Five Towns Jewish Home 11.02.23 by The Jewish Home

November 2, 2023

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Dear Readers,

emerge victorious in their mission. A part of me wants to be there with them, wants to hold their hands and daven with them and show them that I am fighting alongside them. But I know we can’t all be on the frontlines in Gaza. We’re not all meant to be holding a weapon or wearing a uniform. But we know that there’s a purpose for each of us in this world. There’s a reason why each of us are here. And, in a way, in a very figurative sense, we each have our own battles and the struggles that we deal with. Those soldiers heading into Gaza – Hashem should watch over them and protect them – are heroes who are risking their lives for the Jewish people. But each of us should picture ourselves on the spiritual frontlines of our lives fighting alongside them. We may not be holding a gun, but we need to use every weapon in our arsenal to rise to the challenges and become closer to fulfilling our missions on Earth. Every tefillah we say, we need to say it as if we ourselves are fighting in the foxholes. Every perek of Tehillim we murmur, we need to say it as if we’re bursting into the underground tunnels. Every chessed we perform, we need to do it as if we’re dodging the rockets. Every act of faith, every mitzvah we do, every time we see another Jew in a more positive light – we are on the frontlines of our own battles. And, as we become more victorious in our personal battles, we are providing those soldiers on the frontlines in Gaza and Lebanon and all over Israel with more ammunition with which they will be successful with G-d’s help. With Hashem’s help, b’yachad n’natzeach. Wishing you a good week, Shoshana

am not inured to the heartbreaking news that we are privy to every day coming out of the Holy Land. My heart stops and hurts every time I read about or see another news story about the horrors our brothers and sisters endured in the October 7 massacre. I grieve for them; I ache for them; I want to wake up from this nightmare and find that it was all a horrible, unspeakable dream. But I can’t wake up. We – and I mean, all of us, here and there – are in such pain and feeling so much terror when we contemplate what our nation is going through now. But you won’t know about the feelings I have when you meet me on the street. Because I’m doing what you’re all doing – I’m going to work, and shopping for groceries, and returning library books. I look like I’m back to my routine, but I’m underwater, my mind and heart elsewhere as I numbly complete my daily tasks. Last night, I watched a short clip that probably didn’t move too many people when they saw it. But something shifted inside me when I watched it, and that feeling stayed with me as I went to sleep. The video showed Israeli tanks going into Gaza. And it showed Israeli soldiers, on foot, heading into harm’s way. I couldn’t stop thinking about those soldiers. Young boys, sons, brothers, fathers, putting their lives at risk, not knowing if they’ll see tomorrow, valiantly going into a twisted den of venomous snakes because they know that the very existence of the Jewish state and very safety and security and lives of the Jewish people depends on them. I can’t fathom the bravery of these soldiers, the courage of their families, the faith that they have in the One Above Who will help them

Yitzy Halpern, PUBLISHER

publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Yosef Feinerman, MANAGING EDITOR ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Shoshana Soroka, EDITOR

editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com

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Friday, November 3 Parshas Vayeira

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Candle Lighting: 5:31 pm Shabbos Ends: 6:31 pm Rabbeinu Tam: 7:01 pm

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

COMMUNITY Readers’ Poll

Community Happenings

NEWS Global

12 National

That’s Odd

ISRAEL

Israel News

A Placard of Protest by Barbara Deutsch112 Life, Surreal by Sarah Beth Solomont 106

Biden’s Hamas Conundrum by Caroline Glick

114

JEWISH THOUGHT Rabbi Wein on the Parsha

One Against the Odds by Rav Moshe Weinberger

Delving into the Daf by Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

Headlines and Halacha by Rabbi Yair Hoffman

PEOPLE The Wandering Jew

Inspiration Nation

TJH Speaks with Supervisor Don Clavin

TJH Speaks with Legislator Howard Kopel

102

Jewish Heroes in World War II by Avi Heiligman

136

HEALTH & FITNESS Preventing Diabetes by Aliza Beer, MS RD

122

FOOD & LEISURE The Aussie Gourmet: Naomi’s Challah

125

Food for Thought

124

LIFESTYLES

143

Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW

116

Parenting Pearls

118

School of Thought

120

Mind Your Business

126

Your Money

142

Dear Editor, During this time of crisis, it is very important that our community votes in huge numbers. Even though it is a local election, it is critical that we vote, otherwise we will be sending a message of apathy and that would be detrimental. The voter turnout so far at the Lawrence Country Club is dismal. People have asked me what is going on? In Great Neck, the early voter turnout is 7 times that of Lawrence. In Hempstead, the early voter turnout is four times that of Lawrence. Don’t wait for the last minute. Go to the Lawrence Country Cub and vote early until Sunday afternoon at that location. Respectfully yours, Bruce Blakeman County Executive, Nassau County Dear Editor, Although many of us don’t feel very energized right now to do anything other than support our brothers and sisters in Israel, there is an election coming up. And although this is not a “major” election, it’s still important for us all to go out and vote. Why? Well, if you want your politicians to pay attention to you in any way (and yes, we do need their help for many things), you need to show them that you are part of a vocal, active community. They don’t care how much chessed you do or if you pay your taxes on time (although you should pay them on time), they only care about the numbers at the ballot box. If your community doesn’t come and vote, you’re essentially telling them that they shouldn’t pay attention to you at all. So, please, do yourself – and your neighbors – a favor, and vote!

They make it so easy – there’s early voting in every community through Sunday. And then election day is on Tuesday. It takes only a few minutes (or even less!). Robin Rosenfeld Dear Editor, Much of Klal Yisrael is engrossed in Tehillim, whether individually or in gatherings. Dovid HaMelech offered the deepest of supplications to G-d on a constant basis. In Tehillim (49:21), Dovid says, “Man is in his glory, but he does not understand; he is compared to the silenced animals.” The Radak on the verse understands glory to be referring to the neshama, which is the honor and glory of man. This type of glory personifies Dovid, who relied on G-d for any kind of victory, whether spiritual or physical. Forty-nine is equivalent to the word middah, and we know man has the ability, in totality, to reach the 49th level of purity. Dovid’s hidden message in the last verse of Chapter 49 may be that with our jewel, our neshama, we can climb to the highest levels of purity and energize our closeness to G-d. Steven Genack Dear Editor, Thank you for providing clear updated coverage on the ongoing war in Eretz Yisroel. While so much of the focus is on Eretz Yisroel, there are mothers in America who are suffering as well. We’ve created a WhatsApp group for moms of IDF soldiers. It’s open to anyone in the U.S. Continued on page 10

What More Can I Do? by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS 143

HUMOR Centerfold

POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes

128

Israel Needs to Be Certain of Its “Big Ideas” by David Ignatius

132

Speaker Johnson is Off to a Great Start by Marc A. Thiessen

134

Israel Needs U.S. Support, Not Biden’s Lecturing by Ruben Navarrette Jr.

133

Pogromists Posing For Photos by Rafael Medoff

135

CLASSIFIEDS

137

Which flavor rugalech do you prefer: chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla?

72 19 9 %

Chocolate

Vanilla

Cinnamon

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Continued from page 8

If you or someone you know can benefit from this kind of group, email Help4MomsofIDF@gmail.com. A Fellow Mom Dear Editor, Protests in support of Hamas around the world, by a limited number in the House of Representatives, and especially on U.S. college campuses, are puzzling to say the least. Why would people support beheadings of babies, assaults of women, brutally killing parents in front of children, and torturing children in front of their parents? It is because Hamas says, “It is a lie,” and that absolves them from responsibility, since antisemitism is so prevalent, that people believe the lie. It is easier for antisemites to believe that the Gazans are being mistreated by Israel than to acknowledge that Gaza voted for Hamas in 2007 and Hamas has mistreated its own people. Only a fraction of the millions upon millions of dollars donated to Hamas has been used to benefit the Palestinian people. The vast majority of the dollars donated have been used to build an elaborate city of terror tunnels and to purchase rockets and other armaments for war. Since Oct. 7, 2023, over

10,000 rockets have been launched at Israel with each rocket costing approximately $10,000. The Biden Administration exhorts Israel to allow humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza, but there is no mention of the humanitarian needs of the 240 hostages who were kidnapped by Palestinians, and who are held in captivity without any humanitarian oversight. Since American citizens are among those captives, we should demand that before any further humanitarian aid is provided – the Palestinians should return not only the American hostages, but all the hostages as well! Jan Henock Woodmere, NY Dear Editor, The time is long overdue for the CEOs of major Jewish organizations to take out a full page ad to shame Chuck Schumer into publicly and loudly condemning, by name the antisemitic members of his party. Speaking before a safe, Jewish audience doesn’t cut it. (He’s like the shy Chabad kid, on his first day on the street, who asks men with a yarmulka if they put on tefillin that morning.) Are we so blinded by government

handouts, that we still refuse to confront our Judenrat with hard decisions? Schumer is the emperor without clothes and should not be invited to our dinners and treated as a Shomer Yisrael. Michael Horowitz Fresh Meadows, NY Dear Editor, I’m wondering why none of the panelists on the dating panel thought it was funny that this boy was getting something from the girl’s bedroom – even if they were dating seriously and he was there for yom tov. Isn’t that a little too private? Shouldn’t we have certain boundaries?

Perhaps that’s why boundaries are in order when dating. Not everything has to be shared before marriage. A bedroom is a private space. It is your special, personal space. Keep it that way until you get married and build a home together. As for this particular boy, I doubt the messy room is the real reason why he is feeling turned off by her. It is probably just something he can blame his feelings on. If he “can’t look at her the same way” and has negative vibes for her since that yom tov, it’s possible that something happened over the holiday that made his feel not interested in moving forward. Haddasah L.

Make your voice heard! Be part of TJH’s weekly poll. Email the editor to be included in the weekly poll at Editor@FiveTownsJewishHome.com

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

The Week In News

Hurricane Otis Slams Mexico

Iran-Sudan Relationship Thawing

For the past six months, the Sudanese military has been battling the rebelling Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has caused 9,000 deaths and the displacement of 5.6 million people. Although negotiations between the two sides took place on Thursday, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with the involvement of the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and a group of African countries, some fear that further talks will be impeded by Iran. Recently, Iran and Sudan have begun regrowing their relationship following a period of about seven years in which Sudan was determined to distance itself from the terrorist-supporting state. Now, embassies will be reopened, thus officially restoring diplomatic ties between the two Middle Eastern countries. In July 2023, Sudain’s acting foreign minister Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the military chief of Sudan, went to Azerbaijan to meet with the Iranian foreign minister to discuss the idea of restoring ties between the two countries. Much of the Western world is now concerned that Iran will involve itself in the Sudanese civil war by supplying weapons and training to the North African country, thus enabling the conflict to continue and preventing peace from being achieved. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said that it had “raised our concerns on this with contacts in Sudan’s military government” and that the United States and its allies are committed to bringing peace to the country. Additionally, Sudan’s newly restored ties with Iran has made the idea of a diplomatic relationship between Israel and Sudan, brokered by the U.S., more unlikely.

Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, made landfall on Wednesday, October 25, hitting the Mexican city of Acapulco. Twenty-seven people were killed by the storm, and at least four have yet to be found, including a three-year-old girl who was last seen being carried away in a mudslide. 10,000 troops have been sent by the government to assist residents of the city. According to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the hurricane knocked out each power-line pole in the area, causing mass power outages in the city. The severity of the storm took residents by surprise, as Otis had transitioned from a relatively weak hurricane to a massive disaster in very little time. “The people sheltered, protected themselves, and that’s why fortunately there weren’t more tragedies, loss of human life,” said López Obrador. A day after the storm hit, 300,000 households and businesses still had no electricity. In the aftermath of the disaster, many residents stole food, cell phones, and other items from local shops, and many stores have yet to restock the shelves, causing shortages in the area. Additionally, traffic has significantly increased in many areas as fallen trees and mud from the storm remain on the streets. Unfortunately, as of now, little can be done about the widespread looting and the major traffic, said Enrique Vázquez Ramírez, the police chief of Acapulco. Eighty percent of hotels in Acapulco were hit and damaged by Hurricane Otis, according to Miguel Angel Fong, the president of the Mexican Hotel Association. Airports were hit as well, forcing the city to pause commercial and military flights. Some of the city’s residents have asserted that it may take as long as a year for Acapulco to return back to normal after this disaster, as the city continues to struggle with power outages, poor cellphone reception, gasoline shortages, hotels which lay in ruins, and scores of other problems.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

! y a d n o This M

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Antisemitic Mob at Russian Airport

Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters, many of them chanting “Allahu Akbar,” broke through the doors of the Makhachkala airport in Dagestan in Russia on Sunday, seeking to attack Jewish passengers after a plane landed in the airport from Tel Aviv. The mob broke through barriers and headed to the runway, surrounding the plane. Thankfully, none of the passengers were hurt by the mob, although they were told to stay on the plane and not disembark. Aboard the plane were Dagestani children who had undergone medical treatment in Israel. Russian police have said they arrested 60 people suspected of violently storming the airport.

On Monday, the Kremlin and local Russian leaders attempted to blame “external interference” from Ukraine and the West for the antisemitic riot that caused the closure of the airport in the Muslim-majority region of Dagestan. Russian President Vladimir Putin gathered his top advisers — including the defense minister and spy chiefs — to discuss what the Kremlin claimed was the “West’s attempts to use the events in the Middle East to split Russian society,” as Israel raised its alert for the Northern Caucasus region of Russia to 4, its highest level. A joint statement from the National Security Council and the Foreign Ministry said that due to concerns over the incident and worries about repeat events, Israeli citizens should avoid those areas and those already there should leave. Ukraine’s envoy to Israel meanwhile accused Russian security forces of orchestrating Sunday’s antisemitic mob. In televised comments Monday night, Putin accused Ukraine and the West of instigating the riot. “The events in Makhachkala last night were instigated through social networks, not least from Ukraine, by the hands of agents of Western special services,” Putin said.

Speaking to high-ranking members of his Security Council, Putin said there had been “attempts” to destabilize Russian society and accused the U.S. of sowing instability in the Middle East. “Who is organizing the deadly chaos and who benefits from it today, in my opinion, has already become obvious… It is the current ruling elites of the U.S. and their satellites who are the main beneficiaries of world instability,” Putin said. He added that Russian law enforcement needed to take “firm, timely and clear actions” in the wake of the riot in order to protect “inter-religious harmony.” Prominent figures in Dagestan have spoken in support of the Palestinians and against Israel since the October 7 Hamas massacre on Israel that killed 1,400 people, mostly civilians, in the worst-ever terror attack in the country’s history, with at least another 243 people taken hostage. On Monday, the White House said that the riot at the airport was reminiscent of “pogroms” from previous periods in history. “Some people will compare it to the pogroms of the late 19th and early 20th century, and I think that’s probably an apt description,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told a briefing. He also rejected as “classic Russian rhetoric” allegations by Putin that Ukraine and the West instigated the riot, asserting, “The West had nothing to do with this. This is just hate, bigotry and intimidation, pure and simple.”

Another Leaning Tower in Italy

The Garisenda Tower in Bologna is not as famous as the Tower of Pisa, but it leans a little more. Lately, though, the dynamic of its movement has become worrisome, and city officials decided recently that the central square where it stands a few meters apart from the much taller Asinelli Tower will be closed off, most likely for years. The tower, which, along with the Asinelli Tower, makes up the “two towers,” a

symbol of the city, has historically slanted 4 degrees. But recent surveys have found traces of unexpected rotation in its incline and other imperceptible movements that need to be studied more carefully, authorities said. “The point is not that the tower is collapsing,” Mayor Matteo Lepore of Bologna said. “We have been monitoring it since 2018 like a patient in a hospital, and we know now that it needs to be secured and restored, and decided to start immediately.” He explained that the area was closed off last week to allow a more thorough monitoring of the site. For years, a committee of national experts has been studying data collected from the Garisenda Tower, thanks to acoustic sensors, optical fibers, a GPS on its top, a pendulum and systems to monitor the water table that runs underground, close to the tower. In 2021, the base of the tower was encircled with large iron rings to prevent any cracks in its fragile selenite stone. The ground and the tower’s foundations started sinking after construction in the early 1100s, probably because of a construction error, and in the middle of the 1300s, the tower was shortened over fears that it could collapse. Like all towers and skyscrapers, the Garisenda Tower has always swayed slightly. Even within the experts’ committee, geologists, engineers, architects and chemists have not had the same perception of the problem and its solutions. “Everybody agrees that the base needs to be reinforced, because of its historical weakness and because of the recent concerns raised by the data collected,” said Cleto Carlini, who is in charge of public works, green spaces and mobility at Bologna’s City Hall. “The question is how, and we need to study that thoroughly before planning the restoration,” he explained. (© The New York Times)

Denmark’s Social Experiment In 2018, the government of Denmark announced controversial plans to remove “non-Western” neighborhoods from the country. The plan, which the Northern European country has called “the biggest social experiment of this century,” seeks to lower the crime rate and help immigrants integrate into Danish culture by decreasing non-Westerners’ share in fifteen “hard ghettos,” which are impoverished,

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

poorly educated, and crime-filled neighborhoods with an immigrant population of over 50%.

By getting rid of or bettering the conditions of public housing units, the government hopes to reduce the amount of property in these neighborhoods owned by non-Westerners to 30% in the next ten years. As a result of breaking up the “ghettos” and moving non-Westerners to different parts of Denmark, these immigrants will be thrust into a conventional Danish life in which they will have to learn the language of the land, get a job, and will be subject to various laws. For instance, these people will be forced to send their children to preschool and will receive double punishments and penalties if they commit crimes. According to the Danish government, many of these ghetto neighborhoods have been overrun by gangs and radical

Islamic groups who defy the laws of the country. By relocating residents to different places and having them integrate into Danish society, the government hopes to eliminate the cause of the rampant crime found in these areas and allow immigrants to find better employment and live in better conditions. Some have condemned these plans, accusing the Danish government of ethnic cleansing and attempting to destroy the cultural diversity and heritage of minorities. Many human rights organizations have asserted that forcing immigrants to leave their homes to mix them in with the majority will not solve anything and will only cause more racism and inequality.

U.S. Strikes Two Syrian Facilities Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the United States destroyed two weapons storage facilities in Syria that had been associated with Iran with three precision-guided fighter jet strikes. There were no casualties as a result of the strikes. President Joe Biden ordered the strikes last Thursday in response to re-

cent attacks on U.S. forces in the region. The facilities were located in Abu Kamal in East Syria, near the Syrian-Iraqi border.

“I directed the strikes in order to protect and defend our personnel, to degrade and disrupt the ongoing series of attacks against the United States and our partners, and to deter Iran and Iran-backed militia groups from conducting or supporting further attacks on United States personnel and facilities,” Biden said, adding that the strikes were unrelated to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The recent deployment of about 900 U.S. troops to Iraq and Syria is also not connected to Israel, Biden said, adding that the troops are there to eliminate ISIS. Although Iran denies involvement, U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria have been hit by drones and attacked at least nineteen times by Iran-backed mi-

litia groups since October 17. Twenty-one U.S. service members have been wounded since then, although none were badly hurt and all have been called back to duty, according to the Pentagon. On Friday, the U.S. intercepted a drone aimed at the AlAsad Air Base in Iraq. “My warning to the Ayatollah was that if they continued to move against those troops, we will respond, and they should be prepared,” Biden said, warning Iran on the day before the attack on the facilities. On Friday, Biden wrote to Congress, calling the strikes “necessary and proportionate” and launched in order to “establish deterrence and were conducted in a manner to limit the risk of escalation and avoid civilian casualties.”

Iran Orders U.S. to Pay $420M In the aftermath of the 1979 Iranian Revolution – when the Imperial State of Iran and its monarchy were overthrown by the rebels who control the country to this very day – a group of Iranian pro-rebel students broke into Tehran’s U.S. embassy and abducted over fifty Americans. The hostages were set free 444 days later,

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The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

in January of 1981. The students, at the time, demanded that the U.S. hand over Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, the exiled former Iranian leader, to the authorities in Iran.

In April of 1980, the United States carried out Operation Eagle Claw, a top-secret mission conducted in order to rescue the hostages. Unfortunately, the operation was a massive failure due to sandstorms and mechanical issues, forcing U.S. forces to retreat. During the operation’s termination, two U.S. aircraft hit each other, causing the deaths of eight servicemen. On Thursday, October 26, over forty-three years later, an Iranian court judged the case and demanded that the U.S. pay $420 million to Irianian victims killed in the unsuccessful operation. The court’s Mizan Online news network claimed that during the mission, the U.S. “attacked” an Iranian civilian bus.

“Following the complaint filed by families of the victims of U.S. Operation Eagle Claw, a court ordered the U.S. government to pay $420 million,” the news website reported. The number of alleged victims has not been stated. Iranian news outlets have also asserted that a Revolutionary Guard official was mistakenly killed by other members of the Iranian military while the man was protecting U.S. military equipment deserted due to the operation’s sudden termination. This is not the first time an Iranian court has made such a demand. Last August, the court ordered the U.S. to pay $330 million, alleging that the United States was responsible for “planning a coup” in 1980 in an attempt to overthrow the Iranian government that had just gone into power.

Both men are directors of research at France’s National Centre of Scientific Research. They were assessing how much methane was located in the subsoils of the Lorraine mining basin using a special probe. A few hundred meters down, the probe found low concentrations of hydrogen, which is not necessarily surprising. What was surprising is when they went deeper, the concentration of hydrogen increased. At 1,100 meters down, it was 14%; at 1,250 meters, it was 20%.

White Hydrogen Found in France

The two ran calculations and estimated the deposit could contain between 6 million and 250 million metric tons of hydrogen. That could make it one of the largest deposits of “white hydrogen” ever discovered, Pironon said. White hydrogen – also referred to as “natural,” “gold” or “geologic” hydro-

Jacques Pironon and Phillipe De Donato had been searching for fossil fuels beneath the ground of northwestern France. What they discovered, though, was far more valuable.

gen – is naturally produced or present in the Earth’s crust and has become a gem in the quest for cleaner energy. Hydrogen produces only water when burned, making it very attractive as a potential clean energy source for industries like aviation, shipping and steel-making that need so much energy it’s almost impossible to meet through renewables such as solar and wind. France is not the only place with large reservoirs of the element. “If you had asked me four years ago what I thought about natural hydrogen, I would have told you ‘oh, it doesn’t exist,’” said Geoffrey Ellis, a geochemist with the U.S. Geological Survey. “Hydrogen’s out there, we know it’s around,” he said, but scientists thought big accumulations weren’t possible. Then he found out about Mali. Arguably, the catalyst for the current interest in white hydrogen can be traced to this West African country. In 1987, in the village of Bourakébougou, a driller was left with burns after a water well unexpectedly exploded as he leaned over the edge of it while smoking a cigarette. The well was swiftly plugged and abandoned until 2011, when it was unplugged by an oil and gas company and

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reportedly found to be producing a gas that was 98% hydrogen. The hydrogen was used to power the village, and more than a decade later, it is still producing.

Nazis in Canada?

For 37 years, Canada has kept close guard on an explosive roster of names. The classified report lists 883 possible Nazi war criminals who found harbor in the country after World War II, and many believe it offers insights into exactly what the government knew about how they got there, the extent to which they were investigated, and why most escaped prosecution. Canada’s strong privacy laws and government secrecy have kept the report confidential, but a recent political blunder may crack it open. Last month, Canadian lawmakers used the occasion of a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to honor Yaroslav Hunka, a Ukrainian Canadian man who volunteered for the Nazi Waffen-SS, a combat group that also oversaw concentration camps during the Holocaust. Now, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government is discussing whether the time has come to unseal the report. The deliberations began before the celebration of Hunka, said Anthony Housefather, a member of Trudeau’s Liberal Party caucus who has been the primary political proponent of declassification. But the episode has increased pressure on the government to finally act. In brief remarks to reporters after Hunka was feted in Parliament, Trudeau said “top public servants are looking very carefully” at releasing the secret list, “including digging into the archives.” He added: “We’re going to make recommendations.” Precisely why the report, the second part of a 1986 inquiry into war criminals in Canada, was classified — even as the first part was released that year — has never been made clear. But some Ukrainian Canadians, whose communities included some former Nazis, bitterly opposed the inquiry, viewing it as a witch hunt and a smear.

The United States has steadily declassified millions of pages of documents related to Nazi war crimes and their perpetrators under a special 1998 disclosure law. In Canada, Jewish groups and scholars have been seeking the release of the report for decades. Of four former Nazis charged by Canada with war crimes and crimes against humanity since 1986, when they became crimes under Canadian law, none were convicted. Prosecutions and deportations failed largely because of problems with evidence. (© The New York Times)

UN Doesn’t Condemn Hamas In a non-binding resolution passed on Friday, October 27, by the United Nations General Assembly, the international organization called for an “immediate, durable and sustainable humanitarian truce” between the state of Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization.

One hundred twenty countries voted in favor of the motion, which was proposed by Jordan, while 14 voted against it, and 45 remained neutral. While the resolution, which is for the most part a mere symbolic gesture, calls for the release of those abducted, it does not mention the name of or place blame upon Hamas. It did, however, single out Israel, criticizing the Jewish state for telling Palestinians to evacuate north Gaza in what the UNGA calls an attempt “at the forced transfer of the Palestinian civilian population.” The resolution also speaks of the importance of protecting residents of the Gaza Strip by supplying humanitarian aid and help to the area. Before the vote, Gilad Erdan, Israel’s Ambassador to U.N., attempted to convince the pro-Palestinian Assembly to reject the motion by pointing out how Israel is not at war with humans; it is at war with monsters. Erdan showed the

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The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

is our home, and west Asia is our region. We do not compromise with any party and any side, and we have no reservation when it comes to our home security.”

Shani Louk, Hy”d

General Assembly a video of a Hamas terrorist attempting to behead an immigrant worker from Thailand with the blade of a garden hoe on October 7, the day the Iranbacked terror group invaded south Israel, killing over 1,400 people, abducting more than 200, and injuring thousands more. Erdan also explained how Hamas is the modern-day equivalent of Nazis and how it doesn’t even care about its own people. Needless to say, Erdan was unable to sway the Assembly.

While the resolution initially called for an immediate ceasefire, the language was changed in order to convince more countries to vote in favor of the motion. Several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Morocco, and Qatar, have condemned Israel, asserting that the Jewish state’s response demonstrates a “deliberate disregard for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”

Prior to the vote, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the foreign minister of Iran, told the Assembly that his country would be willing to mediate a hostage and humanitarian deal. He then went on to warn the U.S. that Tehran would not spare it if Washington were to continue supplying military aid to Israel in support of the “genocide in Palestine.” “I warn, if the genocide in Gaza continues, they [the U.S.] will not be spared from this fire,” said Amir-Abdollahian. “It

This week, Shani Louk, a 23-yearold woman who had been kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7 by Hamas terrorists, was declared dead. “We are devastated to share that the body of 23-year-old German-Israeli Shani (Louk) was found and identified,” Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs ministry posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday. Her demise was confirmed after forensic examiners found a bone fragment from the base of her skull. “She was a beautiful, lively person,” Ricarda Louk, Shani’s mother, said. “She just enjoyed laughing, and experiencing life, and so it was just cut too short.” Sadly, Shani had been shown on videos circulated by Hamas after the attacks. Her body was seen unconscious at the back of a truck driven by Hamas terrorists. Her family had held out hope that she was still alive. Militants blocked off the road to the festival from the north and the south during their October 7 attack, before swarming the sprawling site on foot. They then encircled the crowds on three sides, gunning them down and forcing them to flee over fields to the east. Shani’s mother said, “After three weeks that you have no idea where your daughter is, what they’re doing to her… You don’t know if she’s alive or not, or injured, nothing. It’s just like you’re in a vacuum for three weeks, just hoping to get some signs. “And then suddenly you get the worst news,” she said. “We always had hopes. We were optimistic that she would come back.” More than 260 bodies were found at the Nova festival site itself, according to Zaka, but the death toll could be even higher. Hamas is still holding at least 238 people hostage in Gaza.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

According to an estimate released by the Israeli Government Press Office last week, 135 hostages holding foreign passports from 25 countries are among those held in Gaza, including civilian men, women, children and the elderly as well as soldiers.

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

“I would like to convey a message to the hostages and their families, we — the IDF and Shin Bet — are all obligated, we have a moral obligation to return all the hostages home,” IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Monday evening.

Hamas Official’s Home in West Bank Destroyed

Hostage Rescued by IDF Pvt. Ori Megidish is, baruch Hashem, back home. The Israeli soldier had been taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7. This week, Israeli soldiers rescued her in the first successful hostage extrication since the militant group’s October 7 massacre.

According to the IDF, Ori was “actively rescued” with “boots on the ground” in a joint operation between the IDF and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA), which is also known as Shin Bet. The IDF had gone into northern Gaza knowing where she was being held. “It indeed was a special operation that was targeted in specifically getting her out,” IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said. “They were in there for a job,” he

added, saying that he is happy with the outcome as Megidish is “well mentally and physically” and has been reunited with her family. Megidish shared information about her captivity with Israeli intelligence officers that “can be used for the future,” Conricus added. “We are definitely committed to get all of our 238 hostages currently held by Hamas in Gaza, all of them, to get them home,” he said.

On Monday, the IDF destroyed a home owned by senior Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri, in the West Bank town of ‘Arura, near Ramallah. Based in Lebanon, al-Arouri is deputy head of the terror group’s political bureau and considered the de facto leader of Hamas’s military wing in the West Bank. After the building was destroyed, a banner hung by the IDF was found displayed on the rubble depicting a combination of the Hamas and Islamic State terror group flags along with the slogan, in Arabic, “Hamas=IS.” Al-Arouri, 57, has been vocal since the war started, making statements and giving media interviews in which, among other things, he denied Hamas had targeted civilians, despite incontrovertible proof that its terrorists systematically targeted, abused and massacred noncombatants, including children and the elderly. Israeli security forces took over al-Arouri’s house a week and a half ago, with Palestinian sources saying it then became a “military installation.”

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

A banner had been hung on the building depicting al-Arouri with the Israeli flag in the background. A slogan in Arabic declared, “This was the home of Saleh al-Arouri, now the headquarters of AbuNimer, the Israeli Shin Bet.” Al-Arouri is not new to perpetrating terror. According to intelligence officials, al-Arouri had helped plan the kidnapping and murder of Gil-ad Shaar, Eyal Yifrach, and Naftali Fraenkel in 2014, along with other attacks. He had served several terms in Israeli jails and was released in March 2010 as part of efforts to reach a larger prisoner swap for Gilad Shalit. The terrorist then moved to Istanbul and then to Beirut, from where he manages Hamas operations. He is one of the Hamas officials most closely connected to Iran and the Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon. Last week, al-Arouri met with Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader Ziad al-Nakhaleh. The three discussed the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip and agreed to coordinate their efforts.

Terrorist Leader Killed in West Bank

Four Palestinian terrorists, including a senior leader, were killed in exchanges of fire with Israeli troops on Monday as the military conducted a raid in the West Bank city of Jenin. Wiam Iyad Hanoun, 27, identified as a founder of the Islamic Jihad offshoot Jenin Brigade, was killed by Israeli fire, as were three other terrorists, amid heavy fighting in the city’s refugee camp. Troops of the elite Haruv, Duchifat and Duvdevan infantry units, along with Border Police officers and soldiers of the elite Yahalom combat engineering unit, entered the Jenin Refugee Camp along with 100 military vehicles and bulldozers. The bulldozers were used to tear up the streets and build barriers. It also

destroyed the arched gate to the city, where terrorists would pose for photos. The soldiers located and destroyed explosive devices hidden under streets, a booby-trapped command room, and a car with ammunition and military gear, according to the IDF. The military wing of the Hamas terror group, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, said it fought Israeli forces entering the city, including by deploying explosive devices, the Palestinian Shehab news site reported The Jenin camp is a major hub for terrorists. In July, the IDF entered the camp for a large-scale two-day incursion targeting the local Islamic Jihad wing, as well as other smaller armed groups. Early Monday, soldiers also raided Nablus, where they arrested a senior Hamas member, Nasr al-Din al-Sha’ar, in his home. The IDF later said troops had detained 51 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank overnight, including 38 Hamas members. Since the war in the Gaza Strip began on October 7, troops have arrested at least 1,030 wanted Palestinians in the West Bank, including more than 700 affiliated with Hamas, according to the military.

Jack Lew Confirmed as Amb. to Israel

Strip. Washington insiders told JNS over the summer that Lew, who was seen as a frontrunner to replace Thomas Nides in the position, knows his way around the District and around Israel. Lew, a 67-year-old Orthodox Jew, was White House chief of staff under former President Barack Obama, and he directed the Office of Management and Budget under Obama and former President Bill Clinton. The managing partner of a private equity firm who trained as a lawyer is also a visiting international and public affairs professor at Columbia University. Lew further served as treasury secretary under Obama and was part of the National Security Council in two former administrations. Lew has come under fire for defending the Iran nuclear deal, which he argued would make Israel safer, and for supporting Obama’s decision in 2016 not to veto United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which declared Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria illegal. Citing personal reasons, Nides announced his departure in May, noting that he had been away from his family for more than 500 days. U.S. chargé d’affaires Stephanie Hallett, a career diplomat who previously served as deputy chief of mission in Muscat, Oman, and Nicosia, Cyprus, has headed the embassy in Jerusalem since July. (JNS)

Mike Johnson’s in the House The U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of Jacob (“Jack”) Lew on Tuesday to serve as the next American ambassador to Israel. The final vote tally was 53-43, with several Republicans, including Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), voting with Democrats to approve U.S. President Joe Biden’s nominee. Lew’s nomination was accelerated in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks by Hamas terrorists of southern Israel, which killed more than 1,400 people and wounded thousands more, with as many as 240 people taken captive into the Gaza

After several failed attempts to elect a House Speaker following Kevin McCarthy’s ousting, the Republicans, at last, unanimously chose Louisiana congressman Mike Johnson for the speakership on last week. As Johnson’s first act as Speaker of

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

the House, he put forward a non-binding resolution supporting Israel, condemning Hamas, and urging the terrorist organization to set all captives free and stop attacking the Jewish state immediately. “The first bill that I’m going to bring to this floor in just a little while will be in support of our dear, dear friend Israel, and we’re overdue in getting that done,” Johnson said during his first speech as speaker, adding that America’s “greatest ally in the Middle East is under attack.” Four hundred twelve people voted in favor of the new bill, 10 voted against, and six voted present. Of the ten who voted to reject the proposal, nine were Democrats who went against the bill because it did not include support for Palestinians. Included in that group of Democrats were Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib. On October 7, war broke out in Israel when thousands of Hamas terrorists invaded the Jewish state, murdering over 1,400 people, wounding more than 5,000, and abducting over 200 Israelis. In response, Israel has been bombing the Gaza Strip and is preparing for a ground attack to defeat Hamas. The U.S. has been supporting Israel and providing military aid. After Johnson’s victory, President Joe

Biden congratulated the House Speaker and said that it’s “time for all of us to act responsibly,” in order to avert a potential government shutdown and to help Israel and Ukraine. “I think he’s gonna be a fantastic speaker,” former president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said of Johnson.

Biden’s Order for AI Safeguards

President Joe Biden signed a far-reaching executive order on artificial intelligence on Monday, requiring that companies report to the federal government about the risks that their systems could aid countries or terrorists to make weapons of mass destruction. The order also seeks to lessen the dangers of “deepfakes” that could swing elections or swin-

dle consumers. “Deepfakes use AI-generated audio and video to smear reputations, spread fake news and commit fraud,” Biden said at the signing of the order at the White House. He described his concern that fraudsters could take three seconds of a person’s voice and manipulate its content, turning an innocent comment into something more sinister that would quickly go viral. “I’ve watched one of me,” Biden said, referring to an experiment his staff showed him to make the point that a well-constructed artificial intelligence system could convincingly create a presidential statement that never happened — and thus touch off a political or national security crisis. “I said, ‘When … did I say that?’” The order is an effort by the president to demonstrate that the United States, considered the leading power in fast-moving AI technology, will also take the lead in its regulation. Already, Europe is moving ahead with rules of its own, and Vice President Kamala Harris is traveling to Britain this week to represent the United States at an international conference organized by that country’s prime minister, Rishi Sunak. But the order issued by Biden, the result of more than a year of work by several government departments, is limited in its scope. While Biden has broad powers to regulate how the federal government uses AI, he is less able to reach into the private sector. Although he said his order “represents bold action,” he acknowledged that “we still need Congress to act.” Still, Biden made it clear that he intended the order to be the first step in a new era of regulation for the United States, as it seeks to put guardrails on a global technology that offers great promise but also carries significant dangers. (© The New York Times)

Ford Workers Return From UAW Strike

“Big Three” car companies: Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. Forty-one days later, the UAW and Ford came to an agreement in which the automaker’s employees will receive a pay raise of about 25% from now until early 2028, along with an immediate 11% raise. Now, workers of the other two companies are waiting for General Motors and Stellantis to follow suit. A tentative deal was reached last Wednesday and is expected to be finalized in the coming days with the return of 16,600 Ford employees. On Monday, earlier that week, workers of Stellantis’ biggest and most successful plant joined the strike, and a day later, employees of GM’s Arlington, Texas factory, walked out as well. It was because of these major developments that Ford finally decided to agree to the union’s demands, noted Shawn Fain, the UAW’s president. “We knew we were getting close. We hit the companies with maximum effect,” he said. “Ford knew what was coming for them on Wednesday if we didn’t get a deal. That was checkmate.” “Ford is proud to assemble the most vehicles in America and employ the most hourly autoworkers,” Ford said after the deal was reached. “We are focused on restarting Kentucky Truck Plant, Michigan Assembly Plant and Chicago Assembly Plant, calling 20,000 Ford employees back to work and shipping our full lineup to our customers again.” While the deal will not be finalized until the 57,000 UAW members who work for Ford agree to it, the 16,600 strikers will not wait until that point to continue working, according to Chuck Browning, the vice president and one of the lead negotiators of the UAW. “Like everything we’ve done in this stand-up strike, this is a strategic move,” Browning explained. “We’re going back to work at Ford to keep the pressure on Stellantis and GM. The last thing they want is for Ford to get back to full capacity while they mess around and lag behind.” After the deal was struck, President Joe Biden congratulated the UAW and Ford “for coming together after a hardfought, good faith negotiation and reaching a historic tentative agreement tonight.”

Vaccine Stroke Risk In the Elderly? On September 15, the United Auto Workers union went on strike against the

New studies show that people aged eighty-five and older who receive the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine on the same day are slightly more susceptible to

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

strokes caused by blood clots in the brain. After analyzing Medicare claims data, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that for every 100,000 vaccines, there were about three strokes. As for those who are sixty-five and older, the FDA found that about one or two suffered strokes for every 100,000 shots.

“The absolute risk is miniscule,” Dr. Steve Nissen, a researcher and cardiologist who works at the Ohio-based Cleveland Clinic, said. “I mean, it is trivial in comparison to the risk for people over 85 of dying from Covid.” Other studies have failed to find a link between strokes and a Covid and flu vaccine, and many researchers suggest that the elderly should continue getting vaccinated because the risk of getting infected is higher than the risk of getting a stroke. There is currently no proof that Moderna vaccines present similar risks. “Available data … [does] not provide

clear and consistent evidence of a safety problem for ischemic stroke with bivalent mRNA Covid-19 vaccines when given alone or given simultaneously with influenza vaccines,” Dr. Tom Shimabukuro, the director of the CDC’s Immunization Safety Office, said. According to Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University, those who are concerned about the risks of stroke should think about getting the Covid and flu vaccines on separate days. Dr. Peter Marks, the head of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, added that it might be wise to schedule the two vaccines a few weeks apart. “The bottom line is that these are small signals. We’re not entirely sure whether they are valid, and they certainly do not lead themselves to any change in the recommendations for people getting either Covid or influenza vaccines at the present time,” said Schaffner, who is in his mid-eighties.

18 Killed in Maine The familiar rituals of a Wednesday night were playing out at Just-In-Time Recreation, a bowling alley in Lewiston,

Maine. Parents and children were there for a children’s bowling league. Bowlers were midway through their weekly games, unwinding after work. Then a man wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and carrying a military-style semi-automatic rifle walked in. Minutes after attacking the alley, the armed man showed up at Schemengees Bar & Grille, a few miles away, where people were playing cornhole and billiards, and opened fire again.

By the time he finished shooting, at the bar and the bowling alley, 18 people had been killed and 13 others had been injured, Gov. Janet Mills of Maine said. Afterward, the gunman fled, forcing a major lockdown across the region as hundreds of law enforcement officials searched Thursday for a suspect they identified as Robert R. Card, 40, of Bowdoin, Maine. Authorities warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous. The rampage made Lewiston, a working-class city of nearly 40,000, the latest scene of America’s mass shooting crisis. It also put the region on edge, as police warned residents of Lewiston and nearby towns to stay home as they searched for Card. President Joe Biden, who ordered flags at federal buildings to be flown at half-staff to honor the victims, urged Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and to enact universal background checks, among other steps. “This is the very least we owe every American who will now bear the scars — physical and mental — of this latest attack,” Biden said in a statement. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., the newly elected speaker of the House, did not mention any legislative response as he answered questions about the shooting. “This is a dark time in America,” Johnson told reporters. As police continued their search for the suspect, government buildings, local school districts and universities in the southern part of the state were closed. Businesses across a vast swath of Maine, from beach towns close to the New Hampshire border to towns in the woods nearly 200 miles north, also shut down.

Col. William G. Ross of the Maine State Police said Thursday that a vehicle found at a boat landing in Lisbon, Maine, about 8 miles from Lewiston, had been connected to Card. On Friday evening, Card’s body was found by law enforcement at the recycling center where he used to work, ending the manhunt and allowing residents to breathe a sigh of relief. “It will take a long, long time to process this pain, but Maine people have grit, resolve and heart and we will come together through this difficult grieving period and hope for brighter, calmer days,” Sen. Angus King said in a statement. (© The New York Times)

Eye Drops Could be Harmful

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned this week that 26 over-thecounter eye drop products, including those sold under store brands such as CVS, Target and Rite Aid, could lead to a serious eye infection resulting in vision loss or blindness. The agency found “insanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of critical drug production areas in the facility” and is recommending the products be recalled. The eye drops, sold under the brands CVS Health, Rite Aid, Target Up&Up, Leader (Cardinal Health), Rugby (Cardinal Health) and Velocity Pharma, are supposed to be sterile. For now, there are no reports of anyone being injured from using these products. Still, the agency says that anyone “who has signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately.” They also said that these eye drops should be discarded. Target, Rite Aid and CVS are removing the products from store shelves and will stop selling them online. The products sold under Leader, Velocity

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

and Rugby’s names may still be in some stores or available online and should not be purchased, the FDA said. Earlier this year, the FDA issued a warning not to use several other eye drop products due to microbial contamination. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the use of eye drops contaminated with a drug-resistant bacteria resulted in some patients experiencing vision loss, surgical removal of their eyes, and death.

Georgia to Redraw Congressional Maps

As per a ruling by U.S. District Judge Steve Jones last week, the state of Georgia has been ordered to redraw its con-

gressional and state legislative maps in order to create several additional Black majority districts. “The Court commends Georgia for the great strides that it has made to increase the political opportunities of Black voters in the 58 years since the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965,” Jones wrote in his ruling. “Despite these great gains, the Court determines that in certain areas of the State, the political process is not equally open to Black voters.” Although the number of minorities in Georgia has increased over the past decade, “the number of majority-Black congressional and legislative districts [have] remained the same,” the judge asserted. The redrawing might give Democrats an opportunity to take another seat in the U.S. House, as the state of Georgia must add a Black majority congressional district in the western metropolitan part of Atlanta, as well as two additional state Senate districts and five more state House districts with a designated Black majority. The redrawing deadline is December 8, and Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia has scheduled a meeting for lawmakers for November 29 in order to address the issue. “Republicans knew they couldn’t win

on their ideas, so they resorted to redrawing the maps in their favor instead,” Democrat U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams asserted. “Today’s decision confirms what Georgia Democrats already knew: Georgia Republicans’ attempts to hold onto power via voter suppression and racial gerrymandering will not stand.” Josh McKoon, the chairman of the Republican party in Georgia, condemned the ruling as a “naked power grab by partisan Democratic allies on the federal bench” decided by “one far-left federal judge.” In several other states, including New York and Utah, there have been similar legal battles going on, with the left asserting that current congressional maps violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by underrepresenting Black people and other minorities.

“This is not the panacea that’s going to solve all of New York City’s rat problems, but it’s a very effective tool for the tree pit issue,” she said. The program is set to expand to other areas where there are a lot of complaints, including the area of East 75th Street between Second and Third Avenue. Earlier this year, Mayor Eric Adams appointed a rat czar to combat the City’s furry problem.

Judge: Agents Can’t Cut Border Barbed Wire

Rat Attack

New York City, in its attempt to tackle its mounting rat problem, has found a new weapon in its arsenal: carbon monoxide. The approach involves pumping carbon monoxide directly into the rat burrows that are found in sidewalk tree beds. According to Councilmember Julie Menin, this strategy has helped to eliminate over 100 rat burrows on a section of East 86 Street on the Upper East Side. “The method demonstrated an impressive eradication rate of nearly 100% in the tree pits where it was applied,” Menin’s office said in a release, according to Gothamist. It was first used in that area because of all the complaints the City had received about the rats. Before they started using the gas, the City put out poison bait boxes, but the rats were too smart for that. Eventually, Menin allocated $10,000 to hire exterminator Matt Deodato, the president of Urban Pest Management who has been referred to as “Matt the Rat Killer.” Deodato uses the carbon monoxide method to suffocate the rats, with the help of a machine called BurrowRX, which costs about $3,000. Menin has now set aside $30,000 to fund the carbon monoxide technique.

In the latest chapter in an expanding legal struggle over border security, a federal judge in Texas ordered federal Border Patrol agents on Monday to stop cutting concertina wire that had been placed by the state along the Rio Grande to deter migrants from crossing from Mexico. The temporary restraining order, granted by Judge Alia Moses of the Western District of Texas, came as part of a lawsuit filed last week by the state attorney general, Ken Paxton, who has argued that the federal agents are illegally destroying Texas property and allowing migrants into the country. The order barred agents for now from cutting or moving the wire barriers strung in and around Eagle Pass, which have caused injuries to a number of migrants in recent months. “Deterring unlawful activity, including illegal entry, is in the public interest,” Moses, appointed by President George W. Bush, wrote in her order. But the order also provided an exception allowing federal agents to cut through the barriers when necessary to help migrants in medical distress. Moses set a hearing for Nov. 7 to decide whether the restraining order should be extended to a longer-term preliminary injunction. The wrangling over the concertina wire is not the only legal battle between Texas and the Biden administration over the border. They are also fighting in court over the state’s placement of a 1,000-foot floating buoy barrier in the middle of the Rio Grande. A federal appeals court ruled

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

last month that the barrier could remain in place while the argument proceeded. Texas lawmakers are also moving forward with legislation that would make it a state crime to enter the country without authorization and empower the police to arrest migrants across Texas — legislation that could set up a consequential challenge to federal supremacy over immigration policy. “Biden created this crisis & has tried to block us at every turn,” Gov. Greg Abbott wrote Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter, after the new court order was issued. “Attorney General Paxton & I are pushing back.” “Close the border now,” Paxton wrote in response to the governor on X. A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the agency would abide by the order but not comment on pending litigation. (© The New York Times)

Pence Drops Out On Saturday, former Vice President Mike Pence announced that he is dropping out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination. “It’s become clear to me: This is not

my time,” Pence said at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual gathering in Las Vegas. “So after much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president effective today.” He added, “We always knew this would be an uphill battle, but I have no regrets.”

He also pledged his support for Israel in its fight against Hamas. Pence is the first of the major candidates vying for the top slot to have dropped out. Pence has struggled to find a base of support in the crowded field dominated by his former running mate, Donald Trump. Pence’s decision, more than two months before the Iowa caucuses that he had staked his campaign on, saves him from accumulating additional debt, as well as the embarrassment of potentially failing to qualify for the third Republican primary debate on November 8 in Miami.

The audience at the convention was surprised by Pence’s announcement. Matt Brooks, the CEO of the Republican Jewish Coalition, had spent about 10-15 minutes backstage with Pence before the former vice president’s speech and had received no indication from Pence that he intended to end his candidacy. “Look, he picked an incredibly appropriate audience to do this,” Brooks said. “I think you saw the love for him in that room. And it was obviously a difficult decision for him and his family. But he was in the right place at the right time to share it with us all.” Pence appealed to his party in his announcement, “I urge all my fellow Republicans here, give our country a Republican standard-bearer that will, as Lincoln said, appeal to the better angels of our nature,” he said, “and not only lead us to victory, but lead our nation with civility back to the time-honored principles that have always made America strong and prosperous and free.”

Keep the Change

on a Friday night, JMF Enterprises attempted to make a “nighttime delivery” to Fired Up Fabrications but company officials rejected it because they at first thought it was a forklift being delivered, according to the judge’s order. The following Monday, “an attempt was made to deliver a heavy metal container of coins that required a forklift to move” to lawyers for Fired Up Fabrications, the order said, but it was “physically impossible” to deliver. Clifford Beem, a partner at Beem & Isley, which represented Fired Up Fabrications, said he was at the law firm’s downtown Denver office when a truck driver called to ask about the location of the freight elevator so he could deliver the coins. Beem said that the office is in a 100-year-old building and could only hold a maximum of 3,000 pounds on its freight elevator. The driver said the delivery was “well over” 6,500 pounds, he said. After the failed coin delivery attempt, JMF Enterprises declined to pay the settlement by check, arguing that the coins were legal tender, the judge’s order said. Findley ruled Oct. 23 that the payment must be made in the form of a check, certified bank check or any other manner that both parties agreed to. The judge ordered JMF Enterprises and Frank to pay additional fees related to the costs of extending the case and dealing with the coin payment. (© The New York Times)

The Big Cheese Pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters might be legal tender, but more than 6,500 pounds of loose change is not a proper form of payment, a Colorado judge ruled last week after a defendant attempted to deliver $23,500 in coins to settle a legal dispute. The judge, Joseph Findley, of Larimer County, said the delivery of more than 3 tons was done “maliciously and in bad faith,” and that the defendant, a welding company, must now pay more for its act. The welding company, JMF Enterprises LLC, and its owner, John Frank, were sued by a custom fabrication company, Fired Up Fabrication LLC, which said it worked as a subcontractor for JMF Enterprises but did not get paid in full. The companies agreed in mediation to the settlement but the agreement did not specify the form of payment, according to Findley’s order. One day after the payment deadline,

Move over, mozzarella, there’s a champion cheese in town. On Friday, a Norwegian blue cheese bested contenders from around the world to become the world’s new No. 1 cheese. The cheese, Nidelven Blå from cheesemaker Gangstad Gårdsysteri, vied against the crème de la crème of the cheese world in Trondheim, Norway, in the world’s largest global cheese event. Organized by the Guild of Fine Food, the World Cheese Awards, now in its 35th edition, saw experts from across the globe join forces to crown

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

this year’s champion. This year marked a record-breaking year for the competition, with 4,502 cheeses, the highest number ever, arriving “by boat, truck, train and plane” to be judged by an esteemed panel of cheese experts. After a long day of deliberations, this year’s winner was finally chosen in front of a live audience by a carefully assembled “super jury,” including the Ambassador of Food Culture at Whole Foods Market in the U.S., after the entrants had been whittled down to a final 16. The judges had delectable things to say about Nidelven Blå, a semi-solid, blue mold cheese, made with pasteurized cows’ milk. “It has this sort of short creaminess, like real dense fudginess,” said one judge. Another called it “the perfect blue cheese.” A third remarked on its balance and “fruity overtones, maybe some winelike characteristics that really speak. It’s a very unique language.” Sounds really “gouda.”

A Slippery Offender

A man dressed in a banana costume sought to slip out of police custody after being caught this week doing something illegal in Key West. Cops were flagged down by pedestrians who told them “about a white male in a banana costume” who had been using the sidewalk as a bathroom. Police then spotted Kyle Mortimer, who took off as cops approached. While the 20-year-old was “zig zagging” to prevent capture, a second cop grabbed him by the peel. Mortimer then twisted and pulled away, before one of the cops used a leg sweep to knock him to the ground. Even then, Mortimer “interlaced his fingers and held them tightly together” in a bid to stymie his handcuffing. Mortimer was then arrested by police. He may just “appeal.”

From Rim to Rim

You’re never too old to make the trek. Alfredo Aliaga is proof of that. The 92-year-old, who was born in Spain, is now the oldest person to have hiked the Grand Canyon from rim to rim. Aliaga was accompanied by his daughter, North Carolina resident Anabel Aliaga-Buchenau; his son-inlaw, Jurgen Buchenau; and a pair of volunteer witnesses on his 24-mile trek, which totaled more than 21 hours of hiking. Aliaga, who had previously hiked the Grand Canyon several times, was greeted by a crowd of up to 100 supporters as his hike came to a close. “It was wonderful,” Aliaga enthused. “[They’re] all saying, ‘OK, Alfredo! You made it!’ It was really unique.” Aliaga is now believed to be the oldest person to cross the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim on foot, a record currently held by John Jepkema, who was 91 years and 152 days old when he completed his own hike in March. Aliaga said whether or not he is awarded the Guinness World Records title, he is planning to hike the Grand Canyon again next year. “You cannot say, ‘I am too old to do things,’” the nonagenarian said. “I am healthy and happy.” Sounds really grand.

Meth Lab Mansion

According to the listing, the house is in a “great location,” with easy access to the freeway, and affords more than 2,700 square feet of living space. It’s an easy commute for those working in Silicon Valley. The quiet neighborhood, along with its backyard filled with fruit trees, adds to its allure. There are three-and-a-half bathrooms, a swimming pool, a luxury spa, garage parking for one car, solar panels and air conditioning throughout. Don’t forget the drug den, though. “Great opportunity to own a large home on a large 6,000sqft lot,” says the listing on property website Redfin before acknowledging, “Home has inactive Meth lab and meth contamination. “Home has not been cleared of contamination and will be transferred to the new buyer in its current state.” The home’s previous owner, Peter Karasev, was arrested in March on suspicion of attacking electricity transformers. Police searching his house found the meth lab along with a weapons stockpile including guns and “homemade liquid explosive, multiple energetic homemade destructive devices,” according to a police press conference at the time. Karasev had been living in the house with his wife and three young children. We’re going to pass on this opportunity.

Trash Ties

A couple in Taiwan getting married decided on the perfect venue: a nearby trash heap. Decked out in a tux and gown for a

photo shoot, Iris Hsueh and her fiancé decided to have an “environmentally friendly wedding.” Iris is a campaigner for Greenpeace, an environmental group. The couple is asking guests at their wedding, to be held in January, to bring their own containers for taking home leftovers. Deciding that showing – not telling – was a more effective communication method for the importance of the cause, the Taipei-based couple traveled three hours south for a photo shoot in Puli township, where the amount of trash brought to a local dump has steadily risen over the years. “If any guests are not willing to bring along a container, I would show them the photograph and say, ‘Would you reconsider?’” the 33-year-old told AFP. The photos ended up garnering media attention, although Iris says, “I didn’t think it would create such a big sensation.” Trash in Puli township has increased exponentially over the past few years. “Two years ago, it was (five to six stories) high and the smell was even worse. It became unbearable to work here,” the sanitation chief said. He called the young couple’s methods at bringing attention to the matter “meaningful.” “The young are very creative compared to us older folks.” Iris said that her friends and relatives had promised to rethink how much waste they created in their daily lives. But she is just happy about the conversation her photos have started. “If possible, we should bring our own reusable utensils, mugs and containers. Cut down on your consumption and avoid single-use plastics.” And for the big day? “I hope to see everyone with a container on my wedding day,” the bride added. That’s one way to tie the knot.

Did you know?

If you’re looking for a large home for your beautiful family, consider this large California home on the market now for $1.55 million. The catch? The six-bedroom home in San Jose also has a meth lab – along with its contamination.

Bill Vaughan, a 20th century author, once said, “A citizen of America will cross the ocean to fight for democracy but won’t cross the street to vote in a national election.”

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Community Generations Celebrate Darchei Torah Fifth Graders’ Hascholas Gemara Grandfathers of Talmidim Delivered Divrei Bracha Photos by Naftoli Goldgrab

Rav Dovid Morgenstern, menahel

Mr. Rivie Schwebel

R’ Aharon Lopiansky

R’ Elisha Horowitz

Mr. Avi Weinstock

Dr. Moshe Katz

Mr. Mark Salamon

Mr. Moshe Hertz

R’ Shimon Finkelman

Dr. Baruch Kassover speaking. Seated, L-R: R’ Elisha Horowitz, R’ Yaakov Bender, R’ Moshe Bender, R’ Dovid Morgenstern and R’ Shraga Polter

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

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STEM at HAFTR

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

The talmidos of Nursery and Kindergarten classes of the Ganger Early Childhood Center at TAG collaborated to create a beautiful bulletin board depicting Sheises Yimei Bereishis

Standing Room Only: Shulamith Early Childhood Open House

hulamith’s Early Childhood, located in the heart of Woodmere, opened its doors to the community last Wednesday for its much-anticipated Open House event. The response from parents was so overwhelming that it became “standing room only,” as families flocked to get a glimpse of the top-notch educational facility and innovative programs that the school offers. The event featured a presentation by the newly appointed Early Childhood Director, Mrs. Rachel Brier. Brier shared her vision for the school’s education program, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded curriculum that combines academic growth with personal development. She spoke about the school’s commitment to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment where young minds can flourish. One enthusiastic parent, Mrs. Ruby Goldstein, shared her perspective on the school, lauding the institution for its commitment to fostering academic and social development. Mrs. Goldstein, whose three daughters are currently enrolled at Shulamith, spoke passionately about the enriching experience her children have at school. Following the wonderful speeches and video, an informative panel discussion took place. Parents and attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into the school’s philosophy, teaching methods, and extracurricular offerings. One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity to tour the school’s

tudents in HAFTR’s STEM program last week built enormous structures, constructed cars from various motors, and performed cool coding experiments. Our STEM program is

committed to cultivating a learning environment where curiosity is untamed and students are driven to discover. We cannot wait to see what comes next!

YOSS Examines an Esrog classrooms and learning centers. Parents Inside and Out were given a firsthand look at the modern and progressive classrooms that offer children a multitude of ways to learn, play, and collaborate. The various centers for learning, creative play, and collaborative activities demonstrated the school’s commitment to fostering holistic development in its students. If you missed this Open House event, don’t worry! Shulamith encourages interested parents to reach out for further information about the admissions process. Shulamith Early Childhood truly has captured the hearts of many parents and students in our community! Spaces are limited; early enrollment is recommended to secure a spot for your daughter. For more information, please reach out to admissions@shulamith.org.

ow that Sukkos is over, what does a second grade class do with the esrog? Mrs. Berenholz’s class, at YOSS, carefully examined 10 esrogim for color, shape, size, taste, and texture. They then compared their results with other citrus fruits – lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits. Each boy recorded his observations on a chart to see the similarities and differences. Next, the class went on a hunt for esrog seeds, which the boys them placed on 100’s charts. After adding up all the seeds the boys collected, they were surprised to find 657 seeds! The boys discovered that esrogim have many more seeds than other citrus fruits. A student’s uncle, a proud YOSS

alumnus, provided the class with an X-ray, CT scan and MRI of an esrog. The boys really got a clear picture of the esrog!

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Shulamith High School Open House By Rikki Gersten and Nikki Weiss

his past Sunday, Shulamith High School hosted its annual Open House to inaugurate the Class of 2028 admissions season. As seniors helping as ambassadors, it was an outstanding experience for all. As we greeted everyone who walked through the doors, we really felt the ruach that was portrayed. Seeing the smiles and enthusiasm on everyone’s faces, from SHS students to staff to applicants, we knew it was going to be a great day. Even though over 600 people walked through the doors, we still felt united as one big family. We began the program with the Student Experience Expo, showcasing some of the incredible things Shulamith has to offer. Guests warmed up at the hot cocoas station and donut wall and browsed different booths exhibiting programs such as Shabbaton, STEM, yearbook, clubs,

and Israel advocacy. We then moved to the tent outside and started the main program by saying some Tehillim for our families in Israel. Principal Munk then began her speech with this year’s motto: “We don’t do aver-

age, we do awesome.” She elaborated on the many awesome aspects of SHS, including the passionate dedication of our faculty, the myriad opportunities offered in academics, athletics, leadership, and growth, and the individualized warmth

and devotion that allows all types of students to find her spotlight. She then spoke about Parshas Lech Lecha, when Hashem told Avraham to count the stars, and he began to count, trying to do the impossible. This teaches us that no matter how hard the challenge may be, here at Shulamith we strive to do the impossible, always with the help of our awesome team that comprises the Shulamith family. Students were then able to sit in sample classes given by the teachers, which were created to give them a feel of what typical classes are like at SHS. They got to see how high school classes are run and were able to experience the warmth of SHS. Even as SHS grows each year, it’s maintained that small-school family feel that makes us so proud of and dedicated to our school. It was an incredible opportunity for us to give back by showing up as our school’s greatest fans and sharing our SHS pride with the community.

Kol Berama: An Evening of Unity, Song and Tefilla For Women

ast Wednesday night, October 25, over 350 women from the Five Towns and Far Rockaway joined together in the Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst ballroom to mark the yahrzeit of Rachel Imeinu with an evening of unity, song, and tefillah. Women of all ages from various shuls and neighborhoods across the community came together to daven and sing with one another, in a tremendous show of achdus. The evening was organized by shul rebbetzins across the community, many of whom have worked together and formed relationships through their involvement with the Jewish Women’s Leadership Council (JWLC). The evening opened with words of chizuk from Rebbetzin Ruchie Axelrod who talked about our emunah that Hashem runs every aspect of what happens in the world, as well as the idea that we as a people always maintain hope. The evening continued with singing led by Sorah Shaffren, interwoven with word of chizuk and Tehillim led by community rebbetzins. Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner shared the idea that we as people choose how we react to our world, and despite all the pain right now, we make the choice to pick up our heads and move forward with our love for each other and

faith that Hashem will save us. Rebbetzin Rifki Freundlich continued with the idea that it is from Eretz Yisrael that we receive all goodness, bracha, and nechama in our lives, and it is the images and inspiration that we are getting from Israel that give us the strength we need. Rebbetzin Shani Lefkowitz relayed the message of Rav Meir Shapiro, who showed us that just as Hashem is eternal, we as His nation are eternal. Rebbetzin Nava Orlian spoke about the strength we gain from previous generations, as the trials and suffering that they overcame is a source of comfort as well an inspiration for us today. Rebbetzin Chanie Wolowik described how, in a loss for words, we ask Hashem to take our emotions and feelings to formulate a tefillah, as well as the idea that we wait every day for the Geulah, with the faith that it could come at any moment.

The program continued with a short video about the achdus and unity of Am Yisrael coming together as one nation during these difficult times. Rebbetzin Malka Trump then concluded the words of chizuk, saying that Rachel Imeinu, through her actions, has shown us that the key to unlocking the Geulah is our love and concern for our brothers and sis-

ters in their times of pain and difficulty. Heartfelt song concluded the evening with prayers and hopes for a Yeshua for our sisters and brother in Israel and that we should merit to see the promise to Rachel Imeinu fulfilled – “v’shavu banim l’gevulam, and your children shall return to their borders.”

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Incredible Display of Unity

Nearly 1,000 Jews from all backgrounds joined BJX in Brooklyn in solidarity for Israel on Sunday

Rachel’s Cookies

ast week, women in the Five Towns community volunteered to bake cookies to raise money for Israel using Rachel Edri’s recipe. Rachel Edri, while being held hostage in her home in Israel, used her quick thinking and bravery to outwit Hamas militants. She distracted the kidnappers with coffee and cookies until Special Forces came to

her rescue and killed the terrorists. The cookies saved her life! Hundreds of cookies were sold at Dimples on Central Avenue, with 100% of the proceeds going to help those in Israel. Israeli themed bracelets, earrings, challah, and siddur and Tehillim stickers were part of the sale as well.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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AMIT National Event: An Evening in Solidarity with the Children of Israel

MIT’s national event, “An Evening in Solidarity with the Children of Israel,” is slated to take place at Sony Hall on Monday, November 20 at 6:30 pm. AMIT’s event focus – the children of Israel – takes on even more significance since the outbreak of war. The evening will include a special musical concert by Tony Award winner Idina Menzel and serves as the culmination of major AMIT tributes across the country taking place in Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and South Florida. This national event will unveil the naming of The Gabel & Straus Campus at Kfar Batya, dedicated by Joyce and Daniel Straus of Englewood, NJ; mark the success of The Tiferet Guy Aryeh Junior College dedicated by Ellen Spitzer-Kronitz and Emanual Kronitz; and recognize the Morris & Rosalind Goodman Family Foundation AMIT Summer Camp program. “After consulting with Israel’s government representatives, we were told in no uncertain terms that in addition to our Sderot Heal the Children Emergency campaign we should redouble our efforts across the country, so AMIT will be able to meet the future needs of Israel’s children,” said Andy Goldsmith, AMIT’s Executive Vice President. “The event will reflect the seriousness of the crisis in Israel while providing the opportunity to

join together and recognize those who have distinguished themselves with their extraordinary commitment.” The state-of-the-art Kfar Batya campus honors Stefanie Gabel and Jack Gabel z” l, Joyce Straus’s parents, and Gwendolyn z” l and Joseph Straus z” l, parents of Daniel Straus. Stefanie and Jack Gabel, Holocaust survivors who came to the U.S. in 1949, rebuilt their family and life in Forest Hills, NY. Gwendolyn and Joseph Straus were an active and integral part of the early Zionist movement in the United States. Gwendolyn Straus joined AMIT (which was then Mizrachi Women’s Organization of America) as a teenager, and AMIT was a central focus throughout her life. Joyce Straus, a long time AMIT board member and officer, is AMIT’s former Chair of the Board and current Vice President for Financial Resource Development. The naming of the campus is the largest gift in AMIT’s nearly 100-year history. “We wanted to give this gift in honor and memory of our parents, to benefit AMIT and the state of Israel,” said Joyce Straus. “We hope that this will inspire others with the ability to give to make a significant investment in AMIT and Israel’s future.” “We are beyond honored and grateful to the Straus family for this magnificent investment, just when Israel needs sup-

The Gabel & Straus Campus at Kfar Batya, dedicated by Joyce and Daniel Straus

port more than ever,” says Shari Safra, AMIT President. “We are deeply appreciative of their commitment to our students, which is making the construction of this campus possible.” AMIT Ambassadors’ Club & President’s Circle members will receive complimentary admission in gratitude for their annual support. These members and others who wish to attend can reserve tickets at: amitchildren.org/ gala2023. Founded in 1925, AMIT serves 40,000 students annually across eighty-seven

schools in twenty-nine cities throughout Israel. AMIT welcomes all children, helping them realize their potential while strengthening Israeli society through education. This nurturing occurs within a framework of innovation, academic excellence, and Jewish values. www.amitchildren.org

showcasing a strong commitment to their faith and spirituality. Culminating Kumzitz: The retreat concluded with a heartwarming kumzitz, a soulful gathering filled with songs, stories, and shared moments of inspiration. The evening was a beautiful culmination,

bringing everyone together in a celebration of unity and togetherness. The retreat was an invaluable experience, fostering personal growth, deepening bonds, and instilling a sense of communal responsibility.

For more information on how to support AMIT’s ongoing “Help AMIT Heal the Children of the Sderot” campaign, visit http://amitchildren.org/healisrael.

YSZ HS’s Achdut Retreat

SZ High School for Girls embarked on an unforgettable four-day retreat, themed around achdut, friendship, stretching beyond comfort zones, voice, teambuilding and emunah. Here’s a glimpse of the amazing journey our students had: MIT Program: Led by their insightful teachers Ms. Greenberg, Mrs. Wasser, and Mrs. Yachnes, who attended MIT in the summer, the program focused on encouraging students to ask thoughtful questions about significant relationships in their lives. Through guided discussions, students explored topics such as speaking kindly to siblings and demonstrating respect to their mothers, promoting a deeper understanding of these essential bonds. Mrs. Zerykier’s Inspirational Messaging: Throughout the retreat,

Mrs. Zerykier reminded every student that they play a part in helping Am Yisrael, emphasizing the power of spreading good in times of evil. Students can fight terrorism through tefillah, acts of kindness, writing to soldiers, reciting Tehillim, and uniting in prayer for the safe return of hostages. While facing unthinkable cruelty, the most significant action is to promote kindness and walk b’derech Hashem. Ropes Course: The ropes course was not just an exhilarating adventure; it was a platform for team-building and personal growth. The challenges presented an opportunity for students to navigate through tough situations together, fostering unity and resilience. Voluntary Sunrise Tefillah: Impressive dedication was seen as 20 girls voluntarily woke up for sunrise prayers,

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hen the Central community committed to this year’s theme of positivity, no one could have imagined what the global events of the semester would bring. But this ethos has been leading the Central community in its initiatives since October 7. “We are here, and our hearts are in Israel,” said Central’s Head of School, Ms. Bracha Rutner. “Ever since we woke up on Shemini Atzeret morning to the news about the horrific events in Israel, we have been thinking about how we can support the families, the soldiers, and the country as a whole. This is our homeland, and we want to help them.” Central students and faculty have found purpose in becoming part of the solution, providing aid and joint prayers for the state of Israel and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Efforts have included a program of Tehillim and song, led by Central’s F.I.R.E Fellows, on Tuesday, October 10. On Rosh Chodesh, students led a meaningful Israeli-themed Hallel. Central continues to commit to davening as a school throughout this period, with Avinu Malkeinu added to the daily Tefillah. Central’s positivity initiative even found its way into Open House festivities on October 15, when visiting eighth graders had an opportunity to make care packages for IDF soldiers. A goods drive, a letter-writing campaign thanking President Joe Biden for his support of the Israeli government, and a campaign writing letters to Israeli soldiers have also given Central students an opportunity to find purpose in a time of crisis. Central students have attended rallies for Israel in New York City and Nassau County and have raised over 500 dollars in order to send meals to Jewish nurses and doctors working in Israeli hospitals. Most significantly, Central found time to connect with its Israeli sister school, Ulpanat Bnei Akiva Lachish, on Thursday, October 19. Located in the south of Israel, the Lachish community was established in 2005 after many families were expelled from Gush Katif. The community built the school from scratch, with daughters from approximately fifty families comprising the first class. Now with an enrollment of over 300, Lachish conducts a Ba’aretz program with Cen-

tral in which our school sends students to live in Israel and experience Israeli high school. The special bond between the schools runs deeply – with a shared dedication to community and passionate Zionism, the warmth between the two schools is palpable. The 90-minute program, held via Zoom, held the feel of a reunion. “My sisters in Central!” one Ulpanat student greeted the crowd. Central students heard from Ulpana Lachish’s principal, Mrs. Shira Greenwald, as well as the Rosh Beit Midrash of the school, Rav Nadav. Israeli journalist Sivan Rahav Meir also gave her reflections on recent events and encouraged those in Lachish and America to confront the current struggles with optimism, mindfulness of others, and a strengthened sense of Yiddishkeit. Central students were honored to hear from Eitan Weiss, an Israeli tank commander who traveled from his home in Cleveland, Ohio, to Israel in order to join the front lines. Juniors Reema Gampel and Amy Morris studied at Ulpanat Lachish in 2022 and were moved to see old friends and mentors. “It felt really great to reconnect with all my friends in Lachish, especially with the war going on,” Reema said. “It was very meaningful to daven with them in these times.” Amy agreed: “I absolutely loved seeing the staff and students from Ulpanat Lachish, especially HaMenahelet Shira and HaRav Nadav,” she said. “When we were in Lachish, they showed us the greatest hospitality, and that’s a huge part of why we try to do everything that we can to help them. Reaching out to support our friends and their families in Israel is so important, because they would do the same for us.”

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

Central Creates Positivity and Unity in Troubling Times

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Supporting Israel in West Hempstead

n October 29, the West Hempstead Jewish community, together with Yad Leah organization, hosted a clothing drive for Israel. Headed by Wendy and Shulamit, they filled a 53-foot truck with bags upon bags of new and gently used clothing for men, women and children in Israel. In addition, in just three weeks, they collected enough medical and tactical supplies for the IDF to ship 400 duffel bags to Israel, organized by Shelley and Ariel.

What an amazing community. We stand behind Israel today, tomorrow and always.

Baking for a Cause

ast week, 4th grade girls at HAFTR baked challah in honor of Rachel Imeinu’s yahrtzeit, praying for safety, security, and peace in Israel.

Guided by their teachers, the girls embraced the significance and beauty of this mitzvah.

YCQ Junior High Creates Giant Map of Israel in Moment of Solidarity

By: Rabbi Stephen Knapp

he YCQ Junior High School (JHS) created an unprecedented moment of solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel. Over the past three weeks, since we learned about the horrors inflicted upon our people in Israel, the YCQ JHS has been turning our focus to Israel through tefillah, talmud Torah, chessed, political activism, and learning about the history of our homeland. We have also sent supplies to Israel and letters to soldiers, victims and politicians. We have done everything but actually gone to Israel, which was not practical. So what did we do? We brought Israel to YCQ! On Thursday, October 26, the YCQ JHS participated in a special program in which 300 students turned the yard into a huge map of Israel. Students stood along the “borders” of Israel and had the opportunity to see themselves creating the map of Israel that was celebrated by taking drone pictures and videos of our students unyielding total commitment to Israel. The “YCQ Stands With Israel” mo-

ment included Tehilim, tefillot, slow and fast songs and a lot of blue and white, to celebrate our love and commitment. It was one of those special unity moments, culminating a period of intense learning about the map and history of Israel and the unity and camaraderie that Israel creates for the Jewish people. Many thanks to the individuals and teams that made this event happen including the security, facilities and technology teams as well as Mr. Jacob Grossman, Mrs. Jen Jaffe, Rabbi Ophie Nat and Mr. Izzi Pourad for his expert drone photography. Am Yisrael Chai!

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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JSL Week 5 Recap

he JSL Fall Season by FM Home Loans has reached its midpoint with some incredible games and individual performances! The competition is getting more fierce as we approach the playoffs. The JSL Winter season begins January 7. Registration and more info at 5TJSL.com JSL Juniors K/P Hockey: Gabriel Sipzner scored a hat-trick and helped Town Appliance defeat PIP Printing. John’s Auto scored early and often as Ari Blobstein found the back of the net 6 times to power his team to a big win. In a game that featured an array of 5 different goal scorers for Pinit Realty, it was Binyamin Goldman leading the charge for his team with his hustle. K/P Soccer: Joel Gallis hustled hard all game Sunday, leading his team to victory. Island Roofing defeated Simcha Day Camp in a close defensive battle, which saw excellent play and hustle from Emmanuel Birnboim as he led Island Roofing to a 3-1 victory. 1st Hockey: Shimmy Schwartz had an amazing backhand save, and Gav Prince

delivered with 2 goals as Zahav Asset Management defeated Hewlett Auto Body 5 to 3. Moshe Yifat was unbelievable on defense in a crazy PinIt Realty vs. 5 Towns Central matchup that saw 5 lead changes and ended in a tie. 1st/2nd Football: Gavriel Kasper and Binyamin Katz both had tremendous catches for Westwood Realty in their victory over Target Exterminating. Issac Belsky had the PLAY OF THE DAY as he ran a beautiful route and made an incredible diving catch over 2 defenders. Basketball 3rd/4th: Akiva Lesser recorded a double-double, with 12 points and 10 rebounds, as he led Newman Dental to a decisive win over Maidenbaum. 5th-7th: Dovi Mlynsky had a sweet jump shot from the corner and Noam Rosman grabbed nearly every board as 4SeasonsAC defeated Wieder Orthodontics 35 to 19. Elazar Roberts continued his incredible season with a double-double Sunday, scoring 12 points and grabbing 18 rebounds, helping guide Island Roofing to another victory.

Hockey 2nd/3rd: Ezra Donowitz could not be stopped Sunday afternoon, scoring 4 goals for SDF Architect in their victory over Built By Nate. Insight Optiks held on to a one goal lead over Arielle Rosenblatt Interiors. Akiva Levine played amazing defense for I Am Your Chef as they tied Believe and Achieve 2 to 2. 4th/5th: Marciano Pediatric Dentistry jumped out early to a 2 goal lead but Miller Realty stormed back with 4 goals of their own to win 4-2. Yaakov Siegel scored the game-winning goal as Town Appliance beat Tamir Law 5 to 4. 6th/8th: Chu’s Meat Market got out to a 7 to 2 lead over Extreme Vent Cleaning and looked like they were well on their way to a sure victory. However, Yaakov Levine and Extreme Vent Cleaning were not deterred as Yaakov scored a triple hat-trick, with many of the goals assisted by Yechiel Teitelbaum to lead Extreme to an 11-9 exciting victory. The primetime Monday night game was an absolute thriller this week as JNT and Wieder Orthodontics headed into shootouts with JNT edging out the victory behind an incredible performance from GAME MVP Binyamin Hirtz. Men’s Basketball Dovi Wisnicki played great in the 2nd half, helping Miller Realty defeat Rita’s. Jonathan Bayez hit a RECORD 14 three-pointers, helping DJ Haim put up nearly 100 points in their win over Wieder Orthodontics. Simcha Klein poured in

buckets all game long, as Town Appliance narrowly defeated Insight Optiks 55-53. Game of the Week In 2nd/3rd Hockey, Marciano Pediatric Dentistry and Island Roofing matched up in this week’s Game of the Week. The fans were on the edge of the seats throughout the whole game as the lead changed 6 different times. Dovid Schwadel was the hero for Marciano, scoring an incredible goal with 2 minutes left in the game. Marciano’s defense then locked down and pulled off an incredible victory. GAME MVPS: Joel Gallis, Gabriel Sipzner , Ari Blobstein , Gavriel Kasper, Isaac Belsky, Yitzchak Hertz, Gabriel Prince, Moshe Yifat , Ezra Donowitz, Akiva Lesser, Mordechai Reisz, Feldman twins, Avraham Shurin , Netanel Nathanson, Moshe Beiss, Avi Fligelman, Dovid Goldman, Moshe Rozelle, Daniel Oppen, Tom Pelansky, Noam Rosman, Elazar Roberts, Yehuda Wolf, Shua Heimovitz, Reuben Renov, Tzvi Greenspan, Yaakov Levine, Binyomin Hirtz

Shulamith Students Commemorate Rachel Imeinu’s Yahrtzeit

n 11 Cheshvan, the Shulamith talmidos had a special program for the Yahrtzeit of Rachel Imeinu. Students in Grades 1-5 decorated special stickers to affix to their siddurim on which they wrote what they ask Rachel Imeinu to daven for. In separate assemblies, the 4th and 8th grade choirs

performed Rachel Imeinu songs beautifully, and the girls watched a beautiful video featuring our students visiting Kever Rachel and a slideshow of chayalim related to our girls. Thank you to Mrs. Michelle Farbman, Morah Chaya Rubin, and Morah Rachel Ash for a beautiful program!

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NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

6th Annual FM Home Loans MAY 5K

tudent involvement in the activities at Mesivta Ateres Yaakov is always strongly encouraged. The Yeshiva feels that developing areas of responsibility and outreach are part and parcel of building well-rounded bnei Torah. To this end, the Yeshiva boasts an active Student Government elected by their peers whose officers have rigorous job duties. Under the direction of Rabbi Josh Zern, the Student Government organized the 6th Annual FM Home Loans MAY 5K race on the Far Rockaway Boardwalk, which took place this past Sunday, October 29. Runners included students, parents, alumni and rabbeim, who participated to raise funds for tuition scholarships and student activities.

“This is a perfect example of healthy, kosher outlets that our Yeshiva prides itself in providing,” commented Rabbi Yossi Bennett, menahel. “Our Student Government did an incredible job in or-

Long Motzei Shabbos

ear Ahuva, Now that Shabbos is ending earlier, I want to know what to do about Melave Malka. Motzei Shabbos is a time that my whole family gathers together, which of course means FOOD! How am I going to resist all the pizza and French Fries, bagels, cream cheese, cheesecakes, and other treats? I don’t want to start gaining back the weight that I lost! Signed, Nervous for Long Motzei Shabbos Dear Nervous, Winter Shabbosim are here, which means long Motzei Shabbos, but it also means no more endless Fridays! This should make your weekend feel more manageable because most people will be pleasantly surprised at how much easier it is to stick to their food plan over Friday and Shabbos. And after a great Shabbos you are less likely to want to mess everything up by overindulging on Motzei Shabbos. On our plan we allow one slice of pizza per week, so many people save their slice of pizza for after Shabbos. We also allow a treat, so people save this treat for their Melave Malka as well. A big salad, a slice of pizza, and a diet ice cream is a great meal that will leave you satisfied and not feeling deprived. If you don’t want to eat pizza, or are afraid that you won’t have the self control to stop at one slice, you can make a homemade pizza using a low

calorie wrap, sauce, vegetables, and an ounce or two of lowfat cheese, depending on your plan. Diet drinks and a bowl of vegetable soup can help fill you up as well. Get into a good Motzei Shabbos routine early on in the season so that it will become a habit for you. Good Luck! Ahuva ... Remember, we’re here for you! Call, text, or email, whether it’s with questions or just for support. Wishing you a healthy and TAPtastic week! Sincerely, Ahuva Ahuva Silver is a nutrition counselor, manager and Emsculpt technician at Nutrition by Tanya. Ahuva makes everyone feel so welcome and comfortable, as well as motivated and encouraged. Ahuva’s motto is that taking care of yourself will make you a better and happier person, parent, spouse, and friend. It is never too late to start! For more information on Nutrition by Tanya, including the 12 NBT locations, the TAP (Tanya-approved products) food line, or Emsculpt please visit NutritionbyTanya.com or call 844-Tanya-Diet (844-826-9234). For daily tips and inspiration, follow @nutritionbytanya on Instagram

ganizing this event.” A big yasher ko’ach to our top three winners Yoel Kreindler (first place), Chaim Shapiro (second place), and Eliyahu Deil (third place). Each runner received a swag bag filled with sponsored items such as a Dri-Fit T-Shirt, sports bottle, beanie, and more. At the race starting line, over 200 runners began their 5-kilometer fundraising journey. Rabbi Josh Zern, MAY’s Director of Development, noted, “It’s amazing to see our students work so hard to help the Yeshiva provide scholarships for

their peers. I think it really reflects the middos the Yeshiva works to inculcate in the student body.” The run was a tremendous success, bringing in much-needed funding for yeshiva scholarships and student activities, while providing the participants the opportunity to enjoy a meaningful afternoon or camaraderie and exercise. In support of our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisroel, the Mesivta and its Student Government is donating $10,000 of the proceeds to United Hatzalah of Israel whose lifesaving work is so vital during this challenging time for Klal Yisroel.

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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My Efforts to Assist Women Throughout New York State By Stacey Pheffer Amato

ast year, I introduced Bill A.8537 (2022) relating to providing insurance coverage regarding post mastectomy options. Not only was this bill signed into law, but we are now celebrating the one-year anniversary of giving women full autonomy over their post-mastectomy decisions. As we have just concluded October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I found it important to address this topic. For those unfamiliar with this issue, this law ensures that insurance companies must pay for a woman’s surgery following a mastectomy regardless of the surgery type. Prior to this law passing, only certain procedures were deemed eligible for coverage by insurance companies. That was unacceptable, and last year, through my legislation ,New York State became the first State in the country to require insurance companies to cover both procedures af-

ter a mastectomy: reconstructive surgery or aesthetic flat closure. In addition to post-care, I also want to stress the importance of precautionary measures women can take to detect and hopefully prevent breast cancer. We know that early detection of this disease can lead to a much better outcome. As your State legislator, I have been working to protect women’s health for years. In 2019, I worked to pass legislation that determined that a mammogram is medically necessary which then expanded insurance coverage for annual mammograms for women 35 and older. About 1 in 8 U.S. women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the course of their lifetime, and sadly, we all know someone who has been impacted by breast cancer. A mammogram is the most effective screening tool to detect breast cancer in most women, and there should never be a concern over whether this necessary method is covered by insurance. I’m hon-

ored to know that for women in New York there is no longer that type of barrier. As we honor the brave women, and even men, who have battled breast cancer, we also celebrate these developments in resources. With all we have achieved, I know our work for women is not done. I am committed to helping women and

everyone to the best of my ability in my capacity as your Assemblywoman. As always, do not hesitate to contact my office by email at amatos@nyassembly.gov or by phone at 718-945-9550. As always, it is a pleasure to serve you, and I look forward to representing you for many years to come.

Central Remembers the Tree of Life HANC High School’s Yom Iyun Synagogue Attack Commemorates the 11th of Cheshvan

his past Friday, October 27, marked five years since the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. The antisemitic attack killed 11 people, injured six, and is the deadliest attack on Jewish people in the United States in our nation’s history. Students Demand Action at Central, a chapter of Everytown, a national organization to combat gun violence, held a ceremony in front of the school honoring the lives lost. The ceremony began with the founder of the chapter, Michal Heimowitz, giving an introduction about the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting. Eleven Students Demand Action members spoke about each of the eleven people who were killed at the synagogue. In addition, yahrzeit candles were lit in memory of each victim: Irving Younger, Melvin Wax, Rose Mallinger, Bernice Simon, Sylvan Simon, Jerry Rabinowitz, Joyce Fienberg, Richard Gottfried, Daniel Stein, Cecil Rosenthal, and David Rosenthal. Lana Bahn, a member of Students

Demand Action at Central says, “I was really moved by the memorial. The fact that I, along with some other members of the SDA club, had the opportunity to bring awareness and understanding to others made it so clear how important these kinds of events are.” Hannah Austin, another member of Students Demand Action at Central, shares, “It was truly one of the most special things I’ve done. I think remembering those who we lost is really important.” The ceremony concluded with a call to action: “honor the victims of gun violence with action,” – whether that means advocating for common-sense gun safety laws, voting for gun sense candidates in elected offices or amplifying the voices of gun violence survivors’ and their stories.

n October 27, commemorating the yahrzeit of Rachel Imeinu, HANC High School girls gathered with their morot for an inspirational learning program on the topic of Connecting to Tefillah Through the Morning Brachot. The program opened with a wonderful and impactful multimedia presentation followed by Morah Batsheva Fink’s explanation of the meaningful midrash about Rachel’s selflessness and devotion to Klal Yisrael. The Girls’ Chorus, led by seniors Rachel Levian and Rebecca Lalo, performed a beautiful version of “Kol Berama” and “Mama Rachel.” Students were then divided into

groups and participated in varied interactive sessions related to the morning brachot and how it relates to Eretz Yisrael. The program concluded with each student writing her own personal tefilla to keep in her siddur. Students also enjoyed a Grab&Go of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and Tazo iced tea. This experience allowed participants to delve into the theme of the program and come away with life-long lessons. The girls headed into Shabbat on an inspirational high. We thank Student Life’s Ms. Elianna Samimi for spearheading this initiative and to all the faculty who supported the program in so many ways.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Historic Event For Shulamith School for Girls

his past Friday was a historic day for Shulamith School for Girls. After many years in a number of different locations, the Shulamith Elementary School finally has a place that we can call our own. With the help of Hashem, and a group of very dedicated Board of Directors, Building Committee members, and families, our dream has finally become a reality. With the location of this building in the heart of the Five Towns, this incredible news will transform and assist the growing needs of our community for many years to come. The final signing ceremony was attended by many elected officials and board members, including Coun-

ty Executive Bruce Blakeman, Mayor of Cedarhurst Ben Weinstock, County Legislator Howard Koppel, and Shulamith President Mr. Ari Cohen. It is hard to describe the joy and jubilation of reaching this momentous occasion. Watching the excitement and happy faces walking into the building on a daily basis is a testament to the incredible selfless dedication of each and every one of the faculty members. Should you wish to have a part in this momentous occasion, please do not hesitate to reach out to us or can contribute on our website at 305buildingcampaign. com

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato Honored by Yeshiva

ssemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) recently commended the opening of the first school-based health center in a non-public school. The health center, run by Premium Health and located at Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway, provides mental health evaluations and services as well as primary care to the 2,700 students at the yeshiva. During the dedication ceremony, Pheffer Amato received an award recognizing her successful advocacy and was cited as the driving factor for getting this facility through all the red tape with the State Department of Health, along all other agencies involved in this project. Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato em-

Timeless Counsel for all Aspects of Jewish Life: The Haas Family Edition Pele Yoeitz

magine an encyclopedia – or, in 21st century terms, a Wikipedia – of Torah thought, wisdom and hashkafah. You can read this encyclopedia through from A to Z – or, in this case, from Alef to Tav. You can also use it as a reference on specific topics. Or you might want to just riffle through the entries, broadening your knowledge and enriching your understanding. And imagine that you can go to that encyclopedia and find not only facts and wisdom, but also brilliant and practical advice for living, and gentle mussar designed to strengthen your connection to Hashem and His Torah. You don’t have to imagine it. That encyclopedic collection of Jewish wisdom

and guidance has been available and beloved for two centuries. It’s called Sefer Pele Yoeitz. And it is now available and accessible to ArtScroll readers, with a flowing translation and elucidation, in the Haas Family Edition Pele Yoeitz: The Classic Work by Rabbi Eliezer Papo. Pele Yoeitz was authored by the renowned halachic authority, ethicist, and kabbalist Rav Eliezer Papo. The work, which has achieved universal popularity, is arranged alphabetically and covers themes that range from philosophy to halachah to practical advice. Topics discussed in this first of the projected four-volume series range from advice on chinuch, to interpersonal relationships, conducting a business, developing

personal integrity, and how to build a home, look for a shidduch, or publish a sefer…the list goes on and on. This first volume also features a comprehensive, 70-page discussion of “dibbur,” speech, and how a person can sanctify his words, with separate sections on “mitzvah” speech, permitted speech, and forbidden speech. Like the rest of the book, each section is a beautiful blend of hashkafah and practical, down-toearth advice that displays a profound understanding of human nature. This is a book of “pele yoeitz” – wondrous guidance – that has illuminated Jewish life for two centuries and continues to bring Torah wisdom to us now.

phasized how there are many important benefits to having the center on-campus and how this will work to remove the stigma around mental health needs, while also streamlining the process to obtain support. “This is a tremendous occasion that I am honored to have helped shepherd into existence. The amazing health services that the students of Yeshiva Darchei Torah will be eligible to receive matches that of the amazing education they get every day. This is a resource for students and the families! I applaud Rabbi Bender for his vision and the entire school community for coming together. I am so happy to see this dream come to fruition.”

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

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The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

HALB students are busy in the HALB Makerspace working on the STEM Monthly design Challenge

The boys went “bowling” for the letter “beis” in Morah Shanna Katz’s class at Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s Harriet Keilson Early Childhood Center

Gan Chamesh Achdus Rally For Eretz Yisroel

he children of Gan Chamesh gathered together for an achdus rally to support our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisroel. They said Tehilim, gave tzedakah, decorated posters to send to the soldiers in Eretz Yisroel,

and danced and sang together. May the meaningful tefillos, mitzvos and achdus expressed by the precious neshamos of the children be a zechus for the coming of Moshiach.

Hamotzi Challenge at HALB

ubby Naomi shared her Holocaust survival story with the world. When she was hiding in a bomb shelter and all the adults around her were davening, the only bracha she knew by heart was Hamotzi Lechem Min Haaretz. So Naomi spent every minute saying this

bracha over and over, and she attributes her family being saved to this bracha. Now students in HALB have been saying the bracha of Hamotzi out loud and proud, eating bread just so they could make the bracha, praying for the Jewish people and Eretz Yisrael.

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hroughout Jewish history, the way Klal Yisrael overcome any adversity was through uniting as one. This past week, talmidim of Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim challenged themselves to work together and build on their achdus with a trip to Escape the Room. Baruch Hashem, with teamwork, they escaped with time to spare!

Detectives at Work

rs. Mayer’s third grade ELA class in Yeshiva of South Shore has a bunch of new science detectives hard at work! After culminating our unit on “The Gasping Garbage” by Michele Torrey, the students became professional science detectives able to make hypothesis and solve the cases at hand. After each chapter, the students used their predicting skills to predict who they thought the culprit was as well as possible solutions to the various situations in the story. Inspired by the experiments in the book, the class went straight to testing these theories to test their efficacy. The first ex-

periment was testing out a new solution for appearing ink using a baking soda, water solution and a flame. The students’ faces lit up just as quickly as the words appeared on their papers! Did you know that a gasping, gurgling garbage could truly just be a baker’s leftover recipe for bread and not a mini monster waiting to come out? The boys were able to witness firsthand the activated yeast “bubbling and burping” similar to what occurred in the “gasping garbage” in the book. Combining science and literature is the ultimate way to appreciate ELA at Yeshiva of South Shore!

Grow Torah at Lev Chana

he Grow Torah garden is overflowing which means students get to continue harvesting and composting! The children had a lot of fun picking butternut squash and weeding the garden.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

Achdus at Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Transportation Exploration at HANC

n honor of Parshat Lech Lecha, the yeladim in HANC’s Early Childhood Center in West Hempstead engaged in a week full of transportation exploration. The children learned about the different modes of transportation that exist and heard many stories about how we can move from one place to another. They used their critical thinking skills when asked, “If you were going on a trip, what should you pack in your suitcase?” As one can imagine, the responses were adorable. Morah Trudy, Director of HANC Early Childhood Center added, “I think my favorite response was the child who said his favorite way to come to school was on a camel!” The children were also very busy creating their own vehicles using large cardboard boxes, which included: boats, ambulances, fire engines, police cars, an El Al plane and even a rocket ship! Each class created their own vehicle by painting the box and then adding wheels, wings, and other details. The

children had a delightful time crafting their vehicles and were amazed at the final products. They also discussed the significance of a stop light, and practiced walking and stopping when the red light was lit. The children also learned about the special tefillah that we recite when traveling. Each child decorated their own “Tefillat HaDerech” sign that they presented to their parents to hang in their cars. Once they learned about this tefillah, they then took a ride on the “HANC

ECC Rakevet,” a fun train ride where they could go into the train and peer out through the windows. The children utilized their imagination to wonder about what they would see along the route of their train ride. The most spectacular experience this week was the visit from the West Hempstead Fire Department in honor of Fire Safety Month. Nursery Aleph student April Fruchter’s father, Michael, came dressed in his firefighter uniform with his big shiny red fire truck to the ECC for

all to see. The children learned about fire safety and even had a chance to go inside the truck and have their picture taken. The yeladim learned about what constitutes an emergency, and when to call 911. At the conclusion of the program, each child was presented with a firefighter helmet as a reminder to always stay safe. HANC wishes to thank the West Hempstead Fire Department for their visit and for their tireless efforts to keep everyone in our neighborhood safe.

5 Towns Flag Football

hat a week it was in the 5 Towns Flag Football League! This week was a super special week as it was a double-header! It also was special because every single participant received a FM Home Loans 5 Towns Flag Football Blanket. These blankets were so soft, and the players were so excited to get them and to use them at home. Let’s talk about the great games that we had this week. In the Pre-1A division,

the boys had a great time catching the ball and learning how to play defense. This was the first week they played with flag football flags and they learnt how to pull the flags and play a game with them. In the first grade division, the boys are becoming great players and showing excellent teamwork skills. In the second grade division, the Broncos and the Giants tied, the Eagles beat the Patriots, and the Vikings and the Jets tied in a back-to-back battle. In the second game,

the Jets beat the Broncos, the Patriots beat the Giants, and the Eagles beat the Vikings with an amazing game-winning touchdown by Mordechai Chinskey! In the first game of the third and fourth grade division, the Saints beat the Seahawks, the Packers beat the Raiders, the Giants beat the Panthers, the Broncos beat the Patriots, the Falcons beat the Steelers, and the Dolphins tied with the Jets in a thrilling game that you wouldn’t believe if you didn’t see it in person. In the second game, the Patriots beat the Dolphins, the Panthers beat the Steelers, the Broncos beat the Saints, the Giants beat the Packers, the Falcons beat the Seahawks, and the Jets beat the Raiders with some great plays by Eitan Reich! In the first game of the fifth and sixth grade division, the Steelers beat the Falcons, the Giants beat the Panthers, the Seahawks tied the Saints, the Packers beat the Raiders, the Broncos and the Patriots tied, and the Dolphins beat the Jets with some great catches by Moshe Austein.In the second game, the Dolphins beat the Patriots, the Jets beat the Raiders, the Falcons and the Seahawks tied, the Panthers beat the Jets, and the Giants beat the Packers with some great flag pulls by Asher Fine. In the first game of the

seventh and eighth grade division, the Vikings beat the Eagles, the Texans beat the Jets, the Broncos beat the Giants, and the Commanders beat the Patriots with some amazing blocking by Yitzi Nadata. In the second game, the Vikings beat the Commanders, the Jets beat the Eagles, the Patriots beat the Giants, and the Texans beat the Broncos with some beautiful throws by Ezra Battalion. Can’t wait for the playoffs this coming week and the Super Bowl, which will be coming up. Here are the winners of the Sportsmanship of the Week Award: 1st: Chaim Mandelbaum; 2nd: David Ratner; 3rd and 4th: Gabe Schulman; 5th nd 6th: Zacky Levi; 7th and 8th: Sammy Mansdorf.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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MTA Celebrates National Merit Scholar Honorees

TA is delighted to celebrate the recognition of four of our students in the National Merit Scholarship competition. These four students scored among the highest in the country among over 4,000,000 test takers in last year’s PSAT/NMSQT. Davey Kivelevitz and Dovid Winston, who were recognized as National Merit Commendees, scored in the top 3% of all test takers. Pinchas Rosenfeld and Noah Segelnick, who scored in the top .5%, are National Merit Semifinalists. They are both advancing in the competition and will likely become finalists later this year and perhaps even National Merit Scholarship Winners, depending on their college of choice.

We are proud that so many of our students each year become Commendees, Finalists, and Winners. Typically (as is the case this year), our results are among the top performers among yeshiva high schools.

Elementary students at HAFTR crafted heartfelt prayers for peace in Israel, extending their wishes for love, happiness to all, and success to those safeguarding our homeland.

Koren Spiritually Arms Our Soldiers

he events of Simchat Torah have left an indelible mark on the Jewish people. As news spread of the awful attacks on October 7 by Hamas terrorists, thousands upon thousands of men and women were called up for reserve duty or simply volunteered to defend the State of Israel and her citizens. We have also seen the beauty of Am Yisrael, the care that each Jew has for one another, as well as the mobilization of many hundreds of thousands of soldiers to the front lines in the north and south, the acts of kindness and charity from people in Israel and in the diaspora is a source of unbelievable inspiration. Because of the nature in which so many people were called to the front lines, many soldiers found themselves lacking equipment they so desperately needed for their sacred mission. For some, it may have been a helmet, others a warm jacket, or proper footwear. Thank G-d, in the few places the army found it difficult to equip our soldiers, people stepped in to donate. Very soon after soldiers took up positions on the front lines, many began to realize that, in their haste on Simchat Torah to get where they needed to be, they forgot to take with them the equipment to ensure they were armed spiritually for the task at hand. Step in Koren Jerusalem, one of the Jewish world’s largest publishing houses,

whose team quickly set about ensuring those who needed were provided with siddurim and other sifrei kodesh. Koren is, of course, no stranger to the institutions of Medinat Yisrael. Many IDF soldiers, together with Presidents of the State of Israel, are sworn in on a Koren Tanakh. At the same time, as if this commitment to tefillah even under such difficult circumstances wasn’t enough, another opportunity presented itself. This terrible conflict began at the same time as we started a new cycle of the weekly Torah readings, and many soldiers expressed how disheartened they were to have so quickly fallen behind with learning the weekly parsha. Not only were there not enough chumashim to go around, but, those who are spending days, if not weeks, in the field

had no practical way to learn Torah as they so desperately wanted to. While around 25% of the Koren team are currently on the frontlines themselves on miluim, and with thanks to a very generous small group of donors who were quick to support meeting this important need, Koren were able to quickly produce a compact version of their Chumash Yisrael with Rashi and Onkelos especially for soldiers. In under a week, Koren were able to format, print, and distribute the first 15,000 copies of this bespoke chumash for soldiers in the field with the vast majority of copies making their way into the hands of those who need them in under 24 hours from the moment they left the printer. Aryeh Grossman, Director of Devel-

opment at Koren, who spearheaded the project to produce this special chumash, said, “While we were trying to give chizuk to our soldiers by sending them books, they gave us chizuk, by inspiring us with their amazing commitment to limud Torah, even while on the front lines.” We often may not think about the spiritual or psychological wellbeing of our soldiers, we may try not to imagine their state of mind at all given the difficult circumstances they find themselves in every day, but the boost on morale and the connection to “normal” life these small things can bring can be the difference between victory and failure. How fortunate we are to be a part of a nation that cares so deeply for its soldiers and whose soldiers care so deeply for what they are defending!

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Yeshiva Har Torah Rallies for Israel

Celebrate the Miracles, In Those Days at This Time, with Hazorfim

H Y

eshiva Har Torah has been running a myriad of special events and initiatives in the wake of the recent tragedies that are happening in Israel. This week, Yeshiva Har Torah hosted a series of rallies for all of their students to join together in song, prayer, speech and activities. Rabbi Menchel, the Head of School, opened the rallies with inspiring words, addressing both students and teachers. He then provided a platform for students to express their sentiments about Medinat Yisrael. The students rallied their fellow students to deepen their concern for and commitment to Israel, as they shared messages and stories that resonated with all students and faculty. Before the rallies took place, students showed their creativity in crafting powerful posters that demonstrated their support for Israel. These posters, which they brought to the event, were also meant to subsequently decorate the bulletin boards throughout the school.

The rallies that were held concluded with singing and the recitation of Tehillim for the State of Israel and those who are working tirelessly to defend and fight for it. Yeshiva Har Torah’s recent events not only strengthens their community but also serves as a symbol of hope and support during these challenging times.

azorfim, the leading global brand for Judaica and silver art is looking forward to celebrating the Chanukah miracles with its magnificent menorahs. Hazorfim pieces, and especially the menorahs, are of the finest quality and come in a huge selection of original designs. Now, from November 1 - 11, Hazorfim is offering up to 45% off selected models. For over 70 years, Hazorfim has been crafting silver items of beauty and quality and which have become an integral part of Shabbos and Yamim Tovim. The menorahs in particular are renowned globally for their range of creative styles and superior quality, bringing added joy to the festive, lightfilled days of Chanukah. Under the leadership of master silversmith Yakov Merdinger, and in spite of the challenging situation, Hazorfim’s fine silver workshops in Israel are continuing production, ensuring that there will be an abundance of unique, original Hazorfim designs to suit every taste. Since Hazorfim sells directly from the workshop to its own stores, there is no middleman — which means the lowest prices and best value for the customer. Only Hazorfim items carry the original ISI certificate, which testifies to the quality and authenticity of the item as well as to the quality of the silver. Keep your silver beautiful and tar-

nish-free effortlessly, with Hazorfim’s exclusive Silver Lacquering, available for new and used items. For your convenience, visit www. hazorfim.com or purchase by phone/ WhatsApp and have it delivered to your door. Just call 1-800-551-8068. You are invited to browse in person at the Hazorfim Williamsburg branch, 67 Lee Ave, 718-387-0445.

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his past week, seniors at MTA had the privilege of meeting with Emmy award-winning reporter and investigative journalist Jonah Kaplan from CBS News. This meeting took place within the context of the award-winning Names Not Number project, created 20 years ago by Tova Rosenberg (this is MTA’s 18th year). Jonah Kaplan met with the approximately 30 seniors who are taking part in this elective project to help them prepare for their interviews with Holocaust Survivors. “You’re digging for memories...” he said. “You have to go on a journey through their senses – what they smelled when they arrived in Auschwitz, what they said to their parents when they were taken away, what they felt...and why it matters.” Using clips from his own interviews with various guests on CBS News as a model, Jonah guided the students with good pointers to keep in mind for their own interviews. Some tips he shared were to have a balance of general and specific

questions prepared, make the interviewee feel comfortable, let them talk, but interrupt if necessary to clarify what they are saying, and be curious, among many others. The students participated actively in the discussion. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” he advised. “This is your only chance.” Jonah also shared with students about his personal experiences. He started his career as a sports anchor but transitioned into news in part so he could keep having fun watching his favorite teams instead of working. He has worked his way up from a small TV station in West Texas to now being the investigative reporter at WCCO-TV and CBS News in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Jonah’s expertise was invaluable, and students really appreciated him taking the time to join MTA for this special experience. Students will spend the next two weeks preparing for their interviews, which are scheduled to take place in mid-November.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

Emmy Award-Winning Reporter Jonah Kaplan Addresses MTA Students

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Update from Soldiers Save Lives

oldiers Saves Lives was founded on Simchat Torah this year, as a reaction to the attacks on Israel and in memory of David Newman, an Oleh who grew up in the Old City of Jerusalem and served in the Golani Brigade, and of all lives that were lost on that fateful day. Ike Bodner, a Five Towns native, together with a group of friends, established SSL to preserve David’s memory. As their website says, “David, our brother, was killed by Hamas terrorists while protecting the ones he loved. We are now fighting to protect and support the people of Israel, just as David would have done.” From the day after the chag, a small grassroots effort to arrange for some supplies to be shipped to Israel quickly snowballed into a massive campaign that, in the first three days, raised well over $1 million, received over $3 million in donations of supplies, and shipped over 1,000 duffle bags to Israel. According to El Al, by October 10, SSL was by far the largest private distributor of humanitarian aid into Israel! Fast forward a few weeks. SSL has outgrown its 7,500 square foot warehouse and has become the go-to organization for transporting supplies directly to the front lines of the war. SSL’s cargo operation funds specific

E requests from the IDF, MoD and internal security forces for tactical and technical gear and manages bulk cargo shipping to Israel. SSL has facilitated shipments of gear for elite units such as Egoz, Maglan, Sayeret Tzanchanim and Sayeret Golani, and has cleared nearly 100 tons of gear through Israeli customs. The SSL “store,” where soldiers come to “shop” before heading back to Israel and where dozens of volunteers sort and pack gear for transport on El Al passenger flights, has rebranded as the 5T/FR IDF Chesed Center and is now operating out of the Chabad of Saddle Ridge at 550 Allen Road in Woodmere. Their newest initiative, “100 Bags a Week,” is launching, and the IDF Chesed Center is counting on our community to continue to help support our chayalim.

Assemblywoman Rozic Unveils Display of Hostages Kidnapped From Israel

ssemblywoman Nily Rozic unveiled a display on the storefront of her Queens district office calling attention to the over 240 hostages who were kidnapped from Israel on October 7. The hostages – ranging in age from infants to senior citizens – were kidnapped by Hamas during their brutal and inhumane terror attack. Many were kidnapped from their homes or the Nova Music Festival, an event celebrating unity and love. “This should not be controversial: every single hostage must be released,” said Assemblywoman Rozic. “My office will continue to bring attention to the over 230 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza, and I urge others to use their platforms to raise awareness until every single one is back home.”

Emunah of America Appoints Hila Stern as New CEO

The “KIDNAPPED” posters displayed are part of the #KidnappedFromIsrael guerilla art display. Across the state, there have been incidents of similar posters being ripped down or defaced amid a drastic rise in antisemitic incidents and tensions. Similarly, the #BringThemHomeNow forum is another coalition that is entirely focused on bringing the hostages home to their families.

munah of America (EOA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Hila Stern as its new Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Stern joins EOA with an impressive background in Israel advocacy and a profound understanding of global Jewish philanthropy and development. In her role, she will be performing all executive functions, and working in partnership with the Board of Directors promoting Emunah’s mission and values, expanding our outreach and fundraising efforts, and advancing the organization’s strategic goals for its next stage of growth. With an unwavering commitment for the past 20 years to advancing the missions of organizations, she held senior positions in major Jewish organizations such as AIPAC, WIZO, and the Yeshivah of Flatbush. She has successfully spearheaded numerous impactful initiatives and major fundraising campaigns, leaving an indelible mark in the world of Jewish and Israeli nonprofit organizations. Ms. Stern brings a personal and unique perspective to Emunah as she was born and raised in Yavne, a small town south of Tel Aviv. She served for two years in the Israeli Defense Forces as a Tank and Artillery Instructor and

is fluent in Hebrew. Ms. Stern, her husband, Bruce, and three children, Yonatan, Mayah and Shira, are active Jewish community members of the Lower East Side of Manhattan for the past 25 years. We are confident that Ms. Stern will continue the growth Emunah has experienced in recent years. Join us in extending a warm welcome and mazel tov to Ms. Stern on her new position, as she looks forward to joining the excellent Emunah team.

Harmony in the Air

nity and harmony are in the air, making this week a great time to announce the return of Harmony Jr. 2024. This quintessential community-wide project, directed by Mrs. Evy Guttman, will once again give hundreds of girls from every school in the neighborhood an opportunity to join together in song and dance for a good cause. “Judging from the volume of correspondence to Harmony’s producers and sponsors asking what the plans are for this biannual event, we can tell that there is much anticipation,” said Rabbi Dovid Shenker, director JEP of Long Island, Harmony Jr’s sponsor. “As an organization that promotes Jewish values and joyful living, this project is an appropriate way for us to service a large segment of the community.” The behind-the-scenes work has already begun with songs and scripts being

drafted and staffing and volunteers being set in place. “Now that I am in high school, I am so excited to have been picked to be part of the Harmony team. I remember how much fun I had as a 7th grader performing in Harmony, and now I get to help younger girls get that same great experience,” commented one of the many volunteer heads. Harmony auditions will be held at the end of November and are open to girls in grades five through eight. Practices generally are held on Sunday mornings, with the occasional weeknight or Motzei Shabbos slot. Four performances are scheduled to be held in Lawrence High School on February 24-25 and March 2-3. Watch for announcements about exact times and locations of auditions.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Rachel Imeinu’s Yahrtzeit at Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam

he girls at Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam took the time to learn more about the legacy of Rachel Imeinu and how we can emulate her even in our days. The principal, Mrs. Leah Zytman, explained to the girls that when Rachel gave up the signs to Leah, she potentially gave up the opportunity to marry Yaakov and build Klal Yisrael. Just because we now know the end of the story, when she made the choices she did, Rachel did not know how it would turn out! Mrs. Zytman then gave the girls the opportunity to think of somewhere in their life where each of them may want to be mevatar and find something that they could “let go of” and by doing so, help increase shalom in the world. The

girls then contemplated what impact they might be able to have on the shalom of the world through practicing this middah. Each student wrote her own idea on a piece of paper. Their papers were then placed in a special box, as their very own contributions toward the current state of shalom in the world, helping the girls understand the role we play in the global state of Klal Yisrael. Similarly, the junior high girls took part in a global kinnus tefillah. Organized by Torah Umesorah and encouraged by Gedolei Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael, the girls joined with junior high students across the United States and Canada to daven with achdus as a Klal for a yeshua from the current eis tzara.

The Power of Connection!

ne does not need to be a rocket scientist to notice that when the “power” goes off in our homes, we find ourselves in the dark. These past few weeks, with the horrific news coming out of Eretz Yisroel, many of us are indeed sitting in the dark, davening and yearning for the true POWER in the world, Hashem, to provide the light of a yeshua and geulah. For many who wage a daily war against anxiety and depression, these past weeks have taken on a new level of desperation. Enter CATCH, an organization that was founded three years ago and whose name fits its goals perfectly, Creating A Team Of Courage & Hope. The founder of CATCH, Jessica Tsur, experienced mental health issues for

a number of years and recognized the power of having people come together to support each other and connect. Led by qualified licensed therapists, the two existing groups have found a safe haven to share their experiences and challenges in a non-judgmental atmosphere of respect and caring. CATCH is sponsoring an inspiring evening for the ladies and young ladies of our community. On Tuesday evening, November 14, we will gather together at 8:30 p.m.in the Manchester in Woodmere, to hear a powerful presentation by noted speaker, Mrs. Jackie Bitton. This will be an opportunity to connect together to help support each other, as well as the important work that CATCH is providing for our community.

YOSS Mechina students from Rabbi Rosenwasser’s shiur went to Mt. Richmond Cemetery in Staten Island to help with the cleanup of the cemetery where many poor and homeless Jews are buried

A Message from Israel for HANC

ANC Elementary School in West Hempstead welcomed a familiar visitor from across the ocean this week. As the fourth through sixth grade students eagerly awaited in their classrooms, Rabbi Michael Merrill, former assistant principal of HANC, Zoomed in from his home in Israel. He was invited to “visit” in order to share his experiences during the war and to recommend to the students what they can do to help Israel. Rabbi Merrill shared some of his living in Israel experiences as he and his family live through this difficult time. He described the many different opportunities for chessed that are taking place in Israel. Rabbi Merrill shared how his son helps make tzitzit for soldiers, something that HANC will be undertaking as well. He explained that with so many people away from their homes and their jobs in order to serve in the army, the rest of Israel’s citizens need to step in and perform their jobs so that everyone’s needs are taken care of. The Merrill family has helped pack medical supplies for Hatzalah and picked pomegranates. He told the students how people are preparing assorted supplies, gear, and food for the soldiers and the displaced families across the country. Others are volunteering in hospitals, working various jobs in the supermarkets, delivering food for the soldiers, baking challah and cakes, and gathering crops in the fields. Since many families had to quickly relocate to

more northern destinations, other Israeli families have opened their homes to give them a place to stay. For those families that have been relocated to hotels, they have been gifted with food, clothing and other necessary supplies by caring fellow Israelis. In one instance, when it was discovered that the chayalim were sleeping on the ground, in an hour and a half, over 200 mattresses were donated and driven to where the soldiers were encamped. He shared how he has never seen Am Yisrael more united than they are at this time. Rabbi Merrill concluded the visit with some important suggestions that the students at HANC can do to help Israel. “Most importantly, you should learn Torah on behalf of the soldiers, Israelis who are hurt, and the hostages. Find a way to be good to all people. Donate whatever you can and check in on those living in Israel. Call them and tell them you are thinking about them.” Rabbi Merrill and the students then recited a perek of Tehillim all together at the end of the discussion. In conclusion, Rabbi Merrill left the children with this message: “I hope that the next time that HANC calls me on Zoom, I will be able to describe for you what Mashiach looks like over here, and you will be waiting for your charter flights on EL AL to come home to Israel.” Let us pray for peace in Israel, for Rabbi Merrill and his family, and all of Klal Yisrael.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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DRS Open House

n Sunday, October 29, the DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys was filled to capacity at the school’s annual Open House. DRS hosted over 180 prospective students and their parents at the annual event. The open house provided its attendees with an informative, exciting, and enjoyable program allowing those interested in the school to get a real sense of what DRS is all about. Upon entering the building, every attendee was warmly greeted by DRS Menahel, Rabbi Yisroel Kaminetsky, Principal Dr. Ethan Zadoff, faculty members, and current DRS students. The program moved to DRS’s spacious Beit Medrash. This year, the program opened with the recitation of Tehillim by the large crowd, in light of the events unfolding in Eretz Yisroel. Following the Tehillim, and a dvar Torah by Senior David Bennun, Rabbi Kaminetsky and Dr. Zadoff addressed the enormous crowd, enlightening them about DRS’s strong and challenging curriculum in both Limudei Kodesh and Limudei Chol.

Rabbi Kaminetsky stressed that the hallmark of the school is the “personal care, warmth, and attention provided for each individual student.” More importantly, DRS prides itself on the achdut between classmates, who come to DRS from over 20 different elementary schools, and several different neighborhoods, including Queens, Brooklyn, West Hempstead, the Five Towns, and Great Neck. Following the principals’ remarks, students headed off to the extra-curricular student fair in DRS’s incredible gymnasium, where they received a taste of all the programs that DRS has to offer, including a presentation from the cooking and sushi club, College Bowl competition, sports teams, Shabbatonim and trips, and much more. At the same time, parents got a chance to hear from DRS faculty members in the science, math, English, and social studies departments regarding the incredible range of courses offered at DRS. DRS boasts a large curriculum including 15 AP courses, and the opportunity to be involved in several re-

search opportunities in both science and social Studies. Parents also got a chance to ask questions to a panel of five DRS students in order to get their view of the DRS experience. Other sessions included an exploration into the Limudei Kodesh curriculum, a glimpse into the schools’ extracurricular offerings, and smaller

breakout sessions where parents were able to “meet the administration” in an intimate setting and field their questions to be Rabbi Kaminetsky and Dr. Zadoff. DRS thanks all those who came to visit the Open House and looks forward to meeting them again in the future!

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Amud HaYomi Spreading Across the World Pivotal Pesichah Shiurim Delivered by Gedolei Yisrael

Hanhalas Dirshu meeting with the son of the Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe

By Chaim Gold

t is barely two weeks since the launch of the global Amud HaYomi program, and the Amud HaYomi is spreading across the world! Hundreds of shiurim and night kollelim began learning the Amud HaYomi this past Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan starting Masechta Brachos daf beis amud aleph. Thousands of chavrusos began learning the amud together across the world from Melbourne to Buenos Aires, from Lakewood to Bnei Brak, from Antwerp to Texas, and from Johannesburg to Caracas, Venezuela. Rav Hillel David: The Unique Maalos of Amud HaYomi In addition, pesicha shiurim were delivered on the first amud in Brachos by Gedolei Yisrael from all over. HaGaon HaRav Hillel David, shlita, Yoshev Rosh of the Vaad Roshei Yeshiva of Torah Umesorah, a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, and rav of Kehillas Yeshiva Shaarei Torah, gave a live, practical lesson on how one can learn the amud and simultaneously cite wonderful chiddushim from the rishonim and acharonim and seamlessly weave them into the amud. At the conclusion of his shiur, Rav Hillel spoke about the unique maalos of Amud HaYomi. He explained that it goes without saying that an Amud HaYomi shiur should be given for the same amount of time as a daf yomi shiur. “A maggid shiur,” he explained, “can have the opportunity to point out the way Rashi learns the Gemara and cite

the opinion of Tosafos that differs with Rashi. He has the luxury of being able to explain why Tosafos argues on Rashi. If he prepares well, he can truly convey the underpinnings of the sugya.” During the first two weeks since the start of the Amud HaYomi, Dirshu’s offices both in America and Eretz Yisrael have been bombarded with phone calls. Many, many people have called to ask that a shiur be set up in their shul or neighborhood. Many maggidei shiur have called with offers to deliver shiurim. Thousands upon thousands of Yidden have signed up to join the program and receive the Iyun Ha’amud Kuntres that offers interesting maareh mekomos and chiddushim on the Gemara, Rashi and Tosafos on every amud. The Skverer Rebbe: More Torah, More Light Recently, a Dirshu delegation came to Shikun Skver to receive a bracha from the Skverer Rebbe shlita, for this new transformative undertaking. The Rebbe was extremely pleased to hear about the new Amud HaYomi program, and he told them, “The truth is that in Skver we also have an Amud HaYomi program with a different schedule. I remember when our program was originally proposed, I was a bit hesitant and didn’t immediately give it my blessing. I was afraid,” the Rebbe said, “that perhaps limiting the learning to an amud would make some people learn less, not more. We know that when it comes to kedushah, to anything holy, we always go up and we can never go down. In the end, however, I did agree,

HaRav Shlomo Eisenberger delivering a Shiur Pesicha on Masechta Brachos

and I realized that any apprehension that I had was unfounded. The Torah learning in the kehillah just became stronger. “Torah is like a candle. When you light one candle from another, the second candle begins to give light without minimizing the first one’s light. It is the same thing with Torah. Another shiur, another program doesn’t take away from existing programs, it just adds more and more light…” Rav Shlomo Eisenberger Another pesicha shiur on Masechta Brachos was given by the venerated Rosh Yeshiva of Telshe, HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Eisenberger, shlita. Rav Eisenberger reminisced that the last time he attended an Amud HaYomi shiur was in the Ponovezh Yeshiva, and the maggid shiur was the Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Shach! He said, “When I learned in Ponovezh many decades ago, Rav Shach delivered a blatt shiur. That zeman, we were learning Masechta Kesubos. When the Ponovezher Rav, Rav Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman, suggested to Rav Shach that he learn five blatt a week in the blatt shiur, Rav Shach protested that it was too much. In the end, they each compromised, and Rav Shach began delivering shiur on one amud a day. “I think the Amud HaYomi is an amazing idea! Not everyone can do a full blatt. In an amud, there is so much more that the maggid shiur can speak about. I remember how much Rav Shach spoke about on each amud. It is a real toeles…” Rav Dovid Hofstedter Rav Dovid Hofstedter, Nasi of Dirshu, also delivered a pesicha shiur, during

which he explained in great depth many of the foundational sevaros related to the first amud of the masechta. The shiur, given in Toronto, was broadcast to chavrei Dirshu around the world. At the end, Rav Dovid gave divrei chizuk for a few minutes regarding the situation in which we currently find ourselves. He noted that Shas begins with the halachos of Kriyas Shema to teach us that first and foremost, before anything, we must have emunah, we must accept upon ourselves the ol malchus shamayim. With great passion, Rav Hofstedter exclaimed, “The entire world saw what happened on Simchas Torah in Eretz Yisrael. The entire world shuddered and was shocked by the barbaric acts perpetrated against Yidden in Eretz Yisrael. It seemed almost as if the kiyum ha’olam, the continuation of the world as we know it, was in doubt. Chazal tell us that for 26 generations until Hashem gave the bris of the Torah, the world was hanging in limbo, as it were. When we accepted the Torah and mitzvos upon ourselves, the foundation of the world solidified. It was no longer suspended in limbo. “When we see today how it appears that the foundation of the sustenance of the world as we know it, is in doubt, we are doubly obligated to strengthen ourselves in the bris of Torah, because only Torah puts the world on a solid foundation. When we strengthen ourselves in Torah, that shields us and saves the world as Chazal tell us, ‘Im lo brisi yomam v’layla chukos shamayim v’aretz lo samti – were it not for klal Yisrael observing My Torah and mitzvos, the laws governing

Around the Community

The Rachmastrivka Rebbe The Rachmastrivka Rebbe, shlita, of Yerushalayim, was extremely pleased when informed of the establishment of the worldwide Amud HaYomi program.

He said, “The fact that Dirshu has established a new daily learning program, the Amud HaYomi, is a wonderful opportunity.” There are many who find it difficult to learn the daf yomi. There are others who would rather learn less every day but want to still have time to review the previous days’ learning. A New Kevius, a New Zechus The message of the Toldos Avrohom

Yitzchok Rebbe, delivered through his son, was a message that was extremely appropriate for today’s precarious times. He said, “During this difficult period in which we live, there is a special zechus that comes with spreading Torah and facilitating more Torah learning all over the world. The Ohr HaChaim Hakadosh says that Moshe Rabbeinu did not want to redeem batlanim min haTorah, those that do not sit and learn Torah. The new

Amud HaYomi program that will exponentially increase Torah learning, should serve as a zechus to finally bring Moshiach, whom we are so awaiting!” To join Amud HaYomi or to find a shiur near you, please contact Dirshu at 1888-5Dirshu or Info@dirshunj.org.

Shevach Technology Breakout – De-Tech and Reflect

n electric morning was spent at Shevach High School on Thursday, October 19, when the Technology Committee, spearheaded by mechaneches Mrs. Chaya Swerdloff, introduced their theme and challenges for this school year. The program began with Tehillim led by Shevach Menaheles, Mrs. Shulamith Insel. She proceeded to acknowledge the students’ great strides in the area of technology and praised them for their growth and accomplishments. The students were then addressed by Rebbetzin Esty Soni-

ker of West Hempstead, N.Y. She spoke about the challenge of setting ourselves up for success and getting clarity on the role that technology plays in our lives. It is important that teenagers know how to utilize technology properly during this important developmental stage of their lives. Rebbetzin Soniker quoted Mrs. Faigie Zelcer who speaks about the concept of shame in Jewish mesorah. She described the power of a group in human behavior. When people think that no one is watching, they will do things they would not

normally do. The question then really is, how do we value ourselves? Shame is a gift—an internal compass to ask ourselves, “What am I doing? Does this reflect my true inner self?” This dovetailed perfectly with the theme of this year’s committee which is De-Tech and Reflect. The morning continued with a beautiful theme song led by the Technology Committee: Nechama Diamenstein, Naama Rambod, Adina Rohr, Devora Trop, Shifra Tchatchanachvilli, and Sarah Wiederkehr. With enthusiasm and involvement, the students sang

together. Shevach junior Mindy Mirsky then passionately shared her experience of her own personal growth in the area of technology. The girls were then presented with the first challenge of the year—to turn off their phones 30 minutes before they take in Shabbos and leave it off for 30 minutes after havdalah. The students were left with the message that we can choose to go up or down. We have the power to make the right choices and we should tap into that power.

Plainview Volunteer Firefighters Visit Mercaz for Fire Prevention Week

tudents in the ECC were excited to welcome volunteer firefighters for National Fire Prevention Week, with a special connection to our school. Fire Chief Andy Cohen, who directs security at Mercaz, was a very familiar face. Firefighter Billy Mlotok has been seen frequently offering his expertise at Mercaz and also has a well-known wife, Morah Jo Mlotok, our ECC Coordinator. But our youngest Mercaz Academy students were most impressed when they learned that Firefighter Jeremy Mlotok had once been a student in the ECC himself. “I want to be a fireman, too!” shouted one young fan.

These friendly and familiar firefighters taught students from the toddler class to second grade important safety tips. They taught children what common household items should not be touched, demonstrated “stop, drop, and roll,” and showed them

what a working firefighter looks like with all the gear on. Our students know never to hide in a fire, how to test a door for heat before escaping, and how to dial 9-1-1 (but only in an emergency). Students were delighted by their

guided firetruck tour, examining the equipment under the firefighters’ watchful eyes, and finished the morning with their very own goody bags and souvenir fire helmets.

The HALB Shuk

ast week, the parent body from HALB, Lev Chana, SKA and DRS joined together to create a HALB Shuk, chaired by Hanna Berry, Stephanie Sokol and Katie Weisz. Birch Events donated their time and resources to transform the backyard into a beautiful shuk filled with items for sale from 47 local vendors who all donated their items for free. Every dollar spent at the shuk went to Eretz

Hemda, an organization that provides the IDF with tashmishei kedusha such

as tzitzit, kippot, siddurim and more. Additionally, a table was set up for

children to draw pictures for chayalim and for Tehillim. The outpouring of support by local vendors, store owners and community members was beautiful and brought a lot of strength and hope for Israel and the Jewish people. As a result of all these efforts, the HALB Shuk raised $35,000 for Eretz Hemda.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

heaven and earth would have never been established.’ “What we must do is accept upon ourselves the ol Torah and increase our learning both in quantity and even more so in quality.”

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

TJH

Centerfold

See Something?

Riddle Me This

Which side of the inset bar is darker? Many years ago, a wealthy old man was near death. He wished to leave his fortune to one of his three children. The old man wanted to know that his fortune would be in good hands. He stipulated that his estate would be left to the child who would sing him half as many songs as days that he had left to live. The eldest son said he couldn’t comply because he didn’t know how many days his father had left to live, and besides he was too busy. The youngest son said the same thing. The man ended up leaving his money to

You Gotta be Kidding Me!

his third child, a daughter. What did his daughter do?

What do you call 20 men watching the World Series together? Answer: The New York Mets! (Well, maybe that’s not a joke after all! Sorry, I’m still bummed out about this season.)

Answer: Every other day, the daughter sang her father a song.

1. *

Answer: They are the same shade! (If you need proof – cut out just the inset bar…but wait! This is TJH, we don’t cut it up…other people have to read it, so cover the rest of the box and you will see.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

Hit the Nail on the Head In honor of National Cliché Day (November 3), figure out the cliché based on the explanation of its origins

1. In the old days, commercial ships would often get stuck in frozen rivers during wintertime, so smaller ships called “icebreakers” would come to clear a path to shore.

packs of dogs who would let them know where the prey was; the dogs sometimes got it wrong.

2. Invisible ink, which dates back to Ancient Greece, has been used throughout history to pass secret codes.

10. In ancient times, warriors would lower their flags aboard a ship in order to hide their true identity but would raise their flags high when they wanted everyone to know who they were.

3. During World War II, the fighter pilots were equipped with 27 feet worth of ammunition. When they ran out, it meant that they had tried their best and used all of their ammunition to achieve their objective. 4. Wooden doors used to be secured with doornails. After the nail was hammered through the door, the end would be bent and hammered back into the door. 5. A 17th century writer advised against risking everything on a single endeavor, as it may lead to losing everything. 6. In boxing, a boxer may signal his surrender by doing this. 7. Name of a 1930s comic strip that ran in many newspapers throughout the U.S. about a newly married man living on $125 a week in Cedarhurst, New York. (Yes, you read that correctly!! And, boy, is it relevant today!) 8. A horse jockey oftentimes loosens their grip on the reins when their horse has a strong lead in a race. 9. In the 1800s, people would often go hunting with

11. In ancient Greece, people would vote anonymously using white and black beans as a simple “yay” or “nay.” They would then count the beans to know which side won. 12. The British Naval hero, Admiral Horatio Nelson, only had one working eye. Once, when the British forces signaled for him to stop attacking a fleet of Danish ships, he held up a telescope to his non-working eye and said, “I do not see the signal.” He attacked, nevertheless, and was victorious. 13. In the late 19th century, carnival games were targeted to adults and not children, so the winners would get a cigar. 14. In ancient times, mattresses were secured by ropes. When the ropes were not loose, it made a well-sprung bed, resulting in a better night’s sleep. 15. Old organs had little pipes called stops. The more of those pipes that one would release, the more sound the organ made.

Answers: 1) Break the ice; 2) Read between the lines; 3) Go the whole nine yards; 4) Dead as a doornail; 5) Don’t put all your eggs in one basket; 6) Throw in the towel; 7) Keeping up with the Joneses; 8) Hands down; 9) Barking up the wrong tree; 10) Show your true colors; 11) Spill the beans; 12) Turn a blind eye; 13) Close but no cigar; 14) Sleep tight; 15) Pull out all the stops

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Torah Thought

Parshas Vayeira By Rabbi Berel Wein

he story of the miraculous birth of Yitzchak to his ninety-year-old mother Sarah is not only one of the highlights of the parsha but it is one of the foundation narratives of all of Jewish history. Without Yitzchak, there simply isn’t a Jewish people. The birth of Yitzchak is one of the triumphal moments of Jewish

life, a reflection of G-d’s mercy and guidance in creating His special people. It is therefore all the more surprising – indeed shocking – that the story of Avraham sacrificing Yitzchak appears in this very same parsha. In effect, this story of the binding of Yitzchak on the altar of Mount Moriah completely negates the

miraculous birth of Yitzchak. Of what necessity or purpose is the miracle of Sarah’s giving birth to Yitzchak if the entire matter will be undone by the succeeding story of Avraham sacrificing Yitzchak? What is the point that the Torah wishes to teach us by unfolding this seemingly cruel sequence of events? Is not G-d, so to speak, mocking His own Divine Will and plans by this sequence of events, recorded for us in this most seminal parsha in the Torah? Much ink has been used in dealing with this most difficult issue. It has been the subject of much commentary in Midrash and Jewish thought throughout the

woman of Israel, beaten and worn, was revived and gave birth to a state, to a vibrant language, to myriad institutions of Torah learning and good deeds, to the miraculously successful ingathering of the exile communities to their homeland, to a scale of Jewish affluence unmatched in Jewish history. In short, the story of the Jewish people in its resilient glory over the last seventy-five years defies rational and easily explained historical logic. And yet the danger and tension of open hostility to the State of Israel, the threats to its very existence, the attempts to delegitimize it and boycott its bounty – all are evident in our current world.

In the story of Yitzchak, the Torah teaches that we have to live in a world of almost absurd contradictions.

ages. Amongst the many mysterious and inscrutable issues that G-d raises for our analysis in His Torah, this contradiction between the miraculous birth of Yitzchak and the challenge of his being bound on the altar ranks high on that long list of Heaven’s behavior that requires Jews to have faith and acceptance. But is this not the nature of things in today’s Jewish world as well? After the most negative of extraordinary events of sadistic cruelty that we call the Holocaust, miraculous positive events have occurred to the Jewish people. The old

In the story of Yitzchak, the Torah teaches that we have to live in a world of almost absurd contradictions. Logic plays a very small role in the events of history that occur to the people of Yitzchak. Yitzchak is a product of miracles, and his very maturation and survival is also a product of supernatural stuff. So, too, is this the story of the Jewish people in our age. Just as Yitzchak survived and proved successful, so too shall we, his progeny, survive and be successful and triumphant. Shabbat shalom.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

From the Fire Parshas Vayeira

One Against the World By Rav Moshe Weinberger Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

f ter Av raham passes the most unspeakable test, the near-slaughter of his beloved son Yitzchak, Hashem told him (Bereishis 22:16-17), “By Myself I swore, says Hashem, that because you have done this thing, and you have not withheld your son, your only one, I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply your offspring like the stars of the Heavens and like the sand on the seashore, and your offspring will inherit the gates of their enemies.” With these words, according to the Ramban, Hashem clearly and unequivocally promised Avraham that regardless of any sins the Jewish people may commit throughout the generations, exile will pass, and they will eventually see the ultimate redemption. If we look carefully at the words of these pasukim in light of the Ramban, however, we see two general paths toward redemption, one in which we are compared to “the stars of the Heavens” and another in which we are compared

to “the sand on the seashore.” What is the qualitative difference between these two paths? Rav Ezriel Tauber, building upon a beautiful Kli Yakar (on ibid.), explains the significance of “the stars of the Heavens.” Each star represents an individual power, unique in its ability to add light to the universe, as the pasuk says regarding the stars (Yeshayahu 40:26), “Who takes out their host by number, all of them He calls by name…” By giving each star a name, Hashem shows that each one contributes something unique and different from all other stars. But with all of their individuality, the stars are called “the hosts of Heaven” (ibid. 34:4). The stars join together to form “hosts, armies.” They work together to fulfill a communal purpose. The stars also “work” with one another to form constellations to constitute part of the organized forces at work in the universe. Stars therefore represent the ideal combination of individuality and com-

munal responsibility in which each star’s individual identity shines in a completely unique way while, at the same time, it plays its part in a host or constellation to do its part in the big picture. This represents the ideal Jewish life as we march toward redemption – every Jew maximizing his or her own unique talents and strengths while also using the force multiplier of national unity to work together toward our collective goal of revealing G-dliness on earth. The Gemara (Sanhedrin 98a), quoting the pasuk in Yeshayahu (60:22), says that Moshiach can come at the set time for redemption (“in its time”) or earlier (“I will hasten it”). In the latter path toward redemption, we are compared to the stars in Heaven. When Moshiach comes this way, Hashem says (Daniel 7:13), “He was like a man coming on the clouds of Heaven.” That is what Hashem was referring to when he told Avraham after the Akeidah, “I will surely multi-

ply your offspring like the stars of the Heavens.” But there is another, more difficult, path to redemption – the way of “I will surely multiply your offspring like…the sand on the seashore.” Sand ostensibly lacks the characteristics of individuality and joining together for communal work. Grains of sand lack any discernable individual qualities. They all look identical. In addition, they do not gather together in anything comparable to constellations, teams, armies, or communities. Even in halacha (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 321), one cannot violate the prohibition of kneading by mixing sand and water because sand physically cannot be formed into dough. A beach is just a collection of billions of individual grains of sand. They appear not to form any whole greater than the sum of their parts. But if this is the case, how is the promise that Hashem will make Avraham’s descendants like the sand on the seashore a blessing?

whether great or small. Each one of us, each grain of sand, stands together as a fortification against the onslaught of the physicality of the world that attempts to drown us. As each individual surfs the ocean-like web, he stares down the crest of each wave of “viral” videos, movies, and mindless entertainment over and over

implies waiting and staying for a long time, like it says (Devarim 1:46), “And they dwelled, va’taishvu, in Kadesh for many days.” In other words, a person only merits a revelation of G-dliness, the aspect of, “And Hashem appeared to him” (Bereishis 18:1), by sitting and waiting and stationing himself by the doorway of the tent of holiness for a

Each one of us, each grain of sand, stands together as a fortification against the onslaught of the physicality of the world that attempts to drown us.

again. And just like the sand on the seashore acts as a line of defense preventing the ocean from overtaking the land, so, too, each of us must remain ever vigilant in keeping physicality in its place. We must use it while not being used by it. When we do that, we protect the whole world from being overtaken by mindless materialism. Sitting alone in one’s house late at night, each person is like Avraham, confronting the whole world, personified by his phone or computer, alone. If Hashem tasked each of us with creating an oasis of health, moderation, and normalcy amidst the flood of insanity churning around us, it must be He also gave us an inner reservoir of strength and resilience to enable us to succeed – not to be overcome. Because of all of the distractions whirling around us, it is so difficult to connect to true, sincere, and holy feelings of closeness with G-d. But that is what we seek. How are we to maintain our focus in what often feels like a battle against the world when we cannot even strengthen ourselves by successfully feeling connected to Hashem? Rebbe Nosson wrote a series of letters to his son to strengthen him during a period in his life when he was facing numerous spiritual and physical challenges. In one of these letters, he gives us tremendous encouragement in our struggle. He says, quoting a pasuk from this week’s parsha, as follows (Michtavei Moharnat p. 117): “And he was sitting at the entrance of the tent in the heat of the day…” (Bereishis 18:1). “Sitting, yosheiv,”

long time. And even though during this time he endures what he endures, and the heat of the day, meaning that all of the desires which burn him greatly, he never abandons his place, G-d forbid. Instead, he sits and waits by the door for a very long time, [like Avraham who] “was sitting at the entrance of the tent

in the heat of the day.” Rebbe Nosson is teaching us that he understands that it is hard to maintain the fight against impurity and guard our thoughts and eyes day after day. But he also shows us that if we hold the line, if we maintain a boundary beyond which the lasciviousness of the world cannot pass, we will merit “And Hashem appeared to him.” By disregarding the fact that the world seems to have abdicated any sense of boundaries or self-respect, we maintain our post, keeping watch by the doorway of the tent of holiness. In the merit of each act of vigilance and holiness by our people to maintain our guard against the waves of materialism that crash against us again and again, may Hashem reveal His anointed one. By holding off the waves of physicality, we exhibit our mastery over it and thereby reveal Moshiach’s donkey on which he will come riding into Yerushalayim, may he arrive 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.

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The Kli Yakar says that the sand has a vital purpose, as the pasuk (Yirmiyahu 5:22) says, “I have placed the sand as the boundary to the sea.” He says, “The nations rise up against the Jewish people to destroy them, but they cannot overcome them. Similarly, the waves rise up as if they want to wash away the world. But when they reach the sand, they are immediately broken just like the nations of the world, as the pasuk (Tehillim 42:8) says, ‘All Your breakers and your waves passed over me.’” The sand is the border the sea cannot cross. So, too, the Jewish people are the world’s last line of defense against the forces seeking to destroy it. On a physical level, the Western world seems poised to succumb to radical Islam, though it seeks to infiltrate and destroy everything. The Jewish people – personified by Israel – seems to be the only nation willing to unapologetically stand up against extremist Muslims. So although each grain of sand seems not to be unique or to have a unified purpose, the Jewish people, who are compared to the sand on the seashore, do serve a vital purpose. They are the world’s last hope against the forces of chaos and destruction! And even on the spiritual plane as well, we remain the lone defenders of the health and normalcy of the world. The Gemara (Sanhedrin 98a) says that in the way of redemption called “in its time,” the Navi (Zechariah 9:9) says that Moshiach will come like a poor man riding on a donkey (chamor), not on a cloud. The Maharal, zt”l, explains, based on the fact that the Hebrew word for physicality (chamarios) shares the same root as the word for donkey, that Moshiach riding on a donkey means that he “rides” – exerts control over – physicality. Rashi (on Shemos 4:20) says that Avraham rode the same donkey on which Moshiach will arrive. Avraham also exerted mastery over physicality when he separated himself from physicality by saying to Yishmael (Bereishis 22:5), “Stay here with the donkey.” Avraham was showing us that he would not be bowed by nor subject to the waves of physicality that attempt to drown us. It is not only the Muslim world that attempts to conquer the world. The infinite physicality, smallness, and decadence available on the Internet threaten to wash away our humanity. And it is available on a phone that sits in a person’s pocket all the time, every day. It calls out to every single individual,

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Delving into the Daf

A Stamping Ground By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

oruch: Mazel tov on finishing Seder Nashim and half of Shas with daf yomi! Shimon: Thank you. Our continued learning should be a tremendous source of merit for the salvation of klal Yisrael. Boruch: Amen. In honor of your siyum, I want to show you this Israeli stamp I just bought. It is misprinted with an upside down Shas. Shimon takes the stamp from Boruch and admires it. He unfortunately accidentally tears it. Boruch: It’s a good thing you just started Bava Kama which deals with the laws of damages. You know you owe me $1000 for damaging my stamp. It is virtually worthless now. Shimon gasps and says: But the face value of the stamp is only ten shekel! I understand that to you, it’s worth more. However, I remember someone damaged my neighbor’s metal candlestick, and the posek said the amount of damages that had to be paid was rather small. A used metal candlestick isn’t worth that much even though it had much sentimental value. Boruch: That is totally different. There, a used candlestick practically has no market value. With regards to my misprinted stamp, there are many stamp collectors interested in my stamp. Shimon: But I tore it by accident! Boruch: The very first Mishna in Bava Kama lists “man” as one category of damager. I’m sure you know the phrase “Adam muad l’olam.” A man is always liable for the damage he causes even if it is completely accidental. Shimon: Wait a second! I distinctly remember now that you told me you bought the same stamp a year ago. Boruch: Yes. There were only two in existence. Before you ripped it, I owned both. But now, sadly, there’s only one left. Shimon: I’m sure your remaining misprinted stamp shot up in value. It’s

now unique and worth at least $2,000. Boruch: Yes. I’m sure it did. But you still damaged my stamp. Shimon: Yes, I did damage the stamp. But I did not cause you any loss of money. Your net worth probably increased because of my inadvertent action. The Gemara (Bava Kama 78b)

stole was expensive, the real loss to the individual was relatively small. Here, too, I technically caused you a loss of your stamp, but taking the entirety of circumstances into account, you lost nothing. You profited! Boruch: The Shaar HaMishpat disagrees. No proof can be brought from

Yes, I did damage the stamp. But I did not cause you any loss of money.

discusses a case where someone stole an expensive ox that was set aside for a voluntary sacrifice. The Gemara rules that the thief only has to pay monetary restitution to cover the cost of an inexpensive lamb. This is because the owner can fulfill his obligation to bring a volunteer offering with a cheap lamb. The Shiltei Giborim concludes from here that we take a complete look at the entire situation. Although the ox the thief

the case of the sacrifices. There, “hekdesh” is really suffering the loss. Originally, an expensive sacrifice would have been brought. Now a cheap one will be brought. The rules of damaging hekdesh are different. Let’s discuss a different case. Levi lent his thousand-dollar video projector to Yehuda. A thief stole the projector from Yehuda and destroyed it. Yehuda apologized to Levi. Levi only asked Yehuda for one hundred dollars

in restitution. The thief must still pay one thousand dollars to Yehuda. This is true despite the fact that if we examine the totality of the situation, Yehuda only lost one hundred dollars. Yet, the thief must still pay the actual value of the borrowed item that he stole from Yehuda. The thief must pay a thousand dollars! Shimon: Well, the Shiltei Giborim likewise discusses that exact scenario. He says that the thief would only have to pay one hundred dollars in that situation which is the value of the actual loss. Here you have no actual loss! I hold like the Shiltei Giborim! Boruch: Even the Shiltei Giborim would possibly agree in this situation that you have to pay me for the stamp. There are two reasons why we obligate a person to pay restitution: 1) He caused the victim a loss; 2) He destroyed an item belonging to the victim. In the case of the projector, the victim only suffered a small loss. Moreover, the victim didn’t have his personal object taken. The projector did not belong to the victim, it was borrowed! Here, while it is true I suffered no loss, you definitely destroyed a stamp that I owned! Shimon: Good point! I think I will ask Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, shlit”a, to rule on this this. Boruch: Great, I will accept his psak. A little later, Boruch sees Shimon. Borcuh: Nu, what did Rav Zilberstein pasken? Shimon: To be honest, he wasn’t sure. I guess we will have to work out a compromise.

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.

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NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

On Avraham Avinu’s Emunah by Moreinu HaRav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, zt”l Translated by Rabbi Yair Hoffman

ften, we fail to realize the greatness of our Gedolei Torah. What follows is a small glimpse of the Torah that Rav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, zt”l, son-in-law of Rav Meir Chodosh, zt”l, gave to his students on a weekly basis. What follows is one of the shmuessim that he delivered on emunah. It is particularly appropriate for the situation that we currently face. Bereishis 15:6 – “And he (Avraham) believed in Hashem, and He (Hashem) accounted it to him as righteousness.” Rashi explains: “And He accounted it to him as righteousness: The Holy One, blessed be He, accounted it to Avraham as a merit and as righteousness for the faith that he believed in Him.” The Ramban asks on Rashi, “Why would Avraham Avinu not have believed in the Creator of the world?” Therefore, the Ramban rather interprets the meaning of the pasuk to be that Avraham Avinu considered both Hashem’s promise and that it will unquestionably be fulfilled as a complete charity toward him. This is because it would never have crossed Avraham Avinu’s mind that he was personally deserving of it at all. [The English language capitalizations in the pasuk are, therefore, reversed: “And he believed in Hashem, and he (Avraham) accounted it to Him (Hashem) as charity.” -YH] To Avraham Avinu, he deserved nothing. All of the promises made to him by Hashem were complete charity on Hashem’s part toward him. The matter is most unnerving. If Avraham Avinu felt undeserving – that never once was there a perspective of “I deserve this” or this is “coming to me” – then what do we, who are so below Avraham Avinu’s great stature, what do we have to say? Certainly, for us, we are entirely undeserving and everything is charity from Hashem!

Answering For Rashi But we must also strive to answer for

No Limits When a person does all that is incumbent upon him in this area, and he brings himself to this emunah, then there is no limit to his vision and knowledge, to his understanding and reasoning. Man does not reach such a level without tireless work and labor. Emunah is the product of the hard work of the believer. Therefore, it will not be difficult to understand that it is indeed a right and a righteousness, since the very ability to reach this is the fruit of Avraham Avinu’s work.

From Himself

Rashi. Shall the question of the Ramban remain unanswered by our master, Rashi? Go out and learn. Emunah is not a substitute for hindsight, for evidence or for knowledge. Emunah is not the concept of “being content with little.” Emunah

We now have the ability to see things in a special capacity that is showered onto us from on high. This is the true power of emunah. Emunah is a renewed creation by the Creator Himself – to cover situations and fields of vision that cannot be shown or

Emunah is seeing beyond the power of our own vision and to know above all the power of knowledge of reason or conclusions.

does not come because of lack of knowledge or evidence. Emunah is far more than all that. When the power of knowledge ends, when the horizon hides all evidence, then it is within our power to see beyond that horizon. Emunah is seeing beyond the power of our own vision and to know above all the power of knowledge of reason or conclusions. New horizons then open up to us.

communicated by ordinary means or known powers. This is a special power created by the Creator of the world for the needs of man, which, with proper use, is capable of seeing and knowing all that transpires, to truly seeing it and truly knowing it. This power is granted to man on condition. He must bring this perspective on himself – through effort, work and studying Hashem’s nature and His Torah.

It was never revealed to Avraham that he was capable of being a believer to such a degree. It was never told to him that even after Hashem’s speech, even after the making of the covenant and the promise of descendants, that there is still room for a greater and truer clarity – brighter and even more powerful. Avraham Avinu drew and drew all this from within himself and from the results of his efforts. He, therefore, deserved a prize. This is the meaning of, “And Hashem accounted it to him as righteousness” according to Rashi. It is said in the name of Chofetz Chaim, zt”l, that Avraham’s greatness was that after all his knowledge and what he had seen, it was not these that made him but his emunah in Hashem. The deeper meaning of this is that not only that his closeness of mind to Hashem guided him more than what he saw and knew, but that there is a deeper seeing and a deeper knowing that are far brighter and clearer one that comes from emunah, and this is what “will count as righteousness.”

The author c an be yairhoffman2@gmail.com.

reac hed

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

The Wandering

Jew

Nova Scotia & Maine By Hershel Lieber

Lunenberg

t was the tail end of spring, mid-May of 2002, when we took a trip combining the northernmost state of the United States with an eastern maritime province of Canada. I had been to Maine before, but Pesi hadn’t. Neither of us had ever been to Nova Scotia.

Szmuel and Chana Cymerman with their two girls

It was just over a four-hour drive from Brooklyn, New York, to Brookline, Massachusetts, where we made an overnight stop. Our friends, Szmuel and Chana Cymerman, and their two daughters had moved there a few years earlier when Szmuel set up his audiology prac-

tice. We stayed at their home overnight and had a chance to reconnect. The next morning, I davened at the Bostoner shul where I had an opportunity to meet and talk with the Rebbe. While there, we got a chance to tour the one historical sight in this city, the birthplace and childhood

Pesi at Mrs. Shapiro’s house in Portsmouth

home of President John F. Kennedy. Our next stop was Portsmouth, New Hampshire. There, we toured the fascinating Strawberry Banke outdoor museum, which depicts the 350 years of settlement along the historic riverfront. Houses that are centuries old

Overnight trip on the Scotia Prince

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove

are replete with costumed actors reenacting the lives of the different immigrants that made this city their home and added their contributions to the American dream. There was even the “Shapiro House,” which portrayed Jewish life during the turn of the century with a narration given by an elderly Yiddish-speaking grandmother who was excited by our presence. From there, we continued on to Portland, Maine, where we would take the Scotia Prince overnight ferry to Nova

At the Citadel in Halifax

Scotia. That evening, we drove our car onto the hull of the boat and settled into our small cabin. After eating our takealong supper, we ascended a ladder to walk on the deck. It was quite cold and windy, so we didn’t last too long. There was not much to see in any case since it was dark and overcast with clouds. We had no interest in the restaurant, the night club nor the casino, so we went to sleep early. In retrospect, it was not worth the expense, but it still was the closest way to get from Portland to Nova

Scotia without driving nine hours. We woke up at 5 a.m., davened and finished breakfast just before docking in Yarmouth. It was Friday, and we still had a four-hour drive to Halifax, Nova Scotia’s capital city. We did make one stop in Lunenberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This colonial fishing village with its brightly colored buildings from the 1750s is a photographer’s delight and a fun place to walk around. We spent two delightful hours there. We checked into our hotel in Halifax

Pesi at Peggy’s Cove

when we reached our destination and then went to the house of Rabbi Mendel and Bassie Feldman of Chabad. We had ordered Shabbos food from Rebbetzin Feldman, which we picked up. Chabad did not have a shul there at the time, and the only Orthodox Shul, Beth Israel, was a long walk from our hotel. On Friday night, we davened and ate in our hotel suite. The atmosphere we created was very Shabbosdik. On Shabbos morning, besides davening, eating the day seudah and the traditional nap, we took a

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Pesi hiking in Acadia National Park

two-hour stroll around the harbor area. We went to shul for Mincha and shalosh seudos where we heard a Pirkei Avos shiur from Rabbi Saul Aranov and got a ride back to our hotel. Sunday was our Halifax touring day. The main attraction was the Citadel, a principal British Empire Naval station during the 18th and 19th centuries. The star-shaped compound protected one of the largest and deepest natural harbors of the world. The guides were dressed in military uniforms from those periods, and there were demonstrations of musket and cannon firings. I remember that this tour was very impressive and educational. Our next stop was truly a unique experience. We boarded the sailing boat Bluenose and set sail towards the Atlantic Ocean. The experience of the gusting winds transporting our ship via its sails was exhilarating, and the captain allowed me to maneuver the sails and to steer the helm. We even bought a replica of the ship as a souvenir. The next morning, we started our trip back to Yarmouth with a stop at Peggy’s Cove. The picturesque inlet with its houses perched on wave-washed boulders is legendary. The prominent lighthouse is the most photographed feature of the Cove, and there was a post office located at the bottom level from where we sent postcards to our family. From there, we drove straight to Yarmouth to catch the afternoon CAT, the high-speed ferry which would take us to Bar Harbor, Maine, in three and a half hours. There

Sunset on Mount Cadillac

was not much to do on the ferry except for a hall with slot machines. I do not gamble but tried my luck with a self-imposed $10 limit. I actually walked away

coves and pink granite peaks. The first day we took the Three Mile Carriage Route, which gave us an introduction to the park’s offerings. We climbed the

In the late afternoon, we drove up to the summit of Mount Cadillac where, at 1,530 feet, we watched sunset in all its magnificence and glory.

within minutes with $120 and still was not enticed to stay on. We arrived in Bar Harbor towards the evening and rented a cottage on Mount Desert Island along Frenchman Bay. Since the season had just begun, most cottages were empty. We had almost the entire complex and the adjoining bay for ourselves. We settled in and planned our program for the next two days. The highlight of our plans was to visit Acadia National Park. Acadia was actually the first National Park that we visited, and it was the one that inspired us to make the National Parks a part of our regular travel itinerary. This park is comprised of over twenty mountains, woodlands, jagged coastlines, rocky beaches, sheltered

steep, one-mile Bubble Rock Trail and drove along the Park Loop Road, stopping at many intriguing sights along the way. In the late afternoon, we drove up to the summit of Mount Cadillac where, at 1,530 feet, we watched sunset in all its magnificence and glory. One day at Acadia was not enough, so we returned the next day for a few hours to absorb more of its natural beauty and to internalize our introduction to Hashem’s natural wonders. Our second visit was no less captivating than yesterday’s first encounter. We went to sections of the park that we did not see before and had another splendid day exploring this paradise. We then headed to the town of Bar Harbor, which was definitely too touristy for our taste.

At Acadia National Park

The next day, we started our journey back home. We stopped at the Cole Transportation Museum in Bangor and at the State Museum in Augusta, Maine’s capital. We made it to Brookline before evening, where we ate dinner at Taam China. We stayed overnight in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and completed our drive the next day to Brooklyn. We arrived at noon and started to make preparations for Shabbos, which would start in a couple of hours. We recounted the highlights of our trip to our son Mechel during the Shabbos meals, and as gratified as we were from our journey, we were grateful to be back home again.

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.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

nspiration Nation

Rabbi Manis Friedman: The One Who Needs You The Most By Eliyahu RosEnBERg

t seems like wherever we go, we’re told what to do: you must do this, you mustn’t do that. All sorts of rules and responsibilities pile up on our backs, progressively burdening us as we grow older. Societally speaking, we’re bombarded with demands such as “you must pay your rent,” “you need to get a job,” “you have to get an education.” But have you ever questioned why this is so? Mind you, no one asks to be born. Not only are we thrust into this world without our consent, but upon taking our first breaths, we’re handed a never-ending list of duties that no one in their right mind would sign up for. Oftentimes, people turn to religion for solace to cope with the stresses of the world, but let’s be honest here: not only does religion create more restrictions – but it also threatens you with the notion that G-d is scrutinizing your every move, tallying up each and every one of your sins

in order to evaluate where He’s sending you after your life ends. Does that idea relax you? If we’re searching for a more relaxing life with fewer rules, forcing upon ourselves endless laws and customs under the threat of divine punishment is probably not the way to go. Now, you may not know where this is going, but you can probably guess that the two paragraphs you’ve read are not heretical. One look at the title of this article will tell you that the subject of this writing is Rabbi Manis Friedman, a well-known Chabad rabbi, author, and speaker who has attracted nearly 400,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel, and seeing as this has been printed in a beloved frum newspaper, you can imagine that the author’s only intent is to bring people closer to Hashem, and not, chas v’shalom, farther. Rabbi Manis Friedman’s fresh and unique perspectives on religion often bor-

In His Words… i’m not looking for g-d to save me. i’m looking to serve g-d.

”

The problem with religion is that it burdens you, and it puts you at the center of the universe.

”

What is a mitzvah? a mitzvah means g-d depends on you to do what he needs done, so on the one hand it’s such a relief, it’s so liberating. My problem – i don’t have any problems. My needs – they’re not mine. That makes our burdens so much lighter.

”

leave me here, so that i can do for hashem.

”

der on scathingly critical, evident from the fact that one of his most popular videos is titled, “Why Religion Is Bad For You.” In fact, he insists that it’s an enormous mistake to put Judaism into the same category as every other religion. “I can imagine saying to my grandson: you have to be careful not to eat a non-kosher candy, you have to be shomer Shabbos, you have to keep kosher, you have to be honest, you have to honor your parents, you have to get good grades, you have to go to yeshiva, you have to be on time for minyan,” Rabbi Friedman said, in the opening of the video. “And I can imagine my grandson saying, ‘I thought about it and actually, I don’t need any of that. You keep telling me I need to, but I really don’t. Why do I need to?’ “And if I were religious, what would I say?” Rabbi Friedman continued. “‘Oh yes, you have to. You know what happens to people who sin?!’ So now I’m bullying him, now I’m trying to scare him into behaving. “That’s not Judaism. That’s religion.” Society seems to be in a similar boat. You have to go to school, you have to get good grades, you have to pay your taxes, you have to get a job – or else. Most parents would fret upon hearing their child refuse to do chores, citing the fact that he or she hadn’t asked to be brought into the world and as such shouldn’t be expected to work. Indeed, the phrase “I didn’t ask to be born” is becoming increasingly popular among rebellious youths nowadays, but Rabbi Friedman says the kids who use that phrase are actually kind of on to something. After all, is it a lie? The reason we weren’t consulted prior to our birth is simply because we didn’t

need to be. In fact, Rabbi Friedman added, you didn’t even need to be born at all, and while that fact on the surface might seem odd coming from an inspirational speaker, it actually offers a great deal of peace. In truth, he says, you actually have no responsibilities or things you “need” to do. Then why are we here, why do we keep the Torah, why should we live a moral life?... Because G-d needs you to, Rabbi Friedman asserts. For what reason can we possibly be alive? Does Hashem create useless creations? “The problem with religion is that it burdens you and it puts you at the center of the universe,” Rabbi Friedman said. “You have needs. G-d is only here to help you with your needs. He’s your valet, He’s your butler, or your savior, or your healer, or your protector, but He’s busy full-time taking care of you. You are the center of the world. That is not Judaism, and it’s not healthy.” Nearly every religion has adopted this ideology, and some of these ideas have also infiltrated Judaism. Of course, there’s no error in asking Hashem for things, but that is neither the main purpose of Yiddishkeit nor the main reason why G-d chose to give us life. Our role in this world is not to be showered in divine gifts, nor love. “I’m not looking for G-d to save me. I’m looking to serve G-d,” Rabbi Friedman notes. Now, these ideas might seem alien or somewhat controversial at first, but think about it for a second. We are created with the power of choice. To say we “need” to serve Hashem is inaccurate; we may choose to or we may choose not to. We aren’t re-

you? And if you so desire, you may choose to, chas v’shalom, neglect Hashem, or you may choose to fulfill your ultimate purpose and serve Him by fulfilling His needs. This paradigm is so much more beautiful and spiritual than the common way of viewing humans as the needy ones whom G-d serves. “What is a mitzvah? A mitzvah means G-d depends on you to do what He needs done, so on the one hand it’s such a relief, it’s so liberating. My problem – I don’t have any problems. My needs – they’re not mine. That makes our burdens so much lighter,” Rabbi Friedman notes. “On the other hand, I can do for Him every minute of the day, but once I get to Heaven, I won’t be able to do that. Well, then I’m staying here. Leave me here, so that I can do for Hashem.”

Our purpose isn’t just to pursue a career or to get a good education, nor is it to exclusively do any of the things normally associated with success. But to choose to isolate yourself from the world and to refuse to associate with anything other than Judaism, while perhaps an ideal state for the few born into such a lifestyle, is not something that we should strive for. Neither extreme is good; the middle ground is what we should aim for. If you understand that your purpose is to serve Hashem, and you genuinely want to, the only question that remains is how to actually do that. The answer is simple: look at where you are in life. The circumstances and places which G-d has placed you in are the exact circumstances and places you need to be in order to best serve Him, says Rabbi Friedman.

Wherever you are, whoever you are, you can bring Hashem into your life. In this way, we don’t have to fall for the pressure that society and false religions place on their members. We can be relaxed when working towards our careers, knowing that it’s ultimately for the purpose of bringing G-dliness down to Earth. And when we genuinely want to serve Hashem, we need not be bogged down by the fear of consequence or punishment. You can’t compare the effectiveness of someone motivated by fear with someone motivated by genuine desire. Doing mitzvot, learning Torah, and obeying the word of G-d come naturally to those who do so in an effort to serve Him. G-d needs you. What reason do you have to let Him down?

This article is based on a podcast, “Inspiration For the Nation,” hosted by Yaakov Langer. To catch more of this conversation, you can watch it on LivingLchaim. com or YouTube.com/LivingLchaim or listen wherever you listen to podcasts (just search for “Inspiration For The Nation”) or call our free hotline: 605-477-2100.

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sponsible for the creation of the world, nor for our own existence, and as such, we don’t have any actual responsibilities. In fact, because this body belongs not to us but to G-d, you may apply the same logic to eating, drinking, and every other human instinct. We don’t need to eat; G-d “needs” us to. In Judaism, there’s a well-known concept of dina d’malchusa dina – the law of the land is the law, and when we follow the rules of society, we are also serving Hashem. And as such, what appears to be our needs, are really G-d’s. Take a minute to recognize the fact that G-d needs you. The Creator, the Master of the universe, has a mission hand-selected for you. Why else would He have created you if He didn’t need

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Supervisor Don Clavin Nassau County has so many layers of government. What exactly is the role of Supervisor? The Town of Hempstead is the largest township in America. There are almost 780,000 people living here. I think, at this point, we’re larger than eight states. The Town of Hempstead really provides most of your services. It provides your beaches, the majority of your roads, the building department, public safety, the tax office, the clerk’s office… We provide a significant level of government to the residents, and we’re trying to do the best we can – and we hope they’re happy. My daughter describes the role of Supervisor to a T. She says I’m the CEO of the Town of Hempstead. Your daughter’s very bright. I agree. You’ve been in public service for many, many years. But as Supervisor, you’ve been doing this since 2019, which is a significant amount of time. You’re running for your third election. What are some of your most proud accomplishments over the past four years? Since the residents have given me the opportunity to serve them, what I’ve been able to provide them, one, is tax stability. We’ve either frozen or cut taxes during my tenure while we’re enjoying an absolute highest bond rating, an AAA bond rating from the review agencies. So that’s a win for taxpayers because we’re trying to save them money, but we’re also being recognized by financial institutions because we’re using the money properly. In addition to that, we’ve invested tens of millions of dollars in road improvements throughout the Town of Hempstead. We have 1,200 miles of roadway, and we are committed to getting our roads in top-notch shape. In addition, we’re spending millions of dollars to upgrade parks. From Lido Beach to Seaford to Rock Hall Museum, we’re spending money in every single part of the town for the enjoyment of the residents. And lastly, we’ve been successful during a very difficult period. First, we faced a pandemic, where our Town services never shut down. And people need to remember that Town services

include their garbage pickup and their water, services like that. We were able to maintain every single Town service during the height of the pandemic and safeguard residents during a really trying time. And it was really able to happen because I work with amazing people here, and the residents are very supportive of what we do. What’s your relationship with the County Executive? Prior to becoming the county executive, Bruce Blakeman was a Town board member during the pandemic, and he was a trusted friend and advisor. As county executive, he has done a great job for the residents. We work very, very closely together on many things, for example, public safety. Right now, with everything going on in this world, he is coordinating public safety throughout

“I love randomly calling somebody in the evening who sent me an email with a concern or an idea. They’re amazed that I call.” the County for the second-largest Jewish population in the United States of America. And that includes working with the Town of Hempstead. I applaud him for that, and we work hand-in-hand. It’s nice to have a good friend in government. It’s good to work with good people. During the pandemic, how were you able to be so level-headed and not cave into the panic that so many people were experiencing? You know what? I’m blessed with a lot of good friends and advisors. Nobody can do it by themselves, and I seek

advice. I sought advice from Bruce Blakeman, from Rabbi Wolowik, and from other elected officials. We really had a sense of balancing public safety with the necessity for government to function and people to function. And I think we were very successful at that, and people recognized that. With all the craziness they’ve seen happening in all these other states and in California and New York City, people knew we were safeguarding their lives here in the Town of Hempstead while also balancing their personal freedoms. You mentioned a minute ago about public safety and about the situation in Israel. Is there something that the Jewish residents of the Town of Hempstead should be aware of or concerned about because of the war in Israel? Everybody should be concerned about what’s happening in Israel. As I’ve said at a recent rally attended by thousands down in Cedarhurst, there are two sides. There is the right side standing with Israel, and then there is the wrong side. And if you stand for the wrong side, I don’t know what you stand for. We need to be unified in our support of Israel and also recognize that we also need to be aware. We are seeing an incredible rise of antisemitism. I am disgusted by the antics of these marchers in the city and in other areas, with the proHamas marches that are taking place. We need to be aware of this, and we need to take steps. And to credit the County Executive, he has raised the bar on public safety. He has raised the awareness, and he’s done that with every community. He’s done that with us in the Town of Hempstead by increasing the presence of police and working with our public safety department to let people know, “You know what? America is a wonderful place. You’re going to be able to practice your faith, and you’re

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Supervisor Clavin speaking at a rally against Hochul's high density housing plan

not going to have the fear of your life here in Nassau County or in the Town of Hempstead.” The Town of Hempstead is quite large. How do you manage to connect with every community in the Town of Hempstead and make sure that everybody is fully serviced and feels like they’re getting the most from the Town? I try and get out there as much as I can. I tell people, “If you invite me to an event, I will do my best to get there.” If I have a family commitment at my son’s baseball game or to my daughter’s lacrosse games, I know people understand that. That’s an important part of it – that I show up at every event. In addition, I actually read every single email that comes in. I try and respond to them, so people know that when they send information in or have an idea or a problem, it just doesn’t go to the delete file. It’s actually read by somebody. And, of course, if we can render assistance, we will make sure to get it done and help. That’s proven successful. I love randomly calling somebody in the evening who sent me an email with a concern or an idea. They’re amazed that I call. And I tell them, “Well, that’s my job.” I am amazed that you do that. I don’t think an elected official ever responded to my email except for, “Thank you for your email. We will respond in a timely fashion,” which they never did. So I appreciate that. I really believe it’s the personal touch of people recognizing that their government officials are listening to them and are responsive to them. That really is important to me personally, but I think that’s helped me with my tenure here because I do listen to residents. I do listen to their concerns. And when somebody has a good idea,

Being sworn in with his wife and children

if we can implement it, we should. When you do speak to residents, what’s really on their minds? The number one issue definitely is the cost of living here and taxes. They’re very concerned about it. Inflation’s up. The cost of every single product in the store is up. I do the grocery shopping in my house. My bills have become astronomical. And we recognize that.

“You want to make sure you have people in the office that have those same priorities and have the same concerns as you.” In addition, people are concerned about safety. People really are very upset with what is happening in the state. They don’t feel safe. They feel that these laws that they’ve changed in Albany have really hurt the communities. And I recognize that. What’s going on is out of hand. You’re a dad. You have three beautiful children. Yes, I do. I have two girls and one boy. How do you juggle your role as Supervisor and being an active, involved parent? It is a true team effort. My family understands my

job has a certain commitment, not only 9:00 to 5:00, but from 5:00 to 9:00. They’re very understanding of that. They’re very supportive. But I also make a commitment to them, that when they have something important in their life, I will be there. Let it be a game. Let it be a meeting. Let it be singing in the school show. I have to be there because I want to be there. And that’s just as important to me. Family is the number one priority in my life. You have been supervisor for four years now, and you were a Receiver of Taxes for 18 years. Your parents were involved in politics as well. My parents believed in public service. My dad was a prosecutor and a judge in Nassau County. My mother was the first female trustee in Valley Stream. We were raised that it’s important to give back to your community. My desire is to give it back in community service, and people have afforded me that opportunity. I’m very blessed for that. What do you think are the characteristics of a good public servant? On my desk, I have a very simple gift that was given to me. It’s a compass. And that is my moral compass. I have a card that says, “Have faith in your moral compass.” I got that gift from my mom. I look at it every day because it’s important to me. You know what? If you’re a good person and you’re making good decisions – that’s what it comes down to. People recognize that. People know who they feel comfortable with and who they don’t. People know whom they trust and whom they don’t trust. To me, I know my moral compass. I know it’s a good moral compass, and I’m going to do good for the Town residents.

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You also want to be approachable. You want people to approach you and say, “You know what? You can talk to the person. They’re normal.” What do you do to relax at night? Any hints and tips on what people could do to just de-stress their lives? I tinker a little bit. I like to work on my car. It’s an older car. But I love it. I like to do little things like that. Amazingly, I also love to cook for my family. So what I’ll do at night is I’ll cook the next night’s dinner. Maybe I won’t be there to eat it with them, but they’ll have a nice dinner that I made for them. That’s something I find enjoyable with a little music in the background. I’ve find that this helps me to destress from my day, even if I’m not getting home until 9 or 10 at night. It’s my little routine on how to get resettled. Is there any specific place in the Town of Hempstead that you find that you really enjoy going to? Here’s one for residents who have never done it. Take a drive over to Merrick and take a walk at the Levy Preserve. At one time, this was a facility that would collect garbage, and we’ve transformed it into a beautiful nature walk. You can take a kayak and put it in the water. In the back of it, there’s fishing. It’s one of the highest points on

the island. And from the top, we have a little windmill and you can see the city’s skyline, and it’s really beautiful. Talking about a place to kind of do a reset, that’s a nice little place to escape with your family, to take the walk, and enjoy the scenery, and enjoy the views. It’s an off-year election. Why is it important for people to go out and vote? I’m grateful for the opportunity the residents give me to serve, and I hope they’ll give me that opportunity to serve you another two years because I’m going to do the best I can. Local government matters. Case in point, New York Governor Kathy Hochul was trying to take over local zoning of housing. And we stood together – myself, the mayors, and the residents, thousands of them – to say, “No, we want local government to stay local, not in Albany.” And it worked. That’s why I say to people, “Your local voice, your local representatives, your elections matter because if not, you’ll get people in office who are going to give the authority to Albany.” And if that’s the case, you know what? Albany will do to Nassau County what they’ve done to New York City, and we can’t afford that. We spend a lot in property taxes. We spend a lot of money for the quality of life here in the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County. You want to make sure you have

Being honored at Chabad of Hewlett

people in the office that have those same priorities and have the same concerns and want to keep it as beautiful as it is.

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Legislator & Deputy Presiding Officer Howard Kopel Leg. Kopel, you are up for election this year. This is a position that you need to run for every two years. This year is an “off-year election”; will that affect voter turnout? Why is it important for people to vote this year? This is actually what we call an “off off year.” An “off year” would be one in which there is no presidential election. This year, we have no federal elections, no statewide elections, and not even an election for county-wide offices, such as County Executive, Comptroller, Clerk, etc. So, yes! Turnout is typically much lower, since the big-name elections are not there to pull people out of their routines. Nevertheless, it is especially important in the upcoming election. You’re undoubtedly familiar with the old axiom that “all politics are local.” There is a Nassau County legislator that actually now (until January) represents part of our community, in Inwood, calling for Israel to “stop killing children in Palestine” and claiming that our County Executive, Bruce Blakeman “wants to kill Palestinians.” As a community, we need to show where our loyalties lie. Local voices count. Politicians on the state and local levels pay attention to what is happening in their districts, even on a local level, as it will inform their positions on issues, with an eye to their own next elections. We need a big turnout to support our local representatives, who talk to the politicians on other levels, letting them know and understand the depth of our feelings as evidenced by a large vote count. Staying home and not voting should not be an option for anyone who holds an opinion on issues, whether local, statewide or national. Just as a large vote total is important, apathy speaks volumes, too. As a longstanding (36 years and counting!) resident

of Lawrence, with children and grandchildren part of the community as well, and a member of our local shuls and organizations, I believe that I am well qualified to pass our message on to the people that need to hear it. There are many different layers of government. Can you tell readers what the Legislature does and what issues it deals with? That’s a great question, because it confuses and frustrates so many people when they need help. Between the County, the three Towns, Villages, the three cities, school districts, fire, sanitation and library districts, it’s a wonder anyone knows where to go. The County deals with police, certain roads, social services, various mandated services and more. The Legislature deals with all of these and more. Nassau County is a big county. In fact, we have more people in Nassau County than in 10 states! So, where should people go when they need to contact government? When I started in the Legislature, I recognized the problem and decided that my office would be a “one stop shop” for constituents. So, no matter which level of government might be responsible, just call my office, at (516)571-6207. If it’s a County issue, we will deal with it directly. If not, we can work with constituents to get them in touch with the right people and follow along to see that the issue is solved. For instance, just last week, someone called me in a panic because he lost his passport and needed a replacement immediately for his anniversary trip. We worked with the office of Representative D’Esposito to help this man cut the line and make it a happy anniversary. You’ve been in office for over a decade. Have the issues that face constituents changed? What are

the issues that your constituents feel are most pressing for them? When I first started in office, in January 2010, the most pressing issue for everyone was increasing county real estate taxes. Since I have been in the Legislature, county taxes, as a whole, have remained stable. Note, that individual homes and buildings will vary over time, and also that the great bulk of real estate taxes go to the school district. County level taxes are only about 17% of real estate taxes, and the County has no role in setting tax rates of the towns, villages and other taxing entities. Today, I still hear tax related complaints, such as the less than accurate reassessment conducted by the previous administration. However, many more people are concerned about quality-of-life issues, such as infrastructure problems, including road crowding and drainage needs and the excessive construction of new developments that would exacerbate the problems. The economy is on everyone’s minds. It’s been hard on everyone’s pocketbooks. How can you in the Legislature help to lower prices and taxes for residents? I am proud of never voting to increase County taxes. I have, on occasion, been on the losing side of 18-1 votes on raising certain fees, which can be excessive. As I said earlier, County taxes are a relatively small part of the overall real estate tax bill, but I will always try to do my part. Looking back over the past few years, what pieces of legislation or accomplishments do you feel you are most proud of? As the longtime head of the Legislature’s Finance Committee, I have led efforts to improve the County’s

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Legislator Kopel meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on a recent trip to Israel

financial position. One particular initiative that I formulated and that was enacted has saved hundreds of millions of dollars over the years. What sort of projects or funds can you, as the legislator who represents our community, bring home for our community? I am working to improve County infrastructure, such as some of our roads, drainage, etc. I also am proud of having been able to secure grants for such things as village beautification projects, safety and a new ambulance for Hatzalah. I work closely with our villages to learn of needs and to help, whenever possible. What committees are you on in the Legislature and why did you decide to join them? Besides my Finance activities, I am Vice Chair of the Rules Committee. This is the most important Legislative committee since it is responsible for approval of all County contracts and also reviews the work of all other committees. Let’s talk about redistricting. Can you explain what has happened, why the district is being divided again, and tell us about your new district? Will the Five Towns being squarely in your district help or hurt the community? Redistricting is legally required every 10 years to rebalance and achieve “one man, one vote” in the County. People move into and out of areas over time, and some districts may end up having too many people, while others have too few. When that happens, the vote of a person in the areas with a larger population will have less weight than the person in a District that has lost population.

With Village and Town officials at the dedication of a new Hatzalah ambulance in Lawrence

In this redistricting, the Five Towns is actually being put together again. For the last number of years, the Five Towns had three legislators, each representing only a part. The new plan has one legislator representing the entire area. I believe that this is good for us. The Five

time to call or email our Senators and Representatives in the federal government. I also led the enactment of a strict anti-boycott local law. Finally, we can help organize gatherings that get news coverage. Our County Executive, Bruce Blakeman recently sponsored a huge gathering in Eisenhower Park to support Israel that attracted an estimated 7,500 people!

"We need a big turnout

You have a successful business and many grandchildren, so you are probably busy enough as it is. Why deal with being a legislator? I like being busy. And, having spent most of my adult life working for myself and my family, I am lucky to be able to repay the community for the wonderful environment it has provided to live in and raise my family.

to support our local representatives, who talk to the politicians on other levels, letting them know and understand the depth of our feelings as evidenced by a large vote count."

Towns really is one community, and we shouldn’t have to wonder who represents a particular block. The situation in Israel is on everyone’s minds. What can or should Nassau County being doing about the war in Israel? Foreign policy is, of course, a federal function. What we can do is raise our voices and let our opinions be known to federal officials. Everyone should take the

What do you love most about living in the Five Towns? This is a warm, vibrant and growing community that people from all over are trying to get into. My family has been lucky in having come here relatively early in this tremendous growth, and we have watched, participated and benefitted from meeting and getting to know many wonderful people. I want to let everyone know that early voting started last weekend and runs through November 5, and includes Sunday. Hours vary by day. Locations and hours of voting can be found at https://www.nassaucountyny. gov/DocumentCenter/View/40781/Nassau-Early-Voting-Flyer-NOVEMBER-2023-v4?bidId=. In our neighborhood, we can vote early at the Lawrence Country Club, at 101 Causeway, Lawrence. You can vote at this station, or at any other on the list. As I mentioned before, it’s very important to vote and make sure our voices are heard.

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Life, Motza’ei Shabbat and Yom Tov, October 7

Dear Friends and Family, I do not have proper words to explain the horror and fear and devastation happening in Israel. Right now, Ari and I are safe and staying with friends in the center of the country (Chashmonaim). Our son has been called to his base. Our sons-in-law are protecting their communities through the night. We are all doing our best to get through this nightmare. Please pray for the safety of Israel.

Sunday, October 8

Ending Sunday safely back at home in Ashkelon. I keep writing and deleting and then writing and deleting again. There is so much and nothing to say all at the same time. We are physically safe at home. But we are not okay. I cannot listen to or read the news. My heart cannot unfeel the pain and horror. So I clean my kitchen and do my laundry because THAT I can control. This is a crazy-making reality. Keep praying. Do a good deed. Smile at a stranger. Be kind. Tomorrow is another day.

Sunday Night, October 8

And now that the Jewish holidays have ended, and my observant Jewish family and friends are back online, here is my response to your questions: No. I am not okay. And right now, I am particularly sensitive to the question, “Are you okay?” or the comment, “I’m so relieved you are okay.” I am not okay.

I AM NOT okay. Yes. My physical being is alive. Yes. I am as safe as I can be unless something drastic happens. Yes. I am functioning and getting through the day. But I am not okay. Not at all. I don’t want anyone to think that I am okay. Nor that any of us living in Israel is okay. Nothing is okay right now. Yes. You can be relieved that I am physically safe. But please DO NOT assume that it is enough. I am not mentally okay. I am not emotionally okay. I am scared. I am worried. I am very sad. I cannot sleep. I am violently angry. I feel hate and disgust. I feel rage. I feel despair and helplessness. I feel hopeless. I feel numb. I feel tired. I’m so tired from feeling everything all at the same time. So yes. I am okay. I am grateful for my physical safety. But in this circumstance, it’s just not enough. So please figure out another way to tell me you care. Don’t ask me if I’m okay. Because I will tell you the truth.

to our safe room and shut the heavy metal door. We have started learning the difference between the sound of the Iron Dome deploying versus the sound of an interception versus the painfully loud crunching sound of a direct hit nearby. Even with our heavy metal window covering, the room shakes from the explosive vibrations. We sit still, away from the window, waiting the 5-10 minutes required before leaving the safe room. We take deep breaths together. I tap my chest gently to ground myself. I send a prayer of thanks to the soldiers responsible for keeping us safe and a word of support to the parents who are worried about them. And then we open the door and move on with our day.

Monday, October 9

Ending Day #3 of this war called “Swords of Iron” with some light rain. From this picture, you would think it was another normal day of watching the rain come in off the water— one of my favorite things to enjoy while living at the beach in the winter. But today, what has sounded like constant rumbling thunder is actually hundreds of bombs being dropped in Gaza approximately 12 kilometers/7 miles from where I live. I can hear the planes fly over, drop their bombs, shake our buildings, rattle our windows, and fly back to their base. We had about six sirens today, alerting us of an incoming missile and giving us less than 15 seconds to get

Until the next siren. I am still avoiding social media as much as possible. I cannot see the numbers or the faces or read the horrific stories. My nervous system cannot handle the pain I feel. I know they are all there, but the images don’t leave my mind if I look, so I choose not to. Today, I did five loads of laundry and scrubbed my

Tuesday, October 10

Ending Day #4 of this war with a glass of white wine and frozen leechees with my daughter and a perfect bowl of gluten-free pasta with tuna and vegetables: my comfort food. I also end my day with over 4,300 steps just from being in the apartment and running back and forth to our safe room all day. My pedicure appointment was canceled, and I postponed a CT appointment at a hospital in Ashdod 20 minutes north of Ashkelon. Ari drove to the city of Ranana in the morning, about 63 kilometers/39 miles north of Ashkelon, for the devastating funeral of the son of one of his high school friends. I chose not to go. He graciously went to the supermarket while he was out but found the shelves empty of many items on our list. I’m not sure what I got done today. It’s a blur. I know I made a tray of date-nut chocolate candy. I know I helped Esther using SE (Somatic Experiencing) to learn how to regulate her nervous system. I know I met a client on Zoom for an hour. I know I folded and put away more clothes. But I can’t remember what else I did. At 4:00 p.m., someone sent us a notice that Hamas was warning Ashkelon residents to get out of town by 5:00 p.m. My brain knew it was propaganda meant to instill fear. But my body reacted without me wanting it to. I instantly became nauseous, and my head and heart started pounding. I knew I had to calm myself, so I went outside to my balcony and looked out at the sea. I consciously felt the breeze in my face, closed my eyes, and made sure I was breathing. Ari checked with his security “people,” who confirmed it was only propaganda. Except that at exactly 5:00 p.m., there was a siren and a barrage of missiles. We ran to the safe room and slammed the door shut. For the next half hour, each time we left the room, there would be another siren, and we would run back into the safe room. The explosions were very loud overhead. The metal window was rattling from the explosive vibrations, so I put some blankets and pillows between the glass and the metal to buffer and quiet the shaking. We had a reprieve with enough time to open a bottle of wine and make some pasta. Less than two minutes after I sat down to eat, there was another siren. I grabbed my bowl and glass and ran. As I write this, it’s been almost two hours since we’ve had a siren. I will sleep again in the safe room tonight, hoping for a quiet night like we had last night. This is our crazy-making reality. Terrorism aims to terrorize. They want us dead. They want to make us crazy in the mind. They want us to be

scared. They want to paralyze us. I have always been able to stand up to bullies in my life. But this is definitely different. It is harder and bigger and scarier. Still, I trust G-d has a plan. I breathe. Tomorrow is another day… Wednesday, October 11

Ending Day #5 literally in a different place. I awoke at my usual 6:30 a.m. after a full night of sleep without any missile interruptions. Do I really thank Hamas for that?! It was a clear morning with a refreshing breeze that blew through our windows from the Mediterranean Sea. I sat quietly, enjoying my hot mug of sweet cinnamon tea, feeling frustrated that I couldn’t go swimming because the pool was closed, nor could I go for a morning walk on the beach because of the possibility of a missile attack or a terrorist on the loose. I thought, Is this really my reality? I decided that today was the day I would finish my backsplash; a project I have been working on for over a year. I got to work, and as I was cleaning grout off the stones, I heard cars driving on the street below. I thought, There are a lot more cars out there today. I wonder if the drivers are worried about missiles or terrorists? In the second after I finished that thought, the first siren of the day broke the morning quiet. As usual, I dropped what I was doing and ran. I heard the explosions overhead, waited until they stopped, and went back to my backsplash.

Unfortunately, Hamas had other plans for my day, and instead, we spent most of the late morning and afternoon running into the safe room, slamming the metal door shut and waiting… It was around 1:30 p.m., when the barrage of rockets was so loud and scary, and shook our windows and building from a blast that felt so close, that I looked at Ari and said, “We aren’t coming back here tonight.” I had previously made a follow-up eye doctor appointment in Modiin (a city in Central Israel, very near to where we used to live) two months ago, and I wasn’t going to cancel. The plan had been to go early to see our grandchildren who lived in the area, then to the doctor’s appointment, and then return home to Ashkelon. After looking from our apartment window, seeing the destruction caused to the building behind us, and realizing that this wasn’t going to end, we packed our bags, closed up our apartment, and began to leave. As I was taking some things to the car, a siren blared through the air while I was still in the parking lot. I

quickly ran to the back door of our building, taking a second to remember the code, and ran into the stairwell of our building to wait. It’s important to note that usually when we have sirens, the doors are kept unlocked so that if anyone on the street needs to run for cover, they can. But because of the threat of terrorists in the streets, the doors to our building had to be locked. Thankfully, as we loaded up the car and drove out of the city, there were no sirens. Both Ari and I received many gracious offers from friends and family to stay with them, which we are deeply grateful for. Since we had already planned to go to Chashmonaim for Shabbat, I called our friends and asked if we could come a couple days early. As we drove out of Ashkelon, I could feel the weight lifting. And now, sitting on our friend’s couch in Chashmonaim, I feel relief and anger. Relief that I don’t have to be on high alert waiting for the next siren. And anger that I gave in to the bullies. I’ll need a couple days to process everything until now. But for now, I am trying to get used to not worrying that I will hear a siren any second and have to run… This is a crazy-making reality. Tomorrow is another day… Thursday, October 12

Ending Day #6 of the war “Swords of Iron” in my old stomping grounds and having experienced a rollercoaster of emotions throughout my day. I felt Calm. Relieved. Exhilarated. Appalled. Disgusted. Grateful. Surprised. Nostalgic. Sad. So very sad. Shocked. Frustrated. Tired. Horrified. Happy. Loved. Supported. Annoyed. Remorse. Guilt. Challenged. Scared. Excited. Is there more? Although it still feels disloyal to have left our home, I am grateful for the respite to regroup. I’m still avoiding looking at social media. There is palpable tension in the air. People are greeting each other with kindness and care. And it is very clear, although hard for me to admit, that I cannot handle listening to the trauma from other people right now. I can’t hear it, and I can’t help. I can’t separate, and I would rather not know. I can, though, express deep gratitude for all the kind messages I have been receiving. Thank you all for your love and support. It means so much to all of us Tomorrow is another day…

Friday, Erev Shabbat, October 13

It is a dream-like feeling to think that one week ago we welcomed our newest miracle into this world. It was a beautiful day with family and friends in our children’s supportive and loving community. Our grandson was given a ritual circumcision in a beautiful ceremony with singing and dancing. We gathered together as a family and shared beautiful moments so genuinely and innocently. The next morning, everything changed. Our country and the whole world turned upside down. Friday was a positive-energy day filled with an incredible amount of love and gratitude to G-d for His gifts. And just like that,

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stove top clean. I replanted a small cutting from my Batsheva plant, watered my porch garden, and made a delicious fish dinner. When my mind wanders to thinking and worrying about my children out there, I bring my thoughts back to what I can control in this moment. I’m tired. Praying for a quiet night… Tomorrow is another day.

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everything changed. Although I have posted an update at the end of every day this week, it now feels like a complete blur. We are all in collective trauma mind. We are on constant high alert. Our nervous systems are on every level of sensitive. We walk around feeling the palpable heaviness. We struggle to concentrate. We sigh deeply. We cry. We smile at each other. And every single Israeli understands what the other is feeling. No one is alone. We feel each other’s loss and pain. We are all suffering. So today, I am posting earlier than usual because Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, begins in about four hours, and we will be off social media for twenty-five hours. Trauma mind tells us to be anxious and cautious about feeling calm or looking forward to the quiet of Shabbat. Our brains remember what happened a week ago, on Saturday morning, and although we cannot control what will happen in the next minute, we have to use mindfulness to remind ourselves that in this moment we are safe. This is now our crazy-making reality.

I share with sensitivity these photos taken last Friday of our family joy and happiness welcoming our newest miracle, Gilad David, into our family. Somehow, we must continue to spread love and kindness and joys and celebrations. Our world needs it. I hesitate to write, “Tomorrow is another day.” May G-d protect us and bring healing to us all.

Motza’ei Shabbat, October 14

Ending Shabbat and Day #8 of “Swords of Iron” with blessings to our children as they head back to their responsibilities in this horrible war. Our son returns to his base, for an unknown (at least to us) purpose. May G-d watch over our boy and give him the strength and courage to do what he needs to take care of business so he may return home to us and his wife. Our daughter-in-law returns to Tel Aviv and then to wherever she needs to go in order to follow the important stories for ABC news. Our married daughters continue to be the mamma heroes of this war, taking care of their children and homes while their husbands are protecting us. Hopefully Esther will start work this week at Aleh Hanegev, a facility in the south for adults with severe disabilities.

Ari and I enjoyed a quiet Shabbat with good friends and hope to be able to return to Ashkelon this week. Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful week. Tomorrow is another day…

Sunday, October 15

Ending Sunday, Day #9 of “Swords of Iron,” with a family Zoom meeting in order to remember my fatherin-law on his third yahrtzheit (anniversary of death). We each shared a funny story or a memory of kindness, and all agreed that Captain WooWoo—as he was lovingly called—would not be happy with what is going on in Israel right now. As is customary, Ari, Esther, and I went to the cemetery, about a 20-minute drive from Chashmonaim. We said Tehillim and placed several newly painted shells on WooWoo’s gravestone, representing each person in our family. Sadly, we saw cemetery workers opening many new graves for the deceased. Another heartbreaking reality of this war. We also stopped at the local supermarket, where I found myself feeling suspicious and distrustful of the Arabic-speaking workers. It’s going to take some time before we all feel safe in our new reality. The good news is that Israel got its first heavy rain, cleaning off the dust of summer and hopefully a precursor to new life and growth in our land. Eventually… We are living day to day. Not knowing what will happen next… Tomorrow is another day.

Tuesday, October 17

We awoke on Tuesday after a full night of quiet and restful sleep. I did normal things like washing my dishes and folding some clean clothes. The constant internal buzz creeps in when things feel normal and then I remember that we are in the middle of a war and any second I could be running to my safe room. That constant buzz is always there, whether I realize it or not. Our day started in the morning by driving Esther to her base, southeast of the city of Be’er Sheva, in the middle of the Negev desert. Her base, called Nevatim, is an air force base, with many of the airplane hangars built into the desert hills so that they cannot be detected from the air. Ari gave her a blessing, and I walked her part of the way to the entrance. We hugged, not knowing when we would see her again, but knowing she was in a safe place and doing her part to fight this war against terrorism. Ari and I then drove 25 minutes north to a beautiful yishuv (gated community) called Shani, in the Yatir forest, where our son-in-law, Baruch, and his unit are tirelessly guarding the community. We gave a shoebox full of chocolate chip cookies to the soldiers, gave them some encouragement, thanked them, and spent a few minutes understanding from our son-in-law firsthand what had, what was, and what would be happening in the following months. After our visit yesterday, and witnessing the com-

mitment and care of these men, I am deeply grateful to all the soldiers who have come forward to protect our communities, as well as the families they left behind for an unforeseen amount of time. From there, we passed through a security gate and drove carefully to Yatir, a yishuv, about 10 minutes east, where Naama and Baruch live, and where Naama is at the moment single-handedly caring for their four children, including their newborn son. Ari and I were able to spend some quality time with Naama, who made us a delicious lunch. We played with and read to our grandchildren and made eye contact with our sweet two-weekold grandson.

After leaving Yatir and driving back to Esther’s base to deliver some supplies that she had forgotten, we drove home to Ashkelon. We needed to fill the car with gas and chose to stop at a station outside of Ashkelon where the gas was more expensive in order to avoid the risk of sirens. Once again, we drove as quickly and safely as we could, hoping not to be caught on the road when there was a siren and missiles flying over our heads (and hopefully not on us!). This is our reality! Thankfully we made it home safely. Ari wanted to grill hamburgers for dinner on our balcony but was afraid of being interrupted by sirens and having to run to the safe room. Hamas cooperated and only sent us running once before and twice after eating dinner. This is our reality! I am enjoying the quiet at home today. I’m angry that I can’t go swimming at the pool or walk on the beach. But I am grateful to be able to sit on my couch and watch the water. I am grateful we are physically safe and that we have food, electricity, and water. We are hearing planes overhead and booms in the distance, which makes me hope that our IDF is taking care of business so we can live our lives normally again. Today is another day… :) Wednesday, October 18

Ending Wednesday, Day #12, at home in Ashkelon.

A day without sirens, but no cease-fire, is crazy-mind-making. Tomorrow is another day…

Thursday, October 19

Ending Thursday, Day #13 with a very sad and heavy heart. Many thoughtful friends have called or sent messages today, and I have felt obligated to answer or respond. I tell myself that it’s not their fault I feel down today. But when I answer, I have nothing to say. I don’t know how to answer the question, “How are you doing?” I can’t speak. And I don’t have any interest in chit-chat. I appreciate people calling to check in. I do it for others all the time. But today is a “not okay” day. Even the simplest headlines weigh heavy on me. I don’t recognize myself this way. I have spent 28+ years as a therapist listening to, supporting, and helping clients work through some of the most horrific and unimaginable abuse and trauma. I have held space for their deep pain and sobbing tears. I have listened to stories that I always believed could not get worse. Suddenly, I feel extremely fragile, and I cannot bear to read even the simplest headline. I think about our soldiers and what is going to happen next for them. I think about them being out in the heat. I think about their mothers and fathers worrying about them. I can’t imagine what they are all feeling while they wait. I think about the thousands of families who have had their lives turned upside-down. There is so much loss. There is so much sadness. It’s just too much pain to bear. I receive messages and emails asking for therapists to volunteer. I don’t know how others are doing it. I cannot imagine having to hold space for the amount of pain every single Israeli is feeling. Why can’t I “just suck it up”? I don’t know. I just can’t. And I truly do not recognize myself. So I have pushed myself through the day. At this moment, there have “only” been two sirens in Ashkelon. Many more south of us. Thankfully, we received SOLs from all our children. They are all busy doing what they need to be doing. The beach is calling me. It’s been a hard day. Tomorrow is another day… P.S. The beautiful fall leaf-turning pictures people have sent me have really helped and are truly appreciated. Thank you! Keep them coming.

Sunday, October 22

Ending Sunday, Day #16 in Chashmonaim, the community in the center of Israel where we lived for 17 years before moving to Ashkelon. It’s quiet here. No sirens. Sometimes a distant BOOM. There is more police and army presence everywhere. The heavy feeling in the air is still very present. There are hardly any other conversations except those having to do with what has, is, or will happen. Everyone is on edge. No one knows what will be… Today, I took a morning walk with a friend and her

dog. We talked about different aspects of how this war was affecting us. Today, I took my car to a gracious friend, who polished the front light covers on my car. I didn’t want to be driving at night with dimmed lights. Today, I met a friend for a fruit shake. We spoke about how our families were managing the everyday stress. We also spoke about making memories with our grandchildren. Today, I took myself to get a pedicure. I told the pedicurist that I hope to be able to send her a picture of my toes in the sand very soon. Today, I took myself to get a haircut. I told the guy that I needed shorter hair because I didn’t have time to wash my hair in Ashkelon. It took too long, and I never knew if there was going to be a siren. Today, I had a very overdue visit with a dear friend and inspiring colleague. I remain grateful for the relationships in my life that are connecting, caring, and kind. Today, I went to the candy store and bought snacks to take to Esther tomorrow. Today I met with a client on Zoom. She spoke about how all that has, is, and will happen is affecting her. Today, I called Naama to ask her for her shopping list so I could shop before going to her house tomorrow. Surprisingly, she answered the phone with her husband in the car. With a big smile, she informed me that Baruch had 24 hours off from his duties to spend time with his family. That was my happy news for today. Today, I also felt my very heavy heart. I found myself worrying about the future. And then I remembered the conversation I had with Dvir last night. He called to tell me he was “up north somewhere doing stuff.” He was in a safe place, and that’s all he could tell me. He said that I didn’t need to worry. I was reminded of his five years in the army and one year of traveling by himself. Those years taught me that worrying is a waste of energy. I have no idea what will happen, and there is not anything I can do to change that. My brain spirals so quickly. It takes mindful energy to pull myself back to NOW. Tomorrow is another day… Monday, October 23

Ending Monday, October 23rd, Day #17 of this nightmare, in Beit Yatir, with my daughter Naama and her four children, including three-week-old Gilad David. I left Chashmonaim around noon today and stopped at the supermarket to pick up some groceries for the week. I was very conscious of two things: First, without sirens and the need to run for safety in a shelter, I feel much more distant from the scary reality of war. Because I don’t read or listen to the news, I don’t know that anything horrible is happening or has happened. I could go about my day, shopping, cooking, doing laundry, or any other normal-day activity without knowing that anything is happening. Yes, there is a sense of heaviness in the air. But only because I am sensitive to other people’s energy. But unless I know the details of what has happened or is happening, the last few days have been very deceiving. Second, because I do know some details of what has been, is, and will be happening, there is a constant anxiety. This is what I call “the moment before.” Usually, I use this term when it comes to happy occasions: the moment

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Today was the first siren-free day we have had in Ashkelon since this nightmare began. Maybe because President Biden was here? Maybe they’re getting tired? Or taking a break? Or reloading? Whatever the reason, it was a nice break, even though our nervous systems are constantly on alert…waiting… I was able to spend my morning doing home administrative stuff, like making doctor’s appointments and canceling our newspaper delivery. I did two loads of laundry and unpacked from Shabbat. Normal stuff. Like living normally. Normal life with the buzz of an underlying unexpected something. Normal life without being able to walk on the beach or walk to the pool to swim. Normal life while running to the car and praying there were no sirens as we drove out of the city. What is normal anymore? The best part of our day was visiting Dovid at Tel Hashomer-Sheba Hospital. Dovid is one-week post-surgery and thankfully doing very well. He is one of “our kids” that we have known since he was very young in NCSY. Dovid is a big brother to our children. Dovid and his wife, Rochel, and their three sons are very important people in our lives. Dovid is in the Trauma Surgery ward of the hospital. There is not one empty bed, and most of the beds are filled with crucially injured soldiers. There is so much trauma on one floor, the intense energy is palpable. Before we went today, Dovid wrote to me: I really don’t want you to come if driving here makes you uncomfortable. My response: I appreciate the concern. You can trust that I won’t do anything that makes me uncomfortable. I’ll take responsibility for that choice. You focus on healing. I’m not going to lie. Driving to the hospital and back to Ashkelon took a lot of deep breathing, mindful focusing, and tapping. And I would not have missed the opportunity to visit Dovid and give him some love and support. I am doing everything I can NOT to allow terrorism to paralyze me! I am constantly reminding myself to be in the NOW. I am trying to stay focused on what I CAN control.

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before a wedding or the moment before a woman gives birth. But there’s also the moment before we bury a loved one or the moment before surgery. Being mindful and intentional of the moments before is a concept I share with people often. Friday night, October 6, was a “moment before,” and no one had any idea that it would be. As I was walking the aisles of the supermarket today, I became hyper aware of the countless Arab-Israeli workers. They were loading shelves with new ketchup bottles, emptying fresh cucumbers into the bins, and driving the cleaning truck around the aisles, mopping the floors. There were a lot of them. Mostly young teenage boys. Maybe some were young men. And they were speaking a language I did not understand. I tried to allow myself to think that they were hard workers who only wanted to make money to bring back to their families. They wanted to be left alone to do their jobs. But I didn’t know if that was true. I thought back to Friday night, October 6. And how so many innocent families, couples, children, and grandparents were happily enjoying their lives in the hours before Saturday morning, October 7. They had no idea what was about to happen to them. I could easily imagine that, as I was walking the aisles, looking for the oatmeal, I was in a “moment before” moment. I looked several of the young men in the eye, smiled and thanked them for moving the box out of the way so I could pass. But I wasn’t sure what would happen in the next moment. How do we live each moment without the fear that it is going to be a tragic moment before? How do we not become paranoid in our own country? I struggled to allow my thoughts to go to this frightening reality today. I cannot for one second feel even the tiniest despair of what those who were dancing at the music festival or enjoying their Saturday morning with their families were feeling. I just can’t. When I do, I start to cry. So I allow the tears and then pull back into NOW. So this week I will be helping my daughter. Supporting her as best I can. Loving her and my grandchildren as much as I can. This is our reality. Tomorrow is another day… Tuesday, October 24

Once again, I am beginning today, Tuesday, October 25, Day #25, sitting in my spot on the couch looking out at the eerily placid but stunningly blue sea. It was a siren-free night, although by no means a silent one. Unless you have ever lived in a war zone, it is difficult to describe. The best way is to imagine an all-night-long summer thunderstorm, with the constant rumble and shaking of your windows, with the occasionally loud but low-toned cracks. No rain, just the incessant rumble. Both Ari and I drifted in and out of sleep, while mumbling a “wow” every so often. The booms have not stopped with sunrise and clear blue sky overhead. We don’t hear as many planes, so we assume the rumble is either coming from the Navy ships in the sea or hundreds of tank artillery. Either way, our boys of the IDF have been working tirelessly overnight to eradicate evil and reclaim our safety! Our IDF son had Sunday and Monday off from his I-have-no-idea-what-he-does duties to spend with his

wife. They drove together to visit Naama and her kids in Beit Yatir on Sunday and had the lucky opportunity to see Baruch as well. Baruch and his unit are now watching over and protecting his community, which has allowed him to be home the past two nights in order to put his children to sleep, before returning to his post on the perimeter of the gated community. On Sunday night, when Dvir and Bracha returned to Ashkelon, it was the first time we had seen them in over a week. We hugged each other tightly, with tears in our eyes, not wanting to let go. Quietly, I stated that so many devastated mammas aren’t able to hug their sons anymore, and my heart broke for them! Then I hugged Bracha, knowing that she had been on the front lines with ABC news, witnessing the horrors of October 7 and the aftereffects on our country and its people. Monday was Yoni, Malka’s husband’s birthday. He celebrated with the Community Protection and Anti-Terror Response Team in Kerem Re’im where they live. Malka made them several homemade pizzas and a vase full of edible candy flowers. Once again, appreciating our daughter doing her part to support our soldiers who are working day and night to protect their families.

There were a few cars parked along the ledge of the cliff overlooking the beach, and even a few brave souls walking or sitting along the cliff. We walked down a hill and onto the sand. I walked quickly and straight to the water’s edge. I felt my toes in the sand and water and stood quietly listening to the waves while watching the setting sun. We could see the smoke trails of the planes reflecting off the sun that were circling Gaza, only about 10 kilometers south from where we were standing. The grey smoke billowed into the air and out on to the horizon. I’m not going to lie and say it was a relaxing and calm moment. The explosions were very loud and ground-shaking. But as I held onto my children and took several deep breaths, I was able to be mindful in the moment, appreciating what I had and sending prayers of love and comfort to those who didn’t. Esther continues to have sleepless nights performing the important job of preparing the F35 planes for battle by fueling and loading the bombs. Ari and I are deeply proud of our children and grateful for their commitment to safety for all and continued existence of our country. This is our reality. Today is another day. Thursday, October 26

Ari and I drove to Assuta Hospital in Ashdod on Monday morning for a CT scan. I have postponed the appointment three times because I was afraid to drive the highway when rockets were being directed at us. The hospital is a 20-minute drive north from Ashkelon. Knowing in my mind that I had to be ready at any second to jump out of the car and lie flat on the ground was nerve-wrecking. I spent the drive looking for the places along the road that I would have to run to for protection. Parking and walking into the hospital had the same focus. Once we were in the hospital, because it is a modern, fortified building, we were safe, and even had a siren as I was coming out of the CT. Thankfully, we drove home safely and without any reason to stop. This is our reality.

Ending Thursday, Day #20, rocking my sweet little grandson wrapped in the same blanket I wrapped my now 34-year-old son in and in the same rocking chair I rocked my baby girl in 23 years ago. There is a constant daily internal battle within me to appreciate the moments I have had this week with my daughter and grandchildren versus thinking about the heartbreak and pain of those who do not and will never again have moments with their children or grandchildren or parents or grandparents or cousins or friends. I end each day mentally and emotionally exhausted by this constant internal battle. My children are accounted for. They are all doing their part to protect our country and serve our people. For that, I am proud and grateful.

Wednesday, October 25

As the sun began to set into the sea, I decided that I wanted – no NEEDED – to put my toes in the sand. I assumed that the police were patrolling the entrances to the main beaches, so I had the idea of driving to the northern-most beach access place I knew of in Ashkelon. Dvir agreed and drove Ari, Bracha and myself to that spot that also had a wall we could duck behind to protect us in case a siren sounded.

Today, my heroic daughters, who are keeping their children alive and their homes functioning, while their husbands spend countless hours in reserve duty protecting their communities, received a gracious financial gift from one of our non-biological kids to be used to help them take care of their families.

Friday, October 27

Ending Day #21, Friday, October 27, with a visit to Esther’s base to bring Shabbat food and treats. The sprinklers were on, so why not run through them? Something normal in the insane reality!! Dvir called me as we arrived, so I had a quick chat with my boy. Ari arrived back safely, and we will be in Yatir with Naama and Baruch, who got 24-hour leave to be with the family. Wishing us all a healing and peaceful Shabbat.

call them human. I don’t even know what to call them?!) that hates me so much that they want me and my family wiped off the face of the earth. I’m angry. Really, really angry. I’m distraught that deep irrational hate exists in the world. I’m angry that I can’t go to the beach for my mental health because of a society of inhuman people that want me dead and will do anything to terrorize me into fear. I want to believe that this nightmare will end. I want to trust that our army will take care of business and we will live in a beautiful world again. I want to play in the sand and float in the waves with my grandchildren. I am hopeful. I have to be. Without hope, I have nothing to hold on to.

Motzei Shabbos, October 28

Ending Saturday night, Day #22, October 28, with so many different emotions. I’m tired. Physically. Emotionally. Mentally. I’m grateful. For a siren-free place to stay. For sweet, innocent grandchildren to distract me. I’m confused. I don’t understand how I am living in a world like this. I’m sad. For all the mothers who have to send their husbands off to war and continue to care for their children alone. I’m scared. For the unknown. For what will be. For how I will manage. I feel vulnerable. Knowing for a fact that there is a human race (I can’t

This is my reality. It’s going to get harder before it gets better. And it’s not going to end soon. Tomorrow is another day…

Monday, October 30

Beginning Monday, October 30, Day #24, sitting comfortably on my couch in Ashkelon with a full mug of hot peppermint tea looking out on to the Mediterranean Sea. My “I live at the beach” daily morning ritual. A seemingly normal day here. I can hear cars driving on the street below, a bus picking up passengers at the bus stop in front of our building, and a jogger’s fast-paced footsteps. And then I hear the loud roar of a plane overhead and the window shaking explosions in the distance. One after the other. And then reality sets in quickly. I remember my country is at war against evil, and my people are in pain. I remember that my brain is on alert waiting for the next warning siren of incoming missiles directed at me and my people. And then I remember that I can’t walk to the beach to put my toes in the sand or search for sea glass. And I can’t walk to the pool for my morning workout and meditative float on my back. And then all the roller-coaster emotions kick in again… Anger. And fear. And anticipation. And gratitude. And worry. And sadness. And guilt. And calmness… And then, when I think about what is happening in the world, I remember that I can only focus on what I can control. Spreading light and love and kindness. I trust there is a Bigger Plan that my human brain is not meant to comprehend. I trust that if I woke up this morning, then there is more for me to do in this world. My little part. With whatever energy I have. Even amongst the booms and anticipation. This is my reality. Today is another day…

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Thoughtful kindnesses like this one allow me to trust that there is good in our world, when it otherwise seems hopeless. I am incredibly grateful and know that my daughters feel the same. too. The surreal reality of war is truly incomprehensible. Tomorrow is Erev Shabbat (Shabbat eve), and another day…

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School of

Thought

A Placard of Protest By Barbara Deutsch

hen I was a student at Hunter College after an educational lifetime in Yeshiva, I drank the Kool-Aid and became a liberal minded activist. Yes, that was me at every demonstration: protesting the Vietnam War, freeing Soviet Jews, or marching with Martin Luther King down Fifth Ave into Central Park. And always in support of Israel. In 1968, six months after I got married, you would have found me standing outside Hunter College on a huge picket line, dressed in my World War I army jacket, standing in solidarity with Mark Rudd who, with an army of supporters, shut down Columbia University in protest of the ongoing war in Vietnam. Bob and I had planned to be attending San Francisco State College in California that year. It would have been a lost year because the president of the school, S. I. Hayakawa, a world class linguist, closed the school because of the ongoing out-ofcontrol riots. Hayakawa was later fired. Closed too were Hunter College, Columbia University, and all the colleges and universities where there was unrest and protest. School was over for me that year after the outbreak of the April student riots. Two years later, I was a teacher with the ability to make a difference through education. I kept that World War I jacket as a reminder of my once innocent and passionate youth. Standing with my antiwar picket sign, chanting, “LBJ, LBJ, how many kids did you kill today?” I felt justified in my passion for change in the face of so much pain and damaged young lives caused by a senseless war. One time, as I was standing with a massive crowd of protesters, the threat of police snaked through the crowd. This was the time before cell phones, so I had to get to a landline; somehow, I got to one in a building, perhaps one in the college lobby, and called my husband Bob. I will never forget what he told me, “If

you get arrested, I will not come and get you.” We had no car and Hunter College was way uptown – a long train ride away. Bob also did not think getting arrested was a good thing for my future career working with children.

completely disappeared; to me, it has always been under the surface, hiding. No more! Jews are no longer cowed into silence or running away from what should have always been crystal clear. We need to be

I’m also no longer open to the ideology of free liberal thinkers who lose their compassion at the door of Israel and the Jewish people.

I went home. I hate injustice of any kind, and I wanted more than rhetoric and platitude. I need to live in a moral world. I’m not that kid anymore. I’m also no longer open to the ideology of free liberal thinkers who lose their compassion at the door of Israel and the Jewish people. Every day, watching and listening to the hateful protests on my computer, my cellphone, or television, I can’t wrap my head around what I am seeing and hearing. I’m not one of those complacent people who believed that everyone got over their senseless hatred of the Jews because 6,000,000 were eradicated during World War II. To me, there was always that lingering antisemitism that has never ever

careful but never afraid. The part of me that wants justice and looks for the good in my fellow man still motivates me to do what I can when called to help in both my personal and professional life. I keep trying to find some glimmers of good in all of this bad. Last night, one of the rotating security guards at my school told me he was Jewish and that he had had a bar mitzvah. I have been working with this very nice guy for two years, and I had no idea. Additionally, even though he was not on tap to work, a last-minute change in scheduling meant that the building needed to be used for a program. He offered to stay to keep the building secure because

he wanted the participating students and teachers to feel safe. When I marched on those long-ago protest lines as a college kid, there was an energetic positive vibe. We felt that by protesting, we were looking out for innocent lives wasted on the battlefield of a war for which there was no moral, financial or meaningful cause. Fifty years ago, as idealistic young students, we marched together, not against each other. What I see now is a protest about hate from a core of brutality, pain and passion while using words that they do not even understand or can pronounce. All while wearing a mask of “justified” fury and indignation. When I became a teacher, it was with the goal of helping children learn to read; reading provides the highway to lifelong success in all arenas. I threw in many lessons about the need to be informed citizens and contributors to society. I am successful. The proof is what happened when I needed to fill a duffel bag with supplies for soldiers; my son-in-law is part of a mission traveling to Israel Sunday. Three of my former Yeshivah of Flatbush students who are on the frontlines of the Israel relief efforts helped me collect and pack a duffel. Zionist Jewish me wants to take out my long-gone World War I army jacket and stand alongside my much younger brothers and sisters holding a placard that says, “I am a Jew. I Stand in Support of Israel” as I sing Acheinu. For now, I settle for my lawn sign, pack duffels, write letters, and pray as I wait for peace. Do not be afraid, join me. Stay safe, stay strong!

Mrs. 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.

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Israel Today

Biden’s Hamas Conundrum By Caroline Glick

Palestinian Authority's Mahmoud Abbas greeting President Biden in Bethlehem last year

ince October 7, American Jews have seen their civil rights trampled every day. Jewish students are subjected to constant intimidation, assault, battery and threats from Hamas supporters on campus. From coast to coast, the stories are depressingly similar. University authorities refuse to protect them from their pro-Jewish genocide peers. Then, too, on Thursday, the New York Police Department told the Jews of Brooklyn to stay off the streets on Shabbat afternoon. Pro-Hamas will be demonstrating, and the police said that they will be unable to protect Jewish residents as the terror supporters march through their neighborhoods. How is this happening? How is it that at a time of maximum peril, law-enforcement bodies are doing all but nothing to defend the Jewish community? Why is the FBI not arresting terror supporters as required under U.S. law? Why is the U.S. Justice Department not directing local authorities to defend the Jews? A good place to begin to look for answers is the Justice Department’s Civil

Rights Division. That powerful division is led by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. Clarke’s appointment in 2021 caused an uproar in Jewish circles because she has a record of anti-Semitic activism and was an ardent supporter of the proHamas, anti-Jewish Black Lives Matter movement. In 1994, as the head of the Black Students Association at Harvard Law School, Clarke invited Wellesley College Professor Tony Martin to speak at Harvard. Martin had just written a Protocols of the Elders of Zion-style anti-Semitic book called The Jewish Onslaught. Clarke defiantly defended Martin at the time and attacked the Jewish students who expressed concern about her move. She never apologized for her actions. Instead, ahead of her Senate confirmation, she told progressive, anti-Israel Jewish reporters and activists that she “regretted” the invitation. That was enough for them to declare that the allegation that Clarke remains hostile towards Jews is slander. U.S. President Joe Biden has a prob-

lem. He staffed his administration at all levels and across departments with hardened ideologues, many of whom have records of hostility towards Jews and support for Hamas, Iran, and other terror groups and regimes. Under Biden, these officials have advanced his Middle East policies that until October 7 were largely aligned with the interests of Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis. Now that those policies have been shown to be counterproductive, and at least partly responsible for the threats America now faces to its core Middle Eastern interests, the same officials remain in their positions and continue to direct the Biden administration’s policies. Consider the Palestinians. U.S. policy towards the Palestinians is directed by the U.S. Special Representative to the Palestinians, Hady Amr. Amr is a longtime supporter of Hamas. In 2018, at the Qatar-based offices of the Brookings Institute, Amr was the lead author of a Brookings policy paper titled, “Ending Gaza’s Perpetual Crisis–A New U.S. Approach.” Amr’s basic recommendations were

to change terror financing laws to permit U.S. contractors to work with Hamas, as well as to use any new round of war between Israel and Hamas to launch a new three-pronged policy towards Israel and Hamas. Amr’s plan accepted Hamas as a legitimate actor. It called for the Palestinian Authority to unite with Hamas and reorganize under Hamas’s leadership in light of Hamas’s stronger support among Palestinians. Finally, it called for the United States to coerce Israel into making unreciprocated concessions to Hamas and the P.A., even though Amr acknowledged that the concessions would endanger Israel. Among other things, he called for Israel to end its maritime blockage of the Gaza coast and permit Hamas free access to the sea. As the architect of Biden’s Palestinian policies, Amr’s Brookings paper was a blueprint for many of the policies adopted by the administration, including its willingness to fund Hamas indirectly through the P.A. and U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the U.N. agency operat-

ing in Gaza. Some 90% of UNRWA employees are Hamas members. Amr remains in his position.

Then there is Iran. Biden appointed Iran apologist Robert Malley to lead the administration’s Iran policy. Malley’s policy was so pro-Iranian that several career U.S. State Department officials—not known for their hostility to Tehran—resigned in protest. As Semafor and Iran International exposed last month, Malley surrounded himself with advisers in and out of government with records of serving as Iranian regime agents in Washington. One of those aides, Ariane Tabatabai, remains in her position as Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, with her security clearance intact, a month after her direct ties to the Iranian regime became public knowledge. Although Malley was booted from his position under a cloud of suspicion of misuse of classified information and is reportedly under FBI criminal investigation, his policy of courting Iran and enabling its rise as a nuclear power and regional power remains in place. This week, many observers, including former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, expressed shock when they discovered that the Biden administration gave a U.S. entry visa to Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to speak at the United Nations. The move signaled that despite the fact that Iran trained Hamas terrorists in Iran ahead of the atrocities on October 7, oversaw the planning of the October 7 slaughter, green-lighted the atrocities, and finances Hamas, the administration is still implementing Malley’s Iran policy. And to repay the administration for its appeasement, Abdollahian used his speech to threaten the United States with war if it continues to support Israel. Since October 7, and as the administration clings stubbornly to Malley’s pro-Iran policies, Iranian proxies in Syria, Yemen and Iraq have repeatedly attacked U.S. forces in the region. The Pentagon’s continued refusal to fully acknowledge Iran’s direction of Hamas’s acts of genocide is further indication that Malley’s policy remains Biden’s Iran policy. Biden’s continued reliance on his anti-Israel, pro-Hamas and pro-Iran officials is not merely a policy disaster. It is a political problem. As Democratic

tegic goal, which he restated at the press conference—the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza, Judea, Samaria and portions of Jerusalem. To defend the proposition that Israel must agree to establish a state in its heartland for a people that supports and engages in acts of genocide of Jewry and seeks the annihilation of the Jewish state, Biden turned to Amr’s playbook: He demonized the half-million Israeli

U.S. President Joe Biden has a problem. He staffed his administration at all levels and across departments with hardened ideologues, many of whom have records of hostility towards Jews and support for Hamas, Iran, and other terror groups and regimes.

ed States to protect Israel. And 74% of Americans believe that supporting Israel is more important than other geopolitical priorities. Schoen concluded his article by noting, “Frankly, in my five decades of experience in politics, including polling extensively on issues related to Israel and the America-Israel relationship, the current support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorists who seek its destruction is like nothing I’ve seen before.” Sensitive to public opinion on the one hand and his administration officials on the other, Biden tried to thread the needle on Wednesday. The results weren’t pretty. At a press conference with Australian Prime Minister Tony Albanese, Biden restated his administration’s commitment to provide Israel with the arms it needs to defeat Hamas. But he then demanded that Israel resupply Hamas under the euphemistic headline: “Humanitarian aid.”

A Brewing Rebellion While Palestinian election results, polling data, and the wide-scale celebrations of Hamas’s atrocities across Gaza, Judea and Samaria are evidence that Hamas represents a large majority of Palestinians in Gaza, and Judea and Samaria, Biden insisted that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. His false assertion is a necessary component of his administration’s stra-

Jews who live in Judea and Samaria. “I continue to be alarmed about extremist settlers attacking Palestinians in the West Bank that—pouring gasoline on fire is what it’s like. They’re … attacking Palestinians in places that they’re entitled to be, and it has to stop. They have to be held accountable. And it has to stop now,” he said angrily. Biden’s broadside is unsupported by facts. Although several dozen Palestinian terrorists in Judea and Samaria have been killed in gun battles with IDF forces in Judea and Samaria since October 7, no Israeli civilians were involved in any of the clashes. On the other hand, the morning after Biden launched his slanderous broadside, a Palestinian mob outside a Jewish farm in the Binyamin region attacked two Israeli shepherds, critically wounding one. Many Israeli media outlets responded with shock and anger at Biden’s demand for Israel to accept that the goal of the war is to establi sh a Palestinian state. One headline blared: “Biden deceived us.” In an effort to play to both sides, at the same press conference, Biden rejected claims by Hamas’s “Gaza Health Ministry” that Israel has killed 6,000 civilians, including 2,700 children in Gaza, saying, “I have no confidence in the numbers the Palestinians are using.” If Israelis were stunned and angered

by Biden’s hostile messages directed against them, Biden’s rejection of Hamas’s casualty propaganda enraged Hamas’s allies in Washington. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) demanded that Biden apologize. Furious Hamas supporters at the State Department showed The Huffington Post 20 department cables where Hamas’s “Gaza Health Ministry” numbers were accepted as credible. To quell the brewing rebellion of their own officials, both National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Tony Blinken have reportedly conducted “listening sessions” with these pro-Hamas staffers to make sure they feel “listened to” by their bosses. There have been no reports that any of these pro-terror officials have been fired. The rancor in the ranks of the Hamas supporters in the administration and their supporters in the progressive base is also a political issue. Biden’s support for Israel, limited though it has been, is costing him support among Muslim Americans and pro-Hamas progressives. A Gallup poll of Democrats from October 3 to October 23 shows that Biden’s support among Democrats went down 11% in three weeks and now stands at 75%. These numbers, aligned w ith Schoen’s data, expose Biden’s conundrum. If Biden maintains his support for Israel, then he will anger, alienate and perhaps permanently lose the support of his administration and the activist progressive base of his party. And if he stands with his base—and his pro-Iran and pro-Hamas officials and voters—he will alienate the American public. Either way, he undermines his standing as he moves towards an election year. In “The Caroline Glick Show” this week, historian Victor Davis Hanson argued that with the public’s stalwart support for Israel, and Iran’s escalating attacks against the United States through its proxies, Biden will be forced to stand with Israel even more forthrightly in the weeks to come. If the opposite occurs, if Biden opts to stand with Hady Amr, Robert Malley’s acolytes, and their allies and comrades throughout the administration, as well as with the Democrat Party’s proHamas camp, and against three-quarters of the American public, it will be a testament to the brittleness of the administration’s extremism. It will also constitute a rejection of the democratic norms of governance that have underpinned American society and politics for 250 years. (JNS)

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The Ongoing Iran Problem

pollster Doug Schoen explained at The Hill on Thursday, public support for Israel among both Democrats and Republicans is sky-high. Americans don’t merely support Israel; they support Israel passionately. As Schoen noted, 81% of Republicans and 74% of Democrats support providing Israel with military support. Some 80% of Republicans and 72% of Democrats feel that it is important for the Unit-

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Dating Dialogue

What Would You Do If… Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

Thank you for always providing insight, I appreciate hearing all the voices on your panel. I’m writing in because of the anxiety I feel right now surrounding dating. I’m 26 and have been dating for five years. Dating is not easy for me, but

now it feels even harder to get myself motivated to go out with the right perspective. I have a constant strain on my head; how can I get ready and sit for hours getting to know a guy when the whole world is crashing down around me? I went on a fifth date with a guy last week, we were at a nice rooftop lounge, he was a sweet guy, and as we were talking, my mind kept racing. The waiter was rude; does he hate us because we are Jews? Then my mind goes further – what’s even the point of trying to get married now? Is it irresponsible? This is all worthless; at my alma mater, they are calling for death to Jews and nobody is doing anything about it. Maybe it’s better to stay single and not take in more responsibility right now? Anxiously awaiting to hear your thoughts, Kayla*

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

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The Panel

Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S. nxiety is rampant in the Jewish community right now because of the legitimate fears about the safety of the hostages, soldiers, and ordinary citizens of Israel as well as antisemitic violence and media. People are advised not to look at graphic images of violence and to focus on prayer and spiritual support, doing good deeds, and reaching out to support our brethren in Israel, both individuals and groups, with messages, needed items, and financial help. These are effective as well as calming because we are taking action for our people. However, if one’s day-to-day functioning is impaired (such as during a date) because of anxiety and fear, it’s time to reach out to a mental health professional.

The Shadchan Michelle Mond remember so vividly when Covid hit, we got many questions like your own, only during Covid, it wasn’t a fear debilitat-

ing just the Jewish world. This is a lonely tekufah and the feelings you are feeling are understandable. However, the solution is not to stop our lives in fear of the future. If anything, just the opposite! The best thing you could do is talk to someone about your anxiety and work through these difficult feelings.

The Single Tzipora Grodko he BEST way to fight the enemy is to refuse to allow their terror to negatively impact your life. Rebuilding is the antithesis of what they want, and therefore, Kayla, it’s time to fight – to fight the fear, to defend yourself of their cruel tactics, and continue to feel proud and pursue the greatest act of godliness-rebuilding. Many people have found it very valuable to seek therapy to manage their anxiety as well as medication if they find their worries debilitating. Pursue all resources of support, especially Torah study in emunah and bitachon. You’re not alone!

Pulling It All Together The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

ear Kayla, Thank you for your kind words! We appreciate your readership. So many Jewish single people feel exactly the same way you do about dating right now. They feel anxious and unsettled in today’s disturbing reality, and their heads are just not in the game right now. You are experiencing anxiety and are also perhaps somewhat despondent. In today’s tense and heightened climate, everyone has some anxiety. What I am noticing is that those of us with preexisting anxiety tend to have more anxiety

right now than those of us w it hout pre-existing anxiety. I haven’t collected any official data, and it is only an observation. You are not alone, and you don’t have to do this alone. If you aren’t already speaking with someone, I suggest that you find a therapist. Times are so hard right now. So many of us are living in a fear state and feeling very down and broken. It is an understandable result of being exposed to ongoing traumatic events, aimed at our own people, all day long. Some of us are

Dr. Jeffrey Galler any of us can point to a poignant photograph of a Holocaust survivor parent or grandparent, surrounded by scores of smiling descendants at a family simcha. It’s almost as if the elderly survivor has written a photo caption, saying, “Look at us! We won. Hitler lost.” It is precisely at these threatening times that we must assure that annihilation and despair be averted, that optimism and faith be maintained, and that Jewish life be perpetuated. Here are some thoughts for you to consider. First, observing how a date acts and reacts in stressful circumstances can tell you a lot about his suitability as a life partner. Will a person lash out in anger or react with composure? Will a person become moody and isolated or become optimistic and connected? Author Saumya Kalia observed that how people react through disasters is a very credible means for determining a person’s character and a very credible predictor of how that person will act in the future. Second, experiencing tough times together can become a very strong bonding experience. For example, during Hurricane Sandy, one wife wrote, “It’s reassuring when you and your partner have a chance to go into ‘emergency’ mode together. You get to see how responsible and caring the other can

be and grow closer by working together. My guy is the perfect balance of protective and practical during times like these... It makes me love him more.” So, instead of going to a restaurant or museum on a date, how about attending a chizuk lecture together or going to a Support Israel rally together? Third, experiencing acute stress can bring out the very best in people. An article in Scientific American (November 6, 2012) reported that acute stress may actually lead to greater cooperative, social, and friendly behavior. The paper concluded that “acute stress may help remind us of a fundamental truth: our common humanity. Understanding our shared vulnerability — life makes no promises — may be frightening, but it can inspire kindness, connection, and desire to stand together and support each other. Acute stress, as unpleasant as it may be, may also be an opportunity to experience the most beautiful aspects of life: social connection and love.” Finally, on December 23, 1776, in order to motivate the distraught colonists to stand, to persevere, and to fight for an American victory, Thomas Paine wrote: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

going to need professional support to get through these times. I understand from your email that you are feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of dating during this time. Anyone who has been dating for longer than they would have liked will attest to the stress, discomfort and emotional roller coaster of the process. And yet, the goal of dating is to find that one special person who could potentially offer comfort, security and intimacy for the rest of your life, that person who would essentially be by your side during your anx-

ious moments and when life gets rough. Part of me wants to encourage you to keep dating now. And the other part wants to offer you respite and tell you to take care of yourself right now. I think both offered parts are valid. I’m going to add a third offering, which is that whatever you choose, or maybe in order to choose, you owe it to yourself to address your anxiety first; to take care of yourself first. And from a place of self-care, your answer will come. Always trust your own gut. Sincerely, Jennifer

The Zaidy

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.

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Parenting Pearls

Emotional Balancing Acts By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

e’re different now than we were before Simchas Torah. Previously, when someone asked how you were doing, you had an answer. Now, we’re hesitant to even ask the question. Many are walking around in a daze, experiencing increased anxiety, anger or uncertainty. We’re not back to normal, and there’s no reason to think we should be. Along with all those turbulent emotions, many of us are finding it a challenge to function normally and do our everyday tasks. It always feels awkward to start an article with disclaimers, but I’ll have to break that rule this week. Generally, I like to think the topics I cover are rather universal. Parenting and children are a worldwide phenomenon. I’m writing from New York. I’m sitting comfortably in a temperature-controlled room with the only flying objects originating from the hands of someone who still can’t claim their age in double digits. I don’t presume anything I say in this article should be applied to our brethren in the Holy Land. They are living in a situation I can’t even begin to understand.

Additionally, I won’t be so presumptuous to assume I understand the needs of close family members of the hostages, the chayalim bravely serving their country, nor those civilians in the most sensitive zones. While I am fortunate to have family and close friends in Eretz Yisroel, they all are in less affected areas, baruch Hashem. I didn’t want to write an article on self-care. It’s an important topic, and I’ve covered it on more than one occasion. More importantly, it seems inappropriate to discuss relaxation techniques and ways to pamper ourselves during the current situation. For many of us, that’s the furthest thought from our minds. Even asking or answering the innocent question of “how are you doing?” has become more complicated with many of us unsure what is appropriate. Rather than “self-care,” I prefer to think of this topic as “self-regulation” or maintaining our emotional balance. While there are formal definitions for the term “self-regulation,” I’m not using it in the official way. How is regulating yourself different from self-care? Honestly, there are

many similarities, but the overall goal is different. Self-care connotes more pampering, while self-regulation is meant to keep you sane and functioning. We can only get through the day as effective parents and do our jobs of properly raising the next generation when we are able to maintain some measure of focus and emotional stability. Even with the situation in Israel being so painful, our children still need us. I could argue they need us even more when there is so much uncertainty around them. They, too, are confused about what happened and are finding it a challenge to comprehend the incomprehensible. Additionally, it’s certainly not a zechus for Eretz Yisroel’s success if we’re yelling at our kids or walking around with a perpetual short fuse. Nobody benefits from us losing control or being unable to function. It’s emotionally complicated. We’re in pain over what’s happenin,g and the news is giving us up-to-date awareness of each difficult step. We want to know what’s going on and be nosei b’ol with our people. How can we go about our

everyday lives when so many can’t? Alternatively, being continuously focused on pain and suffering can risk our own emotional health. Checking the news can be near obsessive, and the pain can be overwhelming. The more we think about it, the more we recognize the depth of the suffering. Each person needs to decide on their own how much they can handle and at which point they need to take a step back. We need to be tuned into our needs and regulate ourselves. Each person will have their own personal balance, and we shouldn’t look to others to gauge our needs. Even if we think others are doing more or that we should be doing more, we need to be honest with ourselves about our capabilities. If our family is suffering, then we are not truly benefiting others. There are different ways to tell that we’ve crossed that line, but we can use our outward behavior and inner emotions to guide us. If our behavior towards others is damaging or negative, then we know we’re losing more than we’re gaining. And, if our internal feelings of stress or anxiety feel debilitating, then we know that’s another sign

saying perek after perek on our own. There is something so powerful in the words of Dovid Hamelech, and we’re clinging to that strength. My nephew’s yeshiva was one among many that opened early so their Torah learning could contribute to the war ef-

simply do something as a zechus or join one of the many local initiatives to provide direct help to Israel. Our community has every chessed opportunity you could imagine and even some you couldn’t. We’ve sent toys to displaced children, raised money for IDF gear,

Keeping a Focus Being aware of our own and close family’s needs certainly doesn’t mean we ignore our greater family in Eretz Yisroel. Kol Yisroel areivim zeh la’zeh, and their needs are ours, too. Additionally, it is helpful for us to know we are helping and assisting them in some way. We can keep davening for our brave chayalim, the innocent hostages, and Klal Yisroel in Israel and beyond. We know that it’s really Hashem Who wins wars and is our ultimate Shield. Speaking to The One in charge is truly how we can contribute towards the cause. It also gives chizuk to others to know we are praying for them and keeping them in our hearts. Along with davening comes Tehillim, and there are groups working together to finish the sefer, along with all of us

We can only get through the day as effective parents and do our jobs of properly raising the next generation when we are able to maintain some measure of focus and emotional stability.

forts. Torah has long been one of our secret weapons. Whether you join or listen to a shiur, pick up a new favorite sefer or review the parsha, even a few minutes makes a difference. There are many opportunities to do mitzvos, especially chessed. We can

and composed hand-written letters for our soldiers. There are unlimited options, and you’re sure to find one that you can contribute to. For those who are interested, you can still bring handwritten letters and pictures to Tutus and Suspenders (574 Central Ave. in

Cedarhurst). This is one way that even children can be involved.

When It’s Too Much We shouldn’t let embarrassment prevent us from getting help when we need it. Please reach out to a friend, mentor, or mental health professional if you’re having trouble regulating your emotions or being available for your personal or your family’s needs. Sometimes having an adult receiving the appropriate support is the best way to ensure the children are getting their emotional needs met. We are going through a challenging time period, and we anxiously await Hashem’s ultimate yeshua. Keeping ourselves regulated can help us continue to be there for those that matter the most. I look forward to once again being able to proudly say, “Baruch Hashem, I’m doing great.”

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.

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that we’re not handling things well. This is the time when relaxation techniques or “self-care” tips can be helpful. Taking a few minutes to regain our emotional balance can do amazing things for helping us be there for ourselves and others.

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Thought

The Importance of Really Listening By Etti Siegel

struggle to listen. As a coach, it is the bulk of what I do for a living, but it is something I work hard to do. Listening with understanding and empathy is one of the 16 Habits of Mind, an amazing program/book by Art Costa and Bena Kallick to help hone intelligent behaviors. I am grateful that a few of the schools I visit allow me to teach their students some of the Habits of Mind because through teaching we become wiser. When people take the time to really listen to each other, to actually hear and reflect on what the other person is saying and not just use the time to come up with a response, everyone feels more supported and understood. We are often faced with our own children or students who are struggling in different ways, and we adults often feel the need to jump in and share an anecdote or thought to advise or help when we really aren’t properly listening in the first place. There is much I have learned on my journey to be a better listener. The most important thing I have learned is that our older children and students need us to listen better and listen more. Their world is confusing, and there are so many issues they grapple with, but they will only share if we show we can tune in. It could be about friends, family dynamics, a perceived injustice they felt or saw being done to others, matters about the war going on, and so much else. Often, a person needs us to hold back our judgments and opinions and just listen and be present as the other person shares their thoughts. We need to not only hear their words but notice their nonverbal communication. Are they calm? Upset? Nervous or anxious? Are their fists clenched? Are they tapping their feet or fingers as they speak? Are they focused or are they checking their watch and making moves as if to leave? Costa and Kallick ask us to use the “3 P listening sequence” to work on being better at understanding another person’s thinking. P- Pause. Don’t jump in to talk. Allowing a few seconds to see if the person is really finished speaking is respectful and gives the speaker a chance to restate or clarify their thoughts. P- Paraphrase. This is NOT the time to add your thoughts. Show the person you are really listening by

paraphrasing what they just said. Be careful not to sound patronizing. • “So you are saying…” • “You wanted…” • “You were disappointed when… P- Probe. Ask a few questions to be sure you really understand the person’s perspective/ideas. • Why do you think that happened? • What could have been done to change that? • What do you want to do about this? (What do you want me to do about this?) Although I have many years of teaching experience and have taught many different grades successfully, listening with understanding and empathy means I need to be open to hearing the other person and what they are really saying and feeling. Who says my way is the only successful method? Who says that other strategies are not effective? Listening with understanding and empathy allows me to hear what the person is really saying and then allows me to guide them from where they are, with what they are comfortable doing. Dr. Ross Green, American psychologist and author of The Explosive Child, Lost at School, and Raising Human Beings, laments that the kids he works with in his psychology practice often have the answers to the issues they are having, but we don’t listen. We often decide for children or ask them leading questions, which does not get to the root of the problem at all. His Collaborative and Proactive Solutions approach (CPS) is not only helpful with school-age children. I find it helpful when dealing with all people whenever conflict arises. He calls it “using Plan B.” In the CPS model, Plan A is when we solve problems unilaterally, by deciding and imposing our will on others. We decide we know best, and we order everyone around. This does not create an environment where children will choose to share their innermost thoughts. Plan C is deciding to ignore the issue for now – not often a wise resolution, as it just kicks the can down

the road for later. Plan B is when you decide to solve the issue collaboratively. You and the child are now partners solving the problem together instead of adversaries. Just like in Habits of Mind, Plan B asks you to first gather information. Really listen. Stay neutral and ask them any version of “What’s up?” • “I noticed that lately you… What’s up?” • “You are not … recently. What’s up?” • “You really don’t seem happy when… What’s up?” Let them answer. It might take them time as they try to figure out if we really want to hear their thoughts. (They might shrug their shoulders at first, unwilling to open up and be judged.) When we really listen without judgment, we might be surprised to hear what they are really thinking and feeling. Now, you can share your concern. • “The thing is…” • “My concern is…” • “I am worried that…” Finally, without leading the child to any answer, you can ask for their input/solutions that are mutually beneficial. I am often surprised and pleased by the ideas a child will come up with. Often, they will be good solutions that I would not have thought of exactly because I was not seeing their position. If there is a feeling that the issue is not resolved, ask the child if you can both revisit the matter in a few days and evaluate how it is working out for both of you. We have so much to share, and we want to help guide the next generation. But they will not be open to hear from us unless we show that we can listen to them first and really hear what they have to say. Allowing them to come to their own answers, with our gentle guidance, will do more than any “Plan A” attempts could ever do. In a world where everyone tries to shout their thoughts at one another in an attempt to be heard, I am working on being a better listener. Will you join me?

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.

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Health & F tness

Preventing Diabetes By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN

iabetes is a chronic health condition that occurs when your blood sugar levels are too high. When you eat food, your blood sugar levels rise, and the pancreas signals to release insulin, which helps the body break down glucose for energy. When one has diabetes, the body doesn’t have enough insulin to break down the glucose, resulting in excess glucose in the blood. This can progress to other serious health conditions, and diabetes can also increase the risk of other health problems such as stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage, especially if it’s uncontrolled. There are several types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is when the body makes little or no insulin due to the immune system attacking the cells of the pancreas that make insulin. One is usually diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when they are young, but it can happen at any age. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day for their bodies to function properly. Type 2 diabetes is when the body makes less insulin than it normally does, and the body can become resistant to it. This is the most common type of diabetes, and one can develop it if one is overweight, obese, or have a family history of diabetes. The good news is that Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented if healthy lifestyle changes are incorporated. Gestational diabetes is a diabetes that develops during pregnancy, but it usually resolves after childbirth. However, those who had gestational diabetes have an increased chance to develop Type 2 diabetes in the future.

Prevention Since Type 2 diabetes is preventable, there are various habits one can incorporate into their lifestyle to prevent or delay the disease from progressing: 1. Maintaining or Achieving a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or

obese increases the risk of developing diabetes. 2. Exercise: Exercise can help by lowering blood glucose levels, increasing sensitivity to insulin, and weight loss. 3. Following a Balanced Diet: A nutrient-dense diet that includes whole grains, legumes, nuts, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help with preventing and delaying diabetes. A nutrient-dense diet can help with maintaining normal levels of glucose and lipids in the blood, weight management, and maintaining normal blood pressure. A diet high in sugar, processed foods, unhealthy fats, and overconsumption of alcohol can contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes. 4. Don’t smoke: Smokers are 50% more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes.

What’s the Deal with Sugar? To prevent or manage Type 2 diabetes, it’s crucial to stay away from sugar. Consuming large amounts of sugar can lead to weight gain, obesity, heart diseases, and insulin resistance, which can contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes must be careful with their sugar intake since it can lead to

more complications and makes it harder to manage blood sugar levels. Examples of foods to avoid that are high in sugar are sugary drinks – like soda, iced tea, and lemonade – candy, cakes and cookies, ice cream, white bread, sugar cereals, and other processed foods. Since it’s difficult to eliminate sweet treats completely, it may be a good idea to incorporate sugar-free desserts as a mindful indulgence once a week to satisfy your sweet tooth. Examples of sugar alternatives can be unsweetened applesauce, Stevia, and monk fruit.

Fiber and Its Impact Choosing carbohydrates that are high in fiber can help control your blood sugar. The body isn’t able to break down and absorb fiber, so it won’t cause an increase in your blood sugar levels like other carbohydrates. Fiber can be found in berries, apples, broccoli, whole-grain products, quinoa, chia seeds, beans, and oatmeal.

Management If one does have Type 2 diabetes, it can be managed by: 1. Eating a variety of nutritious and healthful foods to promote weight loss

and maintaining normal blood glucose levels. Diabetes can also raise your risk of heart disease, so decreasing the amount of saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium, and restricting trans-fat is essential for heart disease prevention. Here are examples of foods that diabetics should include and limit in their diet: a) Non-starchy vegetables: i. Allow: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, cauliflower, peppers, and tomatoes. ii. Limit: Starchy vegetables have higher carbohydrate amounts and can raise your blood sugars, so one should incorporate more nonstarchy vegetables into their diet. Some examples of starchy-carbs are white potatoes, corn, and peas. b) Fruits: i. Allow: Strawberries, blueberries, apples, and oranges. ii. Limit: Fruit juices and dried fruit are high in calories and can lead to weight gain. c) Grains: i. Allow: Quinoa, oatmeal, wholewheat bread, and rice. ii. Limit: One should avoid carbohydrates like sugar and white flourbased products like ice cream, white tortillas and wraps, and pastries. They are less nutritious and contain a lot of sugar as well. d) Protein: i. Allow: Salmon, eggs, chicken without the skin, lean meat, nuts, legumes and lentils. ii. Limit: Processed fatty meats like deli, hotdogs, and beef burgers. e) Dairy i. Allow: Aim for non-fat and lowfat dairy options for yogurt, milk, cottage cheese and hard cheeses. Even some non-dairy options like unsweetened almond milk can be good for calorie and sugar management.

a week of muscle-strengthening activities for all muscle groups. 3. Some people may need medication on top of these lifestyle modifications to manage their disease. Proper nutrition and regular exercise shouldn’t be stopped just because someone is on medication!

grain bread with zucchini soup on the side. 3. Dinner a) Grilled salmon with broccoli and quinoa. b) Turkey burger with sweet potato wedges and string beans.

The good news is that Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented if healthy lifestyle changes are incorporated.

Diabetic Friendly Meal-Plan 1. Breakfast a) Whole grain toast with eggs and veggies. b) Fat free Greek-yogurt mixed with some high-fiber cereal, berries, flax seeds and chia seeds. 2. Lunch a) Spinach-based salad with grilled chicken, sweet potatoes, avocado, cucumbers, and tomatoes. b) Tuna sandwich with whole

Hydration Staying hydrated is essential for everyone’s health. Some individuals may prefer flavored beverages over water, but it’s important to stay away from sugary beverages. These include soda, lemonade, fruit drinks, and energy drinks. Even drinking large amounts of diet-beverages can negatively impact your health. Research suggests that consuming significant amounts of non-nutritive sweeteners can also have negative effects on our health like increasing your chances of developing Type

2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Limit diet beverages to one to two times a week and focus on drinking water, coffee and tea without added sugar. You can even get creative and purchase a blender or juicer to make delicious drinks that are low in calories and sugar! Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and managed by incorporating nutrient-dense food into your diet, limiting your intake of sugar, and following a regular exercise plan that aligns with the exercise guidelines. Prevention of Type 2 diabetes or maintaining good control of diabetes is crucial for your overall health, since it can lead to other health complications such as heart diseases, kidney diseases, and nerve damage. I have seen many patients reduce, or sometimes even eliminate, diabetic medications simply because they changed their dietary and lifestyle habits.

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

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ii. Limit: High-fat dairy foods like whole-milk, heavy cream, half & half, high-fat yogurts and other high-fat dairy products. There are specialized diabetic diets that registered dietitians create for their diabetic patients. Examples include exchange lists and carbohydrate counting. The goal for both of these diets is to make sure the diabetic patient is staying in check with the amount of carbs they are allowed to eat a day. These two diets can be confusing to follow at first, so it’s recommended to see a registered dietitian when starting out. 2. Exercise can help achieve normal weight which will lower blood sugar levels. The general exercise guidelines options are: a) 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (brisk walking, water aerobics) and 2 or more days a week of muscle-strengthening activities for all muscle groups. b) 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity (jogging, running, swimming laps) and 2 or more days a week of muscle-strengthening activities for all muscle groups. c) A mix of moderate and vigorous intensity aerobic activity on two or more days a week and 2 or more days

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d for Thought

Sen Sakana By Nati Burnside

“W

hat’s a good kosher restaurant for a business meeting if most of the people coming don’t keep kosher?” This is the kind of question that a kosher restaurant columnist gets asked…a lot. One of my answers has always been Sen Sakana. Not only does it have top notch ambiance and delicious food, but the restaurant itself hasn’t always been kosher. Owner Allan Wartski, a long-time veteran of the restaurant business, decided to make the switch when reopening Sen Sakana after the pandemic. His rabbi (Rabbi Michel Gerkov of Chabad of Passaic County) had been prompting him to open a kosher restaurant for years. The result is a restaurant that is not only one of Manhattan’s finest kosher eateries but also one of the city’s best Nikkei spots as well. Nikkei cuisine is the fusion of Japanese and Peruvian food that launched just over a century ago when Japanese immigrants imparted some of their techniques on the local cuisine in the Peruvian capital of Lima. Executive Chef Mina Newman is of Peruvian descent and spent time there to learn more about the cuisine so she could do it justice back in New York. Though she had been victorious on an episode of the Food Network’s Chopped, the challenge of sourcing kosher ingredients to make Nikkei food proved to be a totally different level of difficulty. “Our supervision allows us to import certain ingredients from the Chabad of Osaka,” explains Newman about her logistical accomplishment. “Shiso, yuzu, and bonito flakes are some of the things we use to craft the specific tastes of Sen Sakana.” When I was invited to sample the delicacies of Sen Sakana, I was impressed by the depth of the menu. Most high-end places don’t cover as much ground as Sen Sakana does, and I was glad to have so many options. The wider selection allows for a more in-depth look at a cuisine some

patrons might not be familiar with. Many people will start their meal here with sushi. There are seats at the sushi bar and omakase service if that’s something you’re interested in. While this is certainly a valid route given the quality of the product, if you only have one night here, I’d advise mixing sushi with the rest of the menu for a more representative experience. If you’re looking to pick one roll, try the Spicy, Smokey, and Crunchie. Filled with a trio of avocado, cucumber, and asparagus and topped with torched salmon, spicy mayo, jalapeño, and masago, this roll has a little bit of everything. The flavors, textures, and heat all come together in what might be the best roll of sushi I’ve ever had. For a more traditionally Nikkei raw fish order, you must get ceviche. There’s more than one type on the menu, but I suggest the Ceviche Nikkei. Almost certainly the most famous food in its genre, ceviche is raw fish marinated in a leche de tigre (a mixture of citrus juice and seasonings). This version uses torched salmon and yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit) served with shiso (Japanese mint) and cancha (crispy Peruvian corn). The result is a strong acidic punch that brings out the flavor of the salmon amidst the many varying textures. While you can probably find ceviche in some other kosher restaurants, the same probably can’t be said for the BBQ Chilean Sea Bass Okonomiyaki. This Japanese street food is a pancake that’s topped with cabbage and scallions before being sprinkled with katsu (the Japanese equivalent to BBQ sauce), bonito flakes, and pickled ginger. I know, you might be reading these ingredients in confusion, but there’s a reason this is so popular on the other side of the world. It might take a brave eater, but the reward might just be the best bite of your night. While the bites at Sen Sakana are great on their own, the restaurant also sports a full bar and happy hour specials. As you

might expect, the bar imports an impressive selection of offerings that pair with the food. They have signature cocktails, a sake menu, beers from both Japan and Peru, and a wide variety of spirits that might interest you as well. For your main course, you can’t go wrong with the Lomo Saltado. The ingredients are familiar: beef, tomatoes, onions, and potatoes. You’ll get the mixture after it’s been stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce. If you can’t tolerate really spicy food, you might want to just eat what you have right there. And, don’t get me wrong, it’s still really good. But you can also put the stir fry atop the side of white rice and mix in the aji amarillo sauce. It’s probably hotter than anything on the menu at your standard kosher restaurant, and it’s amazing. Aji amarillo is made from yellow hot

peppers and brings a specific flavor along with some serious heat. If you think it’s up your alley, go for it. Looking for a more mild entrée? The Quinoa Crusted Chicken Breast comes topped with an aji amarillo tartar sauce, but the creaminess allows you to get the flavor without the heat. The super crunchy fillet is served with a Japanese sweet and sour sauce and a purple potato salad. This might be a good option if you’re trying to find something on the menu that you know you’ll like. The components are expertly assembled into something you probably haven’t had before but you can likely figure out if it’s your speed. Sen Sakana is a singular experience in the kosher world. With the kosher restaurant palate ever expanding, we can only hope to get more restaurants like it. But for now, you’ll just have to make your way to Manhattan if you want that unique taste. Don’t worry, your journey is probably shorter than the one from Japan to Peru.

Meat - Nikkei - Waiter Service (212)-221-9560 • SenSakana.com • 28 West 44th Street, NY, NY Dover Tov (Rabbi Berach Steinfeld)

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Naomi’s Challah Recipe Pareve / Yields 6 Medium Challahs

By Naomi Nachman

I a m sharing my challah recipe from my cookbook, Perfect F lavors. It is easy to make the dough in a Magic Mill or Bosch mixer, but you can skip that and mix it by hand in a big bowl. You’ ll never buy challah again after seeing how easy it is to make your own challah. Ingredients

◦ 4 cups warm water ◦ 2 cups sugar ◦ 2 tablespoons dry yeast ◦ 6 eggs ◦ ¾ cup canola oil

3. After the yeast has proofed, add oil/egg mixture to the bowl; stir to combine. 4. Stir half the flour into the mixture; mix well. Once it has started to combine,

◦ 5-pound bag high gluten flour

add salt and remaining flour. Knead until a dough ball forms. It shouldn’t be too

◦ 1 tablespoon salt

sticky or crumbly.

Topping ◦ 1 egg, lightly beaten ◦ Toppings, such as sesame or poppy seeds

5. Place dough ball into a greased bowl. Cover; let rise for 1½ - 2 hours. 6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

7. Divide dough into 6 portions. Then divide each portion into 3 parts. Roll each part into a 12-inch rope; use 3 ropes to braid each challah.

Preparation

8. Place challahs on prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops with beaten egg and choice of toppings, if using. Bake for about 40 minutes, until golden brown.

1. Proof the yeast: Into a large bowl, pour 4 cups very warm water (not hotter

than 115°F); add sugar and yeast. Let it proof till it bubbles about 5 minutes and

Cook’s note: You can use different braiding techniques.

set aside.

After egg wash, you can add various toppings, including: sesame seeds, poppy

2. Meanwhile, mix eggs and oil together in a small bowl. Set aside.

seeds, minced onion, zaatar, pumpkin seeds, or streusel crumbs.

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.

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In The K tchen

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Mind Y

ur Business

5 Strategies to Take Charge of Your Mood

his 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.

n a recent 710 WOR “Mind Your Business” broadcast, Yitzchok Saftlas (YS) spoke with guest Steven Gaffney (SG), communications consultant for Fortune 500 companies. Steven spoke about his latest book, Unconditional Power: Thriving in Any Situation, No Matter How Frustrating, Complex, Or Unpredictable, and shared some insightful strategies for developing a successful mindset. * * * Have you ever noticed that you’re smarter when you’re in a good mood? We’ve all had this experience. We’re in a good mood, somebody throws us a problem, and we happily tackle it with no issue. And we’ve also all been in the opposite situation. We’re in a bad mood, somebody throws us a problem, and we grumble to ourselves, “here we go again.” People’s success has a lot to do with their mood. Very successful people get where they are by taking charge of the following three moods.

Powerless: This is the mindset of “what difference can I make? I’m only one person.” It’s feeling as though you completely lack control. Conditionally Powerful: This is where we recognize that we have some

is the mood we want to achieve. It’s the feeling of being powerful, despite any conditions. It doesn’t mean that we ignore those conditions, but we focus 100% of our energy on what we’re going to do about the situation.

Nobody has ever said, “The reason I’m leaving my job is because I was appreciated too much.”

power, but it’s conditional on certain factors. For example, I might say I can get something done, as long as I have more time and resources. Those are legitimate conditions, but the problem is that my power becomes somewhat dependent on them. Unconditionally Powerful: This

So, how can we get ourselves from feeling powerless to feeling unconditionally powerful?

1. Making the Unaware, Aware. This is about becoming fully aware of your mood. How are you responding to

any given situation? Are you feeling powerless? Are you being conditional? I once introduced a client to this approach, and he came back with the following story. His company was wrestling with a problem, and people were complaining. So, he got up and said, “Alright folks, how are we responding right now? And how would we approach this if we were unconditionally powerful?” Within two minutes, they had shifted their whole mindset. They were focused, offering solutions, and developing a game plan to move ahead. Nobody wants to be powerless, or even conditionally powerful. No one says, “I love depending on other factors, and focusing my energy on what’s not within my control.” So much of our mood can be improved just by bringing awareness to ourselves and other people.

2. Inward Focus There’s only one person we can truly control, and that is ourselves. What happens is that when faced with adversity or

3. Feel the Pain, Then the Gain There are four keys for motivating and inspiring change within ourselves and others. Those keys are pain, gain, emotion, and logic. They say human beings are 2-3 times more likely to avoid pain than to seek gain. So, the first element is about making clear what pain will be a consequence of not taking action. For example, if you want to promote daily innovation at your company, you can tell your

employees how the market is changing rapidly and how the company will lose its competitive edge if they don’t innovate. That leads to the gain. It can’t all be about the consequences. We need to give people hope and aspiration. Then, we have to connect with them emotionally, but follow it up with logic and information. Even if you get people emotionally connected in something, if they don’t see the reason why they should do it, that emotion won’t stick. It’s like having a great cup of coffee. It gives you a short burst of energy, but it doesn’t sustain. Logic is essential for sustainment.

4. Take Responsibility for Your Attitude and Actions Morale matters. If people are down or stressed, it’s going to impact their performance. A powerful culture is a culture in which we feel unconditionally powerful. So, how do we create that culture to adjust our moods, as well as the moods of those around us? One way is to take responsibility for our attitude and actions. People are going to do what they’re going to do, but the question is what you are going to do about it. You can’t control what happens necessarily, but you can control how you respond to it. Being unconditionally

powerful means not blaming other people for your circumstances or attitude. I’m not saying to live in a vacuum and ignore what other people do, but understand that as an unconditionally powerful person, you are in the driver’s seat. A conditionally powerful person is in the front passenger’s seat, trying to urge the driver to go in a certain way. As an unconditionally powerful person, you are driving your own car, recognizing traffic jams and potholes, and making a decision on what you’re going to do about it.

5. Appreciation Mindset We do more of what we’re appreciated for. So, if we want people to do more of something, we need to express our appreciation whenever they do it. Take somebody who’s not doing a great job at work. Say you start coaching them, and they are beginning to show improvement. It’s easy to look at the things they’re still not doing right, and you might be tempted to say, “Well, they still haven’t done all these other aspects.” But if we don’t appreciate them for the aspects that they have improved on, they might just give up. So, appreciation is really critical, because we are just so programmed to look at what’s not working. But an appreciation

mindset doesn’t just affect the moods of the people around us. It’s also very important to express that to ourselves. We often don’t even take the time to appreciate our own achievements, because we are always focused on what’s next. We’re programmed to look at what’s wrong and how we can make things better. So, take the time to appreciate your accomplishments. Nobody has ever said, “The reason I’m leaving my job is because I was appreciated too much.”

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challenges, we easily fall into an outward focus, but we really need to have an inward focus about what we are going to do outwardly. I work with a lot of leaders on making sure that people focus 100% of their energy on what they can do, instead of wasting any time on what they can’t do. You can’t control the economy, but you can control how you respond to the economy. You can’t control the fact that you just lost a big proposal, but you can control what you’re going to do about it. Focus on the lessons learned and how you are going to move forward. There are all kinds of things you can take away from a failure or challenge, but people tend to lean towards this outward focus. What they really need to do is become inward focused, as a way to handle the outward situation.

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Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

What’s harsh is the way Hamas is using people as human shields. What’s harsh is taking a couple of hundred hostages and leaving families anxious, waiting and worrying to figure out where their loved ones are. What’s harsh is dropping in on a music festival and slaughtering a bunch of young people just trying to enjoy an afternoon. I could go on and on. That’s what’s harsh. - John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, firing back at a reporter criticizing Pres. Biden for noting that innocent people dying is a fact of war

And being honest about the fact that there have been civilian casualties and that there likely will be more is being honest, because that’s what war is. It’s brutal. It’s ugly. It’s messy. I’ve said that before. President Biden also said that yesterday. - Ibid.

Israel soldier kidnapped by Hamas has been released. – CNN headline after Israel miraculously rescued one of the hostages

All my illusions are shattered. It has been a rude awakening. A lot of us American Jews these past few weeks have discovered who our friends are. I stood with my Black friends during the George Floyd murder. I became an ally, a BLM supporter. My Black friends said, “I’m not responsible for your education, white people are.” So I shut up and learned. But who is learning our history? BLM is antisemitic. What would happen if I tore a George Floyd poster down?

People who are calling for a ceasefire now do not understand Hamas. That is not possible. It would be such a gift to Hamas because they would spend whatever time there was a ceasefire in effect rebuilding their armaments, creating stronger positions to be able to fend off an eventual assault by the Israelis. - Hillary Clinton

I wouldn’t have gone along with the Nazis in 1939, says college student at Kill the Jews rally.

- Blog post by Laurel Herman, a chef instructor in Virginia, on The Times of Israel website

- Headline on satirical news site Babylon Bee

I am fuming and yet I am in awe of Israel and how my people support each other. That is something no one can take away. This is our defining moment. And it is my defining moment as a Jew. I’m getting more Jewish by the day. We are the only people I can trust. #AmYisraelChai.

One of the ironies is that as an American Jew, you’re safer in Saudi Arabia right now than you are at a college campus like Columbia University.

– Ibid.

– Jared Kushner, on Fox News

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[The New York Times’s] top story on Tuesday’s digital edition said Gaza officials reported that 704 Palestinians had been killed in overnight Israeli raids. Exactly 704? In fact, it would be impossible for anyone to know the precise number of deaths or anything even close so quickly, given the large number of Israeli strikes in different areas that reduce most buildings to rubble. The Times doesn’t say how the Gaza Health Ministry came up with the number, but absolves itself of responsibility for inaccuracies with the caveat that “It was not possible to independently verify the toll.” In other words, keep lying to us, Hamas, and we’ll keep publishing your lies. - Michael Goodwin, New York Post

People are leaving now, and they’re all endorsing me. I don’t know about Mike Pence. He should endorse me. You know why? Because I had a great, successful presidency, and he was the vice president. He should endorse me. I chose him, made him vice president. But people in politics can be very disloyal. I’ve never seen anything like it. - Trump calling for Pence to endorse him after the latter dropped out of the 2024 presidential race

George Soros and his son Alex have a long history of supporting the most radical organizations across the planet, and that includes pro-Hamas organizations that support the most heinous kind of behavior. We’ve called on George Soros to withdraw this funding, but he seems very determined to continue supporting antisemitic organizations that want to upend western civilization. - Dan Schneider, vice president of the conservative watchdog group Media Research Center, talking about reports that Jew-hater George Soros gave $15 million to groups that back the Hamas attacks

You cannot say, “I am too old to do things.” I am healthy and happy. - Alfredo Aliaga, 92, after a 24-mile hike around the Grand Canyon

I think when you’re a fan, you see obviously a lot, you hear a lot. The commentators are saying a lot. You have the score right there. You have the timeouts listed. Everything’s right there for you. It’s not necessarily like that when you’re a player. You’re just, you’re in the moment. - Tom Brady, talking about how processing football on TV now that he is retired is different than playing the game

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NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

We are all here to say enough. Enough trying to erase women and girls. Enough denying our biological differences from men. Enough of the craziness taking over our country. They’re using nonsense words to erase women and girls – and more importantly, to erase our voices and experiences. Today, we’re taking a stand against woke nonsense… It’s the Left that decided that woman is a dirty word. It’s the Left that decided that we needed to toss out basic biology – and basic grammar along with it. - Arkansas Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, after signing an executive order banning all woke words from government documents

I believe that scripture and the Bible is very clear that G-d is the one that raised up each of you, and God has allowed us to be brought here to this specific moment in time. – New House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA)

If science is Dr. Fauci, you’re [absolutely] right I’m defying science. - Aaron Rodgers, when asked on a sports show if he is “defying science” with his recovery, mocking Dr. Fauci who stated during Covid, “I am science”

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Political Crossfire

In its Fight Against Hamas, Israel Needs to Be Certain of Its “Big Ideas” By David Ignatius

“G

et the big ideas right.” That’s the fundamental conclusion of “Conflict,” a new history of warfare since 1945 by retired Army Gen. David Petraeus and Andrew Roberts. And it applies emphatically to Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Israel’s biggest idea in this war – its overriding mission – is to destroy the military and governing power of Hamas. That’s surely a correct goal; most Arab analysts recognize the menace of Hamas as clearly as the Israelis do, although they might not say it out loud. But there are other big ideas, too, starting with the need to avoid unwise actions that expand the war, arouse international opposition, and leave Israel more vulnerable. In light of these complex objectives, Israeli commanders are struggling with how to shape the campaign to destroy Hamas. They don’t want to win the kinetic war on the ground but lose the information war for public support. On Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged at the United Nations that Israel consider “humanitarian pauses” to help get food, water and medicine to Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire. What frames the thinking of Israel Defense Forces commanders as they navigate this dark military and political terrain? Like every element of Israeli society, the IDF was rocked by Hamas’s terror assault on Oct. 7. They didn’t see it coming, assuming Hamas would be deterred from such reckless actions by Israel’s overwhelming might. Now, military leaders worry they might be wrong again in assuming that Hezbollah and Iran won’t attack Israel. Thus, one essential “big idea” for Israeli commanders is to restore deterrence – without triggering a devastating multifront war. The IDF sees Hezbollah’s sporadic attacks so far as a limited show of support for Hamas to avoid losing face – and Israel is responding proportionally.

But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that if Hezbollah goes further, “we will cripple it with unimaginable force.” Talking to Israeli officials, you understand that the sense of trauma after Hamas’s terrorist assault is personal. One official described the loss of a family friend whose body was so battered it took hours to identify; another spoke of the genocidal Hamas attackers, going house to house and room to room to kill Jews. Such intense emotions animate every IDF soldier and officer, but Israeli commanders know they must surmount this personal anguish to frame wise strategy. Israeli commanders bristle at the idea of aiding pro-Hamas civilians after the Oct. 7 slaughter, but they know it is necessary to reduce civilian casualties and maintain international support – especially that of the United States. They are using every available technology to map the battlefield, especially the network of tunnels that amount to a hidden city beneath Gaza. That’s one reason the IDF leaders haven’t rushed to begin the ground invasion. Every additional day gives them more information from their expanding array of sensors above and below ground. As Hamas runs lower on fuel and supplies, it needs to surface – al-

lowing Israel to gather more intelligence about where Hamas fighters are hiding and where more than 200 hostages are being held. The IDF will use its high-tech map of Gaza to launch its air and ground assault, ideally in a way that targets Hamas precisely and spares Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages. Commanders want every bullet fired by their forces to have a specific address. But war rarely works out that way in practice; “precision bombing” is often a contradiction in terms. The ground operation, when it comes, will be ugly. How can Israel achieve its end goal of destroying Hamas but minimize the negatives? One top-level U.S. military veteran offers this advice: Take it slow. Don’t fight block to block and house to house, which will increase casualties for Israeli soldiers and civilians, alike. Let intelligence be the driver of operations; then use drones and autonomous weapons, wherever possible, to strike targets. That was the approach the United States and its partners used against the Islamic State. U.S. commanders are urging Israel to study the nine-month campaign to liberate Mosul, Iraq, that began in October 2016. ISIS fighters were hiding in tunnels and caves there, just as Hamas terrorists are

in Gaza. The United States and its partners moved slowly, using a mix of commando operations and drone attacks. Gradually, they were able to destroy ISIS. But civilian casualties were severe; the Associated Press in 2017 estimated that 9,000 to 11,000 residents might have died. That leads to another big idea that Israel must study carefully: In the language of counterinsurgency, when the IDF “clears” Hamas from Gaza, another force trusted by Palestinians should move in to “hold and build” the enclave. Israeli commanders have started thinking about “day after” scenarios, but they don’t have answers. Could security responsibility in post-Hamas Gaza be shared with an international force, perhaps a version of the European and Arab anti-ISIS coalition, as suggested last Tuesday in Israel by French President Emmanuel Macron? Could a revitalized Palestinian Authority do the job, backed by money and political support from Saudi Arabia? These might be the hardest “big ideas,” but they’re essential for a stable future. Israeli commanders must weigh, finally, whether Israel can tolerate the long war that would be necessary to totally clear Hamas from Gaza. Israel called up 360,000 reservists after this month’s attack. If the war drags on for months, as some have predicted, the effect on the Israeli economy could be severe. A weakened Israel would be more vulnerable to attack from Hezbollah and Iran. It might need a military rescue from the United States. Given these enormous stakes, the final big idea for Israel is obviously to be careful. Hamas set a trap when it burst through the Gaza fence, butchering Israelis and seizing hostages. As Israel fights back, it must avoid becoming entangled in that snare in a way that leaves it weaker, even as it destroys its enemies. (c) 2023, Washington Post Writers Group

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Political Crossfire

By Ruben Navarrette Jr.

resident Joe Biden is trying to pull off a delicate two-step. But he might be tripping up a key U.S. ally. It’s as if there are two Joe Bidens – though maybe that’s what you’d expect from someone who has spent more than 50 years in politics. On the one hand, Biden has made many of the right moves in response to the horrific Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas. He clearly expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself from future attacks by destroying Hamas, moved two carrier strike groups to the eastern Mediterranean Sea and even flew to Israel to embrace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. For an encore, Biden asked Congress for assistance for Israel, as part of a larger $106 billion foreign aid package that includes funds for Ukraine. On the other hand, the president can’t stop lecturing Israel about what our friend and ally should do in relation to the Gaza Strip, which Israeli forces seem poised to enter at any moment. During an interview with Scott Pelley that CBS’s “60 Minutes” aired Oct. 15, Biden said it would be a “big mistake” for Israel to occupy Gaza for the long term. About a week later, as the president was boarding Air Force One, a reporter asked whether he thought Israel

should hold off on a ground invasion until more of the 200-plus hostages being held in Gaza are released. Without breaking his stride or even looking at the reporter, Biden responded, “Yes.” It’s not Biden’s place to lecture Israel, a sovereign nation, on what to do or how to do it as it prepares for what is likely to be a very bloody ground war in Gaza. No

True. But that’s only part of the U.S.-Israeli relationship. The other part is what Israel does for us, as an ally in a region where the United States would rather not be involved. When you visit Israel, as I did in 2012, that’s one of the things that stays with you – just how much more dangerous the world would be if Israel weren’t on the map.

When you visit Israel, as I did in 2012, that’s one of the things that stays with you – just how much more dangerous the world would be if Israel weren’t on the map.

more than it was the place of the leaders of Britain, France or Germany to lecture the United States about how to respond to 9/11. In times of crisis, friends give friends a wide berth. Critics will say that the United States has a right to exert its influence, since it supplies Israel with armaments and defensive measures such as the Iron Dome missile deflection system.

Meanwhile, State Department officials and U.S. military leaders are urging their Israeli counterparts to learn from the mistakes that the United States made in responding to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. According to news accounts, the U.S. officials are urging surgical strikes and the elimination of Hamas leaders as opposed to a wholesale invasion of Gaza. It’s okay that they’re offering this advice, but the

final decision obviously belongs to Israel. It’s critical that the United States and Israel stay united, especially since much of the world is now condemning our ally. Last week, U.N. Secretary General António Guterres piled on by saying the Hamas attacks “did not happen in a vacuum,” essentially blaming Israel for the tragedy because of its historical treatment of the Palestinians. Israel doesn’t have many friends on the globe. It should be able to count on deference and grace from its best friend – the United States. Again, if you add up all the things he’s done right in the past few weeks, Biden deserves a solid B-plus for strongly supporting Israel – in both word and deed. He also gets extra credit for not waiting too long before visiting the region or deploying battleships. Yet, what is preventing the president from locking down an A is his instinct to sermonize to Israel about how and when it should respond to what was, let’s never forget, an attack on Israeli soil. The situation in the Middle East, and the U.S.-Israel relationship, would be much better off if Biden did more of the former and less of the latter. (c) 2023, Washington Post Writers Group

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

Israel Needs U.S. Support, Not Biden’s Lecturing

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The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Political Crossfire

Speaker Johnson is Off to a Great Start. Let’s Hope He Makes it Last. By Marc A. Thiessen

or millions of Americans listening to Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) for the first time Wednesday, the new House speaker made a really good first impression. After he accepted the speaker’s gavel, Johnson’s first message was directed not to his fellow House Republicans, or conservative voters, but to his Democratic opposition. “I know we see things from very different points of view,” he said, directly addressing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). “But I know that in your heart, you love and care about this country, and you want to do what’s right. And so, we’re going to find common ground.” He went on to say: “We’re going to fight vigorously over our core principles because they’re at odds a lot of times,” but “we have to sacrifice, sometimes, our preferences because that’s what’s necessary in a legislative body.” For a guy nicknamed “MAGA Mike Johnson,” it was a decidedly un-Trumpian start. Johnson exuded the kind of grace and magnanimity that many despaired had been irretrievably lost in American politics. It was what the country desperately wanted. And it was exactly what House Republicans – whose reputation has been shredded after three weeks of embarrassing dysfunction – desperately needed. Now the question is: Will he be able – or allowed – to deliver? Or will Johnson’s pledge of bipartisanship be, like President Biden’s inaugural, just another broken promise to unite the country. Will Johnson be a leader who understands that he controls one half of one branch of government – and that the way to advance core principles to elect more people who share them? Or will he pushed into launching pointless

kamikaze missions that fail to advance conservative principles? Johnson is a full-spectrum conservative. But it was significant that the conservative hero he invoked was Ronald Reagan. “In his farewell address, President Reagan explained the secret of his rapport with people.… He said, ‘They call me the Great Communicator, but…I was just communicating great things.’” The new speaker then defined those great things: “individual freedom, limited government, the rule of law, peace through strength, fiscal responsibility, free markets and human dignity.” Those, he said, “are the foundations that made us the extraordinary nation that we are. And you and I today are the stewards of those principles.” This much is certain: Just as Reagan supported freedom fighters across the globe against Russian expansionism, the Gipper would have stood squarely

with Ukraine. Johnson has voted four times against aid to Ukraine. But in his speech, he pointed out that “we stand at a very dangerous time.… Turmoil and violence have rocked the Middle East and Eastern Europe. We all know it. And tensions continue to build in the Indo-Pacific. The country demands strong leadership of this body, and we must not waver.” He further promised “this speaker’s office is going to be known for decentralizing the power here.” If Johnson keeps that promise, the will of the majority – which supports Ukraine – will prevail. He has just three weeks to pass a government funding bill. That means he’ll need to compromise right off the bat. What happens if he can’t get a deal done in that time? Eight House Republicans, intent on punishing Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) for passing a continuing resolution to keep the government open, joined with 208 Democrats

to kick him out of the speaker’s chair. (And thank G-d that McCarthy did get the resolution passed. Can you imagine if we were in the midst of a government shutdown when Hamas attacked Israel?) What will happen if Johnson, as speaker, takes a similarly responsible approach? He seems to understand the gravity of his assignment. He talked about being the son of a firefighter, who was critically burned in the line of duty when Johnson was 12 years old. “He lived with pain all the rest of his life for decades more,” Johnson said. “And I lost my dad to cancer three days before I got elected to Congress. Three days. And he wanted to be there at my election night so badly. I’m the first college graduate in my family. This was a big deal to him.” One night in 2017, a few weeks after joining Congress, Johnson said, he was presiding over the House, listening to Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.) “winding down one of her long, eloquent speeches.” There were peals of laughter from both sides of the aisle. And he looked up at the top of the chamber and “I saw the face of Moses staring down, and I just felt, in that moment, the weight of this place.” He said he had not been able to grieve his father’s death and at that moment started to cry. “It wasn’t Sheila’s speech, I’m sorry,” Johnson said, to more bipartisan laughter. “I just knew in that moment that my dad, my father, would be proud of me.… And I think all the American people, at one time, had great pride in this institution. But right now, that’s in jeopardy. And we have a challenge before us right now to rebuild and restore that trust.” Let’s hope and pray he means it. (c) 2023, Washington Post Writers Group

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Jewish History

By Rafael Medoff

he Hamas tactic of using social media to publicize videos of its atrocities against Jews may seem to be a 21st century innovation, but using cameras to boast about genocide actually has a precedent, in the Holocaust. Hamas and its supporters have utilized various social media platforms to show off scenes of October 7 pogromists kidnapping, torturing, and assaulting their Israeli victims. In some cases, they have uploaded these gruesome “trophy videos” to the social media accounts of the victims, in order to intensify the suffering of their distraught families. Some of it was livestreamed on Facebook. The technology is new, but the mindset isn’t. The Nazis, too, were deeply proud of their mass murder of Jews. But they were concerned that photographs of the atrocities might be used as evidence in war crimes trials later. For some reason, the pogromists from Gaza do not seem to be worried about that. The Nazis also thought that if evidence of their genocide reached the Free World, the Allies would intervene to rescue the Jews. They needn’t have been concerned about that. For those reasons, German officials prohibited individuals from photographing the killings. Only officially-assigned photographers were given access to mass killings, so that photos would not reach outside eyes. But some leaked out anyway. The reason the June 1941 massacre of Jews in German-occupied Kovno, Lithuania, is so well-documented is that German soldiers watching a mob torture and murder Jews took photographs for their own amusement. Some of the photos were duplicated and shared with other soldiers. Members of Reserve Police Battalion 101, which played a major role in the mass murder process in Poland, often photographed themselves in the act. Sometimes, as the scholar Daniel Goldhagen points out, they used Jews “as playthings for their own satisfaction,” by posing for photos showing them cutting off the

beards of Jews or compelling them to don prayer shawls and cower on the ground. “The photos capture [German] men who look tranquil and happy, and others show them in poses of pride and joy as they undertake their dealings with their Jewish victims,” Goldhagen writes. Both the photos of the massacre process and the posed humiliations “rep-

the virtually limitless power of the [German] over his victim.” The photos taken by members of Reserve Police Battalion 101 were “generously shared among the entire battalion,” Goldhagen points out. He cites a battalion member who recalled: “They were laid out hanging on the wall and anyone, as he pleased, could order copies

Death camp commandants delighted in assembling photo albums that chronicled their experiences.

resented the absolute mastery of the photographed German over the Jew,” Goldhagen notes. It was all “done in front of the camera’s recording eye, ensuring that the victim’s shame would be displayed to people for years to come…. This simple act conveyed unequivocally—to the German, to the Jew, to all who watched, contemporaneously or later—

of them.” For Goldhagen, the entire spectacle was reminiscent of “travelers purchasing postcards or asking for duplicates of friends’ snapshots that have captured vistas and scenes from an enjoyable and memorable trip.” Death camp commandants delighted in assembling photo albums that chronicled their experiences. An album com-

piled by the SS photographic department in Auschwitz included scenes of Jewish men, women and children being selected for death and lining up for the gas chambers, alongside photos of smiling Nazis and their families. Fifteen such albums were created for the camp’s high-ranking officers. Prisoners who worked in the photo lab in the Mauthausen camp were ordered to create a similar album. One of the prisoners clandestinely made an extra copy and smuggled it out of Mauthausen to document what was taking place. The album was later used in the war crimes trial of camp commander Ernst Kaltenbrunner— exactly what the Nazis feared would be done with photos of their war against the Jews. Kaltenbrunner was convicted at Nuremberg and hanged. An album belonging to Treblinka commandant Kurt Franz bore the title “The Good Old Days.” Franz was convicted of war crimes in 1965 but was sentenced only to life imprisonment. He was released after serving twenty-eight years. Among the documents recently released by the Israeli authorities is a recording of a telephone call between a Hamas pogromist and his parents. The murderer tells them excitedly: “Father, look at your phone, I sent you pictures! I killed ten Jews, Dad! I’m in a kibbutz, the blood is on my hands, Father! Mom, I killed ten Jews! Ten Jews with my own hands!” The mother responds, “May Allah save you, my hero.” In the background is the voice of a Jewish woman, desperately crying in pain just before she will become another war trophy in the pogromist’s souvenir collection—perhaps as part of an album of images that he, too, will title “The Good Old Days.”

Dr. Medoff is founding director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies and author of more than 20 books about Jewish history and the Holocaust. His latest is America and the Holocaust: A Documentary History, published by the Jewish Publication Society & University of Nebraska Press.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

Pogromists Posing For Photos

The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Forgotten Her es

Jewish Heroes Who Fought in World War II By Avi Heiligman

ore than 16 million Americans joined the American war effort in World War II by joining the armed services. The number of Jewish service members was approximately 550,000. They served in every branch of the military, including many specialized units and occupations within the ranks. Not all battlefield heroes were awarded the Medal of Honor, America’s highest honor for bravery in combat. Here are some battlefield heroes whose incredible stories may not have made front page news. The 28th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division landed on Utah Beach a month after the D-Day landings and was in combat throughout the rest of the war in Europe. They played important roles in four Allied offensives and captured 115,000 enemy soldiers. Jewish Technical Sergeant Alvin Hyman from Reading, Pennsylvania, singlehandedly added 30 enemy prisoners to his regiment’s total. Records show that in 1944 he was awarded the Bronze Star for his role in defending a German attack before the Battle of the Bulge. He received three Purple Hearts for being shot and wounded on three different occasions. On February 25, 1945, in Germany, many in Hyman’s unit were pinned down by intense enemy fire coming from a fire trench. Without support, he attacked the firing position with grenades, forcing two and a half dozen Germans to surrender. Five Germans were killed in the attack, and the strongpoint was eliminated. For his brave actions, Hyman was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. One of the first American infantry units to see action during World War II was the 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. They spearheaded the landings of Operation Torch in North Africa and landed at Port Lyautey in French Morocco on November 8, 1942. French resistance fell apart three days later.

The 60th Regiment then went to Tunisia where they finished the North African Campaign, successfully repelling a German attack. Private Stanley Silver, from Brooklyn, was serving with the 60th and had the dangerous job of clearing landmines. In March 1943, he volunteered to charge up a hill to clear out enemy resistance. He was wounded by two bullets on the way up but still continued towards the enemy’s position. Silverman threw a grenade at a machine gun nest and then stood up to throw another grenade at a second machine gun emplacement. He survived the action and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for clearing out the machine gun nests. Armored divisions played a critical role in World War II, and they provided firepower to regular infantry divisions. The 2nd Armored Division fought through Operation Torch, Sicily, Normandy, the Rhineland, Battle of the Bulge and Central Europe. Captain Irving Edelberg, from Saranac Lake, NY, was a combat tank reconnaissance officer with the division. He joined the army soon after the Pearl Harbor attacks as a private, but not long thereafter he became an officer. Edelberg had been with the division since the landings in North Africa and saw combat in Sicily, Omaha Beach, France, Belgium, and at the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. His battalion, consisting of 80 tanks, moved into the village of Ciney, Belgium, about a week after the German offensive in the Ardennes Forest began. The tanks began to fight back against enemy positions and began to annihilate German resistance. Edelberg entered a farmhouse which was being used as a German aid station for the 9th SS Panzer Division. Close to three dozen wounded soldiers were being treated there including both German and American troops. The Americans had been captured a few days earlier, but the

Germans were cut off and had no way to send them to POW camps. Edelberg and his fellow American soldiers took the Germans as POWs and then freed the American prisoners. The town of Celles was the furthest penetration of the German offensive during the battle. For his actions, Edelberg was awarded the Silver Star, as well the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Belgium Croix de Guerre and the Presidential Unit Citation. Forward observers played an important role in battle as they were on the front lines with the task of sending back information to rear echelon units. Often, they would be observing for artillery or aerial assets, and their real time information was crucial in defeating enemy forces. Private Henry Berkowitz of New York was a forward observer with the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. He was at Omaha Beach on D-Day, but on the way in, his boat was hit. Berkowitz jumped off the boat and made his way towards the shore with his radio in hand. The entire way he was under constant enemy fire and sustained serious wounds. Despite being wounded, he dragged himself on the beach and through a minefield. Finally, he reached his unit and began relaying vital information back to headquarters. Captain Albert Kessler from Elizabeth, New Jersey, was another forward observer during World War II with the 65th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Armored Division. On November 23, 1944, he was observing for an eight-inch howitzer battalion when enemy forces came very close to his unit’s position. In order to annihilate enemy positions, he had to call for fire very close, dangerously close, to his own position. Accurate fire rained within a hundred yards of his post throughout the night, but it was able to push back the heavily defended enemy lines. Both Berkowitz and Kessler

U.S. troops landing on Utah Beach on D-Day

Landing in North Africa in Operation Torch

Captain Irving Edelberg

survived the war and were awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. These men are just a few of the many Jewish servicemen who were decorated for bravery during World War II. Their medals and decorations are a testament for heroics on the battlefield, and while they are rarely talked about today, they are Forgotten Heroes.

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.

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WOODSBURGH CEDARHURST

CEDARHURST

HOUSES FOR SALE CAN’T AFFORD YOUR PROPERTY TAXES? MORTGAGE? Must sell for any reason? Call for FREE Consultation. Call now 212-470-3856 Cash buyers available! WOODMERE Charming Colonial on beautiful tree lined street in the heart of Old Woodmere. Home features 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, kitchen, dining area, living room, full basement. Relatively new heating system + hot water tank. Large & beautiful backyard. Great for entertaining. Close to all. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE HEWLETT LAWRENCE

Spacious Wide Line Expanded Ranch on Most Prestigious and New! Turn Key Expanded Ranch Nestled in quiet Serene Cul-de-Sac in Village of Lawrence , Main Flr Master Bdrm Cul-de-sac. EIK,Main floor primary suite, Great room OPEN HOUSE 12:30-1:30 1068 Suite with Many Closets and Bthrm, Addional Main Flr highland Bdrm & Bath, Center HallFamily/ Colonial with Main Level+ 3 BRs Baths Lg Flr Fdnr Huge Den, EIK, Mudrm, 4ad’l Bdrms 23Bths onFinished Second Flr, includes Dining area, 2Den oversized bdrms, Basment Beautiful Property Beautiful Wrap Around Property, $1.690M finished basement, Deck & Fenced Property $999K

S.D. 14 $995K

CO-OPS/CONDOS WOODMERE CO-OP CEDARHURST

LAWRENCE

261 Central Ave 1st Floor, Large Entry Foyer, Open Concept Kitchen. Large LR/DR Overlooking the Courtyard $229K

LAWRENCE

240 Central Avenue Spacious 1 Bdrm 1 Bth Apt in Well Maintained Elevator Bldg with Terrace Overlooking Garden, Near All $229K

FAR ROCKAWAY

This spacious s/h col , in the prestigious village of woodsburgh, sits on 1/2 acre property in a. most serene setting, with beautiful Charming Brick Center Hall, Offers 4+Large 3 waterviews, and magnificent sunsets . Flr banquet fdnr Bdrms, , COMMERCIAL RENTAL! 9 ,Room Drbdrm officesuite Suite, Located Baths and a main Finished Basement, Tranquill Setting breakfast rm, level NEW! den /fpl master with hisand inand theher Heart of Cedarhurst, room, Reception andyet bthTransportation. + 4Spacious bdrms , waiting new bths, newly renovated Close toclosets Shops Area and Exam Rooms, alllaundry on Mainrm, Floor. Close to of Public finished basement with playrm, lots storage, Reduced $1.599M Transportation many special details thruout $1.9M+ $6,000

156 B 9th St Mint 2BR, 2 BTH Beachfront Condo with Wraparound Terrace, Magnificent Impeccably Renovated Center Hall Colonial 4+ Sunrise & Sunset $589K Bdrms 3 Baths, Chefs Full Finished Basement. 29 Woodmere Blvd Apt 2BEik, Renovated, Mint, Corner 1 Bdrm with 9ft Ceilings. Eat In Kitchen, 2 Style. Sinks, Granite Classic CharmSpacious with Contemporary $2.2M Counter tops and S.S. Appliances.Large Lvgrm/Dnr and Large Bdrm/BR with Lots of Windows REDUCED $299K

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Classifieds

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HOUSES FOR SALE

WOODMERE New to the market. 3 bedroom 2 full bathrooms with a full basement. Ranch home in the heart of Woodmere, SD#15, on a lot sized 90x118, gas heat, garage. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE Welcome to this stunning residence situated on a tranquil residential street in Lawrence SD#15. This spacious and flawlessly maintained home boasts 4 to 5 bedrooms. Bright, airy living room with vaulted ceilings, skylights and wet bar. Central air conditioning, elegant quartz countertops, eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, main floor den with fireplace, master bedroom with bathroom snd dressing room, Jacuzzi tub, three other bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Inground sprinklers, lush landscaping, alarm system. Spacious playroom. Two-car garage. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WEST HEMPSTEAD Introducing a stunning new construction home. Nestled in a picturesque neighborhood. Large windows, open-concept layout that merges the various living spaces. The expansive living room is bathed in natural light, thanks to the windows that offer great views of the surrounding area. Gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, sleek cabinetry, expansive center island with a breakfast bar. Ample counter space and a welldesigned layout. Wonderful dining area providing. Large glass doors, spacious patio. Luxurious master suite with a spacious bedroom, a lavish ensuite bathroom and a large walk-in closet. Additional bedrooms. High-end finishes, premium flooring, and custom details throughout. Call for pricing Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

FAR ROCKAWAY COMPLETELY DRY HOUSE in erev Sukkos storm. Low flood insurance. Built 2006, original owner, 3,000 sf, 4 br (easily 5), 2.5 bth, playroom, tons of storage, MBR with en-suite bath and 3 walk-in closets; gourmet kosher kitchen, 2-zone HVAC, deck with sukkah pergola, 2 add’l balconies, 2-car garage + 2 parking spots, fenced side yard, many extras. 889k. 917-882-6438

CEDARHURST Move Right into This Very Spacious & Renovated 6 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath, Colonial on a Lovely Quiet Street. 5 Very Large Bedrooms All on 2nd Floor. Beautiful Den W/Fireplace & Playroom; Both on 1st Floor. Gorgeous Hardwood & Granite Floors, New Wood & Granite Kitchen With Stainless Steel Appliances. Great Backyard For Entertaining! Very Low Taxes. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HEWLETT Lovely & Spacious 2 Bedrooms, 2 Updated Baths Unit on First Floor with Wonderful Terrace to Enjoy The Outdoors. Formal Dining Room Leads to Large Living Room, Granite Countertops in Kitchen. Prime Location. Steps Away From LIRR, Parking, Shopping, Restaurants + More! Don’t Miss Out! Must See!!! Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com WOODMERE Woodmere just listed 3 bedroom 2 full bathroom hi-ranch in sd #15 with central air-conditioning , gas heat, 2 car garage, eat-in-kitchen, l/r, d/r, den, hardwood floors, minutes to transportation , shopping, and houses of worship Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

NEW TO THE MARKET Hewlett-Woodmere school district. 4 bedroom 3 full bathroom home features living room with a fireplace, formal dining room leading out to the deck, eat-in-kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, 2 dishwashers, double oven, new microwave, primary bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, plus 3 additional bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, large family room, central air conditioning, gas heat, in-ground sprinklers, hardwood floors, modern high hat lighting, custom window treatments, driveway has recently been done, 2 car garage, beautifully landscaped plus so much more. OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5 12:00-2:00PM 1027 DARTMOUTH LN Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com WOODMERE Spectacular 5 bedroom, 5 bath renovated home in SD#14 with in-ground pool & pool house, lot size 111 x 107. Formal living room & dining room, magnificent kitchen with SS appliances, tremendous den with fireplace and 4 skylights, vaulted ceiling, LED lighting, master suite, new CAC, new roof. Outside totally redone with Stone and Stucco. Backyard with new pavers, park-like property, sandbox, great home for entertaining. Close to all. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE Spacious home within school district 14 with exquisite upgrades and central air conditioning, splendid kitchen with dual sinks, five bedrooms. Main level encompasses a spacious great room, office space, complementing the formal living and dining areas. Unfinished basement, detached garage. Expansive lot, measuring 80 x 100. Conveniently located near shopping, railroad, restaurants and places of worship. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com WOODMERE Introducing a stunning 14-side hall colonial home in the Hewlett Woodmere School District. Formal living room, formal dining room, den with a skylight. Eat in Kitchen, two sinks, a double oven, a warming draw and a microwave. First floor bedroom, a full bathroom and laundry room. Two-car garage. Upper level has four bedrooms, two full bathrooms. Finished basement with playroom, storage and utilities. Well-groomed exterior with porch adjoining the master bedroom. Hardwood floors and back patio. Central air conditioning, inground sprinkler system, alarm system. Close proximity to schools, shopping centers, restaurants, and transportation options. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE Spacious home within school district 14 with exquisite upgrades and central air conditioning, splendid kitchen with dual sinks, five bedrooms. Main level encompasses a spacious great room, office space, complementing the formal living and dining areas. Unfinished basement, detached garage. Expansive lot, measuring 80 x 100. Conveniently located near shopping, railroad, restaurants and places of worship. OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 11:00-12:30PM 223 HICKOX AVENUE. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com VALLEY STREAM Meticulously cared-for high ranch with four bedrooms and two full baths. Expansive dimensions, measuring 58 x 133. Two-zone, gas-heated system, central airconditioning, and an inground sprinkler system. The upper-level features three inviting bedrooms, accompanied by a full bathroom. The well-appointed living room, elegant dining room, and an eat-in kitchen complete this level. On the ground floor, you’ll find an additional bedroom and bathroom, a spacious den with sliding doors that lead to the backyard, convenient washer and dryer facilities, and an attached garage. Great access to schools, shops, restaurants, and public transportation. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

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HOUSES FOR SALE

HOUSES FOR RENT

APT./COOP/CONDO SALE

CEDARHURST 276 Leroy Ave, Cedarhurst: Luxurious 8BR, 4.5BA home with indoor basketball court, weight gym, 7-car brick driveway. Low taxes. $2.6M. Call Eli: 917-749-3050

WOODMERE Just listed - House Rental 6 bedroom residence. Living room with soaring vaulted ceilings and fireplace. Oversized den with fireplace. Family room. Central air conditioning. Five bedrooms on a single level. Close proximity to the railroad, shopping destinations, and houses of worship. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE 1 bedroom apartment, elevator building, eat-in kitchen, full bath, hardwood floors, plenty of closet space. Ceiling fan in bedroom & kitchen, laundry room in the basement. Close to the railroad, shopping, and houses of worship. $179k Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HEWLETT Totally renovated 1 and 2 Bedroom, Apartments with washer/dryer, kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances. Recessed lighting, hardwood floors, storage in basement. Close to RR, shopping, and houses of worship. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

CEDARHURST OPEN HOUSE on prime location in Cedarhurst on SUNDAY NOV 5 FROM 12 TO 2 PM!!! Completely renovated 5 bdrs, 3.5 bath, low taxes $7000 Dining room with fire place, living room, brand new kitchen, granite countertops, high end stainless steel appliances, wine holder, radiant heated floor, beautiful deck, spacious 5 bdrs, oversized walking closets ,finished basement with 2 add rooms and separate entrance. Walk to Cedarhurst Park, Gourmet Glatt, LIRR, houses of worships!!! 322 Madison Avenue, Cedarhurst Call Alexandra at Realty Connect USA 516-784-0856

APT./COOP/CONDO SALE LONG BEACH Renovated one bedroom, 1.5 baths, duplex, 2 terraces with ocean views, 24 hours concierge, inground heated pool, gym, sauna, covered parking spot, pet friendly building. Located near the beach, transportation and houses of worship. Contact: Fran Adelson, Associate Broker CTR21 Verdeschi & Walsh, (516) 987-8649 Franadelson@aol.com

WOODMERE Welcome to this exquisite and expansive 1 Bedroom co-op in the highly sought-after and prestigious Heathcote. Recently renovated, generously sized foyer. Vasr Eat-InKitchen. Situated in a classic pre-war building, this residence features 9-foot ceilings that add an air of elegance and sophistication. The convenience of an elevator ensures easy access to all levels, making everyday living a breeze. Private storage room. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

LAWRENCE New to the market Generously sized 1 bedroom 1.5 bathroom coop in an elevator building, with a 24 hour doorman, underground parking, double terrace, central air conditioning, washer/dryer and storage on the floor, eat-in-kitchen, living room and dining room, no steps into the building or to the apartment, minutes from shopping, park, transportation, and houses of worship. $479,000 Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

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140

Classifieds

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APT./COOP/CONDO SALE

LAWRENCE JUST LISTED This amazing two-bedroom two full bathroom condo Features a luxurious lifestyle in the beautiful city of Lawrence. What more could you ask for? The building has a 24-hour doorman and elevator access, with a social room, library, washer/dryer inside the unit, and terrace. Plus, the added benefit of having a live-in super to ensure maximum safety and security! And don’t forget about your new kitchen complete with a gas stove, refrigerator, microwave, and even two dishwashers! The living room and dining room are spacious and have recessed lighting installed throughout. Both bedrooms feature lots of closet space for storage. To top it off, there’s even garage parking available to make your life just that much easier! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. Please call for a private showing Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 • mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE Generously proportioned, first-floor apartment in an elevator-equipped building in the heart of Woodmere. This Co-op boasts three bedrooms, two full bathrooms. Lofty ceilings, spacious foyer, formal living area and dining space. Expansive kitchen with gas stove, microwave, dishwasher, washer-dryer. Hardwood floors provide an elegant touch, and the comfort of five air-conditioning units ensures year-round climate control. Three bedrooms, with the primary bedroom having en-suite full bathroom. Dedicated storage. Near shopping centers, railroad, dining and places of worship. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

TJH Classifieds Post your Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services, Miscellaneous Ads here. Weekly Classifieds Up to 5 lines and/or 25 words 1 week ................$20 2 weeks .............. $35 4 weeks .............. $60 Email ads to: classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com Include valid credit card info and zip code

Deadline Monday 5:00pm

APT./COOP/CONDO SALE

CEDARHURST

LAWRENCE Spacious 2BR, 2 Full Bath Apt with an enclosed terrace in the heart of Lawrence. Well maintained & manicured building. New hardwood floors, updated Eat-in Kitchen with gas stove. warming draw, dishwasher & microwave. New windows on the enclosed terrace & one of the bedrooms. 3 New A/C Units & New Refrigerator. Close to shopping, transportation, library, schools, and houses of worship. $339K Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, totally renovated private entrance , central air conditioning, hardwood floors, washer/dryer, garage parking, dishwasher, recessed lighting, private playground, close to railroad, park, shopping and houses of worship. Call for more details Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

ISRAEL REAL ESTATE RAMAT BEIT SHEMESH G1 *Available this summer in RBSG1* 5 bedroom/4 bathroom (3 full- 1 half) 1st floor • Building w/ an elevator Quiet street • Close to bussing (local and to Yerushalayim) Across the street from a few different Shuls Walking to G1 Mercaz Available July 12 - Aug 9 with flexibility For more info WhatsApp 347-831-5128 or call 053-412-7194 UNIQUE APARTMENT In the old city of Jerusalem, one of a kind! Inside private and quiet courtyard, features living/dining room, kitchen with high quality built in wood cabinets in excellent condition, three bedrooms, high quality built in wood closets, two bathrooms, 135 meters, including two sun balconies, newly built from the foundation up (early 80’s, very few such apartments in the old city), located on Chabad Street. $2.9M (negotiable) Contact Yukie at 1-760 227-0287 (US), +972 50 850-1400 (IL) VILLA IN RAMAT SHLOMO 5.5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, fully upgraded, sifria, 4 porches, private parking & 5 fully-furnished rental suites. 11.95 Million Shekel. i.dealhomes18@gmail.com 516-303-4450

WOODMERE Well maintained 1 Bedroom apartment. Elevator Building. Pet Friendly, SD#14, Corner Unit, Bright + Sunny, Hardwood Floors, Eat-in Kitchen, Full Bathroom, 3 Closets, 2 Ceiling Fans, 1 A/C Unit, Full Time Super on Premises. Minutes from the Railroad, Shopping, Houses of Worship, and Laundry Room on Premises. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 • $175K LAWRENCE New to the market Jr. 4 apartment in an elevator building with a terrace and underground parking, laundry on premises. Kitchen with granite countertops, 2 sinks, ss appliances, spacious step down living room with high ceilings, guest room/ office, spacious primary bedroom with 3 closets, full bathroom with full vanity, medicine cabinet, toilet and lighting, custom blinds, near the railroad, shopping and houses of worship.$289K Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com WOODMERE Totally renovated bright and sunny 1 bedroom corner unit apartment with a washer/dryer. Features quartz countertops, ss appliances, recessed lighting, bathroom with chrome fixtures, close to the railroads, shopping and houses of worship. Call for details Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com LAWRENCE One Bedroom Renovated Apartment In Prime Lawrence. Efficiency Kitchen, Renovated Bathroom. Sunken LR, Dining Room, Close to All, Transportation, Shopping, Worship. $275k Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

Classifieds

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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

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

A YESHIVA IN QUEENS is looking for an experienced part/ full time secretary, 2-year-old morah, kindergarten morah, kindergarten morah assistant and Pre-1A English teacher for the 2022-2023 school year. Nice and timely pay. Please email resume to mshelt613@gmail. com or call/text 718-971-9799.

MDS REGIONAL NURSE 5 Towns area Nursing Home management office seeking a Regional/Corporate level MDS Nurse to work in our office. Must be an RN. Regional experience preferred. 2-3 years MDS experience with good computer skills required. Position is Full Time but Part Time can be considered. Great Shomer Shabbos environment with some remote options as well. Email: officejob2019@gmail.com

ORTHODOX SHUL IN Hewlett looking to hire a youth coordinator for Shabbat and Sunday. Good opportunity for young couple to make extra income. Please email to sch.shul@gmail.com SEEKING ELA TEACHER Teaching position for Gr. 6. Mon.-Thurs., afternoon hours. Far Rockaway/5T area. Great salary, warm, supportive environment. Training in our curriculum is provided. Teachersearch11@gmail.com

CHESS INSTRUCTORS WANTED Hiring dynamic, dedicated chess teachers. Mondays and Wednesdays 4:30-5:30pm in 5 towns. Earn up to $80/hr, based on experience. Positions open in other locations. Apply at ChessChevra.com JOIN OUR TEAM! ABA company located in the 5 Towns looking to fill multiple full-time administrative positions Knowledge of Central Reach a plus, but will train the right candidate Great work environment Call 516-670-5374 or Email your resume to: Careers@supportivecareaba.com IMMEDIATE OPENING ELA teaching position for Gr. 5. Mon.-Thurs., afternoon hours. Far Rockaway/5T area. Competitive salary, warm supportive environment. Teachersearch11@gmail.com

BOOKKEEPER Excellent growth potential, Frum environment, Excellent salary & benefits. Email resume to: resumetfs1@gmail.com DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT A multi-tasker needed for general office work. The ideal candidate is someone who is detail-oriented, responsible, and can take ownership. Looking for someone who is eager to learn, and expand his/her skill set while possessing the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience with Excel required. Five Towns location. In-office position only, not remote. Please send resume to 5tpart.timecareer@gmail.com

ACCOUNTANT With 2+ years experience to assist a nursing home back office company with financial statement preparation. Great benefits & pay. Reach out to Lakewoodjobs@fcc-corp.com

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!

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The Jewish Home | NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Your

Money

Mind the Gap By Allan Rolnick, CPA

ast week, the IRS announced that the “tax gap”—the difference between the amount of taxes Americans legally owed and the amount they actually paid—grew to $688 billion for 2021. That’s a lot more than a few pizza shop owners skimming out of the cash drawer. With Uncle Sam routinely running trillion-dollar deficits, closing that gap is a top priority at 1111 Constitution Avenue. The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act authorized the IRS to spend an extra $80 billion over the next 10 years. Only time will tell if the extra money helps—or even gets spent— in a government that can’t seem to get its act together. The tax gap comes from three separate places. “Underreporting” is when taxpayers fail to accurately report their liability. “Underpayment” is when taxpayers simply fail to pay the amount of tax they report. And “non-filing,” as you’ve already cleverly guessed, is when taxpayers burrow into a hole and hope the IRS just doesn’t find them. Underreporting accounts for 80% of the gap—this comes mostly in taxes owed on income not subject to withholding or reporting requirements, such as rental real estate or business income. The news on the collection front isn’t all bad. The IRS also announced last week

that they had succeeded in collecting $122 million in back taxes by clamping down on a group of 1,600 taxpayers who earned $1 million per year or more and who also owed $250,000 or more in tax. In one case, they squeezed $15 million out of someone way out on the shameless spectrum who tried to deduct personal expenses, including a -51,000square-

ers blowing off their back taxes to close a $688 billion gap. Accomplishing that goal is going to take cracking on large public companies that don’t pay their proper amount. The Service is also focusing new attention on large partnerships, including hedge funds and large law firms. And they’ll be increasing audits for taxpayers earning $400,000 or more. (Social media

In one case, they squeezed $15 million out of someone way out on the shameless spectrum who tried to deduct personal expenses, including a 51,000-square-foot mansion with an indoor basketball court.

foot mansion with an indoor basketball court, luxury cars, artwork, country club membership, and homes for his children. Here’s the problem with all of those efforts. $122 million of the lower deficit is great, especially when the taxpayer isn’t disputing the amount owed. But there simply aren’t enough million-dollar earn-

scuttlebutt that the $80 million in funding will mean 87,000 new gun-toting IRS agents is greatly exaggerated—but that’s a topic for a different story.) There’s another factor worth considering here, too. It’s the “reverse tax gap” that occurs when taxpayers pay too much because they aren’t aware

of all the various deductions, credits, loopholes, and strategies they can use to pay less. Tax planners like us routinely find business owner clients paying tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands more than they legally owe. It’s far worse when they go to sell those businesses at the end of a successful career and pay millions in tax that we could have helped them defer or eliminate. We’d sure like to see an official IRS estimate for that figure! Simplifying the tax system would help close both gaps. Unfortunately, right now, our government can’t manage a vote to declare that ice cream tastes good. The odds of “fixing” the code, or even giving the IRS the funding it needs to enforce the one we already have, seem as likely as finding intelligent life in space. None of this means the IRS is going to come looking for you. Just play by the rules, and you’ll be fine. And count on us to help you navigate those rules as favorably as possible!

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.

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Life C ach

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | The Jewish Home

What More Can I Do? By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

ife has shrunk. It’s as if we put it in the washing machine, and it came out way way smaller. There’s a lot we can talk about, but everyone has mainly one thing on their mind: “What more can I do?” It’s sort of a good dilemma to have. For some, they have clarity at this time. They are completely focused and have found their niche. Many have even started organizations. Some have been cooking for the army or community. Many are attending events whenever possible. But so many feel lost.

“Share everything” – reach out to others. Even if it’s not with items, give emotional sharing and support. That’s part of the everything you’ve got. “Play fair” – in all your dealings. “Don’t hit people” (as some have and worse). “Clean up your own mess” – you can even help others clean theirs. “Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.” And “Don’t take things that aren’t yours” (like the country of Israel)! You don’t really even need to think big. Small things have a huge impact. Smile at people more. You may not

Of course, do all the amazing things you can. But remember family, friends, neighbors, and people who are just in your path each day need love and attention in ways we’ve all neglected to give

them. Increase your kindness, caring, and sensitivity. And in doing so, you will have done something huge, even if it seems small to you.

LOWER COST HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

You will have done something huge, even if it seems small to you.

What I think people should remember is that they have a lot of knowledge already as to what they can do. Just think of that poem by Robert Fulghum, “All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten.” That would be great to tap into. No, not how to play with play dough or to finger paint. But as the poem remind us:

know it, but it makes their day. And when you don’t, it affects others more than you know. We have a lot of power in the simple things that we do or don’t do. It’s not always the big things that you need to do. It’s the little things that often get overlooked. So, as this time has shrunk our focus, let it also, at times, shrink our goals.

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 917-7052004 or at rivkirosenwald@gmail.com.

LET OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS DESIGN, A MUCH LOWER COST QUALITY POLICY FOR YOU FREE QUOTE

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