a wall (with a nice mural) at the top of the stairs and the second one overlooking the lobby. My door opens into the hallways that intersect at my threshold. The space used to be a slop kitchen contain-

whole school: location, location, location.

And I love it and the work that I get to do there every day. Why? Because there are always kids in my line of sight: happy, sad, talking, scheming, hustling, bustling, running (stop running!), wonderful troublemaking and awe-inspiring kids.

So what does any of this have to do with ADHD? Nothing and everything.

I started out writing about what it feels like to live and work with the ADHD disability(not) and started writing about the offices I have had in my career and then just went with it.

My husband tells me that the reason he asked me to go out on a second date was because I never finished the stories I began.

Still don’t.

ADHD is a superpower! Talk to any of us who have it.

I have to hang around after school.”

I would feel creeped out sometimes, but not always.

When I moved into my role as principal of the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy, I thought that all that “ghetto” office decor was in my past. This office had huge picture windows overlooking mountains, modern furniture with clean lines and ample storage and

ing a big sink attached to the wall and was filled with wet mops and cleaning supplies.

A former HANC president commented that when she saw my upgrade modifications, and the way in which I turned it into a usable and almost pretty place, is more impressive than any of my accomplishments, credentials or degrees.

My office is the best office in the

Barbara Deutsch is currently the associate principal at HANC 609 and a longtime reflective educator, parent, grandparent, and new great-grandparent. Even after all these years, she still loves what she does and looks forward to working with kids every single day.

“Mrs. Deutsch,” parents would comment open-mouthed, “are you aware that there are mice behind you running around?”

How Vitamin “N” Helps Our Health and Well-being

By Tehila Soskel, RDN, CDN

It’s easy to lose touch with nature with our daily lives being so fast-paced and technologically-driven. Nonetheless, the benefits for our health and well-being of being outdoors are unmatched. Vitamin “N,” or Nature, has been shown to have a range of positive effects from boosting mental, emotional, and physical health. Let’s explore the importance of Vitamin N and how we can make more of an effort to attain it.

One of the most natural stress relievers is nature, giving you a haven amongst the chaos of daily lives. Spending time in parks and gardens has been shown to significantly reduce stress levels as these natural environments help improve mood, promote relaxation, and help boost cognitive function.

Studies have shown a decreased risk of anxiety and depression in those with exposure to the outdoors. The trees and water have a calming effect on our minds, helping to reduce stress and promoting our mental well-being. Interestingly enough, studies show that any exposure to nature, such as in person or even through a picture or video of nature, led to positive emotions. One particular experiment said that schoolchildren acted nicer to their classmates after attending a nature field trip than they did after attending an indoor museum. Suffice to say, Vitamin N has extremely beneficial effects on our emotional and mental well-being.

Being outdoors helps promote our physical health, whether it’s taking a short walk, hiking, or enjoying a bike ride. Vitamin N encourages physical activity, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight as well as improving our cardiovascular health.

Some may also find it more motivating to workout outdoors than inside a gym.

Another crucial aspect of being outdoors is getting vitamin D. Vitamin D plays an integral role in our body in immune function, bone health, and well-be-

ing. Make sure to get outside regularly to naturally increase your vitamin D levels while reducing the risk of vitamin D deficiency-related health issues. Research has also found that spending more time outside might help individuals make more healthful eating choices.

Sunlight exposure can help greatly improve your sleep by affecting your cir -

function. According to some studies, those who spend more time outdoors have a stronger immune response than those who spend more time indoors. Furthermore, nature has been shown to help the healing and recovery process. For example, hospital patients who had access to green spaces have been found to have a faster healing times and required less pain medications,

be present. Appreciate the beauty in the world around you, whether it’s watching a vibrant sunset or listening to the sounds of a soothing brook.

More often than not, individuals may look for excuses and reasons why they can’t get outdoors for themselves. You deserve to take that time for yourself as it truly can be self-care. Instead of sitting on your couch and scrolling mindlessly on your phone, get outside and enjoy the beauty around you.

In a world where technology dominates, Vitamin N can be a powerful tool to help our well-being and nurturing our health. By incorporating nature into our everyday lives, we can help boost our immunity, improve our physical and mental health, and greatly reduce stress levels.

Whether you can get out for a brisk walk, a quick bike ride, or taking your family to a garden, prioritizing time outdoors is essential.

If you are planning to be out for a while, it’s important to pack snacks to avoid hunger. Some of my favorite snacks are apples with unsalted natural peanut butter, hummus and vegetables, popcorn, string cheese and oranges. Packing snacks that consist of both a carbohydrate and protein or healthy fat will help keep you full for longer. It’s also crucial to make sure you stay well hydrated, especially being outdoors. Keep in mind, many fruits and vegetables contain high water content so be sure to include those foods into your diets. Nature doesn’t cost a thing so get in your daily dose. Let’s make an effort to experience more of the beautiful outdoors.

Have a great Shabbos!

cadian rhythm. Your body has an internal clock which keeps you awake during the day and tired at night. Spending time outdoors helps you feel more tired at night, improves your quality of sleep, and helps you fall asleep quicker.

There are many benefits to the immune system by spending time in nature. The fresh air outdoors helps enhance immune

Being outdoors gives you the ability to disconnect from technology and reconnect with yourself. Nowadays, there are constant distractions, with screens all around dominating the ability to just be present.

Vitamin N helps you be more mindful and present in the moment. Start putting your phone in your pocket when you are on a walk or at the park with your kids, and just

Tehila Soskel is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a private practice in the Five Towns. She sees clients for weight loss, diabetes, and other various diseases. Appointments can be made for in-person or virtual sessions: 516457-8558, tehilasoskelrd@gmail.com, tehilasoskelnutrition.com.

Studies show that any exposure to nature, such as in person or even through a picture or video of nature, led to positive emotions.

One Pot Pasta and Meat Sauce

By Naomi Nachman

Ingredients

◦ 2 lbs. ground beef

◦ 1 medium onion, chopped finely

◦ 2 garlic cloves, minced

◦ 4-5 cups water

◦ 6 oz. tomato paste

◦ 24 oz. jar crushed tomatoes

◦ 1 tsp oregano

◦ ½ tsp dried basil

◦ ¼ tsp black pepper

◦ 1 box favorite pasta

Preparation

1. In a large skillet with tall sides, add onions, and garlic, and sauté until soft.

2. Push the onions and garlic to the side and add ground beef; cook until beef is browned; use a wooden spatula to break apart while cooking. Drain off fat.

3. Add tomato paste, crushed tomato, water, oregano, basil, and black pepper; whisk well to combine ingredients. Bring to a boil.

4. Add pasta and gently incorporate it so sauce covers it. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 20 minutes or until pasta is cooked through and sauce has thickened. Stir every 3-4 minutes while simmering. Add water to the bottom of the pot if the sauce starts to dry out and stick to the pan.

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.

This one-pot wonder is a real winner. I used to love it when I came home from school and this would be simmering in my mother’s kitchen.

Mind Y ur Business

Steven Gaffney: Innovation is a Team Effort

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 Steven Gaffney (SG), communications consultant for Fortune 500 Companies, on the 12 Barriers To Innovation. * * *

YS: The first barrier in the 12 Barriers to Innovation is “no permission.”

Could you elaborate on that?

SG: One of the first barriers to innovation is that people don’t think they have that permission. You might be thinking that sounds kind of crazy. But the reality is, people just aren’t thinking it’s part of their job. We need to remind people that we want them to be innovative.

The other thing about innovation is

that when people come to a problem, they get stopped by various things and give up, instead of asking, “How could I do this differently?” So, the first step is letting people know that innovation is actually the job. We must be in an innovative mindset. Now, when people are thinking about innovation, they typically think about developing a new product or service. But that’s not what we’re talking about. We’re talking about how to be innovative daily in our jobs, and even at home. Innovation is about doing things differently. Innovation is not continuous improvement. It is a significant jump forward, or it’s a right or left turn. And it often just happens in an instant. Did you know that they first put wheels on suitcases in 1971? We had already figured out how to put a man on the moon, we were exploring space, and

then somebody said, “I’ve got an idea. Why don’t we put wheels on a suitcase?”

It’s all about how you look at your job.

Can you explain the barrier of “past talking”?

What you’ll notice is that when people resist daily innovation, they’ll talk about the past. They might say, for example, “we tried that before” or “it’s not possible.” Whenever a human being says something’s not possible, that’s often not the case. What they’re really saying is, “Based on the past, I’ve never seen it be done.” That’s it. How do you know what’s not possible? People will often respond, “Because it’s never been done, we tried it.” But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. And this is where a company buys into this way of thinking based on their past,

and develops these limitations, and then a competitor outsmarts them. Because they’re all hung up on the past and justifying why something can’t be done. This is a very important message to send to other people.

Another barrier is “benchmark thinking.” Could you elaborate on that?

What if Martin Luther King had said, “I’m going to try to be the best preacher out there?” He, and many other people who have done incredible things, don’t benchmark against other people. They think about what is possible. Look at Tom Brady or Elon Musk. Some people may like or dislike some of these folks, but that’s not the point. What’s universally accepted is that they’ve all done incredible things. They don’t benchmark against

other people. I’m not saying benchmarking isn’t useful at times. But if you’re going to benchmark your company against others, all you’re going to do is potentially reach the level of those other companies. Let’s say in your industry, 15% turnover is what’s universally accepted. Well, why can’t we get it down to 10% or 5%? People say it’s not possible, but that goes back to the idea that just because we’ve never seen it done, doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Study other industries that have significantly reduced their turnover, and you’ll see there are so many incredible, innovative ways to handle it. But my big problem with benchmarking is that it just creates mediocrity. At best, you’re comparing yourself against what may be the best competitor out there, but you’re not thinking about how to excel. Remember, innovation is a significant jump forward. It’s not creeping to other people’s level. Nobody ever says, “We’ve benchmarked our way to innovation.”

Could you explain the barrier of “’how’ thinking”?

I’m sure you’ve experienced this. You might say to somebody, “Well, what if we did this?” And they respond, “But how are we going to get that done?” and they won’t commit to the goal until they know how to do it. But that’s not really how innovation happens. A classic example is when Kennedy said we were going to put a man on the moon. NASA had no idea how to do that. It wasn’t like, “Oh, we’ve already got the plan in place.” He proposed that, and things happened. I think great leaders are great visionaries. And what you’ll typically run up against is people wanting to know how to do something before they commit to doing it. But I actually suggest the opposite. Let’s commit to doing it. Let’s commit to these outrageous goals (and I mean outrageous in a great way), and then let’s figure out how to do it. So, “how thinking” prevents innovation, because people always want to know the plan before they’re willing to commit. But you’ve got to make the commitment before developing the plan.

What is the barrier of “failure stopping”?

You want to motivate people to have honest communication. A big message of mine is that it’s not what people say, it’s what they don’t say. Have you ever met somebody who said, “You can tell me anything” but when you give them feedback, they flip out? They actually punish you. So, what often happens in organizations is that they say, “We need to innovate

and move forward,” but when somebody takes a risk, they’re punished because it didn’t work. That’s an important thing to take a look at. Because if you don’t create an environment to deal with failures and mistakes properly, people will stop innovating. So, if mistakes happen, you want to draw empowering lessons. People will often make mistakes and draw the wrong lesson if you can’t take risks. But you’ve got to draw empowering lessons so that you’re not a victim of the past. That’s important.

The other thing is to reward behaviors, not just outcomes. It’s easy to reward the successes of innovation. But what if somebody fails, but they did the right behavior? You want to make sure that’s clear and say, “Listen, although it didn’t work, I love that you took the initiative.”

The other thing that’s really important

when people say there’s organizational folklore, you really need to take a look at it. Not in a combative way. Just say, “Let me learn. Can you show me where it says we can’t do this?” What you’re going to find out is that so many people are working under organizational folklore, and they haven’t really challenged the situation. Challenge organizational folklore. Most of the time, you’re going to find out there’s another way to get it done.

Another barrier is “individual mentality.” What’s the importance of teamwork in innovation?

Innovation is a team sport, which I think is easy to forget. You tend to see these individual heroes who developed something, but even when they come up with the initial idea, it takes others to implement it and buy in. There are many

you’re in a bad mood. But have you also ever noticed that when you’re in a good mood, you’re smarter? When you’re in a good mood, and somebody shows you a problem, you think, “It’s a problem, but we’re going to figure out a way.” So, by injecting excitement, that will create innovation.

The other thing is to look at what’s stressing people out. Dr. Nido Qubein, president of High Point University, actually created a “Director of Wow.” Their job was to look at what was happening and eliminate whatever was causing distress with the faculty and students.

What is the barrier of “no time”?

So often, when you think about innovation and why things don’t happen, it’s because if you ask employees, “What about innovating around this idea?” they’ll say, “I don’t have time.” What they’re missing is that innovation is not an extra to-do. It should be part of our job every single day. When it comes to consistently high-achieving organizations, an important element is the ability to innovate day-in and day-out. It’s about taking your entire job and putting it in an innovative mindset.

is that when you’re managing, manage by outcomes, and let people do things the way they want to, as long as it’s legal and ethical. Because that creates innovation. Nobody ever says, “I had a leader who micromanaged me and that made me so innovative.” What happens is, when you have that micromanagement, you say, “Forget it.” You stop thinking for yourself, and you just do what you’re told to do.

Let’s move on to the next barrier, “organizational folklore.” What does that mean?

This goes back to the idea of people operating under limitations of what they’ve heard the company will accept or not accept. I had a client who took over an organization that was not doing well and had about 9,000 people. He’s a really innovative guy. So, he came out with some ideas and changes, and people said, “We can’t do those.” He asked why, and they said, “It can’t be done. It’s not possible.”

So, he responded, “Just tell me where it says we can’t do it.” About half the people never came back because, obviously, it never said that. Some people did come back and pointed to things, and he said, “Let’s read it together,” and it never really said that. Of course, he knew this. But what he was trying to show them is that

great ideas that people have come out with, but they’re not great at creating that buy-in. How do you get the workforce behind you? It’s a team that executes. Often, ideas are also very rough, and through feedback and a diverse team, that rough idea becomes a gem. But it comes from creating that diverse team and open, honest communication. I’ve come to realize that, so often, innovation isn’t happening because people are trying to do it on an individual basis.

Could you expand on the barrier of “no fun”?

A friend of mine runs a retail store. And she told me, “People aren’t doing the right thing. They don’t understand how to take care of the customer, and there’s all these little mistakes, etc.” I said to her, “Well, it doesn’t sound too exciting to work for you.” And she realized that her mood is critical to success. As leaders, if we’re not having fun, it doesn’t create innovation. Google, and all these other interesting companies, create that atmosphere of fun and energy because for creativity, joy is significantly important. Our mood is important to creating innovative ideas. Have you ever noticed that when you’re in a bad mood, things don’t tend to work well? You might think that’s why

The other thing I realized is that when the motivation is high enough, people will find the time for innovation. I give people an exercise, proposing if your boss came in and offered your dream project. But there’s a downside. You can have the project, which will take about half your time, but you still need to do your regular job. I then ask people what they would do. And they come up with incredibly innovative ways on how to do their job in half the time. And so, the lesson learned is, when the motivation is high enough, people find the time.

Let’s commit to these outrageous goals (and I mean outrageous in a great way), and then let’s figure out how to do it.

Notable Quotes

“Say What?!”

It was alarming to watch Joe Biden take a tumble Thursday at the Air Force Academy commencement. But the really scary thought is that if he had landed head-first, Kamala Harris would be sitting in the Oval Office.

– Michael Goodwin, New York Post

The sensible Americans who make up a majority of the nation would be living in fear of the human word salad playing with the nuclear football and the possibility that her cackle could be the soundtrack of Armageddon.

– Ibid.

It is my vision to take the next step to this faith-based locales and then move to a private residence. There are residents who are suffering right now because of economic challenges and they have they have spare rooms.

I think it’s so petty. I think it’s so juvenile. I don’t think that’s what voters want. And honestly, I think that his conduct, which he’s been doing for years now, I think that’s one of the reasons he’s not in the White House now. Because I think he alienated too many voters for things that really don’t matter. So I don’t get in the gutter on any of that.

- NYC Mayor Eric Adams floating the idea of paying private citizens to house illegals in their homes

- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis when asked in an interview about Trump’s insults

First, the Dem Party founded the KKK. Then the Dem Party wrote Jim Crow laws. Then the Dem Party filibustered the Civil Rights Act.

– Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) responding to Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez’s (Dem/Socialist-NY) claim that Republicans are the racist party

Today, the Dem Party filibusters school choice –trapping millions of Black kids in failing schools. Today, the Dem Party pushes abolishing the police, which results in many more Black lives murdered. Today, every Dem senator voted against my bill to stop DC from throwing 40% of Black kids out of schools because of a vax mandate.

- Ibid.

Jerusalem is the city that cannot sleep – we just have too much going on. As we mark 65 years of the city being reunited, I can look out from my office window and look at new buildings being built, new schools, buildings, industrial areas, restaurants, and more. The words of the prophets are jumping off the pages and taking shape in front of our eyes.

The politicians need to get a grip on this because it’s worse than Afghanistan or Iraq.

No single person has done more to damage Israel’s standing in the world, and especially among so-called progressives, than George Soros.

A lot of people on the left have no sense of humor. They’re not funny. If there are so many no-fly zones that you have to avoid all the time, then there’s nothing left to make fun about.

- Elon Musk in an interview with the Babylon Bee

- Jerusalem mayor Moshe Lion addressing the Arutz Sheva Jerusalem Conference in New York City on Sunday

– Alan Dershowitz in a Jerusalem Post Op-ed titled, “Jews shouldn’t be defending George Soros against Elon Musk”

- A tobacco store owner, who emigrated to the U.S. from Afghanistan, talking to Fox News about the crime problem in San Francisco, after half-dozen thieves smashed his windows and made off with about $100,000 in product and cash

Barack Obama made us smaller by dividing us and trying to make sure that his party was divided into smaller pieces so that he could lead the small pieces he wanted to. And Donald Trump made us smaller by dividing us even further and pitting one group against another, different groups pitted against different groups every day, and by definition, making those groups smaller.

How many times did Chris Christie use the word SMALL? Does he have a psychological problem with SIZE? Actually, his speech was SMALL, and not very good. It rambled all over the place, and nobody had a clue of what he was talking about. Hard to watch, boring, but that’s what you get from a failed Governor (New Jersey) who left office with a 7% approval rating and then got run out of New Hampshire. This time, it won’t be any different!

Ron DeSantis, you small, pathetic man.

- Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) in a tweet suggesting that Gov. DeSantis should be arrested for kidnapping since he sent a plane of illegals to California

- Chris Christie, while announcing his presidential run

- Donald Trump on social media

The U.S. is Not Trusted Globally. Here’s How That Can Change.

By Fareed Zakaria

As I was following Turkey’s recent general election, I was stunned to hear one of the country’s top officials, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, speaking to a crowd from a balcony. Jubilant, he promised that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would “wipe away whoever causes trouble” for Turkey “and that includes the American military.” Earlier, Soylu declared that those who “pursue a pro-American approach will be considered traitors.” Keep in mind that Turkey has been a member of NATO (with U.S. bases in the country) for about 70 years.

Erdogan often uses stridently anti-Western rhetoric himself. About a week before the election’s first round, he tweeted that his opponent “won’t say what he promised to the baby-killing terrorists or to the Western countries.”

Erdogan might be one of the most extreme representatives of this attitude, but he is not alone. As many commentators have noted, most of the world’s population is not aligned with the West in its struggle against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. And the war itself has only highlighted a broader phenomenon: Many of the largest and most powerful countries in the developing world are growing increasingly anti-Western and anti-American.

When Brazil elected Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to the presidency last October, many heaved a sigh of relief that the mercurial populist Jair Bolsonaro had been replaced by a traditional and familiar left-of-center figure. Yet in his few months in office, Lula has chosen to pointedly criticize the West, rage against the hegemony of the dollar, and claim that Russia and Ukraine are equally to blame for the war. This

week, he hosted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whose brutal reign has led millions to flee his country. Lula lavished praise on the dictator and criticized Washington for denying Maduro’s legitimacy and imposing sanctions on his regime.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had a reputation as a practical, business-friendly moderate who had strong ties with the West. But South Africa under him has veered closer to the Russian and Chinese orbit. The country has refused to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has hosted the Russian and Chinese navies for joint exercises, and now stands accused by the United States of supplying arms to Russia, allegations that South Africa has denied.

And then there is India, which has made clear from the start of the Ukraine war that it had no intention of siding

against Russia, which remains the chief supplier of advanced weaponry for the Indian military. India’s statements about its desire to maintain a balance in its relations between the West and Russia (and even China) have been so numerous that Ashley J. Tellis, one of the most respected scholars on U.S.-India relations, wrote an essay warning Washington not to assume that New Delhi would side with it in any future crisis with Beijing.

What is going on? Why is the United States having so much trouble with so many of the world’s largest developing nations? These attitudes are rooted in a phenomenon that I described in 2008 as the “rise of the rest.” Over the past two decades, a huge shift in the international system has taken place. Countries that were once populous but poor have moved from the margins to center stage. Once representing a negligible share

of the global economy, the “emerging markets” now make up fully half of it. It would be fair to say they have emerged.

As these countries have become economically strong, politically stable and culturally proud, they have also become more nationalist, and their nationalism is often defined in opposition to the countries that dominate the international system – meaning the West. Many of these nations were once colonized by Western nations, and so they retain an instinctive aversion to Western efforts to corral them into an alliance or grouping.

Reflecting on this phenomenon in the context of the Ukraine war, Russia expert Fiona Hill notes that the other factor in this distrust is that these countries don’t believe the United States when they hear it speak in favor of a rules-based international order. They see Washington, says Hill, as full of “hubris and hypocrisy.” America applies rules to others but breaks them itself in its many military interventions and unilateral sanctions. It urges countries to open up to trade and commerce yet violates those principles when it chooses.

This is the new world. It is not characterized by the decline of America “but rather the rise of everyone else” (as I wrote in 2008). Vast parts of the globe that were once pawns on the chessboard are now players and intend to choose their own, often proudly self-interested, moves. They will not be easily cowed or cajoled. They have to be persuaded –with policies that are practiced at home and not just preached abroad. Navigating this international arena is the great challenge of U.S. diplomacy. Is Washington up to the task?

D-Day Dawns for Ukraine

By David Ignatius

It was bracing that Ukraine launched its counteroffensive against Russian invaders as we celebrate the anniversary of the 1944 D-Day landings this week. This assault could turn the tide of the battle for Ukraine, just as the Allied assault on the Normandy beaches altered the trajectory of World War II.

Military campaigns are rarely all or nothing, but this one comes close. If Ukraine can drive back an already shaky Russian army, it stands a chance of forcing Moscow to bargain for an end of its failed invasion. But if Ukraine fails, it would be a bitter blow to the country’s weary population and could endanger continued support from some restless NATO members.

Biden administration officials believe the offensive began on Monday with a Ukrainian thrust south along multiple axes. A major goal is to cut the land bridge across southeastern Ukraine that connects Russia with its occupation forces in Crimea, U.S. officials believe. Part of Ukraine’s strategy appears to be an attack along several lanes, so they can move forces among them to hit targets of greatest opportunity.

Administration officials were encouraged by better-than-expected progress Monday, as Ukrainian units pushed through heavily mined areas to advance between five and 10 kilometers in some areas of the long front. That raised hopes that Ukrainian forces can keep thrusting toward Mariupol, Melitopol and other Russian-held places along the coast – severing the land bridge.

Tuesday brought a potentially devastating new trauma to the battle area – an apparent sabotage attack that burst the Kakhovka reservoir dam and sent a torrent down the Dnieper River toward occupied Crimea, which depends on the res-

ervoir for much of its water supply. Russia and Ukraine traded blame for the attack, which NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called “an outrageous act.”

Administration officials haven’t concluded yet whether Russia or Ukraine breached the dam. But its loss could have negative consequences for both sides. It will be harder now for Ukraine to push south of the Dnieper; but it could also be harder for Russian troops to maneuver and defend the territories they hold. The cooling water for the huge Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant could eventually be affected, but that would be many weeks from now.

It might take weeks before the results of the Ukrainian campaign are clear, but Kyiv has already succeeded in expanding the stalemated fighting in Bakhmut, the bitterly contested eastern city that was ground zero through the winter. This is now a campaign with multiple military and political fronts – and aftershocks that reach to Moscow, Beijing and Washington.

On the eve of the Ukrainian offensive, one notable development was the growing disarray of Russian forces. Yevgeniy

Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner militia that did much of the fighting in Bakhmut, has been issuing almost daily tirades against the Russian army. He argued, for example, that its claims of routing Ukrainian forces this week in the Donetsk region were “simply wild and absurd science fiction.”

In a bizarre incident this week, Wagner fighters captured Russian Lt. Col. Roman Venevitin, after some of his soldiers allegedly fired on Wagner’s forces. The Moscow Times quoted Venevitin’s explanation: “I acted in a state of alcoholic intoxication out of personal animosity.”

The mystery has been why Vladimir Putin tolerates this growing disorder. Some experts view this passivity as characteristic. The Russian leader allowed Dmitry Medvedev to conduct foreign policy experiments Putin disliked while Medvedev was president from 2008 to 2012; he allowed subordinates to push a 2018 plan for pension reform, only to soften it when the public protested. Putin doesn’t like to get his hands dirty, it seems, even in the bloody Ukraine war he

personally launched.

Ukraine’s willingness to gamble on its summer offensive is a measure of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s confidence, but also his need to show results. Such big wagers have mixed results in military history.

Historian Rick Atkinson, who is drafting the second volume of a trilogy about the Revolutionary War, points out that British Lt. Gen. John Burgoyne’s failure at Freeman’s Farm and Bemis Heights near the Hudson River in 1777 forced him to surrender, “in one of the decisive pivot points not only of the Revolution but in American history,” Atkinson explained in an email.

Atkinson recalled that the American commander, Major Gen. Horatio Gates, wrote about Burgoyne just before Freeman’s Farm: “It is evident the general designs to risk all upon one rash stroke.”

Similarly, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, sensing eventual defeat in a war of attrition, rolled the dice in 1863 with his massive offensive at Gettysburg. It, too, failed. German dictator Adolf Hitler sought to reverse defeat with his Ardennes offensive in December 1944, which led to the Battle of the Bulge. “Six weeks after it began, the offensive was in ruins and the Third Reich was doomed,” Atkinson noted in his message.

Against these failed breakouts, D-Day stands as a reminder that an army must sometimes take huge risks to position itself for eventual victory. Any visitor to Omaha Beach in Normandy will recall the steep cliffs at Pointe du Hoc that American Rangers had to scale to dislodge German forces. The grave markers for the soldiers who died on D-Day seem to stretch almost to the horizon. But they won the battle – and the war.

The American flag has become a symbol of freedom and has evolved over time. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed that June 14 would be known as Flag Day in commemoration of the same day in 1777 when Congress adapted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag. The flag has been raised over the bloody battlefield of Iwo Jima, on the moon, and many other places. Here are some facts and stories about the flag that has become America’s most recognized symbol.

A few early facts about the flag have been taught to schoolchildren and the public but may not be more than just a myth. Vexillologists, people who study the history of flags, say that there is no evidence at all that upholsterer Betsy Ross made the first flag when it was first unveiled in 1777. She did, however, sew flags at a later point for the Continental Army. There were many other flag makers, at least seventeen others, in the newly declared country but the maker and designer of the first flag is still unknown.

Flags were very important during battle as smoke made it unclear for a soldier to see where his unit was gathering. Bugles and other instruments were used, but sometimes the sound of cannons made it difficult to hear. This is the reason why battle flags are very large and many had specific designs, with the

Flying the Flag

By Avi Heiligman

American flag depicting the colors of a particular unit. In this way a soldier was able to identify friend from foe. The Battle Cry of Freedom, also known as

to another officer. Wertheimer was cited for gallantry in action for his heroic conduct and eventually recovered from his wounds.

let. Levy picked up the flag and joined the charge, and for this action, he was awarded the prestigious medal, making him one of the youngest Medal of Honor recipients in history. He was later wounded in the Battle of the Wilderness in May 1864.

Rally ‘Round the Flag, is a Civil War era song that the soldiers sang during battle that shows patriotism to the flag and its meaning to soldiers on the front.

An estimated 10,000 Jewish soldiers participated in the Civil War, and some were cited for bravery in battle that involved the all-important flag.

Captain Edwin Wertheimer of the 54th New York Infantry Regiment was born in Germany and was the commanding officer of Company K. He was leading his men at the Second Battle of Bull Run in 1862 while holding a flag in his hand. The Jewish officer then distinguished himself at the Battle of Chancellorsville while Confederates were pouring lead into the Union lines. Wertheimer rescued the flag to prevent it from being captured and defended it despite his severe wounds. When he was no longer able to hold onto the flag, he handed it

Two Jewish Civil War soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for actions involving flags. Private Benjamin Levy was a drummer boy with the 1 st New York Infantry Regiment. On June 30, 1862, the regiment saw action at the Battle of Glendale. The seventeen-year-old took the rifle of a sick tent mate and joined the fight. The color bearer (flag holder) was a soldier by the name of Charley Mahorn, and he was hit by a bul -

Sergeant Leopold Karpeles was born in Prague and was with the Massachusetts infantry during the Battle of the Wilderness. During the battle, he was entrusted with the colors which were barely visible through the smoke and haze of the battle. General James Wadsworth, who was killed in the battle, saw Karpeles’s flag and shouted, “Rally round the flag, boys!” He was cited for “having

It represents freedom and instills pride to those in uniform.

Captain Edwin Wertheimer

Sergeant Leopold Karpeles A historical marker remembering Sgt. Benjamin Levy

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History has the flag that inspired a nation

saved part of the army from capture during a retreat in disorder by rallying troops around his colors; thereby checking the enemy’s pursuit.” Several times Karpeles was the target of Confederate guns, but he ended the battle unscathed. He was wounded and in 1870 was finally awarded the Medal of Honor.

The flag raising on Iwo Jima became one of the most iconic images of World

War II. The island was invaded by the U.S. in February 1945, and on February 23, patrol made it to the summit of Mount Surabachi and raised a flag. A photo was taken of this historic event but an admiral wanted the flag as a souvenir. Jewish photographer Joe Rosenthal went up to the summit with another group of marines that was carrying a larger flag and took a photo of them

raising the flag once again. The image was soon printed in newspapers worldwide, and it won a Pulitzer Prize. Both flags are now at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia.

The flag means a lot to many people, especially those who have served the U.S. in battle. It represents freedom and instills pride to those in uniform. Many acts of heroism to protect the flag and

defend freedom have been published, and these heroes deserve to be remembered.

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.

The iconic photo of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima The Stars and Stripes on the moon

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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.

MISC. HELP WANTED 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 e-mail gabe@fivetownsjewishhome.com or call (917) 299-8082

SHEVACH HIGH SCHOOL

in Queens seeks Executive Assistant with extensive experience to work directly with the Principal.  Applicants should have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel), Google Docs, among others. Please submit resume to rwittenstein@shevachhs.org

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

HELP WANTED

SHEVACH HIGH SCHOOL

in Queens is seeking dynamic teachers for the 2023-2024 school year in the General Studies department in English, Maths, and Sciences, some positions will require Masters’ degrees (positions are all in the afternoon). There are a limited number of openings in the Limudei Kodesh department. Salary commensurate with experience. Resumes welcome. Please send resumes to rwittenstein@shevachhs.org

GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL IN QUEENS seeks a full time, experienced clinician (school psychologist, LCSW, LMHC, etc.) to work in conjunction with current school psychologist. Salary commensurate with experience. Please send resumes to rwittenstein@shevachhs.org

MOTEK SPA

Growing business is seeking to hire a hairstylist immediately.  Candidate should know how to work with updos, highlights, haircuts, hair treatments, etc…

*Must have a cosmetology license* Please contact us at (347)-206-2487  187-20 Union Tpke Queens, NY 11366

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Looking for someone that knows Indesign & has experience working on a MAC to layout a weekly newspaper. The job is for 7 hours on Tuesdays & Summer times Mondays as well. The job can be done remotely. Please email your resume to: thevues@gmail.com

NECHAMA IS A HIGH FUNCTIONING

24 Year Old Female that lives in Far Rockaway near Dinsmore Ave, who has experience working with children, is looking for a frum young mother, who lives in Far Rockaway area to provide Com Hab and/or Respite Services for her, in order for this individual to learn how to manage a household i.e., learning cooking skills, organizational skills etc… This individual is available from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm Monday through Thursday, including Sundays. Please email to jobs@hcsny.org

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT for a local school looking to hire a capable person whose job responsibilities include data entry, database management, assisting the administrator in his daily tasks.   Candidates must be detailoriented, organized, and have the ability to multi-task.  Prefer full-time but would consider part-time for the right individual. Proficiency in Microsoft Office required. Enjoyable working environment, personal, sick, vacation days offered, Yom Tovim and certain legal holidays off. Salary commensurate with experience. Please email resume to admin@ shoryoshuv.org

MISC.

SHMIRAS HALASHON

Text 516-303-3868 with a time slot of your choice to be careful on lashon hara. Be a part of the 1,000 people for klal yisroel!

Serene Cul-de-Sac in Village of Lawrence Main

Singer Tina Turner’s death last month at age 83 leaves an enormous hole in the genre of rock and roll. Turner cut her first record in 1958 on her way to becoming a star with husband Ike in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Then, at age 44, she launched a solo comeback.

Tina Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, which you can probably guess by its name is just a wide spot on State Route 19 with a population too small to support its own juke joint. She’s been many things in her life: a Baptist and a Buddhist, an award-winning singer and actress, and a domestic violence survivor. But one thing she was not, at the end, was an American citizen. In 1994, she moved to a Swiss villa on the shore of Lake Zurich. In 2013, she became a Swiss citizen. That move turns out to have huge tax consequences today.

Giving up citizenship isn’t something you do casually, like forgetting to go to the dentist. You have to appear in person before a U.S. consular or diplomatic office in a foreign country. You have to sign an oath of renunciation and turn in your U.S. passport.

What’s Tax Got to Do With It?

By Allan Rolnick, CPA

You have to pay a $2,350 fee. And most important for some, you have to pay an “exit tax” on the value of any appreciated assets you own (above a $767,000 exclusion) when you leave. This means, essentially, you’ll be taxed as if you had sold everything you own on the day before you surrender that pass-

say that most do it to avoid taxes. That list includes Facebook co-founder Eduard Saverin, who unfriended Uncle Sam just months before his stock went public. It also includes actor Yul Brynner, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and Tupperware inventor Earl Tupper.

real savings come at death. Here, estates are taxed at 40% on amounts above $12.92 million not passing to a surviving spouse. In Switzerland, the rate tops out at just 26% -- and it doesn’t apply at all to spouses, parents, or lineal descendants. Last year, Bilanz magazine estimated her net worth at $225 million, which suggests that whatever tax she may have paid at her exit could save her heirs $85 million today. That’s a lot of Toblerone!

port. You’ll file Form 8854 to calculate and report your tax. If you can’t afford to pay it on the spot, you can even finance it so long as you post adequate security.

In 2013, Turner was one of just 2,999 Americans to give up her citizenship. But it’s becoming more common, with 6,707 leaving in 2020. And immigration lawyers

How does Turner’s bottom line benefit from the move? Not much, on a day-today basis. Switzerland’s top federal tax is 11.5%; the Canton of Zurich’s top rate adds 13%; and her municipality of Küsnacht charges another 10.1%. There’s also a net wealth tax of 0.3-0.5%. That’s comparable to our own federal max of 37%. But the

The good news is that you don’t have to trade baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie for chocolate and cuckoo clocks to save taxes. Yes, our rates are higher than in a lot of places where you could choose to move. But our code is littered with “green lights” where you can pay less. Call us before you call your travel agent, and see if we can save you an expensive move!

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.

This means, essentially, you’ll be taxed as if you had sold everything you own on the day before you surrender that passport.

Happy “Gradulation”

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

Graduation is defined as “a successful completion of a course of study.”

That certainly seems impressive!

But, at two years old, a graduation?! Why?

Parents, grandparents, and siblings all are in attendance. Entertainment and cuteness flow and food follows it all.

However, what’s the amazing course of study this child has completed?

Playing? Staying busy? Not breaking too many crayons?

Perhaps successfully sneaking over to the sand station even when it’s closed? Or perhaps remaining calm when a new person changes their diaper?

Of course, everybody must miss work to attend this momentous milestone!

At three years old, then again, there’s always another graduation. OK. What was the course of study completed this time?

Walking with your finger on the wall? Sharing? Reluctantly!

And it’s another daytime affair. Because no 3-year-old is staying up for an evening event. Adults, of course, must delay meetings and work for this

well-deserved (?!) moving up day.

Then comes the four-year-old, endof-year celebration. Of course, another well-attended graduation ensues. Maybe even with invitations sent by mail or email to parents and grandparents alike. The child is not sure what she’s accomplished, but surely no one will miss it!

– depending on the kid!

Now, at five years old, it starts to make sense to everyone. Now, they’ve actually completed some academic studies. Listening? Hmm. Maybe not that.

But learning to read, though for some maybe just a bit. However, recognizing letters and writing letters is usually behind them. Some math concepts

take off from work or school. Certainly, if they did it for a two-year-old, a threeyear-old, and a four-year-old, they have to be willing to do it for a five-year-old.

Yet, here’s the ongoing mystery that sits with me. Why is it just when they actually begin making major strides, and successfully completing concept after concept, is it that graduations stop?

In fact, it takes eight long years before they see another graduation again?!

I just never got that. Now that the kids are working their hearts out to accomplish and grow, there’s no celebration for these milestones. They’ve got to wait and celebrate all the amazing lessons they’ve completed all together in one long awaited night.

I guess that finally explains the gradual in gradu-lation!

Again, midday on a workday. Why not? How often does your child finish school when they’re four?

Ask the kid why these adults are coming for him or her. They’ll say it’s my “gradu-lation.” She/he has no idea how to even say it, yet they expect everyone to be there to see them perform – or not

are starting to gel, too. And many other academic insights are unfolding. It’s a year of pride and accomplishments. It’s a year of being prepared to enter real school. It’s a moving up to first grade celebration.

Maybe now it makes real sense for parents, grandparents, and siblings to

Rivki Rosenwald is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with both couples and individuals and is a certified relationship counselor. Rivki is a co-founder and creator of an effective Parent Management of Adolescent Years Program. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or at rivkirosenwald@gmail.com.

Why is it just when they actually begin making major strides, and successfully completing concept after concept, is it that graduations stop?