Five Towns Jewish Home 12.19.24

Inspiring Challah Bake at Israel Chesed Center

Dear Readers,

Irecently met with Amb. David Friedman about his new book, One Jewish State Amb. Friedman’s premise is that the twostate solution that world leaders have been trying to ram down Israel’s throat for the past few decades in order to achieve “peace” in the region is a relic that should be buried. The massacre that was perpetrated on October 7 is a blaring indication that the State of Israel’s survival would be severely threatened if she had a Palestinian state looming over her.

What struck me most about Amb. Friedman’s book was that so much of it referenced Tanach. He writes about the history of the land and how the land of Israel belongs to the Jews – because G-d, the Creator of the world, gifted it to them. He quotes pesukim that speak about the Jews’ claim to Israel; he writes about what specifically took place in certain cities millennia ago and how the Jews have so much rich history in the land.

Perhaps I can be so bold as to say that there are many Israelis who are unfamiliar with the history of the Jewish nation in the land of Israel. Perhaps they think that their history begins in 1948, or maybe a few years earlier, in 1897, when Theodore Herzl convened the first World Jewish Congress. How sad! When you fail to remember that our nation’s connection to the land goes back millennia and when you fail to remember that our nation’s connection the land comes from G-d, you ignore the cherished and inseverable bond that connects both nation and land.

Shay Kallah was a fighter pilot in the Israeli air force for more than two decades. Now frum, Shay’s mission is to infuse Zionist principles with an unshakeable Jewish identity. Since October 7, many soldiers have been moving towards mitzvah observance; they understand that the only way that the Jewish nation can be victorious is with divine assistance. But many leaders in the Zionist movement still cling to their old beliefs, ideas that failed them on October 7. These principles compel them to try to become like the other nations, to secularize their mindsets. But, Shay warns, the Jewish nation is supposed to be an “ohr la’goyim, a light unto the nations,” a beacon of good in the world. That is our mandate and our mission. And that is the only way we can be victorious.

Indeed, Shay’s perspective is a modern-day Maccabee mindset. It is the realization that the only way that the Jewish nation can succeed against our enemies is if we harness the G-dliness within us and infuse all our actions with a spiritual light. Yes, our warriors utilize tanks and weapons in battle. But the most effective ammunition that they wield is the divine assistance that they bring with them.

May Hashem watch over our nation and our soldiers, and may He bring home the hostages to their families so they can celebrate Chanukah and be immersed in the light of the menorah in their own homes.

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern, PUBLISHER publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

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Dear Editor,

I would like to bring attention to a major issue that is deeply affecting our community.

On Saturday nights, Central Avenue has become a hub for problematic behavior involving approximately a hundred teenagers, both boys and girls, from the Five Towns and Queens. These teenagers are frequently intoxicated and under the influence of drugs, engaging in dangerous, disruptive, and illegal activities.

They enter stores on motorcycles, steal merchandise, vomit on the premises, threaten each other with knives, and create excessive noise, driving away other customers. As a result, many families have stopped coming to these stores entirely, fearing for their safety. This has caused significant financial losses for store owners.

Two weeks ago, on a Saturday night, they shattered a storefront window, causing over $5,000 in damages—a cost no one has taken responsibility for. This is outright theft and vandalism! Their behavior has become so out of control that even Shomrim and the police are struggling to maintain order. These actions not only harm themselves and other customers but also create a tremendous chillul Hashem, tarnishing the reputation of our community.

Where are the parents of these teenagers? Do they know where their children are and what they’re doing? When will they take responsibility—only after someone gets seriously hurt? Store owners and managers are not babysitters, nor is it their responsibility to teach children proper behavior. That role belongs to par-

ents and yeshivas.

If parents and yeshivas are unable to manage these teens, I urge them to seek professional help immediately. This situation cannot continue to spiral out of control. We need action now, before it’s too late.

Please, I implore you to address this matter urgently for the sake of our community’s safety, reputation, and well-being.

Sincerely,

A Frustrated Store Owner

Dear Editor,

As a mother, there’s nothing more terrifying than knowing your child is in danger and there’s nothing you can do to help him. The combination of fear and pride that I had when my son was serving as a Lone Soldier in the IDF is indescribable. Part of the feeling of helplessness stemmed from being thousands of miles away in West Hempstead while he was fighting for our country on the frontlines. The one place I was able to turn to time and time again for help was the Israel Chesed Center (ICC). At the beginning of the war, they helped his unit with everything from underwear to dried salami. Most recently, when he and his unit were up in Lebanon, he was able to acquire critical flame-retardant uniforms for his unit through the ICC. It is comforting to know that when he will be called back into service, I will once again be able turn to the ICC for anything he needs.

And it’s not just the gear. My son and his unit are so deeply touched by the letters of support that came with their deliveries. Those words of encouragement

Continued on page 16

Continued from page 12 gave them strength during some of their darkest moments. For me as a mom, I’m comforted knowing that my son had everything we could possibly provide to protect him while he risked his life to protect all of us.

Despite more than a year passing since the war started, the need for support is still urgent. ICC’s ongoing efforts are making a real difference, and I am forever grateful for the help they’ve provided to my son and so many others. Please consider getting involved – your support could save lives.

Sincerely,

Jen Toplan

Dear Editor,

People may think they can’t make a difference because they can’t volunteer in Israel or donate large sums… But everyone can help in their own way. For me, it’s through my business! I proudly support the Israel Chesed Center! I print all of their marketing materials at the best possible price, and every Monday morning, I have the sad, but important task of printing the updated posters of fallen soldiers to honor their memory HY”D.

I’ve seen firsthand the incredible events that ICC runs to connect our community – from supporting soldiers to hosting families of hostages, shiurim, meaningful women’s events, anti-antisemitism workshops, and more! They’re not only fundraising; they’re creating real impact and giving everyone an opportunity to support Israel in a meaningful way. It’s an honor to be part of this effort, and I encourage others to find their own way to help. Whether it’s through time, resources, or expertise – there’s always a way to make a difference. Every contribution counts!

Sincerely,

Mikey Sutton Print on Point

Dear Editor,

I was extremely inspired by a recent speech my uncle, Rabbi Genack, delivered at an OU luncheon. He referenced the Maccabees in relation to our current military victories. In discussions he had with senators, it was confirmed that Hezbollah was greatly weakened and now Syria has fallen, a key strategic victory that removes much of Iran’s presence in that region. He also referenced Yaakov’s dream of the ladder where angels were ascending and descending. He said that

now the angels are leading us up and escorting us to new heights in these unprecedented times.

Steven Genack

Dear Editor

With our minds focused on Chanukah preparations, we may have lost track of an important event that will occur shortly after Chanukah. On January 5, 2025, congestion pricing begins. When the concept was first proposed during Andrew Cuomo’s term, I was against the idea. Now, I favor it.

I agree that the MTA has been mismanaging their budget for numerous years, and they have not been transparent about how their budget is used, I still feel that by “default” we should support congestion pricing. I average 6 trips weekly on both the LIRR and subways. LIRR has been placing more of the older 1970s-style trains in service with many on the “branch lines” such as the Far Rockaway line. The platforms and station houses in our area are not well-maintained and there is no sign of improvement. I frequently use the Valley Stream or Lynbrook stations which are both elevated. I almost always see a broken elevator or escalator. The steps and elevators stink from mold and urine.

The subways are worse than the LIRR. In addition to dingy, smelly platforms and trains, there has been a tremendous increase in the homeless population lying on benches and doing their bodily needs on the train. I frequently must walk over homeless people sleeping on the station or train floor, because they are blocking the pathway.

The reality is that the MTA doesn’t have sufficient funds to fix much of its infrastructure and get enough cops and other help to manage the growing homeless presence. Without the income from congestion pricing, we can expect more of these 70s-era trains appearing, and service reductions, which could include no weekend service on the Far Rockaway Line. This has been proposed several times before. Subway and bus service will also be drastically reduced. Overall, commuting time will dramatically increase and will become more inconvenient.

Congestion pricing is far from the ideal solution to the MTA’s budget problems. Hopefully, the revenue will be correctly, sufficiently and effectively sent to the MTA, and not elsewhere. MTA still needs to manage its budget far better than it

has. Hopefully, using part of this revenue will help MTA hire more staff to crack down on fare evaders on both the LIRR and subways. These evasions have been hefty sources of revenue loss. For the immediate, congestion pricing is necessary as the budget situation is dire.

Daniel Feldman

Dear Editor,

The article “A Sea-rious Story,” (Delving into the Daf, The Jewish Home) by Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, was absolutely insightful and entertaining. Rabbi Sebrow’s use of humor was simply brilliant. I learned so much while getting a much-needed laugh. Sea-riously.

Thank you, Michael J. Weinstein Syosset, NY

Dear Editor,

In response to my letter regarding my vote for Kamala Harris, three writers expressed disagreement and even consternation at my presidential pick (Letters, Nov. 28). I thank those writers for their responses as I simultaneously continue to affirm that I was correct in rejecting Donald Trump.

I will not rehash points that have already been made, but I do wish to reply to a few of the comments. I had stated that Trump should be condemned for calling the press “enemies of the people.” To this, Jack Brody retorted: “The press ARE the enemies of the people.” This is the sort of statement one expects from the leader of a totalitarian or authoritarian state, not from the leader of a democracy! The press is a check on governmental power. Rather than cultivating a cozy relationship with elected officials, we need the press to “press” our leaders on various issues and concerns. Now it is true that some members of the press have not been fair to Trump. By contrast, some journalists do intellectual somersaults to excuse his every act and word. The evening hosts at Fox News come immediately to mind.

Brody also insinuates that Harris supports the Congressional “Squad.” There is not much evidence of that, but we do know that Donald Trump invited neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes and anti-Semite Kanye West to dinner at Mar-a-Lago.

Daniel Feldman argues that I am wrong in saying that Harris is not anti-Israel. I don’t know how many times she needs to express her support for Israel in order to prove Feldman wrong. Has

Harris been as full-throated in support of Israel as President Biden? Probably not, but there are few American politicians who have the pro-Israel credentials that Biden possesses. Harris has consistently stood by Israel’s right to defend itself. While she has voiced concern about innocent Palestinian Arab casualties, the truth is that she is right. We ought to be heartbroken by the deaths of innocents in war. And while the blame for most of these lies squarely at the feet of Hamas, that fact does not reduce the tragedy.

After my letter appeared, Donald Trump made public his selections for his cabinet. Several of these picks are highly alarming. Happily, Matt Gaetz, Trump’s disastrous pick for Attorney General, voluntarily withdrew from consideration. Yet other bad selections remain active. Pete Hegseth would be totally unqualified to be Secretary of Defense even if there were not a credible allegation of assault against him. He has no administrative experience that would lead me to believe he can manage a department with around three million employees.

Robert F, Kennedy, Jr., Trump’s selection to lead Health and Human Services, is a lawyer, not a physician. Further, he holds dangerous views about vaccines, and he has proposed numerous conspiracy theories.

Then there is Pash Katel, Trump’s nominee to direct the FBI. This may be the most dangerous of Trump’s choices. Patel is on record discussing how the FBI should go after Trump’s perceived enemies; further he has advanced absurd theories about the “Deep State.” The effect on our justice system, should Patel be confirmed, would be chilling

These selections for critical governmental positions share one characteristic: loyalty to Donald Trump. Such a trait is not one we should seek for our public servants; their loyalty needs to be to the United States Constitution. I hope that Republican senators will find the courage to break from Donald Trump and reject these poor picks. Meanwhile, I remain deeply concerned that Orthodox Jews have supported Trump with blinders on; we should not be in the business of deification. Finally, it is good for Jews to maintain good relations with both parties, both on the presidential and on local levels.

Avi Goldstein Far Rockaway, NY

The

New French PM

Following a no-confidence vote from parliament that ousted Michel Barnier from the premiership, French President Emmanuel Macron appointed centrist ally François Bayrou as France’s new prime minister.

Bayrou is France’s fourth prime minister of the year, the most the country has ever had in one year, as the nation grapples with political instability. Some left and far-right members of parliament are already calling for Bayrou’s ouster, though others are waiting to see whether the 73-year-old political veteran will be willing to compromise with other parties and if he will successfully form a functional cabinet.

Among Bayrou’s top priorities will be to finalize an emergency budget to stop France’s economy from crumbling under the pressure of debt and a large budget deficit. Bayrou has also said he would aim to reach a “necessary reconciliation” of the divided people of France.

Bayrou’s political career stretches back some forty years. In the 1990s, he was the education minister. In three elections, he ran as a presidential candidate, including in 2017, when he pulled out of the race and endorsed Macron, leading to the current president’s first-term victory. He also served as the mayor of the southwestern French city of Pau. Bayrou is also the head and founder of Mouvement Démocrate (MoDem), a centrist party that teamed up with Macron’s Renaissance and other parties to form a coalition.

Some claim that Bayrou will serve as a puppet for Macron. Others believe the new premier will advance his own bipartisan agenda.

Among Bayrou’s chief threats is the far-right National Rally party, whose brief alliance with left-wing parties led to Barnier’s ouster. Marine Le Pen, the

party’s leader in the lower house, said she was keeping an open mind about Bayrou.

“I’m not brandishing the threat of a no-confidence vote morning, noon, and evening,” said Le Pen, adding that she is, however, “not renouncing that tool.”

Leftist party France Unbowed condemned Macron’s selection of Bayrou, with top lawmakers such as Mathilde Panot calling for an immediate no-confidence vote against him. The Socialist and Communist parties expressed their disdain for the pick but suggested they would consider keeping Bayrou in office if he compromises with them on several issues, including by not pushing bills into law without a final vote from parliament—a decision made by Barnier that led to his downfall.

Critics of Macron have urged him to resign, though he has thus far rejected such calls.

Top Russian Military Official Killed

Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s nuclear defense forces, was killed in an explosion in Moscow on Tuesday morning. Ukraine’s domestic security service took responsibility for the assassination.

Ukraine’s SBU called Kirillov a “legitimate target” due to his role in ordering the use of banned chemical weapons on Ukraine amid Russia’s nearly three-year invasion.

The Russian official and his assistant were walking when an explosive device on a parked scooter detonated near the entrance of a residential building in Moscow. The device that detonated contained about the same amount of explosives as used in 2010 suicide bombings inside the Moscow metro that killed at least 40 people and injured 80 more.

Kirillov had been in charge of Russia’s nuclear, biological and chemical defense forces since April 2017, according to Tass He had served as a platoon commander in the Soviet Western Group of Forces in Germany — a group of Soviet troops stationed across East Germany — and in

Gelt Ready To Save

Moscow in the early 1990s, before holding positions in nuclear, biological and chemical weapons units.

Kirillov is the highest-ranking Russian military official to be killed outside the front lines since Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Previously, the highest-ranking Russian death outside the battlefield was Capt. Valery Trankovsky, commander of the 41st brigade of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. He was killed in a car explosion in Sevastopol, in Crimea, in November, also in a hit perpetrated by SBU.

The killing of Kirillov comes a week after the reported death, also in Moscow, of a top Russian cruise missile engineer who helped develop the missiles for use in the war in Ukraine.

The explosion that killed Kirillov and his assistant was a “special operation” conducted by the SBU. A Ukrainian official said that Kirillov was an “absolutely legitimate target since he gave orders to use banned chemical weapons against the Ukrainian military.”

The SBU on Monday charged Kirillov in absentia for his role in directing the use of banned chemical weapons against its forces.

In May, the U.S. State Department sanctioned Kirillov’s unit

after determining that Russia used chloropicrin — a choking agent heavily used during World War I — against Ukrainian troops, in violation of Moscow’s commitments under the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention. Two months ago, Britain sanctioned Kirillov for his role in helping to deploy chemical weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine, also calling him a “significant mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation.” He has also been sanctioned by Canada and New Zealand

After his death, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Kirillov “worked fearlessly” and “did not hide behind backs” in his work for Russia. Andrey Kartapolov, chairman of the Defense Committee of the lower house of Russia’s parliament, called Kirillov a “dignified Russian general” and “leader of his organization who was looked up to.”

Cyclone Slams

Mayotte

Cyclone Chido hit the French territory of Mayotte on Saturday, killing what officials believe to be hundreds or even thousands of people.

The cyclone, the deadliest one to hit

Mayotte in nine decades, destroyed much of the poor nation, wiping out neighborhoods, damaging airports and other important public infrastructure, and leaving much of the island without electricity. According to residents, the storm uprooted trees, capsized and sank boats, and decimated slums.

“I think there are some several hundred dead, maybe we’ll get close to a thousand. Even thousands ... given the violence of this event,″ Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville said.

Mayotte, the poorest island in France and the poorest territory in the European Union, is home to around 300,000 people. The island was hit by the cyclone after the storm crashed into the southwestern Indian Ocean on Friday and Saturday. The cyclone also devastated Comoros, Madagascar, and Mozambique, three nearby countries, but Mayotte was hit the hardest, as it was directly in Chido’s path.

The category four cyclone carried winds of up to 136 mph.

Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, said his “thoughts” were with the people of Mayotte, and Pope Francis, during a Sunday visit to the French Mediterranean island of Corsica, offered prayers for the victims of the disaster.

Reunion, a neighboring French territory, sought to make a sea and air bridge to Mayotte, with emergency personnel and supplies sent from the mainland and Reunion to the embattled island. Reunion sent over 800 rescuers, along with over 80 tons of supplies, in an effort to restore electricity and drinking water access to the residents of Mayotte. Another 1,600 police and military officers were sent to Mayotte, according to the French Interior Ministry, in order to “help the population and prevent potential looting.”

After slamming Mayotte, the cyclone headed to northern Mozambique, unleashing its anger on the African nation.

Chinese Spy in U.K.

Yang “Chris” Tengbo, a friend of Prince Andrew, was recently called out by a British court as a Chinese spy after

a judge decided he should not remain anonymous.

Yang—the co-founder of Pitch@ Palace China, which brought one of the prince’s entrepreneurial initiatives into China in 2014—denies the accusations, claiming that he did “nothing wrong or unlawful” and that the “widespread description of me as a ‘spy’ is entirely untrue,” according to PA Media.

Yang was particularly close with Prince Andrew, who is King Charles’ younger brother. In a Thursday tribunal hearing, which ratified the decision to block the spy from the United Kingdom, authorities confirmed that Yang was permitted to represent the Duke of York at business meetings with Chinese investors in Britain. Additionally, Yang was on the invite list in 2020 for the prince’s 60th birthday party. The alleged spy could be seen alongside Prince Andrew in images and videos taken during Pitch@Palace events.

“The Duke met the individual through official channels with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed,” Andrew’s office stated, adding that the Duke has disavowed his relationship with Yang in light of government advice. “He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security.”

According to the allegations, Yang was employed by China’s United Front Work Department (UFWD), a part of the Chinese Communist Party that is dedicated to ensuring “that politicians and high-profile figures in foreign states are supportive of the CCP, or at the very least do not criticize China or counter its narrative,” according to the parliament’s report.

This isn’t the first time Prince Andrew was found to be friendly with shady individuals. Five years ago, it was revealed that the Duke was friends with the infamous Jeffrey Epstein. This also isn’t the first time the UK has investigated reports of Chinese spying. In 2023, the Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee said that China was aiming to interfere with British politics. Others accused of spying for China include Christine Lee and two men, including a parliamentary researcher.

The Chinese Embassy blasted the investigation, claiming that it is based on lies promoted by “a handful of UK MPs” who’d “done nothing but fully revealed their twisted mentality towards China.”

“What they are really up to is to smear China, target against the Chinese community in the UK and undermine normal personnel exchanges between China and the UK. We strongly condemn this,” the embassy stated.

Some have accused British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of being too weak on China, criticizing him for being the first UK premier to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in six years and for purportedly failing to enact anti-spying legislation.

German PM Loses Confidence Vote

Germany will hold a snap election on February 23, 2025, following the collapse of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government after he failed to win the vote of confidence that he initiated. In the end, 394 voted against him, 207 voted for him, and 116 were absent.

In the upcoming election, the spotlight will be on seven major parties, four of which have officially chosen their candidates for chancellor.

A coalition between the Christian Democrats (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) selected Friedrich Merz as their chancellor candidate. The incumbent Social Democrats party will again be headed by Scholz. Alternative for Deutschland (AfD), a far-right party, chose party co-founder Alice Weidel, a politician known for her traditional and populist views, as its candidate for chancellor. Lastly, the Green Party selected current Economics Minister Robert Habeck as its Kanzlerkandidat, which is German for chancellor candidate.

The three other major parties – the Free Democrats, the BSW, and Die Linke – have yet to name their candidates.

It is expected that CDU/CSU’s Merz will be Germany’s next chancellor unless the situation changes significantly before the election. According to national opin-

ion polls, the coalition is in first place, with support from 32% of respondents. In second place is AfD at 18%. In third is SPD, with 16%, and in fourth is the Green Party, with 14%.

Merz served as a member of Germany’s European Parliament from 1989 to 1994, after which he was a CDU member of the Bundestag (German parliament) until 2009. He then exited politics and worked as a corporate lawyer. In 2018 and 2020, he vied unsuccessfully for his party’s pick as leader. Notably, Merz is known for his pro-Ukraine stance and supports giving the country Germany’s Taurus missiles.

The economy and immigration will be among the election’s main issues. According to the German Central Bank, the German economy is set to stagnate in the winter half-year 2024-25 and only begins to make a slow recovery over the course of 2025,” with a predicted growth forecast of 0.2%. Many major German corporations, including Volkswagen, have struggled with plant closures and major layoffs.

“The election is probably coming at a very good time for the AfD… This is a moment when many people are generally very unhappy with the government, so they kind of want to make a point and vote for an extreme party to show how unhappy they are,” noted Leonie von Randow, a political reporter for WELT TV, a German broadcaster.

Among its European neighbors, Germany took in the largest number of Syrian migrants during the country’s civil war. Now, the question is what Germany’s going to do with those migrants now that the war is over.

The CDU/CSU will likely need to partner with another party to secure an outright majority and form a new government.

Visa-Free Visits to China

Want to visit the Great Wall of China or the Forbidden City? On Tuesday, China said that it was expanding its visa-free transit policy, allowing Americans and other eligible foreign travelers to stay in

parts of the country for as long as 240 hours, or 10 days. The new rule comes as officials try to attract more overseas visitors.

China’s National Immigration Agency announced the measure – effective immediately – on its WeChat account, saying passport holders from 54 countries are eligible. They include countries in Europe, Latin America and Asia, as well as the United States and Canada

Previously, travelers could stay in China visa-free for as long as 72 to 144 hours depending on where they visited, as long as they continued on to a third country or region.

Travelers with confirmed tickets to exit China within 10 days can now enter the country in 60 places across 24 provinces, including the capital, Beijing, and China’s largest city, Shanghai.

Acquiring a visa may be a tedious process for those looking to travel. China, the world’s second-biggest economy, has been trying to bring back international visitors as it struggles to emerge from three years of pandemic isolation.

Passport holders from 38 countries no longer need a visa at all, enabling them to stay in China for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchange and transit purposes. Those countries include France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and even Japan, with which China has a historically tense relationship, but not the U.S.

The immigration agency said in October that the number of foreign travelers to China had jumped nearly 50% yearon-year, while the number of visa-free entries was up almost 80%.

Last month, the U.S. State Department lowered its travel advisory for China from Level 3, advising Americans to reconsider travel, to Level 2, or “exercise increased caution,” putting it on par with the travel advisories for France and Germany.

ter serving a U.S. sentence and was quickly re-arrested and sent to a maximum security prison to face Mexican charges.

Cárdenas Guillén once led the feared Gulf cartel in northeastern Mexico before he was arrested and extradited to the United States in 2007. He had served 14 years in U.S. custody, most of his 25-year prison sentence.

He is a Mexican citizen.

After returning to Mexico, Cárdenas Guillén had immediately been taken into custody on drug, organized crime and money-laundering charges and was being held at the country’s top maximum-security Altiplano prison just west of Mexico City.

The former head of the Gulf cartel was known for his brutality. He created the most bloodthirsty gang of hitmen Mexico has ever known, the Zetas, which routinely slaughtered migrants and innocent people.

The 57-year-old native of the border city of Matamoros, Mexico, moved tons of cocaine and made millions of dollars through the Gulf cartel, based in the border cities of Reynosa and Matamoros.

Trudeau Deputy Resigns

Chrystia Freeland, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s deputy prime minister, resigned abruptly on Monday, leaving Trudeau holding onto power by a thin thread.

Trudeau had been skating on thin ice recently, especially after meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, who has warned that he will impose 25 percent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico unless the two countries do more to curb the flow of undocumented migrants and drugs into the United States.

Freeland, who helped steer the Trudeau government through many challenges, had been playing a prominent role in forming Canada’s response to the incoming Trump administration, leading a team of government officials preparing for the transition.

In her letter of resignation, Freeland accused Trudeau of engaging in “costly

Notorious drug lord Osiel Cárdenas Guillén had been returned to Mexico af-

political gimmicks” instead of focusing on countering the grave threat of tariffs.

Canadians, she said, “know when we are working for them, and they equally know when we are focused on ourselves.”

She said the breakdown with Trudeau had come over his push for measures, including a sales tax holiday and sending modest checks to taxpayers, that would add to the government’s deficit.

“The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account, repeating an ongoing joke in which he refers to Canada as the 51st state and Trudeau as its governor.

“Her behavior was totally toxic, and not at all conducive to making deals which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada. She will not be missed!!!” he added. The two had clashed during the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement in his first term.

Freeland, who had been the finance minister, was scheduled on Monday to outline the government’s commitments to improve border security with the United States as part of an interim budget known as the economic statement.

Freeland’s departure was the impetus behind stronger calls for Trudeau to resign as leader of the Liberal Party.

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, which is more than 20 percentage points ahead of Mr. Trudeau’s Liberals in recent polls, read excerpts from Freeland’s resignation letter at a news conference in Ottawa on Monday.

“What we are seeing is the government of Canada itself is spiraling out of control right before our eyes, and at the very worst time,” Poilievre said, asking Trudeau to immediately schedule a federal election.

On Monday, another senior cabinet member and rising star within Trudeau’s party, Sean Fraser, the housing minister, announced he would resign. Four other cabinet ministers have in the past several weeks said they would not run in the next election.

The breakdown between Trudeau and Freeland had been building for weeks, especially after Trudeau did not include her when he visited Mar-a-Lago to see Trump in person last month.

CO Poisoning in Georgia

Twelve people were found dead at a ski resort in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia this week. Eleven of those who

died were Indian nationals. Authorities are saying that the deaths are possible cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.

All were employees at a restaurant in Gudauri, a popular ski resort near the Russian border. The 12th person was a Georgian national.

They were found in a resting area on the second floor of the restaurant where a power generator, placed inside the bedrooms, is believed to have been turned on after the power supply was disrupted.

The ministry said Georgian police were investigating the deaths as negligent manslaughter, adding that a forensic team was working to determine the exact cause of death.

In a post on X on Monday, the Indian Embassy in Tbilisi said it was “working closely with local authorities to facilitate the prompt repatriation of the mortal remains to India.”

Power generators release lethal amounts of carbon monoxide and are recommended to be used almost exclusively outside.

In the United States, portable generators are among the most deadly consumer products, killing an average of 70 people annually.

Unrest Rocks

Bolivia

Demonstrations have rocked Bolivia for more than two months. A long-standing political rivalry has boiled over, with supporters of the president and his chief opponent clashing in the streets. Protests have blocked the movement of goods, exacerbating fuel shortages. Some Bolivians lined up for days to buy gas.

The upheaval is part of a broad level of unrest across the Andean region of Latin

America. Ecuador, Peru and Colombia — Bolivia’s neighbors to the west and north — are all facing significant levels of political turmoil, causing intense anger among their populations.

Behind the discontent in Bolivia is a rupture within the Movement for Socialism, or MAS, a leftist party that has dominated the country’s political landscape for two decades.

Bolivia’s president, Luis Arce, and his onetime mentor, former President Evo Morales, are fighting over the party’s leadership — and both insist that they will be the party’s candidate in next year’s presidential elections.

The turbulence reflects a steep decline in influence for both the leftist party and Morales, Bolivia’s first Indigenous president and a monumental figure in the country. He held office for 14 years — longer than any other leader.

Bolivia’s top court ruled last month that Morales could not run for a fourth term, seemingly closing the door to the possibility of a Morales candidacy.

Analysts disagree over whether Morales constitutionally has any legal recourse to run again, but most agree that the justice system is so intertwined in politics that it is hard to trust any decision that it makes.

As protesters in La Paz, the capital, shouted that they were hungry last month, Arce, in another part of the city, celebrated the court’s ruling against Morales in an Indigenous ceremony.

But many Bolivians are tired of the drawn-out political duel, saying it’s doing nothing to alleviate their hardships.

Fuel shortages, rising prices and a lack of access to U.S. dollars and imported goods have provoked fury.

When Arce served in the Morales administration, he was widely credited as the key person behind what was seen as the country’s economic miracle, buoyed by a commodities boom driven by a thriving natural gas industry.

But then the boom went bust, prices fell and production slowed. Now Arce’s government struggles to import fuel.

Many Bolivians say the political turmoil hampers any meaningful progress on tackling the economic crisis. (© The New York Times)

Israel Closes Embassy in Ireland

Due to the “extreme anti-Israel policy of the Irish government,” Israel has decided to shut down its embassy in Ireland, according to an announcement by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Sunday.

“The antisemitic actions and rhetoric that Ireland is taking against Israel are based on delegitimization and demonization of the Jewish state and on double standards,” Sa’ar stated. “Ireland has crossed all red lines in its relationship with Israel.”

Ireland, along with two other European Union countries, said in May that it would recognize a Palestinian state. The Irish parliament, in November, passed a nonbinding motion asserting that Israel is perpetrating a genocide in Gaza. The straw that broke the camel’s back occurred last week, when the country’s cabinet voted for Ireland to join South Africa’s court case at the International Criminal Court, accusing Israel of genocide.

IMPACT-se, an education monitoring group, also noted in a report last month that Irish public school textbooks include flagrant lies about Jewish history, Judaism, Israel, and the Holocaust.

Israel’s decision to shutter the embassy in Ireland was, according to Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris, “deeply regrettable.”

“I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-international law,” posted Harris. “Ireland wants a twostate solution and for Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security. Ireland will always speak up for human rights and international law.”

Micheal Martin, the Irish foreign minister, noted that Israel and Ireland would continue their diplomatic relations and

that Ireland’s embassy in Israel would remain open.

“The decision to close Israel’s embassy in Ireland is a victory for antisemitism and anti-Israel organizations. The way to deal with criticism is not to run away but to stay and fight,” posted Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, criticizing Sa’ar’s move.

In response, Sa’ar slammed Lapid for referring to Ireland’s treatment of Israel as “criticism.”

“Israel needs to hold embassies precisely in places where there is a strong conflict with the government and a foreign minister who only gives up and runs away from conflict is not doing his job,” maintained Lapid.

Jewish Representative Council of Ireland chairman Maurice Cohen also criticized the move to shutter the embassy, saying that it’s “particularly distressing for the Jewish community in Ireland, which has grown and diversified significantly in recent years.” Cohen urged “both the Irish and Israeli governments to seek pathways to rebuild trust and to ensure that avenues for diplomatic engagement remain open… Let us choose engagement over estrangement, dialogue over division, and the pursuit of peace over polarizing actions.”

On Sunday, Sa’ar announced that Israel would, in the next year, be opening an embassy in Moldova.

Golan Heights Population Plan

On Sunday, the cabinet unanimously approved a $11 million plan by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to increase the population on Israel’s side of the Golan Heights from 50,000 to 100,000 people by boosting education and renewable energy and establishing a student village and new resident absorption plan in the area, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Half of the population of the Golan Heights is Jewish, while the other half is Druze.

“Strengthening the Golan Heights is

strengthening the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said. “And it is especially important at this time. We will continue to hold on to it, make it flourish, and settle it.”

During the Six Day War in 1967, Israel took over the Golan Heights from Syria. The area was annexed in 1981 and recognized as Israeli territory by the United States in 2019 under President Donald Trump.

The cabinet’s approval was condemned by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, who said that the move violates international law and risks escalating the conflict in Syria.

A week ago, after the Syrian government fell to rebels, Israel destroyed the Arab country’s chemical weapons sites, missiles, air defenses, air force, and navy targets so that military resources aren’t acquired by bad actors. The Jewish state also deployed troops into a buffer zone on the Israel-Syria border that is controlled by the United Nations in order to protect Israel from potentially hostile parties in Syria, including some of the leading rebel groups that have ties to al-Qaeda.

On Friday, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that he ordered the army to get ready to, in the next few months, mobilize on top of Syria’s side of Mount Hermon.

Paraguay Reopens Jerusalem Embassy

In 2018, Paraguay moved its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. But just five months later, Paraguay’s new president, Abdo Benitez, moved the Paraguayan embassy back to Tel Aviv, saying that establishing an embassy in Jerusalem harmed the prospect of achieving Israeli-Palestinian peace.

But on Thursday, Paraguay reopened its Israeli embassy in Jerusalem, following a ceremony held by visiting Paraguayan President Santiago Peña with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“For me, it is such a privilege to take this decision,” Peña declared at the ceremony. “Mr. Prime Minister, on behalf of all the Paraguayan people, we were with

you, we are with you, we will stay with the people of Israel forever.”

Peña added that he was “very sad” when Benitez’s administration, “driven mostly by revenge, an internal revenge, nothing to do with the people of Israel, decided to move [the embassy] back. I am very happy that this is taking place in this very moment that the world is living, where a lot of people talk but not many people act. For us, not only saying but doing is very important.”

At the ceremony, Netanyahu declared, “Jerusalem will always be Israel’s undivided capital. This is a fact, and you recognize it. Thank you for opening the embassy here.”

A mezuzah was hung on the door of Paraguay’s new embassy in Jerusalem, and many Israeli officials, including President Isaac Herzog, met with and honored Peña.

A day later, Netanyahu praised Peña’s speech, adding, “As you pointed out in your great speech yesterday, there is a basic sympathy between our people and the people of Paraguay. And you have to know the history of Paraguay to understand why it’s so common. Because you too are a small people. You, too, are beset by great powers. You, too, suffered the specter of annihilation.”

Netanyahu added that the Jewish nation’s return to Israel “means that there is hope for all nations of the world. And the one nation that we seize with great friendship and great sympathy and great love is Paraguay.”

“There is a direct line connecting Paraguay’s vote to support the establishment of the State of Israel in 1947 and President Peña’s decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem — the eternal capital of the Jewish people,” stated Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, adding that the two countries signed a number of bilateral agreements and a Memorandum of Understanding with Paraguay and that he will “soon lead a delegation to Asunción.”

Paraguay is the sixth country to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The other five are the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, and Papua New Guinea. Most other nations’ embassies are in Tel Aviv.

PIJ Terrorist Worked for Al Jazeera

In an announcement that surprised no one, the IDF announced that a cam-

eraman that worked for Al Jazeera who was killed in an airstrike on Sunday was a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group.

In a statement, the military said it carried out a drone strike against a group of Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror operatives at a command center based out of the offices of the Gaza civil defense organization in Nuseirat.

“The compound was used by the terrorists to plan and execute terror acts against IDF troops in the immediate timeframe,” the military said.

According to the IDF, several terror operatives were killed in the strike, including Ahmad Al-Louh, an Al Jazeera cameraman whom the military accused of previously serving as a platoon commander in Islamic Jihad’s central Gaza brigade.

Al Jazeera, on the other hand, quickly denied the accusations against their employee.

It said that it “condemns in the strongest terms the killing of its cameraman, Ahmad Baker Al-Louh, 39, by the Israeli occupation forces,” whom the network said was “brutally killed in an airstrike that targeted a civil defense post in the market area.”

The network added that Louh’s killing came “just days after the targeting of his house” by Israeli forces who “utterly destroyed” it — an accusation to which the IDF did not specifically respond. The network accused Israel of “systematic killing of journalists in cold blood,” as well as “evasion of responsibilities under international humanitarian law.”

Hamas’ civil defense agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal confirmed that Louh had been killed in the strike on the Nuseirat camp, which he said also claimed the lives of three others. The terror group called the killing an “assassination” and a “war crime,” describing it as “part of a systematic targeting of journalists in Gaza, aimed at intimidating them and deterring them.”

It was not the first time an Al Jazeera employee and terrorist has been killed by Israeli forces amid the ongoing war in Gaza. In January, Israel said an Al Jazeera staff journalist as well as a

freelancer killed in an airstrike in Gaza were terror operatives. The following month, it accused another journalist with the channel, who was wounded in a separate strike, of being a deputy company commander with Hamas. In October, the IDF said it had uncovered documents in Gaza that show six active Al Jazeera reporters were operatives in the Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Al Jazeera has vehemently denied these allegations.

In April, the Israeli government passed an emergency law to take Al Jazeera off the air and block its broadcasts for violating national security. Courts have since upheld the legislation, citing confidential information.

Searching

for Eli Cohen

It was a story made for the movies. Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy, had managed to infiltrate Syria’s highest levels of government to help the Jewish state. Sadly, Cohen was eventually discovered and then hanged.

But Cohen’s remains have never been found. For years, Israel has been trying to find his body to bring it back for a respectful burial.

In 2021, a war monitor said Russian forces had been searching the Yarmuk Palestinian refugee camp in southern Damascus for his remains, along with those of two Israeli soldiers. Now, Israel, along with Russian mediators, are hoping to be able to find Cohen’s body.

A Palestinian official in Damascus said on Monday that “contact was established with us via mediators in order for us to help find the remains of an Israeli soldier who has been missing since 1982,” without identifying the missing soldier.

“Contacts are also underway to determine the location where the remains of the Israeli agent known as Eli Cohen are buried,” the source added.

Cohen was tried and hanged for espionage by the Syrians in 1965 after he infiltrated the top levels of the government. The information Cohen obtained was seen as having played a key role in Israel’s conquest of the Golan Heights from

The Faculty, Administration, and Board of Directors of Shulamith School for Girls mourn the passing of its long-time Executive Director,

Rabbi Moshe

Zwick A"H

Rabbi Zwick was the guiding light of Shulamith for more than four decades, and oversaw its eventual growth to over 1,100 students at its peak. He later made the difficult and courageous decision to move the school to Long Island, where it has grown from its tiny initial presence to being one of the premier Torah schools in the area and the pride of our community.

We send our heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife Chaya, & his children Yaakov Yisrael, Rachel Leah (Neuman), Faigel (Evans), Sossy (Prero) & Russy (Newman).

Syria in the 1967 Six Day War. His story was the subject of a 2019 Netflix series.

In 2018, the Mossad said it had retrieved a watch belonging to Cohen and brought it back to Israel.

Syria and Israel have long been bitter foes with no diplomatic relations, but Russia — which was close to ousted President Bashar al-Assad — has acted as an intermediary between the two. In 2019, Israel released two Syrian prisoners in a “goodwill gesture” after the remains of soldier Zachary Baumel, missing since 1982, were returned.

Zachary and two other soldiers, Zvi Feldman and Yehuda Katz, had since been listed as missing and presumed killed. The latter two remain missing.

2 Soldiers Killed in Gaza

On Monday, two soldiers were killed in the southern Gaza Strip after a building they were in collapsed.

The two heroes were named as Maj. (res.) Moshiko (Maxim) Rozenwald, 35, a company commander in the Combat Engineering Corps’ 7107th Battalion, from Modiin, and Sgt. First Class. (res.) Alexander Anosov, 26, a squad commander in the 7107th Battalion, also from Modiin. Two other soldiers were injured in the incident.

The building had collapsed because it had been heavily damaged.

On Tuesday, the IDF said that a tunnel in northern Gaza’s Jabalia used by a Hamas cell in an attack that killed three soldiers in October was recently discovered and destroyed. In the attack on October 10, three reserve soldiers of the 460th Brigade were killed by a roadside bomb.

The IDF said soldiers of the Givati Brigade located the tunnel shaft where the cell had been holed up, which connected to a 500-meter-long underground passage. Combat engineers then demolished the tunnel.

Meanwhile, after three months of fighting in southern Lebanon, the IDF’s 98th Division is being redeployed to Gaza, the military said on Monday. The elite formation of paratrooper and com-

mando units completed its operations in Lebanon on Wednesday last week and is now readying for future missions in Gaza.

Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday said Israel will maintain security control of Gaza after the war, pushing back on an earlier TV report.

“Once we defeat Hamas’s military power and ruling power in Gaza, Israel will control security in Gaza with full freedom to act, just as in Judea and Samaria,” he said in a statement. “We will not allow any terrorist activity against Israeli communities and citizens from Gaza. We will not allow a return to the pre-October 7 reality.”

At least 388 soldiers in the IDF have been killed in military operations in Gaza and along the border since the war against Hamas began.

Biden Grants Clemency to 1,500

In the largest single-day act of clemency in modern United States history, President Joe Biden, on Thursday, pardoned 39 convicts of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentences of around 1,500 people who, during Covid, were moved out of prison and into home confinement to reduce the spread of the virus in jails. Those who spent a year or more confined to their homes had their sentences commuted.

Biden’s decision to grant clemency to more than 1,500 criminals in one day eclipses the previous one-day record set by former President Barack Obama, who, right before leaving office in January 2017, offered clemency to 330 people.

“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden stated. “As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially

those convicted of drug offenses.”

The clemency comes after Biden, in a move that surprised some, fully pardoned his son Hunter for any crimes committed over the previous ten years, including the ones Hunter had been prosecuted for, such as violating tax and gun laws. The move, which Biden repeatedly said he would not make, has been approved of by only around 2 in 10 Americans, according to polls.

Advocacy groups are urging Biden to commute the sentences of criminals on federal death row. While the Biden administration paused the implementation of the death penalty, the incoming Trump administration will likely continue carrying out capital punishment.

Of the 39 people Biden pardoned on Thursday, around half were men and half were women. Their ages ranged from 36 to 75, and they had each been convicted of non-violent crimes, including drug offenses, fraud, or theft, before changing for the better, according to lawyers for the White House.

Aside from those granted clemency on Thursday, Biden also previously commuted the sentences of 122 others and pardoned another 21 individuals. Additionally, the president has pardoned those convicted of the use and simple possession of marijuana in Washington, D.C., and other federal lands.

Some have also urged Biden to issue preemptive pardons to those whom the Trump administration may prosecute, including January 6 investigators and political opponents.

2 States Sue Glock

On Thursday, New Jersey and Minnesota filed lawsuits against Glock, alleging that the gun company refused to ban the use of a simple trick that turns the famous 9-millimeter semiautomatic pistol into a fully automatic gun.

By adding a cheap, small, and readily available plastic block called a switch, also known as an auto sear, to the pistol, gun users can easily turn the gun into an automatic, far more dangerous weapon. The suit, brought by New Jersey, Minnesota, and national gun control group

Giffords, claims that Glock should have changed the pistol’s design to prevent such modifications but failed to do so.

Instead, the plaintiffs added, Glock advertised the iconic pistol as customizable.

“Glock knows that its semiautomatic handguns are easily and frequently converted to illegal, fully automatic machine guns with Glock switches, and Glock knows that these fully automatic handguns present a significant threat to public safety,” Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison wrote in a suit filed in a Minneapolis state court.

According to the plaintiffs, the gun’s customizability poses a risk to the public and was responsible for many deadly shootings during the coronavirus pandemic.

Two-thirds of guns sold in the country are Glock pistols, which are also the most common handgun used in crimes in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (A.T.F.). Since 2018, Chicago authorities have seized 706 converted semiautomatics, 643 of which were Glocks.

In 1981, the A.T.F. ruled that a weapon rigged with an auto sear could legally be classified as a machine gun. As such, those who own such weapons need a special license and must pay fees or else they could be sentenced to up to ten years in federal prison.

By June, the U.S. Supreme Court is anticipated to decide if Mexico has the legal right to sue Glock and other gun companies for allegedly allowing thousands of firearms to make it across the border into the hands of drug cartels.

Pro-gun organizations have accused the plaintiffs of bringing the suit as a means of implementing gun control measures.

The suit brought by Minnesota alleges that Glock used deceptive trade practices and made false advertising claims, thus violating the state’s consumer protection laws. New Jersey claims that Glock’s failure to prevent easy gun modifications violates the state’s public nuisance law and endangers the public’s safety.

“You have kids using these things — a kid fires a Glock with a switch at Newark housing projects, shoots 28 or 29 rounds, and in just over a second, hits three people,” said New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin. “We’ve got them being picked up off violent offenders, people accused of domestic violence. And these shooters are spraying bullets all over the place because they don’t know how to actually handle a machine gun. It’s ridiculous.”

According to the lawsuit brought by Minnesota, the company has always

known that their handguns could easily be turned into automatic firearms, as evidenced by a 1987 interaction between company founder Gaston Glock and a local engineer and gunsmith named Jorge Leon, in which Glock, who passed away at age 94 last year, demonstrated to Leon the quick and simple conversion of a handgun into an automatic weapon.

Jill Biden Leaving NOVA

After teaching for many years, First Lady Jill Biden announced that she will no longer be teaching at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria. The surprise announcement came last week during a virtual “thank you” event with teachers tuning in from around the country.

“Being your first lady has been the honor of my life. But being your colleague has been the work of my life,” she said. “Last Thursday, I taught my last class of the semester and my final class ever at Northern Virginia Community College.”

“I will always love this profession, which is why I continued to teach full time while serving as your first lady,” said Jill Biden, who was joined on a sofa by teachers’ union presidents Randi Weingarten, of the American Federation of Teachers, and Becky Pringle, of the National Education Association.

Biden had taught English and writing at NOVA for 15 years. She is the first woman to continue her professional career outside the White House while serving as first lady.

It was not immediately clear whether Jill Biden, 73, was retiring from teaching altogether.

Biden started teaching English and writing in the college in 2009 after Barack Obama and Joe Biden were elected president and vice president and they moved to Washington. She continued to teach there after Joe Biden’s term ended in 2017, riding the train down from their home in Delaware.

Before teaching at NOVA, she also taught English and writing at Delaware Technical Community College.

Jill Biden started her career in 1976, teaching English at a high school in Wilmington, Delaware, before becoming a reading specialist at another high school. She also taught English at a psychiatric hospital while she pursued her second master’s degree. She also has a doctorate in educational leadership.

She often said, “Teaching isn’t what I do; it’s who I am.”

Eric Adams’ Top Aide Resigns

On Sunday, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, New York Mayor Eric Adams’ chief advisor, abruptly resigned. It is expected that she will be indicted on criminal charges related to alleged improper gifts.

The mayor’s office called Lewis-Martin’s resignation a planned retirement.

The mayor’s office, in a written statement, quoted Adams as saying, “Ingrid has not been just a friend, a confidant, and trusted advisor, but also a sister.”

“We’ve always talked about when this day would come, and while we’ve long planned for it, it is still hard to know that Ingrid won’t be right next door every day,” Adams said in the statement.

Lewis-Martin, in the statement from City Hall, said that her time alongside Mayor Adams has been an “amazing ride” but that “now, today, the time has come for me to focus on my wonderful family and myself and retire.”

Lewis-Martin’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, told reporters at a news conference Monday that she had been invited to speak with the grand jury considering charges but declined because the outcome of the investigation appeared to be predetermined. He said they wanted the opportunity to clarify emails and text messages that could get taken out of context but are “easily explained away about what they mean.”

“Pieces of puzzles are going to be put together to make it look as horrible as possible,” Aidala said. “But we know the truth, and the truth is Ingrid Lewis-Martin never broke the law.”

Lewis-Martin said she has been “falsely accused of something; I don’t know what it is.”

“And during my tenure, I have never taken any gifts, money, anything,” she claimed. “I have not made any arrangements in advance to take any gifts or money, or to have any gifts or money given to a family member or friend in order for me to do my job.”

Adams faces federal corruption charges; several members of his administration have come under investigation. The mayor has been charged with accepting luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official and other foreign nationals looking to buy his influence. He has pleaded not guilty.

The federal investigation into Adams emerged in November 2023 after investigators searched the home of his top fundraiser, Brianna Suggs. Lewis-Martin has referred to Suggs as her goddaughter.

Aidala said he believed Manhattan prosecutors were targeting Martin to get her to cooperate against Adams.

Lewis-Martin’s phones were seized and her home was searched in late September by prosecutors in Manhattan who, along with federal prosecutors, met her at an airport in New York as she was getting off a flight from Japan.

Lewis-Martin has been one of the mayor’s most trusted and longest-serving

aides, working under Adams in prominent positions throughout his political career — when he was a state senator, Brooklyn borough president and mayor.

ABC $15M Settlement with Trump

ABC News is set to pay $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by Donald Trump.

The agreement was a significant concession by a major news organization and a rare victory for a politician whose previous litigation efforts against news outlets have often ended in defeat.

Under the terms of a settlement revealed Saturday, ABC News will donate the $15 million to Trump’s future presidential foundation and museum. The

network and its star anchor, George Stephanopoulos, also published a statement saying they “regret” remarks made about Trump during a televised interview in March.

ABC News, which is owned by The Walt Disney Co., will pay Trump an additional $1 million for his legal fees.

The outcome is an unusual win for Trump, who has frequently sued news organizations for defamation and frequently lost. Several experts in media law said they believed ABC News could have continued to fight, given the high threshold required by the courts for a public figure like Trump to prove defamation.

“We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing,” an ABC News spokesperson said Saturday.

Trump sued ABC and Stephanopoulos in March, after the anchor asked Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., why she had continued to support Trump after he was found to be liable for certain things.

In his lawsuit, Trump accused Stephanopoulos of harming his reputation by saying multiple times on-air that he had been found liable for certain things, when indeed he was not found liable for those specific charges.

100 Years in Prison

A Texas man has been sentenced to at least 100 years in prison for his part in a two-state shooting spree on Thanksgiving Day in 2020 that killed one person and wounded several others across Nevada and Arizona.

The rampage began in the early hours of Nov. 26, 2020, when the man, Christopher McDonnell, 32, and two others started opening fire from their moving car at motorists outside Las Vegas in what prosecutors called a “mobile mass shooting.” Roughly 10 hours after it began, the spree ended when the car crashed along a highway near Bouse, Arizona, after a shootout with police.

On Friday, McDonnell, of Tyler, Texas, listened in a courtroom in Clark County, Nevada, before his sentencing as victims and their relatives described how the eruption of random shootings that day

had upended their lives.

“I struggle every day,” said Kevin Mendiola, whose 22-year-old son, Kevin Mendiola Jr., was shot and killed during the spree outside a 7-Eleven in Henderson, Nevada, about 15 miles southeast of Las Vegas.

McDonnell pleaded guilty but mentally ill to nearly two dozen felony charges in October, including first-degree murder and multiple counts of firing a weapon at an occupied vehicle. All of the charges were filed in Nevada, and he does not face any in Arizona.

At the hearing Friday, McDonnell, his face tattooed to resemble a skull, read from a brief statement: “I take full responsibility for my own wrongdoings, and I appreciate the courts for administering justice.” McDonnell’s lawyer did not respond to requests for comment Sunday.

In 2021, a judge found that McDonnell was mentally incompetent to stand trial. The next year, he was reevaluated and deemed competent, according to court records, and the case against him resumed.

The two people who were with McDonnell during the spree — his brother Shawn McDonnell and Kayleigh Lewis, Shawn McDonnell’s wife at the time — have also been charged. Authorities have said that Lewis, who filed for divorce from Shawn McDonnell last year, was driving the car.

The cases for Lewis and Shawn McDonnell are pending. (© The New York Times)

Trump Meets SoftBank CEO

In a joint statement Monday, incoming President Donald Trump and Masayoshi Son, the CEO of Softbank, announced that the Japanese internet company would, over the next four years, invest $100 billion or more into the United States in a move that the company projects will create 100,000 new artificial intelligence and tech-based jobs.

Trump, at an event at his Mar-a-Lago private resort with Son, asked the CEO if he could increase the investment to $200

billion. Son answered that he would try, after which he jokingly remarked that Trump is a “great negotiator.”

SoftBank currently has, on hand, around $30 billion of cash. How the company will be able to investigate $100 billion or $200 billion remains to be seen, but the promise is exciting to many, as Trump works to quickly heal the U.S. economy even before he enters office.

In December 2016, Son promised to invest $50 billion in U.S. startups. Now, he’s promising double that.

In particular, Son wants to fund artificial intelligence, which he predicts will be as smart as humans in the next two or three years.

She Just Can’t Get Away

Svetlana Dali made headlines last month when she was nabbed by the FBI after flying to France on a Delta Air Lines flight from the U.S. – without a ticket. The stowaway was brought back to the United States and was put under house arrest but managed to get herself arrested again this week, when she tried to sneak into Canada.

Dali had cut off her ankle monitor on Sunday. The person she had been staying with in Philadelphia noticed the bracelet lying on the floor of his home and alerted authorities.

An arrest warrant was issued for bail jumping on Monday morning out of the Eastern District of New York. The Russian national was apprehended in Buffalo, New York, on Monday afternoon. She was on a Greyhound bus trying to cross into Canada. She did not have a passport.

Dali had originally been caught traveling without proper documentation on November 26 when she boarded Delta Flight 264 from JFK Airport and headed to Charles-de-Gaulle International Airport in Paris. She was caught by authorities during the flight and then was sent back to the U.S.

According to a statement from the

French Interior Ministry, “She was not admitted to French territory due to lack of a valid travel document (visa) and was placed in the waiting area for the time necessary for her re-routing to the United States since she held a valid U.S. residence permit.”

Her attempt to sneak into Canada on Monday appears to be her second attempt to illegally leave the country in fewer than 30 days.

She just can’t get away.

Checkmate

Gukesh Dommaraju may be only 18 years old, but he’s setting world records. The Indian teen returned to his country on Monday as the youngest ever chess world champion.

He beat defending champion Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in their best-of-14 final in Singapore on Thursday after the Chinese player blundered in the final game.

Draped in the Indian flag and holding his trophy, Gukesh was met by hundreds of fans upon returning to his home city.

“Thank you for all the support. It means a lot to bring back the trophy to India,” he said. “I hope we can have a great time in the next few days celebrating together.”

“You guys are amazing,” he told his fans. “You gave me so much energy. Looking forward to meeting you all.”

People threw confetti at Gukesh, some even standing on stilts to see him as if he was a celebrity. The champion arrived and left in a personalized car, decorated with the words: “The new king in the kingdom of chess!”

The 18-year-old landed in Chennai having also completed a bungee jump in Singapore to celebrate his victory.

Gukesh broke into tears upon winning the final match against Ding last week, becoming the youngest world champion by more than four years. The record was previously held by chess legend Garry Kasparov, who was 22 years old when he won his first world title in 1985.

The 18-year-old is also just the second Indian player to have claimed the title, following five-time world champion Viswanathan “Vishy” Anand, who also

up in Chennai.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi feted the grand champ.

“This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination,” he said. “His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence.”

He’s the king of chess.

Googly Eyes Bandit

Art in Oregon have their eyes on you. A so-called “Googly Eyes Bandit” has been affixing googly eyes to pieces of artwork around the town of Bend, Oregon. On social media, the city shared photos of googly eyes on installations in the middle of roundabouts that make up

its so-called “Roundabout Art Route.”

One photo shows googly eyes placed on a sculpture of two deer, while another shows them attached to a sphere.

It’s not yet known who has been putting them on the sculptures.

“While the googly eyes placed on the various art pieces around town might give you a chuckle, it costs money to remove them with care to not damage the art,” the city chided in its posts.

But many residents are loving the lighthearted additions to the artworks.

One person wrote on Facebook, “We love the googly eyes. This town is getting to be so stuffy. Let’s have fun!”

Others said the city should focus on addressing more important issues, such as homelessness, instead of spending time and money on removing the googly eyes.

This is not the first time people have dressed up Bend’s art pieces. Over the years, these works of art have been adorned with scarves, wreaths and hats. The city did not remove those items.

The city has so far spent $1,500 on removing googly eyes from seven of the eight sculptures impacted.

There’s more than meets the eye.

Skateboarding Across the States

Chad Caruso has been skateboarding for 25 years, and now he’s taking his hobby to another level.

The New Yorker used his skateboard to traverse 3,162 miles across the entire United States. It took a jaw-dropping (and leg-hurting) 57 days, 6 hours, and 56 minutes to skate from Venice Beach, California, to Virginia Beach, Virginia.

“As I skated up to the finish line in Virginia Beach with hundreds of people cheering me on, police escorts, and local skaters pushing alongside me, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with emotion,” Caruso told Guinness World Records He became the world record holder for the fastest crossing of America on a skateboard (male).

“I kept thinking back to the teenage version of myself who dropped out of school to pursue skating and fought through all the voices telling him to quit over the years.”

With his journey, Caruso aimed to raise awareness of addiction and mental health problems. He said skateboarding helped him get sober nine years ago, and he hopes his story will inspire others to do the same.

Caruso celebrated his arrival at the finish line by throwing his board into the ocean. Virginia Beach Mayor Robert M. Dyer then gave a speech declaring May 19 to be Chad Caruso Day.

“If you have a vision, believe in bringing it to life, and don’t let the thoughts or opinions of others waver your resolve,” Caruso said.

We’re on board with that.

Around the Community

What I Wish My Teacher Knew: A Transformative Evening for Educators

By Yechiel Meir Friedman

On Motzei Shabbos, 150 educators and rabbonim gathered at Beis Tefila of Inwood for a Melava Malka titled “What I Wish My Teacher Knew.” Hosted by My Extended Family (MYEF), the event offered insights and tools to help educators support children from single-parent homes

Principals and teachers from Bnos Bais Yaakov, Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam, Yeshiva Darchei Torah, HALB, HAFTR, Yeshiva Har Torah, Yeshiva Nishmas Hatorah, Shulamith School for Girls, Yeshiva of South Shore, and TAG attended, underscoring the community’s deep commitment to every child’s emotional and academic success.

The evening was thoughtfully emceed by Chaim Marcus, who tied the program’s themes of compassion, awareness, and responsibility together.

Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei Torah, Rabbi Yaakov Bender, opened the evening with a poignant message about the silent struggles of children from di-

vorced homes, recalling a student who lamented, “Why does the world care so deeply about orphans but not about children like me from divorced homes?”

Rabbi Bender emphasized how MYEF has become a lifeline. “My Extended Family is a bracha—a gift from Hashem to address their silent pain,” he said.

Rabbi Eytan Feiner, rav of the White Shul, highlighted the importance of stepping beyond comfort zones to help others, and citing Rashi’s pshat that “V’shinantam l’vanecha” first refers to your students, to emphasize the educator’s vital role. He shared a story of an 11-year-old who sought refuge at his home during a turbulent night, illustrating the profound impact of being a stable presence in a child’s life.

Dr. Norman Blumenthal, head of trauma and crisis at Ohel, shared invaluable insights and gave practical tools. “Teachers can become a source of safety and stability, helping them build resilience and thrive,” he said. “The support, mentorship, and advocacy being offered by My Extended Family and hopefully by everyone here tonight, can absolutely

change the trajectory of a child’s life,” he said.

Rabbi Yoseph Vigler, founder of My Extended Family, passionately spoke about the mission of the organization and detailed its efforts to create a safe and loving home away from home. Weekly programming now serves over 700 children across six locations, including close to 100 in the Five Towns division. “When a child feels understood, supported, and connected, we put them in a position to not just survive but to become future success stories and leaders in klal Yisroel,” he said.

Rabbi Vigler thanked the dedicated team in the Five Towns—Rabbi Dovid Pollack, LCSW; Avi Biberfeld; Chana Henya Majerovic; Ahuva Schiffenbauer; Tehila Goldstone; Tova Schick; and Five Towns clinician, Mrs. Dassie Cohen, LCSW—for creating a nurturing environment.

The audience was introduced to the resources provided by My Extended Family, including weekly programs, mentorship, and ongoing emotional and mental support. Teachers and principals were encouraged to refer families who could

benefit, with the reminder that help is just a phone call away.

“My Extended Family has brought much needed awareness and resources to a population that deserves all of our attention,” said Rabbi Avraham Robinson, Menahel at Yeshiva of South Shore.

A particularly moving moment of the evening was hearing from a successful father of three, who shared his personal story of growing up in a divorced home.

“There were teachers who saw me, who made me feel that I mattered, and it changed everything. Others didn’t realize how their words or actions affected me. Teachers hold immense power—please use it to uplift.”

“The speakers were incredibly impactful and gave us a renewed focus on supporting children from single-parent homes” said Mrs. Elka Ginsparg, principal at Shulamith, “most importantly, we walked away with clear ideas of what is helpful and what’s hurtful, ensuring these children receive even more of our love and care.”

On Sunday, December 15, the Bikur Cholim of Far Rockaway and the Five Towns hosted their annual Brunch. This remarkable charity event, chaired by Leah Fink and Rochelle Hornung, was attended by 550

the legacy of Mrs. Marilyn Wolowitz and her late husband, Rabbi Dov Wolowitz.

For 42 years, Marilyn led the organization with unparalleled devotion, making a lasting impact on countless lives in the community. Rabbi Wolowitz, a beacon of

bered fondly as an integral part of this mission of care.

an inspiring message about the power of chesed. He emphasized that kindness can take many forms and urged everyone to stretch themselves to give, even when it seems challenging, knowing that such efforts invite Divine support and success.

The program featured a heartfelt tribute delivered by Mrs. Tzippy David, who eloquently spoke about Marilyn’s extraordinary contributions to Bikur Cholim. She emphasized that much of what the organization accomplishes today is rooted in the lessons learned from Marilyn’s leadership and dedication. To commemorate this legacy, Marilyn was presented with two meaningful gifts: a memory book filled with messages of gratitude and blessings from the community, and a custom flower-shaped brooch—a nod to the organization’s original logo.

The event also honored three exceptional women for their ongoing community service: Mariam Bodner, Chaia Frishman, and Lauren Zuckerman. Each honoree received a beautifully bound Tehillim in appreciation for her tireless efforts to make the community a better place. Specifically, for years, these women have engaged people who are not well, visiting, bringing personal packages, calling, cooking and delivering home cooked meals. In addition, Lauren has led our brunch raffle campaign with huge

The program’s keynote speaker, Rabbi Joey Haber, captivated the audience with

The event was as visually stunning as it was uplifting, with beautiful floral arrangements and a carefully curated menu that delighted guests. The uplifting music created an elegant ambiance, and the juice bar and coffee stations added an extra touch, making the gathering not just meaningful but thoroughly enjoyable. Each attendee received a thoughtfully prepared gift bag adorned with the Bikur Cholim logo, which included a beautiful Waterdale Lucite gift and a card highlighting “What We Do” as an organization. Adding to the excitement, there were raffles featuring prizes generously donated by local establishments, giving attendees the chance to win while supporting a great cause.

The brunch served as a heartfelt reminder of the strength of a community united by the shared value of helping others, and highlighted the vital work of an organization that continues to hold a cherished place in the hearts of the Far Rockaway and Five Towns community.

Shalsheles Learning Program at YOSS

This past Sunday, fathers and grandfathers of talmidim in Rabbi Oberlander’s 7th grade shiur in YOSS joined together for a morning of Torah learning and inspiration at the second annual Shalsheles Learning Program!

After davening together and enjoying a deluxe breakfast, they came to the beis medrash and began to learn b’chavrusa. This year, the theme was Chanukah, and Rabbi Oberlander created a kuntress of maareh mekomos on various sugyas, including the famous question of the

Gemara in Shabbos which asks, what is Chanukah? The kol Torah filled the beis medrash, as three generations learned through the sugya. At the end of the program, individual talmidim were given a chance to present their answers and to ask POW questions on the sugya.

Our Chayalim Deserve, and Need, Proper Gear

By The Chamal Association

One of the most-used words during this challenging time in Israel is “chamal,” an acronym for cheder milchamah (war room), which refers to a command center or “situation room” where individuals are mobilized for the war effort. Alongside the military command centers operating around the clock, there has been an incredible proliferation of civilian command centers, both in Israel and abroad. These “chamalim” have played a critical role in addressing the ever-evolving needs of both soldiers and civilians, and they have been at the forefront of ensuring that every IDF soldier is properly equipped to protect the Land of Israel.

Last week, 14 months into the Swords of Iron War, it was reported that the IDF finally acknowledged that it had issued helmets and body armor to its soldiers that might have been unsafe. Let’s take a moment to process this thought — Israel, one of the world’s most technologically advanced nations, has been providing its soldiers with inadequate gear, even after over 430 days of ongoing conflict!

This revelation may come as a shock to many readers, but for those of us who have been engaged in supplying the IDF with gear since October 7, 2023, it’s not surprising. In fact, the issue of the IDF’s inadequate equipment was reported by the Israeli press as early as May 2024. The IDF’s initial response? Denial, fol-

lowed by a controversial announcement that any soldier caught using donated gear would face arrest!

The reality is that our association of “Chamalim” has been aware of the soldiers’ needs from Day One. The demand for boots, uniforms, winter gear, tactical equipment, and, of course, helmets and ceramic vests, has been ongoing. We have filled these needs as effectively — if not more effectively — than any established organization, and certainly more efficiently than the IDF has.

For over 430 days, our motto has been “Don’t ask ‘lamah,’ ask ‘l’mah.’” (“Don’t ask why; ask, what can I do?”)

Regardless of the reasons behind the IDF’s failure to adequately provide for our chayalim, it is gratifying that they have acknowledged that we – our communities and our volunteers – have saved lives! Our focus remains on helping however we can, and we encourage you to do the same. Join us in supporting those who are protecting our Homeland, and ensuring that every chayal has the equipment he needs to ensure his safety and ability to carry out the mission.

The Chamal Association is a coalition of organizations, including the Israel Chesed Center, BC Lev Echad, Boots for

It was a morning of true nachas, and all three generations walked away with the type of chizuk that only comes from connecting to Toras Hashem!

Israel, Lev LaChayal, Unit 11741, and Israel Magen Fund, all of whom have been at the forefront of engaging local communities to assist in the war effort. Since October 2023, these groups have collected and distributed millions of dollars in gear, equipment, and other essential supplies to soldiers, security teams, and civilians in Israel.

For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation towards critical equipment, visit https://linktr.ee/ israelnow.

Moshe Bodner, David Solomon, Gabi Katz, and Jeff Eisenberg

Ambassador David Friedman and Mrs. Tammy Friedman visiting the Chesed Center with Rabbi Zalman Wolowik

YOUR UPGRADED SUMMER EXPERIENCE in Israel in Israel

Join us for an unforgettable summer in the heart of Eretz Yisrael! For the Bais Yaakov girl entering 9th-12th grade who is looking for the experience of her lifetime in Eretz Hakodesh, our uplifting staff and upbeat trips and activities will keep you inspired and help you build friendships that last a lifetime. Unwind in comfort at the upscale D-Hotel in Ma’ale Adumim after each exciting and fun-filled day.

JULY 2 - JULY 28 This is a summer experience you won’t want to miss!

Lev Chana students got to enjoy a special Pajama Day in honor of the letter PJ

Be the Light

In honor of our brave soldiers in Israel, and leading up to Chanukah, the Bat Ami girls at HALB made lanterns with their students. Each lantern had the name of a soldier and a quote. With their lanterns, students can help spread the light of the brave souls in Israel and bring light into all our lives.

Village of Lawrence Holiday Season 2024

Enjoy free parking, fine dining, and ample shopping in the Village of Lawrence

Lawrence Mayor Sam Nahmias and the trustees and administration at the Village of Lawrence invite the community to shop local and enjoy quality time in the Village of Lawrence while utilizing free parking in municipal lots during weekends.

Mayor Sam Nahmias notes, “December is a time to reflect on our values as a community and to enjoy time with family and friends. By opening our parking lots to free parking on weekends, we encourage everyone to stroll along idyllic Central Avenue, enjoy a meal with friends and family, and purchase a gift or gift certif-

icate at one of our many fine stores and restaurants. We wish all of our community a happy holiday.”

Free Parking FAQs:

Where: Parking field# 3 -north side of Central Avenue, Parking field# 4- south side of Central Avenue

Street metered parking remains in effect

When: Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: November 30 and December 1, December 7 and 8, December 14 and Dec. 15, December 21 and 22, December 28 and 29.

Mix It Up at Shulamith

The fifth graders at Shulamith were introduced to a new program— Mix It Up! Each girl received a different color of Laffy Taffy and entered a vibrant, colorful lunchroom where each table was set with a different colored tablecloth. The students sat in groups according to the color of their taffy and spent time schmoozing and enjoying lunch while meeting girls they hadn’t

spoken to before. Afterward, each table played a game of Anomia, with friendly competition and laughter filling the room. Everyone agreed it was a great opportunity to have new conversations with classmates.

The girls were very positive about mixing up their seats and conversations at lunch. We’re so proud of them and look forward to more Mix It Up lunches in the future!

Lev Chana Gets Ready for Chanukah

Chanukah workshops have begun at Lev Chana and will be continuing through the month. Each morning, a different class invited their parents to join them for Chanukah themed activities and a class performance. Our students love when their parents get to join them in school!

Excitement in the 5 Towns Hockey League: Playoffs Kick Off

As the chill of winter settles in, the excitement in the 5 Towns Hockey League is heating up. The playoffs have officially begun, bringing with them a wave of competitive spirit and thrilling matches that have fans on the edge of their seats. This year’s playoffs promise to be some of the most intense yet, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of young athletes in the league.

The 5 Towns Hockey League has always been known for its competitive nature, and this year is no exception. Teams have battled through the regular season, honing their skills and building camaraderie. As the playoffs commence, every game becomes a test of teamwork, strategy, and resilience. Coaches and players alike are focused on bringing their best to the floor, resulting in fast-paced games filled with incredible plays and nail-biting moments. Spectators and parents can expect to see some of the league’s top players shine during these high-stakes

matchups. The intensity of the playoffs often brings out the best in young athletes, pushing them to elevate their game and strive for victory. Each team is eager to prove themselves, making every game a showcase of talent and determination. While the competition is fierce, the spirit of fun and enjoyment remains at the heart of the 5 Towns Hockey League. Parents, friends, and fans fill the stands, cheering on their favorite teams and celebrating the hard work of the players. In the end, the 5 Towns Hockey League is about more than just competition; it’s about fostering a love for the game, building friendships, and creating unforgettable experiences. As the playoffs unfold, one thing is certain: the joy of hockey will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of these young players, making this season one to remember. Registration is now open for the Winter/ Spring season which is sure to be a great one. www.5townssports.com

LThe

then made their way to the

for the

and ended with dancing and singing together. It was a beautiful night

and achdut!

ast Motzei Shabbat, HALB students, parents, and staff gathered at the Hirt family campus for the much anticipated HALB Melava Malka!

evening started with a carnival, Simon Sez, and delicious food. Everyone

gym

incredible fifth grade choir performance

filled with excitement

County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Leg. Howard Kopel, State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and other local officials joined with members of the Gural JCC and PAL as they unveiled renderings for a new state-of-the-art Five Towns Community Center complex in Lawrence

HALB Melava Malka

At Yeshiva Darchei Torah, Mrs. Kalish’s second graders learn about science in an immersive fashion in the Yeshiva’s CIJE Science Laboratory

YUHSG Shows “The Courage to Try New Things” With Self-Care Week

The end of the semester is a time for excitement, but with final projects and midterms looming, it can also be a time for stress. Luckily, the week of December 9 was Self-Care Week at the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central). During this week, all Central students engaged in activities and workshops intended to promote self-care as a regular practice – a tool that will carry them into adulthood.

“The general goal is to help our students learn the importance of taking care of themselves, physically and mentally, and to understand how doing so positively impacts every other part of their life,” said Central’s school psychologist, Dr. Ariella Gettenberg, who coordinated events for this week. “Self-care often requires us to do things we don’t want to do – going to sleep on time, or stopping work at a reasonable hour. But the goal with Self-Care Week is to teach these skills early in fun ways so that later, students can take on the more mundane tasks that are necessary for self-care.”

In keeping with the 2024-25 school year’s theme of courage, the theme for this year’s Self-Care Week is “The Courage to Try New Things.” Along with some more familiar, comforting self-care tactics – mindfulness workshops, a schoolwide trip to the American Dream Mall – were new initiatives, like a Laughter Games Workshop with performer Debbie Hersch, and initiatives that posed a bit of a challenge, like technology-free periods. The week’s events gave students a comfortable environment in which to discover their boundaries and, if they feel brave enough to do so, nudge those boundaries

in new directions.

“There’s a lot of research that supports the idea that trying new things provides benefits to mental health,” Dr. Gettenberg said. “Last year, for instance, we did a whole month of weekly challenges involving not using technology, and the participation was great. So many students got involved. Tech awareness is an important part of self-care – the goal is to be fully present in the moment.”

Self-Care Week is a wildly popular annual event – a positive experience with an impact that will be felt for years.

“We’re hoping that these events will spark meaningful conversations among students and faculty about well-being,” Dr. Gettenberg added. “And we’ll follow up to ensure that self-care remains a part of students’ lives.”

Other milestones marking the end of the semester include Chanukah festivities, midterms, and the YUHSG Dinner of Tribute, which will be held at the Sephardic Temple of Cedarhurst on January 13.

Shloshim Kinus at Yeshiva of Far Rockaway l’zechus nishmas

HaRav Yehoshua Kalish, zt”l

JSL Fall Championship Recap

It was a great final Sunday of the JSL Fall Season by FM Home Loans! JSL rented a Cybertruck for the kids to enjoy taking pictures with and for the league staff to deliver plaques to all of the team sponsors. Then the Championship

games themselves were incredible.

Hockey

In the 2nd/3rd Grade Hockey Championship, Built by Nate defeated Smash House 6-1, with Akiva Schreier earning MVP honors for his two-goal performance. Yosef Gordon was stellar in net, allowing just one late goal to help secure the win.

The 4th/5th Grade Hockey Championship was a thrilling showdown, as Russo’s Pharmacy overcame a fast start by Smash House to win 7-5. After Smash House scored four quick goals, Russo’s turned it around, outscoring them 7-1 the rest of the way. Eliyahu Ruzohorsky led the comeback with two goals and two assists.

In the 6th-8th Grade Hockey Championship, Wieder Orthodontics pulled off a dramatic 5-4 overtime victory over NY Custom Closets. Trailing 4-3 with under a minute left, Eliyahu Zachter tied the game with just 14 seconds remaining. He then sealed the title with the game-winning

goal in sudden death overtime, capping off what will certainly be remembered as one of the greatest finishes in JSL history. And all of it was backdropped by an amazing performance on stage from DJ_ CP, who came to provide the pumping background music!

Basketball

In the 3rd/4th Grade Basketball Championship, Posh Home + Bath edged out Wieder Orthodontics 15-13 in an overtime thriller. Dovid Bauman was named MVP for his clutch scoring and lockdown defense that made the difference.

In the 5th-7th Grade Basketball Championship, Sperling Productions defeated DJ_CP 33-19. Moshe Gold led the way for Sperling Productions, earning MVP for his standout performance.

JSL Juniors

In K/P Football, Tikva, Fire and Security beat Beautox_AL 6-4. Aryeh Wechter was named MVP after scoring two touchdowns to lead his team to victory.

In K/P Soccer, Hewlett Auto Body se-

cured a thrilling 2-1 win over Maidenbaum. The first half ended 1-1, with both goalies combining for an incredible 43 saves. With just 10 seconds left in the game, Levik Rose scored the game-winning goal, finishing with two goals and earning MVP honors.

In K/P Hockey, SR Whee took down Five Towns Landscaping 6-5 in a game full of determination and grit. After falling behind 3-0, Yakov Rosenberg scored two clutch goals, including the game-winner in the final minute, to complete the comeback and claim MVP.

Bright Futures dominated Growtha 9-2 in K/P Hockey. The first half was tightly contested, but Bright Futures took over in the second half, scoring seven goals. Ruvy Botwinick scored two late goals for Growtha, but Bright Futures’ strong team play sealed the win.

Gerber Bedding defeated Smash House 16-2, with Gavriel Feinsod delivering an incredible performance, scoring 11 goals to earn MVP and carry his team to victory.

Photo credit: Yossi Kohn

Rabbi Simcha Kallus

Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Yisroel Moshe Perr

Rabbi Yaakov Bienenfeld

Mr. Aaron Felder

Yeshiva Darchei Torah nursery talmidim with their Lego menorah

Around the Community

TAG Launches Annual Fundraising Campaign: Time for TAG 2024

The clock has started ticking for this year’s “Time for TAG” campaign, a fundraising initiative supporting the transformative work of the Torah Academy for Girls Resource Center. Running from December 15 through December 31, this campaign aims to raise $500,000 to sustain and expand the services that help hundreds of students unlock their full potential.

For over 60 years, TAG has been a cornerstone of Torah education for girls in the Far Rockaway & Five Towns community and beyond. Among its many initiatives, the TAG Resource Center stands out as a testament to the school’s commitment to excellence and inclusion. This specialized center provides individualized instruction to more than 225 students each year - all at no additional cost to parents.

The impact of the Resource Center is immeasurable. Through one-on-one support and innovative teaching methods, TAG’s passionate educators equip

students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed not only in the classroom, but also in life. These lessons extend far beyond the school’s walls, shaping futures in seminary and beyond.

“Think about it,” says Rabbi Meyer Weitman, Dean of TAG. “The skills and confidence built in this center stay with our students for life. And it all starts here—with the support of people like you.”

The Ripple Effect of Giving

What sets the Time for TAG campaign apart is its focus on the long-term impact of every contribution. According to Rabbi Baruch Lovett, Director of Development, “Your contribution is more than a donation – it’s an investment in a child’s future.” This philosophy underscores the idea that even a small gift can create a ripple effect, benefiting not only individual students but also their families and communities.

With a goal of $500,000, the campaign seeks to rally the support of TAG’s

SHS Shares an UnREAL Shabbos

By Chana Jacobs

SHS Shabbaton this year was UNREAL. We had a jam-packed weekend full of inspiration and fun! This Shabbaton somehow even topped previous years. The theme was Coke, based on their slogan, “It’s the real thing.” Through theme related programming, we learned more about going out of our comfort zones and to be real and authentic with ourselves in a world full of curated, image-driven interactions and social media. We heard from an inspiring speaker named Kassy Akiva, a journalist who converted to Judaism as a result of

extensive network of parents, alumnae and community members. These funds will ensure that the Resource Center continues to thrive, offering the same level of individualized instruction and support that has made it a hallmark of the school’s educational mission.

A Unique Incentive

To add excitement to the campaign, TAG is offering donors a chance to win big while giving back. All donors who contribute $180 or more will be entered into a raffle for one of ten $1,000 gift cards to premium local establishments. “This raffle is just one way we want to show our gratitude,” says Rabbi Lovett. “It’s our way of saying that every donor is a vital part of this mission.”

A Legacy of Excellence

TAG has long been recognized as a trailblazer in Torah education for girls, and the Resource Center is one of its crowning achievements. From its inception, the center has been staffed by dedicated educators who work tirelessly to

ensure that every girl has the tools she needs to succeed.

How to Get Involved

The Time for TAG campaign is a call to action for anyone who values education, empowerment, and community. Donations can be made quickly and securely online at www.TagDonation.org. Every contribution, large or small, brings TAG closer to its $500,000 goal.

“The Time for TAG campaign is about more than just raising funds,” Rabbi Lovett concludes. “It’s about coming together as a community to support something that matters deeply—to each of us and to the next generation.”

With just a few weeks to meet their goal, the TAG team is counting on the community to rally behind this vital cause. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.TagDonation.org.

the antisemitism she was exposed to. She told us that she “expected to come here to inspire, and found herself leaving so inspired by us.” She noted how privileged we are to have grown up with a Jewish foundation and education, a love for Torah and Yiddishkeit, and such an amazing school like Shulamith (and that she hopes one day to send her kids to such an amazing school).

We had such an uplifting time davening and singing, led by the Y-Studs who added so much to Shabbos. I am so happy I got to experience the realest Shabbaton this year!

Did you know?

The HALB Sports Club had a great time at the Islanders Game last week

Rambam: A Week Filled with Fun, Learning, and Team Spirit

It was a week to remember at Rambam, packed with exciting events, treats, and meaningful learning experiences. The school finished off last week Erev Shabbos with National Hot Cocoa Day, a sweet treat initiative spearheaded by senior Gershon Brill and sponsored by the class of 2025. Students enjoyed a variety of hot cocoa flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, and marshmallows. Special thanks to Aaron Friedman, Director of Operations, for putting everything together and senior Zachary Haironson for also helping to set up this fun treat.

This followed the Thursday night Senior Cholent-A-Thon, sponsored by Elazar Schwartz and family, which was a hit

and sold out quickly. Proceeds from the event went to benefit senior scholarships, offering students a delicious treat for the way home from school and a way to support their peers.

The action continued on Sunday with the Varsity Flag Football team shutting out Magen David in a thrilling match. Meanwhile, Rabbi Ariel Rosensweig completed his Halacha Yomi on the brachot of Neirot Chanukah. The talmidim were treated to snacks in celebration of this achievement.

Throughout the week, Rambam’s Club Hour provided a variety of activities, including Mixed Martial Arts, Sports, World Culture, STEM, Knee Hockey, Chess and more. With students taking the lead in organizing these events, there truly was something for everyone.

Mercaz Academy’s “Work Cycle”

At Mercaz Academy in Plainview, the first hour of Kitah Daled’s daily Torah study does not look anything like a standard classroom. The shelf running the length of the classroom beneath the windows holds a line of trays, each filled with a small item or two: a little box of what seems to be puzzle pieces, a glass jar full of Hebrew letters, a bowl full of seemingly random numbers and sentence fragments. Each student, guided by a personalized reference card, selects a tray and moves purposefully towards one of the room’s round tables. There, singly or in pairs, they work on their selections with quiet focus.

This hour is dedicated to the “work cycle,” designed to build skills in He-

brew reading fluency, vocabulary, and general Judaic knowledge. Using work cycles, students engage in completely individualized learning, using various manipulative activities. Students might select puzzle piece pairs to fit together standard Hebrew script letters with the corresponding letters in Rashi script, or with the gematria (numerical value). With the aid of these tools, the class has already mastered 44 key events in Jewish history on their class timeline, creating a working map of Jewish history which will allow them to place what they learn into the correct context. The random-looking numbers and sentence fragments are actually a complex method designed to help students identify the main event in each

The Rambam Mesivta Rabbinic Fellowship, now in its fourth year, continues to thrive under the leadership of its founder, Principal Mr. Hillel Goldman. This program was created to keep alumni connected with Rambam, while providing them with invaluable opportunities to enhance their Torah knowledge and grow professionally in the world of Jewish education. The program offers alumni the chance to be mentored by experienced Rambam rebbeim and administrators, learn best practices in Jewish education, and teach actual classes. In addition, participants

benefit from career support, including resume assistance, interview preparation, job placement guidance, and professional advice.

Past fellowship sessions have included impactful lectures and discussions with prominent figures in Jewish education and leadership, such as Rabbi Josh Goller, Mara D’asra of the Young Israel of West Hempstead, Rabbi Elon Soniker, Mara D’asra of Anshei Shalom, Avi Posnick, Regional Director of StandWithUs, Andrew Parver of the Hebrew Free Burial Association, Rabbi Chaim Hagler of Ramaz Middle School, Rabbi Ilan

In addition to the fun, Rabbi Ephraim Meth’s 10th grade Gemara Iyun Shiur saw impressive progress, with students being awarded certificates based on the number of Gemara lines they memorized, with some students reaching more than 60 lines.

chapter of Bereisheet. Students working in pairs are committing to memory shorashim, the three-letter roots of Hebrew words, as well as high frequency words.

“My favorite part of the work cycle is reading and translating Chumash with a partner,” one fourth grader volunteered.

The work cycle is based on Rabbi Jonathan Rietti’s “Al Pi Darko” teaching strategies and Montessori methodology. “Al Pi Darko” refers to the charge in Mishlei to “teach each child according to his own way.”

Morah Phyllis Tessler explains, “Because it’s self-directed, the work cycle encourages students to take ownership of their learning, which fosters both focus and depth of understanding.”

Rambam Alumni Rabbinic Fellowship: Year Four

Schimmel, Director of Israel Guidance at Rambam, Rebbe at Rambam, and Mr. Yehuda Friedman, Director of Community Engagement at the Friends of the IDF. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, from classroom management to the communal life of a rabbi, helping fellows to prepare for successful careers in Jewish education and community leadership. Another highlight of the program is the Rambam Sugya Yomi, where alumni engage in meaningful Torah study together with current Rambam talmidim. Upon completing the program, the Rabbinic Fellows earn a framed Rabbinic

It was a week that truly showcased Rambam’s blend of Torah learning, sports, and student-driven initiatives.

“I really like it because you get to work on your own level,” adds one of the Kitah Daled students, “and you don’t feel rushed or like you have to wait for other people.”

Fellowship Certificate, as well as Rabbinic Fellows “graduation” sweatshirts. Recently, participants had the honor of meeting Honorable Judge Goldman, who shared his expertise on public speaking in his session titled, “From the Classroom to the Pulpit.”

The Rambam Mesivta Rabbinic Fellowship continues to provide Rambam alumni with the tools and guidance necessary to pursue a lifelong commitment to Torah and Jewish education.

MTA Sports Management Club Welcomes Mike Vaccaro

By Moshe Parver

This past Wednesday, over 40 boys from the MTA Sports Management Club had the privilege of hearing from Mike Vaccaro. Vaccaro has been the lead columnist for the New York Post since 2002, is a 4-time recipient of the New York Sports Writer of the Year award, and a voter for the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The meeting began with a 15-minute presentation, in which Vaccaro talked about his experience writing in New York

and the impact covering such a big city has on his writing. He also spoke about his time in locker rooms and the observations he makes about the impact a player has off the field. After the presentation, Vaccaro answered questions for 30 minutes on a wide variety of topics, including his favorite games he’s ever attended, his criteria for voting someone into the Hall of Fame, and his thoughts on some of the baseball moves that happened this offseason.

Vaccaro’s passion for his job was clear throughout the meeting. He spoke about

how much he loves uncovering and sharing the human side of sports—those moments that go beyond the box scores. For him, it’s not just about the games but the unique storylines that make each player, team, and season memorable. He shared how much he enjoys connecting fans to the emotions behind the game and writing stories that resonate with readers. Hearing from such a prestigious and passionate columnist like Mike Vaccaro was an unforgettable experience, offering a rare glimpse into the world of sports journalism at its highest level.

HAFTR Freshman Trip: New Experiences and New Memories

By Lauren Mell

Freshman year is filled with new challenges, opportunities to grow, and chances to bond with new friends. On Thursday, December 5, the HAFTR High School freshman class had the chance to do just that as my classmates and I went on a fun-filled trip. Instead of walking into school as a group of groggy teenagers who just wanted to crawl back into bed, we arrived full of energy and excitement. Our first stop of the day was Top Golf, where we felt like VIPs

with specially reserved booths just for us. Though it was cold outside, we hardly noticed the weather with the outdoor heating and comfortable chairs. Some of my peers excelled at golf as they hit the balls into some of the farthest holes. Others, like me, could barely make contact with the ball but had just as much fun trying. Both students and faculty alike had a great time laughing and bonding with one another.

After davening Mincha and enjoying a delicious pizza lunch, our next stop of the day was Urban Air, an adventure

park. There were many enjoyable activities such as ropes courses, ball pits, wrestling, trampolines, and more. There were also many intense and competitive dodgeball games. It may be hard to imagine, but our day didn’t end there! Our final stop was to the United Skates of America, where we hurriedly got off the buses to put on either roller skates or blades. Some of my classmates skated like professionals while others, like myself, needed walkers to move. What can I say–some people skate and others write about it. The hockey players definitely

Chanukah Show at YI of Far Rockaway

The sisterhood of the Young Israel of Far Rockaway has been hosting wonderful family events for the past few years in honor of the holiday of Chanukah!

This year, 5785, we are very excited to present the amazing magician Marc Garfinkel. Marc is a world famous performer who has been reported to be “the world’s

foremost mentalist and magician today.”

He has mesmerized audiences all over the world in places such as Costa Rica, Aruba, and, of course, numerous times in our very own homeland of Israel! Marc has astounded young and old alike for many years, and we are ecstatic to have him with us this year to thrill us all!

Our amazing Chanukah show will

take place on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at 11:15 a.m. at the Young Israel of Far Rockaway, 716 Beach 9th street, Far Rockaway, NY.

Refreshments and treats will be served, and we promise that everyone will have a super fun time! Each child will receive a goodie bag to take home as well to remember the great fun

made sure to show off their moves. We all enjoyed a delicious dinner of Chinese food before we moved on to the arcades for even more fun, games, and prizes. To end our eventful night, we took a grade picture, and after that, the girls headed to their bus while the boys davened Maariv. We arrived back at HAFTR by 9 p.m., exhausted from the nonstop, fun-filled day. Overall, it was an amazing experience for the whole freshman class. We made memories and formed friendships that will last a lifetime.

we will all have !

We look forward to seeing the whole community at this performance and having a fantastic Simchas Chanukah 5785! For more info and pricing, please call (516) 672-4232.

HANC ECC is very busy getting ready for Chanukah

The Shulamith ECC Pre-1A created artwork modeled after the book Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews

YCQ Visits the Met

On Monday, December 9, and Thursday, December 12, the Grade 6 Boys and Girls at YCQ visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Egypt Exhibit. Students engaged with the material they are learning about in Mrs. Howitt’s Social Studies class and

Students appreciated seeing their classroom come alive as they were led by Mrs. Elana Kaplan, an educator at the MET, on an exciting tour through the museum.

YHT Stands with the IDF

Mr. Jarrod Mittan joined the Yeshiva Har Torah family in February 2023 as Operations Manager. In this role, Mr. Mittan serves as a key support to Executive Director Mr. Ephi Strazynski and helps to manage the institution’s growing operational needs, including all aspects of facilities management across both campuses. With extensive professional experience and a commitment to excellence, Mr. Mittan has quickly become an integral member of the internal team and, by extension, a valued part of the broader Yeshiva Har Torah community.

In October 2024, a profound and inspiring chapter unfolded in Mr. Mittan’s journey. Having proudly served in the IDF’s Nahal Brigade, 932nd Battalion, from 2003, including combat deployments in Hebron and Bethlehem, Mr. Mittan answered a deeply personal call to duty following the events of October 7. Reflecting the shared values of the connection to Eretz Yisrael, Torah U’mitzvot, and dedication that Yeshiva Har Torah holds dear, he courageously and voluntarily removed his reserve duty exemptions to return to military service. In

The Special Children’s Center is getting into the Chanukah spirit! Crafting menorahs, eating doughnuts and spinning dreidel contests are just some of the activities we are doing to feel the Chanukah vibe

Delving into the Meaning of

Dairy on Chanukah

December 2023, Mr. Mittan was called up for a six-week combat deployment in Hebron. Most recently, he completed two months of reserve duty in the Judean Brigade in the West Bank (Shechem). Just like the many YHT alumni who have served and continue to serve in the IDF, Mittan’s inspirational selflessness and dedication embody our shared values of strength, compassion, community, and love for Medinat Yisrael. As featured by Mr. Strazynski and Mr. Mittan’s embrace, we are thrilled to welcome Mr. Mittan back safely to the Yeshiva Har Torah family.

In preparation for Chanukah, the talmidim and rabbeim of Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim embarked on a meaningful and delicious learning experience to delve into the minhag (custom) of eating milchigs (dairy) during Chanukah.

This minhag is rooted in the inspiring story of Yehudis, whose courage and quick thinking played a pivotal role in the Chanukah miracle. By feeding the Greek general, Holofernes, salty cheese to make him thirsty, she set the stage for his eventual defeat, contributing to the miraculous victory of Klal Yisroel. Eating milchig foods during Chanukah serves as a beautiful way to honor her bravery and the miracles of that time.

To bring this minhag to life, the Yeshiva visited The Cheese Store for an engaging session of learning and cheese tasting. This interactive experience deepened the talmidim’s appreciation for the Chanukah story while connecting them to the culinary traditions that make the festival so special.

Through this program, the Yeshiva aims to enhance the understanding of Chanukah minhagim and create meaningful moments of Torah learning and achdus (unity).

A special thank you to Daniel and his amazing team at The Cheese Store for graciously hosting the talmidim and making this experience unforgettable!

saw ancient artifacts firsthand.

Offering Wisdom with a Personal Touch

Touro Academic Leaders Share Advice with Undergraduates Considering Careers in Medicine, Dentistry, Podiatry and Pharmacy

As one who reviews more than 10,000 applications for medical school every year, Dr. Edward Halperin, chancellor and CEO of Touro’s New York Medical College, is often asked by potential applicants what matters most to admissions staff: the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)? Grade point average? Personal statement? Letters of recommendation?

He told more than 150 Touro University undergrads, “Everything. We look at it all.” The quality of your course selection, your grades, your MCATs or your dental admissions test (DAT) or other standardized tests, your essay, and your references; they all matter.”

Dr. Halperin went on to say, “Are you more likely to get an interview at a Touro-associated medical, dental, podiatry, or pharmacy program if you are a Touro undergraduate? Yes. We have policies in place that give preferred interview status to Touro undergraduates.”

Dr. Halperin shared his insight and experience as part of an information session for students who came to learn about their career options, what it takes to gain admission into highly competitive programs, and how to become candidates for professional schools in growing fields. Dr. Halperin was one of several academic leaders, deans and representatives of Touro’s medical, dental, podiatry, and pharmacy schools at the event.

Dr. Halperin said that for candidates it comes down to finding the right fit. He noted that there are 172 MD-granting medical schools in the U.S. and Canada, 80 schools of dentistry, 141 schools of pharmacy in the US, and nine schools of podiatry in the US.

“But people will select an institution of higher education based on an impression obtained during a walk-through or the advice of well-meaning friends and relatives,” he said.

Did you know?

Instead, he recommended that applicants evaluate graduate health sciences schools based on each school’s mission, curriculum, clinical material, location, association with other schools and training facilities, and tuition.

Stellar Results

Touro’s results demonstrate that the students would do well to listen to the wisdom dispensed by Dr. Halperin and the other members of the faculty in attendance: More than 90% of undergrads at Touro’s Lander Colleges who apply to medical school and 98% who apply to dental school secure spots.

After hearing from Dr. Halperin and others, the students were invited to meet with the representatives of Touro’s medical programs in attendance—New York Medical College, Touro College of Dental Medicine, Touro College of Pharmacy, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Touro-affiliated New York College of Podiatric Medicine—to learn more and ask individual questions.

“You’ve got some heavy hitters here tonight,” said Halperin. “And I feel comfortable saying that you’re not going to find any other university where the deans of this many professional schools come such a considerable distance to meet with undergraduates.”

The sentiment was echoed by the students in attendance.

Supporting Students’ Career Aspirations

“This was an amazing opportunity to actually meet the deans,” said Tzion Masri, a junior from Brooklyn who is pre-dental. “I learned that Touro Dental School has a program where I actually get to experience four days on campus and get a hands-on feel for what dental school is going to be like. Just for that it was already worth coming to the event.”

And Tzion said it was worth it for him to come to Touro if only because its stu-

Doughnuts were given the lofty title of “Hit Food of the Century of Progress” at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.

dents get preferential consideration for interviews for its medical and dental programs.

“Dental school is super competitive to get into, and it was important to do everything in my power to succeed,” he said. “It shows that Touro is going out of their way to support their students and ensure they look out for us to help us succeed. It almost feels like we’re part of a large family, with everyone having our best interests in mind.”

Ezra Masri plans to pursue a career in pharmacy and hadn’t realized the deans would be there when he decided to attend the information session. He was particularly excited to speak to Dr. Henry Cohen, dean of the Touro College of Pharmacy, who told him about some of the opportunities available within the field.

“I wanted to know about eventually building a business within the industry,” said Ezra, from Brooklyn, who is in his second year at Touro in Flatbush. “It was good to hear from an expert that there is upward mobility within the profession, that you can work in many different settings and that there are opportunities for growth and entrepreneurship.”

The deans stressed to the students that that upon becoming medical professionals, they’ll be treating people from many different backgrounds.

“One of the implicit messages communicated is that if you choose medicine

or healthcare health, you have to be prepared to serve the totality of the New York City community, or whatever community you live in,” according to Dr. Robert Goldschmidt, Executive Dean of Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences, who organized the program. “You have to be ready and prepared to accommodate and treat patients of diverse backgrounds, with diverse perspectives.”

The message resonated with Shaina Borisute, a senior from Crown Heights. She said that, although she is pursuing a career in nursing, there was plenty of applicable information to glean from the presentation. “I grew up learning a set of values, and my parents taught me to live a certain way,” said Shaina. “And tonight, they talked about how we can hold on to those values, while following professional standards at the same time.”

Chanee Slapochnik, a senior from Crown Heights, arrived at the information session still in the process of determining which field to pursue within the medical profession. Listening to the presentations and meeting with representatives from different schools didn’t make her decision for her. But it did make it a little easier.

“The truth is that ultimately I need to be the one to decide on my future career path,” Chanee said, “but having these experts in so many fields available to talk with will help me figure it out for myself.”

Dr. Ronnie Myers and Dr. David Katz, deans at Touro College of Dental Medicine, speaking with pre-dental student Tzion Masri

Siach Yitzchok Visits the Yazlovitz Rav

The fifth grade talmidim of Siach Yitzchok visited the Yazlovitz Rav, Harav Letterman, shlita. They were farhered on 5 perakim of Mishnayos and then received their very first Gemara Bava Kama.

Following the trip to Boro Park, the boys celebrated the milestone of Hascholas Gemara with a delicious fleishegeh seudah.

“V’ha’arev Nah” Continues at MAY

Mesivta Ateres Yaakov’s 12th grade has become a flagship for the vaunted “V’ha’arev Nah” Bekiyus Program. The renowned program, which was highlighted in Mishpacha Magazine, encourages talmidim through a variety of methods to engage in a tremendous amount of chazarah until they truly “own” a masechta.

As one of the components to the novel approach to bekiyus learning, talmidim participate in several “retzufos sedarim” throughout the year. Aside from the delicious fare that is provided before and after the seder, the primary goal is for talmidim to learn completely uninterrupted for an extended period of time.

This past Wednesday, the 12th grade shiurim at MAY remained in Yeshiva after a full day of learning and engaged in a retzufah seder, learning uninterrupted, for 3-4 hours straight. The seder concluded with a delicious seudah, divrei Torah, a musical guest, singing and dancing.

“Much of the success we are seeing from our talmidim has to do with the time and energy our senior Rabbeim, Rabbi Tsvi Greenfield and Rabbi Yonason Sprung, expend for their shiurim,” commented Rabbi Yossi Bennett, S’gan Menahel. “They give over lev v’nefesh for our talmidim, and the bochurim feel that.”

Rabbi Yonasan Sprung added, “My goal is that my talmidim gain skills in lumdos and a geshmak in learning during our iyun shiur, and another geshmak in mastery of a masechta during our bekiyus shiur.”

HAFTR Hosts Vibrant Shuk

This past weekend, HAFTR, in collaboration with Congregation Beth Sholom, transformed its space into a lively and impactful cultural exchange through the Shuk Experience, “Shuk to the Core,” an initiative to spotlight and support Israeli artisans. Organized with dedication by Stuart Katz and Jordan Hiller, the event brought together hundreds of attendees for an unforgettable display of unity and purpose.

The Shuk provided a vital platform for Israeli vendors to showcase their exquisite hand-crafted products, from jewelry and Judaica to art and artisan health products. This initiative carried deep significance, offering economic relief to

At the beginning of the z’man, talmidim from both shiurim visited Rabbi Dovid Neuman, the mastermind behind this groundbreaking movement, and inaugurated the program for this z’man.

Experience

vendors facing financial challenges due to the decline in tourism caused by the ongoing conflict in Israel. With a large portion of their income traditionally relying on visitors to the Holy Land, these artisans found hope and support through the Five Towns community’s unwavering solidarity.

Beyond commerce, the event served as a poignant reminder of collective strength. Representatives from Mental Health Israel First-Aid were present, raising funds and awareness for critical relief efforts and assistance for those suffering from the trauma of war and captivity. The heartfelt collaboration highlighted the resilience of those on

B’siyata d’shmaya, talmidim are learning b’hasmodah rabah and loving every minute of it!

the front lines, the hostages returning home, and the unwavering commitment of those who stand behind them.

The Shuk was held alongside HAFTR’s annual Chanukah Boutique, organized by the HAFTR PTA featuring local vendors and offering attendees a blend of national and community treasures. Both the Shuk and boutique experienced tremendous success, leaving customers inspired by the creativity, dedication, and stories behind the products.

More than just a marketplace, the Shuk Experience became a symbol of unity, bridging the gap between Israeli and American communities. In a year defined by challenges, the event exempli-

fied the strength that emerges when people join hands to support one another.

Organizer Stuart Katz shared a powerful message: “We can’t fight this fight alone, and we’re hoping—praying—that you’ll stand with us now, just as you’ve done so many times before. Your support means more than words can ever express.”

Hosting this remarkable event was an honor for HAFTR, reaffirming the school’s unwavering commitment to Israel and the global Jewish community. Together, we demonstrated that even in the face of adversity, support knows no borders.

At the Challah Bake at the IDF Chesed Center in loving memory of Omer Neutra, Hy”d

A Milestone at Cong. Anshei Chesed

Congregation Anshei Chesed of Hewlett celebrated an historic milestone on Motzei Shabbos, December 14, as Rabbi Isaac Rice was installed as the shul’s new Mara d’Asra,

After many weeks of extensive preparation, the girls of TAL Academy put on a stellar choir performance at the school’s first mother-grandmother Melave Malka. The recent Melave Malka was hosted by the Ghoori family in their home in Lawrence. To kick off the evening, the girls, along with their mothers and grandmothers, were treated to an abundant, catered, dairy buffet. Prior to the musical performance, two students led the girls in reciting Perek Kuf Chaf Aleph of Tehillim for the safety of our IDF soldiers and the

following the retirement of long-time Mara d’Asra Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz.

Speakers who offered divrei bracha at the ceremony included HaRav Hershel Schachter, Rosh Yeshiva at the Rab -

safe return of our hostages. As TAL Academy is a school for children with Language-Based learning challenges such as

FM Home Loans MAY 5K

Incentive Breakfast

bi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary; HaRav Mordechai Kamenetzky, Dean at Yeshiva Toras Chaim of South Shore; and HaRav Lefkowitz. The ceremony was followed by a festive meal

year’s photos from school. Keeping with the theme of Shabbos, the girls also decorated their very own customized “match cloche bottle” for their mothers to use during Hadlakas Neiros. The project functions as both a beautiful and practical item that will be used at home. As the event came to a close, each student received a goody bag filled with treats and games to be enjoyed on Shabbos. The evening was an inspiring and unifying event for the girls of TAL Academy, their mothers and grandmothers along with the TAL Academy faculty. TAL Academy Melava Malka

The FM Home Loans MAY 5K has become a legendary event at Mesivta Ateres Yaakov, embodying the unique ruach that makes MAY so special. The race, which was held a few weeks ago, is organized by the Student Government and builds palpable excitement among the student body while raising crucial funds for the tuition scholarship fund and other student-centered programs.

To celebrate the success of the race, which raised over $165,000, the GO

hosted the 5K Incentive Breakfast. The highlight of the event was the awarding of the hundreds of incredible, hardearned incentives to the bochurim who worked hard to raise funds. Among the incentives awarded were Crawford’s gift certificates, the Rock basketballs, custom sneakers, AirPods, Andrew Lock custom suits, and an iMac computer!

Much appreciation goes to FM Home Loans as the title sponsor for the MAY 5K and to all the other sponsors, volunteers and participants.

dyslexia, that reading of the Tehillim was especially meaningful.

The students then all performed a Shabbos-themed musical medley, complete with solos, duets, and intricate harmonies. The hours of hard and diligent work to get the performance just right paid off! The audience was mesmerized!

Then, Mrs. Sara Taib, the school principal, presented a surprise gift to the two girls who recently celebrated their bas mitzvahs (a first for TAL). These students each received a beautiful leather-bound Tehillim, personalized with their name.

The evening was jam-packed. The girls also enjoyed a slideshow with this

Chessed 24/7

Once again, HALB has partnered with Chessed 24/7 for Chanukah! Students have been making beautiful cards to go with the gifts that Chessed 24/7 will be delivering to children in the hospital over the holiday.

catered by Oasis Caterers and with music by Rabbis Shlomo Drebin and Natan Wolf.

HANC Chagigat HaChumash

The auditorium of the West Hempstead Elementary School was filled with excitement as the parents, siblings and grandparents of HANC’s Elementary School Second Grade students waited with great anticipation for the children’s Chagigat HaChumash Play. Accompanied by the joyful melodies of HANC’s music teacher, Mrs. Kari Levine, a HANC alumna and parent, the children marched in with enthusiasm emanating from their faces. As the students took their places on stage, it was evident that the audience was about to witness an inspiring milestone in their children’s lives.

Rabbi Ouriel Hazan, Head of HANC’s West Hempstead campuses, welcomed the parents into the gathering of happy Chumash recipients.

Throughout the electrifying performance, the children sang a series of songs focusing on the importance of learning Torah and how happy they were to be receiving their first Chumash. As the children delivered their speaking parts and sang their inspiring songs, the students’ enthusiasm was felt throughout the room. In one of the songs, as the children sang

about lighting up the world with Hashem’s Torah, the lights were turned off and the children waved glow sticks to exemplify the light of Torah that each of them possesses and can share with the world.

The much anticipated moment finally arrived. Each student was called forward by Mrs. Michal Wasser, Assistant Principal, and was presented with a beautiful Chumash with a leather cover that was personalized with their full Hebrew name. In addition to receiving their Chumashim, the students were also presented with a photograph of themselves receiving their Chumash with the teachers and administrators. The children also received a large lollipop with the image of the cover of their Chumash embedded in the delicious treat.

The children discovered that they were filled with many emotions during the course of the Chumash Play. It was truly a spectacular event and the children brought tremendous nachat to everyone who was in attendance. The second grade teachers were especially proud of their young students who had worked so hard to prepare for this auspicious day.

Around the Community

A Heart for Another

By Rabbi Yaakov Bender

Iremember the levayah of Rav Aharon Kotler and how we accompanied the aron to the airport, from where it was to be flown to Eretz Yisrael for kevurah In an unprecedented move, TWA Airlines had agreed not just to transport the aron to Eretz Yisrael in regular passage, removing several seats from the aircraft to allow for the space, but they had also consented to place a curtain around the aron and allow a group of talmidim to sit around it, continuing their shemirah until the kevurah. It was a rare display of true kavod HaTorah for the America of those years, and the send-off from the airport was equally respectful, as befitting a levayah for a giant, a Rosh Yeshivah, a manhig, and a father to so many.

Just after the levayah, his son and successor, Reb Shneur, was sitting in the airport and accepting nechama from people, a line forming in front of him despite the din and commotion all around.

Somehow, Reb Shneur, the bereaved

son, managed to pick up a heated discussion between some of the bachurim, though they were not in front of him. He called one of them over and asked what they were talking about.

The talmid explained that there was a chasunah that night for one of their friends, but none of them felt it appropriate to go dance. They were simply too heartbroken.

Reb Shneur looked at him in surprise. “It is not even a shailah,” he said, “that just as you had a tafkid to mourn your rebbi, you now have a tafkid to be mesameiach a chassan and kallah. Why should the couple lose out on the simchah that is rightfully theirs because of what happened?”

Interestingly, I think that this might have been the first psak that Reb Shneur gave after assuming his father’s position, and it reflects his leadership. He had the unique ability to balance what sometimes appeared to be contradictory demands, to know how to fuse genuine yiras Shamayim with genuine simchah, to protect and safeguard the olam hayeshivos while

radiating ahavas Yisrael and respect for each Yid.

Not long after the Second World War, Rav Michoel Ber Weissmandel met with the Satmar Rebbe.

Later, he told his talmidim, “I have never seen a Yid whose heart is as broken as that of the Satmar Rebbe… he just covers it over with his smile.”

The Satmar Rebbe carried the pain of the klal and of the yachid. He lived, as the Chovos HaLevavos tells us about tzaddikim who are constantly doing teshuvah, with “aveilo b’libo, his mourning in his heart, v’tzahalaso al panav, his joy on his face.”

That balance made him such a great leader.

During this last period of war in Eretz Yisrael, when we heard bad news day after day, I received a call from the parents of a bar mitzvah boy. They wondered if they should cancel the music they had planned for their son’s bar mitzvah as a way of commiserating with those suffering in Eretz Yisrael.

I told them that they absolutely should not cancel the music. Why should the boy lose out on something his friends had and feel badly about it? And why should they absolve themselves with a mere external act of empathy?

Rather, I suggested, they keep the music. But instead, they should give their hearts. They should undertake to daven more and reflect more on the reality of

Math at YOSS

Mrs. Ratner’s third grade YOSS math enrichment class is flying through the curriculum. The boys can recognize numbers up till the thousands place. They are able to identify all different forms of a number including, standard form, picture form, word form and expanded form. We then moved onto adding and subtracting with regrouping till the thousands place. The boys are pros at identifying key words and solving word problems as well. We are currently finishing up the concept and understanding of multiplication and repeated addition. A highlight of our class is getting to play many different games to reinforce our skills. The class enjoys playing around the world, connect four, I have who hats, and scoot, just to name a few.

people living under the threat of constant danger, of children whose schools are closed, parents who cannot work, fathers and brothers called away from home. When they feel the pain and distress, they should say a perek of Tehillim, and then go dance at the bar mitzvah. Both are possible, and that is what it means to be a Yid.

Reprinted from A Heart for Another by Rabbi Yaakov Bender with permission from the copyright holder, ArtScroll Mesorah Publications.

We can’t wait to learn all the multiplication tables and division. Keep up the great work!

TJH Centerfold

10 Possible Reasons that New Jersey is Swamped by Low Flying Drones

They’re trying to pinpoint if the odor is from the refineries, a landfill, or an overenthusiastic diner experiment.

They’re trying to calculate how many Lexus SUVs are illegally parked in handicap parking spaces in Lakewood.

They’re delivering McDonalds to Chris Christie. (Thank you, Pres. Elect Donald J. Trump, for coming up with that one.)

They belong to a Lakewood party planner who is filming the preparations for a crazy backyard Chanukah party.

They are used to transport gevirim around Lakewood so they don’t have to wait in traffic for 6 hours to travel a half of a mile.

Riddle me This

They are looking for a thief who stole a carton of Marlboro cigarettes from one of the 8,000 WaWas on Route 9. (The getaway car was a 1992 Camaro blasting Bruce Springsteen.)

It is an experiment to see if the workout gumbas on the Jersey Shore are able to lift their thick necks and look up towards the sky for extended periods of time.

They’re delivering cash to the corrupt New Jersey politicians in Trenton.

It’s a dry run for a Shalach Manos delivery app opening in Lakewood this year. (Let not your heart be troubled—you can order a delivery with a flip phone as well.)

What drones? Drinking too much in Jersey again?

You have a drone that can fly 10 miles in a straight line before it must turn back due to low battery. Your drone manages to explore an area 30 miles away and safely returns to base.

How is this possible?

Answer: The drone was transported to and from the base on your truck.

Black Ops Trivia

1. During the Cold War, how did U.S. spies secretly eavesdrop on Soviet underwater communication cables?

a. By disguising submarines as fishing boats

b. By planting recording devices on the ocean floor

c. By training dolphins to carry microphones

d. By intercepting radio signals from satellites

2. What unusual method did the U.S. use in the Vietnam War to disrupt enemy supply routes?

a. Dropping tons of glitter to block radar

b. Using chemicals to make the ground slippery

c. Creating artificial rain to flood the trails

d. Spreading noise machines to confuse soldiers

3. What was the purpose of laying an underwater pipeline across the English Channel during World War II?

a. To provide fresh water to soldiers

b. To create a hidden escape route for troops

c. To deliver fuel for tanks and vehicles

d. To send messages through pressurized air tubes

4. How did Allied forces trick the Nazis about the location of an invasion during World War II?

Japanese soldiers during World War II?

a. Dropping fake ghost masks to scare them

b. Playing loud recordings of wild animal sounds at night

a. They built fake tanks and planes out of cardboard

b. They dropped false plans onto a floating corpse

c. They sent coded messages in crossword puzzles

d. They broadcast fake radio chatter from actors

5. Why did the U.S. military train dolphins during the Cold War?

a. To detect underwater mines and enemy divers

b. To deliver secret messages between submarines

c. To guard naval bases against intruders

d. To monitor ocean temperatures near nuclear test sites

6. What bizarre method did the U.S. consider to confuse

c. Air-dropping mirrors to create dazzling distractions

d. Releasing bats carrying tiny incendiary bombs

Answers:

1-B

2-C

3-C

4-B

5-A

6-D

Wisdom key

5-6 correct: Since you know so much about Black Ops missions, tell us what in the world is going on with the drones over New Jersey.

3-4 correct: You are not exactly on Seal Team 6.

0-2 correct: Your mind has been compromised. I repeat: your mind has been compromised.

Getting my drone stuck in a tree isn’t the worst thing that happened to me today. But it’s definitely up there.

Torah Thought

Parshas Vayeshev

By Rabbi Berel Wein

Yosef feels the brothers have been unjust for rejecting his dreams immediately, and they, in turn, are convinced that he and his dreaming constitute a veritable danger to the unity and survival of Yaakov’s family. It is not only the contents of Yosef’s dreams – that

he will dominate the family – that disturb the brothers. It is the very fact that he is dreaming that raises their suspicions and fuels their enmity towards him.

In the struggle between Yosef and the brothers, the conflict is between the lofty and inspirational theory of Juda-

ism and its sometime mundane practice of hope and actual reality – of what can be achieved even though it is not exactly what one dreamt of achieving. The conflict between Yosef and his brothers is never really ended. It is compromised by both sides, recognizing the validity of the position of the other and living with that reality. The Jewish people in its long and difficult history have somehow been able to combine the spirit and

brothers’ enmity, slavery and imprisonment in Egypt. Even after he seemingly has them in his grasp, it is still a contest of wills. Again, Yosef’s dreams are finally realized but only after he has been subjected to many hard years of unpleasant reality. The brothers, realists to the end, are shocked to see that the dreamer has emerged triumphant. The dreamers save the world from famine, while the realists end up being its

Someone without dreams and ambition, who refuses to reach heavenward and conquer the stars, will never be a truly creative or original person.

dreams of Yosef with the hardheaded realism of his brothers. Both traits are necessary for our survival and accomplishments, both as individuals and as a nation.

Someone without dreams and ambition, who refuses to reach heavenward and conquer the stars, will never be a truly creative or original person. But if this drive is not tempered by a realistic sense of the situation and the society that surrounds us, then all dreams are doomed to eventually disappoint. Yosef’s dreams are realized only after he has been severely chastened by his

customers. Thus, the Torah teaches us that we need both dreamers and realists within our ranks.

A nation built exclusively on dreams, without practical reality intruding, will find that reality rising to foil the realization of the dream. A nation that ceases to dream of reaching greater heights will stagnate and not survive. So, both the brothers and Yosef are “right” in their pursuit of building a nation and of spiritual growth. We need a healthy dose of both values and views in our Jewish world today as well.

Shabbat shalom.

Iwould like to discuss what it means to be successful. Everyone wants this, but what does it mean? If a person goes into business or gets a job, he believes he has succeeded if he accomplishes the business’s goals and makes money. Parents usually define success as having children who are G-d-fearing, educated, can support themselves, and who get married and have children of their own. If any of these things are lacking, they feel like a failure. If, for instance, a child decides not to keep the mitzvos anymore, the parents wonder what it was all for. We see from our expectations that we define success or failure by whether we succeed or fail in achieving our personal goals.

Based on this definition, however, the figures in this week’s parsha were largely unsuccessful. Yaakov Avinu had good children but they began fighting bitterly, and Yaakov believed that he was responsible for Yosef’s death because he had sent him on a dangerous mission. Reuven felt guilty for meddling in his father’s personal affairs and fasted and prayed for forgiveness throughout his life for this. He also failed in his effort to save Yosef because after he temporarily took his leave of his brothers, Yosef had already been sold as a slave. Yehuda was demoted by his brothers from his position because he failed to show leadership by not having mercy on Yosef. And he later seemed to engage in an extremely unseemly act with Tamar.

According to most commentaries, Yosef meant well in sharing his dreams with his brothers but his efforts failed and the pasuk says that this caused his brothers to hate him (Bereishis 37:8). Yosef was sold into slavery and then, even when he worked hard, continued studying Torah, always spoke about Hashem, he was falsely accused of a horrible crime and thrown in jail for many years. Even when he later

From the Fire

Parshas Vayeshev Being a Success

By Rav Moshe Weinberger

Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

became viceroy, he was completely alone, separated from his family, and surrounded by the lowest impurity in Egypt. He was completely alone. He could not eat even with the Egyptians, who would never break bread with a Jew (Rashi on ibid. 43:32). By our familiar definition of success, our fathers in the parsha were all unsuccessful people. Yet the Torah says about Yosef that he was “a successful man” and that “whatever he did, Hashem made him successful” (ibid. 39:2-3). How can the Torah call a man who was sold as a slave and then thrown into jail a “successful man”?

It must be that Hashem and the Torah do not the define success the same way we do. Perhaps that is why we so often fall into despondency and disappointment when things do not go as we hope they will. Perhaps that is why people who are not successful at making money, keeping a job, or having ostensibly successful children feel like failures and why very often others view them as failures as well. It must be that these perceptions are based on a misunderstanding of the definition of success.

Engaged in Battle

Thankfully, Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, the Ramchal, zt”l, defines success for us in the first chapter of Mesilas Yesharim – and his definition is quite different from our preconceived notions. The first part of what he says sounds good: “Man was only created to delight in Hashem and enjoy the radiance of His Presence.” But the Ramchal then takes an unexpected turn: “The Holy One therefore placed man in a place [this world] where there are many things that distance him from Hashem, i.e., physical desires… It turns out that he is truly placed in the midst of a fierce battle. Everything in this world, whether revealed good or the opposite, is a test for man: poverty on one side and wealth on the other… serenity on one side and suffering on the other, to the point that one finds himself surround by war on all sides… if one sees himself as a soldier and he is victorious in battle on all sides, then he will be considered the perfect man…” One would have expected the Ramchal to say that if success means delighting in Hashem’s Presence, then Hashem should have placed man in a place of serenity,

peace, and prosperity so that he would have the opportunities to fully embrace everything it takes to bind himself to G-dliness. Yet he tells us just the opposite. Success means connecting to G-d not where there are no obstacles, but where one is surrounded by temptations, difficulties, tests, and failures in his physical endeavors.

Success means never letting our guard down, always being vigilant, and continually engaging in the battle to do the next right thing. It means letting go of the expectation that we will someday reach the point when we will be able to leave life’s challenges behind. That is what Hashem was telling Yaakov when He caused the difficulty with Yosef to pounce on him just when he wanted to “retire” from the many battles in his life (Rashi on ibid. 37:1).

Hashem called Yosef a “successful man” because he was indeed the archetype of success. He remained engaged in battle to live his life according to Hashem’s will at all times, no matter what was happening around him and regardless of whether his efforts yielded success or failure on a revealed level. “The name of Heaven was always in his mouth” (Rashi on ibid. 39:3).

It is natural for people, including tzaddikim, to want to rest and enjoy serenity. And this is appropriate from time to time. But success means recognizing that rest is not the goal and that one can never put life’s struggle for G-dliness behind him. That is the key to happiness and satisfaction. That is how one enables himself to delight in Hashem.

Yehuda’s decision to confront his mistakes and show leadership by publicly conceding that Tamar was righteous and that he had made a mistake led to the birth of his son Peretz and thus the spirit of Moshiach ben Dovid. And Yosef’s victory over his evil inclination in the form

of Potiphar’s wife led him to become the progenitor of the force known as Moshiach ben Yosef in the world. Fighting this battle brings redemption to individuals and to our nation as a whole.

That is why, on Chanukah, we thank Hashem “for the miracles, and for the wonders, for the salvations, and for the wars.” Why do we thank Hashem for the wars? Would it not have been better if we had been saved without the need to fight wars? We see from this tefillah that wars are something for which we must be grateful. The battles we fight every day for holiness are what give our lives meaning and purpose. If we had serenity without challenges and daily battles, our lives would be meaningless. That would be failure.

Today, bachurim and men must fight every day to keep their eyes and ears in the right places. Men and women must fight with their baser desires to eat and drink for Hashem’s sake and not simply to satisfy physical cravings. Everyone is challenged by working or trying to make money or purchasing physical things for Hashem’s sake, and not simply to acquire wealth and honor.

Reb Shlomo Carlebach, z”l, tells the story of Reb Yitzchak Zelig of Sokolov, zy”a, great-grandson of the Kotzker, zy”a When the Sokolover came to Sokolov, he wandered around the shuls and batei midrash looking for a true and deep Jew with whom he could connect. As he looked at the people in each shul as only someone like him could, he sadly did not see that special light in anyone he found. Finally, in one little shul, he found a simple Jew, sitting behind the oven and saying Tehillim, and saw a special light emanating from him. He thought that he had finally found someone with whom he could connect.

The Sokolover ran over to this man and introduced himself as the new rav in town. The man identified himself as Moisheleh the water carrier. In those days, the most difficult, the lowest job, was carrying water for people. The Rebbe wanted to find out something about Moisheleh, to find out what made him great, but the man virtually ignored the Rebbe, answering every question with a grunt or one-word answer. The Rebbe could not find out anything. Eventually, after trying several times, he resigned himself to the fact that he might never find out what made Moisheleh great.

Sometime later, the Rebbe was walking in a poor section of Sokolov, on the outskirts of town, when he heard the sounds of celebration in one of the shacks in the neighborhood. He saw that people were gathering around of the shacks for

some sort of celebration. He asked people what was happening, and they said that Moisheleh was making some sort of celebration, but that it was not a bris or traditional type of occasion, and that they did not actually know the reason for Moisheleh’s joy. The Rebbe then came into Moisheleh’s home and found him dancing with his guests. He asked what the source of the simcha was, so Mosheleh told the Sokolover and everyone else present the following story.

***

I am so poor, and the few pennies I bring home carrying water are not enough to care for my wife and daughters, who are starving every day. It breaks my heart to see them this way. So every day I daven to Hashem, “Please, G-d, give me 1,000 rubles. I know that with that amount of money, I could make a new start and support my family. Please!”

Hashem never answered this prayer, but I continued davening this way every day, perhaps out of habit. Then, yesterday, I was walking outside the shul one morning and I found, in front of me, an envelope with exactly 1,000 rubles in it! I knew it could not be a coincidence that I found the exact amount of money for which I had been asking G-d. I was overjoyed! I rushed home happily and placed the money on the side. I decided to let it sit there for a few days before I made any major changes. Besides, I did not want to let down the people who depend on me to carry water.

I felt so grateful to Hashem that He had finally answered my prayer. All of the water I carried that day felt so light, like I was carrying feathers. Then, when I came to shul for Mincha and Maariv yesterday afternoon, I saw something unexpected. The widow, Chanaleh, was standing by the shul, and everyone was trying to comfort her. She was sobbing uncontrollably. It turns out that after her husband had died, the whole town got together to collect money to help support her. They had collected 1,000 rubles, but the envelope with the money had been lost. No one could find it, and Chanalah was heartbroken.

I knew immediately what had happened, and I was so angry. I immediately left the shul and said to G-d, “Master of the World, I cannot believe you did this to me. If I had never found the exact amount of money I had asked You for, it would have been very hard, but I could have managed. But now that You gave it to me, how can You take it back? I’m sorry. I can’t. I’m through with You. We are no longer on speaking terms.”

I came home and went straight to bed

without davening. My wife asked me what was happening, so I simply told her, “I’m not davening,” and I went to bed. But as I lay there, I could not sleep throughout the night. And suddenly, Hashem began talking to me. So I told him, “G-d, I told you that after what You did to me, I’m not talking to you anymore and I’m not going to daven, so don’t think that You’re going to get me to start davening.”

But Hashem answered me, “Don’t worry, I’m not going to try to get you to daven. But I want to know how you can lie down and go to sleep when poor Chanalah is suffering? How can you go to sleep with a widow’s money in your house? It doesn’t belong to you!”

I knew He was right, so I got dressed early this morning, grabbed the envelope, and went out. I went to Chanalah’s house and knocked on the door. When she answered, I handed her the envelope and said, “Here, I found this envelope, and I think it’s the money you lost.”

I can’t describe the look of joy and relief on Chanalah’s face. It was like something from another world. At that moment, I felt complete serenity and happiness. All of my worries about my own trouble and suffering melted away. All the wealth in the world could not possibly equal the

pleasure I got when I handed the money to Chanalah the widow.

I therefore held this simcha in my house tonight to celebrate how grateful I am that Hashem spoke to me, that He gave me the strength to return the money to Chanalah, that I merited to see Chanalah’s face when I handed her the money, and most of all, I am celebrating the fact that I am privileged to be a Jew and have a connection to Hashem. ***

Our struggles are sometimes so difficult. But regardless of how we fare in those battles, in our professions, or with our children, we are successful if we stay engaged in fighting those wars and battles that are part of our daily lives. May each of us merit success in never retiring from active engagement with the battles of life so that we will continually ascend to higher and higher levels both in this world and the next, with the coming of Moshiach, may he arrive soon in our days.

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

Delving into the Daf

A Matter of Opinion

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

Rav Huna was a learned and revered talmid chochom, yet he grappled with the harsh realities of poverty, straining to support his beloved family. Despite his profound wisdom and dedication to Torah study, the struggles of daily life loomed large, casting shadows over his household. His father, Moshe ben Itzri, stood in stark contrast to Rav Huna’s plight. Moshe was known as a man of considerable wealth for his affluence and status in the community. However, despite his financial success, he was cold-hearted when it came to extending support to his struggling son.

Years before, during the auspicious occasion of Rav Huna’s marriage, Moshe stepped forward to guarantee the payment of the kesubah of his daughter-inlaw personally. With heartfelt commitment, he assured that should his son face the tragic fate of untimely death or the sorrowful path of divorce, the financial obligations outlined in the kesubah would be met. This covenant granted the bride a sense of security, knowing that payment could be collected from Moshe himself.

Abaye felt pained to see Rav Huna struggle. He thought of a temporary way to relieve Rav Huna’s plight: Rav Huna could divorce his wife, allowing her to collect the kesubah payment from her father-in-law, Moshe. Afterward, Rav Huna could remarry her. Although this plan was somewhat devious, it was technically permitted. Abaye contemplated who would have the courage to approach Rav Huna with such a bold idea. However, he soon discovered that Rav Huna was a kohen. If he divorced his wife, he would not be allowed to remarry her. This realization put an end to that idea. (Bava Basra 174b)

The Gemara questions how Abaye could even consider making such a suggestion to Rav Huna. While the advice would have benefited Rav Huna, it would have simultaneously caused Moshe Ben Itzri to suffer a loss. Someone who intervenes in another person’s situation,

“Let me see if this store is the cheapest”

helping one individual while causing harm to another, is called a rasha arum, a cunning and wicked person. In this case, Abaye had no personal stake in the matter. Even while assisting a pauper at the expense of a wealthy man, one should refrain from getting involved in disputes that do not concern them. The Gemara answers that Abaye was allowed to get involved in this specific situation. The father should have been supporting his son without this ruse. Furthermore, Rav Huna was a scholar, and everyone had a mitzvah to support him. This is an exception to the warning against taking sides in issues irrelevant to the person.

HaRav Hillel Zaks, zt”l, the grandson of the Chofetz Chaim, provided a somewhat surprising ruling regarding the issue at hand. It is not permissible to offer unsolicited advice claiming that one Jewish-owned store is cheaper than another. While such a comment may not be classified as loshon hara, it implicates the advisor in a matter that does not concern them personally.

Stores are permitted to set their own prices within a specific range, and there is

nothing inherently wrong with one store charging more than another for the same item. However, when someone advises a shopper that a particular store is less expensive, they influence that shopper to choose the cheaper option. This decision negatively impacts the more expensive store, as it will lose business due to that advice.

Importantly, the person offering this unsolicited advice stands to gain nothing from the situation. Therefore, it is inappropriate for someone to provide opinions on matters that do not concern them, regardless of the financial status of those involved. For instance, even if the storeowner is affluent and the shopper is less fortunate, the principle does not change. Rav Huna was in need in the example provided, while Moshe ben Itzri was wealthy. Still, Abaye was only permitted to offer advice because Moshe ben Itzri should have anyway been supporting his own son, who was a scholar. According to HaRav Hillel Zaks, one may not post that a certain store is cheaper in a group chat. Even if someone on the group chat asked openly which store is more affordable,

one can only reply privately.

HaRav Nissin Karelitz, zt”l, disagreed. He stated that one can offer unsolicited advice, indicating that one store is cheaper. Presumably, he would argue that we cannot directly compare this situation to Rav Huna’s. In that case, Abaye’s advice to Rav Huna would have been somewhat deceitful, as it would force Moshe Ben Itzri to pay a sum he would never have agreed to under normal circumstances. While it might technically be permitted, it would still be considered devious. In fact, the Mishna provides guidance on how to protect oneself from such scenarios. There is nothing dubious about advising someone on which store is cheaper. Interestingly, the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation recently published in its newsletter that one can offer unsolicited advice about pricing, specifically that one store is cheaper than another (Aderabba, VaYishlach Issue 15). On the other hand,

In Journey to Virtue: The Laws of Interpersonal Relationships in Business, Home, and Society, Rabbi Ehrman also addresses this issue but rules differently. He rules that it is forbidden to state that a particular store is generally cheaper. Both publications do not indicate that this matter is subject to dispute.

While the newsletter is lenient, it advises against stating that a particular store is more expensive, as this could be considered loshon hara. They further caution that comparisons should be precise; for example, American flanken may be more costly than imported flanken. Commenting on the price of flanken without considering the country of origin could lead to inaccurate conclusions. For practical rulings, one should seek guidance from their rav.

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.

Headlines Halacha

A Once-in50-Years Neis

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

Chanukah is fast approaching, and we need to reflect on the two nissim of Chanukah:

1. The neis that the oil kept burning,

2. The neis of the remarkable military victory.

Why did Chazal emphasize the first neis over the second one?

So that we will not make a mistake and ignore the role of Hashem and wrongly attribute things to superior military moves and the like.

When someone does you a favor, it is wrong not to express gratitude. It is also wrong to go about life not even noticing

that favor. This is certainly true, especially when the favor came from Hashem. It is brought down in numerous seforim that the ha’arah of Chanukah of the 25th of Kislev actually begins from Rosh Chodesh Kislev. Since Rosh Chodesh Kislev, Klal Yisroel has seen tremendous bracha. There have been such incredible brachos, that we would all be remiss in not notching up our kavana in the Shemoneh Esrei we recite three times each day – particularly in Modim.

So what exactly happened?

We have had a miraculous reduction of threats to acheinu Bnei Yisroel in Eretz

Yisrael. Through His infinite mercy, we have witnessed the extraordinary diminishment of dangerous weapons that had threatened northern Eretz Yisroel. We can actually list a new “10 Makkos.”

• Through incredible siyata d’shmaya, ninety percent of Syria’s advanced anti-aircraft missiles have been eliminated, including their very sophisticated Russian-made SA22 and SA17 systems.

• Furthermore, eighty-five percent of all Syrian air defense capabilities have been neutralized, removing a very grave threat to our brothers and sisters.

• Hashem has also enabled the complete destruction of Syria’s SU-22 and SU24 squadrons – which comprise some forty percent of the entire Syrian air force.

• Every single one of their explosive drone capabilities has been removed.

• Their radar systems have been essentially eliminated.

• We have seen the neutralization of 390 significant firepower targets. Thus, approximately eighty percent of Syria’s larger-scale firepower has been eliminated.

• Multiple underground military targets were discovered and struck, leaving only a single border crossing point for potential weapons transfer.

• The Iranian military presence has been largely removed from Syria, demonstrating His continued watchfulness over our people.

• Hezbollah’s Drone Unit 127 leadership has been eliminated, and seventy to eighty percent of their long-range and strategic weapons have been destroyed.

• And sixty to seventy percent of Hezbollah’s command structure has been neutralized.

As we reflect on these events, we must

remember that while we acknowledge these tactical successes, our ultimate protection comes from Above. Just as our ancestors relied on Hashem’s protection throughout our history, we, too, place our trust in His continued guardianship over Klal Yisroel.

In Az Yashir we read the reaction of the nations in the aftermath of the exodus from Egypt: “Then the chieftains of Edom were startled; as for the powerful men of Moab, trembling seized them.”

Rav Chaim Shmulevitz, zt”l, notes that this pasuk seems to be revealing some great chiddush or insight. Yet is it not obvious that when faced with open miracles people are startled and tremble? (Hagaddah of the Roshei Yeshiva of Mir, p. 226)

Rav Chaim Shmulevitz answers that it is not. It is the nature of people not to change themselves even after seeing open miracles.

“This explains why people around us now are not changing after seeing the open miracles of the Six Day War,” adds Rav Shmulevitz.

This shmuess was delivered in June 1967 in the Mirrer Yeshiva in Yerushalayim. The Mir experienced an open miracle when a bomb that crashed through the ceiling did not explode.

May Hashem continue to watch over and protect His people, and may these events herald the coming of true and lasting peace for all of Klal Yisroel and the world.

School of Thought

Savlanut

By Barbara Deutsch

For a new oleh in Israel, there is more to learn than a new language. You may need to throw out rules of etiquette, master a new code of behavior, or at the very least, learn to be tolerant.

Within the course of a single day, you can find yourself often biting your tongue in frustration, being pushed out of the way as you walk down the street, or barely avoid getting run over by a toddler, on a speeding scooter, with a quick side jump. Beware the “Wolt Delivery Motorcycles”; like the American mailmen (luckily there is scant Israeli mail and zero-to-no post offices), nothing and no one keeps them from making a speedy delivery.

Should it be in the cards for you to be hit by a moving vehicle, the odds are greatest that it will happen in Israel.

Some examples:

After waiting over a half-hour to be connected with an English-speaking person in customer relations, you send caution to the wind and press “for Hebrew.” Miraculously, you hear a voice that proceeds to hustle you off the phone. It does not matter that you didn’t understand a word she said.

You are at a “Writer’s Workshop Breakfast” where the group leader orders the food for everyone. Your simple request of sunny-side eggs on a slice of toast arrives looking like a sad version of play-doh. When you mistakenly assume you can exchange it for real food, no one in the entire store located in the Anglo dense Mamilla Mall in Jerusalem understands or speaks English. Your Ulpan Hebrew does not make the cut.

If this ever happens to you, walk away.

In Israel, anyone over 80 never has to wait on any line. Younger than 80, there is no such thing as a line; it’s your turn when you decide it is. Comments or questions result in death stares or blank expressions.

My gym has its own additional special rules. If you attend a popular class, no matter the time of day or night, and you covet a particular spot so that you can hear and be next to a person to model for you, coming 10 minutes before the class starts is a must. PLUS, you have to position yourself on the left side of the door – they swing open on

the right – and hustle. There is still no guarantee that you will find yourself where you want to be for maximum understanding, hearing, and observing results.

I’m still struggling with the names for my body parts, and I have no left-right orientation.

There is always that person who ducks under everyone and weaves in and out of the waiting line and onto your spot. In certain instances, the person made a huge miscalculation and that space is coveted by a “regular”; rest assured that for the next hour she will be the subject of ridicule and nasty glares by the rest of the “regular’s cronies.”

As an oleh innocent, I was not familiar with the unspoken rules when I began my gym membership. I now come early, have figured out the best door position for securing a spot, know to put down my water bottle on that spot, and then go to get my mat. I stay far away from the “regulars.”

I’m planning to finally finish all my neglected projects, one of them being my grandson Yosef’s scarf. I work on it during all of the many classes I attend. No one seems to mind, and I am in good company.

Knitting helps me focus. One day, I realized that I won’t have enough yarn to finish it. In ignorance, I took myself back to the shop where I had purchased the yarn two months earlier.

The clerk scanned me up and down and commented when I showed her the needed yarn. “Oh, that one,” she said pointing to the yarn. “I don’t think I have it but I’ll check the basement – I doubt it!”

She quickly returned empty-handed. “Don’t have,” she said.

“Rega, rega,” I implored in my best Ulpan-trained voice. “What do I do now?”

The clerk looked at me like I was kidding. “I don’t know!” she said.

“Why didn’t you tell me when I bought it that you had no stock?”

“You didn’t ask. What do you expect?” she responded.

“In America, that’s called customer service!”

It’s mostly good.

We are trying to set up our automat-

ic payments with Bituach Leumi for our benefits.

We want to pay them. I cannot be grateful enough to the kind Meirav at Nefesh B’Nefesh who has been helping us, five hours and counting, to get our account set up.

I won’t dwell on the number of hours.

We buy fancy paper goods in a store called Gindi; when we host a lot of people for a Shabbat meal, we use “paami,” disposable items, a game-changer for enjoying company.

Located next door to Gindi is the place you need to go to obtain a driver’s license. We have been advised to procure one within a year of aliyah to avoid the multiple lessons and tests it entails. Of course, there is a special “ministry of this,” too.

In order to locate the special office and make an appointment, you need a doctorate in GPS.

Even neighboring stores have no idea what or where it is.

When Bob, my husband, went looking for the office, he enquired at Gindi’s, which is on the same block. The kind clerk left his post in the store to help him find the place.

It was closed. Patience, savlanut. Rega, rega.

In Israel, there is always the great privilege of learning with or hearing from vast numbers of men and women scholars that reside or visit often. Last week, in Rabbi Berel Wein’s shiur, we heard a good story that I have been told has been shared frequently; perhaps you have heard it but it warrants repeating.

In America, during the 1930s, there were limited to no opportunities for yeshi-

va education for boys or girls. The Jewish immigrants who did go to school went to the public ones. Most of the kids and their teachers were Jewish. Jews always held education as a priority over working or making money. Non-Jewish immigrant children often worked long hours in factories.

Rabbi Wein went to a public school in Chicago; his strong-willed brilliant mother vetted everything he learned to ensure his mind would not be muddied by wrong or misleading information. What she could not erase was the music taught to every public school student during the X-mas holiday time of year.

Rabbi Wein, another pulpit scholar rabbi, and two roshei yeshivot once shared a cab on their way to an important event; they talked about their early childhood educational experiences. Rabbi Wein told of his own public school experience growing up.

One of the roshei yeshiva chimed in, “I also went to public school.”

The scholar pulpit rabbi exclaimed in disbelief, “Prove it – sing this holiday song that we all learned.”

He did.

Loving life in Israel!

We are praying for the return of the hostages, the refuah of the wounded, and the end of war.

Barbara Deutsch is the former associate principal at HANC, middle school principal at Kushner, and Dean of Students at Yeshiva of Flatbush. A not-retired educator, she is trying to figure out life in Israel through reflections on navigating the dream of aliyah as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

The Wandering Jew Pesach in California

Part II

By Hershel Lieber

Pe sach 1984 was exceptionally enjoyable and spiritually enriching. Beautiful, cozy sedorim with our children, heimishe davening, and my one and only experience baking matzos was very rewarding. Chol Hamoed trips to Disneyland and Universal Studios were an incredible thrill for the kids, and we reveled in their delight.

Isru Chag was on Wednesday the 25th, and we all got up very early. After davening and some breakfast, we loaded our luggage, food and ourselves into the car and headed south to San Diego. We did not even undo the Pesach kitchen; that would have to wait until we returned. When we got to San Diego, we checked into a hotel, ate a quick lunch and headed off to the city’s greatest attraction: The San Diego Zoo. The zoo is the most visited one in the United States and one of the best zoos in the world. It has over 12,000 animals of nearly 700 species spread out over one hundred acres. It was one of the earliest zoos that recreated the natural habitats of the animals with moated open-air and cageless exhibits. There was no way we could experience all that the zoo had to offer in the five hours of our visit. Yet, we saw a lot, especially some of

the most popular animals: elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, etc. The grounds were immaculate with ample shade and many benches. The kids were excited as we went from one exhibit to another. We left the zoo after six o’clock in the evening, picked up some drinks, and had supper in our hotel room. The kids were all tired after walking around for so many hours so they readily went to bed and were sleeping by 8 p.m. We stepped out and relaxed

awhile in the fresh breeze before joining them in slumber.

On Thursday, we took the family to SeaWorld. We arrived quite early – at 9:30 a.m. – to allow for the maximum time we needed. There were many exhibits of sea life and a number of exciting shows to watch. The best ones included dolphins, seals and Shamu the Killer Whale. The sea mammals were well trained and performed many amazing

acts. The aquarium had stunning collections of fish and deep ocean creatures in a myriad of colors, shapes and sizes. Watching the penguins was fun and exceptionally captivating. The flora and fauna within the perimeters of SeaWorld were especially beautiful. In short, our visit was a resounding success. But our day was not over yet.

We decided to cross the border and head down to Tijuana, Mexico, which was only a half an hour away. The line of cars was not too long, and before we knew it, we were in a different country! Truth be told, there was not much of note about Tijuana. We shopped for some souvenirs, donned sombreros and took a family photo, and marveled at the collections of tequila, some of them containing a worm (larvae) to add taste. Ugh! The kids enjoyed buying some tchotchkes, but Mechel was overtired and cranky. At 7 p.m., we stopped off to eat, and by 10 p.m., we arrived back in Los Angeles with the children all fast asleep in the back of the car. After we got home, we put the kids to bed and proceeded to “undo” the Pesach kitchen (strip the counters, pack up the dishes and pots, and organize the leftover food). It did not take too long, but we were The

family in Tijuana

Pesi and Mechel at Santa Barbara Gardens

Pacific Ocean vista

tired from our trip and could not wait to go to sleep.

Friday was dedicated to cleaning the house, shopping for food, cooking and laundry. Everyone helped. It was actually a cloudy day, and rain fell in the afternoon. When everything was ready for Shabbos, Pesi and Itty went shopping at Loehman’s. Shabbos was relaxing. I davened at the Atzei Chaim Shul and caught up on my Daf Yomi. In the afternoon, I taught Pirkei Avos to Pesi, Itty and Faigy. On Motzei Shabbos, we put away the boxes of Pesach dishes and prepared ourselves for our final three days in California.

We had been in Los Angeles for ten days and had not yet seen the West Coast’s greatest attraction: the Pacific Ocean. The largest, deepest, and warmest of the world’s five oceans contains almost sixty percent of the planet’s fishing resources. The Pacific boasts 50,000 plant species and most of the world’s marine life. It possesses the largest mammal on Earth, the blue whale. There are many

other world records the Pacific Ocean holds, and we had not seen it!

On Sunday, we drove up the Pacific coast, and made a number of stops along the way to Santa Barbara. We stopped

and then took a walk along the beach. When we returned home, my cousin Eli Rubin and his family came by to say goodbye. When they left, my Uncle Ben came to wish us farewell. When the kids

One cannot imagine the screams of delight that took place with that announcement!

often to take photos and to take in the oceanside panorama. We had the opportunity to make the bracha of seeing the “Yam Hagadol” in all its glory.

When we arrived in Santa Barbara, we went to the Botanical Gardens, which specializes in native plants in their natural settings. It was beautiful and so relaxing. We had taken along food and augmented our itinerary with a picnic lunch. We then stopped to see the city’s landmarks, the Mission and the Courthouse,

over their faces the entire night.

Disneyland was an entire day’s affair, from 9:30 a.m., when we entered, until 6:00 p.m., when we exited. They went to many new attractions as well as repeating the favorite ones from our previous visit. It was a magical day for them and us as well. When we returned home, we gave them a quick supper and put Itty in charge of getting them to bed. Then, Pesi and I went out for dinner to the famous Milky Way restaurant which was owned by Leah Adler, the mother of Hollywood’s greatest film director, Steven Spielberg. Spielberg’s films are the most commercially successful films in the world, and Steven is a great advocate for Jewish causes as well as the State of Israel. This kosher milchig restaurant was under an excellent kashrus supervision, and Leah Adler stopped by our table among others to chat and make sure everything was in order. We had a great dinner and an interesting experience.

Most of Tuesday morning was spent packing and making sandwiches for the plane. We went out for pizza, returned the car, and boarded the flight back to New York. Our trip was certainly memorable –that’s an understatement. Forty years later, our children still have great memories of that special trip, and we are heartened when we recall how we bonded together as a family.

were ready for bed, we told them that we had another surprise in store. They were under the impression that we would be leaving the next morning. We stunned them when we told them that we would be staying one more day, and that tomorrow we would be going back to Disneyland for a second time. One cannot imagine the screams of delight that took place with that announcement! They were jumping on the beds and dancing for joy! They finally went to sleep with smiles plastered

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

At the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens Pesi and Chavi at The San Diego Zoo

Itty feeding a dolphin at SeaWorld

At the San Diego Zoo

An Exalted Nation

How Shay Kallach is Helping to Elevate and Educate the Israeli Nation

By Eliyahu RosEnBERg

In the early hours of October 7, reports of the massacre flooded the news. The world watched in shock as stories of an invasion, rockets, murders, kidnappings—chaos and destruction—surfaced all so suddenly. It was the embodiment of a nightmare. To everyone: a scenario beyond the realm of possibility.

Imagine this: You’re an Orthodox Jew living in Israel. It’s in the early hours of Shabbos morning. And suddenly, your phone spits out a cacophony of ominous pings and rings. Hmm, that’s weird. What could that be? Is it an emergency? Or is it nothing?

What would you do in that situation? Would you pick up your phone and check your notifications? Or would you ignore your screeching device?

On the morning of October 7, Elchanan Kalmanson faced that same dilemma. An Israeli security service veteran and a religious Jew, he woke up sensing that all was not well. And so, he leaned into his training and reached for his device.

The 42-year-old man looked at his phone. And the second he picked it up, he nearly dropped the device onto the floor. Elchanan stared down at the screen in shock. An invasion? Killings? Rockets?

Just a short moment later, his astonishment dissi-

pated, leaving a moment of clarity in its wake. He knew what he had to do. Elchanan, his brother Menachem, and his nephew Itiel hopped into their car and sped off to the southern border.

The three civilians drove sixty miles from one end of Israel to the other—from their home in Yehuda and Shomron all the way to Kibbutz Be’eri. There, they rescued over 100 Jews from the embattled kibbutz and neutralized many Hamas terrorists along the way.

In the end, Menachem and Itiel survived. But tragically, Elchanan, a father of five, sacrificed his life. The terrorists ambushed him during his desperate campaign to save lives. He wasn’t on duty. It wasn’t his responsibility to act. But nonetheless, he chose to sacrifice his life to save others. And in doing so, he died al Kiddush Hashem.

We can learn a lot from the Kalmanson heroes: from their heroism, courage, and sense of duty. But their story also raises many questions about the military failure that led up to October 7.

For one, the massacre supposedly occurred because the Israeli army (the Air Force, in particular) wasn’t prepared for the attack. But does that make sense? If three civilians mobilized in the middle of Shabbos—

driving from the northern border to the southern border without even knowing what they were getting themselves into—don’t you think that the Air Force, with its speed, intelligence, and sheer power, should have been able to mobilize even faster? If unprepared civilians from the other side of the country could do it, how could the military not?

Shay Kallach, a former fighter pilot and an emerging figure in Israeli politics, asked that same question. According to Shay, Israel trains its F-16 pilots to be in the air at a moment’s notice. Even if you consider mishaps and malfunctions, he adds, the Israeli Air Force should have been able to neutralize the threat quickly. The situation seems even more baffling when you consider some of Shay’s insights from his time in the army. Aside from his twenty years of service in the Air Force, Shay also has experience with military policy. Eight years ago, he was part of a team tasked with writing the Air Force’s procedure in the event of a serious invasion (such as the one that would later happen on October 7).

The team determined the Air Force wouldn’t be able to completely prevent a hypothetical attack. But, the IAF could stop most of an invasion if they used a powerful bombing maneuver. That same move could have prevented 90% of the October 7 massacre, according to Shay.

So, why didn’t they use that maneuver? Why didn’t the Air Force swoop in and save the day as the invasion unfolded? Why was the initial response to the attacks (a strike on an empty Hamas building) so underwhelming? And—perhaps the best question of all—why couldn’t the army and the Israeli public see the October 7 massacre coming, considering all the red flags?

Shay Kallach may have some of the answers.

On the morning of October 7, an Israeli pilot flew around in a helicopter, stalking the southern border. Suddenly, he looked down and saw hundreds of Gazans storming Israel. With one press of a button, he could have killed hundreds of terrorists.

“He had a dilemma if he should shoot them or not,” explains Shay. “But he couldn’t do it. He later explained that when he landed, it was only then that he realized that a massacre was occurring. And he said to himself, ‘If I knew what was happening, I would have killed all those who crossed the border.’ But the question is: why couldn’t he have acted properly in the midst of the event?”

Another soldier—a tank commander—faced the same dilemma. Stationed at the border, he witnessed the invasion as it was happening. But the soldier also decided against stopping the invaders.

So, why did the pilot and the tank commander hesitate when they could have easily saved lives? As Shay explains, the answer to that question is rooted in a toxic ideology that infected the Israeli military: the ridiculous conception that terrorists are our friends. It’s a progressive belief—promoted by many of the army’s highest-ranking officials, the old Israeli elite, and progressive donors such as the New Israel Fund—that somehow contaminated the IDF’s ethical code and poisoned the minds of much of the Israeli public.

“We were re-educated by a very progressive movement in the United States called the New Israel Fund. It succeeded in changing the mindset of the general staff in Israel,” shares Shay. “The New Israel Fund was established one year after Begin won the election. And they sponsored almost 1,000 small institutions, founding them with almost $1 billion. The progressive

movements re-educated us to believe that there are no wars anymore and there is no enemy.

“If you ask most generals in Israel today what victory over our enemy would look like, what answer would you get? They would say, ‘There is no enemy at all.’ And you have to understand that once there is no enemy on the other side of the border, there is a friend,” Shay explains. “And if there is a friend, you need to defend that friend. They believe that there are no terrorists on the other side of the fence; just innocent people.”

That progressive conception is rooted in the fairytale belief that everyone wants peace—that everyone is fundamentally good: Hamas is just trying to survive; the Palestinians are willing to negotiate; and the previous silence from Hamas is proof that they’re ready for peace. It’s this ridiculous theory that we can

A destroyed Israeli tank on October 7

“If you ask most generals in Israel today what victory over our enemy would look like, what answer would you get? They would say,

‘There is no enemy at all.’”

achieve uniformity with the Palestinians by treating them better than our own civilians. Worst of all, it’s the idea that terrorists who slaughter, abduct, and assault men, women, and children are just innocent people whose aggression was borne out of years of Israeli oppression.

The solution to the conflict, progressives assert, is to basically lay down our arms. And then, magically, there will be peace. How so? Because this conflict isn’t about our enemies’ deep-rooted hatred of the Jews, according to the progressives (actually, it is). Rather, it’s just a war on Zionism. The moment Israel abandons its “colonialist ways,” we’ll be on the road to peace, they say.

This all may seem ridiculous to you. But consider all the funding from progressive groups and society’s tendency to embrace wishful thinking, and it makes sense why so many people have been fooled into thinking that

everyone wants peace. However unrealistic it may be, to many people, it feels better to assume that everyone is good than to accept that some people are bad.

This pro-enemy ideology has practical ramifications for the army. One of the IDF’s rules, explains Shay, is that Israel must warn terrorists before attacking them. The Israeli military does so by “knocking on the roof.” By dropping a tiny bomb on the roof of a building before launching the real attack, the IDF alerts Hamas of the assault, allowing terrorists the chance to flee. No other army in the world has such a rule, Shay notes.

Another absurd statute: if a Palestinian isn’t officially part of a terror group, the IDF isn’t allowed to kill them—even if they’ve kidnapped and murdered Israeli citizens. For example, the army wasn’t allowed to kill the Palestinian “civilians” who abducted Kfir Bibas, the baby who is still in captivity, because those Gazans weren’t officially “terrorists.”

These rules and more are enforced not by the rightwing government but by invincible, progressive judicial clerks who weren’t elected and cannot be ousted. As Shay says, “These clerks are managing the politics in Israel. You vote for the right, and you get a leftist agenda. How could that be?”

“This perception was built up for 25 to 30 years. Professor Asa Kasher wrote the ethical codes of the IDF. Each soldier has in his pocket a very small conclusion of the ethical code called ‘Ruach Tzahal,’ the spirit of the IDF,” explains Shay. “Its main value is ‘Chayei Adam,’ the life of the people—that we need to preserve the lives of the enemy. Another of its values is ‘Tohar Haneshek,’ the rifle has to be pure. That means you can’t use your rifle without ‘purity.’ That’s the reason they didn’t shoot the terrorists who crossed the border. The soldiers truly believed that these were innocent people.”

The soldiers who didn’t stop the Hamas invaders weren’t afraid of breaking the law or going to jail. When the tank commander saw hundreds of terrorists storming the southern border, he genuinely thought to himself: “It would be immoral to attack them. They’re just rioting.”

Likewise, the Apache fighter pilot saw the invaders as innocent people. The Air Force didn’t stop the invaders because it didn’t want to attack “innocent people.” Its initial response was slow and weak because it didn’t have the agency to make its own decisions. And Israel didn’t see October 7 coming because, beyond the legal limitations, this insidious ideology, in Shay’s words, “penetrated the hearts of the soldiers” and brainwashed the Israeli public.

Afamily tree stands in the home of Shay’s grandfather. One of the tree’s roots traces the Kallach family’s lineage to Dovid HaMelech. Another ancestral branch on the family tree extends to Shmuel HaNavi, another to Ezra HaSofer, another to Rashi, and yet another to the Ramban.

Shay, a ninth-generation Israeli, was born and raised secular in Kibbutz Ginosar. No one educated him about his Jewish identity. He barely knew anything about Judaism. And Shay certainly didn’t know that Dovid HaMelech and Shmuel HaNavi were among his many ancestors—that is, until Shay became a baal teshuva

“My identity was taken from me—not on purpose. Part of the cultural environment of the kibbutz was to renew the Jewish form; to create a new type of Jew,” Shay shares. “I had the privilege of being the commander of the officer course at the Flight Academy. And I think that if I were religious at the time, I wouldn’t have succeeded. I was on reserve duty, and I began the teshuva process one year after I got released from the army.”

After spending ten years as an active F-16 fighter pilot, Shay immersed himself in yeshiva learning for twelve years. During that time, he fell in love with Yiddishkeit. And little by little, he discarded many of the progressive lies his secular kibbutz and army generals fed him.

Shortly after October 7, Shay, 42, founded Netzach Yisrael, a movement he hopes will one day restore Israel’s sanity, ridding the Jewish state of its toxic ideologies and transforming Zionism for the better.

Netzach Yisrael’s two main missions are based on the pasuk in Tehillim, “Sur mei’ra v’asay tov,” turn away from bad and do good.

As Shay explains, one of his movement’s goals is to clean out Israel’s ideological gutter: to stop progressive movements from indoctrinating the Israeli public and military. That mission is Netzach Yisrael’s “sur mei’ra” (turn away from the bad). The movement’s “v’asay tov”

(do good) aspect lies in its mission to educate the Israeli public to, in Shay’s words, “claim the next level of Zionism.”

As Shay explains, the founders of modern-day Zionism, including Theodor Herzl, envisioned the state of Israel to be a safe shelter for the Jewish people. Israel would be the solution to the annihilation of Jews in the pogroms, the Spanish Inquisition, the Crusades, and the Holocaust. When under attack, diaspora Jews would always have a place to go: Eretz Yisrael.

And while they were correct that we may need Israel for protection, the Jewish state’s sole mission cannot be to just serve as our safe haven. Israel needs to be more than an asylum or else it’s not a real country. As Shay says, “If we only came to Israel to establish a safe shelter, we cannot actually justify our existence.” Fear

to be a mamleches kohanim v’goy kadosh (a kingdom of priests and a nation of holiness),” declares Shay.

In two years, Israel is expected to elect a new Knesset. When that happens, Shay Kallach may run for public office.

“The more we try to run away from our identity, the more we are attacked by our enemies.”

and negativity can’t be the foundation of an eternal and functional state.

So, while Zionism started as a response to antisemitic oppression, it quickly evolved as the state of Israel blossomed. As part of the second stage of Zionism, the Jewish state embarked on a mission to make itself an “am k’cholanu ,” a nation like all the nations.

“They argued that the pogroms came as a result of the perception that we, the Jewish people, are an am segulah , the chosen people,” shares Shay. “And in order to not be annihilated, we need to cancel this perception. So, we need to become an am k’cholanu .”

The theory was as follows: the world hates us because we’re different. So, if we show everyone that we’re just like them, they’ll stop hating us. It turns out that theory has never worked. In fact, as Shay says, “The more we try to run away from our identity, the more we are attacked by our enemies.”

As such, the mission of Shay’s movement is to reeducate the Jewish state into finally embracing its true self.

“The next level of Zionism is to be an ohr la’goyim, a light onto the nations, to be an am segulah again, and

“We have a great demand from the public in Israel,” explains Shay. “They want us to establish a political party. If the public would choose me to be the head of the party, I think I would accept the challenge.”

Shay says he has political ambitions because no one else in the government dares to lead Israel like the special nation it is.

According to him, the Jewish state’s current leaders represent the old generation of Zionism. Just as the progressives believe peace can only be achieved through uniformity and Israel’s weakening, so, too, the Israeli leaders of today misguidedly believe peace will only happen when the world sees that Israel is no different than any other country. But both beliefs are patently false.

But there is hope. Indeed, the tides of change are shifting rapidly, notes Shay. People are beginning to discard progressive conceptions, realizing that deluding themselves into thinking they have no enemies won’t magically create peace. Rather, though it may be a hard pill to swallow, everyone must accept the reality that Israel is surrounded by hostile parties on every front. Some countries may be willing to make peace today, but some never will—that is, until the Jewish state is too powerful to fight with.

Likewise, the people of Israel are beginning to understand that they don’t live in an ordinary country. They live in the Holy Land. They’re citizens of a nation of light. And with that realization comes an inevitable sense of national unity. And besides, if Israel and the Jewish people can’t accept themselves for who they are—as the chosen ones—then how can we expect the rest of the world to do the same?

WShterny Steinmetz Building Hope After Divorce

By Eliyahu RosEnBERg

hen Shterny was a little girl, she often daydreamed about the wedding she would one day have.

She imagined herself walking slowly down the aisle, dressed in a white gown— seeing, through her veil, her chosson standing beneath the chuppah. Shterny imagined walking towards him. With every step she’d take, she’d be moving one step closer to their bright future—one step closer to living happily ever after… or so she thought.

In Her Words…

Shterny had her wedding. She had a husband by her side. And soon enough, the couple had three kids. Her dream was coming true. But sadly, it wouldn’t last. Five years into their marriage, their relationship soured.

The divorce that soon followed crashed into her life like a tidal wave, washing away her hopes and dreams.

The daughter of shluchim from California, Shterny had an ordinary Chabad upbringing. During her childhood and into her marriage, divorce was never an

i wish i had the strength then to know what i know now. i wish i would have seen the light. i wish i would have seen the hope. There were so many days that i couldn’t see it. But when i was finally able to find the strength within myself to see the light, that’s when everything changed.

at My Extended Family, kids from single-parent homes feel they can be themselves.

When i got married, i was like everyone else. My goal was to raise my family and to lead a regular frum lifestyle. a nd then the divorce hit. a nd i thought, ‘What’s my real purpose? a m i here to just go through this struggle and do my own thing, or am i here for a bigger reason?’ a nd that’s when my burning desire to make a change—to use my struggle to help others around me—kicked in.

option she considered. In fact, growing up, she had practically zero exposure to the very concept of divorce. Thus, her marriage’s collapse came to her as an absolute shock.

“It turned my world upside down. It was painful dealing with the struggles of being a divorced woman and a single mom, especially in the frum world where so much of Yiddishkeit is based on family life,” Shterny recalls. “Do you daven in the same shul as your ex? Who makes kiddush at night? Who takes your son to shul? I mean, our lives revolve around family.”

At the time, divorce was also heavily stigmatized (today, it’s less so, partly because divorce has become much more common). Thus, Shterny, even with her friends by her side, often felt alone in the community.

“I wish I had the strength then to know what I know now,” she declares. “I wish I would have seen the light. I wish I would have seen the hope. There were so many days that I couldn’t see it. But when I was finally able to find the strength within myself to see the light, that’s when everything changed.”

When Shterny mustered up the courage to place all her trust in Hashem—to take the burden off her shoulders and trust that G-d would handle the problems she couldn’t solve—her life changed. That’s when she finally got remarried, after years of dating. And that’s also when she discovered her mission in life.

“When I got married, I was like everyone else. My goal was to raise my family and to lead a regular frum lifestyle,” recalls Shterny. “And then the divorce hit.

And I thought, ‘What’s my real purpose? Am I here to just go through this struggle and do my own thing, or am I here for a bigger reason?’ And that’s when my burning desire to make a change—to use my struggle to help others around me— kicked in.”

* * *

Getting divorced is traumatic. But it’s always the kids who struggle the most— the innocent ones who get caught in the middle, who bear the brunt of the instability and brokenness that comes with divorce.

“The frum Jewish community is phenomenal. If you stop for one second to think about every organization that exists in this community, it’s mind-boggling,” explains Shterny. “If you need a wedding gown, there’s a gemach. Chas v’shalom, if a child is sick, there are ten organizations. There are baby furniture gemachs. During Covid, people were bringing in all kinds of machinery. And during Hurricane Sandy, people brought in heaters. There’s literally everything. But when I got divorced, I realized that my kids don’t really have a support system.”

It’s those vulnerable and lonely children who need the community’s support the most.

Shterny decided she needed to do something to help kids from single-parent homes. Thus, she reached out to her two mentors and shluchim, Rabbi Yossi and Tzippy Vigler. And together, the three founded an organization called My Extended Family.

It started out as a small idea. Mrs. Steinmetz and the Viglers organized a Chanukah party for kids from sin -

gle-parent homes in the community. Expecting to get a dozen or so attendees, they planned on hosting the party in Rabbi Vigler’s dining room. They put up a few flyers around Flatbush and spread the word.

“The next thing we knew, we had 350 kids register for the party,” Shterny recounts. “We couldn’t do it in the rabbi’s dining room, so we ended up renting the Agudah of Avenue L. We didn’t have a budget, we didn’t have donors, we had nothing. We were just starting a little thing. And we threw a huge Chanukah party. That’s how the organization became an organization. We realized, ‘Whoa, there’s really a need for this.’”

My Extended Family recently hosted a Chanukah party for 500 children, who each came along with one parent. During the party, a woman, who looked to be in her forties, approached Shterny.

“Hi,” the lady said. “Who can I thank for this amazing event?”

“Sure! Let me introduce you to Rabbi Vigler,” Mrs. Steinmetz responded.

The two walked up to the rabbi, and Shterny introduced her. Then, suddenly, the lady burst into tears.

“I have nine children, baruch Hashem,” the woman explained to them. “And my husband just picked up one day and left. I never worked a day in my life. I raised my children, and all of a sudden, I turn around, and everything’s been pulled out from under me. I don’t have an income. My husband’s not around. He totally left. I didn’t know what I should do.

“Then I heard about My Extended Family, and I registered my kids,” the lady continued. “You know, the night that my kids go to your program is the one night a week I know my kids aren’t eating cereal and milk. It’s the one night a week I know my kids are doing their homework. It’s the one night a week

I know my kids will be happy. I know they’ll always come home with a smile.”

Through her painful tears, the woman’s voice was filled with such hakaras hatov for the organization. As Shterny explains, moments like that remind her why the organization works so hard to support these kids: because to the families, My Extended Family is more than a program—it’s a lifesaver.

Between its seven locations, including New York, New Jersey, and Israel, My Extended Family assists around 650 kids a week.

“They come, they get supper, homework help, and a mentor. Each kid is paired up with either a big brother or big sister from a local high school that stays with them throughout the year. And there’s always a social activity. So, they work on different skills, like dealing with bullying or gaining self-respect and confidence,” explains Shterny. “The kids come either once or twice a week, depending on their age group and location. There’s always games and fun. It’s really like a club. It’s a place where kids from single-parent homes can feel that they can totally be themselves—where they can say to the kids sitting next to them, ‘Hey, where are you going to be this Shabbos? By your father or mother?’ Because most kids will tell you they can’t use those words in school. They can’t say that in school, because most people wouldn’t understand what they’re talking about.”

On Chol Hamoed, My Extended Family takes the kids on trips. The organization, before yomim tovim, pays for new suits and dresses for the children and gives the kids backpacks full of school supplies at the beginning of each school year. My Extended Family, using its crisis fund, also helps single-parent families in dire straits. For example, if a single mother loses her job, the organization could

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

cover the family’s rent for a few months.

“We started out as a tiny organization. It’s since grown tremendously. We get phone calls daily from communities all over the world, begging us to open in their communities,” Shterny shares. “Our budget is over $3 million right now… We want to help as many kids as we can. That’s really our goal: to be there for these kids.”

At My Extended Family, Mrs. Steinmetz has, over and over again, witnessed a magical phenomenon she calls the “circle of life,” wherein children in the program grow up and help others who are in their situation. For example, two of Shterny’s daughters started out as participants in the program and later became volunteers for My Extended Family.

Another child, in particular—a boy who’s now twenty—joined My Extended Family years ago when his parents got divorced. Today, he says that My Extended Family is the reason why he developed into a happy, healthy-minded adult. Now,

the boy is in college, studying to become a social worker. His one goal in life is to help kids who went through the challenges that he endured.

Shterny has a message to the children who have endured the pain of divorce: “First of all, Hashem loves you. It might not feel that way right now, but He really does. And the community is here for you. My Extended Family is here for you. And somehow, this is going to pass. It’s not forever. You’re going to grow up. You’re going to evolve, and it’s going to get better. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

And there’s something that you, my dear reader, could do as well: Reach out to these kids and support them with all the love you can. Invite them for Shabbos; show them you care. Volunteer with or donate to My Extended Family. What you do may seem to you like a small or unimportant gesture, but, as Shterny explains, even a tiny act of kindness could enrich or even save a child’s life.

Dating Dialogue What Would You Do If…

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

Thanks for taking my question. I’m 34 years old and have been dating for close to nine years. I am the oldest of six siblings, and I am the only single one left in my family. My issue is I cannot bear to go home for the holidays. Chanukah is coming up and my parents invited me for Shabbos Chanukah, and many of my siblings will be there with their kids. I live a rich and full life as a freelance photographer in a different city, and it would be so much easier for me to stay. My parents want me to come home. I don’t know what I can do to make this easier for myself. I want to want to go home but can’t bring myself to do it without having a normal guy on the horizon. Any advice on navigating this would be appreciated.

Thanks, Sophia*

The Panel

Dear Readers,

We want to offer YOU an opportunity to be part of the discussion! Please email us at MichelleMondShadchan@gmail.com, subject line “reader’s response,” if you would like to participate in the new “A Reader’s Response” columnist spot. We will send you a question and publish your answer in an upcoming Navidaters edition. If you have a question you would like the Navidaters to answer, please reach out to this email as well.

Looking forward!

Michelle, the “Shadchan”

The Rebbetzin

Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

Ithink you may want to think about why you are uncomfortable spending Shabbos Chanukah with a lot of your family members. Is it that you are not like your siblings who have spouses and children? Do you feel something is wrong with you that you haven’t found a husband? Or is it that you become the pitied one by everyone, the nebach, when you are with the family?

If it is more like the last one, then I would suggest you becoming the focus, the star, so to speak. Show off your art photography perhaps by making a lowcost spectacular album Snapfish-style or of your past year in your city showcasing your accomplishments and your own present life.

If you feel bad for yourself and will be in a lot of pain like you describe for the first two reasons, stay at home where you will be more comfortable. Give your parents a brief explanation, however. Your feelings count. Don’t discount them but do deal with them.

The Shadchan

Michelle Mond

Dear Sophia, Thank you for coming to us with such a vulnerable and common ques -

tion. Your feelings are so, so valid. Being around your younger siblings, nieces, nephews, all in the context of holidays, can exacerbate the pain that might be present all along but that does not often come to the surface.

My advice to you is to use this as an opportunity to grow, rather than avoid. Everything is a growth experience, singlehood included. Your parents love you and are very eager to host you for Shabbos Chanukah. Work on training your mind to shift your mindset towards the positivity in the situation. Manifest the positive, tell yourself that by next Chanukah you will have great news to share and will have all the memories from this previous Chanukah with family to share with your chosson, iy”H.

As a photographer, I am sure you are used to editing. You can take a picture with little potential and change it into a masterpiece. You have an amazing life and have not yet found your bashert; this will change! Edit the picture you are displaying in your head of a family gathering being a dread – it can really turn into something very beautiful and special.

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

You’re in a tough situation. Here are a few thoughts that might be helpful. First, attending the Chanukah reunion sounds like the right choice, but you don’t have to stay the whole time. You might be less uncomfortable if you

are only able to arrive right before Shabbos and “need to leave” immediately after Shabbos because of an important photography appointment.

During the course of a quick Shabbos visit, there will be so much noise, chaos, and excitement that it’s unlikely that you will become the center of unwanted attention and advice.

Second, you might be surprised to find that, in some respects, your siblings are envious of you. You are not bogged down with diapers and dishes, you are a free spirit following your dream profession, and you have the flexibility to come and go as you please.

Success in life is not determined by your marital status. Yes, you, too, would like to find your soulmate, get married, and start a family. But remember that every phase of life comes with positives and negatives. Enjoy the positives of having a rich and full life with your successful career.

Success in life is not determined by your marital status.

Third, consider a family where all the children are gifted athletes except for one child who is decidedly unathletic but who happens to be a math whiz. Or consider a family where all the children are academic superstars except for one child who is a mediocre student but who happens to be an incredible athlete. You can be sure that in those families, the non-conforming children are cherished, highly valued, and loved for who they are – just as you are cherished, highly valued, and loved

for who you are.

Finally, your family simply might not realize how their questions and expectations make you feel pressured and uncomfortable. It might help to have an open conversation with them about how you’re feeling. They may be more understanding than you expect.

Enjoy the chag, and remember that your worth isn’t defined by your marital status.

Leba Werner, MSEd

Living and Breathing the Shidduch World for 25 years

Married as an “older” single

Hi Sophia, I appreciate your question!

Dating can be challenging, especially after nine years. Kudos to you for building a “rich and full life,” as this is not a simple feat for anyone, regardless of

their situation. It is a testament to your inner strength and resilience that you feel comfortable and independent while living in a different city than your family. Being the oldest of six siblings has surely given you the skills to help make trailblazing choices for yourself. But as the oldest, especially, I understand the pain you feel being around the “youngers” who have passed your dating stage.

Your question, on the one hand, holds this pain yet it also holds space for the wants and requests of others, namely your parents. It is apparent that you are sensitive to others’ feelings and hold dear to the mitzvah of kibbud av v’eim. My answer to your question of how to balance, how to make coming home “easier” for yourself or deciding to do the “easier” thing to stay where you are, is as follows: Whenever one is presented with two choices it is important to remember the derech of the Rambam’s Shvil Hazahav, the “Golden Mean,” keeping to the middle of the

Pulling It All Together

Dear Sophia,

First off, thank you for your honesty. I can almost feel the weight of this question through your words. Let’s face it: holidays aren’t all latkes and lights— they can stir up feelings that don’t always fit into the warm-and-fuzzy category.

You’re in a tough spot. On the one hand, you love your family and want to feel connected. On the other, walking into a house full of happy couples and adorable kids (who will probably get jelly doughnut filling on your favorite sweat-

er) feels like a reminder of everything you’re longing for right now. That’s hard, and it’s okay to say it.

Here’s what I want you to know: your worth is not tied to your relationship status. It’s tied to who you are—the creative, gutsy, independent woman who built a life for herself. That’s what your family sees when they look at you. And if they’re anything like most families, they may not know how to express that love without

path. Recognizing that at some points in your year, it would be too painful to spend the holidays with your family is completely valid. Listening to your inner voice that wants to stay put can be good for you. Sometimes.

As the Rambam says (regarding shofar) to wake up from the “havlei zman,” doing the “easy thing.” Using the time to yourself should not be used only as a respite from the pain you feel but should be used as a time when you can reconnect with your values. It seems from what you wrote in, “I want to want to go home,” that you DO value your family and the quality time you spend with them. Many times in life (whether one is single or not), it is difficult to stay true to one’s values. It is definitely not usually the “easy” choice. My advice is that when you do choose to go home to your family, you realize that you are not merely “giving in” to your parents’ request. Rather, you are making a conscious decision to stay true to the values that YOU hold dear, i.e. spending time with your family, despite not “having a normal guy on the horizon.”

I can share with you from my own experience that dating – as horrible

You’re showing up for your life in a way that’s authentic and brave, and that’s something to celebrate.

as it can be – is a special time that you have to focus only on yourself, to really understand your beliefs and values and to concretize what kind of life you would like to lead. Because regardless of circumstance – which we have no control over – we can exercise and practice our reactions to whatever may come our way. Either way you decide to go, realize that you are choosing YOU. My hope is that you only gain strength from your choices, and that you find your true bashert b’karov.

accidentally hitting a nerve. (Yes, Aunt Rivka, asking why someone so amazing is still single is not helpful!)

If you decide to go, you don’t need to power through with fake cheeriness. Set some boundaries and create a little structure for yourself:

• Keep visits short and sweet—quality over quantity.

• Plan an “escape hatch,” like stepping out for a walk or bringing a fun activity to do with the kids to break the intensity.

• Deflect those “when will you settle down?” comments with humor: “Oh, I’m taking applications—feel free to screen some candidates for me!”

But you also don’t have to go. If staying home this year feels like the kindest

choice, it’s okay to listen to that voice. You’re allowed to protect your energy. You can still connect with your family in smaller ways—send a thoughtful gift, call to wish them a happy Chanukah, or plan a one-on-one visit with your parents later. Sophia, you’re doing better than you think. You’re showing up for your life in a way that’s authentic and brave, and that’s something to celebrate. Wherever you spend Chanukah, I hope you light your menorah, take a deep breath, and let that little flame remind you that even when things feel dark, there’s always room for miracles.

Warmly, Jennifer

School of Thought

By Etti Siegel

Q:Dear Etti,

You have written in the past that a teacher cannot separate a child from a friend. They can encourage them to spend time with other kids, group them differently, but cannot actually break up two children. I get it. It usually backfires.

But suppose a parent notices that their child has a friend whose influence may be concerning. What are some constructive steps they can take to address this situation while maintaining healthy communication with their child? I know kids do not like being micromanaged.

Thanks,

- Trying To Encourage Good Friendships

A:Dear Trying, You are in a difficult position. You cannot control what happens in school when you are not there, yet you are picking up strong vibes that the classmate your child is playing with is having a negative influence on him/her.

It is time to get very proactive, in my opinion.

First, you need to watch your child and determine if he/she seems needy. Some children do not pick up social cues easily and miss that the mood has changed, or the children are moving in a different direction, and are still stuck on the past topic or game. If you see your child seems to have a social deficit, have no fear! It is time to actively play games at home and teach your child how to gracefully lose, what to say to suggest a game, and all other important things that go into being a friend.

Second, you need to actively make play dates. Encourage your child to invite other children over. Make sure to have cool snacks, prepared games and activities, and be around to supervise (a room away is fine if you can still monitor the situation) so you are aware of how all interactions are playing out. This will help you determine if your child has an issue or not. It will also help you see age-appropriate behavior and whether you are expecting too much or too little from your own child.

If your child seems to be a doormat, try “The Not So Friendly Friend, How to Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendship” by Christina Furnival. Reading to your child is a good idea in general, as it is a great conversation starter, and this book can encourage some conversation about creating healthy boundaries and being a good friend.

“Menucha for Menucha” by Yael Walfish is a great

book if your child seems to have trouble managing his/her emotions. Children are uncomfortable being around children who seem unregulated. It feels scary and unsafe to deal with their anger.

If your child is being mistreated, then your child needs to know that the mean behavior they are experiencing from another child is not okay but running to tattletale unfortunately does not accomplish much. We need to empower our children.

A young child needs to hear:

Teach them that people like to be around pleasant people.

This child is not a great friend for her to play with. No one is allowed to hurt another person, and we don’t give second chances. They almost always hurt again.

Let the teachers know that although they cannot keep them apart, you would appreciate them encouraging other friendships.

Keep reading books to him and practicing scripts: how to be a friend and what to say if someone is mean.

Help them define what they like to do and find other children who like similar things. Board games? Running games? Imaginary games? Sports?

Try to find ways to teach your child how games are played. How should your child join a game? How do you set up a game? Is it always okay to be the Mommy if you are playing house? Teach the importance of taking turns.

Teach your child to be a fun friend who is never a sore loser. Teach them to say, “Good game, that was fun,” after every game. Teach them that people like to be around pleasant people.

Sometimes, your child is following around a more aggressive child because they see strength and don’t know how to be that way themselves. Empower your child.

My niece found out that the boys were playing board games during indoor recess and her son did not know how to play. He felt left out. She immediately researched which games they were playing and began having fam-

ily game night. Her son began coming home so much happier.

My grandson talked wistfully at home about how the boys play soccer and never pass him the ball. My daughter-in-law took note. Sunday afternoons became soccer practice events.

I remember years ago one of my daughters was uncomfortable that one girl was asking to spend all of her time with her. My daughter was uncomfortable telling her classmate she needed some space. I began encouraging her to proactively make playdates, and when the girl would call, she was able to regretfully share that she already had plans. My daughter had no idea how much I was helping her break out of her uncomfortable situation. If the girl would call, I would take a message, make sure my daughter made plans, and then give her the message. After a while, she was able to spend some time with the classmate because it was not every weekend, all the time.

So much of parenting is remembering that children need us to listen and notice if they are struggling, and then give them the tools to deal with their issues (as much as possible) on their own. Hovering, storming the school, facing the parent of the offending child, and demanding help are ineffectual and will not help our children learn from the experience and be able to deal with the issue when it comes up again.

We are surrounded by wise people. Do what I did as my kids were growing up. Listen. Sympathize in a neutral way (“that must have been so uncomfortable!”) but do not react. Call someone wiser when they are sleeping. Formulate a plan.

You will feel so much stronger and accomplished as you help your child grow and become the capable adult they are meant to be.

Hatzlacha, - Etti

Parenting Pearls My Brother’s Keeper

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

Sibling rivalry is as old as humanity, and jealousy is a middah that has existed since we left Gan Eden. Sibling rivalry is a well-known predicament. Perhaps one sibling fights with another, is jealous of the other, or only succeeds in life to spite their sibling.

It can’t be denied that siblings play a major role in a child’s development. These children spend significant time together and often measure their own success using their sibling as their barometer. They are each other’s main playmates and share childhood memories.

Unfortunately, at times, a negative relationship can last well into adulthood. We hear of far too many adults who can’t attend family simchas without politics. Alternatively, siblings can be close, and this can be a relationship that lasts throughout decades. For these families, they know their brother or sister will be there for them no matter the situation.

Most parents want their children to get along. It can be major nachas seeing an older sibling assist the younger one, but it can cause intense grief to listen to constant bickering. Maneuvering the dynamics between siblings is complex but is an important part of building healthy familial relationships.

The Challenge

It’s pretty obvious why it’s important for children to get along. Children that argue create a very unpleasant situation in the home. There are families that experience constant bickering and fighting. Sibling rivalry causes friction between the children, but it can also test the shalom bayis of their parents. The entire home can become an unpleasant place and stressful for all members.

It’s normal for there to be some bickering between siblings as young children grow and learn to maneuver their relationships. Disagreements are inevitable but will lessen as they mature and build a beautiful relationship all their own. Ideally, a sibling becomes the one they can always count on.

Children learn many interpersonal skills through sibling interactions. It takes a lot to work with other children and still get everyone’s needs met. Whether it’s negotiating, conflict resolution or learning to share, there is so much kids learn through working things out together (often with parental assistance).

Many think of sibling rivalry as the normal unpleasantness that exists between children. Baruch Hashem, for most kids, it’s something they naturally outgrow and leave behind. Despite the frustration, it’s temporary, and they learn new skills in the

process. Unfortunately, there are times where the situation turns into bullying or reaches the level of abuse. This must not be ignored and can have long-term negative consequences for the victimized child. It’s crucial to consult a medical or mental health professional for help or even if you’re simply unsure if the situation has escalated too far.

The Do’s and Don’t’s

There are many behaviors that can improve sibling interactions. As with all areas of childrearing, it’s parents that set the tone and create the environment within the family. It’s easy to only see the role of the children that are fighting, but there is much parents can do to build bridges. I’d like to discuss some of the options parents have to hopefully steer away from conflict and guide towards positive communication.

Children are different from each other. This is pretty obvious, but it’s important to see each child within the family as the unique individual they are. Each brings bracha in their own way, and it’s important that parents recognize their individualities. Along with recognizing their uniqueness is avoiding comparisons between children. “Why can’t you study like your brother?” “Your sister is always helping before Shabbos – please get up and do something.”

Parents may do this mistakenly thinking it will motivate the child.

It’s best to not use another child as an example. “Shani is great at math.” “Yanky is always so helpful.” While there are times it is appropriate to use another child in an example, it isn’t necessary too often and needs to be with much caution and wisdom.

As a general rule, many parenting moves may appear to work in the shortterm but can yield negative consequences in the long-term. Spanking or harsh discipline, insulting or comparing to a sibling or peer are all examples of this principle. Even if a child appears temporarily compelled to improve from being compared, the future results may not be as attractive.

A family is a unit, and children should view themselves as being on the same team. Parents can bring up this concept through ongoing discussions. Parents can also reinforce this mindset through their actions, such as encouraging feelings of camaraderie and discouraging insulting language. In general, we want to avoid exacerbating the natural competitiveness that can exist within families. Children are already sharing limited resources, such as parental attention and finances, and there is no need to add to it. Not all competition is evil, but it needs to be with hesitation and much chochma.

While we do need to respect their individuality, siblings can benefit from doing activities together. It may be basketball or another sport, dance or a learning program, but it gives them a shared experience and the camaraderie that comes with it. Years ago, we were advised to put two competing siblings into a class together. They would come home from the class laughing together, sharing with each other enjoyable moments from the lesson. This ended up being the beginning of a positive bond between the two of them.

It’s good to have games, sports equipment and other enjoyable activities for the children at home. Besides the obvious benefit of the kids being occupied and not screaming, it encourages positive interactions between the crew. The more positive interactions they have, the stronger they can build that crucial connection and relationship.

There are siblings that will become very competitive or aggressive if they lose. Children with this dynamic should avoid games that will feed into this unhealthy synergy. Cooperative games can be beneficial for these (and all) children, as is any game or activity that requires them to work together as a team and not opposite each other.

To prevent jealousy, parents may try to make everything equal. In their mind, whatever is given to one must be given to the other. If one child gets a new shirt, then so does their sibling. I’m not a fan of this approach, as well intentioned as it may be. We certainly should not show favoritism between children; each is precious in their own way. Playing favorites is an excellent way to cause friction and fighting. But the

sibling is getting right now, completely forgetting what they received. Because children can be a bit short-sighted, there are times it can be helpful to buy a small (but hopefully necessary) item for the other child if their sibling is getting a noticeably large amount of new things. This is rarely necessary but may be helpful under certain circumstances.

More than any inanimate object, chil-

Maneuvering the dynamics between siblings is complex but is an important part of building healthy familial relationships.

opposite extreme is not healthy, either. One child may need a shirt, but perhaps the other could use a new pair of pants. One child may be thrilled with being offered a gymnastics class, but perhaps their sibling lacks the same interest. Do we need to insist they do an activity that doesn’t interest them? By trying to be “fair,” we may not truly be meeting each child’s needs. Sadly, children may only see what their

dren want the love and attention of their parents. Ensuring each child has a healthy, routine dose of both will help prevent one of the main causes of sibling rivalry. Many parents will say they don’t have the time, but minutes invested now will save hours later and yield meaningful long-term results.

Kids need to be taught how to speak with others. A three-year-old doesn’t

wake up one day and on their own say, “Why don’t you play with the toy for five minutes, and then I’ll get my time?” They need to be actively taught healthy ways to communicate and negotiate through their daily challenges. For example, children can learn to share the most desirable snacks by having one child divide up the portions while the other child takes first. We’ve had timers available to help with turn taking. Parents can model these skills and help provide “scripts” for the kids. It can also be helpful for parents to have rules and guidelines in place to prevent conflict.

Siblings are a very unique relationship. They can fight over so much but still be the best of friends. Despite the challenges of raising siblings, having a brother or sister is a lifetime gift. I am personally grateful to my own siblings who I know are always there for me.

May our children build healthy, loving relationships and support each other throughout their lives.

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 RayvychHomeschool@gmail.com.

Food labels can be confusing and sometimes misleading, making it difficult to make truly informed choices. With so many different claims and terms, it’s easy to be duped into thinking a product is healthier than it actually is. To better understand the nutrition facts of food labels so you can make smarter decisions about what you’re eating, we will breakdown all components of the typical food label. Whether it’s deciphering claims like “no added sugar” or understanding what “natural” really means, being aware of how food labels are constructed and what they actually tell you is key to understanding the nutritional value of your food and choosing healthier options.

FDA Requirements

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires food manufacturers to accurately label foods so that consumers can be informed about their contents. There are 5 types of information required by the FDA on every food label (except for fresh produce and seafood): statement of identity, net contents of the package, name and address of manufacturer, ingredients list, and nutrition information.

Health & F tness

Label Unlocked The Truth About Your Food

By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN

Ingredient List

The ingredient list includes all ingredients, listed from most predominant to least predominant in the product. This order of ingredients comes in handy when judging the nutritional value of a product. For example, it can help you determine whether a bread contains more whole grain flour than refined flour, as the whole grain will be listed first. Another way that this can be of assistance is if you are choosing a breakfast cereal and the first ingredient is sugar. That is a red flag that this cereal is more of a dessert than part of a nutritious breakfast.

Allergens

By law, food manufacturers must also list major allergens, which include milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and soybeans. Allergens may be listed in a separate statement. For example, you may see “contains wheat” on the label. Alternatively, allergens can be listed in parentheses within the ingredient list, such as “lecithin (soy).” Some labels include an optional “may contain” or “made in shared equipment with” statement that lists additional allergens that could be present, not as ingredients

in the food, but in trace amounts from equipment contamination. For people with food allergies, having this information clearly and accurately displayed on food packages is vital for their safety.

The Nutrition Facts Panel

If you want to learn about the nutritional value of a food, the Nutrition Facts panel is where you’ll find this information. It’s very useful for comparing products and for identifying foods that will be valuable in meeting your nutritional goals. For example, if you’re trying to watch your intake of added sugar or saturated fat, or you’re trying to incorporate more dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D, the Nutrition Facts panel is a valuable tool.

There are four main parts of a Nutrition Facts Panel: serving size, calorie information, nutrient amounts, and percent (%) daily values.

Serving Size Information

It’s fitting that serving size information is first on the Nutrition Facts panel, because all of the information that follows is based on it. The serving size of the food is the amount that people typically con-

sume; it is not a recommendation of how much you should consume. All the nutritional information on the label is based on one serving of the food. This section of the label also states the number of servings per container. It’s important to note that you might not always eat one serving of a food; sometimes, you might eat half of a serving, and sometimes you might eat two or more servings in one sitting.

Calorie information

This section simply states the number of calories, or the amount of energy provided in one serving of the food. Again, if you consume more or less than the serving size, you’ll need to take that into consideration when estimating the calories you’re consuming.

Nutrient Amounts

The Nutrition Facts panel must list the amounts of these nutrients: total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, sugars, added sugars, protein, calcium, vitamin D, iron, and potassium. Manufacturers may also choose to add several other optional nutrients or nutritional information: calories from saturated fat,

polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, soluble and insoluble fiber, sugar alcohol, other carbohydrate, and other vitamins and minerals.

Percent Daily Values

The Daily Value (DV) is an approximate recommendation for daily intake for a nutrient, developed by the FDA for use on food labels so that consumers can see how much of a nutrient is provided by a serving of a food relative to about how much they need each day. The FDA explains that 5%DV or less means the food is low in a nutrient,10% to 19%DV means the food is a “good source” of a nutrient, and 20%DV or greater means the food is high in a nutrient.

Claims

Food labels often include marketing claims about nutrient content and health benefits. These claims are regulated by the FDA to ensure accuracy and are divided into specific categories: nutrient claims, health claims, and structure-function claims. Understanding these distinctions can help consumers make informed choices.

Nutrient Claims

Nutrient claims provide straightforward information about the levels of nutrients or calories in a food product. These claims follow strict FDA regulations:

• Fat-Free: Contains less than 0.15% fat.

• Low Fat: Contains less than 3% fat for solid foods (1.5% for liquids).

• Low Sodium: Contains 140 mg or less of sodium per serving.

• Reduced Sodium: At least 25% less sodium than the original product.

• Low Calorie: Must meet defined calorie limits per serving.

• Good Source of: Contains 10-19% of the Daily Value (DV) of a nutrient per serving.

• High In / Rich In / Excellent Source of: Contains 20% DV or more of a nutrient per serving.

• Light: processed to reduce either calories or fat. This may sound healthy, but some “light” products are simply watered down. Check carefully to see if anything has been added to make up for the reduced calories and fat, such as sugar.

Health Claims

Health claims connect a food or its components to reducing the risk of disease. Health claims can be “authorized” or “qualified.”

Authorized Health Claims

These are supported by strong scientific evidence and significant scientific agreement (SSA). For example, it may say: “Diets low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, a disease associated with many factors.” Authorized health claims must use precise language, avoiding definitive statements and acknowledging that disease risk is influenced by multiple factors.

Qualified Health Claims

These have less scientific support than authorized claims. The FDA regulates their wording to reflect the lower level of certainty. For example, it may say: “Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.”

Structure Function Claims

Structure-function claims describe the role of a nutrient in supporting normal body functions but avoid specific disease prevention or treatment claims. Examples of structure-function claims are “calcium builds strong bones” and “fiber maintains bowel regularity.” Note that these statements make no claims to prevent osteoporosis or treat constipation, because structure-function claims are not allowed to say that a food or nutrient will treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These claims are less regulated by the FDA, provided they avoid making medical assertions. They are often used in fortified foods or dietary supplements and serve as marketing language.

Other Common Terms on Food Labels

No Added Sugar: Indicates that no sugar has been added during processing; however, the product may still contain natural sugars. Manufacturers often use natural sweeteners such as molasses, fruit juice concentrates, or agave syrup to enhance sweetness without technically “adding sugar.” These ingredients still contribute to the overall sugar content of the product. Additionally, some “no added sugar” products may compensate for the lack of sweetness by adding artificial sweeteners or other additives, which can affect flavor and nutritional quality. This displays the importance of checking the Nutrition Facts panel for total sugar content to get the full picture.

Reduced Fat or Reduced Salt: This indicates that the product contains at least a 25% reduction in fat or salt compared to the original version. However,

it’s important to note that even with this reduction, the product can still be high in fat or salt. The 25% reduction is relative to the original product, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the final amount is low or healthy. For example, a product that originally contained 40 grams of fat per serving may be reduced to 30 grams, but 30 grams is still a significant amount of fat. Therefore, while the reduction is noteworthy, it’s essential to check the actual amount of fat or salt in the product and compare it to daily recommended intake guidelines to make sure it’s aligned with a healthy diet.

Multigrain: This simply indicates more than one type of grain is used such as wheat, oats, barley, or rye. However, it does not guarantee that the grains are whole or retain their original nutritional value. Unless the product is marked as whole grain, it is possible the grains in a multigrain product are all refined grains, which have likely lost important nutrients during processing. This process removes essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals, leaving behind primarily the starchy endosperm.

Products labeled “multigrain” may sound healthy, but they could lack the benefits associated with whole grains, such as improved digestion and better heart health. To ensure you’re choosing a truly nutritious product, look for labels that specify “100% whole grain” or check the ingredients list for terms like “whole wheat” as the first ingredient.

Natural: The term “natural” on food labels refers to how a product is processed and varies by type. For meat, the USDA defines it as containing no artificial ingredients, no added colors, and being minimally processed. For other foods, the FDA defines it as free from artificial or synthetic substances not expected in the food. However, there’s no certification or inspection for the “natural” label, so manufacturers can use it freely. It doesn’t reflect farming practices or means the food is healthier – it only indicates the absence of certain artificial additives.

Organic: Requires production without conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, biotechnology, or ionizing radiation. Organic animals must be fed organic feed and raised without injected hormones or antibiotics. However, organic foods may still have the same calories, fat, protein, and carbohydrate content as non-organic options.

Non-GMO/Bioengineered: A genetically modified organism (GMO) is a plant or animal whose genes have been altered through genetic engineering rather

than traditional breeding methods. Most (but not all) scientists agree that GMO foods are as safe to eat as non-GMO foods. When it comes to labeling, there are two types related to genetic modification. A non-GMO label indicates that the ingredients were not genetically modified, but it’s important to note that only a few crops, such as corn and soybeans, have GMO versions. Non-GMO labels are not certified by government agencies like the FDA or USDA, and even foods that don’t have GMO versions can carry this label.

Gluten-Free: This means that the product does not contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, making it safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, many people mistakenly believe that gluten-free products are also carb-free, which is untrue. Gluten-free foods can still contain high amounts of carbohydrates, especially if they are made with rice flour, cornmeal, or other starches. Just because a product is gluten-free doesn’t mean it’s automatically low in carbs or healthier. It’s important to check the Nutrition Facts label for the actual carbohydrate content.

Reading Food Labels Effectively

While nutrient and health claims on the front of food packages are designed to catch your attention, the most accurate and reliable information is found on the Nutrition Facts panel and ingredients list on the back. For instance, a product labeled “80% fat-free” still contains 20% fat, which can be a significant amount. Similarly, small serving sizes can make a product seem healthier or lower calorie, but if multiple servings are consumed, the total intake may be much higher than expected. Understanding the definitions of various food label terms will help you identify which foods are genuinely healthy and which ones are simply marketed as such. This knowledge ensures that brands can’t mislead you, as you’ll be able to recognize the true meaning behind their claims. By understanding these claims and paying close attention to the details in the Nutrition Facts panel, you can make more informed and healthier food choices.

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

Political Crossfire

Dear Therapist

By Michal Goldman, LCSW

Igenerally have a great relationship with my husband. Recently, however, I’ve been going through a rough patch at work. I’ve been noticing that when I vent to my husband, he starts out very supportive but ends up getting overwhelmed pretty quickly. I’ve started to feel hesitant to share anything with him and instead find myself telling him that everything is fine all the time, even though it feels wrong to me. What is the best way to go about this?

The Therapist Responds:

It sounds like you feel stuck between wanting to share and be supported and shutting down emotionally so as not to overwhelm him. What a tough place! I would like to help you and your hus-

band find a way of connecting that feels mutually satisfying and provides security for both of you. It’s so normal to, like you said in the question, go to what we call in therapy “all or nothing thinking,” which means thinking along the lines of either I continue doing what I’m doing or I stop sharing at all. However, the solution usually lies somewhere in between.

I have a few questions for you to think about to better assess the dynamic in these situations and increase clarity about next steps.

Firstly, when you vent to your husband, what does that look like for both of you? Do you start talking as soon as you both have a minute? Do you only speak at night, or when the kids are out or sleeping? Do

you have some alone time prior to conversations? Do you check in with him about his day and then share, or start sharing first? There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, but they are important to keep in mind because, oftentimes, spouses have differing preferences and expect their partner’s preferences to be the same.

Secondly, I wonder what it means when your husband gets overwhelmed. Does he agree that he is overwhelmed? Sometimes, we can think that our partner is feeling one way, when, in fact, they have a very different perspective. If that is the case, then I would like for you to both come to more clarity on what is happening in those moments. If it turns out that you are both on the same page, I’d like you to pinpoint what makes you notice that he is getting overwhelmed. Does his body language or tone of voice change? Slowing down by identifying subtle shifts can help you decide when to share, when to check in, and when to hold off for another time.

However, what is more important is how you perceive your husband’s overwhelming feelings. When people’s behaviors impact us, we create meaning about them, the situation, and ourselves. For example, if you are walking down the street and slip on a wrapper, the meaning can be: “someone was so irresponsible to throw this on the floor” (about the other person), “This neighborhood is so dirty” (about the situation), and “I’m so clumsy” (about yourself). The meaning we create in all three of these areas contributes a lot to our responses. In the example I gave, these meanings can lead to feeling angry or tiptoeing down the rest of the block.

It sounds like you are thinking about

not sharing with your husband at all. I wonder what meaning you created around him being overwhelmed, if that plays a role in the conclusions you are thinking about, and how you can challenge those meanings.

Lastly, it can be helpful to explore your general communication patterns. As partners, do you and your husband share minor frustrations as they come up, or hold off until things get big and then there is no way to hold it in? Do you acknowledge frustrations within yourself? Do you feel comfortable sharing with others, or does it feel like you are being a burden to others by sharing? Or, on the other end of the spectrum, do you feel like you most connect with others specifically when sharing challenges? Again, there are no right or wrong answers to any of these questions, I just want you to get a better sense of how your communication styles are playing out here.

My hope is that as you work through these questions and gain clarity, other options besides shutting down will start to come to you, and you will start to find the sweet spot for you and your husband in these moments.

Michal Goldman is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in helping individuals and couples navigate relationship challenges. She can be reached through her website at www.michalgoldmanlcsw.org, via email at michalgoldmanlcsw@gmail.com, or by phone at 917-590-0258. If you have questions that you would like answered here, you can submit them to the email provided. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy.

In The K tchen

Italian Wedding Soup

By Naomi Nachman

Last week I made sheva brachot for my niece, and we prepared an Italian-themed menu. I started the meal off with this classic Italian Wedding Soup recipe which has savory meatballs in a flavorful broth with spinach and pasta. It was a big hit of the evening.

Ingredients

◦ 1 tablespoon canola oil

Meatballs

◦ 2 lbs. chopped meat

◦ 2 eggs, beaten

◦ 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

◦ 6 cloves garlic, minced

◦ ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

◦ 1 teaspoon salt

◦ ¼ teaspoon pepper

Soup

◦ 1 yellow onion, diced

◦ 1¼ cups carrots, diced

◦ 2 celery ribs, diced

◦ 3 cloves garlic, minced

◦ 8 cups chicken broth

◦ 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

◦ ¾ cup acini de pepe pasta, uncooked

◦ 4-5 cups fresh spinach

◦ Salt and pepper, to taste

The

caters weekly and Shabbat/ Yom

and also

Preparation

1. Gently combine the meatball ingredients. Don’t overwork the meat. Roll into 3/4-inch balls.

2. Heat canola in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 2 minutes. The middle of the meatballs will finish cooking in the soup. Remove meatballs and set aside. Alternatively, bake the meatballs for 25 minutes at 375°F and set aside.

3. You may need to add 1 tablespoon canola oil to the pot if it’s too dry. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.

4. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for 1 minute.

5. Add the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

6. Add the cooked meatballs and continue to simmer.

7. In a separate pot, prepare the pasta according to package directions and set aside.

8. When ready to serve, add the pasta to serving bowls. (If you add it directly to the soup, it soaks up too much broth.)

9. Stir in the spinach to the soup and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

10. Ladle the soup into serving bowls.

meals for families and individuals within The Five

and hosts her own weekly radio show

the

and

called

communities,

gives cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website, www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.

Naomi Nachman, the owner of

Aussie Gourmet,

Tov

Towns

neighboring

with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributing editor to this paper

produces

on

Nachum Segal Network stream

“A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomi

Notable Quotes

“Say What?!”

If you have a vision, believe in bringing it to life, and don’t let the thoughts or opinions of others waver your resolve.

-Chad Caruso, of NY, who skateboarded cross-country over 57 days, setting a Guinness World Record

Just spoke to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu of Israel in Jerusalem and told him that in one year – by crushing Hamas, pulverizing Hezbollah and significantly weakening Iran – he has done more to fight [international] terrorism than the EU has done in the last 70 years!

- Geert Wilders, the leader of the Party for Freedom in the Netherlands, who is currently visiting Israel

The Jewish people’s legal and historic rights to Judea and Samaria goes back thousands of years. The U.S. should stop using the politically charged term “West Bank” to refer to the biblical heartland of Israel.

- Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) introducing legislation that would ban the federal government from using the term “West Bank” and instead use “Judea and Samaria,” the biblical name of the area

What lies! Eight years I’ve been waiting for this day. Eight years I’ve been waiting to present the truth. Eight years I’ve been waiting to puncture for good the wild and ridiculous accusations against me. Eight years I’ve been waiting to expose the method, a cruel witch hunt… There was no crime, so they looked for a crime. They didn’t find a crime, so they concocted a crime.

- Prime Minister Netanyahu during a press conference before the start of his corruption trial

For those keeping score at home, this was labeled a dangerous conspiracy theory months ago.

- Vice President-elect J.D. Vance after it was revealed that the FBI had 26 informants rioting at the Capitol on Jan. 6, affirming a claim that Republicans made all along – that the government may have been involved in inciting the riots

What’s the difference between a “right-wing conspiracy” and reality? About 6 months.

- Elon Musk

Biden Calls For New Gun Laws He Can Pardon His Son For Breaking

- Babylon Bee headline

Nancy Pelosi Hospitalized With Dangerously Low Blood Alcohol Level

- Ibid.

Assassin Luigi Mangione Takes Lead in 2028 Democratic Primary Polls

- Ibid.

Joe Biden Pardons Wife Jill For Impersonating a Doctor

- Ibid.

McDonald’s Surpasses FBI in Number of Shooters Apprehended In 2024

- Ibid.

Trump had a good year… A lot of people are scared. Like, “Oh, my G-d, he’s going to be so undignified.” When I say a lot of people, I’m talking about the nine New Yorkers that didn’t vote for him.

- Chirs Rock in a “Saturday Night Live” monologue

I gotta hand it to Joe… Every parent in the world would pardon their son, except the parents of the Menendez Brothers.

- Ibid.

I’ll be very available on January 20, and we’ll see. As you know, I gave warning that if these hostages aren’t back home by that date, all [heck] is going to break out.

- President-elect Trump at a press conference this week when asked about the hostages being held by Hamas

Am I going to do preemptive strikes on Iran? Is that a serious question? How could I answer a question like that?

- Ibid.

You don’t talk about that before something may or may not happen. I don’t want to insult you; I just think it’s just not something that I would ever answer.

How…did Donald Trump figure out the mainstream media is the fringe and the fringe is now the mainstream?

- Left-wing journalist Chris Cillizza to CNN host and former Obama advisor Van Jones

I mean the problem is, you have a framework in your mind, “How can Donald Trump? How can Donald Trump? How can Donald Trump?” Guys, can we cut it out? Donald Trump is not an idiot. Let me just be very clear. Donald Trump is smarter than me, you, and all of his critics. You know how I know? Because he has the White House, the Senate, the House, the Supreme Court, the popular vote.

- Van Jones, in response

This is not to comment, and this is not to say that an act of violence is justified, but I think for anyone who is confused or shocked or appalled, they need to understand that people interpret and feel and experience denied claims as an act of violence against them.

- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Dem/Socialist, NY) deploying the “yeah but” argument to justify the senseless murder of Brian Thompson, a father of two and the CEO of UnitedHealthcare

Look, we’ll say it over and over, violence is never the answer, this guy gets a trial, who’s allegedly killed the CEO of UnitedHealth[care]. But you can only push people so far, and then, they start to take matters into their own hands.

- Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) on MSNBC with Joy Reid

Elizabeth Warren obviously understands killing and murder and shooting somebody in the back is totally unacceptable. But what I think has happened in the last few months is that what you have seen rising up is people’s anger at a health insurance industry which denies people the health care that they desperately need while they make billions and billions of dollars in profit.

- Sen. Bernie Sanders (Dem/Socialist, Vermont)

It’s not often that my work gets a killer five-star review from an actual killer.

- Radical left-wing sicko and activist Michael Moore gloating in an online post that he was referenced in the manifesto of the murderer who gunned down Brian Thompson, a father of two and the CEO of UnitedHealthcare

We were supposed to be on a steady, if difficult at times, march towards progress. And, yet, just a few weeks ago, the United States voted for a second time to not elect its first woman president. Everywhere women’s rights are under attack sometimes overtly and sometimes subtly. But I want you to know that I will always be a proud feminist.

- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a gala for Equal Voice

Nothing would do more to improve the health, lifespan and quality of life for Americans than making GLP inhibitors [sic] super low cost to the public. Nothing else is even close.

- Tweet by Elon Musk recommending the widespread use of Ozempic

I ask you to remember the context in which you exist.

- Vice Pres. Kamala Harris speaking to students in Maryland

Maybe I took my Joe Biden impression just a little too far.

- Trump advisor Alex Bruesewitz after he fainted during a speech at the 112th Annual New York Young Republican Club Gala

Because today, on his way out of office, he [Joe Biden] used his power of the presidency to commute 1,500 sentences and pardon 39 people. Wow, I did not know he had 39 sons — that’s impressive.

- Stephen Colbert

As a white person, there is privilege. A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them.

- Caitlyn Clark, the rookie WNBA phenom, in an interview with Time Magazine

The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it’s very important. I have to continue to try to change that.

- Ibid.

Look at this – [Clark]’s on the knee all but apologizing for being white and getting attention. The self-flagellation. The “Oh [please] pay attention to the black players who are REALLY the ones you want to celebrate.” Condescending. Fake. Transparent. Sad.

- Megyn Kelly on X

Trump is the first man in history to be Time’s person of the year and McDonald’s employee of the month. History is being made.

- Jimmy Fallon

So it’s the second time he’s had the honor, with the first coming after his presidential win in 2016. That was also the same week Hillary Clinton canceled her subscription and smashed her server with a hammer.

- Dana Perino, guest host of “Gutfeld!”

The editorial board mentioned Trump’s historic comeback, his impact on global politics and how we increased his votes from Blacks, Latinos and people named Biden.

- ibid.

The difference: In 2016, the cover called him “President of the divided states of America.” This year, it’s simply his name, even though there was plenty of room for “Cry harder, losers.”

- Dana Perino

I think we all need to feel joy now during this time.

- First Lady Jill Biden, who many claim is happy that Trump defeated Kamala Harris, at a White House Women’s Conference

You are all reading into that.

- ibid., when the audience started laughing

Political Crossfire

Syrian Rebels Had Help From Ukraine in Humiliating Russia

The Syrian rebels who swept to power in Damascus last weekend received drones and other support from Ukrainian intelligence operatives who sought to undermine Russia and its Syrian allies, according to sources familiar with Ukrainian military activities abroad.

Ukrainian intelligence sent about 20 experienced drone operators and about 150 first-person-view drones to the rebel headquarters in Idlib, Syria, four to five weeks ago to help Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the leading rebel group based there, the knowledgeable sources said.

The aid from Kyiv played only a modest role in overthrowing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Western intelligence sources believe. But it was notable as part of a broader Ukrainian effort to strike covertly at Russian operations in the Middle East, Africa and inside Russia itself.

Ukraine’s covert assistance program in Syria has been an open secret, though senior Biden administration officials said repeatedly in answer to my questions that they weren’t aware of it. Ukraine’s motivation is obvious: Facing a Russian onslaught inside their country, Ukrainian intelligence has looked for other fronts where it can bloody Russia’s nose and undermine its clients.

The Ukrainians have advertised their intentions. The Kyiv Post in a June 3 article quoted a source in the Ukrainian military intelligence service, known as the GUR, who told the newspaper that “since the beginning of the year, the [Syrian] rebels, supported by Ukrainian operatives, have inflicted numerous strikes on Russian military facilities represented in the region.”

That story, posted online, included a link to video footage that showed attacks on a stone-ribbed bunker, a white

By David Ignatius

van and other targets that it said had been struck by Ukrainian-supported rebels inside Syria. The paper said that the Syria operation was conducted by a special unit known as “Khimik” within the GUR, “in collaboration with the Syrian opposition.”

Russian officials have been complaining for months about the Ukrainian paramilitary effort in Syria. Alexander Lavrentyev, Russia’s special representative for Syria, said in a November interview with TASS, “We do indeed have information that Ukrainian specialists from the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine are on the territory of Idlib.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had made a similar claim in September about “Ukrainian intelligence emissaries” in Idlib. He claimed they were conducting “dirty operations,” according to the Syrian newspaper AlWatan, which asserted that Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, head of the GUR, had been in touch personally with HTS.

Before the HTS offensive toppled Assad, Russian officials had asserted that Ukraine’s link with the rebel group was

an attempt to recruit Syrian fighters for its war against the Kremlin. A September report in an online site called the Cradle alleged that Ukraine had offered 75 unmanned aerial vehicles in a “drones-for-fighters” deal with HTS. But there isn’t any independent evidence to back this Russian claim.

Russia clearly was surprised by HTS’s rapid advance on Damascus –but interestingly, Russian sources have tried to minimize the Ukrainian role. A Dec. 2 article in Middle East Eye quoted a Russian Telegram account, said to reflect the views of the Russian military, that discounted Kyiv’s assistance: “Firstly, GUR members did visit Idlib, but they stayed there for only a short time” – not enough to train Syrians to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) from scratch. “Secondly,” the message continued, “HTS has long had its own UAV program.”

The Syria operation isn’t the only instance of Ukrainian military intelligence operating abroad to harass Russian operatives. The BBC reported in August that Ukraine had helped rebels

in northern Mali ambush Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group. The July 27 attack killed 84 Wagner operatives and 47 Malians, the BBC said.

Andriy Yusov, a GUR spokesman, touted the Mali operation several days later, saying that the Malian rebels “received necessary information, and not just information, which enabled a successful military operation against Russian war criminals,” according to the BBC. After the attack, Mali severed its diplomatic relations with Ukraine. Budanov pledged in April 2023 that Ukraine would pursue Russians guilty of war crimes “in any part of the world,” according to a news report. Budanov’s aggressive intelligence operations have sometimes worried the Biden administration, U.S. officials have told me.

I asked Budanov in an interview at his headquarters in Kyiv last April about the GUR’s reported operations against the Wagner militia in Africa. “We conduct such operations aimed at reducing Russian military potential, anywhere where it’s possible,” he answered. “Why should Africa be an exception?”

Like Ukraine’s Africa forays and its assault on the Kursk region inside Russia, the covert operation in Syria reflects an attempt to widen the battlefield – and hurt the Russians in areas where they’re unprepared. Ukraine’s aid wasn’t “the drone that broke that camel’s back,” so to speak. But it helped, in at least a small way, to bring down Russia’s most important client in the Middle East.

And like Israel in its failure to anticipate Hamas’s surge across the Gaza fence on Oct. 7, 2023, Russia saw the Ukrainianbacked rebels coming but couldn’t mobilize to stop the attack and prevent the devastating consequences.

© 2024, Washington Post Writers Group

Political Crossfire How Will the Rebels Rule Syria? Their Past Offers Clues

By Neil MacFarquhar and Justin Scheck

Every fall, when farmers across the rolling, red dirt hills of Idlib province in northern Syria harvest their olive crops, they routinely find at least one representative of the local tax authority stationed at any oil press.

The tax collector takes at least 5% of the oil, and farmers grouse that there are no exceptions, even in lean harvest years.

The collectors work for the civilian government established under Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel movement that just spearheaded the swift overthrow of the 54year Assad dynasty. The Islamist group has administered much of opposition-held Idlib province since 2017.

Measures like the olive oil tax, introduced in 2019, have prompted protests and even occasional armed clashes and arrests.

Yet the Syrian Salvation Government, as the Idlib administration was known, persisted. It taxed goods entering its territory and generated revenue by selling fuel and running a telecom company. It also controlled the local economy through licensing regulation programs that looked a lot like a conventional government’s and proved that it was fairly adept at managing those finances to build up its military operations and provide civil services.

The portrait of the rebel group detailed

in this article was gleaned from interviews with experts, representatives of humanitarian or other organizations working in the territory under its control, local residents and reports by the United Nations or think tanks.

Since 2017, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its affiliated organizations, driven by a hunger for broader power, created a certain level of stability in Idlib, governing with pragmatism and discipline. While the group retained overall control, it governed through a civilian authority with 11 ministries, which allowed it to concentrate on rebuilding its militia as a more structured force.

In Idlib, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham maintained a robust internal security force to confront other military factions and domestic critics, prompting regular protests against what were seen as authoritarian methods and against harsh jail conditions.

The primary question is whether these rebels, who are now trying to form a national government, can scale up what they achieved in Idlib, a poor, agrarian region with a relatively small population.

In Idlib, ministers who dealt with outside aid organizations could never make a decision on the spot, they always had to consult first with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

leaders, according to one representative of a humanitarian organization who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of aid operations in the area. Such tight control might work in a small governorate, but could prove unwieldy in a large country.

With its roots in the Islamic State group and al-Qaida, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham modified and moderated its own jihadi orientation starting around 2016. While it enforced some conservative Islamic practices, they did not resort to the strictures imposed by the Islamic State terrorist group when it ruled parts of Syria.

Still, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham remains designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the United Nations, Turkey and others. Because that designation blocked overt outside support, the group found new ways to sustain itself financially and militarily.

It levied fees on all kinds of goods and enterprises, including crops, border crossings, construction, trade, shopkeeping and craftwork. In addition, companies linked to the group enjoyed a monopoly on providing fuel, electricity, water and garbage collection.

“HTS exemplifies adaptability in conflict economics,” said Mark Nakhla, the chief research officer at Kharon, an open-

source analytics firm that advises companies on complying with sanctions against armed groups and other hostile actors.

He has been tracking Hayat Tahrir al-Sham since its jihadi days, and has watched it go through what he called a “strategic rebranding” and a shift from relying financially on wealthy foreign donors to sustaining military and civilian operations through local taxation and governance.

It has largely driven more extremist groups out of the Idlib region, while still fighting and sometimes killing their members, according to a recent report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington research institute. The group also abandoned some previously used terrorist methods, like suicide bombings against military targets, said Orwa Ajjoub, a doctoral candidate at Malmo University in Sweden who studies Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Throughout its history, the group has been pushed and pulled between practical and more hard-line elements in its ranks, a tension that is likely to continue as it expands its rule.

“The hard-liner elements in the group have been sidelined,” Ajjoub said. “They want to rule and they are Islamists, but

they are very pragmatic and really ready to interact with local communities.”

As the rebel fighters headed south toward Damascus, Syria’s capital, in their offensive that toppled Bashar Assad, their commanders gave them rousing speeches about reclaiming Syria, not about creating an Islamic state, said Charles Lister, the director for Syria and Countering Terrorism & Extremism at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

Training and a sense of mission seemed to instill an esprit de corps among the group’s mostly young fighters, experts said, while regular pay assured loyalty while minimizing looting or other shakedowns.

“For them, discipline and respect is a key piece of their worldview,” said Aaron Y. Zelin, an expert on jihadi groups with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and the author of a book about Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Raising Funds

Like a Government

Because the national government in Damascus tried to isolate rebel-controlled areas in the north, those regions had to rely on Turkey for basic services like water, electricity and cellular transmissions. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham set up ostensibly private distribution companies, but the owners were closely linked to the organization, according to aid groups and experts.

Their key source of revenue, however, was likely customs duties and other fees collected at the Bab al-Hawa border crossing, the main gateway into northwestern Syria from Turkey. The group did not publish figures, but humanitarian organizations working in Idlib and others estimate it may have generated $15 million or more per month.

In some cases, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham encouraged local residents to start businesses, including some that competed with its own telecom and energy companies.

Hussam Twilo, an Idlib entrepreneur, told The New York Times that he started a company, Syriana LTE, in 2016 and began putting up cellular towers in areas that did not get coverage from established companies. After Hayat Tahrir al-Sham took power, it gave Syriana a license to operate, he said in a phone interview.

Now, Syriana competes with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s Syria Phone telecom company, Twilo said, without friction.

“Their mentality is to support the private sector,” he said. However, he said he was bracing for major changes, including

more taxation, once the former rebel group begins exercising nationwide control.

Something

Akin

to a Regular Army

When it came to military strategy, Ahmad Hussein al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham who previously went by the nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, abandoned the ideology that his group should concentrate on fomenting a global jihad against the West. Instead, he focused on freeing Syria of the Assads, a goal that started in 2011 with the anti-government uprisings across the country that jihadi groups soon came to dominate.

In 2021, he made one of his most important moves by establishing what was called simply the Military College. Officers who had defected from the Syrian military helped mold his fighters and other ragtag groups of militiamen from around Syria into something akin to a regular army with an established chain of command.

“They became much closer to being an army than just a bunch of armed groups,” said Jerome Drevon, a senior analyst on jihad and modern conflict with the International Crisis Group.

They studied manuals of Western military doctrine posted online by various armed forces and tried to largely follow the British model, he said.

Their main source of weapons was what they captured from Syrian military bases or in battles with other militias, and over the years, that provided the core of their arsenal, experts said. Corrupt officers from the Assad regime also sold them arms, while Turkey provided trucks and light weapons to allied militias in northern Syria.

Some Turkey-backed militias joined forces with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the offensive that overthrew the government. Turkey was believed to have held a certain amount of sway over the group’s military campaigns with at least 10,000 troops in Idlib province and many more nearby, Devon said.

Now Turkey is emerging as one of the main beneficiaries of Assad’s ouster on the international stage.

Like any guerrilla movement, the group’s main need was for light weapons or artillery as well as transport vehicles, and Lister of the Middle East Institute said the group even manufactured its own rudimentary armored vehicles.

Experts estimated the overall numbers of fighters in Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ranged from 10,000 to 60,000. But the core was probably around 10,000 to 15,000 with

about an equal number of reservists.

“They decided to totally restructure the way that they were organized,” Drevon said. “Their brigades were formed as specialized units with different functions like infantry, mortars, etc. In addition, it was much more centralized.”

The group’s most remarkable development was the assembly of a drone unit. The rebels said they acquired some of the drones and manufactured others themselves.

How the Rebels Governed in Idlib

In terms of its methods of control, the rebel group frequently left local authorities in place, especially in villages controlled by religious minorities.

Syria is a complicated patchwork of diverse hamlets. A predominantly Sunni Muslim nation of more than 23 million people, it has considerable minorities of Shiite Muslims, Christians and Druse, as well as the Alawite sect that dominated Syria under the Assads. In Idlib, the prewar population of 1.5 million swelled to 3.5 million with displaced people from around Syria mostly living in tent camps, according to U.N. figures.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham did not use the

brutal methods used by more extremist groups to enforce Islamic practice.

The Islamic State group, for example, was intolerant of any deviance from what it considered Islamic law. Some violators were executed, while convicted thieves had a hand amputated.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham does not fit into that box.

Buying and selling alcohol was banned, but residents said the group did not try to root out drinkers, and people were allowed to smoke in public. The group did not field morality police to enforce strict social codes.

In a conservative society, they did maintain elementary schools segregated by sex. The rebels also set up a chain of free Koranic schools called the House of Revelation, which teach both theology and regular subjects like math and English.

At one point, hard-liners objected that a new shopping mall built under Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s auspices was sinful because it allowed men and women to mingle in public, said Ajjoub, the doctoral candidate.

But the Idlib leaders overruled them.

© The New York Times.

Political Crossfire

Trump Can Deliver Immediately For Working-Class Voters. Here’s How

Donald Trump won over millions of new working-class voters with his promises to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security income, and to create a new tax credit for family caregivers. He does not have to wait months to pass a major tax overhaul to deliver on those promises. He can do so immediately on taking office. Here’s how:

With Republicans in control of the Senate, the House and the White House, they can make good on these vows with simple majority votes in both chambers using the budget reconciliation process. Every year, the House and Senate are supposed to adopt a budget resolution to establish an overall budget. Both houses then pass a budget reconciliation bill that makes changes to tax and spending policy – and is voted on in the Senate using expedited rules that prevent the minority from delaying or filibustering it. This is how Trump passed his 2017 tax reform with only Republican votes and how President Joe Biden passed his American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction acts with only Democratic votes.

But next year, Trump will have an extraordinary opportunity to pass not one, but two budget reconciliation bills. That’s because the Republican House and Democratic Senate could not agree on a 2025 budget resolution. This means that when the new Republican Congress is seated in January, it can enact two budget resolutions during Trump’s first year in office – one for fiscal 2025 and a second for fiscal 2026. That will allow Congress to pass, and Trump to sign, two budget reconciliation bills related to tax policy with only Republican votes next year.

Because Trump gets two bites at the apple in 2025, he does not have to wait

By Marc A. Thiessen

until a major tax overhaul is ready to deliver on his promised tax cuts. He can pass them immediately using the first budget reconciliation bill, and then use the second bill to enact more complicated tax reform, which will take many months to prepare and negotiate, later in the year.

How would this work? When the new Congress is seated on Jan. 4, it can immediately enact a 2025 budget resolution, even before Trump is inaugurated. Then, as soon as Trump takes the oath of office, Congress can send him a budget reconciliation bill that eliminates taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security income and creates his promised caregiver tax credit.

Those tax cuts could be paid for by repealing the climate spending in Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, eliminating the $80 billion Biden gave the Internal Revenue Service, and enacting JD Vance’s College Endowment

Accountability Act, which would raise the excise tax on college and university endowment investment income from 1.4 percent to 35 percent. There would be poetic justice in cutting taxes for working-class Americans and making elite universities such as Harvard, Columbia and MIT pay for it.

Trump could also use that first reconciliation bill to fund his border wall and add thousands of U.S. Border Patrol officers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to carry out another major campaign promise – the mass deportation of illegal migrants.

If Republican leaders in Congress and Trump’s transition team start working now, the president could sign such a bill into law in a matter of weeks. Imagine the momentum it would give his new presidency if he could immediately deliver on his promises to so many new voters who cast ballots for him. Rarely in American history have voters gotten such near-in-

stantaneous results for their votes.

Once that first reconciliation bill is enacted, Congress can pass a second budget resolution for the 2026 fiscal year and get to work on a major tax overhaul. Trump can use that bill to extend his 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act [irs.gov] for another 10 years and enact major tax reform, delivering on other campaign promises such as reducing the corporate tax rate.

And he doesn’t have to stop there. Because in 2026 he will get a third bite at the apple. As of Jan. 1, 2026, Congress can pass a budget resolution for fiscal 2027. That will give Trump a third Republican-votes-only reconciliation bill, which could be used to implement all the spending cuts and government reforms recommended by Trump’s new “Department of Government Efficiency.”

If Trump follows this strategy, he will have signed at least three major bills before voters go to the polls in the 2026 midterms – one fulfilling his promises to cut taxes for working Americans; a second delivering major tax reform to boost economic growth and competitiveness; and a third streamlining government and eliminating wasteful spending.

That would be a trifecta of unprecedented achievements that voters would almost certainly reward.

Knowing that he can pass three different budget reconciliation bills in two years, it would be foolhardy of Trump to wait to act until a major tax overhaul bill is ready. Polls show that six in 10 Americans approve of his transition. The best way to maintain and build on that approval is to quickly pay back his new voters by delivering on his vows to make their lives better.

Israel Today Islamophobia Concerns are Attempts to Silence Critics of Muslim Antisemitism

It’s possible to argue that anything the Biden-Harris administration does in its final weeks in office is irrelevant and may soon be overturned by President-elect Donald Trump once he is sworn in next month. That may well apply to the announcement last week of a “National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate,” issued by the White House. It is nonetheless noteworthy because it reinforces the myth about an American epidemic of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab hate that is routinely published and broadcast by the mainstream media. Equally important, it gives the imprimatur of government approval to a false analogy to the very real problem of antisemitism about which Biden and Harris also issued a “National Strategy” paper last year.

Any discussion of Islamophobia in America must be prefaced by an acknowledgment that hatred directed against racial, ethnic and religious minorities exists. And like any form of prejudice that leads to discrimination or violence, it is deplorable.

Even as we condemn any act in which an Arab or Muslim-American is targeted because of their ethnicity or faith, it is essential to understand that the attention given to Islamophobia is not being driven by anything that could accurately be described as a crisis. Rather, it is part of a false narrative that seeks to divert us from an unpleasant but vital fact about the subject. Most of what those who promote this issue consider Islamophobia is not anti-Muslim or anti-Arab hatred but merely criticism of Muslim and Arab hatred of Jews.

By Jonathan S. Tobin

A Fake Problem

So, while the lame duck administration’s report may be considered a pious affirmation of opposition to prejudice, it doesn’t deserve even the tepid applause it has received. On the contrary, it is a conscious effort to balance a genuine problem with one that is bogus. And in doing so, it undermines the minimal and largely ineffective efforts undertaken by the government to address the very real surge in Jew-hatred that has been building in recent years and then exploded after the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

The notion of an Islamophobia crisis in the United States dates back to the aftermath of the terror attacks carried out by Islamists on Sept. 11, 2001. Seeking to build a broad international alliance against Muslim extremists, President George W. Bush took pains to differ -

entiate what he described as a “war on terror” from a war against Islam. At every possible opportunity, he always described Islam as a “religion of peace,” emphasizing that the efforts to destroy Al-Qaeda and the subsequent military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq were not a civilizational clash between the West and Islam. This was technically accurate about the nation’s post-9/11 foreign policy and security goals as well as a reflection of the basic decency of both Bush personally and America’s modern political culture that opposes religious prejudice.

But the harping on the “religion of peace” line tended to obscure the fact that Islamist terrorism was not just the bad behavior of a tiny minority. It was rooted in a widely popular, though not universally supported, version of that faith that had mainstream support in much of the Arab and Muslim world.

There were real-world consequences of this effort. After 9/11, American corporate media and the nation’s cultural institutions prioritized a message that seemed to treat American Muslims as victims. That meant Hollywood largely avoided showing Muslims or Arabs as the bad guys in films or television shows—the opposite of what usually happened in the past when America was at war. It also buttressed the claim that there had been a post-9/11 backlash against them in the United States, despite the complete absence of any objective study or statistics that might have backed up that assertion.

Indeed, when plans (that eventually fell through) for the building of a Muslim community center and mosque in the footprint of the fallen World Trade Center towers were announced in 2010, any objections about the insensitivity and bad taste of the idea were deplored as a form of vile prejudice. At the time, it was pointed out that the FBI’s statistics about religious hate crimes debunked the idea of such a backlash. Throughout the decade after 9/11, attacks on Muslims were dwarfed by those against Jews. Though the numbers have moved up and down to some extent in the nearly 15 years since then, antisemitic crimes continue to vastly outnumber those that can be connected to Islamophobia. Nevertheless, this fact has consistently been condemned by much of mainstream liberal opinion as wrongheaded, if not prejudicial. Groups that continued to promote the idea of a backlash, like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), continued to gain influence rather than

being dismissed for being the source of misleading propaganda that aimed to silence critics of Islamic Jew-haters.

False Moral Equivalence

That became obvious when CAIR was tapped as an official consultant to the Biden-Harris effort against antisemitism, though no Jewish groups were asked to give similar input to the Islamophobia strategy. That this happened despite the group’s origins as a political front for fundraisers for Hamas terrorists and its embrace of antisemitic positions was shocking. But to an administration seeking re-election that regarded Muslims and Arabs as part of the Democratic Party’s base, it was simply good politics. Like Bush’s “religion of peace” mantra, Biden and Harris never seemed able to mention the explosion of antisemitism that happened on their watch without reflexively including a mention of Islamophobia.

After the barbaric atrocities that occurred when Hamas and other Palestinian terrorists infiltrated Israel on Oct. 7, the administration’s obsession with Islamophobia could no longer be dismissed as either meaningless or routine partisan politics.

As the report on Islamophobia that is part of the new national strategy makes clear, Biden and Harris bought the CAIR line that treated the situation on American campuses after Oct. 7 as one in which both Jews and Muslims were at risk. But there is no moral equivalence between the rights of Muslims to advocate for the genocide of Jews with the rights of Jewish students to be able to get to classes and other areas on campus without being blocked, harassed or even subjected to violence.

The situation of Jews and Muslims during the last 14 months is not one of two groups experiencing discrimination or threats. It’s the exact opposite, where the Jews have become the victims of religious and ethnic harassment and assaults. And it is Muslims—along with non-Muslim students, faculty and school employees who subscribe to the toxic beliefs of intersectionality and critical race theory that label Jews and Israelis as “white oppressors”—who are attacking them.

Despite the seemingly innocuous claims of opposition to religious prejudice in the Biden-Harris strategy paper and those who applaud it, the whole point of the exercise is not what it seems. It’s about silencing criticism of Muslim and Arab antisemitism and

treating support for the destruction of the one Jewish state on the planet and the genocide of its population as a reasonable point of view rather than an expression of deplorable hatred that deserves condemnation.

A New Backlash Myth

Groups like CAIR that purport to represent Muslims and the Biden-Har -

oppose. In most cases, that references efforts by Jews and others to highlight the way Muslims and Arabs have been promoting antisemitism. That’s a throwback to the way this same administration colluded with Silicon Valley oligarchs to de-platform critics of their repressive and largely useless Covid-19 pandemic policies.

At this point, the clamor about Is -

Like Bush’s “religion of peace” mantra, Biden and Harris never seemed able to mention the explosion of antisemitism that happened on their watch without reflexively including a mention of Islamophobia.

ris strategy paper both seem to be putting forward a new myth about a postOct. 7 backlash against Muslims that is even more shameless than the one about 9/11. Whereas the previous myth merely promoted a false claim about Americans targeting Muslims, this new one is actively seeking to deny the reality of a surge in Jew-hatred among Muslims and Arabs while implicitly minimizing or even denying the reality of a surge in antisemitism.

America is not yet like the Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe where anyone, even government officials, who point out that Jew-hatred in mainstream opinion in the Arab and Muslim world can be subjected to prosecution for committing a hate crime. But that is the ultimate goal of the discussion about Islamophobia. The notion that Muslims are under siege when, in fact, they are the ones engaging in hate speech and hate crimes, is problematic. It inevitably leads to efforts to censor or sanction those who point out that those who cry the most about Islamophobia are generally the same people who defend or rationalize antisemitism.

Indeed, in addition to propping up the myth—unsupported by any real data—of Muslims and Arabs facing widespread prejudice, the Biden-Harris document also sounds an ominous note about silencing critics of Islamism. It specifically calls for social-media platforms to “de-rank and stop recommending” content that Muslim groups

President-elect Trump has a strong record of support for Israel and opposition to antisemitism on college campuses, as well as Islamist terrorists, and has been falsely branded as a hate-monger by the left for doing so. But like any president, his second administration will be eager to win over critics and voters of all kinds and might be vulnerable to pressure to kowtow to the Islamophobia myth in order to demonstrate that he wants to protect all Americans. That would not only be wrong but would undermine his plans to root out the woke diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) catechism that is at the heart of the left’s war on American history and Western civilization.

lamophobia is no longer a politically correct, harmless talking point. It is now part of a general effort to shut down discussion of the engine of the all-tooreal uptick in antisemitism.

The Islamophobia myth needs to be rejected not only by the federal government but by all institutions and persons that claim to oppose the Jew-hatred that it seeks to cover up. There is no moral equivalence between antisemitism and Islamophobia. Anyone or any group that is truly willing to fight against anti-Jewish prejudice must understand that such a stand is incompatible with efforts to promote a false narrative about Muslims being the true victims of 9/11 or 10/7. (JNS)

Forgotten Her es Jewish Navy Cross Recipients

By Avi Heiligman

The highest military decoration for service members is the Medal of Honor and is awarded for acts of gallantry that go above and beyond the call of duty. The next level of military decoration is the service crosses: the Distinguished Service Cross for soldiers, the Navy Cross for sailors and marines, the Air Force Cross for airmen and guardians (Space Force), and the Coast Guard Cross. No coast guardsman has yet to be awarded the Coast Guard Cross, making it the rarest award in the U.S. military.

First awarded in 1919 to decorate sailors and marines for courageous actions in World War I, around 5,400 Navy Crosses have been awarded since its introduction. Here are a few of the recipients of the prestigious award, including some Jewish sailors who have been recognized for bravery in action.

German submarines were a significant problem for American ships during both world wars. During World War I, Jewish sailor Ensign Louis Freedman was stationed on the USS J.L. Luckenbach. The ship was a cargo and troops transport when on October 19, 1917, she was attacked by a submarine near England. The Navy Cross citation for Louis W. Freedman says the damage included “the radio antennae having been carried away by bursting shrapnel from the enemy. Freedman repaired this under fire and continued to maintain communication with the USS Nicholson until that vessel arrived and compelled the submarine to submerge.” Freedman made sure that his ship was in

constant communication with other vessels which allowed the ship to survive the encounter.

Many American servicemembers received prestigious military medals and decorations from other countries, but only a select few foreign military members were awarded American medals. Israel Ilyich Fisanovich was a Jewish Russian submarine captain who was awarded the Navy Cross for heroism in action and distinguished service. He went on 17 patrols as part of the 3rd Submarine Brigade Northern Fleet and sank 10 transports, a tanker and two enemy warships. In 1944, he was sent to England to take command of a submarine on loan to the Soviets. Named the B-1, it didn’t last very long in the hands of the Russians as it was sunk in a friendly fire incident. All fifty crewmembers, including Fisanovich and a British liaison officer, went down with the submarine, and it was determined that the RAF aircrew were at fault. Captain Fisanovich was posthumously given several awards by the Soviets and the Navy Cross from the U.S.

Marine units led amphibious missions throughout the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. Attrition and casualty rates among marine officers were very high, and Jewish officer Robert M. Neiman fought on more islands than most other officers. Born in Mount Vernon, NY, he was a tank officer with the 1st Marine Division when they went overseas and served in multiple units during his time in combat. Neiman was the commanding officer of Company C, Fourth Tank Battalion, Fourth

Marine Division when they went ashore during the Battle of Saipan in the Marian Islands. The battle took place from June 15 to July 9, 1944, and Neiman was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions on June 19, when he led his company against heavily defended Japanese positions from his tank. When the tank became disabled due to a hit from a large enemy gun, he moved to a second tank. However, this, too, became immobilized – this time from a land mine – and Neiman again took up his command in another tank after braving machine gun and mortar fire. He then proceeded to lead the company in destroying several machine gun and mortar positions and inflicted high enemy casualties.

Later in the war, Neiman fought on Tinian and was probably the only marine tank officer to see combat on Iwo Jima and Okinawa. In addition to the Navy Cross, he was also awarded the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Stars.

There were many heroes during the action off Samar on October 25, 1944, which was a larger part of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. A large enemy task force comprising of several large battleships and cruisers caught the American fleet off guard. The only ships that stood in the way of the large Japanese ships attacking the landing beaches were American destroyers, destroyer escorts and escort aircraft carriers. Even though they should have been target practice for the large Japanese naval guns, these small ships bravely fought with such tenacity that they eventually forced the enemy to withdraw. Jewish Commander Leon Kintberger

from Baltimore was the commanding officer of the destroyer USS Hoel (DD-533) during this epic battle.

Instead of retreating, the small U.S. ships went on the attack despite the incoming shells from 18.1-inch guns that the Yamato, the largest battleship ever built, was raining down on the task force. Kintberger twice instructed the Hoel to close the distance between the Hoel and enemy ships. This enabled the destroyer to launch torpedoes, although she sustained hits from 40 enemy shells. With the ship listing to port and surrounded by enemy ships, Kintberger purposely drew enemy fire on the Hoel and away from other lightly armed American ships. With no hope to save the Hoel, he ordered the crew to abandon ship, and she soon sank below the ocean’s surface. For his role in the battle, Kintberger was awarded the Navy Cross. Later in the war, he was given the command of another destroyer and was awarded the Silver Star when that ship took down several kamikaze planes.

The extraordinary actions of these men rightfully earned them decorations. Their Navy Cross medals are a testament for heroics on the battlefield, and while they are rarely talked about today, their stories are history to be remembered.

Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@gmail.com.

Robert M. Neiman

Israel Fisanovich

Rear Admiral Leon Kintberger

USS Hoel

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A Drink or An Activity?

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

Idon’t even really drink coffee that much.

Truth is, almost every morning, I do make a cup of coffee. But every afternoon I visit it, still sitting on my kitchen counter with only a sip or two missing. It waits for me all day, and most days gets spilled right down the drain. It does once in a while get salvaged by a few ice cubes and becomes an afternoon iced coffee.

My husband can’t figure out why I bother with it each morning. I don’t really seem to be a coffee person.

And still, I find myself drawn to that line – that coffee line.

I’m not sure if it’s because it’s so boring at the airport that one needs a place to go, or that when I see a line that everyone else wants to get on, I’m excited to grab a spot.

Sure, there are other stores at the airport that one can browse through. But they don’t spark that competitive edge like this one does.

Probably because it’s easy to walk right into them, so where’s the fun in that?!

And, as expensive as Starbucks is, these other stores will probably wipe you

out altogether. So hanging out on their coffee line actually saves you money, after all!

The last time I traveled I wore a partially white top. Big mistake!

I got on the Starbucks line. I got served and created my diet, sugar-free, tasty, decaf iced coffeewith whipped cream on top, of course.

And these seasoned baristas managed to deliver the order exactly as I specified – however, sealing the cup was apparently not in their training course!

tunately, the kid resigned himself to spare a capful of his water for me to wash my shirt off with. And the interesting news is that it washed the stain out right away.

I guess there’s another advantage of Starbucks brand coffee. It seems to wash out quickly with just a little bit of water, or at least their water.

Traveling isn’t always easy. But with a place to distract yourself, there certainly are perks.

You can make friends on the line. As long as they are not anxiously trying to

And still, I find myself drawn to that line – that coffee line.

And voila, coffee-colored polka dots landed all over my very white cotton top and threatened to become my new traveling attire.

What a look and aroma for a non-coffee drinker!

I was not doomed, though!

Luckily, the kid I was traveling with had not resisted getting something at Starbucks as well.

He had grabbed a water bottle, actually almost his height – 25 fluid ounces. I guess that’s the Starbucks edition of a water bottle: very “Tall,” which they call small! For-

get served before their flight departs. You can make needed phone calls on the line. Because no one is really listening to your phone call – they are too busy with theirs.

And honestly, you can just be away from your squishy gate just trying to pass the time till your flight boards.

So what I say about coffee, at home or at the airport, is that for me it’s an activity more than a drink.

And keeping active is always good for the mind and soothing liquid for the soul.