Five Towns Jewish Home 01.30.25

A Sensational Bat Mitzvah Production

Rabbi Paysach Krohn Inspires Talmidim

President Isaac Herzog Visits

Dear Readers,

Remember when your parents or grandparents used to talk about the “good, old days”? When I sometimes mention things to my kids about my childhood, their eyes get wide and they are incredulous: you mean you had to speak on the phone while it was attached to the wall? Calling the Five Towns from Brooklyn cost you extra money? You needed a tape (what’s that?) to listen to music in the car? You had to read books to get information? You had to go into a store to buy things?

Yup, I’m that old.

Recently, I mentioned to my kids that “back in the old days – when I grew up,” most kids didn’t go away for midwinter break. I remember one girl in my class went skiing each year, and another girl went to her grandparents’ apartment in Florida. And that was it. Everyone else stayed home or went on mini trips. For most kids, midwinter break was just that – a break from school.

My school would organize day trips for the girls to go on during vacation week. One day, it would be ice skating, another day snowtubing, another day pizza and bowling…the trips were optional and not expensive and the kids always had a great time.

When I think back to those trips, I marvel at the ingenuity of the school administration (I actually think it was the PTA that organized the trips, so kudos to those amazing mothers who planned and worked on it!). They understood that most parents couldn’t take off from work to take their families away for days at a time. And so, they stepped in, offering the kids

options for a wonderful time with their friends during their days off from school.

Nowadays, when schools are on midwinter break, the streets of the Five Towns seem empty. Still, there are many families that stay home and spend time together locally. Their kids have a great time and they build memories, but an overwhelming amount of people leave New York to spend some time together elsewhere. What builds good family memories?

I don’t think that good memories are necessarily born from extravagant trips or excursions, although those certainly add to the experience. Good family memories come from spending time together – regardless of locale and setting. When everyone is together, present, living in the moment; when there’s a freedom to laugh at silly things; when you can sit around and shmooze and reminisce… ten years later, you can relive those experiences and talk about the meaningful connections you share. You can create those memories on a beach, in the snow, or on a trip to a unexplored park nearby. You can build them over a game of Scrabble, or baking a cake, or working on a puzzle. The sense of love and belonging you create is a gift that can be enjoyed over and over again.

Midwinter break is a wonderful opportunity to unwind, recharge, and bond as a family – whether you choose to spend it in the sun, snow, or on Central Avenue.

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern, PUBLISHER publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Yosef Feinerman, MANAGING EDITOR ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com

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Dear Editor,

Since Republicans now control all three branches of the government, I have some very important words of advice. Having won both the Electoral College and popular vote, the American people gave President Trump a clear mandate to pursue and implement a conservative agenda. Republicans at all levels of the government are obligated to listen to their constituents and do everything they can within their power to implement this agenda. Under no circumstances should they be compromising on or negotiating with Democrats on any issue whatsoever. There is no room for bipartisanship with a political party that is hellbent on destroying America and everything it stands for. Some Republicans need to be reminded that bipartisanship should not be pursued for its own sake; it should only be pursued if it results in more conservative policies, and it rarely does. Almost every case where Republicans have compromised with Democrats and touted a bipartisan victory, it entailed Republicans essentially surrendering to Democrats.

Remember when Democrats controlled all three branches of the government? Do they ever seek out input from Republicans, or find ways to compromise with them? Do they ever try pursuing a bipartisan agenda? Never. They always ram their agenda through Congress without any say from Republicans. Well, it’s high time we do the same. Democrats never surrender or sacrifice their principles and values, so why should we?

Rafi Metz

Dear Editor,

Apparently, a new law has gone into effect in New York City without proper notification. This is regarding garbage bins having attached covers and the bin

size, another New York scam to make money from tickets. The sanitation department did not have enough broadcasts on the radio to inform us when this law was going into effect. I never read any advertisement in the local papers, nor did I receive a flier in the mail. When there is mosquito spraying, signs are put up on lampposts but no signs were hung up regarding garbage bins. When the sanitation department wanted us to start putting refuse in brown bins, they delivered one brown bin to every house. But no bins were delivered this time. The sanitation department incorrectly says Home Depots will be stocked for purchase. But they are not. I called every Home Depot in Queens. I ordered from bins.com a while ago, and they still have not arrived. I certainly hope in our local government, there will be a push to put off giving out tickets as there is no possibility of everyone knowing about the law nor purchasing new bins.

Unhappy New Yorker

Dear Editor,

A wonderful edition of this week’s Jewish Home, and particularly so, due to the enlightenment and education brought to us as always, by Jonathan Tobin and Bret Stephen.

As to President Biden’s departure from The White House, I cannot help but wonder as to his administration and our relationship with Israel. It’s especially painful to note during the past four years, America had a Jewish Leader in the U.S. Senate, as well as a Jewish Secretary of State! Messieurs Schumer and Blinken stood silent when Israel was attacked, and all the while were mute here at home as we Jews suffered further aggression

Continued on page 12

Continued from page 10 from antisemites at our universities and colleges. They looked the “other way” when the Jew haters in our Congress and elsewhere daily condemned Israel. The “Squad” (AOC, Omar, Pressley & Talib) should have been called out for their contemptible and despicable dialogue.

Of course, these two are not and were not alone. Gerald Nadler, Blumenthal, Raskin, Cohen and more showed Jews where their true feelings lie. The positions and platforms they hold are more important than Jewish lives. And yet, astonishingly, we continue to give them our votes.

Clearly, Ambassador Huckabee, Secretary of State Rubio, Secretary of Defense Hegseth, and countless other righteous gentiles stand with us and for us! Richie Torres from the Bronx particularly so.= To be fair, in closing, we all now know well, Joseph Biden was not up to the job of President. We will likely never know who was running the country and making the decisions, but how nice it would have been for Jews worldwide to have had the necessary and deserved support from our own .

Sadly, no longer do we have a Joe Lieberman, or a Jacob Javits!

We can ask Hashem for better, but we shouldn’t hold our breath.

Respectfully, Morty Grossman Plainview, NY

Dear Editor,

Several years ago, while teaching at a technical school, I failed a student who barely came to class and didn’t submit her assignments. The student yelled at me, claiming that the only reason that I failed her was that she was a minority student. She felt that she was entitled to pass the class, automatically. I asked her where she lived. She lived in Bedford Stuyvesant (Brooklyn). I responded that makes her a majority, not a minority. Then, I asked her to explain why she felt “entitled.” She said that it was because my father and grandfather oppressed her parents and grandparents with slavery. That response angered me. I told her that I am a first generation American. My father and grandfather lived in Northern Hungary, and they never saw a Black person to even be able to enslave them. Furthermore, if anyone should be entitled to minority rights it’s the Orthodox Jew wearing a yarmulka. In summary, I failed her only based on her lack of class performance, and thus, her only entitlement was to fail the class because of that alone, not because of her race or color.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

(DEI) policy, similar to Affirmative Action, has forced many companies to hire low-qualified workers in order to fulfill a racial or gender demographic. It has affected the overall work environment, especially in customer service positions. I also feel that it is insulting to minority applicants as it implies that they are too stupid to qualify for the hiring position based on their own knowledge and skills. DEI has been another means of “entitlement.”

Hiring based on qualifications and merit is already an equitable form of hiring. It does not discriminate against race, gender or religion. We already have EEO laws that prevent such discrimination. Companies should be able to hire solely based on the applicant’s qualifications without DEI policies. I am happy that President Trump signed an executive order to eliminate this policy from federal agencies. I hope that this policy is eliminated from all companies. It is time to eliminate this entitlement thinking and improve business performance level by hiring those that demonstrate that they can perform their tasks well and with high quality.

Daniel Feldman

Dear Editor,

There are many nice people here in Century Village Boca, but some just stand out for the most unique reasons.

One day, when we returned to our C.V. Suffolk Building for our 2024-2025 winter stay, I opened my door to find Abe and Judy Alper on the catwalk putting a shopping bag on many doorknobs. They asked if I wanted one. I said yes. I got the most adorable “act of kindness” I had ever experienced. It was a current collection of Shabbos reading material. So many of my neighbors don’t have cars or don’t want to go out and pick up the local papers on Fridays when they are put out. So getting this bag was a “Shabbos party” in a bag.

Abe and Judy run around Boca Raton collecting papers and circulars from the local vendors and shuls and distribute them in our building. It is not so simple… they know when the papers are delivered to the vendors, and they scoop them up for the enjoyment of our residents.

Running around collecting this stash is a real job. Sometimes, you need to wait until the shul bulletins are put out. And Boca Raton Synagogue is a trek from C.V. This special delivery makes my Shabbos special each and every week.

Abe and Judy have created a special way of saying “good Shabbos” to all of us. If you want to do something nice for your building, start your own paper route. You will interact with your neighbors in a unique way.

Fern Wunsch

The Week In

New Irish PM

Following weeks of intense negotiations and coalition talks in Ireland’s parliament, the government on Thursday elected Micheál Martin as the nation’s taoiseach, or prime minister.

The parliament initially planned to elect a prime minister on Wednesday, lawmakers’ first day back in session. However, the vote was postponed after opposition parties staged a chaotic protest against extended speaking rights for independent members of parliament who backed the newly elected government. The following morning, the government conceded that there was “ambiguity” regarding speaking rights and agreed that independents should, for now, not have extended speaking rights.

Around 2 p.m. in Dublin, Martin was elected prime minister. Following his victory, Martin, the 64-year-old politician who leads the Fianna Fáil, declared it was “a profound honor to be nominated to serve as head of the government in a free, democratic and diverse republic.”

In November 2024, Ireland held an election with no clear winner. Martin’s center-right party won the highest number of seats in parliament, but not enough for a majority. As such, Fianna Fáil had to team up with Fine Gael, another centrist party, to form a coalition government. Over the past weeks, the coalition has been searching for other partners in order to form a majority. Just a week before Martin’s victory, the coalition won the backing of independents, thus enabling it to form a majority in parliament.

In his speech, Martin expressed that it is essential for Ireland to have positive relationships with the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. He noted that Ireland’s “kinship” with the United States is older than the state of Ireland

itself, adding that the Irish-U.S. relationship remains strong “because we have continued to renew bonds of respect and cooperation.”

“The Ireland-America relationship is one that benefits us both and will emerge strongly no matter what,” Martin declared in his address to parliament.

This is Martin’s second time becoming taoiseach. He was elected prime minister in 2020 after his party formed a coalition with Irish nationalist party Sinn Féin. Martin and deputy prime minister Leo Varadkar had an arrangement wherein the two switch roles every two years. But when Varadkar resigned during his premiership in 2024, Simon Harris became the prime minister. As such, Harris has now swapped roles with Martin, becoming the deputy prime minister. In 2027, Harris will likely become the taoiseach again.

Lukashenko Reelected

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko was reelected on Sunday for the seventh time since he first came to power in 1994. Lukashenko is Europe’s longest-running leader.

Though results published by the country indicate that Lukashenko won 86.82 percent of the vote, up from 81% in the election four years ago, members of the opposition and international parties have disputed the vote’s legitimacy. Western countries also doubt the authenticity of the 2024 and 2020 Belarusian presidential election, which they say would have been impossible for Lukashenko to win by such high margins.

“The United States joins many of our European allies in assessing that elections cannot be credible in an environment where censorship is ubiquitous and independent media outlets no longer exist,” wrote former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a now-deleted statement on the State Department website shortly before he left office.

In the 2020 election, Lukashkeno had fierce competition, mainly from opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who left the country shortly after Lukashen-

ko’s alleged win was announced. Tikhanovskaya, who fled alongside others, declared herself the victor of the 2020 election.

Tikhanovskaya staged a protest against Lukashenko in Warsaw, Poland. Her husband, Sergei, is currently in jail. All of Lukashenko’s major opponents are either in prison or exile.

Chatham House’s recent public polling in Belarus suggests that only eleven percent of surveyed Belarusians are definitely satisfied with the economy, and just 32 percent said they were in favor of Russia’s invasion.

This time around, Lukashenko barely campaigned and only faced off against loyalists who had no interest in replacing him. His so-called competitors, who refused to criticize him, allegedly won two to three percent of the vote each.

On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Belarus “unilaterally released” an imprisoned U.S. citizen, Anastasia Nuhfer. The move on Belarus’ part, which also saw the release of fifteen others imprisoned in the country, was seen as an attempt to once again enter the West’s good graces. However, Lukashenko declared that his decision was solely motivated by “the principle of humanity” – not by a desire to win

Western approval. The U.S. has not lifted sanctions on Belarus.

Belarus is Russia’s closest ally. However, the country has thus far resisted Moscow’s demands to join the fighting in Ukraine.

China-India Direct Flights

It’s been five years since there have been direct flights between China and India. Now, the two countries have agreed to resume commercial flights between the world’s two most populous countries.

Flights between India and mainland China were suspended at the onset of the pandemic in early 2020. They remained halted due to political tensions.

The announcement on Monday came as India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

In a statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the two countries had reached a consensus “in principle to resume direct air services,” with officials expected to hammer out details “at an early date.”

Confirming the development, China’s Foreign Ministry also said it had agreed to reopen Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in western Tibet to Indian pilgrims this year. The two destinations are considered sacred in the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Bon faiths and are popular pilgrimage sites.

Just a few months after the flights were suspended in 2020, soldiers from the two countries fought a bloody handto-hand battle at their disputed border high in the Himalayas, in which at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed.

Both India and China maintain a significant military presence along their 2,100-mile de facto border, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which has never been clearly defined and has remained a source of friction since a war between the two countries in 1962.

After the bloody battle, there were border talks, although tensions remained high.

The two countries have sought to further ease tensions in recent months, following a rare meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia this past October.

Serbian PM Resigns

After weeks of protests that rocked the country, Serbia’s populist Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned on Tuesday.

A canopy collapse in November was the flashpoint that started off the weeks of anti-corruption protests. Fifteen people were killed when the concrete canopy collapsed in Novi Sad.

Vucevic has faced accusations of curbing democratic freedoms in Serbia despite formally seeking European Union mem-

bership for the troubled Balkan nation.

“It is my appeal for everyone to calm down the passions and return to dialogue,” Vucevic said as he announced his resignation.

Novi Sad Mayor Milan Djuric also stepped down on Tuesday.

Vucevic’s resignation could lead to an early parliamentary election. The resignation must be confirmed by Serbia’s parliament, which has 30 days to choose a new government or call a snap election. President Vucic will attend a Cabinet session to decide whether a new prime minister-designate will be appointed or an early election will be called.

Vucevic became the prime minister in April 2024, after the Serbian Progressive Party won the most votes in an election marred by tensions. Many are concerned that President Vucic will continue with his ways, hoping that the prime minister’s resignation will quiet the crowds who have been protesting against his government.

“If the president thinks that by replacing one, essentially, unimportant figure ... will solve the problem ... he is deeply mistaken,” Branimir Jovancicevic, professor at the Faculty of Chemistry in Belgrade, noted. “This must lead to total political changes because autocracy and dictatorship in Serbia, in the heart of Europe, must be stopped.”

On Monday, tens of thousands of people joined striking university students in a 24-hour blockade of a key traffic intersection in the Serbian capital. Serbia’s students are demanding accountability for the canopy collapse that critics have blamed on rampant government corruption. Classes at Serbia’s universities and dozens of schools have been blocked for two months with students camping inside their faculty buildings. Students have rebuffed Vucic’s calls for dialogue with them.

Serbia’s prosecutors have filed charges against 13 people, including a government minister and several state officials, for the November canopy collapse.

Congo Rebels Capture

Goma

Following Rwanda-backed rebels’ capture of the crucial Congolese city of Goma, thousands of civilians evacuated the embattled city on Monday, with some heading for other areas of the North Kivu province and others making the difficult trek to Rwanda, a bordering country, as hospitals and displacement camps struggled amid heavy fire.

Goma is a particularly important city in the Congo, as it contains minerals needed for technology all around the world. The war between Congo’s army and around a hundred rebel groups, including M23, was originally a battle between warring ethnicities. However, the conflict has since shifted towards a battle for territory.

The government of Congo did not confirm whether Goma was captured by M23 rebels but declared that rebels were in the city and that “no centimeter will be given up.” It is unclear how much of Goma has been taken over.

On Monday morning, a fire at Goma’s Munzenze prison freed thousands of inmates.

This isn’t the rebels’ first foray into Goma. As part of the same conflict, which has been ongoing for decades, M23 rebels briefly captured Goma in 2012 but surrendered it after being pressured to do so by international parties. In late 2021, the same rebel group made a comeback. This time around, the United States, United Kingdom, France, and the U.N. Security Council have spoken out against the rebels.

Congo’s government and the United Nations allege that Rwanda supports the rebels, a charge that Congo’s neighbor has rejected. However, following the recent escalation, Rwanda criticized Congo for not talking with M23, which it said was a “Congolese rebel group fighting to protect their community,” thus extending the conflict and continually presenting “a serious threat to Rwanda’s security and territorial integrity, and necessitates Rwanda’s sustained defensive posture.”

Over the weekend, the government of Congo severed ties with Rwanda, which it accused of launching “a frontal aggression (and) a declaration of war.”

Rwanda blames Congo for the 1994 Rwanda genocide.

M23’s name is based on the agreement brokered on March 23, 2009, which concluded another conflict. M23’s original reason for forming was, according to the group, to battle Congolese forces’ discrimination of the Tutsis ethnic group.

Daring Art Heist

Thieves blasted their way into the Drents Museum in Assen in the Netherlands on Saturday and made off with four ancient gold artifacts.

They used explosives to get to the exhibition of priceless Romanian jewelry made from gold and silver, including three Dacian spiral bracelets and the exhibit’s central piece: the strikingly decorated Helmet of Cotofenesti, which was crafted almost 2,500 years ago.

Romania’s ministry of culture has promised to take all possible steps to recover the stolen items, which had been loaned to the Dutch museum from Bucharest.

Drents Museum director Harry Tupan said staff were “intensely shocked” by the burglary, which he said was the biggest incident in its 170-year history.

After the heist, police found a burning car on a nearby road.

All four stolen items are of huge cultural significance to Romania, with the Helmet of Cotofenesti considered a national treasure.

In the late 1990s, 24 bracelets from the same era were dug up by treasure hunters and sold abroad. The Romanian state worked for years to get them back from collectors in Austria, Germany, France, the UK and the United States.

S. Korea Indicts President

In an indictment filed Sunday, prosecutors charged South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol with insurrection, following his sudden and controversial declaration of martial law on December 3.

“The prosecution has decided to indict Yoon Suk Yeol, who is facing charges of being a ringleader of insurrection,” Han

Min-soo, a spokesperson for the opposition Democratic Party, said at a press conference. “The punishment of the ringleader of insurrection now begins finally.”

Yoon maintains that his martial law declaration was necessary, asserting that the Democratic Party controls parliament, paralyzes the government, and sides with North Korea. Shortly after his declaration, parliament voted to end martial law.

On December 14, parliament impeached Yoon, revoking his presidential powers but keeping him in the position, pending another vote.

On December 31, authorities issued an arrest and search warrant, making Yoon the first sitting president in South Korea’s history to be arrested. Around two weeks ago, Yoon surrendered to authorities. He has vowed to fight the charges.

Ecuador Arrests Cartel Head

On Friday, Carlos Da – also known as El Chino – was arrested at his home in Portoviejo, Ecuador. El Chino was the second-in-command of Los Lobos (The Wolves) and was “considered a high-value target,” the armed forces said in a statement.

A large amount of cash was found at his home, along with armored vehicles, drugs and weapons. The armed forces released images of the arrest on social media, showing a shirtless El Chino and at least two other detained suspects.

“His arrest represents a strategic blow against the structure of this organized armed group,” the military said in a statement

The United States last year declared Los Lobos to be the largest drug trafficking organization in Ecuador, which has gone from being one of South America’s most stable nations to among its most violent in just a few years due to a surge in narcotics operations.

In the sanctions announcement, U.S. officials said the gang “contributes significantly to the violence gripping the country” and said that its network includes thousands of members backed

by Mexico’s Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación — New Generation — and Sinaloa Cartel, which makes the gang particularly dangerous.

Los Lobos was formed in 2020 after it broke off from the Los Choneros drug cartel. It was involved in many prison riots, particularly in a riot in September 2021 in which 123 inmates were killed. In 2022, Los Lobos was behind other prison riots where inmates were killed and others fled the prison.

In November 2022, Los Lobos, along with their ally Los Tiguerones, were behind a wave of violence across Ecuador after many of their members were transferred out of the Litoral Penitentiary. In August 2023, masked men claiming to be members of Los Lobos said that they were responsible for the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio; they later denied involvement.

Last year, Ecuadoran authorities seized a record 294 tons of drugs in raids, mostly cocaine originating in neighboring Colombia and Peru, which is smuggled to Europe and the United States through the port of Guayaquil.

Los Lobos has a presence in 16 of Ecuador’s 24 provinces, where it also engages in illegal gold mining. Jailed Los Lobos members are the de facto rulers of several Ecuadoran prisons, often directing operations on the outside from behind bars.

In January 2024, President Daniel Noboa declared a state of “internal armed conflict” after a brutal wave of violence, sparked by the jailbreak of a powerful crime boss. The move came after gunmen stormed and opened fire in a TV studio and bandits threatened random executions of civilians and security forces. A prosecutor investigating the assault was later shot dead

Chatufim: Word of the Year

We’ve had them on our minds for more than 475 days. This week, the Academy of the Hebrew Language announced that its word of the year for 2024 was chatufim, hostages.

The Hebrew word for hostages, chatufim, was selected as the top pick by thousands of online voters, beating out the other top contenders including gevura, which means “heroism,” and hutar lefirsum, a phrase meaning “approved for

publication,” which the IDF uses when announcing fallen soldiers.

“Hostages” received 45% of the online vote, with “heroism” in second place at 11%. “Approved for publication” got 10% and the remaining votes went to “responsibility” (achrayut) with 9%, “together” (yachad) with 6%, “home” (bayit) with 5%, “UAV, or unmanned aerial vehicle” (katbam), “short distance” (kefesa), and “reserve duty” (miluim) with 4% each, and “intensity” (atzimut) with 2%.

The word chatuf (singular of chatufim) is relatively new to the Hebrew language, which in older times utilized the words shavuy and assir to mean hostage. However, in more modern times, the Academy said, the word chatuf has been used more, “especially in cases of bursting into the life of an innocent person and taking their freedom from them.”

On October 7, 2023, 251 people in

Israel became chatufim when Hamas terrorists burst into Israel and snatched these men, women, and children to be brought back to Gaza.

The terrorist organization released four hostages shortly after October 7 and another 105 in November last year as part of a deal with Israel. Another three hostages were released last Sunday as part of a ceasefire deal that came into effect that day; four other women were brought back home on Saturday. The deal is in its first phase during which another 30 hostages are set to be released and the terms of the second and third phases will be negotiated for the release of the rest.

The IDF also rescued eight hostages alive and retrieved the bodies of 40 hostages, including three mistakenly killed by the military as they tried to escape their captors.

“This year, the year of the hardest and longest war in our history, was also a year when we often felt speechless. Still, throughout the year, words stood out that reflected the reality: the pain, the grief, the anger, and the pride, overcoming and feeling grateful to those who risked their lives. The words that were chosen represent that entirety,” the Academy wrote in a Facebook post that announced the word of the year.

The Academy’s word of the year in 2020 was matosh, meaning throat swab. In 2021, the word was tirlul, which refers to a celebratory noise made at weddings. In 2022, the word bolan, sinkhole, was chosen. There was no word of the year in 2023 in light of the October 7 massacre.

Hebrew Language Day has been celebrated on the 21st of Tevet – the Hebrew birthday of Eliezer ben Yehuda, who was instrumental in the revival of modern day Hebrew – since 2012.

The Academy said that it hoped that “toward Hebrew Language Day next year, we’ll be considering words that represent happiness and peace, and until then, we’re waiting for the swift return of all the hostages from captivity and the safe return of all our soldiers from battle.”

Withdrawing from Lebanon

As the 60-day deadline for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon draws near, the Jewish state has asked an international committee for an extra 30 days to complete the pullout.

The November 27 ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Iranian-proxy ter-

ror group Hezbollah mandated that the IDF give all its southern Lebanese positions to the Lebanese army by January 26, which has since passed. Simultaneously, Hezbollah must flee past the Litani River, around 18 miles away from the border.

However, Israel is now requesting an extension of its withdrawal deadline as the Jewish state has determined that the Lebanese Armed Forces are taking too long to take over Israel’s positions by the deadline. At the same time, Israeli soldiers are still discovering Hezbollah weapons caches in locations that the ceasefire applies to. According to reports, officials from the military also believe that the Lebanese military is, in some areas, assisting Hezbollah.

As per the truce, Israel has the right to respond immediately to Hezbollah’s threats but cannot deal with longer-term

issues unless the Jewish state submits complaints to an oversight committee that is made up of officials from the U.S., France, Lebanon, and UNIFIL, a United Nations peacekeeping force on the Israel-Lebanon border.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called on officials from the U.S. and France to deny Israel’s request. According to reports, Lebanese officials are concerned that a delay in Israel’s withdrawal would hurt efforts by Lebanon’s army to

take control of the ceded positions.

The Hezbollah terror group, which started the war with Israel on October 8, 2023, a day after the October 7 massacre, declared that a withdrawal extension would be “considered a flagrant violation of the agreement and an infringement on Lebanese sovereignty” and called on all involved parties to ensure that the Israeli military withdraws by the end of the 60 days.

According to reports, France is okay

Several chiefs of the northern regional council have urged the IDF to stay in Lebanon to oversee the safe return of those displaced in northern Israel since Hezbollah began attacking.

“Until we understand that Hezbollah will not return to the south of the country [Lebanon], until we understand that a weapons arsenal doesn’t again trickle to Israel’s northern border,” the IDF should remain in certain important positions in southern Lebanon, declared Moshe Davidovich, the head of the Mateh Asher Regional Council.

“At the moment, it is not right to withdraw,” he noted. “A firm stand by the IDF on both sides of the border will give us, the council chiefs, the ability to install confidence in our residents and tell that they can return home without fear.”

Last Wednesday, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar spoke to Jeanine Hennis, the U.N.’s special coordinator for Lebanon.

“I emphasized that Israel is committed to implementing the ceasefire agreement, but will not compromise on its security,” Sa’ar said of the conversation. “There is an opportunity for Lebanon to break free from the Iranian occupation and build a better future.”

During the ceasefire, Hezbollah violated the truce hundreds of times by transporting ammunition, trying to attack Israeli soldiers, and readying rockets to launch at northern Israel. Israeli soldiers have found Russian-made weapons and several Hezbollah tunnels, both of which the IDF destroyed.

Israel Elects Supreme Court President

with the extension if the other parties agree with it. However, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly wary of granting Israel’s request. Michael Hezog, Israel’s outgoing ambassador to the U.S., has stated that he thinks Israel and the U.S. could “reach an understanding” on the issue, allowing the extension to be permitted.

On Thursday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly held a security cabinet meeting on the issue.

Following 16 months with no permanent Supreme Court president, the Judicial Selection Committee forced the high court to hold a vote on Sunday night. Following a five-hour committee hearing, the winner of the election was acting president Justice Isaac Amit.

In response, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a conservative, declared that he wouldn’t recognize Amit as the court’s

president, declaring the vote “illegitimate to its core.” Levin vowed against cooperating with Amit on matters that require the two officials’ collaboration.

Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat of the Likud Party tweeted: “Shame. This is what a full legal coup looks like. The Supreme Court judges appointed a Supreme Court president on their behalf tonight, overriding the elected officials. A black day for Israeli democracy.”

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, also of Likud, said, “Everyone understood what the results of the corrupt, shady plan would be. The people will not put up with its oppression. We will dismantle and rebuild the Supreme Court and the prosecutor’s office from the ground up.”

Otzma Yehudit Party chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir tweeted, “The election of Justice Amit as president of the Supreme Court is an attack on democracy and public trust. A person over whom a cloud of [real estate] construction offenses hangs cannot serve in the highest position in the judicial system.

“This is contempt for the law and for the citizens of the country. The time has come for real reform of the judicial system, which will include replacing the attorney general and eliminating the mo-

nopoly on appointing judges,” he said, adding, “Who will judge the judges?”

When Esther Hayut, the former Supreme Court chief justice, retired in October 2023, Levin began repeatedly delaying holding a vote for president, as he hoped to wait until the Judicial Selection Committee secured enough votes to elect a conservative instead of Amit, a liberal justice.

But in September, the Supreme Court ruled that Levin doesn’t have the right to indefinitely postpone the election. The high court ruled that Levin must call a vote by January 16. However, in early January, the court extended the deadline to January 26 following the emergence of misconduct allegations against Amit, which Levin wanted time to examine.

When that date came along, Levin refused to call for the vote. Rather, he allowed Judge Tzahi Ouziel, the director of the Israel Courts Administration, to convene the Judicial Selection Committee for the election.

Amit has called the investigations, which allege he presided over a number of cases where he had conflicts of interest, “unlawful” and an “organized smear campaign.”

Bringing Them Home

As part of the newly brokered ceasefire and hostage deal, four female soldiers who had been held by Hamas for 477 days were freed on Saturday. Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag were abducted from the Nahal Oz army base on October 7.

Before their release, the four hostages were forced to participate in a Hamas ceremony, during which they wore olive green garbs similar in appearance to IDF uniforms, held Hamas “gift bags,” and waved to crowds of Gazans. In the stage’s background, slogans in English, Arabic, and Hebrew read, “Palestine: The victory of the oppressed people vs. the Nazi Zionism,” and “Zionism will not win.”

On the afternoon of their release, Hamas released a propaganda video in which terrorists handed each of the four hostages a “prisoner release form,” a framed certificate, and a Palestinian flag keychain. In the video, they were coerced into thanking the terror group, which murdered 1,200 people on October 7 and kidnapped 251 others, for their treatment. According to Israel’s Health Ministry, Hamas drugged the freed hostages to make them seem happy.

Following their release, the Red Cross brought the four women, all aged 20 except 19-year-old Albag, to IDF special forces, who brought them to the Re’im IDF facility, where they were given a short medical examination which found them to be in normal medical condition, and reunited them with their loved ones.

“Hamas is a murderous terror group. In the last few hours, Hamas proved its cruelty by organizing a cynical ceremony,” said IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, adding that the terror group “presented a misrepresentation of treatment and care for the hostages, while in reality, it is cruelly holding for 477 days innocent civilians.”

Just a week before, three other female hostages, Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, were freed. The reaction to Saturday’s release was very similar, with hundreds gathering in Tel

Aviv’s Hostages Square in celebration, and videos surfacing of family members hugging the former hostages.

Hamas went against the terms of the deal by releasing soldiers before civilians. However, Hagari pledged that Israel will ensure the release of Arbel Yehoud, a civilian hostage Israel believes is alive, and Shiri Bibas and her children, whose fate Israel is heavily concerned about. Hagari added that Israel should soon have more information on the Bibas family.

In exchange for the four hostages, Israel released around 200 Palestinians, including 121 terrorists who were serving life sentences for committing acts of terror and murdering Israelis.

Hegseth Confirmed as Sec of Defense

Late on Friday, after a dramatic, tie-breaking vote, Pete Hegseth was confirmed by the Senate as the nation’s secretary of defense.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and combat veteran, has vowed to bring a “warrior culture” to the department. With the votes at a 50-50 tie, Vice President JD Vance arrived to cast his vote, leading to Hegseth’s confirmation.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, all Republicans, voted against Hegseth.

Only once before has the vice president had to break a tie on a Cabinet nominee — during Trump’s first term, when Vice President Mike Pence cast the vote to confirm Betsy DeVos as education secretary.

“Is Pete Hegseth truly the best we have to offer?” said Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, urging his colleagues to think seriously about their vote. All Democrats opposed the nominee.

Senate Majority Leader John

Thune said that Hegseth, as a veteran of the Army National Guard who served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, “will bring a warrior’s perspective” to the top military job.

“Gone will be the days of woke distractions,” Thune said, referring to the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives being slashed across the federal government. “The Pentagon’s focus will be on war fighting.”

Hegseth is now the head of an organization with nearly 2.1 million service members, about 780,000 civilians, and a budget of $850 billion.

TB Outbreak in Kansas

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been tracking and reporting on tuberculosis cases in the United States since the 1950s. Now, public health officials are saying that Kansas may be experiencing a tuberculosis outbreak, the largest in recorded history in the country.

Officials documented 66 active cases and 79 latent infections in the Kansas City, Kansas, metro area since 2024.

“Currently, Kansas has the largest outbreak that they’ve ever had in history,” Ashley Goss, a deputy secretary at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, told the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee last week.

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium that typically affects the lungs, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. People with an active infection feel sick and can spread it to others, while people with a latent infection don’t feel ill and can’t spread it. Tuberculosis is spread person-to-person through the air when a person with an active infection coughs, speaks, or sings. It is treatable with antibiotics.

State public health officials are assuring the public, saying that there is “very low risk to the general public.”

Health department statistics show that statewide there were 51 active cases in 2023. That number jumped to 109 in 2024. There has been one so far in 2025.

“Some of you are aware, we have and

still have mobilized staff and resources addressing an unprecedented tuberculosis outbreak in one of our counties,” Goss told lawmakers. “We are working collaboratively with CDC on that. CDC remains on the ground with us to support. That’s not a negative. This is normal when there’s something unprecedented or a large outbreak of any kind, they will come and lend resources to us to help get a stop to that. We are trending in the right direction right now.”

Goss said that when the health department got involved with the Kansas City outbreak last summer, there were 65 active cases and roughly the same number of latent cases. She said the number is now down to about 32 active cases.

For active patients, after 10 days of taking medications and having three sputum-mucus tests, they will generally no longer be able to transmit tuberculosis.

The Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine for tuberculosis is regularly used in countries where the disease is more common and not in the United States.

More people worldwide are getting tuberculosis than ever recorded, according to the World Health Organization. Some 8.2 million people were newly diagnosed with the disease in 2023, the health organization said in October. The number of new diagnoses is the highest since the organization began keeping track in 1995 and marks a significant increase from 7.5 million diagnoses reported in 2022, the WHO said.

Tuberculosis was the leading infectious disease killer in 2023 in the world, surpassing Covid-19, according to the WHO.

Gulf of America

If you’re searching for the Gulf of Mexico on Google Maps, you may just find it – under a new name. The company said on X on Monday that it will change the name of the body of water separating the two countries to Gulf of America once it is officially updated in the U.S. Geographic Names System.

The change will be visible in the U.S., but the name will remain “Gulf of Mexico” in Mexico. Outside of the two countries, users will see both names on Google Maps.

On Friday, the Trump administration’s Interior Department said it had officially changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and the Alaskan peak Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, to Mount McKinley.

The 20,310-foot peak had been known as Denali until 1896, when a gold prospector unofficially named the peak after William McKinley in support of the then-presidential candidate. Even though McKinley had never been to the mountain and had no special connection to Alaska, the peak was officially named in the late Republican president’s honor in 1917. The name was officially changed to Denali, as a symbolic gesture to the Koyukon people, by the Obama administration in 2015.

Mount McKinley’s name will also be changed on Google Maps.

President Donald Trump ordered the name changes as an executive action hours after taking office on January 20, making good on a campaign promise.

“As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America and North America’s highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley,” the Interior Department said in a statement last week.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum earlier this month jokingly suggested North America, including the United States, be renamed “Mexican America,” a historic name used on an early map of the region.

Scott Bessent is Treas. Secretary

On Monday, the U.S. Senate officially confirmed Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary, helping President Trump to shape new policy ambitions around tax cuts and

spending and managing economic relationships with nations around the world.

The vote was 68-29, with 16 Democrats supporting the nomination.

Bessent, 62, warned during the confirmation hearing that failure to renew $4 trillion in tax cuts expiring at the end of this year would be a “calamity” for middle-class Americans. He said that tariffs would help combat unfair trade practices, increase revenues, and bolster U.S. leverage in international negotiations. Bessent assured that Trump’s policies would not be inflationary.

During the hearings, Bessent spoke about “out of control” government spending. He pledged not to touch the Social Security retirement program and Medicare insurance plan for seniors, among the biggest line items in the federal budget, along with interest expense, determined by market rates that the Treasury does not control.

Bessent founded and ran the macro hedge fund Key Square Group and emerged as a key economic advisor to Trump during the 2024 campaign.

Sacklers, Purdue Pharma Settle

Purdue Pharma, the pharmaceutical company that created the drug OxyContin, and the Sackler families, who lead the company, agreed on Thursday to pay $7.4

billion to settle lawsuits that allege Purdue is partly responsible for the United States’ opioid epidemic.

If the settlement is approved, the Sacklers will have to surrender control of the company. The settlement money will be used to help U.S. communities struggling with an opioid crisis and boost treatment, prevention, and recovery programs for opioid addiction over the next 15 years.

In the 1990s, the company came out with OxyContin, also known as oxycodone. After Purdue Pharma was sued thousands of times for its role in causing hundreds of thousands of deaths and cases of addiction in the U.S. through aggressive marketing and manufacturing, the company filed chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019.

Last year, the company planned to exit bankruptcy in a settlement that would give the Sacklers immunity from all opioid-related lawsuits, in exchange for which the family would pay $6 billion. However, the Supreme Court rejected that deal, leading the company to propose a new settlement agreement last week, under which the Sacklers will have no protection from further suits.

As per the terms of the new settlement, the Sacklers will pay $1.5 billion, while Purdue will pay around $900 million for its first payment. A year later, the company will pay $500 million. Two years after that, Purdue will pay another $500 million. And after three years, they will pay $400 million.

“The Sackler family relentlessly pursued profit at the expense of vulnerable patients and played a critical role in starting and fueling in the opioid epidemic,” said Letitia James, the attorney general of New York, noting that families in the U.S. and in her state have been suffering immensely from the opioid crisis. “While no amount of money will ever fully repair the damage they caused, this massive influx of funds will bring resources to communities in need so that we can heal.”

William Tong, the attorney general of Connecticut, slammed the Sacklers as “cruel billionaires who believed they were above the law” who played a “role in igniting one of the most devastating public health crises in American history.”

“We are extremely pleased that a new agreement has been reached that will deliver billions of dollars to compensate victims, abate the opioid crisis, and deliver treatment and overdose rescue medicines that will save lives,” said Purdue Pharma in a statement. “We have worked intensely with our creditors for months in mediation, and we are now focused on finalizing the details of a new Plan of Reorganization, which we look forward to presenting to the bankruptcy court.”

Whole Foods Store in Philly to Unionize

Workers at a Whole Foods Market in Philadelphia voted on Monday to become the first unionized store in Amazon’s grocery chain, opening a new front in the e-commerce giant’s efforts to fend off labor organizing in multiple segments of its business.

Employees at the sprawling Whole Foods store, in the city’s Spring Garden neighborhood, voted 130-100 in favor of organizing with the United Food and Commercial Workers union, the National Labor Relations Board said.

Store employees said they hoped a union could help negotiate higher wages, above the current starting rate of $16 an hour, and better benefits. Some longtime employees, who have been with Whole Foods since well before Amazon bought the chain in 2017, said reductions in benefits and cuts in staffing levels when Amazon took over, among other changes, had been sources of frustration.

But those leading the union campaign hinted at a broader goal: to inspire a wave of organizing across the chain’s more than 500 grocery stores, adding to union drives among warehouse workers and delivery drivers that Amazon is already combating.

“I expect others to follow, and that will increase the leverage that we have at the bargaining table,” said Ben Lovett, an employee at the Philadelphia store who has led the organizing. “We’ve shown them that it’s possible to organize at Amazon.”

“This fight is far from over,” Wendell Young IV, president of UFCW Local 1776,

38 which represents food and retail workers in Pennsylvania, said in a statement, “but today’s victory is an important step forward.”

Whole Foods said in a statement that the company was “disappointed” by the election result, but that it offered competitive compensation and benefits for employees and that it was “committed to maintaining a positive working environment” at the Philadelphia store.

The company, which has five days to challenge the election outcome before the result will be certified, will have to bargain with the union for a contract covering the store’s unionized workers, the NLRB said in statement announcing the result. (© The New York Times)

ADHD Side Effect

According to a study released last week in the British Journal of Psychiatry, individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to live fewer years than those without the condition.

The study, which links ADHD with a reduced life expectancy, compared United Kingdom health records from over 30,000 people with the condition to data on almost 300,000 others without ADHD, and found that men with an ADHD diagnosis tend to live 4½ to nine years less than average. Women diagnosed with ADHD, on the other hand, saw a 6½- to 11-year life expectancy reduction.

“Although many people with ADHD

live long and healthy lives, our finding that on average they are living shorter lives than they should indicates unmet support needs,” noted Dr. Liz O’Nions, the lead author of the study and an honorary research fellow in clinical, education, and health psychology at the University College London. “It is crucial that we find out the reasons behind premature deaths so we can develop strategies to prevent these in the future.”

Though most people with ADHD are diagnosed as children, the condition, in many cases, continues into adulthood. Many individuals with ADHD struggle with concentration, organization, time management, memorization, and the like, due to imbalanced neurotransmitters, including dopamine.

Three- to four-percent of adults living in the U.K. have been diagnosed with ADHD, while 4% or more of children have the disorder. However, because ADHD often goes undiagnosed, the study’s findings may be exaggerated.

The research also found associations between ADHD and personality disorders, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and other mental health issues. Those with ADHD were, on average, more likely to also have autism, intellectual disabilities, physical problems–such as diabetes or high cholesterol–and unhealthy habits, including nicotine and alcohol use.

Dr. Kevin McConway, an emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University in England who was not involved in the study, called the research “striking.” However, he noted that the study only proves an association between ADHD and lower life expectancy, not a causal relationship.

“Things like differences in smoking, alcohol use, and several health conditions are likely to be consequences of the ADHD, to a large extent,” McConway

said, adding that such issues could be the reason why those with ADHD have a shorter average lifespan.

Dr. Josh Scott, a lead author for the study and a University College London professor of aging and clinical psychology, noted that individuals with ADHD “have many strengths and can thrive with the right support and treatment.”

U.S.,

Colombia Reach Deportation Deal

Following a brief skirmish between President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, during which Colombia refused to accept two incoming migrant flights from the United States, the South American country on Sunday agreed to the “unrestricted acceptance” of U.S. military flights with Colombian illegals.

Trump had threatened to levy a 25% tariff on Colombian goods, which would be raised to 50% a week later, and place travel sanctions on Colombian officials. Petro then declared on X that he wouldn’t bow to the U.S., which he proceeded to heavily criticize and said he would, in return, also hit Washington with a 25% tariff. According to the State Department, the U.S. mostly imports crude oil, coffee, and cut flowers from Colombia.

“The U.S. cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals,” Petro wrote on X. “I deny the entry of American planes carrying Colombian migrants into our territory. The United States must establish a protocol for the dignified treatment of migrants before we receive them.”

Subsequently, Trump ordered the immediate revocation of Colombian government officials’ visas and placed a travel ban on them, their allies, and supporters, in addition to more customs and border protection searches for all citizens and cargo from Colombia.

Shortly before giving in to Trump’s demands, Petro declared that he previously survived torture and wouldn’t bow to the United States. Petro then capitulated and announced he would provide the U.S. with a presidential plane for Colom-

bian migrants’ “dignified return.”

Trump also plans to threaten Mexico, Canada, and China with tariffs to, similarly, pressure them into meeting U.S. demands of accepting migrants from their countries. Several Latin American countries, including Brazil, have criticized the U.S. for the deportation flights, alleging that immigrants are being mistreated. Mexico recently, for the first time in decades, refused a deportation flight from the United States.

“President Trump has made it clear that under his administration, America will no longer be lied to nor taken advantage of. It is the responsibility of each nation to take back their citizens who are illegally present in the United States in a serious and expeditious manner,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “Colombian President Petro had authorized flights and provided all needed authorizations and then canceled his authorization when the planes were in the air…

“As demonstrated by today’s actions, we are unwavering in our commitment to end illegal immigration and bolster America’s border security.”

Orange Soda

Remember creamsicles? Those orange and cream yummy ice cream bars? Now, Coca-Cola is getting into the orange cream flavor. The soda company said that it is debuting a new flavor next week: Coca-Cola Orange Cream.

Described as “the delicious taste of Coca-Cola infused with refreshing orange and smooth, creamy vanilla flavors,” Coca-Cola Orange Cream will also be available in a Zero Sugar version.

“Coca-Cola Orange Cream was developed in direct response to consumer demand for the iconic and nostalgic taste of orange cream,“ the Coca-Cola Co. said in a news release.

Coca-Cola first released Diet Coke in 1983. Since then, it has debuted more than two dozen variations of the popular

soft drink. Most of the various flavors that have come about since the turn of the century have been discontinued, including Coca-Cola Orange Vanilla and Coca-Cola with Coffee, although others like Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Coca-Cola Cherry have become a fixture on store shelves.

The Spiced flavor was discontinued in September, just months after it was introduced to consumers, “to introduce an exciting new flavor in 2025,” a Coca-Cola spokesperson said.

President Donald Trump is a fan of Diet Coke. A few weeks ago, Coca-Cola Co. chair and CEO James Quincey presented President Donald Trump with a special bottle of Diet Coke.

“A limited quantity of Diet Coke bottles commemorating the 47th President of the United States – which will not be available for sale – will be distributed to the White House, as well as inauguration events,” the Coca-Cola Co. said on its website.

Trump’s affinity for Diet Coke is wellknown. After his inauguration, the White House brought back the Diet Coke button for Trump to easily order his favorite drink from the Oval Office. The red button, hidden in a wooden box, was used by Trump during his first term.

Coke has held onto the soda crown for many years, with Pepsi settling into the second spot.

Orange you gonna drink that?

The Past in the Trash

Last week, police found a valuable statue that is believed to be more than 2,000 years old. The relic was discovered in a most unusual place: in the trash.

An eagle-eyed resident saw the 31inch headless statue near a trash bin in a city near Thessaloniki, Greece. The man

turned it over to local authorities, who contacted archaeologists to assess its significance.

Police said experts, following an initial evaluation, determined the piece dates to the Hellenistic era, a period roughly between 320 and 30 B.C. that was marked by a flourishing of art and culture following Alexander the Great’s conquests.

Now, police are looking for the person who discarded the statue in the dustbin.

Accidental archaeological discoveries are relatively common in Greece, a country renowned for its ancient heritage, and are often made during building construction or public works. In December, workers installing natural gas pipelines near Athens uncovered a Roman-era statue buried upright in a brick-lined pit near the Acropolis.

Sounds like this one is making history.

A Rose By Any Other Name

Martha Stewart is synonymous with being the perfect hostess. She can tell you which bowls to place your candy in, how to decorate your eggs for the holidays, and how to care for scores of chickens and their myriad eggs – if you happen to have a farm.

Now, if you feel the need to have her hovering over your shoulder, you can find Martha Stewart in your garden. A brand-

new rose has been named after the celebrity hostess with the mostess.

The Martha Stewart hybrid tea rose is (of course) perfect in every way. According to marthastewart.com, the flower “is a hybrid tea with large pink blooms and lush, dark green foliage. But what really sets it apart is its lemon verbena, bergamot, and honeysuckle scent, which adds a lovely fragrance to any garden.”

You can purchase the flower at garden centers next year or – if you need it faster – you can buy it directly from Martha.

“I am happy about many things these days but one thing that is really special is having a glorious, highly scented, and beautifully colored hybrid tea rose named after me,” Martha wrote in an Instagram post. She made sure to thank her gardener for taking “such good care” of her roses.

She always comes out smelling like a rose.

Behemoth Birkin

You know how you never have any room in your handbag for the important stuff – like sunglasses and a wallet? Well, with this bag, you’ll never have to worry about not enough space in your purse.

A sculpture of a huge Birkin bag is now sitting in an exhibition space in Florida. Before getting to its destination, though, the giant Hermes “homage” held up traffic in West Palm Beach as it slowly made its way down the streets with a police escort.

Titled “Big Birk,” the huge, Big Bird-yellow bag — created by NYC artist GEO — is exhibiting in the Sunshine State as part of Art Palm Beach, a contemporary art fair.

The bag weighs a whopping 1,000 pounds.

“We tried to pay homage to the brand, which is so iconic and beautiful,” GEO,

who has been in the entertainment and design industry for 25 years, explained. It took an entire team of people creating, assembling and handling it through every step of the process, which takes around two to three weeks.

“It’s a 19-foot bag,” GEO said. “So, if one person had to make it, it would take months and months.”

The artist said it took around $100,000 to make and transport the item, which is made out of Styrofoam, wood and metal. A real Birkin bag can cost around that price, and you can fit so much more stuff into this piece of art.

What’s the big deal?

Smelly Sensation

Looking for a great place to visit that will shock your senses? Consider the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where the rare Amorphophallus gigas, a relative of the “corpse flower,” has been blooming.

Throngs of visitors have been lining up to see – and smell – the plant. It supposedly smells like rotting flesh.

“It smells like feet, cheese and rotten meat. It just smelled like the worst possible combination of smells,” one visitor said. “That was disgusting.”

This is the first time the plant has bloomed since arriving in Brooklyn in 2018. Native to Sumatra, the plant is known for its height and carrion scent, which it uses to attract pollinators.

It has hundreds of flowers, both male and female, inside the bloom, and it can take years between blooming events. The bloom lasts only a few days before it collapses.

There are only a few of these types of plants in botanical gardens around the world. This week, another putrid-smelling flower was blooming in Sydney, where people waited for three hours on line to smell the off-putting blooming Amorphophallus titanum, which evokes whiffs of gym socks and rotting garbage.

It was the first time in 15 years that a corpse flower has bloomed at the Royal Sydney Botanic Garden. That plant’s flower was spotted in December, when it was 10 inches high. Last week, it was more than 5 feet tall.

That makes perfect “scents.”

Around the Community

President Isaac Herzog Visits the Ohel

In a historic visit, Israel President Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal Herzog, visited the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Ohel resting place this past Sunday morning. Hosted by Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of Chabad Headquarters, the visit marked the first time an Israeli First Couple visited the resting place of the Rebbe.

After landing in New York early Sunday morning, President Herzog and the First Lady began their diplomatic trip to the United States with a visit to the Ohel. The visit came ahead of the president’s speech at the United Nations marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The president was welcomed by Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, who hosted the visit on behalf of Chabad Headquarters.

During their time at the Ohel, the First Couple had the opportunity to study the talk that the Rebbe delivered when President Herzog visited the Rebbe as a 15-year-old during Simchat Torah in 5737 (1976). At the time, he accompanied his father, Chaim Herzog, who was then Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations.

The First Couple was also greeted by senior Chabad emissaries , including Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan, Head of Chabad Maryland; Rabbi Sholom Duchman, di-

rector of Colel Chabad; and Rabbi Zalman Wolowik, founder and executive director of Chabad of the Five Towns.

President Herzog inquired about the well-being of Chabad’s 6,000 Shluchim stationed globally and discussed the critical role Chabad plays in supporting Jewish communities worldwide. He also shared personal memories of his close friendship with Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, z”l.

The President and the First Lady prayed at the Ohel and left a note , which read: “For the speedy and complete recovery and return of all hostages, for the victory and safety of IDF soldiers and security forces wherever they are, for the

healing of all the wounded, and for the return of evacuees. Amen.”

“We are very moved to be here at the resting place of the Rebbe,” said President Herzog. “We pray for good news, for the safe and speedy return of all the hostages.”

He added, “Chabad is an incredible organization doing extraordinary good throughout the world. I want to thank Rabbi Kotlarsky and Chabad leadership, and I send strength to the Shluchim to continue their tremendous work of Ahavas Yisroel.”

Oreos, chocolate chip, or Stella D’Oro? YOSS third graders make their case for the ultimate cookie – persuasive, creative, and oh-so-sweet!

Snow Much Fun at YCQ

The fifth and sixth graders at YCQ had memorable winter outings at Campgaw Ski Area in Mahwah, NJ, earlier this month. They spent the day snow tubing, enjoying the thrill of sliding down the snowy slopes. Students also enjoyed a delicious kosher food truck for lunch. The trip was a great chance for students and teachers to bond and spend time together outside of school. It was a day full of laughter, fun, and great memories for all.

Shulamith Bat Mitzvah Production

Prior to Midwinter Recess, the Shulamith sixth grade girls showcased their extraordinary talents at this year’s Bat Mitzvah Production! A heartfelt thank you to Morah Shoshana Fischman for developing the script, producing and directing each part of the performance, and for guiding the girls to display their strength in a myriad of ways. The evening was truly special!

CIJE Robotics Competition: Acts of Kindness in Action

On January 7, the Robotics team from HANC Elementary School in West Hempstead went to SAR to take part in CIJE’s inspiring bi-annual tournament through the “VEX Go Tournament Story for City Technology Rebuild,” where engineering, empathy, and teamwork came together to make a difference. Under the leadership of Mrs. Aimee Goldenberg, HANC STEM/Robotics teacher, the students in the fourth and fifth grade robotics club learned how robotics can embody the Jewish value of chessed, by addressing real-world challenges in disaster relief scenarios. They also learned that when other countries have emergencies, Israel often sends people to help, even if those countries are far away.

CIJE created an engaging storyline about Colonel Joe, Commander Alex, and their trusty robots Gibor and Topher, to teach students how acts of kindness can be translated into innovative solutions. Students discovered how robots are often deployed during disasters to perform tasks that are too dangerous for humans. From transporting medicine to hospitals (bikur cholim), rebuilding shelters (hachnasat orchim), clearing roads for emergency vehicles (baal tashchit), and

ensuring wildlife safety (tza’ar ba’alei chayim), each task highlighted the importance of helping those in need in the most extraordinary of ways.

Our budding engineers Alex Weiss, Jonah Steiner, Sophia Milworn, Ariella Engelsohn, Matt Lefkowitz, George Nadelbach and Jonah Cohen tackled daily missions with their robots like repairing roofs, lifting fallen trees, and even managing a controlled rockslide to clear the way for an ambulance. These tasks taught students the critical values of teamwork, problem-solving, and community building. In each ninety-second match, there were two robots on the field from two different yeshivot, and they formed an alliance that worked together as a team to score as many points as possible.

As part of the competition, each team applied their creativity and critical thinking to simulate disaster relief efforts. During the course of the competition, the team learned some important lessons: the power of kindness and service, the importance of teamwork and collaboration to get a job done, problem-solving and creativity, empathy in engineering, how critical perseverance and resilience are in a time of crisis, global awareness, and responsibility and connection be-

was thrilled to celebrate with the victorious team and praised them for their hard work and the way they supported their fellow teammates.

Upon reflection of this exciting event, Morah Aimee remarked: “I couldn’t be more proud of our robotics students for their incredible achievement, taking second place. Their hard work, creativity,

Mercaz Academy’s Toddlers Study Torah

Mercaz Academy’s youngest students are only two years old–so they have a long way to go before they receive their first Chumashim in second grade. However, they are still able to learn Torah! Every week, Morah Tikva Goldberg teaches them facts from the Torah reading for that week, and the toddlers make a project to reinforce the lesson.

“Even though they’re so young, they really enjoy these stories, and they absorb so much,” Morah Tikva explains. “Those with older siblings love having something to contribute to discussions at the Shabbat table, just like the big kids!”

Did you know?

This week, using their projects to prompt their memories, these tiny Torah scholars can tell you that every family in B’nei Yisrael tied a sheep to their bed and painted their doorposts red to identify themselves for Hashem’s protection. The Torah lesson is often reinforced with other curricular goals. For example, the discussion of the red doorpost led to a lesson on colors, as they practiced “passing over” and identifying colors on a series of doorposts. Earlier, Parshat Shemot featured not only Baby Moshe floating in his waterproof basket, but a science lesson on floating and sinking. These lessons, designed to engage and teach them on

and teamwork really paid off. May they continue to go m’chayil el chayil in all their endeavors!” HANC is so proud of how our students are learning to combine technology with compassion to build a better world—one robot at a time! Mazal tov to our team of Alex Weiss and Jonah Steiner for achieving second place in the Competition. This tremendous achievement is truly commendable.

their own level, have the added bonus of adding background to Pesach, coming all too soon. Their project this week, a colorand-glue image of a fluffy sheep tied to a bed, will help them remember the lesson and teach it to their families.

As these young students relearn Par-

shat Bo through their years at Mercaz Academy, they will add more details from the story, the opinions of the commentators, and their own Torah insights–but this first baby step into Torah study may be the sweetest of them all.

tween our values and our actions. Rabbi Hazan, Head of HANC West Hempstead Campuses,

There are nine tefillin stands in the Five Towns, which give people the opportunity when they are running around to take a moment and stop and do a mitzvah. This latest one was put up as a joint effort with Rabbi Weinstock of Atlantic Beach Jewish Center in the Atlantic Beach Kosher Wine and Liquor store.

A Brachos Shopping Spree

The kindergarten girls in the Tag Early Childhood are busy learning brachos. They are enjoying their pretend grocery store, where they can shop, sort food by the proper bracha, and play together. It’s a hands-on, fun way to reinforce these important lessons while making beautiful memories.

To welcome the children back from winter break, HANC PTA treated the children in the Early Childhood Center, Elementary School, and Middle School to a special pancake breakfast with chocolate milk. PTA also brought in muffins and coffee for the teachers, too.

JSL Week 3 Recap

Dynamic matchups delivered exciting unforgettable moments as the JSL, proudly brought to you by FM Home Loans, showcased another thrilling week of action. From dramatic finishes to standout performances, every division had moments to remember. Here are the highlights from this exciting week!

K/P Hockey

New York State Chaplain Group edged out Growtha 4-2 in a strong showing, as MVP Davey Lowinger sealed the game with a spectacular breakaway goal, his second of the game. Smash House powered past Yeled LI 11-7, led by Ben Pearlman, who scored four goals to light up the scoreboard. SR Whee and 5TownsCentral battled to a 4-4 tie. SR Whee started out strong, building a 4-0 lead, but 5 Towns Central, led by goalie Moshe Obadia, mounted a comeback to even the score. Posh Home + Bath narrowly defeated Five Towns Landscaping 6-4, as Jerry Pasternak scored the go-ahead goal in the final minute to secure the win for Posh.

K/P Soccer

Maidenbaum earned a 3-1 win over Hewlett Auto Body, as Abie Schlussel delivered a clutch goal late in the game to extend the lead. Future Care Consultants dominated Doma 6-2, highlighted by an incredible six-goal performance from game MVP Yonatan Waller.

Did you know?

Hockey 1st Grade

Simcha Day Camp defeated Town Appliance 11-6, with MVP Yaakov Kret scoring eight goals and Avi Eisenreich contributing a goal and two assists while hustling up and down the court. John’s Auto edged Seasons Express 6-5 in sudden death overtime. The game came down to the wire as John’s Auto scored the game-winner in OT to secure the hard-fought victory. Anju topped Eden Gardens 11-7, as Shua Badian tied the game in a crucial moment to help Anju pull ahead.

2nd/3rd Grade

Maidenbaum cruised to a 13-3 win over PIP Printing, with defenseman Rafi Jeger delivering consistently strong play throughout the game. Ecom Beyond overwhelmed Newman Dental 12-0, led by MVP Avi Yusupov, who scored five goals in the win. Built by Nate beat Town Appliance 7-5, as MVP Yehuda Schwartz delivered an allaround outstanding performance to lead his team to victory. Sushi Tokyo Ninjas edged Better Image Contracting 4-3 in a defensive battle, with Ezra Frenkel locking down the defense for Sushi Tokyo and goalie Isaac Weisz making crucial saves. SR Whee secured a commanding 14-2 win over Smash House, as goalie Rafi Taber showcased his skills in net with an impressive performance.

The NYC subway once had a baseball team called the IRT All-Stars.

4th/5th Grade

Gerber Bedding got a 7-2 win over Wieder, as MVP Daniel Nematnejad led the way by scoring two goals. Town Appliance edged Target Exterminating 6-5 in a nail-biter; MVPs Yisroel Plawes and Moshe Hildeshaim each contributed two goals. Seasons dominated Russo’s Pharmacy 14-4, with goalie Daniel Treuhaft delivering a spectacular performance in net. Smash House shut out Marciano 5-0, highlighted by Shimmy Biegeleisen scoring his first goal of the season.

6th/8th Grade

Extreme Vent Cleaning secured a 6-5 win over Tikva Fire, led by MVP Don Frisch, who recorded a clutch hat trick to carry his team to victory. Bluebird Insurance topped Kosher Skinny Shot 8-2 as MVP Levi Jeger made a big impact, contributing one goal and three assists in a dominant showing. 925 Sterling defeated Sdei Chemed 9-2, highlighted by MVP Yumri Hoffstetter, who delivered an incredible performance on both offense and defense.

Basketball 1st/2nd Grade

Eden Gardens earned an 18-6 win over Newman Dental, as MVP Eli Lopianksy led the team through strong play on both ends of the court. Smash House handled Premier Assist 14-2, with MVP Meir Feuer showcasing his shooting skills, draining shots from all over the court. Tikva Fire edged Tiffany Dry Cleaners 4-2, as MVP Mendel Berkovsky stepped up to make key plays that secured the victory for Tikva.

3rd/4th Grade

Better Image Contracting held off Posh Home 26-24 in a tight matchup, as Zevy Berman dominated the game and

scored 15 points. John’s Auto cruised to a 24-6 win over Russo’s Pharmacy, with MVP Josh Feldman delivering a standout performance to guide his team. Marciano Pediatric Dentistry defeated Wieder Orthodontics 23-19, as MVP Azaria Bush contributed 13 points and controlled the game with consistent scoring.

5th/7th Grade

Binyamin

Weissman

Photography rolled to a 38-12 win over Emporio, as MVP Lazer Roberts played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Sterling Productions edged Sdei Chemed 26-24 in a hard-fought battle, with MVP Avi Abramson going coast to coast several times and sinking a clutch shot to seal the win.

Game of the Week

In a battle of two undefeated teams looking to start 3-0, Growtha came out on top with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Wieder Orthodontics. The hard-fought game was tied 2-2 late in the third period when MVP Alexander Browosky set up the play that led to Avery Adler knocking in the goahead and eventual game-winning goal to secure the dramatic win for Growtha.

Rabbi Paysach Krohn visited Yeshiva Darchei Torah last week, his first public appearance since his recent illness

Photos by Yehudah Jacobs

4 Main Reasons Why You Can’t Get Your Home Organized

By Michelle Lesher, LCSW

1. No time

2. Overwhelming – “where do I begin?!”

3. It gets messy again

4. Personal attachment(s) to items Good excuses.

Your home is like a child, one that needs care and can get easily neglected. After all, people are more important than things, right?

When we create an orderly, beautiful environment, it impacts our mood, our attention, and our sleep. The Talmud states that “three things broaden a person’s mind – a beautiful house, beautiful possessions, and a beautiful wife” [Brachos 57b]. Having an organized home can support your loved ones. In Be Well Stanford, Journal of Neuroscience (2011) researchers at UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives and Families (CELF), report that clutter has a profound effect on our self-esteem and our moods. A study of 32 families found a link between high

cortisol (stress hormone) levels of women who had a high density of household objects.

Take a moment, close your eyes and think about one area in your home that bothers you – some place in your home that looks like it needs help. Got it? Now, imagine what you would like this space (or room) to look like – more colorful, cheery, orderly, or more aesthetic? Maybe you simply want to create a clear path in this area. If you have ideas or images, jot them down in your phone for safe keeping.

Benefits of organizing your home

 Save time by not spending time looking for things.

 Save money by not buying items you already have.

 Instill confidence by knowing where things are in the home (which helps your kids).

 Reduce stress related to lost items or lost information.

 Manage many activities and deadlines more efficiently.

 Gain valuable storage space within your existing quarters.

 Gain more energy and peace from your organized home while eliminating unnecessary tasks.

 Have more time to do things you really want to do.

 Have a more attractive and inviting home.

If you are interested in a free 30-minute consultation for organizing and beautifying your space, please feel free to contact: Michelle Lesher LCSW, Professional Organizer at 973-440-9189 or at OrganizeandThrivedesigns@gmail. com.

Did you know?

Congrats to the top fundraisers from Achiezer’s CIMBY Jr. 2024 who were treated to an evening out with the Shnitzel Guys

NYC Council Commemorates Auschwitz Remembrance Day

On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the New York City Council passed Resolution 0713-2025, co-prime sponsored by Council Members Eric Dinowitz and Keith Powers, recognizing January 27, 2025, as the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest of the Nazi death camps, and commemorating January 27 annually as Auschwitz Remembrance Day in New York City to honor the memories of the over one million Jews and tens of thousands of others who were brutally murdered there at the hands of the Nazis during World War II.

“As Chair of the New York City Council’s Jewish Caucus, I have made it a key priority to elevate the very real challenges that Jewish New Yorkers are facing with the uptick of hate crimes against the Jewish community,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. “As we approach this solemn day, we are reminded that with each day that goes by we are losing another voice of a Holocaust survivor who can remind us of the evil that can come when antisemitism is left unabated in our public sphere. With this resolution,

all New Yorkers can know that this City Council will Never Forget. I wish to thank Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Keith Powers and my colleagues in the Jewish Caucus for their partnership in this important work.”

“Eighty years after the liberation of Auschwitz, the people who witnessed the horrors there are now sadly far too few,” said Council Member Keith Powers. “It is our responsibility to carry the history of what happened eighty years ago; to tell the stories of those who were brutally murdered and tortured at Auschwitz so that future generations never forget the appalling crimes that took place, and never allow anything like them to happen again. I am grateful to Jewish Caucus Chair Dinowitz for carrying this resolution, and for continuing the fight against antisemitism and hatred so our Jewish community can live peacefully, without fear.”

“As a daughter of a Holocaust survivor, there was a time when we had a multitude of voices who lived through the horrors of the Holocaust, speaking out against the tragic consequences of an-

tisemitism and authoritarianism,” said Council Member Julie Menin. “This resolution is of critical importance, as those living witnesses are now too few and far between as 80 years has passed since the liberation of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. I thank Jewish Caucus Chair Dinowitz for advancing this resolution as it falls to us who heard their stories and read their accounts to educate future generations about one of humanity’s darkest chapters so that history does not repeat itself.”

“Eighty years after the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp, it continues to be our obligation to honor the memory of over one million Jews and countless others who perished there. The horrific atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust must be our constant reminder that we should fight against antisemitism in

all of its forms,” said Council Member Inna Vernikov.

“In order to protect our future, the Jewish people must never again be afraid to speak up for our lives in order to ensure that ‘Never Again’ remains a reality, not just a promise. Let us boldly reject all ugly forms of hatred and continue to educate future generations so that the horrors of the past are never repeated.”

“On the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz, the Simon Wiesenthal Center thanks the New York City Council for its tireless efforts in preserving the memory of the Holocaust and promoting the vital lessons of tolerance, ensuring that future generations never forget. This is a day to reaffirm that the memory of the victims shall never be forgotten, and that hate be combatted in all of its forms,” said Michael Cohen, Eastern Director, Simon Wiesenthal Center.

Inspiration and Aspiration at SKA

The SKA student body and faculty recently gathered together for an impressive Yom Iyun. The morning began with the tremendous opportunity to hear from world renowned speaker, Rabbi Joey Haber. Rabbi Haber spoke about the power and value of being a Torah Jew. He explained that life has two roads: an easy one and a difficult one. The path of Torah may be challenging at first but becomes more and more rewarding and fulfilling as life progresses. Rabbi Haber acknowledged how difficult it can be to fulfill the day-to-day expectations of being a Torah Jew. In addition, he offered many real-life examples and reached the students by telling anecdotes and providing experiences from his own life. He concluded with the idea that human beings always have a choice and “when you realize what life is, there is nothing greater than the life we have.” This concept helped SKA students take pride in all the nuances and elements of what it means to be Torah Jews because they offer guidance, strength and prom-

ise for the future.

Rabbi Haber’s message extended into the next portion of the morning when students, in small groups, heard from a wide range of expert speakers who presented on the same theme of: Being a Proud Torah Jew. SKA students were profoundly impacted by the sessions they attended and appreciated how the day’s theme fostered meaningful conversations that extended beyond the classroom.

SKA’s Yimei Iyun, along with all of the original and innovative religious programming, bring inspiration to life.

Interview at the Israel Chesed Center with Baruch Glaubach

By Ariel Serber

Ariel Serber (AS) - I’m here today with Baruch Glaubach at the Israel Chesed Center. I want to talk to Baruch about his background, his connection to Israel, the people, the business world, the land.

Baruch Glaubach (BG) - It’s a lot, Ariel! I was born in 1960. It’s been quite the journey. My parents are still with us today. Doctors Miriam and Felix Glaubach, 93 and 90, respectively. My mom was born in Israel in 1934 and lived there the first 17 years of her life. They really have taught their six children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren what real ahavat Yisrael is. When you have that foundation from the beginning, you have a real powerful connection, like I have, to Am Yisrael. Not only what we’ve undergone in the last 14, 15 months, but from the time we were kids to the time where we adults, and our children and their grandchildren have seen it in action. So this is our connection.

From 1981 to early 2000, I was an oil trader. And then I went from oil trading to managing investments and things for the family. And we had gotten connected through Israel, to various people, through mistakes originally.

AS - You’ve been involved since really the beginning of the Israeli tech ecosystem, or at least have seen it grow, expand to what it is today. How did that connection inspire you, motivate you to get involved? And be connected to it?

BG - We got involved through some bad investments originally, which always happens. The mistakes brought us to other people who introduced us to people who are the boots on the ground, who had VC funds in Israel and were able to introduce us to other people.

AS - Where were you on October 7?

BG - So we were here at the time. We had been in Israel a lot then, and we were actually in Israel in 2022 for Yom Kippur through Sukkot. In October 2023, I was back and forth trying to figure out what to do. Eventually I said we want everyone

to come to our home for Sukkot, so we stayed in Lawrence.

I woke up and I went to shul and that was it. The word was starting to get out and the world was in a different place.

I have a story, actually, from 1973. I was in a choir in Silver Spring, Maryland. And, it was a Conservative shul, and when we went to shul, everyone heard about the Yom Kippur War. Fast forward to 2024. Well, today, everyone has their way to see the news, right? And it was out front and center And then we waited until chag was over.

I fielded many, many calls starting Sunday night, and in the first 48 hours, I said something to myself. I said, look, everyone needs money, everyone was calling us, and it was beyond scary. Sitting here in the States and thinking about our brothers and sisters and all these people and, you know, having no idea what happened, and you’re getting footage in real time, and we had to figure out where to start. And it was so overwhelming.

And then I also said to a bunch of people, sadly enough, that this is going to be a very long ordeal. And if you want to participate in this ordeal, you have to be present. It’s not going to the party early and leaving early or going to the party late and leaving early. It’s coming to this and understanding that every day you’re going to be needed. Whether to listen, to volunteer, writing letters or whatever it is you can do. You need to think every day that tomorrow you still have to be here. For months and months, as we see and we’re still here today. That’s the Chesed Center, it’s proof of that.

AS - What can or should the business community, whether the Jewish world or non-Jewish world, know about what’s going on in Israel in the business environment now, tech or non-tech?

BG - I think what we’re going to have to see when peace breaks out are people getting back to work. Companies rehiring, soldiers who are out serving the country and people are coming back. And will their

jobs be there? What will that look like? What will everyday life be? There’s no normal. Especially in this situation. People are going to have to think about what they’ve suffered, endured during wartime. The civilians, the wives, the families, the soldiers, themselves. They’re going to need help. They’re going to need us to be there for them, emotionally, financially. The government, as we know in Israel, is different than the government here.

AS - So what does that look like for the business community? What do you think?

BG - The business community starts with an investment. That’s how firms subsist – on capital. Human capital, we need to see people coming back to work; a person with a job is way more valuable than a person not at work. And it’s real capital dollars. If an investment made sense before, it’s going to make way more sense later. From the idea of Startup Nation, of all the things that have been created, built through Israel….

I love the book Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution, by the founder of Waze, which was bought by Google and who founded another couple of companies as well. We need to understand this: the problem is what happened. And now let’s go forward to solutions that you and I, in any manner, shape or form are able to help out.

We are the solution. We are here. We have to continue to be here. We need to continue our support for this country, that we started around the world 15 months ago, and be there each and every day.

Baruch Glaubach is the Managing Partner of Shevet Glaubach, a family office that manages investments and philanthropic activities. Baruch was interviewed on December 22, 2024. His father, Dr. Felix Glaubach, a”h, passed away on December 26, 2024.

Navigating the Art of Shabbat Makeup: A Special Presentation

By Alex Jakubowitz

The eleventh grade girls at HAFTR were privileged to host an enlightening presentation from Mrs. Alison Chait, an innovative entrepreneur who has developed her own line of Shabbat-compliant makeup called “Brush Ups.” Her passion for both halacha and beauty has led her to create products that allow Jewish women to enhance their appearance while fully observing the laws of Shabbat. Mrs. Abi Guttman, HAFTR Limudei Kodesh teacher, organized the event, held on January 2, and introduced Mrs. Chait to the students. Guttman explained that it is because of Alison’s makeup line we can look our best on Shabbat while still keeping the halachic requirements.

Mrs. Chait began by explaining that one of the fundamental melachot (prohibited works) of Shabbat is tzoveya (dyeing). This prohibition extends beyond the conventional understanding of dyeing fabric to include the mixing or blending

of colors, which is particularly relevant in the context of makeup application. Alison explained that “many women don’t realize that common makeup practices they use during the week may not be permitted on Shabbat…when you blend two eyeshadow colors together or mix foundation shades, you’re essentially creating a new color, which falls under the category of tzoveya.” Her innovative makeup line addresses these halachic concerns through several thoughtful solutions. The line offers pre-blended foundation shades that eliminate the need for mixing; single-color eyeshadows designed to be used individually; and makeup products that can be applied without the need for blending or creating new colors. Ali-

son emphasized that the prohibition of tzoveya extends to any intentional color changes. This includes practices such as: mixing different shades of lipstick, blending multiple eyeshadow colors, combining different foundation or concealer shades, and creating ombré effects with any makeup products. The presentation sparked meaningful discussions about the intersection of halacha and modern beauty practices.

Students were particularly interested in learning about the research and development process behind creating makeup that adheres to these specific religious requirements while maintaining high quality and effectiveness. Mrs. Chait shared that “the goal is not just to create products

MTA Rebbeim Visit the YUHSB Alumni in Eretz Yisrael

During the week of final exams and the first week of winter break, Rabbi Schenker and Rabbi Shulman had the great pleasure of spending time with many of the MTA alumni who are learning in yeshivos in Eretz Yisrael. Once they arrived, their schedule became a whirlwind of visits, with multiple yeshivos on the agenda each day. They devoted many hours to meeting individually with

each talmid, discussing the talmidim’s progress with their rebbeim and roshei yeshiva, often offering advice based on their experience with the talmidim and advocating for their current 12th graders to be accepted into the yeshivos of their choices as well.

As they visited each yeshiva, Rabbi Schenker and Rabbi Shulman were deeply impressed by the incredible growth and

that are technically permissible for Shabbat use, but to ensure that Jewish women can feel confident and beautiful while fully honoring the sanctity of Shabbat.” The session concluded with practical demonstrations of Shabbat-appropriate makeup application techniques, giving students valuable insights into maintaining both their observance and their desired appearance on Shabbat. This presentation served as a powerful reminder of how traditional Jewish law continues to guide and inform modern innovations, allowing observant Jews to navigate contemporary life while maintaining their commitment to halacha.

development of the alumni as bnei Torah. Across the yeshivos, the MTA alumni are excelling in their learning, strengthening their Yiras Shamayim, and deepening their love for Eretz Yisrael.

Particularly noteworthy were the detailed, goal-oriented schedules of many alumni, who have taken on ambitious objectives for self-development and commitment to limud haTorah. Rabbi Schenker remarked, “It was truly inspiring to be in Eretz Yisrael, but it was equally inspiring to be with our talmidim and witness how they have grown and continue to grow.”

The visit was capped with a reunion at Yeshiva University’s Gruss Kollel, which brought MTA alumni from all over Eretz Yisrael together for a melave malka and kumzitz. Talmidim were excited to be reunited with their former classmates and spend an evening together once again. The cohesiveness of the YUHSB talmidim really sets them apart and was a source of nachas for all who were gathered that evening. MTA looks forward to welcoming their alumni back to the high school building during the month of Nissan for their annual “Return and Learn” program.

Around the Community

For Immediate Release: Chai Lifeline Regional Directors Convene to Strengthen Global Impact

Chai Lifeline directors from across the United States and around the world convened in Eatontown, NJ, on January 27-28, 2025, for the organization’s Annual Regional Directors Conference. The two-day gathering brought together leaders from New York, New Jersey/Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, and West Coast, as well as Toronto, Montreal, Israel, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, representing more than 6,000 families supported globally by Chai Lifeline.

The conference featured sessions on organizational vision and values, programs and services, marketing and development, volunteer training, community engagement, and case management. Attendees included regional directors Rabbi Shlomo Crandall (Midwest), Racheli Daniel (Mid-Atlantic), Rabbi Sruli Fried (NJ/PA), Randi Grossman (West Coast), Esther Leah Sandhaus (Southeast), Yaacov Blanshay (Montreal), Rabbi Mordy Rothman (Toronto), Daniel Gillis (UK), Nechemja Meisner (Belgium), and

Elad Maimon (Israel).

“Chai Lifeline’s impact is built on the collective strength of our regional teams,” said Chai Lifeline CEO Rabbi Simcha Scholar. “This annual conference is an opportunity to reflect on our successes, identify areas for growth, and ensure that we remain at the forefront of providing unparalleled care and support to families and communities facing illness, crisis, and loss.”

The program opened with reflections on the organization’s successes and areas for growth during the “A Year in Review” session led by Rabbi Scholar. Directors explored ways to remain innovative and relevant during “Staying Current in 2025 and Beyond,” presented by NJ/PA Director of Family Services Rabbi Yehoshua Brodsky and Esther Leah Sandhaus. Marketing strategies to reinforce Chai Lifeline’s mission were discussed in “Building the Brand: Strengthening Chai Lifeline’s Identity,” led by CMO Matt Yaniv and brand strategist David Koenigsberg. Additionally, a session on

“Building Lay Leadership in Our Regions,” moderated by Randi Grossman and Rabbi Mordy Rothman, examined progress made in cultivating local leadership and outlined goals for the future.

Workshops, panels, and interactive discussions encouraged collaboration, including a lay leaders’ panel, insights from Chai Lifeline’s international leadership team, and an inspiring session presented by Rabbi Shlomo Crandall and Rabbi Sruli Fried titled “Perspective of a Grown Insider.” This session highlighted Chai Lifeline’s impact through the stories of former campers, patients, and counselors. The conference concluded with a review of key outcomes and actionable

steps for the year ahead, reinforcing a shared commitment to supporting families facing illness, crisis, and loss.

“This conference reminded us that leadership is about more than managing programs—it’s about inspiring people and driving a shared mission,” added Rabbi Mordechai Gobioff, National Director of Client Services. “By collaborating and learning from one another, we can continue to meet the growing needs of the families who rely on us.”

For more information about Chai Lifeline and its programs, visit www.chailifeline.org.

Around the Community

A Journey of Resilience and Community: Lessons from Ezra Academy

In the face of adversity, some journeys take us to places we never expected.

On October 7, 2023, the Jewish community faced unimaginable challenges. The land of Israel, a symbol of strength and perseverance, became a stage for hardship, testing the resolve of its people. Families confronted deeply personal decisions—some staying in Israel, others seeking temporary refuge abroad. Among those who left, several found themselves in Queens, New York, where they became part of the Ezra Academy family.

For Ezra Academy, the arrival of these families was an opportunity to embrace individuals whose stories were marked

Did you know?

by courage and determination. Baruch Hashem, these families found not just a school, but a sanctuary—a place to grow, heal, and rebuild. The community’s warmth and dedication transformed the lives of both new students and the Ezra community, fostering an environment where challenges were met with compassion and mutual support.

One of these students, Ilan, shared a deeply moving account of his experience at Ezra Academy upon his return to Israel for military service. His heartfelt words captured the essence of what made Ezra more than just a school: “Unwavering love, dedication, and support have made

Over 2,000 decommissioned subway cars were sunk off the coasts of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina to become artificial reefs.

an incredible difference in our lives.”

These words resonated deeply with everyone at Ezra, underscoring the powerful impact of the school’s nurturing community. Ilan went on to share how he felt fully embraced by the faculty and his peers: “I felt seen, supported, and cared for. The staff made everything accessible and went above and beyond to address my needs.”

For Ilan, Ezra Academy wasn’t just a place to learn; it was a place to grow. He credited the school with helping him become the best version of himself: “Ezra Academy has brought out the best in me, helping me grow not only as a student but as a person as well.”

These sentiments were echoed by his family, who expressed immense gratitude to the school and its staff for creating a space of hope and resilience during a challenging time. Reflecting on their experience, they shared: “We wholeheartedly recommend Ezra Academy to anyone not just seeking academic excellence, but a nurturing and inspiring environ-

ment that truly feels like home.”

Ilan’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and community. As he embarks on his military service in Israel, the Ezra family holds him in their prayers, wishing him safety and success. His story serves as a reminder of the profound impact a caring and supportive environment can have, especially during life’s most trying moments.

Ezra Academy’s role in Ilan’s journey highlights its mission to not only educate but to uplift. By fostering a culture of compassion, understanding, and excellence, the school has shown what is possible when people come together to face adversity.

To Ilan, we say, Hatzlacha rabba May your strength and resilience continue to guide you. To all who have faced challenges, may this story remind us of the unbreakable power of community, hope, and the unwavering belief that even in the darkest times, growth and healing are possible.

Rav Druck on Chumash – Shemos

By Rabbi Yisrael Meir Druck

The Torah in Parasha Bo tells us that the reason we are commanded to eat matzah on Pesach is to commemorate our being chased out of Mitzrayim in such a hurry that our dough had no time to rise. But what is the reason for the prohibition to eat chametz all seven days of Pesach?

Furthermore, why is the sin of eating chametz considered so severe that it is punishable by kareis (spiritual excision)?

The Arizal teaches that the reason Bnei Yisrael had to leave Mitzrayim in such haste is that they had fallen to the forty-ninth level of tumah, and had they remained there for even a moment longer, they would have

fallen to the fiftieth level of tumah, from which they could never have been extricated.

The Shelah uses this idea to shed light on the Haggadah’s statement that “had Hashem not taken us out of Mitzrayim, then we, and our children, and our children’s children would still be enslaved to Pharaoh in Mitzrayim.” Had Hashem not hurried to take us out of Mitzrayim at precisely that moment, we would have fallen to the fiftieth level of tumah, and it would have been impossible for us to escape from there.

The prohibition of chametz alludes to this idea. To prevent dough from becoming chametz, one must knead it quickly and ensure that it is baked before eighteen minutes pass, because after the eighteen-min-

Scott Satran Tournament at HAFTR

By Emma Zelmanovich

HAFTR High School recently hosted the 38th annual Scott Satran Memorial Tournament, which is dedicated to the loving memory of Mr. Scott Satran, a HAFTR alumnus from the graduating class of 1984, who passed away from leukemia. Mr. Satran was not just an ordinary student. Despite his illness, he was a passionate athlete and had a love for sports. He was part of the basketball and hockey teams and continued playing in college where he attended Queens College and earned a position on the college’s tennis team. Tragically, in 1987, Mr. Satran passed away after his battle with cancer. HAFTR High School wanted to honor him in the most fitting and meaningful way pos-

ute window elapses it can turn into chametz, and the transformation from matzah into chametz happens in an instant.

This symbolizes the state of Bnei Yisrael in Mitzrayim: Had they remained there one moment longer, they would have fallen to the fiftieth level of tumah and been stuck there forever.

We learn from here that in one moment of lingering, a person can lose all his spiritual assets and fall to the lowest level of tumah, from which there is no return. By attaching a severe punishment to the prohibition of chametz, the Torah is hinting that in one moment a person can cut himself off from the world and lose his entire spiritual standing.

Reprinted from Rav Druck on Chumash by Rabbi Yisrael Meir Druck with permission from the copyright holder, ArtScroll Mesorah Publications.

sible and created this tournament in his honor. While this is a sports competition, it also symbolizes friendship and sportsmanship and the values that Mr. Satran exemplified.

Each year, the tournament includes varsity boys’ basketball teams from yeshivot around the country. This year, participating schools included Atlanta Jewish Academy, Berman Hebrew Academy, Davis Renov Stahler Yeshiva High School for Boys, Hebrew Academy of Miami, Jewish Educational Center, Hillel Community Day School, Jewish Culture Yeshiva, North Shore Hebrew Academy, Yeshivas Mekor Chaim, Magen David Yeshiva, and the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County. The games commenced on Thursday, January 2, and concluded on Sunday, January 5.

Ever since I was a freshman, the Satran tournament has always been an exciting time for the students – a way to show immense spirit for our school and let loose before the stressful week of midterms that follows. At each game, students from HAFTR and other schools enthusiastically come to support and cheer for their teams. In addition to spectating, several HAFTR students volunteered to sell snacks to help energize the crowd. There was one game in particular that felt like no other I had ever been to. The Motzei Shabbat game of HAFTR against HANC was thrilling and memorable. Walking into the gym during their practice was intense; I was able to feel the energy in the air. So many HAFTR students came to show their support. With every pass, dribble, and shot there was an un-

explainable amount of energy. Cheering, chanting, jumping, and clapping were so loud you couldn’t help but join in. There were even special appearances from our very own HAFTR Hawk to heighten the mood and get people excited. Even though we didn’t win the Championship, our athletes were strong, showed incredible sportsmanship, and maintained their dedication to and pride in the team. This year’s event not only honored Scott Satran’s legacy but also strengthened the values of sportsmanship, dedication, and pride to everyone involved in the games. A special congratulations to DRS for winning this year’s tournament; we look forward to many more years of exciting competition, honoring the legacy left behind by Mr. Scott Satran.

TJH Centerfold

A Perfect Ten

Each of the following clues refers to a word that begins with “ten.” For example, if the clue is “a game played with rackets,” the answer would be “TENnis.” Can you score a perfect TEN (I bet if you play close atTENtion, you can)?

1. Unsubstantial

2. Delicate or gentle

3. A sinew

4. Persistence and determination

5. Capable of being stretched

6. Between the bass and alto

You Gotta Be Kidding Me!

Over breakfast one morning, a woman says to her husband, “I’ll bet you don’t know what day this is.”

“Of course I do,” he answers, as if he is offended, and leaves for the office.

7. Stretched tight (or stuck in traffic and late for a meeting)

8. Temporary dwelling

9. An opinion held to be true.

10. Inclination

8. Tent; 9. Tenet; 10. Tendency

4. Tenacity; 5. Tensile; 6. Tenor; 7. Tense;

Answers: 1. Tenuous; 2. Tender; 3. Tendon;

At 10:00 a.m., the doorbell rings and when the woman opens the door. She is handed a box of a dozen long-stemmed red roses. At 1:00 p.m., a foil-wrapped, two-pound box of her favorite chocolates is delivered. Later, a boutique delivers a designer dress.

The woman couldn’t wait for her husband to come home.

“First, the flowers, then the chocolates and then the dress!” she exclaims. “I’ve never had a more wonderful Groundhog Day in my life!”

Double Talk

Amnesia: What did you just ask me?

Apathy: I don’t care.

Bigotry: I’m not going to tell someone like you.

Egotistical: I’m the best person to answer that question.

Evasive: Go do your homework.

Hostility: If you ask me just one more question, you are not going to know what hit you!

Ignorance: I don’t know.

Indifference: It doesn’t matter.

Influenza: You’ve got to be sick to ask me that question.

Insomnia: I stayed awake all last night thinking of the answer.

Narcissism: Before I answer, tell me, don’t I look great?

Overprotective: I don’t know if you’re ready for the answer.

Paranoid: You probably think I don’t know the answer, do you?

Procrastination:

I’ll tell you tomorrow.

Repetitive: I’ll tell you the answer. I’ll tell you the answer.

Self-Centered: Well, I know the answer, that’s all that matters.

Snobby: Uh, excuse me!

Suspicious: Why are you asking me all these questions?

Riddle Me This

Johnny’s mother had three children. The first child was born on April 14 and named April. The second child was born two years later on April 16 and named May. The third child was born on May 16. What was his name?

Answer: Johnny

Torah Thought

Parshas Bo

By Rabbi Berel Wein

This week’s parsha is the introduction to the halachic process of observance of the commandments of the Torah. In every commandment there are numerous layers of meaning and importance. There is the social and moral value that the commandment represents and teaches. There are also the technical minutiae and complex details that comprise the fabric of every commandment.

The commandments regarding the observance of Pesach and of the structuring of the Jewish calendar are part of this week’s parsha. The general values of these commandments are apparent to

all. Pesach represents for us the value and concept of freedom from bondage and teaches us the beginning history of our people. The calendar has always been a necessity for social and commercial life and keeps us in tune with the changing seasons of the year.

These are the general reasons and lessons of these commandments. However, as we also all know, the devil always lies in the details. What is the mechanism that will enable the story of our departure from Egyptian slavery to freedom to remain fresh and vital thousands of years later? Values only have life if they

are somehow translated into human action and normative behavior.

Theories are wonderful, but they rarely survive the tests of time and ever-changing circumstances. Every scientific theory is subjected to be proven by physical experiment and validation. Freedom is a great theory but unless somehow put into practical application in society it remains divorced from the

those details and calculations, our calendar would long ago have disappeared just as the ancient calendars of Egypt, Babylonia, Greece and Rome have disappeared. Many people look at calendars not as G-dly commandments but as merely a practical way to mark our passage through time. The details are really not important to them since they are only interested in the so-called result.

Values only have life if they are somehow translated into human action and normative behavior.

realities of everyday existence. Just ask the North Koreans or the Syrians and Iranians about freedom! It is the technical requirements of the commandment – the matzah, chametz, haggadah, etc. – that alone preserve the value and validate the theory and guarantee its meaningfulness for millennia on end.

The uniqueness of the Jewish calendar lies also in its technical details. The permanent calendar that we now follow, established in the fifth century CE, is a lunar calendar with adjustments to make it fit into a solar year span. The technical halachic details how the last Sanhedrin squared this circle are too numerous and detailed for the scope of this article. However, suffice it to say, that if not for

But in Judaism, the details are of equal if not even greater importance than the general value and the result that they represent. In our time, those Jews who for various reasons only concentrated on the values, who were good Jews at heart but observed no commandments or details, rarely were privileged to have Jewish descendants. Of course, concentrating only on the details and ignoring the value system that it represents is also a distortion of the G-dly word. Seeing both the general value of a commandment and observing its necessary technical details in practice is the guarantee for allowing the Torah to survive amongst the people of Israel for all times.

Shabbat shalom.

From the Fire

Parshas Bo Hashem’s Special Forces

By Rav Moshe Weinberger

Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

Hashem has many different names through which He reveals Himself. When Hashem first appeared to Moshe to tell him to speak to the Jewish People and tell them that Hashem was about to release them from slavery, Moshe asks Hashem (Shemos 3:13), “When I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The G-d of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” Hashem answers him (Id. at 14): “Ehe’keh asher Ehe-keh, I will be that which I will be.”

The Midrash explains Hashem’s answer to Moshe as follows (Tanchuma Shmos 20): “Hashem said to him, ‘Moshe, you want to know my name? I am called according to my actions. When I judge my creatures, I am called Elokim. When I take revenge upon the wicked, I am called Armies. When I hold a person’s punishment in abeyance

for his sins, I am called Keil Shakai. And when I sit with the attribute of mercy, I am called Rachum. My name is according to my actions.” In other words, Hashem was telling Moshe that because Hashem’s essence is unknowable, we can only understand Hashem, through his various names, according to the ways He reveals Himself to us.

Of all of the names quoted by the Midrash, however, one of them, Hashem Tzivakos, Master of Armies, is not found in the Torah. The first time it appears is in Shmuel 1:1:11, in Chana’s prayer for a child, where she says, “Hashem Tzivakos, Master of Armies, if you will see the suffering of your servant...” The Gemara (Brachos 31b) relates the implication of Chana’s use of the name Hashem Tzivakos, Master of Armies. She was saying, “Master of the World, of all of the armies of armies that You created in your universe, is it so bad in Your eyes to

give me one son?” Here, the name Hashem Tzivakos, Master of Armies, refers to the fact that Hashem is the master of the legions of His creations in the heavens above and the earth below.

But in Parshas Bo, the word tzivaos is not used as a name of Hashem, but rather to refer to the Jewish people (Shemos 12:41): “And it will be on that very day that all of the armies of Hashem [the Jewish people] will go out from the land of Egypt.” The Torah uses the word the same way earlier (Shemos 7:4), where it says, “And I will take my armies, my nation, the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt.” Therefore, when Hashem is called Hashem Tzivakos, Master of Armies, it means that He is the G-d of the Jewish people. Along those lines, Dovid Hamelech says to Golias (Shmuel 1:17:45), “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, and I come to you in the name of the L-rd of

Hosts, the G-d of the armies of Israel which you have blasphemed.”

According to Rav Saadya Gaon, the name Hashem Tzivakos, Master of Armies, refers to the fact that Hashem is the G-d of His armies, the Jewish people. The Ibn Ezra, however, maintains that the name refers to the fact that Hashem is the G-d of the multitudes of heaven: the sun, the moon, and the stars. It appears that the Ibn Ezra’s view is more expansive because “armies” refers to all of Hashem’s creations above and below, while Rav Saadya Gaon’s view is more limited, holding that it refers only to Hashem’s relationship to the Jewish people. On a deeper level, however, these two views are not contradictory. Hashem is certainly the G-d of all of the armies of heaven and earth, but He has one special army among all of the others, an “elite unit” called the Jewish people after whom Hashem calls Him-

self: “the L-rd of Hosts, the G-d of the armies of Israel.”

The name “Tzivakos, Armies,” as applied to the fact that Hashem is the G-d of Jewish people, stands for “tzavah os, army of the letter.” Each Jew has his or her own letter in the Torah, a unique mission that only he or she can accomplish. Dovid Hamelech asked (Tehillim 24:10), “Mi Hu zeh Melech ha’kavod ? Who is the King of Glory?” Meaning, in what way is Hashem’s glory revealed in all of His worlds? And he answers, “Hashem Tzivakos Hu Melech ha’kavod selah, The G-d of Armies is the King of Glory forever.” In other words, it is the Jewish people, out of all of Hashem’s creatures, which give Him glory, as the Navi says (Yeshaya 48:3), “Israel, in whom I exult.” Each of us must claim our letter, our mitzvah, with which we bring unimaginable glory to Hashem as part of His elite unit called the Jewish people.

The meaning of each mitzvah a Jew does as part of Hashem’s army is illustrated powerfully in a story related by Rav Yaakov Galinsky, zt”l, based on a story he heard directly from one of the greatest poskim of the previous generation, Rav Yitzchak Shlomo Unger of Bnei Brak, zt”l, quoted in the sefer “V’higad’ta” on Shemos, pp. 180-184.

Rav Unger related that about thirty years after the end of World War II, a Hungarian Jew came to him with a question in halacha. He saw that the man was shaking, and he asked him to sit down and tell him his question.

The man related that he was sent to Auschwitz in the last year of the war and that he shared a sleeping plank in his bunker with another Jew who was a child of tzaddikim. They became very close, and one day, this bunkmate, who used to keep track of the date, said, “In two more days, it will be Pesach. We have no shortage of maror, bitterness here in the camp, but where are we going to get the proper measure of matzah?” This Hungarian Jew therefore set his mind to finding a way to bake two measures of matzah, one for his bunkmate and one for himself. Without going into all of the details, he worked mightily and risked his own life and was finally able to bake two matzos in the proper measure, one for each of them.

On the way back to the bunker, hiding the matzah in his clothes, a Nazi saw that he was walking strangely and ordered him to stop and put up his hands. He did so, and the matzos fell to the ground, breaking into a number of pieces. Seeing this, the Nazi became furious and beat

him to the point of death. Then, something else caught the Nazi’s attention, and he ran off to attend to the matter.

This poor, beaten and broken Jew picked up the crumbs of matzah he could salvage and hobbled back to the bunker. He finally arrived and collapsed. His friend helped him in and brought him to their “bed.” He told him everything that had happened and showed him the matzah he was able to salvage. His friend begged him to give him the matzah, as he had never missed out on the mitzva of matzah in his life. But the man refused. He had risked his

yelled out the bracha on saying Hallel out loud. As he concluded the bracha with the words, “Who sanctified us with His mitzvos and commanded us to read the Hallel,” a Nazi guard shot him in the head.

This Hungarian Jew lived on, moved to Eretz Yisroel, built a family, and now lived in Bnei Brak. He then told Rav Unger that the night before, his old bunkmate appeared to him in a dream. He was dressed in white, and his face was shining. He asked him whether he remembered him and what happened with the matzah. Of course, the Hungarian Jew told his old friend that he

Each of us must claim our letter, our mitzvah, with which we bring unimaginable glory to Hashem as part of His elite unit called the Jewish people.

life and had now been beaten to a pulp in order to fulfill this mitzvah and he was not going to lose it. He originally made enough for both of them but now that there was only one measure of matzah left, he was going to eat it himself at the “Seder.”

His bunkmate begged for the privilege to do the mitzvah, arguing that his entire family had been killed so he should do the mitzvah. The Hungarian Jew responded that his entire family had also been killed. The bunkmate told him that he had memorized all of the Haggada and Shir Hashirim and promised that if he would give him the matzah, he would recite it with him. Refusing, he said that he would forego the recital of the Haggada and do the mitzva of matzah instead. Broken, crying, and begging, the man finally said, “I promise you that if you give me the matzah, I will forego the reward of the mitzvah and give it to you, and I will recite the entire Haggada and Shir Hashirim with you as well.” The man finally agreed to this arrangement, and they each carried out their respective parts of the agreement.

Things ended better for the Hungarian Jew than for his bunkmate. The next morning, as they were working and reciting Hallel by memory, overjoyed with his ability to fulfill the mitzvah of eating matzah on Pesach in Auschwitz, the bunkmate was overcome with emotion and

novker told him no, that he had to do it with joy and that he should go at that very moment to the Bais Medrash, put his head in the Aron Kodesh, “remind” Hashem of every detail of the story, and then willingly give the reward back to his friend.

The man did so, and exhausted, returned home and immediately fell asleep, utterly drained after everything that had happened. His friend appeared to him one more time in a dream that night to thank him for giving up the reward for the mitzvah of matzah from that night thirty years earlier.

remembered him and everything that happened. The bunkmate said, “I have received reward for every mitzvah that I did in my life except for that one mitzva of matzah. Please do me a favor and give me back the reward for that mitzvah.”

The Jew responded that he could not believe his old friend’s audacity. After he had risked his life and been beaten to the point of death, at the very least, he should be entitled to the reward he bargained for in giving up the matzah. After several arguments back and forth, the dream ended.

This Jew then clarified that he had come to Rav Unger to find out if he was obligated to give the reward for that mitzvah of matzah back to his friend.

Rav Unger responded that this was a question for a Rebbe, not a Rav. So he sent the survivor to ask the question to a Rebbe in Bnei Brak, the Machnovker. The man went to the Machnovker, told him the whole story and asked him what he should do. The Rebbe told him that the proper thing was to give up the reward for the mitzvah to his friend. His old friend could no longer do mitzvos, but he had lived on and continued doing mitzvos for thirty more years. Not only that, with Hashem’s help, he would continue accruing more mitzvos until 120. Begrudgingly, the survivor told the Rebbe that if that was what the Rebbe told him to do, he would do it. But the Mach-

The survivor came back to Rav Unger the next day and told him what the Machnovker told him to do and about the subsequent dream. Rav Unger responded that he was not surprised. Imagine, he told the man, this Jew, who was the child of tzaddikim, surely grew up doing mitzvos his entire life and was enjoying the highest place in the World to Come. Not only that, but Chazal teach (Bava Basra 10b) regarding one who is killed sanctifying Hashem’s name that “no other creature can stand in their presence above.” Yet, with all of that, it was worth it for him to leave that place of ultimate pleasure and delight in Hashem’s presence and descend all the way back down into this world to pick up the reward for that one small measure of matzah.

From the time each of us becomes a bar or bas mitzvah, we are the chosen members of Hashem’s special unit, His holy people. As we see from this story, every single mitzvah we do has infinite depth and power. As the Midrash (Mechilta Shmos 12:7) says, “If you get the opportunity to do a mitzva, do not let it become stale.” As members of Hashem’s elite team, we must not forego any opportunity to do any mitzvah because they are all precious beyond words. We must seek out our personal letter in Hashem’s Torah, our own unique role in Hashem’s special forces, and carry out that role with the knowledge of the infinite value for each of our mitzvos. May Hashem help us recognize our own unique path in His service and take advantage of every opportunity to sanctify His name in the way we live our lives.

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

Hitting Rock Bottom

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

We have just learned extensively about the subject of the death penalty in the Gemara. What follows is a concise recap of many of the relevant laws, focusing primarily on stoning based on the Rambam.

The Rambam says there are 18 aveiros that are eligible for sekilah, stoning. Listed among them are idolatry, sorcery, and the willful desecration of Shabbos. However, the punishment of stoning (or any of the other death penalties) was rarely meted out, because rarely have all the necessary factors been present.

A person whose life had led him down a rocky road decided to commit the aveirah of idolatry. For him to be convicted of this crime, witnesses would need to be present and actually see him commit the aveirah. Circumstantial evidence is not valid in Sanhedrin. The proverbial “smoking gun” isn’t enough.

Moreover, the witnesses cannot take for “granite” that the individual knows that what he is about to do is a sin. Perhaps he was living under a rock. They need to warn him that the action he is about to perform has a penalty of stoning, and if he carries through, his life will hit rock bottom. He has to acknowledge the warning and commit the offense anyway, within roughly four seconds of the warning. Anyone who is ultimately stoned must have been off his rocker, committing suicide by proxy. What occurred must be firmly cemented in the witnesses’ minds because they will be grilled on it.

The witnesses come to beis din. The judges must be tzaddikim themselves because people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Furthermore, they should understand many languages because it shouldn’t make a difference whether the witnesses are from the Rock of Gibraltar, Estonia, or The Rockaways. The judges should be able to understand

their testimony without using a translator. (There seems to be a dispute whether this is a requirement or a preference. The language used by the Rambam might indicate that it is only a preference.) If there was another sinner, he could not be tried simultaneously. We do not kill two birds with one stone.

The more prominent (or perhaps the “boulder”) of the witnesses testifies first as the 23 judges listen. He casts the first stone. The witnesses are thoroughly interrogated. No stone is left unturned. If their testimony is rock solid, then the next phase can begin. A straw poll is taken. If all the judges believe the accused is guilty, he is released! It is the bedrock of the Torah’s judicial system that the accused must be found guilty after due process. If no judge thinks he is innocent, then the deliberations might have just been perfunctory. Consequently, the accused cannot be convicted.

If there is at least one judge who believes the accused is guilty, deliberations can progress. The judges are not allowed to reach a conclusion that day, but they must sleep on it. The next day, the deliberations continue. A judge who initially ruled him innocent cannot rock the boat and change his position to guilty during the deliberations. Once a judge has given his initial determination of innocence, he must faithfully argue that position until the final tally is taken.

For a guilty verdict to be reached, there must be at least two more judges in the final tally who rule “guilty” than those who rule “innocent.” If the verdict is indeed guilty, the judges must be stone-cold and see the penalty carried out. If they did not, then they have violated a mitzvas aseih. (After the judges have pronounced their guilty verdict, they must not eat rock candy or otherwise partake in any gastronomic pleasures until the end of the day.)

At this point, they send the con -

demned man out of beis din. The place where the stoning would occur was not near beis din. One reason is to stonewall so that the condemned man could still plead his case along the way. In Jewish law, a guilty capital verdict is never set in stone. Beis din is always digging to hear new arguments until the end.

If, by some chance, their quarry escaped along the way, beis din is permitted to use any available method to kill him.

Stoning combines three elements. First, the man was pushed off a platform. If he didn’t die from the fall, a large boulder was thrown on him. If he was still alive at that point, he would be pelted with stones until he died. The Gemara says the third step was never necessary, as the first two were always sufficient.

The Gemara relates that the righteous women of Yerushalayim would bring the condemned man a cocktail containing levonah and “arak,” which perhaps was served on the rocks. This was to take the edge off before he fell off the platform. Alternatively, as Rabbi Becher of Gateways puts it, “This was so the condemned man should be stoned before he was stoned.” If the righteous women did not supply this drink, then beis din would supply it.

These executions were rarely carried out. Hopefully just the possibility of the ultimate punishment should be enough to deter sinners.

My Rebbe and father, shlita, related the following vort. The rarely invoked death penalty of sereifah was accomplished by forcing the condemned man to drink molten lead. This burned the inside of his body but left the outside intact. The Gemara says that since there are two possibilities for accomplishing sereifah—either by burning the man’s insides or his entire body—we

choose the former to fulfill the verse “Love thy neighbor.” We are obligated to choose for the condemned man the best possible death. At least in death, he will retain some dignity by having his body intact.

In 3213 (548 BCE), Sancheirev attacked Yehudah and laid siege to Yerushalayim. Chizkiyahu prayed to Hashem. In answer to his tefillos, an astounding miracle occurred; 185,000 of Sancheirev’s officers instantly perished together with their soldiers. The Gemara states that each of these officers led ten soldiers. In what way did they die? The Midrash says they died the same death that Nadav and Avihu did: fire came down from the heavens and burned their insides while leaving their bodies intact. Why were the bodies of the soldiers spared disgrace? It was a reward for the mitzvah that Shem performed when he covered his father Noach while Noach was exposed.

We can see from this example the great reward that Hashem gives us for every mitzvah we perform. Shem fulfilled a mitzvah that any loyal son would do to spare his father’s disgrace. It wasn’t a particularly difficult mitzvah, yet Hashem rewarded him by showing kindness to approximately two million of his descendants as a reward for that one brief action. How much more so will Hashem reward us for any mitzvah we fulfill, especially in the face of adversity and challenge! We should therefore strive to overcome all obstacles when performing mitzvos and not get burned out.

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

Forewarned is Forearmed It’s Gonna Be a Year of Massive Bitul Torah Nisyonos

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

Whether one is a Democrat or a Republican, everyone is in full agreement of one thing: It is not going to be a boring four years, with President Donald Trump at the helm. Every day someone will come over and say, “Did you hear what Trump just said?” or, “Did you hear what the President just did?” It seems that almost every hour, he has something up his sleeve.

In terms of bitul Torah , it is going to be a major challenge for a number of people.

And so, here are three suggestions as to how to rise to the challenge based upon the Sichos of Rav Shalom Meir Yungerman, a talmid of Rav Meir Chodosh and the founder of many institutions in Zichron Yaakov (see Mimeged Shamayim p.62).

Daven – the first step is tefillah. The Gemara (Niddah 70b), asks the question, “How do you become wise?” The answer given: study more and work less. The Gemara interjects: But many people tried this, and it didn’t work!

The Gemara answers that there’s something even more important: asking Hashem for help. As Shlomo HaMelech says in Mishlei 2:6, “Hashem gives wisdom, and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.”

The second important thing is accepting upon ourselves the ol Torah, the yoke of Torah. As we learn in Pirkei Avos (Chapter 3, Mishnah 5): “Whoever accepts the yoke of Torah will have removed from them the yoke of government and the yoke of worldly duties.” This means Hashem removes all the worries and distractions of everyday life so they won’t interfere with your learning.

In Bamidbar Rabbah and the Tanchuma on Parshas Chukas, they explain why the Torah was given in the midbar (desert). Just like a desert isn’t planted or worked, someone who accepts Torah’s

yoke will have their worldly burdens lifted from them.

The Chinuch Mitzvah 419 teaches:

“Anyone who does this will receive a bracha from Shomayim (Heaven). They’ll get help, their worldly troubles will become

is being very careful about bitul Torah (wasting time from Torah study) at night, which is considered more serious than wasting Torah study time during the day. We find this in the Gemara Eruvin (58a) where Reish Lakish says, “The moon was

The Gemara answers that there’s something even more important: asking Hashem for help.

ing during this time, “tikberei imei ” (his mother will bury him) – see Meseches Taanis (31a). Rashi explains this means they will die before their time.

Tosafos explains further that someone who doesn’t add night learning to their day learning “will be gathered in” (meaning their life will be shortened).

In Sanhedrin (92a), we find Rabbi Elazar teaches that any house where Torah isn’t heard at night will be consumed by fire, r”l.

Rav Yungerman, zt”l, was niftar some 13 years ago, but his writings are as nogaya and applicable as ever.

There is also another mehalech –which is not so advisable for people still in yeshiva but not a bad eitzah for those that are working. Our great Roshei Yeshiva and Mashgichim taught us to always look at all world events through Torah eyes. What relevant middos – good or bad – are there to learn from this? What Gemaras are totally appropriate here?

lighter, and the burden of dealing with other people will be removed. They’ll live b’simcha (with joy) in this world and benefit in Olam Haba (the World to Come). Happy is the ear that hears these words!”

Rav Chaim Volozhin writes in Nefesh HaChaim (Gate 4, Chapter 29): “According to how much someone truly accepts the yoke of Torah with all their strength, that’s how much their worldly troubles will be removed and extra protection will hover over them.”

The third segulah that will help us here

created only for girsa (Torah study).”

In Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim (Siman 238), we learn that the night was created specifically for learning Torah. Chazal were very strict about wasting Torah study time at night. We learn in Pirkei Avos (Chapter 3), “He used to say...and one who doesn’t add (to their learning) will be taken away.”

Rashi explains this refers to adding night learning to day learning from the 15th of Av onward. Rav Yosef adds that if someone doesn’t increase their learn-

Let’s look for the middah k’neged middah wherever we can find it. Rav Michel Yehudah Lefkowitz, zt”l, once said, “Why does the world run on middah k’neged middah, what goes around comes around?” Rav Michel Yehudah said, “It is a chessed Hashem!! Hashem does it so that we will know in what area we should do teshuvah! Hashem wants nothing more than our teshuvah – even that of an eino Yehudi. This thought can even help us increase our ahavas Hashem.

So here we have it. Two ways to deal with the bitul Torah challenge of four very exciting years of President Trump. Bracha v’hatzlacha! This article

School of Thought

Tel Aviv

By Barbara Deutsch

We took our first road trip to Tel Aviv this week; we have felt tied by magical strings to stay rooted in Yerushalayim. What started out as a carefree, fun day turned into something so much more.

It’s Israel, and it does not disappoint. Today, there is a group chat for everything. Chats help create community, share information and supply support. There are also some interesting byproducts that provide gossip and outlandish information that we can do without but somehow don’t.

In Jerusalem, a fan favorite group chat of ours is “Loving Life in Rechavia”; the chat and its programs are run by a remarkable visionary leader, Hagit Hoffman. Hagit, an Israeli Texan Social worker, plans every kind of opportunity to learn, explore, stimulate the mind, and enjoy life in Israel. With her, I have experienced the secrets of Nachlaot, celebrated Rosh Chodesh with interesting speakers and delicious food, and am in a group that is working on figuring out my second-generation Holocaust survivor childhood.

Hagit Hoffman has many exciting planned events on the horizon and has become one of the important people who are helping us figure out our aliyah.

Together, our motley group went to Tel Aviv. Close to the start time to meet in the early morning, Hagit posted in the chat that our designated van driver’s house had flooded, and he would not be able to take us.

“Should we go by train or add money to the original cost and hire a more expensive available driver?” she asked.

Mostly seniors, a few men and a handful of younger folk, we opted to pay the 35 shekel difference.

Crisis averted.

The Tel Aviv group gathered in front of the big heart outside the Wolfson complex. A beautiful brand-new fancy black van pulled up to the corner where most of us waited; a number had gotten the memo but interpreted the spot differently. Finally, we loaded onto the van scrambling for the front seats; many were disappointed.

People get carsick sitting in the back!

Traffic was light, the day dreary (first time in weeks that there was no sun), chilly (even in Tel Aviv) but not cold.

We don’t get 7-degree weather in Israel; can’t say that I miss being frozen and wet.

Our first stop was 1920s-era downtown Tel Aviv. The architecture reminded us of downtown Miami where Bauhaus and Eclectic Movement prevail. As like everywhere in Israel, construction abounds. Unlike Jerusalem, most of the charming street cafes are not kosher.

We were guided by Gabi Engel of the famous galleries. Gabi’s father, a talented Holocaust survivor, founded and built the chain. It was his business practice to share as much background information as he could about the artists.

Gabi escorted us through the wonderful history of this unique neighborhood with anecdotes from his childhood growing up in Israel. The simple 1920s Bauhaus homes not only reflected style but also a “back to nature” mindset. One story he told was about an early mayor, Meir Diezingoff (streets now named for him), who lived in a beautiful home (now a museum) right near the ocean.

It was Mayor Meir’s practice to ride his bike to the nearby shore, strip down to his birthday suit, warm up with yoga headstands and take an invigorating swim. The police commanded him to stop; swimming unclothed was against the law. Mayor Meir Dizengoff was warned, ticketed and ticketed again and again.

It’s Israel.

We visited the unique and beautiful Rubin Museum, housed in Israel’s most famous artist Reuben Rubin’s former home. I’d seen his work but knew nothing about him or his home. I was not alone. A new friend, Rebecca, is confident that she inadvertently gave away a piece of his work. His work is not Judaica. How many Is-

raeli portrait artists can you name? Did you know that until the turn of the 20th century, there were no Jewish portrait artists because no Jew was allowed into art school?

We were introduced to Rubin’s daughter-in-law and curator, Carmella; she manages the museum and his legacy. She talked about his life, his work and shared that his grandson is following in his talented footsteps.

We went to “outside the Carmel Shuk.” There, we met Chazan Shlomo Cohen, an 82-year-old barista who made us delicious coffee and entertained us with cantorial tefillot and opera from his Yemenite culture-driven past.

After a delicious lunch, a decision about time and venue had to be made. With so much to see and do on every street corner in Israel, there is never enough time. Do we go to the famous Tel Aviv Fashion Mall (most women like to shop) or pay our respects at Hostage Square? Traffic out of Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is infamous and long.

A vote was taken, and we were off to Hostage Square; the formerly-packedwith-people-from-around-the-world-andIsrael plaza is tired and mostly empty. The pictures of the hostages that line the walls are updated but dull and grimy. The oncebright and hopeful yellow ribbons, tattered.

The hostages are not home.

A young man stood off to the side crying and forlorn. Social worker Hagit, drawn by his obvious pain, approached him. He shared his story with her and some of the women.

“My name is Justin, and I am a former DJ. I overslept my shift at the Nova Festival. When I arrived at the massacre site, I helped collect 65 body bags filled with friends and relatives. My former wife and

children survived the carnage on the kibbutz in their safe room. My ex-wife’s extended family, who had come to celebrate my son’s bar mitzvah, did not.

“I don’t know why.”

Hagit invited him to her home for Shabbat and is hard at work marshaling her many resources to help him and his family. The group is currently planning the bar mitzvah that never happened.

A donor has already pledged tefillin and a tallit.

A very somber group boarded the bus home, thoughts of fashion and malls gone. We did stop at a gas station for the pit stop; we are seniors, after all.

The substitute bus driver, Yigal, sensing the tone shift after the Hostage Square encounter, added his bit of information. He, Yigal, was the driver who picked up Emily, Romy and Doran, the first to be rescued hostages, from the border and drove with them to Soroka Hospital.

Goosebumps. No mall, Hostage Square, and meeting Justin. Flooded house and new driver, and he is the one who brings the girls home.

On Shabbos, we welcomed home Naama, Daniella, Liri and Karina. It is so good to see your beautiful smiling faces. Today, any day, every day, bring them home.

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.

In Hostage Square

Unique art

Chazan Shlomo Cohen

Saving Lives as the World Fell Apart

By Gedaliah Borvick

This article is in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which was on January 27, 2025.

Streets in Jerusalem and Petach Tikvah bear the name of Paul Gruninger, a Swiss police officer who stood as a beacon of humanity during one of history’s darkest chapters. In 1938, Paul Gruninger chose to defy heartless government policies with acts of extraordinary bravery, saving thousands of Jewish lives as Europe descended into madness.

The rise of Adolf Hitler in 1933 marked the ascension of the Nazi Party’s antisemitic agenda. By 1938, after the Anschluss (Germany’s annexation of Austria), the persecution of German and Austrian Jews had escalated into brutal violence and relentless discrimination.

Chaim Weizmann, Israel’s first president, stated bitterly that the world in 1938 was divided into two camps: those who wanted to get rid of the Jews and those who refused to give them refuge. Switzerland fell firmly into the latter category. Despite its neutrality, the country enforced strict immigration policies during the lead-up to World War II, refusing refuge to many desperate Jews fleeing persecution.

Amid this apathy, Paul Gruninger, the police chief of St. Gallen near the Austrian border, took a brave stand. A kind soul who was previously a schoolteacher, Gruninger placed ethical values above his career and personal well-being and saved around 3,600 Jews from the Nazis by falsifying passport documents and granting them illegal entry into Switzerland. In addition, he used his own money to buy

winter clothes for needy refugees and also helped them find housing.

Paul Gruninger paid a steep price for having the moral courage to disobey explicit instructions of the Swiss government. He was dismissed from the police force, convicted of breach of duty, official misconduct and forgery, and served time in prison. Sadly, Gruninger was ostracized, stripped of his pension and benefits, and died in poverty in 1972.

Yet Gruninger remained unrepentant. In 1954, he reflected on his decisions with unwavering conviction:

“I am not ashamed of the court’s verdict. On the contrary, I am proud to have saved the lives of hundreds of oppressed people…. It was basically a question of saving human lives threatened with death. How could I then seriously consider bureaucratic schemes and calculations? Sure, I intentionally exceeded the limits of my authority and often with my own hands falsified documents and certificates, but it was done solely in order to afford persecuted people access into the country. My personal well-being, measured against the cruel fate of these thousands, was so insignificant and unimportant that I never even took it into consideration.”

When Paul Gruninger passed away in 1972, his good deeds were still not recognized by his homeland. It wasn’t until 1995 that a St. Gallen court posthumously cleared his name. The following year, Swiss officials apologized to his family, acknowledging their country’s restrictive refugee policy as one of the darkest moments in its history.

Despite the suffering he experienced

for decades, Gruninger’s legacy of courage and compassion endures. In 1971, Yad Vashem awarded him the Medal of Honor and recognized him as Righteous Among the Nations. Summing up his sacrifice, Yad Vashem stated: “Gruninger paid a high price for the choice he made. In the struggle between his sense of duty as a police officer and his dedication to the concepts of humanity, the latter triumphed.”

Paul Gruninger’s story reminds us that the courage to do what is right often demands great personal sacrifice. While we

pray never to face such harrowing choices, may Gruninger’s moral clarity and compassion inspire us to stand firm in the face of injustice and hatred.

Paul Gruninger in 1939

The Wandering Jew Trips and Outings with the Kids

Part I

By Hershel Lieber

We had traveled with our children many times over the years. I have written in length about some of our vacation trips previously. During the summer of 1981, we took the family south for a two-week trip, with Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, Virginia, as our destination. On the way back, we stopped in Silver Springs, Maryland, for Shabbos, and then continued on to Baltimore. Our next stop was in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to see the Amish Country followed by a couple days in the Poconos. In 1982, we headed north for our summer trip. We covered Mystic, Connecticut, and Newport, Rhode Island. Then we spent a few days and Shabbos in Boston, Massachusetts. The following week, we toured New Hampshire and Vermont.

There were many overnight and single day outings with our kids as well – too numerous to recount. Other trips were taken during Chol Hamoed; in 1986, to Delaware, and in 1988, to Baltimore, and a recent trip to Baltimore in 2022. Chavi and Mechel joined us a few times in Poland during the 1990s, when I went there to lecture at the Lauder Summer & Winter Retreats. Chavi and Mechel were with us in Amsterdam, Budapest, Vienna and Kishinev, and Mechel joined us in Prague and Stockholm. I recently wrote

two articles about the two-week family trip we took in 1984 to Los Angeles over Pesach. I wrote about these excursions over the past seven years. The current article will be devoted to other destinations that we traveled to with some of our children in no particular order.

West Orange, NJ – April 1987

On Chol Hamoed Pesach, we took our children for a visit to West Orange, NJ. West Orange, which is the home of the Edison Laboratory, does not sound like a very exciting place to visit, but it actually was an educational experience that we all enjoyed immensely. The Edison Labs were the home base where Thomas

Edison developed and experimented on his inventions. Edison was an ingenious inventor. The incandescent light bulb, the phonograph and the motion picture camera were only some of the most famous creations of his over 1,000 patented inventions. There was a lot to see there, and we all had a great time.

The Berkshire Mountains, MA

July 1987

During the summer of 1987, our older girls, Itty and Faigy, were in camp. We treated our daughter Chavi, 11, and Mechel, 4, to a two-night, three-day trip. We were in the Catskill Mountains for the summer, so we decided that since the

Berkshire Mountains were not that far, we would go there.

We left Wednesday morning and made our way to Stockbridge, MA. The town is very eclectic, with art galleries and stores specializing in crafted pottery, heirloom jewelry, and boutique clothing as well as a country store and a farmer’s market. The biggest attraction in this quaint town is the Norman Rockwell Museum. Rockwell was a famed American painter and book and magazine illustrator. His appeal came from his depiction of everyday life, many of which showed his keen sense of humor. He died in 1978 at the age of 84. His popularity continues to the present day since his themes are a source of nostalgia for every viewer. We spent a good long hour at the museum which highlights many of his 239 works that they own. The paintings are especially enjoyable to children, as they, too, can relate to the delightful themes.

The next day, we scheduled a visit to the Hancock Shaker Village. The Shakers were a religious sect which believed in communal living where all property was shared. They also did not believe in having children, so that the only way the community could grow was by attracting converts. Their avoidance of raising families eventually led to the demise of their

Mechel with me near the Round Barn at Shaker Village in the Berkshires, 1987

Hancock Shaker Village

movement. At their peak, in the 1840s, there were about 300 Shakers in this village. They dwindled down to a handful and sold the buildings in 1960. The remaining edifices are now part of a historic museum. The most famous of these are the 1826 Round Stone Barn and the 1830 Brick Building. By the way, they are called Shakers because they shake

and sway during their prayers. We really enjoyed the guided tour and had a picnic lunch on their grounds.

The next day was Friday, and we headed back to our bungalow colony but made one more stop in the town of Catskill, New York. The Catskill Game Farm was an iconic feature of the Catskill Mountains for over seventy years. It started as a petting zoo, but over the years they added exotic animals. When it closed in 2006, it had over 2,000 animals representing 150 species in an area of nearly 1,000 acres. They also bred animals for zoos worldwide. Our children were very excited about all the different activities they did there. There were animal shows featuring bears, elephants and miniature horses. The petting areas gave them the opportunity to feed and interact with barnyard animals close up. This was also a highlight of our mini vacation.

Gettysburg, PA – April 1998

By Pesach of 1998, our three daughters were already married, and Mechel, age 15, was the only child still at home. Our married children had plans for Chol Hamoed with their children, but we did not. We decided to go with Mechel on an overnight trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to learn about the historic battle and President Abraham Lincoln’s famous address to the soldiers of the Union Army. I love history, and Mechel inherited an appreciation as well. He reads a lot about American and world history with a special emphasis on Jewish historical events. I felt that both Pesi and Mechel as I would gain considerable firsthand knowledge from this trip – and we did!

On Tuesday, we went to visitors’ center where we studied an electric map depicting all the events of the Battle of Gettysburg. The pivotal battle, which took place from July 1-3, 1863, and which resulted in 51,000 casualties, was the turning point of the Civil War and ended the Confederacy’s aspiration of becoming a separate nation. The details of

this famous battle are very intricate, and over 65,000 books have been written on this subject. I invite my readers to read some of them to get a fuller perspective of this historic battle. Four months later, on November 19, the Soldiers National Cemetery was dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the war, both Union and Confederate. President Lincoln spoke at the ceremony and delivered what became one of the most famous speeches in U.S. history. It has only 275 words, but its impact is incredible. I remember having to memorize it in high school and still can recite excerpts of it to this very day.

From the visitors’ center, we went to the Cyclorama, a round edifice which housed a 360-degree painting encompassing the different events that comprised the Battle of Gettysburg. One walks slowly around the painting with a brochure presenting the events that are depicted in the painting. we really enjoyed the cyclorama, which is now housed in the visitors’ center. We then watched a slide show about the battle and visited the headquarters of General Robert E. Lee, who commanded the Confederate Army.

The next morning, we took a private guide who took us for a two-hour tour by car and by foot. We covered all the important areas associated with the different aspects of the battle and also visited the Soldiers National Cemetery. This tour was the highlight of our trip as it combined the information that we had garnered from the visitors’ center and the Cyclorama with an onsite visit to the

places which we had learned about. All in all, we had an informative and entertaining trip.

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.

Catskill Game Farm performance, 1987

Catskill Game Farm, 1987

“Doe a deer, a baby deer” with Mechel at the Catskill Game Farm, 1987

Gettysburg street scene, 1998

“Runaway” by Norman Rockwell

“Happy Birthday, Miss Jones” by Norman Rockwell

Mechel at the Cyclorama in Gettysburg, 1998

Rabbi Adi Isaacs

Connecting Jewish Youth to Their Land, Their Heritage, and to Their People

By Eliyahu RosEnBERg

Atrip to Israel could last a few days, weeks, or months. But beyond that, the experience could leave an impression that lasts a lifetime.

We’ve all heard stories of those who came to Israel as wandering spirits and left as proud Jews. There’s an undeniable magic to Eretz Yisrael—a special quality responsible for spiritually awakening thousands of baalei teshuvos

The Holy Land’s supernatural power to be mekarev non-religious Jews was perhaps best encapsulated by a study conducted some time ago.

Fifteen years ago, MASA published a study on the transformative effects of spending time in Israel. The organization, which empowers Jewish students to travel to Eretz Yisrael, found that spending three or more months in the land is a life-changing experience for most Jewish college students. That means that a trip that lasts for days or weeks could be powerful, but the impact of a three-month stay would be unbelievable.

The study caught the attention of many kiruv professionals around the world, including Rabbi Adi Isaacs, who has spearheaded several projects in light of the research. Born from the study was a question. Rabbi Isaacs pondered, “How do we encourage Jewish college students to spend three months in Israel?” Then, born from that question was an idea that changed the kiruv world.

He was headed for UCLA Dental School. But when Rabbi Adi Isaacs married his wife, the young couple decided to spend the first year of their marriage in Israel. Thus, he deferred his dental ambitions for a little while and spent the year learning

in a kollel in Eretz Yisrael.

“During my last years in Yeshiva University, I enjoyed doing outreach work,” shares Rabbi Isaacs. “When I was in New York, before I moved to Eretz Yisrael, I started a program through the OU that we called Friday Night Lights. We went to smaller communities in Long Island that had a very large Reform or Conservative community and a very small Orthodox shul. We would go and unite the entire neighborhood for Shabbos, have one big Shabbos meal in the Orthodox shul, and everybody would come.”

While in Israel, his passion for kiruv grew stronger. Rabbi Isaacs and his wife joined the Birthright organization, hosting Shabbos meals and Kotel trips for non-religious participants. Eventually, after a year or two of learning and doing kiruv work, Rabbi Isaacs’ dream of going to dental school faded away. He discovered he much preferred working as a kiruv rabbi than as a dentist.

“We felt we could take a chance and try to do something innovative that nobody else was doing,” Rabbi Isaacs recounts. “I looked at some research studies. One was produced by an organization in Israel called

MASA, which gives funding to most gap year programs in Israel. They put out a study that said that when college students come to Israel for over three months, it makes the greatest impression on their lives forever.”

Thus, Rabbi Isaacs brainstormed ways of inspiring Jewish students to spend three months in Israel. During his research, he stumbled upon the concept of colleges offering their students a semester abroad. That means that, for example, a student from New York could spend a semester studying in Hong Kong or Australia and receive college credits all the while. And just the same, a student attending a U.S. college could spend a semester in Israel and lose no time or credits while doing so.

“Ultimately, through the study, I reached out to Hebrew University, a prestigious college in Yerushalayim, which is ranked in the top 70 colleges worldwide,”

80 new Jewish student leaders, ready to deploy to secular campuses across the U.S.

Rabbi Isaacs explains. “I went to them, and I said, ‘You have a semester abroad program. You have accreditation from Harvard, Columbia, Yale, UCLA, etc., and you’re trying to recruit kids. I’d love to partner with you. I’m going to build a really strong Israel and Jewish experience for kids who come for five months. They won’t just come for classes; they’ll learn about Israeli politics, kibbutzim, and the army and also about the yamim tovim and have a Jewish experience.’

“Long story short, they trusted me, and we developed a very strong relationship.”

From there, Rabbi Isaacs founded a program called Thrive, which today is generously supported by the Seven Schwartz Brothers Leadership Trust. The mission of the organization, which is partnered with Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University, is to recruit college campus Jewish students to spend a semester abroad in Israel and provide them with an enriching Jewish and Israel experience while they study at one of those two colleges.

“I would go speak at different colleges around the United States to recruit Jewish kids,” shares Rabbi Isaacs. “And basically, the pitch was as follows: You could always go on vacation anywhere at any time. Vacation is a three-day experience. But if you have one time to study abroad—which basically means you have one time to call somewhere else your home—wouldn’t it be amazing to be able to tell your parents, your grandparents, and your future kids that you lived in Israel? And therefore, with everything that you see in the news and everything that’s going on—you were actually a part of it. You weren’t just a visitor. You actually lived it.”

In conjunction with Rothberg International School of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rabbi Isaacs, who runs Jewish Life on campus, helped to spearhead a full, three-year degree program for English speaking students. The program, which started this year, allows students to get a full college degree in Israel at a fraction of the price of most colleges in the United States. Additionally, the program, set in Yerushalayim at one of the most prestigious colleges in the world, is

in English and allows students to continue learning in Beis Medrash while pursuing their degree.

The Thrive program has seen remarkable success. Most students stay in Israel for a semester and then come back to the U.S. to finish up college. But then, a whopping 15% to 20% of Thrive alumni wind up returning to Eretz Yisrael to go to yeshiva or to make aliyah.

At its peak, Thrive recruited upwards of 400 students a year. But unfortunately, since October 7, most U.S. colleges have paused their Israel semester abroad programs out of an abundance of caution. Even though

Although the events of October 7 had initially impacted the university’s decisions to allow students to come to Israel, more and more Jewish college students have been awakened to a new level of Jewish consciousness. Many were horrified to find their classmates—their friends—on the side of Hamas after the massacre. And for others, October 7 was a spiritual wake-up call. Today, many students are joining a movement of those considering Israel as the ideal destination to study abroad or earn their full degree.

“With small actions and interactions with other people, you can really change people’s lives forever.”

Thrive is a program that shows Jewish college students the beauty of Judaism through a semester abroad in Israel. In 2021, together with the Seven Schwartz Brothers Leadership Trust, Rabbi Adi Isaacs created another program—one meant to transform Modern Orthodox gap-year students into empowered campus ambassadors for the Jewish people and Israel.

The organization, which is called the Nitzavim Fellowship, engages, educates, and empowers gap year students in Israel to become leaders on campus by giving them the tools they need to locate and encourage other Jewish students on campus to engage in Jewish life on campus.

most of Israel is safe to travel to, universities don’t want to send their students to what they perceive as a war zone, so as to not risk endangering their students’ lives.

“Studying abroad in Israel is definitely on hold right now,” explains Rabbi Isaacs. “Due to the war, between Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University, we only have 40 study abroad students now. But study abroad is poised to explode, as multiple universities have already announced in the last week that study abroad in Israel will be open to students for the coming fall semester. In the meantime, we have expanded to work with students at Olami Herzliyah, in addition to Tel Aviv University and Hebrew University, totaling over 600 students in the last semester alone!”

Tragically, a large chunk of Orthodox Jewish students who attend college campuses get lost in the wild sea of college life. Many religious kids have a difficult time staying religious while immersed in a highly social, non-Jewish environment, living in dorms far away from their families and Jewish communities. While many secular colleges are compatible with frum living, some universities, with their party culture and emphasis on social life, aren’t really.

And that’s where Nitzavim comes in.

“The idea of Nitzavim is to take a group of Modern Orthodox students and educate them about everything going on in Israel and everything going on on college campuses,” explains Rabbi Isaacs. “They live their life in a bubble, essentially. And then they go off to secular colleges. The question is, ‘Can we empower them to be leaders, to stand up, and reach out to other Jews in

Rabbi Isaacs welcoming Rabbi Yitzchak Berkowitz

University of Maryland students winning $5K for the most innovative campus outreach idea

their classes and clubs, to get more Jews into different Jewish clubs like the Olamis, the Hillels, and the Chabads?’ The idea is to teach them that the Jewish people need them more than ever. If they are willing to go a little bit out of their comfort zone, they can make a difference in a way that no rabbi on campus can.”

The yeshiva and seminary students learning in Israel who are set to attend secular colleges in North America and beyond sign up for a three-credit Nitzavim Fellowship at Hebrew University that takes place on Fridays on campus.

Through its seminars, the fellowship teaches students how to combat antisemitism and speak up for Israel, including through public speaking and social media. They work in groups of four to six students to create a social startup with a mission statement, financial analysis, a vision statement – all geared toward helping expand Jewish life on campus. At the end of the year, Nitzavim hosts a Shark Tank-esque competition wherein students come up with ideas on how to promote Jewish life on campus. If the idea works, Nitzavim helps facilitate funding for the project.

Nitzavim is currently funding a few student-run projects.

“One project is called Terrapin Tisch (after the University of MD mascot). They’ve gotten over 300 people who have never been involved in any Jewish groups before to come. It’s on Thursday night, and the Jewish students sing, make cholent, and meet each other,” shares Rabbi Isaacs. “Another project that they’re launching is a newspaper at Binghamton University called the Campus Scroll .” Campus Scroll is a student-led, Jewish focused newspaper for Jewish students, by Jewish students that is launching this coming month, with plans to expand to other campuses in the near future.

Several projects are in the works, including Soup for the Soul, where students who feel homesick can sign up to receive a warm visit and comforting food from fellow Jewish students; the Bar Mitzvah Project, for students who never celebrated a bar or bat mitz-

vah; a student-led challah bake; and Beyond The Beis, which pairs students from different campuses to maintain a chavrusa learning session.”

During the fellowship, the program pairs students with business mentors to help in the project-creation process. The point of these initiatives is to build strong Jewish communities on campus—to foster togetherness and fight isolation. By creating a Jewish presence at these universities, Nitzavim combats assimilation

“If they are willing to go a little bit out of their comfort zone, they can make a difference in a way that no rabbi on campus can.”

and antisemitism and makes college a safer experience for everyone.

“Yes, we want people to come to Israel and change themselves, but with small actions and interactions with other people, you can really change people’s lives forever,” declares Rabbi Isaacs. “And that’s what the Nitzavim Fellowship is all about: creating leaders.”

Rabbi Isaacs recounts a story about one of the students he’s in touch with.

“After Rosh Hashana, we sent out a group message to our students about how to hang up a mezuzah in their dorm rooms,” he relates. This girl hadn’t yet hung up a mezuzah; she felt uncomfortable with the concept of outreach. But the message hit home after

October 7, and so, she wanted to hang up a mezuzah. As she was banging it into the wall, she saw two students watching what she was doing. It made her nervous, but she turned to them and asked them, “Are you Jewish?”

When they answered affirmatively, she explained to them what she was doing and gave them a mezuzah to hang on their door. The next week, on her way to Hillel, she knocked on their door and invited them to dinner.

“Now, those two girls, plus three of their friends, started coming every single week to the Shabbos meal.

“It’s that one small story that makes it hit home for me as the whole reason I wanted to create this program. If you have people who are in these college campuses, they’re naturally going to meet other Jews. If they just learn and have confidence to go a little bit out of their comfort zone, they could be mashpia and change people’s lives in ways that no rabbi or no rebbetzin ever can,” Rabbi Isaacs shares.

With the generous support of the Seven Schwartz Brothers Leadership Trust, Rabbi Adi Isaacs and his team, through Thrive, Nitzavim, and his other projects, have touched the lives of more people than he could count.

He adds, “I want to give a big shoutout to our incredible staff, who continue to work tirelessly to give all of our students a great experience. Through our various programs, we have expanded significantly in the past few years, and we’re poised to grow even more. The impact we’re continuing to have is tremendous.”

And he feels blessed to be able to often see the fruits of his labor. To date, Rabbi Isaacs has been mesader kiddushin at over ten alumni chasunahs. He’s aware of about 30 people a year who become frum through the various programs.

Rabbi Isaacs says, “People have bumped into me in the street and said, ‘I was at your class once, and it changed my life.’ When you see that, everything else is icing on the cake. At the end of the day, you never know when it comes to kiruv. But ultimately, the ultimate Mekarev is HaKadosh Baruch Hu. We’re just a keili.”

Students framing campus outreach projects for Fall '25

Rabbi Eytan Feiner visiting the Jewish Year Abroad office with Rabbi Isaacs and Gavriel Sanders

Nation

Miriam Ezagui

Shlichus and Social

Media

By Eliyahu RosEnBERg

“Hi, my name is Miriam. I’m an Orthodox Jew, and I share what my life is like.”

That catchphrase basically tells you all you need to know about Miriam Ezagui, a mother, nurse, and content creator with over two million followers on social media.

In other words, Miriam’s not your typical vlogger.

Whereas most “influencers” post videos in pursuit of fame or fortune, Miriam shares glimpses of her life with just one goal in mind: to show the world how beautiful Judaism is. Yes, her videos are fun to watch. But beneath the layers of entertainment and charm, her content is, plain and simple, made

In Her Words…

to educate and inspire Jews and nonJews alike.

Miriam’s social media career kicked off just three short years ago. In the beginning, she couldn’t imagine millions of people watching her videos. And yet, today, she’s almost desensitized to her unbelievable view counts. As Miriam puts it, “Realizing that those numbers correlate to actual people watching me is sometimes surreal.” But what’s even more unbelievable are the moments when Miriam realizes that her content, beyond making people smile, can also change lives.

“We’re Chabad. A shliach came up to me one time and she said, ‘I know your videos go out to millions of people, but

What’s important is a person’s relationship with hashem; not a person’s relationship with the way other people perceive them.

one of the beauties of Judaism is that it encourages people to find their own relationship with hashem.

Judaism encourages people to develop their own personal relationship with g-d and to question what we are doing, not to just do things by rote because we’re told to.

I want to tell you one situation where your video impacted a little boy in my community,’” Miriam recounts. “I did a video of my children’s bedtime routine. And one of the things that they do is they set up negal vasser by their bed every night. And she said that this little boy in her community—I think he was six or seven years old—never washed negal vasser before. She said, ‘But because he saw your video, he decided to now wash negal vasser by his bed every day.’ So, that was like, wow.”

It’s those sorts of moments that make Miriam Ezagui realize that she isn’t just a social media star. Rather, she’s much more than that. In a way, she’s a shliach , a messenger of Hashem tasked with using the internet to spread Torah and make a kiddush Hashem

* * *

For the first nine years of Miriam’s life, she and her family weren’t religious. After their local Chabad in Maryland showed them the beauty of Judaism, her family adopted a Torah lifestyle.

“I started going to Jewish day school from sixth grade and on, and that was my introduction to the frum lifestyle,” Miriam recalls. “A lot of times people ask me if my family is religious, because in a lot of families, not everyone is at the same level of observance. One of the beauties of Judaism is that it encourages people to find their own relationship with Hashem. There are members of my family who aren’t as religious as myself

or the way I’m raising my children. Originally, everyone became frum, but not everybody stayed at that level. And when I started sharing on social media, there were members of my family who started to become more religious again when they saw the impact that I was having on the world.”

One of Miriam’s most likable traits is her authenticity. She’s the same person in front of the camera as she is in real life. Her videos are also, for the most part, real; most are filmed at the spur of the moment, and few are heavily scripted or even planned.

“The biggest compliment I’ve ever received from people is, ‘Wow, you’re exactly how you are on camera.’ That’s the biggest compliment to me because I’m not trying to put on a show. This is who I am,” Miriam explains. “And while this has been life-changing, I like to maintain that it hasn’t changed who I am as a person. This morning, I was still getting my kids up for school and doing the morning routine, cooking dinner for them, and doing potty training at home.”

Miriam lives a very ordinary lifestyle, considering she has over two million followers. She’s a wife and mother. She and her husband Aron have five adorable children (who often steal the show in her videos). And she also works as a labor and delivery nurse. Miriam doesn’t act like a celebrity. She acts like a normal person. And that’s what makes her videos so relatable and charming.

“When I first started sharing, my

husband wasn’t comfortable with it because he’s not comfortable with social media in general. But as my audience started to grow, and he saw the engagement and the actual positive effects that it was having on people in real life, it gave him the chizuk to be supportive of this journey,” Miriam shares.

“And he’s gotten a little bit more comfortable jumping into videos. He will come in every once in a while, and he has his own little segment on his Costco hauls, which I think are the silliest thing ever!” Miriam adds, chuckling. “And I’m like, ‘No one’s going to watch this,’ and then they get millions of views! He’s also really funny on camera. He’s got a bunch of dad jokes and ways of expressing himself… People love to see my husband on camera. He doesn’t show up all the time, but when he does, he’s quite a character himself.”

Miriam’s videos cover nearly every topic under the sun. In one video, she’ll answer her non-Jewish viewers’ questions about Judaism. In another video, she’ll be cooking. And another video might be a day in her life. But the point of all her content is to demystify Orthodox Judaism and the frum lifestyle in an effort to combat misinformation-driven antisemitism.

Miriam, whose target audience is non-Jews, believes that a lot of antisemitism comes from misinformation and misunderstanding, as opposed to genuine hatred. In fact, her desire to fight antisemitism in a “loving and approachable way” was what drove her in the first place to post about her life on social media.

“A lot of times, I’ll have medical professionals come and tell me how my videos have helped them treat and care

for their Jewish patients in a better way because they have a deeper understanding,” Miriam shares. “And to flip that: a lot of times Jewish people will come back to me and say, ‘I was in the hospital, and I was being cared for by this nurse, and she said she knew so much about Judaism because she watched your videos.’ And they tell me this because being sick and in the hospital is oftentimes a vulnerable moment for a lot of people; it’s scary and out of their comfort zone. And it’s very helpful to have somebody who’s just a little bit more sensitive to your way of life. Somebody was telling me that the nurse knew all about kosher and how to help them navigate eating kosher in the hospital setting. It’s making an impact on real people in the real world.”

Unfortunately, some non-Jews form opinions about the Jewish people based on inaccurate television or media depictions. Jewish stereotypes and misconceptions are sadly just as dangerous as they are common.

For example, as Miriam points out, the media sometimes portrays Orthodox Jewish women as “meek and behind the scenes,” which couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, she says, “women are usually the stronghold, the foundation of the home.”

And the same applies to all sorts of misconceptions. Miriam leaves her viewers with clarity and an appreciation for the Jewish people.

But of course, she can’t win every battle against antisemitism. After all, some people, misinformed or not, genuinely hate our nation.

Unfortunately, some people have nothing better to do with their lives than to spam hateful comments on so -

cial media comment sections. Comfortable because of their anonymity, with no name or picture, some people just love to vocalize their hatred for others.

Every content creator has to contend with such posts, but Miriam Ezagui, as an openly Jewish woman online, no doubt has it much worse. Even before October 7, antisemites would often bombard Miriam with sickening comments. And the hate has just been magnified since the massacre.

“People telling me to ‘go into the oven,’ ‘Hitler was right,’ the ‘free Palestine’ comments—which, when I am posting a video that has nothing to do with Israel, and it’s a video of my kids’ bedtime routine, and they’re saying ‘Free Palestine’—that is done with hateful intentions,” explains Miriam. “I always try to focus on the positive, and that’s what I try to bring to my platform. So, you know, some people like to respond to the negativity. I like to try to ignore it because it is so much smaller than what my voice actually is. So, if I bring attention to it, it magnifies that voice. Now, I do like to educate about antisemitism. And I try to do it in a positive way, but sometimes I need to highlight that these horrible comments exist. So, I do it sparingly because I don’t want to give it a voice and platform, but at the same time, I’m doing it in a way that is educational so that people see that the hate exists.”

Sometimes, Miriam posts videos of her grandmother sharing her firsthand experiences and memories of her time in the concentration camps, thus providing her viewers with Holocaust education. But all in all, 90% of the time, Miriam’s videos are focused on the positive. For the other 10% of the time, she’s

teaching her viewers that antisemitism is a real issue that Jews constantly deal with.

* * *

Miriam’s videos help her non-Jewish followers understand and appreciate the Jewish people’s religion and culture. And for Miriam’s Jewish viewers, her content is inspirational and encourages every Jew to connect with Hashem in their own personal way.

“There’s definitely a lot of societal pressure to maintain a certain persona or to act a certain way, like you have to fit into a box. But people don’t always fit into boxes. I’ll give you an example. I love the mitzvah of keeping tzinius. But for another person, maybe that’s something that they struggle with. But just because they struggle with keeping tzinius, it doesn’t mean that they can’t do all the other mitzvos that they love and connect to,” shares Miriam. “I find that a lot of times, people feel like it’s all or nothing; that you have to do absolutely everything or just throw it all away. And it’s not like that. It’s so normal and okay to be like, ‘Okay, this one area is hard for me, but so many other things I love and enjoy and connect to.’

“What’s important is a person’s relationship with Hashem; not a person’s relationship with the way other people perceive them.”

Social media often gets a bad rap— and for good reason. But like every tool, it could be used for the good or for the bad. And quite frankly, Miriam Ezagui’s righteous use of online platforms—to share the beauty of Yiddishkeit with the world—could possibly justify social media’s very existence.

Bringing Anne Fr A nk’s Secret Annex to n ew York, A nd the w orld

By Laurel Graeber

The children seem like typical kindergartners: Some beam at the camera; some glance coyly aside; others appear lost in reverie. One slim, dark-haired girl in a pale dress looks precociously serious.

She is Anne Frank, and this classroom photograph, taken at a Montessori school in Amsterdam in 1935, appears twice in “Anne Frank the Exhibition,” a 7,500-square-foot multimedia installation that opens on Monday — International Holocaust Remembrance Day — for a three-month stay at the Center for Jewish History in New York before traveling to other cities.

Visitors first see the picture in one of the exhibition’s introductory rooms, before they walk through the show’s core: the first full-scale re-creation of the secret annex that was the Amsterdam hiding place of eight Jews, including the Frank family, from July 1942 to August 1944. In those cramped, cloistered spaces, Anne wrote her famous diary.

When viewers encounter the kindergarten photograph again, this time as an animation, it deliv-

ers a gutting blow: As an audio track reveals their names, their ages at death and the places where they were killed, 10 of the classroom’s Jewish children, one by one, turn into black silhouettes and disappear from the picture, their images erased as swiftly and summarily as the Nazis ended their lives.

Appearing after the annex, this animation introduces “a very personal, intimate, heartbreaking element of schoolchildren who were murdered for no other reason than the fact that they were Jewish,” Ronald Leopold, executive director of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, said as he walked amid cables and boxes during the New York show’s construction.

Created by the Anne Frank House and presented in partnership with the Center for Jewish History, the entire installation aims to examine Anne Frank’s life — and death — with a scope not often found in other treatments of this chapter in history. And while Leopold said the current political climate did not inspire the exhibition, it opens when antisemitism is rising in the United States and abroad, and

when American popular culture has been turning to visual mediums to resurrect the memory of the Holocaust: fact-inspired dramas like the television miniseries “We Were the Lucky Ones” and the movie “The Survivor” and award-winning recent fictional films like “The Brutalist” and “A Real Pain.”

“Anne Frank the Exhibition” is the answer of the Anne Frank House to “how this history, how this memory will go into the 21st century,” Leopold said.

Following a chronological path, the installation traces Anne and her family from the 1920s in Frankfurt, Germany, through their flight to Amsterdam. It is only after exploring this early history that visitors encounter the reconstructed annex: five shadowy rooms whose exact dimensions and details the exhibition team has copied from their original location in the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, down to the covered windows and bits of peeling wallpaper.

The show goes on to chronicle the return from Auschwitz of Otto Frank, Anne’s father and the sole survivor among the eight hidden Jews. Visitors discover how Otto learned the fates of his wife and two

A photo of Anne Frank in a Montessori school

daughters and how he pursued the publication of Anne’s diary: 79 editions in different languages are on display, along with memorabilia from the theatrical and film adaptations. He also secured the preservation of the annex in Amsterdam, now a museum space that admits some 1.2 million visitors annually.

“We all know that the diary is about the two years in hiding,” Tom Brink, the head of collections and presentations at the Amsterdam house and the traveling exhibition’s curator, said in an interview. “But of course, the story is much bigger than that. It starts earlier, it ends later, and that entire story and entire journey deserves to be told.”

Working with Eric Goossens, the exhibition’s designer, Brink confronted the challenge of relating that history more than 3,600 miles away from the real annex, tucked into the back of the canal-side house where Otto Frank ran his business. In Amsterdam, the annex is completely empty except for some material on the walls, including Anne’s pictures of movie stars and artworks.

Otto Frank requested that the spaces, plundered by the Nazis, remain vacant, their barrenness attesting to profound loss. But using his and others’ accounts, the New York exhibition’s team has filled each annex room with furniture and possessions, including books and a board game retrieved from the original space.

“Otherwise, it would just be four walls,” Brink said. “In Amsterdam, it’s just four walls, but it’s more than just four walls. It’s the fact that you’re in the actual place. That is not the case here.”

The re-creation, however, may lead to controversy. Novelist and essayist Dara Horn, for instance, has asserted that any Anne Frank exhibition inevitably cheapens and commercializes the girl’s memory, turning her into a symbol of easy uplift.

Agnes Mueller, a professor and a fellow in Jewish Studies at the University of South Carolina and a fellow at the American Academy in Berlin, has similar concerns. “My instinct says that when Otto Frank wanted the annex to be empty in the original Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, he was worried about that kind of commercialization and universalization of the persona of Anne Frank, and so he actually emphasized absence as a way to represent that which is not representable,” she said in a video interview. The sight of an annex room filled with homey touches, she added, “might induce us to feel way too good about things that we should not feel good about.”

Many items in the recreated annex, however, are wrenching, as they reveal its occupants’ expectations for an unrealized future. Anne Frank, 13 when she went into hiding, took her diary — a facsimile is here; the original remains in Amsterdam — and Peter van Pels, the teenage boy who briefly won her heart, took his cat (a model of the pet carrier is in the reconstructed spaces) and his bicycle (also a reproduction). In his parents’ room, his mother, Auguste, hung a festive black dress, an original artifact

never before displayed and now in the show.

Mueller acknowledged that an annex filled with artifacts would probably have far more impact on young viewers than empty spaces. Since the exhibition, which she has not seen, is intended to bring Holocaust history to future generations — more than 250 school tours have already been booked — it could lead “toward a better understanding of what the Holocaust might have been,” she said. (American knowledge of those events is poor; one 2020 survey of millennials and members of Generation Z revealed that almost half could not name a single concentration camp or Nazi-era Jewish ghetto.)

The show does not neglect the horror. Although a smiling photo of Anne is at the entrance, the exhibition’s audio guide — included with tickets — begins by giving away the story’s unhappy ending: The Nazis discovered the annex’s occupants and arrested them.

Containing more than 100 original artifacts, the installation features quotations from the Franks, along with objects from their personal histories: furniture, friendship albums, correspondence, a Torah. The display rooms chronicle the political climate of the 1920s and ’30s. A blown-up image of a 1938 Nazi rally appears repeatedly on the walls, its cheering participants teenage girls no older than Anne and her sister, Margot.

dergarten photograph undergoes its repeated transformation.

“The immersive element in this exhibition is very much to bring people back in time and in place,” Leopold said, especially young visitors.

To draw that audience, the exhibition, a nonprofit venture whose revenues support the missions of its two presenting partners, offers $16 tickets for weekday visits by those under 18. Providing curriculum materials to classes, it also grants free admission not only to New York City public-school field trips, but also to those from schools nationwide receiving federal (Title 1) funding.

“The intention is 250,000 students moving through the exhibition,” said Michael S. Glickman, the founder of jMUSE, an arts and culture consulting group, and an adviser to the show. Through online resources, he added, “our expectation is that we will be able to support another half a million students in their classrooms.”

Another introductory room recreates the atmosphere of Amsterdam in 1940-42. On a continuous loop, a montage of film and photos covers the walls, interspersing scenes of family life with images including roundups of Jews, deportation trains and anti-Jewish regulations that “kept coming and kept coming,” Brink said.

The annex is behind a reproduction of the bookcase that covered its entry. After leaving the reconstructed hiding place, visitors walk onto an illuminated glass floor covering a full map of Europe, with the site of every death camp or mass killing of Jews marked by a small flag. One wall has an aerial view of Bergen-Belsen, where Anne and Margot died in February 1945 — only a few months before Germany surrendered; other panels display photographs of roundups, camp prisoners, Nazi shootings, the Warsaw ghetto. At the end of this gallery, the kin-

Public programs will also offer adults additional perspectives on Anne Frank, whether it’s “the debates about the play from 1955, or the film of ’59, or any number of other present-day political debates about her legacy,” said Gavriel Rosenfeld, president of the Center for Jewish History. Author Ruth Franklin (“The Many Lives of Anne Frank”) will be interviewed at the center Tuesday evening, and novelist Alice Hoffman (“When We Flew Away”) will appear on Feb. 9. The center will also host a film series. (An extension of the show in New York is being considered; more venues will be announced in the spring.)

The mission is to sustain the memory of those 10 kindergarten classmates and the 1.5 million other Jewish children whose lives the Holocaust erased. Leopold said he hoped the show would inspire engagement as well as reflection.

“If this exhibition is doing anything, it’s not just teaching history,” he said. “It is also teaching about ourselves.”

“Anne Frank the Exhibition”: Jan. 27-April 30, Center for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th St., Manhattan; 212-294-8301, annefrankexhibit.org.

© The New York Times

A reproduction of Anne Frank's room Photo by Yael Malka-NYT

Dating Dialogue What Would You Do If…

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

I am 32 years old, and I’ve been going out with a really nice girl (I will call her Sara) for the past two months. Things are really progressing nicely on many different fronts. We have common goals, religious levels, and personality traits, and I really feel like we get each other. Recently, we started talking about child-raising, and I’m really not so sure this is what

I want to proceed with anymore. I’m learning more about how she was raised and how she wants to raise her children. Sarah was basically raised by her nanny. It kind of makes sense now because she doesn’t have a very close relationship with her mother.

Putting the pieces together, I sense a broad shift between my upbringing and Sarah’s. She’s very clear that she wants the kind of upbringing that she herself had, full-time, live-in nanny, going back to work soon after having a baby, etc. While I am very respectful of everyone’s personal choices, I know this is not the way I want my family dynamic to be. Before ending it completely, I just wanted to write into the panel to hear your perspectives on the issue. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question!

Ben*

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. Iagree with you, Ben. Your values are not aligned. The primacy of family building in Torah life makes your values different. It seems that Sara doesn’t understand that relationships and parenting need focus and attention. While I am not discounting the self-development and fulfillment that a career offers, it seems she has not processed that a family needs nurturing. A person who was not raised with parents who were very present and focused can absorb and learn these skills from other sources – family, neighbors, mentors, and education if she “gets it.” However, it doesn’t seem like she has. It’s not a matter of her wanting to work full-time while raising a family. It sounds like you perceive that she doesn’t get what raising a family is all about. If that is the case, I would end it respectfully.

The Shadchan

Michelle Mond

My take on your conundrum may not be popular, but hear me out. There are some intricate details that come out through the process of dating that we could not possibly have known earlier. Child-raising is one of those topics that are reserved for discussing once things solidify in the relationship. You know the basics are aligned, you know that you are attracted, there is chemistry; you see your-

self marrying this person. It is at this junction in the relationship where you start to delve deeper and talk about all the serious and more vulnerable topics.

When delving into these hard discussions it is crucial for both sides to keep the following point in mind: We are both two people from two different worlds, with completely different upbringings and experiences. There WILL be stark differences in your perspectives on some hot topics. When you discuss these topics, you will also be able to recognize what the person is committed to and what they will be flexible about.

In your discussions with Sara, it is clear that she is not flexible about this specific lifestyle goal. You do not see yourself having a foreign woman, a live-in nanny, as a committed fixture in your home. You are not belittling the fact that she would like to go back to work after having a baby and are not opposing a babysitter situation (as far as I can tell from your letter). This issue is about having another person living with your family, traveling with your family, taking care of the kids and the home which inevitably will be a huge change to the family dynamic that you are familiar with.

So, the main question now is: how does one differentiate what is a dealbreaker from what is not? You must ask yourself, “Will I be able to respect a spouse who is headstrong about this specific thing?” and “Can I physically live with this thing?”

In every relationship, there are things you will have to be flexible about. After all, this is a normal thing when two people come from two different worlds. If, however, as much as you try, you simply cannot

imagine living with a live-in nanny in your home, Sarah must not be the right one for you. Will Sarah’s maternal instincts kick in when she has a baby, causing her to change her mind on the topic? Maybe. While this might be true, it is a dangerous gamble to bet on when she has been so utterly adamant on a topic which you simply do not agree with or respect.

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

You have been dating for a while and may have finally found the “right” girl. Don’t be too hasty about ending this promising relationship!

Let’s try to understand what makes this particular girl so attractive to you. Your girlfriend’s identity has been shaped by many factors – genetics, upbringing, education, aspirations, and experiences.

How does one differentiate what is a dealbreaker from what is not?

Despite your concerns, it’s important to recognize that your girlfriend’s career focus and her upbringing, which included a nanny, are integral parts of who she is. All of these elements have shaped her into the person you find so appealing. Clearly, the idea of having a live-in nanny worries you. But it’s important to recognize that both you and your girlfriend turned out well despite having had different upbringings. Your children will benefit when the two of you incorporate

the best of your individual backgrounds and experiences into the marriage.

Please accept that for many educated and ambitious women today, having a nanny enables them to successfully balance their career and their family life. They are more interesting, worldly, and capable life partners because of their work outside of the home.

Please understand then, that a livein nanny can offer a structured, consistent, caregiving environment, and make it possible for both of you to pursue your careers, while also enjoying very strong, hands-on relationships with your children. And, you should be aware that credible research consistently indicates that the quality of time spent with a child is far more important than the quantity of time. Furthermore, note that the financial benefits of having a full-time working spouse will also allow you to incorporate even more high quality, beneficial times and experiences with the children.

Researcher Emily Oster advises, “Children raised with a nanny turn out well and develop strong social skills and emotional well-being,

as long as there is a strong parent-child bond maintained alongside the nanny’s care. The key factor is the quality of the nanny and the parents’ active involvement in their child’s life.”

Reader’s Response

Isaiah Cox

The Curmudgeon

What a great question! How can or should Sara expect to parent her own children? We don’t know what something is like until we experience it. Think of parenting as a bit like Shabbos: no textbook can capture the underlying feel of a warm and wonderful Shabbos – and people who choose to become Shomer Shabbos invariably do so because they visit someone’s home on Shabbos, and realize, through that experience, that Shabbos is an uplifting and heartwarming gift.

The same thing is true for the experiences within marriage and motherhood. It is likely that Sara has not identified with

Pulling It All Together

The Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

Dear Ben, First, I want to acknowledge the care and thoughtfulness you’re bringing to this conversation. It’s clear that you deeply respect Sara and are genuinely invested in understanding whether your visions for family life align. That in and of itself speaks volumes about the kind of partner and father you hope to be. It makes sense that this difference in upbringing is standing out to you. Our early experiences shape not only our ex-

happy families where the mother has joyfully invested herself into her children. And so, I would strongly suggest that she (and perhaps the two of you) seek out and find such loving homes. Ideally, these mothers are (or were) quite similar to how Sara is now, and Sara can emulate role models outside of her own upbringing.

We were put on this earth to make conscious choices. And to do that, we have to be willing to examine ourselves and decide what parts could perhaps benefit from an upgrade, or at least a slightly different perspective. If we are lazy, we may well, as a default, become our parents. But if we put conscious thought and energy into it, we can choose to emulate the best of our parents and then be open to improving those elements of ourselves that we feel could perhaps do with a few adjustments.

In sum: broaden Sara’s horizons and ensure you are both open to growing and changing, aiming to consciously choose how best to raise your children.

But there is more: I would like to take a step back, and question your premise, because it is a common error to assume that the person you marry is the same person you will be married to! People can – and should – change and grow!

Every new mother is a totally dif-

ferent person than she was when she was a single girl. The process of pregnancy and labor and the resulting chemical and spiritual changes are simply breathtaking. The least maternal girls can transform into the most doting and adoring of mothers – I have seen it countless times. Any man who loves his wife with all his heart is going to befriend and hopefully come to love quite a few different permutations of the young lady he married. (Every long-married man who is reading this is nodding his head.) These changes are some of the most delightful features of women and marriage!

But it means that you cannot control the success of a marriage by simply carefully curating every desired characteristic in a prospective spouse. On the contrary, most of the magic happens long after the wedding day and as a result of deep investment in each other.

You are 32. It sounds like she is great in every other respect. I suggest that you marry her, love her, and support her deeply. As you both flourish through the love and connection and validation from the other person, you’ll be amazed by how much you each can grow. In that marriage, the questions that concern you now will be remembered in years to come as nothing more than irrelevant musings.

pectations but also our emotion - al frameworks—what feels “right” and familiar in relationships and parenting. It sounds like you grew up with a strong parental presence, and you value that closeness. Meanwhile, Sara, having been raised with a full-time nanny, sees that model as not only normal but desirable. These aren’t just logistical decisions; they touch on attachment, connection,

and what each of you imagines as the heartbeat of your home.

That said, it’s also important to separate two things: a woman’s financial independence and her attitude toward fulltime help. With the growing divorce rate and the realities of modern life, many women feel strongly about maintaining their own means not as a rejection of family life but as a form of security and self-sufficiency. It’s possible that Sara’s desire to work isn’t the issue but rather the degree to which she envisions outsourcing caregiving. Some parents return to work but remain deeply hands-on and emotionally present, while others take a more hands-off approach. These are distinctions worth exploring.

Rather than making this a yes-or-no decision just yet, consider having a deeper conversation about what a connected, present parent looks like to each of you. Is it about physical presence? Emotional availability? Shared decision-making? You may find more common ground than it seems at first. But if, in the end, your visions remain fundamentally at odds, it’s okay to acknowledge that some differences—especially around the kind of family you want to build—carry real weight. Whatever you decide, it’s clear that you’re approaching this with integrity. Wishing you clarity as you navigate this important conversation.

Warmly, Jennifer

School of Thought

By Etti Siegel

Q:Dear Etti,

I read your column with interest. You once had a letter about a child who doesn’t want to go out to therapy, and it was a trigger for me. I agree with the child, because very often, I don’t always want to pull a child out of class for therapy since they miss stuff that happens while they are out and resent it. Why can’t teachers understand how hard it is for a child to miss the fun they are doing? Can’t the teacher plan the activity when I am not scheduled to work with him/her?

-Frustrated School Therapist

A:Dear Frustrated School Therapist, Thank you for writing in.

I hear your frustration.

I actually see the problem from three sides: the teacher’s side, the therapist/specialty’s side, and the child’s side.

When I was a teacher, I tried my best to save the fun for when all my children were accounted for. If a child had to go out for therapy of any sort, I tried to curtail the fun. But it was complicated, because I ran my class in an interactive and fun way every day, in every lesson!

I continue to experience this as a “specialty.” When I go into classes to teach, it’s a treat for the students. However, the school gives me a set schedule, and I can’t adjust it to ensure all the children are present. Some students miss my class because they’re out, and there’s nothing I can do about it.

I see the child’s point of view as well, as it must be hard to come back knowing that the class just had fun and shared an experience they missed out on.

But here is what I know with certainty. If you have a child on your roster to receive services, they must need it. Showing any reluctance to take a child out of class is not doing them any favors. Your job is to address the

weaknesses that they need you to help them with and make the time as productive as possible. If you can add incentives and make it fun for them – great! If you can’t, don’t apologize. You are providing a very great service.

Helping children with reading, speech, or motor challenges early on can significantly improve their development, confidence, and future success. Early childhood is a pivotal time when their brains and bodies are most open to growth and change. Intervening during this period can set them on a path to thrive.

It must be hard to come back knowing that the class just had fun and shared an experience they missed out on.

Adults who missed early support often find it much harder to address their challenges later in life. While it’s never too late to learn, retraining the brain is more difficult with age. Early action helps prevent years of frustration and opens up a world of opportunities.

Your gentle encouragement and proactive care today lay the foundation for a confident, capable future. This is the time when children’s brains are most adaptable, making it the best opportunity to build foundational skills in areas like speech, motor abilities, or reading.

When you keep this overall picture in mind, you will realize that the small but real hurt your student is feeling is nothing compared to the daily struggles and hurt they will feel if you don’t help them master what they struggle with.

If you provide SETSS (Special Education Teacher Support Services), once known as resource room help, then you are responsible for providing a classroom/instructional program that supports students according to their IEP and what they are learning in school. Some SETSS providers try to push-in to the classroom. If this

is an option, even if not for every session, then you have figured out how to give the children the best of both worlds.

It might seem that recess and lunch are ideal times to work with a child, but it’s important to remember that many children receiving services struggle with social interactions. These periods are crucial for them to practice and develop their social skills with peers. Using recess or lunch for additional support can inadvertently isolate these students, depriving them of essential social experiences. Encouraging interactions helps build their confidence and fosters friendships, which is vital for their overall development. Instead, it’s better to find other times during the school day for support. Collaborating with teachers can be a way to ensure children receive the help they need without disrupting important peer interactions. Balancing support and social opportunities is key to their well-being and growth.

A Final Thought

The bottom line is that children should be getting the help they need. If you feel you are not able to help the child assigned to you, or the time you were given is not working for your student because she is resisting help due to missing what is going on in the classroom, speak up. Your supervisor might be able to help optimize the schedule or call the parents to discuss the option of arranging therapy after school. We are all in our positions to do the best we can for the students in front of us. Hatzlacha!

- Etti

Parenting Pearls Holding Both Hands

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

We were once again zocheh to see the safe return of some of our sisters who were cruelly held hostage for over 470 days. We once again experienced the joy and excitement of their return, mixed with the pain of their prior experiences and the knowledge of so many still being held. We’re simultaneously holding multiple emotions, and it’s challenging to maintain this balancing act.

We’re often asked to balance dual – and often competing – emotions, such as joy with sadness or anger with love. We can be mad at someone we love, excited as we’re nervous, and looking forward as we remain hesitant. For many individuals, it can be a challenge handling just one emotion – two feels impossible. While this discussion can be extended to many areas, I will be limiting the discussion to parenting.

We often don’t like to talk about feeling anger or resentment towards our beloved progeny, but it’s an emotional reality we can’t ignore. Children are still learning the very basics, and their behavior can reflect this. They can scream, tantrum, throw things and act outright disobedient. Children will fight with each other and embarrass their parents in public. It’s a challenge to handle all the normal insanity.

Parenting is a full-time job that lasts every minute of every day. With always being on-call, it’s inevitable that we won’t be in top shape at every moment. It’s natural that we may feel anger or hurt from even our sweetest of little ones, but it can be painful to have negative feelings towards someone we love so much.

Duality In Action

We’re told to move away with the left hand as we bring close with the right one. As the right is the more dominant hand, love needs to be the stronger emotion. Even when we need to appear stern, we still need to demonstrate care and affection.

Understanding why we’re doing something can help us maintain our fo -

cus. Discipline itself should come from love and the desire to help guide our children into becoming their truest selves. We provide structure and boundaries to educate our children and build them into emotionally healthy adults. We don’t punish or belittle them to get back at them for their misbehavior.

There are times when we need to appear tough, but we can’t approach our children from anger or hate. We may need to push aside our feelings or delay discussing the issue until we’re calm. This is particularly important with teenagers with whom immediate discussions can be unproductive and lead to arguments, but a calm conversation later can yield real results. There are times when parents may need to step away and address their own emotions before they can control themselves in their child’s presence. I think of this as parents taking their own “time out.”

We also can’t let our love prevent us from correcting misbehavior. We can’t ignore something negative simply because we feel bad saying something. While there are times when it’s best to avoid making an issue out of something, it should only be done when it’s in the child’s best interest to do so.

It’s possible to express both emotions simultaneously: “I love you but that was unacceptable.” “You made a mistake but you’re still amazing.” “You can’t do that, but I still love you.” We can hold a child close or choose another way to show affection while correcting them.

There are many scenarios that can create this need to carefully balance our emotions in order to properly raise our children. I’d like to mention two of them.

Kids – especially younger ones – can misbehave but still be incredibly adorable. Perhaps they intended to say something mean or chutzpahdik, but it came out funny. Maybe they grabbed a toy or were mean to another child at the same time they were performing some cute antics. It’s hard not to laugh or smile, yet we give the wrong

message if we encourage bad behavior simply because they’re adorable. Their chinuch is important, and we need to keep a serious expression when correcting their behavior. We can still be friendly and loving, but we can’t give the impression that misbehaving is funny or acceptable.

Sometimes, the opposite occurs, and we are furious over the behavior, finding it hard to remember they’re just a child (or even a teen). Maybe we’re so angry that we’re challenged to recall how much we love them despite their actions. Even as we correct them, we need to feel how much we love them and not appear hateful, chas v’shalom.

The Guilt

Parents are experts at guilt. There is no limit to the ways a parent can feel guilty. I’ve heard parents express guilt over many things, both big and small. We want to give so much to our children, and it’s inevitable we’ll fall short of that goal.

Parents can feel guilty if they get angry at, or experience negative emotions towards, their beloved child. The adult may feel evil or like a bad person; perhaps they are ashamed of their emotions.

Guilt is an interesting emotion in that it can be used positively to propel us towards improvement, but it usually just makes us feel terrible and prevents growth. Rather than wallow in our own self-pity, mentally whipping ourselves for our errors, we can use this as an opportunity to see what we can improve and focus on doing better next time. This tends to be more productive than just feeling miserable. It also may help to remember that Hashem designed the world so that children will be born to imperfect parents.

The Kid Factor

The truth is that some kids upset their parents more than other children do. We don’t like to discuss it, but there are certain parent-child combinations that are more explosive.

It’s the reality that some children are harder to raise than others. The child who sits sweetly and obediently is going to be easier to care for than the one who flies from the ceiling and smacks their younger siblings.

It also can be because something in the child sets off, irritates or otherwise triggers the parent. I’ve heard parents describe how they continuously get upset at just one of their children. Perhaps the child reminds the parent of themselves, or maybe there is something about the dynamic that is unhealthy.

These situations are specific and require more personal attention. These families will often benefit from the guidance of a professional to help them get to the root of the problem and address it appropriately.

Ideally, everything we do with our children can – and should – be done with feelings of love. We may feel a wide range of emotions, but love can always be present, even if it’s harder at times to tap into. Ultimately, it’s the continuous love of a parent that goes a long way towards building emotionally healthy adults.

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.

Health & F tness

Spoiled Appetites Understanding and Managing Food Poisoning

By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN

Food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness, is an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages. It is a common and distressing condition that can result from various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as well as chemical toxins. Symptoms of food poisoning can range from mild discomfort to severe illness and typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.

How Can You Get Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning occurs when one ingests food or water contaminated with harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Contamination can occur through various ways, most commonly due to poor hygiene practices during food preparation. This includes not washing hands thoroughly before handling food or using unclean utensils and surfaces. Cross-contamination is another significant risk, occurring when raw meat, poultry, or seafood juices come into contact with ready-to-eat foods, often due to using the same cutting board or knife without proper cleaning.

Consuming undercooked or raw foods,

such as meats, eggs, or seafood, increases the likelihood of foodborne illnesses, as these items may harbor pathogens that only thorough cooking can eliminate. Additionally, failing to store food at the correct temperatures creates an environment where bacteria can rapidly multiply, making the food unsafe to eat.

How to Prevent Food

Poisoning in Your Kitchen

Preventing food poisoning involves careful food handling, preparation, and storage. It is important to maintain good hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food. Aim to keep kitchen surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards clean. One can avoid cross contamination by using separate utensils and cutting boards for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods.

In addition to keeping oneself and utensils clean, it is equally important that the food itself is clean. One should be certain that their fruits and vegetables are washed well before eating or cooking. In addition, cooking food thoroughly will ensure that foods, especially meats, are cooked to safe internal temperatures to kill harmful bacteria.

Lastly, it is very important to properly store food. Perishable foods should be refrigerated promptly, ideally within two hours of cooking, to minimize bacterial growth. It’s crucial to keep your refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below. This helps slow down the proliferation of bacteria that can cause food spoilage and illness. Leftovers should be stored in airtight containers to prevent contamination and should be labeled with the date they were prepared.

When storing raw meat, poultry, or seafood, place them in sealed containers or plastic bags on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent their juices from dripping onto other foods.

Equally important is cooking meats to the appropriate internal temperatures to kill harmful bacteria. Poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F, ground beef to 160°F, and whole cuts of meat like steaks or chops to at least 145°F, followed by a three-minute rest time. One can use a food thermometer to ensure these temperatures are reached, as it provides accurate reading of the internal temperature.

Freezing can further extend the shelf life of many foods, but it is important to

thaw frozen items safely in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave rather than at room temperature. By following these practices, you can help keep your food fresh and safe to eat.

Preventing Food Poisoning When Out to Eat

Preventing food poisoning when dining out involves being mindful of your choices and staying alert to potential risks. A great way to reduce the risk is by being selective about what you order. For instance, avoid ordering raw or undercooked items like fish on days when the restaurant may not have received a fresh delivery, such as Sundays. Raw fish and seafood can spoil quickly if not handled properly, so it’s safer to choose these dishes when you are confident they are fresh. Additionally, pay attention to how food smells and looks when it is served. If something smells off or appears undercooked, do not hesitate to send it back to the kitchen. It’s also wise to investigate if the restaurant follows proper hygiene and food safety practices. Look for signs of cleanliness in the dining area and observe whether staff handle food and utensils hygienically. By making informed choices

and being cautious, you can enjoy your dining experience while minimizing the risk of foodborne illness.

Foods to Eat/Not Eat with Food Poisoning

When experiencing symptoms of food poisoning, it’s important to avoid certain foods to help your body recover more quickly and prevent further irritation to your digestive system. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, can be difficult to digest and may exacerbate symptoms like diarrhea or stomach cramps, as the body’s ability to process lactose can be temporarily impaired during gastrointestinal distress. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and some sodas, acts as a diuretic and can worsen dehydration, a common issue during food poisoning. Alcohol should also be avoided as it can irritate the stomach lining and further dehydrate the body. Fried, fatty, and spicy foods are harder to digest and can increase stomach upset or trigger more nausea and discomfort.

Sticking to bland, easily digestible foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, chicken soup, tea biscuits, decaffeinated tea, and toast can help soothe your digestive system while you recover.

How to Manage Food Poisoning

If you suspect you have food poisoning, the following steps can help manage the condition:

1. Contact a doctor if symptoms are severe, such as high fever, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, dizziness). Young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and people

worsen the condition or mask more serious issues. Medical advice ensures that you receive the most appropriate care for your specific symptoms and health status.

2. Staying hydrated is essential when managing food poisoning, as vomiting and diarrhea can lead to significant fluid loss, increasing the risk of dehydration. Drinking plenty of fluids helps replenish

By keeping hydrated, you help your body maintain its strength and resilience during illness.

with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable and should seek medical care promptly. A healthcare professional can provide guidance on managing symptoms and may recommend the use of over-thecounter medications, such as antidiarrheal treatments, to help alleviate discomfort. However, it is essential to consult with a doctor before using these medications, especially if you have a fever or bloody diarrhea, as they can sometimes

the body’s water and electrolyte balance, which is critical for maintaining normal bodily functions. Water is the most basic and effective way to rehydrate, but oral rehydration solutions and clear broths such as chicken soup provide additional benefits. Consistent fluid intake helps prevent complications associated with dehydration, such as dizziness, weakness, and kidney issues. It also supports the body’s natural detoxification processes,

aiding in the removal of toxins and promoting a quicker recovery. By keeping hydrated, you help your body maintain its strength and resilience during illness.

3. Allowing your body to recover from food poisoning is crucial for a full and speedy recovery. Resting gives your body the energy it needs to fight off the infection and repair itself. Engaging in physical activities or exercise can place additional strain on your body, potentially prolonging your symptoms or worsening dehydration.

Food poisoning is a preventable yet common ailment. By practicing safe food handling, cooking, and storage, you can significantly reduce the risk of food poisoning at home and when dining out. If you do experience food poisoning, focus on staying hydrated and resting, and seek medical attention if necessary to ensure a safe recovery.

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

In The K tchen

Tres Leches Cake

Dairy / Yields 12 servings

By Naomi Nachman

I just spent Yeshiva Week in Panama working for the Go Beyond travel company running their social media account. We had a fabulous week sightseeing and eating at the all the incredible kosher restaurants. Panama boasts more than 60 kosher establishments. I had this delicious cake called Tres Leches which translates from Spanish as three milks. It is a rich and decadent alternative to cheesecake. This one has a twist with some caramel.

Ingredients

◦ ½ cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

◦ 1½ cups sugar

◦ 4 large eggs

◦ 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

◦ 2 cups all-purpose flour

◦ 1 Tablespoon baking powder

◦ ½ teaspoon kosher salt

◦ 1 cup milk

◦ 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

◦ 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk

◦ ¼ cup caramel sauce (dulce de leche)

◦ 2 cups whipping cream

◦ 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar

◦ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 1 (9x13-inch) baking pan.

2. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter and sugar together until fluffy; mix in eggs and vanilla.

3. Turn mixer speed to low. Combine flour and baking powder; add gradually to butter mixture, stirring to blend.

4. Pour batter into prepared pan; bake for 45 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Pierce cake with a fork all over.

5. Combine milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and caramel sauce in a bowl. Whisk to combine. Pour mixture onto hot cake. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.

6. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until stiff. Spread over cake; cut into squares and serve.

Naomi Nachman, the owner of The Aussie Gourmet, caters weekly and Shabbat/ Yom Tov meals for families and individuals within The Five Towns and neighboring communities, with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributing editor to this paper and also produces and hosts her own weekly radio show on the Nachum Segal Network stream called “A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomi gives cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website, www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.

Notable Quotes

“Say What?!”

Groundhogs are shy prey animals who, when allowed, actively avoid humans. Yet, year after year, Phil is transported to Gobler’s Knob, whisked on stage, and subjected to a noisy announcer, screaming crowds, and flashing lights against all his natural instincts.

- Statement by PETA condemning the famous Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania

PETA will deliver a delicious “Weather Reveal” vegan cake each Groundhog Day in perpetuity if [the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club] agrees to let Punxsutawney Phil and his family retire to a reputable sanctuary, a move that will earn…kudos from wildlife fans.

- Ibid.

The only reason why I still had a security clearance, as I have for the past number of years since I left government service, was for the benefit of the government, so that if the CIA or another government agency wanted to call me in to discuss the classified matter, they could do that. It was really for the government’s benefit.

- Former CIA chief John Brennan, who spent years lying about Pres. Trump, bemoaning the fact that Trump stripped him of his security clearance, and claiming that he only had it so that he can advise the government

It was the best thing, the hug that I got from Romi. I didn’t cry at all, I only cried on the inside. Today, I’m talking and smiling. When Romi and I hugged, she didn’t cry either. She told me: “Grandma, I’m so happy to see you. Hug me, sit next to me, don’t move.” Romi is such a smart girl. I trust her that she knew how to manage there, and she continues to manage here.

- Devorah Leshem, grandmother of Romi Gonen who was released after 471 days in Hamas captivity, sharing the exciting moment when she finally got to hug her granddaughter

All my people are getting attacked, the children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry. I wish I could do something but I can’t.

- A Hollywood actress whose family comes from Mexico sobbing in an Instagram post about ICE agents removing criminals from the U.S.

Certified moron @selenagomez crying for criminal illegal aliens is really something else. This is why we don’t take our political advice from Disney child stars.

- Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren, in response

Did she ever cry about the Americans killed by illegals? Of course not.

- Another responder

Prayer has been a lighthouse. I believe that all of the millions and millions of prayers that have been said in these 479 days, whether they were for specific hostages or for all the hostages or for the soldiers or for Israel, those prayers went up, and the culmination of them we now see is beginning to come down. It’s on us to continue until we get every single one home.

- Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of hostage Hersh, Hy”d, who was executed by Hamas while still in captivity, in an interview with Arutz Sheva

You would have to put that at the top of the list. There are others but none that matter. The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years.

- Bill Gates in a recent interview saying that his biggest regret in life was getting divorced

If you are a Dreamer and you take a tube of toothpaste from the store, you can be detained for deportation. That, to me, is a terrible overreach.

- Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) on NBC’s “Meet the Press” arguing that it is inhumane for the Trump administration to deport people illegally here who steal

I’ve been up here long enough right now I’ve been trying to remember what it’s like to walk. I haven’t walked. I haven’t sat down. I haven’t laid down. You don’t have to. You can just close your eyes and float where you are right here.

- Astronaut Suni Williams, who has been stuck in space for 7 months, in a satellite interview with high school students

The last seven days are perhaps the best demonstration in our country’s history that leadership matters.

- Tweet by red-pilled (liberal-turned-conservative) Bill Ackman

[Trump’s] saying, “I kept my promise.” Then you turn around and look at the left and you say, “What promises did you keep?” What voter can look at the Democrat Party and say, “There’s a voice for us, somebody who speaks for us, that goes up on Capitol Hill and fights the fights that we want them fighting on our behalf?”

- ESPN host Stephen A. Smith in an interview with Bill Maher

Yes, I voted for her, a lot of people voted for her, but in the end, we end up feeling like…fools, because we supported it, we fell for the okiedokie as they say.

– Ibid.

It was really the greatest moment. It felt as if I used every ounce of energy I had.

- Japanese snowboarder Hiroto Ogiwara after making history at the X Games in Aspen by landing the first known 2340 in a competition, an incredible trick which consists of rotating six and a half times in the air

We took some off other people, too. They can hire their own security, too. … I can give them some good numbers of very good security people. Fauci made a lot of money.

- President Donald Trump when asked about his order stopping taxpayer-funded security for retired Dr. Anthony Fauci

I know it’s been a tough time here for us Angelenos, right? I mean, last week, a lot of people lost their homes to the fire. This week, a lot of people lost their gardeners to ICE.

- Bill Maher

You know, and we’re not out of the woods yet with the fires, right? That came up again. Some of them came up so quickly, the mayor barely had time to book a trip.

- ibid.

No. We have to recognize there was a Palestinian state. It was called Gaza. Look how that turned out.

- U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee when asked on Fox News whether he supports a two-state solution

The radical leftists are really upset that they had to take time out of the busy day praising Hamas to call me a Nazi.

- Tweet by Elon Musk

Watching @potus more carefully recently has really changed my perspective on him (i wish i had done more of my own thinking and definitely fell in the npc trap). I’m not going to agree with him on everything, but i think he will be incredible for the country in many ways!

-

Tweet by Chat GPT founder Sam Altman

We don’t care about the performance art of the left anymore; it’s come very close to destroying this country. Finally, we have a leader that is going to stand up for the American citizens.

- Steve Bannon in an interview with Megyn Kelly

Political Crossfire

To Secure Peace, We Must Continue to Arm Ukraine — Without U.S. Taxpayer Dollars

By Jack Keane

As he prepares to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, President Donald Trump says he will continue to send U.S. weapons to Kyiv. “I want to reach an agreement, and the only way you’re going to reach an agreement is not to abandon” Ukraine, he told Time magazine in his Person of the Year interview in late November.

He is right. To secure a lasting peace, we must continue to arm Ukraine – but without asking U.S. taxpayers to foot the bill.

The time has come for a just and lasting peace, and Trump is right to seek an end to the fighting. He also understands who the intransigent party is. As he put it on his first day back in the Oval Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “wants to make a deal. I don’t know if [Vladimir] Putin does. He might not. … I think he’s destroying Russia by not making a deal. I think Russia’s going to be in big trouble.”

But regardless of what happens at the negotiating table, the United States will need to provide Ukraine with weapons for many years to come. If Putin resists Trump’s peace efforts, the president has promised to increase U.S. military support for Ukraine to force the Russian leader to the negotiating table. And after peace is achieved, Kyiv will need U.S. weapons to deter Russia from resuming hostilities when Trump leaves office.

Trump can deliver those weapons without further burdening U.S. taxpayers. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began nearly three years ago, the American people have provided about $183 billion in aid to Ukraine. This assistance was not charity. Stopping Putin from subjugating Ukraine was, and remains, in the United States’ vital national security interest.

And most of the military aid money has been spent right here at home – reinvigorating our dangerously atrophied defense industrial base, creating good manufacturing jobs and modernizing our military as we send Ukraine older weapons and replace our stockpiles with more advanced versions.

But U.S. taxpayers cannot, and should not, subsidize Ukraine’s defense indefinitely. The time has come to transition Ukraine from an aid recipient to a defense consumer – just like many other U.S. friends and allies across Europe, Asia and the Middle East who purchase U.S. defense materiel. This is the only sustainable way to build a lasting defense cooperation between Washington and Kyiv. Ukraine critics say they oppose an endless war funded by American taxpayers. What we propose is a strategy for lasting peace backed by U.S. arms sales. Here is our plan:

1. Let Ukraine use frozen Russian as-

sets to buy U.S. weapons.

Washington and our European allies currently control about $300 billion in frozen Russian assets - including about $5 billion held in the United States; almost $200 billion held by Euroclear, a Belgian financial services company; and the rest held frozen in Britain, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Canada, Japan and other countries.

Do we want Putin to get those funds? Or do we want the lion’s share to go to the United States to purchase arms for Ukraine while further rebuilding our defense industrial base?

Using frozen Russian assets to arm Ukraine gives the United States all the benefits of Ukraine aid in terms of jobs and revitalized defense manufacturing – but with Putin footing the bill instead of U.S. taxpayers. Let Russia pay to create jobs for American workers building Abrams tanks and Stryker combat vehicles in Ohio; Ground Launched Small Diameter Bombs, Bradley fire-support

team vehicles and Hercules recovery vehicles in Pennsylvania; extended-range Joint Direct Attack Munition glide bombs in Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma; and 155mm artillery shells in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Iowa, California and Texas, among countless other American communities producing weapons systems for Ukraine.

Using frozen Russian assets to produce those armaments is a win-win solution: Ukraine gets the weapons and the United States gets the money, while Russia bears the cost of Putin’s aggression. Why has this not been done already? Answer: A lack of imagination in the Biden White House coupled with European intransigence. For years, Belgium was keeping the interest produced by those Russian assets, effectively profiting from Ukraine’s misery. Only last year did our European allies finally agree to use the interest to buy weapons for Ukraine. But, led by Germany and France, they have balked at using the underlying assets themselves.

This is absurd. Why are U.S. (and European) taxpayers being asked to spend their hard-earned money to arm Ukraine when there is a massive pool of Russian funds available for that purpose? Putin should never have invaded Ukraine (and would not have, in our view, if Trump had been president). He – not the American people – should have to pay for the weapons to defend Ukraine from his unlawful aggression.

Twisting the arms of our European allies to release these funds is a challenge tailor-made for Trump. The president who got NATO allies to spend $400 billion more of their own money on defense should have no trouble persuading them to use frozen Russian assets to allow

Ukraine to purchase weapons from U.S. defense manufacturers.

How would it work? Congress should create a “defense cooperation account” for Ukraine using the Russian assets. The model would be the similar account established by Congress in the 1990s to collect more than $50 billion in allied payments for expenses related to Operation Desert Shield. There is no need for legislation; current law already authorizes the defense secretary to create such an account to accept donations of funds, services or defense articles “from any person, foreign government, or international organization … for use by the Department of Defense.”

A defense cooperation account for Ukraine could use not just frozen Russian assets but also contributions from any sovereign party wishing to contribute to the defense of Ukraine with U.S. defense materiel and services. Such weaponry could be purchased, or drawn down from existing U.S. stockpiles, with reimbursement provided from funds deposited to the account.

Trump should tell European allies reluctant to use Russian frozen assets for this purpose that he does not care where the money comes from – that if they don’t want to use Russian money, they can replace the funds with their money from their own taxpayers.

Congress should also amend the Repo Act – the law passed in 2023 which allowed the confiscation of frozen Russian assets in the United States to be used to aid Ukraine. The Biden administration designed the law to put seized assets into a fund administered by the secretary of state. The law should be amended to transfer the money to the Pentagon so it can be used for weapons drawdowns or purchases.

Once a defense cooperation account is established, we can also encourage our allies in the Asia-Pacific to support it, because their security is increasingly tied to Ukraine’s and Europe’s as the Russia-North Korea-China axis strengthens.

This international fund will deliver weapons to Ukraine to either force Russia to the negotiating table or to secure the peace that Trump negotiates. At the same time, it will serve as a way to modernize the U.S. armed forces, create American jobs and supplement Trump’s planned defense buildup.

2. Loans guaranteed by Ukraine’s natural resources.

During the 2024 campaign, Trump proposed the idea of lending Ukraine the

money to purchase U.S. weapons. As he put it during a South Carolina rally: “Do it this way: Loan them the money. If they can make it, they pay us back. If they can’t make it, they don’t have to pay us back.”

In fact, Ukraine can pay us back. While the war has devastated its economy, the country is sitting on an estimated $26 trillion in untapped natural resourc-

Alabama, Illinois, Nebraska, Texas, New Jersey and West Virginia; and Patriot air and missile defense systems produced in Missouri, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Pennsylvania.

Similarly, last year, Romania took out a $920 million FMF direct loan to carry out a major military modernization program, including purchases of U.S. defense

Ukraine gets the weapons and the United States gets the money, while Russia bears the cost of Putin’s aggression.

es – oil, gas, critical minerals and rare earth metals. Ukraine possesses some of the largest reserves of 22 of the 50 strategic minerals identified as critical to the U.S. economy and national security, including the largest reserves of uranium in Europe; the second-largest reserves of iron ore, titanium and manganese; and the third-largest reserves of shale gas, as well as massive deposits of lithium, graphite and rare earth metals, according to the Canadian geopolitical risk-analysis firm SecDev.

Ukraine’s mineral and hydrocarbon resources can be used as collateral for loans to buy U.S. defense materiel, allowing Kyiv to provide for its own defense. There are two mechanisms we can use to provide such loans. We can provide weapons to Ukraine using a Lend-Lease program modeled on the one the United States used to arm Britain during World War II. There is no need for legislation to do this; the authority already exists in current law.

Ukraine can also buy U.S. weapons using another existing program: Foreign Military Financing (FMF) direct loans, like those we provide to U.S. allies and partners around the world. Since the war in Ukraine began, Poland has undertaken a massive defense buildup, financed in part by $11 billion in FMF direct loans, which come with interest that must be paid to the U.S. government. Warsaw is using those loans to purchase advanced U.S. defense systems, including M1A2 Abrams tanks that will be produced in Ohio, Apache helicopters built in Arizona, Airspace and Surface Radar Reconnaissance Systems produced in California, Maryland and Virginia; High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) produced in Florida, North Carolina,

equipment such as Abrams tanks and co-production of Abrams tank ammunition. Congress also approved $2 billion in FMF loans for Taiwan, which it will have to repay over a 12-year period.

Ukraine can do the same. So as not to transfer costs to the U.S. taxpayer, the structure of such an agreement can be negotiated so that Ukraine guarantees these loans with its substantial natural resources.

Ukraine should be more than willing to enter into a loan agreement to purchase U.S. weapons, because it creates a sustainable model for long-term defense cooperation and creates a lasting U.S. interest in Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. American taxpayers get repaid only if Ukraine survives as a free, stable and prosperous nation.

Its resources can be developed for the benefit of both countries only if Trump succeeds in negotiating a resolution to the conflict. It is hard to mine for minerals or develop offshore oil and natural gas under enemy fire.

The time has come to end the war in Ukraine and to secure a just and lasting peace. The only way to do so is to make sure that Ukraine is armed with weapons made by American workers –without requiring U.S. taxpayers to bear the cost.

Jack Keane, a retired general, is chairman of the Institute for the Study of War and was vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army. Marc A. Thiessen is a Post columnist and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

Political Crossfire

Israel Must Win This War

On Oct. 7, 2023, Israelis saw what the end looks like.

Thousands upon thousands of Palestinians invaded the country in wave after wave. They were unified in their barbaric hatred of Jews and bloodlust. The atrocities the Palestinians committed against their overwhelmingly Jewish victims were like nothing we had ever imagined. And they were made all the worse by the fact that everyone participated.

Roaring crowds handed torches to 10-year-olds, giving them the honor of lighting homes ablaze, burning entire families alive. The Palestinian hordes whooped and laughed in ecstasy as they raped, tortured and murdered their victims.

And when they arrived home to Gaza with their hostages—dead and alive—they were greeted by crowds of thousands as conquering heroes. Yes, Hamas planned the sadistic genocide. Yes, Hamas led the charge. But it was a whole-of-society endeavor.

Somehow, over the past two weeks of President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff’s dealmaking, the events of Oct. 7 seem to have faded from view. The deal he demanded that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accept is incomprehensible in the context of that day.

Ignoring Oct. 7, Witkoff and his Israeli cheerleaders present the deal as a step on the road to peace. When the ceasefire becomes permanent, he has said, the Saudis will rush to make peace with Israel. So will Qatar and everyone else. Indeed, Witkoff told Fox News on Wednesday that even Hamas would be welcomed at the table. And Trump will get a Nobel Peace Prize.

In the same Fox News interview, Witkoff explained that his deal is precisely the deal that former President Joe Biden tried to coerce Israel to accept last May. The Biden deal, at its core, was a ransom deal. Israel, Biden said, would pay Hamas “generously” for the release of some of the hostages. How

By Caroline B. Glick

generously? Well, it depended on which phase you were in.

The Biden/Witkoff deal is a threephase deal, and each phase is essentially a separate agreement. The first involves massive Israeli concessions to Hamas that are rife with dire strategic consequences for Israel in exchange for 33 hostages—including all of the women hostages.

To receive the 33, Israel is required to free nearly 2,000 terrorists, hundreds of whom are convicted mass murderers. It must withdraw its forces from the cities of Gaza and from the Netzarim Corridor, permitting the mass return of Palestinians to northern Gaza. And it must permit the full resupply of Gaza, still under Hamas control. All told, Israel is paying for the 33 in a manner that risks all of its soldiers’ hard-won gains on the battlefield over the past 15 months of war.

While that is a steep price, it pales in comparison to the price of moving to the second phase. Under the terms of the Witkoff/Biden agreement, in the second phase, Israel is to withdraw all of its remaining forces from Gaza, including

from the border separating Gaza from Egypt. In other words, Israel must cede control of Gaza to Hamas. In exchange, Hamas will return the remaining live hostages to Israel—but retain the bodies of the hostages it has murdered.

Phase 1 will make it difficult for Israel to restore its previous gains and go on to achieve victory in the war. Phase 2 secures Hamas’s victory. The implication of a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza is that Hamas wins the war. It survives not only intact, but in full control of Gaza, respected worldwide as the jihadist force that committed genocide and survived to rebuild and do it again and again.

Phase 3, if implemented, involves Hamas’s return of the bodies of the dead in exchange for the establishment of a Palestinian proto-state controlled by Palestinian terrorists. So if implemented, Phase 3 ensures that Hamas will renew its genocidal assault on Israel sooner rather than later.

Biden’s administration sold this deal by ignoring the strategic implications of Oct. 7. He and his advisers abjectly refused to draw the necessary conclusion

from what happened. The atrocities of that day showed that the Palestinian war against Israel is a zero-sum game— either Israel wins, ensuring its survival, and the Palestinians are defeated; or the Palestinians win and Israel’s countdown to destruction begins.

Instead of accepting that self-evident reality, Biden and his advisers talked about Israel as a “traumatized society.” A traumatized society is not one that needs to win. It is a society that needs a hug.

Israelis who demanded the destruction of Gaza were demonized as genocidal extremists rather than realists who understood the implications of the bloodlust. The administration refused to accept the legitimacy of Israel’s war goals of destroying Hamas and preventing Gaza from ever posing a threat in the future. They placed hostages at the center of the narrative instead. The Palestinians weren’t an enemy, they were victims of Israel, which was waging a war for no reason. Israel had the right to defend itself but not to harm its enemy. The hostage ransom deal as crafted by Biden administration officials was a means of joining Hamas in exploiting Israel’s anguish over the plight of the hostages to prevent Israel from winning the war. Israel, Biden and his advisers believed, would be ensnared in the deal as Phase 1 moved to Phase 2. The deal was structured in a way that would make it almost impossible for Israel to walk away. Negotiations for Phase 2 are to begin 16 days after implementation of Phase 1 begins. And if Israel walked away, the last of the 33 would remain behind.

Given the stakes, two questions arise. What does President Donald Trump intend to do with Biden’s agreement going forward; and what does Israel intend to do?

President Trump’s messaging regarding the deal has shifted several times over the first week of implementation. Initially, he said the deal will

bring all of the hostages home—a statement that indicated he expects all three phases will be implemented. A couple of days later, the president said he is uncertain that the second and third phases will be implemented.

By adopting Biden’s framework, Trump placed himself in a box. Trump wishes to prevent new wars from happening in the Middle East. But if he maintains faith with this deal, he ensures that even larger wars will break out in the region during the course of his four years in office. He also guarantees that massive jihadist assaults in the U.S. and the West will occur. After all, if Hamas’s success in murdering 1,200 Israelis in a day gave rise to the avalanche of antisemitism and jihad worldwide, there can be little question what a Hamas victory over Israel in the war will bring.

This is doubly true if the reports that President Trump is insisting that Israel withdraw its forces from Lebanon next week and that he is urging Israel not to attack Iran’s nuclear installations are true. Hezbollah has not withdrawn its forces north of the Litani River. And the Lebanese Armed Forces, which are supposed to force Hezbollah forces to decamp to the north, are helping them to remain in the south. Under the circumstances, an Israeli withdrawal projects weakness that invites a future invasion.

As for Iran, if Hamas survives and Hezbollah survives, then Iran will emerge as the victor in this war. If Iran, the victor, is also permitted to keep its nuclear installations, it will quickly cross the nuclear threshold.

The Iranian regime is not interested in a deal. It is interested in destroying Israel and the United States. That is why it has been trying to assassinate President Trump. And that is why it built terror armies all around Israel and has deployed thousands of Revolutionary Guard personnel to Central and South America, all while building nuclear weapons.

To win the peace of the Middle East, Trump must walk away from Biden’s failed policy of standing with Iran and its terror proxies Lebanon and the Palestinians in Gaza. He must restore his first term’s doctrine of supporting America’s allies against America’s enemies.

If Trump backs Israel in returning to the battlefield to secure Hamas’s defeat in Gaza, and maintaining its buffer zones in Gaza permanently to prevent the area from threatening the Jewish state in the future, then he will build

the foundation for a long-term peace between Israel and the Arabs of the region.

If President Trump stands with Israel and backs its requirement for a security zone inside Lebanon that will prevent Hezbollah and other terror forces from invading northern Israel, and

bodies as they butchered them. That was a mistake, or something. And anyway, fighting is futile. Bring them home.

This week, former Israeli ambassador to the United States Michael Oren wrote an article resonating this view. Oren admitted that the deal means

not futile. Our heroic soldiers are winning and can win. And they must win. Oct. 7 will only be a one-off if Hamas is annihilated and Gaza remains pacified forever. They are willing to pay a steep price to secure the freedom of 33 hostages, but the fight cannot be forsaken.

The hostage ransom deal as crafted by Biden administration officials was a means of joining Hamas in exploiting Israel’s anguish over the plight of the hostages to prevent Israel from winning the war.

Hostage taking is the cruelest form of psychological warfare. And it is the most powerful weapon that Israel’s enemies have in their arsenal. They know that while they sanctify death, the sanctification of life is the foundational creed of the Jewish people.

if he stands with Israel in its efforts to destroy Iran’s nuclear installations and supports the Iranian people that have fought for their freedom from the regime for decades, then he will restore America’s standing as the only significant superpower in the region.

If he fails to do these things, then he will cede the U.S.’s position to China. China has been a beneficiary of Biden’s weakness and determination to realign the U.S. away from its allies and toward Iran and its terror armies.

As for Israel, the dilemma is whether to sacrifice its future collective security for the salvation of the hostages today, or to secure its national survival. Israelis who support the first option speak of the damage to Israel’s soul if we accept that the hostages may continue to suffer.

For those who receive their news from most Israeli media outlets, the dilemma isn’t too large. With a few notable exceptions, the Israeli media have been serving the public a diet of demoralization for nearly a year. Israel cannot win, they are told. There is no purpose to the fight. All it does is prolong the suffering of the hostages. The only reason we are still fighting is that the man they have spent the past decade demonizing—Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—refuses to quit. He refuses to capitulate despite the futility of the fight, because fighting is the only way he stays in power.

The media—like the Biden administration— prefer to ignore the strategic ramifications of Oct. 7, which they prefer to present as a one-off. The Palestinians aren’t really the people who beheaded their victims, and who mutilated their

that Hamas wins the war. But then he counters that Israel will save its soul by showing its devotion to the lives of its hostages by losing. “Our victory is moral, deep and long lasting,” he crooned.

The problem with Oren’s argument and the broader claim of the deal-atany-price advocates is that the war is

Those who seek a deal at all costs are right about the soul of Israel. Our collective soul was bludgeoned on Oct. 7, and the wound remains unhealed every day the hostages remain in Gaza. As the years pass, the wound will become a scar that every Israeli and every Jew on earth will carry till the end of time. But our ability to carry those scars requires Israel to survive.

Oct. 7 showed us our enemy. And now that we have seen it, we cannot ignore the truth. For the nation of Israel and the State of Israel to survive, Israel must win this war no matter what the cost. (JNS)

Political Crossfire

ADL Should Not Be Defaming Trump

By Martin Oliner

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) was founded 112 years ago in order to “stop defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment for all.”

It fulfilled that noble purpose for decades, and I was once proud to contribute to the organization. It fought antisemitism and defended Israel and did its best to stay out of divisive partisan politics.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Last week, the ADL posted the following on X (formerly Twitter): “We unequivocally condemn Pres. Trump’s issuance of 1,500 pardons and commuted sentences for Jan 6 insurrectionists, including leaders & members of extremist groups. This decision undermines accountability & risks reinvigorating violent extremists and other insurrectionists.”

I am not here to defend or condemn the actions of those who entered the Capitol four years ago. But even if I did, it would not be a problem, because I am an individual and not a legacy organization of the Jewish people.

The ADL has a responsibility to be a bipartisan representative of the Jewish people. It violated that responsibility with that post.

And it has been violating that responsibility repeatedly under the leadership of Jonathan Greenblatt, who was an advisor to Barack Obama and does not hide his very left-wing views.

The ADL could have balanced its condemnation of President Trump’s pardons by singling out the inappropriate pardons of his predecessor, Joe Biden. It should have done neither.

The total assets of the ADL are a whopping $261,508,202, according to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants of June 2024 posted on the ADL’s website.

Greenblatt’s salary is an enviable $1,251,732.

I ask you, ADL donors around the world: Are you really OK with this organization having that much money and using it to condemn the president of the United States?

Even if you hate Trump, is that a

smart thing to do?

Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg may also hate Trump. Do you see him condemning a new president? No, he is a smart enough businessman to instead attend Trump’s inauguration, meet with him, and change his company’s policies to reflect the new reality in the U.S.

Why is Greenblatt not that smart? Don’t the contributors to ADL deserve better leadership?

Greenblatt also failed to prepare his organization and American Jews for what happened in the U.S. since October 7, 2023.

Immediately after the horrible attacks of that day, I asked questions in the Jerusalem Post : Were American Jewish leaders not caught similarly off guard by a dangerous situation that had been bubbling beneath the surface that they had been ignoring for too long, with disastrous results?

Could anything not have been done to prevent the startling rise of antisemitism? Could the scary situation on

American college campuses not have been averted?

“The Anti-Defamation League in particular must reconsider their priorities, programming, and alliances,” I wrote. “Did they veer too much away from helping American Jews in need in order to adopt universal causes? Did they go too far in criticizing Israel for its internal policies and proposals that only showed the vibrancy of Israeli democracy?”

The behavior of the ADL since then has only made me more concerned. For the good of the Jewish people and the good of the ADL, an immediate restructuring is required.

The writer is chairman of the Religious Zionists of America. He was appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump and serves as a member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. His book of essays is available at On My Mind As the World Revolves. He is the former mayor of the Village of Lawrence.

Jewish History

A Strange Choice for U.S. Holocaust Council

by Rafael Medoff

Aformer U.S. official who opposed intervening against the Rwanda genocide has been named to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, which governs the U.S. Holocaust Museum. The appointment was one of President Biden’s final acts in office, and one of his strangest.

In the spring of 1994, Susan Rice was director of Africa Affairs for the National Security Council, under President Bill Clinton. Reports began pouring in about machete-wielding militias of the Hutu tribe in Rwanda carrying out nationwide massacres of the country’s ethnic minority, the Tutsis.

What were Susan Rice and other U.S. officials saying about all this behind the scenes? Samantha Power gave us the answer. Power—who later became U.S. Ambassador to the UN and then director of U.S. AID—authored a Pulitzer Prize-winning book in 2002 about America’s responses to genocide. She revealed that senior State Department officials said they were “worried” that acknowledging genocide was underway in Rwanda “could commit [the U.S.] to actually ‘do something.’”

One of those officials was Rice. During one key discussion among about whether the U.S. should intervene, Rice remarked: “If we use the word ‘genocide’ and are seen as doing nothing, what will be the effect on the November [midterm] elections?” One other colleague, Tony Marley, later recalled how shocked he was by Rice’s argument. “We could believe that people would wonder that, but not that they would actually voice it.”

When Power interviewed Rice about her statement, Rice replied that she “did not recall the incident.” She added: “If I said it, it was completely inappropriate as well as irrelevant.”

Electoral considerations should have been irrelevant. But they weren’t. They were part of the Clinton administra -

tion’s calculus in choosing to stand idly by as more than 800,000 Tutsis were slaughtered in Rwanda.

That troubling episode came up for discussion when Rice was nominated in 2012 to become President Barack Obama’s National Security Adviser. During her confirmation hearings, Rice

Sudanese dictator Omar al-Bashir, architect of the Darfur genocide. The ICC prosecutor informed Rice that Bashir had stashed away $9 billion in secret bank accounts. The prosecutor wanted to publicize that information in the hope of turning the Sudanese public against Bashir. But the U.S. never publicized it. After the cable was leaked to the press, a reporter asked Dr. Rice about it. She replied that she “didn’t recall” being told about the $9 billion.

As information about the killings mounted, the British suggested to the United States that the two governments issue a joint statement acknowledging and condemning the mass murder. A Roosevelt administration official objected, on the grounds that if they issued

Dr. Rice has suffered more than one memory lapse when asked about genocide.

was asked about the Rwanda-midterms remark. She replied that she did not recall having made that statement.

Concern about genocide having unpleasant political consequences is not a new phenomenon among U.S. government officials. Recall how the State Department responded in 1942, after receiving overwhelming evidence that the Germans were annihilating millions of Jews in Europe.

such a statement, the Allies “would expose themselves to increased pressure from all sides to do something more specific in order to aid these people.”

Dr. Rice has suffered more than one memory lapse when asked about genocide. A WikiLeaks cable in 2010 quoted a disturbing exchange between Dr. Rice and the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court concerning

After visiting Rwanda in 2013, Rice recalled how in 1994, six months after the genocide there ended, she walked through “a church and an adjacent schoolyard where one of the massacres had occurred [and] the decomposing bodies of those who had been so cruelly murdered still lay strewn around what should have been a place of peace….[W] e saw first-hand the spectacular consequences of the poor decisions taken by those countries, including my own…” Left unspoken was Rice’s own role in shaping that U.S. policy.

Now, ironically, Rice will be joining the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, which is the governing board of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Part of the museum’s declared mission is to “influence policy makers and stimulate worldwide action to prevent and work to halt acts of genocide”—which makes it a strange place for someone with such a troubling track record on the Rwanda genocide.

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

Forgotten Her es Medal of Honor Recipients

By Avi Heiligman

The Medal of Honor is not only the highest decoration that an American can receive for actions on the battlefield; it is also likely the most wellknown decoration. While the public may have heard of a handful of the over 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients like Alvin York and “Buffalo Bill” Cody (his medal was revoked and later reinstated), many others have had their stories relegated to the back pages of history books.

The Medal of Honor was first awarded during the Civil War. Record keeping was very rudimentary compared to 20th and 21st century methods and often the Medal of Honor citation did not go into details. This was the case for Prussian-born David Orbansky who served in Company B of the 58th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The Jewish soldier fought during the Battle of Shiloh in 1862 and the Siege of Vicksburg in 1863 and was cited for “gallantry in action.” According to other accounts, the action took place during the Vicksburg Campaign. Orbansky ran onto the battlefield to rescue his fallen commander and made it safely back to Union lines. His actions saved the commander’s life, and Orbansky was awarded the Medal of Honor.

St. Louis native Herman Henry Hanneken had a long history in the U.S. Marine Corps that spanned three wars. Enlisting in 1914 as a private, he rose to rank of sergeant during World War I and was sent to Central America to fight in

the Banana Wars. On the night of October 31, 1919, he and Sergeant William Robert Button were led to the hideout of Haitian rebel leader Charlemagne Péralte. During the ensuing fight, the two killed the wanted resistance leader; 1,200 of the resistance members were killed, captured or fled. Both marines were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions which reportedly saved the lives of other Americans.

Five months later, Hanneken killed another rebel leader, Osiris Joseph, and was awarded the Navy Cross for that action. He earned another Navy Cross for actions in Nicaragua in 1928 and the Legion of Merit for his outstanding services on Pelilu in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The highly decorated marine retired in 1948 as a brigadier general.

The Battle of Iwo Jima was the bloodiest battle in Marine Corps history, claiming the lives of over 6,800 marines and sailors and another 19,000 wounded. Twenty-two marines and five sailors were awarded the Medal of Honor during this battle, with four of the sailors being hospital corpsman attached to marine units. Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Francis Junior Pierce was with the 2 nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division and had served during the Battles of Tinian and Saipan before landing on Iwo Jima.

Most corpsmen did not carry guns,

but Pierce was different. The Iowa native was on Roi-Namur in the Kwajalein Atoll in February 1944 when he obtained a Thompson submachine gun to protect himself from Japanese attacks. Known as the “Angel with a Tommy Gun,” he was with his unit for the first four weeks of the Battle of Iwo Jima, tirelessly treating and evacuating wounded marines.

On March 15, after learning the terrain and troop positions, Pierce and his unit found themselves under heavy enemy machine gun fire while trying to move two wounded marines. Three more men were wounded, and that’s when Pierce took control of the situation. He carried two newly wounded men to a safe location, rendered aid to them, and went back into the firefight. With his gun blazing, Pierce gave enough time for the litter bearers that had been carrying the two initial patients time to find cover. He then rendered first aid to the two remaining wounded marines when a Japanese soldier opened fire from less than 20 yards away. This gunfire wounded one of the patients again, and he was in danger of losing his life. Disregarding his own safety, Pierce exposed himself to the enemy soldier and forced the Japanese out of his cave. Pierce took care of him with the last of his ammunition and lifted one of the wounded marines on his back. Then he ran through 200 yards of open ground that was constantly being raked with enemy fire. Once that

patient was in a safe area, Pierce again ran through the terrain and rescued the remaining wounded American.

The next day, he led a patrol to wipe out a sniper’s nest when another marine was wounded by gunfire. Pierce was seriously wounded while rendering aid but refused treatment on himself while directing others on how to care for the wounded marine. Finally, he was taken to the rear to be treated for his wounds.

Pierce was awarded the Silver Star and Navy Cross for his actions. Three years later, those awards were recalled and were replaced by the Medal of Honor. The prestigious medal was awarded to him at a White House ceremony in 1948 by President Truman.

The Medal of Honor is the oldest continuous combat medal awarded to a member of the American military. Recipients of the Medal of Honor have their actions carefully reviewed, and only those truly deserving are given the prestigious award.

In a future article, we’ll look into a potential Medal of Honor recipient and the story of a janitor whom nobody knew had been awarded the Medal of Honor.

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.

David Orbansky

Francis Junior Pierce receiving his Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman

Herman Henry Hanneken

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HOUSES FOR RENT

BIG FULLY RENOVATED, Woodmere, spacious 4bedroom 2 full bath split level.2 car garage +driveway. Backyard on water SD#14. W&D. Tons of storage space. 347-517-3552

SYNAGOGUE ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

Hours; 4+Hours Per Week (Additional Hrs.Pre Holidays)

Seeking a P/T Assistant to support the Administrative and Logistical functions of our Synagogue .We are seeking a candidate proficient in Shul Cloud, organized, detail oriented, and able to manage various tasks related to Synagogue operations, Life Cycle Events ,and Member Communications. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite,(Word, Excel)and email marketing platforms. Training for Shul Cloud can be provided for the right candidate. Salary Commensurate with experience.

GREAT LAWRENCE LOCATION

Basement furnished apt ideal for student or young couple.

Large room with separate kitchen, incl utilities & A/C, overnight parking, alarm. $1,300/month Send your particulars to : ESTHERBD1@gmail.com Esther Ben-David : 917-826-3409

HELP WANTED

DELIVERY PERSON NEEDED to deliver this Newspaper every Thursday  morning to locations in Brooklyn. Must have Mini van or SUVand availability to work

Consistently every week.

Good pay - Please email gabe@fivetownsjewishhome.com or call (917) 299-8082

FOR CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR

Starting from March: Seeking first grade General Studies teacher. Far Rockaway area boys’ school, M-Th, PM hours, strong support. Excellent salary. Possibility to continue for next year.  Send resume to teachersearch11@gmail.com.

FOR CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR

Starting from March: Seeking assistant teacher for General Studies.  Candidate should have skills to take over for teachers if needed. Far Rockaway area boys’ school, M-Th, PM hours, strong support. Excellent salary. Possibility to continue for next year.  Send resume to teachersearch11@gmail.com.

SEEKING A FRIENDLY MALE

ABA provider for a lower elementary boy at a local Yeshiva. Competitive pay, great supervision. Email rachelb@everestaba.net for details!

Classifieds

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

A MEDICAL COMPANY

Is seeking to hire dedicated medical assistants to travel to patients’ homes for vital sign checks and test administration. Training provided. Candidates should be based in Five Towns, Far Rockaway, Queens, or Flatbush

This is a full or part-time role with flexible hours. Well paid Send Resume to: hr@theritecare.com (848)329-1085

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE special’s life!

Great com/hab opportunities available! Excellent Pay!

*Far Rockaway: *Male to transport and shadow high functioning, down syndrome teenage boy to Sunday program Sunday afternoons

*Valley Stream: *Female to escort young lady in the community

* Kew Gardens/Hillcrest: *Male in mornings for high functioning adult with disability to accompany on outings, to arcades and to the zoo; to shop with him and to help organize his apartment. Partial coverage ok. Call: 718 -252-3365 ext: 102 renay@specialcarefor.com

BOOKKEEPER

Excellent growth potential, Frum environment, Excellent salary & benefits. Email resume to: resumetfs1@gmail.com

MDS REGIONAL NURSE

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

REGENTS EXPERT

Tutoring regents in Algebra and Geometry A Darchei Torah instructor. Guaranteed results Text 347-491-8045 WhatsApp 347-767-1755

5 TOWNS BOYS YESHIVA

Seeking Elem Gen Ed Teachers

Excellent working environment and pay. Only lic/exp need apply. Email resume to yeshivalooking@gmail.com

HELP WANTED

SALES POSITION - MANHATTAN Next to LI RR Station • 20% Commission + Bonuses • Full-Time • 1-Week Training • Independent Work • Start ASAP Requirements: Sales Experience + License CV to: hrbrooklyn2025@gmail.com

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT

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

YESHIVAT KOL YAAKOV

In Great Neck, NY, is seeking general studies teachers for both the elementary and middle schools, for the upcoming academic year. Mon-Thur afternoons. Competitive salary, warm and supportive environment.  Send resume to m.kalati@kolyaakov.org

SPECIAL ED TEACHER HASC seeks Special Ed Teachers for our Early Learning Program. Warm, supportive and enjoyable working environment. Great Pay and Benefits! Sign on Bonus! Referral Bonus! Please email resume to jobswd@hasc.net

Text 516-303-3868 with a time slot of your choice to be careful on lashon hara. Be a part of the 1,000 people for klal yisroel!

SHMIRAS HALASHON