Five Towns Jewish Home 3.14.24

BACH Jewish Center Annual Dinner

Rabbi Rand Kollel Avreichim Dinner

Bringing in Adar with Simcha

Dirshu Shabbos Convention Packed with Inspiration

58

Dear Readers,

Israel is in the midst of a ground offensive in Gaza. The war involves thousands of soldiers armed with ammunition to fight the Hamas terrorists hiding in hospitals, schools, and buildings.

But it is also fighting another war, a more esoteric battle. And it’s not a new war for the Jewish state. Since its existence, Israel has always been fighting a public relations war, a fight to have the opportunity to showcase facts for the public in the most accurate way. This war is against shadowy figures who vilify Israel in the worst way, who lie and twist and manipulate reality to their advantage and who have managed to sway many individuals to believe in their falsehoods.

Since October 7, this fight has become even more intense. And the voices on the other side have been screaming and slandering and lying so loudly and so persistently that many outside their camp have begun to believe “their side” of the issues. Suddenly, Hamas has become the vulnerable victim. Suddenly, Israelis fighting for their lives have become the aggressors. Suddenly, a terror group that slaughtered innocent children in their homes has become the ones world leaders now need to “protect” and support.

We know that we live in a olam ha’sheker, when we’re told to believe that what is up is really down, and what is down is really up. And we’re told time and time again to believe it. Those who believe in the Torah, in the Truth, are able to cling to their principles and hold fast to their values that are so clear and defined. But for others, who don’t have clearly defined principles, the shrill and constant voices who

proclaim “ceasefire now” slowly erode at their psyche and make them question their ideals.

As frum Jews, as we go about our lives, we need to be proud of those principles that we hold dear.

In our community, we are unquestionably supportive of Israel and its right to exist. We daven for peace in the Holy Land three times a day; we say Tehillim and beg Hashem to end this war and bring all our people home. And we’re supportive of Israel in other ways. We send our brothers and sisters donations wrapped in love. We visit the Holy Land to personally help in the war efforts.

This week, an exhibit showcasing Israeli real estate took place in our neighborhood. Although there was a handful of protesters outside loudly vilifying those who want to support the Holy Land, the Jews in our community calmly proclaimed their allegiance to the Jewish state. They would not let these terrorist defenders prevent them from championing our homeland.

But in Brooklyn, that same exhibit was canceled. I was not privy to the behind-the-scenes rationales for the cancellation of the event. But I know that the day after the event was cancelled, Hamas supporters exulted in their “victory.” They took pride in the fact that the Jewish community was not able to hold a pro-Israel exhibit in a shul. And I wonder: when Hamas supporters threaten to disrupt other events in the Jewish community, will we yield to their cries of “ceasefire now” or will we show them that “Am Yisroel chai”?

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern, PUBLISHER publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Yosef Feinerman, MANAGING EDITOR ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Shoshana Soroka, EDITOR editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Nate Davis

Editorial Assistant

Nechama Wein

Copy Editor

Rachel Bergida

Shana Brecher

Lani White

Design & Production

Gabe Solomon

Distribution & Logistics

P.O. BOX 266

Lawrence, NY 11559

Phone | 516-734-0858

Fax | 516-734-0857

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

text 443-929-4003

PAYMENT VIA CREDIT CARD MUST BE SUBMITTED ALONG WITH CLASSIFIED ADS

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

Dear Editor,

A crucial book to buy for your child is Love and a Really Soft Pillow. You can catch the theme of the book by asking a rhetorical question about the beginning of the title: “Love and...” There is no “and” when it comes to love. Love is everything. The book works through this theme and illustrates that in fact all you do need is love, but with one catch. At the end of the book, a storm comes which would have blown away the father and son, save for a tree they planted that had “deep roots.” On the positive side, love is everything, but it must be rooted to endure.

When it comes to being rooted, my late relative, Rav Avrohom Genechovsky, zt”l, provided me with the following phenomenal drash relating to Purim. The Gemara (Taanis 29a) states, “Mishenichnas Adar marbim b’simcha – When Adar arrives, one should rejoice.” Rav Avraham related this to another Gemara (Beitzah 15b) that says, “One who plants a tree called ‘Adar’ is guaranteed that his property will endure.” Therefore, as Adar is symbolic of happiness, we may say that one who “plants” happiness into his heart will endure.

Steven Genack

Dear Editor,

In his partisan State of the Union speech, President Biden announced that he was stepping up emergency aid to Gazans since Israel is not doing enough to oversee such aid. To do this, he is ordering the U.S. military to set up a temporary port in the Mediterranean Sea next to Gaza, but promises no U.S. troops on the ground in Gaza. He also warned the Israelis to be very careful not to bomb the

Americans setting up the temporary port or any innocent Palestinians. All this, although Hamas refuses to provide proof of life for more than 134 innocent Israeli captives (women and children as young as one year old), including at least nine Americans.

As with the U.S. borders, President Biden is more concerned with non-U.S. citizens than he is with protecting Americans. He refuses to “close the border” by undoing the approximately 90 Executive Orders that he signed in the first days of his administration, including “remain in Mexico” and “release in Mexico” as opposed to allowing illegal migrants into the U.S. He does not acknowledge illegal immigrant crime and went on television to apologize for using the word “illegal” in his State of the Union speech as opposed to “undocumented” or “newcomer.” This, despite the soaring crime caused by this uncontrolled access to our borders, and the fact that it is the number one issue among the majority of voters based on exit polling. Furthermore, he never mentions innocent Ukrainian civilians including children killed as they do not represent a voting bloc in the U.S.!

Jan Henock

Woodmere, NY

Dear Editor,

Children often touch everything they see, and it frustrates us. We view children as intentionally trying to annoy us. If we would care to understand the underlying reasons of the many things that children do, we would start to appreciate their actions more than get frustrated.

Children are constantly observing their surroundings and learning how to

Continued on page 8

Continued from page 8

adapt to the world. When we see children touching everything, it’s not necessarily something to be concerned about. In fact, it helps with their brain development and sensory processing.

We often view children as miniature adults. We expect children to understand and listen to the rules the first time. We have a lack of understanding of how a child’s brain develops.

When you see a newborn baby, you may want to touch their soft skin or smell them.

This is because it pulls together a sensory experience for us. Their soft skin, smell, crying,

fragile tiny body is known to us by using our five senses.

This is brain mapping. By using our senses to learn, we are creating a map in our brain for future use. Children need to build maps as well. They need to be able to put all their senses to use to complete a sensory experience. From the five senses, touch is the most ignored, which is odd considering that we use it daily to gather information. The sense of touch is the innermost linkage between our bodies and the outside world.

The first experience a baby has of the outside world is touch, which makes it reasonable for children to always be touching what they see.

Tactile learning is learning through the sense of touch. Just like some people are visual learners, some children feel the need to touch everything, which means they learn well through their tactile system. Tactile learners often enjoy things like hands-on activities, art projects, using their hands to trace things, and constant movement.

Your child is not trying to frustrate you. This is how your child is learning. This is their way of experiencing life. When your child touches everything when you’re in public, remember that this is all a normal and necessary process.

Tactile learning is not all children’s main interface of learning, but for those children that do, we need to encourage their growth. Not diminish it.

Children don’t know everything you know. You are here to teach and help them while their brains are developing, and they are becoming themselves.

Trust the process. You were a child as well.

Sora Kitay

Dear Editor,

As we get closer to Purim, I urge all parents to have frank and open discussions with their children and teens about the dangers of alcohol. Many teens think that it’s the “right thing to do” and is “cool” to guzzle bottles of alcohol on Purim. This is far from the truth. In fact, it’s dangerous and could be fatal. Alcohol poisoning is a serious condition and comes from drinking too much in a short amount of time.

Teens who are mature can understand that there is a need for moderation (although I don’t advocate drinking anything alcoholic if you’re underage!).

Hosts of parties should be watchful about who is imbibing alcohol. They are responsible for those who are at their homes.

And when boys (and girls) come to your house on Purim, don’t encourage “a l’chaim or two.” You don’t want to be the one who pushed them over the edge.

May this Purim be a happy and safe one!

Zalman Orenstein

Dear Editor,

Your article on Shlav Bet was truly heartwarming. These men all have families and jobs. And yet, they chose to go through arduous training to become part of the reserves to help our Jewish nation at war. Kol ha’kavod to them! And kol ha’kavod to their wives and families who encourage them in this time of crisis.

May Hashem watch over all our soldiers and may He bring all our hostages back to their families.

Sincerely,

Chana Weiser

Dear Editor,

The New York Times is consistently biased in their articles against Israel and the Orthodox Jewish community. David Friedman editorials could have been written for Al Jazeera. Their success is based on their subscriptions and advertising. Let’s reduce their success. We wouldn’t give money or our tzedaka to Hamas for Gaza. Let’s not give our business to The New York Times. If the people in the Five Towns cancelled 1,000 of our subscriptions, a statement would be made.

We give our tzedaka with intent and purpose – let’s do the same with our business.

Yaacov Lewis

Frightful Flight

Passengers onboard LATAM Airlines flight 800 from Sydney, Australia, to Auckland, New Zealand, experienced a terrifying incident when the pilot temporarily lost control of the plane, which caused a sudden drop in the aircraft.

Passengers were thrown around the cabin after an instrument in the cockpit failed. Many were injured.

The incident aboard the aircraft this week is the latest to hit troubled aircraft manufacturer Boeing, which has been rocked by years of quality and safety issues. The plane, operated by Chile’s flag carrier, was a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

LATAM on Monday said the plane “had a technical event during the flight which caused a strong movement,” adding it had landed as scheduled in Auckland.

About 50 people were injured in the incident, with one person in serious condition, emergency services said.

“People were screaming and crying. And yeah, it was mass chaos for a few short seconds,” one passenger said. “Clearly there was a moment in my head that I just kind of resigned to the fact this could be it. This might be it.”

Boeing has been garnering bad press over the recent years, with many critics saying the company has shifted its focus in the last few decades to financial results at the cost of safety and quality in its aircraft.

They include two fatal crashes of the 737 Max jet due to a design flaw in the plane, numerous halts in deliveries due to quality control issues, and, most recently, a door plug that blew off of a new 737 Max operated by Alaska Airlines in January, leaving a gaping hole in the side of the plane.

The FAA said on Monday that it has

given Boeing until late May to produce a plan to remedy issues identified in a federal audit and other reviews.

Haitian PM Resigns

On Monday, as the situation in Haiti continued to spiral out of control, Ariel Henry, prime minister of the gang-ravaged nation, resigned.

Henry said in a video address that his government would leave power after the establishment of a transitional council, adding, “Haiti needs peace. Haiti needs stability.”

“My government will leave immediately after the inauguration of the council. We will be a caretaker government until they name a prime minister and a new cabinet,” Henry said.

He intends to remain in his role until a new interim government is formed.

The Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) meeting in Jamaica on Monday said it had agreed to set up a transitional council to lay the foundations for elections in Haiti.

“We are pleased to announce the commitment to transitional governance arrangement which paves the way for a peaceful transition of power, continuity of governance and action plan for nearterm security and the road to free and fair elections. It further seeks to assure that Haiti will be governed by the rule of law,” said Guyana leader and CARICOM Chairman Irfaan Ali in a news conference, flanked by other Caribbean leaders.

Henry had gone to Kenya last week to sign an agreement with the African nation in which it would send 1,000 Kenyan police officers to Haiti to restore law and order in the country. But Henry was unable to return to Haiti after negotiations, as the security situation deteriorated around the airport in the capital, Port-au-Prince. A plan to travel via the neighboring Dominican Republic was abandoned after the government there refused permission for his plane to land. Henry is now in Puerto Rico.

The United States will contribute $300 million to the Kenyan-led multinational security mission, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after attending the CARICOM meeting on Monday. He also announced an additional $33 million in “humanitarian assistance for the people of Haiti.”

Henry, who came to power unelected in 2021 following the assassination of Haiti’s then-president, failed to hold elections last year, saying the country’s insecurity would compromise the vote. But his decision only further enraged protesters who had for months demanded he step down as Haiti slid further into poverty and rampant gang violence.

Gangs attacked the country’s largest prison in Port-au-Prince earlier this month. More than 3,500 prisoners escaped and police officers were killed.

One gang leader, Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, took credit for the attack and said the jailbreak was an attempt to overthrow Henry’s government.

“If Ariel Henry doesn’t step down, if the international community continues to support Ariel Henry, they will lead us directly into a civil war that will end in genocide,” Cherizier said last week.

The chaos has forced tens of thou -

sands to flee their homes, adding to the more than 300,000 already displaced by gang violence. While security has deteriorated in recent months, Haiti has for years suffered chronic violence, political crises and drought, leaving more than 5.5 million Haitians – about half the population – in need of humanitarian assistance.

More Marine Life in N. Zealand

A team of 21 scientists set off on an expedition in the largely uncharted waters of Bounty Trough off the coast of the South Island of New Zealand in February hoping to find a trove of new species.

The expedition paid off, they said Sunday, with the discovery of 100 new species.

“I expect that number to increase as we work through more and more of the samples,” said Alex Rogers, a marine biologist who was a leader of the expedition. “I think that number is going to be in the hundreds instead of just 100.”

Dozens of mollusks, three fish, a shrimp and a cephalopod that is a type of predatory mollusk were among the new species found in the expedition, which was led by Ocean Census, a nonprofit dedicated to the global discovery of ocean life, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research in New Zealand, and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

One creature that caused a “lot of head-scratching” is a star-shaped animal, about a centimeter across, but researchers have not managed to identify it, Rogers said. They believe it may be a coral.

Two million-plus species are estimated to live in the oceans, but only 10% of ocean life is known. It is vital to learn more about the aquatic life because marine ecosystems carry out functions that support life on Earth, such as creating food for billions, storing carbon and regulating climate, Rogers said.

“We’re dealing with a situation where we know marine life is in decline,” he said. “In order to try to manage human activi-

ties to prevent this continuing decline, we need to understand the distribution of marine life better than we currently do.”

Ocean Census was founded last year by the Nippon Foundation, a Japanese philanthropic organization, and the U.K.based ocean exploration foundation Nekton. When it began its work, Ocean Census set a goal of finding at least 100,000 new marine species in a decade.

The group is focused on exploring some of the most under-sampled bodies of water.

Worldwide, about 240,000 marine species have been discovered and named to date but only 2,200 species are discovered each year on average, according to Ocean Census. (© The New York Times)

Great Barrier Reef Bleaching

According to officials, the Great Barrier Reef, a major coral reef system in Australia, has experienced a mass bleaching event, a phenomenon that typically occurs when overheated corals expel algae from their tissue, thus starving themselves of their food supplies. If the corals don’t speedily recover from the high wa-

ter temperatures, they risk further starvation and death.

This marks the reef’s seventh mass bleaching event; past events occurred in 1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2022. Officials attribute the bleaching events to high global temperatures triggered by the El Niño weather pattern, as well as fossil fuels and other factors contributing to the alleged climate crisis. The Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest coral reef in the world, contains over 1,500 species of fish

and 411 species of hard corals and generates billions of dollars in revenue for the Australian economy annually, as it is a major tourist attraction.

“Climate change is the biggest risk not just to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia but also to coral reefs around the world,” asserted Tanya Plibersek, Australia’s Environment Minister. “We know that we need to give our beautiful reef the best chance of survival for the planet and animals that call it home, for the 64,000

Dr. Lissa Schindler, the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) Great Barrier Reef campaign manager, declared the incident “a huge wake-up call for Australia and the global community that we need to do much more.”

While the Australian government has promised to allocate one billion Australian dollars ($660 million) towards the climate issue, some have blamed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government for not taking the problem seriously enough.

According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2023 was the hottest year since 1850, when the world began recording global temperatures.

3 Killed in Houthis Attack

Two Filipinos and a Vietnamese crew member were killed in a missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on a ship in the Gulf of Aden last Wednesday.

The deaths seem to be the first of those resulting from a Houthi attack on merchant vessels in the Red Sea.

people whose livelihoods depend on reef tourism.”

“Prevalent shallow water coral bleaching” was discovered after a team searched over 300 inshore, mid-shelf, and offshore reefs aerially.

“The Reef has demonstrated its capacity to recover from previous coral bleaching events, severe tropical cyclones, and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks,” officials noted, adding that a recovery could happen if temperatures stabilize.

“One Vietnamese and two Filipino crew members have lost their lives,” a statement from the owners and managers of the Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned M/V True Confidence said early Thursday. “A further two Filipino crew members have suffered serious injuries. All crew members were taken to Djibouti.”

An anti-ship ballistic missile struck the True Confidence, after which its crew reported “three fatalities, at least four injuries, of which three are in critical condition, and significant damage to the ship,” the U.S. Central Command said in a statement.

The ship was manned by 20 workers

and three armed guards. It had been carrying steel from China to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree wrote on social media that the True Confidence was targeted with missiles “after the ship’s crew rejected warning messages” from the rebels.

Stephen Cotton, general secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the leading seafarers union, called for urgent action to protect its members.

“We have consistently warned the international community and the maritime industry about the escalating risks faced by seafarers in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea. Today… we see those warnings tragically confirmed,” Cotton said.

On March 2, the Rubymar, a UKowned bulk carrier, became the first ship to sink as a result of a Houthi attack, after floating for two weeks with severe damage from a missile strike. All crew were safely evacuated from that vessel.

The Iran-backed terror group began attacking ships in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea last November, in efforts, they say, to halt the war in Gaza. The Houthi attacks have disrupted global shipping, forcing firms to re-route to longer and more expensive journeys around

southern Africa. The cost of insuring a seven-day voyage through the Red Sea has risen by hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Seventeen Filipinos were taken hostage by the Houthis in November after the rebels seized their ship in the Red Sea. They have not yet been released.

Pilots Fall Asleep Midflight

Indonesia’s aviation authority said it would review how the country’s airlines operate night flights after both pilots on a Batik Air flight carrying 153 passengers fell asleep, causing the plane to briefly veer off course.

The flight — a journey of about three hours from Kendari to Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, early on January 25 — was a return leg for the crew and plane, which

had spent less than an hour on the ground after arriving from Jakarta.

The plane took off from Kendari at about 8 a.m., and after reaching cruising altitude, the captain took a nap while the co-pilot manned the flight, according to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Committee. After about an hour, the co-pilot accidentally fell asleep, and several frantic calls from the air traffic control center and other aircraft went unanswered.

About 28 minutes later, the pilot woke up, realized the plane had veered off course and woke up the co-pilot. They course corrected, and the plane landed safely in Jakarta.

Batik Air is owned by Lion Air Group, Indonesia’s largest air travel company, which has a troubled safety record. In 2018, one of its flights fell out of the sky moments after takeoff, killing all 189 people on board. In 2013, a Lion Air flight crashed into the sea while trying to land; all passengers were safely evacuated. And in 2004, 25 people were killed in a Lion Air crash in Surakarta, Indonesia.

In recent years, Lion Air Group has made significant investments into improving the safety of its flights, said Gerry Soejatman, an Indonesian aviation expert and consultant, but he added that it was unclear whether the investments were addressing the underlying issues or making quick fixes.

“Because they have a questionable history,” he said, “what we worry about is that they are overly desperate to fix it.”

On Saturday, Indonesia’s director general of civil aviation at the Ministry of Transport, Maria Kristi Endah Murni, said that the ministry would investigate the Batik Air episode and review how all of the country’s airlines manage crew fatigue when operating night flights.

Both pilots involved in the flight had been temporarily suspended. (© The New York Times)

Namibians Want Land Back

Namibian descendants of those killed by German colonials want their ancestors’ land back.

From 1904 to 1908, Germany perpetrated a genocide against Namibians and took away their property following the tribes’ rebellion. Germany subsequently issued an apology for playing a role in killing around 65,000 Herero and 10,000 Nama people, and in May 2021, said it would, over the next thirty years, spend 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) on projects

meant to make up for the atrocities.

Some have criticized Germany for apologizing to Namibia, a Southern African state that was not in existence during the genocide, as opposed to apologizing to traditional Herero and Nama authorities who are the direct descendants of those who were oppressed. According to a 2006 parliamentary resolution cited by Mutjinde Katjiua, the leader of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority faction, Germany was supposed to negotiate specifically with communities impacted by the genocide. Furthermore, the 2021 German-Namibian joint declaration did not include the return of any ancestral land, as was demanded by impacted communities.

“What we have now is a bilateral agreement to fund development aid. It’s not even reparations and something to do with genocide,” Katjiua said. “Germany must come to the table, discuss with us, negotiate with Hereros and Namas, and together we agree on what is appropriate to repair the damage.

“If nothing works out, the only thing that we can lay our hands on is the land because we know where that is, we know the names of the rivers, we know the names of the farms,” he said.

Following the First World War, Germany, once the third most powerful colonial power, only behind Britain and France, was stripped of all its colonial territories, which included German South West Africa.

Harald Hecht, chairman of the Forum of German-speaking Namibians, said that while the joint declaration awaits approval from the Namibian parliament, its ratification process is currently paused. This halt is due to ongoing discussions between the two governments about making amendments to the document. One potential amendment would be decreasing Germany’s thirty-year allocation of funds to five or ten years, he said.

“It (the joint declaration) is not the perfect model because the amount of compensation offered doesn’t amount to reparations, but there is at least an offer on the table,” Hecht said. “In the absence of anything else, I think we need to support it.”

Ambassador Tonateni Intenge-Envula, the chair of Namibia’s technical committee on genocide, said that invitations

to participate in the negotiations were extended to all impacted parties.

“The Office of the Vice President deals with the issue. As far as I know that office is open and has had discussions with the affected community,” she said.

Worms Without Radiation

In April 1986, a reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded, resulting in the evacuation of the town and the area around it. The radioactive materials deposited into the environment from the explosion expose organisms to extremely unsafe levels of ionizing radiation, greatly enhancing the risk of mutation, cancer, and death.

But scientists have confirmed that microscopic worms that live in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) have been living free of radiation damage.

Nematodes collected from the area have shown no sign of damage to their genomes, contrary to what might be expected for organisms living in such a dangerous place. Scientists are amazed that these worms are so resilient and have managed to adapt to conditions which would harm other organisms.

This, says a team of biologists led by Sophia Tintori of New York University, could offer some insights into DNA repair mechanisms that could one day be adapted for use in human medicine.

Their research has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Even though the 1,000-square-mile area surrounding Chernobyl is off-limits to humans, animals haven’t been staying away. Tests of animals that live in the region have shown clear genetic differences from animals that don’t. But there’s still a lot we don’t know about the effects of the disaster on the local ecosystems.

One way to gain insights into this question is to look at nematodes – microscopic roundworms that live in a range of habitats (including the bodies of other organisms). Nematodes can be remarkably hardy. They live short lives and have simple genomes. This makes them excellent model organisms for studying a range of things, from biological development to DNA repair

and toxin response.

Tintori and her team dug in Chernobyl to find these small worms that typically live in soil. They collected hundreds of nematodes from rotten fruit, leaf litter, and the soil in the CEZ, using Geiger counters to measure ambient radiation and wearing protective suits against radioactive dust. Interestingly, after analyzing the worms, they found that signs of DNA damage from the radiation environment were lacking.

Tintori noted, “We can use these strains to study why different individuals are more likely than others to suffer the effects of carcinogens. Thinking about how individuals respond differently to DNA-damaging agents in the environment is something that will help us have a clear vision of our own risk factors.”

Close Call With Russian Attack

During Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ visit to Ukraine last Wednesday, a Russian missile hit a location close to his and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s convoy. The strike, which killed five people and injured others, hit Odessa, a Black Sea port city in Ukraine, only 500 meters away from where the two leaders were traveling.

“We saw this strike today. You can see who we are dealing with – they don’t care where they strike. I know that there were victims today, I don’t know all the details yet, but I know that there are dead and wounded,” said Zelensky, adding that he and the Greek president saw and heard the strike. “We need to defend ourselves first and foremost. The best way to do that is with an air defense system.”

Zelensky, who has made many dangerous trips to the front lines, was giving Mitsotakis a tour of the city. At one point, air raid sirens began sounding.

“Shortly after, as we were getting into our cars, we heard a big explosion,” Mitsotakis said later that day. “I think that for us is the best, most vivid reminder that there is a real war going on here. Every day, there is a war, which not only affects the front, the soldiers, it affects our innocent fellow citizens.”

Odessa, which is the main base of

the Ukrainian navy, is vital for Ukraine’s grain export operations, which Russia has been persistently attacking since the start of the invasion it launched in 2022.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the army launched the strike at 11:40 am Moscow time.

“The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation launched a high-precision missile attack on a hangar in the industrial port district of Odessa, where preparations were underway for the combat use of unmanned boats of the armed forces of Ukraine. The target of the strike has been achieved. The object is hit,” the ministry stated. Russia has yet to mention the attack’s proximity to the Ukrainian and Greek leaders.

As U.S. aid to Ukraine stalls, Zelensky has begun urging his country’s allies to provide air defense systems.

“This strike is yet another reminder of how Russia is continuing to attack Ukraine recklessly every single day and of Ukraine’s urgent needs, in particular, for air defense interceptors,” a spokesperson for the National Security Council said. “We again call on the House of Representatives to take action to support Ukraine so that we can provide the Ukrainian armed forces with the equipment they desperately need to defend against these outrageous Russian attacks.”

Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, said the attack was “another sign of Russia’s cowardly tactics,” which were “below even the Kremlin’s playbook.”

Frog Legs: A French Delicacy

Several frog species are at risk of endangerment due to the high demand for the cuisses de grenouille (frogs’ legs) French delicacy, according to environmental activists.

Robin des Bois and Vétérinaires pour la Biodiversité (Veterinarians for Biodiversity), two French nonprofit companies, in collaboration with German charity Pro Wildlife, organized an open letter that was signed by 557 individuals who are involved in related research, nature conservation, and veterinary medicine.

According to the open letter, 4,070 tons of frozen frogs’ legs – approximately 80 to 200 million frogs in all – are imported into the European Union each year.

Robin des Bois and Pro Wildlife, in a joint study, concluded that each year, French people eat over 3,000 tons of frozen frogs’ legs, with France consuming the largest amount of frogs’ legs in the European Union. Most of the wild frogs are imported from Indonesia, Albania, and Turkey, while a large number of

farmed frogs come from Vietnam.

The signatories urged France to take action in order to protect frog populations, ensure their conservation, and regulate the trade of frogs’ legs in accordance with international law.

Due to “intense commercial harvests and exports for many years,” frogs from common species, such as crab-eating and rice-field frogs, have been diminishing in number, the letter noted, citing recent studies.

Frog species indigenous to the EU are

is not at all in line with the EU’s recent biodiversity strategy.”

Elections in Portugal

Following Prime Minister Antonio Costa’s resignation in November amid allegations of corruption, an early election took place on Sunday in Portugal.

The Democratic Alliance, a center-right coalition composed of the Social Democratic Party, CDS – People’s Party, and People’s Monarchist Party, won 29.5% of the vote, with the alliance’s leader, Luis Montenegro, declaring the coalition victorious in the election. The Socialist Party, which had been ruling up until the election, won 28.7% of the vote, and its leader Pedro Nuno Santos has since conceded. In a first, Chega, a controversial far-right party, won 18% of the vote.

However, no party secured enough votes to gain a majority in parliament, thus paving the way for challenging talks in the coming days and weeks. Now, Chega has the opportunity to form a coalition in an effort to gain the number of parliamentary seats required to form a government.

On Monday, Montenegro, 51, reaffirmed that he would not be working with Chega, a far-right party accused of holding extremist views. The party’s critics have asserted that Chega, led by André Ventura, is racist. One party member recently declared himself a “fascist,” although he later backpedaled on that assertion. Chega is in favor of stricter immigration rules and punishments for criminals and has controversial beliefs about topics such as gender equality.

protected from “commercial exploitation” by the Habitats Directive. However, this safeguard does not apply to species that are imported from countries outside the union.

“It’s absurd: the natural frog populations here in Europe are protected under EU law,” Pro Wildlife head of science Sandra Altherr stated. “But the EU still tolerates the collection of millions of animals in other countries – even if this threatens the frog populations there. This

Portugal, which is one of Western Europe’s poorest countries, faces intense housing and healthcare challenges. According to a study conducted by the European Union, 93% of Portuguese citizens perceive corruption in the country as a widespread issue.

Sweden Joins NATO

This week, Sweden’s flag was raised at the NATO headquarters in Brussels,

THE WOODMERE CLUB - NEW HOMES NEW IDEAS-OR BOTH?

February 21, 2024 -

By Gary Caparelli

If you are anything like me, you have often taken a ride down Broadway, past the Woodmere Golf Course. Once you pass Grove Ave, on your eastbound drive, a sense of open space greets you. Perhaps your early morning commute was enhanced with a brilliant sunrise and you were mesmerized by mist slowly rising on the open horizon. Or a late afternoon return, as the setting sun casts a golden glow over the landscape. This has been my experience over the past years and I for one am not ready to see it end. And I am certain many of you feel likewise!

Having read with much interest the January 18th news article in the Nassau Herald concerning the future land use of the former Woodmere Golf Course, Jeff Bessen asked for local “opinions about potential development”.

I offer the following, both an opinion and what I feel could be a comprehensive solution.

My thoughts are rather straightforward. I have NO desire to see extensive residential development mar this beautiful open expanse of land. This will do nothing for the community at large. As we can all attest, our roads are at peak capacity. Existing infrastructure is stretched to its limit; more traffic and development will certainly diminish whatever quality of life we now minimally enjoy. The only perceived beneficiaries of this land use issue appear to be the financial interests of both the developers and the tax collecting authorities. We, the people, will accrue no benefit and will, in fact, suffer the inevitable negative consequences.

There is my humble opinion and, as the saying goes, “opinions are a dime a dozen”. Sensing this, I thought I would offer a viable but improbable solution. I say this because what follows is most definitely possible, in fact PROVEN so and sustainable. IMPROBABLE because its execution lies solely in the hands of the “powers that be”, in this case, the owners/developers and our local government. Would they even consider this?

A SOLUTION:

I begin with a passage from the previously mentioned Herald article: “According to the Coastal Conservation District, the two allowable uses for ‘open space’ are a golf course or other passive recreation”.

The creation of this “Open Space Subdistrict” could very conceivably be utilized as agricultural land. Let’s call it “Willow View Farm” with a brief explanation about 21st Century agricultural techniques and practices.

Old MacDonald will not be coming to town driving a herd of cattle down Broadway. Modern farming is best described as Regenerative Agriculture and involves growing lush fields of grazable grasses, no plowing or tillage, sustainably managed, organically fertilized with no pesticide or herbicide use. Crops are grown with non-GMO seeds and offer a variety of local, fresh organic produce.

The sustainable practices employed by this 21st Century Regenerative technique sequester more carbon inground than trees and require no inputs of synthetic fertilizers or chemicals of any kind. If limited livestock are incorporated, there are no noxious odors and the animals are 100% grass fed, pasture raised as nature intended.

Lest I digress here, for more nuanced information on this subject: Search Regenerative Agriculture, Polyface Farm, Joel Salatin (excellent You Tube videos).

Use of this “open space” land, as decreed by the new zoning regulations could surely inure to the collective benefit of the whole community in many ways and on many levels.

· Availability of fresh, locally grown organic food

· Healthy alternatives to highly processed food in the supermarket.

· A local food producer would be vital during supply chain disruption/emergencies.

· Educational opportunities for school children to experience sustainable, ecological food production literally in their” backyard”

· A park-like setting could be incorporated within the farm with meandering walkways and benches.

· Long term benefit to the environment with active sustainable management. Birds, butterflies and bees will certainly inhabit this oasis in an otherwise asphalt desert.

· Open fields of green pasture and productive activity instead of two-story houses-PRICELESS

HEALTHY BENEFITS:

This may well be the last opportunity to have farm fresh food available locally. We are running out of open land to cultivate. Although our supermarkets are finally offering a variety of organic foodstuff, most if not all is grown and shipped from afar. Harvested many days or

weeks ago, one cannot consider what is offered by the store as “farm fresh”. It is well known that fruits and vegetables lose much of their nutritional value as they age.

Also, having a food producing enterprise in your backyard, so to speak, could quickly go from quaint to vital local supplier during emergencies and shortages.

My fellow Five Towners, we are all at the proverbial crossroads with the inevitable construction that will take place at the Woodmere Club.

As I had mentioned above, the solution I have laid out here is possible, meaning doable. But at best, improbable and at worst- ignored completely.

But wait. I did not sit down and write this, only to have it end on a disheartening note. Please indulge me as I offer the following short story, which may offer hope and tie this all together.

So here, as described in vivid detail, is THE FARM

THE VISION - A WHIMSICAL ESSAY

APRIL 22, 2025 - OPENING DAY

Earth Day! A date chosen not by accident, but by design. After all, it is symbolic of all in nature.

Introducing The Willow View Farm - a perfect fit for an idyllic expanse of suburban landscape.

It certainly wasn’t easy. But with the unprecedented support of the community, enlightened leadership of the local politicians, generous concessions from the owners and visionary persistence of its advocates, the farmgate swings open today.

THE LAST- MINUTE CHECKLIST:

· The market stands are being stocked with the winter vegetables grown in the greenhouses. They were the first units to be constructed last fall and produced a bounty of fresh organic produce. A tempting sample of what’s to come this summer.

· A walking tour of the newly planted fields which will include an educational talk on Permaculture, solar applications incorporated into the design and the sustainability operations of the Farm is scheduled to begin at 10 am.

· Workmen have assembled the podium and tested the sound equipment for the dedication ceremony.

As I watch this beehive of activity around me, my mind wanders. One cannot help but reflect on the monumental task of bringing this all together in the 365 days since the groundbreaking. So much was done, in so little time

Soil experts had been called in to determine the best planting strategy, based on soil chemistry, sun and wind exposure, drainage and access.

Then came the placement of covered cooling and rest areas strategically planned for workers and visitors. Solar panels would provide shade with seating while contributing electrical energy for the Farm.

The barn and shelters for the milk cows and chickens were to be located in the far isolated area. Can we get water to that location? Logistical problems arose and solutions found. We were able to reactivate and utilize the former golf course water well for irrigation.

Our primary mandate from inception was to operate as a Certified Organic farm. Further provisions state that all livestock will be pasture raised and humanely treated. All produce grown will be for local distribution.

A designated area will be employed for a steady supply of rich composted soil. All organic waste material will be recycled onsite. Will there be a constant supply

Solution found - Have the local landscape gardeners provide grass clippings, wood chips, leaves and other organic material. Modern composting methods mitigate odors when managed properly. Cow and chicken manure will be mixed together with the grass and leaves and the resulting nutrient - rich material will be worked into the soil. Permaculture at its finest.

By mid- summer the first bounty will be ready for market. The plan is to harvest and stock the Farm Market stands, have customers choose their own and then sell the surplus to local grocery stores, restaurants and donations to Food Banks in the area. All produce will remain local, as per our mandate and community agreement.

At the end of October, when our pumpkin patch has been picked clean, the crew will work the remaining vegetation back into the soil. As December approaches, winter activity areas will be prepped, and the community invited to enjoy the open space. When snow graces the landscape, outdoor recreation can take the form of cross-country skiing, ice skating or sledding. Rentals and hot chocolate will be provided.

In retrospect, we are all very happy that a compromise was reached on the wisest use of the dedicated Open Space Subdistrict. To recoin an old phrase: “We can have our park and eat off it too!”

EPILOGUE:

It would be my hope and wish that the above narrative might spark your imagination - “what if”. There is a chance that this might end the dissention and bitter court battles on development that we have endured the past 4 years.

Gary Caparelli is owner and president of Irrigation Engineering, a local irrigation well and pump company. A life-long Five Towns resident, he is also past Fire Commissioner of North Lawrence and Aquaponic, Permaculture and Nutritional advocate.

marking the country’s entry into the military alliance two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg looked on as two soldiers on Monday raised the blue banner emblazoned with a yellow cross among the official circle of national flags at the transatlantic grouping’s offices in the Belgian capital.

Ahead of the flag-hoisting ceremony held in the rain, Kristersson said expectations were “high.”

“We have chosen you, and you have chosen us. All for one, and one for all,” the prime minister said, adding that his country was a “proud” member and pledging that it would uphold the values enshrined in NATO’s founding Washington Treaty.

“The security situation in our region has not been this serious since the Second World War, and Russia will stay a threat to Euro-Atlantic security for a foreseeable future,” Kristersson said.

For his part, Stoltenberg said Sweden becoming the alliance’s 32nd member shows Russian President Vladimir Putin “failed” in his Ukrainian war strategy of weakening it.

“When President Putin launched his full-scale invasion two years ago, he wanted less NATO and more control over his neighbors. He wanted to destroy Ukraine as a sovereign state, but he failed,” Stoltenberg said, adding that Ukraine is “closer to NATO than ever before.”

NATO was founded in 1942 by 12 nations. Ukraine, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina also want to join the alliance.

The ceremony came as 20,000 troops from 13 countries began NATO drills in the high north of Sweden as well as its neighbors Finland and Norway.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 prompted Sweden and Finland, which shares a 832-mile border with Russia, to end years of military nonalignment and apply to join the United States-led alliance. Finland joined in April 2023. It took two years for Sweden to get on board due to pushback from Turkey and Hungary.

Sweden brings to the table welltrained and equipped armed forces. It also adds cutting-edge submarines and a sizeable fleet of domestically produced Gripen fighter jets to NATO forces and would be a crucial link between the Atlantic and Baltic.

India to Exclude Muslims?

This week, Indian Ministry of Home Affairs announced rules that would allow it to implement a controversial citizenship bill that excludes Muslims.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act provides a fast-track to citizenship for immigrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan – provided they are not Muslim. The controversial law would apply to religious minorities persecuted on religious grounds, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians.

The bill, originally passed by India’s parliament in 2019, could not come into effect until the rules were confirmed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a rare third term in office in elections to be held this spring.

Despite being well-received by Modi, a Hindu nationalist, the bill was heavily criticized by opposition parties, which claimed it was unconstitutional and marginalized India’s 200-million Muslim population.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah praised Modi on Monday evening, saying he “delivered on another commitment and realized the promise of the makers of our constitution to the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians living in those countries,” in a post on X.

Critics of the bill say it is another example of how Modi and Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have pushed an agenda of Hindu nationalism onto secular India, a country of 1.3 billion people, at the expense of the Muslim population.

Sgt. Itay Chen, Hy”d

This week, the IDF formally confirmed that Sgt. Itay Chen, 19, who was abducted by Hamas terrorists on October 7, was killed by the terror group.

Itay served in the 7th Armored Brigade’s 75th Battalion. His body was taken from the Gaza border following a battle with terrorists during the Hamas massacre.

Until now, Itay was listed as one of the 253 hostages abducted by the terror group on October 7. Recently, the army’s

chief rabbi declared Itay’s death based on findings and new intelligence information.

The dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, from the coastal city of Netanya, was last heard from at 6:40 a.m. on October 7, when Hamas terrorists invaded the Gaza border communities, including the area where Itay was stationed in his tank. Two days later, Itay’s family was notified that he was officially considered missing in action and likely held captive by Hamas.

His father, New York-born Rubi Chen, has been one of the most outspoken representatives for the families of the hostages and has met with U.S. President Joe Biden.

There are at least 130 hostages still in Hamas’ hands, although not all of them are alive. The IDF has now confirmed the deaths of 32 of those still held by Hamas — including Itay — citing intelligence and findings obtained by troops operating in Gaza. One more person is listed as missing since October 7, and her fate is still unknown, though her family believes she was killed.

Five-hundred-ninety Israeli soldiers and reservists have been killed in the war – more than half of them on October 7. On Sunday, the IDF announced the death of a soldier killed during fighting in

the Gaza Strip, bringing the toll of slain troops in the ground offensive against Hamas to 249.

Netanyahu: “Biden is Wrong”

Following U.S. President Joe Biden’s assertion that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza is “hurting Israel more than helping Israel,” the premier, on Sunday, publicly responded to Biden’s comments, insisting that the U.S. president is “wrong.”

“I don’t know exactly what the president meant, but if he meant by that I’m pursuing private policies against the wish of the majority of Israelis, and that this is hurting the interests of Israel, then he’s wrong on both counts,” Netanyahu said in response to critical comments made by Biden during the president’s interview with MSNBC. “These are not my private policies only. They are policies supported by the overwhelming majority of Israelis.”

On Saturday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris agreed with Biden, insisting that it is “important for us to distinguish or at least not conflate the Israeli government with the Israeli people. The Israeli people are entitled to security – as are the Palestinians. In equal measure.”

Although the prime minister did not mention any countries by name, he asserted that some Arab states are in favor of Israel’s campaign against the Hamas terror group.

“They understand that, and even agree with it quietly,” the premier said. “They understand Hamas is part of the Iranian terror axis.”

During Biden’s State of the Union address, he declared that aid to Gazans “cannot be a secondary consideration or a bargaining chip” and mourned the deaths of “more than 30,000 Palestinian” civilians, agreeing with Hamas’ assertions that 30,000 Palestinians have died in this war. The U.S. leader went further, asserting that a two-state solution is “the only real solution” to the regional conflict.

The Biden administration hopes that a reformed Palestinian Authority will

take control of Gaza following the end of the war. Netanyahu, in comments to Politico, claimed that Israelis “say the last thing we should do is install the Palestinian Authority” in the Gaza Strip – seeing as the PA wouldn’t even condemn Hamas for murdering 1,200 Jews, abducting 253 people, and wounding thousands more – and are generally in favor of rejecting “the attempt to ram down our throats a Palestinian state.”

During Biden’s interview with MSNBC, he said that going into Rafah would be a “red line” for Israel, but he said he still wouldn’t “cut off all weapons so that they don’t have the Iron Dome [missile defense system] to protect them.” Netanyahu responded that an operation into Rafah is necessary to prevent another October 7 from happening again.

According to Politico, Biden has predicted that the war in Gaza would mostly conclude in the next two months. The commander-in-chief has blamed Netanyahu’s government for the humanitarian situation in Gaza and has gone forward with plans to construct a temporary pier off the Gazan coast to provide aid to Palestinians. However, Netanyahu has asserted that he proposed the idea of delivering aid to Gazans by ship and added that civilians in Gaza are not, in fact, starving.

U.S. Building Gaza Pier

During his State of the Union address on Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden said that the United States Army will engage in an “emergency mission” in which a pier will be constructed off of the coast of the Gaza Strip in an effort to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the enclave.

“We’re not waiting on the Israelis. This is a moment for American leadership, and we are building a coalition of countries to address this urgent need,” said a U.S. senior official, indicating that the U.S. believes that Israel is unable to address international concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza while engaging in a war against the Hamas terror group.

Since Saturday, the U.S. has delivered food to Gazans by air three times. And, in the next few weeks, work will commence in constructing a causeway off the Gaza coast in order to accommodate large ships, administration officials said. These vessels will be capable of delivering hundreds of truckloads of food, water, medicine, and temporary shelters daily.

The U.S.’s aid project will involve the superpower collaborating with Israel, the U.N., and humanitarian groups.

At first, aid will come to the pier from Larnaca, a city in Cyprus. According to an official, the temporary pier’s construction will take “a number of weeks” and may transition into “a commercially operated facility over time” if everything goes according to plan. During the pier’s construction, U.S. service members will be stationed on ships offshore.

The Jewish state “fully supports” the U.S.’s plans, according to an Israeli official.

A senior U.S. official stated that on Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 192 packages, with 112,896 meals, were delivered by air to Gaza.

Politics as Usual

On Thursday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke at a cadet graduation ceremony in southern Israel about leadership and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions. During his speech, Gallant made a comment that some say was a jab at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The defense minister stated, “The ability to lead consists of three things: a commitment to the mission, personal example, and the internalization that taking responsibility is the source of authority.”

Critics of the premier have said that Netanyahu has failed to take responsibility for the intelligence and leadership failures that paved the way to Hamas’ October 7th terrorist attacks. The prime minister’s opponents allege that he is to

blame for not preventing the tragedy.

On Wednesday, March 6, a state commission of inquiry declared that Netanyahu is responsible for the 2021 tragedy in Meron, where 45 people died in a crowd crush. The commission asserted that Netanyahu ignored the numerous safety warnings that were issued before the disaster happened. However, the commission did not move to sanction the premier.

The Likud Party, which is led by Netanyahu, dismissed the findings of the commission, which was formed by former prime ministers and current opposition members Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, as a “political weapon.”

Gallant, during his speech, said that Hamas can do one of two things: “Surrender or death. There is no third option.” He added that Israel must continue battling “until we defeat Hamas in all of Gaza and return our hostages.”

“We are achieving the goals of the war: the dismantling of Hamas as a military system and a governing system, and the return of all the hostages to their homes,” he said. “This is a fight for our home, for our values as a nation, and for our right to exist as a Jewish, democratic society in our country, our homeland, the State of Israel.”

Gallant spoke after a speech made by Netanyahu, who once again declared that Israel “has to win” the “existential war” that it is facing and will “strike our enemies until total victory.” The prime minister added that he will see to it that the military defeats Hamas, destroys its tunnels, and does everything in its power to rescue the hostages.

“There is international pressure, and it’s growing, but particularly when the international pressure rises, we must close ranks. We need to stand together against the attempts to stop the war,” he said. “Whoever tells us not to operate in Rafah is telling us to lose the war and that will not happen.

“When we defeat the murderers of October 7, we prevent the next September 11,” he said. “That is why you must stand behind Israel and behind the IDF.”

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi also spoke at the ceremony and asserted that all Israelis should be drafted into the army, including charedi Jews who have been historically exempted from the draft.

“At this time, it is not enough to praise the existing diversity in the IDF; rather, [we must] call for it to be expanded and to add troops from all corners of society,” he said. “This is the need of the hour, not only because the IDF needs to fill the missing ranks and expand its ranks, but mainly to strengthen social cohesion, the source of

our resilience and strength and an important component of Israeli antifragility.”

Russians Hack Microsoft

According to Microsoft in its filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, hackers, over the past few weeks, gained access to “some of the company’s source code repositories and internal systems” by utilizing data from Microsoft’s corporate email systems.

By gaining access to a company’s source code, hackers can identify and exploit vulnerabilities in the code in order to orchestrate further attacks.

Microsoft’s initial announcement of the attack came in January. A few days later, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise announced that it was hacked by the same group.

The hackers’ intentions are not yet known, although the group is backed by the Kremlin. The same group of hackers were responsible for a months-long attack on U.S. agencies in 2020 when they gained access to unclassified emails belonging to the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and other agencies. Although the United States blamed Russia’s foreign intelligence service for the hacking, Russia has rejected the U.S.’s claims.

Microsoft, in its SEC filing, speculated that the hackers may be utilizing stolen data “to accumulate a picture of areas to attack and enhance its ability to do so.”

“To date, we have found no evidence that Microsoft-hosted customer-facing systems have been compromised,” the tech company said.

SAT Goes Digital

With adolescent anxiety surging and attention spans challenged, high school students will take a revamped version of

the SAT, which has been designed in part to reduce stress, according to the College Board, which administers the test.

The exam will be briefer — two hours and 14 minutes instead of three hours — and students will have more time for each question. The reading passages will be much shorter, and test-takers will now be able to use an online graphing calculator for the entire math section of the exam.

And after 98 years of students scratching answers on paper, the SAT will now be fully digital for the remote-learning generation.

The College Board said its piloting of the exam showed it was just as rigorous as the paper test, but less intimidating for students. And those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia, as well as those learning English, reported that they were “better able to maintain their focus” on the digital test, compared with the earlier format, said Jaslee Carayol, director of communications for the College Board.

Delivering the test digitally will also reduce the possibility of cheating, the College Board said, because few students will receive the exact same exam.

There are critics, though. The switch to shorter reading passages has not been universally celebrated by English teachers, many of whom believe that in the face of constant distractions from technology, students need to develop greater reading stamina.

The latest overhaul of the exam comes at a fraught moment for the standardized testing industry, in which most colleges have dropped testing requirements. According to data from Common App, the number of college applicants submitting SAT or ACT scores plummeted from 76% in the 2019-20 admissions cycle to 45% this year.

In total, 1.9 million students took the SAT in the high school class of 2023, with two-thirds taking the exam during the school day, often for free. In the 2019 class, there were 2.2 million test-takers.

Students will take the exam on an app called Bluebook. In some ways, it tries to re-create the experience of working with paper. There are tools to make highlights and annotations and to cross out multiple-choice responses students think are wrong. (© The New York Times)

U.S. Convicts

Former Honduran Pres.

The United States has found Juan Orlando Hernández, who served as president of Honduras from 2014 to 2022, guilty of several charges, including drug trafficking and possession of illegal weapons.

The trial, which took place at a Manhattan federal court and ended on Friday, lasted for two weeks, with prosecutors saying that the 55-year-old former Honduran leader, during his time in power, collaborated with drug cartels to transport over 400 tons of cocaine from Honduras to the United States. According to prosecutors, Hernández, in return, was given millions of dollars for use in his political campaigns.

Following the end of Hernández’s

second term in 2022, he was extradited to the United States on charges of conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, conspiracy to possess firearms and destructive devices for drug trafficking, and possession of this type of weapon during the drug trafficking conspiracy.

For each of the charges, he could potentially be sentenced to life in prison.

The Justice Department said that Hernández, while president, “protected and enriched the drug traffickers in his

36 inner circle,” abused his powers to extradite drug traffickers “who threatened his grip on power,” and ensured that “drug traffickers who paid him and followed his instructions … would remain in Honduras.”

Additionally, prosecutors alleged that the Honduran National Police assisted in the transportation of the cocaine.

The former Honduran president has maintained that he is innocent, with his lawyer promising to appeal the conviction.

“He’s still strong, but he’s quite disillusioned,” Hernández’s attorney, Raymond Colon, said of his client. “It’s a tragedy. [Hernández] is a noble man who fought for the same goals that the U.S. had in terms of the war against drugs.”

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Hernández “abused his position as President of Honduras to op-

erate the country as a narco-state where violent drug traffickers were allowed to operate with virtual impunity, and the people of Honduras and the United States were forced to suffer the consequences.”

He added, “As today’s conviction demonstrates, the Justice Department is disrupting the entire ecosystem of drug trafficking networks that harm the American people, no matter how far or how high we must go.”

Self-Service Security

What if you could move through security at the airport without having to deal with anyone from the TSA? Sounds like a dream, right? Well, this month, the Transportation Security Administration will be offering a self-service

screening system at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

TSA PreCheck passengers at LAS “will be the first travelers to have the option to use the new system starting in mid-March, when the testing begins,” said a TSA news release.

“The prototype has a video monitor that provides step-by-step instructions for passengers to complete screening at their own pace,” it said.

After passengers complete “the required screening process and are cleared for travel, automated exit doors open so travelers can gather their belongings and head to their flights.”

“While there is minimal assistance from Transportation Security Officers (TSO), TSOs will be available for assistance as needed,” according to the release. “TSA and S&T will carefully study the results of this assessment before they announce a timeline for any future deployment of this prototype to other checkpoint lanes or at other airports.”

Officers will be screening the bags and other personal items sent through the self-service areas.

Although there was a drop off in travel over the Covid period, travel has now picked up, with an increase of those who wish to fly.

TSA has screened 143 million people at its checkpoints so far this year, which is typically a slow period for U.S. air travel. That’s up 8 million, or 6%, from the same period last year. During the six-week holiday travel period from the weekend before Thanksgiving through the end of 2023, it screened 106 million, up 10% from a year earlier, and up 2% from the same time in 2019, ahead of the pandemic.

Las Vegas has become a popular destination. According to TSA, the busiest day ever for TSA screening operations at the city’s airport was on October 29, 2023, when the agency screened 103,400 passengers. The second busiest day for TSA operations at LAS was Sunday, November 5, 2023, when 103,285 were screened.

“The number of airline passengers continues to increase year-over-year, creating a need for innovative screening solutions that enhance transportation security and make traveling more efficient,” said Dimitri Kusnezov, Department of Homeland Security undersecretary for science and technology.

There are currently 50,000 screening officers in the TSA. The self-serve security areas will not affect those numbers.

NYC Targets Pizza

A New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) rule, which will take effect April 27, may affect more than 100 iconic pizza shops in the Big Apple.

The rule applies to restaurants with cook stoves installed before May 2016. The mandate, originally proposed in June, requires affected pizzeria owners to install a filter, then hire an engineer to regularly inspect the carbon emissions. The City says that the plan could cut carbon emissions by 75%.

But not everyone is happy about this rule.

“This regulation will go a long way to put an end to charming wood-fired pizza restaurants in New York City,” Brooklyn pizzeria owner Paul Giannone, known as Paulie Gee, said. “A sad day in my opinion.”

He opened up his pizza shop in Brooklyn 14 years ago and has the emission-control air-filters. He says that many other shops won’t be able to afford to put in the devices.

“All New Yorkers deserve to breathe healthy air, and wood- and coal-fired stoves are among the largest contributors of harmful pollutants in neighborhoods with poor air quality,” a DEP spokesperson said. “This common-sense rule was developed with restaurant owners and environmental justice groups and is a product of years of review.

“We are confident that these critical upgrades will allow us to cut harmful emissions and prioritize New Yorkers’ health, while preserving authentic New York City pizza,” the statement read.

The rule led Satmar Broadway Matzah Bakery to spend over $600,000 on new air filtration systems ahead of its approval. Another iconic pizzeria, John’s of Bleecker Street, spent more than $100,000 on a smoke reduction system.

The city said the law would impact around 130 businesses. If an establishment can’t meet the emissions requirement, its owner must submit an assessment and identify how they can be cut by at least 25%.

One critic said, “You are going after

pizza? Glorious New York pizza? Can’t you go after diesel trucks instead of pizza ovens?”

Virginia Bans

Legacy Admissions

Virginia will end legacy admissions at public universities after Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed a bill on Friday banning the practice that gives applicants with family ties to alumni a boost.

Under House Bill 48, public universities in the state will be banned from giving preferential treatment to applicants based on their connections to not only alumni but to donors as well. That means universities can also no longer give an advantage to applicants whose relatives make donations to the school. Critics of such preferences have said for years that the centu-

ry-old practice perpetuates privilege.

The ban will notably affect the University of Virginia and William & Mary, which are among the country’s more selective public universities. Virginia Tech already announced last year that it would no longer take an applicant’s legacy status into account in the admissions process.

The law, which passed unanimously in the Virginia House of Delegates and the state Senate this year, will take effect July 1, after admissions decisions have been made for this fall. Youngkin, a Republican, said in a statement in January that he believed “admission to Virginia’s universities and colleges should be based on merit.”

Virginia is the second state to ban legacy admissions, after Colorado, and similar legislation is being considered in New York and Connecticut, among others.

State Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg, a Democrat who sponsored the bill, said he was pleasantly surprised by the bipartisan support for the ban. He said he hoped Virginia’s decision will lead other states to follow suit, which he said would help promote diversity in college admissions.

“It’s kind of an indefensible policy, especially in light of affirmative action being declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court,” VanValkenburg said in

an interview. “There’s a lot of ways you can measure merit, but we know that legacy admissions is really not about merit at all.”

William & Mary has said in a statement that it does not anticipate the legislation having a significant impact on its admissions process, because the university does not have a separate standard for applicants with legacy status. But data from the school has shown that accepted applicants with the status were more than twice as likely to enroll at the school as other accepted applicants were. (© The New York Times)

“They were very grateful,” Handleman said.

The idea for a canned goods drive was borne out of practicality.

“I’m kind of bound here in this building,” she shared. “And so, it had to be something that we didn’t have to [hit] the streets to do … so it just sort of fit in.

She Can Do It

Trudy Handleman is 102 years old, but she can really give back to the community.

For her birthday on March 5, the centenarian asked to run a canned food drive. Handleman, a resident at Quartet Senior Living Village in Bettendorf, Iowa, successfully collected 402 cans that were delivered to a food pantry.

“And then it took fire, it took wind, and so many people wanted to join –not only the residents, but the staff and neighbors, and it just took off,” she said. “We did beautifully, and it made me feel very happy.”

Ever the activist, Trudy encourages others to help the communities on their special days.

“Let everybody choose [their] own – but do let your heart tell you that you could do something and then find out what that ‘could do’ is. And go for it.”

She has other good advice to share.

“Just take care of yourself and take care of your friends and your family and all be a unit,” she said.

Still, when it comes to living long, Handleman doesn’t have any ideas.

“I really don’t know how to give advice to anybody for longevity. You either have it or you don’t.”

You can or you can’t.

Sailing Solo

Cole Brauer is pretty brave. The 29-year-old became the first American woman to sail around the world on her own, traversing about 30,000 miles in her 40-foot sailboat.

Brauer reached A Coruna, Spain, last Thursday after journeying through three oceans.

Brauer, all 5-foot-2 and 100 pounds of her, is one of more than a dozen sailors competing in the Global Solo Challenge. Brauer was the youngest and only woman in the group that set sail in October from A Coruna.

Brauer took off October 29. As of Thursday, some in the field had dropped out of the race. The race took Brauer south along the west coast of Africa, around the Cape of Good Hope and then eastward toward Australia. From there, she continued east where Brauer faced the unpredictable, treacherous and deadly Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America before continuing northeast across the Atlantic Ocean toward Spain.

The race took her 130 days to complete.

“This is really cool and so overwhelming in every sense of the word,” she said on Thursday.

While Brauer is the first American woman to race around the globe alone by sea, she is not first woman to do so. Polish

sailor Krystina Chojnowska-Liskiewicz finished her 401-day voyage around the globe on April 21, 1978, according to online sailing sites.

Kay Cottee of Australia was the first woman to achieve the feat nonstop, sailing off from Sydney Harbor in Australia in November 1987 and returning 189 days later.

The global voyage is not an easy one, even on a vessel with a full crew.

“Solo sailors, you have to be able to do everything,” Brauer shared. “You need to be able to take care of yourself. You need to be able to get up, even when you’re so exhausted. And you have to be able to fix everything on the boat.”

Brauer met a lot of challenges along the way, including 30-foot waves. She injured a rib and even gave herself an IV to fend off dehydration.

One of Brauer’s social media posts from December 8 showed her frustration.

“I haven’t really had the bandwidth to get into everything that’s been going on the past 48 hours, but the short version is the autopilot has been acting up again and I needed to replace some parts and do a rudder recalibration,” she wrote. “For once the light air is actually helping, but it’s been exhausting, and I’m sore and tired.

“It’s all part of the journey, and I’m sure I’ll be feeling better once the work is done and I’ve gotten some sleep,” Brauer added. “But right now, things are tough.”

Brauer’s strategy for succeeding is simple: “I push so much harder when someone’s like, ‘no, you can’t do that,’ or ‘you’re too small,’” Brauer said.

“It would be amazing if there was just one other girl that saw me and said, ‘Oh, I can do that, too,’” she added.

She’s making waves.

Going Wild for TJ Bags

No, this is not a Purim spoof. Mini tote bags from Trader Joe’s that originally cost $2.99 are now being sold online for $500.

The TJ bags, available in blue, red, green and yellow, have taken social me -

Did you know?

The phrase, “bury the hatchet,” comes from when two Native American tribes would literally bury a war hatchet when they decided to live in harmony.

dia by storm in the past week, garnering more than 11 million views on Tik Tok. Although some stores have reportedly been placing limits on the amount people are able to buy at one time, customers have been flocking to stores across the country and snatching up as many of the $2.99 bags as they can.

As of Sunday afternoon, hundreds of mini tote bags have been posted on eBay with prices ranging from $5 to $500.

“As a seller, it just came naturally that I thought these would sell,” said one eBay user who is selling four tote bags in all available colors for $145 or best offer.

Perhaps people are buying them to store their must-have Stanley cups.

Airport Vineyard

Only in Italy is there an airport with a vineyard on its roof.

The new airport being designed by Rafael Vinoly Architects in Florence will include designs for a “quintessential Tuscan landscape.”

The Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci in Florence, the capital of the Italian region of Tuscany, will serve “as a new landmark for the city’s sustainable future,” according to the firm, and as an homage to the region’s wine-producing heritage, it will have a vineyard on the roof.

“The concept of the building is to recreate the most quintessential Tuscan landscape, which is the vineyard — and then to peel one end of the vineyard up from the floor to create a slope, and slide an airport underneath that slope,” says Román Vinoly, director

of Rafael Vinoly Architects.

The airport will be built in two phases, anticipated for completion in 2026 and 2035.

The design’s main attraction, a 19acre vineyard, acts as a sloping green roof, which research shows can have environmental benefits, such as helping to insulate the building. Along with the sloped design, the roof will have other features engineered for energy efficiency.

“The roof doesn’t start right at the bottom where it meets the floor,” says Vinoly. “The first third of the length of the building is a berm [mound] made of soil and earth.”

The berm will keep the airport cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Can we say, “L’chaim!”?

March Meowness

Have some library books lying around? It’s time to return them. But if you live in Massachusetts, you may not have to worry about late fees. That is, if you own a cat.

The Worcester Public Library recently announced its “March Meowness” program, which allows library patrons to clear their accounts of fines if they submit a photo or drawing of a cat in place of cash.

“Even if you don’t have a cat in your life, you can still draw one,” offered Worcester Public Library executive director Jason Homer. “Even if it’s one of the big cats, like a tiger or a lion, and we’ll be excited to see those.”

The library said the program was inspired when officials noticed a large number of young patrons had amassed significant fines since the start of the pandemic.

They said more than 400 accounts were cleared of fines during the first five days of the month.

The library’s website clarified that the program is not limited to images of felines: “We will accept honorary cats as well, so you may show us a picture or drawing of a dog, raccoon, orca, capybara or any other animal.”

Sounds meow-velous!

Around the Community

Rabbi Rand Kollel Avreichim Dinner

Photos by Yossi Kohn

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams Visits Hatzalah HQ

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, together with a delegation of council members from throughout the city which included Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers (Far Rockaway), Shahana Hanif (Boro Park), Lincoln Restler (Williamsburg), Jennifer Gutierrez (Williamsburg), Mercedes Narcisse (Mill Basin, Marine Park) and Chris Bank (Canarsie), visited Cen-

tral Hatzalah Headquarters in Boro Park last Wednesday.

Representing Hatzalah were coordinators from neighborhoods in all five boroughs of NYC, as well as CEO of Chevra Hatzalah Rabbi Yechiel Kalish.

The group was given an in-depth tour of how Hatzalah operates, witnessed firsthand dozens of emergencies coming into the Hatzalah hotline, and saw dis -

BACH Jewish Center Annual Dinner

On Motzei Shabbos February 24, the BACH Jewish Center of Long Beach hosted its Annual Dinner in the Woodmere Country Club. The theme of the dinner was Generation to Generation. The lineup of honorees embodied that theme.

Mrs. Henryka Haberman, the Guest of Honor, eloquently expressed the significance of the BACH Jewish Center in bringing people of all ages together. Her speech emphasized the importance of a shul and community that provides meaningful experiences and opportunities for everyone, creating a vibrant and warm community. The constant hard work of Mrs. Haberman, together with her family, perpetuates the mission and vision of the BACH. To recognize their unwavering support, a beautiful stained-glass

patchers working in live time.

“It was special to have the Speaker of the City Council and several of her colleagues at Chevra Hatzalah Central Operations last night in Boro Park,” said Rabbi Yechiel Kalish. “The Speaker, who is a long-time supporter of Hatzalah, wanted to impress upon her colleagues in the City Council the important role Hatzalah plays in New York City as a

window will be dedicated to her and her late husband, Rabbi Dr. Jacob Haberman, as an everlasting testament to their involvement in preserving the physical and spiritual mission of the BACH. A replica of that window was presented to Mrs. Haberman at the dinner.

Rabbi Jerry and Rebbetzin Chedva Kleinman received the Kesser Shem Tov Award, acknowledging their remarkable dedication to Long Beach and the BACH over the past 40 years. Kesser Shem Tov truly embodies the Kleinmans, who always look for the good in all situations and sincerely care about the BACH, Long Beach and Klal Yisroel. Their commitment to the growth and well-being of the community has left a lasting impact.

The Young Leadership Award was given to Simcha and Rikki Buff, who

whole.”

“Hatzalah volunteers show up every day to deliver care, comfort, and aid to New Yorkers during emergencies. Their tireless efforts embody the spirit of civic engagement that encourages all residents to actively participate in shaping the future of our communities,” said NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.

love Long Beach and are actively involved in various community initiatives. They are laying down roots for their family in Long Beach and paving the way for others to do the same.

Simcha and Rikki Buff were recognized for their commitment and contributions to the BACH and the Long Beach community. Matthew Mizrahi's recognition of Young Leadership is a testament to the active role that teens and young adults play in all aspects of the BACH Jewish Center. There is nothing Matthew would not do for the BACH and his dedication to the shul and his fellow teens serves as an inspiring example to all.

Rabbi Benny Berlin's Dvar Torah, focusing on the theme of Generations, was well-received, contributing to the overall positive atmosphere of the event.

The BACH Jewish Center Dinner was a resounding success as it served as a moment to appreciate the collective efforts of individuals and families, bridging generations and fostering a strong sense of connection to the BACH and within the Long Beach community.

YUHSG Students Visit Dolan DNA Center

It has become a rite of passage for STEM students at the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central): the annual visit to the Dolan DNA Learning Center. Over the past month, Central’s AP Biology course, taught by Science Department Chair and Science Institute Director Mrs. Ruth Fried, and Central’s Forensics class, taught by faculty member Mrs. Shulamith Biderman, visited the Dolan Center to put skills used in their home labs to the test in the outer world. During their first visit, students focused on gel electrophoresis, a technique in which DNA is placed on a gel surface and run through an electrical current to separate the DNA into distinct pieces according to size, granting specific, banded patterns that enable specialists to compare and contrast the DNA of different people.

Rosh Chodesh at Torah L’Kulanu

Torah L’Kulanu hosted North Shore High School students for a Rosh Chodesh Adar event! Students thoroughly enjoyed their time together as they engaged in a special interactive game while enjoying a pizza lunch. This was followed by a Chagiga in honor of Rosh Chodesh Adar and the upcoming yom tov of Purim. The beautiful meshing of all of the students resulted in huge smiles, laughter and true appreciation for each other.

Kulanu would like to thank Rebbetzin Lisa Septimus, North Shore Academy’s Director of Student Life, for coordinating this incredibly meaningful and joyous program with us!

HAFTR Volleyball Fundraiser

On Motzei Shabbos, March 2, HAFTR hosted a spirited volleyball fundraiser in support of Shalom Task Force at the Hawks’ Nest. Spearheaded by Gabi Zahavi, Jo Schiffer of YU-High School for Girls (Central), and Abbi Kammerman of HAFTR, the event drew a crowd eager to contribute to the mission of combatting and preventing domestic violence within the Jewish community.

The fundraiser featured exciting volleyball matches, with standout perfor -

mances from HAFTR players Leah Kammerman, Vivian Sharon, Aly Lichter, Sophia Feiler, Sophia Pahl, and Sophia Fruchter. The packed venue buzzed with energy as spectators cheered on the teams.

Thanks to the collective efforts of organizers and attendees, the fundraiser surpassed expectations, raising over $1,000 for Shalom Task Force. The event exemplified the power of community coming together to support a vital cause.

with a green fluorescent protein gene from a jellyfish, so that their results literally glowed. The experience provided an exciting glimpse into the kinds of research biologists do every day.

“For molecular biology, this tactic is as crucial to experimental research as the microscope is for general biology,” said Mrs. Fried. “The significance of this lab isn’t just that it’s fun – it gives students the confidence needed to use these tools to continue their work in molecular biology.”

Central’s Director of Technology, Mrs. Marci Karoll, who accompanied the students on their trip, reflected on the positive implications of this lab experience.

“It was inspiring to see the students learning and exploring DNA in real time,” she said. “They were curious and engaged, and they got to use cutting-edge technology to see actual strands of DNA.”

The group also completed rounds of bacterial transformation, a procedure in which biologists insert new DNA into a bacteria, enabling that bacteria to produce new proteins which are copies of the new DNA – an essential part of DNA cloning. For this particular lab, the students inserted an antibiotic-resistant gene for ampicillin to develop transformed bacteria that could grow on an ampicillin-laced surface – but tagged

Did you know?

“Going to the lab was an invigorating experience,” said senior Hindel Granek. “I was able to see what I’ve learned in AP Biology play out in a professional lab setting. And being able to do this alongside graduate students was super cool and inspiring, as I hope to be in the same position they are one day.”

Recently, the group returned to the Center for a forensic DNA profiling lab in which they analyzed their own DNA, using their own cheek cells gathered from a saline mouthwash. The trip exemplifies what Central does so well – learning both inside and outside the classroom.

“They’re doing hands-on work,” said Mrs. Biderman, “and so it brings what they’re learning in the classroom to life.”

The students were enthusiastic to invest in this work: “Our trip to the Dolan DNA Learning Center was incredible,” offered senior Tiferet Tuchman. “I am so grateful that we had the opportunity to experience our Forensics lab in this way, because I have a newfound love and appreciation for the labs that we do. I left feeling accomplished, and am excited to go back!”

In ancient Greece, people would vote anonymously by using white and black beans, hence the phrase, “spill the beans.”

Shulamith ECC enjoyed The Small Wonder Puppet Theatre in honor of Rosh Chodesh Adar

Village of Cedarhurst Public Hearing on Proposed $75 Million Concrete Seawall

The Village of Cedarhurst, under the leadership of Mayor Benjamin Weinstock and the Board of Trustees, invites the community to a pivotal public hearing addressing the proposed $75 Million concrete seawall surrounding Lawrence High School. This essential event offers residents an unprecedented opportunity to voice opinions, concerns, and suggestions on this significant development impacting our community.

Despite declined requests to FEMA, the NY State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and the Lawrence School Board for a public hearing, the Village of Cedarhurst takes a proactive stance by hosting this crucial

event. Scheduled for Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 7:00 PM in Village Hall, the hearing aims to provide an inclusive platform for community members to express their perspectives.

FEMA has committed to attending, emphasizing the importance of your input. Invitations have been extended to the School Board and Homeland Security, underlining the Village’s commitment to fostering an open dialogue that reflects the concerns of residents and neighboring communities.

Let this be a collective effort to shape the future of our community. Join us on March 14 to ensure your voice is heard.

Students at Gesher had a blast at their Rosh Chodesh Adar Bubble show! They saw all different sized bubbles and learned all about how bubbles are created and what they are made out of!

DRS Mission to Israel

Last week, DRS Yeshiva, in collaboration with World Mizrachi, had the honor of organizing a mission to Israel. Accompanied by Menahel Rabbi Yisroel Kaminetsky, Director of Student Activities Rabbi Natan Farber, and College Guidance Director Rabbi Yitz Rosenbum, a group of 32 students embarked on a journey to the Holy Land with the aim of both offering and receiving inspiration.

The inaugural day was filled with diverse experiences. They volunteered at a farm, listened to insights from a former Israeli ambassador at the Bring Them Home headquarters, visited wounded soldiers at Ichilov Hospital, and davened Maariv at the Kotel. Witnessing Daphna Elyakim, a released hostage, seated beside her own hostage poster at Hostages Square was an emotionally stirring moment, vividly portraying the hardships faced by Israel.

The second day commenced with a lecture from Rav Doron Perez, Executive Chairman of Mizrachi, whose son, Daniel, went missing in action on October 7, whose fate remains uncertain. His other son, Yonatan, was wounded in battle. Rav Doron spoke about the remarkable unity demonstrated by the Jewish people.

The trip was then privileged to visit with HaRav HaGaon Rav Asher Weiss at his home in Ramot. Rav Weiss shared intriguing questions that have come across his desk during this unprecedented time. Rav Asher reflected on the resilience and unique dedication of Klal Yisroel, particularly in times of war. He said the Jewish people are “beautifully insane” to be visiting a war one just to be with our people in Israel which makes us so special.

Later, the students went bowling with children whose fathers have served in miluim, hearing about their experiences and gaining firsthand insight into what their families are currently enduring. Later, the group traveled to Mitzpe Yericho, a yishuv just a short drive from Yerushalayim. Words fail to capture the breathtaking view from the hilltops of Mitzpe Yericho. At the overlook, they heard from Rav Achia Eliyahu, whose son, Ariel, was killed in a tank explosion. Rav Achia’s eyes glistened with tears as he recounted Ariel’s story on that fateful day. In memory of Ariel’s love for music, a piano was dedicated in his memory, and sits at the highest point of Mitzpe Yericho. Led by Rabbi Kaminetsky, the students sang songs dedicated to Ariel, their voices carrying across the breathtaking landscape, yearning for him to hear their heartfelt tribute.

The next day morning began in Sderot at the former site of the Sderot police station, now a barren lot of rocks. An intense battle unfolded right where the boys were standing, where Hamas terrorists overtook the station, claiming the lives of all 7 officers. Adorning the yeshiva’s entrance is a sign proclaiming, “Here is the battlefield... Fight,” expressing that the battle in this war is also being fought in the Batei Medrash.

Afterwards, the trip traveled to Netiv Ha’asarah, the closest yishuv to the Gaza border, where the mission was led by Micha, a member of the community’s security team. What they saw and heard there left a searing impression on their collective memories. They gathered at the point at which Hamas terrorists paraglided straight into this town from

the skies, dead-set on killing as many people as possible, and witnessed the scene of a house completely demolished and burned out by a missile which completely incinerated its residents to the point where not a single trace of them is left. The boys were left to use their imaginations to follow the story of what happened in Netiv, while accepting that even their best imaginations couldn’t replay the horrors that actually occurred there.

Next, the mission participated in a lighter, yet productive activity collecting, organizing, and distributing produce and essential pantry items to soldiers, displaced families, and the underprivileged across the South. Engaging in a hands-on activity, the boys sorted through beautiful Israeli produce, lending a hand to Shlomi, the CEO and founder of the operation.

Shlomi, who started this initiative at 15, shared how the news from Sderot affected him deeply, especially thinking about his young students. They also met Rafi, a heroic commander who redirected 30 vehicles from danger on the perilous 232 Highway. Their journey continued to Tekumah, where burnt-out cars served as stark reminders of the tragedy on Simchat Torah. Finally, they visited the poignant site of the Nova Festival, where candles illuminated the memories of those lost to brutality.

They proceeded to their final destination – an army base, where they assisted in preparing a lavish BBQ for the soldiers. It was a deeply uplifting experience. What struck them most was witnessing the boys from New York seamlessly connecting with the soldiers, chatting and bonding as if they were old friends. De -

spite their disparate backgrounds, there existed one unifying bond – their shared Jewish identity! They sang, danced, and shared moments of camaraderie with the soldiers, each offering the other strength, inspiration, and hope.

The final morning in Israel began with an unforgettable experience at Crave. Crave is a beloved sandwich spot in the Shuk. Following the October 7th attacks, business dwindled. However, owners Ricka and Yoni saw an opportunity: to transform Crave into a chessed center. Now, they pack sandwiches sent to chayalim, while infusing the store’s atmosphere with lively music, best captured in accompanying videos. They assembled 150 sandwiches before delivering them to a large army base near Yerushalayim.

They then journeyed to Har Herzl to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They visited the grave of the soldier whose piano they heard played atop Mitzpe Yericho just two days prior. After learning about him and experiencing his music, they felt as though they were paying respects to a beloved friend. Additionally, they paid their respects at the grave of Binyamin Airley, whose mother recently addressed them at yeshiva.

The final destination involved hosting a bar mitzvah celebration for eight boys who had been displaced from their homes amid the ongoing circumstances. This presented a unique chance to bring joy to boys who had missed out on their bar mitzvah experiences, and to uplift the spirits of their families with warmth and happiness.

Forests 4 Hope at HAFTR

HAFTR Middle School students participated in a poignant initiative called Forests 4 Hope on Monday. With hearts united in solidarity, students learned about a hostage in Israel and wrote their names on yellow ribbons, symbolizing support and hope. These ribbons, reminiscent of those worn to show solidarity with hostages, were then hung outside the school as a

visible reminder of the tragic ongoing situation in Israel.

The initiative served as a powerful reminder to the HAFTR community that their hearts, minds, and prayers are with those affected by the conflict. Through this meaningful gesture, students demonstrated their unwavering support and commitment to standing in solidarity with those being held hostage in Gaza.

Rep. Anthony D’Esposito Secures Millions In Community Project Funds For NY-04

Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04) announced last week that he successfully secured over $15 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) grants to enhance local law enforcement training, fund infrastructure development, and enhance educational resources for Nassau County residents. Indeed, the critical funding was secured as part of the first round of federal appropriations bills that were passed in a bipartisan manner through the House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 6.

“I am immensely proud to have been able to secure critical federal funds to benefit my neighbors in New York’s 4th Congressional District, and I look forward to seeing this infusion of resources benefit our community for years to come,” said D’Esposito. “From funding enhancements at area libraries, providing local law enforcement professionals with added tools, and equipping South

Shore students with additional educational resources, I am pleased that these projects I have secured funding for will pay dividends long into the future.”

Some of those community project funding grants secured by Rep. Anthony D’Esposito include $3.12 million for a Nassau County Police Training Technology project; $638,000 for a Town of Hempstead public safety department multi-use mobile command vehicle project; and $3,642,000 to Kulanu Academy for a building project for individuals with special needs. Funds will be used to construct a building for programming that will serve individuals with special needs. The project will include a cafe run by individuals with special needs, weekday and weekend evening programming, provide assistance to home school students transitioning back to public school, office space, and more.

Rosh Chodesh Adar Mesiba at Yeshiva Kol Torah

Mercaz Academy Schoolwide Brachos Bee

For the last month, students at Plainview’s Mercaz Academy have been learning about brachot, specifically the blessings said before and after eating food. Each student in grades one through six received a card categorizing more than 200 common foods by their brachot. Classroom teachers explained the reasoning behind the bracha while students worked to memorize the appropriate brachot for each food. Every class from first through sixth grade had a class Bracha Bee, and JEP-LI hosted a bracha game show at Mercaz that was a hugely popular study aid.

Originally, that was meant to be the culmination of the schoolwide focus on brachot at Mercaz. However, the stu-

dents–empowered, knowledgeable, and eager to share–wanted more, so the Director of Programming Rabbi Moshe Rubel ratcheted the program up a notch. He invited Rabbi Elie Weissman, rabbi of Young Israel of Plainview and halachic decisor for the school, to speak with fifth and sixth graders about the decisions that go into determining a bracha for more complex foods. Rabbi Weissman touched on the concepts of ikkar and tafel (primary and secondary importance of ingredients), chaviv (favorites), and rov (majority ingredient), and ingredients added as binders to explain how these factors can affect what bracha is said. Students in grades two through six followed this with a schoolwide Bracha Bee that was more

like an exhibition in that eliminations were rare and, in the last round, older students were required to explain the halachic reasoning behind their answers.

Brachot are a natural entrance point to the importance of expressing gratitude

for what we receive, particularly to the Ultimate Provider, and Mercaz Academy students appreciate the ability to acknowledge their gratitude to Hashem for the food that sustains them.

Bnei Akiva’s Midreshet Torah V’Avodah Students Dedicate their Volunteer Efforts to Thousands Across Israel

Since shortly after October 7, Gila Klibanoff, a Livingston, New Jersey, native, has spent much of her time split between intensive Torah learning and babysitting for an Israeli family in Jerusalem. The family has six kids, ages four to 12, and Klibanoff often takes care of them, teaching English and playing games, to lighten their mother’s load while her husband is in the reserves.

“It’s amazing to be able to help at this time, and it’s been so meaningful both for us and for them,” said Klibanoff.

Klibanoff is a student at Midreshet Torah v’Avodah (MTVA), an innovative midrasha for highly motivated high school graduates that offers students a year of learning at a high level, meaningful service opportunities, and immersive experiences across Israel, while nurturing leadership skills, strong relationships, and a deep connection to both the land and people of Israel.

In a year unlike any other, MTVA students have jumped into supporting individuals and families impacted by the war

Lechu V’Nelcha

Lechu V’Nelcha is a global organization that provides shiurim, events and Shabbatons for post-seminary girls. The FR/5T community is fortunate to have their very own LVN branch! LVN FR offers weekly shiurim along with re -

in Israel, providing babysitting services, volunteering 650 hours in hospitals, packing more than 6,000 care packages for Israeli soldiers, creating carnivals for children, working in the fields and picking 15,000 fruits and vegetables, and ultimately supporting approximately 3,000 evacuees.

According to Michal Jacob, Mashgicha Ruchanit at MTVA, the students’ tireless efforts to support Israel during the war are a natural progression of their studies. “What makes us really unique is that in conjunction with our learning, we feel it’s important to experience Israel in a very integrated way — and this year we simply ramped up our efforts. What changed after the war was that we focused on our responsibility within Am Yisrael. The students didn’t just ask, how am I going to change? But they’re asking, how am I going to grow within our community, while giving back to our community?”

One of the first initiatives that the students launched was a carnival for

children to bring happiness and stability during a time of distress and chaos while their fathers and other family members were being called up to reserves. “We walked in with this mindset of – we’re here and we need to help,” said Rebecca Silber, an MTVA student from Scarsdale, New York. “We feel like we’re part of something greater and we have an opportunity to bring some light and happiness during a dark time.”

During the last week of December, Layla Appel, a college student and MTVA alumna from Woodmere, New York, returned to Israel for Recharge, an MTVA alumni program for continued learning and Israel experiences. In just five days, Appel, alongside other students and alumni, has traveled across Israel with MTVA, creating a carnival for displaced children, hosting a barbecue for soldiers, among other volunteer activities; bearing witness to the October 7 massacres with visits to the site of the Nova Festival and different communities in Otef Aza; gaining skills for combating antisemitism on

college campuses; and delving into Torah studies.

“MTVA gave us a great love of Israel. And I felt helpless, just sitting in America. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to come to Israel and see how Israel is right now, and to see how we can change ourselves by helping the broader community,” said Appel.

The opportunity to help during this critical time for Israel and the Jewish people is something that Silber has appreciated. “If you’re a Jew, you’re responsible for each other. And seeing how everyone in Israel has a burning desire to help is something I haven’t found anywhere else. It just made me so appreciative to be part of the Jewish people on another level,” she said.

Klibanoff plans to stay in Israel following the MTVA program. “Now more than ever I feel like I need to be here,” she says. “This is where the Jewish people are. This is the place where I can help my family, and this is where our future is.”

freshments, making it a great opportunity to gain inspiration and also see your friends and socialize. We enjoy hearing from many of our local teachers, rabbanim and speakers.

We would like to invite all post-seminary girls to our Grand Pre-Purim Shiur by Rabbi Daniel Glatstein. The shiur will iy”H take place Sunday night, March 17, at 8:30 PM.

For more details, to be stay informed about future shiurim and events, or to sponsor a shiur, please email us at lvnfarrockaway5t@gmail.com. Looking forward to greeting you!

Inaugural Amud HaYomi Siyum on Masechta Brachos

Just One of the Many Highlights at a Dirshu Shabbos Convention Packed with Inspiration

By Chaim Gold

HaGaon HaRav Shimon Galei got up and grabbed the microphone.

It was a totally spontaneous moment that left tears of emotion in the eyes of the thousands in attendance. It was in the middle of the Amud HaYomi Siyum at the Armon Hotel in Stamford. Hagaon HaRav Hillel David, shlita, had just finished speaking when suddenly, Rav Galei, grabbed the microphone and exclaimed, “Rabbosai! A siyum masechta is a time when there is a great eis ratzon in Shomayim. Now is the time for all of us to daven for Klal Yisrael who are undergoing great difficulty and for all our personal tefillos as well.”

Rav Shimon then began singing, “ Shaarei shomayim pesach, ” a song where we beg Hashem to open the gates of heaven and shower us with bracha from His infinite otzar , treasure house of bracha . The tangible emotion and feeling of Rav Shimon reverberated throughout the hall and the crowd joined him, raising their voices in song. Soon, everyone was on their feet singing, davening . The emotion reached a crescendo and it was clear to anyone there that they were indeed tapping into a unique eis ratzon . The emotion, the tefillos, the tears that were shed, defy description.

The truth, however, is that this exalted moment at the Amud HaYomi siyum was a microcosm of the eis ratzon that

characterized the entire Shabbos Dirshu Convention this year.

The inaugural Amud HaYomi siyum on Masechta Brachos, held on Thursday night in the Armon Hotel’s main ballroom, was a self-contained event that was open to the public, and the public came en masse.

The event began with an important drasha delivered by Rav Hillel David, shlita, Rav of Kehillas Yeshiva Shaarei Torah, Yoshev Rosh of the Vaad Roshei Yeshiva of Torah Umesorah, and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel.

Rav David brought out the unique qualities of the Amud HaYomi, explaining, “When one learns the amud well and reviews it, it is a different amud. This simcha is not just your personal simcha, it is OUR simcha, a simcha for all of Klal Yisrael!”

The Nasi of Dirshu, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, then delivered a seminal drasha. Rav Hofstedter shared a personal childhood recollection. “I was one of the few children of survivors who merited a grandfather who survived. When I was a child, we would go visit my Zeidah on Friday night. He would reminisce about the world of Europe that was no more. He would talk about the suffering during the Holocaust and with great pain in his voice, would ask, ‘What did the Yidden in America and Canada do when they were killing six million Yidden?’ In an agonized, heart-aching voice, he would ask,

‘Were they going to the ballgames?’

“As a child, I remember thinking about the suffering of the Yidden during the Holocaust and remember feeling sorry for those Yidden who could have done something, and had to live the rest of their lives with the knowledge and pain that perhaps they didn’t do as much as they could have…”

Rav Hofstedter reached the climax of his drasha and passionately asked the audience that was listening with bated breath, “I ask with koved rosh and pain, ‘What are WE doing, when r”l, thousands of our fellow Yidden are being slaughtered and killed?! What are we doing when there are so many fresh widows and orphans, children crying for their parents and parents crying for their children, wives crying over the loss of their husbands and mothers crying over the loss of their children??!’

“There is so much that we CAN do! Let us take some responsibility upon ourselves. Let us here now declare, b’lev shaleim, that we will invest every ounce of our strength, our neshama, our hearts and accept upon ourselves to learn the Amud HaYomi! From Dan to Be’er Sheva, from Monsey to Melbourne, from one end of the world to the other, there should be no place where the Amud HaYomi is not learned with clarity, with chazara. Let us now be mekabel as one man with one heart! In this zechus, may we merit to see that Hashem is King and greet Moshiach!”

Language pales when trying to describe a Dirshu Shabbos. How can physical words encapsulate something so spiritual, so intangible?!

On Shabbos Dirshu, every shevet of Klal Yisrael came together as one – Ashkenazim and Sefardim, bnei Yeshiva and baalei battim, Chassidim and Litvishe bnei Torah – with no boundaries, only unity, achdus forged by the power of Torah, the ultimate unifier of Klal Yisrael. Upon entering the lobby, you were greeted by the sight of a Chassidishe yungerman bedecked with a shtreimel and white socks, discussing a complex Tosafos with a Litvishe yungerman wearing a short jacket and a tie. It was so normal because superficial boundaries do not exist at Mattan Torah where everyone is k’ish echad b’lev echad.

Climactic Melava Malka and Siyum

After an entire Shabbos replete with chizuk and simcha, a Dirshu participant related, “I felt so full, so satisfied from all that I had seen and heard. Still, the Gemara says, that even when someone is satisfied from a seudah, there is always room for something sweet, and the melava malka and siyum were sweeter than sweet!”

Prior to the explosion of climactic dancing at the end of the melava malka, the assembled had the zechus to hear inspiring messages from the chairman, HaRav Zev Smith, shlita, Hagaon HaRav Dovid Goldberg, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas

Telshe, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, shlita, Nasi Dirshu, and HaRav Nissan Kaplan, shlita. Rav Dovid Hofstedter made an impassioned plea that we rededicate ourselves to Torah with every fiber of our being.

“It is not enough to perfunctorily learn Torah just to be yotzeh. We don’t just do the daf in a short amount of time. A Yid has to have a kesher with Torah, a deep, unbreakable bond with Torah! That is the essence of a Dirshu Yid! It is our responsibility to make a true kesher with Torah,

not a blatt here, a blatt there, but to really understand, learn, chazar and retain what we have learned. That is why we are here!”

Rav Nissan Kaplan hailed the Dirshu family for their unique bond with learning and their desire to learn and retain. “But,” he said, “there is still more to be done!”

He called on the lomdei Dirshu to try their utmost to learn without breaks. The quality of the learning and its ability

“A Maggid Shiur is a Factory!”

By Mattisyahu Lazar

The Dirshu Convention began on Thursday afternoon with a unique seudah catered to Dirshu maggidei shiurim. More than 150 maggidei shiurim gathered at the tastefully prepared seudah as befitting kavod haTorah.

At the event, there was a fascinating panel with three maggidei shiurim being asked numerous questions that come up in the course of delivering a shiur

The panelists were Rav Uri Greenspan, a maggid shiur in Philadelphia, Rav Ephraim Greenbaum, a maggid shiur in Shikun Skver, and Rav Yechezkel Zeffren, a maggid shiur in Lakewood. The chairman of the event, Rav Chaim Meir Taback, is a maggid shiur in Monsey.

to impact the nefesh is infinitely greater when done with retzufos.

Rav Kaplan also called on lomdei Dirshu to invest special effort in tefillah and chessed. With the power of Torah, tefillah and chessed, our kehillah kedoshah of Dirshu can invoke such rachamim and transform the entire world!

“The Taam of This Shabbos Will Remain!”

Perhaps Rav Moshe Weinberger ex-

pressed the feelings of all present when he said during shalosh seudos, “I was introduced as the neilah of the Shabbos, the last speaker of the Shabbos. I beg to differ. I am the afikomen of the Shabbos! Chazal say, we eat the afikomen so that the taam, the taste of matzah should remain in the mouth. The taam of this wonderful Shabbos will remain in our mouths for eternity!”

Important tips and topics were discussed, such as how to properly prepare for the shiur, how to answer the questions of individuals without losing the audience, how to balance personal obligations such as simchos and family with the relentless, daily obligation to give the shiur.

Rav Greenbaum related a story about Rav Yosef Tzvi Dushinksy who would give two daily, one-hour shiurim to two different groups on the same Gemara. Once, when he was a half hour into giving the second shiur, he stopped and closed the Gemara. He told the participants, “Rabbosai, I was very busy today and did not have the time to prepare for this shiur.” He then explained, “I have learned this masechta sixty times already. This morning, I also delivered the shiur on the exact

same Gemara to another group. Nevertheless, unless I specifically prepare for the shiur that I am giving I will not deliver a shiur and I was only able to prepare until here.”

“That,” Rav Greenbaum concluded, “is how important it is to properly prepare for a shiur!”

Rav Yosef Paneth, Rav of Khal Meor Tefillah in Boro Park and an Amud HaYomi maggid shiur, delivered a strong, moving address. He brought out the greatness of a maggid shiur by sharing a story about Rav Elchonon Wasserman.

“Rav Elchonon once told the Chofetz Chaim that he wanted to stop delivering one of his shiurim. In response, the Chofetz Chaim asked him, ‘Who makes more money: a man who makes hand-

made, custom shoes, or a factory that mass produces them?’ The Chofetz Chaim answered that even though the individual, custom-made shoe may be better and cost more, the company makes far more money because they produce shoes on an industrial scale. ‘Similarly,’ the Chofetz Chaim extrapolated, ‘a maggid shiur is a factory! When he learns, he doesn’t just learn for himself! Rather, he affects everyone who listens to the shiur. Not only does he affect them, but he impacts their wives, children and future generations! When you say a shiur, you are talking to tens and even hundreds of people and generations! The greatest tzedakah and zechus is to give a shiur and spread Torah to thousands!’”

Depth and Fire, the Shiurim at the Dirshu Convention

By Mattisyahu Lazar

It was after davening on Shabbos morning.

Nearly every seat was taken in the massive tent that had been erected to accommodate the crowds so that davening could be held with the proper kavod and without crowding.

HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Sorotzkin, shlita, approached the podium to deliver an iyun shiur on the topic of Birchas HaTorah. The atmosphere during that shiur can be described by paraphrasing the Gemara in Sukkah: He who has not seen the rischa d’Oraisah, the

absolutely spellbinding debate and battle over Torah between the assembled lomdei Dirshu and the Rosh Yeshiva, has not seen true rischa d’Oraisah. Rav Yitzchok proposed several considerable chiddushim based on a reading of the Rambam and the understanding of the Mabit and the Brisker Rav regarding the parameters of Birchas HaTorah but the lomdei Torah pushed back bringing proofs from other places. The atmosphere was charged as Rav Yitzchok defended his chiddush with the fierceness of a father defending his baby. The shiur, in addition to being geshmak, was a true lesson in ahavas haTorah.

A few hours earlier, before Shacharis, Dirshu’s Nasi, Rav Dovid Hofstedter gave an in-depth pesicha shiur on Masechta Shabbos about the parameters of the melacha of hotzaah. Rav Dovid addressed the packed room, building a Talmudic edifice based on a Tosafos, the Ramban, a psak from the Beis Yitzchok and a chiddush of Rav Chaim Brisker.

It was a sight to see! At a Dirshu shiur, there are no holds barred. Rav Nissan Kaplan interjected with a question, Rav Dovid explained his lomdus and Rav Yitzchok Zalman Gips challenged from another angle...other participants challenged, added, sought to un-

derstand. It was fire!

Anyone who attended the Dirshu Convention this year was disabused of the myth that learning and being tested on large amounts of Gemara somehow means that a person’s lomdus is compromised. On the contrary, if anything, it crystalized the concept that the lomdei Dirshu, with their vast knowledge and depth of understanding that comes from learning with accountability, have only gained added depth in their learning.

Shailos and Teshuvos with Gedolei Haposkim at the Dirshu Convention

By Mattisyahu Lazar

One of the highlights of any Shabbos Dirshu convention is the two riveting shailos and teshuvos sessions with the gedolei haposkim, HaGaon HaRav Reuven Feinstein, shlita, and HaGaon HaRav Yechiel Mechel Steinmetz, shlita. The session with Rav Feinstein, held after Mincha on Erev Shabbos, was moderated by Rabbi Gabi Fried, and the session with Rav Steinmetz, held on Friday night at the Oneg Shabbos, was moderated by Rabbi Kalman Perl. Below is a tiny sampling of some questions and answers.

Chazal teach us that one should not differentiate between children because that creates jealousy. Yet, the pasuk teaches us, “ Chanoch l’naar al pi darko” – each child needs tailormade chinuch with one child, at times, needing more than another child. How do we balance these seemingly competing ideals?

Rav Feinstein: The main thing a parent must employ in situations such as this is seichel. A person shouldn’t differentiate because that creates jealousy, such as when Yaakov Avinu gave Yosef the special kesones passim. However, if a parent can explain to one

child that his brother or sister needs a certain thing because that child’s circumstance is different, then the child can understand and not feel jealous. Sometimes, a parent can compensate and tell the child, “Your brother needs this for a specific reason, but for you, this is not good. I can give you something else, just to show how much I care…”

Is it OK for children to withhold either good news (such as the fact that they are expecting a baby) or bad news, if they know the parent will be upset when they find out that they were not told earlier? Sometimes the children feel they need privacy.

Rav Feinstein: I don’t think privacy is an acceptable excuse per se to withhold important news from parents. There may, however, be other factors. For example, there are times when it is felt that sitting shiva would not be good for an elderly parent’s health. That might be a reason to withhold news of a loved one’s death for thirty days, so the parent will be absolved from sitting shiva. The same holds true for good news, too. Sometimes, because of reasons of ayin hara, someone might not want to disclose a pregnancy. In general, however, kibbud av v’eim dictates that parents should be told.

What about the current matzav in Eretz Yisrael and around the world, can one decide to disregard what is happening and say that he has bitachon or is there an obligation of nosei b’ol?

Rav Feinstein: We are in a difficult matzav not only in Eretz Yisrael but all over the world. It is in some ways similar to the 1930s, and we need to feel the pain of the tzibbur. We need to say Tehillim, and daven with true kavanah, not say our tefillos perfunctorily just so that we can leave davening….

Another thing is that anyone who can have political influence and pull should use that influence and try to intercede politically so that the policies of the American government or any government will take into account the dangers facing our brethren in Eretz Yisrael. If one has the wherewithal, now is not the time to rest on our laurels.

Someone spoke lashon hara and later regrets it, so he approaches the person he spoke about and begs for mechilah, but the person does not want to grant mechilah. What should he do?

Rav Steinmetz: I was once asked just such a question. Reuven* genuinely regretted what he had done and begged for mechilah,

but Shimon*, the person about whom he spoke lashon hara, refused to grant mechilah I asked Shimon, why not? He answered, “The Chofetz Chaim writes that if a person speaks lashon hara about you, you get his mitzvos and he gets your aveiros. I don’t want to give that up.”

I told him that Chazal teach us that someone who is maavir al midosav, who forgoes his own honor, Hashem will have his aveiros forgiven. “That zechus,” I explained, “is a much greater zechus than anything that was transferred to you as a result of the lashon hara he spoke about you.”

The Shulchan Aruch paskens that a person should drink on Purim until he cannot differentiate between arur Haman and baruch Mordechai. What if a person’s father or mother commands him not to get drunk on Purim. Does he have to listen?

Rav Steinmetz: He should listen to his parents. Sometimes, his conduct can affect the father’s kavod or the shalom bayis of the parents. There are other ways that he can fulfill the words of the Shulchan Aruch in accordance with halacha. In general, I have seen many difficult things that arise as a result of drunkenness on Purim…

Around the Community

Kids enjoyed face paint, clowns, balloons, and music and had a great time at the Seasons Purim event

JSL Winter: Week 9 Recap

The JSL playoffs by FM Home Loans were underway this past Sunday with some great team performances and unbelievable games, including perhaps the greatest finish in JSL history (see game of the week below).

JSL Juniors

K/P Hockey: It was a back-and-forth game with Sam Borenstein playing great defense as SWS beat Future Care Consultants 7-5. Graber Interior Design took an early 2-0 lead, looking like they would have full control of the game, but Posh Home + Bath clawed back and prevailed, pulling out the incredible victory behind MVP Yaakov Schiller’s 4 goals and Pinny Neumann’s stellar defense. John’s Automotive beat Maidenbaum with a dominant offensive showing by all players, with the team and Coach Eli J looking to avenge last season’s championship loss vs SWS and Coach Daniel. PIP Printing beat Town Appliance 8-0. Both Dov Stein and Zak Pearlman had hat tricks, and a committee of goaltenders kept their net clean in the win, setting up a great matchup for next week’s championship game vs Posh Home + Bath, who have hit their stride.

K/P Soccer: Yaakov Grossman scored 5 goals as Graber Interior Design beat Simcha Day Camp 8-2. Island Roofing defeated SWS with a season and tournament record of 10 goals by MVP Eli Chovev. He led the team back to the championship game, setting up a rematch of the fall season game between the coaches and star player.

Football: Home & Stone won on a nail-biter vs PinIt Realty 10-8. Sammy Teitelbaum made the interception of the game. Bright Futures and PIP Printing

went back and forth the entire game. Zevi Berman had 2 touchdowns, 4 knockdowns, and 1 interception to help Bright Futures reach the finals after beating PIP Printing 7-3.

Hockey

1st: 5 Towns Central’s offense clicked well in the 1st period, taking a 3-0 lead by 3 different scorers. In the 2nd period, Bright Futures, like last week, chipped away with a quick goal. Game MVP Harry Gertner took a pass in center with the time expiring and wristed one top shelf past the goalie, giving 5 Towns Central back their 3-goal lead and finishing off the big win.

2nd/3rd: Ezra Donowitz had 2 goals, Asher Newman scored, and Ari Zlotnick was MVP for pressuring Gourmet Glatt’s attack and shutting down scoring opportunities as SDF Architect beat Gourmet Glatt 5-3 to head to the semis. Ezra Levine had an amazing goal for Marciano Pediatric Dentistry as they defeated CleverBee Academy 5-4 in OT. Built By Nate came out flying, quickly netting 2 quick goals to give them the lead and Dovid Gerson’s hat trick sealed the deal, helping Built By Nate easily advance to the next round. Benny Markovitz saved a goal that was on the line, and Shalom Posy scored an amazing goal to help Target Exterminating beat Arielle Rosenblatt Interiors 5-1.

4th/5th: In a back-and-forth game, Abie Krieser had 2 goals and one assist as JNT won in a thriller, 7-5 against Miller Realty to head to the semis. Moshe Feld played extraordinary defense, Yaakov Segal had 2 crucial goals, and Shua Balter also added 2 goals as Posh Home & Bath cruised to the 8-1 victory against Extreme

Vent Cleaning.

6th/8th: Yaakov Levine had 7 goals and a dominating performance as 925 Sterling cruised to the championship game. They beat JNT 8-2. Basketball

3rd/4th: Dovid Goldman led Maidenbaum with 11 points and 8 rebounds in their win over Newman Dental 31-22 to advance to the semi-finals. Home & Stone just managed to come away with the 2017 victory against I Am Your Chef.

5th-7th: TimePiece4Torah and Five Towns Podiatry battled hard all game with neither team able to take a commanding lead. Five Towns Podiatry managed to pull ahead by 1 but Yehuda Fricker took a shot as the clock hit zero that found the bottom of the net, giving TimePiece4Torah the unbelievable win and chance to win it all next Sunday. They will face off against a tough Island Roofing team that put up 44 points in their win vs Wieder Orthodontics.

Men’s Basketball

In the Sliced Game of the Week, Ashie Schreier dropped over 20 as Sliced blew past Piu Bello for the win and free jerky from Sliced. Zeke Cohen was automatic from mid-range, helping lead Future Care Consultants to 76 points and the win. TimePiece4Torah defeated Island Roofing 56-54 in double-OT. Wieder lost a tough one when Elisha Adelman of Comprehensive Care Capital hit a 3-pointer to tie the game and send the game into OT, where they held strong to take the win.

Game of the Season

It was perhaps the greatest game/finish in JSL history. In the 6th-8th hockey Playoffs Sunday night matchup, BayRock

Insurance went up 5-2 with under 6 minutes remaining, looking to advance to another championship title game. However, Wieder Orthodontics did not give up. They scored 2 to cut the lead to 5-4 as the clock winded down. With under 20 seconds remaining, Coach Buchsbayew pulled his goalie to give his team an extra man on offense. BayRock’s defense shot the ball at Wieder’s open net, but it hit the goalpost and with under 10 seconds left, Wieder pushed down the court and Avraham Blumenkranz found the back of the net AT THE BUZZER sending the arena into a frenzy and the game into OT. Neither team managed to score in OT, forcing the game into a shootout. In the shootout, Wieder’s star player Yaakov Kopelowitz just barely dribbled the puck past BayRock’s goalie and scored. Then, on Bayrock’s shot, Wieder goalie Efraim Pollak made an incredible save to give Wieder the UNBELIEVABLE victory to advance to the championship game.

Heshy Lowy with a Purim basket he made out of Clics

What better way to welcome Adar Bet than to have Magic Al perform for the students of Lev Chana? His act is always exciting, funny and a highlight for students and morot!

Talmidim of Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s Harriet Keilson Early Childhood Center enjoying a pre-Purim puppet show

Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon Appointed New Nasi of World Mizrachi

The World Mizrachi Movement has appointed Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon as its new Nasi. The internationally acclaimed halachic expert, author, educator and lecturer succeeds Kurt Rothschild, who served as World Mizrachi’s President until his passing in 2022.

In a joint statement, World Mizrachi’s Rabbi Doron Perez and Rabbi Danny Mirvis hailed Rav Rimon as “an exceptional leader and ambassador for Mizrachi’s values of the People of Israel, the Torah of Israel, and the Land of Israel.”

Mirvis, who has been Acting CEO since Rabbi Perez’s son, Daniel, was taken captive on Simchat Torah, added, “With Rabbi Doron Perez as our Executive Chairman and Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon as our Nasi, we are blessed to be led

by two individuals with incredible vision, passion for Jewish unity, and strong track records of growing and building major initiatives for the Jewish world.”

Together with the appointment of Rav Rimon, World Mizrachi is also entering a strategic partnership with Sulamot, an organization founded and chaired by Rav Rimon, which develops cutting-edge educational technologies, experiential Jewish programming and innovative curricula for Jewish studies, taught in schools around the world. Sulamot’s most recent initiative, Atufim, works closely with kibbutzim in the Gaza envelope to provide urgent relief and long-term support for communities impacted by the war.

Since the commencement of the war, World Mizrachi has organized over 85

SHS Honor Society Induction

Shulamith High School proudly inducted over 50 students into its Honor Society last Wednesday, an honor awarded to students who exhibit exceptional standing in academics, community service, and extracurricular participation. Eligible sophomores, juniors, and seniors accept additional responsibilities upon themselves, including peer tutoring and an increased chessed hour requirement, illustrating the premise

that honorability must always include looking outward.

Senior Atara Deil was selected to speak on behalf of the inductees and delivered the message that before one can change the world, she must incrementally first change herself, her family, and her community. She spoke of the small, scaffolded goals she set for herself over her four years as a student and the journey she took as her confidence and invest-

missions for thousands of participants from around the world to show support and solidarity with Israel. Through its five leadership training programs, global branches, shlichim, representatives in the National Institutions, printed resources, online materials and programming, World Mizrachi provides Religious Zionist education and leadership for Jews across the world.

Rav Rimon, who also serves as the Chief Rabbi of Gush Etzion and Rosh Yeshiva of Lev Academic Center (JCT), commented: “I believe deeply in the leadership of Mizrachi as well as the mission. Medinat Yisrael, Torah, and Am Yisrael – I feel very connected to this vision. The Mizrachi movement has a unique shlichut, as it has had throughout the gen-

erations. Today the mission of Mizrachi is to bring unity in the Jewish people, to spread the light of Torah among the Jewish people, to bring the light of Eretz Yisrael to the whole world.”

ment in academics grew. She closed by applying the same concept to our ongoing drive to better the world post-October 7, through small, incremental, and achievable improvements.

We commend the drive for success and commitment to chessed embodied by so many of our SHS girls and look forward to watching their continued growth.

YCQ Graduate Sam Fried Speaks After Returning from IDF Reserve Duty

The Junior High School at YCQ warmly welcomed Sam Fried (‘11) as he returned to speak to the students, this time after his experience in the IDF and in Gaza over the past few months. Sam had originally spoken immediately before heading to Israel to join his unit after October 7.

He dropped everything and hopped on the first flight he could find to rejoin the elite Paratroopers unit that he had drafted to in 2020.

Sam voluntarily enlisted in the IDF after attending college in the U.S., fulfilling a lifelong dream of his. He gave credit to his YCQ education for instilling in him a love of Eretz Yisrael and a sense of re -

sponsibility to the Jewish people.

Sam spoke powerfully to the students about the months he spent in combat and shared chizuk about the importance of serving Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael. He shared some truly miraculous stories and also noted how the atmosphere and religious attitude of the soldiers around him had shifted dramatically.

As one of the few dati soldiers in his unit, they were constantly asking him to give them Tehilim to say and other mitzvot to do. He explained that his tefillin originally belonged to his grandfather, a World War II veteran, and once his comrades found this out, they eagerly lined up each day to wrap them, wanting to

connect to a Jewish soldier of the past who had successfully defeated our enemies.

Sam’s heroism and leadership is truly inspiring and he is a true role model for all YCQ students, graduates, and members of our nation.

One important takeaway he gave the students was that they are “genuinely soldiers in the war.” “Every tefilah that you say, every extra bracha that you say, every perek of Tehilim that you say, whatever it is that you do, every pasuk of Torah, it stops the bullets. And that’s not in our merit, that’s in your merit.”

Kol hakovod Sam!

Acting CEO Rabbi Danny Mirvis, Nasi Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon, and Executive Chairman Rabbi Doron Perez

50

Lb.

Hamantasch: Mayor’s

Jewish Advisory Council Engages in Community Service at Masbia’s Annual Chop ‘n Pack Event

This weekend marked a significant moment of unity and service as members of Mayor Eric Adams’ Jewish Advisory Council gathered at the historic Congregation Orach Chaim for Masbia’s annual Chop ‘n Pack event. The event, under the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Benjamin Skydell, the venerable Rabbi of Orach Chaim and Rabbi Alexander Rapaport, the dynamic ED of Masbia saw a diverse turnout from across the City’s Jewish community and beyond, all converging to support Masbia’s noble cause of addressing food insecurity in New York City. Masbia, known for its dedication to fighting hunger with dignity and compassion, welcomed volunteers to prepare and pack containers of fruits and vegetables, along with DIY Hamantasch Ingredient Kits for its pantry clients. The Chop ‘n Pack event serves not just as a campaign against hunger, but as a vibrant example of community solidarity and the collective effort to make a tangible difference in the lives of New Yorkers.

In the spirit of unity and tradition, Masbia’s annual Chop ‘n Pack event took a remarkable turn with the display of a special 50-pound Hamantasch, graciously baked by Strauss Bakery. This unique gesture served as a powerful symbol in the fight against hunger, especially poignant as the event took place just three weeks shy of Purim. The inclusion of Hamantaschen at the event was not only a nod to the upcoming Purim holiday but also a profound reminder of the Purim miracle and the importance of community support and generosity. Purim, a time of joy and feasting, commemorates the Jewish people’s survival against a decree of destruction in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther. It is traditionally celebrated with the giving of food gifts to friends (mishloach manot) and donations to the poor (matanot la’evyonim), embodying the spirit of kindness and sharing. By incorporating Hamantaschen, a quintessential Purim treat, into the Chop ‘n Pack event, Masbia and its supporters

underscored the importance of ensuring that all members of the community can partake in the Purim feast, regardless of their financial circumstances. This act of kindness mirrors the very essence of the Purim celebration, highlighting the themes of unity, survival, and the triumph of good over evil. The giant Hamantasch Against Hunger thus became more than just a symbol; with the Hamantasch Ingredient Kits that were prepared by the volunteers, it also represented a call to action for the community to come together, not only in celebration but also in the service of those in need. It served as a reminder that the joy of Purim is magnified when shared with others, especially those who are less fortunate. This Hamantaschen for Hunger initiative by Masbia, supported by the Mayor’s Jewish Advisory Council and symbolized by the hamantasch from Strauss Bakery, which supports Masbia throughout the year, reinforces the message that our collective efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of many. As the community prepares to celebrate Purim, this event leaves a lasting impact, inspiring acts of generosity and kindness that embody the true spirit of the holiday. Rabbi Skydell, alongside Rabbi Rapaport, led the volunteers by example, donning Masbia aprons and engaging directly in the food preparation efforts. Their hands-on participation and enthusiasm served as an inspiration, demonstrating the profound impact of Tzedakah (charity) and the value of personal involvement in communal assistance. The event was sponsored by Naomi and Steve Wolinksky, in loving memory of Naomi’s father, Rabbi Morris Friedman. Rabbi Friedman, remembered for his spirit, legacy, and passion for uniting people through acts of kindness (mitzvot), would have

been heartened to see the community come together in such a meaningful way.

Naomi Wolinksky, reflecting on the event, said, “This gathering truly encapsulated the spirit and legacy of my saintly father. He cherished events that united people and brought them together as a mitzvah in helping others. To see such a diverse group come together to support Masbia’s sacred mission, especially as we approach Purim, would have made him incredibly proud.”

The Mayor’s Jewish Advisory Council’s involvement aimed to raise awareness of food insecurity and spotlight Masbia’s crucial role not only in hunger alleviation but also as a unifying force within the community. By bringing together individuals from various backgrounds for a shared purpose, the event highlighted the importance of collective action and mutual understanding in addressing societal issues.

The Chop ‘n Pack event underscored a critical message: everyone has the capacity to contribute to making the world a better place. Through simple acts of kindness and service, such as chopping vegetables and packing the DIY Hamantasch Ingredient Kits, individuals can become more attuned to the needs of others, fostering a sense of communal responsibility and forging meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.

As the event concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and the knowledge that their efforts had not only provided essential food supplies to those in need but had also contributed to the broader goal of transforming New York City into a more compassionate and inclusive community for all its residents. Find out more about the Hamantaschen For Hunger initiative at www.hamantaschenforhunger.org.

Meir Panim Continues to Offer Solace and Support as Uncertainty Looms

By Hadassah Bay

In the mist of the ongoing turmoil experienced by displaced families, IDF soldiers and their families, as well as needy individuals and families, Meir Panim has been working tirelessly to mitigate the hardships and spread some light.

Mimi Rozmaryn, Director of Global Development at Meir Panim, recently took part in a conference abroad, where she shared the plight of Israelis in the fifth month of an existential war. “People are under the impression that the war is over, but we’re living proof that it’s very not over,” she states.

Meir Panim has become a sanctuary for displaced families, feeding thousands daily, in addition to the steady patrons comprising single-parent families, the elderly and the working poor. Another important initiative is the clothing drives for displaced families, whose needs evolve as the seasons change and the children grow.

The organization has also been extending support to IDF soldiers, organizing BBQ events to bolster spirits during active tours and as celebrations of completed duty, underscoring Meir Panim’s comprehensive approach.

With the war in its fifth month, industries across the board are continuing to suffer significant setbacks. Tourism and construction, for example, are facing severe downturns, leading to an increased demand for Meir Panim’s services, not just from displaced individuals but also from locals who are unemployed and struggling to make ends meet.

Meir Panim’s response has been swift and adaptive. The Dimona branch has become a hub for displaced families, providing care packages, as well as food for soldiers, and community support. In Tzefat, despite the challenges, Meir Panim’s commitment remained unwavering, even when a rocket strike coincided with the reopening of their dining facility. “We were organizing only take-out for several weeks due to the intermittent shelling,” Mimi explains, “but our patrons told us, ‘Our hunger is louder than the sirens.’”

Through strategic partnerships, such as a significant donation from the Tamam

airport caterer, Meir Panim has been able to distribute thousands of meals to displaced families over the course of a month. Additionally, the new walk-in fridge at the Tiberias branch exemplifies Meir Panim’s dedication to meeting the growing needs of the community.

The spirit of volunteering at Meir Panim has never been stronger, with troops, displaced individuals, and even family members of the hostages offering their time and energy on behalf of others.

With Purim just around the corner, Meir Panim is working to provide as many people as possible with a festive Purim meal and two Mishlo’ach Manot (one to keep and one to give away) — one of the organization’s signature offerings. “All our plans are in the works and we’re doing all we can, despite the difficulty of planning amidst uncertainty,” says Mimi.

Meir Panim’s efforts, rooted in compassion and resilience, offer a glimmer of hope in times of adversity, embodying the belief that together, we can face the challenges that lie ahead.

The Best of Both Worlds! A New Dormitory Yeshiva in the Tri-State Area

Parents looking for a high-caliber mesivta for their bochur who is seeking to shteig and grow in Torah and yiras Shomayim now have a new option with the opening of Tiferes Shlomo Yosef in Far Rockaway, New York.

Tiferes Shlomo Yosef, which will be opening in time for the upcoming Elul Zman, will be staffed by a hanhalah of distinguished talmidei chochomim with many years of experience with mesivta-aged bochurim, and will include dormitory facilities for the weekdays, with the bochurim coming home for Shabbos. This will grant them the best of both worlds – the ability to be fully immersed in their learning all week long, while also experiencing the benefits of the all-important parental chinuch over each Shabbos.

ta in Woodbourne, NY.

Rav Yisroel Gold will serve as the yeshiva’s Mashgiach. Rav Gold is a longtime talmid of Yeshivas Chaim Berlin, where he forged a close kesher with Rav Aharon Shechter, zt”l, and Rav Chaim Kitowitz, shlita

Make your donation today online at www.mpdonate.org, through the tollfree number at (877) 7-DONATE / 877.736.6283 , or by mail to American Friends of Meir Panim at 88 Walton Street, Suite B1, Brooklyn, NY 112064479. All donations made in the U.S. are tax-deductible under EIN# 20-1582478.

The Menahel and 9th grade rebbi will be Rav Chaim Shlomo Metz, who has been a highly successful 9th grade rebbi in Yeshiva of Far Rockaway for the past decade. Rav Metz is the Founding Director of Anchor Mentoring Zimras Binyomin, an extremely impactful mentoring and chavrusa program in the Far Rockaway and 5 Towns community, which has an enrollment of over 400 boys. In the summer, Rav Metz is the Director and Rosh Mesivta of the popular Camp Aish Mesiv-

Rav Gold served as a Maggid Shiur in Yeshivas Aderes Hatorah in Eretz Yisroel and in Bais Medrash Ateres Yaakov for 15 years. He currently is the Rosh Kollel of Kollel Avrohom Beinish and the popular rav of K’hal Noam Siach in Far Rockaway. Tiferes Shlomo Yosef will be located on a spacious, beautiful campus in Inwood, which will be extremely conducive to the success of the bochurim. Every amenity will be provided to ensure that the bochurim are equipped with whatever they need to focus on their learning and development as genuine bnei Torah It will be an ideal environment for driven, motivated bochurim who are seeking to grow and thrive towards shleimus.

Applications are currently being accepted for the inaugural ninth grade class of Yeshivas Tiferes Shlomo Yosef. Interested parties may contact the office at (516) 350 8861 or email office@yeshivatiferesshlomo.org.

Rosh Chodesh Adar at Siach Yitzchok

Around the Community

Fun was in the air on Rosh Chodesh at HALB and Lev Chana! Students dressed up and the eighth graders danced around the halls and classrooms singing “Mi shenichnas Adar marbim b’simcha!”

Around the Community

Israel Chesed Center

The Israel Chesed Center has continued its mission of engaging our community and supporting Israel, and this past week, like every other week, has found innovative and creative ways to expand its support and broaden its reach.

Rav Shai Finkelstein of Kehilla Nitzanim

Last Thursday night, the ICC was privileged to host Rabbi Shai Finklestein, Rav of Kehillat Nitzanim in Baka, a major shul in Jerusalem with a large Anglo population. Moshe Bodner, a former member of Nitzanim, introduced Rav Shai by praising Nitznanim’s chesed efforts since October 7, and by expressing the appreciation of the 5 Towns community for Nitzanim’s partnership with the ICC. Nitzanim member Yissachar Halpern is the “Israel side” Chesed Center co-founder, and together we have delivered Tefillin to Chayalim, arranged Shabbat meals for thousands of soldiers, and distributed bags of clothing to soldiers and “mifunim” all over Israel.

Rav Shai’s presentation, “Being a Shul Rabbi During a War,” was informative, engaging and extremely unique. Rav Shai acknowledged that even a Rav ordained by the Israeli Rabbanut is not totally prepared for wartime and that he had to learn “on the job.” The swiftness with which the Simchat Torah Massacre occurred and the immediate response by the IDF and the Chayalim, many of whom left shul during Hakafot and did not return home for months, was a shock, but also presented opportunities for rabbanim and other leaders to quickly adapt and to learn how to address the growing needs of their kehillot. Three of Nitzanim’s young men, HY”D, fell on October 7, and other members of the shul have been injured in battle, some with permanent disabilities. Among the important lessons that Rav Shai learned, was the need to simply “be there” for people (especially when the “news has worn off,” such as following the week of shiva), but also the need to understand when not to “overdo it,” when and how to help by “laying low.” He summed up these lessons by reminding us that while doing chesed is good for the “baal chesed,” it is not done for he giver! It must be for the recipient, and a baal chesed must focus on what the recipient needs, not on what the giver thinks is best.

He also shared some of the halachic

questions that he has received and addressed. The most chilling one involved burying remains when the IDF believes that additional remains will be found at a later date. On the one hand, the family sought to have a funeral and kevurah and to begin sitting shiva, enabling them to have some closure. On the other hand, once additional remains are found, the grave would have to be opened to allow for those remains to be buried, which could create psychological trauma for the family. Rav Shai ruled that the burial should take place and the family should sit shiva once the first set of remains are found, and that the family need not participate in any future burials of the fallen soldier’s remains.

Rav Shai spent Shabbos as scholar-in-residence at YILC, and we were privileged and honored to have him in our community, sharing Torah and insights from Jerusalem.H He

A Day in the Chamal

Every day is busy at the Israel Chesed Center – receiving deliveries of donated goods, sorting and packing, interesting speakers and welcoming distinguished guests. Over the past few weeks, the Chesed Center has hosted numerous class visits from local schools – 3rd and 6th graders from Brandeis, 9th and 12th graders from HAFTR, and 6th and 12th graders from Shulamith. The Center has also hosted events for the Olami organization, enabling over one hundred young men from Australia and Soth Africa to build chesed into their trip to New York, and welcomed a group of women from Texas visiting NY on a kiruv trip. MK Dan Ilouz, who spent shabbat at YILC, visited the Center on Sunday, while the well-known Old City-based philanthropist, Aba Claman, founder of Thank Israeli Soldiers, spent time in the Center during his recent trip. The Chesed Center was especially happy to host the senior class from Valley Torah Girls High School in Los Angeles, led by their Menahalet, Long Beach native Dr. Yali (Wakslak) Rosenberg, who appreciated the opportunity to do a couple of hours of chesed before boarding their flight back to LA!

Purim

Purim is in full swing at the Chesed Center, with over 2,000 costumes dropped-off, packaged and sent to Israel. Over 30 drop-off locations were established outside of the 5 Towns, and we expect that before Purim arrives, we will

have sent over 3,500 costumes for displaced families and children of Chayalim.

The Chesed Center is asking the community to focus its Purim dollars on Israel – while Mishloach Manot is a mitzvah that is unique to Purim, the goal this year should be to perform the mitzvah while enabling greater support for Israel. In partnership with three major Israeli tzedakah organizations, the Chesed Center is arranging Mishloach Manot to be delivered on Purim (and on Shushan Purim in Jerusalem) to wives and children of Chayalim, to displaced families, and to IDF bases – with a full seudat purim for Chayalim. “Purim Cards” are also available through the Chesed Center, with all proceeds going directly to supporting our families in Israel.

The Chesed Center is planning many activities for the community during the lead-up to Purim and on Purim itself, including a Hamantashen Bake for children, mishloach manot exchanges in the Chesed Center on Purim, and a spirited and fun environment on Purim Day, where families can spend time doing chesed and remaining in the Purim Spirit.

Spreading the Chesed To Other Communities

The success of the recent IDF Unity Shabbat has spurred other communities

into action. Various Israel Chesed Center projects, including the recently launched Tefillin Donation campaign and the Purim costume project, have included many other communities via local drop-off sites, including Monsey, Passaic, Great Neck, Brooklyn, Queens and Baltimore. With a strong desire to maximize chesed opportunities, the Great Neck community is planning their own Shabbat B’yachad Nenatzeiach – IDF Unity Shabbat. Over the weekend of April 11-14, the Great Neck shuls and schools plan to replicate the 5T “OG” Unity Shabbat, with a popup shop for donations, Chayalim joining the community for Shabbat, and events and activities for kids, adults and anyone seeking to connection with supporting Israel.

The Israel Chesed Center, located at 1315 Peninsula Blvd., Hewlett, is the community’s base for chesed initiatives and opportunities related to the war in Israel, assisting Chayalim and their families, evacuees, small businesses and any Israeli impacted by the war. The Center is open daily for “shop your donations” (purchase gear for soldiers), letter writing, tzitzit making, and volunteer opportunities, and regularly hosts events for the community. All information can be found at www.israelchesedcenter.com.

Valley Torah girls helping at the Chesed Center

MTA’s Parent-Son Learning Program

Every year, MTA invites parents to join their sons on a Sunday morning for a special program that features yeshiva-wide davening, breakfast, a guest speaker, and an opportunity for parents to sit in on shiur with their son(s). This past Sunday, Rosh Chodesh Adar Sheini, MTA hosted the program, and it was very well-received.

Following a beautiful Rosh Chodesh davening, everyone enjoyed breakfast, followed by an incredible shiur by former MTA talmid, renowned speaker and rav of the White Shul in Far Rockaway, Rabbi Eytan Feiner. He discussed Purim in such a unique way, that everyone in attendance, from freshmen to parents and rebbeim included, were able to gain from what he spoke about.

What capped off the morning was each Rebbe teaching a special Purim lesson to their shiurim with the parents in attendance. It gave the families an

opportunity to see what makes the MTA rebbeim so amazing – their unwavering dedication to their talmidim, their breadth of knowledge, and their ability to reach each student. MTA looks forward to more special programming that allows the parents to see what makes MTA so special!

Rosh Chodesh Adar Beis in the Ganger Early Childhood Center at TAG

MTA Students Interview Former NY Governor George Pataki Purple Day at HAFTR

Agroup of MTA students in Dr. Potocki’s Podcast elective were given the incredible opportunity to interview former New York Governor George Pataki. Basil Edelstein, Moshe Katz, Elie Husarsky, and Max Fellner-Dublin were recently tasked with creating a podcast story as part of MTA’s new elective program. The students worked diligently for several weeks and eventually secured an interview with former NY Governor George Pataki.

During the interview, the boys discussed a wide range of topics and found themselves deep in conversation about current events. From the moment Governor Pataki walked into the conference room, the MTA students knew they were in the presence of a true world leader. Governor Pataki, although no longer active politically, remains heavily involved in his community and overseas through the George Pataki Center’s Ukrainian Relief Fund. Over the course of the interview, they discovered the governor’s

commitment to supporting families in the midst of the war with Russia.

Moshe Katz recalls one particular story that stood out to him. During one of his center’s five significant mission trips to Ukraine, Governor Pataki and his team delivered over 150 tons of essential supplies, including food, housing, hygiene, and medical supplies. The people of Ukraine were grateful, but they requested that every last bit of the supplies be given to their troops instead of them. Governor Pataki was astounded by their deep patriotism and urged American youth to reignite such enthusiasm for their country.

The four MTA seniors that conducted this interview look forward to editing the podcast and submitting it to the New York Times’ annual podcast contest. They are certain that Governor Pataki’s insights and experiences will be invaluable to students all across New York and the country.

The Wonderful Works of Dr. Seuss

The children in HANC’s Early Childhood Center in West Hempstead enjoyed a week full of celebrating the wonderful works of Dr. Seuss. In addition to reading many of his classic books in their classrooms, the children utilized a variety of skills to help them experience the adventures described in them. Some of the fun activities included decorating bookmarks with Dr. Seuss symbols and practicing their patterning skills by creating striped Cat in the Hat crowns. During the course of the week, the children enjoyed Wacky Wednesday, Crazy Hat Day, Silly Sock Day, and Favorite Stuffed Pet Day.

The culminating activity was an interactive fitness program, with a dozen stations based on Dr. Seuss favorites. During the carnival the children played games on the balance beam that were reminiscent of “Hop on Pop.” To explore balance, the children stacked ten apples on top of each other, reenacting “Ten Apples on Top.” Pin the hat on the cat’s head was representative of “The Cat in the Hat.” Playing a magnetic fishing game helped strengthen their fine motor skills while reminding them of “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish.” “Oh, The Places That You Will Go” was depicted through an obstacle course that helped the chil-

By Tammy Aronbayev

Purple Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness of domestic violence and abuse. On Thursday, February 29, students at HAFTR High School wore purple in solidarity with this mission and spent the day immersed in fundraising and learning about the dynamics of healthy relationships.

Throughout the day, students listened to informative speakers, bought and sold raffle tickets, and had open discussions about these issues. Walking through the halls, purple could be seen everywhere. Donuts and raffles were for sale to raise money for organizations that combat domestic violence and help students to think and talk about healthy interactions. The sophomores participated in an assembly where they learned about

the importance of healthy connections with others and how to spot unhealthy signs within a relationship. Additionally, three students, Tammy Aronbayev, Kayla Fauziev and Yocheved Kalen, enrolled in a program created by Shalom Task Force, an organization that aids those who are victims of domestic violence or abuse in Jewish communities. This program, called the “Purple Fellowship,” is a nineweek Zoom course teaching participants about the organization, its mission and ways to spread awareness to others at home and at school, such as organizing the programming for Purple Day.

Purple Day was an informative, meaningful and memorable program, providing students with lessons for life and valuable insights into their daily interactions.

dren develop their gross motor skills by crawling through tunnels, walking along a footprint path that led to junctures containing Dr. Seuss’ beloved characters, ring toss games challenged them to land the beanbags in the mouths of pets and walking around a baseball diamond got their heart rates going! What Dr. Seuss week would be complete without some “Yertle the Turtle” turtle-shaped cookies!

The entire week was truly a fun-filled celebration of one of the most cherished children’s book authors and the joy on their little faces was evidence that they thoroughly enjoyed seeing the books they love come to life.

TAL Academy Launches TAL Resource Center

TAL Academy proudly launched the TAL Resource Center with a well-attended lecture given by Dr. Lydia Soifer and Mrs. Brocha Kresch entitled, “Language-Based Learning Disabilities: What This Means for a Child.” Dr. Soifer, Language and Methodology Consultant at TAL Academy, is a language pathologist with over fifty years of experience in clinical and private practice.

Dr. Soifer’s engaging presentation and humorous anecdotes kept the audience captivated as she described the experience of a child with language processing challenges both at home and at school.

Mrs. Brocha Kresch, Director of Kriah at TAL Academy, has developed her own multisensory reading program that is being used in schools across the country. Mrs. Kresch explained the research that lays the foundation for the science of reading to the audience comprised of professionals and parents. She described some of the challenges a child with language-based learning disabilities might encounter when learning to read Hebrew.

Mrs. Taib, principal of TAL Academy, closed the presentation with further examples of difficulties that children with language-based weaknesses experience

within a Judaic Studies classroom.

When TAL Academy opened in September 2023, it was the realization of a vision to create a yeshiva for students with language-based disabilities who have the potential to return to their neighborhood schools once these weaknesses have been remediated. The launching of the TAL Academy Resource Center is the realization of a related vision, to educate our communities so that these students can be better understood and can be identified at earlier ages, before their self-esteem has been eroded.

The lecture can be viewed at the TAL Academy website, www.talacademy.org

Dr. Soifer will also be presenting a threepart webinar series over the next few weeks that is geared for parents, but all are welcome to attend. Please register at the website or call 516-218-1929 for more information.

March 12, 8:00 PM: He’ll Outgrow It…When? The Importance of Early Identification of Language Learning Disabilities.

April 16, 8:00 PM: Executive Functions: Being the Boss of Your Brain

May 7, 8:00 PM: Working Memory: You’re in Trouble Without It!

Around the Community

SKA Sonics Head to Florida!

by Leah Sicklick

This past weekend, the SKA Sonics participated in the 18th annual Hyman P. Galbut Girls Basketball Tournament in Miami Beach, Florida. The tournament was hosted by RASG Hebrew Academy of Miami.

The Varsity A girls basketball team flew down to Miami on Wednesday morning with our coach Tess Gaon and our chaperone, Mrs. Shira Englander. We settled into our hosts’ homes and then got ready to play some competitive basketball. Our team got off to a great start, beating Fuchs Mizrachi from Cleveland.

We were not as successful when we played against Ida Crown from Chicago, but the loss encouraged us to regroup and stay focused on making the necessary adjustments to move forward in the competition. We enjoyed an incredible boat ride which gave our team a chance to relax, bond as a team, and prepare for our playoff game. On Friday morning, we were seeded against Hebrew Academy of Miami and needed the win to advance to the Semi Finals. Through a great team effort, we pulled off an exciting victory! Our team went into Shabbos feeling very proud and energized. The Shabbaton program gave us an opportunity to spend time with, and get to know, the girls from the other 11 teams in the tour -

Lawrence Country Club Centennial

By Paris Popack and Kevin Dudleston

Awell-known Lawrence “fact” is that our Country Club has always been deemed

“The Jewel” of the Village of Lawrence. This year, 2024, our jewel celebrates its 100th anniversary, and a Centennial Celebration is planned to recognize this extraordinary event.

The Lawrence Country Club, est. 1924, opened its golf course, originally designed by internationally renowned golf course architect Devereux Emmet (1862-1934), in golf’s Golden Age on July 4, 1924. It featured fitting the course design to the natural terrain with a simple, elegant look. Devereux Emmett was known as “the naturalist” where he tailored the courses to the lay of land.

The 18-hole golf course has gone through a couple of renovations, first with Joe Finger and next with Robert McNeil. Adam Thomas says, “I have enjoyed my time as Golf Course and Grounds Superintendent at Lawrence Country Club where we’ve made great strides over the past 12 years. We were fortunate enough to restore the 6th hole to the original design of world-renowned golf course architect Devereux Emmet in 2023. I look forward to continuing to preserve Emmet’s vision.”

Currently, the Lawrence Country Club is also home to 9 Har-Tru tennis courts, 2 pickleball courts and a beauti-

nament. The participants in the tournament come from different backgrounds, different states, and different types of schools, but we were brought together by our Judaism and common love for basketball. Of course, the purpose of the tournament is to play great, competitive ball…but we gained so much more. We formed friendships and connections that can last a lifetime.

Still…the basketball was pretty important! On Saturday night, we pulled off a nail-biting victory, beating YULA by one in the Semi Final game. The SKA Sonics made it to the championship, ultimately losing to Shalhevet High School from LA, but we are extremely proud of our accomplishments. It was an amazing

tournament, both for the great basketball and the time spent together as a team.

GO SONICS!

ful 135 slip marina along historic Bannister Bay. The clubhouse, restored after Super Storm Sandy, features a ballroom for catered events, meeting rooms, card rooms, a bridal suite, a club restaurant with a beautiful outside patio, a kosher snack bar, as well as a Pro Shop, and locker rooms.

A wide variety of celebratory events are scheduled to highlight this significant 100-year anniversary, for members of our club, as well as, Lawrence residents. Some of the special club and communal happenings, from May through October, will include: Men and Women Golf Tournaments throughout the season; Family Day; LCC Birthday Parade, among many others.

Additionally, Head Golf Pro, John Morrison, has ordered a variety of LCC limited edition Centennial merchandise to be available for purchase in the Pro Shop early spring.

Lawrence Mayor Alex H. Edelman notes, “Over the last 100 years, the Club has been home to generations of families, members and residents who have enjoyed the golf course, the clubhouse, weddings, lifecycle celebrations, and community events.”

Dr. Sheldon Genack, Chairman of the Park Commission, expressed his “profound enthusiasm for the future trajectory of the Lawrence Country Club that stands as a beacon of beauty in our neighborhood, symbolizing the essence of leisure, recreation, camaraderie and

community connection.”

“The club has become part of the fabric of Lawrence and is special to so many of us in this community,” said Jacqueline B. Handel, a Lawrence resident for over 70 years, a golf member for almost 30 years, Park Commission Vice Chair, and an officer of the Lawrence Women’s Golf Club for 25 years.

Dr. Tammy Roz, a tennis member, Trustee and past Park Commissioner, relates, “As a proud Lawrence resident for over 25 years, I take great pride in our beautiful country club which provides so many opportunities for residents to enjoy.”

Park Commissioner and longtime Marina member, Mo Blinder says, “At the Marina, we have both serious and casual boaters here who are proud and happy to participate in the LCC Centennial.”

Trustee Eli Kutner expressed, “Few villages can boast of possessing something as nice as their own country club. It’s part of what makes Lawrence such a special village and a great place to live.”

“As a longtime member of the Lawrence Country Club, I look forward to our Centennial Celebration,” remarks Aaron Parnes, Trustee and past Park Commissioner.

“We are honored to be part of the centennial celebrations this year and are planning fun Tennis and Pickleball events throughout 2024,” expressed Shabir “Mo” Mohammed, LCC Head Tennis Professional.

“As a village, we are looking forward to The Lawrence Country Club Devereux Emmet Centennial that will make our 2024 ‘Lawrence Jewel’ sparkle with community, family and friendship,” adds Paris Popack, tennis member, Centennial Chairwoman, Park Liaison and Deputy Mayor.

“This happens once in a lifetime,” says General Manager and Centennial Vice Chairman, Kevin Dudleston. “We look forward to reflecting on the past, enjoying the memories, and building a great future for the next 100 years.”

Be sure to check the LYCC and Village of Lawrence websites for the Centennial calendar and updates. https://www. lycc.cc http://www.villageoflawrence. org

For further information you may contact the Lawrence Country Club at: (516) 239-1685; lycc@villageoflawrence. org

Literacy Week at Shulamith

Literacy Week kept Shulamith on the go, With a kickoff assembly, video, and dance by G.O.

With the help of an 8th grade student, literacy head Who she kept track of what everyone read

From the BOOKBALL LEAGUE to THE FRIEND ZONE CAFE

Reading and sports took part everyday

An amazing ELA TRIVIA GAME

And a POETRY SLAM, our claim to fame.

Ivrit day was metzuyan

Celebrating Hebrew Milim and talking in Ivrit on and on The Great Book Exchange and Book Character Day

The costumes and creativity

Left us with lots to say Award ceremony for most pages read Calculating minutes, mega readers led Teachers cheered on the students with a week that was educational and fun, Literacy Week at Shulamith was second to none.

Floyd Mayweather Presented with the “Champion For Israel Award”

by Aish

In a special ceremony that took place on the roof of the Dan Family Aish World Center on Monday night, Floyd Mayweather, the undefeated boxing legend, was presented with the Champion For Israel Award, a special honor reserved for those who continue to advocate against hate and antisemitism and stand up for Israel.

The ceremony was one of Mayweather’s first stops on his itinerary during his current trip to Israel which is aimed at further strengthening his connection with the country and its people. During the visit, Mayweather, who was dressed wearing a hat and necklace each with a Star of David, met with students currently studying at Aish and joined them in celebrating the Jewish month of Adar, and even sang some songs in Hebrew,

surprising the crowd who responded with exuberant cheers.

Mayweather expressed his excitement during the visit, stating, “The rooftop is some of the best real estate in the world. Aish has welcomed me and my team in Jerusalem before, and it is very exciting to be back. This place is amazing. Everyone should come and visit here.” The boxing champion had previously visited Aish in November 2022.

Mayweather’s visit to Israel comes at a time when antisemitism is on the rise, particularly in the United States. When asked about his thoughts on this concerning trend, the boxing champion shared a powerful message of positivity and proactivity. “Everybody needs to stay positive and think positive and be proactive in a respectful manner, no matter what.

Use your voice, and all means available to stand up for what’s right and stand up against hate,” Mayweather responded.

Rabbi Steven Burg, who serves as the CEO of Aish, met with Mayweather and, after presenting him with the Champion For Israel Award, spoke about the positive messages that Mayweather has been sharing around the world. “As a renowned figure in the world of sports, Mr. Mayweather’s visit and his message hold significant weight. This is so vitally important in a post-October 7 world, and we need to embrace those who stand strong behind Israel. Mr. Mayweather has never ceased inspiring others to embrace positivity and take a stand against antisemitism and all forms of hate.”

Gesher’s Pre-1A students had a blast learning all about the Lamed Tes Melachos. Morah Shari and Morah Elisheva’s class learned all about the melachos of sorting, coloring, sifting, hammering, etc.

Hanging Mezuzos in YOSS Friedman Family Building

This week, the Yeshiva of South Shore installed the most important accoutrement of the new Friedman Family Elementary Campus – the mezuzos! Our Rosh HaYeshiva, R’ Mordechai Kamenetzky, and our Elementary School Menahel, Rabbi Avraham Robinson, made their way class by class explaining the halachos of hanging mezuzos, sharing stories of our founder R’ Binyamin Kamenetzky and his father R’ Yaakov, and then hanging the mezuzah with several boys from each class. It was truly a momentous occasion! IY”H may this special mitzvah protect the Yeshiva

and all the talmidim and ensure its continued success in transmitting authentic Torah and Yiddishkeit to the next generation.

Rabbi Shalom Rosner, world renowned rav, speaker, author, and alumnus of Toras Chaim Yeshiva of South Shore, addressed the YOSS Mechina on Rosh Chodesh Adar

Mesivta Netzach HaTorah talmidim took a Mesivta-wide bechina on Hilchos Brachos, followed by a competition between the shiurim

Bochurim Take Over 2.0 at Khal Machzikei Torah

This past Shabbos Parshas Vayakhel, Khal Machzikei Torah celebrated their second annual Bochurim Take Over Shabbos. Last year, Rabbi Nosson Greenberg decided that the bochurim should have an opportunity to “take over” the main minyan on Shabbos. On the initial Bochurim Shabbos the previous year, the bochurim did everything from davening from the amud, giving out the kibbudim , having aliyos, and even speaking from the pulpit including the drasha on Shabbos morning. It was such a success that Rabbi Greenberg insisted that the boys do it again. Two of the bochurim , Sholom Gutman and Avishlomo Cohen, put together all of the roles and positions that were needed to be filled and assigned each bochur to a role on this Shabbos.

There was a packed house in shul on Friday night. Duvy Glazer inspired everyone while leading the tefillos on Friday night, and Alty Eisikovic spoke beautifully in between Kabalos Shabbos and Maariv. Mordechai Alpert finished the night by making all of the announcements after davening.

Shabbos morning the action continued with Chazzanim Yosef Frishman and

Did you know?

Celebrating Adar Together

To celebrate Rosh Chodesh Adar, Cheder at the Ohel of Valley Stream and Magen Israel of Great Neck teamed up for a special event at the Cheder.

The event began with a welcome speech and video from Rabbi SZ Berkowitz, the principal of Cheder Ohel, followed by students from both schools reciting the 12 pesukim and engaging in Torah, tefillah, and tzedakah.

Afterwards, students showcased their talents in a fun Talent Show, featuring juggling and magic tricks. The Cheder then treated everyone to a musical performance with a choir and live band, which the students had practiced

and prepared for during their free time.

The highlight was the lively dancing to upbeat music in a glow-in-the-dark setting, with joyful Adar songs.

Students were treated to an array of drinks and refreshments, along with an interesting story from Rabbi Chayempour, teacher at Magen Israel. The event concluded with everyone singing together in a Kumzitz and more dancing, showcasing unity and much ahavas Yisroel.

It was a beautiful sight to see both schools coming together with joy and unity. May this celebration help usher in the ultimate simcha – the Geulah Shleima.

Yossi Ehrenfeld davening beautifully from the amud for Shacharis and Yaacov Eisikovic and Avishlomo Cohen flawlessly leining the parsha including Parshas Shekolim. Shalom Gutman served as gabbai and smoothly gave all of the Aliyos to bochurim, with Azi Feigenbaum receiving Maftir and leading an incredible rendition of Mussaf from the amud. Avraham Heitner then finished the tefillos with the announcements from the pulpit.

During the kiddush, which was sponsored in honor of the bochurim, Yosef Freund and Avi Edell gave over halachos to the packed crowd . After davening , Rabbi Greenberg and the congregants could not get over the poise and skill that the bochurim of Khal Machzikei Torah showed, while the bochurim were proud of their accomplishments. That afternoon, the bochurim continued with running Mincha and Maariv.

Khal Machzikei Torah is grateful to Shalom Gutman and Avishlomo Cohen for coordinating another incredible Bochurim Shabbos. What a way to enter the month of Adar Beis, with the Venahapachu of the bochurim running the show.

The phrase, “it’s all Greek to me,” originally was said by Casca, in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

Reb Dovid Sitnick and talmidim of Siach Yitzchok dance with a talmid who joined the cheder since the onset of the war and is now heading back to Eretz Yisroel

HALB eighth grade girls visited Five Towns Premier Nursing and Rehabilitation to bring some Purim cheer to their residents

Fortunate In The Five Towns

Tahareinu graces rabbanim, doctors, and couples with a focused visit

With great enthusiasm and even greater gratitude, the Five Towns community welcomed Rabbi Yitzchok Melber, founder and director of Tahareinu, on his visit last week.

Rabbi Melber’s astounding breadth of knowledge in all areas of women’s health both impressed and inspired the many who stood to gain from it.

Numerous local rabbanim, askanim, medical professionals and couples eagerly anticipated the visit and were gratified that Rabbi Melber dedicated such a significant portion of his demanding schedule to focus on the community’s specific needs.

Rabbi Melber delivered a very well-received lecture to many prominent rabbanim, hosted by R’ Dovid Bender in his Kollel. He expounded on the intrica-

HAFTR

cies of Refuah B’Halacha for several insight-filled hours.

Of course, Rabbi Melber met with Harav Yaakov Bender, shlita, who received him warmly and discussed the community’s unique needs and how Tahareinu can expand their impact here.

In addition, R’ Moshe Weinberger, R’ Binyomin Furst, R’ Eytan Feiner, R’ Yaakov Feitman, R’ Mordechai Stern, R’ Meir Braunstein, and Rabbi Fordsheim were privileged to meet with Rabbi Melber on behalf of their respective Kehillos.

He also met with doctors in the women’s health, reproduction, and gynecology fields, outlining a joint vision for the future of women’s health in the community. He was met with enthusiastic support and made a strong impression with his tireless devotion and unique level of

Senior Shabbaton

By Emily Gorbacz

With graduation in sight, the HAFTR senior class joined together to spend a meaningful in-house Shabbat together. On February 24-25, 12th graders gathered at HAFTR High School to daven, enjoy delicious meals and participate in engaging activities. Spirit, achdut, and fun permeated the halls as we celebrated together with

our rabbis, teachers, and friends.

The minute school let out on Friday, students hurried home or to the homes of their hosts to prepare for Shabbat and return back to school in time for memorable group pictures. As the sun began to set, we congregated in the Beit Midrash for an uplifting Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat service. After Tefillah, we entered the gym and sat down to a delicious seudah filled with singing and inspira-

expertise.

The Tahareinu team was privileged to work in tandem with local organizations who share their vision of “No couple left behind.”

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, Rabbi Melber provided personal consultations with numerous couples for the entire week, to review their specific fertility circumstances and delve deeper into possible solutions. As always, Tahareinu is available for in-depth case management, often resulting in the final yeshua, b’ezras Hashem

Everyone is looking forward to great things from Tahareinu’s launch in the Five Towns and the continued local focus on behalf of every struggling couple.

tional divrei Torah. Abbi Kammerman delivered an insightful dvar Torah about Parshat Tetzaveh, and Rabbi Slochowsky spoke to everyone, reflecting on our high school years and offering words of advice for the future. Before returning home, students eagerly participated in a Q&A session with their teachers. The panel of rebbeim and morot answered questions posed by students and shared valuable advice. The night concluded with dessert, a tisch, zemirot, and a game.

On Shabbat morning, we had a beautiful Shacharit and “schmooze” session. Rabbi Riselsheimer addressed the girls

about the simcha of Adar, while Rabbi Wallach spoke to the boys, giving insight on how to be a Torah-observant Jew in a secular occupation. The schmooze was followed by a kiddush and lively meal with more zemirot and games. Students spent the rest of Shabbat with each other at the homes of their hosts. We had an amazing time experiencing the holiness of Shabbat and bonding together at our senior Shabbaton! It was very special spending a Shabbat together as a class while making memories that will stay with us forever.

With Rabbi Eytan Feiner

Grow Torah at Lev Chana

Lev Chana students got back in the Grow Torah garden this week. It’s always exciting to check on the herbs and vegetables and to learn how everything connects to Hashem and the mitzvot!

Why Harmony?

Our community just concluded the biannual girls production, Harmony. Thousands of members of our community were somehow touched by this massive undertaking.

Was it worth it? Here is one mother’s perspective. We hope she represents many others as well.

**

I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for the enchanting production last night, where I witnessed my 10-year-old daughter radiate on stage. The vision behind this event is truly indescribable, capturing the essence of what it means for our daughters.

The joy, excitement, nervousness, and

emotion on the faces of everyone involved were truly inspiring. From the incredible costumes, each a masterpiece in itself, to the elegant and enjoyable dances, every detail showcased thoughtful dedication. It’s evident that behind each aspect, there was careful consideration to make every girl feel amazing and to allow their talents to shine.

I couldn’t help but share with my husband that a year of therapy couldn’t match the healing power of this experience for my daughter. Even though she may not have been in desperate need of healing, this moment provided an unforeseen source of joy and empowerment. My older daughter cherished her

Discovering Our Hidden Talents

As we enter the month of Purim, we focus on revealing the hidden within us. On Monday, talmidim at Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim were given the opportunity to find their hidden gifts, talents and traits. Talmidim enjoyed amazing and interactive workshops led by Mrs. Rivka Ariel and Rabbi Yaakov Mintz from Work At It. The workshops helped students explore and discover unique attributes about themselves and their peers, as well as giving the students the tools to see their personality traits and strengths as skills that can be used in the workplace.

Blocks were labeled with a variety of character traits and placed in front of students from which they chose that best

described themselves and their peers. Students selected blocks and gave it to their partner with an explanation and example of why that specific attribute was chosen. After four selected blocks, students then took note of how they could use their attributes and skills in a professional setting, such as in an interview. With instruction, students partnered up for mock interviews. The interviewer asked a question, and the interviewee showcased his newly discovered strengths within the answer.

Students then chose sides for a symbolic team building activity – using the blocks to build the tallest tower. As Mrs. Ariel said, “The blocks and attributes are meant to build us up.”

years with Harmony, and my younger one eagerly anticipated her turn in fifth grade to grace the stage. During Shabbat, she counted down the hours and minutes, demonstrating the profound anticipation and excitement building up.

Not every mother has the privilege of witnessing their daughters so blissfully happy, and Harmony ensured that everything was meticulously organized, making it not only pleasurable but deeply meaningful. My gratitude goes beyond words, as this experience will undoubtedly stay with my daughter for a lifetime. I hope she absorbs the values of hard work, belief, and investing in others that the Harmony staff exemplifies.

The thought-provoking emails, seamless organization from parking to entrance, and the dedication of everyone involved, including those behind the scenes, were truly remarkable. It was a testament to the care our community has for our children and their future. I lack the words to express my gratitude adequately, but I wish to bless you with continued strength to carry on this incredible work for years to come.

May you always be role models, leaders, and givers with grateful hearts, creating and spreading joy, art, and goodness in our community. Thank you from the depths of my inspired and thankful heart.

Aside from building confidence, this exercise gave students a better understanding of themselves and how they can use their G-d given attributes to their advantage.

Thank you to Mr. Cal Nathan and the Community Chest of South Shore for sponsoring this program.

Rav Feldstein’s twelfth grade talmidim from Yeshiva Darchei Torah with Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen at the conclusion of their Shabbos of chizuk and achdus in Lakewood

TJH Centerfold

Fish Trivia

1. How much did Japanese restauranteur Kiyoshi Kimura pay in 2019 for a 600-lb bluefin tuna?

a. $6,000

b. $18,000

c. $34,000

d. $3,000,000

2. According to scientific estimations, approximately how many species of fish are there?

a. 200

b. 1,930

c. 2,440

d. 33,600

3. Which country sells the most fish?

a. China

b. Japan

c. South Africa

d. U.S.

4. Australian Alfred Dean caught the biggest fish in recorded

history when he railed in a great white shark. How many pounds did it weigh?

a. 2,664

b. 13,189

c. 42,829

d. 105,403

a. Cod

b. Clownfish

5. Which commonly used item often contains fish scales in it?

a. Duct tape

b. Lipstick

c. Sushi seaweed

d. Paint

6. How long can a fully grown whale shark be?

a. 12 feet

b. 24 feet

c. 40 feet

d. 100 feet

7. Which of the following fish is known for its ability to change color to blend in with its surroundings?

a. Angelfish

b. Pufferfish

c. Chameleon fish

d. Octopus

8. Which of the following fish is known for its ability to produce sounds by grinding its teeth?

c. Catfish

d. Piranha

Answers:

1-D

2-D

3-A

4-A

5-B

6-C

7-D

8-A

Wisdom key

6-8 correct: 木村清さん、本当に魚 に詳しいですね ! (For all of you who don’t read Japanese, it says, “Kiyoshi Kimura, you are way too into fish!” That is so easy, I can’t believe that you can’t read it!)

3-5 correct: Not bad, unless you didn’t know that lipstick contains fish scales; there are some things that you just have to know!

0-2 correct: How do you say fish in plural?

O’Fishally Well Said!

“Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he will sit in a boat drinking beer all day.” - George Carlin

“Fishing is boring, unless you catch an actual fish, and then it is disgusting.” - Dave Barry

“Do not tell fish stories where the people know you. Particularly, don’t tell them where they know the fish.” - Mark Twain

“I am not against golf, since I cannot but suspect it keeps armies of the unworthy from discovering trout.” - Paul O’Neil

“There’s a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.” - Steven Wright

“Fish are like relatives. After three days, they start to stink.” - Benjamin Franklin

“The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad.” - A.K. Best

You Gotta be Kidding Me!

Jimbo and Mary Ann saved up for years to take their kids on a fishing trip. They rented all the equipment – the reels, the rods, the wading suits, the rowboat, the car, and even a cabin in the woods. They spared no expense.

The first day, they go fishing, but they don’t catch anything. The same thing happens on the second and third day. Finally, on the last day of their vacation, Jimbo catch-

“If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles.” - Doug Larson

“Fishing is like yoga, except I still get to kill something.” - Ron Swanson

“The two best times to fish is when it’s raining and when it ain’t.” - Patrick F. McManus

“My biggest worry is that when I’m dead and gone, my wife will sell my fishing gear for what I said I paid for it.” -

Koos Brandt

“Three-fourths of the Earth’s surface is water, and one-fourth is land. It is quite clear that the good L-rd intended us to spend triple the amount of time fishing as taking care of the lawn.” - Chuck Clark

“Fishermen are born honest, but they get over it.” -

Edgar Watson Howe

es a fish. As they’re driving home, they’re really depressed.  Jimbo says to Mary Ann, “Do you realize that this one lousy fish we caught cost us fifteen hundred bucks?”

Mary Ann says in astonishment, “Wow! Then it’s a good thing we didn’t catch any more!”

Parshas Pikudei

By Rabbi Berel Wein

The end of the book of Shemos describes the culmination of the events of the exodus from Egypt, the revelation at Sinai, and the construction of the Mishkan. All of these events are certainly on the positive side of the historical ledger. On the other side that the book of Shemos represents there is the sin of the Golden Calf and the constant carping and complaining of the

Jewish people against Moshe and against the G-d of Israel.

In effect, this sets the template for all further Jewish history. There are always ups and downs, plus and minuses in the national behavior of the Jewish people. The book of Shemos ends on a triumphant note – the spirit of G-d, so to speak, invests and dwells within the Jewish people, and the Mishkan that they so lovingly

built – promising an eternal relationship. Jewish tradition teaches us that this is the ultimate result of the long story of our existence. It will end triumphantly, but there will be many serious bumps on the road before we arrive at our ultimate destination. It seems especially appropriate that at the conclusion of this holy book, the entire congregation rises to proclaim that we will be strengthened in our lives and experiences. We will attempt to strengthen the positive side of our ledger and minimize the entries on the other side.

The Torah expended much detail and

L’havdil, the Jewish people questioned why Moshe was late on returning from his ascent on Mount Sinai and thus the conditions for the construction of the Golden Calf somehow presented themselves. All of Jewish law and halachic decisions are built upon recognizing and analyzing the details of the issues involved. It is the small detail that builds the general rule, not the other way around. We are all aware how in architecture, manufacturing and construction, for example, it is the smallest detail that is the difference between success and failure, achievement or disaster.

It is the smallest detail that is the difference between success and failure, achievement or disaster.

space to the construction of the Mishkan. Part of the reason for the need to adhere to the laws in this regard is that the devil lies in the details. All of history instructs us that seemingly unimportant details shape great events, with unexpected results. The ineptness of Archduke Ferdinand’s chauffer, who drove the car back into the teeth of the assassins’ ambush after first escaping from it, helped bring about the cataclysmic events that are called World War I.

This is in line with the details regarding the Mishkan, which in turn reflect the Torah itself, which represents all human life. This week’s parsha teaches us the requirement of accountability in all aspects of our lives. All of these ideas are taught to us to help us form a proper ledger book on the basis of whose entries we will be eventually judged. This book of Shemos stands as the book of human judgment and understanding.

Shabbat shalom.

Remarkably, between the parshios of Terumah-Tetzaveh and Vayakhel-Pikudei, the Torah spends over 400 pesukim describing the details of how the Mishkan should be – and actually was – built. There is no other mitzvah regarding which any comparable amount of time is spent. Neither tefillin, Shabbos, yom tov, or anything else has so many pesukim devoted to it. Why is that? Why must the Torah repeat all of the details of the Mishkan and vessels in Vayakhel-Pikudei when all of these specifications were already laid out in Terumah-Tetzaveh? The Torah could simply state that the Jewish people built everything just as they were commanded. Why spend another 200 pesukim repeating everything?

The Lubavitcher Rebbe, zy”a, based on a Yerushalmi, says that the specifications regarding how the Mishkan and its vessels should be built in Terumah-Tetzaveh describe the Mishkan in the world above – in Heaven. Vayakhel-Pikudei describes the details of how the Mishkan below was actually built – here in this world. There are two separate sets of specifications for

Parshas Pikudei Easy Does It

By Rav Moshe Weinberger

Adapted for publication by Binyomin

Wolf

each because one cannot simply assume that the physical reality here in this world corresponds exactly with what it is supposed to be.

The architectural plan for the Mishkan is found in Terumah-Tetzaveh. This is the artist’s rendering. Yet the Torah separately describes the actual construction in Vayakhel-Pikudei to teach us that the two are not necessarily the same. Why is this so? What happened in between which can explain the potential discrepancy?

Perhaps it is because Parshas Ki Sisa, which describes the sin of the Golden Calf, is interposed between the two. Our own failures and shortcomings create the difference between what we could do and what we actually accomplish.

It is like this with respect to all areas of life. The ideal one plans for does not always pan out. When a couple marries, each of them, and the bride in particular, has a specific image of what married life will look like. It sometimes involves beautiful, white Shabbos tablecloths, elegant silver candlesticks, well-behaved children listening attentively to Abba’s dvar Torah,

and singing zemiros beautifully together. The groom, as well, may have images of a beautiful, spotless home in his mind. He may picture a life in which his beautiful wife and children wait adoringly for him as he comes home, thanking him for providing such a beautiful life for them. He may imagine that he davens in a shul where three months never go by without the gabbai giving him an aliyah Shabbos morning. But real life seldom looks exactly the way the bride and groom imagine.

It is the same in one’s spiritual life. At Neilah, one may imagine that this year, he will be holy and pure, free from all of the filth with which he contaminated himself the previous year. And sometimes, the realities of life bear a passing resemblance to one’s plans. But very often it is completely unrecognizable.

We find another anomaly in the Parshas Pikudei. No less than nineteen times the Torah repeats that the Jewish people built one or another part of the Mishkan and vessels “just as Hashem commanded Moshe.” Why is this done in this context, whereas it is not done anywhere else?

Rav Yitzchak Zev HaLevi Soloveichik, zt”l, of Brisk explains that there is a dispute in the Gemara whether it is possible for people to make anything the Torah commands with exact precision or not. In other words, can we make the Ark the required 2.5 amos long without making it 2.50000001 amos long? Can we say that two events, in halacha, occur at exactly the same moment, and not 0.0001 seconds apart?

The Brisker Rav explains that we follow the opinion of the Chachamim that it is not possible to achieve exact precision. Accordingly, even though the way we built the Mishkan may not have been exactly as the Torah commanded to the thousandth of an inch, to make sure that we do not worry that we have not fulfilled Hashem’s will with respect to the building of the Mishkan and its vessels, the Torah repeatedly reassures us that we did the job “just as Hashem commanded Moshe.”

In fact, the Minchas Chinuch (109) says regarding all of the requirements of the Torah involving specific measurements that Hashem only wants us to do

our best to act according to those measurements, and that by doing so, we are doing the job exactly as He commanded. He knows our capabilities and chose to give the Torah to us and not the angels above.

Hashem commanded us to build the Mishkan but concomitantly reassured us that our best efforts to meeting the specifications were all He wants from us. He wants us to know that “there is no righteous man in the earth who does [only] good and does not sin” (Koheles 7:20). Hashem wants us to know that He does not expect absolute perfection from us so that we will be able to move forward in our service of Him and not beat ourselves up or become discouraged because of our lack of perfection.

The entire reason our souls descended from the upper world into the Mishkan below of our bodies is to give us opportunities to do our best to reveal Hashem’s Presence and holiness in the messy scrum of this world.

While the actual city of Chelm was filled with great Torah scholars, a number of apocryphal stories are told which portray the city is if it were filled with fools. In one of those stories, there was a debate in the town beis medresh regarding

whether the sun or the moon were more powerful. After a full day of arguments, the Rav finally stood up, banged on the shtender, and announced that he was settling the issue. The moon was stronger than the sun. When asked the reason for his decision, he explained, “The moon is powerful because it has the strength to light up the night. The sun, however,

we are not able to accomplish everything to the thousandth of an inch. Not only is Hashem not upset with us when we do our best but fall short, this is exactly what He wants – exactly what He had in mind when setting up the world the way it is.

The Kotzker Rav, zy”a, and Rav Yitzchak Vorker, zy”a, were two tzaddikim from the world of Peshischa and

Hashem only wants us to do our best to act according to those measurements, and that by doing so, we are doing the job exactly as He commanded.

must not be very powerful because it only attempts to light up the daytime when it is already light outside anyway. It must therefore be weaker.”

Our job, like the recounting of the building of the Mishkan in Vayakhel-Pikudei, is to do the best we can, without driving ourselves crazy, to bring light into the darkness of this world even if

were the closest of friends, though they could not have been more different. The Kotzker was known as being a fiery zealot for truth with absolutely no tolerance for even the slightest trace of dishonesty or self-deception. Rav Yitzchak, however, was known as the gentlest, kindest Rebbe in the world.

Because both were students of Rav

Simcha Bunim of Peshischa, zy”a , the underlying foundation of the service of G-d for both of them was truth. Because of the Kotzker’s love for truth, he was completely intolerant of even the slightest admixture of falsehood. And because of Rav Yitzchak Vorker’s love for truth, if he encountered even the slightest point of truth within a person, he was overcome with joy at encountering that truth.

The way of the Kotzker is too difficult for most of us. We must follow the opinion of the Chachaimim in our service of Hashem, recognizing that absolute precision is not asked of us. Rather, Hashem only asks that we do our very best even though we often fall short. We must continue trying and bringing more light into the darkness of this world.

May Hashem help us continue growing and trying to bring His light into our lives more and more and not listen to the inner voice which tries to discourage us by telling us that whatever we do is not good enough.

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.

Purim: Our Existential Battle Against Amalek

By Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

As we encounter Purim, let us delve deeper into the unique spiritual and existential battle that the Jewish people must continue to wage against the philosophy of Amalek. Amalek first appeared on the scene when they attacked Klal Yisrael in the Midbar, on their journey to Har Sinai. The most striking aspect of this attack was its timing.

Hashem had just performed the Makkos and split the Yam Suf for the Jewish people – acts that had worldwide reverberations. The Jewish people were viewed as invincible and untouchable, and exactly at this moment, Amalek chose to attack them, undertaking a (practically) suicidal battle with zero provocation. What was their motivation to undertake such a mission?

This question can be extended to the Purim story as well. Haman, suddenly promoted to second in command, makes it his mission to wipe out the entire Jewish people. As a descendant of Amalek, he is clearly continuing their legacy of Jewish obliteration. Why is it that, throughout history, people have made it their singular focus to wipe out the Jewish people? And why is this the spiritual legacy of Amalek? In order to answer this question, we must examine the fundamental principles of Jewish belief, based on the thirteen ikarei emunah (principles of faith) delineated

by the Rambam in his commentary on perek Chelek in Sanhedrin.

Three Fundamental Principles

• The first fundamental principle of Jewish belief is that Hashem is the Creator of the world. He is the Source of time, space, and all of existence.

• The second principle is that Hashem has a direct relationship with this physical world. This is the concept of hashgachah – that Hashem oversees and controls the events of this world.

• The third fundamental principle is that there is a purpose to this world and our lives within it. There is not a single aspect of life that is random; rather, each and every occurrence and interaction is part of an infinitely beautiful grand plan, a cosmic symphony, a masterpiece designed by Hashem.

While Amalek does not tend to focus on the first of these principles, their entire existence is devoted toward destroying the second and third of these principles. Amalek claims that although Hashem may exist, He has absolutely no connection to us or our world. Our lives are therefore meaningless, and this world is devoid of spirituality.

This destructive conviction is embodied in the pasuk describing Amalek’s attack on the Jewish people. As we read in Parashas Zachor, we must remember

what Amalek did to us, “Asher korcha ba’derech , how they happened upon us while we were traveling” (Devarim 25:18). The word korcha is peculiar, and Rashi therefore quotes three interpretations of this word, each fundamental and significant.

1. Randomness and Happenstance

The first explanation of the word “korcha ” is based on its connection to the word “karah ” (happenstance). This interpretation reflects Amalek’s claim that everything in this world is random and meaningless. There is no hashgachah, no Divine providence. Anything that happens to you, whether bad or good, has no deeper meaning or significance behind it. Amalek implied that they just “happened” to be there with swords in hand, ready for battle; they simply “chanced” upon the Jewish people as they were on the way.

This is the exact approach that Haman took when plotting to kill the Jews. He did not rationally calculate a date on which to kill the Jews, but rather he specifically chose one through a pur (lottery). A lottery represents and embodies randomness and chance. Haman let the luck of the draw determine when he would kill the Jews, an act of devotion to “karah.” The gematria of Amalek is the same as that of the word safek (doubt).

Amalek represents doubt and uncertainty, randomness and chaos.

2. Spiritual Marriage

The second interpretation offered by Rashi connects the word “korcha” to “keri,” a concept linked to marital impurity. Judaism views marriage as a lofty mitzvah; the relationship between husband and wife holds incredible spiritual potential. The Ramban explains that the relationship between man and wife ideally reflects the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people. It is a relationship of spiritual and existential oneness where potential is developed and actualized.

Amalek, however, claims that marriage is no more than animalistic mating, a relationship devoid of higher meaning and spirituality. The name Amalek shares its root with the word melikah, which is the process of removing the head from the body of a bird before it is offered as a sacrifice. The head is the highest part of the body, representing the mind and the spiritual; the body is the lower part, representing the physical. Ideally, the two are harmoniously connected (And the head [spiritual] influences the outer expression of the body [physical]). Amalek attempts to disconnect the head from the body, to disconnect the spiritual (head) from the physical (body), claiming that there

is no spirituality within the physical world, no meaning, and no connection to Hashem or anything higher.

3. Cooling the Flame

Rashi’s third explanation of the word “korcha” is based on a Midrash that relates the word to “kor ” (cold). The Midrash describes the mashal of a boiling hot bath of water that nobody dares jump into for fear of being scalded. Along comes a man and boldly jumps into the boiling water, severely burning himself in the process. Although he burned himself, he has now cooled the water enough to allow others to follow suit and jump in as well.

This is what Amalek did as the Jewish people traveled from Egypt to Har Sinai. After Hashem performed the ten Makkos and took the Jewish people out of Mitzrayim, Hashem’s providence was flamingly clear in the world. The nations of the world were ready to accept Hashem and His Torah, and they began flocking toward Har Sinai to join the Jewish people in accepting the Torah. (The Ramchal explains at the end of Derech Hashem that until the Torah was given, any nation could have joined Klal Yisrael. See Zevachim 116a.) The Jewish people were at the height of their success, about to receive the Torah, and the other nations were ready to accept the Torah along with them. At this point, Amalek attacked the Jewish people, undertaking a nearly suicidal mission.

Although the Jewish people won, Amalek showed the other nations that the Jews were not as invincible as they seemed. They “jumped into the scalding bath,” i.e., attacked the Jewish nation, and “cooled the waters,” i.e., showed the other nations that the Jewish people were vulnerable to attack. Why did Amalek do this? Why were they willing to burn themselves simply to weaken the Jewish people?

The Philosophy of Amalek

Amalek rejects Hashem’s connection to this world or any connection between the spiritual and the physical. Essentially, Amalek denies Hashem’s control of this world and the ability for man to uplift himself to the level of the spiritual. Torah is the epitome of both of these principles, and it provides the guidelines for how to achieve this spiritual elevation. It is based on the axiom of Hashem’s connection with this world, and it is the means for elevating ourselves and all of physicality to a higher purpose. Amalek stands in direct

opposition to this, and when they saw that not only the Jewish people but the entire world was ready to adopt the Torah way of life, they had no choice but to attack. Amalek’s entire existence is predicated on a lack of connection between Hashem and this world; a complete acceptance of that principle by all

ethereal within the mundane, and the infinite within the finite.

Amalek fights for a God-less reality, devoid of spirituality and meaning; a world of Haman, of doubt, where a gap exists between us and Hashem. Only when you look closer, deepening your gaze, do you see the deeper layer of re -

Amalek’s entire existence is predicated on a lack of connection between Hashem and this world.

the nations of the world would mean the cessation of Amalek’s existence.

Amalek attacked the Jewish people in order to prevent Matan Torah – to stop the world from accepting Hashem’s Torah and the truth that lies within it. And although Amalek was sorely beaten with only a few survivors, they still managed to slay a few Jewish warriors. They showed that the Jews were not invincible, “cooling” down the excitement of all the nations of the world and paralyzing their readiness to accept the Torah.

Amalek won. Physically, they lost, but in a deeper way, they won. The nations of the world walked away, turning down the opportunity to accept Hashem and His Torah.

A Timeless Battle

Megillas Esther is unique in that it is one of the only books in Tanach in which Hashem’s name is not mentioned. This is because Purim marks a transition in history, when our battle against Amalek manifested in a new form. Until Purim, history was permeated with consistent open miracles, nevuah was common, and Hashem was openly revealed in the world.

The second stage, ushered in by Purim, is characterized by hidden miracles. In our present world, Hashem is no longer openly manifest and clearly visible. In this stage, we must choose to see Hashem within the darkness – to peer past the façade of a meaningless world. It is in this stage that Amalek’s claims are all the more tempting to believe, as it is so easy to ignore Hashem’s involvement in this world. Our challenge is to see past the surface, to see the miraculous within the natural, the

ality, the transcendent root Hashem is echad – one – and our goal is to see the spiritual oneness inherent within every event and object in this world. Amalek seeks to hide the truth, to disconnect us from our Source, and thus to strip all meaning from life. Only when we see past the surface, when we trace everything that happens in this world back to Hashem, our spiritual Source, will we

ultimately defeat Amalek and all that they stand for.

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.

Delving into the Daf Special Delivery

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

This article will touch on some issues regarding ordering food items from Amazon that will be delivered on Purim day. Does it qualify as mishloach manos? One aspect, in particular, is directly relevant to a Gemara in Bava Metzia. These issues can be relevant to other situations as well. The purpose of this article is to engender discussion and not for practical halacha.

The first issue that must be addressed is whether there is anything wrong with ordering mishloach manos before Purim that will be delivered on Purim day. The Torah L’Shma (188) writes that the answer depends on the primary reason for mishloach manos. The Terumas HaDeshen writes that the primary reason for the mitzvah is that everyone should have plenty of food for the Purim seudah. Therefore, as long as the recipient receives the food items on Purim day, the sender has fulfilled the mitzvah. However, the Manos HaLevi writes that the primary reason for the mitzvah is to increase goodwill and friendship between Yidden. Therefore, although the recipient has warm and fuzzy feelings about receiving the food present on Purim, the sender might have long forgotten about it. Consequently, the Aruch HaShulchan rules that the sender has not fulfilled his obligation of mishloach manos if sent or ordered before Purim. The Beis Avi (4:61) differs and says that according to both reasons for mishloach manos, one has fulfilled his obligation.

Let us assume someone steered clear of the previous machlokes and ordered food items on Purim for same-day delivery. What other issues are there? There is a discussion about whether mishloach manos needs to be delivered by an agent or one can deliver it himself. The Binyan Tzion (44) is unsure. Perhaps, one can only fulfill the mitzvah of mishloach manos if delivered by an agent. Rebbe Akiva Eiger then questions further: if an agent is required, can one use a minor or gentile as a shliach? Perhaps only an individual with the same

obligation level as the sender can serve as a shliach. However, practically, most poskim rule that mishloach manos does not need a shliach and certainly not a “real” shliach. Still, Rav Chaim Kanievsky said it better not to do the mitzvah through a gentile.

The next issue is what if Amazon delivered the mishloach manos and the recipient is unaware of who sent it? It might depend on the machlokes cited above. If the primary reason for mishloach manos is that everyone should have food for the seudah, the sender has fulfilled his obligation. (Rav Zilberstein suggests this.) If the primary reason is for the goodwill generated, then in this situation, there isn’t much goodwill. The recipient has no idea who sent it! The gift did not increase friendship. The Aruch HaShulchan is consistent with his view that mishloach manos should increase joy and friendship. He rules that the sender has not fulfilled his obligation with an anonymous mishloach manos.

Let us assume that the recipient knows who sent the delivery via Amazon. He received an email that the delivery was on the way. However, he’s not home, and he doesn’t know if his friend actually received it. It would seem, according to both reasons for mishloach manos, that the sender has not fulfilled his obligation. Goodwill has not yet been generated, and the recipient can’t use the items on Purim day. Indeed, the Kovetz Halachos rules that one cannot fulfill his obligation of mishloach manos if the recipient does not know that it was delivered. This would apply to any mishloach manos delivery, not just Amazon.

Let us assume that the recipient has a Ring doorbell camera and knows about the mishloach manos left by his front door. Moreover, he knows who sent it. Still, he is not home and can’t use the items on Purim day. It would seem, according to the Terumas HaDeshen, that the sender has not fulfilled his obligation. After all, the recipient can’t use the items for his seudah. What would the Aruch HaShulchan say? At first blush, the Aruch HaShulchan

would say the sender fulfills his obligation. There was already goodwill generated. However, even the Aruch HaShulchan concedes that the framework of the mitzvah of mishloach manos is that the recipient must actually receive something. If there is goodwill generated without the recipient actually receiving something, then the Aruch HaShulchan would say the sender has not fulfilled his obligation. For example, someone sent a messenger service to deliver mishloach manos, and the messenger service was robbed. Though the recipient knows about the sender’s attempt, the Aruch HaShulchan rules the sender did not fulfill his obligation.

Therefore, we must analyze if the recipient acquires the mishloach manos left on his doorstep. The doorstep we are referring to is readily accessible to the public. In halachic parlance, it is called an unguarded chatzer. Certainly, the recipient cannot acquire ownerless items left there. The question of whether or not he can acquire gifts is a machlokes in the Gemara. (Bava Metzia 11a) The Rambam rules like the group of rabbis who say that he cannot. Tosfos, though, rules like Rav Pappa that one may acquire gifts even via an object being placed on an unguarded doorstep. The Shulchan Aruch rules like the Rambam. The Rema does not. However, the Rema doesn’t rule completely like Tosfos either. The Rema holds that the person giving the item watches the unguarded area for a brief moment, rendering it watched. Therefore, if the giver places mishloach manos on the

doorstep, he is actually performing double duty. He is delivering the object and also watching the unguarded doorstep at the same time. In such a situation, the owner of the house acquires the gift according to the Rema.

Does this guarding need to be performed by an adult Yisrael? At first, the Aruch HaShulchan says it must. Then he suggests that any method could be employed to render it watched. After all, a fenced backyard is guarded by an inanimate fence. Therefore, even a child or an Amazon delivery driver should suffice. Presumably, the Amazon delivery driver would stop someone from stealing the item as soon as it is placed down on the doorstep.

Interestingly enough, the Shach writes that if he followed Rav Pappa, he would allow even a completely unwatched chatzer to acquire a gift. Still, he rules that one should not rely on the Rema. One should follow the Shulchan Aruch. Therefore, according to the Shach, if one knows the recipient will not be home until after Purim, he should leave the mishloach manos in the fenced backyard. (Once again, this assumes that the recipient will at least find out about the gift on Purim. Then he will at least be yotzei according to the Aruch HaShulchan but not the Terumas HaDeshen.)

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.

Mishloach Manos An Overview

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

It is Adar, and many are doing their mishloach manos shopping this week already.

There are four types of people in the world: Those who prepare their mishloach manos many days before Purim; those who prepare the day before Purim; those who recycle mishloach manos that they have received on Purim itself; and those who do not fulfill the mitzvah at all. This article is written for all four types.

The Mitzvah

The Michtav M’Eliyahu writes that the best way to form a relationship is to give. When you give, you develop your ahavas Yisrael to that other person, and eventually to others. Mordechai and his beis din enacted that on the day of Purim, each person must send a gift of at least two portions of food to a friend. This is seen from the verse in Megillas Esther, “U’mishloach manos ish l’rei’eihu.”

The Two-Blessings Myth

The mitzvah is to send two different foods. The two foods may certainly have the same bracha; there is no requirement the two different food items to have two separate brachos. This is one of the biggest misconceptions in hilchos Purim. There is an issue, however, of taking one food item and cutting it in half into two slices. The Aruch HaShulchan (O.C. 695:14) writes that “just because one cut it in half it should be considered two foods?” Perhaps it is this statement of the Aruch HaShulchan that has caused the two-blessings myth to exist. If someone sends another two pieces of meat from two different limbs that tastes slightly different, this is considered two foods (Mikraei Kodesh, Siman 38).

Two Different Foods

The parameters of what constitutes two different foods have been delineated by the poskim. Rav Shlomo Miller, shlita, has ruled that one piece of roasted chicken

and one piece of boiled chicken are considered two minim, but two different pieces of chicken prepared the same way, such as one top piece and one bottom piece, are considered one min, one type of food (See Sefer Shoshanas Yisrael cited by Rabbi Moshe Friedman).

Similarly, a mixed vegetable salad is considered one type of food only, while cut-up vegetables to be mixed into a salad are considered two minim.

A sandwich or hamburger in a bun is one min. This is even if it has two allbeef patties, special sauce, lettuce, pareve cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame-seed bun. The same would be true with a hotdog in a bun.

The Reasons

What is the reason behind the mitzvah of mishloach manos? Two reasons are brought down. The Terumas HaDeshen (Siman 111) writes that it is to ensure that the recipients not run out of food items to serve for their meals.

The Manos HaLevi on Megillas Esther (9:19), written by Rav Shlomo Alkabetz and cited by the Chasam Sofer, writes an altogether different reason: to increase peace and brotherly love. This is the opposite of the characterization of the Jewish people by Haman as a nation that is “mefuzar u’mefurad,” spread and standing apart on account of internal arguments.

Preamble and Intentions

Rav Alexander Ziskind of Grodno was one of the only two individuals who ever received an approbation on a sefer from the Vilna Gaon himself. In his sefer, Yesod V’Shoresh HaAvodah, he includes a preamble that one should recite before fulfilling the mitzvah of mishloach manos. Translated from the Hebrew text, it’s: “For the unification of the Name of the Holy One Blessed be He, I am hereby prepared and ready to fulfill the positive mitzvah of the sages of ‘u’mishloach manos one to the other.’”

When performing the mitzvah, one should not just perform it perfunctorily but should focus on the qualities of the recipient and place within his heart a strong love for his fellow man. He should intend to honor him and to strengthen his inner joy with this package manos.

Who Is Obligated?

Men and women are both included in this mitzvah. The halacha is that men send to men, and women send to women. Women are obligated in the mitzvah because, according to the Mishnah Berurah, they, too, were involved in the miracle. A child should be instructed to fulfill the mitzvah just as one instructs a child to fulfill all the other mitzvos. The child may send to another child, as the other child is considered his or her peer.

Even a poor person is required to fulfill the mitzvah of mishloach manos. The mitzvah of mishloach manos may not be fulfilled with money, clothing, or other non-food or non-drink items. The mitzvah may only be fulfilled with kosher items.

How Fancy?

Another little-known halacha about mishloach manos is found in an esoteric Biur Halachah (written by the Chofetz Chaim) in Orach Chaim 695. He writes that the Chayei Adam has proved from a passage in the Talmud Yerushalmi that if one sends a Purim package to a wealthy individual, the package must be a respectable one.

Thus, one should not send something below the kavod of the recipient. The poskim have ruled that a lollipop is not considered chashuv for an adult, nor is a bottle of Poland Spring water or seltzer. To fulfill the mitzvah, the portions must convey sufficient regard for the recipient.

Rav Shlomo Miller, shlita, ruled that one does fulfill the mitzvah with flavored seltzer water, even though regular water and regular seltzer are not sufficient to fulfill the mitzvah.

Wealth of the Giver and of the Recipient

Getting back to the “respectable package” for the wealthy, the Biur Halachah writes that the Ritva’s comment on his version of the Talmud Bavli agrees with the Chayei Adam. A careful reading of the Ritva, however, reveals that the Ritva and Chayei Adam are not exactly the same. Both of them require an upgraded Purim package on account of wealth; of that, there is no question. However, the Ritva’s requirement is of the wealth of the giver— not the recipient. According to the Ritva, if the giver is very wealthy, his package must reflect that as well and he cannot fulfill the mitzvah with a meager package. Since the Biur Halachah quotes both the Chayei Adam and the Ritva, both would seem to be authoritative.

Therefore, one should not send something below the kavod of the giver or the recipient.

Nature of the Package

The mitzvah is fulfilled only with foods that are immediately edible or drinkable. The Magen Avraham, Vilna Gaon, and Chayei Adam hold this way. The Pri Chadash is lenient. We rule in accordance with the former view.

An item that requires further cooking or preparation may be added, but two immediately usable foods must be included, too. It is praiseworthy to send portions to as many friends as possible. It is better, however, to give more matanos la’evyonim than to give more mishloach manos to friends.

Through A Messenger

Ideally, mishloach manos should be sent through a messenger, rather than be delivered personally. Generally speaking, we say, “Mitzvah bo yoser mi’b’shlucho”—it is a bigger mitzvah to do it oneself rather than through a messenger. Regarding the search for chametz before Pesach, it is better to do it oneself. Here, though, it is different. The Chasam Sofer writes in his

commentary to the Talmud (Gittin 22b), that the pasuk says, “and the sending of gifts—mishloach manos,” which indicates that it should be done through a messenger. A gift sent through a messenger is fancier and nicer. If one did deliver the mishloach manos oneself, the obligation is still fulfilled.

Virtually all the poskim rule that a goy or a child may be a shaliach for mishloach manos. Rabbi Akiva Eiger, zt”l, was unsure of this, however.

Sent Together

Must the two foods be sent together? Rav Elyashiv, zt”l, is of the position that they must. May one of the foods be a liquid? Most authorities hold that one of the foods may certainly be a liquid (except for water), and this is the authoritative view. There is a reading of Rabbeinu Chananel that holds a liquid may not be one of the two food items. This view is apparently not l’halacha.

Gift Certificates

Does sending money to buy food or sending a gift certificate for a restaurant work? Some Acharonim hold that it does, but many hold it does not. The language of the Rambam (Hilchos Megillah, Chapter 2) seems to indicate that it must be real food and not a gift certificate or money.

Refusal of Gift

What if a package is prepared and the recipient responds with a “No, thank you?”

Has the sender fulfilled the mitzvah in such a case? According to the Terumas HaDeshen, it would seem not; according to the second opinion, he very well might. It is interesting to note that the Rema in O.C. 695 writes that one has fulfilled the mitzvah. The Pri Chadash questions this position and does not understand it. Our aforementioned Chasam Sofer answers the dilemma by suggesting that the Rema holds like the Manos HaLevi. Perhaps one can point out, however, that even according to the Manos HaLevi, the full effect of the mishloach manos has not been achieved. Peace and brotherly love is a two-way street, and the giver doesn’t necessarily feel so good if his gift is refused. So how can the Rema be understood? It is only if the recipient responds gently, “Don’t worry about it; you don’t need to actually give it to me.”

Rav Ovadia Yosef, zt”l, however, holds that Sephardim should not rely on this Rema and should send the mishloach manos to someone else.

Anonymity

Does the recipient have to know who sent it, or does anonymity work? The Ksav

Sofer (responsum O.C. #141) relates the issue to the two reasons mentioned above. He recommends that one be stringent and avoid anonymity. Rav Elyashiv, zt”l, ruled that one does not fulfill the mitzvah with anonymity.

Lost Or Stolen

What happens if the mishloach manos that you had sent got lost or stolen? The Birchei Yosef writes that one must send it again.

Through A Child

May one fulfill the mitzvah by sending to a child? The verse in the Megillah uses the term “U’mishloach manos ish l’rei’eihu—and the sending of portions each man to his peer.” The Aruch HaShulchan permits it and considers a child a “peer.” Other poskim disagree with the Aruch HaShulchan. It is, therefore, better to send it to an adult.

To a Mourner

What about sending mishloach manos to a mourner? The Rema states that one should not send during the entire 12 months of mourning. This halacha is true for Ashkenazim. Sephardim, however, can receive mishloach manos during mourning. The mourner, however, should send to one person, but should avoid sending items that arouse great joy. One may send to the spouse of a mourner. The Divrei Malkiel (Vol. V) writes that one may send to one’s teacher even if he is a mourner because this is considered similar to a payment of an obligation.

The Packaging

Should at least two of the food items be wrapped separately or in two different containers? Some authorities (the Ben Ish Chai) hold that if they are sent together then the container itself may make it as if it is one food. Thus, Raisin Bran would only be considered one food item unless one separated the raisins from the cereal into two plastic baggies. Others (Sheim M’Shimshon, O.C. #31) write that the container does not make it into one food.

Timing

When should the mishloach manos package be given? It must be given in the daytime and not at night. The mitzvah should also be fulfilled, ideally, before one begins the Purim seudah.

School and Shul Programs

What about the school and shul? Schools and shuls often send out a flyer and request you to participate in their

mishloach manos program. While this idea is fantastic in terms of reducing the waste and excess in mishloach manos giving, the givers should be aware that one cannot and does not fulfill the actual mitzvah with this form of giving. Many people are unaware of this fact.

Other Rulings of Rav Shlomo

Miller

Rav Moshe Friedman cites a number of other rulings of Rav Shlomo Miller, shlita.

One still fulfills the mitzvah of mishloach manos if one did not have in mind to fulfill the mitzvah and just gave over the package to the recipient without thinking.

If the recipient of the package was not aware that he or she has received it until after Purim, the sender has still fulfilled the mitzvah.

One may send a package to a non-religious Jew, even though a bracha will not be recited on it. [This author, however, recommends that actual ha’motzi products not be sent. See this author’s sefer titled Misguiding the Perplexed: The Halachos of Lifnei Iver.]

A groom may be lenient and send mishloach manos to his kallah. It does not violate the halachos of creating a possible pre-marriage.

If a shliach had delivered it before Purim and it was not eaten until Purim, the person has fulfilled the mitzvah. (The author recommends that a note be affixed to the package that states “Do not eat before Purim.”)

If someone baked a shiur of challah even though she meant to send smaller cakes to a number of individuals, a bracha on taking off challah is recited.

Rav Miller ruled that a sender may tovel a dish with a bracha when he or she sends a food that requires a dish, such as applesauce. However, when sending a candy dish where the candies in it are wrapped, a bracha is not recited on the tevilah.

What to Think About When Preparing?

There are a remarkable pshatim that one can think about when preparing the mishloach manos. But first, a question: with what power did Haman succeed in getting his agenda passed?

The answer is that he pointed out to Achashveirosh – “yeshno am echad mefuzar umeforad bein ha’amim bechol medinos malchusecha – there is one nation scattered and separated from all the nations in all the states of your realm.” He pointed out the division within us. The Chasam Sofer points out that the word yeshno means that we are sleeping – we are thus

sleeping in our achdus.

What does mishloach manos do? It points out that we are, indeed, one – we have an achdus, a unity, that no other nation has and this mishloach manos awakens us to it. We are united in our love for each other. This undoes the power of Haman and Amalek.

There is a fascinating Targum Yonasan that is found in a different megillah that of Megilas Rus. Boaz mentions the fact that Rus both joined up with the Jewish nation (an amazing thing – being that she was a foreign princess) as well as did chessed with her mother-in-law. The fact that they were both mentioned together indicates that they were both on the same level of piety.

Now, hold on one second. Imagine if a British princess, Princess Catherine or someone like her, were to leave her royalty and join up in Lakewood as kollel wife –availing herself of WIC and HUD. It would be earth-shattering news. And yet it did happen. It happened with Rus. What a remarkable accomplishment!

But from this Targum Yonasan we see an even more remarkable chiddush. The chessed she did with her mother-in-law was equal to the first accomplishment! What we see from here is that there is no limit to what we can put into a mitzvah.

Let’s think about what we can, therefore, accomplish with mishloach manos. In preparing them, we can counter the power and tumah of the sonei Yisroel, of the Hamans of the world, by showing our achdus.

So let’s prepare, bake new, repackage, whatever it is that we do – all with intense kavana. We should have the kavana of achdus.

Geulah Comes From Us

Now just one more pshat. The Nesivus HaMishpat in his sefer on Megilas Esther explains that Purim is different from all the other yomim tovim – in that the ge’ulah did not come on account of zechus Avos like on Pesach. Rather, it came from the individual teshuvah of each member of Klal Yisroel. He, therefore, explains that they enacted mishloach manos as an expression of hakaras hatov to each other – a manifestation of the gratitude we need to show all of our brethren for bringing about the ge’ulah then. We can also have this idea in mind, too. And the sky is the limit in terms of the intensity of the kavanah that we have.

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

Shanit Amiri is the epitome of pragmatism. Quietly spoken, she faces the obstacles of life without complaint. As the homeroom teacher to 12th graders with learning disabilities, she is a fountain of patience and a calming influence. There is, however, a sadness in her eyes, not of resignation, but of being unmoored in the new world which Israel finds itself. She is one of the thousands of evacuees from the north of the country that find themselves lost almost five months after October 7.

Shanit’s family has been living in the Leonardo Club Hotel in Tiveria for more than four months now. This is the longest period of time they have lived outside Dovev, their home in the western Galil, where she and her family have lived almost 40 years. Today, they occupy two rooms on the seventh floor. Scattered throughout the hotel are Shanit’s sister, her parents, her grandparents, and her in-laws.

The rooms in the Leonardo Club are standard for a hotel: beds, a desk, cupboards, a bathroom, and a small porch. For Shanit, they are like the saying about Tiberias: Nice from afar but far from nice. Indeed, their familiarity after four months has bred frustration. Her husband Avi irregularly visits, as he is a member of Dovev’s emergency security detail of twelve men enlisted by the army to secure their Yishuv since the massacre in October.

Dovev sits in an area typical for the Galil; verdant, pastoral, quiet. To get there, one travels a winding road that can bask you in sunshine one minute and cover you in a canopy of trees the next. However, as Shanit points out, this is illusory.

Over ten years ago, she and other residents could feel rumbling in the walls and pipes of her house. Her complaints were ignored, until it was discovered that Hezbollah was digging tunnels. The army has remained secretive about any resolution it may have taken. To emphasize just how frightening the situation has become,

Israel Today

“We Just Want to Go Home”

By Rafi Sackville

Shanit sent me the photo that accompanies this article: at first glance, it looks quaint – a huddle of houses amid green hills. Yet when you consider that this photo was taken by Hezbollah, and then consider that the house in the foreground is

Many more were wounded. Aboudi had been working on the road outside Dovev repairing lines that had been damaged by Hezbollah.

The signs of imminent danger were near, and the town of Dovev evacuated

“He told us that we were survivors… that what had happened in the south could have happened to us.”

Shanit’s, you get the sense of danger the residents have faced.

Immediately after October 7, her family evacuated, only to return days later. Then, on the night of the 14, rumors swirled about possible Hezbollah incursions. Anti-tank missiles fired by Hezbollah killed Shalom Aboudi, an electrical worker, on the road outside Dovev.

to Tiberias. Shanit grabbed whatever she could before driving away along dirt roads the army had opened for them.

Shanit has two sons: Peleg, 16, and Gefen, 12. Along with their friends, they have spent months trying to adjust. Their journey has been anything but easy.

After months cooped up inside the hotel, Gefen has trouble smelling hotel food.

He oftentimes won’t go to the dining room. Maintaining healthy dietary habits is difficult. Despite being warned that it is forbidden to cook in the rooms, Shanit sometimes makes rice or pasta on the balcony. Simple meals like these are considered by her boys as the best they’ve ever eaten.

Shanit points out that the rooms and food aside, the hotel can cause social friction.

“You know how it is when you come home and just want some peace and quiet? When you don’t want to talk to anyone? Unless you stay in your room, you cannot avoid social interaction. Sometimes you can’t even bring yourself to say hello to the same people you see day after day.”

She adds, “The boys have found it hard. Yes, there’s a school program, but right from the start, it caused havoc with their sleeping habits. They’d come home, sleep through until evening, and then be awake until 3 a.m. I can understand them. Even my sleep cycle remains out of kilter. I can’t sleep more than three hours at a time. My eldest son began hanging out on the streets. Eventually, I convinced him to go to the gym. Since then, he has returned to some semblance of normality.”

Does he learn as he once did?

“He tells me that since the start of the war, they are constantly bringing in people to talk about ‘how they feel.’ My son is sick of talking about such things. He just wants to learn.”

Shanit’s sons haven’t found a social group with which they can identify. They spend a lot of time by themselves. Her youngest has trouble sitting and focusing.

“I bought him a fishing rod,” she shares. “For weeks, he caught nothing. Now, he and his friends regularly go to the Kineret. When they catch fish, they throw them back.

“Peleg recently celebrated his birthday. When I asked him what he wanted, he told me he just wanted to visit his home.”

When I ask Shanit if she’s been back, for the first time in our conversation, her

Shanit and Avi with Peleg and Gefen

demeanor changes. I detect her trying to hold back tears.

“I drove up to get some things. When I got to Sasa, I had to stop the car because I was crying so much. I comported myself before getting to Dovev because I didn’t want my husband and his friends to think that anything had happened to me. When I got to the gate and saw him waiting for me, I broke down again.”

There isn’t a day that passes without Shanit and her family weighing their options. Initially, they were assured they’d be back home by Chanukah, which turned into Pesach, then the end of the

school year, to finally, the end of summer vacation. In short, nobody knows.

“Where can we go? The people living in this hotel with me are the same people I’ve spent my life with. How could we leave and be separated from my family? Or little things that aren’t so small, like the guitar lessons my eldest son is currently taking? We are caught between a rock and a hard place.”

Shanit has managed to see their lives in perspective. She mentioned a talk by a rabbi from Tzohar, an organization that works on bringing Israelis from all walks of life together.

“He told us that we were survivors; we had escaped death; that what had happened in the south could have happened to us. Instead, we have been sent into exile. That comment has resonated with all of us here.”

Unlike the rush of life the bigger cities of Israel offers, the terrain of northern Israel is calming, but as you proceed northward, the double-layered wire fence on your left is a reminder of the constant threat that for years has loomed over communities there. Except for military vehicles, those roads are mostly empty today. Those are the roads Shanit

and her family traversed daily for decades. They are roads that remain closed to her and her way of life. From her vantage point in the Leonardo Club hotel in Tiberias, they can only offer the dream of return.

“We just want to go home,” she says. And she chants it again, almost as a prayer.

“We just want to go home.”

Rafi Sackville, formerly from Cedarhurst, teaches in Yeshivat Horev in Yerushalayim.

Photo taken by Hezbollah, Shanit’s house is in the foreground

Shanit’s new home, the Leonardo Club Hotel in Tiveria

Shanit’s sons fishing

TrusTee Myrna ZisM an on Why She Loves the Village of Cedarhurst

By Susan Schwamm

Trustee Zisman, you’ve been trustee of the Village of Cedarhurst since 2007.

Yes. It’s a privilege to be trustee. We run every four years; this is the fourth time that I am running. Elections are this Tuesday, and it’s so important for everyone to come out and vote.

What are your favorite parts about being a trustee?

First of all, I love my Village family. I don’t know how many people can say that they love who they work with. I do. I miss Mayor Andrew Parise very, very much – he was a great mayor. But Mayor Ben Weinstock is very good and does a great job, too.

I walk the streets, and everyone says hello to me because everybody knows me. It’s a wonderful place to live. I want to help others. I’m like that with everyone – storekeepers, residents. If I have something that I think I can help them with, I do it, rather than waiting for them to complain to me.

The BID (Business Improvement District) in Cedarhurst is wonderful. Trustee Ari Brown is doing an amazing job with that.

I love how our business district is almost completely filled, with almost no vacancies. People are so comfortable here – they love opening their stores here and they love shopping here. I have so many friends from Brooklyn and Manhattan who come here to do all their shopping.

So I love the Village. I keep saying to myself, “There

will be a time that I’ll have to stop,” but as long as I’m able, I’m here to help the Village and the residents.

Speaking about the business district, what can be done with the traffic there on Friday afternoons?

Everyone loves shopping there and that means that there are a lot of cars on the road. I tell people to shop on Thursday or to shop early on Friday.

And I will tell you another thing, which I’ve noticed a lot. I see a lot of people double parking or sitting in their cars when they’re double parked. That causes a huge amount of traffic. I have personally gone over to some of these people – most of them young people and many of them not from Cedarhurst – to ask them to move their cars. We can’t allow people to double park in our neighborhood. It creates a build-up of traffic, and it’s dangerous, too.

When you speak with residents, what’s primarily on their minds?

First of all, the Five Towns has the lowest taxes in Nassau County. People are always worried about finances and knowing that their taxes are being kept low is so important. We make sure not to raise taxes.

People are also concerned about safety and security, and as a Village, we are on top of that for our residents. Trustee Dan Plaut, who is running with me on the ticket, is head of security for Beth Sholom, and he can discuss

more specifically about safety and security issues. But you should know that Commissioner Pat Ryder is very involved with the Village. The police department comes to our Village meetings. We have patrol cars constantly up and down the streets. We also have special unmarked cars that are going around.

Some people are concerned about the migrants. They see what is going on New York City. But County Executive Bruce Blakeman is holding the line. We are very lucky that he is strong against this issue, as is our district attorney.

You’ve been trustee for many years, but you were involved in politics before that. Can you tell us how you initially became involved in community work?

I became involved many years ago, when I lived in Brooklyn. At the time, I was co-president of Emunah with Irma Kramer. Her husband, Herbie, wanted to run for civil court. One day, she called me up and said, “Myrna, Herbie is running for civil court judge, and we want you to run the campaign.”

I said, “What are you talking about, Irma? What do I know about running campaigns?” I didn’t know anything about running campaigns, although I did enjoy reading about politics.

She twisted my arm, and after a while, I agreed to run the campaign.

When I met with Herbie, he told me that ten people were running for five seats. The five with the most votes

would get the seats. He told me, “Myrna, I have to be one of those five.” I said, “Herbie, I don’t know what to tell you. I will do whatever it is that I can.” I worked my tail off; I knocked on every door. Well, P.S., he came out number one.

And that’s how I got started. And that’s how my name got out there in politics in Brooklyn.

They called me after that and asked me to run as district leader where I lived, in Canarsie, at the time. I ran, and I won. I opened up the Democratic Club on Remsen Avenue in Brooklyn.

You had young kids at that point. How did you manage being a district leader and being a mother?

I lived near the club, and it was open on Monday and Thursday nights and when the kids were in school. I was able to balance it all, although it wasn’t easy.

When I moved to Midwood from Canarsie, I became part of the community board, and I was doing interior design work at the time, too. So there was a lot going on.

When they asked me to be a district leader state committee woman, I wrote to the Lubavitcher Rebbe to see if he felt it was something I should be doing. He said, “Yes, you’ll be successful. Stay and help your constituents of Jews.” And I did. I helped a lot of people.

But when they approached me to run for Congress, I asked the Rebbe, and he said, “Where are you going?” Meaning, stay where you are.

How many times did you meet with the Rebbe personally?

Oh, a few times. I would say about four times, five times.

What was your feeling when you were speaking with the Rebbe?

Leibel, my husband, was a seventh generation chassid, and the Frierdiker Rebbe brought him and his brother Berel over after the war. I never grew up with the Rebbe, although my cousin was married to Rabbi JJ Hecht. When I met with the Rebbe, I wasn’t scared. Leibel never said a word. The Rebbe spoke to me in Yiddish, and I answered in English, and then he asked me the next question in English. He was so wise.

How did you meet your husband if you came from different worlds?

I am American, and my mother was American. I grew up in East New York. My mother was a concert pianist; her father bought her a piano but didn’t want to pay for lessons. But she got a scholarship, and she played about four or five times in Carnegie Hall.

My sister lives in the Five Towns. My brother, who is five years younger than me, just passed away.

I’ll tell you something funny. I met my husband, Leibel, because he was my waiter at the Pioneer Country Club upstate. I had gone to the Pioneer with my friends for Shabbos. I was almost 20 years old. I told them, “Please put me at the best waiter’s table.” So they put me

“i keep saying To Myself,

‘There will be a Ti Me ThaT i’ll have To sTop,’ buT as long as i’M able, i’M here To help The village and The residenT s.”

at Leibel’s table. And you know what? He wasn’t nice to me. He served me last; he brought me the wrong thing. And then, finally, he spilled soup on my favorite dress.

And I went over to Jack, the head waiter, and I said, “I asked you for the best table. This guy’s a horror.” I came back home. Two weeks later, I got a phone call. I heard a thick accent because of all those years he lived in Europe. He told me who he was. And I just said, “Oh.”

Leibel said, “How’s the dress?” I didn’t want to speak with him again. He called again the next week. He said, “Myrna, did you hear about that new show that opened on Broadway, ‘My Fair Lady’?” It had opened up six months prior. You couldn’t get seats because it was with the original Rex Harrison. So I told him, “Yes, I heard about it.”

He said, “Would you like to go see it?”

So I said, “I would love to.” He said, “Good. When you get tickets, call me.” I laughed so hard. And then he said, “Can we go out for coffee?”

And the rest is history. He was a very generous person and was so well respected and so learned. We had three beautiful daughters, who all live in the community.

When did you move to the Five Towns?

We moved in 2002. Our three daughters were living here, and I wanted to be close to them. They found us a house right near Chabad.

Senator Al D’Amato knew me from when I was the co-chairwomen of WINPAC, Women’s Pro-Israel National Political Action Committee. It was a very successful PAC. I would go down to Washington a few times a year for it. D’Amato was really close friends with Mayor Andrew Parise. When I moved here, D’Amato told Mayor Parise that I could be an asset to the Village. Mayor Parise suggested that I join the zoning committee. I was on the zoning committee for a year, but I didn’t feel that it was the right place for me. A little while later, one of the trustees of the Village was moving and retiring. Mayor Parise told me about it, and I submitted my resume for the position, and the rest, as they say, is history.

By the way, Leibel used to call Mayor Parise “my liberator” because Mayor Parise was one of the soldiers who liberated Birkenau, and Leibel was in Birkenau at that time.

I became trustee in 2007, and I have been enjoying every minute of it. I feel that I really am able to help the residents of Cedarhurst in a big way.

You and Trustee Dan Plaut are running as a team, but you’re both running unopposed. Why is it important for people to come to the polls on March 19?

It’s important because the hierarchy in government is made aware of how many votes come in, even in an unopposed election. And that makes a very, very big difference in how they feel about the community, monetarily – with any kind of help, any federal help. If they see that we are a consistent, viable community that comes out to make sure that our people get in, they will pay attention to us and help us when we need the help.

It takes a short time to vote, but it’s so important for everyone to do so.

A Few Minutes with Cedarhurst Trustee Daniel PlauT

Trustee Daniel Plaut is running for re-election to the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cedarhurst this Tuesday, March 19.

Dan, a longtime resident of Cedarhurst for over 27 years, has been serving the Village of Cedarhurst since 2015 on the Architectural Review Board and as a Village of Cedarhurst Trustee since 2019. During his time as a Trustee, Dan has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of the residents in our community, and this remains his top priority. Through his collaboration with the Nassau County Police Department, Trustee Plaut spearheaded the expansion of patrols in the Village and remains in constant contact with NCPD to ensure that “residents, visitors and shoppers feel safe on our streets, in their homes and at shul,” said Dan Plaut.

“This relationship is integral to maintaining a safe and secure neighborhood, and The Village is greatly appreciative of all the law enforcement personnel who serve our community.”

Trustee Plaut is proud of the Village and all it has to offer residents.

“We have the most vibrant village on the South Shore of Long Island,” he enthuses.

Thanks to a partnership with the Village’s Business Improvement District Board, the Cedarhurst business district is thriving, and the streets are bustling with activity. During a walk or leisurely drive around the Village of Cedarhurst, Dan is quick to point out that “beauty is all around us.” Each season, Andrew Parise Park and Central Avenue are transformed to showcase the splendor of the time of year. During the spring and summer months, you can’t miss the abundant flowers overflowing from the pots and garden beds lining the streets and park. On dark winter nights, twinkle lights illuminate Cedarhurst’s streets and light poles, “bringing a sense of cheer and happiness to our Village streets.”

This past October, Dan, with input from Cedarhurst residents, spearheaded a campaign to fly American and Israeli flags along Central and Cedarhurst Avenues to express the Village’s solidarity with the State of Israel.

“This display of unity in the wake of the horrific October 7 th attack is deeply meaningful to all of us as we continue our steadfast commitment to the democratic State of Israel,” said Trustee Plaut on a recent walk down Central Avenue.

Andrew Parise Park is a central hub of community activity throughout the year. The Village of Cedarhurst hosts a series of summer concerts, holiday celebrations, community fairs, sports activities and commemorative events, such as Memorial and Veterans’ Day at the park. Trustee Plaut knows how important the park is to the residents and has worked diligently to ensure that the park serves all the residents. Feedback from “our beloved seniors made me aware of the need for a safe space where they could comfortably chat and play games, so I took action,” remarked Dan while strolling down the path of Andrew Parise Park. “Now there is a new senior game area where all this can happen away from the traffic of bicycles and scooters.”

And in case you thought he was done, he’s not. “Communication with residents is key to learning what is important to all of us and how the Village can

keep improving” he asserts.

Dan is listening. When residents expressed an interest in pickle ball, he collaborated with New York State Assemblyman and Deputy Mayor Ari Brown to secure state funds for new pickle ball courts, scheduled to be completed in 2024. After hearing concerns from residents about security in the park, Dan worked with Nassau County Legislator Howard Kopel to gain a county grant to fund a new camera system. He then oversaw the procurement and installation process to ensure that the park is secure using the most modern technology and remote connectivity to law enforcement.

“Now our residents can feel safer while enjoying our beautiful park, playground and fields,” he shares.

Staying connected to Cedarhurst residents and listening to their concerns and needs is always at the top of Trustee Plaut’s mind. While walking through the neighborhood, he noticed parents struggling to push strollers over the curb while crossing the street, and caregivers wriggling wheelchairs one wheel at a time over those same curbs. In conversation with the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works, Guy Marino, they planned new curb cutouts with slip resistant plates along newly paved streets such as Washington Avenue.

“The repaving of these streets provided an opportunity to upgrade the curb cutouts, and the Village invested in these improvements to benefit our residents in their daily lives,” Dan noted.

Trustee Plaut’s contributions to the community have positively impacted Cedarhurst residents throughout his time in office and, he points out, “while maintaining the lowest property taxes on the south shore of Nassau County.”

Trustee Dan Plaut is running together as a team with fellow Trustee Myrna Zisman in the upcoming Village election.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match

By Barbara Deutsch

It is strongly believed to be true that the road to Shamayim is paved with living a selfless life and making three shidduchim; to date, I have made seven. Those matches were created a long time ago! Despite my efforts and trying really hard, I have not helped to bring anyone to the chuppah in a very long time.

I have convinced myself that this is a very difficult, getting-harder-all-the-time shidduch space, that if a couple goes out on a second date, I chalk it up as a home run; a good idea but no lasting connection.

I have never “matched” in a charedi system, so I had no idea of the complicated journey. The matches I successfully made came with no rules, rubrics or systems. Good boy looks like a nice fit for a good girl, give the boy a landline phone number, and he makes the first move. I usually backed up the first date with an encouraging phone call; this worked smoothly for the aforementioned seven successful shidduchim I made.

I think it worked because it used to be a world with no cellphones, internet, smartphones, dating apps, and more – a simpler one that is long gone. A look at a typical charedi world – it’s not the same as the chassidish one but quite different from modernish – may shed some light on why the system works.

When does a child, boy or girl, come out of the freezer (start dating) for optimal opportunity? For a girl, it can be anywhere from 18 (low end) to 20. For a boy, there is no real start point but usually about 23 to forever. Somehow, the clock does not tick in the same way for boys.

How does one begin the dating process? What’s a resume? Does one need to include a picture?

A resume for dating includes important background information, family, education, references and some highlight information. It does not have listed data about appearance, and it may or may

not include a picture. Not on the resume, but important to note, is if the girl comes with a purchased apartment and/ or whether there will be family support, for the short term or ever.

Boys can get up to 50 resumes for every one a girl gets. Unless you have a family friend or relative to broker the match, a shadchan must be hired.

Who makes the connection? Does one hire a shadchan? In “Fiddler in the Roof,” the wonderful play/movie about the trials and tribulations of poor Tevye and his many daughters, the girls sing the hopeful “Matchmaker” song as they await their betrothed. Tevye and Golda’s daughters express their desires and concerns. Yenta, the matchmaker, suggests the rich and portly older butcher Leizer Wolfe for Tzeitel, the eldest daughter; she has a different husband in mind in Motel, the poor tailor she met on her own.

Tzeitel and her sisters are despondent over this match; they see doom and gloom in their own future of suggested prospects. Tevye relents to Tzeitel’s choice of the tailor, and happiness prevails. Yenta is one unhappy shadchanta.

According to our granddaughter Penina, her friends and every mother of an el-

igible girl, the real-life shadchan scene is not much different. It may not be true for the many or even the majority of successful matches made in the charedi world, but for the girls who go through the arduous and often demeaning screening to become a kallah , it is difficult, can be costly, and is often painfully insensitive.

Shadchanim may say, “You have to adjust your expectations.” “You are too picky.” “You are missing out on a great opportunity.” For many shadchanim, it’s their parnassa, and in Israel, they only get paid when the match is successful. The cost can run anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 in Israel, while in America, $1,800 to $36,000 (information gathered from reliable sources).

There are wonderful and kind shadchanim who are sensitive and astute to the needs of both sides. A professional shadchan friend of mine told me, “I take this seriously. It’s people’s lives at stake; we aren’t picking a new dress or suit that we can return for full refund.”

For one of my matches in days gone cold, the chosson knocked on my door with a beautiful Tiffany bowl – one that I still use to this day – four days before the wedding saying, “If the shadchan is

not paid, she will give an evil eye at the chuppah.”

They are a fabulous couple!

Our granddaughter Penina was open to all options available in her charedi world. True that is limited. but it’s not small. Her dates were American, Israeli, American-Israeli, only speaks English, only speaks Hebrew, yeshiva, chassidish, Litvish, Breslov, full-time learner, parttime learner, works exclusively or parttime, beard, no beard, payot down to his shoulders, no payot, says Hallel on Yom Haatzmaut, outgoing, quiet, tall, short, musical, not musical, blue eyes (preferred), no blue eyes….Over two years of dating is a long time in this world.

There are steps that help the process along that include Yad Shamayim, superstitions, and more that range from the ridiculous to the sublime. During the dating window for our granddaughter, there was a litany of segulot that she did to ensure a proper match. The segulot ranged from going to pray at the Kotel 40 days in a row, lighting 18 candles while saying 18 chapters of Tehillim, saying Nishmat Kol Chai every day during davening, going to Lizhinsk in Poland, reading Zerah Shimshon on Eishes Chayal by Shimshon Nachmani, eating corn on Rosh Hashana (the letters for engagement and corn are the same), and a very long list of more things to say and do.

The charedi dating protocol below may or may not make sense to anyone, including me, but it seems to work. A match is made with the support of the matchmaker who may or may not be one for hire; that person sets the time and place for the initial meeting and is frequently consulted as the relationship evolves. The matchmaker serves as the go-between for all of the initial and intermediate dates until the time she is “dropped” when the boy asks for the girl’s phone number; this can happen after the fourth or fifth date, or more, depending on the development of the relationship.

At Shemi and Penina’s engagement party

Date 1:

• First dates are scary. The boy picks the girl up (a parent usually meets him), and they take a leisurely stroll for no more or less than an hour and a half; no food, just water. We spotted a young couple walking wherever we went last week; the girl held a water bottle.

• Shadchan is called for debriefing.

Date 2:

• There is a second parent escort, a longer date and a conversation, often awkward, in a cafe where you have a drink, no food.

• Shadchan is called for a debriefing.

Date 3:

• Fun/activity date e.g., ceramics (optional coffee). For many, this can be a pivotal date.

• Shadchan called for debriefing. It seems that a good shadchan puts in some real effort at this point; gives tips to make the relationship more viable or shut it down.

Date 4:

• Morning activity (change up the time), homemade muffins and no coffee that turned out to be so much fun.

• Shadchan is debriefed and suggests a game to better get to know each other and have some fun. The game is ironically

called, The Dating Game: a prepared list of questions composed by a very experienced shadchan, where the couple take turns asking simple and complicated questions. Either the boy and or the girl can opt out of responding to a particular one.

Date 5:

• Full day on the boardwalk in Tel Aviv with a full meal. The consumption and amount of food is a big deal!

• No more debriefing shadchan. Following a few more dates and phone calls made, the families meet, the engagement date is set, the future support and arrangements are organized, and the proposal is planned – yes, planned.

Mazel Tov! Penina is a Kallah!

Shemi’s eyes are green. He has a good heart and a wonderful loving family, like

“It’s people’s lives at stake; we aren’t picking a new dress or suit that we can return for full refund.”

• Shadchan called for debriefing and a planned parent meeting with boy’s and girl’s parents.

Date 6 :

• The couple gets to know each other.

• Shares a pizza.

• Asks for Phone Number

• Yes, there had been no exchange of numbers by the couple to this point.

her own. He is very tall, she is not – an American Israeli, like her, and a learning boy who will work. Penina, who was encouraged not to “settle” by a loving Uncle D, found her match. The shadchan, her capable and understanding Aunt Stacey. As a bonus, she was handpicked by Shemi’s mother. Debi chose Penina as just the one to be his first date.

We left Israel at the end of January clueless that we would be back four weeks later; after two and a half years of dating, Penina has found the right one. The wedding date is set for June, the venue booked, the gown bought, and the planning is in the planning.

Penina’s 18-months-younger sister, Ariela, is at bat at 20. Now that her older sister is a kallah, it’s her turn. What once seemed extreme is now a blessing. I am a believer.

Aunt Stacey, we need you, the matching process is about to begin all over again.

The same night that Penina got engaged, her prior date, a Breslov boy, also got engaged. It seems that they were both chosen to be engaged that night but not to each other; there are so many stories like that!

If you were certain that no matter what it took, your perfect person would be found, would you still worry?

Mrs. Barbara Deutsch is currently the associate principal at HANC 609 and a longtime reflective educator, parent, grandparent, and new great-grandparent. Even after all these years, she still loves what she does and looks forward to working with kids every single day.

It would be blasphemous to simply refer to the Torah as a “storybook.” However, there is no doubt that storytelling plays an essential role in Judaism. From the stories of our forefathers and prophets to the parables and narratives transmitted from generation to generation, storytelling

In His Words…

Rabbi Fischel Schachter A Storyteller’s Beginnings

By Eliyahu RosEnBERg

is a tool used in our religion to preserve traditions, values, and lessons that withstand the test of time.

It is within this rich tradition of storytelling that figures like Rabbi Fischel Schachter stand out. Rabbi Schachter, a beloved storyteller, author, speaker, and

We’re constantly living in our future and feeling guilty over our past. My mother used to say that back home, nobody made a living, but we lived. she said that here, most people make a living, but we’re not alive.

When you begin to take life for granted, you don’t live for the moment. you don’t appreciate the moment, so you’re worried about tomorrow, and there’s no end to worrying about tomorrow.

There are two things you shouldn’t worry about: Things you can do something about and things you can’t do something about. if you can do something about it, so do it. if you can’t do something, what’s the point of worrying? Just take life for what it is.

The world isn’t ours; it was never intended to be ours. We’re all here for a specific purpose, for something you can do that no one else can. a nd that’s true for every single person on this planet Earth.

educator, is known throughout the world for his talent, his warmth, and his uniquely humorous way of telling over incredible stories.

The following stories are some of Rabbi Schachter’s best, for they are about his parents’ incredible life journeys through darkness to light.

* * *

Rabbi Schachter’s mother, who grew up in Poland, survived the Bergen-Belsen Nazi concentration camp. However, before the liberation, she didn’t think she would live to tell her story – especially in the final days of the Holocaust when she and thousands of other Jews found themselves on the death march.

Marching through Munich, the only thing worse than the bitter cold was the intense starvation –the painful emptiness in their stomachs. Desperate and hungry, a group of Jewish girls approached a German woman standing on the street and asked her for some food.

“She started spitting and yelling at them and said, ‘You think we’re like dirty Jews that walk around with food in our pockets?!’ And of course, they didn’t answer her back,” Rabbi Schachter recounted. “One girl just sat down and said, ‘That did me in, that was the nail in my coffin.’ And some other girls were cursing her. But my mother stopped for a moment, and it was one of the most meaningful moments in her life.

“She said, ‘What do I get out of cursing?’,” he explained. “She said, ‘Hashem, if I live through this war, I will always have food in my pocket in case someone asks

me for food.’ That was her response.”

After she survived the war, Mrs. Schachter’s commitment to fulfilling her promise to Hashem was still unwavering. Each and every time she would leave her house, she would see to it that her pockets were filled with food – just in case someone outside was hungry. So determined was she to keep her promise, that 65 years later, when she was 84 years old, she continued bringing food along with her wherever she went, even though, all those years later, she had never once been asked for food outside her home.

One day, Rabbi Fishel Schachter had to drive his mother to Manhattan for a doctor’s appointment. The appointment was at rush hour, and the intense Borough Park traffic had begun taking a toll on the mother and son. Just as they got on to the Prospect Expressway, Rabbi Schachter’s mother frantically turned to him and said: “Fischel, we have to go back. I forgot to take food with me!”

“I wanted to say: you know, it’s been 65 years at this point. No one ever asked you for food. What do you think? Between the car and the doctor’s office, someone’s going to ask you for food?” he recalled. “But I went back and took the walker out. She went upstairs, and she made her tuna fish sandwich.

“We got to the doctor, and he was quite upset that we were late. My mother’s health reports were not very promising, and we were in a down mood as we drove back,” Rabbi Schachter added.

On the way back home, Rabbi Schachter’s mother asked him to park on the corner so that she could take a short

walk. And there, in front of the corner store, was a disheveled-looking man sitting upon two milk crates, spacing out, staring into nothingness. But suddenly, the man looked up at Mrs. Schachter and said, “Miss… maybe you have something to eat?”

Upon hearing those words, Rabbi Schachter’s mother burst out in a smile, and she glanced back at her son and wagged her finger at him. With overflowing joy, she handed her tuna sandwich to the man. At that moment, she, in Rabbi Schachter’s words, had defeated the Nazis.

“She said to me afterward: ‘You don’t know what it means to be hungry. If you knew what it meant, it would be worth it to walk around with food in your pocket for 65 years just to be able to give someone food once.’”

Rabbi Schachter’s father grew up in Galicia, southeastern Poland, and was raised in a world and culture vastly different from that of his wife.

“My father grew up in Lemberg, Lvov, and he wanted to see what it was like to learn in litvishe yeshivas in Lithuania. Now, I don’t know how to explain it to you, but for a chassidishe bachur growing up in Lemberg to want to see what it’s like in litvishe yeshivas would be tantamount to me telling you that I want to check out the moon or that I want to go to North Korea,” Rabbi Schachter explained. “He was a very determined person. He got onto a train, and he wound up in different yeshivas, and that’s how he was saved.”

Rabbi Schachter’s father ended up in Vilna and would go on to travel to Japan. However, before he departed, he risked his life and came home again to try and rescue his parents and older brother.

When he arrived back in Lemberg, he found his family hiding in a bunker. He told them that they could escape if they come with him to Vilna and board the

transcontinental railroad to get to Japan. But there was one catch:

“How do we get to Vilna? Well, you have to climb a few mountains, swim a few rivers, and dodge a few bullets. My grandfather said: ‘I can’t even get out of the house. It’s not gonna happen,’” recounted Rabbi Schachter.

Yossi Moishe, the older brother of Rabbi Schachter’s father, also turned down the offer, as it would entail leaving their parents behind. And so, with his father’s encouragement, Rabbi Schachter’s father left for Vilna once more.

Having escaped the Holocaust with Mir Yeshiva, Rabbi Schachter’s father was traveling with a number of boys to Shanghai, which was occupied by Japan at the time. In the middle of their journey, they stopped by the house of a man who offered to feed them. The man put slices of challah onto a tray, but when one of the bochurim reached out to take a piece, the host went ballistic.

“He said, ‘Get out, get out of my house! You had no right. I didn’t give you permission to take any!’ They hadn’t eaten for days, and he threw them back out into the cold,” Rabbi Schachter explained. “And my father had a similar thought to my mother. He said, ‘What do I get out of cursing him? So, Hashem, I promise you that if I survive the war, I will never wash without a guest.’ That was his promise.

“My father and mother met after the war. The only things they had in common were that neither had a surviving member of their immediate family, neither of them had a roof over their head, no one knew where their next piece of bread would be coming from, and neither of them spoke English,” Rabbi Schachter shared. “And they just sat there, looking at each other. And my father said, ‘We’re not going to wash for Shabbos unless we have a guest,’ and my mother said she’s not going out unless she has food with her. They said, ‘Great, let’s get married.’”

This

* * *

For twelve years, Mr. and Mrs. Schachter struggled to have children. To end up childless was a nightmarish and simply intolerable thought, as they were the sole survivors of their families; to have no children would mean the end of their family line.

Eleven years into their marriage, Mrs. Schachter went to see a specialist who, in an instant, shattered all her dreams. He told her: “Mrs. Schachter, I’m not saying this to be cruel. But I’m just telling you that when hair grows on the palm of my hand, you’ll have children. You’re never going to have any kids.”

Depressed, she got on the Madison Avenue bus and decided that she wouldn’t get off; in her mind, she had nothing to live for. The bus traveled back and forth until day turned into night, and she was the only passenger left. The bus driver got out of his seat, looked right at her, and said, “Ma’am, you have

to get off the bus. I had a hard day. I don’t know what your problem is, but I swear to you that it won’t get any better if you sleep in a bus garage. Now, get on with your life.”

Mrs. Schachter felt as though those words were a message from Hashem, and she realized that she had to continue living, and thus she went home. One year later, the couple had a baby boy, and they named the child Fischel – Rabbi Fischel Schachter.

From just one son, Mr. and Mrs. Schachter were zocheh to b”H have many descendants: grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

“The world isn’t ours; it was never intended to be ours. We’re all here for a specific purpose, for something you can do that no one else can,” said Rabbi Fischel Schachter. “And with Hashem, you can fly over seven skies; without Hashem, you can’t step over the threshold.”

What Would You Do If…

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

I know this is not a “dating” question per se, but I would appreciate the columnists’ wise advice.

My son is just about to get engaged. We are so excited. He is our oldest and the first child to be getting married.

We are from a middle-class family. My husband and I work hard and we B”H make ends meet, but we are not rich by any standards. My future in-laws are probably on the same level as us, economically.

Here’s my question: I am realizing that there are many, many expenses that come along with making a wedding. When we met our future mechutanim to discuss a few things before the kids got engaged, we both decided to try not to make an ostentatious affair and to try to keep it “baale batish” and tasteful but not outrageous.

I am hearing that some people buy their kallahs lab-grown diamonds to help defray costs. The diamonds look completely real and are almost indiscernible from “real” diamonds. I have asked around, and some of my friends are enthusiastic about the idea of us buying our kallah a lab-grown diamond. Other friends are horrified that I even bring it up.

Here’s my question: what do you think about the idea? Is it something we can consider? It would really help with keeping our costs much more reasonable, and it’s doubtful that it would make a difference to the kallah (who is amazing, by the way!!!).

Thank you for your time.

The Panel

The Rebbetzin

Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

See if you can find out from someone in the social circle of the mechutanim to see if this is done in their circles. Depending on the answer, you may consider asking the mechutanim how their daughter would feel about buying her a ring with a lab-grown diamond.

The Shadchan

Michelle Mond

Although my grandfather, R’ Izzy Langer (may he live and be well ad meah v’esrim), is a diamond schleifer, I personally do not know a thing about the trade. Since I put the columnists together every week, I am bringing in a guest panelist you will see below. He is a knowledgeable jeweler in the Baltimore community, and he will discuss his experiences with lab-grown vs. natural diamonds.

All I have to add is that you should discuss this with your son’s kallah personally. It feels unpleasant to be given something as monumental and sentimental as an engagement ring and to not be consulted as to preferences regarding how it looks, quality, etc. Once she is given the ring, it is too late to communicate and ask. Make sure you do all of this beforehand, so she feels good about it.

Mazal tov!

The Jeweler

Itzik Golfeiz, Gabe & Rubens Jewelers

Hey, first off, mazal tov!

I sell both lab-grown and natural diamonds. These days, about 40% of the new engagement rings I make use lab-grown diamonds. They’re legit dia-

monds, with the same chemical makeup as natural ones. The main difference is that lab-grown ones don’t hold their value because they can keep making more. That’s why they’re way cheaper. But which one to go for depends on the person buying the ring. I usually give the kallah two options based on budget: a smaller natural diamond or a nice lab-grown one. That usually settles things pretty fast.

There was a lot of debate among jewelers about lab-grown diamonds, but it’s clear there’s a big market for them. They’re becoming more and more popular, especially in the younger generation.

So, for a couple looking to spend under $3,000, lab-grown is worth considering. But if the budget is over $10,000, I’d stick with natural diamonds. Spending that much on lab-grown would be a waste. But for under $3,000, why not go for a nice lab-grown ring? You’re not gonna get a really nice natural diamond for that price anyway (unless it’s really small), so you might as well give her the choice of a smaller natural one or a bigger lab-grown one.

From a non-logical and more emotional standpoint, I don’t think diamond rings should be viewed as a checklist for the wedding. A diamond ring is a chosson telling his kallah I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and that diamond is a symbol of the unbreakable bond they will hopefully have for many, many years. There’s a certain beauty to that when you truly view it that way. So I would like to think that most kallahs want to know that the boy went slightly above his means to show how much she means to him. The question is, “How much is slightly above your means?” I think for people with tight budgets, a few thousand dollars is a sure sign of going above your normal expenses to make her happy. That can be achieved with lab-grown as well because it’s still not a cheap purchase.

In conclusion, let’s say you have $3,000 to spend on an engagement ring. You can offer to get her a small natural diamond (around half a carat) or a gorgeous 2 carat lab-grown diamond.

As long as you’re giving her that choice, you’re showing her that you want her to be happy and you’re also working within your means.

I hope I clarified this for you, if you have more questions, feel free to reach out.

The Single

Tzipora Grodko

How exciting, mazal tov! Please, please, please, don’t discuss your concerns with other people and friends. It turns an insecurity or doubt into drama and manipulates your clarity. When it comes to finances, you always need to do what works best for you, because that will ultimately be the best solution for you and your family.

That diamond is a symbol of the unbreakable bond they will hopefully have for many, many years.

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

What a great question! Here are some thoughts.

Background

Lab-grown diamonds are manufac -

tured, using high pressure and temperature, and have the exact same chemical, physical, and optical qualities of natural diamonds. They look identical to natural diamonds, and only an expert, using advanced equipment, can tell the difference. Both types need to be shaped by an expert diamond cutter.

However, there is a huge cost difference: An average one-carat natural diamond might cost $5,200 while a similar lab grown diamond might cost only $1,500.

I was surprised to discover that in 2023, over half of the engagement rings sold in the United States featured labgrown diamonds.

Ethical Considerations

On one hand, human rights groups claim that natural, mined diamonds should be avoided and should be called “Blood Diamonds,” because the process causes massive amounts of environmental destruction, often utilizes enslaved, underpaid, and underage workers, and is of-

ten controlled by vicious rebel groups and warlords.

On the other hand, today, professional diamond dealers claim to only deal with “Ethical Diamonds,” that ensure fair, safe working conditions, environmentally sound practices, and no human rights abuses.

Moreover, proponents of lab-grown diamonds point out that mined diamonds often originate in war-torn areas and help finance savage conflicts.

But, proponents of natural diamonds point out that the manufacture of labgrown diamonds require generating temperatures that are close to 20% of the sun’s surface, are usually manufactured in India and China, and require massive amounts of environmentally harmful, coal-burning electricity.

Expenses, Expenses

We can probably all agree that the process of marrying off our children has become very overpriced. That is why some local community leaders have

Pulling It All Together

The Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

Thank you for writing into the panel! I don’t think there are any clear or easy answers here. It boils down to two competing factors. The first is your budget. Weddings are a fortune, and I can understand the necessity of saving money. On the other hand, a diamond ring has become a symbol of a couple’s love. It is something a woman wears proudly on her ring finger, symbolizing their union. I

can un - derstand how a young woman may be very dis- appointed receiving a fake di- amond. And yet, on another hand (a third one, I guess), if lab diamonds are becoming the norm, perhaps people will not be disappointed with them.

After doing a little internet research, it seems that in 2021, nearly

come up with more sensible, modest, wedding guidelines.

Consider, for example:

How often does anyone actually look at their wedding albums or videos?

What is the value of very expensive, magnificent, floral arrangements, after the five-hour affair?

Do you remember hearing anyone comment that having three extra band musicians made all the difference in the world?

Does anyone actually remember which foods were served at their friend’s wedding ten years ago? (Actually, my good friend, “A,” probably does.)

HOWEVER, even though it’s a good idea to save on unnecessary expenses, the diamond engagement ring is in a very different category.

Symbols are Powerful

In my neighborhood, many women own a nice selection of jewelry. They will wear some pieces frequently and some pieces infrequently, but virtually none of them ever go anywhere without their engagement rings.

Like it or not, in our culture, the diamond ring has very strong sym -

You might as well give her the choice of a smaller natural one or a bigger lab-grown one.

bolic value, and the phrase, “diamonds are forever,” is permanently embedded in our brains.

The diamond engagement ring has come to represent “enduring, unbreakable, eternal love.” For that powerful symbol to be artificial, would be an aberration that would, I believe, not sit well with most women.

Even if a very good-natured woman would agree that it makes sense to save money and buy a lab-grown diamond, I fear that over time, disappointment would grow into a permanent seething resentment.

So, when considering lab-grown diamond engagement rings, don’t do it!

one in three engagement rings were now lab-grown. In 2022, this figure rose, with now over 72% of engagement rings being lab-grown. And lab-grown diamonds are nearly 60 to 80% cheaper than the real thing.

With all that being said, I’m going to offer you my intuitive, instinctual opinion. And it is only that...an opinion.

An engagement ring is very personal. It will be on your future daughterin-law’s hand for the rest of her life, G-d willing. I might sit down with her and your son and tell them your quandary. Talk to the couple about the pros and cons of both a lab-grown diamond and

a natural diamond. Give them an idea of the type of ring she can have if she goes natural and the type of ring she can have if she chooses lab-grown. Involve the couple. If she wants a natural ring (and it really is such a personal thing, isn’t it?), it will be a ring you can afford, and maybe you will go easier on the flowers or the food or the music. If she wants a lab-grown diamond, then that’s perfect.

All the best. It sounds like you got a real winner, and that’s the most important part of all of this!

Mazal tov, Jennifer

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.

My older children were recently asking about investment CDs (not the latest musical technology of the ‘80s). I was pleasantly surprised they were even aware such things existed. I will not personally take credit for that part of their education, but I can say we included “personal finances” in their regular curriculum.

Children don’t intuitively understand how money works. I remember a young child asking why the poor person collecting tzedaka didn’t just go to the bank. He innocently assumed that banks just give out money to those that ask. It never occurred to him that financial institutions only give you money you’ve already deposited with them – there are no freebies.

Most kids are natural “spenders.” Money goes out faster than it comes in, and then they look at you pitifully, hoping money will magically appear for what they desperately want to purchase next. Some kids are exclusively “savers.” They will not spend their money on anything. They will willingly walk around for hours thirsty, rather than spend money on a drink. Few kids are born with a balance between the two extremes.

In our community, we encourage marriage at a younger age. It is standard that a young adult goes straight from their

Parenting Pearls Beyond Savings

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

parents’ domain to their chuppah. Marriage quickly brings with it many responsibilities, including the care of dependent small people. Sadly, many only learn healthy spending habits once they’ve felt the consequences of maxing out their credit card. It’s when our children are still home that we have the opportunity to prepare them to understand finances and the important role it plays. They can then bring these skills into their marriages.

While we value ruchniyus and spirituality over gashmiyus and its accompanying materialism, money still has a prominent place. Basic expenses, such as housing, health insurance and tuition, need to be paid. Food is a major expense, with Shabbos and yomim tovim featuring multiple trips to the grocery store. Ensuring a child is fed, clothed and housed is a minimum that costs a maximum. Additionally, money challenges can be a cause of shalom bayis problems. Understanding how to balance their future financial needs starts when they’re younger. We have the privilege of setting them up with a strong foundation in understanding their future finances.

The Give and Take

A savings account is one of the first introductions children will have to fiscal

responsibility. Learning to save requires delaying gratification, a skill that is crucial but challenging for younger children. Young children don’t need to save all their money – just a fraction is usually sufficient – to give over this lesson. Teaching young children to put away their money is more about training them in this concept and less because they will actually require that money in the long run. It’s only as children reach their teen years that they will generally begin to have jobs or earn regular money.

Most parents understand the importance of teaching children how to save but fewer recognize the need to teach spending. After all, most kids can throw their cash at anything that has sugar and artificial colors. While youngsters can usually spend fast, they don’t spend wisely. Using money correctly is a separate skill and one that often needs to be taught directly.

There are a number of goals with teaching wise spending skills. We want children to discriminate between impulse purchases and that which they really want. They should learn that different items can look similar but not be the same price or quality. Older children can understand the way products are promoted and that advertising isn’t always an accurate representation of an item. With the

increasing use of online shopping, there is an ever-changing skill set that children will need to learn. For children who refuse to part with their money, they need to understand that money is a tool and not an end goal in and of itself. Cash in your pocket will not quench your thirst if you don’t purchase a drink.

Every family will have their own system for how children acquire money. There are many possibilities, including payment for chores or a weekly allowance. I do think children benefit from having some money of their own. I do not advise throwing significant sums of money at children, certainly not without having to earn those vast sums. It’s only through having and earning money that children can practice using those hardearned and finite funds.

It’s unhealthy for children to think their wallet is a bottomless pit. When children are able to earn their own money, they learn a greater appreciation for that cash. It’s easy to carelessly spend someone else’s money, but they start to think carefully before using their own earnings.

A Game Plan

There are many ways to teach healthy financial attitudes. I’ll offer

some suggestions, but each child will have their own needs. These ideas can be a springboard for parents looking for basic guidelines.

While not the only way to teach balanced spending, there is a general formula that I’ve used with my children. I’ve suggested they divide their spendings into four categories: ma’aser, pocket money, short-term saving, and long-term savings. Ma’aser is self-explanatory, and your rav is a better address for those details. My children have found it meaningful to pick where their ma’aser goes (using halachic guidelines, of course). Pocket money is the cash they keep on hand for immediate use and for routine spending. Perhaps they want a new toy, special accessory, or pizza with friends. That money is theirs to use for whatever they want. Obviously, they can’t purchase something that doesn’t meet our family’s standards for kashrus or other reasons. Short-term savings is money they save towards a larger purchase. This could be a bike or something similar. One of our sons decided to purchase a travel Shas for himself! Longterm savings is your standard savings account that is left untouched.

There are major differences between

physical money and electronic means. Cash is a very concrete form of currency. You hold it, see it, and transfer it. Alternatively, debit and credit cards are abstract purchasing methods. You can spend all day and never see money leave

a way to give children more financial freedom while still maintaining parental oversight. With parental controls in place, we can limit how much money they have available and guide them in their spending. Another bonus is that

Most parents understand the importance of teaching children how to save but fewer recognize the need to teach spending.

your wallet. It’s easy to forget the money is being used. There is a transition period when going from using cash to electronic payments.

Banks often have programs that parents can use to educate children on healthy spending habits. I’ll briefly mention some of the options we’ve used. The most basic is a savings account. Some of our children have had one before they could talk.

Teen checking accounts offer parents

being able to transfer money to their account is often easier than having cash on hand to give them.

Worth More Than Gold

Along with any education comes the need to learn the halachic and hashkafic role money plays in Jewish life. In a larger society that is increasingly materialistic focused, we would not want to neglect this crucial part of their chinuch.

Ma’aser, ribbis and other halachos

are the basics of Jewish finances. It’s impossible to imagine understanding money without first having a foundation in the Torah’s views. While concepts such as interest and lending with a sh’tar are more advanced, even young children can begin to understand tzedaka and helping those in need.

This is also our opportunity to share with our children our values regarding money. The Torah has a beautifully balanced view of the role of finances and materialism. We certainly want our children to understand how to properly view the physical world we live in.

Rather than shun the physical, we are taught to elevate everything we encounter. Teaching children a healthy view of the world, and how to enjoy it, sets them up for future happiness. Money is one tool towards that goal that when used wisely can be a source of bracha and further our avodas Hashem.

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.

School of Thought

By Etti Siegel

Q:

Dear Etti,

You wrote about bullying: about the imbalance of power, the intent to hurt, humiliate, and intimidate. I am glad I don’t have to sign my name because what I am about to say shames me. I am bullied by my students daily. I don’t want to quit because I believe that it will let the bullies win, but day-to-day is really tough for me. My self-confidence is shot, and I will definitely not teach after this year.

Hanging my head in shame,

- A Teacher (for now)

A:Dear Teacher,

It is very painful to face bullying behavior from your students. In 2013, the National Education Association (NEA) actually called it an “Overlooked Crisis.” They were responding to a report by the American Psychological Association (APA) that found that 80% of teachers experienced verbal or physical abuse from students. Numbers from the Department of Education in 2015 said 20% of public school teachers suffered verbal abuse and 10% suffered physical abuse. If I had to guess, I would think that the numbers in 2024 are even higher.

It is not okay to be bullied. It is even harder to know children are the perpetrators. But you can push back and regain control of the situation.

Please understand that I am not faulting you with the next part of my letter, but in the 36 years I have been in education, I have learned that it is the adult who must take control of any situation involving children, and we can. With this caveat in mind, I have helped quite a few teachers wrest back control of their classrooms and change the balance of power.

The first is to look at your classroom management. It might not be comfortable stepping into the role of authority. The students might have picked up on your discomfort. When there is a power vacuum, someone steps in. In this case, a few rambunctious students decided to fill the void.

Children (and I include K-12th graders in this category as they are all in the same power structure in school) need consistency and structure.

• What do you need in order to establish this?

• How to enter your class

• How to begin your class

• What students should be doing as you enter and as you begin

• Schedule on the board (even if you don’t end up getting to everything)

• Accountability (for HW, classwork, quizzes, tests, and participation)

• Clear lessons (unclear equals frustration and lashing out)

• Student engagement in your lessons (they can’t be bored)

• Checking for understanding (so students feel mastery over the content)

• Variety in your lessons (they can’t be bored)

• Relevance – make the kids care about your lesson/subject

• Make sure your students know you like them and care about them more than you care about respect (because done the right way, warm-strict teaching brings respect without you demanding it)

In the 36 years I have been in education, I have learned that it is the adult who must take control of any situation involving children.

• No favoritism and a real effort towards perceived fairness

• No “dead time” – come in prepared and ready with a back-up plan for extra time or a lesson not working out as you planned

I could write complete articles on almost every one of these bullet points!

I hope this will encourage you to look over the list, and instead of getting overwhelmed, to turn to a mentor or teacher coach and get some help. They are all doable and will restore the natural order to your classroom – where the adult is in charge and the students feel it and feel secure.

It might take some practice and time, but it can be done. Expect setbacks as the children test you. Some teachers never get to where they would like that first year, but the second year is a dream because the teacher got the guidance he/she needed and walked in with everything in place.

But what should you do now when a student is bullying you?

All the positive reinforcement in the world will not help when a student is out of control and is fixed on destroying your lesson.

• Stay calm. Don’t get sarcastic or angry. A teacher

must remain emotionally steady if a child is unregulated.

• Show concern – “I see you are really upset.”

• Offer a sheet of paper and ask the student to tell you what is upsetting him/her. This helps you regain a modicum of control. (Even if they don’t write, they will calm down to a degree as they mull over whether they want to write.)

• Offer the student a non-punitive time-out (to get a drink or take a walk and return when they are feeling ready to rejoin the class).

• Make sure to mention the incident to the principal in a non-crisis way and explain that you are concerned.

• Call the parents and tell them that you felt terrible for your student. He/she had a really hard day and might need some extra TLC. Share what happened in a non-judgmental way and offer to have them call you back if they have anything to share once they speak with their child.

• When necessary, create a behavior modification program. (But only if you can be consistent and it is fair to demand the behaviors you are requesting. If your classroom is chaotic, you cannot expect one child to change their behavior.)

In short, own it. Be the adult. It is amazing how quickly perceptions can change, and you will get the respect you deserve as the teacher.

Teachers no longer have to brave the classroom alone. There is support and guidance for those open to it. There are many courses you can take, and many people who are passionate about teaching who can help you. I work for a few agencies that provide coaching for teachers. You decided to teach for a reason. Don’t give up on your dream before learning how to do the job well. Hatzlacha!

- Etti

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.

Health & F tness Eat Your Way To a Healthier Heart

By Tehila Levine-Soskel, RDN, CDN

Nutrition takes center stage when it comes to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. The choices we make in our daily diet have a significant impact on our heart health, affecting factors such as our blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall heart function. The foundations of a heart-healthy diet include a diverse array of nutrient-rich foods. Keep reading to learn how you can help promote a healthier heart.

Whole Grains

Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats help promote heart-health nutrition. They are rich in fiber and assist in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Fiber helps keep you full as well as lowers your risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. More so, whole grains provide endless nutrients like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate and so many others that are all essen -

tial for many body functions. Choosing whole grains over refined grains helps regulate blood sugar levels and optimal digestion.

Fruits & Vegetables

Whether it’s fresh or frozen, eat your fruits and vegetables. Frozen and canned vegetables may sometimes have added sodium to help them preserve well, so be sure to check the sodium content. One way to reduce the amount of sodium in canned items is by rinsing and draining them before you eat it. Picked at the peak of their ripeness, frozen fruit and vegetables are a great way to make sure you have them on hand without going bad. With frozen fruit, look out for added sugars and pick fruits that are frozen without the added sugars. Frozen fruit makes for great smoothies and adding low-fat yogurt and some seeds helps make it a more nutritious and filling meal.

Additionally, bagged lettuce and

greens make it easier to be eaten as opposed to doing all the preparation yourself.

Protein

According to the American Heart Association, it’s recommended to regularly consume fish, sources of plant-based proteins, lean poultry/meat and low-fat/ nonfat dairy. Certain fish contain omega-3 fatty acids which have numerous health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids should be part of a heart-healthy diet to help reduce the risk of heart disease such as heart failure, cardiac arrest and coronary heart disease. Beans, lentils, peas and nuts are all plant-based protein, providing fiber and other beneficial nutrients. Red meat contains saturated fat, which can raise your cholesterol and unfortunately increase your risk of heart disease. If you eat meat, opt for skinless, lean, and unprocessed meat. You also need to be mindful of portion sizes.

Minimally Processed Foods

Cakes, cookies, snack bags, and deli meats are probably what comes to mind when you hear the words processed foods. While those certainly all are, processed foods mean that the food product was changed from its “natural state.” Washing, freezing, baking, and adding ingredients are all considered processing. There are some benefits of processing foods such as preservation and the ability to eat healthier products. For example, vacuum packed meat prevents spoilage and canned or frozen fruits or vegetables help the products stay fresh for longer.

Less Salt

The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium (salt) per day. Shockingly, 70 percent of sodium consumed by Americans doesn’t come from the saltshaker but comes from packaged processed foods. It’s crucial to look at the

nutrition facts label and be aware of how much salt you’re consuming. Some hidden names for salt include monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium nitrate and sodium citrate. While salt is the most commonly used spice, there are other alternatives to try. Garlic, lemon juice/zest, dill, smoked paprika, and onion powder can be great alternatives to salt to add flavor to your dish without all the extra sodium.

Be Your Own Chef

Preparing and cooking more meals at home allows you to have full control of what goes into your food. You are the chef in your own kitchen. You can’t always be in control of what you’re eating while you’re away but as long as you’re home you can.

Snack Smart

Instead of grabbing that bag of chips, try opting for cut up vegetables, sweet fruit, crunchy unsalted nuts, and homemade popcorn. Remember, portion size is key.

Less Added Sugar

Your diet most likely contains sugar, whether it’s from naturally occurring sugar found in fruit and milk or added sugars which are added during food preparation or processing or simply at your own table.

The recommendations of added sugar intake per day is no more than 6 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men. Here are some tips to try to help limit added sugars: Try drinking mostly water, natural seltzer, or tea, and limit or avoid sugary drinks. Another easy swap is choos-

Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health.

ing plain yogurt and adding your own fruit and a dash of cinnamon instead of the flavored yogurts that usually contain lots of added sugars. With baking, you can try reducing the amount of sugar you usually use in the recipe or substitute the sugar with mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce. The more consistent you are with reducing your sugar intake, the more you’ll start to notice less sugar cravings as well as certain foods becoming too sweet for you. Our taste buds can adjust to the sweetness levels!

A food item claiming to be sugar-free means there is less than 0.5 grams of sugar

per serving. Less or reduced sugar means that compared to the similar product, there is 25 percent less sugar. As it sounds, “no added sugars” means the only sugar is from the food itself – no sugar added. It’s helpful to be familiar with what these claims mean when we’re looking at the nutrition labels as well as the labels on the packaging.

Physical Activity

According to the American Heart Association, it’s recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Start slowly and increase the amount and intensity of exercise you endure. One of the biggest tips is to spend less time sitting and more time moving. While you may not feel like going to the gym or bundling up for a walk outdoors, staying physically active is key. There are endless home workouts and

online workout classes you can partake in. Finding a friend to exercise with may help keep you accountable as well as keep it more exciting. Indoor swimming also makes for a great workout during the cold months. Simple steps like taking the stairs or parking further are great ways to add more steps to your day. Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. Doing so may also improve your sleep, lower your blood pressure, and strengthen your bones.

In conclusion, helping maintain a healthier heart means making more mindful choices with what we put in our bodies and engaging in physical activity. A heart-healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins and fats will help promote a healthier cardiovascular system. Read your nutrition labels and make informed nutritional choices that will benefit your health.

Tehila Soskel is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a private practice in the Five Towns. She sees clients for weight loss, diabetes, and other various diseases. Appointments can be made for in-person or virtual sessions:

516-457-8558, tehilasoskelrd@gmail.com, tehilasoskelnutrition.com.

Covid was the big boundary in our lifetimes. Before the pandemic, we worked in offices and stayed in our life-planning lanes. Inflation and supply chain issues did not affect us very deeply. We communicated by email, phone, and at meetings. We chose to grow our tech skills when we were motivated to do so.

Those choices narrowed when the virus hit, especially for us midlifers. We were at home longer, and we were by ourselves. We were afraid for our lives, and we had to manage on our own. We learned to Zoom and WhatsApp. Some of us changed our retirement plans and/ or relocated to be closer to children. We gave up travel and company and learned to learn remotely. We nested, organized our abodes, and picked up old and new hobbies. We were not busy with school by Zoom, entertaining kids, and cozy board game sessions.

At a recent professional conference, another difference was dramatized for me. At a session of the New York State Association of Home Care Providers, a speaker offered perspectives on artificial intelligence’s impact on our lives. Like me, he was a middle-aged individual, and he expressed excitement at some of the ways he uses AI: to make playlists of his favorite music in his own voice for his

Laying the Seam

By Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz

walks, to auto-populate his calendar easily, and for entertainment options customized to his favorite era and style. He talked about how AI had prepared the slides for his presentation and how it speeds up his work now that he has trained his personal bots.

He went further to tell of medical advances that will help us from the comfort of our home with almost no effort. Entertainment for us when we will be infirm

widespread technology, she was clearly afraid. Her emphasis was on the importance of reading, outdoor activities, and the development of relationships.

I had a very different reaction and expressed my excitement at the future opportunities when I will be frail and infirm. When I will be aging in place with limited mobility, there will be intriguing options for learning, avocations, and engagement, even equipment. Appliances and headsets

Depending on our kids and on technology is not the only answer.

will be easy and fun; artificial intelligence will draw outlines for art for us to fill in with specs we give it such as a John Singer Sargent style for a portrait of our granddaughters that we will simply fill in with our own brushes. Some of this is already happening.

The woman sitting across the aisle from me had a comment during the question-and-answer session that followed. Expressing concern about her school-age children growing up with

will understand my thoughts and address my customized wants and needs speedily and creatively. My vision of those years shifted substantially.

The conversation continued in the exhibition hall after that session. Participants noted my positive outlook and the dramatic generational contrast. Both perspectives are valid and true, said I. What the younger woman had said about protecting kids from the dominance of technology was on point; to grow up

with wholesome skills, values, and relationships, technology must be limited. But that is not my responsibility. It is a concern of my children for their children.

Longevity, medical advances, and artificial intelligence will make our advanced seniority different than we have anticipated it. Along with the opportunity for a richer but longer life, we can adapt to these new possibilities with increased positivity and hope as I did in my initial reaction.

Preserving our health becomes a more urgent imperative if we think more deeply. If we want to enjoy these aids and enhancements in the future and enjoy a learning, growing, communicative advanced age, we must be more responsible about our health now. Depending on our kids and on technology is not the only answer.

We cannot abdicate our responsibility to ourselves. A Yid is a baal achrayus, whether he is a parent of young children or is an advanced senior. Let’s do what we have to do and embrace each era in our lives with positivity, growth, and responsibility. And pray, of course.

JWOW! is a community for midlife Jewish women which can be accessed at www.jewishwomanofwisdom.org for conversation, articles, Zoom events, and more.

In The K tchen

Deconstructed Eggplant Parmesan

By Naomi Nachman

I hadn’t made this dish in a while, and I recently remembered how much I loved it. It is a lighter version of eggplant parmesan with no breadcrumbs and no frying. A winner all around!

Ingredients

◦ 2 medium eggplants, cut into 1-inch cubes

◦ 1 Tablespoon salt

◦ ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

◦ ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

◦ 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Tomato Sauce

◦ 2 Tablespoons canola oil

◦ 1 large onion, finely chopped

◦ 1 teaspoon kosher salt

◦ 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

◦ 2 (15-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with their liquid

◦ 1½ cups marinara sauce, divided

◦ 1 teaspoon dried oregano

◦ ½ tsp chili flakes

◦ 1 Tablespoon sugar

Crumb Topping

◦ 1 cup panko crumbs

◦ 1 teaspoon dried oregano

◦ 1 teaspoon garlic powder

◦ 1 teaspoon onion powder

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

2. Place eggplant cubes into a large bowl; mix well with salt and olive oil.

3. Spread eggplant in a single layer on prepared baking sheets; bake for 50 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.

4. Prepare the sauce: In a large saucepan, heat canola oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3-5 minutes to soften; add salt. Add garlic; sauté until garlic is soft.

5. Add remaining sauce ingredients; bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower heat; simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered.

6. Prepare crumb topping: Combine panko crumbs with spices; set aside.

7. Coat a 9 x13-inch pan with ½ cup sauce.

8. Layer half the eggplant, half the remaining sauce, half the mozzarella cheese, half the Parmesan cheese, and half the spiced crumbs. Repeat with remaining eggplant, sauce, and cheeses. Top with remaining crumbs.

9. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until cheese has melted.

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.

5 Leadership Skills

This column features business insights from a recent “Mind Your Business with Yitzchok Saftlas” radio show. The weekly “Mind Your Business” show – broadcasting since 2015 – features interviews with Fortune 500 executives, business leaders and marketing gurus. Prominent guests include John Sculley, former CEO of Apple and Pepsi; Dick Schulze, founder and Chairman Emeritus of Best Buy; and Beth Comstock, former Vice Chair of GE; among over 400+ senior-level executives and business celebrities. Yitzchok Saftlas, president of Bottom Line Marketing Group, hosts the weekly “Mind Your Business” show, which airs at 10pm every Sunday night on 710 WOR and throughout America on the iHeartRadio Network.

Since 2015, Yitzchok Saftlas has been speaking with leading industry experts on the “Mind Your Business” show, sharing insightful business and marketing strategies.

In this article, we’re looking back on many of the incredible leaders featured to compile a list of five of the most important lessons for leading a business.

* * *

Transi T ioning T o Leadership

ron Carucci , Leadership Consultant and Bestselling Author

Around 50-60% of newly appointed executives fail within their first 18 months. My team and I looked

at over 100 executives over the course of their ascent to identify the cause of these failures. In the end, we determined that there are 4 “steps” in a leader’s rise to power in which they might experience issues.

The first step is “ascend,” which is simply being put at a higher altitude. Most executives are not prepared for this quick transition when they rise in the ranks. I like to think of it as “altitude sickness.” The second step is “adjust.”

When you’re adjusting, it’s important to be aware of the nature in which you arrived at this position. If you were promoted for your previous successes, the dangerous assumption is that you have some formula that you can repeat on a higher level, but there almost never is an apply-to-all solution. This assumption is a common cause of failure among new executives. Once you made it past the adjustment phase, you move into the third step, “assert.” Many leaders strug-

gle with asserting their newfound power over teams and resources they previously had no control over. Surprisingly, the most common abuse of power among new executives is not the taking of it, but the abandoning of it. This fear of assertion can significantly impact your effectiveness as a leader. If you can navigate past those first three hurdles, you can move to the fourth step: “affect.” This is all about effecting widespread change within your company. It’s using your power to actually accomplish the things you were brought in for.

Leadership vs. Manage M en T

david Mandel , CEO of Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services

Russell Ackoff once wrote an article called, “Transformational Leadership,” in which he talks about the difference between a leader and a manager. I think that distinction is very important. A leader understands that their responsibility is to teach, to delegate, and to influence, but a leader does not manage. A manager accomplishes many things, but solely around the space that they have allotted to them within their role. So, it’s important to instill in yourself, as well as in your staff, the idea that we are all leaders. Everyone is a leader. I try to avoid using the term “manager” when referring to employees, and instead refer to everyone as a leader. These are not just words; they are the gestalt. The word “management” denotes a position that is confined within your assigned space, but you don’t want to stay confined. You want to step beyond. Of course, you should take care of your space, but you should also look outside of your space. That’s what it really means to lead – to operate beyond the perceived confines of your role.

to deliver the same speech and passion I had successfully delivered to an American audience in New York only a week before. But, as I was speaking to my Japanese audience, they weren’t even looking at me. They weren’t listening. I knew the moment I stepped on that stage that I couldn’t do for this audience what I had done in New York. It hit me like a lightning bolt. I forgot to adjust my style. I didn’t know my audience. It wrangled

invested in my relationship with them, then how can I expect to get their investment in return? That idea is so important. We must lead by example. This applies to everyone in a business. You don’t have to have a special title to be a leader. We’re all leaders. We all have the ability and the skills to lead. But, especially when it comes to CEOs, owners, and founders of companies, the people in the very top leadership positions, you

A leader understands that their responsibility is to teach, to delegate, and to influence.

me emotionally at the time, but it was the best teacher I ever had. It made me ask the question: “Where do I learn how to deal with this emotion?”

I read a book called, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, by Daniel Goleman. Goleman talked about the Four Models of Emotional Intelligence. These are the four things that make us who we are. Number one, Self-Awareness. Am I aware of the impact I had on that Japanese crowd? Number two, Social-Awareness. That’s reading the room and knowing where you stand. In Tokyo, I was talking to a wall, instead of adjusting and speaking in a way that I thought would connect with them. Number three is Relationship-Management. And number four is Self-Management. So, if I’m not self-aware, what implication does that have toward the ability for other people to want to be in my gravity? As I adapted myself to fit the things that I was reading, these models taught me how to clear the mind.

have to lead by example. That’s how you get those behaviors to trickle down to the rest of your company.

When people ask me for the secret to my success, this is the answer that I always give them. I tell them that I simply treated my employees the same way that I would want them to treat me, with respect, humility, and through leading by example. I would take a seat by their desk and ask them, “What are you doing? Tell me all about it. I want to learn it, too.” You’ve got to have that passion. If you show it, your team will pick up on that and match it in return.

MasT ering CoMM uniC aT ion

James rosebush , Former Senior Advisor to President Ronald Reagan

nicator you need to tell stories.

The second thing is that the story must have a point. The story is really like a parable that illustrates something that you’re trying to say. That is why it almost never works when a leader tries to be like a standup comic and tells offhand stories with no point. People often remark that President Reagan loved jokes. However, he did not tell many jokes or stories that were not related to a political objective. He would often tell jokes about what life was like in the Soviet Union. He would say, “When you place an order for a car in the Soviet Union, you could get it delivered within a month or you could have it in 38 years,” and it would just bring down the house. But look, he was also making a point. He was denigrating their economy, but the way he was doing it is the most important thing to pick up on.

Ready to take the next step in scaling your business? You can discover even more business tips and insights like these from leading experts in nearly every field, delivered weekly, straight to your inbox! Sign up at BottomLineBrew.com.

eMo T iona L i n T eLL igenCe

Chuck garcia, CEO of Climb Leadership International

I once had a speaking engagement in Tokyo. I got up, ready

Leading by e xa MpL e

rob scheer, Founder of Comfort Cases

“If I will not do it, then how can I ask you to do it?” This is something I say to my team every single day. If I’m not showing my employees that I am

Communication is such an important and often ignored factor of leadership. Only 22% of MBA programs require public speaking skills. You can buy accounting skills, but you cannot buy the ability to speak publicly. It is a skill that has to be learned and practiced. If you can’t communicate, that is a severe handicap. The first thing that you really must master in terms of being a great communicator is storytelling. It does not matter if you are a business leader or running a shop. To be a great commu-

Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

I want to remind the ANC [African National Congress] today that Isaiah 54:17 says that no weapon that is formed against Israel shall prosper and every tongue that rises against it in judgement will be condemned. ANC, you have gone too far and your judgement is imminent. When the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob said that He will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse her, He was not joking but meant every word He said. You have invited the curse on yourself, and you’re going to get it!

- South African Parliament Member Kenneth Meshoe, attacking the South African Parliament for its rabid anti-Israel actions

Of course. Hamas cowards hide in tunnels, hospitals, schools and refugee camps. Now, behind a holy time.

- Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) in a Wall Street Journal op-ed

U.S. cannot even deliver aid without killing civilians, yet it expects Israel to kill terrorists without harming any civilians.

- Tweet by Dr. Eli David after a U.S. aid airdrop struck and killed 5 people in Gaza

The reason I think the Democratic Party and Mr. Biden, President Biden, is losing black votes is they only care about black people every four years.

- Charles Barkley

“The Ukrainians must stop fighting in case they defeat Putin.” Have you heard any of our leaders say that in the last two years? As Ukraine enters its third year of war, it is striking how committed political leaders of all parties are to that war. And not just here but across the West. At home — Democrat or Republican — almost everybody is committed to arming Ukraine until victory. They don’t want Ukraine to fight to a stalemate. They don’t want it to stop just before winning. They want it to beat Putin back. So how strange it is that another war, involving a far closer ally, gets such different treatment.

- Douglas Murray, The New York Post , pointing out the world’s double standard when it comes to Israel

Why shouldn’t people want Israel to win just as much as they want Ukraine to win? It can’t be a matter of death-toll. Hamas claim that up to 30,000 Palestinians (which includes Hamas “fighters”) have been killed since the start of the war. And the whole world seems to be appalled by this. But earlier this month, the U.S. government estimated that as many as 315,000 casualties have been suffered by Russia in Ukraine. While the Ukrainians claim that they have lost 31,000 troops since the invasion by Russia. Is anyone talking about “proportionality” in that conflict? If so, I haven’t heard it. Has anyone in D.C. expressed fear and sorrow over the Russian lives lost?

- Ibid.

Just take care of yourself and take care of your friends and your family and all be a unit.

- Trudy Handleman, 102, of Iowa, talking to Fox News about the keys to longevity after arranging a food pantry drive for her birthday

Is antisemitism more powerful than feminism?

- MK May Golan addressing the UN on its silence over the atrocities that Hamas committed on October 7

In World War II, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, killing 2,406 Americans. America went on for four years to defeat Japan, killing three million Japanese, including one million civilians, because they were eradicating an evil regime, and there was no choice. We’re talking about five months in and we’ve killed 13,000 terrorists and have the lowest collateral ratio damage in history. We could have ended this war in a couple of days if we hadn’t bent over backwards to minimize casualties.

- Naftali

Bennett on Fox News

It took Israel, a sophisticated nation with many genuine experts, weeks to wade through the sinister wreckage of the Oct. 7 attack to get a proper tally of the dead. And yet, miraculously, whenever an Israeli attack is carried out, within hours — sometimes within the hour — Hamas can pinpoint not only the number of people who have died in wreckages but their ages and [gender].

- David Harsanyi, The Federalist

President Biden delivered the annual State of the Union address, and Biden’s speech was historic. It was the first time that the font size on the teleprompter was 8,000.

— Jimmy Fallon

Biden looked out at the members of Congress and said, “Finally, a place where I seem pretty young.”

— Ibid.

I shouldn’t have used “illegal,” I should’ve… It’s “undocumented.” … I’m not going to treat any, any, any of these people with disrespect. Look, they built the country.

– Pres. Biden apologizing for referring to the monster who killed Laken Riley in Georgia several weeks ago as an illegal in his State of the Union address even though the murderer illegally entered through the open southern border

In his SOTU speech, he said unions and the middle class built this country. Now he says “undocumented” immigrants built the country. Any guess as to who he will say built the country the next time he’s speaking to an African-American audience?

- Tweet by Jeff Gremillion

Snack companies think you won’t notice when they charge you just as much for the same size bag but with fewer chips in it. You get charged the same amount and you got about 10% fewer Snickers in it.

- President Biden, arguing that shrinkflation is because of greedy corporations

We have not reduced the size of Snickers singles or share size in the U.S.

- Mars Inc., which manufactures Snickers, responding to Biden’s false claim

There’s a liberal jihad against everything Trump. I’m not worried about Trump destroying democracy. I’m worried Joe Biden destroying the world.

- Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC)

[Russia must] make a greater effort to reduce emissions. Maybe that would open up the door for people to feel better about what Russia is choosing to do at this point in time!

- President Biden’s climate czar John Kerry

I deeply appreciate it, the support we’ve received from President Biden and the administration, and I hope it will continue. But let me be clear, Israel will win this war no matter what.

- Prime Minister Netanyahu at the AIPAC Summit via video conference

For Israel, every civilian death is a tragedy. For Hamas, every civilian death is a strategy. So it is wrong and immoral to hold Israel to a standard for avoiding civilian casualties that no other country on earth is held to.

– Ibid.

We’re breaking up with spring break.

— Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones talking about a crackdown on spring break partying in Miami

Political Crossfire

Inside America’s Shadow War With Iran

It’s often been said that the most dangerous hot spot in the world is the waterway between Taiwan and mainland China, where the Chinese navy and air force flex their muscles every day to try to intimidate Taiwan — while the U.S. Navy patrols nearby. I wonder. There is actually a stable balance of deterrence there right now. You could hold a friendly regatta in the Taiwan Straits compared to where I just visited.

I spent two days last week hopscotching in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter among seven U.S. military bases in western Jordan and eastern Syria with America’s senior Middle East Centcom commander, Gen. Michael Kurilla. There is no equilibrium here. What you have, instead, is the other Middle East war that began shortly after the tragic Israel-Hamas war that broke out on Oct. 7.

This other Middle East war pits Iran and its proxies — the Houthis, Hezbollah and Shiite militias in Iraq — against both the small network of U.S. bases in Syria, Jordan and Iraq established after 2014 to destroy the Islamic State group and against the U.S. naval presence in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden that keeps the vital shipping lanes there secure and open.

These Iranian-armed Shiite militias in Iraq and the Houthi fighters in Yemen may not look or seem like lethal threats, but do not be fooled. They have learned to arm, build, adapt and deploy some of the most sophisticated precision weaponry in the world. That weaponry, provided by Iran, can hit a 3-foot-wide target 500 miles away.

The young U.S. soldiers and sailors arrayed against them cut their teeth on video games, but now find themselves playing the real thing, deploying with software and cursors the world’s most sophisticated countermeasures and inter-

By Thomas L. Friedman

ceptors to swat away almost every rocket and drone the Iranian proxies have been throwing at them.

In short, Americans may not know they’re at war with Iran, but Iran’s Revolutionary Guard know for sure they are in a shadow war with America through their proxies.

And if one of these Iranian proxies gets “lucky” and creates a mass casualty event by striking a U.S. warship or the barracks of one of the U.S. bases in Jordan or Syria — something akin to the Marine Corps barracks bombing in Beirut in 1983 — the U.S.-Iran conflict would surely come out of the shadows and become a direct shooting war in the region the world most depends on for its oil.

Just thought I’d let you know.

This other Middle East war kicked into high gear on Oct. 17, 10 days after the attack on Israel by Hamas, Centcom officials explained to me, when Iran clearly took a decision to rev up all its proxies.

Under the cover of the Israel-Hamas war and tempted by the anti-American sentiment it has generated, Iran tried to see if it could significantly degrade the U.S. network of facilities in Iraq, eastern Syria and northern Jordan, or perhaps dislodge U.S. forces altogether.

I suspect Tehran also had another goal in mind: to intimidate America’s Arab allies by showing them the damage Iran could inflict on their U.S. protector.

What I know for sure, though, is that this is the most dangerous game of chicken going on anywhere on the planet today, for three reasons.

The first is the sheer volume of rockets, drones and missiles that Iran’s proxies have deployed — particularly the Houthis in Yemen and the Shiite militias in Iraq. According to Centcom, hundreds of warheads carried by Iranian-supplied land-to-sea rockets, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, at-

tack drones, suicide speedboats and unmanned underwater vehicles have been fired since Oct. 17 by Iran’s proxies at U.S. bases, warships and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Fortunately, despite the volume of attacks, the U.S. has managed to destroy or deflect most of the incoming with interceptors and a growing electronic forest of radars and countermeasures being deployed at the bases and on U.S. warships. This is no easy task; several rockets and drones have gotten through, injuring more than 180 U.S. personnel so far, Centcom said, and I saw the physical damage they did at several bases we visited.

These U.S. bases are not luxury compounds. Many started as ramshackle Islamic State-controlled bases or small towns that the U.S. and its Kurdish allies took over beginning in 2014 after intense firefights with the Islamic State group in a war that threatened the governments of Syria, Iraq and Jordan all at the same time.

Today, they consist of prefab living quarters surrounded and separated by hundreds and hundreds of concrete blast walls imported by the U.S. to limit the damage of any incoming warheads. Spotty wireless enables soldiers to FaceTime with families and follow sports. Spartan kitchens serve corn dogs, chicken nuggets and the like, and at some of the “nicer” facilities, maybe even a daily selection of fresh fruit — though when you’re a 70-year-old visitor carrying around 50 pounds of body armor and a helmet, it’s amazing how good a big fat corn dog from an Army mess in the Syrian desert can taste.

But because these bases were designed and situated to block the Islamic State group from reconstituting its supply lines and critical mass, they were never

Iranian proxy Houthis

meant to deter or attack the vast modern rocket arsenals of Iran and its proxies.

Which is why on Jan. 28, a one-way Iranian attack drone with a 20-pound warhead, launched by a coalition of Iranian-backed Shiite militias called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, hit a U.S. facility, Tower 22, in northeastern Jordan.

I visited Tower 22 with Kurilla’s team last week. The blast killed three U.S. soldiers, who were blown right out of their bunks, and injured 47. Fortunately, the modular living quarters there were separated by blast walls. A soldier in the bunkhouse right next to the one hit told us he was talking to his wife on FaceTime when the drone struck; protected by a thick cement barrier, he emerged shaken but unscathed. Watching live, his wife thought he was dead when he disappeared in smoke but he was able to contact her three hours later and assure her otherwise.

I was surprised to learn just how aggressive the Iranians have encouraged their proxies to be, which is what leads to the second, extremely dangerous aspect of this war.

It was what Kurilla dryly described to me as a deterrence “conversation” Centcom had with Iran after the Tower 22 attack to make clear to Tehran that it was playing with fire.

On Feb. 2, the U.S. launched airstrikes against the whole Iranian proxy network in Iraq and Syria, and the next day against Houthi sites in Yemen, hitting more than 100 targets overall, with a combination of long-range B-1 bombers out of Texas, and cruise missiles and fighter bombers launched from the Eisenhower carrier group in the Red Sea. Some 40 people were reported to have been killed in the U.S. retaliatory strikes.

The operation was then capped off on Feb. 7 when the U.S. decided to demonstrate to Iran and its proxies what kind of combined intelligence/precision warfare the U.S. can deploy by killing Abu Baqir al-Saadi, the specific commander from Kataib Hezbollah who the U.S. determined was in charge of drone attacks on its bases in Iraq, Jordan and Syria.

Al-Saadi was hit while driving on a Baghdad street by the same kind of drone-fired Hellfire missile that killed senior Revolutionary Guard commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020. It was equipped with six swordlike blades that once it penetrates a vehicle slice and dice anything in their path like a blender, which is why the missile has been nicknamed the “Flying Ginsu.”

This American response clearly got the Iranians’ attention, and Iran’s proxies have been observing an undeclared cease-fire on land ever since, which certainly helped ease my mind as we flew around in helicopters and a C-130 all over the ungoverned spaces of eastern Syria, too close for my comfort one day near the joint Russian-Iranian base on the western side of the Euphrates.

This informal cease-fire, though, has not been embraced by the Houthis, who have declared that they will not stop firing at international ships, the U.S. Navy or Israel, at least until there is a cease-fire in Gaza. Last weekend, the Belize-flagged cargo ship Rubymar, which the Houthis hit with an anti-ship ballistic missile on Feb. 18, became the first vessel to entirely sink in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as a result of a Houthi missile attack. It created a huge ecological mess of leaked fuel and the fertilizer it was carrying. Thank you, Houthis.

And that leads to the third dangerous aspect of this shadow war. At every base we visited, there was a topsecret room journalists could not go into, called the combat integration center. Inside, young American soldiers (and sailors on Navy vessels) stare at screens, try to identify the myriad objects flying toward them and decide by its radar and visual signature whether to engage one, ignore another or let a third go by, figuring it is going to miss and land harmlessly. Discipline is important when you’re firing $200,000 interceptors at $20,000 Iranian drones, a Centcom officer told me.

These operators often have less than 90 seconds to make up their mind whether to engage an incoming drone with a Coyote drone-interceptor that can detect and destroy attack drones at very close

range and can be launched from ground vehicles, helicopters or surface vessels.

In other words, every day is pregnant with a low-probability-but-high-consequence event. And the first, and often last, line of defense is usually a 20-something U.S. soldier or sailor squinting at a computer screen, trying to decide with software within seconds what is coming his or her way and engaging the right countermeasures.

Amid all of this, I should add, we also visited Al Hol detention camp in the middle of nowhere in northeastern Syria, where some 43,000 people — mostly Islamic State “brides” and their children — are being held in tents and prefabs under Kurdish guards until they can be deprogrammed and returned to their home countries. It is pretty strange to talk to an American or British woman who got drawn into the Islamic State cult and hear that she has five or six kids by three or four different Islamic State combatants, all of whom were killed by the U.S.-led coalition. Judging from the number of rocks some of the kids threw at our armored convey, the deprogramming process has a way to go.

Given all the risks and open sores out here, it’s worth asking: Why stay? First let me describe a scene, and then offer an answer.

The scene: Kurilla’s team was visiting the Tanf garrison, a small logistics support base inside Syria, near where Syria, Iraq and Jordan meet. Kurilla took the opportunity to do a battlefield promotion, from second lieutenant to first lieutenant, for a medical platoon leader stationed there. We were standing in an alley and around us were all just different shades of brown — the desert, the buildings, you name it.

Kurilla first asked for someone to get him an American flag, and a couple of minutes later two platoon members showed up with a small one and held it up at shoulder level, framing Kurilla and the young officer being promoted.

“Our Army is unique in the world,” Kurilla said to the young man. “We don’t swear an oath to a person or a king, we swear an oath to an idea, embodied in the Constitution and ingrained in our democracy, that all men and women are created equal. We swear an oath to defend that idea.”

Kurilla then administered the oath that every U.S. soldier — this one an enlistee who had worked his way up — repeats as he or she rises in rank. His oath complete, the newly minted first lieutenant slapped on a cap displaying his new rank and then gave a shoutout to each member of his platoon.

There was something about that scene that hit me: the two soldiers holding up their little Stars and Stripes that provided the only color in this vast brown tableau, and the oath of allegiance to an idea, not a king, muffled by the protective blast walls of this far-flung base in a region that has mostly known only the opposite.

During the post-Cold War era, from the early 1990s to the 2010s, I thought it might actually be possible to bring more consensual politics and pluralism to this part of the world — thanks to the Oslo Accords, the Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty, the Arab Spring uprisings and the greater integration that was resulting from globalization.

But it did not happen. Rather than the spread of democracy, this region experienced metastasizing disorder and failing states. At the same time, the big divide in the world became no longer between democracy and autocracy, but between order and disorder.

The best case for U.S. forces remaining in eastern Syria, Iraq and the Red Sea is precisely so that the disorder “over there” — from the likes of the Islamic State group, failed states like Syria and the eating away of nation-states by Iranian proxy militias — doesn’t come “over here.”

It is not a pretty or heroic mission — living in body armor all day in a harsh and hostile environment, with all the corn dogs you can eat as one of the few pleasures — but it’s probably worth it. That said, we should have no illusions about the risks because the shadow war playing out there could come screaming out of the shadows at any moment.

The U.S. military outpost Tower 22 in Jordan

A Cry For the Refugees of Emptied

Nagorno-Karabakh: “We Are Nobody”

Azerbaijani television last week showed giant shovels demolishing what had once been the parliament building of the ethnic Armenian breakaway region known as Nagorno-Karabakh. It was a symbolic final blow to an area whose more than 100,000 people have fled, leaving deserted villages and empty streets.

“We are nobody,” said Artak Beglaryan, the former ombudsman of Karabakh and now one of its few public advocates. Like nearly every other Armenian resident of Karabakh, he escaped to neighboring Armenia when Azerbaijani troops took control in September. “It is a ghost country,” said Beglaryan of the rugged, verdant region where he was born.

Armenia “struggles to cope with [the] exodus” of 100,000 ethnic brethren who have become refugees, according to a report last week by the International Crisis Group. The Armenian government provides meager stipends, but those may end soon. There’s little international discussion of a “right of return” for Karabakh people who have been displaced by war and want to move back, reclaim belongings or just visit family gravesites.

The plight of the Karabakh residents who fled their ancestral homes has been largely overlooked in a world preoccupied by wars in Gaza and Ukraine. But Karabakh offers a stark picture of what Armenians say is ethnic cleansing of a region legally controlled by Azerbaijan but until last year was populated almost entirely by ethnic Armenians. Now, according to Beglaryan, only 21 Armenian residents remain in a region that once had a population of about 120,000 before Azerbaijan launched its successful war for control in 2020. A State Department official told me the figure is about 30 families all told – a minuscule remnant either way.

Armenian history is a narrative of such tragedies, captured in the phrase “Nation into Dust,” which is the title of a poem

By David Ignatius

by Vahan Tekeyan, a revered Armenian poet. He lived in exile during the Armenian genocide of 1915, which historians believe killed more than 1 million Armenians. Members of my own family perished during that slaughter.

This recurring cycle of exile and death is partly a matter of geography. Armenia was the first nation to embrace Christianity, in 301 AD. But over the centuries, tensions grew with Muslim neighbors – which finally erupted catastrophically in the 1915 genocide. Russia was historically a protector of Armenia, but the Soviet Union’s designation of Karabakh was a classic Soviet maneuver of divide and rule – legally part of the Azerbaijani republic but ethnically Armenian.

Karabakh’s ambiguous status exploded in the post-Soviet era. Armenia seized control after 1991, and then lost it in the 2020 war. Russia negotiated a peace agreement to end the 2020 conflict, but Moscow became increasingly preoccupied by Ukraine and didn’t resist Azerbaijan’s move to seize control last fall. Karabakh residents fled to Armenia, but the government there has had difficulty absorbing them.

“Armenia is having problems integrating over 100,000 refugees who fled Nagorno Karabakh,” noted the International

Crisis Group report. “Yerevan has tried to be generous, but it lacks funds and a longterm plan, leaving the displaced people exposed and facing an uncertain future.”

Beglaryan met me in Washington, where he was seeking support from the U.S. government. But the Biden administration, like its predecessors, has been caught between sympathy for the Armenian cause and its ties to Turkey, a NATO ally, and to Azerbaijan, a useful partner against Iran. A senior State Department official told me Friday that U.S. diplomats have raised the “right of return” issue with Azerbaijan’s representatives. But State’s focus has been a broader a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Azerbaijani officials say claims of ethnic cleansing in Karabakh are “unfounded.” They argue that Azerbaijanis were driven from Karabakh during the decades of Armenian control and that they have a right to go home, too, in what President Ilham Aliyev has called the “Great Return program.”

Peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan continue. The leaders of the two countries met during the Munich Conference last month, and their foreign ministers held another round in Berlin on Feb. 28. Azerbaijan joined Armenia in a joint statement in December that said the two

countries want to normalize relations and “share the view that there is a historical chance to achieve a long-awaited peace.”

But for now, the former Karabakh residents are homeless and stranded – and a few are imprisoned in Baku. Beglaryan and his successor as ombudsman, Gegham Stepanyan, told me they had worked closely with Ruben Vardanyan, who until the Azerbaijani takeover served as state minster for Artsakh, as Armenians refer to Karabakh. Vardanyan is the most prominent of what the State Department officials told me are “dozens” of Karabakh prisoners in Baku.

As Armenians fled Karabakh last year, they left behind an estimated 400 churches and other religious sites, according to a Reuters report. The Museum of the Bible in Washington affirms on its website: “Today, Karabakh still holds a treasury of churches, monasteries, khachkars (cross-stones), and sacred sites, many of them inscribed in Armenian with the names, stories, and prayers of people from ages past.”

“I’m heartbroken and outraged for the thousands of Armenians who were isolated, starved, and then forced to flee their homes under assault from the Azerbaijani government. It’s imperative that we provide support to these refugees during this difficult time, and that we find a path to lasting peace between these two nations,” Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) told me. He’s been a leader of congressional efforts to aid the Karabakh Armenians.

History is a story of bloody conflicts that forced people from their lands and made them refugees. We might think that we live in more modern times, where the devastation of war is checked by international law and the oversight of the United Nations. But to the growing list of places where those rules don’t seem to apply, you can add the emptied territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Trump Needs Haley Voters to Win Back the White House

Things are looking good for Donald Trump. He (nearly) swept Super Tuesday. Nikki Haley has ended her primary challenge. The Supreme Court struck down efforts to keep him off the ballot. And four new polls show him beating President Biden in November.

Biden is almost twice as unpopular as Trump was at this point in 2020, measured by the gap between their approval and disapproval. A 43 percent plurality of Americans say the president’s polices have hurt them personally (only 18 percent say they have helped), he faces double-digit disapproval on every issue, and 86 percent say he is too old for another term.

Many Republicans look at this and say: There’s no way Biden can win.

Yes, he can. And if you don’t believe it, I’ve got three words for you: Senator John Fetterman.

Pennsylvanians demonstrated in 2022 that Americans will vote for a Democrat who had a stroke during the campaign if they don’t like the Republican alternative. And though Biden is the most unpopular president in the history of polling, Trump is almost as unpopular. In November, millions of Americans will be choosing between two candidates they dislike. Trump needs them to dislike him less. Yes, Biden is deeply vulnerable, but Trump has to exploit his vulnerabilities and make a concerted effort to win over Haley voters and skeptical swing voters who could very well decide the election.

The issue facing Trump is not “Never Trump” voters who didn’t support him in the past and won’t vote for him now under any circumstances. It is “Not Trump Again” voters, Americans who are open to his policies – and might have voted for him before – but don’t like how he behaved, particularly after the 2020 election, and supported Haley in the primaries. The former group is unpersuadable; the latter might not be.

By Marc A. Thiessen

But Trump has to go out and persuade them. He needs to recognize that right now, the party is not united. It is deeply divided between the dominant MAGA wing, which encompasses about two-thirds of Republican voters, and the not-MAGA wing, which makes up about

the GOP primaries this year. Trump lost in 2020 by just 42,918 votes in three battleground states: Georgia (11,779), Wisconsin (20,682) and Arizona (10,457). An equally small number of votes could be the difference between defeat and victory in 2024.

Haley supporters as “RINOs” might make his MAGA base swoon, but it does not help him win the presidency. Neither does boasting on Truth Social that “Nikki Haley got TROUNCED last night, in record setting fashion” or dismissing her voters as “Radical Left Democrats.” He needs to be gracious in victory and make a concerted effort to earn the votes of Republicans who did not support him in the primaries.

He also needs to win over independent swing voters who like how his policies have improved their lives but don’t like him. The reason he lost in 2020 is that he spent most of his time feeding his base instead of trying to expand it. He needs to win over persuadable Americans and bring them into his coalition, not drive them away. Biden’s disastrous presidency means Trump-skeptical voters might be willing to give the former president a fresh look – but only if he asks for one.

In November, millions of Americans will be choosing between two candidates they dislike. Trump needs them to dislike him less.

a third. Trump can’t take back the presidency without bringing the not-MAGA Republicans into his fold. But according to the Fox News Voter Analysis, 53 percent of not-MAGA Republicans in Iowa, 57 percent in South Carolina and 65 percent in New Hampshire say they won’t cast their ballot for Trump in November.

If even a fraction follows through on that promise, it could cost him the White House. Haley has won 2,873,491 votes in

One challenge in bringing them in: Many Trump-skeptical Republicans voted for him in 2016 because the Supreme Court was on the ballot. Well, thanks to his success in securing the 6-3 conservative majority, the Supreme Court is no longer the driving issue it was for these Republicans.

This much is certain: The election will tighten, and Trump can’t afford to leave any votes on the table. Attacking

How does he do that? He needs to convince them that a second Trump term would be a return not to chaos but to competence; that he would use the presidency not to seek revenge but to restore our country. He needs to pick a vice president with broad appeal to all wings of the party, not one who will confirm many Republicans’ worst fears. And he needs to signal that he understands why some are skeptical about returning him to the White House and assure them that their concerns are unfounded – and thus give them permission to vote in their self-interest.

Biden is weak, and Trump’s hardcore MAGA base is firmly behind him. But MAGA voters are not going to decide this election. Haley might be out of the race, but Haley voters and others who did not support Trump could decide the election.

Forgotten Her es Nazi Hunters

By Avi Heiligman

Author’s note: These are just a few of the Nazi hunters’ stories – this article is meant to be informative and not all-inclusive. A few years ago, we wrote an entire article about Henry Plitt and the information presented here is just a summary of his actions along with a few more details not included in the larger article. Please email the author to see the full article.

Beginning with the last few months of World War II, the world started to become a small place for Nazis. They knew the Allies were looking for them as their crimes against humanity started to become exposed with the liberation of concentration camps. Many escaped to South America, and Nazi hunters soon had operatives on the continent to try and locate the criminals. In addition to Nazi leaders, top scientists, engineers, technicians, operatives and spies working for Germany were sought out by world powers that were now facing off in the Cold War. Some Nazi hunters like Simon Wiesenthal became world famous, while the stories of others have been relegated to the back pages of history books.

Born in Austria-Hungary, Simon Wiesenthal survived several concentration camps including Buchenwald and Mauthausen. After liberation, he worked

with the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) to gather information on Nazi criminals so they could be arrested and brought to trial for their crimes. He also worked to help bring survivors to the British Mandate in what was then called Palestine. Together with other Nazi hunters, he collected thousands of statements on Nazis. By the 1950s, most world powers lost interest in conducting war crime trials, and Wiesenthal how to find places that would prosecute Nazis. South American countries did not usually want to get involved, even though the Nazis were often found there, so Wiesenthal worked with countries like West Germany and Israel to set up trials.

One of the more high-profile arrests contributed to Wiesenthal was that of Franz Stangl, commandant of extermination camps. Stangl first escaped to Italy, then Syria, and in 1961, Wiesenthal was told that Stangl was in Sao Paolo, Brazil. It took six people to track his exact location and get an arrest warrant. Finally, in 1967, Stangl was arrested, extradited to West Germany, and sentenced to life in prison.

Wiesenthal went after many other high-ranking Nazis including Joseph Mengele, who was never found, and Adolf Eichmann, who was captured by the Mossad and executed by Israel.

Thousands of Jewish soldiers served

in the British Army’s Jewish Brigade during World War II. Many of them managed to stay in Europe and help survivors in the aftermath of the horrors of the Holocaust. A group called TTG was established by Israel Carmi with handpicked members of the Jewish Brigade, many of whom had lost large numbers of relatives in the Holocaust. They helped survivors make their way to Eretz Yisrael, provided military materials to the Haganah, and hunted Nazis. By the time they left Europe, they had tracked down over a thousand war criminals.

Their first target was a Gestapo officer who had stolen from Jews in Italy. Wearing British uniforms, Carmi and his men raided his house and found hoards of stolen items. Additionally, they discovered a long list of SS and Nazi officers. They told Allied intelligence units about some of the names on the list but went after others themselves.

Carmi recounted how the group operated: “When we arrived at the home of our suspect, we would put on [British] Military Police helmets with the white band and police armlets. Then we would enter the home and take the suspect with us, saying that we wanted him for interrogation. Usually, they came without a struggle. Once in the car, we told the prisoner who we were and why we took him. Some admitted guilt. Others kept

silent. We did the job.”

The British Army for the most part turned a blind eye to their Nazi-hunting activities.

Tops Nazis who were rounded up in the closing months of the war were put on trial at Nuremberg. These Nazi criminals were tried by a panel of judges from the USSR, the USA, Britain and France. Two of the Nazis put on trial were personally captured by an American Jewish paratrooper from New York that had been given the task of rounding up Nazis. Henry Plitt joined the army in 1941 and joined the 101 st Airborne Division. He jumped into France on June 6, 1944 with a unit called the Pathfinders. Some say he was the first American to actually touch down on French soil that day. He also jumped into Holland during Operation Market Garden with the 502 nd PIR (Parachute Infantry Regiment) and was wounded four times. He was a decorated soldier that earned the Silver Star, among other awards.

Plitt had spent some time in the U.S. before returning to Europe in the closing weeks of the war, and he was with them when they liberated Dachau. The 101st was now stationed in Germany, and since he knew Yiddish, he was tasked to act on intelligence information regarding two particular Nazis. Plitt was given information about the whereabouts of Nazi Minister

Members of the TTG group

Simon Wiesenthal

of Labor Robert Ley. Plitt and his men raided his building and caught Ley trying to reach for what was probably a cyanide pill. They arrested him, and Ley was sentenced to death at Nuremburg.

Julius Streicher was the leading propagandist for the Nazis and was a vicious anti-Semite. Plitt was given a tip that a top Nazi officer was posing as an artist in a village in Austria. The man had a beard, but Plitt’s suspicions about the

true identity of the artist grew. Plitt began interrogating him and said to him, “You look like Streicher that I have a notion to take you in.” However, Streicher thought he said, “I know you are Streicher” and admitted his identity.

Streicher was the seventh Nazi killed at Nuremberg on October 16, which fell out on Hoshanah Rabbah. American reporter Kingsbury Smith witnessed the executions and said that Streicher

screamed out “Purim Fest 1946” before the trap door opened.

Not far from where Streicher was captured, SS General Karl Oberg, the Butcher of Paris, was captured by American Major Cecil Simmons.

Many other Nazis were hunted and killed in the decades following the Holocaust. The Mossad went after many of these war criminals and managed to track several down in South America.

Tracking and hunting Nazis is no pleasant business, but men like Wiesenthal, Carmi and Plitt will be remembered for this service.

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.

U.S. Major Cecil Simmons with SS General Karl Oberg after capture

Eichmann in the yard of his cell in Israel in 1961, prior to trial

Major Henry Plitt with Streicher after bringing the captured Nazi to 101st Headquarters

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com • text 443-929-4003

SERVICES

MAJOR APPLIANCE REPAIR

Servicing Washers , Dryers , Refrigerators , Dishwasher, stoves All work guaranteed.

Call 718 3762288

MY MOTTO IS DON’T WAIT TO buy real estate Buy real estate and wait Your realtor for life 516-784-0856 Alexandra at Realty Connect USA

PROFESSIONAL BAR/BAT MITZVAH SPEECH WRITER

Let your child’s speech be something you all remember!  Personalized and suited to your style.  Contact: Bluma@blumagordon.com

PEACEFUL PRESENCE STUDIO

Men’s private yoga, Licensed Massage & Holistic Health Guidance

436 Central Ave, Cedarhurst Info. & free video training www.peacefulpresence.com 516-371-3715

GERBER MOVING

FULL SERVICE MOVING

Packing Moving Supplies

Local Long Distance. Licensed Insured 1000’S Of Happy Customers Call Shalom 347-276-7422

HANDYMAN AVAILABLE

For big or small jobs, Sheetrock, carpentry, painting, electrical, plumbing, install & repair appliances

Call Ephraim at 347-593-4691

VACUUM SALES AND REPAIR

All areas call Max Flam 718-444-4904

MANAGEMENT STAFF WILL ASSIST you with: * Obtaining Medicaid and Pooled Income Trust

* In-home Assessments, Individual and Family Counseling

* Securing reliable home care assistance

* Case and Care Management services Dr. S. Sasson, DSW, LCSW (718) 544- 0870 or (646) 284-6242

HAIR COURSE:

Learn how to wash & style hair & wigs. Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling Private lessons or in a group

Call Chaya 718-715-9009

ZEVIZZ WOODTURNING JUDAICA

Challah knifes, batei mezuzah, besamim holder, kiddish cups, havdalah candle holders, yad for sefer torah, pens, stenders, bowls and more  952-356-2228

HOUSES FOR SALE

DON’T GET STUCK WITH A TWO STORY HOUSE YA KNOW, IT’S ONE STORY BEFORE YOU BUY IT BUT A SECOND STORY AFTER YOU OWN IT!

Call Dov Herman For An Accurate Unbiased Home Inspection

Infrared - Termite Inspection Full Report All Included NYC 718-INSPECT Long Island 516-INSPECT www.nyinspect.com

HEWLETT

Exquisitely renovated and modernized residence situated on a picturesque 50x200 lot. 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms. First floor features dining area, huge living room, expansive kitchen with modern cabinetry, two sinks, two ovens, and two islands. Second floor features 4 bedrooms, a nursery, primary suite with WIC. Private backyard with 400 square foot inground pool house/ guest house, cabana with a kitchen and grill, playground, basketball court. Fully paid solar panels. A fully renovated basement featuring a wet bar, separate outside entrance. Close to all houses of worship. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

LAWRENCE

Stunning One of a Kind Mid Century Modern 6 Bedroom, 6.5 Bath, Contemporary Ranch. Resort Style Home on Over an Acre of Property in Back Lawrence. Incredible Views, Regulation Size Tennis Court - Deco Turf. IG-Gunite Pool, Low Taxes, 5318 sq. ft. of Main Floor Living Space. Plus 5000 sq. ft. Basement With Very High Ceilings. Call Mark 516-298-8457 for more details Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457  mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

Beautiful, brick, colonial boasting 5 bdr 3.5 Bth in pristine condition. Excellent location, near all! Move right in! RCUSA 516-512-9626

CEDARHURST JUST LISTED

Magnificent renovated 4 bedroom 3 bathroom in SD#15, new roof, windows, plumbing + electric, gas cooking, new marble bathrooms, marble kitchen with stainless steel appliances, LED lighting, security cameras and speakers throughout the home, custom closets, outdoor patio, 1 car garage, near all. Mark Lipner

Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HOUSES FOR SALE HOUSES FOR SALE

NORTH WOODMERE

Stunning Split, 5 Bedrooms With 3 Full Baths. Custom Features Throughout. Well Maintained Home. Hardwood Floors, Granite Counters in kitchen, Formal Living Room and Dining Room, Den, Full Finished Basement. Relax in the Private Backyard With Inground Pool. SD#14. A must see! Close To All Houses of Worship Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457

mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

Charming Colonial on beautiful tree lined street in the heart of Old Woodmere. Home features 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, kitchen, dining area, living room, full basement. Relatively new heating system + hot water tank. Large & beautiful backyard. Great for entertaining. Close to all. Mark Lipner Associate

Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

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-in-ready home is bathed in natural light thanks to its four spacious skylights. Expansive formal dining room, full basement offers 8-foot ceilings. Stunning inground gunite pool and a beautifully designed patio in the welllandscaped yard. Located in school district 14 and conveniently close to all amenities, this property is a rare find that won’t stay on the market for long! Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457

WOODMERE

New to the market renovated 3 bedroom 2 full bathroom ranch home with a full finished basement in the heart of Woodmere, sd#15, on a lot size 90x118, gas heat, central air conditioning, garage, new windows, roof, siding, appliances, lighting, kitchen and bathrooms. Eat in kitchen with 2 sinks, 2 dishwashers, double oven, island, lots of cabinets and storage. Spacious renovated basement with lots of storage, washer dryer and utilities, minutes to the railroad, shopping and houses of worship.

Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457

mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

CAN’T AFFORD YOUR PROPERTY TAXES?

MORTGAGE?

Must sell for any reason?

Call for FREE Consultation.

Call now 212-470-3856

Cash buyers available!

LAWRENCE

New to the market 5 bedroom 3.5 bathrooms prime location with a lot size 77x130 features an eat-inkitchen, formal dining room , main floor den , formal living room with vaulted ceilings, finished basement, 2 car garage, gas heat, central air conditioning, in ground sprinkler, alarm call for more details.

OPEN HOUSE: MARCH 17, 12-3

218 JUNIPER CIRCLE

Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457

mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

NORTH WOODMERE

Meticulously maintained fourbedroom, two-bathroom home on an expansive corner. Main floor: entrance foyer, generously sized bedroom, a full bath, attached two-car garage. On the next level: sophisticated formal living room with cathedral ceilings, eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, sleek black banisters, hardwood floors. Third floor: master suite, two additional bedrooms, and another full bath. Lower level: cozy den with brick fireplace, laundry facilities, ample storage space, and utilities. New heating system, central air conditioning, custom closets throughout, inground sprinkler system. Conveniently located near parks, shopping centers, and houses of worship, and situated within SD#15 with low taxes. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457

mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

Welcome to this stunning residence situated on a tranquil residential street in Lawrence SD#15. This spacious and flawlessly maintained home boasts 4 to 5 bedrooms. Bright, airy living room with vaulted ceilings, skylights and wet bar. Central air conditioning, elegant quartz countertops, eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, main floor den with fireplace, master bedroom with bathroom snd dressing room, Jacuzzi tub, three other bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Inground sprinklers, lush landscaping, alarm system. Spacious playroom. Twocar garage. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

Classifieds

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com

HOUSES FOR SALE HOUSES FOR SALE

HEWLETT-WOODMERE

School district. New to the market. 4 bedroom 3 full bathroom home features living room with a fireplace, formal dining room leading out to the deck, eat-in-kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, 2 dishwashers, double oven, new microwave, primary bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, plus 3 additional bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, large family room, central air conditioning, gas heat, in-ground sprinklers, hardwood floors, modern high hat lighting, custom window treatments, driveway has recently been done, 2 car garage, beautifully landscaped plus so much more.

Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WEST HEMPSTEAD

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

WOODMERE

Spacious home within school district 14 with exquisite upgrades and central air conditioning, splendid kitchen with dual sinks, five bedrooms. Main level encompasses a spacious great room, office space, complementing the formal living and dining areas. Unfinished basement, detached garage. Expansive lot, measuring 80 x 100. Conveniently located near shopping, railroad, restaurants and places of worship.

Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

Woodmere just listed 3 bedroom 2 full bathroom hi-ranch in sd #15 with central air-conditioning , gas heat, 2 car garage, eat-in-kitchen, l/r, d/r, den, hardwood floors, minutes to transportation , shopping, and houses of worship Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

Spacious home within school district 14 with exquisite upgrades and central air conditioning, splendid kitchen with dual sinks, five bedrooms. Main level encompasses a spacious great room, office space, complementing the formal living and dining areas. Unfinished basement, detached garage. Expansive lot, measuring 80 x 100. Conveniently located near shopping, railroad, restaurants and places of worship. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

1st showing spacious bright and sunny 5 bedroom 3 full bathrooms in school district 15. Features an expanded gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, 2 sinks, double oven, warming drawer, great counter space, central air conditioning, gas heat, 2 of the bathrooms are new, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, in ground sprinkler, gas line for the barbeque, 2 car garage and minutes to all.

Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

Introducing a stunning 14-side hall colonial home in the Hewlett Woodmere School District. Formal living room, formal dining room, den with a skylight. Eat in Kitchen, two sinks, a double oven, a warming draw and a microwave. First floor bedroom, a full bathroom and laundry room. Two-car garage. Upper level has four bedrooms, two full bathrooms. Finished basement with playroom, storage and utilities. Well-groomed exterior with porch adjoining the master bedroom. Hardwood floors and back patio. Central air conditioning, inground sprinkler system, alarm system. Close proximity to schools, shopping centers, restaurants, and transportation options.

Mark Lipner Associate Broker

Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HOUSES FOR SALE

NORTH WOODMERE

New to the market magnificent 5 bedroom 3 full bathroom split level. Bright & sunny, living room with vaulted ceilings, formal dining room, eat-in-kitchen, den with fireplace, sunroom, 2 car garage, gas heating, central air conditioning, master bedroom with en-suite, hardwood floors, in ground sprinkler system, plus so much more. Open house Sunday March 17 2:00-4:00pm 790 Longview Avenue. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-2988457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HOUSES FOR SALE

WELCOME TO SMART HOME

First Open house in Woodmere

From 12 to 2!!!

Solo panels, mineral water , wheelchair accessible, master bedroom on first floor

970 Dartmouth Lane Woodmere!!!

Call Alexandra at Realty Connect USA

15167840856

Classifieds

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com

APT./COOP/CONDO SALE APT./COOP/CONDO SALE

LAWRENCE

359A Central Av Lawrence  1 bedroom apartment, elevator building, eat-in kitchen, full bath, hardwood floors, plenty of closet space. Ceiling fan in bedroom & kitchen, laundry room in the basement. Close to the railroad, shopping, and houses of worship. $179k Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

LAWRENCE

New to the market 2 bedroom 2 full bathrooms top floor elevator building, 24 hr doorman, open concept, totally renovated kitchen, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, 2 dishwashers, island, 2 new bathrooms, terrace, central air conditioning, u/g parking, high hats throughout, custom closets minutes to shopping, railroad, park, and houses of worship Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

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. $130K 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

APT./COOP/CONDO SALE APT./COOP/CONDO SALE

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

LAWRENCE

New to the market 1 bedroom 1.5-bathroom condo apartment, elevator building, 24 hr doorman, central air conditioning, washer/dryer, u/g parking, terrace, many closets, social room, gym, library minutes to shopping, restaurants, transportation and houses of worship. 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

Classifieds

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com • text 443-929-4003

APT./COOP/CONDO RENT

LAWRENCE

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

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

APT./COOP/CONDO RENT APT./COOP/CONDO RENT COMMERCIAL REAL ESATATE

CEDARHURST

2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment, private entrance, washer/dryer, central air conditioning, freshly painted, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, garage parking, stainless steel appliances, great courtyard, minutes to the railroad, shopping, restaurants, park and houses of worship. 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

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

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

HEWLETT

Welcome To Luxury Living in The Heart of Hewlett! This Spacious 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom Condo Boasts in Unit Separate Laundry For Ultimate Convenience. Enjoy Lovely Courtyard Views from Your Private Terrace. With Elevator Access and A Doorman, Experience The Epitome Of Comfort In This Prestigious Building. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@ bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE

House rental 4 bedroom 2 full bathrooms, central air conditioning, kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, dual sinks, formal dining room, den, hardwood floors, washer and dryer Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

ISRAEL REAL ESTATE

RAMAT BEIT SHEMESH G1

*Available this summer in RBSG1*

5 bedroom/4 bathroom (3 full- 1 half)

1st floor • Building w/ an elevator

Quiet street • Close to bussing (local and to Yerushalayim)

Across the street from a few different Shuls

Walking to G1 Mercaz

Available July 12 - Aug 9 with flexibility

For more info WhatsApp 347-831-5128 or call 053-412-7194

1500SF LOFT OFFICE

(formerly Shmuel Flaum Architect) 2 store/offices; ~600sf each 2 Cedarhurst offices; ~100sf each Starting at $650

Also… Large Parking Lot & Storage available Utilities, Internet & Parking incl. with some Kosher kitchen – Minyan

Next to LIRR - No broker fee Call/text/Whatsapp:  516-206-1100

5 TOWNS - OFFICES FOR LEASE

ROCKVILLE CENTRE

Newly Renovated Office Space

LIRR, Bus, Bank, Shopping, City Center. 20 Minute Drive to JFK Call Owner 516-654-4986

CEDARHURST —OFFICE SPACE

Executive Office Suites small and large, short term and Long Term INCLUDES  access to beautiful conference room, kitchenettes, all utilities and internet included.  Text/ Whatsapp Sam 516-567-0100

INWOOD — OFFICE SPACE

700 sq Office space w/ 3 Interior Offices  next door to beautiful Inwood Park, Mincha Minyan Text/Whatsapp Sam 516-567-0100

HELP WANTED

MUSIC ‘N MOTION

A preschool music program, is looking to hire a music teacher in the Five Towns region.

Qualifications are: musical, lively, warm personality, great with children, responsible and dedicated. Training, music activities and props are provided.  Call 929-322-4202 ext 202 or email resume to gela@mnmotion.com

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

ACCOUNTANT F/T

Beitel Group is seeking to hire F/T Staff Accountant. Min 2 years’ experience required. Competitive pay, benefits, and growth potential. Please email resume to jobs@beitel.com

Classifieds

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com

HELP WANTED 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

MDS REGIONAL NURSE

5 Towns area Nursing Home management office seeking a Regional/Corporate level MDS Nurse to work in our office. Must be an RN. Regional experience preferred. 2-3 years MDS experience with good computer skills required.

Position is Full Time but Part Time can be considered. Great Shomer Shabbos environment with some remote options as well. Email: officejob2019@gmail.com

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

BNOS MALKA ACADEMY

is seeking a 4th grade kodesh teacher, starting immediately. MondayThursday 8-12:30, Friday 8-11. Please send resume to rungar@bnosmalka.org

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Assistant Teachers Needed in Lawrence for Fall, 2024 and Camp Staff over 16-years-old for Summer, 2024. The Gural JCC Early Childhood Center is hiring Assistant Teachers for the 2024-2025 school year, and Camp Staff over 16-years-old for Summer, 2024. Please send resumes to JCC.Nursery@guraljcc.org or call (516) 239-1354.

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

BOOKKEEPER

Excellent growth potential, Frum environment, Excellent salary & benefits. Email resume to: resumetfs1@gmail.com

A YESHIVA IN QUEENS

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

5 TOWNS BOYS YESHIVA

Seeking Elem Gen Ed Teachers

Excellent working environment and pay. Only lic/exp need apply. Email resume to yeshivalooking@gmail.com

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

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

MISC.

GOING TO FLORIDA FOR PESACH?

Get your favorite wine and spirits delivered for free for all orders over $400

vintagekosher.com/pesach 646-768-8800

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!

Your Money

“The Price is Right” Taxes

By Allan Rolnick, CPA

The IRS reminds us that “the U.S. income tax system is built on the idea of voluntary compliance. This means that taxpayers are responsible for declaring all of their income, calculating their tax correctly, and filing a tax return on time.” In other words, “the IRS depends upon honest reporting.” (There are people who would have you believe that owing tax is voluntary. You can safely lump them in with people who tell you the Earth is flat or that Jeffery Epstein really killed himself.)

Of course, any game that relies on voluntary compliance also gives players the option to not comply. And so, in any given year, there are millions of Americans who don’t voluntarily file their returns. Some of those miscreants go year after year after year without filing. (Tax professionals love when non-filers walk in the door, shamefaced, and confess years of unfiled returns – cha-ching!)

Last week, the IRS announced a new effort to chase down 125,000 cases where high earners, including some making over a million dollars, failed to file. But wait a minute – how does the IRS know how much they made if they didn’t file their returns?

It turns out voluntary compliance

is great – but there’s a Plan B when it fails. That backup plan takes the form of third-party reporting. Employers send the IRS W-2s to report how much their employees make. Financial service providers send the IRS all sorts of 1099s to report how much they pay out in interest, dividends, annuities, and retirement

filer earned a million or more in that period. In the rest, the non-filer earned $400,000 or more. The total amount of unreported income is over $100 billion How much tax will that raise? Well, that brings us to Plan C for our “voluntary” tax system. Un reported doesn’t always mean untaxed. If you’re earning income

But wait a minute – how does the IRS know how much they made if they didn’t file their returns?

income. Vendors send a different kind of 1099 to report how much they pay their independent contractors. The bottom line here is that the IRS probably already knows how much you grossed, even before you file your return.

Now, the IRS has started mailing notices in those 125,000 cases where they’ve gotten third-party information since 2017, but the recipient hasn’t filed a return. In 25,000 of them, the non-

as an employee, your employer helpfully withholds taxes from your paycheck and sends it to the IRS for you. (Well, at least they’re supposed to. There’s a whole different category of penalties for employers who drop that particular ball, and it sometimes involves prison.) At the end of the year, you file your return to find out how close your employer came to the actual retail price (hopefully without going over) and settle the difference in the

form of a refund or small final payment.

Those withholdings mean that loads of high-income doctors, lawyers, and business executives could easily have earned a million or more since 2017, “forgotten” to file 1040s, and maybe even find there are refunds waiting for them to claim.

Bottom line, the IRS announcement suggests there’s a hidden army of Scrooge McDucks out there, gleefully diving into swimming pools filled with untaxed cash, just waiting to rescue the rest of us from trillion-dollar deficits as far as the eye can see. The reality is likely to be far less satisfying for the IRS and those who filed and paid their fair share.

You may think that non-filer collections have nothing to do with you. But they’re a sign of how much harder the IRS is working to collect every dime our Uncle Sam is owed. That makes careful planning even more important in order to pay the legal minimum. Count on us to help you accomplish that goal!

Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.

Life C ach Working It Out

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

What do we think of PT?!

Physical therapy! What do we think of it? Is it a blessing or a curse? Is it worth the hard work and pain?

Bend it, stretch it, stimulate it, manipulate it, massage it. Actually, all easy –especially when you’re not the one doing the work. The therapist is!

However, it’s when you have to get involved that it gets a little sticky….

When you’ve got to be the one to lift it, hold it, work it, the whole thing may seem a lot more difficult – maybe even painful. How about torturous?!

So what do we think of it? Oh, it’s great that it exists. It helps resuscitate so many areas of your body. But we’d probably like it a lot better if we didn’t have to be there for it!

We all love a quick fix – an ice pack, a hot pack, a pill, even a shot; as long as we can just get back to where we were before we had the change or the injury. It’s the excruciating positional pain and difficult strengthening contortions we can’t stand.

But how blessed are we to have a way to get back to where we were before? We sometimes even wind up better.

Is it fun? Not really.

Is it easy? Barely.

Is it worth it? Clearly. Is it renewal? Ideally.

So is the existence of physical therapy something to be ecstatic about? Absolutely – especially when somebody else is going through it because we don’t see the effort, only the results. Lucky them.

However, when it’s you who has to do the actual exercises, then is its existence important? Oh, definitely. But it’s certainly no picnic.

It would just be so much better if we could be somewhere else partying while the recovery was taking place!

So is PT really Plain Torture or Perfect Toning?

I guess we can say realistically that it’s somewhere in the middle.

But more realistically, it is the same, old message: it’s all how we view it!

Again, it’s up to us. Which means it requires PT: Perspective Tampering!

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. A book is the ultimate apparatus.