Five Towns Jewish Home 1.04.24

January 4, 2024

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60 HALB B’Lev Echad Mission to Israel

44 Running for the Hostages

62 Netzach Knights Win PAGE 67

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Dear Readers,

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inspire us with their deeply held, unshakeable certainty in Hashem’s Master Plan.

“Hashem decided that he was going to die. That’s Hashem’s decision; I can’t change that.” Recently, I watched a video of Hadas Lowenstern speaking about her husband, Elisha, Hy”d, who was 38 years old when he lost his life last month defending the Jewish people. She describes Elisha as someone whose priorities were centered around Torah and his family. She said that he was happy to be fighting for the Jewish nation and for the Jewish land. But her focus was not on his death. “He only died once, but he lived every day,” she stressed.

She spoke about his joy for life and for his family. And she talked about how she will be bringing up her six children in a life of Torah and mitzvos, a “wonderful” life, a “happy” life.

“That’s the true victory,” she declared.

From where do these people draw their strength and conviction? Instead of being mired in the past, in the pain, Hadas is helping to move her family forward. She sees her loss as a message from the One Above, one she may not yet understand but one she knows is part of His Plan. She inspires us with her emunah and trust in the One Above.

And hopefully, soon, Hashem will unveil His Plan to us all, so that we can all unite in the ultimate joy.

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

iving in America, we feel so close yet so far from our brothers and sisters in Israel.

We follow the news devotedly – waking up to it and then ending each day with a perusal through the sites to make sure that all are safe. But we know we are so far, and we know that whatever stories we read are just a glimpse into what really is going on in the Holy Land.

Each tragic message of another soldier who lost their life for our People hits us to our core. We envision their parents, their siblings, their children absorbing their loss – a demise so final and so swift. Their levayas are filled with so many others who hurt so deeply from their loss, people who never met them but know them so well.

How can you not know a brother, a brother with whom you may never have spoken but a brother who shares your heart and your soul?

In America, we watch from afar, but our souls are there with them, sharing in their grief. And we wonder, how can we move on? How can we continue to fight and to rise above the losses that our nation is reeling from?

So often, when we search for a way to move on, we find the strength when we look across the ocean and see how our people there are rising above. We hear their messages of hope and resilience, and we marvel at their fortitude and their belief in the One Above and His wondrous ways. They

Yitzy Halpern, PUBLISHER

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Shabbos Zemanim

Weekly Weather | January 5 – January 11

Friday, January 5 Parshas Shemos

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Candle Lighting: 4:23 pm Shabbos Ends: 5:28 pm Rabbeinu Tam: 5:55 pm

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Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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COMMUNITY Readers’ Poll

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Community Happenings

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NEWS Global

14 National

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That’s Odd

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ISRAEL

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Israel News

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Alon’s Piano by Rafi Sackville

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10 Lessons for a Better 2024

by Martin Oliner

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Standing Up For National Unity andNational Survival by Caroline B. Glick

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JEWISH THOUGHT Rabbi Wein on the Parsha

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We’re Not Going to Take It by Rav Moshe Weinberger

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The Torah’s Powerful Approach to Happiness by Rabbi Shmuel Reichman 78 My Son, My Firstborn by Rabbi Daniel Glatstein

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Delving into the Daf by Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

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Headlines and Halacha by Rabbi Yair Hoffman

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PEOPLE Rav Matisyahu Salomon: Understanding the Loss

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Inspiration Nation

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Civil War Heroes by Avi Heiligman

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HEALTH & FITNESS Nourish Your Body for the Winter by Tehila Soskel, RDN, CDN

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FOOD & LEISURE The Aussie Gourmet: Melava Malka Waffles

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LIFESTYLES

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Dating Dialogue, Moderated

by Jennifer Mann, LCSW

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Parenting Pearls

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School of Thought

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JWOW!

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Mind Your Business

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Expect the Unexpected by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

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Dear Editor, In previous years, readers have complained about the fact that TJH – a frum family newspaper – featured the secular year in review. This year, I noticed in your “Dear Readers” section that you explain the reason why you feature a section about the secular year in review, hopefully preempting the need for readers to complain. While you certainly do not need to defend yourself nor do you owe anyone any explanation, I understand why you did it. Hopefully your readers have read your section this year and will not question your “2023 Year in Review” section.

As much as we want to live in our own bubble and cut ourselves off from society as a “goy kadosh,” we simply cannot.

Let’s face it. We live in golus and depend on secular society for many things. Rather than complaining and being negative about it, let’s elevate and inspire others around us instead. We have accomplished so much in the past few months.

Let’s not only HOPE for a great 2024 but let’s MAKE it as great as we can.

B’yachad n’natzeach!

Rebecca Penina Simon Cedarhurst, NY Dear Editor, I read your paper every week. It’s my favorite paper and I love your content.

How come you aren’t putting pictures of our hostages and the fallen soldiers every week?

Also stories on some of our local soldiers We need to do more! They are still hostages for 12 weeks!

Let’s help our brothers and sisters.

I would also love a solder of the week story. My nephew and cousins are fighting and would be special to have a soldier of the week spotlight.

The more you can do for our fallen soldiers and poor hostages the better.

All the best, Shoshana Gable Hewlett, NY Dear Editor, Today, we witness the universities’ anti-Semitism mainstreaming across the world. Anti-Semitism has been part of universities since the beginning of the Enlightenment movement, about 200 years ago. The basic reason for this is because universities are secular. Every Jewish neshama beeps a message to the world that there is a G-d, who created and runs the world. This message is what the university world wants to destroy. Therefore, destroy the messenger who represents Hashem.

Over many years, the universities have succeeded in convincing the world that the theory of evolution is true. Somehow, big fish in the sea and apes in the trees are our ancestors. Today, they are working on climate change. The claim is that we can control climate by driving an electric car instead of a gasoline driven car.

Besides the concepts of evolution and climate change, they have superimposed the critical race theory. This is a reversal of Hitler’s master race theory. The purpose is the same: to obtain totalitarian powers. The master race theory said: we are an Aryan master race who deserve to rule the world. All problems are caused by non-Aryans who must serve us, but the Jews must be destroyed. Today’s version reverses the concept. All problems are due to white people who oppress people of color and other minorities, except for the Jews who must be destroyed.

This whole race theory was originated in Germany by a small group of German professors, who decided that some sort Continued on page 10

HUMOR Centerfold

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POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes

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What Strange Things Does 2024 Have in Store? by David Ignatius

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The 10 Worst Things President Biden Did in 2023 by Marc A. Thiessen

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CLASSIFIEDS

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Do you regularly chew gum?

81 19 %

No

%

Yes

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of master race started civilization. They concluded that the Germans were this Aryan, light-skinned, blond, blue-eyed master race. The word “Aryan” just happens to be coined from the Hebrew word or, light. This false idea became the basis for the Gestapo terror.

During the 1930’s, Nazi sympathizers were welcomed in Columbia and Harvard Universities. After the war, Arafat was welcomed there.

Long before there was a Jewish State, anti-Semitism existed in the universities.

Theodore Herzl discovered this in the 1880’s. He was a member of a fraternity. At that time, the German musician Richard Wagner died. Since he was an extreme anti-Semite, this event caused a big explosion of anti-Semitism from his fraternity friends. Herzl then left the university.

Unfortunately, the enlightenment concept was very attractive to many Jews over the years. The degree was also necessary to become a doctor or lawyer.

One example that explains this is the biography of Norman Podhoritz. The book is called Making It. He grew up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, in the 1930’s. He received a scholarship to Columbia University. As a favor to his father, he took

some courses in the Jewish Theological Seminary which was nearby. His reaction was a kind of “conversion.” Columbia seemed like a bright, open experience, due to the wonderful English professors who were also authors. Judaism, in contrast, seemed like a dark, narrow, Eastern European system. Today no one has ever heard of these bright wonderful authors.

Podhoritz did teshuva later in life. That is why he wrote the book.

In June 1934, there were 21 graduates in Yeshiva University. There were over 500 graduates at the City University of NY, which was nearby. I can only guess that most of the City graduates were Jews.

In the 1930’s, some Jews in Germany thought that the world wouldn’t let Hitler’s threats be realized. Baruch Hashem, things are different today. There are more Jews going to yeshivas on all levels.

Today, we can clearly see that it is only Hashem that we can pray to, to help us.

The more the world complains about our message, the more we realize that our only answer is to turn to Hashem. In Psalm 81: “Hashem who took us out of Egypt said, ‘Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.’” The ArtScroll footnote: Hashem urges Israel to ask all that its heart desires (Ibn Ezra). We have to serve Hashem by Torah study and continuing to do

mitzvos. United in that effort, we will conquer all forms of anti-Semitism and bring the coming of Moshiach.

Elli Epstein Ocean, NJ

Dear Editor, The book of Shemos is about seeing the miraculous in the mundane. It points towards the Rambam’s first principle of faith which contains two facets: to have emunah that G-d created everything, and second, bitachon, to trust that G-d is the overseer of the world, involved in every detail of our human existence.

These two guiding principles: emunah and bitachon are the keys to fixing middot, to which the Vilna Gaon says is our sole purpose in the world.

Shlomo beautifully encapsulated the core idea of trusting in G-d with his deeply poetic words, “Trust in the L-rd with all your heart and do not rely upon your understanding” (Mishlei 3:5).

Man’s reliance upon his own wisdom has jeopardized our nation from the beginning of time until the present. (According to one opinion, Adam calculated that by eating from the Tree of Knowledge, he would come closer to G-d. We find logical considerations adapted by the episode of the Egel, Korach and the adoption of sinas chinam, with a strong likelihood that it was justified based on human trappings.)

When one fully trusts in G-d, there is an acknowledgement that only G-d has the power to effect change and that every detail in one’s life is being overseen by the Creator of the world.

The son of the Rambam emphasized that every person is exactly where they are supposed to be. This heightens the notion that our lives are connected to G-d on a moment-to-moment basis and that no other human being has the ability to affect our lot.

This is what David said (Psalms 118:6), “The L-rd is for me; I shall not fear. What can man do to me?” The idea is that every person has exactly what is suited for them

and therefore there’s no need to fear that others might steal your talents or that you need to steal others’ talents.

Considering that one can rely on the principles of emunah and bitachon to be metaken middot, it’s worthy to always have a specific verse in mind enunciated by Dovid as well. The verse proclaims (Psalms 116:10), “I believed so that I spoke; I humble myself exceedingly.”

Permeate in the mind the words, “I believed that I spoke,” to instruct that one must always be talking about emunah, as it leads to the path of tikkun ha’middot.

Steven Genack

Dear Editor, To those American-Jews who believe that President Biden stands with Israel, consider the fact that oil sanctions against Iran are not implemented and have resulted in Iran having billions of dollars to fund terrorism. Additionally, I think the record clearly shows that the Biden Administration is at all levels from the President to the National Security Advisor, Secretary of State, Secretary of War, etc. are making it clear that Israel needs to pursue a cease-fire that may bring additional hostages home and align Israel for a two-state solution. They have also come out and stated that Prime Minister Netanyahu should effect changes in his government to allow for this to occur.

With the publication of the New York Times article that explicitly depicts the violence of October 7, 2023, I am happy that the PM and his war cabinet have not allowed themselves to be dissuaded from their three goals of freeing the remaining hostages, eradicating Hamas, and ensuring that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel. Anything short of these goals would be a travesty not only to those who died on October 7, 2023, but also to the subsequent number of IDF soldiers and civilians who died or were maimed since that time.

Jan Henock Woodmere, NY

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The Week In News

Earthquake Slams Japan

earthquake and tsunami – for Noto but later downgraded it to a “tsunami warning.” Tsunami warnings were later canceled as the threat of further tsunami waves diminished.

Under Japan’s tsunami warning system, waves expected less than 1 meter fall under “tsunami advisory,” while those expected up to 3 meters fall under “tsunami warning” and waves expected above 5 meters fall under “major tsunami warning.”

According to the United States Geological Survey, at least 35 smaller aftershocks were reported near the epicenter of the quake. The aftershocks can last for months.

Danish Queen Abdicates Throne On Monday afternoon, the Noto Peninsula in Japan was rocked by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, which collapsed buildings, sparked fires, and triggered tsunami alerts throughout the region.

At least 48 people lost their lives in the quake and in the subsequent aftershocks.

Rescuers are having a hard time reaching the northern part of the Noto Peninsula as a road to the area has been destroyed.

Officials in helicopters had flown over the peninsula, known for its coastal scenery and rural landscapes, and reported seeing damaged roads, landslides and large fires.

“To secure the route there, we are to mobilize all the means of transport, not only on the ground but also by aerial and marine transport. We have been making an effort to transfer goods, supplies and personnel there since the last night,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said.

The central city of Wajima, home to more than 27,000 people, appeared to be among the worst hit. At least 15 people were confirmed dead there.

The earthquake and tsunami warnings prompted thousands of people to flee coastal areas. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 27,700 people in Ishikawa had taken shelter in 336 evacuation centers.

“Rescue efforts are a battle against time. Especially the victims of collapsed buildings, have to be saved as soon as possible,” Kishida noted.

Monday’s powerful quake prompted the Japan Meteorological Agency to immediately issue a “major tsunami warning” – the first since 2011’s devastating

In her traditional New Year’s Eve speech to her nation, Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II announced that she will be handing over the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik.

The 83-year-old, who had reigned for more than five decades, said that back surgery in February had made her think about her future.

“In two weeks’ time I have been Queen of Denmark for 52 years,” she told the nation. “Such an amount will leave its mark on anybody – also on me!

The time takes its toll, and the number of ‘ailments’ increases. One cannot undertake as much as one managed in the past,” she added.

“In February this year I underwent extensive back surgery,” she said. “Everything went well, thanks to the competent health personnel, who took care of me. Inevitably, the operation gave cause to thoughts about the future – whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation.

“I have decided that now is the right time,” she said.

The Queen will be stepping down on January 14, 52 years after she became queen.

Queen Margrethe II took over the throne on January 14, 1972, following

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the death of her father, King Frederik IX. After the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II last year, Margrethe became the longest-serving monarch in Europe.

Prince Frederik will take over the throne as His Majesty King Frederik X in January. His wife, Australian-born Princess Mary, will become Queen Consort – the first Australian to ever ascend to the role.

Denmark’s royals have a limited role under the country’s constitution, with power resting with parliament. Monarchs play an important ambassadorial role and sign off on new legislation.

Airplane in Japan Bursts into Flames Five people lost their lives when a Japan Airlines plane carrying hundreds of passengers collided with an earthquake relief aircraft and burst into flames upon landing at Tokyo’s Haneda airport on Tuesday.

All 379 people on JAL flight 516, including eight children under the age of two, were safely evacuated from the

passenger plane, according to the airline, but the five people on the second aircraft, operated by the Japan Coast Guard, died.

heading from Haneda airport to Niigata prefecture to help with relief efforts following a 7.5-magnitude earthquake that shook the region on Monday.

South Korean Population Troubles The Airbus A350-900 aircraft ignited after flying into Haneda from the northern Japanese city of Sapporo at 5:46 p.m. local time. Video showed a huge fireball erupt as the plane ignited, leaving a fiery trail down the runway.

For now, the incident is under investigation. Sources say that the pilots of the Japan Airlines flight didn’t see any aircraft on the runway before landing. The plane landed as usual and then there was an impact, which resulted in the blaze.

People in the plane used emergency slides to flee the inferno. More than 100 fire trucks were used to tame the blaze.

The Coast Guard plane had been

South Korea’s birth rate is the lowest in the entire world. With each passing year, the number of children born in the East Asian country decreases more and more. In 2022, South Korea saw less than 250,000 births, and in fifty years, the number of babies born annually is expected to be 160,000 or less. This issue is particularly concerning for South Korea, as it likely means that its military will drastically shrink in number.

With around half a million active troops in the army, South Korea must draft or recruit 200,000 soldiers each year in order to maintain its military’s size. The South Korean army typically enlists male soldiers who are twenty years old. Since about 250,000 babies were born in 2022 – an estimated half of whom were male – there will likely only be 125,000 men who can join the army in twenty years. Women are not drafted into the South Korean army, with female volunteers only making up 3% of the military.

“With our current birth rate, the future is predetermined. Downsizing of the force will be inevitable,” said national security professor Choi Byung-ook, who works at Sangmyung University.

With a less powerful army, South Korea will be far more vulnerable to attacks from North Korea, whose leader, Kim Jong Un, has, as of late, been directing nuclear threats at Seoul.

South Korea has been attempting to remedy the population situation through the use of advanced military technologies. For instance, the country has been working on implementing artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial and underwater vehicles into its weapon arsenal to make up for what it’s losing in manpower. “[Technology is] not going to be enough, and no matter how we try,” said former South Korean general Chun In-

bum. “It’s going to help, but it will not solve the problem that we lack people.”

Although recruiting more women into the military may help, there are a whole host of issues that may come along with that.

“There are various complex factors like social costs and women giving birth.

So, I think the cost [in need] would be much higher than the actual profit,” Choi added.

Chun asserted that it might be a good idea to give women more financial incentives to volunteer in the army.

“If a soldier is paid $2,000 [per month], that’s a legitimate job. So, a woman would say, well, I want to be able to have that job for $2,000. Because for the same job, she’d probably be paid $1,500 in the outside world,” Chun said.

The Defense Ministry has announced that it is currently considering recruiting more women into the military.

Kim Rejects Korean Unification

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has rejected the idea of unifying North and South Korea, announcing that his country will be launching three spy satellites later this year in preparation for a potential conflict in the region.

The two neighboring East Asian countries are, according to Kim, “two hostile countries and two belligerents at war,” reported KCNA, North Korea’s state news agency.

“It’s time for us to acknowledge the reality and clarify our relationship with the South,” the North Korean dictator said, vowing a nuclear response if he perceives that his country is threatened by the United States or South Korea. “I believe that it is a mistake that we must no longer make to deal with the people who declare us as ‘the main enemy’ and seek only opportunities for ‘[our] regime[’s] collapse’ and ‘unification by absorption’ by collaborating for reconciliation and unification.”

The Korean War has yet to officially come to an end, although the two countries reached a truce in 1953. Until now, Seoul and Pyongyang have reserved hopes of one day reuniting the north and

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south parts of the land, but Kim Jong Un’s adamant dismissal of such a future has put the prospect of Korean peace in doubt.

According to a KCNA news report last week, Kim has commanded his military and the nuclear power, civil defense, and munition industries to speed up weapon production in order to respond to “confrontation moves” made recently by the United States.

“This will mark a critical milestone on the Korean Peninsula where extending the olive branch by future South Korean administrations will be vehemently rejected by North Korea,” said Hoo ChiewPing, a senior fellow at the East Asian International Relations Caucus.

“The U.S., South Korea, and Japan are excluded from Kim’s strategic outreach for now,” she said, adding that North Korea will continue to strengthen its relationship with “China and Russia, and a selected network of countries around the world which will continue to enable its proliferation and financial outreach.”

It is not yet known if Kim’s declaration against Korean unification means that the two countries will continue to live together in a state of cold peace or if it means that North Korea is preparing for war.

Elections in the Congo

The president of the Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, was declared the winner on Sunday of the December presidential vote in an election marred by severe logistical problems, protests, and calls for its annulment from several opposition candidates.

Tshisekedi won more than 13 million votes, or 73% of the total ballots cast, said Denis Kadima, head of the country’s electoral commission. Just over 18 million people, out of 44 million registered to vote, cast ballots, Kadima said. The provisional results will now be sent to the nation’s constitutional court for confirmation.

The announcement was a crucial moment in an election dogged by acute problems, some because of Congo’s vast

size, and many fear the outcome could plunge the Central African nation into a new round of political turmoil and even violent unrest that has followed other electoral contests in recent years.

The results of the election matter not only to Congo’s 100 million people, who are suffering after decades of conflict and poor governance, but also to Western countries that consider Congo a crucial part of their efforts to stem climate change and make a transition to green energy.

Congo produces 70% of the world’s cobalt, a key element in the electric vehicle industry, and has the second-largest rainforest, which absorbs vast amounts of planet-warming carbon dioxide. But for many in Congo, a decades-old, corruption-ridden system of political patronage is seen as the best way to distribute the spoils of that natural wealth — which may explain why the presidential race was so hotly contested.

On December 23, five opposition leaders accused the country’s electoral commission of “massive fraud,” called on the head of the commission to resign, and said the entire vote should be annulled.

Four days later, opposition leaders held a demonstration in the capital, Kinshasa, to protest what they called a “sham”

election.

“The unfortunate competitors must accept the democratic game,” Kadima said. “As a people, we must keep in mind the existence and stability of the Democratic Republic of Congo matters much more than an elected position,” he said, adding, “Let’s not weaken our country.”

But his comments are unlikely to assuage opposition leaders, who on Sunday called on their supporters to protest the results. They also said a new election commission should be formed and a fresh vote held. (© The New York Times)

U.S. Navy Sinks Houthi Boats The United States Navy sank three small Houthi ships on the Red Sea on December 31 at 6:30 AM Sanaa time, after receiving two distress calls from the Maersk Hangzhou, a Danish container ship flagged in Singapore, which had been attacked twice by the Yemen-based militant group in the preceding twenty-four hours.

The USS Gravely and USS Laboon, the two U.S. destroyers who responded to the ship’s first distress call on the

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evening of Saturday, December 30, neutralized the first set of attacks, with the Gravely having shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles aimed at the Maersk ship.

In the second attack, four Houthi boats got about twenty meters away from the Maersk Hangzhou, at which point the rebel forces tried to get on board the container ship, according to a post on X

by U.S. Central Command. In response, helicopters from the USS Gravely and USS Eisenhower fired at the Houthi boats, sinking three and killing all militants on board. The fourth boat escaped from the scene. No U.S. ships were damaged in this incident. A Maersk spokesperson announced that everyone aboard the attacked ship was safe and that the shipping vessel had resumed its route.

Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree confirmed on Sunday that ten militants are either missing or confirmed dead. Saree accused the U.S. of meddling with the rebel group’s “human and moral duty” to stop the Israel-bound ship, and encouraged all Yemenis, Arabs, and Muslims to be “ready for all options in confronting the American escalation.”

After the incident, the A.P. MollerMaersk A/S container line paused all transit on the Red Sea for forty-eight hours in order to redetermine whether it is safe to continue sending its ships through the region.

The government of Denmark announced that it will be sending a warship by late January to accompany U.S. destroyers in defending ships on the Red Sea against the Houthis. Other countries, including Norway, the Netherlands, Bahrain, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, Seychelles, and the United Kingdom, are expected to join a task force in order “to jointly address security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.”

Since the October 7 massacre in Israel, the Houthis have been aiding their Palestinian counterparts by launching attacks on vessels in the Red Sea in what seems to be an attempt at forcing Israel into a ceasefire.

Glock Founder Dies

Gaston Glock, the Austrian developer of the handgun that bears his name, died last week. He was 94.

Glock, a reclusive engineer, founded the company in 1963 in Deutsch-Wagram, near Vienna. It has since expanded around the world, including a U.S. subsidiary founded in 1985.

Glock said on its website that its founder “not only revolutionized the world of small arms in the 1980s but also succeeded in establishing the Glock brand as the global leader in the handgun industry.”

Glock’s company developed its first military products, including field knives, in the 1970s.

Glock “recognized his great opportunity” to design an innovative weapon when the Austrian Defense Ministry in the early 1980s invited tenders for a new self-defense pistol, with a reduced weight and safe and simple operation, according to the company.

The result was the polymer-framed semi-automatic Glock pistol. The weapon was significantly lighter, cheaper and more reliable than the models available when it was created. More than 25,000 were delivered to the Austrian military between 1982 and 1984, the company said.

Since its creation, there have been 20 million Glocks made. In 2017, Forbes estimated worldwide Glock sales at more than $500 million, with a 65% market share of handguns sold in the United States. In 2021, Forbes estimated Glock’s personal fortune at $1.1 billion.

S. Korean Opposition Leader Stabbed Lee Jae-myung, South Korea’s opposition leader, was stabbed in the neck by a man who attempted to kill him during his visit to the southeastern city of Busan on Tuesday.

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Lee, 59, the head of the main opposition Democratic Party, was airlifted to a Seoul hospital after receiving emergency treatment in Busan. He endured a twohour operation at the hospital.

The attack happened as Lee walked through a crowd of journalists and others after a tour of the proposed site of a new airport in Busan. The attacker approached Lee, saying he wanted his autograph, then stabbed him in the left side of his neck. Police subdued the attacker.

The 67-year-old suspect told investigators that he bought the 7-inch knife online. He will probably be arrested for attempted murder, since he told investigators he intended to kill Lee. Lee’s Democratic Party called the incident “a terrorist attack on Lee and a serious threat to democracy.” It called on police to make a through, swift investigation.

At the Seoul National University Hospital, party spokesperson Kwon Chilseung told reporters that Lee’s jugular vein was damaged and that he had a medical procedure called revascularization.

Lee lost the 2022 presidential election to President Yoon Suk Yeol by a 0.7 percentage point, the narrowest margin recorded in a South Korean presidential election.

Since his defeat, Lee has been a harsh critic of Yoon’s major policies. Last year, Lee held a 24-day hunger strike to protest what he called Yoon’s failure to oppose Japan’s release of treated radioactive wastewater from its crippled Fukushima nuclear power, his handling of the country’s post-pandemic economy, and his hardline policies on North Korea.

Lee is known for his outspoken style.

His supporters see him as an anti-elitist hero who could reform establishment politics, eradicate corruption, and solve growing economic inequality. Critics view him as a populist who relies on stoking divisions and demonizing his conservative opponents.

Other violence against high-profile figures has occurred in South Korea in recent years.

In March 2022, Song Young-gil, then the leader of the Democratic Party, was assaulted by a man wielding a hammer during a rally for Lee ahead of the presi-

dential vote. Song was treated for stitches but avoided serious injury.

In 2015, then-U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert was slashed in the face and arm by an anti-American activist. The assault required 80 stitches to close the cut on Lippert’s face.

In 2006, Park Geun-hye, then a conservative opposition leader, was knifed by a man with a box cutter during an election rally. She was given 60 stitches to close a 4-inch gash on her face. Park was elected president in 2012.

First Woman Worth $100 Billion

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the L’Oreal heiress and richest woman in the world, became the first woman to hold a $100 billion fortune last week.

The Bloomberg Billionaire’s Index, which reflects changes as of 5 pm ET of the previous trading day, listed Bettencourt Meyers as the 12th richest person, just ahead of Mukesh Ambani and behind Carlos Slim, who recently became the first person from Latin America to cross the $100 billion threshold.

L’Oreal’s stock is at a record high.

The stock has risen 35% this year as consumers have continued splurging on luxury products since the pandemic.

According to L’Oréal, in 2022, Bettencourt Meyers and her family owned more than 34% of the company’s stock.

Bettencourt Meyers was the only child of Liliane Bettencourt, whose father, Eugène Schueller, founded the L’Oréal Group. She inherited her mother’s holdings when Bettencourt died in 2017. Bettencourt Meyers is the chairwoman of the family’s holding company, Tethys, and is the vice chairwoman of L’Oreal Group’s board of directors.

The world’s largest cosmetics company, which owns a wide portfolio of brands from Lancome to Maybelline, had more than $42 billion in sales in 2022, according to company reports.

Earlier this year, L’Oreal bought Australian brand Aesop in a $2.5 billion deal, the biggest brand acquisition ever made by the French

beauty giant. Its previous record was its $1.7 billion purchase of of YSL Beauté in 2008.

Bettencourt Meyers’ fortune still relatively pales in comparison to LVMH chair Bernard Arnault, the world’s largest maker of luxury goods. He’s the second-richest person in the world according to the index, with a net worth of $179 billion.

Hong Kong Activist Flees to UK

A political activist in Hong Kong previously imprisoned under its sweeping national security law said he had fled to Britain and would apply for asylum there, becoming the second high-profile dissident this month to announce going into exile from the territory.

Tony Chung revealed on Thursday that he had arrived in Britain, and, in several social media posts, said that he had decided to leave Hong Kong after enduring oppressive restrictions, pressure to act as informant and severe stress after his release from prison in June.

Chung, 22, was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison in 2021 after becoming an outspoken proponent of independence for Hong Kong — an idea that is anathema to Communist Party leaders in China, which rules the territory.

He was released early, but police officers continued to monitor him closely, he wrote in his account on Instagram. He won their approval to take a brief vacation in Okinawa, Japan, and while there, bought a ticket to Britain, he wrote.

After Chung’s release from prison, he tried to regain his economic footing with a temporary job, but police officers ordered him not to take it, without explaining why. Officers offered to pay Chung to act as an informant, and at meetings pressed him for details about places he had gone and people he had met, including his elementary school classmates, he wrote.

In an emailed response to questions about Chung, the public relations section of the Hong Kong Police Force seemed to be critical of him, but it stopped short of

directly identifying him.

Chung said that he planned to study in Britain and suggested that he might remain politically active. “I believe that as long as the Hong Kong people never give up, the seeds of freedom and democracy will sprout alive again,” he wrote.

In early December, Agnes Chow, a former pro-democracy student activist in Hong Kong who had served time on some charges connected to her political activities and was still under investigation for others, announced that she had gone to Canada and was defying instructions to report to Hong Kong police, a condition of her bail. (© The New York Times)

Mia: “No Innocent Gazans”

Of the 240 innocent people who were captured by Hamas and dragged into the Gaza Strip on October 7, 129 remain in captivity in Gaza, 23 of whom were killed while in captivity. Among the 105 abductees who were released on November 30 as part of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was Mia Schem, a 21-year-old French-Israeli national. Mia spoke about her horrific experience in the Strip in an interview with Channel 12 and 13.

Mia, who spent 54 days in Gaza, was abducted at the Supernova musical festival. She was shot in the arm by a Hamas terrorist at a “very, very close range,” as she was attempting to flee the festival, she said. Her arm was severely wounded. She witnessed the abduction of Elia Toledano, a friend of hers who was later killed while in captivity. Mia went on to explain that she tried to play dead in hopes that Hamas members would leave her at the scene of the devastating attack. While lying on the ground, she mistook a terrorist for an Israeli, and she asked him for help.

She was then abducted.

“Out of nowhere, somebody grabbed me by my hair, pulled me into a car, and

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drove me to Gaza,” she said. “[I was] half-conscious. I didn’t understand what was going on. I just told myself that I didn’t want to die.”

When they reached Gaza, the terrorists threw her into a hospital backroom where her arm was tied up on a piece of plastic. Three days later, the terrorists demanded that she wear a hijab, after which they brought her to a surgery room. While they did “put [her] under,” they operated on her “without anesthesia, nothing,” Mia said.

The “surgeon,” at one point, looked at her and said, “You’re not going home alive.”

The following day, Hamas took a video of her for propaganda purposes, in which they forced her to say that she was being taken care of. After the filming, she was brought to the home of a terrorist. In the house lived the Hamas member’s family – his wife and children – all of whom, according to Mia, were connected to the terror group.

“I began asking myself questions: Why am I in a family home? Why are there children here? Why is there a woman here?

“There are no innocent citizens there,” she asserted. “They’re families controlled by Hamas. They’re children who from the moment they are born, they teach them that Israel is Palestine and just to hate Jews.”

While in captivity, she stayed in a room where she was forbidden to speak, move, cry, or be seen. She lived in constant fear of being assaulted, she wasn’t allowed to shower, and she was deprived of medications and painkillers.

She was only given food “sometimes.” “[The terrorist’s] wife hated the fact that he was alone in the room with me.

Hated it. So she would play games with me,” Mia explained. “A day, two days,

three days, I wouldn’t eat… She was so terrible, she had mean eyes. She was a very evil woman.”

At one point, an IDF airstrike hit close to the home where she was being kept. The blast rendered her deaf for three days, she said.

She had been transferred to different terrorist households several times.

Four or five days before her release, Mia was taken to a Hamas tunnel where she had “no air, no food, with an open wound.” For those few days, her kidnappers would constantly torment her, telling her one day that she would be released tomorrow and then the next day that she wouldn’t be released for several years. She couldn’t believe that she had been freed “until I got in the IDF vehicle until I crossed the border into Israel.”

Before she left captivity, Mia apologized to the other abductees. She described leaving them as “the hardest thing in the world.”

Mia is currently undergoing surgery for her seriously injured arm. Since her release, she has become epileptic as a result of the unspeakable trauma she endured, as well as because of severe sleep deprivation.

“I went through a holocaust,” she said.

Car Rammings in the West Bank An Israeli reservist sustained serious injury as a result of a car-ramming terror attack on Saturday, December 30, at a military location in a southern area of the West Bank. The attack took place close to the al-Fawwar Palestinian refugee camp, which is south of Hebron. According to the Israel Defense Forces, the terrorist was “neutralized.”

The wounded soldier came from the 7018th Battalion and was brought to Soroka Medical Center.

Another car-ramming attack took place a day earlier in the West Bank, near the site of Saturday’s attack. In Friday’s attack, five IDF soldiers were injured, four of whom sustained minor or moderate wounds, while one was seriously hurt. The five injured soldiers were taken to Israeli hospitals. The attack took place near Adorayim Junction. The terrorist, who has been named Amr Abd al-Fattah Abu Hussein, was killed.

Earlier in the week, a stabbing attack at a checkpoint in the West Bank led to the injuries of two Israeli officials: a female Border Police Officer who is in her twenties and a civilian security guard who is twenty-five years old. Both sustained non-serious injuries and were treated by the Magen David Adom ambulance service. The attack took place at the Mazmuria checkpoint, which separates Jerusalem and the Gush Etzion settlement. The suspect in the stabbing attack was a 24-year-old resident of East Jerusalem, who was shot and killed by security forces in response to the stabbing.

Since October 7, the day that Hamas terrorists invaded southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people, abducting 240 others, and maiming thousands more, there has been a significant uptick in violence in the West Bank.

Turkey Arrests 33 “Mossad Agents”

Turkish authorities arrested 33 persons on suspicion of conducting espionage activities on behalf of Israel, local media reported on Tuesday.

The arrest operation took place over

eight provinces.

The Chief Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul issued arrest warrants against a total of 46 suspects as part of an investigation into alleged activities in the country against foreign residents by Israel’s Mossad national intelligence agency.

The alleged Mossad agents are accused of reconnaissance activities, assaults, and abduction attempts.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has taken a hardline pro-Hamas stance during Israel’s war against the terrorist group in the Gaza Strip, accusing the Jewish state of genocide and likening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hitler, ym”sh.

Erdoğan has continued his alliance with Hamas, offering officials from the group a haven in Turkey despite the October 7 massacre in which terrorists murdered 1,200 mostly Israeli civilians, wounded thousands more, and took some 240 hostages back to Gaza.

Netanyahu said last month that the Mossad has orders to kill the top leadership of Hamas anywhere in the world. (JNS)

Zvi Zamir Dies at 98

Zvi Zamir, the head of the Mossad during the Yom Kippur War, died on Tuesday at the age of 98.

Zamir led the Mossad from 1968 to 1974. Those six years were filled with many missions for the agency, including a worldwide hunt for the Palestinian terrorists who had led the Munich Olympics attacks. Zamir also attempted to sound the alarm on the eve of Yom Kippur 1973 as Egyptian and Syrian forces prepared to mount a surprise attack.

Zamir was born in Lodz, Poland, in 1925. He moved to Tel Aviv with his family at the age of nine months. In 1942, at the age of 16, he joined the Palmach.

In 1968, Zamir, a largely apolitical and level-headed officer, a man who detested gossip and “maintained the façade that all things human were foreign” to him, according to his daughter Michal,

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was asked to head the Mossad. Speaking to Prime Minister Levi Eshkol in advance of the appointment, he said, “I’m not sure that this choice is the best choice available.” Still, he took the job.

On September 5, 1972, Zamir flew to Munich when news broke of Fatah terrorists holding Israeli athletes hostage. Forced to stay on the sidelines, Zamir watched in horror as the Germans botched the rescue attempt to save the Israelis.

“It was,” Zamir said in a 2017 documentary about the Mossad, “a vision I shall not forget for all of my days.”

He spent the next few months tracking down all the terrorists and bringing them to justice.

On October 5, 1973, Ashraf Marwan, son-in-law to Gamal Abdel Nasser and advisor to Anwar Sadat, asked to meet with Zamir. They met in London. Marwan, a spy for Israel, told Zamir that one million men in Egypt on the following day would launch a surprise attack against Israel in tandem with the Syrian military.

Convinced that Marwan was telling the truth, Zamir wrote out an encoded message on a piece of paper and then called his bureau chief. The hour was 3 a.m.

“Put your feet in cold water,” he reportedly told the officer, beseeching him to

shake himself awake and fast.

“The company, after all, will be signing the contract today toward evening,” Zamir dictated to his bureau chief. “It is the same contract with the same stipulations that we are familiar with. It is known that tomorrow is a holiday.”

Those four words — tomorrow is a holiday — was the commander of the Mossad reporting that tomorrow would be war. Despite Zamir’s apprehension, Zamir’s warning was ignored – a fatal mistake for the Jewish state.

“It burned him up that he didn’t succeed in getting the Israeli government to try and counter the surprise attack by Egypt and Syria sooner,” Danny Yatom, who led the spy agency in the 1990s, told Army Radio this week.

When Zamir sent that fateful message to Israel after meeting with Marwan on the eve of the Yom Kippur War, he was rebuffed by Eli Zeira, head of military intelligence, and others. Supposedly, the defense minister, Moshe Dayan, remarked, “You can’t call up the whole system just because of a few messages from Zvika.”

Despite Golda Meir being charged by the Israeli public by failing to prevent the Yom Kippur War, Zamir believed that Zeira and Dayan bore the brunt of the blame. “She [Golda Meir] was dreadfully

wronged,” he told Channel 10 news at his ninetieth birthday party. “That woman was a hero.”

High Court Ruling

In a deeply controversial landmark decision, the High Court of Justice struck down the government’s reasonableness limitation law on Monday, annulling for the first time in the country’s history one of its quasi-constitutional Basic Laws.

The court split almost down the middle over the highly contentious legislation, the only law from the government’s judicial overhaul package to have been passed, with eight justices ruling to strike down the law and seven to uphold it.

But 13 out of the full 15-justice panel that heard the case wrote in their opinions that the court did have the authority to review Basic Laws. And of the five justices who asserted this right but declined to strike down the reasonableness law, three expressed deep concern over the legislation and wrote that it should be interpreted in a narrow manner to preserve aspects of the reasonableness standard.

In what is perhaps the most significant outcome of the decision, the court fully actualized in legal precedent the argument made in previous rulings by former Supreme Court justice Esther Hayut that it does have, in limited circumstances, the right to annul Basic Laws if they undermine the key characteristics of the State of Israel as a Jewish and a democratic country.

The ruling marks the culmination of a year-long battle between the government and the judiciary over the nature of Israel’s democracy and the question of which branch of government has ultimate say over its constitutional character.

The reasonableness law, passed back in July as an amendment to Basic Law: The Judiciary, barred all courts, including the High Court, from deliberating on and ruling against government and ministerial decisions on the basis of the judicial standard of reasonableness.

Grappling with the Migrant Influx

Since April 2022, Texas has shipped more than 90,000 migrants to Democratic immigrant-friendly cities, such as New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles. A week ago, fourteen buses full of migrants arrived in New York City from Texas.

These cities, which have long been declared by their officials as “sanctuary cities” for illegal immigrants, are now struggling to handle the massive number of arriving migrants, thus prompting city leaders to implement rules and regulations in an attempt to make the arrivals more coordinated and predictable. For instance, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City put an executive order into law on Wednesday, December 27, forcing buses to only bring migrants to specific locations at certain times.

“It’s about collaboration and turning this disorder into order,” Adams said.

“We have to orderly run our cities.”

Those who violate the migrant busing regulations in New York can face up to three months of jail time and fines of up to $500 for individuals responsible for the migrant transportation, or up to $2,000 for companies found guilty. The New York City Police Department may also seize vehicles owned by the bus companies. Chicago and other major cities have put similar laws into effect. “[Many bused migrants] are arriving with just a single T-shirt and without much protection to regions in the United States where it’s really cold,” noted Pedro Rios, who works as program director of the American Friends Service Committee’s U.S./Mexico Border Program. “Border Patrol will tell people that they can only wear one piece of clothing, so they strip themselves of their jackets and their warm clothing. And that’s how from the point of contact with Border Patrol to

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the point of being released in Chicago, or New York, or wherever it might be, that’s how they are traveling, oftentimes without shoelaces, because they’re told that they have to remove them.”

“Our cities are working shoulder-to-shoulder to support newcomers, but it’s time for the federal government to increase work authorization, create a coordinated entry strategy, and provide more federal dollars to ensure cities can manage this crisis and help newcomers thrive,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.

Renae Eze, a spokesperson for Texas Governor Greg Abbott, asserted that these mayors are “going to extreme lengths to avoid fulfilling their self-declared sanctuary city promises,” adding that these Democratic leaders should urge President Joe Biden to do something about the border crisis instead of condemning measures implemented by Texas in an attempt “to provide relief to [its] overwhelmed border communities.”

Since Mayor Adams’ order last week, buses from Texas and Louisiana have been bringing migrants to New Jersey, essentially using that state as a “bus stop” to get migrants into New York.

Since Saturday, 13 buses from Texas and Louisiana carrying about 450 migrants have arrived in New Jersey, in-

cluding a bus that arrived early Monday in Jersey City, according to Steve Fulop, the city’s mayor. Other stops included New Jersey Transit hubs in Secaucus, Fanwood, Edison and Trenton.

“They’re using New Jersey essentially as a bus stop to circumvent the limits on buses that can arrive in New York,” Fulop said, adding that he is not yet concerned about the migrants’ passage through the state.

Trump Off 2 Ballots

Sheena Bellows, Maine’s Secretary of State, made the decision on Thursday, December 28, to take former president Donald Trump off her state’s ballot for the GOP primary, alleging that the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban” effectively bars Trump from reelection.

Maine is the second state to remove

the former commander-in-chief from the state’s presidential ballot, only after Colorado, whose Supreme Court issued a similar ruling earlier in December, asserting that the election fraud narrative Trump had espoused was the cause of the events that transpired on January 6, 2021.

Bellows is a Democrat, but she claims that her decision was not politically motivated.

“I do not reach this conclusion lightly,” she wrote. “Democracy is sacred … I am mindful that no Secretary of State has ever deprived a presidential candidate of ballot access based on Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment. I am also mindful, however, that no presidential candidate has ever before engaged in insurrection.”

The 14th Amendment was ratified after the Civil War. Although it bans U.S. officials who participated in insurrection from positions of power, the amendment contains few further details and is somewhat open to individual interpretation.

Trump’s legal team has suggested that the 14th Amendment has no application to the presidency, but Bellows has asserted otherwise.

California, Michigan, and Minnesota have not taken Trump off the ballot despite calls from Democratic state politicians to follow Colorado and Maine’s lead.

Steven Cheung, a campaign spokesman for Donald Trump, labeled Bellows a “virulent leftist” who “decided to interfere in the presidential election.”

“Democrats in blue states are recklessly and unconstitutionally suspending the civil rights of the American voters by attempting to summarily remove President Trump’s name from the ballot,” Cheung said in a statement.

Bellows claims that Trump “used a false narrative of election fraud to inflame his supporters and direct them to the Capitol to prevent certification of the 2020 election and the peaceful transfer of power” and is thus guilty of insurrection.

Maine’s Superior Court will have to decide whether to uphold or reject Bellows’ decision by January 17, but legal experts speculate that the United States Supreme Court will have the last say in this matter.

U.S. Space Plane Launches

The unmanned, autonomous, and secretive X-37B U.S. space plane launched on Thursday, December 28, for its seventh research mission in space. The craft was launched at 8:07 PM at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida via SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket.

The space plane’s planned destination has yet to be revealed, and the exact details of its mission are currently shrouded in mystery. In the past, the reusable craft was used to conduct research on solar energy and radiation as it pertains to space food.

This is the X-37B’s first time being launched in the powerful SpaceX Falcon Heavy. In the past, it has been brought up to space on the SpaceX Falcon 9 and the United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket.

Paul Graziani, CEO of COMPSOC, a company that tracks space objects, has speculated that the craft may orbit the moon or Mars. The military could prevent people from knowing the plane’s whereabouts by hiding it in the sun’s glare, by shifting its location often, and by employing other methods as well, Graziani said.

However, if the craft is in geosynchronous orbit, COMPSOC will try to track its whereabouts.

“I think it’s one of the most interesting things that’s happened in space in a long time, whatever it’s going to do,” the CEO said.

One of the many challenges of space travel is in securing food for astronauts.

During the X-37B’s research, it will “expose plant seeds to the harsh radiation environment of long-duration spaceflight.”

The craft’s sixth mission ended in November 2022 after it spent almost 909 days in outer space. In all, the spaceplane

Did you know?

Jeff Bezos used a door as his desk during the early years of Amazon to save money, as doors were more affordable.

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has spent over 3,700 days in space.

Although the craft was initially supposed to launch on December 10, weather issues forced SpaceX to postpone the lift-off in order to “perform additional system checkouts.” During that time, China launched its counterpart to the X-37B. Not much is known about China’s craft, but it is said to physically resemble and work in a similar fashion as the U.S. spaceplane.

Was it Terrorism?

Police and the FBI are investigating if a car crash on New Year’s Eve in Rochester, New York, could have been an act of terror.

One of the vehicles involved in the crash was found to have at least a dozen cans of gasoline inside it, causing a major fire.

The investigation is being led by the Joint Terrorism Task Force. The

location of the crash, near the city’s Kodak Center, which was hosting a concert, has added to the speculation that it may have been connected to a terrorist effort.

One of the drivers, Michael Avery, 35, lived in Syracuse. He had driven his own car to the airport and then rented an SUV, which he ended up crashing.

He sustained life-threatening injuries in the incident and then died on Tuesday morning. Two passengers in the Uber that he struck, a Mitsubishi Outlander, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The fire caused by the crash took almost an hour to control.

Following the crash, the cars struck several pedestrians, one of whom was in critical condition on Monday morning.

Investigators say that Avery left a suicide note and a journal in his hotel room.

$46 Billion for Ukraine The United States has invested over $46 billion in helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s attacks since the war broke out in February 2022. Now,

the Biden administration is down to its last aid package for Ukraine, after which further aid packages will have to be approved by Congress.

The $250 million package was announced on Wednesday, December 27, by the U.S. State Department.

“This package provides up to $250 million of arms and equipment under previously directed drawdowns for Ukraine,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “Capabilities provided in today’s package include air defense munitions, other air defense system components, additional ammunition for high mobility artillery rocket systems, 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, anti-armor munitions, and over 15 million rounds of ammunition.”

Once these funds are used, the Defense Department will have effectively run out of money for Ukraine until lawmakers decide to approve more funding. The Biden administration has requested a supplemental package for Ukraine of over $60 billion. However, it may be difficult to attain bipartisan support for such a package, as Republicans will likely only approve of a spending deal that involves protecting the U.S. border.

“It is imperative that Congress act swiftly, as soon as possible, to advance our national security interests by helping Ukraine defend itself and secure its future,” Blinken said.

Wednesday’s package was made possible due to the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allowed the Biden administration to send money to Ukraine from U.S. stocks. All other methods of providing military aid without Congress’ approval have been depleted at this point.

CA: Health Insurance for All Illegals Medi-Cal, which is California’s health insurance program, is now available to all illegal immigrants in the Golden State, thus making Califor-

nia the only state, as of now, to allow every undocumented resident to join the state’s health insurance program.

In 2015, Jerry Brown, who was the governor of California at the time, signed a bill allowing all undocumented migrant children to enroll in the health insurance program. In 2019, Gov. Gavin Newsom expanded access to Medi-Cal by allowing immigrants aged 19 to 25 to also join. In 2022, Medi-Cal became an option for those fifty and older. Finally, on January 1, 2024, illegal immigrants aged between 26 and 49 were given access to the program, thus making it that California’s health insurance program, which is the state’s version of the federal Medicaid program, is available to every single undocumented immigrant living in the state of California.

With the bill’s ultimate expansion, another 700,000 illegal immigrants will be allowed full access to Medi-Cal, said Maria Elena Durazo, a California state senator.

“This historic investment speaks to California’s commitment to health care as a human right,” said Durazo in May 2023, when the expansion was announced.

“In California, we believe everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care coverage – regardless of income or immigration status,” Newsom said. “Through this expansion, we’re making sure families and communities across California are healthier, stronger, and able to get the care they need when they need it.”

The California Senate Republican Caucus was quick to voice its objections to California’s new healthcare policy.

“Medi-Cal is already strained by serving 14.6 million Californians – more than a third of the state’s population. Adding 764,000 more individuals to the system will certainly exacerbate current provider access problems,” the Republican caucus said last year when the new law was announced.

The California Health and Human Services Agency has allocated $835.6 million towards Medi-Cal eligibility expansion in 2023-24, as well as $2.6 billion each year following 2024.

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NYT Sues OpenAI The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement last Wednesday, opening a new front in the increasingly intense legal battle over the unauthorized use of published work to train artificial intelligence technologies.

The Times is the first major American media organization to sue the companies, the creators of ChatGPT and other popular AI platforms, over copyright issues associated with its written works.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, contends that millions of articles published by the Times were used to train automated chatbots that now compete with the news outlet as a source of reliable information.

The suit does not include an exact monetary demand. But it says the defendants should be held responsible for “billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages” related to the “unlawful copying and use of the Times’ uniquely valuable works.” It also calls for the companies to destroy any chatbot models and training data that use copyrighted material from the Times.

In its complaint, the Times said it approached Microsoft and OpenAI in April to raise concerns about the use of its intellectual property and explore “an amicable resolution,” possibly involving a commercial agreement and “technological guardrails” around generative AI products. But it said the talks had not produced a resolution.

An OpenAI spokesperson, Lindsey Held, said in a statement that the company had been “moving forward construc-

tively” in conversations with the Times and that it was “surprised and disappointed” by the lawsuit.

“We respect the rights of content creators and owners and are committed to working with them to ensure they benefit from AI technology and new revenue models,” Held said. “We’re hopeful that we will find a mutually beneficial way to work together, as we are doing with many other publishers.”

Microsoft declined to comment on the case.

The lawsuit could test the emerging legal contours of generative AI technologies — so called for the text, images and other content they can create after learning from large data sets — and could carry major implications for the news industry.

The Times is among a small number of outlets that have built successful business models from online journalism, but dozens of newspapers and magazines have been hobbled by readers’ migration to the internet. (© The New York Times)

New Year, New Laws

January 1 didn’t just usher in a new year, it also brought in new laws to some states.

Nearly half of all U.S. states increased their minimum wage this year. The hikes took effect on Monday in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont and Washington, plus Washington,

Did you know?

Jeff Bezos spends $1 billion on his space exploration company, Blue Origin, each year.

D.C..

Some states, such as Nevada and Oregon, have increases set for July 1.

Florida’s minimum wage will go up on September 30.

With the increase, Washington will continue to have the highest minimum wage of all states at $16.28, up from $15.74. Meanwhile, Hawaii will see the largest increase in its minimum wage – from $12 to $14.

However, Washington, D.C., will continue to have the highest minimum wage in the country at $17.05, up slightly from last summer, when it was raised to $17. Another wage hike in Washington, DC, is scheduled for July.

Student loans were also addressed in this year’s new laws. Starting January 1, a new retirement law allows student loan payments to boost 401(k)s for some workers. Under the new law, Secure 2.0, employers can match their employees’ qualifying student loan payments with a contribution into the employee’s employer-sponsored retirement account.

The Department of Education also recently updated the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA. The form is used to determine financial aid eligibility for the 2024-2025 academic year, and the updated version, released Sunday, is shorter and easier to fill out. It is also expected that many low-income borrowers will be eligible for more financial assistance.

Gay on Her Way

Harvard President Claudine Gay announced on Tuesday that she is stepping down from her position just six months into her tenure.

“It is with a heavy heart but a deep love for Harvard that I write to share that I will be stepping down as president,” Gay wrote in a letter to the Harvard community. “After consultation with members of the Corporation, it has become clear that it is in the best interests of Harvard for me to resign so that our community can navigate this moment of extraordinary challenge with a focus on the institution

rather than any individual.”

Gay acknowledged the short length of her tenure, writing: “When my brief presidency is remembered, I hope it will be seen as a moment of reawakening to the importance of striving to find our common humanity — and of not allowing rancor and vituperation to undermine the vital process of education,” Gay said.

Gay’s resignation comes amid a period of extreme turmoil at one of America’s most prestigious universities.

Last month, Gay and two other heads of colleges shocked the world when they evaded questions about antisemitism at a congressional hearing. All three university presidents failed to say that calls for genocide of Jews on campus would constitute bullying and harassment, telling congressional members that it would depend on the “context.”

But that was not the only controversy swirling around Gay. Since the hearing, several instances of plagiarism have been alleged against her. On Monday, fresh allegations emerged, just hours before her resignation.

Alan M. Garber, who currently serves as provost and chief academic officer at Harvard, will step in as interim president until the school finds a new leader.

Gay said in her letter she would return to a faculty position “and to the scholarship and teaching that are the lifeblood of what we do.”

Move Your Couch

Want $2,500? Just move your couch.

RXBAR is offering the generous cash reward for those who “move their couch.”

The money will be used to “cover the cost of moving, storage and new home gym equipment.”

“In the cold winter months, the couch is the epitome of warmth and coziness and sometimes tempts us away from staying active,” RXBAR said in a press release. “Conquering the comfort of the couch is the first step toward achieving any fitness goals, which is why RXBAR is turning this common excuse into a New

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Year’s challenge.

“Fans willing to take the Bar the Couch Pledge will be entered for a chance to win.”

Aside from the money, winners will also receive a year’s supply of RXBAR protein bars, which the company says has “simple ingredients [that will] keep you fueled up to perform your best.”

“The RXBAR Bar the Couch Pledge is a fun way to bring the possibilities of a couch-free lifestyle to our fans and see what they can accomplish,” RXBAR Brand Marketing Director Eileen Flaherty said.

“We are thrilled to work with our team of influencers to launch this 30-day challenge and can’t wait to see how fans nationwide will be inspired [to] move the couch and get moving,” Flaherty added.

Um, does that mean you want us to actually get off the couch while we move it?

France for five months in search of additional cheese varieties.

“It’s been a real feat being among the cheesemakers as well as being on the farms to meet the producers who are so passionate about their profession,” Bruel, who has been in the pizza making business for 13 years, told Guinness World Records.

The audacious chef also earned the record for the largest display of cheese varieties, beating the previous record of 730, which was set in 2016.

Sounds gouda!

Italy’s Oldest Man Dies

So Cheesy

If you like your pizza with extra cheese, you’ll love this one.

A pizza baked in France by Benoit Bruel and Fabien Montellanico nabbed the world title for the most varieties of cheese on a pizza.

The record-breaking culinary delight is made with 940 cheeses and 61 other cheeses from around the world.

To achieve the savory feat, the pizzamakers — who also got assistance from cheesemaker Sophie Hatat Richart-Luna and YouTuber Florian OnAir — cut a twogram cube of each cheese and added it to the top of the base of the pizza.

“We had to pre-cook the pizza dough to prevent it tearing up with the weight of all that cheese,” Bruel explained.

They layered the softer cheeses atop the harder ones and placed a cookie cutter around the mound in order for it to stay together while it was cooking. Then, after two minutes, the cookie cutter was removed, and the pizza was returned to the oven for 20 seconds before being taken out.

Bruel, who earned the title once before, in 2020, when he used 254 different cheeses for that pie, traveled around

Tripoli Giannini, Italy’s oldest man, died on December 31 at the age of 111.

The centenarian had attributed his long life to “light meals and lack of stress.”

Giannini died in his home in Cecina, near Livorno, Tuscany. He was the second oldest man in Europe, following André Ludwig, a Frenchman who is 75 days older.

Giannini’s son, Romano, posted about his father’s death on Facebook. “He thought he was immortal...but at 9:30 on San Silvestro (New Year’s Eve), my father Tripoli Giannini passed away. He was 111 years and 133 days old – a record! He joins his wife, Tosca, my mother, who has been waiting for him for over 40 years.”

Giannini was among Italy’s many centenarians. According to Istat, the national statistics agency, there were 22,000 people over 100 years old in 2023 – the highest number ever recorded, with the majority being women.

Giannini was born in Cecina in 1912 and lived through two World Wars and two pandemics.

During his 111th birthday celebration in August, he revealed that his secrets to longevity were light meals – always accompanied by wine – no smoking, lack of stress, and treating each day as a gift.

Sounds like a great plan.

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Community Mitzvah Fair for Israel

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head of the Chabad Five Towns Israel Solidarity Mission, our community came together at the Levi Yitzchak Library to show their sup-

port for Israeli soldiers.

We packed gift bags filled with treats and wrote heartfelt cards to let them know we care. We gave them to the vol-

unteers traveling to Israel on January 7.

It was an amazing sight to see people of all ages coming together to do a special mitzvah and make a difference in the

lives of these brave soldiers!

To send support with the Israel Solidarity Mission, visit Chabadfivetowns. com/SupportIsrael.

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Around the Community

Running for the Hostages Scenes from the Siach Yitzchok Shalsheles Melava Malka

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he Nice Jewish Runners 5 Towns group, a local recent running group that started six weeks ago, brought awareness to the hostage situation this week.

“We run with Israeli flags and Israeli

attire, trying to bring awareness to the situation in Israel,” commented Sharoni Botwinick, one of the group members.

We met after the run for coffee, and The Cheese Store graciously gave us 15% off.

SKA Strengthening our Emunah Yom Iyun

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n January 1, SKA gave our students, mothers and alumni the opportunity to hear from a range of speakers on topics related to our unwavering Emunah in Hashem.

Mr. Charlie Harary opened up the morning with an engaging presentation on “gam zu l’tova,” giving the girls an understanding of how to look at the world with a “glass half full” attitude. While this is not always easy to understand, Mr. Harary’s stories and anecdotes filled the auditorium with laughter and a deeper belief that everything happens according to Hashem’s will.

The girls then proceeded to classrooms, where they listened to one of the thirteen speakers they were able to choose from. These dynamic speakers spoke on Emuna ba’Hashem set in the backdrop of creation, Jewish history, science, music,

tefillah and from the viewpoint of a convert.

To conclude the morning, everyone was privileged to hear from Mrs. Ruthie Yudin, “a regular mother” in Israel, and how her and her family are coping with her son and sons-in-law in the army. The girls received a glimpse into her life of unwavering emunah and strength. The girls understood that although this family was constantly thinking and worrying about their loved ones fighting in Gaza, they still have complete trust in Hashem.

These thought-provoking speeches were a perfect way for the SKA girls to spend their morning on January 1. SKA gave the girls a break from their regular school schedule, yet still infused the day with meaningful messages through an innovative program centered around our belief in Hashem.

Kittah Bet Chagigat Hachumash at Shulamith

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or the second week in a row, the Shulamith auditorium was filled with proud parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents, this time for our Kittah Bet Chagigat HaChumash.

During the weeks leading up to the event, music teacher Morah Rena Greenberg and second grade Morot, Morah Naomi Hollander and Morah Atara Langer, taught the girls the songs and accompanying choreography.

The audience was delighted by the presentations, which featured songs about the seven days of creation, thanking Hashem for everything we have, and the contents of each one of the books of the Chumash. The girls performed in flawless Ivrit. Mrs. Elka Ginsparg, principal, addressed the audience, speaking about the importance of serving Hashem as a nation, through Torah, which the Talmidot are now prepared to do and the

beauty of learning Chumash. Shulamith second graders have been prepared with the skills necessary and are ready to learn Chumash with their brand new Chumashim.

Mazal tov to all the Shulamith families on this special milestone!

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BYAM’s 2nd Grade STEM Science Experiment

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he second graders at Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam spent last Friday as chemical engineers!

As part of the school’s hands-on STEM program, the girls engaged in problem solving through that day’s science experiment.

To begin, the students were presented with a problem. They were told that they needed to transform seltzer, the only drink that they had, into soda for an upcoming party. They learned that chemical engineers often use chemicals to change things when needed. The girls were given dextrose and citric acid and tried out different combinations until they landed on the winning combination that tasted just

like soda! Problem solved.

MTA Hosts Eighth Graders for Visit Days

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ast week, MTA opened its doors to many eighth graders who came to visit the school for a day. As is MTA’s practice, it hosted two separate days to accommodate all of the students who came from many different Day Schools.

The day began with breakfast and an introduction from Director of Admissions, Rabbi Yoni Stone. Following that, the prospective talmidim were divided into three groups to attend shiurim from top MTA rebbeim like Rabbi Schenker, Rabbi Wiener, Rabbi Konigsberg and Rabbi Axelrod. Each eighth grader heard from two rebbeim.

The day continued with an opportunity for each boy to choose his next activity: basketball in the YU MSAC, hockey

in MTA’s Den, chess or robotics in the library. Each group was led by MTA upperclassmen and was enjoyed by everyone.

Lunch was followed by three general studies slots. All the eighth graders got a very relevant and timely history lesson from Mrs. Benjamin, MTA’s chair of the history department, a math lesson from math chair, Mrs. Jen Friedman, and a science lab experience from chair of MTA’s science department, Mrs. Megan HL Zacks.

The day concluded with Mincha, and transportation was provided back to each of the communities. It was a great opportunity for the prospective talmidim to get a taste of the MTA experience, and the yeshiva looks forward to welcoming many of them back in the fall of 2024!

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SHS Shabbaton 2023 One Am, One Lev

Rabbi Paysach Krohn Visits TAL Academy

By Sari Lisker and Chani Shevlin

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s we eagerly anticipated our last Shabbaton in Shulamith High School, we felt the rush and the energy come alive in the halls. It felt like just yesterday we were freshmen, and in the blink of an eye, our senior Shabbaton was approaching. The week leading up to Shabbaton was jam packed with fun and pre-Shabbos pump-up. Each day had a different theme and kept our excitement growing. Monday was the Shabbaton breakout where we learned the Shabbaton song and dance. The theme this year was “One Am, One Lev,” dedicated to ELAL Airlines in appreciation for their commitment to us all throughout this difficult year of travel. The Shabbaton was specifically in honor of Israel and our family back home that is always on our minds and in our hearts.

On Tuesday, each grade came decked out in their grade color, each representing a different unit in the IDF. Our IDF unit was the Givati Brigade, and this Shabbaton’s theme was an incredible opportunity for our grade to come together as one and to make the most out of our last school Shabbaton. Wednesday, the school dressed up as representatives of their Unit, and Thursday, we all enjoyed some pre-Shabbos poppers in the Hall.

Seniors got to go up to Shabbaton Thursday night before the rest of the school came on Friday. We finally were able to give back to our school that does so much for us and get a glimpse into all the planning that goes into each part of Shabbaton to make it so special. We packaged name tags and gift bags for the students and teachers, and we also helped decorate for Shabbos.

After a meaningful davening as a grade Friday morning, we were so ex-

cited to welcome the rest of the school to Shabbaton. You could feel the upbeat rush and the energy overtake the entire hotel as we cranked up the music and greeted the rest of the school. After the grand arrival, we all headed into the Amphitheater for an incredible game show, followed by a delicious lunch and time to get ready for Shabbos. Before Shabbos, we had pre-Shabbos dancing and that really set the mood for all that was to come.

We got to lead the dancing and infuse our ruach into the rest of the school.

The davening Friday night was so special and impactful. The Y-Studs added to the davening by leading Kabbalas Shabbos and made it so inspiring. Over Shabbos, we heard from many speakers, all encouraging each student to not be afraid to fly and to reach for their dreams and accomplish their goals. Friday night, we all sat at the meal with our big sister-little sister pairs, which gave the school an opportunity to really come together and not limit ourselves to friends in our own grade. Shabbos ended with a beautiful musical havdala from which we were all on a high, but it didn’t end there.

We got ready for the annual grade-wide dance competition that happens on Motzei Shabbos. Each grade was tasked to create a dance that represents Israel and war. Seniors took the WIN. After that, we all got together as a school to connect through song and had an inspiring kumzits led by the Y-Studs.

You could feel the passion and connection in the room. We feel so privileged to be a part of the Shulamith High School Family, with its incredible warmth and simcha and a never-ending passion for Torah. Although this Shabbos was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it will live on forever in our memories.

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AL Academy in Belle Harbor had the opportunity to host Rabbi Paysach Krohn. TAL Academy is a school for bright children with reading and language challenges. The boys and girls were spellbound as Rabbi Krohn regaled them with stories from his in-

teractions with Rav Sholom Schwadron, zt”l. He also shared other stories about young children whose caring and chesed made a big difference in the lives of others. Rabbi Krohn’s visit was inspiring for TAL faculty and students.

Chazak at HANC

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he children in HANC’s Early Childhood Center celebrated a meaningful conclusion to the reading of the first book of the Torah.

After learning all the parshiot in their classrooms each week, the students gathered in the auditorium for a Chazak Party to learn even more about the Torah. Rabbi Ouriel Hazan, Head of West Hempstead campuses, gave the children a hands-on lesson about how the Torah is made. The children were called up to the Torah to see the parchment, to look at how the Hebrew words are written, and to see the space where Sefer Bereishis ends and Sefer Shemos begins. He also taught them that we say, “Chazak chazak v’Nitchazek” at the conclusion of each book of the Torah. To ensure the sweetness of learning Torah, each child

received a custom-made Torah cookie at the conclusion of the event.

On another morning this past week, in conjunction with the learning of “Hamalach HaGoel,” the nursery students and their teachers enjoyed a pajama party. Dressed in their adorable pajamas, and in keeping with the theme of the day, they were treated to a cereal and milk snack. Later in the day, at the weekly Shabbat party, they sang zemirot and enjoyed some Teddy Bear cookies. It was clear from the looks on their faces that coming to school in pajamas was truly fun for all. Morah Trudy Rubinstein, ECC Director, added that the children gleamed with excitement as they entered the building and showed off their pajamas to all of their friends.

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Around the Community

Over 120 Participants at Special YCQ Challah Bake for Israel

HAFTR Lower School STEM students ushered in 2024 with LEGO. They created exciting (ping pong) ball drop devices entirely out of the playful brick.

Parent-Child Learning at Yeshiva Har Torah

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he eighth grade girls organized a very special evening at YCQ on Wednesday, December 27. Over 120 people, including students, their families, and staff members, gathered to make challah, pray, and come together as one, as a zechut and fundraiser for those in Eretz Yisrael.

The evening was led by inspirational speaker Diana Iskhakov. She spoke about the importance of having emunah in the face of challenges, especially in the context of the matzav in Israel.

While everyone was waiting for the challah to rise, there was a “bracha par-

ty,” where all the attendees made brachot on various foods and answered amen to those around them. The special bracha for hafrashat challah was then recited in unison. The lights dimmed, candles were lit, and the evening concluded with a powerful moment of tefillah.

Special thank you to Mrs. Cohen, Morah Shirly, Mrs. Jaffe, and Mrs. Ambalu for their hard work and efforts to make the event so successful.

The evening helped raise funds for the equipment needs of a YCQ alumnus’s IDF unit in a front-line area. To learn more, visit keshetyehuda.com.

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eshiva Har Torah’s Annual Harry Friedman Parent-Child Day of Learning took place this past week. The event, dedicated in memory of Mr. Harry Friedman, a”h, offered an opportunity for parents to join their Middle School children at the school’s Beit Midrash for a meaningful and impactful day of learning. After davening and eating breakfast, parents and students learned together from a source booklet prepared by the school’s Rosh HaYeshiva, Rabbi Gary Menchel, and then listened to a shiur presented by Rabbi Menchel.

Harry Friedman, a”h, a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to Jamaica Estates, Queens, was a leader and pillar in his community and had the reputation of being ethical and treating people sensitively in business. Former YHT grand-

parents Mr. Martin, a”h, and Mrs. Sally Baumel dedicated the day in his memory.

This year’s event centered around the minhag (custom) of parents blessing their children on Friday night. Students and parents were given text-based sources to better understand the origin and nuances of this beautiful minhag. The school chose this topic based on last week’s Torah portion where we see Yaakov Avinu bless Yosef’s children, which ultimately became the formula for blessing our children in the current day as well.

The Harry Friedman, A”H, Day of Parent-Child Learning at YHT was a unique opportunity for students and parents to bond together, learn, and deepen their understanding of a minhag that holds such importance in so many Jewish homes.

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HAFTR students’ notes were distributed and displayed prominently in Israeli hospitals and army bases, boosting morale for patients and soldiers alike.

Touro Event on The Yom Kippur War and the Current War with Hamas Draws Crowds

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ast Saturday night, 300 people from around the Five Towns and Queens gathered at the Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst for a special talk highlighting parallels from the Yom Kippur War to today’s situation, presented by Touro University. The featured speaker was Lawrence resident, Uri Kaufman, author of The Yom Kippur War and How it Created the Modern Middle East (St. Martin’s Press, 2023).

“Touro is thrilled to offer relevant, timely educational programming to serve our community,” said Dr. Alan Kadish, Touro President.

During the hour-long lecture, Mr. Kaufman described how in 1973, Israeli intelligence was surprised by the attack on Yom Kippur, because it was guided by a mistaken conceptzia, or “concept.” The conceptzia held that Egypt would not go to war in 1973 since it lacked advanced fighter jets. Likewise, Israeli intelligence in 2023 had a flawed conceptzia that concluded Hamas would never launch a full-blown invasion since it would result in cutting off all economic ties with Israel, ties upon which ordinary Palestinians depend.

“In 2022, Israel supplied Gaza with

5.7 billion gallons of water,” Kaufman said, “plus 67,000 trucks filled with supplies, electricity and fuel. No one thought Hamas would blow that up and commit national suicide. Gazan Palestinians will now have to live off humanitarian aid, like the Arabs in Idlib in northwestern Syria.”

According to Rabbi Adam Englander, HALB head of school, an attendee at the event Saturday night, “Uri Kaufman is not only an expert on the Yom Kippur War, he has the unique ability to weave the events and details of that war into a compelling narrative that sheds light on Israel’s current war, along with insights that will impact Israel’s next 50 years and beyond.”

Touro business law professor and local attorney David Seidemann appreciated Kaufman’s years of extensive research and behind-the scenes glimpse into one of the most trying times for the people and nation of Israel. “In a dynamic, brilliant and erudite manner, Kaufman shared the facts on the ground that dictated the successes and failures of the Yom Kippur War. Most importantly, he provided not only context of the past Israeli Arab conflicts but the pretext for its realistic resolution.”

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Around the Community

How Five Days in Israel with Bnei Akiva Changed My Life

By Netanel Kalman

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recently returned from Bnei Akiva of the U.S. & Canada’s five-day volunteer Yad Achim youth mission to Israel, where I had the privilege of helping with the war efforts. We packed meals and necessities for soldiers, picked fields for farmers who are serving on the front lines, and most importantly, we witnessed the resilience and unity of the Jewish people. It was an experience that changed my perspective on October 7 and shaped my views on being part of something bigger than myself.

On October 7, I was at my friend’s house in Teaneck, New Jersey, celebrating Simchat Torah like many other teenagers. I wasn’t exactly sure what was going on but heard various horrifying rumors about an attack in Israel. As soon as Simchat Torah ended, I saw brutal images circulating on social media of people running for shelter, men, women, and children being kidnapped, homes and villages being destroyed, and endless rockets falling on Israel. I was over-

whelmed with emotions. I felt small and helpless with so many thoughts going through my mind. I also wanted to do anything and everything I could to help, but the tragedy was so big I didn’t even know where to start. I felt so far away, so disconnected, and so useless, but I knew I couldn’t stand idly by.

I was overcome with feelings of hope and purpose when I received a text containing a screenshot of a flier for a 12th grade and college-aged student mission to Israel run by Bnei Akiva of the U.S. & Canada. Without hesitation, my parents signed me up for the mission aimed at giving and receiving chizuk while helping Am Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael. Three weeks later, I found myself boarding a plane heading to Israel.

I have been to Israel a few times prior to this mission; however, this time, getting off the plane felt different. Walking through the airport seeing signs with faces of hostages, driving on streets lined with “Am Yisrael Chai” billboards and light posts adorned with Israeli flags made it all feel even more real. Not only

did I know I was home, but for the first time in my life, I experienced the power of our nation in a whole new light – the strength and unity was palpable.

Immediately upon landing we were off on our first mission: strawberry picking. Next, we met chayalim who inspired us with their stories and their spirit even after spending weeks fighting in the treacherous conditions of Gaza. We went to Har Herzl where we met with the family of a chayal who fell in battle just a few weeks ago fighting for Am Yisrael in Gaza. We saw people going through real times of distress but somehow finding a way to look happy and upbeat. Rather than seeking their own comfort, they ran to provide for others. Rather than sitting at home grieving, they are going out and speaking to the public and volunteering their time. The unity of Am Yisrael really is incredible to see and experience!

As the mission continued, we went on to pack 10,000 sandwiches for soldiers at an Aroma Espresso Bar in Beit Shemesh.

This specific Aroma location has been converted from a restaurant to a packaging facility since October 8th and is run by dedicated volunteers. These volunteers are regular Israeli citizens who use the little free time they have, either during their lunch break or right after work, to generously donate every moment they can to help others. While packing sandwiches, a chayal walked into Aroma and upon seeing what was going on in there, broke down in tears. He told us that the soldiers really appreciate when they can get fresh sandwiches and that this sense of unity is what keeps them going on the battlefield every day. Seeing the difference that our efforts were making for the people and soldiers of Israel was motivation to do more. Seeing people going to work every day, and the second they leave work, going straight to volunteer and contribute everything they can to Am Yisrael has been inspiring, to say the least. Whether it means digging their arms into a bucket of tuna or getting poked by thorns while picking fruit, they are always there, positive and smiling. They have shown me what it really means to be a part of the Jewish nation.

Later in the mission, we were interacting with the children from displaced communities near the Gaza Strip. These children have suffered tremendously from the war; losing their homes, their schools, and their sense of security. On

top of that, many of their fathers are now serving in IDF reserves. We had the privilege of bringing joy and hope to these children and showing them that they are not alone. We ran a carnival for them, which included a massive drum circle, popcorn machine, cotton candy, and danced with hopes of bringing happiness into their lives. On Friday night, we ran a Snif (Bnei Akiva-led activities) followed by a kumzitz. We got to know the community and hear their stories. We tried giving them a glimpse of the lives they had just a few short weeks before.

Lastly, a very emotional part of our mission was paying a shiva call to a family whose son fell in battle. Their son sacrificed his life for the defense of Israel. We went to their house filled with hundreds of people who came to offer their condolences and support. We saw the influx of people who were there, and once again, we felt the sense of unity known as Am Yisrael. We heard the family speak about their son, his life, his dreams, his values.

They did not ask for anything, except for us to be happy. They said that their son loved Israel and that he would want us to continue living in and loving The State of Israel. They showed us that despite their grief, they continue to be contributing members of Am Yisrael.

My mission to Israel was more than a trip. It shaped my views on being part of the greater Am Yisrael. I realized that I am not just a Jew in America, but a Jew in the world. I am part of Am Yisrael, a global family that is here to stay forever. It taught me that I really can make a difference for Klal Yisrael. This mission showed me the true purpose of our existence and what sets us apart from the other nations of the world.

I am grateful for the opportunity to make a small difference for our brothers and sisters in Israel, and I hope to return soon. I encourage everyone who can to join a mission, or to support Israel in any way possible to do so without hesitation.

It will enrich your life, and it will transform your soul.

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Netzach Knights Advance to MBA JV Championship Game

Rabbi Menachem Nissel Addresses Shevach Students

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hat an epic win it was for Netzach’s JV Basketball squad, as the Knights fought shorthanded to defeat the MAY Eagles by a score of 51-41 in the highly anticipated

Semi-Finals Showdown. Netzach will look to finish the job, as they get set to square off vs. #1 seeded Darchei in the Championship Game.

n December 27, the students of Shevach High School were privileged to hear from Rabbi Menachem Nissel, acclaimed author and speaker and mechanech in Eretz Yisrael. His new book, about his Rebbe, Rav Moshe Shapira, has just been published

by Feldheim. It is an insight into the teaching of a great gadol who was Rabbi Nissel’s own rebbe and mentor.

Rabbi Nissel painted a picture of what will be when Moshiach comes. With humor and anecdotes, he explained that as much as things will remain the same, things will change. Every person will be in control of all things physical and reach

consistently for a spiritual reality. And the motivating force to make this happen is our tefillah, our prayers every day.

Another aspect of those times will be the unity among the Jewish people. We have begun to see that unity in our own times, unfortunately through the negative experience of the war in Israel which is still raging. Nevertheless, the world will be like an orchestra playing one song— the song that proclaims that G-d is one.

Even the non-Jewish world will embrace this message. Our connection now to that spiritual side can make this happen.

May it be speedily in our days.

YUHSG Produces a New Generation of Educators with Taste of Teaching

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s any faculty member at YUHSG can tell you, teaching is a calling – a vocation like none other, built on a passion for learning and a love of the classroom community. And yet we find ourselves amid nationwide teacher shortages.

“The teacher crisis is not new,” said Central Science Department faculty, Mrs. Miriam Chopp. “It is a widely-discussed global issue. We need to take an active role in attracting, supporting, and maintaining new teachers.”

A group of Central educators is working on a solution to this problem. Mrs. Chopp, in collaboration with Science Department Chairperson and Science Institute Coordinator, Mrs. Ruth Fried, Central English Department faculty, Ms. Chevi Friedman, and Director of Technology, Mrs. Marci Karoll, has launched a new interdisciplinary project called Taste of Teaching. Presented in conjunction with Ti-Tech MIT, a national philanthropic organization that seeks to inspire project-based learning, the Taste of Teaching initiative aims to steer talented students into teaching at an early age under the mentorship of accomplished professionals.

“Many teachers experience a nonlinear pathway to education,” said Mrs. Chopp. “They are beckoned as a substitute during college or a gap year, and they fall in love with the profession. They find that teaching chooses them, rather than their choosing teaching.”

Struck by this phenomenon, Mrs. Chopp came up with an idea: “We pro-

posed that YUHSG become an incubator and laboratory for nurturing the new “crop” of educators we so desperately need.”

Mrs. Fried agreed, arguing that the heart of the program is “to inspire the next generation of teachers when the field is losing professionals. And if we start in the high school classroom, with bright, motivated students who try teaching as part of a passion project, they might realize that they enjoy it and decide to integrate education into whatever they’d like to do – whether they opt to go into teaching or not.”

The target audience for Taste of Teaching was found in Central’s newest senior elective, Public Speaking, taught

by Ms. Friedman. A natural fit for a communications-oriented project, the elective devotes one class period a week to the ToT project, exploring the research, community building, assessment, and technological training that are necessary to design a successful class.

Ms. Friedman spoke about the success found with pairing ToT and this new elective.

“We have a great group of students who are naturally inclined to be educators – people who have served as academic club leaders and in NCSY 4G and G.O.,” she pointed out. “And even if they don’t go into careers that inherently involve public speaking, they will still need to be able to communicate coherently and effectively. Anyone in any job will need to teach – to educate in one way or another, even if it is not classroom teaching.”

The backing of MIT Ti-Tech has been paramount in the development of ToT. “The idea preexisted the program,” Mrs. Karoll said, “but securing MIT’s support has been crucial. And all along, we’ve had wonderful support from administrators. Everyone is really excited about this program.” This includes the program’s target audience – Central seniors. “Student buy-in to this program is incredibly important – and it’s been a success,” Mrs. Karoll continued.

Senior Simona Pitterman has found Taste of Teaching to be a formative experience. “We are learning about the different responsibilities of teaching, and how much hard work teachers put in to ensure their students have the best education,” she said. “It has given me a newfound appreciation for all of my teachers.” Se-

nior Bracha Frankel agreed. “Taste of Teaching is a really unique course,” she said. “Its emphasis on teaching strategies and experiential learning from teachers themselves makes the class stand out.”

The course’s capstone project will involve each student choosing a mentor teacher with whom they will work in preparing a lesson that the student will teach within a real classroom. “The hope is that one day, Taste of Teaching will be an elective in and of itself for college-bound seniors,” Mrs. Fried said.

This year’s experience will serve as a prototype that will be available to all schools participating in the Ti-Tech program, so that the course can be repeated and a wide range of students can experience the joy and meaning found in classroom life.

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Siddur Play at Bais Yaakov 5 Towns

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Y5T parents and grandparents were treated to an outstanding performance by our first grade talmidos in honor of receiving their very first siddur. With much appreciation to our generous sponsors, each girl received a custom pink leather siddur with their name engraved, The theme of our siddur play was

Va’ani Kirvas Elokim Le Tov – how wonderful it is to be close to Hashem! The girls each held musical instruments as they performed songs of shevach, bakasha, and hoda’ah to Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Wishing our parents and grandparents much nachas on this special milestone!

Health Week At Gan Chamesh

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n connection with the Rambam’s yahrtzeit, Gan Chamesh began its health unit. The children dramatized doctor’s appointments, explored using medical and nursing props, and were vis-

ited by health professionals from within the parent body. They gained a deeper understanding of the magnificent bodies Hashem gave us and what we can do to keep them healthy.

country the Yeshiva was assigned. This was the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that the team had the opportunity for an in-person meeting, so the moment was truly special for the students.

Under the leadership of team captain Amir Gross, the delegates-to-be had prepared questions for the Germans on the topics of the committees on which they are preparing to serve, on issues ranging from abortion rights to federalism to global warming. The two German officials who briefed us gave almost an hour of their time to provide detailed answers to each question, and also offered to be an ongoing resource for us as MTA continues to prepare for YUNMUN. As it turned out, one of the Germans was actually a Jew from New York, a gentleman named Jordan Rothschild. Mr. Rothschild explained to the MTA group that his grandfather was a Holocaust survivor, and both he and his grandfather had taken advantage of an offer that Germany made to all German Holocaust survivors and their descendants. Any such person would be granted German citizenship upon request at no charge, so they are now dual citizens. As the group

from MTA learned from their briefing, this is typical of Germany’s interest in demonstrating that it wishes to distance itself from the evil Nazi government that perpetrated the Holocaust. In many ways, both internally and in its foreign policy, Germany takes great pains to avoid offending people or acting in any way that might be reminiscent of the Nazi era. That is why, for example, it is interesting that as part of Germany’s role in NATO it has just begun stationing troops in Lithuania, something that Germany has been very reluctant to do.

Overall, the visit was an incredible learning opportunity for the students, both in terms of appreciating the way the United Nations operates as well as gaining a new understanding of modern Germany and its role in the UN, EU, and NATO. The MTA team wishes to thank Mr. Jordan Rothschild and the other German officials who helped arrange our visit, Ms. Jenny Vogelbacher and Ms. Sandra Leukemeier. While the team may or may not win awards at YUNMUN, the talmidim already feel like winners after this amazing experience.

MTA’s Model UN Team Visits the UN

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t MTA, the Model United Nations team is more than just learning how to debate, caucus, and cooperate with delegates from other schools to pass resolutions. Each year, MTA takes the opportunity to learn all we can about the UN and its committees and agencies, as well as the country MTA represents.

As part of that effort, the team pays a visit to the UN, as well as arranges a briefing with the UN Mission of the country the Yeshiva will be representing in Yeshiva University National Model United Nations (YUNMUN) in February.

The visit to the United Nations was particularly poignant this year, as the UN is playing an important role in trying to manage Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas. The talmidim were forced to deal with this fact, as well as the UN’s attitude toward Palestinians generally, in two interesting ways: First, the UN tour normally includes a visit to the Security Council’s chamber, but this time that visit was off the table because the Security Council was in session, debating a resolution calling for a ceasefire. As the United States is a permanent member of the Security Council and therefore has veto

power over its resolutions, it is important to the other member states to devise a text that the U.S. can accept.

The second way in which our talmidim saw the role of the UN was in a special exhibit in the entry area of the General Assembly Building in honor of the 75th anniversary of “Nakba.” Nakba, which means catastrophe in Arabic, is the term the Palestinians use to describe the founding of Israel. The mere fact that delegates and visitors to the United Nations need to walk by this exhibit on their way in and out of the building makes it a lot easier to understand the UN’s anti-Israel bias. Additionally, the details of the exhibit itself, which shows an idyllic pre-1948 Palestine and compares it to the squalor and destruction they now experience, can only tug at the heartstrings of the uninformed observer. And finally, when the captions that accompany the photographs blame the plight of these people on Israel, it’s not hard to see how difficult Israel’s role at the UN is.

After our tour of the UN and a break for Mincha just across from the Nakba exhibit, the MTA team proceeded to the Permanent Mission of Germany, the

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HALB B’Lev Echad Mission to Israel

HALB Mission Cards from students

By Dana Frenkel

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hen information about HALB’s B’Lev Echad Mission was shared with the HALB parent body, I didn’t hesitate to register. The mission was being organized by Shira Hoschander and Stephanie Sokol, two incredibly capable women, and I was confident the itinerary would suit my desire to have a variety of experiences and be able to volunteer across the various segments of Israeli society impacted by the war with Hamas. What I ultimately experienced far exceeded my expectations.

Throughout the three and half days on the ground in Israel, I typed a few facts and thoughts into the Notes app on my phone following each of our stops.

When I returned to Woodmere last Friday morning, I printed out the notes so that I would be able to reflect on our experience throughout Shabbat. I was shocked to see there were over six printed pages. You might think that writing this article would be straightforward.

After all, the writing was essentially complete. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth because trying to distill into words the experience is by definition inadequate. But here is what I can say – the days I spent on the HALB B’Lev Echad Mission were some of the most meaningful, impactful days of my life. Our journey took us through multiple aspects of Israeli society – our days were packed and we were on the move from early morning until late at night.

Among other things, we were able to be mevaker cholim to wounded soldiers, sponsor a BBQ and dance with chay-

HALB and YIW Missions at the Kotel

alim, speak to family members of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, meet with families of hostages, volunteer on a farm, and help package shabbat food for chayalim.

The mission included multiple visits to wounded soldiers, first at Beit Levenshtein, a rehabilitation facility where wounded soldiers and civilians are working through their recoveries. There we met Baruch Cohen, the heroic head of security for Kibbutz Magen. Baruch bravely defended his kibbutz by securing the iron gates, mobilizing his security council, and then going on the offensive against the terrorists. In the ensuing gun battle, Baruch lost his right leg, but as a result of Baruch’s insight and courage, not a single terrorist infiltrated his beloved kibbutz. Baruch told us to be proud Jews and not to take down our mezuzahs – we assured him that we feel the same way and that we would share his message with others. On another day, we visited wounded soldiers at Tal Hashomer hospital in coordination with Osim Sameach. It was emotional to see how much these brave young soldiers appreciated our visits. They couldn’t believe we traveled from New York to a war zone simply to demonstrate our love and support for them and our shared cause.

They were so touched by the letters from the HALB students and proudly hung them on their walls.

Our journey also included visits with families of two different displaced communities from the south. In the Yearim hotel, we learned about the Kibbutz Zikim community, with families crammed into one hotel room. They told us about local women who came to the hotel and

offered to do their laundry as a chesed but how they take pride in doing it for themselves in the handful of small Israeli-style laundry machines located in a tarp covered area outside of the hotel lobby. They cried as they expressed their appreciation for our support and told us how badly they want to return home SAFELY. We also met with incredible women from the Shlomit community, currently living at the Cramim Hotel.

They tearfully shared with us their experience, how their husbands courageously left their homes and families to help a nearby community that was under attack. Four of these men paid the ultimate price and their widowed wives shared that if they had known the result, they still would have made the same decisions. We hugged these women. We told them we came to support them, but we walked away feeling that they had strengthened us. Heroic men, heroic women.

We volunteered with Yad Ezra, an organization that provides Shabbos food to thousands of soldiers each week. It was incredible to see the achdus of Yerushalmi chassidim devoting their time, energy and resources to making sure chayalim across the country have a delicious Shabbos in a box. We visited Har Herzl and devastatingly realized that an entire new section of the military cemetery is now filled. We recognized many of the names of the fallen from the news. We somberly observed family members and friends of the soldiers who were crying at their graves and tried to provide some comfort to them. From this heartbreaking experience, we traveled to Bet Shemesh where we coordi-

nated with Ezrat Achim to organize and operate a carnival for the children of displaced families from the south and children whose parents are in miluim. The room was packed, and the children were happy. The mothers were so grateful for the activity and distraction for their children. Once again, we were greeted with so much appreciation and gratitude – people could not believe we came from the United States simply to volunteer.

We told them it was the least we can do and shared with them how many people in the United States and around the world are thinking about them and care about them.

What we experienced in Kfar Aza is indescribable. Hearing the experiences firsthand from the survivors that day was surreal. Their pleas for us to go back to the United States and tell their stories were eerily reminiscent of those of Holocaust survivors. They described the Holocaust of October 7 – how we had a Shoah in our own land in our own homes. In many ways, the sefer Torah dedication at Nir Oz was the highlight of our trip. I hope many of you have had the opportunity to watch the videos of those moments. On behalf of HALB, Shira and Ari Hoschander generously donated their family sefer Torah – one that originated in 1930s Poland – to the Bibas family of Kibbutz Nir Oz in honor of the return of the Bibas family and all of the hostages. At that dedication, we met the Bibas extended family. I think it is safe to say they were in awe of the Hoschanders’ generosity and they were touched by the connection that we all felt to them. We hugged them and cried with them. And then we danced with

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HALB mission with bags of donated gear for soldiers

them. And we told them we will bring back their stories and we will pray and we will fight until all of the hostages come home. We took the sefer Torah to Kikar Hachatufim (Hostage Square), an area in Tel Aviv where the friends and family members of the hostages come together to share their stories and generate awareness. Several HALB alumni currently studying in yeshivot and seminaries joined as we danced with the Bibas family and our brothers and sisters in Israel.

Our mission also included various lectures as well as dinner with four of

our former Bnei Akiva/Bnot Sherut.

These young women spent so much time with our children during their time at HALB and it was great to reconnect with them. We also had certain impromptu opportunities such as a very late night visit to Maarat Hamechpela and Kever Rachel with the Young Israel of Woodmere mission. It was difficult to contain the emotion as I joined my father (who was on the YIW mission) to pray at the kevarim of our Avos and Imahos.

I began this article by saying there are no words, but then I wrote many words. The B’lev Echad Mission was

Volunteering at a farm

so aptly named. We truly felt that we shared the pain and heartache as well as the hope and inspiration with our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael. There were times on the mission that I felt that every cell in my body was working at max capacity just to process. I didn’t realize that our hearts were strong enough to feel so much – that we could hold pain and despair, heartache and devastation contemporaneously with inspiration, hope and motivation. We learned that times of challenge bring us together as a people. We should be proud of this, but more importantly, we should make

sure to stay committed to the achdus and ahavas Yisrael long after we win this war. I’m grateful to HALB for the opportunity to have had this experience – to bring love, support, food and supplies, gifts and cards to those who needed it most. The mission was truly a transformative experience. We had many very sad moments and were deeply immersed in pain and tragedy. But somehow, at the end of each day, we were uplifted, inspired, filled with emunah and bitachon that we are Am Yisrael, Am Hanetzach, and that together, we will win b’lev echad.

The talmidos of the Ganger Early Childhood Center at TAG celebrated Shabbos Chazak by making a special siyum on Sefer Bereishis.

They reviewed all of the parshios, sang their parsha songs, and received a black and white cookie as a special treat!

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Kulanu’s Yeshiva Inclusion Program

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his week, Torah L’Kulanu conducted its annual Yeshiva Inclusion Program. This program allows Jewish public school students with special needs to attend a Yeshiva during their December and February breaks.

Participants benefit socially by engaging with teshiva students, as well as academically by studying Limudei Kodesh concepts. We would like to thank HAFTR, Lev Chana, SKA and DRS for hosting the program with us and allowing these students to attend classes in your school during this time.

We look forward to conducting the second session of this program during President’s Week!

“Yud” is for Yarok at Shulamith ECC

Mercaz Academy Students Buzzing About Scripps National Spelling Bee Netzach Knights Win

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Assistant Principal Ms. Karen Leeper with the top spellers of the fifth grade

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tudents at Mercaz Academy in Plainview are buzzing with excitement about entering the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The Scripps Bee is a longstanding American institution since its first spelling bee in 1925, and Mercaz Academy fourth, fifth, and sixth graders are seizing their opportunity to spell their way to the top.

The spelling journey begins with a class spelling bee, and as in all previous years except 2020 (COVID) and 19431945 (World War II), the National Spelling Bee will take place in Washington, D.C., after Memorial Day. Mercaz has taken its first step on the road to glory, holding class bees for the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades and selecting the top

two or three spellers in each grade, depending on class size. Next week, these talented spellers will compete in the schoolwide spelling bee, and those winners will have a few months to practice before they proceed to the Long Island/ Westchester Regional Spelling Bee in March.

Assistant Principal Karen Leeper conducted the three class bees, and she was pleased to see the enthusiasm with which students participated.

“Spelling bees add excitement to a subject that isn’t often viewed as exciting,” she explained. “They also reward hard work and perseverance, which I love!”

ongratulations to the Netzach Knights for winning their first JV hockey championship. With both yeshivas – Netzach and Yeshiva of Far Rockaway – coming out in force with fans of every age, there was not an open seat in the gym. The championship featured a defensive showdown backed up by superb goaltending by both teams. In the net for the champions was freshman Ben Lamstien and for YFR we saw Simi Felder. The 2023 championship had the YFR Tigers going up against the Netzach Knights coached by Yossi Davidson and Shmuel Gestetner, which turned out to be a game for the ages.

The YFR Tigers scored first after a costly turnover by the knights in their zone, with a goal from Garbaz. Down 1- 0, the Knights went on the attack and tied up the game with a goal from defenseman Yisroel Davidson. The Netzach offense anchored by Berg, Zanziper, and Kirschenbaum continued to pressure the YFR defense, but the defense held strong.

YFR defense anchored by Binyamin Rosenthaul kept the Knights at bay and did not let them take the lead. Star forward Shimmy Cohen for the Tigers had a few scoring opportunities but could not break through the Netzach Defenseman anchored by Davidson, Adar, and Krieser. Late in the third period, Rosenthaul launched a slapshot from the point that had the markings of a game-winner, but Lamstien was there to make the incredible save. With nonstop action and scoring opportunities by both sides, the goal-

tending and defenses kept this game tied through triple overtime. The Championship was decided by a shootout which saw Lamstien rob Binyamin Rosenthal of a goal with a great glove save. With YFR not getting any goals past Lamstein in the shootout, it came down to the Knights to seal the victory. With Natanel Adar the second Nezach star defenseman taking the shootout, he blasted a wrist shot through Felders five hole to bring home the championship for Netzach.

After the game, Davidson and Adar contributed their goals to defenseman Moshe Gestetner who helped them get to the playoffs but was unable to play in the playoffs due to an injury. Congratulations to both teams on an epic and exciting championship. Special thank you to Rabbi Bennett and Zach Kessler for running the league and making it all happen.

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YOSS students recognized for their outstanding achievements receive their student of the month awards

Public School Children Visit HANC

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very Friday morning, the students and staff in HANC’s Elementary School in West Hempstead gather for our weekly Rabbi Kelemer memorial Shabbat assembly to usher in Shabbat with Divrei Torah, zemirot and dancing.

This past week was even more special, as the entire school participated in the mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim, welcoming the students in the community who attend our local public schools.

Student ambassadors greeted the children and their parents as they arrived in the lobby and ushered them into the auditorium for the lively assembly.

Rabbi Ouriel Hazan, Head of HANC’s West Hempstead Campuses, addressed the families: “Welcome to HANC dear friends and community members! We feel that we are one family, and we are so

happy that you are here with us today.”

Following the joyous singing, Rabbi Hazan shared a video montage of the many chessed projects that are going on in Israel to bring assistance and comfort to the soldiers, as well as the families that have been displaced during the war in Israel.

The most touching moment was when a very young child shared a video explaining that he was assigned the name of a particular soldier and that he said Tehillim for him every day. This darling video reached that soldier, and he recorded a video of thanks to this adorable little boy.

The child answered that he hopes to meet him one day and invited him to his home for dinner and a hug. Incredibly, the soldier was able to find the little boy, and the picture that followed of the two of them smiling together was truly moving. The

message that each and every one of us can do our part to raise the spirit of our brave soldiers was not lost on anyone in the audience.

In recognition of the children who visited HANC, Rabbi Hazan called each student up to the stage by name and presented the child with a siddur as a gift from HANC and as a vehicle for davening for the safety of Israel. At the conclusion of the assembly, the young guests went with their ambassadors to learn parsha together in their classrooms and to join the class for lunch. The parents and grandparents that accompanied the children also attended a shiur given by Rabbi Hazan.

This magnificent program of Achdut would not have been possible without the support and dedication of HANC par-

ent Ayelet Mottahedah and family. Her tireless efforts to make this magnificent event so meaningful for everyone are truly commendable.

Millennials and Gen X Come Back to High School

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his past Sunday, December 31, men forty and above came streaming into 284 Mott Avenue, the home of the newly located Rambam Mesivta. They came to participate in the Annual Learn-a-Thon, the Rambam learning experience that began in 1992 and has a long-standing history. Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, Rosh Mesivta, jokingly said that the day is Erev… 19 Teves and we should remember to say Tachnun at Mincha. On a more serious but personal note, he mentioned it was a nachas day for him as a former individual who sat in front of him as a talmid in 1997 was the day’s guest speaker. He introduced Rabbi Ruben Gober, currently a Rebbe at YBT in Far Rockaway, who spoke aptly about hakaras hatov. It soon became clear that Rabbi Friedman referring to Rabbi Gober as a star was about more than being an integral part of the championship team of the past but rather a clear reference to his Talmudic prowess and powerful presen-

tation.

After talmidim davened and had a sumptuous breakfast courtesy of Women’s League, they prepared mareh mekomos with the fathers, grandfathers, or brothers as appropriate. Rabbi Gober then launched into his shiur on hakaras hatov in halacha and hashkafah, analyzing the concept of hakaras hatov. He started by sharing the appreciation we should all have for those in Eretz Yisroel on the front lines who sacrifice so much to defend and preserve klal Yisroel. He explained the Chazal that states that one who can’t express appreciation for the deeds and chesed of others, oftentimes will have the same difficulty accepting Hashem. His creative explanation was that to the extent there is resistance expressing appreciation to that which is done by others, it is because the person wants to take all the credit for himself and refuses to credit other sources. If the person can’t credit the obvious, he certain-

ly will find a problem paying homage to Hashem who helps us, albeit oftentimes in obscure ways. Hakoras hatov, in essence, is an important middah that helps us overcome our default human attitude of gaavah – haughtiness. To further this point, he cited from the commentary of Rabbeinu Nisim who states that any seichel, rational human trait, becomes

a human directive which all Torah Jews must adhere to.

Rabbi Gober concluded his remarks by expressing his hakaras hatov to Rabbi Friedman and Rabbi Haar for showing how Torah is applicable to our lives today. The dad’s day off, once again, proved to be an inspiring educational day!

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Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s Upcoming Dinner Awardees Part II of II

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eshiva Darchei Torah looks forward to paying tribute to these illustrious couples who have lent their time, efforts, and sheimos tovim to supercharge the Yeshiva’s annual campaign.

Mr. and Mrs. Aryeh and Aliza Jacobowitz Alumnus of the Year

Once a talmid, always a talmid are words that characterize Mr. Aryeh Jacobowitz, a credit to the Yeshiva and his family in every aspect of his life. A model to his peers and his community, we are proud to recognize Aryeh as Alumnus of the Year.

Aryeh grew up watching his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Shloimie and Shevi Jacobowitz of Lawrence, dedicate their time and resources to the klal and specifically to the growth and needs of the yeshiva. Mr. Jacobowitz served as a board member and Mrs. Jacobowitz as a member of the Women’s League of Darchei, along with many other community-related endeavors. Their deep concern for the klal and for mosdos hachinuch made a tremendous impact on their children.

Following his years in Darchei, Aryeh went on to learn in Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim and Yeshivas Ner Yisroel in Baltimore, after which he married his eishes chayil, Aliza, a graduate of TAG and now a beloved Language-Arts teacher in its high-school division. Aliza’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. Sruly and Ruti Berkowitz, have also always been devoted to and involved in their children’s school, valuing the important role it plays in their children’s lives and in the community. Today, Aryeh and his wife Aliza are the proud parents of two beautiful children and hope to carry their parents’ example forward. As the gabbai of Kahal Anshei Emes, Aryeh already takes an active role in this growing makom tefillah and values his close connection with his family’s rav, Rabbi Mordechai Stern of Bais Medrash Heichal Dovid.

A business professional by vocation, Aryeh is a ben Torah by choice. Inspired by his tenth grade rebbe, Rabbi Shimon Dov Notis, Aryeh feels a strong commitment to his daily learning sedarim, regardless of his many other obligations. In Aryeh’s words: “One of the most important things I learned in Darchei is that no matter what you do in life, everyone has a responsibility to live their life as a ben Torah. This manifests itself in every area – no matter what you do and where you find yourself – and plays a huge role in my life today.”

Aryeh fondly recalls how Rabbi Yaakov Bender singled him out as a special “guest speaker” at his eighth-grade graduation.

“When I hesitated, Rabbi Bender told me, ‘It will make me happy if you do it.’ His sensitivity to the needs of every bachur is unmatched; he knew what I didn’t even know I needed!” To this day, Aryeh values and maintains his relationship with Rabbi Bender.

With a wisdom that belies his young age, Aryeh appreciates the step-by-step process that brought him to where he is today – a young man who has integrated the lessons of his rebbeim and his learning so that they are inseparable from his identity.

We are proud to honor Mr. and Mrs. Aryeh and Aliza Jacobowitz.

Rabbi and Mrs. Yitzy and Peri Parnes Alumnus of the Year

Fusing Torah, avodah and gemilas chesed, Rabbi Yitzy Parnes is an outstanding example of a Yeshiva Darchei Torah talmid who truly internalizes the lessons of his rebbeim and roshei yeshivah, as well as the outstanding examples set by his parents and in-laws. He is a ben Torah for whom limud Torah and tefillah are paramount and who displays a deep-rooted love for other Yidden and a desire to help those in need.

Yitzy was raised in a home in which these values were clearly modeled. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Shalom and Esther

Parnes, established and supported their shul, Agudah of the Five Towns, for many years, part of their commitment to serving their community. At the same time, they cared for so many individuals in need who gravitated toward the warmth of their home and their open-door policy. Above all, they emphasized and were machshiv limud Torah, going the extra mile to ensure that limud Torah in their home and sidrei hayeshivah would proceed undisturbed.

It is not surprising that Yitzy married into a family with similar ideals. His wife, Peri, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Meir and Toby Greisman of Flatbush, ba’alei chesed who are also singularly dedicated to ensuring that Mr. Greisman can learn undisturbed for many hours of the day, regardless of his numerous other responsibilities.

Yitzy and Peri are following in their parents’ footsteps. Their strong sense of responsibility to the klal and for the importance of a makom Torah u’tefillah led to their steady involvement in their shul, Khal Tiferes Yisroel/Kehillas Red Rock, as well as participation in other community initiatives in the Monsey suburb of New City. And like their parents, Yitzy and Peri graciously open their door to those in need, often hosting those who have nowhere else to go. At the same time, they are devoted parents to their three beautiful children, showering them with attention and inculcating them with a love and excitement for Yiddishkeit. They are also happy to offer their time and talents for the benefit of their children’s schools.

Indeed, this reflects what Yitzy saw during his years in Darchei, where he spent most of his elementary-school years and then high school, bais medrash and beyond. Through the years, he established a lasting relationship with Rabbi Yaakov Bender, as well as a close kesher with Rabbi Shmuel Feldman and Rabbi Dovid Bender, both of whom remain his rebbeim to this day. As a bachur in Eretz Yisrael, Yitzy learned under Rav Meir Soloveitchik and gained immeasurably from that relationship as well.

Today, Yitzy is a true ben Torah who cherishes his Darchei roots. “Darchei gave me a derech in how to learn, how to think – in all areas of my life. I am a product of the yeshivah and its Roshei Yeshiva. Darchei is responsible for who I am today.”

Now in the field of real estate, Yitzy learned in kollel for close to ten years, first in Darchei, then in Kollel Bnei Torah

in Flatbush, led by Rav Shmuel Smith, and upon his move to Monsey, under Rav Don Krancer. Today, with the enthusiastic support of his wife, Yitzy continues to prioritize his learning. He is marbitz Torah through a variety of shiurim and maintains daily, intensive sedarim.

Yitzy’s ayin tovah and desire for continuous growth, coupled with his love for learning and concern for those around him, truly reflect the paradigm of a Yeshiva Darchei Torah talmid. It is most fitting for us to honor Rabbi and Mrs. Yitzy and Peri Parnes with an Alumnus of the Year award.

Mr. and Mrs. Dovid and Chani Roll Alumnus of the Year

With a strong commitment to the community, genuine concern for others and deference to da’as Torah, Dovid Roll is a true credit to the yeshiva that is so dear to his heart. It is our pleasure to honor him as Alumnus of the Year.

Dovid is the product of a family that very much reflects the yeshiva’s mission of compassion for all of Klal Yisroel. His parents, Rabbi and Mrs. Yisroel and Julie Roll of Baltimore, a psychologist and teacher respectively, are well-known in the world of kiruv; they have dedicated their lives to helping others learn about their heritage through creative programming and opening their home and hearts to Jews from all walks of life. Since joining Mesivta Chaim Shlomo, Dovid has demonstrated that he tries to live his life the same way. While still in Mesivta and Bais Medrash, he tutored and mentored younger boys, positively impacting them and developing lasting relationships with numerous young men and their families over the years.

During his yeshiva years, Dovid forged what became an enduring connection with many of his rebbeim. Currently, he maintains a weekly chavrusashaft with Rabbi Dov Keilson, engages in ongoing halachah discussions with Rabbi Dovid Bender and turns to Rabbi Yaakov Bender for guidance in so many areas of his life.

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Around the Community growth and development of their shul, Khal Lev Avos, under the leadership of Rabbi Shmuel Weinberg, where Dovid serves on the shul board. The Rolls are the proud parents of three beautiful children.

Their son Yehuda is presently a talmid in Rabbi Sarf’s first grade. For Dovid, Darchei is family, and he is so excited to have added the title “parent” to his Darchei relationship.

Dovid summarizes his life-changing experience and connection with Darchei and Rabbi Bender: “Rabbi Bender has given me so much and is available for me, no matter the time of day or night. He has given me so much love, supported me in everything, and given me a yeshivah that created a structure for the rest of my life. I would do anything for Rabbi Bender.”

K’mayim hapanim el panim, Yeshiva Darchei Torah is gratified to honor Mr. and Mrs. Dovid and Chani Roll, who personify the ideals of devotion to their family, their yeshiva, and their community and to continual, lifelong growth.

For journal ads, reservations, and more information, please call 718-8682300 ext. 301; email dinner@darchei.org; or visit Beyond.darchei.org.

It’s Happening Now: The Ultimate Segulah for a Shidduch

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omeone you know needs a shidduch.

Whether it’s your son or daughter, your sibling, your friend, or your neighbor, you regularly find yourself asking ,“How can I help them find their bashert?” While there are countless beautiful endeavors that exist in our community, perhaps one of the greatest things one can undertake is limud haTorah.

With this powerful act in mind, on the 5th of Shvat/January 14, more than 400 lomdim will unite to learn all of Shas in just 24 hours, as a z’chus for singles to find their zivugim.

This annual initiative, known as Shas for Shidduchim, is spearheaded by ChesedChicago (formerly Chicago Chesed Fund). Join thousands of individuals in Klal Yisroel in sponsoring a daf as a z’chus for yourself or someone you know to find their shidduch.

Limud haTorah, the timeless segulah, has powerful, tangible effects. Just ask a recent sponsor who shared, “I’m calling to donate to Shas for Shidduchim. I gave in four names last year, and three of them got engaged, so I’m calling to donate again!”

But time is running out to join this special initiative. When you sponsor a daf for $100, you can submit up to five names of individuals searching for a shidduch. A dedicated lomed will then be assigned to learn on the 5th of Shvat in the z’chus of the names you shared.

You can make a difference today by sponsoring a daf for the ultimate z’chus through limud haTorah. Visit Shas4Shidduchim.org, or call 847.679.7799, ext. 170 to make your contribution. All proceeds from this initiative will directly support the many matchmaking and wedding-related services of ChesedChicago.

Shas for Shidduchim is an annual initiative of ChesedChicago (formerly Chicago Chesed Fund), a leading organization servicing the Chicago community for almost 40 years. ChesedChicago empowers individuals and families in need towards self-sufficiency via a full range of services delivered with kindness, dignity, and respect. To sponsor a daf, please visit Shas4Shidduchim.org, or call 847.679.7799, ext. 170.

JANUARY 4, 2024 | The Jewish Home

After graduating Darchei – although he attests that he never really graduated, since the yeshiva remains an integral part of his life until today – Dovid continued his learning in Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim and in Aderes HaTorah (Rabbi Senter’s yeshivah), where again, he tutored other bachurim, giving them the gift of a patient and understanding “older brother.”

While learning in Monsey under Rav Asher Weiss, Dovid married his eishes chayil, Chani, nee Krumholtz, originally from Edison, NJ. Chani’s parents, Dr. Ira and Mrs. Juliet Krumholtz, give of their time and expertise to benefit their community in many ways. They are involved in several local shuls and schools, Dr. Krumholtz is a daf yomi maggid shiur and regular bal korei and Mrs. Krumholtz volunteers for Hatzolah.

After a stint in Eretz Yisroel, the Rolls were drawn to settle in Far Rockaway by their Darchei connection. Dovid chose to join the healthcare field, a role very much in sync with the path laid out for him by his parents and by the yeshivah, both of whom display true concern and compassion for Klal Yisroel. Dovid is gratified to use his professional expertise to support others in their time of need.

He and his wife are involved in the

Around the Community

A Momentous Milestone at Gesher

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Thank you to our generous donor, the Ostreicher family, for donating pairs of tzitzit so the HAFTR Middle School boys can learn and gain appreciation for this important mitzvah. They created their own tzitzit with enthusiasm and a newfound admiration. They will wear them proudly!

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azal tov to Gesher’s first grade class on receiving their siddurim this week! This milestone was a culmination of learning about the gift of Tefillah through the “Ani Tefillah” program. The children have been learning about the meaning of tefillah in order to gain a strong connection to the words they are saying. They have been

working so hard to strengthen their kriah skills and can now open a siddur and daven effectively.

Thank you to the Rosenblatt family for sponsoring our siddurim in memory of Sima bas Yisrael, a”h.

Mazal tov to all the grandparents, parents, and children on this momentous occasion!

Nutrition by Tanya

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ear Ahuva, I stick to my plan all week, and I even do a great job sticking to my Shabbos plan, although it isn’t perfect. However, whenever I go out to eat, or travel, I completely derail! Why does this happen? And what can I do to prevent it?

Signed, Dependent on my Routine Dear Dependent, You are making an excellent point! Dieting is a skill! And skill takes habit! And habit takes routine!

So the more often something happens, the more routine it becomes and the easier it is to develop the skill.

The more rare something is and the less routine that it is, the more difficult it is to develop the habits and skills needed to successfully stay on plan.

Here is a typical order of the skill sets that clients tend to develop over time. The more consistent you are, the more quickly these skills will become habits. And once it’s a habit, it’s easy!

-Weekday schedule -Shabbos Schedule -Simchas routine -Shabbos away routine

-Restaurant routines My best piece of advice is not to see non-routine events such as restaurant meals or simchas as one-time things.

View them as step opportunities to practice developing better routines in that specific situation because although it doesn’t come up very often, it will come up again and again, and you can get better at it!

I hope this helps!

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 caring for 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.

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1. *

TJH

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Centerfold facts

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K

Amazon began in the garage of founder Jeff Bezos’ home in

Bellevue, Wash.

In Amazon’s early days, Bezos hired mobile billboards to drive by Barnes

& Noble stores displaying the question, “Can’t find that book you wanted?”

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along with Amazon’s website address.

Bezos originally wanted to name the company “Cadabra”

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as in “Abracadabra.”

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In 1998, Amazon wanted to expand beyond books. To

figure out which item to add, they

Bezos chose Amazon.com for

sent out a survey to many customers,

two reasons: one, to suggest

scale (Amazon.com launched with the

asking which other item they would

tagline “Earth’s Biggest Bookstore”); and

buy from Amazon if it was available.

The responses varied so much that they

two, back then, website listings were often alphabetical.

realized that people would buy “everything on Amazon.”

Therefore, they expanded to sell everything.

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When the website first went live, it only sold books.

On April 13, 1995, software engineer John

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In 1997, Barnes & Noble sued Amazon

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Amazon’s warehouses have more square

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Amazon’s current logo was designed to depict

alleging that its 1990s slogan, “Earth’s Largest

Bookstore,” was false.

Wainwright, who was a friend of an Amazon

employee, made the first purchase on Amazon, when he bought a book about artificial intelligence titled Creative Concepts and Fluid Analogies. Bezos later

footage than 700 Madison Square Gardens and

could hold more water than 10,000 Olympic pools.

named a building after Wainwright to honor the occasion.

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Amazon’s cloud platform is big enough to hold 80 books for every person on earth.

a smile that goes from A to Z. “This signifies

that the company is willing to deliver everything to everyone, anywhere in the world.”

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1. When was Amazon founded? a. 1981 b. 1995 c. 1998 d. 2002 2. If you had invested $1,000 in Amazon stock when the company went public, how much would that investment be worth today? a. $49,500 b. $200,000 c. $455,000 d. $1,100,000 3. What distance does an average Amazon worker walk daily within the warehouse? a. 1 mile b. 4 miles c. 6 miles d. 10 miles

Amazon Prime members? a. 14 million b. 28 million c. 80 million d. 167 million 6. On average, how many items were sold per second on Prime Day 2023? a. 78 b. 240 c. 823 d. 4,340 7. What is Amazon’s e-commerce market share in the U.S.? a. 38% b. 59% c. 72% d. 84% 8. How much does Amazon make per day, on average?

a. $1.9 million b. $22 million c. $198 million d. $1.4 billion Answers: 1-B 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-D 6-D 7-A 8-D Wisdom key: 7-8 correct: Why didn’t you tell me to invest in the IPO? 3-6 correct: There’s a great book on Amazon about mediocrity—has your picture on it!

0-2 correct: What? Are you lost in the Amazon or something?

4. What percentage of Amazon does Jeff Bezos currently own? a. 10% b. 24% c. 49% d. 60% 5. How many people in the U.S. are

You Gotta be Kidding Me! I tried to look up lighters in Amazon. All they had was 13,749 matches.

Amazon just released an oil diffuser that works like Alexa but is 100% controlled with your mind! It makes scents when you think about it.

JANUARY 4, 2024 | The Jewish Home

Crunch the Amazon Numbers Trivia

Torah Thought

Parshas Shemos ART By yORAM RAANAN

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By Rabbi Berel Wein

I

t should be obvious to all that Moshe is a very unlikely choice to head the Jewish people, to redeem them from Egyptian bondage, and to bring the Torah down from Heaven to the Jewish people and eventually to all of humankind. It is also clear that Moshe would not be the likely one to guide them through the vicissitudes of war, thirst and forty years

sojourn in the desert of Sinai.

Rambam writes that Moshe was of short temper. The Torah records for us that he was raised in the palace of the Egyptian Pharaoh. He kills an Egyptian and covers up his deed. He is a shepherd for a pagan priest of Midyan and marries one of his daughters. He is separated from his people for sixty years before re-

turning to them and proclaiming himself as their leader. Not really too impressive a resume for the greatest of all humans and of the Jewish people! But there it is for all to see and study. So, what is the message that the Torah is sending to us with this narrative?

Who needs to know of his previous life before becoming the Moshe we revere? After all, the Torah does not explicitly tell us about the youth experiences of Noach, Avraham and other great men of Israel and the world. So, why all the detail – much of it not too pleasant – about the early life of Moshe? The question almost begs itself of any student of Torah.

unlikely heroes, unexpected champions, and surprising personalities.

It is almost as if Heaven wishes to “mock” our pretensions and upset our conventional wisdom. Oftentimes, it is our stubborn nature, our haughtiness, to think that we are always privy to G-d’s plans and methods that has led us to stray far from truth and reality.

The greatness of the generation that left Egypt was that it not only believed in the G-d of Israel but believed in His servant Moshe as well. Throughout his career as leader of Israel, according to Midrash, the rebels would always hold Moshe’s past against him. They could not come

Oftentimes, it is our stubborn nature, our haughtiness, to think that we are always privy to G-d’s plans and methods that has led us to stray far from truth and reality.

The Torah is always concise and chary of words, so this concentration of facts and stories about Moshe’s early life is somewhat puzzling.

What is clear from biblical narrative and Jewish and world history generally is that Heaven does not play by our rules nor does it conduct itself by our preconceived norms and notions. We never would have chosen David as our king, Amos as our prophet, or Esther as our savior from destruction. Jewish history in a great measure has been formed by

to terms with Moshe as being their leader for he did not fit the paradigm that they had constructed for themselves. Eventually, this disbelief in Moshe translated itself into a disbelief in G-d as well and doomed that generation to perish in the desert of Sinai.

G-d’s plans, actions, and choices, so to speak, are inscrutable. The prophet taught us that G-d stated: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts and My ways are not your ways.” Moshe’s life story is a striking example of this truism.

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From the Fire Parshas Shemos

We’re Not Going to Take It

By Rav Moshe Weinberger Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

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he Torah teaches us that when Moshe grew up, he felt a burning desire to connect with his brothers and sisters. “He went out to his brothers, and he saw their burdens. And he saw an Egyptian man beating an Ivri [a Jewish man] of his brothers. He turned this way and that and he saw that there was no man.

He smote the Egyptian and buried him in the sand” (Shemos 2:11-12).

At first glance, Moshe’s response seems completely disproportionate. The pasuk does not say that the Egyptian was beating the Jew to death. While a slave-master beating anyone, Jew or non-Jew, would have been horrible and cruel, it was an everyday occurrence for the Jewish people in Egypt. Why did Moshe react this way to what was no doubt part of Jewish life at the time? Don’t the rules of self-defense require one to use the minimum force necessary? Why did Moshe not kick the Egyptian to stop the beating? Why didn’t he give him a warning or drop leaflets from an airplane? Why did Moshe react with such ferocity to this everyday event? Also, why does the pasuk identify the victim not only as one of Moshe’s brothers, but also as a Jewish man, an Ivri?

First, Moshe’s reaction was natural. If one sees his brother being attacked violently, it is understandable that one would use violence in coming to his brother’s aid.

Halachah even permits one to “take the law into his own hands” in certain circumstances when he will suffer an irrevocable loss if he delays in order to go through the usual legal channels (see Bava Kama 29a; Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat 4).

It is apparent that just before witnessing the beating, a loving feeling toward his people had awakened within Moshe. As the pasuk says, “He went out to his brothers, and he saw their burdens.” Moshe’s reaction to his brother’s suffering is therefore somewhat understandable. The hint that something more may be going on is in the Torah’s emphasis that not only was Moshe rising to the defense of his brother, but also to an oppressed Jewish man, an Ivri. This seems to imply that Moshe not only acted to save the slave from being beaten because of his personal connection to that person but also because the victim was an Ivri.

Moshe recognized that the beating the Egyptian was inflicting on this one slave was not simply an interaction between two individuals. It was one “small” manifestation of the struggle between the Egyptian nation and the Jewish nation. Before Parshas Shemos, the Torah consists of stories about great individuals and families. The first time the “children of Israel” were called a “nation” is at the beginning of the parsha, when Pharaoh says, “Behold, the nation of the children of Israel are more numerous and is stronger than us” (Shemos 1:9). At that time, we transitioned from merely being a tribe to becoming a nation.

Moshe went out to connect with his brothers’ suffering not only because they were his relatives, but because of a feeling that they collectively constituted something so much greater than a group of individuals. They were a nation. And that nation was being abused, beaten, humiliated, tormented, and potentially wiped out by the Egyptians’ hatred and cruelty.

Moshe recognized that this Jew’s beating had nothing to do with this particular Jew or that particular Egyptian. Because this Jew was being beaten only because he was the nearest Jew to this Egyptian taskmaster, it was, in effect, an attack on every single Jew – on the entire nation.

Moshe could not abide this attack on his people. He was struck with the realization that anyone who attacked the essence of the Jewish people had no right to exist.

He had to be driven all the way down into the dirt, buried in the sand, without the slightest acknowledgment, military burial, or public mourning. This recognition is the foundation of every Jewish uprising against our oppressors and those who seek to destroy us. Jewish wars were never fought for economic or territorial gain but were based on a recognition and respect for the dignity and status of the Jewish people’s G-dly purpose.

Unfortunately, during the Egyptian exile, and in subsequent exiles as well, this reality has become obscured. When we become accustomed to oppression and subservience to others, we forget who we are. We forget that we are a great nation, the children of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. We forget that we are worthy of basic dignity and respect.

Even though the Jewish people’s servitude in Egypt caused them to forget that they deserved better than cruelty and slavery, Moshe Rebbeinu did not forget this because he did not grow up as a slave. He was raised in the palace. Because he was free of any form of servitude, he retained a healthy sense of Jewish national identity.

Unlike the rest of our people, he still recognized that it was unthinkable and unacceptable for an Egyptian to lay his hands on a Jew. This realization that oppression of the Jewish people is outside the pale is one of the most fundamental qualifications of Moshiach as well. The Rambam explains (Hilchos Melachim 11:4): “And if a king arises from the house of Dovid who is knowledgeable in Torah and involved in mitzvos like Dovid, his grandfather according to the written and oral Torahs, and he causes the entire Jewish people to go according to [the Torah] and rectify the breaches of [its observance], and he fights the wars of Hashem, this gives him the status that he may be assumed to be Moshiach.”

Spiritual accomplishments are not sufficient to allow us to consider someone Moshiach. Even if someone brings the entire Jewish people back to Torah, that is not enough. One must take up the mantle of Moshe Rebbeinu and fight wars for the Jewish people to liberate them from those who denigrate, harm, or oppress us.

With Hashem’s help, may we see the day soon when all the enemies of the Jewish people are destroyed and our entire people can return to Eretz Yisroel with the arrival of Moshiach, may he come 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 Jewish Home | JANUARY 4, 2024

Think. Feel.Grow.

The Torah’s Powerful Approach to Happiness

By Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

I

f you ask the average person what they want in life, they will likely answer with one word: happiness. Many people’s lives are centered around this goal.

The big decisions, such as who we marry, where we live, the jobs we take, the people we interact with, as well as the smaller decisions, such as what we eat, how we dress, or how much sleep we get, are often made with the goal of attaining a greater level of joy and happiness. However, we often find people who appear set up for happiness living a life stuck in misery and people who seem destined for a life of anguish living lives of great happiness.

We all know that person – let’s call him Yoni – who is good-looking, comes from a very wealthy family, and always has the best of everything in life. He is skilled, capable, funny, and extremely popular amongst his peers. Nevertheless, Yoni spends his entire adult life in and out of drug rehab centers, dealing with never-ending cycles of depression and addiction. How did this happen?

Then there is Eli, a boy whose father passed away when he was just three years old. His mother constantly struggled to make ends meet; luxuries were out of the question. At the age of six, Eli’s doctor discovered a heart defect that left Eli in and out of hospitals his entire childhood. After living a life of extreme poverty with very limited opportunity, Eli was able to create an extraordinary life for himself and is the happiest person you will ever meet.

What is the difference between Yoni and Eli? What is the source of happiness, and how can we achieve this elusive state?

But more fundamentally, is happiness even a Jewish value? We live in a world that defines success in life as achieving happiness.

Is happiness the ultimate Jewish goal? Or is it simply a Western value that has been

imposed upon our view of Judaism? What is the Jewish approach to happiness?

The Torah lists the many curses that will befall Klal Yisrael if they do not observe Hashem’s commandments. When describing these terrible curses, Hashem informs us that we will receive these punishments because we did not serve Him with happiness (Devarim 28:47). Additionally, the pasuk in Tehillim states, “Ivdu es Hashem b’simchah, Serve Hashem with happiness” (Tehillim 100:2). It seems, then, that happiness is, in fact, a Jewish value. What then is the deep nature of happiness, and how does a lack of happiness warrant these terrible curses?

Happiness should not be confused with pleasure. Pleasure is instant gratification, a fleeting sensation that is gone as quickly as it comes. Unhealthy food, meaningless entertainment, and other quick fixes may give us a few moments of fleeting pleasure, but the instant we are finished, the pleasure completely disappears; there is no lasting feeling of pleasure.

Happiness is of a fundamentally different nature. True happiness is what you experience when you are actualizing your potential, working toward becoming the person you are meant to become. When you use your challenges as a means to grow, when you expand as a person and achieve constant internal growth, it creates an inner state of existential happiness. You needn’t be smiling every step of the way, for genuine growth often involves significant pain and hardship. However, as long as you know that you are progressing along the right path and that you are building the person you are meant to become, even the pain is accompanied by a feeling of happiness. External displays of success pale in comparison to the joy of true internal progress and growth.

Let us expand our understanding of this topic by developing three keys to happiness.

Growth: Self-Expansion As we have stated, growth is the un-

derlying root of deep existential happiness. This is because the deepest human desire is to express our unique purpose in this world. We therefore experience incredible happiness when we are growing and maximizing our potential, fulfilling our purpose.

The baalei machshavah explain that all happiness stems from self-expansion. This is because Hashem is the all-encompassing Creator of this world, and each of us, as a tzelem Elokim, has an infinite root as well. As we expand ourselves, we tap into our root oneness, resulting in a feeling of existential happiness. We experience this truth in our everyday lives. When you expand your mind by understanding a new Torah concept, understanding something new about the universe, human psychology, or about yourself, you experience a deep state of joy. The same is true when expanding your inner awareness of self or when pushing past boundaries and becoming a greater version of yourself.

The greatest paradigm of self-expansion is when you expand your sense of self to include others. Marriage is the ultimate opportunity for this, and having children allows for both you and your spouse to collectively expand outwards into the world even further. However, all forms of giving to others — whether it be giving time, love, money, or anything else — are self-expansion that allow you to expand your sense of self to include others.

There is an essential aspect of this category of happiness that is crucial to understand. Many people believe that growth and personal development will one day result in happiness. The mistake they make is thinking that happiness will only come once they reach their destination, i.e., once they achieve total perfection.

As a result, they end up miserable, longing

Gratitude: Mindset One of those keys is mindset. The same letters that make up the word b’simchah (with happiness) form the word machshavah (thought). This is because your thoughts, mindset, and attitude have a tremendous impact on your internal state of being. No matter how much you are growing and achieving, without the right attitude and mindset, you will not be happy. As simple as it sounds, making the decision to be happy is one of the greatest strategies for achieving happiness. We all know people who wait around for something great to “happen” to them, claiming that only when “such and such” happens will they be happy. Proactively deciding to be happy can fundamentally change the way you perceive happiness. Don’t wait for an external reason, just decide – independently – to be happy.

Beyond making the decision to live in a state of happiness, there are more con-

crete steps we can take to ensure that our mindset is conducive to a happy life. Living with an outlook of gratitude (hakaras ha’tov) – proactively looking for, recognizing, and appreciating the multitude of gifts in our lives – fundamentally changes our perspective on life. In truth, we don’t deserve to be alive in the first place. We never earned the right to exist. There was no guarantee that we would wake up today, and there is no guarantee that we will wake up tomorrow. There are many people who were here yesterday and yet are not here today. Our life is a gift, a constant gift from Hashem.

While we may know intellectually that our life is a gift from Hashem, it can be hard to fully internalize this idea. One way

includes all your organs, your emotional health, a working mind, a sense of identity, and the ability to choose greatness and grow. Each and every morning, when we say Modeh ani, we should feel as if we are meeting our hero – the One who saved our life. If we could genuinely feel the joy, gratitude, and bliss that comes from this realization, our lives would never be the same.

Giving The last key to happiness is recognizing that the goal of life is not only self-perfection but becoming part of something bigger than yourself, contributing your greatness to Klal Yisrael. When you are able to move outside of your own limited self and focus on becoming part of the klal, part of the

Making the decision to be happy is one of the greatest strategies for achieving happiness.

to do so is to think about our reaction when someone donates a kidney to someone else.

We look at a kidney donor as a hero and are we so moved, so touched by their heroic deed. This is because we are able to imagine what the recipient felt like. He didn’t have a kidney; he was lost, hopeless, and destined to die. Only because a generous, loving person decided to donate their kidney is he still alive. We poignantly feel the beauty of this gift, the gift of life, the fact that this boy now has the rest of his life in front of him. We thank this man for giving this recipient hope, a reason to believe, and another chance at life.

However, what if each and every one of us could have this feeling of complete and absolute love toward someone who gave us a life-saving organ? What if each and every one of us was in dire need of an organ transplant? What if we thought that we were on death’s door and then miraculously received a donation from a loving hero?

Wouldn’t we live differently and experience life in a whole new way?

Well, what if I told you that we do. We each think of our lives as our own, our bodies our own, our existence our own.

But they’re not; we have no right to live, to exist. We never earned it; it is a constant gift from Hashem! Each day, each moment, each second in this world is a gift. Every morning, we are in dire need of an organ transplant. Which organ? All of them! And every single morning, Hashem gives each one of us a complete life donation, which

collective community, you automatically feel an inner sense of happiness. (Focusing on self-awareness and personal growth is essential. The problem is only when this becomes one’s sole focus in life, becoming completely self-focused.) This is because the act of giving allows us to expand our sense of self. (This is also why the Hebrew word for love is “ahavah.” The root of this word is “hav,” which means to give. Only when you give can you experience true love and true oneness.)

This is why the Torah connects “happiness” to the chagim (holidays) in which the Jewish People were oleh la’regel – when they joined together as a collective whole in Yerushalayim. When we expand beyond our own personal struggles and problems and devote ourselves to others, our worries fade away and a rich sense of inner peace is left in its place. When we devote our lives to Klal Yisrael, our sense of self expands exponentially, and we feel an existential sense of happiness. Similarly, when we devote our lives to Hashem, we expand our sense of self infinitely, and our sense of happiness knows no bounds.

Serving Hashem with Happiness We now understand what it means to serve Hashem with happiness. This is accomplished when we realize that being a true eved Hashem – devoting our life to Hashem – is our purpose in life and should be the focus of all our self-devel-

opment. We can only be miserable while serving Hashem if we view it as a burden – when we do it robotically, out of habit, just going through the motions.1 When this happens, Hashem sends us challenges through the form of the curses, as a wakeup call. It is only when we realize that the sole way to fulfill our purpose and actualize our potential is by completely devoting ourselves to Hashem – to our Root, to our Source – that we can truly be happy. Happiness is neither a means nor an end; it is what manifests when you are becoming the person you are destined to become. In essence, happiness is a revelation that you are on the right track.

We don’t get to control our circumstances; we choose only how to respond.

Happiness is not the goal of life; living a life of truth is. But happiness is still important; it is the gift Hashem gives you when you are heading on the right path toward your higher goals in life. It is there to help you continue down the right path. Happiness comes from growth, from enjoying the process, from the right mindset, and from devoting our life toward something greater than ourselves.

May we be inspired to serve Hashem with genuine happiness and enjoy the process of becoming the very best that we can be.

As the Maharal explains, fulfilling a mitzvah isn’t simply obeying a command, as a soldier obeys the will of his commander.

Rather, it is a way for us to connect, spiritually and existentially, to Hashem, our source of existence.

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

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

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

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for a goal they will never achieve. This is because true perfection is impossible. We will never be perfect; we will never be a finished product; we will never be “done.”

These people often give up, or at the very least rush the process for the sake of reaching the end. The key is learning to enjoy the process of growth. There are always extremists – those who refuse to strive for perfection, and those who blindly chase after a state of perfection that can never exist. Once you realize that the goal of self-perfection is only there as a direction, as a means to create the journey of growth and self-development, you can find happiness in the process of becoming. We will never be perfect, but that’s OK; the goal is to become more and more perfect.

The vision and goal are important but only inasmuch as it helps create your journey of self-improvement. Happiness is when you live fully in the present moment of growth and becoming, enjoying every step of the process. In truth, you will never be “happy,” fully satisfied and in a state of existential bliss. You should constantly be happier as you embark on the journey of growth and becoming. The goal is not to be; it’s to become.

The essential complementary component of happiness is a deep sense of self-esteem. Genuine self-esteem stems from knowing who you are, what you must become, and the fact that you are on your way to becoming that person. When you know that you are fulfilling your potential and becoming the very best you can be, you will have such a rich sense of selfworth that you will glow with confidence and positivity.

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My Son, My Firstborn

By RaBBi Daniel Glatstein

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hroughout the Torah, we find the Jewish people referred to as Hashem’s children. But in one instance we note an even greater term of endearment: “firstborn.” This is found in Parshas Shemos (4:22), where Hashem instructs Moshe to tell Pharaoh, “B’ni bechori Yisrael, My firstborn son is Yisrael.” But this unique phraseology presents us with a problem. If the Jewish people are the firstborn, does that not imply that there is an additional child? The Chizkuni, in fact, comments on this pasuk that all of humanity are considered Hashem’s children; the Jewish people, however, are called Hashem’s firstborn.

R’ Elchanan Wasserman is bothered by this; he asks how it can be that all nations are Hashem’s children.

Doesn’t the pasuk in Parshas Re’eh state, “Banim atem l’Hashem Elokecheim, You are children of Hashem, your G-d” (Devarim 14:1)? The usage of the pronoun you makes it clear that the Jewish people — and only the Jewish people — can lay claim to the title “Hashem’s children.” In fact, the Mishnah (Pirkei Avos 3:18) uses specifically this pasuk to demonstrate the Jewish people’s uniqueness in being called “children”: “It is indicative of a greater love that it was made known to them that they are described as children of the Omnipresent, as it is said, ‘Banim atem l’Hashem Elokecheim, You are children of Hashem, your G-d.’”

R’ Elchanan asks, how can this be reconciled with the pasuk in Parshas Shemos that implies that while the Jews are the firstborn, all other nations are children as well? He answers by citing the words of Rabbeinu Bachya in Parshas Bo (Shemos 11:2). There, Hashem instructs the Jewish people to borrow valuables from their Egyptian neighbors. In referring to the Jews’ relationship with their neighboring Egyptians, the Torah says, “Ish mei’eis rei’eihu, each man of his friend” (Shemos 11:2). Jewish men should borrow valuables from their “friends.” It seems incongruous that the Egyptians should be referred to as the rei’im, friends, of the Jews.

The term “rei’im” is found several times throughout the Torah, in each instance referring to fellow Jews — most notably, “V’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha, You shall love your friend as yourself” (Vayikra 19:18). So why here do we find such an intimate term describing a nation with which we share no relationship?

Rabbeinu Bachya answers that prior to Matan Torah, the relationship between the Jews and all other nations was of a different dynamic. During that time, there was, in fact, a form of “brotherhood” between Klal Yisrael and all of humanity. However, that all changed with Matan Torah. We are taught that before offering the Torah to the Jewish people, Hashem presented it to the other nations of the world, all of whom rejected it. The moment

they rejected the Torah, says Rabbeinu Bachya, they severed their relationship with the Jewish people. From that day, they would no longer be considered “brothers” of the Jewish people.

Based upon this teaching of Rabbeinu Bachya, R’ Elchanan answers his question. If the nations’ rejection of the Torah precluded them from being considered brothers of the Jewish people, then, implicitly, it also caused them to forfeit the status of being Hashem’s children, as brotherhood is the natural consequence of sharing a common parent. From the Giving of the Torah and onward, only Klal Yisrael warranted that elevated status.

You and Only You

In the Mishnah (Avos 3:18) we are taught: Beloved is man, for he was created in the image [of Hashem]. It is indicative of a greater love that it was made known to him that he was created in the image [of Hashem], as it is said, “For in the image of G-d He made man” (Bereishis 9:6). Beloved is Yisrael, for they are described as children of the Omnipresent; it is indicative of a greater love that it was made known to them that they are described as children of the Omnipresent, as it is said, “You are children of Hashem, your G-d” (Devarim 14:1).

The Tosfos Yom Tov points to the verse quoted at the end of the Mishnah, “Banim atem l’Hashem Elokeichem, You are the children of Hashem, your G-d.” Why, asks the Tosafos Yom Tov, does the Mishnah choose to quote that pasuk to prove that we are the children of Hashem? Why not cite the pasuk “Bni bechori Yisrael, My firstborn son is Yisrael,” which is recorded earlier in the Torah?

The Tosfos Yom Tov provides two answers. First, he says, one might argue that that pasuk, “Bni bechori Yisrael, My firstborn son is Yisrael,” refers exclusively to the generation that was redeemed from Mitzrayim.

One might posit that that generation held a special status and warranted the titles “son” and “firstborn.” Future generations, however, may not be as elevated. For this reason, the Mishnah quotes the pasuk “Banim atem

l’Hashem Elokeichem,” which is written in the context of the commandment not to cut one’s skin in mourning over the loss of a loved one. Just as that commandment is eternally binding, so, too, the declaration of Banim atem l’Hashem Elokeichem is eternal.

The Tosfos Yom Tov presents a second answer in the name of the sefer Midrash Shmuel. The Mishnah cites the pasuk “Banim atem” over “Bni bechori,” writes the Midrash Shmuel, because “Banim atem” has an added element of speaking directly, in the second person. A pasuk in which Hashem speaks directly to the Jewish people, saying, “you are My children,” carries unique impact.

Rather than simply being an objective statement describing our relationship, it is Hashem telling us explicitly how much He cherishes us as His children. It is this additional affection that the Mishnah wishes to convey.

R’ Elisha Horowitz, in the sefer Bei Chayah, writes that the idea provided by R’ Elchanan Wasserman can serve as an additional explanation. The Mishnah chose the pasuk of “Banim atem” over “Bni bechori” because the latter is written after Matan Torah, when the term “children” refers to the Jewish people exclusively.

Only One True Son

R’ Elchanan Wasserman cites a pasuk in Sefer Yirmiyah (31:8) that seems to contradict his own theory. The pasuk uses the phrase, “V’Efraim bechori hu, Efraim is my firstborn.” In this context, Efraim is synonymous with Klal Yisrael, and although the time period discussed is after Matan Torah, it refers to the nation as the “firstborn,” implying that the other nations still have some status of being children of Hashem. This, writes R’ Elchanan, conflicts with the idea that only prior to Matan Torah were the nations of the world considered children.

Perhaps we can provide a different explanation for the term “Bni bechori Yisrael” that would answer R’ Elchanan’s initial question. In Parshas Shemos, Rashi comments on these words that the word “bechori” is to be interpreted as a lashon gedulah, a term connoting greatness. Meaning that in this instance where the Torah says, “Bni bechori Yisrael,” it does not mean, “My son, my firstborn”; rather, it means “My great son.” Thus, according to this interpretation, “bechor” is not interpreted as “firstborn,” and therefore one can no longer deduce that other nations have the status of children.

An additional explanation can be provided based on the Sforno’s interpretation. The Sforno writes that although when Mashiach comes, all the nations of the world will come to recognize Hashem’s existence, and will serve Him on some level, the Jewish people are called “Bni bechori Yisrael,” because they will remain apart, continuing to maintain an elevated status. This is

the world, but rather to the other Jewish souls who are considered children but not firstborn.

R’ Hutner writes that this explanation answers R’ Elchanan’s question. R’ Elchanan saw difficulty in that the inference from the words “My son, My firstborn” implies that the other nations are at least children, albeit

Six Hundred Thousand Firstborn

toRah anD onwaRD, only

Yet another explanation for the term “Bni bechori Yisrael” offered by R’ Yitzchak Hutner. He explains that the core body of the Jewish people will always be 600,000, the Torah’s tally of the Jewish people upon leaving Mitzrayim. This is not to say that there aren’t more than 600,000 Jewish souls, writes R’ Hutner.

There are, but they take on a secondary role. That is, within the institution of Klal Yisrael, there is a gradation composed of two levels: firstborn and children. The term “firstborn” relates to the 600,000 souls that were included in the count of the Exodus. It is meant to serve as a contrast, not to the nations of

FRom the GivinG oF the Klal yisRael waRRanteD that elevateD status. not firstborn. Based on R’ Hutner’s interpretation, this simply is not so. The term “bechori” is used in relation to fellow Jews, not to non-Jews.

The Sum and the Parts

In Chapter 1, we cited the Maharal, who said that the machlokes between R’ Yehudah and R’ Meir pertains

only to the individual. Regarding Klal Yisrael as a whole, however, all agree that they are called “children.” We find a similar distinction in the Alshich (Devarim 14). The Alshich quotes the two pesukim, “Bni bechori Yisrael” and “Banim atem L’Hashem Elokeicheim.” He writes that the term “bni,” in the singular, refers to the entirety of the Jewish people as a single entity. The term “banim” in the plural form, refers to every Jew as an individual.1 Using this differentiation from the Alshich, R’ Yisrael Goldman offers an additional answer to Tosfos Yom Tov’s question regarding the Mishnah’s usage of the pasuk “Banim atem l’Hashem Elokeichem” as proof of Klal Yisrael’s father-child relationship with Hashem rather than the pasuk “Bni bechori Yisrael.” R’ Goldman writes that from the pasuk “Bni bechori Yisrael” one might infer that only Klal Yisrael as a unit is called a child to Hashem. From the pasuk “Banim atem l’Hashem Elokeichem,” it becomes clear that each Jew as an individual is Hashem’s child.

According to this we can offer yet another answer to R’ Elchanan Wasserman’s question. The word bechori is not meant to imply that other nations are children. Rather, it means that as a unit, Klal Yisrael is considered a “firstborn.”

This contrasts with the individual Jew, who is called a “child,” but not necessarily a “firstborn.”

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This article has been excerpted from Rebbi Meir Baal Haness and the Eternal Children of Hashem by Rabbi Daniel Glatstein.

Rabbi Daniel Glatstein is the Mara D’asra of Kehilas Tiferes Mordechai in Cedarhurst, NY, and author of numerous seforim in Lashon Hakodesh and in English for ArtScroll. He is an international lecturer and maggid shiur. His thousands of recorded shiurim are available on Torahanytime.com, podcast, his website rabbidg. com, and other venues.

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because the Jewish people have always served Hashem; they didn’t need to wait for the revelation of Mashiach.

Since they were the first to serve Hashem, they are given the title “bechor.”

Once again, this interpretation bars the inference that other nations are called “children.” Bechor in this context does not mean the firstborn child; rather, it means the first to serve Hashem, millennia prior to the ultimate global recognition that will come in the days of Mashiach.

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Delving into the Daf

A Case of Pikuach Nefesh

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

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he Gemara recounts a story where the government sent two officers to a yeshiva to study Torah. The government wanted to find out if there was anything objectionable in the Torah. The yeshiva had no choice but to accept these new students. After the officers felt they had studied enough, they declared, “We have studied your entire Torah and found nothing wrong except for one matter. Your laws state that the Jewish owner of an ox that gores a Canaanite-owned ox is exempt from paying for any damages. However, a Canaanite must pay full damages if his ox gores a Jewish-owned ox.” The Meiri explains that the Canaanites were not careful about damages to anyone’s property but their own. Still, these two officers found that law to be objectionable. However, because of the warm and gracious treatment in the yeshiva that they experienced, the two officers stated that they will keep this matter a secret.

The Yam Shel Shlomo wonders why didn’t the rabbis of the time just falsely claim that the law was different? After all, if the two officers reported this law to the government, the government could have passed harsh and dangerous decrees against the Jewish nation. Now they had to rely on the graciousness of the two officers to keep their word that they would remain silent. Wouldn’t the falsehood have been justified in the face of pikuach nefesh? The Yam Shel Shlomo concludes from here that falsification of the Torah is absolutely forbidden under any circumstances. The rabbis were not allowed to lie and change the halacha even for the sake of preventing dangerous decrees.

During the Covid epidemic, some employees were forced to take the Covid vaccine or risk termination. Some people found the vaccine objectionable.

One way to escape from the mandatory vaccination was to obtain a religious

exemption. Someone knowledgeable in the Jewish religion wrote a five-page thesis explaining why the use of the vaccine was against Judaism. Though the author had some legitimate points, the majority of the reasons cited were fanciful concoctions. A local resident asked his Rav if he may use the letter to obtain a religious exemption. The Rav

nefesh allows one to transgress any aveira except for the three cardinal sins: Idolatry, forbidden relationships, and murder. However, as seen from the Yam Shel Shlomo, there are other aveiros that likewise can’t be violated.

The Gemara in Bava Kama (60b) states that Dovid HaMelech was unsure if he was allowed to steal or cause dam-

Ultimately, Rav Yaakov ruled that even a question of pikuach nefesh does not permit a chillul Hashem.

answered with an unequivocal, “No.” One may not falsify the laws of the Torah for any reason. This is in line with the Yam Shel Shlomo, that one may not concoct incorrect rulings of our sages even to escape from serious harm. The Rav, though, said that the legitimate parts of the thesis may, of course, be used.

The rule is usually that pikuach

age in a time of war. Many commentators are incredulous. Can it be that Dovid Hamelech’s army is in danger, and there is any prohibition that isn’t waived?! Tosfos concludes that the Gemara means that Dovid HaMelech was unsure if he had to pay restitution for damage caused by his army. However, Rashi, admittedly with an extreme mi-

nority view, seems to have understood the Gemarra literally. It is even possible that one is not allowed to steal even in the face of pikuach nefesh.

The Gemara states that it is better that one jump into a fiery furnace than to shame someone publicly. Some Rishonim understand this statement as somewhat hyperbolic. Of course, if actually faced with pikuach nefesh, one should rather embarrass his friend. Tosfos, however, understands the Gemara literally. This is another example of an aveira that is not waived in the face of pikuach nefesh. Tosfos, though, explains that embarrassing someone publicly was really already included among the big three sins. When someone is shamed, blood drains from his face, and that is tantamount to murder. That is why someone should actually jump into a fiery furnace rather than embarrass someone publicly.

Rabbi Paysach Krohn related that Rav Moshe Sherer, zt”l, had an idea to help a fellow Yid. Rav Moshe Sherer called Rav Yaakov Kamenetzky, zt”l, for guidance. It was deemed a matter of pikuach nefesh. Yet, Rav Yaakov said it was a serious question. Rav Sherer’s solution meant endorsing a Jewish candidate for Senate who didn’t stand for Jewish values. Ultimately, Rav Yaakov ruled that even a question of pikuach nefesh does not permit a chillul Hashem.

While the general rule is in fact that pikuach nefesh permits the violation of all aveiros except for the three cardinal sins, this rule has exceptions.

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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Headlines

Halacha

The Flowerpot Heist

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

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t could be called, “The Great Far Rockaway/Five Towns Flowerpot Heist.”

A while back, a number of thefts occurred over a period of a few days across Far Rockaway and the Five Towns.

Houses were hit on Doughty Blvd, on Central Avenue, Empire Avenue across from the White Shul, and on Beach 6th Street across from TAG Elementary.

What was stolen? House break-ins, cars or bicycles, no doubt?

No, this time it was flower planters, the type that one can sometimes purchase on sale at Costco for $25, but generally sell for $40 to $80. Some were annuals, such as petunias and marigolds; others were perennials, and some were biennials. No distinctions were made, no home immune – all types of flowerpots were stolen.

At first, the reaction was, “Who in their right mind would steal flowerpots?” One mother of four said, “I thought people who care about their garden are nice people. I cannot imagine them stealing!”

Neighbors and friends started talking. The realization soon crept in that some vast conspiracy or criminal plot was afoot – to deprive the homes of Far Rockaway and the Five Towns of their flower planters. After an inquiry was sent to members of a certain shul as to who was affected by the recent thefts, over forty emails were sent in response.

Neighbors joined together. A group of people met with representatives from the police department at the station.

Mystery Solved After the meeting, one of the victims unraveled the mystery. Apparently, an enterprising individual with no qualms about stealing opened up shop on Mott Avenue with a wide-ranging assortment of planters. The victim had spotted her very own planter!

Buying the Merchandise What is the halacha if someone had

paid for it from the thief. If not, people would be very wary of buying things.

Takanas HaShuk does not apply under all circumstances. If the thief was a famous and known robber, then the purchaser must return the value of the item without being compensated for it.

The rationale is that he should not be rewarded for dealing with a known thief.

Taking It Back Yourself

purchased one of these planters from the Mott Avenue “businessman”?

Do the new purchasers have to pay the original owner if the original owner is found? Do they have to return the planter? And finally, if you see your own planter, can you steal it back?

In order to understand the various opinions on the matter, there are three terms with which we need to fa milia r ize ourselves: The first term is “yiush” – the giving up of hope. Did the owners give up hope on their perennials or annuals – thinking that they will never see the poor flowers and their pot again?

The second term is “shinui reshus” – a shift in location. This term refers to the shift in the location of the stolen item from the possession of the thief to the possession of the purchaser.

The third term is “ganav mefursam” – a famous and known robber.

The Ramban and the Rambam There are three halachic positions in regard to the matter. The Ramban (Nachmanides in Milchamos 114a “Taida”) is of the position that the purchasers are the owners of the flowers when both yiush and shinui reshus occur.

The Ramban is of the opinion that it is

the yiush which affects the transfer of ownership. If the owner did not give up hope, then the purchaser must return the item.

The Rambam (Hilchos Genaiva 5:3) is of the opinion that it is the location transfer that affects the change in ownership. However, there is a technicality – a condition that it will only be effective if the item’s original owner underwent yiush – if he gave up hope on ever having his item retrieved.

The difference between the Ramban’s position and that of the Ramban lies in when the yiush occurred. According to the Rambam, if the yiush occurred even after the purchaser bought the item, the change in ownership is officially considered to have transpired.

According to the Ramban, if the yiush occurred after it came into the purchaser’s hands, it is ineffective.

The Shulchan Aruch in Choshain Mishpat 353:3 rules in accordance with the opinion of the Rambam.

There is also something called “Takanas HaShuk,” which means a special enactment that the rabbis made in order to maintain market stabilities.

The original owner is allowed to take back the item from the new purchaser if he gives him back what he had

What about the question of taking back the planter? One of the Far Rockaway residents did, in fact, spot her planter. To answer this question, we must turn to an earlier section of the Shulchan Aruch.

There is a concept discussed in the halacha (See Shulchan Aruch Choshain Mishpat 4:1) called “adam oseh din l’atzmo” – that, if one has the proof necessary for one to win in court, one may get the item back oneself by physically taking it back from the thief. This is not necessarily the most advisable thing, however, in regard to a 110-pound Far Rockaway housewife whose planter may have been stolen by a 190-pound Mott Avenue entrepreneur. It may also be a violation of local Dina D’Malchusa, too. The Shulchan Aruch, however, rules (also in CM 4:1) that she [or he] may even be allowed to physically beat up the thief in getting back the item in question.

There are limitations, however, to oseh din l’atzmo – one cannot hire gentiles to do the job, according to the Trumas HaDeshen (responsa 304).

So, if our housewife does want to get it back, she may have to face the entrepreneur all alone. Once again, though, the reader is advised not to try this by oneself.

This article should be viewed as a halachic discussion and not practical advice. The author can be reached at yairhoffman2@ gmail.com.

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Alon’s Piano

By Rafi Sackville

Alon at his piano

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few weeks ago, TJH published an article I wrote about Dov Kogan, a young neighbor of ours, who fell in battle. I described the strength and resilience of his young wife, Shaked, and how inspiring she is.

Last week, I met another inspirational woman, Idit Ohel, whose son Alon was taken hostage on October 7. Alon’s capture has forced her and her family to assume roles they never envisioned before the start of the war; to be among the many families of those taken to act as ambassadors at large both here and abroad in order to press for the release of their loved ones.

One of Idit’s first acts was to bring Alon’s piano into what has become known as The Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. Partially painted in yellow and adorned with a sculptured top that reads “You Are Not Alone,” the piano has been played by scores of the public. The piano is more than a symbol of how Alon loves music; it represents the attitude that Idit and her family have spread wherever they go. It has become a symbol of harmony, of love, of optimism.

Idit teaches in our school in Kfar Vradim. She is naturally energetic and positive in outlook. While she’s out in the world, she doesn’t allow herself to succumb to feelings of depression and sadness. Those moments – and she admits she has many – she does so in the privacy of her home.

She had come to school with her 19-year-old son Ronen to talk about Alon and her family’s efforts to work for his release. Her talk to students revealed not

much more information than is already public. She has given talks like this before.

What wasn’t expected were the very personal and specific questions asked by the students. They know Idit. They are eighth graders. They weren’t attending a speech that benefitted them no more than a net worth of information. Instead, they could be direct in their questions. Which is why from the moment she and her son began taking questions, their story became immediate and personal to all in attendance.

The family has no idea what is happening to Alon, where he is, or with whom.

The only concrete information they have is from a friend of his who was injured on October 7 and confirmed that Alon was taken. There’s also a video of his being taken that proves at the time that he was physically okay.

In answer to a question about the changes in their lives, Idit said, “We accept that who Alon is today is not who he will be when he gets out. As for us, our lives have changed. That is obvious. We have suddenly become diplomats, flying to G8 countries like Japan to talk to government ministers. We are active in doing things we never believed we’d have to do. Alon has given us the opportunity to disseminate the story of those who were taken out into the world.”

When asked how they stay so positive, Idit replied, “We look upon this period of our lives with great positivity. How could we not? I’m not the same person, none of those affected are the same.”

Alon’s piano in Hostage Square in Tel Aviv

Addressing the students, she stressed that they, too, are not the same since the war began.

“No, I do not have any controls about where Alon is or what is being done to him, whether he is eating or not. However, I can control to what kind of house he will return to.

“He will return to a house of strength, of love, of giving. And I hope this is true of the country; that all those returning will be received with love by a country that we feel safe in, a country which doesn’t abandon its children, a home that protects its children. I will not stop working towards their return…alive. I want to reiterate…alive.”

Idit described her family as very musical. All her children play instruments. Alon was constantly on the piano. Ronen then played an inspirational song on guitar.

One thing that Idit said struck a note with me. She doesn’t refer to the hostages by that name. She insists on calling them “returnees.” She explained that words have power.

“If I call them hostages, I remain embedded in October 7th; I remain with the fact that they were taken and remain hostages. That’s looking in the past. I therefore have to relate to Alon as if he is returning. I create this reality by carefully choosing my words; I choose the reality I want to live in.”

I recalled my late rav, Harav Lifshitz from Sadnat Enosh in Jerusalem, once asking me how many mitzvot there were.

Idit Ohel, Alon’s mother, wearing a t-shirt with his photo

I gave the stock reply of 613. “No,” he told me. “There is only one mitzvah, the mitzvah you are doing now. What you did in the past remains there. What you do in the future is yet to occur. You must live in the moment. That’s why there is only one mitzvah.”

The rav and Idit’s outlooks are similar.

I am a religious Jew. I spend my life between minyanim and shiurim. In times of crisis, we express ourselves in tefillot and the saying of Tehillim. I have no right to determine how a person should mourn or show grief. It is not for me to impose my view of the world on people who see it differently than me. Idit and her family express themselves as they do through positive thinking and music. She is as inspirational to me as young Shaked I wrote about, who lost her husband Dovi in the first days of the war.

Says Idit, “I miss Alon. It pains me that he isn’t with us. I feel it with every passing minute of the day. But this longing and pain don’t prevent me from doing things.

These sad feelings rest upon my shoulders, but they don’t stop me from being active, from being positive.

“If we can put this pain aside so that it doesn’t lock us down, we can go forward in life.”

Idit’s is a lesson for us all; a cautionary tale of what can befall us if we do not remain positive.

Rafi Sackville, formerly of Cedarhurst, teaches in Ort Maalot in Western Galil.

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Rav Matisyahu Salomon zt”l Understanding the Loss

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

R

av Elya Ber Wachtfogel, shlita, once observed his father, Rav Nosson Wachtfogel, zt”l, the Mashgiach of BMG in Lakewood, in a remarkable state of joy and simcha. Rav Elya Ber asked him, “What is the cause of such elation?”

Rav Wachtfogel zt”l responded, “I am in a state of joy that the famed Mashgiach of the Gateshead Yeshiva, Rav Mattisyahu Solomon, will be joining us in the Lakewood Yeshiva. I anticipate great things to come, b’ezras Hashem, and that is why I am so happy.”

And great things did come. Great things that Klal Yisroel will so sorely miss.

Rav Matisyahu, zt”l, clarified matters of mussar and Torah to thousands and thousands of people, and through his insights, knowledge and love influenced us all.

“What is the inyan of kavod HaTorah?” he would ask. “Among other things, by us showing kavod to a person or to any other matter of Torah, we are machshir ourselves to become influenced by that person to receive ao from that person or from that matter of Torah.”

He would say, What is the idea of “Talmud meivi li’ydei Maaseh, that studying Torah brings us to action”? It is only true if we approach it with binas halev, understanding of the heart. If we approach Torah like we would approach any other area of knowledge, chas v’shalom, it would have no impact.

Aside from his duties in the Yeshiva, Rav Matisyahu involved himself in communal matters and also with people – with individuals. He had a unique love for people.

He motivated. He consoled. He stimulated.

He inspired. And he advised.

He did it to talmidei chachomim. To Kollel wives. To mechanchim. He did it to tzubrocheneh menschen, and he did it to everyday regular people.

A father had lost his precious child. Rav Matisyahu advised him to use his talents and abilities to help bring about greater emunah to Klal Yisroel. He gave him brachos and encouragement. He told him, “I know you have the kochos to implement this project.” The man was simultaneously consoled and inspired.

The Mashgiach once asked: the Mid-

rash tells us that Hashem posed the question to all of the other nations whether they wanted the Torah. They all inquired as to what was written in it. And most everyone is familiar Klal Yisroel’s answer of “Naaseh v’Nishma.” But what would have happened if Klal Yisroel did not answer in this manner? What would have happened if we had said, “What is written in it?”

Rav Matisyahu answered this question in the name of another one of his rebbeim, Rav Leib Gurvitz. He said that Hashem would have said the laws of lashon harah and rechilus are written in it. But if it was so hard, how then could we have managed to say, “Naaseh v’Nishma”? He answered that we knew that Hashem would give us the strength and capacity to overcome the everyday challenges involved. We have that ability within us – all of us have it.

What motivation! What inspiration!

This was the Mashgiach.

To mechanchim, the Mashgiach quoted the Gemara in Sukkah 49b which explained, “Toras chessed al leshonah.” The Gemara asks, “And is there a Torah of chessed and a Torah that is not of chessed?”

The Gemara answers that it is a Torah of chessed when it is studied l’shmah, and not of “chessed” when it is studied shelo l’shmah, with the improper intent. Rav Matisyahu delved further and asked, “But the first opinion needs more clarification – why is it still called Toras Chessed just because it is l’shmah?” He answered based upon Rav Chaim Volozhin who says (Nefesh HaChaim 4:11) that if, chalilah, the world would be bereft of Torah for one moment, it would be destroyed. “You, mechanchim, who teach Torah l’shmah and spread it – you are holding up the world!”

What chizuk, what encouragement, to mechanchim who teach Torah to Klal Yisroel!

When Rav Matisyahu first arrived in the United States, he spoke at an Agudath Yisroel sponsored CLE (Continuing Legal Education), which is mandated for lawyers to maintain their credentials. Agudah rented a hotel conference room in Queens, had catered meals, and brought gedolim and poskim to the conference, making it a simultaneous Torah learning experience as well. Rav Matisyahu, fresh from

mitzvos, even mitzvos that were uniquely his. And he had done so thousands of times! Why then was he so saddened?”

Rav Matisyahu answered with a mashal. Imagine a man who had achieved arichas yamim of 100 years. He does not say, “Listen, I have lived one hundred years and I have breathed so many times. What do I need to continue breathing for? To Aharon HaKohen, each unique mitzvah was life itself!”

This is the inspiration that we must all take from Aharon HaKohen’s reaction.

Each mitzvah is as precious as life itself.

Mitzvos are what powers our lives.

Rav Matisyahu adopted the Kelm Mussar of his Rebbe, Rav Elya Lopian. Kelm, of course, was the Yeshiva where the Alter of Slabodka had studied and the Yeshiva where the Alter had sent Rav Yeruchem Levovitz. It was the Yeshiva that was founded by Rav Simcha Zissel Ziv, zt”l, one of the primary students of Rav Yisroel Salanter, zt”l who had started the Mussar Movement. Rav Matisyahu would explain that Rav Yisroel Salanter had conceived of the idea of “Sfasayim Dolkos – Lips Aflame,” that the study of Mussar should be done in an emotional manner – with a unique singsong so that the concepts and

ideals of the mussar of Torah would penetrate the heart.

He himself studied Mussar in this manner and tried to inspire others to do the same. He printed an article to this effect in the 7th volume of Chizuk that is published

by Dirshu (2007).

A number of years ago, at the dedication ceremony of the matzeivah for the Kedoshim that were murdered at Kelm, there was a gathering of mashgichim of all of the Yeshivos. Rav Matisyahu sang the “Adon Olam” in such a tearful dirge – it was so tearful that there was not a dry eye at the gathering. And yet his “Adon Olam” conveyed such depth of emunah B’Hashem that all present were deeply impacted as well. He sang it as well at the rededication of the matzeivah for Rav Yisroel Salanter, zt”l, which had been re-found in the city of Koenigsberg which was in the former Germany but now in Russia.

Rav Matisyahu had once said that whoever says, “After the Holocaust, I stopped believing in Hashem,” is lying. He never had true emunah in the first place.” Someone asked Rav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, about this and asked if it was halachically valid to the degree that his shechita would be pasul for all shechitas past. Rav Chaim

responded that hakol l’fi haInyan, which apparently meant that Rav Matisyahu did not mean absolutely everyone; it is just that the person is looking for an excuse.

Rav Matisyahu, zt”l, absorbed and transmitted matters of mussar and inspiration from wherever he saw it. Even though he was from a thoroughly Litvish background, he imbibed yiras Hashem and ahavas Hashem from other Torah sources as well.

Once, while in Manhattan, he happened to meet the son-in-law of the author of the Nesivos Shalom. Excitedly, he told him, “I am not in the position to evaluate what that Sefer has had on our generation, but I do know the incredible influence and effect it has had upon me personally. To this day, I have been thoroughly impacted by that remarkable sefer.”

Rav Matisyahu was not just the Mashgiach of Beis Medrash Gavoah in Lakewood, he was all of Klal Yisroel’s mashgiach. He was the father, the zeideh, and Mashgiach of us all wrapped in one unique individual and personality all in one. He will be sorely missed.

The author can be reached yairhoffman2@gmail.com.

at

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England, spoke and said the following encouraging words: “It is absolutely remarkable that baal habattim such as yourselves have gathered here for no other purpose other than to learn Torah l’shmah!” I was sitting next to Reb Chaim Dovid Zweibel and had asked him, “You didn’t tell explain to Rav Solomon that this was CLE?” He answered, “I thought he knew!” Regardless, we see that Rav Matisyahu’s very mahus, the very fiber of his being, was to inspire and encourage others. This is true tzidkus and ahavas Yisroel.

He once told a wealthy gvir that the true purpose of money – that Hashem made people very wealthy – was so that they could be mekadesh Shaim Shamayim with their money. And then came the chizuk, the inspiration. He informed the gvir how what he did sanctified Hashem’s Name immensely.

Rav Matisyahu had a unique ability to explain things with mashalim. In Parshas Bahaloscha, Rashi explains that Aharon HaKohen was deeply saddened that he did not partake in the dedication of the Mishkan like the Nesiim had done. Rav Matisyahu asked, “Why was Aharon HaKohen so sad? He had partaken in so many other

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Israel Today

10 Lessons for a Better 2024

By Martin Oliner

I

n the Talmud’s tractate Megilla, Abayei says the reason we read about the Jewish people’s curses before Rosh Hashanah is so that the curses will be contained in the year that we are leaving behind.

The wisdom of the Talmudic sage is evident as we depart from 2023, the worst calendar year for Israel and the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

It was a year in which both Israelis and Diaspora Jews fought too much internally until our enemies reminded us – as they have throughout history – that we have no choice but to remain united.

It was a year in which both Israeli and American Jewish leaders were surprised by devastating dangers bubbling beneath the surface that they had been ignoring for too long, with disastrous results.

It was a year in which both Hamas and antisemites in the United States (and all over the world) stopped hiding their genocidal intentions and revealed them with pride and no shame.

Now that year is finally over, we are entering a year that, while we pray will be much better for Israel and the Jewish people, could still turn out to be even worse if wrong decisions are made.

Here are 10 lessons that must be learned to ensure a better 2024.

1. Our enemies mean what they say:

When the leaders of Hamas tell the sympathetic international media that they want to initiate more October 7s until Israel is destroyed, they are very serious.

Three Israeli prime ministers over the past few years acted under the assumption that Hamas wanted to cooperate with Israel in helping Gaza economically, so they facilitated Qatar’s billions going to Hamas and increased the number of Gazan workers entering Israel. From now on, we will act upon what our enemies do and say, not our own wishful thinking.

2. Defeat Hezbollah to prevent October 7 on steroids: The firepower of Hezbollah dwarfs that of Hamas, which not only got away with massacres inside Israel but has also managed to keep Israel at war for three months. If they can do that without precision missiles targeting Israel, imagine what Hezbollah can do with 150,000 missiles and rockets, including guided missiles ready to strike the most sensitive military and civilian targets in Israel.

Hezbollah must be eliminated or its missiles destroyed to end an existential threat to Israel when it is already weakened from war. The best way to prevent Hezbollah and Hamas from attacking Israel again is to sanction Iran effectively. Jewish organizations must pressure the world for necessary economic sanctions against

Iran, the adversary that funds attacks on the U.S. by the Houthis and others.

3. Condition reconstruction on “educational reconstruction”: The entire world will want to see Gaza rebuilt in the year ahead. But Israel holds the key to facilitate the reconstruction and must not permit it without parallel educational reconstruction. Israel must use its leverage to insist that the people of Gaza are taught a curriculum with a culture of peace and tolerance, which was part of the basis of the Abraham Accords.

The failures of UNRWA, which taught Gazan children to hate Jews and worship martyrs, cannot be allowed to be repeated by the international community when Gazan kids go back to school after the war.

4. Insist on ending antisemitic policies on campuses: Following the shameful antisemitism displayed by the presidents of three top American universities, there is finally momentum toward ending discriminatory policies that have harmed Jewish students for decades.

The time has come for the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs on campus that have encouraged antisemitism and have gotten out of control: While other bigotry is not tolerated, antisemitism has been permitted. The top U.S. Jewish organizations must make restoring a meritocracy in

American higher education the cornerstone of their strategy for the year ahead, a lesson learned from their past failures which have been revealed by the unfortunate surprises following October 7.

5. Stop Qatar from dictating policies and selecting professors in the U.S.: While antisemitic tropes about Jews controlling universities with money are false, that accusation is actually true of Qatar, which annually gives Hamas hundreds of millions and allocates billions to America’s top universities. Cornell University, where my grandson courageously stands up for Israel, received $1.8 billion to open a medical school in Qatar. Qatar uses its money to dictate university policies and who teaches students their narratives about the Middle East. Tenure for faculty must be eliminated while the federal government takes action to revamp the system before it is too late.

6. Zero tolerance for holding our cities hostage: The pro-Hamas protests in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have been treated with kid gloves, as if antisemitism is a justified reason to paralyze America’s largest cities. They began after theft in stores in inner cities became tolerated. The masked hoodlums who have closed highways near our airports must be arrested and significantly punished before they become

rod and Esau hated his brother Jacob.

Google searches for “kill Jews” are up 1,800%; “Hitler was right” up 120%; and “why are Jews bad” up 450%. American children must be taught the dangers of the oldest form of discrimination, which is also the most prevalent in America.

Antisemitism cannot be eradicated but

tisemitism. Just like we don’t send our kids into a dangerous neighborhood in an inner city, we need to recognize the dangers of campuses. Israel education must begin way before Birthright Israel. It must be compulsory for bar and bat mitzvah students in synagogues of every religious stream in the U.S., from

When the leaders of Hamas tell the sympathetic international media that they want to initiate more October 7s until Israel is destroyed, they are very serious.

it can be dealt with constantly and effectively to practically learn lessons from the Holocaust. This could increase deterrence against hatred of Jews before kids arrive on campus.

9. Make Israel education the basis for a bar mitzvah: Jewish students arrive on college campuses nowhere near ready to defend Israel and confront an-

Reform to Haredi, from Los Angeles to Lawrence to Lakewood. In most Reform and Conservative synagogues, leverage over the kids to learn who they are ends with their party at 13, so inspiring Israel education must become a prerequisite for the party.

10. Improve Jewish education in Israel, too: While it is true that more To-

rah is being learned in the Land of Israel than at any time in history, there are also more uninformed Jews than ever.

The atrocities of October 7 that did not differentiate between the most religiously observant and secular Israeli Jews should inspire a Jewish reawakening. If being Jewish is a reason to be murdered, Israelis uneducated about Torah Judaism must seek out why it is also a reason to live. Non-coercive and inspiring education must be offered in the secular education stream and entertaining adult education programs should spread in secular communities across Israel.

If all of these lessons are learned and implemented, perhaps 2024 will be remembered as the year when blessings began and the curses finally ended.

Martin Oliner is chairman of the Religious Zionists of America, chairman of the Center for Righteousness and Integrity, president of the Culture for Peace Institute, and a committee member of the Jewish Agency. He was appointed by former U.S. president Donald Trump as a member of the US Holocaust Memorial Council. He is also the former mayor of Lawrence, NY.

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role models for uninformed college kids who attend pro-Hamas protests on campus without knowing where the river and the sea are located. The antisemitic protests will spread across America and spiral out of control if a heavier hand is not dealt immediately.

7. Don’t accept Israel as an excuse for hating Jews: There has always been open hatred of Jews in America from both fringes, but traditional Judeo-Christian values have always been the American way. What is happening now is that unabashed antisemitism has entered the mainstream, with Israel being used as an excuse. Israel is not a reason for antisemitism, it is merely a symptom. In the 75 years after the Holocaust it was held at bay but no longer.

The IHRA definition of antisemitism includes holding the average Jew in America accountable for Israel’s policies. This can no longer be allowed to be socially acceptable. We are at a crossroads that could result in Jews no longer feeling welcome in the US unless action is taken immediately.

8. Teach America about the danger of antisemitism: Antisemitism has been around since the first Jew, Abraham, was thrown in a fiery furnace by Nim-

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Israel Today

Standing Up For National Unity and National Survival Oct. 7 shattered the founding myth of the so-called peace process with the PLO – that there were “extremists” and “moderates” on both sides.

By Caroline Glick

A

lot has changed in Israel since Oct. 7, but a lot has also stayed the same.

What has changed is exemplified in the actions of the Kalmanzon brothers, members of the religious community of Otniel in the South Hebron Hills, on Oct. 7.

On Oct. 7, Elhanan Kalmanzon, a reserve major in the Commando Brigade and a Mossad officer, realized almost immediately that Israel was being invaded. He organized the security team in Otniel and messaged his brother Menachem.

“I’m packing up and going south. The nation of Israel needs us. Our brothers need us.”

Menachem joined Elchanan, and with their brother-in-law Itiel Zohar Horovitz, they drove down south, ending up at the gate of Kibbutz Be’eri.

Be’eri was one of Hamas’s primary targets for slaughter. Ninety-seven members of the small farming community were butchered that day. Greeting them at the entry gate were terrified residents.

“My sister is inside.”

“My brother is inside.”

“Please save them.”

The Kalmanzon brothers and Horovitz found an abandoned armored personnel carrier and entered the kibbutz. For 14 and a half hours, they went from house to house, rescuing families through the windows of their safe rooms, filling their vehicle, driving to safety, and returning to the farming community-turned-killing-field, over and over again.

On their final trip into Be’eri, after having saved more than a quarter of the residents, Elhanan was killed as he entered another home.

A delegation of members of Be’eri came to Otniel to pay a condolence call to the Kalmanzon family during their shivah.

In the course of their meeting, Menachem

sands of “civilians.” These Palestinian “moderates” were full participants in the atrocities committed that day.

On the other hand, the people who arrived at the scene to save them, unbidden, were the Kalmanzon brothers from Otniel who were supposed to be their enemies.

Since the ground operation began in Gaza, 45% of the soldiers killed in action have come from the religious Zionist community whose members comprise only 10% of the overall population.

Shift in the Ideological Landscape

praised the heroism and the hardened courage of the residents of Be’eri.

“There were 70-year-old women there.

We’d offer them a hand to help them down [from the window].”

Swatting his hand in the air, as if pushing a fly away, Menachem continued, “This 70-year-old woman said, ‘No thank you.’

She’s a tough woman, a woman of labor.

We laughed together and, ‘If they told you to go to the cow shed and do the morning milking in half an hour, you’d be off.’”

Progressivism, Post-Zionism Be’eri and the surrounding kibbutzim were founded by hardcore Labor Zionists. They believed that the Jewish people would liberate themselves from two thousand years of exile and powerlessness, build their state and secure their freedom into the future through hard work, hard fighting and collective farming. They aspired to build a Jewish socialist state.

Over the years, as they became prosperous, their socialism dissipated. Zion-

ism, it seemed, had finished its job. Socialism was superseded by progressivism, Zionism by post-Zionism.

Like the residents of neighboring kibbutzim, Be’eri’s members believed in coexistence with the Palestinians. They thought the biggest threat to that coexistence was people like the Kalmanzon brothers, who are religious and live in Judea or Samaria. They believed in the founding myth of the so-called peace process with the PLO—that there were “extremists” on both sides. The supposedly “moderate” PLO ruling Fatah faction had its “extremists” in Hamas. The “moderate” Israeli elite, of which the kibbutzim outside Gaza were very much a part, had its “extremist” religious Zionists, otherwise known as “settlers.” To reach peace, the “moderates” on both sides had to defeat their “extremists.”

Oct. 7 shattered that illusion. Hamas didn’t slaughter the people of Be’eri and surrounding communities on its own. It was joined by Fatah terrorists and thou-

The slaughter of Oct. 7 provoked a radical shift in the ideological landscape in Israel. On the left, the revision was led by the refugees from Be’eri and the other kibbutzim that were subjected to Hamas’s one-day genocide and saved by men they had seen as their greatest foes.

More and more, the determination and pioneering spirit that the Kalmanzon brothers saw in the faces of the people of Be’eri has returned to the hearts of their communities and ideological partners.

They returned to the Zionism they thought they no longer needed. The universalist progressive creeds that convinced them the monsters who invaded their homes were really just like them have been cast aside. And just as Elchanan told Menachem “our brothers need us” and drove to Be’eri, so the people of Be’eri now realize that religious Zionists are their brothers, not their enemies.

This state of affairs was captured in a survey carried out by the Direct Polls agency and reported last week on Channel 14.

The poll showed that in the aftermath of Oct. 7, 44% of Israelis, including 30% of leftists, said their views have shifted to the right. And whereas the public was split

The Supreme Court During the 10 months that preceded Oct. 7, the most polarizing issue on the national agenda was the question of the proper role of the Supreme Court in Israel’s democratic system. For the past 30 years, in a series of groundbreaking decisions, activist, progressive and post-Zionist Supreme Court justices led by retired Supreme Court President Aharon Barak enacted what Barak referred to as the “judicial revolution.”

The Netanyahu government that entered office in late December 2022 was pledged to reform the judiciary in a manner that would restore the court’s position as a co-equal branch of government. Justice Minister Yariv Levin presented the government’s exceedingly limited program of reform weeks after being sworn in. His speech provoked a ferocious response.

Aharon Barak spoke of civil war and so incited one. Barak’s successor, Supreme Court President Esther Hayut, stopped just short of declaring war on the government and its supporters. The furor they stoked quickly penetrated the IDF officer corps and intelligence services as officers in elite units signed letters pledging not to serve under the Netanyahu government.

In the interest of lessening internal division and rancor, the government set aside almost every one of its proposed reforms. It moved forward with only one bill. The bill—an amendment to Basic Law: Judiciary, which sets out the basis for the operation of Israel’s court system— placed a minor limit on the court’s arrogated power to cancel duly promulgated laws.

In the past, Barak himself admitted that the court has no power to cancel Basic Laws, since they are the source of

the court’s powers. All the same, Hayut immediately accepted a petition calling for her and her colleagues to cancel the amendment. Marathon hearings were carried out in mid-September, just a month before Hayut and Justice Anat Baron were set to retire at the mandatory age for judges of 70. Under the law, Hayut and Baron are only permitted to sign onto judgments until January 16 and January 12, respectively, three months after their retirements.

Hayut’s decision to use her last weeks of residual power to issue her judgment has been likened to throwing a hand grenade into a crowded IDF barrack.

The government and Knesset responded to Hayut’s hand grenade by saying they would not respond until the war is over.

Failed Politicians and Generals Hayut’s allies—the same failed politicians and generals who incited the year-long riots—are using her assault to

And just as Elchanan told Menachem “our brothers need us” and drove to Be’eri, so the people of Be’eri now realize that religious Zionists are their brothers, not their enemies.

Last week, someone at the court leaked one of its draft decisions to political commentator Amit Segal. Segal reported that the 15-member court is split 8-7 in favor of canceling the amendment to Basic Law: The Judiciary. The two deciding votes are Hayut’s and Baron’s. If the judgment is issued after the three months is up, the amendment will be upheld.

Ironically, in her draft ruling, Hayut argues that the parliamentary vote on the amendment, which was passed by a 64-56 majority in the 120-member Knesset—was too close to be “legitimate,” and therefore, cannot stand.

In the aftermath of Oct. 7, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed his arch-rival, former Defense Minister Benny Gantz, and his party into the emergency government and the War Cabinet. Gantz spoke for the public when he explained that the partnership was not political but rather a “fellowship in fate.”

When Gantz brought his party into the Netanyahu government, the first thing they agreed to do was to postpone all discussion of legal reform until after the war.

Recognizing that the dispute was serious because the issue is serious, Netanyahu and Gantz agreed it was essential to set it aside to keep the public unified.

Their determination to put unity above even the most critical issues on the national agenda, including the form of Israel’s democratic system, reflected the will of the public. The Direct Polls survey last week showed that for 62% of the public, the top goal for the day after the war is ushering in a period of national reconciliation.

sow demoralization and reinstate their anti-government protests in the midst of the current war.

Former IDF Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. (res.) Dan Halutz, who oversaw the 2005 expulsion of all Jews from Gaza and

the destruction of their communities in the framework of Israel’s withdrawal from the Strip and then led Israel to military defeat in the Second Lebanon War in 2006, declared last week that Israel has lost the Hamas war. He called for the left to wage a civil war and promised that victory will come when Netanyahu leaves power.

In his eulogy to his son Elhanan, Rabbi Binyamin Kalmanzon said, “Our sacred country is now experiencing one of the gravest crises in its history. The order of the day is unity! Disagreement can become a lethal bacterium, bacteria that escalate every possible disagreement. All ill will causes needless hatred.

“The enemy picked up our discord and division and convinced itself that this is the time to defeat us. For the sake of humanity, in the name of love of humanity and repairing the world, for the infants and the elderly, for the women and children, we must expunge this murderous evil.”

The mission of Israeli society today is to keep faith with the people of Be’eri and with the Kalmanzon brothers. We must marginalize the forces in our society who seek to divide us even at the cost of national destruction, set aside our differences, and work together towards victory at all costs. (JNS)

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more or less evenly on the question of the desirability of a Palestinian state on Oct. 6, after the massacre of Oct. 7, only 30% of Israelis (including Israeli Arabs) believe it is possible to reach an agreement with the Palestinians. Ninety percent of Israelis (including Israeli Arabs) do not trust the Palestinians.

On the eve of the massacre, Israeli society was riven by division and internecine hatred more bitter and dangerous than the state had previously experienced in its 75year history. For 10 months, led by former and serving Supreme Court justices; disgruntled, politically radical retired generals and prime ministers; and the media, the left had waged an insurgency against the legitimacy of the democratically-elected Netanyahu government and its voters.

nspiration Nation

The Jewish Home | JANUARY 4, 2024

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Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff The Mysteries of Moshiach

By Eliyahu RosEnBERg

F

ew subjects generate as much curiosity and fascination as does the topic of Moshiach. Who is Moshiach? When will the redemption come?

What will happen in the End of Days?

These questions and more have been explored for thousands of years, illuminating times of darkness, and bringing hope in times of despair.

But Moshiach isn’t, by any stretch of

the imagination, just some fun idea to occasionally ponder. Rather, the idea of redemption is a principle so essential to Judaism that we’re obligated to make it a part of our daily lives. As Rava explains in Shabbos 31a, when one departs from this world, the deceased is asked several questions by the Heavenly court, including if they eagerly anticipated and looked forward to the coming of Moshi-

In His Words…

The world is crazy, but everyone knows deep down inside that it’s going to get better. There’s an end, there’s a punchline, and just like in the Purim story, which is the perfect metaphor for the arrival of Moshiach, it can all turn around in the blink of an eye. it’s gonna be oK – hang on.

”

We’re not going to reach [year] 6000; [Moshiach’s] going to come much earlier. it’s happening very, very soon.

”

We have the ability to expedite Moshiach’s arrival by doing a number of things. There are two areas to focus on: bein

adam l’chavero – work on the lashon hara – and shabbat... olam haba is one long shabbat… get practice in disconnecting in order to connect.

”

ach, every single day.

Would it be an overstatement to say that Moshiach is one of, if not the most relevant, subject for the modern-day Jew? Wouldn’t it make sense for yeshiva students to learn about the geulah on a daily basis? After all, half of the Shemoneh Esrei is spent davening for Moshiach, two out of the thirteen principles of faith are about it, and nearly every dvar Torah ends in wishing for the redemption, and yet, so many people go through the yeshiva system and end up not knowing very much about Moshiach.

Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff was one such student. For most of his youth, he had little to no interest in the topic of Moshiach, with any vague mentions of the matter just flying right over his head.

“I grew up in yeshiva. I learned Gemara every day,” said Rabbi Hajioff, “and I just knew nothing about Moshiach.”

Then one day, something clicked.

After returning from his studies in Israel, he began attending Manchester University in England. One day, a young Lawrence Hajioff was sitting alone on a bus when in walked an Anglican priest.

“You know that feeling when you’re on a bus and it’s empty, and someone gets on and you know they’re going to sit next to you? This guy makes a beeline right for me, sits right next to me.”

And so, the two began talking. The priest started asking questions about Dovid HaMelech, Moshiach, and related topics, and unsurprisingly, Rabbi Ha-

jioff, at the time, had no idea how to answer, and so he just gave a few generic explanations.

While the priest was satisfied with the answers, Rabbi Hajioff was not, for the interaction sparked within him a curiosity he had never felt before. Fast forward quite some time, and after extensively studying the sources and compiling information about Moshiach, he began teaching classes on the topic. At first, he had enough content for one or two classes, and then for a ten-part series, and then for a whole book. Rabbi Hajioff’s book, titled The Future, was released in 2018 and has served as a “guide to the Jewish Messiah, Israel, and The End of Days” for its thousands of readers.

Now, the topic of geulah is clearly shrouded in mystery. Commentators have different opinions of what will happen, and certain events just simply may or may not occur. That is what made Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff’s mission of putting together the pieces of the Messianic puzzle so challenging. And while the puzzle won’t be 100% completed until Moshiach himself arrives, Rabbi Hajioff has certainly put together a sizable chunk, thus giving clarity to those confused; giving answers to those with questions.

And when we say that people have questions, we’re talking about an overwhelming, endless amount of questions, the most common of which concerns the identity of the redeemer:

95 and Shiva Asar B’Tammuz.

Needless to say, Moshiach sadly did not arrive in 1665, and the Jews of the seventeenth century realized this when, to make a long story short, Shabbatai Tzvi converted to Islam and later died in isolation.

“At times of great hardship and difficulty,” said Rabbi Hajioff, “people will suddenly cleave on to this desire of a salvation. And that’s a good thing.”

But on the other side, when people are going through the darkest of times, they are more likely to fall for cult leaders, which is a fatal error … literally.

“More Jews have died, directly or indirectly, from false messiahs than from anything else throughout history,” Rabbi Hajioff said, quoting Rabbi Berel Wein, “and I’m talking about physically dying.”

And so we can be careful to avoid such characters by learning about Moshiach’s characteristics.

First of all, says Rabbi Hajioff, Moshiach will be a Jewish man, a great talmid chacham, and an even greater prophet. However, until the time comes, he himself will have no idea that he’s Moshiach. Furthermore, we are not concerned with his age (he can be young, as Shlomo HaMelech was, or old, as Moshe Rabbeinu was), and it’s important to note that there will be no specific “look” that Moshiach must have. Otherwise, he’s going to be an “ordinary” man, married with kids.

But, as much as we want to know who Moshiach is, perhaps the more important question is: When is he coming?

There are three parts of the world’s history: a beginning, a middle, and an end, said Rabbi Hajioff.

For the first 2,000 years (0 – 2,000), the world was experiencing a time period known as tohu v’vohu, absolute cha-

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.

os; beginning with Adam and ending with Avraham.

The second set of 2,000 years (2000 – 4,000) is known as Y’mos HaTorah, the days of Torah, which includes Matan Torah and ends with the galus we are still in.

The final set of 2,000 years (4,000 – 6,000), in which we are currently living, is known as Y’mos HaMoshiach, which began with our exile and will end with our redemption.

The year 6,000 will kick off the seventh millennium (since year 0 was the first millennium, year 1,000 was the second, etc.) and, like the seventh day of the week, will bring about a Shabbos, a state of rest. And just as the day of Shabbos is generally brought about in a rushed manner, so too the days of Moshiach will be brought about in a similar way. Since we are in the year 5783 (the 6th millennium) we are literally, according to this timeline, in Erev Shabbos (or rather, Erev Moshiach).

“Things are really speeding up now,” Rabbi Hajioff notes. “One generation is so far from the previous generation. It used to be that you would have four, five, six generations, and things weren’t that different.

“Now, everything is moving so fast, because we are in Erev Shabbat.”

But not only is everything speeding up; everything is being broken down.

The end of Meseches Sota paints a picture of the world right before Moshiach comes: disrespect will be commonplace, grapes will grow abundantly but wine will nevertheless be expensive, the government will be heretical, the young will shame the old, children will rebel against their parents, and a person’s own family will become his enemy.

You won’t be able to trust anyone.

“V’al mah yeish lanu l’hishain, And so then, who may we rely on?

“Al avinu she’b’Shomayim, Only on our Father in Heaven.”

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Who is Moshiach?

As it turns out, a large number of people who contact Rabbi Hajioff actually do so in an attempt to answer this burning question: surprisingly, countless people have told the rabbi: “I know who Moshiach is… It’s me.”

“There’s a lot of people out there who feel as though they are Moshiach,” Rabbi Hajioff explained. “If you knew the job of Moshiach, you wouldn’t want his job.”

And yet, countless individuals across the world suffer from a Messiah complex, a condition associated with bipolar and schizophrenia, in which the person believes that their fate in life is to save the world. This disorder is especially tragic, says Rabbi Hajioff, because those stricken with it genuinely want to help but can only express the desire to do so through acting on their delusions.

Perhaps the prime example of such a character is the infamous Shabbatai Tzvi who, in the mid-1600s, convinced much of the Jewish nation that he was their long-awaited redeemer.

Although he was almost certainly suffering from severe mental illness, Shabbatai Tzvi was able to win over the vast majority of the Jewish people with his charisma. Additionally, because of the intense persecution at the time, the entire nation was absolutely desperate for a savior and Shabbatai Tzvi was able to capitalize on the people’s despair.

He proclaimed himself as Moshiach on Rosh Hashana of 1665, with the blowing of shofars, and even went as far as to pronounce the four-letter name of Hashem. He later publicly slaughtered the Korban Pesach and ate its forbidden fats on the day before the chag. His followers, convinced that the Messianic Age was upon them, complied with Shabbatai’s commands to celebrate and have feasts on Tisha B’Av, Asara B’Tevet,

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Dating Dialogue

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

Dear Navidaters,

I’ve been dating a guy (I’ll call him Ben) for four weeks; the first two weeks went pretty flawlessly. I felt after six years of dating maybe I’d finally found my guy. For example, he was very kind and treated me to nice restaurants, splurged on menu items, we went on really thoughtful dates.

It all seemed to go downhill in our third week dating. I brought up an issue I had with how he speaks to his siblings – he seems harsh on the phone to them and I wanted to know more about their dynamic. After that, he got frustrated and closed up about the topic, and since it happened, I sense a rift and big distance. He’s not as outwardly kind anymore, he waits for me to initiate conversation via text during the day, I feel since then I’m always initiating. And when we are out together, he’s just more distant; the vibe is off.

I don’t want it to end because I remember how it was a few weeks ago, and I’m kind of waiting for things to get back to that. I can’t handle it in the meantime, though. I wake up with a pit in my stomach hoping today will be the day things go back to how they were. Do you have advice on this?

Thank you!

-Rivka

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 The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S. ake the bull by the horns, Rivka. There is no magic reset button. Don’t fantasize every morning. Take some initiative and responsibility.

Clarify and see where you both are.

Address things directly and communicate.

You can open things up by saying that things have been feeling different for you recently. Does he feel the same? Why might that be?

It could be that he doesn’t enjoy opening up and/or being put on the spot about relationships but heading straight into that may not lead to sharing and frankness. Encourage open conversation. Make sure your own body language, style, and tone are open and relaxed. Make sure you are not confrontational but come across as seeking to clear the air.

You probably made a mistake in telling him you had an issue with the way he speaks to his siblings. Is it your role to tell him you have a problem with that? It may very well be a middos problem alert, but for you “to have an issue with it” and to present it that way is not appropriate. Pointing out someone’s flaws is not an objective in dating. The goal in early dating is to get to know the other person and to see if there is a glimmer of connection.

The fact that you are taking the initiative again and again is not a good sign as your instincts tell you. He seems to be sulking. Why is he not breaking it off, is what I would ask myself. Clearly, he is put out but he is not communicating well either.

So have a clearing the air session and see where it goes. Try to get to understand why things are off and if his ego is hurt.

Just a little reminder: planning thoughtful dates and splurging on good restaurants and menu items does not necessarily mean the person is kind. Don’t confuse presentation for substance.

T

The Shadchan Michelle Mond xpensive menu items, elaborate dates, gifts, and expensive restaurants.

E

Planning thoughtful dates and splurging on good restaurants and menu items does not necessarily mean the person is kind.

You give these examples of how the first few weeks of dating were amazing and blissful. You see charm. I see bait being dropped into the water, trying to catch the fish. All of these things are nice gestures for the right moments after getting to know someone, don’t get me wrong. But the fact that he so quickly, in the beginning, wooed you in with expensive and materialistic pleasures was enough to make me nervous. Top it all off with how he is now pulling it back and making you run after him for just a small taste of interest or excitement makes me very, very nervous for you.

You might be blaming yourself, “Rivka, why did you say something about how he was talking to his siblings? Why did you have to get involved? If you didn’t do that, everything would still be the same.” If the catalyst was not his siblings this time, it would likely be something else, another time. There is nothing wrong with how you brought up his harsh tone with his siblings; please don’t blame yourself for it. A guy with healthy emotions would understand your concern and discuss it with you normally. He would not do what Ben is doing, throwing out a fishing line for you to grab onto it initially, thereby quickly getting enmeshed, only for him to pull the line back leaving you alone in the sea grasping for some kind of hope that things will get back to normal.

In my opinion, this sounds like a huge blessing for you to decide to move on from this idea. There are many men you might be introduced to who will not woo you with expensive menu items, gifts, or even elaborate dates. You may find that a guy will take you to a lounge for a Coke or to a park for a walk, and he could be the nicest guy of all. You may come home and complain to your mother that he did not take you to an expensive restaurant or offer to

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be receptive, understanding, and open to conflict resolution. I know it can be an uncomfortable muscle to exercise, but it’s the MOST important muscle to exercise for a healthy successful relationship.

The Single Tzipora Grodko ear Rivka, Communicate, communicate, communicate. Address your feelings while sharing your concerns. If he is the right person, he will

D

The Zaidy Dr. Jeffrey Galler o paraphrase what Friedrich Nietzsche wrote over a century ago,

T

Listen to that pit in your stomach.

What is it saying?

“You gazed into the abyss of his soul, only to recoil from the shadows it revealed.”

You have discovered that your boyfriend is not a very nice person. And you should now realize that the only happiness this relationship gives you is remembering how it used to be.

Unfortunately, it is clear that it is time to drop him and move on.

In French, it is La fête est finie.

In Spanish, it is La fiesta ha terminado.

In Italian, it is La festa è finita.

In Yiddish it is Di party iz oys.

In Hebrew, it is Ha-mesiba nigmara.

But, any way you say it, the party’s over.

I’m sorry if putting it so bluntly saddens you, but remember that Nietzsche also wrote, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”

Rivka, you sound like a very sensitive and intelligent person. I feel certain that you will meet a kind young man who deserves to be called your boyfriend.

ing. Things have drastically changed.

The silent treatment is one example of tactics used during this phase. The victim tries to appease the abuser and make things go “back to normal.” Some common phrases and tactics used by abusers during this phase are: Withdrawing and sulking Silent Treatment Blaming Questioning and Jealousy “If you loved me, you would...”

“I’m warning you not to....”

The next phase of the cycle is the Explosive Phase. This is where the actual abuse occurs, be it verbal, emotional, or physical. After the abusive event, the abuser tries to return to the honeymoon phase.

So, if this is abuse, will he return to the honeymoon phase and will you get back the man you met? Most likely, yes. However, if he is abusive, you will always be in the cycle of abuse. What people don’t understand about abuse is that the entire cycle is abusive. The Honeymoon Phase (or love bombing as it is often called) is so intense and powerfully confusing and keeps victims stuck in these abusive and controlling rela-

tionships for years or lifetimes.

Another misconception about abuse is that the abuser has an anger problem.

He/she may have an anger problem. But beneath the anger is a strongly held belief that I am entitled to treat this person way, and this makes it nearly impossible to treat an abusive person. They feel entitled to their behavior, and they simply are not interested in working on themselves or changing.

Listen to that pit in your stomach.

What is it saying? What might it be trying to show you? Relationships should not give you a pit in your stomach. When someone changes so drastically like this, especially in the beginning with no ring, no chuppah, no children involved, we run for our lives. More often than not, I do not tell people what to do or give such direct advice. I believe this man is exhibiting the early warning signs of abuse, and I’d like you to protect yourself and leave this relationship before it is too late. Get yourself into therapy to deal with this and cope if you need it.

Wishing you all the best during this difficult time.

Sincerely, Jennifer

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

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ear Rivka, Thank you for writing into the panel with your very pressing and important email. I am so sorry this is happening to you. You are understandably confused. For two weeks, you have been dating a kind, wonderful man who treated you well; planned dates, treated you to expensive luxuries and likely made you feel like a princess. And now, you are meeting his ”other side.”

Your boyfriend is exhibiting certain signs of abusive behavior. Being harsh with siblings and then punishing you with distance and silence when you want to speak about it with him are two clear signs of abusive behavior. I understand that you are waiting for his abusive behavior to end. Your brain is in a state of cognitive dissonance, utterly confused by the two men it has been dating and getting to know. It first met a wonderful man. It has now met an abusive man. Your brain is like a filing system, and it simply doesn’t know where to file him away. Does he go in the ”good guy”

folder or the “bad guy” folder?

He goes in the “bad guy” folder.

“Good guys” do not act like this! If they hurt you or you have a question, you are always allowed to speak to them and they will own their behavior, apologize and feel genuine regret and remorse.

Your intuition is on fire and your gut is trying to alert you to the reality that you are unsafe with this man. His abusive behavior may stop temporarily.

But will more than likely always return.

Abuse is cyclical. When abusers meet their victims, they always begin with what is called the Honeymoon Phase.

The abusive person creates a safe space filled with love and a sense of security in the relationship. This is the phase that draws in the victim as the abuser knows exactly how to draw you in and keep you.

He does the very things he knows you will love. The next phase is called the Tension Building Phase. In this phase, the victim is aware that tension is build-

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.

JANUARY 4, 2024 | The Jewish Home

buy dessert. My dear, those things are not red flags; bad middos is. Please keep this in mind going forward.

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Parenting Pearls

Hearing and Listening

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

I

get a monthly newsletter from a respected ENT, and each one contains an interesting medical topic that is relevant to the layman. October’s email arrived, along with a discussion of the difference between hearing and listening. A detailed anatomy lesson explained the many parts of the ear involved in hearing. Conversely, as she clarified, listening happens in the brain. Your ear takes in all the noise, but your brain filters and determines which

sounds you notice.

Hearing and listening are two completely different processes that work together, and we can easily confuse them.

There is the physical act of hearing that involves the ear taking in sound. Subsequently, the cognitive act of listening can occur. It is possible to hear someone without ever listening; every sound enters the ear canal, yet we don’t register it. Alternatively, we can see someone is in need based on body language or facial

cues, and we can “listen” to them without the need for sound.

It’s fascinating to think how we can hear someone but never listen to a word they’ve said. This reminded me of a recent conversation I was privy to where survivors of childhood abuse discussed whether or not people believed them when they tried reporting the abuse.

Sadly, many didn’t have a trusted adult they could tell. Of those that did inform an adult, a disturbing number were not believed or taken seriously. Even when someone heard their words or saw their pain, the person didn’t truly listen.

Too often, someone says something, we are positive we heard every word, yet we never listened. It’s frustrating to everyone involved but can be a cause of great pain when it’s our precious children who are not feeling listened to.

We want to be the one our children are comfortable approaching with their questions, concerns and fears, as well as their excitement, accomplishments and hopes. Making sure we both hear, and listen to them, is one way to ensure we are that address.

We are still reeling from the recent events, and now, more than ever, it’s truly important that we hear what our children are saying and really listen to each word and what they mean. Children reach out for help more often than we may realize. Sadly, we risk missing their cues by not listening carefully to what they’re really telling us.

The Parental Role As parents, we are meant to be the ones our children should trust and be able to turn to. Other than the One Above, we are intended to be their earthly assistance. This is a natural relationship and starts from the earliest

point when babies are fully dependent on an adult for all their needs. It’s in those early years that we can establish ourselves as trustworthy.

With each cry, we attend to their needs. We learn which cries are normal and which indicate a bigger concern. We know which sound says they’re hungry and that a high-pitched shrill means pain. To the uninitiated, each cry is similar. But to the trained ear, each one is different and has its own meaning.

From the earliest stage, we learn to differentiate the sounds and listen to what our infant is saying. Even when they can’t speak, they are still communicating their needs and we instinctively know we need to listen carefully.

As they grow, their ability to communicate improves, but we still require our listening skills. Toddlers tantrum and melt down, unable to verbalize their needs. School-aged children can clearly say they want to eat another candy rather than dinner but may be incapable of effectively conveying the deep emotions they feel. The teen years are full of tremendous growth that is accompanied by insecurity, intense feelings and confusion. Even as their vocabulary grows, we still need those early listening skills to understand what they are really telling us.

Children may be less experienced at life, but they are quick to recognize when they’re being ignored. We need to give them our full attention and listen carefully when they speak to us. Eye contact and putting away anything that will distract us are both basic ways to show we’re listening and focused.

At times, they may say something seemingly simple that is trying to convey a deeper message or they’re just testing us to see if we’re really paying

one, that is devastating. If we put down their concerns, they will no longer share them with us. In those situations, what we’re really saying is “sweetie, I hear what you said, but I’m not listening to your feelings.”

We want to be open and someone our child feels comfortable approach-

show that we missed their message. We want to clarify and make sure we’ve really listened.

Beyond Words As any writer can tell you, words are powerful and give us the means to communicate with each other. Over and above

It’s fascinating to think how we can hear someone but never listen to a word they’ve said.

ing. Making time when they need to talk – even if the conversation needs to happen later that evening – tells them we want to listen. Showing interest and care lets them know we’re here for them.

We should be open to the possibility that we didn’t grasp the intent behind their words. We can repeat back what they’ve said to make sure we understood the actual meaning of what they’ve intended. Their body language or face may

animal life, it’s our language that most noticeably sets us apart.

Words are surprisingly subtle and can provide mixed messages. Listen to the hidden message behind the words and not just the actual verbiage. Think of it as similar to when someone says, “how are you feeling” and you say “fine” – when you’re anything but fine. A true friend knows you are hurting under the brave face. This is important in marriage, friendship and parenting, too.

Body language and facial cues are important indicators of emotions. We may think we addressed the issue but then they march out angrily. Perhaps they say nothing but toss their homework down.

We want to listen carefully to those unspoken messages. Just like the baby that pulls their ear but can’t say they have an earache, we want to recognize the messages they’re unable, or too hurting, to communicate.

Being able to effectively communicate with our precious children is one of the most important gifts we can give them, but it’s often one of the most complicated. Making sure we not only hear them, but also listen to all they want to convey, ensures we are meeting their needs. Especially during times that are challenging and confusing, we need to listen carefully to address their emotional concerns.

May Hashem bless our children with many wonderful things to share with us.

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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attention. It’s easy to ignore something important, because we assumed it wasn’t meaningful. Again, we want to listen and not just hear their words.

They need to know they can trust us with private information and their deeper emotions. Sadly, too many adults have lost a child’s trust. We have to show we are trustworthy and can maintain their privacy. We can never give over their private information unless there is a valid reason, such as to a physician or therapist. It’s not for us to share their personal details with family, friends (neither theirs nor ours) or social media.

Kids are adorable, and they can say, and do, the funniest things. Even when their words may sound funny to us, it’s still serious to them. We have to be careful to never mock them or laugh when they share something serious with us – no matter how cute they are. It can be hard to keep a straight face, but they can read our facial cues, too. We want them to know we take their concerns seriously and value what’s important to them.

Children have different concerns than adults and we can’t underestimate what troubles them. Yes, you know that losing your place on the slide will not cause a lifelong crisis. But to your little

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School of

Thought

By Etti Siegel

Q:

Dear Etti, My son is a real handful. He argues, he will refuse to listen, he is just plain hard. The good news is that he is very well-behaved in school! I never get complaints, even though I live with a knot in my stomach that I will get a call any minute.

I guess I am happy that he saves his bad behavior for us, but should I worry?

-Frazzled Father

A:

Dear Frazzled Father, It is confusing to see the different behaviors your son exhibits. You did not specify his age, so the advice I am offering is general.

Your son wants to please his teachers and other adults.

The positive attention he gets and he sees others get for good behavior reinforces this for him. He also understands that bad behavior is not tolerated and might cause rejection. He is bright enough to realize it is not worth the risks.

Meanwhile, at home, he knows he is safe. He will still be loved and accepted even if he behaves his worst. And he is not wrong. It takes a lot to be rejected by your family.

And that is great, but it also allows bad behavior.

First of all, keep in mind that no matter the age, it is not personal. He is not consciously saving his bad behavior for you. Imagine he is holding in every impulse and feeling he has all day, and when he gets home, he finally lets go. This is like adults who have a hard day but cannot let their boss or coworkers know how they really feel.

When they get home, unless they are extremely mindful, they let off steam, often to their nearest and dearest.

Second, most human beings like consistency and routine. We are creatures of habit. Although we like to change things up, change takes energy, a resource we are often in short supply of after a whole day of work, and in your child’s case, a whole day of school. So when your child comes home from learning, there are probably a lot of small changes that happen every day that you might not even be aware of. Your child left for school thinking there was going to be pizza for supper, and the menu was changed to lasagna last minute. (Your child likes lasagna a lot – but it was not what he expected.) A neighbor comes over to borrow eggs and then stays for a bit to talk to your wife, messing with the order of the day. (But it is just five minutes, you think, and what’s the big deal?)

Then think of all the transitions he has to make! He has to stop playing to do homework, stop doing homework

to eat dinner, and finally stop dogood behavior. ing something he is enjoying to Remember that children who don’t So many of go to sleep. behave are often missing skills. Rather than reprimand, teach the skills.

Dr. David Anderson, a clinical the strategies Mrs. Sori Schwartz, science teacher psychologist at the Child Mind teachers use in grades 1-4 at Bnos Bais Yaakov of Far Institute, explains, “Transitions Rockaway NY, reminded me the other are hard for everybody. One of school can be day in conversation that so many of the the reasons why transitions may strategies teachers use in school can be be hard is that we’re often transiused at home. used at home. tioning from a preferred activity I used to have a lot of school-like – something we like doing – to systems in my home, and they worked! something that we need to do.”

According to James Lehman, creator of The Total But that was quite a few years ago…

Your child (or family) could have a chart hanging where Transformation child behavior program, “Children study their parents for a living,” so if your child has figured out he/she gets to see what is on the agenda for the evening. that he can use his tantrums and anger to get what he That is similar to the schedule on the board in the classwants, he will continue, as it works for him. But pat yourself room that children appreciate seeing each day as they sit on the back. He has the skills to behave in public because down for the long day ahead. you taught him those skills. He is just not choosing to use A checklist of what your child has to accomplish, with them at home because his bad behavior is working for him. a place for checking off the task when it is done, might be Like the way I coach teachers to run their classrooms, helpful as well. Homework can be listed, as well as clearing The Total Transformation child behavior program encour- the table, picking out snacks, preparing lunch, bathing, and ages creating a culture of accountability. Pick one thing anything else that must be taken care of before bed. at a time and work on it. Be consistent and committed. It Some families have the same type of checklist for the is hard work in the beginning, but the outcome is worth morning routine (as outlined in the September 1, 2022 it. James Lehman reminds us: “What you say has to be article). what you mean, or what you say means nothing—it means While you might feel having and posting schedules is whatever the person chooses to hear. And if you give these rigid, some children thrive on predictability. It might be kids these mixed messages, they learn that what you say a cliché that children say, “Are we there yet,” even if they means nothing.” have only been in the car for a few minutes, but it is a cliché This means that if you tell your child you will do some- because it is true. Children like to know what is happening thing and then you do not do it, no change will happen. next and what to expect.

Right now, your child is doing well in school and acting You must follow though, so think long and hard before you decide the consequences of actions you will respond to. Re- out at home. While you try to implement some of the suggestions above, remember, if you had to choose the place he member, you can’t punish children to get them to behave.

Positivity is important. Thank your child for good would “let it all out,” isn’t it better he is choosing his home?

Wishing you hatzlacha and nachas from your child(ren), behavior. Give specific and precise compliments that - Etti show what you are observing, plus encourage continued

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

Nourish Your Body For the Winter

By Tehila Levine-Soskel, RDN, CDN

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inter is a season that calls for comfort food and cozy moments.

While we brace the cold with our warmest fleece, let’s be sure to focus on fueling our bodies for the best. Incorporating foods that contain a variety of vitamins and minerals can help strengthen our bodies and support our immune system, especially during the winter.

in. Finding a friend to exercise with may help keep you accountable as well as make it more exciting. Indoor swimming also makes a great workout during the cold months. Simple steps like taking the stairs or parking farther is a great way to add more steps to your day. Staying active during the winter will be one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health. Doing so may also improve your sleep, lower your blood pressure, strengthen your bones, and help reduce your anxiety. According to the American Heart Association, it’s recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Slowly increase the amount and intensity of exercise you endure.

Vitamin C Vitamin C, an antioxidant and water-soluble vitamin, is found in many foods and has many functions in your body.

Some of the functions include improving immune function, helping with collagen synthesis, improving cardiovascular health, and improving wound healing. Vitamin C is also crucial for your bone health.

Some signs of a vitamin C deficiency may include bleeding gums, frequent bruising, anemia, and scurvy. Common food sources of vitamin C are plums, cherries, cantaloupe, spinach, kale, kiwi, broccoli, lemons, strawberries, and oranges. Aiming to incorporate enough vitamin C into your diet is essential for your immune health and other important bodily functions.

Vitamin D With less time spent outside in the winter and less sun shining, vitamin D plays a crucial role in your health, which is why it’s important to maintain proper amounts.

Vitamin D helps support immune health, brain activity, and helps your muscles function. It’s not uncommon to be somewhat deficient in vitamin D, but it is pretty simple to help fix it.

In addition to the sun, vitamin D comes from the foods you eat, too. You may not be aware that some of the foods in your diet already contain vitamin D. Foods with vitamin D include salmon, cheese, milk, mushrooms, and eggs – don’t skip out on the yolks. Many foods are fortified with vitamin D, like milk and cereals. Your healthcare provider may recommend a vitamin D supplement if you have a vitamin D deficiency.

Staying Hydrated Zinc Zinc is essential for numerous functions in the body, from maintaining your immune system and metabolizing nutrients to helping grow and repair body tissues. Since your body doesn’t store zinc, it’s essential to eat foods that include zinc to meet your requirements.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance for adults 19 years and older is 8 mg a day for women and 11 mg a day for men, while pregnant and lactating women require a little more. Those at risk of a zinc deficiency include children, older adults, and pregnant women.

Eating a balanced diet with foods rich in zinc should help most people meet their needs. Meat, legumes, seeds, nuts, dairy, eggs and whole grains are excellent sources of zinc.

Iron Iron’s main function is to carry oxygen throughout our bodies. A deficiency of iron can cause anemia, with a common symptom of fatigue. This mineral is crucial for growth and proper development. More so, iron helps support our immune system and maintain proper energy levels.

There are two forms of iron that come from food: heme and non-heme.

Heme is found in animal products, while non-heme is found in plant foods. Heme sources include meat, poultry, and seafood. Non-heme sources include nuts, seeds, legumes, leafy greens and whole grains.

Lean Proteins Some examples of lean proteins are fish, Greek yogurt, legumes, and poultry without the skin.

Salmon, in particular, is a great source of lean protein as it is also high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have endless benefits like helping to improve depression and anxiety, better eye health, improve heart health by lowering levels of triglycerides, and so many more positive health benefits. In addition, lean proteins also contain amino acids, which may have a positive effect on your mood.

Physical Activity While you may not feel like going to the gym or bundling for a walk outdoors, staying physically active is key.

There are endless home workouts and online workout classes you can partake

You may not be as thirsty as you would on a hot summer day, but it’s still essential to stay hydrated throughout the winter. Eat foods with high water contents like watermelon, strawberries, broccoli, and celery to help you stay hydrated. If you are forgetting to drink water, then setting reminders or carrying around a water bottle can be helpful.

In all, incorporating a balanced diet with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will help ensure you are getting a variety of essential nutrients to help support your overall health and especially your immune system. Lifestyle factors like getting more sleep can also greatly impact your health and should not be taken lightly. Make sure to stay well hydrated and partake in exercise to help you feel your best.

Tehila Soskel is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a private practice in the Five Towns. She sees clients for weight loss, diabetes, and other various diseases. Appointments can be made for in-person or virtual sessions: 516457-8558, tehilasoskelrd@gmail.com, tehilasoskelnutrition.com.

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jewish women of wisdom

Creativity Squared

By Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz

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ne of the joys of midlife is the opportunity to pursue new interests and hobbies. Freed from caregiving for children and work responsibilities, many mature adults take the time to explore assembling new collections, experiencing art in new ways, and learning new subjects. For some, the adventure is in seeing new cultures and civilizations through travel.

All the retirement columns and books caution people to plan their long anticipated free time. Instead of figuring it out the day after you retire, people are advised to invest in planning for the healthy use of new time. To prevent feeling useless and depressed, pre-retirees are encouraged to think about crafts, social groups, sports, avocations, and pursuits for their new life. Many have long wanted to explore painting, ceramics, or study a particular subject and know what their focus will be. Others need to embark on an exploratory journey to find meaning and satisfaction in their new lives.

Our recent JWOW! Zoom program on projects old and new was designed to offer participants a potpourri of crafts and creative endeavors by peers. Inspiration and encouragement to try new activities would result, Miriam and I thought. And we found way more than we anticipated. One member told us how the art she showed on screen began with rudimentary outlines offered by artificial intelligence which was further refined. We learned how another woman uses corks that her neighbors save for her to create trivets from wooden trays and boards. A third told of her healthful tweaks of contemporary recipes into healthy pastries that have neither refined sugar, oil, nor white flour.

Sometimes the inspiration for new hobbies comes from unexpected places.

A woman showed us the glass mosaics she produces in her tiny Jerusalem studio after participating in Sherri Mandell’s group for bereaved parents. An-

other learned calligraphy to satisfy her desire to create something beautiful for her sister’s wedding many decades ago; it turned into a simcha business. Another woman participates in journaling and art through online classes with Yoch-

ated Jews in Israel were two themes that ran through our hour and a half session.

Our JWOW! women are very connected to their generations and create life cycle gifts in the form of photobooks of art photography, bris pillows, and

She proposes that an individual take a one-hour solo date each week to explore new shops, processes, and experiences.

eved Rottenberg and Amy Muscoplat respectively. Along with her participation in Torah classes, she knits for soldiers in Israel and has begun different books for each of her fifteen grandchildren in which she writes different insights, Torah thoughts, and art.

Creating legacy projects for grandchildren and art and/or crafts for evacu-

ceremonial objects. Ruthie Feldman of Philadelphia now sells art cards based on current natural landscape images photographed in Gaza and sends the proceeds to United Hatzolah.

Sarah Chana Silverman reminded us that when we express our creative sides, we are emulating Hashem, the Ultimate Creator who gave man the ability to

create. How unlike the secular view of the artist as the ultimate owner of his art. The Western world sees art as key to man’s identity as an individual and resists infringement on his artistry for commercial or other reasons.

What if you don’t know what you want to try? What if you don’t know that you will pick up a paintbrush and become an instant colorist or miniaturist?

Julia Cameron, the bestselling author of The Artist’s Way books on creativity, proposes four tools for designing a retirement-era life. In her book It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again: Discovering Creativity and Meaning at Midlife and Beyond, she proposes that an individual take a one-hour solo date each week to explore new shops, processes, and experiences. They are planned for the fun of it, to rediscover a sense of wonder in a new art or connection to an old memory.

An artist date could be visiting a children’s bookstore, a historic site, a florist shop, or trying out a kickboxing class.

It’s like an assignment of play which provokes curiosity and joy in the new, as well as in the particular subject. The other activities she proposes are regular micro memoir writing, solo walks, and daily stream of consciousness journaling which allow for refining of thought and emotions.

I’m planning to regularly schedule at least two of these activities when the time comes. Meanwhile, got to go write a JWOW! column.

Wasn’t it creative of me to write a piece about our recent peer to peer program on craft projects? I didn’t have to show and tell at the session. I’m doing it my way. In the paper!

JWOW! is a community for midlife Jewish women which can be accessed at www.jewishwomanofwisdom.org for conversation, articles, Zoom events, and more.

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Melava Malka Waffles

By Naomi Nachman

With Shabbat ending early during these winter months, here is a fun and easy recipe for homemade waffles which can be served as a melava malka. We typically serve the waffles with a smorgasbord of different toppings, such as whipped crea m, fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, and ice crea m (let your inner-chef go wild!).

Cook’s note: Try it with the Belgiu m pearl sugar. You can order the sugar with an OU on Amazon. It gives the waffles an extra crunch and texture.

Ingredients

Preparation

◦ 1 teaspoon salt

Preheat waffle iron to desired temperature.

◦ 2 cups all-purpose flour ◦ 4 teaspoons baking powder ◦ ½ cup white sugar or 1 cup Belgium Pearl Sugar

In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder and sugar; set aside.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in the milk, butter and vanilla. Pour the

milk mixture into the flour mixture; beat until blended.

◦ 2 eggs

Ladle the batter into a preheated waffle iron.

◦ 1 ½ cups warm milk

Cook the waffles until golden and crisp.

◦ 1 ⁄₃ cup butter, melted

Serve immediately with toppings and enjoy!

◦ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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.

JANUARY 4, 2024 | The Jewish Home

In The K tchen

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Mind Y

ur Business

5 Tips for Success with Eli Langer

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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.

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n a recent 710 WOR “Mind Your Business” broadcast, Yitzchok Saftlas spoke with guest Eli Langer. As the host of the Kosher Money podcast, Langer has had a front-row seat to what he describes as “the best college course in the world,” hearing advice from top financial and business experts.

Read on for the top 5 tips for success that Langer has distilled from the past 60+ episodes of his podcast: * * *

1. Break Out of Your Bubble After talking to countless experts on Kosher Money, this might be the most common piece of advice I’ve received.

Don’t let yourself get trapped in the bubble of your everyday routine. Take a step back and try to understand the intentionality behind the things you do every day.

Now, it’s hard to break out of our normal routines to gain this new perspective.

So, I think that the best thing you can do is to ask someone you trust to give you their raw and honest feedback on how you could be performing better. Tell them not to pull any punches. Trust me, your friends have opinions you’re completely unaware of because you’ve never asked.

This will help you get a fresh perspective on your everyday processes to develop a fuller picture.

Another perspective you can add to this picture is that of your competitors.

Now, I’m not a big believer in constantly monitoring your competition, but if you can, try to visit a competitor’s website or social media just once a month. Take a look at what they’re doing and ask yourself if you should be doing the same or not. All of this will add to your understanding of the intentionality behind your everyday processes, which will help you with the next tip…

2. Remain Open to Change Jason Feifer wrote in his book, Build for Tomorrow, that your ability to change will dictate how successful you’re going to be. If you’re locked in your ways, you are going to have a problem, because the world is always changing. If your processes are not changing, the world is going to change you – and not for the better. So, you need to stay focused on the outcome, not the path you take to get there. Ask yourself, “What do I want out of this?”

One day, the best way to get to your destination might be through Highway One. But, if there’s traffic on Highway One the next day, it would be very silly to go and

follow that same route. If there’s traffic, you should switch to Highway Two. As Jews, we know that it is our job to do the work, and it’s up to G-d to create the process, but I don’t think that those two are mutually exclusive. I’ve learned from my rabbis that our job is to do the best that we can. Sometimes, that means changing the process. Obviously, we still need to have our eyes on the outcome.

We need to strive for something. But, that doesn’t mean we should be doing the same thing day in and day out. If you are complacent, but you’re still succeeding, that’s only going to last for a certain amount of time.

You need to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. You need to become comfortable with disruption. You need to become comfortable with consistently asking yourself, “What do I need to do to get better?”

3. Stop Searching for Perfection The people that I see become the most successful are not the ones who are con-

4.Know Your Audience We have to think about marketing from the end-user standpoint. We can’t create marketing or messaging solely out of the story that we want to tell. We have to do it while wearing the glasses of the person who will be seeing that story. When you create content that doesn’t resonate with that person, you’re doing everyone a disservice. You’ve wasted your own time to create it, and you’ve wasted their time because it’s not actually helping them. So, regardless of whatever business you’re in, you have

And what they find appealing is whatever is clearly useful to them. You need to figure out what service you’re providing and how people are benefiting from it. A lot of wasted marketing dollars go into that misnomer of “here are the services that we provide.” Instead, focus on what value other people are receiving and advertise that value.

5. Get Rich Slowly I find that a lot of people are searching for the one short tip that will quickly

“Don’t let yourself get trapped in the bubble of your everyday routine.”

to understand what your consumer wants to see, hear, or read, and then, build backward from there. It can’t just be about the service you’re providing.

You have to craft your messaging in a way that’s appealing to the consumer.

my podcast: “Get rich slowly.” If you want to accrue wealth, whether it’s financial wealth or it’s attaining a wealth of knowledge, you need to do things slowly. You need to understand that it takes time and that there are going to be setbacks. We’d love a graph that just goes up and up and up, but that’s not how business or life works. The road to success is a roller coaster. There are ups and downs. So, you need to stay patient and stop searching for shortcuts.

take them to success. They’re searching for that “lottery effect,” where someone makes a lot of money very quickly. But those people usually end up losing all of that money. To truly be successful takes time. We coined an unofficial slogan on

The best thing I ever hear from people who listen to my show is: “You said one thing in episode 15 that really stuck with me, and I slowly changed my life as a result of it.” If you are really looking to get something out of these 5 tips, I would suggest that you try not to immediately implement everything that I’ve shared. Take one thing that resonated with you, for whatever reason, and put it into your phone notes, or wherever you need to keep track of it. And tell yourself that this is the one thing that you’re going to focus on. You’re not going to become Steve Jobs overnight. Success starts by taking on something small and building from there.

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stantly striving for perfection. They’re not busy thinking for weeks at a time, “What should my company name be? What should the colors in my logo be?” I’m not saying that those details aren’t important, and I’m not saying you shouldn’t spend 10 minutes or so thinking about it. But, at the end of the day, you need to make a decision.

We tend to get very lost in this Instagram society of perfection. But perfection is a myth. The former CEO of Yahoo, Marissa Mayer, said that someone once told her, “Marissa, you’re struggling to make a decision. You have a lot of good choices in front of you, and there’s no perfect choice. It’s your job to take one of them, make it your choice, and then, transform that good choice into a great choice. That is what’s within your power.”

Stop focusing on the Pantone color of your logo; it’s not going to make or break your business. There’s a company out there called Hugging Face. I don’t know who signed off on that name, but they’re a billion-dollar company today.

So, I promise you, you can name your company whatever you want. As long as it’s clean, it’s going to do the numbers it needs to do because of the work that you put into it.

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Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

The UN estimates that the civilian-to-combatant death ratio in conflicts since the Second World War averages nine to one. That is a shocking nine civilians killed for every combatant. That figure reflects the fact that it includes armies that have no regard for civilians. For example: The Syrian army, the Russian army, and the armies of other dictatorships.

- Colonel Richard Kemp, the former commander of the British military forces in Afghanistan

Like the British, however, the Americans are very careful to minimize civilian deaths. In Iraq, estimates suggest U.S. forces killed three civilians for every combatant. And in Afghanistan, between three and five to one.

- Ibid.

Zvi spoke about the exciting moment when he was on an IDF warship off the coast of Lebanon when the Mossad was smuggling Jews out of Lebanon and Syria, and the last person was an elderly woman who was afraid to get on the boat. Zvi went down to her, extended his hand, and said, “Shema Yisrael.” She heard him, took his hand and he pulled her onto the ship. This is a point that he considered the most exciting in his life.

- Former Mossad agent Avner Avraham talking to Arutz Sheva about the life of Mossad head Zvi Zamir, who died last week at 98

With all due respect, the president is 81 years old. Donald Trump is 77. I truly believe the American people are ready to pass the torch to a new generation, somebody younger. I’d say maybe someone close to 76 that doesn’t look a day over 70.

- Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), joking at the Gridiron Club dinner about running for president

In previous conflicts in Gaza, the IDF has achieved a significantly more favorable casualty ratio, generally between 0.6 to one and two to one. It’s still awful, but much better than most, if not all other armies engaged in combat.

- Ibid.

The United States government has gathered a great deal of information about UAPs over many decades but has refused to share it with the American people. That is wrong and additionally breeds mistrust.

- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, talking about the executive branch not sharing information about UFOs (otherwise known as UAPs) with Congress

I’m blessed to have family and friends filled with so much love, joy, and compassion surrounding me. As you get older, you realize that this is really the only thing that matters, and I’ll never take these people for granted.

Hug your kids, call your parents, tell your friends that you love them, and let’s all help make 2024 a kinder and happier year for everyone in our lives.

We have also been notified by multiple credible sources that information on UAPs has also been withheld from Congress, which if true is a violation of laws requiring full notification to the legislative branch – especially as it relates to the four congressional leaders, the defense committees, and the intelligence committee.

– Social media post by Tom Brady

- Ibid.

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We appreciate everything and we’re just good farm guys and we’d help anybody in a situation if anybody needed help.

- Brent Ginther, responding to calls for him and his son to be given an award after they made a daring rescue of a semi-truck driver who suffered a medical episode on a highway

I’m just gonna spend a little more time in Florida like old Jewish guys from Long Island do.

– Billy Joel, explaining to fans why he is selling his Long Island home

I am out. I am done. I’m finished. New York, New York. Goodbye! Florida. Florida.

– Sean Hannity, announcing on his show that he moved to Florida

I would like to say a word about South Africa’s mendacious pontificating to the effect that Israel is perpetrating genocide. No, South Africa, it is not we who have come to perpetrate genocide; it is Hamas. It would murder all of us if it could.

In contrast, the IDF is acting as morally as possible; it is doing everything to avoid harming civilians while Hamas is doing everything to harm them and is using them as human shields.

- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

I ask—where were you, South Africa, and the rest of those who are preaching at us, when millions were murdered and uprooted from their homes in Syria, Yemen, and other areas. You were not there because everything you are doing now is only hot air, lies and vanity. We will continue our defensive war, the justice and morality of which is without peer.

- Ibid.

Green Day goes from raging against the machine to milquetoastedly raging for it.

- Elon Musk, tweeting about Green Day changing the words of one of their songs, adding anti-MAGA lyrics

I became an active Trump supporter when they raided Mar-a-Lago last summer. That just can’t stand. I’m voting for Trump, and if they convict him, I will send him the max donations and I will lead protests. That’s how I feel.

- Tucker Carlson

As a non-lawyer, I have not kept up with emerging trends (and related risks) in legal technology and did not realize that Google Bard was a generative text service that, like Chat-GPT, could show citations and descriptions that looked real but actually were not.

– Disgraced former lawyer Michael Cohen explaining why he submitted a brief to a judge containing fake cases

When I give people my word like: “Yo man, I think we should be supporting Kamala Harris for vice president … because she’s going to hold it down.”

When we say those things and people don’t see her holding it down, that causes issues.

- Radio DJ Charlamagne, in a Politico interview, stating that Pres. Biden and VP Harris did not do what they said they would do for the black community

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Settler violence is a modern blood libel carried out by delegitimizing organizations like B’Tselem and Breaking the Silence, funded by millions from foreign powers. We all condemn violence, but this is a combination of outright lies, manipulations of statistics, and baseless claims, all with the goal of defaming the settler community and paving the way to a Palestinian state, as has recently been revealed in documents from the New Israel Fund. We must stop this blood libel.

- MK Ariel Kallner, in a letter to President Joe Biden

Remember. President Gay lost her job because of the mounting evidence of plagiarism, and not because she couldn’t answer a simple question in front of Congress about calls for Jewish genocide. Antisemitism at Harvard is still less important than quotation marks and footnotes.

– Tweet by Joel Petlin, after Harvard president Claudine Gay resigned due to multiple plagiarism violations, weeks after she said in Congress that calling for the killing of Jews is not necessarily

It’s important to me to reveal the real situation about the people who live in Gaza, who they really are and what I went through there… Everyone there are terrorists… There are no innocent civilians, not one. [Innocent civilians] don’t exist.

harassment

- Released hostage Mia Schem, 21, in a recent interview

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Political Crossfire

What Strange Things Does 2024 Have in Store?

Take My Quiz to Find Out.

By David Ignatius

A

t the end of 2023, who wouldn’t want to press the “reset” button – or maybe “fast forward,” so we can just skip 2024? But take heart. “Never assume that the obvious is true,” to quote New York Times columnist William Safire. So, in the spirit of Safire’s annual year-end “Office Pool” quiz, place your bets for the year ahead.

And remember, as Safire said, “Nobody stands taller than those willing to stand corrected.”

As any crystal-ball gazer knows, there aren’t “right” or “wrong” answers here. Your guesses about the “known unknowns” ahead might be better than mine. And beware, for some questions, I chose more than one answer or none at all. * * * Ukraine On Dec. 31, 2024, the status of the war in Ukraine will be: 1. Russian defeat, after the United States and Europe increase military assistance.

2. Ukrainian defeat, after House Republicans refuse to approve more U.S. military assistance.

3. A continued military stalemate, with Ukrainian partisans fighting a guerrilla war behind Russian lines.

4. A cease-fire, with a post-Zelensky Ukrainian government negotiating a new border that would divide Russian-controlled territory and Ukrainian-controlled territory.

5. A wider war that spreads to NATO territory after escalation by both Ukraine and Russia.

6. None of the above.

---

Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin will close 2024 as: 1. A reelected president of Russia.

2. A former president of Russia who has retired to pursue his passions for judo and bare-chested horseback riding.

3. A war criminal who has been convicted by the International Criminal Court.

4. An embattled leader struggling to suppress secession movements in Chechnya, Dagestan and Siberia.

5. Deceased, following an unexplained air crash.

6. None of the above.

--Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s biggest surprise in 2024 will be: 1. Nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize after his decision to normalize relations with Israel and champion a Pal-

estinian state.

2. A massive cyberattack on Saudi Aramco that cripples the kingdom’s oil industry for several weeks.

3. Growing internal dissent over normalization of relations with Israel that forces him to appoint a deputy crown prince and pardon political prisoners and exiles.

4. A Biden administration defense pact with Qatar to prevent MBS from seizing its vast gas reserves.

5. Jared Kushner and Greg Norman accept honorary Saudi citizenship.

6. The NFL decides to host the next Super Bowl in Riyadh.

7. None of the above.

--Gaza The Gaza War will end with: 1. Benjamin Netanyahu’s replacement as prime minister.

2. Civil unrest in the West Bank be-

tween the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli settlers.

3. Continuing violence in Gaza that can’t be fully suppressed by Israel, the Palestinian Authority or the international peacekeeping force assigned to maintain order.

4. Wider conflicts in Lebanon and Iran as Israel seeks to preempt any future threat of ballistic missile or nuclear attack.

5. Reduced American military support for Israel.

6. None of the above.

--CIA The CIA’s biggest surprise in 2024 will be: 1. Recruiting another agent inside Chinese President Xi Jinping’s inner circle.

2. Canada is caught interfering in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

3. The director of national intelligence announces a reduction in ODNI staff to avoid overlap with the 18 intelligence agencies it oversees.

4. A string of truck bomb explosions in Latin America, Asia and Europe, with a previously unknown group called “Martyrs of Gaza” claiming responsibility.

5. Development of artificial intelligence “virtual case officers” to spot, develop and recruit spies overseas.

6. None of the above.

--North Korea North Korea’s Kim Jong Un will stun the world in 2024 by: 1. Providing 155mm ammunition to Ukraine, beating out a rival offer by South Korea.

2. Launching a flotilla of balloons toward the United States, each carrying

gence,” whose powers aren’t fully understood.

4. The United States and China conduct government-to-government dialogue about how to address security threats from powerful AIs. 5. None of the above.

--Economy The biggest economic story of 2024 will be: 1. Huge federal deficits finally spook the bond market and make borrowing costs jump.

2. Inflation reaccelerates, the Fed raises interest rates (instead of cutting them), the stock market declines, and the U.S. economy veers toward recession.

3. After China’s Xi Jinping renews his focus on a market economy, the country’s depressed stock market soars and investors rush back in.

4. Nobel Prize winning economist Paul Krugman launches a new CNN feature called “Paul’s Charts” to compete with Steve Rattner on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” 5. Sabotage disrupts chip production in Taiwan, causing a sudden shortage of high-performance computer chips and a crash in tech stocks.

6. Oil demand reaccelerates as the

global economy rebounds and prices soar above $100 a barrel.

7. None of the above.

--Military The most destabilizing and potentially dangerous military trend of 2024 will be: 1. Attacks by armed drones, whose origin is unknown, on civilian areas outside combat zones.

2. The development of small, high-powered microwaves to inject malware from a distance, using satellites, drones and other autonomous systems.

3. U.S. intelligence concerns that a future Chinese research station on the moon will serve as a military base.

4. The proliferation of orbital bombardment weapons, pioneered by China, that can suddenly descend from space and destroy cities by sheer kinetic force, without a nuclear explosion.

5. A rush by all major cyber powers to “prepare the battlefield” for future conflict by inserting malware that, when activated, could cripple transportation, energy and communications systems around the world.

6. None of the above.

--Journalism

The news-business shocker of the year will be: 1. Substack launches a creator-driven television news site that quickly overtakes CNN. 2. Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, buys TikTok and creates an iconoclastic 21st-century news product to attract a younger audience.

3. The International Herald Tribune, bought in 2002 by the New York Times and rebranded as its International Edition, makes a comeback as an independent online newspaper publishing simultaneously in 10 languages.

4. Elon Musk sells X for $1 to his biographer Walter Isaacson, who reinvents it as a global news site “X-tra.”

5. Local news stages a comeback as communities across the United States support high-quality online local news sites.

6. None of the above.

--My predictions: Ukraine: 3; Russia: 1, 3; Saudi Arabia: 7; Gaza: 1, 2, 3, 4; CIA: 5; North Korea: 5; Technology: 3, 4; Economy: 2, 3, 6; Military: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; Journalism: 5. (c) 2024, Washington Post Writers Group

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giant loudspeakers repeating the national slogan: “Let us build a fairyland for the people by dint of science!”

3. Naming his fourth child “Mar-aLago.”

4. Testing a hypersonic cruise missile that could attack the United States, using technology obtained from Russia.

5. Announcing that he would be ready to negotiate a peace treaty with the United States if Donald Trump is reelected president.

6. None of the above.

--Technology The most significant technology development of 2024 will be: 1. An AI-driven influence campaign to sway the 2024 presidential election, whose impact cannot be measured, leaving the outcome of the election permanently in question.

2. A quantum computer so powerful that it can use Shor’s algorithm to break any encryption scheme and decode all secret intelligence cables and bank transactions.

3. A large-language model far more powerful than ChatGPT-4 that can communicate with other LLMs and create what scientists describe as “super-intelli-

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Political Crossfire

The 10 Worst Things President Biden Did in 2023

By Marc A. Thiessen

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fter the disasters Joe Biden unleashed in 2022, I didn’t imagine his presidency could get worse – but it did. Here are the 10 worst things Biden did in 2023: 10. He made the child-care crisis worse.

As my Post colleague Alyssa Rosenberg and I pointed out in September, child-care costs have been rising at nearly twice the rate of inflation. We proposed expanding the State Department’s au pair program, making this lower-cost option available to more families. Instead, the Biden administration put forward a plan that would double the cost of hiring an au pair by tying compensation to state and local laws on minimum wage, which will effectively put the program out of reach for many working families.

9. He made us more dependent on Russian uranium.

If Biden wants to speed Americans’ transition from fossil fuels to electricity, we will need more nuclear power.

Yet the president restricted development on more than 1 million acres of land that includes the only U.S. source of high-grade uranium ore. Since the United States is the largest purchaser of Russian enriched uranium, the move increases our dependence on Russia at a time when we are trying to isolate Vladimir Putin.

8. He circumvented the Supreme Court on student loan forgiveness.

With the stroke of a pen, Biden tried in 2022 to cancel half a trillion dollars in student debt, only to see his unconstitutional plan blocked by the Supreme Court. So the president used other regu-

latory means to write off nearly $132 billion in student debt anyway – effectively forcing blue-collar workers to subsidize the higher education of white-collar professionals and launching a frontal assault on Congress’s power of the purse.

7. He failed to police antisemitism on the left.

When Biden declared his candidacy for president in 2019, he condemned the right-wing bigots in Charlottesville “chanting the same antisemitic bile heard across Europe in the ’30s.” Yet he failed to forcefully confront the explosion of antisemitic bile on the left, from college campuses to Capitol Hill, after Hamas’s Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel.

6. He allowed a Chinese spy balloon to violate U.S. airspace.

For days, the Biden administration did nothing to stop the 20-story Chinese

craft until someone in Montana looked up at the sky and said: What in the world is that? Even Democrats, including former defense secretary and CIA director Leon Panetta, Sen. Jon Tester (Mont.) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (Ill.), called the president out for letting it sail over our country for a week before finally shooting it down over the Atlantic.

5. He allowed Iran to attack U.S. forces with impunity.

As president, Donald Trump drew a clear red line with Iran’s leaders, warning that the United States would respond militarily against Iran or its terrorist proxies if they killed a single American. He enforced this by taking out Iran’s terrorist mastermind, Qasem Soleimani, in 2020. On Oct. 7, Iran’s proxy Hamas killed more than 30 Americans during its attack against Is-

Ukraine needs to retake its territory.

2. He continued to slow-roll weapons to Ukraine.

After resisting for nearly year, Biden finally agreed in January to provide Ukrainian forces with M1A1 Abrams tanks, but the first tanks did not arrive until September. After 19 months

fighters for more than a year, Biden reversed course in May – but U.S. training delays prevented their deployment. He has provided Kyiv with just three Patriot air-defense systems, leaving Ukrainian troops, schools, homes, hospitals and critical infrastructure exposed. Biden’s delays have undermined Ukraine’s

Biden is the most unpopular president since the end of World War II.

of Ukrainian pleading, Biden provided Kyiv with Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) in October – but the United States supplied only a few medium-range missiles, which travel 100 miles, instead of longer-range missiles that have a 190-mile range. And after denying Ukraine’s entreaties for F-16

counteroffensive, prolonged the war and weakened support in Congress for military aid to Ukraine.

1. He announced he is running for reelection.

Biden is the most unpopular president since the end of World War II. Monmouth polling in October found 76

percent say he is too old to serve another term; CNN polling in August found that 67 percent of Democrats want someone else to be their party’s nominee. Yet Biden is running, forcing a Biden-Trump rematch that most Americans say they don’t want – and making a second Trump term more likely.

This list barely scratches the surface, so, as I do each year, here are some dishonorable mentions: Biden canceled the seven remaining oil and gas leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; he transferred $6 billion in frozen oil funds to Iran as a ransom for five American hostages; he announced the most draconian restrictions on auto emissions ever to try to force Americans to transition to electric vehicles; he nominated judges who could not answer basic questions about the Constitution; and he embraced “Bidenomics” even though only 14 percent say they have been helped by Biden’s economic policies.

Year 3 was a disaster. I tremble to think what 2024 will bring. (c) 2024, Washington Post Writers Group

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rael. Since then, Iran’s partners in terror have carried out reportedly more than 100 attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq, Syria and the Red Sea. Yet Biden has imposed no cost on Iran, sending a message of weakness that invites more attacks.

4. He allowed the worst border crisis in U.S. history get even worse.

In fiscal 2023, the record for the most encounters at the southern border was broken for the third straight year.

Just before the holidays, there were more than 12,600 migrant encounters in a single day – the highest total ever recorded. A December Wall Street Journal poll found that 64 percent disapprove of Biden’s border policies, while just 27 percent approve.

3. He blocked allies from giving Ukraine a clear path to NATO membership.

At a July summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, a majority of NATO allies wanted to set a specific timetable for Kyiv’s admission into the alliance, but Biden rejected their entreaties in fear of provoking Russia - giving Putin a major victory.

It’s the same flawed reasoning that has led Biden to withhold critical weapons

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The Jewish Home | JANUARY 4, 2024

Forgotten Her es

Civil War Heroes

By Avi Heiligman

A depiction of the Battle of Gettysburg

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side from top commanders like Generals Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, most soldiers from the American Civil War are almost completely unknown to the public. Digging through resources has uncovered some incredible stories of bravery and heroism of individual soldiers from that time period. Several of these heroes were awarded medals, citations or given promotions, while others were mentioned in newspapers, books or letters.

There wasn’t a variety of medals given out for bravery during the 1860s except for the Medal of Honor. The standard for the award was much lower than it is today, but there were many who truly deserved the honor. William Edward Miller from Pennsylvania was one of those soldiers. He joined the local cavalry at the age of sixteen and in 1861 entered the Union Army. A lieutenant with Company H, 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry, Miller and the unit trained for several months. Their first action was during the Peninsula Campaign in Virginia. Miller received commendations from two generals, one being General McClellan, for successfully delivering a message. During the Battle of Antietam, Miller came to the aid of a Union gun battery that was about to be overrun by Confederate General Stonewall Jackson’s troops. For his gallantry in saving the guns, Miller was promoted to captain.

A Medal of Honor from the Civil War

The next Confederate invasion of the North was in 1863 and culminated with the Battle of Gettysburg. Company H saw action on the second day of the battle when they were placed on the Union right flank and then moved forward to slow the advance of Confederate cavalry. The next day, Miller was given the direct orders to hold his unit’s position “at all hazards.” However, he noticed that Confederate troops in large numbers were advancing on the Union line, and in doing so, they left their flank exposed. Miller disobeyed orders and ordered a charge on the Confederates. This caused the enemy to break formation in confusion as they thought their path of withdrawal was being cut off. This action saved the Union line – some historians say his actions ensured the Union victory at Gettysburg.

During the fighting on July 3, Miller was shot in the arm and survived his wounds. Even though he failed to comply with his orders, Miller was never disciplined for moving his company’s position. In fact, he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1897 and is the only recipient of the award for disobeying direct orders.

Charles E. Phelps was another officer noted for gallantly leading his troops in battle. He was a colonel in the 7 th Maryland Infantry Regiment. During the Battle of the Wilderness, his horse was shot and killed while Phelps was riding on it

during the fighting. At the Battle of Spotsylvania in Laurel Hill, Virginia, he rode to the front of the troops that were assaulting the Confederates position. The Union troops had already suffered heavy losses but Phelps was able to rally them to within a few feet of the enemy. There, he was severely wounded and captured.

Cavalry under Union General George Armstrong Custer rescued Phelps, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions. Phelps later became a judge for the Circuit Court of Baltimore and served in the House of Representatives.

The Continental Marines were founded in 1775 but were disbanded in 1783.

The current Marine Corps was established in 1798 and has fought in every major American conflict since. Their role during the Civil War was small, but several marines made an impact during the hostilities. One of those marines was English-born Private Henry Thompson.

After moving to the United States, he volunteered for the Marines in 1863 and was assigned to the frigate USS Minnesota. In January 1865, he was part of a much larger Union force that assaulted the coastal stronghold of Fort Fisher in North Carolina. The marine detachment from the USS Minnesota landed on the beach along with other naval crewmen. Many men of the unit were killed or wounded, while others retreated in the face of the enemy entrenchments.

Thompson, who had made his way to the top of a sand hill, took charge and remained with the wounded until it was safe to move them off the beach. He took the wounded, arms, and colors with him and was recognized with the Medal of Honor for his actions in saving the wounded.

On February 22, 1864, Company D of the 4th Regiment Missouri Volunteer Cavalry led by Captain Frederick Hunsen was in Mississippi when they clashed with forces under Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Hunsen was thrown from his horse and was cut off from the rest of the company by enemy gunfire. Private Charles Beiger rode through the gunfire and rescued his wounded captain. Hunsen took Beiger’s horse and rode to safety while Beiger managed to catch the captain’s horse.

Beiger then rode that horse back to the Union lines. For saving his captain’s life, Beiger was awarded the Medal of Honor.

These are just some of the stories of the men who received the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. Their bravery in battle is history to be remembered.

Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@gmail.com.

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Close to all. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com HEWLETT Exquisite contemporary colonial residence boasts a prime location set back from the street, enhancing its striking curb appeal. With 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this move-inready home is bathed in natural light thanks to its four spacious skylights.

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LAWRENCE New to the market spacious 1 bedroom 1.5 bathroom condo, elevator building, central air conditioning, garage parking, 24hr doorman, many closets, kitchen with granite countertops, generous counter space, washer/dryer, minutes from shopping, park, transportation and houses of worship Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com CEDARHURST Move Right into This Very Spacious & Renovated 6 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath, Colonial on a Lovely Quiet Street.

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HEWLETT-WOODMERE School district. New to the market.

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CO-OPS/CONDOS

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FOR RENT

FOR RENT

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 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

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

WOODMERE Totally renovated bright and sunny 1 bedroom corner unit apartment with a washer/dryer. Features quartz countertops, ss appliances, recessed lighting, bathroom with chrome fixtures, close to the railroads, shopping and houses of worship.

Call for details Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HEWLETT 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

FOR RENT IN HEART OF FAR ROCKAWAY Extra large 2800 Square foot trailer with bathrooms available for rent, suitable for offices, Yeshiva etc Please call 718.327.8007

CEDARHURST 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, totally renovated private entrance , central air conditioning, hardwood floors, washer/dryer, garage parking, dishwasher, recessed lighting, private playground, close to railroad, park, shopping and houses of worship.

Call for more details Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

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

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Classifieds

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com • text 443-929-4003

FOR RENT

FOR RENT

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

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

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

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

TEACHER/TEACHER MENTOR Join our Collaborative Team at HASC. Looking for an experienced Teacher/Teacher Mentor to help with the administration of a SEIT Program.

Great Pay! Part-time! Flexible hours!

Warm & Caring Environment.

SAS/SBL a plus Email resume: jobswd@hasc.net

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 • $179K

WOODMERE New to the market studio co-op apartment, elevator building, high ceilings, low maintenance, laundry room on premises, minutes to the railroad, shopping, restaurants and houses of worship. $ 135K Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

TEACHER/TEACHER MENTOR Join our Collaborative Team at HASC. Looking for an experienced Teacher/ Teacher Mentor to help with the administration of a SEIT Program.

Great Pay! Part-time!

Flexible hours!

Warm & Caring Environment.

SAS/SBL a plus Email resume: jobswd@hasc.net

5 TOWNS - Offices For Lease and large Parking LOT Utilities & Internet & Parking Included with some Various sizes - starting at $695.

No broker fee Kosher kitchen - Minyan Next to LIRR Call/text/Whatsapp: 516-206-1100 BOOKKEEPER Excellent growth potential, Frum environment, Excellent salary & benefits. Email resume to: resumetfs1@gmail.com

IMMEDIATE OPENING PM Substitute Assistant Teacher for lower grade special ed class, 5 Towns/ Far Rockaway Yeshiva. Great Salary.

Hours: 1:00 - 4:00, Mon. - Thurs.

Email: nnadata@zareinu.org or call 516-316-6633.

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

SECRETARY WOODMERE, PART-TIME HASC, a leader in special education, is seeking a part-time SEIT Secretary to add to our Team.

Job includes general office and administrative tasks related to the tracking and maintenance of SEIT student and staff files.

Computer skills required.

Attention to detail a must.

Great pay.

Warm and caring environment.

Room for growth.

Training provided.

JOBSWD@HASC.NET 516-295-1340

Classifieds

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HELP WANTED HE LOVES COMPUTERS, animals, and exercise. Can you share his interests? Spend time with a 29-year-old young man with developmental disabilities in Lawrence, NY. Part time, flexible hours, starting salary $27.

Contact: Jobs@hamaspikking.org or 718-387-8400 Ext. 249

BOOKKEEPER/OFFICE ASSISTANT Cedarhurst Office. A/R ,A/P P/R, Quickbooks, data entry, scanning & filing. 25 -30 Hrs,good Pay. 516 404-1802 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.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

SECRETARY Woodmere, Part-Time HASC, a leader in special education, is seeking a part-time SEIT Secretary to add to our Team.

Job includes general office and administrative tasks related to the tracking and maintenance of SEIT student and staff files.

Computer skills required.

Attention to detail a must.

Great pay. Room for growth.

Warm and caring environment.

Training provided. jobswd@hasc.net 516-295-1340

5 TOWNS BOYS YESHIVA

MDS REGIONAL NURSE

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

Seeking Elem Gen Ed Teachers Excellent working environment and pay. Only lic/exp need apply.

5 Towns area Nursing Home management office seeking a Regional/Corporate level MDS Nurse to work in our office.

Email resume to

Must be an RN. Regional experience

yeshivalooking@gmail.com

preferred. 2-3 years MDS experience with good computer skills required.

JOIN OUR TEAM!

Position is Full Time but Part Time can be considered.

ABA company located in the 5 Towns

Great Shomer Shabbos environment

looking to fill multiple full-time

with some remote options as well.

administrative positions

Email: officejob2019@gmail.com

Knowledge of Central Reach a plus,

MISC.

but will train the right candidate Great work environment Call 516-670-5374 or Email your resume to: Careers@supportivecareaba.com

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!

JANUARY 4, 2024 | The Jewish Home

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The Jewish Home | JANUARY 4, 2024

Life C ach

Expect the Unexpected Art by yorAm rAAnAn

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

L

et’s talk about carry-ons.

Why do we drag them throughout the airport? oK, so one reason is that we need a place to hang all the extra junk we shlep or buy in the airport. Why stress our hands and shoulders? there’s a perfectly good floor there to roll everything on. that handle that comes up is a lifesaver. It does all the extra work. You just need a little, tiny spot to fit some fingers through, and you’re on your way.

Carry-ons are probably used primarily because you just don’t need to take more stuff with you. Therefore, why add the extra time to check in or get out of the airport?

In fact, you may actually really need more stuff, yet are willing to sacrifice not taking it, just for the faster check-in and to get to your destination more quickly.

So basically, we’d agree, on the back end, it’s for a faster escape on arrival.

But what I’d like to talk about is what the airlines have started to do now. you drag that carry-on with you with its one allowable extra bag hanging on it and the 20 little bags you acquire at the airport. You eye it like a hawk at every stop, so no one wanders off with it.

You traverse the entire airport this way

since your gate is always the inevitable last one possible. And you do so initially over the easy, glazed floors but then encounter some challenging up-ramps and the difficult carpet they sneak in along the way and an escalator or two where you must try balancing on those lifting steps. And finally, you make it to

check your bag with us. For free! but don’t worry, we will bring it to you when you get to your destination. And if you don’t want to part with your bag, you might get it taken from you if we deem it necessary.”

It adds some anxiety, but it could sound sort of fine. Rather than strug-

Seriously, if that was their plan, couldn’t they have told you before you dragged it all the way there?

your gate, where, if you are lucky, you find a seat and a phone charger outlet. or worst case, at least a nook to wait for your group to be called.

So what do the airlines do next? they put on a helpful announcer who comes on and says, “All the seats on the plane have been booked.” Isn’t that what they want and had planned for?

“And, therefore we encourage you to

gling to get it into your overhead bin, they will deal with it, just like the baby carriages they bring right to you when you arrive.

However, that’s not how it works.

Their plan is to take it and deliver it to the conveyor belt where you will need to wait till it comes out at your destination.

Seriously, if that was their plan, couldn’t they have told you before you

dragged it all the way there?

After all, you did all that so you wouldn’t have to wait when you arrived.

Or maybe you needed some of that stuff to be on the plane with you. now, honestly, did you just go through all that trouble just for them to bring it right back to the very place you avoided to begin with?

What’s with them and the carry-on?!

Delays you may expect already. turbulence, maybe?! no charging port, oK. no food! no legroom?!

But do they now have to threaten to take away your little piece of security you brought, too?

Yes, sometimes, you have to expect the unexpected!

But don’t they realize that they are the ones who named it “carry-on”?!

Rivki Rosenwald is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with both couples and individuals and is a certified relationship counselor. Rivki is a co-founder and creator of an effective Parent Management of Adolescent Years Program. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or at rivkirosenwald@gmail.com.

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