Five Towns Jewish Home - 3-3-22

March 3, 2022

Distributed weekly in the Five Towns, Long Island, Queens & Brooklyn

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46 BBY New Parent Welcome Event

76

Rabbi Yitzchok Kolodetsky Visits the Five Towns

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PAGE 9

Your Favorite Five Towns Family Newspaper

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

Mazel Tov! celebrates the completion of the monumental 51-volume English

The Jewish people are forever grateful to the patrons of this historic 15 year project Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Joseph and Lindsay and family • Jonathan and Nicole and family • Jeffrey Sedarim Dedicators: Jacob M. M. and Pnina Graff • Asher David and Michal Milstein Elisha Shlomo Milstein • Ira and Ingeborg Rennert In memory of Saul Schottenstein z”l The Schottenstein Edition Hebrew Talmud Yerushalmi is also nearing completion. Dedication

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‫ה ד ר ן ע לך‬ ‫ת ל מ ו ד י ר ו ש ל מי‬

Thank you to our generous sponsors of individual volumes: Andrew and Nancy Neff Raanan and Nicole Agus Samuel and Paula Rosenblum Howard and Chaya Balter Ron and Gizelle Russ Dennis and Debra Berman Zvi and Betty Ryzman David and Jean Bernstein Nachum and Malkie Silberman Zareh and Aram Bezikian Yerachmiel and Chana Simins Jules Brody z”l Jimmy and Beth Sitt Edward Mendel and Elissa Czuker Adam and Suri Sokol Jeff and Leslie Gould Yaakov and Yona Spinner Duvy and Cheryl Gross Soli and Vera Spira Paul and Beth Guez Benjamin and Marina Steinitz Hashi and Miriam Herzka Jacques and Ariane Stern Yaakov and Beatrice Herzog Elliot and Debbie Tannenbaum Menachem and Barbara Klein David and Joan Tepper z”l Motty and Malka Klein Terumah Foundation Barry and Toby Kohn Gary and Malka Torgow Shachna and Miriam Korsinsky Stanley and Ellen Wasserman Armand and Esther Lasky Joseph and Miriam Weiss Joseph and Freda Levi Chanoch and Hadassah Weisz Tuvia z”l and Barbara Levkovich Shlomo and Esther Werdiger Robert Lowinger Benzion and Joyce Westreich Neil and Esther Maron Yesh Foundation

History will show that the crown jewel of our accomplishments will be our opening Talmud Yerushalmi to all of Klal Yisrael.

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

Dear Readers,

U

krainian President Volodymyr Zelensky implored this week, “The world cannot be silent.”

And he’s right. How can world leaders stand by, ineffectually condemning certain acts, while a dictator marches into a neighboring country, slaughtering innocents and decimating cities?

I’m not old enough to have been around when Adolf Hitler, ym”sh, annexed Austria and then set his sights on Czechoslovakia. I’m not old enough to remember the jubilant cheers that Neville Chamberlain heard when he stepped off the tarmac in London waving a non-aggression pact signed only hours before.

The rest, as they say, is history.

And for many of us, it’s our history.

It’s our history because the world saw that a murderer does not stop at one murder and a dictator is not satisfied with conquering just one land. The Jews, of course, were only part of Hitler’s problem.

I, for one, find myself questioning my actions this week. I am wondering how I am making my kids’ hair, doing loads of laundry, and shopping for groceries when scores of our brothers and sisters are on the run – running for their lives.

They are carrying their world’s posses-

sions on their backs, stuffed into knapsacks and pockets. Will they ever see their homes again or will they eventually come back to flattened ruins where their homes once stood?

As Jews, we instinctively feel for each other. The pain of our relatives being forced to flee brings up emotions within us. And it conjures fears within us, as this is the trauma of a Jew in galus, who is always on the run.

It’s hard to reconcile the heartbreak you feel with the obligations that you have in your life. Despite having a heavy heart, we need to get our children on the bus in the morning and serve dinner at night. We need to hand in assignments at work and prepare for the yomim tovim ahead.

But perhaps the only way we can reasonably complete these tasks is if we have a constant prayer on our lips and a picture of our brothers and sisters in our hearts as we go about our days.

This way, despite what world leaders are doing – or not doing – we are not being silent.

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

Contents Letters to the Editor

8

COMMUNITY Readers’ Poll

8

Community Happenings

44

NEWS

28

Global

12

National

28

That’s Odd

40

ISRAEL Israel News

20

World Builders

96

JEWISH THOUGHT Rabbi Wein on the Parsha

88

Wisdom of the Heart by Rav Moshe Weinberger

90

Taking Advantage of Our Ordeals by Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

92

Delving into the Daf by Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

94

PEOPLE 100

They’re Fleeing for their Lives Shabbos in Kharkov by Rebbetzin Miriam Moskowitz American Aces by Avi Heiligman

98 132

HEALTH & FITNESS When You Say You’re Sensitive by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn

112

The Nursing vs. Formula Debate by Cindy Weinberger, MS RD CDN 114 FOOD & LEISURE The Aussie Gourmet: Pizza Hamantashen

122

LIFESTYLES Teen Talk

104

Dating Dialogue, Moderated by 108 Jennifer Mann, LCSW Parenting Pearls

116

JWOW!

120

Your Money

140

Be Unlimited by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

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140

Dear Editor, In 1994, Ukraine signed the Budapest Memorandum in which it relinquished all its nuclear weapons in exchange for a Russian non-aggression pledge. Today, tragically we see what a gross strategic mistake Ukraine made.

For tiny Israel, the message is clear. It cannot solely base its security on peaceful words of other countries. Rather, it must also maintain strong defense forces and a nuclear deterrent.

Sincerely, Chaim ben Zvi Queens, NY Dear Editor, I am appalled by the lack of action on behalf of the United States and other world leaders as we see a dictator marching into a sovereign country and slaughtering innocent civilians. They sit there with the mouths wide open and their hands in their pockets – doing nothing!

Sanctions are a mere slap on the wrist. What Putin needs is a good petch, a good spanking, by world leaders. When a person only understands guns and might, you deal with them in the language that they know. In other words, Putin only respects those with military power.

We need to bomb those army trucks and decimate his military. We can do it – we’ve bombed other countries before when it was warranted.

(Hello, strikes on the Taliban sound familiar?)

Unfortunately, world leaders are merely offering lip service to the horror. And Putin sees their impotency, and it is only making him stronger.

It’s time to take action!

We cannot let history repeat itself. Unless, of course, Biden wants us to start calling him the Neville Chamberlain of today.

Chedva Kunstler West Hempstead, NY Dear Editor, I found your interview with Mrs. Rivka Resnik to be almost ironic.

Here she is, talking about finances and being smart about finances, and we are living in the Five Towns where the excess is beyond the top.

In our community, it is not a question of “if” you go away on vacation. The question is only “where” and “when” are you going. Siyums are no longer a bunch of nosh brought from home. No, every child needs a pizza party or poppers to get excited – in elementary school – about their accomplishments. Forget clothes, forget kiddushim, forget bar mitzvahs. And so much of the excess is now considered “normal.”

And to what end? Just to purchase more and entertain more and make things even more over-the-top than your neighbor.

Continued on page 10

HUMOR Centerfold

86

POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes

124

Biden’s State of the Union Address: On a “Lighter Note”

128

Putin’s Assault on Ukraine will Shape a New World Order

by David Ignatius

130

Biden’s War on Fossil Fuels by Marc A. Thiessen

131

CLASSIFIEDS

134

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

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I love how Mrs. Resnik is bringing her financial wisdom to schools.

That is one way to halt the process.

When children learn that credit cards are not just plastic fun cards and just represent a debt, maybe they’ll think twice before they swipe. When they understand that going to the doctor is also about dealing with insurance companies, they’ll be wiser about what goes into keeping them healthy. When they see how saving money can truly lead to a sizeable amount at the end of the day, then they’ll be enjoined to save.

Oh, and maybe if they learn these things in school they can come home and teach their parents a bit more about saving and finances.

This way, our community will hopefully become smarter about their money.

A reader Dear Editor, With Purim right around the corner, I’d like to remind the community to not serve underage individuals wine or liquor. I know that we all know not to serve teens something that could be damaging to them, but in all the levity of the day, we can sometimes forget.

Make this a big part of your day.

There are other ways to be “b’simcha” on Purim. Alcohol does not have to be one of them.

Gitty Weinberger

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Continued from page 8

Views expressed on the Letters to the Editor page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jewish Home.

Please send all correspondence to: editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

The Week In News

A Heartbreaking Speech

On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed European lawmakers about the crisis in Ukraine. During his livestreamed address, he described the shelling of Kharkiv, including a missile strike on the city’s Freedom Square.

“Can you imagine, two cruise missiles, dozens killed. This is the price of freedom,” Zelensky said.

The interpreter who gave over Zelensky’s words in English was

overcome with emotion as he repeated Zelensky’s words.

“We are fighting,” the interpreter continued, pausing to take a shaky breath. “Just for our land,” he said, exhaling sharply. “Despite the fact that all of our cities are blocked, that nobody is going to enter and intervene.”

Zelensky declared that all squares in the country would be figuratively renamed “Freedom Square,” in tribute to the valiant courage that Ukrainians have in fighting off Russian forces.

He noted that children had been heartlessly killed in the invasion, asking how those children were “fighters,” as Putin has asserted that the army is only hurting those who come to fight.

The speech was a desperate plea to the European Parliament, with Zelensky all but begging the European Union to “prove they are with us” by letting Ukraine join the bloc, which now has 27 members.

“We have proven our strength,” he continued. “So do prove that you are with us. Prove that you will not let us go. Prove that you indeed are Europeans.”

The address was met with a standing ovation from lawmakers and with

expressions of goodwill from various European leaders.

Still, it remains unclear whether Ukraine has a shot at joining the bloc, let alone when that would happen.

Walkout at the UN

When Russia’s foreign minister addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday, dozens of diplomats from the United States, European Union, and Britain walked out of the room.

Sergei Lavrov was giving the virtual speech at the forum in Geneva. He had canceled his in-person appearance because EU states had blocked the path of his flight to Geneva.

In his speech, Lavrov accused the European Union of participating in

“Russo frenzy,” according to a video of the walkout posted by a Sky News correspondent.

Lavrov’s speech comes less than a week after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced what he characterized as a “special military operation” in Ukraine. On Monday, the U.S. State Department accused Russia of “widespread” human rights abuses in Ukraine as its troops fired missiles at civilian areas.

Russian forces have engaged in heavy shelling and missile attacks that have hit everything from residential buildings, an orphanage, kindergartens, and a children’s hospital, according to the Ukrainian government.

Putin’s actions have shocked Western nations that subsequently imposed harsh and crippling sanctions on Russia’s financial institutions and central bank that could hurt its ability to finance Putin’s war in Ukraine. Multiple European countries have also reversed longstanding policies against getting involved in conflict zones and said they will send weapons and financial assistance to aid Ukraine.

Russia has also been kicked out of major sporting events including FIFA, the International Skating

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‫עד‬

‫ך‬ ‫ל‬ ‫ס‬ ‫ע‬ ‫ד‬ ‫ר‬ ‫ן‬ ‫דר‬ ‫מ‬ ‫ו‬

‫ה‬

All Daf extends a heartfelt mazel tov to lomdei Daf Yomi & their families upon the completion of Seder Moed.

ALL DAF MAGGIDEI SHIUR

Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz

Rabbi Eli Mansour

Rabbi Shalom Rosner

Rabbi Sruly Bornstein

Rabbi Shloime Schwartzberg

Rabbi Moshe Elefant

Rabbi Eluzar Nissan Rubin

Begin Yevamos With All Daf On Wednesday, March 9th • Diagrams • Special Features • Multiple Shiurim

Rabbi Zecharia Resnik

Rabbi Elimelech Friedman

Rabbi Eli Stefansky

Rabbi Gavriel Friedman

D O W N L O A D

F R E E

or visit alldaf.org

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

Union, and the International Ice Hockey Federation.

Despite the fierce resistance in Ukraine, the war is far from over, as Putin battles for victory and troops head to Kyiv.

“Russian military is suspending unsupported thunder runs, resupplying, and reorganizing,” the Russia expert at CNA tweeted on Monday.

“Ukraine’s military has performed rly well, but I think we’re going to see a different Russian approach moving forward.”

Russia Assaults Kyiv

The Ukrainian capital of Kyiv was under attack on Tuesday, the sixth day of fighting since Russia invaded its neighbor. Bombs rained down on the city and smashed the state TV tower in Babyn Yar, where at least five people were killed.

Russia warned Kyiv residents to flee their homes and rained rockets down on the city of Kharkiv. Russia, frustrated by Ukrainian resistance, is now resorting to decimating the cities of Ukraine.

With an armored column miles long bearing down on the capital, Russia’s defense ministry said it was planning to strike targets in Kyiv used by Ukraine’s security service.

Rocket strikes on Kharkiv killed at least 10 people and wounded 35, Ukrainian Interior Ministry adviser Anton Herashchenko said. Similar strikes had killed and wounded dozens in the city the previous day A Kyiv-based TV tower was shelled.

Mariupol City Council reported that the Russian army shelled residential areas in the city. As a result of the attack, several houses and a school in the same area were damaged. It is not yet known how many were killed in the attacks.

A city hospital in Kharkiv was also shelled, with an undetermined number of victims, Oleksiy Arestovych, an adviser to the head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, said on Monday.

He noted that Kharkiv, Kherson, and the north-western direction

from Kyiv are currently the hottest battle zones. Sporadic clashes are taking place near Mariupol.

Street fights have been ongoing in Kherson as units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Territorial Defense repel attacks.

Thousands Flee

Desperate for their lives, more than 660,000 people have fled Ukraine. An estimated one million people are displaced within the country, the UN refugee agency says.

On Monday, around 4,000 refugees fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine arrived in Budapest, Hungary, after abandoning their homes.

It took them days to get to Hungary.

More than 300 children were part of the group that arrived by train to Budapest.

Most of the refugees plan to travel onwards rather than stay in Hungary.

Relief groups have set up stalls with food, water, and other aid supplies in train stations in Budapest, said Marton Juhasz, head of the Hungarian Reformed Church’s charity.

“Some just need baggage storage or onward travel information, but others are in urgent need of food, water and shelter, even psychological help as many have left family behind,” Juhasz said.

In the past, Hungary had closed its borders to asylum seekers under nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The United Nations estimated on Monday that some 90,000 people from Ukraine had arrived in Hungary since last week.

Most Ukrainians have fled to Poland, a place where many Ukrainians have been to for work in recent years.

“This figure has been rising exponentially, hour after hour, literally, since Thursday,” agency chief Filippo Grandi told the United Nations Security Council on Monday about the number of refugees, when the number had exceeded half a million. “I have worked in refugee crises for almost 40 years, and I have rarely seen such an incredibly fast-rising exodus of people — the largest, surely, within Europe, since the Balkan wars.”

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

Starlink Aids Ukraine

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On Monday, hardware from Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink arrived in Ukraine following an online plea made directly to him.

Ukraine’s vice prime minister and minister of digital transformation Mykhailo Fedorov shared an image of the Starlink hardware via Twitter.

“Starlink – here. Thanks, @elonmusk,” wrote Fedorov.

On Saturday, Musk said Starlink, which leverages satellites to beam broadband internet access, was active in the Ukraine and terminals were “en route.”

Musk’s tweet was in response to Fedorov urging the billionaire to help provide internet access to the region.

“While your rockets successfully land from space – Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people!

We ask you to provide Ukraine with Starlink stations and to address sane Russians to stand,” Fedorov wrote on Saturday.

Starlink aims to deliver broadband internet access to rural and remote areas where fiber optic cables and cell phone towers do not reach by launching clusters of satellites into low-orbit Earth using rockets from SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace company.

Last December, Starlink launched 48 more satellites off the coast of Florida.

An Act of Bravery

A Ukrainian soldier on Friday blew himself up along with an essential bridge, in an effort to prevent Russian troops from moving further

into his country In a Facebook post, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote that Vitaly Skakun Volodymyrovych, a military engineer, had carried out a “heroic act” believed to have prevented Russian tanks from crossing a bridge in Henichesk in southern Ukraine.

“An explosion was heard immediately. Our brother died. His heroic deed significantly slowed the advance of the enemy, which allowed the unit to redeploy and organize the defense,” the post read.

“Russian occupiers, know that the ground will burn under your feet!

We will fight as long as we live! And as long as we are alive we will fight!”

Volodymyrovych will be honored posthumously.

Russia Detains Thousands Protesting

Over 3,000 Russians have been detained for participating in protests against the war with Ukraine.

On Sunday, the OVD-info monitor reported, “In the last 3 days, at least 3,052 people were arrested.” It added that on Saturday, 467 people were arrested in 34 cities, including 200 in Moscow.

At the same time, over 6,000 medical workers signed an open letter condemning the Ukraine invasion, while 3,400 architects and engineers signed another letter. Five hundred teachers signed a third protest letter.

Meanwhile, by Saturday evening, a petition online to stop the invasion of Ukraine garnered over 780,000 signatures.

Roskomnadzor, a Russian state communications watchdog, asserted that claims that “Russian armed forces firing at Ukrainian cities and the death of civilians in Ukraine as a result of the actions of the Russian army, as well as materials in which the ongoing operation is called ‘an attack,’ ‘an invasion,’ or ‘a declaration of war,’” were untrue.

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E K OW N

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

Hong Kong Frenzy

Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam called for calm on Tuesday after residents emptied supermarkets, stocking up on produce ahead of reports of compulsory mass Covid-19 testing and rumors of a city-wide lockdown.

Compulsory Covid testing is set to start after March 17, sparking concerns many people will be forced to isolate and families with members testing positive would be separated.

Lam appealed to the public “not to fall prey to rumours to avoid unnecessary fears being stirred,” with the supply of food and goods remaining normal.

“There is no need for members of the public to worry,” she said. “They should stay vigilant and pay atten-

tion to the information disseminated by the government so as to avoid being misled by rumors.”

Officials are planning to test the city’s 7.4 million people three times over nine days, with the government recommending that people stay home during the period. Exemptions would be made for those who buy food, seek medical treatment, and maintain societal operations.

Hong Kong’s stock market would continue to operate.

The Chinese-ruled city has seen coronavirus infections surge to over 34,000 on Monday from just over 100 at the start of February.

Hong Kong continues to stick to a COVID policy of “dynamic zero,” the same as mainland China, which seeks to curb all outbreaks at any cost. The Chinese ruled territory has implemented its most draconian measures since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile North Korea launched a ballistic missile on Sunday. The launch was the eighth of its kind this year

According to Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, the missile flew at a maximum altitude of about 370 miles, to a distance of about 190 miles, before landing off North Korea’s eastern coast. No damage has been reported, Nobuo said.

Speaking to reporters, he said, “If North Korea deliberately carried out the missile launch while the international community is distracted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, such an act is absolutely unforgivable. Whatever the motives are, North Korea’s repeated missile launches are absolutely inexcusable, and we cannot overlook considerable missile and nuclear advancement.”

South Korean officials have expressed “deep concerns and grave regret” over the launch.

Last month, North Korea conducted seven rounds of missile tests.

Taliban Raids Kabul Homes

Armed Taliban fighters are going from house to house in Kabul, Afghanistan, conducting thorough searches for weapons.

On woman, whose husband is a laborer, told the Washington Post, “They said they were looking for weapons. They said, ‘We know you had relations with the former regime.’ But my husband never worked for the government.”

According to the Post, after the fighters found nothing, they confiscated a family vehicle and beat the laborer’s adolescent son.

In a Sunday news conference, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said, “We assure the citizens of Kabul that these operations are not against the common people. We

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Europe Withholds PA Aid

S U N 1 0 : 3 0 - 6 M O N -T H U R 1 0 - 6 & F R I 1 0 - 1 (winter) 1 0 - 2 (summer)

have no bad intentions against anyone. These operations are against those who are thieves, kidnappers, who cause misery to our society and put the lives of Afghans in danger.”

He added, “You may remember the search operations carried out by the Americans and their allies with planes and helicopters that entered people’s homes at night and bombed us, killing civilians. If we compare the current operations with that

P H O N E 5 1 6 . 5 5 8 . 74 3 5 4 8 9 C E N T R A L AV E , C E D A R H U R S T N Y

situation, our search operations are much more professional and carried out with greater caution.”

Mujahid promised, “This will be the last operation. Once this operation is complete, security will come.”

According to Mujahid’s office, the Taliban fighters confiscated hundreds of weapons, including pistols, artillery, and rocket-propelled grenades.

“People who have no criminal re-

cord should not be worried and stay with peace at their houses,” Mujahid’s office said in a news release.

Spokesman for Kabul’s police chief Khalid Zadran said, “If abuses did happen, it was not our intended policy.” He added, “We have phone numbers to call if anyone has any complaints, and I have not received any calls.”

Millions of euros of aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) are stalled in Brussels as the European Commission discusses whether to condition part of the funds on changes to Palestinian Authority school textbooks.

The European Union plays a crucial role in paying the salaries of the PA’s employees but due to “technical difficulties” has paid almost nothing since 2020.

One diplomat, who spoke to Times of Israel on condition of anonymity, said the delay began as a technical matter but then became further delayed when an official in the European Commission sought to condition some of the aid on changes to the PA textbooks.

“It was a technical matter that became a political matter,” he noted.

Officials in the European Parliament said that EU official Oliver Varhelyi suggested conditioning $10 million of the aid on changing PA textbooks so that they meet international standards.

PA school textbooks contain explicit incitement against Jews and Israel, but the PA claims that the material is necessary in order to express the “Palestinian national” narrative.

Israeli Jew Killed in Kyiv Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky on Monday evening confirmed that an Israeli Jew was shot and killed near Kyiv as he attempted to leave the city for the Ukrainian border.

The victim, identified as 37-yearold Roman Brodsky, was traveling from Kyiv to join the secure bus con-

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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voys when he was shot and killed.

Brodsky’s father is working to convince his son’s friend to have his body brought to Israel for burial.

In a statement, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said Roman Brodsky “was killed in Ukraine while part of a convoy of vehicles on their way to the border with Moldova. His vehicle was shot, and he was killed.”

It added, “The director of the Department of Israelis Abroad spoke with his wife, who is currently in Ukraine with the deceased’s children. His parents, who live in Israel, received the difficult message. The Foreign Ministry wishes to express its sincere condolences to the family in its difficult time and will continue

to assist the family as much as possible.”

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett acknowledged, “I have sadly received the sad news of the death of Roman Brodsky, an Israeli citizen, in Ukraine.

“On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, I would like to send my condolences to the wife, children and family of the late Roman, in Israel and in Ukraine. We continue to do everything we can to help Israelis return home.”

Renovations for Soldiers

The IDF last week presented a series of projects aimed at improving the conditions of soldiers’ service.

In a briefing, the IDF said that 130 mess halls will be renovated,

and the number of kitchen staff would be increased. The IDF also said that it would improve the variety, nutritional value, and portion size of soldiers’ meals.

Included in the new breakfast menu are Tunisian sandwiches, bourekas, shakshuka, sabich, hummus, falafel, muesli, cereal, and energy bars. Lunches will include shawarma, deboned chicken thighs (pargiyot), or hamburgers once a week, along with vegan options. Soldiers will be asked to fill out a survey after each meal, to help commanders identify issues in food choices.

Around 80 “lounges” with comfortable furniture and varied food offerings, refrigerators, a water bar, and a microwave will be built at distant outposts, for the soldiers’ benefit, the report added.

Maj. Gen. Michel Yanko, head of the IDF’s Technology and Logistics Directorate, said, “In both the world of food and transportation, we are required to adapt our response to the expectations of the conscripts.

In the field of transportation, we are in a better place, constantly working to maintain a high level of satisfaction and perfect the process. In the field of food, we have built a broad plan that will affect the scope and diversity of the conscripts’ nutrition, among combat troops in particular, already this year.”

members of Bennett’s staff and MKs Gilad Kariv (Labor) and Alon Tal (Blue and White). Kariv is Reform; Tal is Conservative.

Tal said he was impressed by Bennett’s level of understanding of the situation and therefore decided not to rebuke him on his government’s failures.

He added, “Six years! Six years that the government has turned its back on Reform and Conservative Judaism, which makes up the majority of Jews in the United States.”

In a statement, the Reform Movement in Israel said, “Our movements expressed our unconditional support for the State of Israel and our expectation that the PM take steps that prove his commitment that the State of Israel is the home for all Jews in Israel and around the world.

“Bennett committed to the need to ensure our right to pray according to our custom at the Western Wall free from violence and interruption.”

Last week, members of the government met with an Am Echad delegation representing thousands of Orthodox Jews from around the world about the situation with the Western Wall.

Restrictions Rolled Back

Conservative, Reform Leaders Meet with Bennett

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with the leaders of the Reform and Conservative movements on Monday, marking the first time in six years that an Israeli prime minister had done so.

Participants in the discussion described it as warm and positive.

Bennett had reportedly promised the group to improve the egalitarian prayer space at the Western Wall.

Also attending the meeting were

On Tuesday, Israel rolled back most of its coronavirus regulations, as the number of new cases continues to drop together with the number of hospitalized patients.

Earlier in the week, Hebrew University’s Professor Nadav Katz noted, “The numbers are falling as we expected and hoped, and it’s very clear that we are well past the crest of the wave.”

He added that although there are new variants, none seem to be a “cloud on the horizon” for Israel.

But, he cautioned, “we’re likely to see coronavirus cases continue at a low level, which is exactly what we’ve meant as we’ve talked about living with the virus.”

As of Tuesday, Israel moved from

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that Nahalat Shimon, the Jewish organization seeking to evict the four families, was the rightful owner of the land. The Palestinians claimed the Jordanians had been in the process of issuing them deeds to the property before Israel conquered East Jerusalem in 1967.

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a “state of emergency” to a “special health situation.”

The country’s new travel guidelines allow all foreigners, vaccinated or unvaccinated, into the country, so long as they undergo a PCR test within 72 hours before their flight to Israel and the result is negative. A second test will be performed upon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport. Israeli citizens do not need to take a pre-flight PCR test but will need to test upon arrival in Israel.

Israel’s Green Pass requirements

have also been canceled, as has the requirement to wear masks in some large outdoor gatherings.

Court: Sheikh Jarrah Families Can Stay The High Court of Justice ruled on Tuesday that four Palestinian families in the flashpoint East Jeru-

salem neighbo eikh Jarrah will not be evicted until the Justice Ministry settles their ownership claims to the property.

According to the left-wing Ir Amim nonprofit, some 300 Palestinians are currently under threat of eviction in Sheikh Jarrah, mostly in private cases filed by Jewish groups.

The case involving these four families could set a precedent for other proceedings making their way through the courts, experts say.

For decades, courts have held

In an unprecedented move, the High Court ruled this week that the Palestinians could not be evicted unless the Justice Ministry examined the Palestinians’ claim to the homes.

The Justice Ministry is responsible for sorting out land registration and issuing titles to property but has effectively frozen the process in much of East Jerusalem, citing political and logistical difficulties.

In the meantime, the Palestinian families will deposit a symbolic amount of rent — NIS 2,400 ($740) per year — in a bank account belonging to both sides’ lawyers. If the Justice Ministry rules against them, the funds will be transferred to Nahalat Shimon.

Sami Irsheid, an attorney for the Palestinians, hailed the ruling as “preserving the presence of the Palestinians in their homes.”

“There’s no eviction, and the ownership of the land will be revisited. From the 1970s until today, the courts have always held that the Jewish organizations were the owners. This is a very positive development,” said Irsheid.

The evictions in Sheikh Jarrah have become a global symbol of the Palestinian cause, sparking raised tensions in Jerusalem that helped touch off the May war between Israel and the Hamas terror group. Israeli officials have warned that the tense situation in the neighborhood could lead to another escalation between Israel and the Palestinians.

The four Sheikh Jarrah homes were built on empty land owned by Jewish religious associations before the 1948 war. After Israel conquered East Jerusalem from Jordan in 1967, the government passed laws allowing Israelis to reclaim properties that had been taken over by the Jordanian government.

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But Israeli law only allowed the reclaiming of properties that had been held by the Jordanian Custodian of Enemy Property. In cases where the Jordanian government had transferred the property to individuals, the new owners maintained their title to the land.

The Palestinian defendants in Sheikh Jarrah have presented documents purporting to show that the Jordanian government was in the process of registering them as the land’s owners before the 1967 war.

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A new prosecutor has been chosen to lead a criminal probe into former U.S. President Donald Trump, the Manhattan district attorney’s office said on Friday.

The move comes after two top lawyers quit the case. According to The New York Times, the two quit after Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, said he had doubts about pursuing the case.

The new prosecutor, Susan Hoffinger, will lead the probe into Trump and the Trump Organization, a spokeswoman for Bragg said.

The probe focuses on whether Trump misrepresented the value of his real estate properties.

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U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for the U.S. Supreme Court.

If confirmed, Jackson would become the first Black woman to be elected to SCOTUS. Speaking on Friday at a formal White House ceremony, Biden said, “It is my honor to introduce to the country a daughter of former public school teachers, a proven consensus builder, an accomplished lawyer, a distinguished jurist…on one of the nation’s most prestigious courts.”

Jackson, 51, said she was grateful to the “grace of G-d” and her parents, and was “truly humbled.”

Jackson, a former clerk to retiring Justice Stephen Breyer, has more than eight years’ experience on the federal bench.

According to legal scholars, Jackson’s approach is considered mainstream and measured. If confirmed, she would be the second Black justice on the current court, alongside Clarence Thomas, and just the third in history. She would also become the fourth woman on the current court — the highest number ever — and only the sixth female justice in history.

John Catsimatidis, billionaire, CEO of United Refining and CEO of New York City supermarket chain Gristedes, said that America is being “conned” and “lied to.”

Reacting to U.S. President Joe Biden’s continued purchase of oil from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Catsimatidis told “Cavuto: Coast to Coast,” “We are still buying crude oil from Putin. We are wiring him money every day from the United States and payment for crude oil going into Boston Harbor. You know, we are being lied to. We are being conned.”

On Thursday, Biden said the United States is working with other countries on a coordinated oil release from the global petroleum reserve, in an attempt to reduce gasoline prices.

In response, Catsimatidis said, “That is the dumbest thing I ever heard. If you release 50 million gal-

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The IEA’s secretariat is set to release guidance on Thursday for European nations on how to reduce dependence on Russian energy over the course of the year, according to the organization.

The announcement comes days after Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) sent a letter urging President Biden to take the step, noting the invasion’s impact on domestic gas prices.

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lons, what is that going to do? The United States burns up … a lot more every day. The answer is … you open up Alaska. You open up Canada … and then it’s free-flowing.”

Together with its allies, the U.S. will release 60 million barrels of oil from their strategic reserves.

That will include 30 million barrels from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki and the Department of Energy. The rest will come from the remaining 30 coun-

tries of the International Energy Agency (IEA).

“Today’s announcement is another example of partners around the world condemning Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine and working together to address the impact of President Putin’s war of choice,” Psaki said. “President Biden was clear from the beginning that all tools are on the table to protect American businesses and consumers, including from rising prices at the pump.”

In a separate announcement, the IEA backed international sanctions against Russia and said it made the decision to release oil from its reserves amid volatile oil prices and an eight-year low for commercial inventories, as well as constraints on producers that prevent making up the supply shortfall in the near term.

Russia is the world’s largest oil exporter, exporting some 5 million barrels of crude per day. About 60 percent of exports are to Europe, with another 20 percent to China.

The effectiveness of the Pfizer/ BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines for children dropped considerably during the Omicron surge, especially among children ages 5 to 11, according to new data from the New York State Department of Health.

Within one month of being fully vaccinated, effectiveness of the Pfizer shots against infection caused by the Omicron variant fell from 68% to just 12% in the youngest children eligible to get the shots: those 5 to 11 years old.

Effectiveness against hospitalization in that age group was higher but also dropped substantially – falling from 100% in early December to just 48% by the end of January.

“The data are not surprising as the vaccine was developed in response to an earlier Covid-19 variant and reduced effectiveness of 2 doses against the Omicron variant has been seen to some degree with all vaccines and ages,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett noted.

“It is critical to stress that vaccination is still recommended for everyone 5 years and older, including children 5-11. These data also demonstrate that Covid-19 vaccines

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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reduce the risk of more severe illness and hospitalization for children 5-11, and I encourage parents and guardians to consult their pediatrician about getting their children vaccinated, and boosted if eligible, as soon as they can,” she added.

Children 5 to 11 get a dose of the Pfizer vaccine that is 10 micrograms, one-third the dose given to children 12 to 17.

The study also found that while vaccine effectiveness also fell for older children and teens, it fell more slowly than it did for grade-schoolers. For any illness caused by Covid-19, vaccine effectiveness waned from 66% in early December to 51% by the end of January for kids 12 to 17. For hospitalizations, vaccine effectiveness fell from 85% to 73% over the same timeframe.

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It’s been a century and a half since Yellowstone National Park was officially named the United States’ first national park.

The park – 96% of which is in Wyoming, 3% in Montana, and 1% in Idaho – is celebrating a major milestone this year.

On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act into law. With the stroke of his pen, he created the first national park in the United States but also the world.

Yellowstone’s history actually begins way before 1872. For thousands of years, there is evidence of the Blackfeet, Cayuse, Coeur d’Alene, Kiowa, Nez Perce, Shoshone, and other tribes roaming the land.

They “hunted, fished, gathered plants, quarried obsidian and used the thermal waters for religious and medicinal purposes,” the National Parks Service says.

While the Indigenous people lived with the land, waves of westward U.S. expansion began putting pressure on wilderness areas throughout the West.

European Americans began exploring the area that’s now Yellow-

stone in the early 1800s. The first organized expedition entered the area in 1870. Reports from these explorers propelled members of the government to advocate for a national park.

The creation of Yellowstone helped to usher in other national parks, with California’s Sequoia and Yosemite joining the roster in 1890. Mount Rainier was added to the list in 1899. Today, there are 63 national parks, with the newest being New River Gorge in December 2020.

Beth Pratt, who lived and worked at Yellowstone from 2007 to 2011 overseeing sustainability projects, said about Yellowstone, “I have to give my favorite place in Yellowstone to Norris Geyser Basin. Old Faithful gets all the attention, but Norris is full of wonders.

“Norris Geyser Basin is described in the NPS guide as ‘one of the hottest and most dynamic of Yellowstone’s hydrothermal areas.’ But even this description is an understatement – the otherworldly nature of the area simply evokes awe. When you visit the basin, it’s like being transported to another planet.”

She explained, “I once saw nine different grizzly bears in one day and had almost 40 bighorn sheep wander by me one day as I ate my lunch. Yellowstone is a wildlife immersion experience like no other in our country.”

Elon Musk Facing Insider Trading Probe

Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his brother are reportedly being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission for possible violations of insider trading rules.

The Wall Street Journal cites unnamed sources familiar with the probe who said that the agency is looking into sales of Tesla shares by Kimbal Musk just prior to his brother Elon’s announcement that he would sell 10% of his own Tesla holdings.

According to the Financial Times,

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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Musk has denied any wrongdoing.

On Monday, Musk’s lawyers filed a complaint claiming that there had been leaks of the probe into Musk.

Kimbal Musk sold 88,500 Tesla shares in November, receiving $109 million. Had he waited to sell after his brother did, he would have raked in $5.8 million less. Unlike Elon, though, Kimbal regularly sold shares in the company.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Elon Musk said, “Kimbal had no idea I was going to do a Twitter poll. The idea that I would care about whether my brother might sell shares for a few million dollars less when my Twitter poll caused my own share sale to be over a billion dollars less is utterly absurd.”

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AT&T’s 3G network shut down last week, and other carriers are set to follow suit later this year.

The change will require updates to a long list of products if they are to continue working. Among these products are some home alarm systems, in-car crash notification, roadside assistance systems, and medical devices such as fall detectors.

3G was introduced in 2002, allowing some home security devices and car infotainment systems to connect to networks. Since then, however, wireless companies have moved to using 4G and 5G networks.

Among the carriers phasing out 3G technology are AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

Roger Entner, analyst and founder of Recon Analytics, noted, “A few million connected devices in the smart home space still need to be replaced, including my meter for my solar panels. Some companies started reaching out to their customers over the past 2 years informing them that service would soon shut off, but as of 6 months ago, many products still haven’t gotten around to replacing them yet.”

Sam Abuelsamid, principal analyst with Guidehouse Insights, a market research firm focused on emerging technologies, said that

most cars built in the past five years are using 4G modems. Those customers who are not sure what their car uses can call their local dealer for more information, he added.

Our Brains Slow Down in Our 60s

A wide-ranging new study shows that a person’s brain only slows down in their mid-sixties.

The study, conducted by researchers from Heidelberg University in Germany and published in Nature Human Behavior, examined data on over one million people ages 10-80, measuring the speed with which they completed various online tasks and made decisions, as well as how quickly they reached a conclusion.

Analyzing the data by using machine learning, the researchers found that older people took longer to reach decisions on average because they were less willing to sacrifice accuracy for speed.

Older adults were also a bit slower physically pushing the buttons to record their answers.

Mischa von Krause, the study’s first author, said, “Our finding is encouraging, as our results show that average levels in mental speed in contexts demanding fast and forced decisions do not decline until relatively late in the lifespan.”

Cuomo Just Doesn’t Quit

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday launched an advertisement to clear his name, over half a year after harassment allegations forced him out of office.

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decisions by New York district attorneys not to press charges against him, concluding with the statement, “Political attacks won. And New Yorkers lost a proven leader.”

Cuomo, 64, saw five criminal probes against him closed without charges, though some prosecutors said there were accusations which they found credible.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg News, Cuomo said the

prosecutors’ decisions had “vindicated” him.

In a Monday statement, Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi said, “Accusations fly around the world at the speed of light, but the truth crawls at a snail’s pace.

“We will not rest until all the facts are out and New Yorkers understand the full scope of the craven politics and prosecutorial misconduct that permeated this process.”

Masks Off in NY This Wednesday, New York State’s mandate requiring mask use at schools was lifted. New York City will be following suit next week.

The city will also end requirements for New Yorkers to show proof of vaccination at indoor settings, provided there’s a “low level of risk,”

Adams said the city would drop its “Key to NYC” mandate requiring proof of vaccination at indoor venues including restaurants, gyms, and entertainment spaces on March 7 — as long as “there are no surprises this week.”

Hochul noted declining rates of infection in the city and state.

“We’re at our lowest point in pediatric cases since July of 2021,” the governor said.

The same trend took place for the state as a whole, with 51 straight days of decreased cases.

Despite the changes, the mandate will remain in effect at staterun health care facilities, nursing homes, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and domestic violence shelters.

On Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dropped mask recommendations for localities with “low” transmission rates – a designation that applies to most of the country, including New York City’s five counties.

Speaking to PIX-11, Adams said, “Eventually, we’re going to move to the place to ease up on many of these mandates so we can get back to a level of normality that we all are looking for.”

He added, “When I have on my mask, you can’t see my smile, but trust me, I’m smiling. The numbers are moving in the right direction.

And we’re going to follow the science because, remember, we can’t allow our city to close down again.”

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Two Time’s a Charm

Lightning does strike twice – and it did for Juan Hernandez.

The Long Island man recently won a $10 million lottery prize. The twist?

This is not Hernandez’s first million win. Just three years ago, he won the prize for the same amount. Talk about being lucky…

Truthfully, Hernandez is overwhelmed by all that cash. He told New York Lottery officials last week that he’s “still trying to spend the $10 million” he won in 2019. We should all

have that problem.

The first time Hernandez won he was playing a $350,000,000 Cash Spectacular scratch-off ticket. This time, he won on a Deluxe scratch-off.

He opted to collect his latest prize in a single lump sum payment of $6,510,000.

The odds of winning the top prize on Deluxe is 1 in 3,521,600, according to the New York Lottery. Of course, the odds of winning the lottery twice is exponentially higher.

But it’s not as uncommon as you might think. Last October, a Maryland man won a $2 million lottery for the second time. And in August, a South Carolina man won a $3 million lottery just 11 days after winning $40,000.

We’re hoping some of that luck will rub off on us. Hey, you never know.

Green Dog A Nova Scotia couple are now the proud parents of a brightly-hued dog.

Their bulldog recently gave birth to a litter of eight puppies. The last puppy to be born seemed a bit different than the others.

At first, Trevor and Audra Mosher thought that their dog Freya had finished giving birth after seven puppies popped out. But the eighth puppy finally made her appearance.

things like that but to be there and witness it, it was good,” Trevor said.

For now, the couple is considering naming the lime-green canine Hulkette, Fiona, Wasabi, Lucky Irish, or Pistachio.

We give them the green light to name her whatever they want.

Speed Skiing “We started to dry her off and noticed she was green,” Trevor said.

Concerned about the odd color, they googled it and found that a green dog is quite rare.

“It has happened a few times all over the world,” Trevor added.

The rare discoloration, which has been documented before, is believed to be caused by light-colored puppies coming into contact with the green pigments from bile while in the womb. Over time, the green color tends to fade.

“I’m kind of amazed, really. As rare as it seems to be, I feel very lucky to have witnessed it and be a part of it. I know you hear stories about

A pair of Michigan men unofficially broke a Guinness World Record by tackling the slopes at 23 ski resorts in 24 hours.

Kyle Kelly, 28, of Caledonia, and Brad Dykstra, 29, of Hopkins, said they started their record attempt at noon on Saturday at Nubs Nob in Harbor Springs. A day later, they reached their goal at noon on Sunday at Cannonsburg Ski Area.

Some of the lifts opened early to help them break the record.

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“The proximity of all these resorts in Michigan, it’s got a higher density of resorts than most other places in the country or the world even,” Dykstra said.

The skier and snowboarder aimed to nab the Guinness World Record from Terri Moore, who visited 17 ski areas in 24 hours in 2017 in Japan.

“The hardest thing has been the stipulations set by Guinness to prove that you actually broke it,” Kelly said.

“We have to send them lift tickets, photos. We had to film for 24 hours straight.”

Hope they get to sleep sometime soon.

She is now heading to two other banks to see if her other accounts have any cash.

“It’s very exciting,” she said.

We don’t want to sound cliché, but you know, Carol, that a penny saved is a penny earned.

The Almighty Dollar

It took over a year, but it was worth it.

Recently, a strawberry grown in Israel was crowned the world’s heaviest strawberry on record. The mammoth fruit weighed a whopping 289 grams – more than half a pound.

The strawberry was picked on Chahi Ariel’s family farm near the city of Netanya in central Israel in February 2021.

“We waited for a year for the results,” Ariel said. “We kept it in the freezer for a year. It’s no longer as pretty as it was.”

The supersized strawberry is a local variety called Ilan that tends to grow to a hefty size. Ariel said the record-setting specimen has shrunk to about half the size it was a year before.

The previous record-holder for the heaviest strawberry was a Japanese fruit grown in 2015 in Fukuoka that tipped the scales at 250 grams.

The wait turned out to be fruitful.

Ariel said he jumped up and down in his car, laughing and singing when he got the news.

“We are very happy to be in the Guinness World Records,” he said.

Berry good news.

Never underestimate the power of a few dollars.

When Carol Allison was six years old, her grandmother took her to the bank and helped her to open up a savings bank. Now Carol is 74 years old. Recently, she found her bank book from Trustee Savings Bank and set out to find out if any money was left in the bank.

Turns out that Carol was smart to check on her cash after more than six decades. Her $3.35 balance had ballooned into $335.

“I was really pleased and thanked my grandmother, under my breath, when they told me I had £250 [U.S. $335],” Allison told the BBC. “They said it had continued to gain interest all that time.”

Berry Big

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MTA’s Makor Chaim Israel Exchange Program

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TA’s Makor Chaim Exchange Program is off to a great start, as 12 MTA Sophomores and Juniors arrived in Israel at Yeshivat Makor Chaim on Tuesday, February 22. Located in Kibbutz Kfar Etzion, Yeshivat Makor Chaim was founded by noted Jewish educators Rabbi Adin Steinzaltz and Rabbi Dov Singer. Each year, a select group of MTA sophomores have the opportunity to live in Israel and at-

tend Yeshivat Makor Chaim (YMC) for an academic quarter. This immersive experience of Toras Eretz Yisrael allows talmidim to fully integrate into Israeli culture and absorb the spirituality of YMC. In turn, a group of YMC talmidim spend an academic quarter at MTA, where they enhance the spiritual culture of the yeshiva.

This year, the program is open to both MTA sophomores and juniors.

The MTA talmidim received a

warm welcome as soon as they arrived at Ben-Gurion airport, where their madrich and Makor Chaim talmidim greeted them with singing and dancing. Their first week included getting to know the YMC talmidim and rebbeim, lots of amazing learning, a visit to the Kotel and nighttime tour of Yerushalayim, and tiyulim to the Kotel tunnels, Mamila, the Underground Museum, and the Rav Kook Museum. They finished the

week strong with an inspiring Shabbaton at Gruss led by MTA alumnus and current Gruss Semicha student, Shlomo Anapolle (‘13), who also participated in MTA’s Makor Chaim program during his sophomore year. The Shabbaton included a Melave Malka with the Director of the Yeshiva University Caroline and Joseph S. Gruss Institute in Jerusalem and Rosh Kollel of the RIETS Israel Kollel, Rabbi David Miller.

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BBY’s New Preschool Parent Welcome Event

L-R:Rabbi Dovid Opoczynski with Trustees Mr. Lloyd Keilson and Mr. Yoily Edelstein and Executive Director Rabbi Ephraim Blumenkrantz

L-R: Rabbi Aryeh Leib Richter, Rabbi Yaakov Goldberg, Rabbi Tani Goldbaum, and Rabbi Menachem Carrey

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packed crowd attended BBY’s New Preschool Parent Welcome Event in the Ateres Nechama Liba Simcha Hall on Tuesday evening. This annual event gives new parents the chance to see the inner workings of the school and to meet principals, administration, trustees and board members of BBY, while also getting to know each other.

Passing into the hall, parents viewed a slideshow of pictures of their daughters in action at BBY. After opening remarks by Executive Director Rabbi Ephraim Blumenkrantz, the assembled were addressed by Rabbi Yoni Levin, assistant Rabbi at

L-R: Mr. Adam Sigman, Mr. Chiya Aryeh, Mr. Shimon Kaplan, and Rabbi Shmuel Berezow

Congregation Aish Kodesh of Woodmere. To the strains of accompanying music by Mr. Eli Levin, attendees were treated to a sumptuous buffet

provided by Graze Smokehouse. They also watched a music video of “A Father’s Tefilah,” a song composed for BBY and performed by BBY fathers.

As a token of the evening, each parent received a “Savor The Warmth Of BBY” mug.

Attendees stayed long after the program concluded enjoying each other’s company and savoring the welcoming atmosphere. They came away understanding what it is about BBY that their children love so much!

Thank you to Mrs. Leah Blumenkrantz and Ms. Nechama Kranz for spearheading and coordinating the event and to the BBY seventh graders who helped set up!

Welcome, new parents, to the BBY family!

Excellence at YCQ

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he Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) is proud to announce that four YCQ Grade 7 students, Elianah Aminova, Emily Akbashev, Menashe Basaley, and Michael Zevulun, have been selected to participate in The Tikvah Fund’s Truman Scholar Program.

Eight YCQ Grade 8 students, Chani Orenbuch, Rebecca Sisser, Sarah Leah Sullivan, Sophia Fellner-Dublin, Becky Feygin, Eliyahu Yunaev, Julian Schneider, and Max Olsen, are continuing their online Truman Scholar Program studies, now in their second year.

The Truman Scholars Program is an educational initiative of the Tikvah Fund designed for exceptional Grade 7 and 8 students in Orthodox Jewish middle schools that explores the large theme of America and Israel as two exceptional and covenantal nations.

Truman Scholars study online with Tikvah master educators to explore the Hebraic influence on the

American experiment, through the careful study of great speeches, stories, court decisions, and excerpted works of political philosophy.

Truman Scholars also explore the founding of modern Israel, traced from the biblical and rabbinic sources that sustained Zionist longing in exile, to the modern statesmen, poets, soldiers, and religious leaders who gave birth – and voice – to modern Israel.

When asked why the Truman Scholarship Program is important to our community, Rabbi Mendel Jacobson, Director of the Truman Scholars Program, remarked, “The Truman Scholars Program – an educational initiative of the Tikvah Fund – is an exclusive educational opportunity for the most talented seventh and eighth graders at twenty-five Orthodox day schools and yeshivas across the United States.

Students study American history, Zionism, and much more during their two years in the program.

Participating in this program offers your students access to a broader community of exceptional students whom we believe will become future Jewish leaders.”

Rabbi Jacobsen continued, “We hope that Truman students will grow intellectually and in their leadership abilities.

We want our students to understand the importance of authentic Jewish engagement with the ideas that shaped Judaism, Israel, and the United States. This knowledge will help them succeed

in their studies, their future work, and their character development.

By studying both American history and Zionism, students will acquire a deeper appreciation for the shared ideals these two countries embody, and their shared root in Jewish and Biblical themes.”

(Group picture, left to right, YCQ Second Year Truman Scholars: Chani Orenbuch, Rebecca Sisser, Sarah Leah Sullivan, Sophia Fellner-Dublin, Becky Feygin, Eliyahu Yunaev, Julian Schneider, and Max Olsen)

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A big yasher koach to Rabbi Gardenswartz’s and Rabbi Heimlich’s third grade classes at Yeshiva of South Shore for making a siyum on Parshas Vayeishev this past Tuesday. They enjoyed a delicious breakfast of bagels, eggs, and pancakes! They were also zoche to hear from the Rosh Yeshiva, R’ Kamenetzky. We wish them continued hatzlacha in their learning and many more siyumim!

HALB Lev Chana Marks the 100th Day of School

CAHAL 1-2 at YDT

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he boys in Morah Leah Ross’s CAHAL 1-2 grade class at Yeshiva Darchei Torah are having fun learning how to write and follow “how-to” instructions. They had a great time learning howto make paint bags by following their teacher’s instructions. They can’t wait for their turns to be the teacher and have the other students follow their “howto” writings.

Torah L’Kulanu

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ur HALB Lev Chana 100 Day Celebration was an absolute blast! Children were greeted as they arrived by bus and carpool carrying their 100 Day collections and art presentations.

The children were immersed in fun and exciting activities centered around the number 100. One-hundred jumping jacks, counting 100 pennies that were then shared and given to tzedakah, 100 day hat with 100 dip dot circles, stringing 100 Cheerios, creating murals with 100 stickers, listing the names of 100 friends, words or books that were read, wearing t-shirts and hats with 100 sequence or pom-poms are just a few of the creative ways our teachers, children and their families

T helped mark this special milestone.

A fantastic time was had by all!

orah L’Kulanu ran its annual Yeshiva Inclusion Program last week, scheduled to coincide with Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month. This program provides Jewish students who attend public schools with an opportunity to attend local yeshivot during

their school recesses. The students were provided with an enriching Limudei Kodesh experience as they sat alongside their peers in a yeshiva classroom. Thank you to HALB’s Lev Chana and SKA for hosting our annual program and making a difference in the lives of these students!

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Former NBA Player Visits HANC

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n Thursday, February 17, HANC High School students were visited by former NBA player, Mr. Michael Sweetney. Mike is currently the assistant coach for Yeshiva University’s men’s basketball team.

Mike shared his own personal journey through the NBA, his mental health, and his courageous road to getting support. We can learn so many valuable lessons from Mr. Sweetney: the importance of mental health and

his ongoing mission to break the stigma which still surrounds it. As Mike shared, “If your mind isn’t right, your body will follow.”

Students enjoyed his kind nature and witty anecdotes. We thank Mr. Sweetney for joining us and passing on these powerful messages.

Thank you to the HANC Counseling department for arranging Mr. Sweetney’s visit.

MTA Raises Awareness

The Gesher Pre-1A classes had a wonderful hands-on experience at their Lamed Tes Melachos Fair. They learned all about sifting, coloring, sewing and so much more

A Dr. Seuss Celebration

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n Monday, February 28, MTA raised awareness for Shalom Task Force’s important programs and services by hosting Go Purple Day. Coordinated by juniors and Shalom Task Force Fellows Avi Blachman, Isaac Cohen, Aryeh Manevitz, and Eitan Rochwarger, the day was dedicated to promoting education and awareness around healthy relationships through shiurim, programs, discussions, tzedakah campaigns, and purple-themed giveaways.

Go Purple Day is the culmination of the Shalom Task Force Pur-

ple Fellowship, where MTA’s Shalom Task Force Fellows joined students from schools across the United States and Canada to develop their leadership skills through the lens of domestic abuse education. The Fellowship consists of a 9-week curriculum taught once a week over Zoom

by Shalom Task Force’s staff and exciting guest lecturers. Topics included healthy relationships, red flags, boundaries, supporting a friend, stigma, barriers to coming forward, event planning, elevator pitches, fundraising, and advocacy.

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t HANC ECC West Hempstead, we conducted an interactive experience with all the children in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday party. We incorporated STEM, math, baking, science, literary and

language art skills and shared all of our projects in a huge birthday celebration. The highlight of the celebration was our own home-baked cupcakes decorated with blue and red frosting.

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Here’s to Too Much Fun in Grade 2 on 2/22/22

A group of fourth and fifth graders at Yeshiva Darchei Torah have been learning Mishnayos during morning recess – and they recently made a siyum on all of Seder Zeraim and Seder Moed! The project was begun by brothers Yehuda and Yosef Shalom Schachter. Here, the boys are shown dancing with fourth grade rebbi Rav Eliahu Milstein

Last week, our community was privileged to hear Rabbi Yakov Horowitz deliver his “Child Safety 2.0” presentation at Kehillas Bais Yehudah Tzvi, co-hosted by Kehillas Ahavas Yisroel, and at the White Shul.

Visit www.RabbiHEvent.com to watch the videos.

A Time Capsule at HANC

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e could not have planned it better to celebrate the 100th Day of School on “Twos Day,” Tuesday, 2-22-22!

Thanks to the creative fourth grade general studies teacher Mrs. Lynda Last, the kindergarten through 6th grade students buried a time capsule full of our favorite HANC-Plainview memories including parade shirts, magnets, written inside jokes, and more while the Early Childhood Center students put in their handprints that we will open on 3-3-33 as Mercaz Academy. Two representatives from each grade shared their favorite memories at HANC-Plainview and then added it in the capsule. We could not think of a better way to commemorate our years as being part of the HANC family but are looking forward to being Mercaz

Academy in the fall of 2022.

A special thanks goes to Programming Director Mrs. Liz Danziger for putting the details together and finding the perfect treasure box for all of our items and to the PTA for donating the 2-packs of cookies each student got at the program.

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s we’re sure most of you already know, there was a date on the calendar last week that comes around only once in a lifetime: 2/22/2022, which to top it all off was ​on “Two-sday! At YOSS, Mrs. Sebag’s second grade could not resist the opportunity for a celebration and spent this special day having fun in too many ways to count. Playing games in pairs, learning about some famous quotes with the word two, reviewing doubles facts in math, and getting two special snacks were just some of the things that made it an unforgettable day indeed! To tie it all together they wrote about what we each think our lives will be like when we’re twenty-two!

As exciting as Tuesday was, Wednesday, being the hundredth day of school, brought with it another round of fun learning experiences.

The second grade celebrated being 100 days smarter with a cupcake party and then played fun games all hav-

ing to do with the number 100. Every student decorated a shirt proudly displaying 100 items. The rest of the day was filled with a variety of lessons related to the number hundred.

The first 100 days of second grade were “two-riffic!”

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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Dr. Preminger Visits the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC ECC

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he Gural JCC Early Childhood Center had an exciting visitor last week. Dr. Joel Preminger and his friend “David the Dinosaur” came to speak to the children about keeping their teeth healthy and clean. We learned the importance of brushing our teeth and avoiding sticky, sugary snacks. The children even got to practice their brushing skills by brushing “David the Dinosaur’s” teeth.

Thank you to Dr. Preminger for taking the time to visit us! The Gural JCC loves Dr. Preminger!

Preparing for Purim at HAFTR

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he happy sounds of Purim are ringing in my ear!” That is what we are hearing and singing all through the HAFTR halls. Everywhere you turn, you see all the wonderful things related to this joyous holiday – from Queen Esther and King Achashverosh to clowns and masks.

This week, HAFTR Early Childhood started learning about Purim.

It is such a fun holiday with such an exciting story! Our pre-k students immersed themselves in the story by building a replica of Shushan out of bricks. We have so many songs, projects, and stories to learn and tell over the coming weeks.

We can’t forget those yummy cookies we eat called Hamantashen. Our toddlers used sensory and tactile learning while they practiced pinching and patting hamantashen out of Play-Doh. Ask the yeladim what shape the hamantashen are and what it reminds us of.

DRS Big Brother Program with IVDU LI

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VDU LI was fortunate to begin a Big Brother Program with a select few boys from DRS’s ninth grade. After sharing some time eating delicious doughnuts, the boys from HALB’s DRS High School joined the boys from IVDU LI for a fun activity of human bingo, an enjoyable ice breaker where the boys had to find out information about each other and get to know one another better. They had to walk around

the room finding out “who has a pet dog” or “who plays a musical instrument,” amongst other fun facts.

IVDU LI would like to thank Rabbi Aaron Fleksher, ninth grade dean in DRS, for helping to spearhead this initiative and bringing the boys to IVDU. The boys of IVDU and DRS are looking forward to weekly get-togethers, where they will be able to learn, play, and enjoy each other’s company.

Eliezer Graber Earns National Merit Finalist Distinction

By Mrs. Marcy Farrell

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azal tov to Eliezer Graber on being selected as National Merit Finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation! The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Over one and a half million students are eligible for this recognition, and Eliezer is among the elite 1,600 students to make it to this stage.

Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered to finalists in April. National Merit Scholarships of $2,500 will be offered to 2,500 honorees by state representation. About 1,000 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be provided by approximately 220 corporations and business organizations for Finalists who meet their specified criteria, such as children of the grantor’s employees or residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are located. In addition, about 180 colleges and universities

are expected to finance some 4,000 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for Finalists who will attend the sponsor institution.

Besides Eliezer’s outstanding SAT scores and overall GPA, he is also a force in Rambam, as a Captain of the Rambam Rambots Robotics team and Editor-in-Chief of the Writers’ Guild.

He is also an outstanding member of the Rambam Chess and College Bowl teams. Additionally, Eliezer takes leadership roles in the school, running the recent Rambam Settlers of Catan Tournament that raised hundreds

of dollars for OHEL, and also is co-producing and co-directing the upcoming Rambam Purim video.

Eliezer joins recent Rambam graduates, Yonatan Beer (Class of 2021) and Uriel Sussman (Class of 2020), who also earned National Merit distinction. Eliezer plans on studying in Israel next year and then pursuing a degree in engineering.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

HEBREW ACADEMY OF LONG BEACH

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Paint Night at SKA

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inth graders of the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls had a wonderful evening on motzei Shabbat, February 26, when they gathered together in school for Paint Night.

After a delicious dinner, the SKA

freshmen sat down to compose their masterpieces. Under the direction of SKA Art Academy instructor, Mrs. Meredith Pyle, the students had a great time using their creativity to produce their own work of art.

The atmosphere in the auditorium

was so electric that the joyous Jewish music that accompanied the program had the effect of making the students get up and dance!

Thanks go to Mrs. Pyle, Grade Level Advisors Mrs. Sheila Leibtag, Mrs. Rikki Ash and Mrs. Tzippy

Calm, Homeroom teacher Mrs. Aviva Lifshitz and madrichot Michal Ginsberg and Tehilla Lowe for helping to make SKA’s 9th grade paint night so enjoyable.

OU’s Jewish Community Relocation Fair Draws Thousands

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or the first time in its 14-year history, the Orthodox Union’s Jewish Community Home Relocation Fair was held virtually in mid-February, enabling attendees worldwide to take part. Even more remarkable, however, was that participants joined from 35 U.S. states and 18 countries including Austria, Chile, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, Nigeria and Venezuela.

“It was so exciting to see registrations pouring in from so many areas of the world,” says Rebbetzin Judi Steinig, OU’s senior director of Community Projects & Partnerships, who oversees the event. “Past on-site fairs were held in New York City and attracted people from the New York Metropolitan area. Going virtual made the fair accessible to so many who want to relocate. The fair accommodated people’s need for information and resources.”

The event helps Orthodox Jewish communities to grow, says Steinig, and for those considering relocation, the fair highlights affordable geographic alternatives that offer the amenities of an Orthodox Jewish lifestyle and an enhanced quality of life.

More than 2,500 attendees and exhibitors converged online Febru-

ary 13 to learn about and showcase 60-plus Orthodox Jewish communities from 22 states and Israel. This year’s fair was the largest to date and featured 17 new communities.

One of the event’s major sponsors was Nefesh B’Nefesh, which offered various sessions and showcased the region of Gush Etzion for the first time, including the communities of Neve Daniel, Elazar, Alon Shvut, Bat Ayin, Tekoah, Nokdim and Ma’ale Amos.

New Yorker Shelly Saposnik found the Nefesh B’Nefesh presentations particularly insightful. Although

retired from her career as a specialized paralegal for a major Manhattan law firm, Saposnik still works as an adjunct professor teaching English literature and composition and is a published poet. She attended the fair to explore communities outside of New York City.

The fair spanned 10 hours, and visitors could log in and out as they pleased. Attendees entered an eye-catching virtual venue with moving escalators, a lobby with street signs linking to an expo hall, and a virtual auditorium where 11 sessions were held.

For those who missed the fair, or had difficulty navigating the virtual platform, there’s good news: all sessions will be available on demand on the ou.org/fair website, which also houses updated pages for each community that exhibited at the event.

Community representatives will also be reaching out to those who expressed interest prior to the event.

The OU Community Guide is also still available in both hard copy and PDF formats. To date, several hundred people have ordered the 64page color booklet, which profiles all of the 2022 communities and sponsors that participated. At $15 a copy (www.ou.org/fair), the guide is an invaluable resource for anyone considering relocation.

“The OU is proud to play a major role in facilitating relocation and community growth,” says Steinig.

“We’re happy to connect people who are looking to move and communities seeking to grow. The success of our communities is our success as well.”

For more information about the communities that exhibited at the fair and to order the 2022 Orthodox Jewish Community Guide, please visit www.ou.org/fair

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

PEYD’s Amazon Sellers Dinner

Pinny Ackerman, Eli Schreiber, and Moshe Fried from the PEYD Tea, hosted a private Amazon Sellers Dinner at Doma with the Getida and Divvy teams last week

T

he event was geared towards Amazon sellers with significant purchasing and monthly spend. Getida offers Amazon auditing services for Amazon sellers nationally. Eytan Wiener, Yoni Mazor,

and Eli Gastfreund represented Getida and Josh Daniels represented Divvy.

At the venue, sellers were advised of their options in relation to FBA auditing services by Getida as well

as to be introduced to Divvy, a new fintech corporate credit card issuer. Divvy works with corporate and business credit card customers offering customized credit card products with rebate options designed

for small to midsize businesses with significant spend.

For more information about Peyd’s corporate credit card consulting services email info@peyd360. com or call (646) 801-PEYD (7393).

March 4th would have been Dr. Seuss’s 118th birthday. The children at Gan Amy daycare in West Hempstead read 118 books in his honor and tallied their books with strips of paper to form a “Cat in the Hat” hat

The staff of Lev Chana enjoyed an evening of bowling, delicious food, and great conversation in honor of the 100th day of the school year

Learning to Save a Life at P’TACH at Central

O

ur motto at P’TACH is to never say never! For over 40 years, P’TACH students have gone on to achieve what was thought to be unachievable.

For the very first time, the 11th and 12th grade students in the P’TACH program at Central have been given the opportunity to take a year long Emergency Medical Technician course under the auspices of Dr. Celia Sporer, a certified EMT instructor and practicing EMT. Some of the many topics covered in this course include assessing and recording of a patient’s vital signs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, respiratory

emergencies, management of soft tissue injuries, and general pharmacology, to name just a few.

Over the course of this school year, not only have these students committed to a 600-page course curriculum, but they are also able to bring what they have learned to light in practical labs utilizing actual medical equipment, all under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Sporer.

Instruction in P’TACH combines excellent teaching strategies, in this case in the content area of science which utilizes hands-on learning as one of the many approaches to ensure student success. Students with

learning challenges can succeed when academic material is presented in a personalized way; whether breaking learning into smaller steps, using visuals to increase understanding of what is said in words, providing honed practice, or all of the above – learning is always attainable.

Upon completion of the EMT curriculum, each student will have the knowledge and skill set, as well as the required hours, to take the EMT exam at the end of the spring semester. These young ladies are currently studying and working tirelessly to achieve their goal to become Certified Emergency Medical Technicians.

Whether a student decides to use this certification as a starting point to a career working on an ambulance or in a doctor’s office, takes the knowledge and experience gained to continue in the health field at the college level, or just has the medical information at her fingertips to use in her personal life, it is a win-win situation. Any way you look at it, having gone through the EMT curriculum provides each student with the ability to save a life in an emergency situation.

Here’s to the P’TACH students at Central learning to make a difference in the life of others! Kol hakavod!

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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Sefer Chofetz Chaim includes the full Hebrew text, a phrase-by-phrase translation and elucidation, explanatory notes. Dates are marked on the relevant halachos for ease of use for the tens of thousands following the “Chofetz Chaim yomi” calendar.

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Rav Moshe Bender and Rav Dovid Lan, associate dean and mechina menahel of Yeshiva Darchei Torah, respectively, meeting with members of the hanhala and faculty of Yeshiva Nishmas HaTorah in Inwood. L-R: Rav Yehoshua Fogel, Rav Yisroel Goldman, Rav Moshe Bender, Rav Emmanuel Zerovabeli, Rav Dovid Lan, and Rav Pinchus Weinberger, Rosh Yeshiva

Rav Aharon Motoz, Head of Dirshu in Ukraine: “No One Wants To Live Under Putin Dictatorship; We Are Fleeing” An exclusive Interview with Rav Aharon Motoz, Head of Dirshu in Ukraine as he, together with 200 members of the Odessa community, flee the area

R

av Aharon Motoz is a Rav in Odessa and heads all of Dirshu’s operations in Ukraine.

As Russian troops began bombing and encircling large parts of Ukraine, Rav Motoz consulted with Gedolei Yisroel and was told to flee. His hometown of Odessa, one of Ukraine’s largest cities, is strategically located on the Black Sea and is a very important city that the Russians are certainly planning on conquering. Rav Aharon spoke to a senior member of Dirshu’s hanhala in Yerushalayim this past erev Shabbos, from the bus on which he was fleeing with his wife, children, and a convoy of more than 200 members of the kehillah.

Rav Aharon, where are you now? How are you and your kehillah faring?

We have been in transit for twelve hours already. The plan is to travel for another full two days until we reach the most western part of the country.

The entire kehillah has fled together with me. Many goyim who live near us begged us to let them come along, but we simply did not have room. People are sitting in the aisles and in every available inch of the busses.

I must admit that, right now, the mood is one of great despair. Odessa is located right near the Black Sea, and the Russian forces are gathering en masse for an invasion. We know that they have no problem killing civilians. That is why we have fled.

At first, we tried to get into the nearby country of Moldavia, but many of us did not have the proper papers to be allowed entry. We are

only country that can stop Putin is the United States, and they are not doing anything. I think that if there would be much stronger international pressure Putin would pull back.

now traveling to the West, where we hope to stay in a refugee camp until things quiet down.

Why didn’t you stay in Odessa?

The Russian Army says that they do not plan on targeting civilians.

Even if that would be true, we felt we must flee. The Ukrainian government is planning on drafting every male between the ages of eighteen and sixty. My brother is already fighting in the army. Those of us who cannot fight have decided that it would be safest to flee. Our primary fear is that we will be stopped and forced to return. That is why we will be travelling straight, day and night, until we reach our destination. It will soon be Shabbos, but we have been told by our poskim that we must continue traveling, even on Shabbos. It is truly pikuach nefesh to get as far away from the war zone as possible.

The truth is everyone who can find a way to leave is leaving – Jews and non-Jews. Everyone knows that during war, human life is considered worthless.

Are you worried about what life will be like under a government that is effectively controlled by Putin?

No one wants Putin. We don’t want to be under Russia in any shape or form. We view Putin as another Stalin type of dictator. He is an enemy of humanity. He is the Haman Harasha of our generation! Not one Yid in Ukraine is happy that he is coming.

We view him as a murderer who does

not have red lines.

I know that he seems to have a good relationship with Russia’s Jews, but ultimately, we are talking about a dictator. No wants want to switch from being under a democracy to being under a dictatorship. If Putin takes over, I feel we will have to move out of Ukraine.

What chances does the Ukrainian Army have against the vaunted Russian Forces?

It is very difficult. The Russian Army is much bigger and much better equipped, nevertheless, we see that Russia’s plans have not gone as easily as they anticipated. My mother lives fifty kilometers from the Russian border and related that the Russians were having a difficult time conquering the cities in that area that lead straight to Kyiv. They have met with stiff opposition from the Ukrainian Army that they did not anticipate.

Yes, we are not as strong as the Russians, but we are also not as weak as they make us out to be.

What do you think will happen next?

We are all looking towards America, which is effectively doing nothing.

I think history will judge them… The

As a rav and maggid shiur, how are you giving chizuk to your kehillah?

I am telling my fellow Yidden that we are now in the month of Adar. Adar is a month when everything can turn around for the good. I believe that we will celebrate Purim this year in Odessa and not under a Putin government. I deeply hope and daven that Putin, today’s Haman Harasha, will be defeated. This is not only in our interests, but also in the interests of the entire world. If he is allowed to prevail here today, tomorrow he will conquer the next country in Europe. We all know that when there is war, the Yidden suffer more than anyone else.

We must, however, remember that “Hinei lo yanum v’lo yishan shomer Yisroel – Hashem the Protector of Israel does not sleep nor slumber.”

Hashem watches over us, and the Torah watches over us.

Now, we have just begun the third machzor of the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha. We weren’t able to take much with us, but I took my Mishnah Berurah with me. I plan on continuing to deliver the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha shiur here as well as other shiurim.

We have no choice but to continue to give chizuk and to be mechazek ourselves.

It is our fervent hope that the zechus of the Chofetz Chaim will protect us!

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

BUILDING BLOCKS OF ETERNITY Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s new capital project will encompass a Mesivta Beis Medrash and its first-ever Residence Hall.

BEIS MEDRASH + CLASSROOM BUILDING Will serve 500 talmidim in grades 8-11 34,200 Total square feet 4 Stories 5200 sq. feet Beis Hamedrash for Mesivta 12 Classrooms

RESIDENCE HALL Will serve 271 talmidim in Mesivta & Yeshiva Gedolah 43,000 Total square feet 4 Stories 68 Dormitory Rooms 271 Beds 4 Student Lounges

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The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

T H E S E V I S I O N A R I E S H AV E A L R E A DY S T E P P E D F O R WA R D. W I L L YO U J O I N T H E M ?

MR. & MRS. BERISH & HANNAH FUCHS

THE BIVETSKY FAMILY SHAAR HATORAH

MR. & MRS. YUSSIE & SUSAN OSTREICHER

RESIDENCE HALL AND TORAH CENTER

‫ה ליב ע”ה‬-‫לע”נ שלום ראובן בן ארי‬

MESIVTA BEIS MEDRASH BUILDING

MESIVTA BEIS MEDRASH

ANONYMOUS

MR. & MRS. BENZION & MIRIAM HEITNER

MR. & MRS. DOVID & LEAH BRECHER

MR. & MRS. MATIS & YAEL NAYMAN

MR. & MRS. MOTTY & HADASA MENDELSOHN

Dedication Wall Mesivta Beis Medrash Building

Lobby, Mesivta Beis Medrash Building

‫לע”נ נחמן יהודה בן יעקב דוד ע”ה‬ ‫ואשתו לאה בת יהודה אשר ע”ה‬ ‫ולע”נ יעקב ליב בן שלמה ע”ה‬

Dedication of Rosh Kollel’s Office

MR. & MRS. MOTTY & HADASSA JACOBOWITZ Promenade Vestibule

Beis Medrash Vestibule Entrance

MR. & MRS. URI & ESTHER KAUFMAN

‫לע”נ זעליג בן מרדכי ע”ה‬ ‫לע”נ משה אלעזר בן נטע שלום ע”ה‬ ‫לע”נ דוד בן משה ע”ה‬ ‫הר‘ משה נתן בן יחזקאל ע”ה‬ ‫וישראל בן אברהם ע”ה‬ ‫לע”נ‬

‫לע”נ ישראל הלוי לעווין ע”ה‬ ‫ואלישבע בתיה קפלן ע”ה‬

The children, bochurim, and all 45 neshamos of the Miron tragedy, Lag Baomer 5781

MR. & MRS. CHAIM & BRACHA SCHULHOF MR. & MRS. NISSAN & SARAH GITTY PROFESORSKE

‫לע”נ ר‘ ישראל‬ ‫בן ר‘ בנימין הכהן ע”ה‬

MR. & MRS. CHAIM SHOLOM & RIVKY LEIBOWITZ Associate Dean’s Office

DEDICATION OF CAMP ORAYSA CAMPUS

MR. & MRS. URI & DEVORAH DREIFUS

MR. & MRS. SHMULI & MIRIAM MENDEL Sha’ar of New Beis Medrash

Ner Tamid

DEDICATED ANONYMOUSLY

In Memory of Mrs. Marta Schron ‫ע” ה‬

GYMNASIUM WING

Residence Hall Cornerstone

THE BLOOM FAMILY

MESIVTA OTZAR HASEFORIM

THE SCHRON FAMILY

MEMORIAL EXHIBIT TO THE YESHIVOS OF PREWAR EUROPE

ANONYMOUS

Entranceway to Mesivta Beis Medrash Building

Camp Oraysa Sports Complex

MR. & MRS. BENJAMIN & JUDY LANDA

MR. & MRS. YITZCHOK & SHOSHANA GANGER

ANONYMOUS

Basketball Court in Elementary School Gym

Dedicated by Mr. & Mrs. Yaakov & Rivky Jacobovitch

DR. & MRS. YOSSI & ZIVIA SCHWARTZ

Cornerstone, Mesivta Beis Medrash Building

MR. & MRS. NACHUM & HENNY FUTERSAK

MR. & MRS. MENASH & MIMI ORATZ

‫לע”נ חוה בת דב ע”ה‬

MR. & MRS. ALON & CHANIE GOLDBERGER

MR. & MRS. NASSAN & DEVORAH TREITEL Preschool Cornerstone

MR. & MRS. NACHMAN & ESTHER GOODMAN

Sha’ar of New Beis Medrash

MR. & MRS. SHIA & ELANA OSTREICHER Beis Medrash Building Vestibule

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel & Beverly Goldberger Mr. & Mrs. Tzali & Chana Shira Gutman Mr. & Mrs. Ari & Aliza Haas Mr. & Mrs. Berel & Sherry Daskal Mr. & Mrs. Shlomo & Kayla Horowitz Mr. & Mrs. Binyomin & Leah Einhorn Mr. & Mrs. Menachem & Elisheva Jacobowitz Mr. & Mrs. Naftoli & Chani Einhorn Mr. & Mrs. Mordechai & Shana Jacobs Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Mimi Fragin Mr. & Mrs. Jeff & Tamar Landy Mr. & Mrs. Evan & Chaya Sara Genack Mr. & Mrs. Yosef & Vivi Moskowitz Rabbi & Rebbetzen Chaim Aryeh Zev & Avigail Ginzberg Mr. & Mrs. Yitzy & Rivky Orbach

Entrance of Beis Medrash Building

Plumbing Training Center Dedicated

‫לע”נ אברהם שלמה בן יחיאל מיכל הכהן ז”ל‬ ‫לע”נ הר‘ אברהם בן הר‘ חיים מנחם בן ציון זצ”ל‬ ALL BORO CONSTRUCTION

Mr. & Mrs. Simcha & Shani Applegrad

Mr. & Mrs. Ephram & Ilana Ostreicher

Mr. & Mrs. Barry & Paula Bokow

Mr. & Mrs. Mutty & Bracha Ribowsky Mr. & Mrs. David & Sima Rosenfeld Mr. & Mrs. Dovid & Chani Roll Dr. & Mrs. Zvi & Dina Schreiber Mr. & Mrs. Andrew & Stephani Serotta Mr. & Mrs. Morris & Devora Smith Mr. & Mrs. Yehuda & Mindy Zachter

Get in on the ground floor of this monumental project.

To choose from a wide selection of sponsorships at all levels, please contact: Rabbi Zev Bald 718.868.2300 ext. 232 zbald@darchei.org Rabbi Baruch Rothman 718.868.2300 ext. 406 brothman@darchei.org

darchei.org

‫לע”נ מוהר”ר יחיאל מיכל‬ ‫בן ישראל יהודה ע”ה‬

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

100 Days at HAFTR

T

he 100th day of HAFTR was terrific! Kindergarten students started the day by making a 100th day crown that they wore throughout the day in celebration and took home as a memento.

Morah Meira’s students took 100 steps to see where they would end up – at Morah Etia’s classroom.

Then they posited if 100 jumps would get them back to their classroom faster or slower than 100 steps. Following scientific discovery,

they tested their hypotheses. It only took 70 jumps to get back from Morah Etia’s room to their classroom!

Students brought in collections of 100 items to show their teachers and friends.

They also took part in a chocolate scavenger hunt in which they searched for 100 Hershey’s kisses numbered 1-100, and then worked together to organize and place each numbered chocolate on its matching square on a large 100’s chart.

HALB’s Blended Learning Catches the Eye of Content Providers

Mr. David Marks, Director of Blended Learning and Education Analytics at HALB, with the STMath executive team

H

ALB’s Blended Learning program is delving deeper into making digital programming work for their needs and forming connections with content providers. Over winter break, Mr. David Marks, Director of Blended Learning and Education Analytics at HALB, had the privilege to meet with a HALB content provider.

During his time off in California, he took a break from Yeshiva Break to visit STMath which is based in Irvine, California. STMath is a digital program used in K-4th to teach math concepts in a concrete and engaging manner. STMath is initially introduced in kindergarten, as the teachers begin working with their formal math education and continues through lower school. Mrs. Felecie Akerman, co-director of Lev Chana

ECC, has been part of the blended learning journey from its infancy.

Mrs. Akerman is a proponent of STMath, noting that “our children love watching Jiji (the penguin) waddle across the screen as they use trial and error to solve mathematical puzzles. They appreciate it when we tell them that mistakes are good because they help our brain grow stronger!” As the students progress through the grades, the program is used to introduce concrete models of math concepts introduced in that year’s curriculum.

Since the early days of HALB’s Blended Learning Program, HALB’s team has developed a close collaborative relationship, deeming HALB as what STMath refers to as a “super user.” In the past, HALB had already worked on the project, namely in the

Mrs. Daryl Martin of the HALB Blended Learning team, working one-on-one with a 3rd grade student on fraction concepts

realm of data integration allowing for quicker actionability. HALB’s work on this data eventually informed the creation of their newest version of STMath. During his visit to STMath Headquarters, Mr. Marks personally met with two of their executives: Chief Data Officer, Andrew Coulson, and VP of Product, Matt Feldman. In a series of meetings, they discussed many topics including the adverse impact of covid on achievement, HALB’s groundbreaking blended learning model, ways to integrate content with standard curriculum, and areas for collaboration.

STMath was impressed by HALB’s use of their data and its close tie to personalized instruction. Moving forward, the two parties established areas for collaboration including creating a closer connection with

their product development team and looking for ways to use data to combat any adverse academic impact from covid.

Staying in, and at times influencing the conversation, is part of HALB’s goal in consistently improving their education model. Mr. Marks notes that “maintaining these relationships and being part of the conversation with content providers enables us to apply best practices holistically rather than simply following the next fad”. Mr. Marks explains that in the world of Ed-Tech there are always new products touted as the “next big thing!” It is the job of a forward-thinking school to not only take the leap but also apply a critical approach to new applications of technology and innovation.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

Lander College for Men—Beis Medrash L’Talmud Chag HaSemicha Ceremony & Annual Dinner Sunday, March 6, 2022 | ‫ גי אדר ב תשפ׳׳ב‬Terrace on the Park at 5:00pm

Honoring

Lander College for Men Beis Medrash L’Talmud Musmachim &

Rabbi Dotan Arusy

Rabbi Ari Moshe Blavin

Rabbi Yehoshua Drang

Rabbi Mendy Eisenberg

Rabbi Yehoshua Eisenberg

Rabbi Avraham Elberger

Rabbi Eliezer Feder

Rabbi Yitzchak Gross

Rabbi Gil Israel

Rabbi Shmuel Kahn

Rabbi Asael Kent

Rabbi Yaakov Lyss

Rabbi Mimon Mamane

Rabbi Ethan Razi

Rabbi Chanoch Schrier

Rabbi Meir Sears

Rabbi Nati Shore

Rabbi Dovid Sperber

Rabbi Yehudah Steinberg

Rabbi Yishai Valter

Rabbi Yosef Wilcox

Rabbi Bentzion Yachzel

Rabbi Shmuel Yudelzon

Rabbi Shlomo Zelefsky

HaRav Moshe Bamberger Habartzas HaTorah Award

Rabbi Lavi Greenspan Community Leadership Award

Dr. Michael and Bonita Goldmeier & Family | Family Legacy Award

Jordan Kaplan (’11) Alumni Commitment Award

Ira Suss (‘13) Alumni Commitment Award

For more information contact Grant Silverstein: grant.silverstein@touro.edu or 646.565.6335

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Health Week at HAFTR

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AFTR Lower School participated in their annual Health Week. This year’s theme, A Healthy You in ‘22, focused on the many ways we can take care of our body and mind. A Health Fair involved activity centers where students learned about oral health, participated in an exercise circuit, discovered how much sugar is in common children’s drinks, created healthy snacks, and made a Shema card following a conversation about the importance of sleep.

In science classes, the youngest students focused on germs. They learned to decipher good germs vs. bad germs and created 3D dimensional germs in their classrooms.

Other grades focused on the benefits of movement and monitoring their pulse and heart rate while exercising. Fourth and fifth graders learned about the nervous system and emphasized the stages of sleep including REM, the stage when dreaming occurs. Discussion included tips for getting a good night’s sleep as well as the importance of sleep to one’s overall health.

Third grade teacher Morah Shayna taught her students about cholesterol and introduced them to plantbased products. She whipped up both regular eggs and plant-based eggs. With blindfolds on, students tasted both eggs and tried to figure out which was which.

Using glitter as a visual representation for germs, Nurse Debra taught younger students how to properly wash their hands. Older students spoke about when to call an ambulance, how to relay emergency information, how to remember Hatzalah’s number, and what to do in case someone is choking.

Numerous students signed up to walk each morning with Ms. Hammer. They learned about the importance of walking and its effect on both your heart and head. Each morning students set a personal goal and tried to increase their step count from the previous day. Students learned about staying safe when walking, and all walkers received a neon vest to wear.

On Wellness Wednesday, parents were invited to join the walkers. Everyone had a great time.

Third and fourth grade boys visited the Warren Levi studio where they were instructed on basic martial arts that enhance physical fitness and mental health. The girls danced up a storm with Zumba instructor Lauren Balsam and teacher Jessica Goldberg.

Parents shared their health and medical expertise on Zoom. Topics ranged from dentistry, nutrition, broken bones, and the emergency room. PTA sponsored delicious healthy treats throughout the week.

The yogurt parfaits seemed to be the favorite.

Did you know?

All fish – except for sharks – don’t have eyelids.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

YESHIVA SHA’AREI ZION HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

ARE YOU AWESOME?

Part Time / Full Time Teaching and Administrative Positions Available: Algebra I Art and Design Chumash & Judaic Studies Coordinator: Marketing & PR Coordinator: Student Activities English Geometry

Global History II Graphic Design Guidance Counselor Hashkafa Learning Specialist Mechanechet Studio Art

SUBMIT RESUMES TO hscareers@yszqueens.org

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community Rabbi Yosef Nechemya Hirshler, shlita, Rosh Hayishvah Nezer Hatalmud and Maggid Shuir in Mir Yerushalayim, visited Siach Yitzchok and spoke for the junior high boys.

After the shiur, he gave personal time to many of the bochurim privately

11th Annual Madraigos Bowl-A-Thon is a True Win For Our Youth

T

he 11th Annual Madraigos Bowl-A-Thon at Woodmere Lanes was a resounding success.

This signature event has become an annual Madraigos tradition among Five Towns residents, local businesses, friends, and supporters. Participants, sponsors, and Madraigos staff came together in a highly competitive evening filled with fun and enthusiasm for Madraigos’ prevention programs and intervention services for the community.

The strongest barometer of the event’s success was the high level of energy in the room. There were smiles on everyone’s faces, as friends cheered each other’s bowling prowess. Avromi Meyer, Madraigos Guys GNO Program Coordinator, and Yaakov Langer of Living L’Chaim podcast emceed the evening, bringing everyone together with many laughs. The famous Red Pin Contest escalated the excitement with winners bringing home fun prizes of their choice. Prizes for the Highest Scoring Bowlers were a Nespresso coffee machine and a Canon office printer, both donated by Kettle and Cord, added to the fun.

Kettle & Cord also generously sponsored the JBL Tune 120 TWS Wireless In-Ear Headphones as the Premium Giveaway distributed to all bowlers.

Bowlers received complimentary swag bags full of other exciting items.

Delicious food brought the event to a whole new level. Tasty appetizers and specialty dishes sponsored and catered by West Wing more than satisfied everyone’s tastebuds. Gourmet frozen fruit pops catered by Elegant Desserts was a huge crowd-pleaser and rounded out the evening’s menu. Many thanks to Patis Bakery for sponsoring baked goods which

were enjoyed by all.

The $360 Raffle Prize boasted 4 cash prizes totaling over $11,000. Winners include Batsheva Kramer, Yosef Hillel Kail, Shira Schneeweiss, and Alan Berkovich. Batsheva Kramer, the winner of the $5,000 cash prize, said, “I have been supporting Madraigos since its inception and participating in the Bowl-a-Thons every year. We always have a great time! This year, I’m thrilled to have won such an amazing prize! A huge thank you to Madraigos for this most generous prize.” Even after the event was sold out, friends and supporters show solidarity with Madraigos’ mission by showing their generous support.

Madraigos expresses its deep gratitude to more than 100 corporate sponsors. Special appreciation is extended to the event’s Premium Giveaway Sponsor, Kettle & Cord for their sincere generosity. Featured sponsors include Visionville, Miller Realty, Integration HD, SHMA Camps, Maidenbaum, DART Seasonal, Basser Kaufman, Dependable Abstract, and more. A full list of sponsors can be found at https:// www.rayze.it/madraigosbowlingolympiad/. Additionally, a big shout-out to a large group of dedicated volunteers who all pitched in to make the event a success.

Event committee member Burri Itzkowitz remarked, “Madraigos Bowlathon was an exciting and successful event. There was a large turnout for this important and essential community organization.

Much thanks and continued success to Madraigos and Rabbi Silver. Next year maybe one of the ‘professional bowlers’ will break a score of 200.”

Feedback from participants was extremely posi-

The night’s winners

tive. Miri Ginsbury, a long-time friend of the organization, commented, “Being a part of the Bowl-a-thon committee is something that we really enjoy being a part of. The benefits of what Madraigos does for the community led by Rabbi Silver are unmatched, and therefore we are proud to be a part of it.”

Rabbi Dov Silver, Madraigos founder and executive VP, commented, “I thank our sponsors for their support of our life-saving work. I very much appreciate the participants of the Bowl-A-Thon for taking out time of their busy schedules to help out our community’s teens and young adults.”

“So many local businesses that sponsored this event are the real heroes tonight. Their partnership enables us to continue to serve the needs of the community and symbolizes the broad communal support for our mission,” said Sharon Gross, Executive Director.

Funds raised at the event will assist Madraigos, a 501c-3 not-for-profit organization, in providing a wide array of valuable mental health, social, and spiritual services geared towards helping teens and young adults overcome life’s everyday challenges one step at a time.

For more information about Madraigos, please call (516)371-3250 or visit www.madraigos.org.

Madraigos, a 501c-3 not-for-profit organization, offers a wide array of innovative services and programs geared towards helping teens and young adults overcome life’s everyday challenges one step at a time. Our goal is to provide all of our members with the necessary tools and skills to empower them to live a healthy lifestyle and become the leaders of tomorrow.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

in their

WORDS NOTHING COMPARES TO THE LOVE AND CARE AT BBY The BBY chinuch stretches beyond its four walls – it’s a whole experience. Just a few weeks ago when I was out sick, my chumash teacher brought over doughnuts and coffee and of course made sure I stayed up to date in my learning. Its about learning, living, loving – from our teachers, each other, and our own selves.

in their V

BN

W RDS AIS YAAK SB O O

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‫כח‬

28

N N UAL DIN

CONNECTING WITH OUR DAUGHTERS' EXPERIENCE AT BBY

03 22 22 ‫י״ט אדר ב׳ תשפ״ב‬ The Sands Atlantic Beach RECEPTION 7:00

DINNER 8:00

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m iyu ogram S nd Pr e.

Gra alka ast liv e Th ava M adc o l Me be br l wil

‫ל‬

‫בוד‬

‫רה ותנו כ‬ ‫תו‬ ‫חת‬ ‫שישו ושמחו ב ש מ‬

‫ו רה‬ ‫ת‬

S O BB T! A SH D OU L O S

MARCH 3-6, 2022 | ‫ ג׳ אדר ב׳‬- ‫ ל׳ אדר א׳‬,‫פ׳ פקודי‬

BottomLineMG.com

The overall program will ‫ בס”ד‬be graced by the presence of Gedolei Yisrael, Roshei Yeshiva and Rabbonim, shlita:

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

THIS MOTZEI SHABBOS! MARCH 5, 2022 | ‫ב׳ אדר ב‬

The Grand Siyum / Melava Malka on Seder Moed is open to the public – free of charge. RSVP required.

Tel: 855-SIYUM-22 or Email: sm@DirshuWorldSiyum.org Program begins ‫ בע”ה‬at 9:00pm

— Featured Speakers —

HAGAON HARAV

HAGAON HARAV

HAGAON HARAV

HAGAON HARAV

Ah ron D ovid

Yit z chok

Niss an

D ovid

Goldberg ‫שליט”א‬ ‫ראש הישיבה ישיבת טלז‬

Z alman Gips ‫שליט”א‬ ‫ראש ישיבה מבקשי תורה‬

Kaplan ‫שליט”א‬ ‫ראש ישיבת דעת אהרון‬

H o fs te d ter ‫שליט”א‬ ‫נשיא דרשו‬

Featuring inspiring niggunim, led by Zanvil Weinberger, Motty Steinmetz and others, accompanied by the Freilach orchestra.

2701 Summer Street Stamford, CT 06905 (formerly Crowne Plaza)

In order for the tzibbur at large to participate, the inspirational program will be broadcast live: KOL MEVASER: 212-444-1100 Press 8, then 1 to listen live KOL HALASHON: 718-906-6400 Press * to listen live KOL BERAMA: 107.9 FM - Lakewood / NewYorkJewishRadio.com DIRSHU.CO.IL • C-LIVE.CO.IL

‫כ”ק‬ ‫אדמו”ר‬ ‫מוויען‬ ‫שליט”א‬

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Around the Community

100 Days at Shulamith ECC

A The pre-1A of the Ganger Early Childhood Center at TAG had a special program this week as part of the school “Bilvavi” theme. Using a life-sized “TAG Talmidah,” they explored different emotions and how those emotions can feel inside their bodies. They added decorations to their TAG talmidah to represent those emotions – feathers, rocks, butterflies, tears, and more.

t Shulamith ECC, learning math is fun! The Pre-1A children celebrated the hundredth day of school amidst great fanfare while practicing important foundational math skills.

Our young mathematicians spent all year counting each day of school using ten frames. As the numbers increased, their excitement grew. How many more days to get to 100?

When the big day finally arrived, the children were ready. They brought in bags containing 100 items to examine and compare. They counted out 100 snacks, built towers with 100 cups, and designed patterns

with 100 pattern blocks. They created designs out of the numeral 100 and used a hundred chart in multiple ways.

By the time they were finished, the children had an excellent idea of what the quantity of 100 really means. The only thing that surprised them is how quickly one hundred days of school have passed.

We at Shulamith ECC are grateful to Hashem to have had one hundred healthy and happy days in school where the children were able to learn so much and interact with their friends and morot.

YOSS Mothers’ Melave Malka

T Singer Nissim Black inspired teens by answering questions on Israel and antisemitism at an afternoon of music and inspiration hosted by the Orange County branch of NCSY (the flagship youth movement of the Orthodox Union) and JSU (Jewish Student Union, NCSY’s network of Jewish clubs at public high schools)

his past motzei Shabbos, the Yeshiva of South Shore PTA hosted a Mothers’ Melave Malka. Over 120 mothers of the yeshiva came together with the chance to meet new faces and reconnect with friends, while being treated to a delicious buffet featuring new local eatery Patis as well as a coffee bar from Crawfords and delicious platters from Hunkis, The Cheese Store, and Stop Chop and Roll. Mothers

were welcomed with inspiring words from the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, followed by a performance from Shlomo Levinger with jaw-dropping magic and illusions that captivated the audience.

Thank you to Mrs. Sophie Glastein, Mrs. Chanie Picker, Mrs. Naomi Romer, and Mrs. Rachel Portal for a beautiful evening of inspiration and magic!

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

ONE WEEK LEFT to open an account before Purim!

Who’s giving, who’s getting?

NO ACCOUNT? JOIN TODAY, CALL 718 599 1400

When you donate through OJC, we ensure you get the maximum benefit and tax deduction. So, who's getting the most here? You are! Now you can joyfully revel in the Purim spirit.

Take full advantage. Deadline for new account is March 9. Ask for free options. Visit ojcfund.org

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Around the Community

Bowling for Camp Scholarship Fund

Rabbi Yitzchok Kolodetsky visited Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island this week and spoke to the boys about performing mitzvos with zerizus. His words were translated by the Menahel Rabbi Tzvi Krigsman.

T

he Camp Scholarship Fund launched two very successful Bowl-A-Thons at Woodmere Bowling this past Tuesday and Thursday with TAG High School students and the seniors of SKA. A great time was had by all!

Perri Genack volunteered her time to take professional pictures.

West Wing sponsored the food for the students of TAG. Crawfords and makeup by Bella donated gift certificates for both of these events.

The Camp Scholarship Fund was started in our local community for

our local community seven years ago by two siblings Channa Shira Ryback and Shmaryahu Ryback (pictured with their family). This organization has a dual purpose: the children learn the importance of doing chessed with fun activities. The funds raise help to send their peers to camp in the summer. Teaching children this twofold concept has been proven to be very successful!

Any size donation is welcome.

You can send money via Zelle to BeMatzliach@gmail.com.

Economics Club at YOSS

A

t the Yeshiva of South Shore Abraham and Sara Middle School, many 7 th grade students have become budding Wall Street tycoons and stock brokers playing the nationally known investment simulation, The Stock Market Game. Students are receiving an economics education in a three-month program by managing an on-line portfolio. The Stock Market Game teaches the students important life skills such as budgeting and personal finance through the understanding of the costs and benefits involved in investing, decision making, and other related economic concepts. The boys work cooperatively and learn how to read stock data, gain a working Wall Street vocabulary, research companies and their stocks, and plan a diversified portfolio with each group’s investment money that initially starts with $100,000. The program encompasses lessons on industry job descriptions, the three U.S. stock exchanges, bonds, mutual funds,

and investment research.

South Shore’s stock analysts were fortunate enough to hear from a guest speaker last week. Mr. Gabriel Glass, a North Woodmere resident, gave a general market overview, suggested stocks to research, and answered a bevy of interesting questions. Mr. Glass has been working in the financial services industry for nearly 20 years, possessing advanced knowledge of both technology and financial markets. He is an experienced business analyst with a demonstrated history of working on complex large-scale projects, bridging the gap between strategy and implementation.

The boys will be able to continue trading through the end of April and are anxious to see their group’s final regional and state rankings at the conclusion of the program. Perhaps one day you will be taking business advice from or placing your “buy and sell orders” with a South Shore graduate who honed his economics acumen on the Stock Market Game.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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Around the Community

L-R: Steve Rosedale, Natan Sharansky, former refusenik, former minister in Israeli government, former chairman of the Jewish Agency), and Rabbi Pesach Lerner of Eretz Hakodesh, at Jewish Agency of Israel Board of Governors meeting in Jerusalem. Mr. Rosedale and Rabbi Lerner are members of Board of Governors on behalf of Eretz Hakodesh

Purple Day at SKA

SKA Shalom Task Force Fellows Naomi Sigman, Shayna Davidson, Sarah Gila Strauss, Samantha Klein, and Ariella Traube

P

urple was the dominant color at the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls on Tuesday, February 22! To show solidarity with victims of domestic abuse, SKA students wore purple on Go Purple Day, which was established by the Shalom Task Force as a day of support and awareness. The motto: 25 schools, 8,500 students, 1 color.

Run by the SKA Shalom Task Force Fellows who have been participating in this fellowship all year, the workshops on Purple Day dealt with recognizing red flags and setting boundaries in relationships, expanding to include those in friendships. “Be sensitive to other people,” students were urged. “How would

you like to be treated?”

The purpose of the Shalom Task Force was explained in detail to the students, emphasizing anonymity and assistance, while at the same time, describing how much help is also available in SKA through the members of the Guidance Department, Grade Level Advisors, and faculty.

Lavender donuts were sold throughout the day with proceeds from these and raffles going to the Shalom Task Force. Yashar koach to SKA STF Fellows Shayna Davidson, Samantha Klein, Naomi Sigman, Sarah Gila Strauss, and Ariella Traube for a very impactful GO Purple Day at SKA.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

FAR ROCKAWAY AND FIVE TOWNS COMMUNITY

Motzei Shabbos Tanach Shiur Please join us for our 25th season!

MARCH 5, 2022 7:30PM

‫ פקודי‬,arp e"amun

PROGRAM HOSTED BY: Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst 8 Spruce Street

Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Seplowitz will be learning

Perek 98 of Tehillim v"g jubn rzghkt crv ,c kyhd ,nab hukhgk

Dedicated in memory of Rabbi Mordy Kriger z”l Founder of the Tanach Shiur

Co-Sponsored By: Agudah of the Five Towns Rabbi Yitzchok Frankel Agudah of West Lawrence Rabbi Moshe Brown Bais Haknesses of N. Woodmere Rabbi A. Lebowitz Bais Medrash D’Cedarhurst Rabbi Dovid Spiegel Chofetz Chaim Torah Center Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg Cong. Bais Avrohom Rabbi Osher Stern Cong. Anshei Chessed Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz Cong. Bais Ephraim Yitzchok Rabbi Zvi Ralbag Cong. Bais Tefila Rabbi Ephraim Polakoff Cong. Beth Sholom Rabbi Kenneth Hain Cong. Kneseth Israel Rabbi Eytan Feiner

Cong. Shaaray Tefila Rabbi Uri Orlian HILI Bais Medrash Rabbi Dov Bressler Kehillas Bais Yehuda Rabbi Yaakov Feitman Cong. Tifereth Zvi Rabbi Pinchas Chatzinoff Y.I. of Bayswater Rabbi Eliezer Feuer Y.I. of Far Rockaway Rabbi Shaul Chill Y.I. of Hewlett Rabbi Simcha Hopkovitz Y.I. of Lawrence-Cedarhurst Rabbi Yaakov Trump Y.I. of North Woodmere Rabbi Yehuda Septimus Y.I. of Woodmere Rabbi Shalom Axelrod

A Priority-1 Community Initiative

For more information or dedication opportunities, please call the office at 516.295.5700 x108.

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Around the Community

The boys in Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island have been actively involved in the community-wide Brochos Out Loud contest in conjunction with our own Brochos Out Loud contest. For week #4, the boys were treated to candy apples

Senior at Touro’s Lander College for Men Wins Powered by Sefaria Contest

G

ershon Binder, a senior at Touro’s Lander College for Men, was named grand prize winner in this year’s Powered by Sefaria contest. The contest invites the Jewish developer community to use Sefaria’s free digital dataset of Biblical texts to improve the landscape of online Torah learning. Participants are challenged to combine the latest technology with the digitized and translated ancient texts. Binder, 25, of Kew Garden Hills, created Sefaria Chavrusa, a bilingual text-tospeech feature for online learning, as his winning entry.

“I wanted to take the Sefaria text and do something creative with it that would provide real value to the community. People like learning with other people, as chavrusas, and I thought –why not create a program to read Hebrew and translate it into English? It’s like learning with a chavrusah and is great for people who use screen readers, are unfamiliar with reading Hebrew or just prefer hearing texts read aloud.

As a child of baal teshuva parents, who grew up around kiruv, I know how helpful this can be for beginners,” said Binder.

“There are many times when people find themselves glancing back and forth between their own

sefarim, which may have no translations, and Sefaria’s online translation. This text-to-speech feature enables people to look into a sefer and hear the translation at the same time,” continued Binder. “In addition to those just starting to learn Torah, Sefaria Chavrusah can be very helpful to those with dyslexia, reading issues or visual disabilities.”

Binder conducted hours of research in preparation for the contest and when he investigated options for text-to-speech from Hebrew to English, he realized a standardized solution didn’t currently exist.

Combined with the need to customize the pronunciation of words that are read differently than they appear in print, it became clear that a fully customized solution was the way to truly meet the needs of Sefaria users. Using Microsoft’s Azure service, an artificial intelligence (AI) pioneer, in both general textto-speech and text-to-speech in the complex Hebrew language, he created the text-to-speech feature for Sefaria that offers both English and Hebrew together, or separately, so users can read and translate. Sefaria Chavrusa also enables customized voices with different accents including Chassidish, Litvish, and the

currently supported, Israeli.

Binder spent years learning in Chofetz Chaim Yeshiva and came to the Lander College night program three years ago while continuing to learn in Chofetz Chaim by day.

While in college, he interned for a cell phone company, SafeTelecom, where he created a customized web application for all sales so company executives could visualize the data and better market their products.

What the future holds for Binder is not entirely clear, but he hopes to “one day, with G-d’s help, use his skills to provide a service for people.” Whether it’s 3D, graphics, or software engineering, he’s excited to be involved in programming, graphic design, or a combination of both in ways that positively impact

people’s lives.

Binder originally found out about the Sefaria contest through a Lander College slack group for computer science majors. He has tremendous gratitude to his computer science professors at Lander, not just because of the $5,000 prize he won, but because of their constant encouragement and the skills they taught him, noting that they “were constantly supportive and available to help with anything at any time.”

He hopes to use the skills that enabled him to develop his prize-winning entry to enter this exciting and ever-changing field.

For more information on Lander College for Men, visit www.lcm. touro.edu.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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Around the Community

The Power of Tefillah

W

hat does a Yid do when faced with a crisis? In TAG, we gathered our young talmidos this past Friday to say Tehillim and beg Hashem to help our brothers, acheinu kol Bais Yisroel hanimtzoim batzara in the Ukraine where Russian troops surrounded and attacked them. Rabbi Meyer Weitman spoke to the girls about the situation, and they all joined in saying some heartfelt Tehillim.

May all our tefillos be answered and may yeshuos come speedily.

Presidents Weekend with Nageela Boys

W

hat an amazing event the Nageela Boys had this past Presidents’ Day weekend! Nageela hosted over 50 boys and staff led by Elchanan Rosenblatt, Nageela Teen Head, as

they traveled upstate for the annual winter retreat. The boys arrived at the Camp Nageela campsite on Sunday afternoon and enjoyed many activities including indoor swimming, axe throwing, paintball, and

Thursday, March 10 8:00 pm, at YILC The Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst proudly presents a

PRE SHABBOS ZACHOR

Evening of Inspiration

“PURIM: FINDING GOD IN THE PLACES OF UNCERTAINTY”

with

RABBI YY JACOBSON Rabbi YY Jacobson is one of the most sought after speakers in the Jewish world today and a mentor to many thousands across the globe. He has traveled to hundreds of communities in six continents, educating and inspiring people of all backgrounds with the depth of Torah and Judaism. Rabbi Jacobson was the first Rabbi ever to be invited by the Pentagon to deliver the religious keynote to the US Military Chief of Chaplains and to the National Security Agency.

Sponsored by Eliot and Marilyn Lauer in loving memory of their parents: Dr. Edward and Judith Steinberg ‫יהודה לייב בן יצחק גדליה‬ ‫יהודית ליבא בת שמחה הכוהן‬

&

George and Doris Lauer ‫גרשון בן אליעזר‬ ‫דבורה בת משה יוסף‬

and the refuah sheleima of ‫שמחה יצחק בן מיראלא ליאדקא‬

A light collation will be served after the program.

virtual reality where they “traveled” all around the world. They even enjoyed a trampoline game where the boys competed in jumping over a moving obstacle arm to see who could stay on the longest! The boys then had a deluxe Nageela-style BBQ dinner and topped it off with learning and s’mores with Rabbi Dovid Delman, Director of Boys Outreach.

The next day everyone left to Holiday Mountain for a fun day of skiing and snow tubing. Pizza and hot cocoa were served for lunch, with a trip to Liberty Heights for an

indoor trampoline park. There were a ton of activities including dodgeball, basketball, and rock climbing – many just enjoyed jumping on the trampolines. After an amazing and tiring day, the boys enjoyed making their own Nageela sandwiches before heading back home on the coach buses.

For information about JEP/Nageela and to help the organization continue to host more exciting programming so Jewish children love being Jewish, please contact jenr@jepli.org.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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Around the Community

JSL Sports Corner: Week Seven Recap

T

he playoffs are approaching!

Every regular season game matters a lot for playoff seeding, and there were some great games.

In the younger ages, every game was close. In K/P Soccer, Camp Funshine and The Rebbe’s Choice shut out Simcha Day Camp and KolSave 2-0.

In 1st/2nd Football, Krauss Dentistry beat PIP Printing 6-5. The Rebbe’s Choice held off The Designer’s Group 4-3 after the Designer’s Group had come back from down two TDs to tie the game.

In 2nd/3rd Soccer, John’s Automotive beat Home and Stone 9-3 behind 9 goals from Shaul Nathan. His teammates kept setting him up beautifully!

Krauss Dentistry defeated Maidenbaum 7-1.

In 3rd/4th Basketball, Maidenbaum edged past Island Roofing by the score of 30-28. Maidenbaum made the go ahead basket with under a minute left then held on with some ferocious defense. RestoMax defeated PEYD 20-7.

In 5th Basketball, 5TownsCentral beat Auto Click 23-17. Wisnicki Neuhauser tried to triple up the Triple Net Group and beat them 30-12.

In middle school basketball, Home and Stone coasted to a 61-13 victory over a shorthanded Gourmet Glatt team. JRM Development earned a 45-

38 victory over John’s Automotive.

In Hockey, Alpert & Associates tied Believe and Achieve 1-1. CNSLT squeaked out a 3-2 victory over Executive Dry Cleaning.

MVPs Momo Caller Charlie Rosenblatt Shua Basch Nesanel Teitelbaum Shaul Nathan Avi Ambramson Eliyahu Schuss Yosef Babad Shmuel Bluementhal Eliyahu Wicentowsky Aryeh Perl Josh Markowitz Shai Mendel Nissim Schechter Gavriel Schwarcz Zac Grauman Men’s Recap Alpert and Associates beat Maidenbaum 48-43 in the only single digit result of the week. Hewlett Auto Body double up Rentastic 76-38. RestoMax beat PIP Printing 57-34. Executive Dry Cleaning (briefly) set the league scoring record with an 88-76 win over Built by Nate. Then Island Roofing notched the highest ever score in a

101-24 blowout over Home and Stone who were playing without the league’s leading scorer, Aaron Azuse.

Game of the Week Ties can be anticlimactic. But in this week’s 1-1 hockey tie between Alpert and Associates and Believe and Achieve, goalie Zac Grauman preserved the tie with a save with 1 second left!

Basketball Fun Fact Next Tuesday, the New York

Knicks are running a special clinic for JSL boys! The clinics will be run by a former Knicks player! JSL is an official Jr. Knicks Affiliate!

Swag Update This week featured halfcourt and 3-point shots at halftime for prizes. Eliyahu Ruzohorsky won an ice cream gift certificate when he nailed a 3 point shot with a football! Aviv Shahtay of Wisnicki Neuhauser hit a 3 pointer to earn ice cream certificates for his entire team.

Thousands Cast Their Votes for the Winner of the Dov Levy Prize

By Hadassah Bay “All individuals, regardless of their level of ability, have the right to be fully included and respected.”

-Rabbi Dov Levy, founder of the Seeach Sod Special Education Network in Israel

T

he Dov Levy Prize has been established to honor the person whose accomplishments and activities on behalf of individuals with disabilities best exemplify the values of the late Rabbi Dov Levy.

Eight nominees have been selected from around the world to compete for the prestigious award.

These nominees have distinguished themselves by their activities on behalf of both children and adults with disabilities, and are helping to not only create a better future for special

needs individuals but are changing the way society views people with disabilities. They have all found that children with disabilities have vast potential that can be cultivated with care and love.

Among the nominees are activists who have fought for special education funding in their communities, including Assemblyman Gary Schaer. Very recently, Shaer secured a $4 million increase for special education as part of an unprecedented $130 million allocation to nonpublic schools in the Fiscal Year 2022.

Schaer also utilized $240 million in funding through the School Development Authority to construct the Dayton Avenue Educational Campus. When the complex opens in 2022, it will guarantee that every student receives the specialized education they deserve.

Joint nominees Chaya Bender

and Jenine Shwekey are the founders and directors of The Special Children’s Center in New Jersey and New York — state-of-the-art centers that services over 600 children with disabilities from the surrounding area. “We discovered that with the help of a loving hand, a special child can soar beyond his challenges and beyond expectations,” they said.

Another nominee, born with cerebral palsy, is one of America’s leading Jewish inclusion experts.

Others have provided social opportunities for people with disabilities, while still others have achieved prominence by providing a haven for women with disabilities.

The youngest nominees are a group of senior high school students who participated in Sinai Schools’ Inclusion by Design program, which foster friendships between volunteers and students with disabilities.

By voting for their favorite candidate for the Dov Levy Prize, Jerusalem Post readers can honor the individual who is making a difference in the lives of the disabled. At the same time, they enter a drawing to win a free round-trip ticket to Israel on El Al. Since 1971, Seeach Sod has been providing cutting-edge therapies and education for children with disabilities in Israel. The organization continues to accompany the children to adulthood and beyond, providing vocational and housing frameworks as well as a community. In the course of these 50+ years, Seeach Sod has become a leader in the field of special education and integration, developing innovative solutions to bring out the full potential of individuals with special needs and to enhance their quality of life.

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Around the Community

Health Week at HAFTR HS

By Amanda Ehrenhaus

M

ental health awareness is an extremely important topic for high schoolers.

Every student, no matter how much work or free time they have, experiences some sort of stress and anxiety. It can vary from triggers like homework, college decision-making, extracurriculars, family dynamics, or social issues. Health Week, which was held at HAFTR High School from February 14 through February 18, was an excellent way for students to learn about ways to cope with any stress or hardship they may experience. HAFTR recognizes the importance of raising awareness of these issues and coordinated an entire week filled with fun and educational activities.

The week started out with all students wearing green in honor of Mental Health Day. This day allowed students to show their support and awareness of mental health. Following that, there were Zumba classes for the girls and self-defense classes for the boys as a way to show

students how they can incorporate these physical activities into their everyday lives. These programs also informed students of the importance of physical health. Dancing, as well as karate, are outlets for emotional expression, stress reduction, and creativity. Students learned that these activities provide enormous benefits, like stress relief and a way to channel energy in a positive way, especially during stressful situations. In addition to the health benefits, these routines are also a way to bond with peers.

The week continued with representatives from the high school traveling to the middle school to coach sixth graders on the topics they learned throughout the week.

The high schoolers focused their discussions on the impact technology has on mental health and mentored students about the positive ways they can balance technology in their lives. In addition to this special school visit, there was an array of programming as the week continued, with each program designed to discuss a specific element of adoles-

cent health. The week ended when students were addressed by Mrs. Gila Glassberg, a registered dietician, who discussed healthy eating, body image concerns, diet culture, and other related topics. She offered genuine advice to students on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, advice that will certainly help students as they continue through the rigors of

high school.

This week was an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the importance of mental health and the ways we can promote it on a daily basis. Programs like these not only encourage mental health but help create a sense of community and family within our school.

Carry On Project

L

ast year, a group of friends got together and launched the Carry On Project. Their goal was to continue the memory and legacy of their dear friend Binyamin Zwickler, a”h. Binyomin passed away at the young age of 25. Binyamin was diagnosed with cancer when he was in high school, and yet he was always full of laughter and optimism; his love for life was contagious. He was truly selfless, always looking to help a friend no matter the challenges he faced. Facing tragedy, pain, and illness, his emunah was rock solid; his bright smile and positive outlook on life made everything seem OK. Binyamin always had a strong connection to music. When life challenged him, his music was his safe haven. He composed original songs that were deeply personal, but he rarely shared them with anyone. A few months before he passed away, he had his music recorded “unprofessionally.” He shared these recordings with his close friends and family in the weeks and days before he was niftar. We have held these songs close to our hearts ever since.

For that reason, last year, The Carry On Project worked with singer/songwriter Aryeh Kunstler to produce an album of Binyamin’s original compositions. The album attracted the talents

of Joey Newcomb, Eli Levin, Eli Dachs, Moishy Schwartz, Danny Palgon, and the Portnoy Brothers. The project culminated with an evening to benefit Madraigos and the launch of the album.

“The success of The Carry On Project went beyond our wildest dreams. ‘Carry On,’ the title track of the album, has almost 100,000 streams on Spotify,” said Menachem Katz, founder of the Carry On Project. “During our evening to benefit Madraigos, Binyamin’s brother and I were speaking when he mentioned there were more songs that we didn’t know about.”

The Carry On Project is once again working with Aryeh Kunstler to produce a new single to be released March 10. The single will be covered by the full-of-life singer Yankeloo. The project will be partnering with Madraigos, an amazing organization in the Five Towns that helps young adults navigate through difficult moments in their life.

Right now, we are running a 360 raffle campaign, with over 3/4 of the tickets sold, to raise money with proceeds going to Madraigos. Prizes include VIP Tickets to American Dream, Tickets to Nickelodeon Amusement Park, and the grand prize of $10,000. IY’H winners will be announced at our Single release event, to benefit Madraigos, March 10 in the Five Towns.

For more information, please check out https:// www.rayze.it/carryonprojectxmadraigos/ or “The Carry On Project” on Instagram.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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Around the Community

Grand Culmination of Dirshu Worldwide Siyumim at Dirshu Melava Malka Siyum on Seder Moed This Motzoei Shabbos

By Chaim Gold

A

Dirshu convention is unique. It is perhaps the only convention where the tzad hashaveh, the common denominator, of every participant is Torah; the Torah that they learn and review every day and the tests that they take every month.

At a Dirshu convention, outer appearances and outer trappings mean very little. A Yid with a shtreimel can be seen in animated conversation with his Sephardic brother about a Tosafos in Masechta Moed Koton that he found difficult. A Litvish Yid and a Bobover Chossid can be seen discussing an interesting Biur Halacha in Chelek Aleph of Mishnah Berurah that they both have been learning in the Daf haYomi B’Halacha program.

A Gerer yungerman can be seen discussing a difficulty in the commentary of the Taz with a yeshivish yungerman that seems contradictory in the Kinyan Halacha program that they both learn.

It isn’t limited to men, either. On the women’s side of the mechitza, as the hallowed time of hadlokas ner Shabbos approaches, one cannot help but be moved by the scene of women of all types, women bedecked with white tichels on top of their sheitels next to women with sheitels and yet others with tichels all united as they light the Shabbos candles and the first word of conversation is, “In which program does your husband learn?” They talk about how fortunate they feel to be part of a program that transforms their home into a bastion of Torah and how they happily juggle the early morning hours of getting their kids off to school without their husbands who are deeply immersed in learning their respective Dirshu programs or how they manage bedtime at night as their talmidei chachomim are reviewing another blatt Gemara and another Rashi or Tosafos!

This is the natural rhythm of a Dirshu convention. This year’s convention, scheduled for this week on Shabbos Parshas Pikudei, promises to be no different.

Highlight to Be Melava Malka Siyum on Seder Moed At this year’s convention, however, there will an additional component of profound simchas haTorah with a

HaRav Reuvein Feinstein delivering divrei chizzuk, Dirshu Shabbos Convention, 2013

grand melava malka siyum on Seder Moed being held on motzoei Shabbos at the main ballroom of the Armon Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut.

On motzoei Shabbos in Stamford, not only will the hundreds of convention goers attend the siyum, but Dirshu has opened the siyum to the general public, inviting all those to whom Torah and kavod haTorah is important to participate. There will be bussing from major centers, and all that is needed is a call or email to Dirshu’s offices to RSVP. The Siyum on Seder Moed to be addressed by leading American Gedolim from across the spectrum, will be a fitting culmination to the month of siyumim that Dirshu has celebrated in Eretz Yisroel, England, Vilna, Antwerp, South Africa and Australia during the last weeks.

It will open with a drasha by HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Zalman Gips, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Mevakshei Torah, Rav of Khal Birchas Avrohom of Boro Park and a Daf HaYomi B’Halacha maggid shiur. One of the keynote addresses of the evening will be given by HaGaon Rav Aharon Dovid Goldberg, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of the Telshe Yeshiva of Cleveland.

The special guest from Eretz Yisroel will be HaGaon HaRav Nissan Kaplan, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Daas Aharon of Yerushalayim and previously a longtime maggid shiur at Yeshivas Mir of Yerushalayim where he has had an indelible impact on scores of talmidim.

Another major address will be given

by Dirshu’s Nasi, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, shlita. The final major address will be given by the Vienner Rav, HaGaon HaRav Asher Anshel Katz, shlita.

Of course, as befitting a siyum of

HaRav Nissan Kaplan, Rosh Yeshivas Daas Aharon, addressing a previous Dirshu World Siyum

this magnitude, there will be a full fleishig seudah accompanied by heartfelt music played with Yiddishe taam that will engender feelings of simcha, chizuk, inspiration and appreciation of the great milestone that the lomdei Dirshu have achieved.

Brand New Dirshu Initiative to Be Announced Another very exciting development at the Siyum Melava Malka will be the announcement by Rav Hofstedter of yet another Dirshu initiative that will enrich lomdei Torah with even more ruchniyus.

Traditionally, major Dirshu milestone events have featured the announcements of new programs. The Daf HaYomi B’Halacha was announced at a major Dirshu Siyum Hashas, and more recently, the Dirshu Kinyan Chochma program was announced at a Dirshu Convention and Siyum here in America. On Motzoei Shabbos, another exciting new initiative will be announced with the expected launch after this coming Pesach.

Stay tuned.

Special Women’s Melava Malka Dirshu, however, does not suffice with a siyum for men, recognizing only the accomplishments of the lomdim.

Rather, hanhalas Dirshu understands that, more often than not, the ability of a man to be transformed into a talmid chochom who utilizes every spare minute for learning and reviewing another blatt Gemara or another se’if in the Shulchan Aruch or Mishnah Berurah is also due to the efforts of his ezer k’negdo – the heroic Dirshu wives who, through their mesiras nefesh, enable their husbands to remain deeply immersed in Torah.

That is why Dirshu will be making a separate melave malka for Nishei Dirshu on motzoei Shabbos. The melava malka will take place at the nearby Stamford Marriot Hotel. The main ballroom at the Marriot will feature a unique women’s program. The women will be addressed by the well-known maggid shiur, Rav Fishel Schacher, shlita. They will also have the opportunity to watch a riveting video of the Dirshu siyumim and women’s events that recently took place in Eretz Yisroel. There will be special musical and dance performances by the renowned inspirational artists Mrs. Malky Giniger and Mrs. Chayala Neuhaus as well as a live hook-up to the major events of the men’s siyum and the address by the Nasi of Dirshu, Rav Dovid Hofstedter.

The siyum promises to be a culmination of a Shabbos that will be mei’ein Olam Habaah where lomdei Dirshu will be treated to a virtual smorgasbord of chizuk, shiurei Torah in lomdus, halacha and the parshah. If the past is any indication of the future, they will just be clamoring for more.

Some the speakers during Shabbos will include the Rosh Yeshiva of Staten Island, HaGaon HaRav Reuven Feinstein, shlita, Rav Nissan Kaplan and HaGaon HaRav Dovid Schustal, shlita, rosh yeshivas Beth Medrash Govoha, who will deliver an address and a lomdishe shiur. Other speakers will include HaGaon HaRav Zev Smith, shlita, Daf HaYomi B’Halacha maggid shiur and popular maggid shiur at Irgun Shiurei Torah, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Breslauer, shlita, Rosh Kollel of the Kollel of the Yeshiva of South Fallsburg, HaGaon HaRav Moshe Weinberger, R”M at Mesivta Shalom Shachne and Rav of the Agudas Yisroel of Flatbush and the venerated senior Posek, HaGaon HaRav Yechiel Michel Steinmetz, shlita, Skverer Dayan of Boro Park.

The Dirshu Convention culminating in the Grand Melava Malka Siyum graced by leading Gedolei Yisroel promises to be a tremendous demonstration of kavod haTorah and chizuk that will energize lomdei Torah and honor the lomdei Torah who make learning and yedias haTorah the centerpiece of their lives.

Don’t miss the grand siyum!

To RSVP for the siyum, please call 855-SIYUM-22 or email: sm@DirshuWorldSiyum.org

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1.

TJH

*

Centerfold

Cell Phone Phacts •

Cell phones went on sale in the U.S. in 1983 and cost approximately $4,000.

•

In 2012, Apple sold more than 340,000 iPhones per day, which is around 4 per second.

• •

XP3300 Force is recognized as the toughest phone.

It survived an 84-foot drop without any operational damage.

•The Philippines is ranked number one globally in usage of text messages with about 1.4 billion text messages being sent every day.

Cell phones have 18 times more bacteria than toilet handles.

• Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak was the first owner of the phone number 888-8888888, but it proved unusable as he was receiving

Smartphones have more computing power than the computers used for the Apollo 11 to land on the moon.

•

70% of mobile phones are manufactured in China.

•

More than 90% of adults have their mobile phone within arm’s reach all the time.

•

More than 4 billion people own mobile phones. But only 3.5 billion use a toothbrush.

• •

•

over 100 wrong numbers a day, mostly from babies playing with phones.

•

The average person unlocks his or her cell phone 110 times a day.

•

The average American cell phone user will have about three unused or outdated cell phones in possession.

90% of text messages are read within 3 minutes of receipt.

•

Most Americans will only use their mobile phone for about 12-16 months before getting a new one.

In 1985, 45-year-old communications researcher Friedhelm Hillebrand defined the length of a standard text message. He typed random sentences on his typewriter and almost all of them were under 160 characters long.

•

Texting came into existence 21 years ago.

•

The first photo to be shared using a cell phone was taken by Philippe Kahn in 1997. He sent pictures of his daughter Sophie from the maternity ward. Kahn is a French inventor who developed the world’s very first camera phone.

According to Guinness World Records, Sonim

You Gotta Be Kidding Me !

Jimbo went to the doctor with two burned ears.

“The phone rang, and I accidentally picked up the iron,” he explained.

The doctor asked him, “What about the other ear?”

Jimbo replied, “They called back.”

“Life is what happens when your cell phone is charging”

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Cell Phone Addiction Test Answer YES or NO to each of the following questions to test your addiction level: 1.

You plan your day around known charger locations.

2. You occasionally feel your thigh vibrate out of nowhere.

3. You have tried to swipe open a book.

4. You judge people by the pattern on their iPhone case.

5. When your phone is dead, and someone asks you what the weather is like, your first instinct is to say, “I don’t know,” rather than look outside or simply open the front door.

6. You justify being on your phone all the time because you “might miss a work email.”

7.

At least once a week you panic that you can’t find your phone and then realize it’s in your hand.

8. When you close your eyes, you see Candy Crush combos.

9. You keep your phone on while

flying, despite the fierce warnings of the captain to shut your phone.

18. You get upset when your kids ask to play on your phone…because you want to play on your phone.

10. This year you have spent more time arbitrarily scrolling through your Camera Roll than doing anything else.

19. When airport TSA tells you to put your phone through the security check, you get a slight panicky feeling and wonder how you will retrieve it if it gets stuck in the machine.

11.

When you wake up in the morning, you check your phone while still in bed.

12. Books make you twitch with anxiety.

13. When packing, the first thing you pack is your phone charger.

14. You try to turn down the brightness on the sun.

15. You get excited when you’re at a restaurant and your friend goes to the bathroom.

16. You can text faster than you can type on a keyboard.

17. You think that “Social Security Number” means your iPhone lock screen code.

20. When you don’t feel your phone in the pocket you thought it was in, you quickly give yourself a rapid and fierce pat-down, as if you are arresting yourself.

Your Addiction Level: If you answered yes to: 15-20 statements: You are totally addicted to your…hold on, I just have to grab this call.

8-14 statements: Not bad. Just wait until you get the iPhone 4S. It’s totally 2022!

0-7 statements: So how is that phone that you ordered from the back of the Smithsonian magazine? Has BIG NUMBERS, huh?

Riddle Me This?

To assist you, each symbol stands for one of five letters: ! stands for Y, E, G, P, or T @ stands for F, B, A, Q, or T # stands for R, E, A, N, or Z $ stands for F, E, N, S, or H

% stands for S, T, Y, M, or W ^ stands for P, D, E, H, or C & stands for U, K, H, T, or B * stands for O, J, G, I, or Z ? stands for E, L, D, N, or C Answer: Construct and Dismantle

As a master text messenger, your job is to figure out what ^*$%@#&?! means. The nine letter text message code can be translated into two English words that are opposites. What are the two words?

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Torah Thought

Parshas Pikudei

By Rabbi Berel Wein

T

he basic lesson in this week’s Torah reading is accountability. G-d demands from Moshe and the others who formulated and created the Tabernacle in the desert to account for all the material that was donated by the Jewish people for that purpose. The last piece of silver that was donated had to be accounted

for, but Moshe was distressed that he could not account for 1,000 measures of the silver. He finally remembered that this donation of silver was used for constructing hooks that bound the tapestries of the Tabernacle together.

The hooks must “shout” to remind us of their presence and to make Moshe’s accounting complete and accurate.

Accounting is a very painstaking project. Most people view it as bordering on boring. Nevertheless, there is no commercial enterprise that can successfully exist without good and accurate accounting practices.

The financial accounting in our Parsha regarding the materials that were used in the construction of the Tabernacle is a template for proper human behavior concerning the use of resources in all areas of life. This is

with us on this planet. We are given talents that are unique to each one of us. The challenge that is put before us is how those talents and abilities can be used for good and noble causes.

There are many who think that the gifts that they have been given are for their exclusive use and that there is no need or obligation to share them with others. They are sadly mistaken in this view. People are accountable for what they have, as they were for

We live in a time when accountability, to a great extent, has been replaced by excuses, social engineering, economic and psychological theories.

especially true in matters that border on religious institutions that are held to the highest of all standards and are to be above any suspicion of corruption. The Priest of the Temple wore garments that had no pockets and could not conceal any hidden items of value that might be removed from the Temple.

This overriding meticulous standard and value of accountability is not limited to financial matters. Judaism teaches us that we are all accountable for our actions – behavior, speech, attitudes and even thoughts.

We were created as being responsible creatures – responsible to the Creator and to the other creatures that exist

the supposedly insignificant amount of silver that was used to construct hooks that kept the tapestries together.

King Solomon states in Kohelet that one should realize that all actions and behavior will eventually be weighed on the scales of heavenly justice. We live in a time when accountability, to a great extent, has been replaced by excuses, social engineering, economic and psychological theories.

All of these are used only to avoid the issue of accountability. To be human is to be responsible, and that is the message not only of this week’s parsha, but of everything in Judaism.

Shabbat shalom.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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And it all started in a public school in Pittsburgh.

Rav Yitzchok Scheiner’s journey from Pittsburgh to his simple Yerushalmi home and the hallowed halls of Kamenitz Yeshivah is a story of breathtaking Hashgachah Pratis, diligence, and determination. In this new book, Rabbi Nachman Seltzer paints a vivid and absorbing portrait of Rav Scheiner, teaching and inspiring all of us with his shining example of gadlus.

by Rabbi Daniel Glatstein

R

abbi Daniel Glatstein is one of the contemporary Jewish world’s most popular speakers, whose shiurim have garnered millions of views online. He has a masterful grasp of an exceptional array of sefarim and commentaries, and a rare ability to explain their teachings with remarkable clarity. In The Concealed and The Revealed, we will discover breathtaking, and often hardlyknown, facets of the Purim story, which will enrich our joy on Purim — and throughout our lives.

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R

eb Aharon Leib on Purim and Megillas Esther includes the full text of Megillas Esther, with commentary based on insights and writings of Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman, the Chazon Ish, Rav Shach, Rav Chaim Kanievsky and many other gedolim. Also includes Rav Aharon Leib’s Purim customs, and dozens of stories about his devotion to Torah.

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

From the Fire Parshas Pikudei

Wisdom of the Heart

By Rav Moshe Weinberger Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

A

ccording to the Gemara (Brachos 55a), “Hashem only gives wisdom to those who have wisdom...as it says (Shmos 31:5), ‘I have placed wisdom in the heart of those who are wise of heart.’” Similarly, we find that the Midrash Tanchuma (Shmos 35, Siman 2), quoting the pasuk in Shmos 31:3, says about Betzalel, “‘And I will fill him with the spirit of G-d, with wisdom,’ which implies that he already had wisdom. This teaches us that Hashem only fills those who already have wisdom with wisdom.”

This is very difficult to understand. We even find in the Tanchuma that a woman asked Rabi Yosi bar Chalafta, “It should have said [that He gives wisdom] to fools!” Indeed, it would seem that fools need wisdom more than wise people do.

Why, then, do these psukim teach that Hashem only gives wisdom to the wise, who ostensibly need it less than fools do?

Rabi Yosi answered her with a parable. He asked her whether she would rather give a loan to a poor

person or a rich person. She answered that she would rather give the loan to the rich person who needed money at that time because he would be more likely to pay her back. Rabi Yosi then explained to her that it is the same with wisdom, which Hashem views as an important investment. He prefers to invest wisdom in those who He knows will use it wisely than in fools, who are likely to squander it, or worse.

We see from these teachings that there are two basic types of wisdom.

One type, which we shall call chochmas lev, wisdom of the heart, is a prerequisite for the second, primary type of wisdom, which is wisdom itself. Wisdom of the heart makes a person a vessel for true wisdom. But what is “wisdom of the heart”?

The Ramban (on Shmos 35:21) points out that none of the Jews who left the slave pits of Egypt ever had the opportunity to learn any trade or the artistic skills necessary for building the Mishkan and its vessels. So who were these artisans and craftsmen who built the

various parts of the Mishkan and the garments of the Kohanim? The Ramban explains that there were people whose hearts moved them to volunteer. They had desire and determination to be a part of building a dwelling place for Hashem in this world. According to the Ramban, these people with no prior background in craftsmanship came to Moshe and said, “I will do whatever my master says!” Hashem then filled their hearts with the knowledge they needed to build their part of the Mishkan. That is why the psukim repeatedly say about the donors, volunteers, and craftsmen (see, e.g., Shmos 35:21), “Everyone whose heart carries him.” These people did not come with extensive skillsets. They came because their hearts motivated them to do whatever they could to be part of building Hashem’s house.

Reb Yerucham Levovitz, zt”l, says that the common denominator among the majority of wealthy and successful people and great rebbeim is that they exhibit tremendous mo-

tivation to accomplish; their hearts carry them. They are determined and filled with longing and desire to achieve their goals. In contrast, those who lack determination and enthusiasm, even if they have greater natural talents or intelligence, remain mediocre, never achieving greatness. With respect to the building of the Mishkan, the successful people were not experts, artisans or craftsmen. Rather, they were those who accepted the work of the Mishkan upon themselves wholeheartedly.

This is the prerequisite for wisdom. Someone with wisdom of the heart has the humility to know that he may not be capable on his own but he is willing to work to achieve his goal nonetheless. Such a person is given the deepest wisdom and the power to attain great things.

This is related to why we eat matzah on the Seder night between the first two cups of wine and the last two cups of wine. Matzah, which is made of grain, is a manifestation of wisdom. We see this from the

4.5” x 11.25”

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The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

‫בס״ד‬

MARCH 2022

Gemara (Brachos 40a), which says, “A child does not know how to say ‘Father’ or ‘Mother’ until he tastes grain.” In other words, on some level, basic intelligence is associated with tasting grain. Matzah, therefore, represents wisdom and knowledge. Wine, on the other hand, is a lack of knowledge. It is (Megila 7b) “ad d’lo yadda,” something which causes a person to lose a certain quality of knowledge. Wine represents that quality of longing, desire, and faith which is beyond wisdom and knowledge and not dependent on what a person knows or is capable of according to natural human understanding. It means, “I

“What is the truth?” Rav Nosson Tzvi asked. “Do you truly want to grow in learning?”

The boy answered in the affirmative.

“If so,” the Rosh Yeshiva said, “if you truly want to grow in learning, then you will certainly succeed. You should know that I was also weak in learning, but I very much wanted to succeed. I therefore worked hard, and I was successful. If you truly want to, you will also be successful if you work hard. You will blossom into a great person.”

In this letter to his son, he told him that Rav Nosson Tzvi’s words made a deep impact on him and that

How We Healed our Son’s Fever and Croup “My children are anxiously waiting,” the woman told the Tehillim Kollel office. “For the last two or three weeks, they run to check the weekly Tehillim Kollel column, hoping to see our story in print. They are so curious…”

The woman explained that since she told her children that she had asked Tehillim Kollel to publicize their family’s personal yeshuah, they are desperate to read it in the papers.

We explained to her that there is a lineup of stories waiting to make it into the column, and hers would be printed soon.

The woman begged us to get to it soon, “because it literally strengthened the emunah and bitachon in tefillah for our entire family.”

She shared her story.

They came because their hearts motivated them to do whatever they could to be part of building Hashem’s house.

have given wisdom to the heart of the wise.” This is also connected to the Maftir for Shabbos Hachodesh, which says (Shmos 12:2), “This new moon shall be to you...” The moon manifests a lack of knowledge. The sun, which is the source of illumination, is wisdom and understanding.

But the moon means the longing for the light of the sun, the power of pure desire and will.

I read about a prominent rosh yeshiva who unfortunately passed away at a young age. Before he entered the Next World, he wrote his son a letter, which was reprinted in a sefer. In the letter, he told his son that when he was a young man, he was kicked out of several yeshivos and could no longer get into any yeshiva. He was advised to go to Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel, zt”l, to ask for his advice, and so he went. Rav Nosson Tzvi was already stricken by the effects of Parkinson’s disease. The Rosh Yeshiva held his hand still so he could shake the boy’s hand and when he explained his situation to the Rosh Yeshiva, he asked him, “Do you want to grow in learning?”

He answered, “Yes, but I sometimes have trouble.”

was what gave him the confidence to follow his dreams, work hard, and eventually become the talmid chacham that he was. He concluded the letter by telling his son, “When we toil and are not broken by the obstacles we face, we will definitely merit to see the light. We see tremendous help from Heaven. Go according to this path, and when I leave the world, I will go up to the throne of glory to daven for you.”

Hashem gives wisdom to those who are wise of heart. Being wise of heart means wanting to accomplish something in our service of Hashem.

When we want something and are willing to work for it without giving up, Hashem sees that we represent a good investment and will take us to the next level.

May each of us merit to tenaciously chase greatness and see the Divine assistance which will ultimately make us successful.

“For a very long time, my five-year-old has been suffering from fever and croup. We got excited every time there was improvement, but each time it was short-lived. Once again, the incessant fever and croup would be back. He would go through periods where he was so unwell and his breathing grew difficult again, and once again, we would find ourselves in the doctor’s office. We almost lived more by the doctor than at home…

“Nothing helped. Our son’s problems didn’t disappear even after we visited reputed professors. As the Yamim Tovim approached, we worried a lot over his wellbeing. Soon after Sukkos, he would be starting first grade, a very crucial time in a child’s growth, and we really didn’t want him to miss cheder every other week.

“We told our children and ourselves: ‘Only Hashem could help us! Let’s daven and let’s partner up with the dozens of talmidei chachamim saying Tehillim with Tehillim Kollel.’

“At that point, we were well aware that only Hashem could cure our son/brother. The Tehillim brought us quick results.

It was like a clear Heavenly wink. Hashem is the best Healer, indeed!

“Several months have passed and the fever has entirely disappeared without a trace, baruch Hashem…”

WEEKLY COLUMN OF RECENT EPISODES

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718.705.7174 Info@TehillimKollel.org www.TehillimKollel.org

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Self-Mastery Academy

Taking Advantage of Our Ordeals

By Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

O

ften, when we are in pain — whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual — we beg Hashem every day, with all our heart, to make the pain go away. We imagine how wonderful life will be when the challenge finally passes, and each day we hold onto that image, cherish it, and hope for Hashem to make that day come faster. We cry, we suffer, we push, and just when we think we cannot take it anymore, just when we think we may not make it another day, when every last ounce of strength and hope has faded, the pain begins to subside.

However, we must ask ourselves: Is this the best way to handle an ordeal? When we face challenges, how do we act during these moments of pain and discomfort? Most people simply want to get through it as quickly as possible; every night they’ll go to sleep hoping for a better tomorrow. In other words, we sometimes throw away our present lives during times of challenge just waiting for the pain to pass. Instead of taking full advantage of our tests as an opportunity to grow, achieve our greatness, and connect with Hash-

em, we try to hide until it’s gone. We say, “I’ll start to do things once this challenge goes away!” But the whole reason this challenge was given to us in the first place was to push us and help us grow.

This is obviously easier said than done and is not meant to diminish the genuine pain and anguish of challenges. But consider it this way: You’re already in pain, so use it! Don’t be used by the pain; use the pain.

Push yourself to the max; see what you’re capable of becoming. Growth occurs only in the face of resistance and pressure. There is no growth in the comfort zone. You can only grow muscle when you rip your muscle fibers; you can only grow existentially when you rip yourself out of your comfort zone. Growth in your life, learning, middos (character traits), career, and relationships only happens when you push yourself to the limit.

While the ideal is for us to push ourselves, like Avraham exemplified through “afar va’efer,” quite often this does not happen. In such cases, Hashem may try to help by challenging us to grow. If we try to “sit out”

the challenge, we are missing the point. We need to embrace the challenge, to ask ourselves, “How can I use this challenge to help me grow?”

Suffering vs. Pain This perspective can fundamentally transform the way we experience hardship. Suffering is meaningless pain, and therefore unbearable.

But when we give meaning to our pain, it becomes bearable. When going through an extremely painful birth, a mother might be in immense pain, but she is not suffering. In fact, most mothers will tell you that childbirth was the most meaningful pain they have ever experienced.

Imagine a man who must travel thousands of miles through a jungle, a journey full of danger, pain, and ordeals, in order to be reunited with his beloved wife. He gladly accepts every challenge that comes his way, excitedly overcoming them one by one, knowing that with every step he takes he comes closer to reaching his goal, reuniting with the most important person in his life. But what if, instead, this man was in the jungle with no idea why he was there and no

idea where he was going? He would likely feel more and more depressed with every challenge that he faces.

Eventually, he’d rather just sit down and give up than keep on fighting.

The same is true for every challenge we face. If you are living with a higher purpose and you know where you are going in life, challenges make the journey meaningful; they push you to achieve your goals. But if you have no idea why you’re here, then challenges will break you down and make you want to give up. You choose how to view your nisayon.

Personal Megillah At this very moment, you are “who you are” because of all the challenges you have faced. Every decision and experience you have ever had has led you to this very moment. Some turns were bigger than others, but they have all led to your unique path in life. One day, you will realize that the challenges you faced were, in fact, the best things that ever happened to you. You will realize that everything you’ve managed to become is not despite your challenges but because of them. The greatest people among us

are great because of their challenges, not despite them.

While it is difficult to see the positive aspects of a nisayon while it is still underway, it is easier to look back in retrospect and see how past challenges shaped you into the person you are today. This is why the baalei machshavah (Jewish thinkers) suggest writing your own personal megillah. In Megillas Esther, there is no open miracle; only by putting all the pieces together do we see the yad Hashem and how everything fit together so perfectly. “Megillah” shares the same root as the words le’galgel (to roll) and me’galeh (to reveal). When we roll through the scroll of the Megillah, we reveal the presence and hashgachah of Hashem.

The same is true of our own personal story. Each individual piece seems insignificant and happenstance; each challenge bearing little consequence. However, if we put all the pieces together, connecting the dots, we begin to see the beauty

manifest in our own personal megillah. We begin to see the turning points in our lives; we retroactively see the life-changing impact our challenges had on our lives. Whether it was a physical illness, a difficult relationship, losing someone dear, or a personal struggle, our chal-

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and mental shackles, well aware of the impossible leap we are asked to take, we must look up to Hashem and put our complete trust in Him. As we close our eyes and take that leap of faith, we find ourselves on the other side, now a banner of greatness and a partner in revealing Hashem’s pres-

Growth occurs only in the face of resistance and pressure.

lenge-streaked past becomes a masterpiece ready for us to read.

A Life Worth Living We must learn to embrace our challenges — to see them as an opportunity to achieve our unique greatness in this world. And as we push past our physical, emotional,

ence in this world. In doing so, we not only achieve our own greatness, but we inspire others to strive for more as well.

Never stop dreaming. Never stop pushing past your boundaries and limitations. Be happy with what you have become, but always remain hungry for more. Like the Avos, you will

constantly be challenged, but remember: challenges are opportunities in disguise.

Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is an author, educator, speaker, and coach who has lectured internationally on topics of Torah, psychology, and leadership. He is the founder and CEO of Self-Mastery Academy, the transformative online self-development course that is based on the principles of high-performance psychology and Torah.

After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva University, he received semicha from RIETS, a Master’s degree in Jewish Education from Azrieli, and a Master’s degree in Jewish Thought from Revel. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago and has also spent a year studying at Harvard as an Ivy Plus Exchange Scholar.

To find more inspirational content from Rabbi Reichman, to contact him, or to learn more about Self-Mastery Academy, visit his website: ShmuelReichman.com.

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Delving into the Daf

The Great Tefillin Divide

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

R

abbi Yisroel Besser once wrote about his experience standing on the other side of the mechitza. He was attending his daughter’s graduation, and the primary event was for mothers only.

While standing on tippy toes, he was able to get glances of the happenings.

Depending on what their minhag is and the shul they choose to daven at, other men may experience this every chol hamoed. This is the Great Tefillin Divide. Some people put on tefillin on chol hamoed, while others do not.

While in some places it is considered halachically acceptable to have men with tefillin praying together with men without tefillin, others frown upon this practice. One shul puts up a special mechitza running down the middle of shul, so the space for the tefillin wearers and non-wearers is separate but equal. However, in some shuls, men who are not following the shul’s custom must daven behind the regular mechitza on chol hamoed.

According to some, the Great Tefillin Divide is predicated on a separate machlokes. Is chol hamoed viewed as a yom tov min haTorah or not? The question can be further refined as: is the obligation to refrain some labors on chol hamoed biblical or rabbinic?

The argument takes center stage on Daf 18a in Chagigah. The Gemara cites a dispute between Reish Lakish and Rebbe Yochanon regarding how to expound a pasuk in the Torah. The Gemara comments that they must both be of the opinion that it is forbidden to engage in certain labors on

chol hamoed. The Gemara then cites some pesukim as support for this law.

The simple reading of this Gemara is that the prohibition against melacha on chol hamoed is biblical. Indeed, the Tur states that the opinion of the Rif is that melacha on chol hamoed is biblically forbidden. The Beis Yosef notes that he failed to find any passage in the Rif that supports the Tur’s assertion. The Nehar Shalom responded that the Tur deduced that the Rif must hold that labor is biblically forbidden on chol hamoed from the fact that he cites the Gemara in Chagigah without comment. If the Rif was of the opinion that the verses expounded in Chagigah were not bona fide drashos, he should have said so explicitly. While the Gemara is often cryptic, a Rishon is usually less so.

However, Rabbeinu Tam quoted in Tosfos in Chagiga disagrees and understands that all the drashos in the Gemara in Chagiga are not meant to be bona fide expositions, rather they are hints or asmachtos in the Torah to chol hamoed. Rabbeinu Tam finds it difficult to understand that if labor is forbidden on chol hamoed biblically, why is there a permit to do labor in a case of loss? While the Rabbanan occasionally waived their prohibitions in the case of loss, we don’t find a precedent for that regarding Torah prohibitions. He further cites a passage in Talmud Yerushalmi (MK 2:3) to bolster his opinion. The Talmud there states, “Why did they forbid labor on chol hamoed only in order that they should eat and drink” and engage in spiritual pursuits, “in-

stead, they eat and drink and debase themselves.” This passage is critical of those that don’t take advantage of chol hamoed to grow spiritually. The words “Why did they forbid” clearly imply that the source of the prohibition of labor on chol hamoed is rabbinic.

The Ramban takes a mixed approach to chol hamoed. Any labor that is for the sake of the moed or to prevent a loss is permitted according to Torah law. Otherwise, labor is forbidden according to the Torah. However, the rabbis forbade complex labor and labor-intensive work even if it is performed for the sake of the moed.

Practically, what difference does it make if labor is forbidden biblically or rabbinically? The Dirshu edition of the Mishna Berura cites a number of examples.

In a case of doubt whether a certain labor is forbidden on chol hamoed or not, can we be lenient? If chol hamoed labor is forbidden min haTorah, we cannot. If it is rabbinic, we can.

It is interesting to note that there is a dispute in the Gemara regarding what size wine barrels may be repaired on chol hamoed in the case of loss. There are two mutually exclusive opinions offered in the Gemara.

Controversially, the Shulchan Aruch (538:1) rules that we may be lenient and follow both opinions and repair both sizes. The Mishna Berura cites this as proof that the Shulchan Aruch rules that labor on chol hamoed is only forbidden rabbinically. Still, the Shulchan Aruch rules that tefillin

should not be worn on chol hamoed.

(Which would be a question on the theory that the two ideas are linked.

Yet, it is possible he only ruled that way on tefillin due to a passage in the Zohar.)

The Pri Megadim suggests that someone who intentionally violates chol hamoed and performs forbidden labor is no longer considered a valid witness. He cannot sign on a kesubah or a get. Yet, if the prohibition of labor on chol hamoed is only rabbinic, he would still be considered a valid witness.

The Shevet HaLevi suggests another ramification in the same scenario. If someone intentionally violates chol hamoed, he would not be permitted to benefit from the fruits of his forbidden labor. If the prohibition was only rabbinic, perhaps we would allow the individual to benefit post facto.

The question whether or not labor is forbidden biblically or rabbinically on chol hamoed is unresolved.

The Biur Halacha concludes that one should not be quick to rely on the opinion that the prohibition is only rabbinic unless in a case of great need.

Mazal tov to all those finishing Seder Moed!

Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow is a rebbe at Yeshiva Ateres Shimon in Far Rockaway. In addition, Rabbi Sebrow leads a daf yomi chaburah at Eitz Chayim of Dogwood Park in West Hempstead, NY. He can be contacted at ASebrow@gmail.com.

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Builders

EMT Rescues Five People from Burning Building

By Raphael Poch

The improvised building in flames

L

ate Sunday afternoon, a fire broke out in a residential building in the Bedouin town of Kuseife. Two women and three children were stuck inside the burning improvised building, petrified by fear, and were unable to get out.

United Hatzalah volunteer EMT and Gush Etzion Chapter Head Danny Gur was driving down Route 31 when he saw the fire near the roadway.

“I saw crazy smoke coming from the town, and kids running and screaming, so I went to help.”

Danny put on a KN-95 mask so that he would limit smoke inhalation and drove to the scene. When he could drive no further, he ran to the improvised building, climbed over a lot of rubble, and raced into the burning metal structure to check and see if anyone was trapped inside. Danny found three children huddling by a bed and two women

Danny at the scene of the fire after the rescue

deeper into the burning complex.

He grabbed them and brought them safely out of the burning house.

Fire and rescue crews from Arad and Dimona Stations arrived at the

The firefighters began external firefighting operations, using foam to diminish the flames. Afterward, they entered the structure and put out the fire that was still burning

“When I saw children hiding under the bed, I knew that I had to get them out as quickly as possible.”

scene and identified that the cause of the fire was from a solar panel system and several gas cylinders that exploded and caught fire causing the building to ignite. As a result of the fire, the structure was severely damaged, and the building was in danger of collapse.

inside while searching for anyone still trapped in the structure and the buildings adjacent to it.

“As the firefighters came to scan the area for people trapped, I got so nervous that I may have left people inside,” Danny recalled. “I was certain that I got everyone, but I was

still nervous about the possibility that there was someone I missed and people were still in danger. I was shaking from fear the whole time. In the end, thank G-d, the house was clear, and everyone was okay.”

Danny added, “As a first responder, it is incredibly important to remember one’s own safety, and I tried my best to keep a cool head and act fast. When I saw children hiding under the bed, I knew that I had to get them out as quickly as possible.”

To prevent another fire, the firefighters evacuated all the gas cylinders to a safe place in an isolated area and performed all the necessary post-fire operations.

The firefighters determined conclusively that no other people were in the improvised structure, and thanks to Danny’s quick thinking and selfless act of bravery, there were no casualties or injuries.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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SHABBOS IN It

Rabbi Moshe Moskovitz (right) helps a local Kharkov Jew put on tefillin in his office Photo by Chabad.org

says that you’re not supposed to cry on Shabbat; I failed that three times this Shabbat.

The first time was on Friday night when we managed to get to the synagogue. After the prayers, we went downstairs for a Kiddush, filled with people who were brave enough to come, and the many people who have been living in the synagogue since the war started. After Kiddush, we started singing “Nyet nyet nikovo,” a Russian melody that there is no one that we should fear besides Hashem alone.

The second time I wasn’t able to hold it in was Shabbat morning, when we blessed the new month of Adar, saying, “Mi sheasa nisim l’avoseynu – Who did miracles for our Fathers’’, I again felt the tears in my eyes. We also need miracles...

The third time was after the prayers. We have a beautiful tradition in our shul where the president of our community, Alexander Kaganovsky, gives blessings to people who have birthdays and special events in the community. This week, he asked everyone to be quiet, and said: “Reb Moishe, I want to tell you in the name of everyone in our community, that we want to thank all of you shluchim (emissaries) who have stayed behind to be together with us. We now see that all of what you have been saying all these years that you are one inseparable part of the community is true.”

He finished with a beautiful big hug.

Another beautiful thing about Shabbat is we didn’t have our phones and weren’t able to check the news. We have received hundreds of WhatsApps and emails from people all over the world, who are concerned and praying for us, who want to know how we’re doing. Our poor families all over the world, who want to be reassured that we’re doing fine. But on Shabbat, our phones were put aside as we lit the Shabbat candles, praying hard for peace everywhere.

There are three moments that I’d like to share, that I wasn’t able to capture, of course: The first beautiful moment was after the Shabbat meal in our house, with my family and grandchildren here. They all put on Purim costumes and put on a skit and danced. My daughter Malka

BY REBBETZIN MIRIAM MOSKOWITZ

explained to me after their happy dance that she knows why we are all sleeping downstairs together in the basement, which is our shelter.

“In the times of Purim, Haman said that the Jews were spread all over and not united...so we have to sleep all together to show we are all one.”

Another special moment was during the Mussaf prayer. My son, Yossi, was davening. When he started singing, “Hu Elokeinu” (He is Our G-d), there were loud sounds of the bombing that is taking place on the outskirts of Kharkov, as they are trying to enter the city. As he was singing, we heard the booms, and the davening was getting louder and louder, so we could drown out the sounds. Definitely an unforgettable prayer.

Then we had an amazing Shabbat meal downstairs together. There was no need for words, or to say anything inspiring. All of us together, over 100 people sitting in the basement of the synagogue which we are currently using as a shelter, including the people who have been sleeping in the synagogue for the past couple of days, joined together in song. Hard to choose just one moment from the hours we shared together...the man from Kramatorsk who had fled to Kharkov in 2014, thanking us for staying and with prayers that the community should only continue to be stronger...and everyone hand-in-hand singing “hinei ma tov”(how good it is when we are together)...and the standing ovation for the cooks who have also moved into the synagogue to be 24/7 available to feed everyone who is coming in...from the refugees from Donetsk with their children to the old man who is scared to be alone on the fifth floor.

Special moments and definitely a Shabbat I won’t forget.

A Shabbat full of faith, unity, and lots of hope for only very good times ahead.

Shavua tov.

Rebbetzin Miriam Moskowitz is the Chabad shlucha in the town of Kharkov in Ukraine. She and her husband, Rabbi Moshe Moskovitz, have led the Kharkov Jewish community since 1990. To donate to the Chabad there, visit https://www.jewishkharkov.org.

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

TJH Speaks with Rabbi Yaakov Bleich, Chief Rabbi of Ukraine

BY SUSAN SCHWAMM

Rabbi Bleich, things are so busy for you over the past few days. Thank you for taking the time to talk. Just to get some background, you’re originally from Boro Park. When did you get to Ukraine?

32 years ago.

What made you decide to go there?

I was looking for a job. I was young, maybe a little naive. It was exciting for a kid like me who grew up in Brooklyn. I had gone to Ukraine a few times and I was intrigued. It was very moving and emotional. When I came back from my second trip, my wife said that she wanted to come with me the next time I went. And then we ended up moving there.

You live in Kyiv. How has the community changed over the past three decades?

It has grown tremendously. A lot of people joined, and a lot of people left, and new people came in – that’s the way the community has been shaped. It’s growing and growing.

Is your goal to get the Jews to leave Ukraine and become frum?

No, my goal is to get them to become frum, not to leave Ukraine, necessarily. Once they’re frum, it depends. Many people became frum and had lived in Ukraine for years. But after they left and went to certain places, they became not frum because of the communities there that weren’t conducive to frumkeit. That is a sad reality.

How many frum people were in the Kyiv community before the invasion?

We have around 400 frum families there.

in Kyiv, Odessa, Dnipro, and Kharkov.

You’re the chief rabbi of Ukraine. How did you get the position?

By default. I came in 1990. No one was there.

And later, we had elections in different communities and with different rabbanim.

Before this all started, what was your connection with President Zelensky?

I’m chief rabbi, so I meet him at every official function when they invite religious leaders. We’ve met many times.

How many Jews are in Ukraine in all?

There are probably around 360,000 Jews in Ukraine in all. They are mainly based Rabbi Yaakov Bleich, Chief Rabbi of Ukraine

Does he connect with you as a Jew or just as a public official?

He definitely connects as a Jew. Does he ever want to put on tefillin or light Shabbos candles or perform any mitzvos?

I never asked him to light candles. Before he became president, he was a comedian. Some of his best friends are Jewish. He would

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A vibrant Jewish community before the invasion

come with some of his friends to a Shabbos meal or come to shul every once in a while. He’s very openly Jewish. He’s not a person who is ashamed of his Jewishness. He’s very proud of it.

Did you ever feel that he would possess such strong mettle in the face of adversity?

He’s a tough guy. You can tell that he’s a guy who doesn’t give up easy.

At the same time, he’s a very funny guy. He’s a comedian. He’s probably one of the funniest people I’ve ever seen.

Do you see him as someone who can pull this through?

It’s all up to the Ribbono Shel Olam. He’s the Baal Melchamos. Everything is all up to Him. There’s nothing to do with anything else. And whatever the Ribbono Shel Olam wants, that is what will happen. If the Ribbono Shel Olam wants him to win, he will win, no matter how many soldiers there are involved.

You know, he called me on Shabbos morning.

And this was his question to me. He said, “Rabbi, we need your prayers.”

I told him, “We’re praying for you, Mr. President.”

And he said, “Now, we’re outnumbered.” We’re lacking in numbers but we’re making up in determination.

Someone said, if Russia stops fighting, there will be no war. If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine. They say the same thing about Israel.

Last week, on Tuesday, Wednesday, did you believe that there would be an invasion?

Yes. I believed that there would be an invasion, but I didn’t believe it would be anything of this size.

What did you think? That Putin would just come in and leave?

We thought he would come in and build a land bridge between Russia and Crimea, which means to take over Mariupol and Berdyansk and maybe bomb Kyiv from the air. I didn’t think he would try to do a ground offensive against Kyiv. You have to understand, this doesn’t fit into anyone’s heads. A man stands up and says the Ukrainian people deserve a choice so therefore he’ll destroy the country to give them a choice?! He’s going to fight against the “fascists” in Ukraine?! He says the leaders are a bunch of neo-Nazis. Who? The Jew whose grandfather fought against the Nazis?! What kind of crazy thing is that? After all that, no one thought it would go like this.

He’s not in Kyiv yet but he is going to try to surround and choke Kyiv.

That’s scary.

The scary thing is that the world is silent. All of the statements and the “never agains” and all the sanctions are worthless against a missile. As Biden said, it takes 30 days for sanctions to hit. Well, it takes 30 seconds for a missile to hit – that’s what I’m saying.

You can’t fight missiles with sanctions. I’m not saying you shouldn’t make sanctions. You should make them, but the U.S. and the free world has a chance now to stop Putin in his tracks. They can do it, and they should do it because people are being murdered in cold blood.

This is not a genocide, but it’s very close to it. He is here to wipe out the Ukrainian people. It’s a sick feeling because he’s bombing indiscriminately

against Kharkov now. Bombs are falling all over.

Bombing residential homes, shooting up buses, shooting up kindergartens. And today, audacity of audacities, they bombed Babi Yar. Here’s a man who said he’s coming to fight against a fascist, and he comes and destroys that symbol that was put up for all those Jews who were killed in the name of Nazism.

What about the kivrei tzaddikim in Ukraine?

I don’t think they are targets, but when bombs fall, you don’t always have control over where they fall.

You spoke about Kharkov. Are there any Jews left there?

Of course! It’s a massive community there.

They all want to leave. Even the diehard chassidim who said they want to stay with their people want to leave. Nobody believed that Putin would come in with this type of sadism with no regard for a human life. Women, children, residential, civilian, military – it’s a killing machine. They want to kill us all.

How can we get these Jews out?

That’s what I’ve been doing for the last 72 hours since Friday. Friday all day, Shabbos all day, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday – that’s all I’ve been doing, trying to get Jews out. Organizing buses, bringing them out to safety, and

“All of the statements and all of the

‘never agains’ and all the sanctions are worthless against a missile.”

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Gathering together

then going back in and getting more.

Where do you bring them to? To Poland? Hungary?

I don’t do borders. Before this all started, we wanted to be prepared. Last time, in 2014, when the Jews had to run away, we weren’t prepared properly. So this time, I set up a refugee camp that could hold around 300 people outside of Kyiv at a place where we run our summer camp. It’s mostly winterized. We winterized the rest of it for them and prepared it. We bought a generator and put heat in the buildings. This was going to be a place as a refuge for them. But I didn’t realize that the Russians are coming from all sides. And one of the places they’re coming from is Chernobyl. And this campgrounds is close to Chernobyl – around 100 miles. And when they come from Chernobyl to Kyiv, that’s the way they’ll come.

So I had to evacuate the camp on Friday, and we didn’t know where to go. First, we wanted to go to western Ukraine, and then we heard the place wasn’t ready for us because they didn’t have a chance to prepare it. And then we tried to go to Belarus, but the bridges were down.

So I went back to this idea of going to western Ukraine. I ended up setting up three different camps – one in Premishlan, which is western Ukraine but southern of Lvov; another in Belz, which is north of Lvov; and a third one in Yampil, which is further east than that, closer to Kyiv.

When the buses come, we take them to one of three places. There are

Heading to safety

three meals a day, a place to sleep, security. It’s costing me a lot of money, and I wasn’t planning on it. I was planning on housing people in my own place. But this is what we have to do.

Also, on Sunday, when I tried to get buses to get people out of Kyiv, I couldn’t get any buses. I didn’t understand why. I asked my friend who deals with buses. And he said that no one wants to drive these families. Everyone wants to be with their family or they’re serving in the army. So I thought to myself, everything has its price. What’s the price? I remembered, during World War II, how did they save people? They paid per head. So that’s what I did. I offered the bus guy that I would pay him per head of each person that he brings out.

So that’s what I’m doing. I’ve spent, since then, over $200,000 only on bringing out people. I’m not talking about maintaining them or giving them food or the camps. Just on getting people out of Kyiv, we spent over $200,000.

More than $200,000 spent on getting them out and saving a Jewish person’s life.

And then in Kyiv, there are still people there who refuse to leave. There are around 60 people that aren’t ready to leave yet. Families are sleeping in the basement in the bunker, and they’re eating in the synagogue. We’re giving them food. People are scared to go out and there are no foods in the supermarket, but we stocked up on food, so in the shul there are around 60 people there.

“Women, children, residential, civilian, military – it’s a killing machine. They want to kill us all.”

Why won’t they leave?

Everyone has a different reason. And truthfully, I can’t even understand it. It’s so frightening there, I can’t imagine why anyone would want to stay. I also have an assisted living home

in Kyiv, and that’s a really troubling situation because an assisted living home has elderly people, who are hard to move. You can’t evacuate them so easily. If, G-d forbid, there will be shooting, we’ll have to do it, but for now, that’s not our plan. Plan A is to keep shelter in place for those people.

Why are you confident that the people you transported will be safe in Premishlan, Belz, and Yampil?

At this point, as of now, they are not even looking at the west. Putin, in his famous speeches, the way his warped mind thinks, he always said that the western Ukraine was never part of the Russian Empire. So, we’re hoping that it will be quiet there.

In the meantime, once I get them there, they have a place to eat and sleep, and eventually they move on. These people aren’t staying there forever.

I brought my first group there on Motzei Shabbos.

Ten people from that group left already. One family went to Israel, a few had American visas, and they went to America.

Logistically, once they’re there, how do you feed them and get them beds?

We’re very lucky because the places where I took them are hachnosas orchim places. They’re places usually used by the chassidim near mekomos ha’kedoshim. When I called up the people there, they were so generous. They immediately said, use it for as long as you need for as many people as you need.

How are their spirits?

Now, everyone is running. Just like in World War II, you see it here, too. People running for their lives. That’s what it is. My phone is ringing off the hook – can you help get my sister out, my aunt, my cousin’s uncle. Everyone is trying to get out.

I’ve been in Ukraine for many years. And

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Before everything went down, did the Jews in Ukraine experience any antisemitism from their non-Jewish neighbors?

For the last 30 years, since the independence, we were living very well with the government and with the people. Antisemitism is not an issue. The president is Jewish. He was elected by 73% of the people.

Rabbi Bleich with President Zelensky in happier times

throughout all those years, I’ve grown to know a lot of people. And through those connections, I have been able to get many people out.

Do you think Putin is going to win this?

I think Putin lost already. He definitely lost.

What is he going to do now? He’s going to go ballistic. In Russia they have a saying that a mouse who is cornered becomes a lion.

He didn’t expect to have this type of fight, and he didn’t expect it to take this long. It’s not going the way he thought it would go. He overestimated his people and his power, and he underestimated the Ukrainian people and army.

We need a lot of tefillos. We need to daven.

The Ukrainian Jewish community is such a beautiful community. I don’t think there’s a chance of it coming back suddenly and being what it was because so many people are leaving and so much has happened. It’s going to be very sad. For people like us – we lived there for 32 years – we sacri-

ficed our lives to build a community and now we’re seeing it destroyed in a manner of days. It’s heartbreaking and very painful.

I wish the world would do something.

What can they do?

They can bomb out – it would take 45 minutes to an hour – the Russian army. Putin has all his soldiers there. He doesn’t have reinforcements. If the world would bomb out all the hardware he has there, he would be forced to go home.

Do you think that would turn the “mouse” into a lion and turn it into World War III? I don’t think anyone is too scared of Putin anymore. And if they are, they should take him out.

To donate and help the Jews of Ukraine, visit https://www.charidy.com/HelpKyiv/RabbiBleich

This interview with Rabbi Bleich was held on Tuesday, March 1. As fighting is intensifying, the situation in Ukraine is fluid, and things are rapidly changing.

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Teen Talk

By Rabbi Doniel Drandoff, LMFT

Dear Teen Talk, My parents got divorced a few years ago. I’m 16

Teen Talk , column in

a new

TJH, is geared to wards the teens in o ur commu nity.

Answered by a rotati ng roster of teachers, rebbeim, clinicians , an d peers (!), te ens will b e hearing answers to many que stions the had perco y lating in th eir minds wished th an d ey had th e answers for.

years old but was 12 at the time. I remember all the fighting and the yelling and screaming. I was not an easy kid and I know that my parents had very different ideas about how to deal with me. I would often hear them fighting about me, one blaming the other for my bad behavior.

My father would usually start with something like, “You’re not strict enough! He walks all over you!” and my mother would respond, “He walks on eggshells around you! We all do!” Living in that home was honestly horrific. Baruch Hashem, I don’t live with that anymore. But I have so many awful feelings that still come up.

My parents sent me to therapy at the start of the school year, as soon as they separated, because I was a mess. But I took a break for the summer to go to camp, and I just never ended up going back. I guess my parents thought my “issues” were resolved. But don’t they realize that I can still hear them arguing over the phone? My mom will close the door to her bedroom when she talks to my father, as though that will stop me from hearing her berate him. And both of them make these offhanded nasty comments about the other in front of me. I hate it. I hate hearing these cutting comments. Why don’t they know that? I just want to move on and accept the reality of my broken family, but I can’t do that when I still feel like I’m living with the same old stuff. What can I do to move on with my life and feel good?

- Yitzy, 16

Y

itzy, your story is all too familiar.

I am so sorry for what you are going through. Your use of the term “broken family” gives me some insight into how you view your family – and really your life.

Broken is such a deep and descriptive word for how you see

things. I have heard many kids and teens use similar terms to describe their world over the years that I have been Clinical Director of My Extended Family (MYEF). Just to give a little context so that you understand my background and experience with divorced families, MYEF is an orga-

nization that helps children from single-parent homes in many ways. We have after-school clubs, trips, events, counseling, crisis intervention, and so much more. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to speak with, and help, many kids, teens, and parents. My experience has taught me so

TheThe Jewish Home | OCTOBER 2015 Jewish Home | MARCH29, 3, 2022

Are you a teen with a question?

If you have a question or problem you’d like our columnists to address, email your question or insight to editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com, subject line: Teen Talk. much about the unique struggles and pain that kids from divorced homes live with. But I have also learned that there are real steps that can be taken to not only mitigate the pain and the struggle but completely turn it around and live in a state of serenity and happiness. I know that it must sound like a fanciful dream to you, but I assure you it is not.

You are so self-aware and mature. You see clearly what you need, but you don’t feel that it is in your power to attain. After all, you can’t make your parents stop fighting. So, here’s the first rule for happy living: You are in the driver’s seat! You read that right! You have so much power over your state of mind and life trajectory. On one hand, that is scary because there is a great deal of implied responsibility in that statement. However, it should also be encouraging, because you are not a tool to be waved around. You are not a prop in your parents’ lives.

You are not just blowing around in the wind, totally susceptible to outside forces that toss you this way and that. You possess a power that can see you through this. Despite all the hardships you have endured, and the truly painful situation you find yourself in, you can find your way to true happiness and fulfillment. But let’s start by dispelling a common thought process that, I have found, creeps into the minds of many kids in your position.

The first major theme that jumps out at me, reading your question, is the possible guilt that you may have about your parents’ divorce. I have spoken with many kids and teens who confided in me that they feel some kind of culpability regarding

the divorce. Many kids whose parents are divorced come away with a feeling of shameful responsibility.

In your case, you have reflected upon all the fights between your parents that were “about you.” How blamed you must have felt! How much responsibility you must have felt for your parents’ marriage problems! I try not to assume too much about the people I work with, so if you do not have this awful feeling of responsibility then I am addressing the many kids out there for whom this feeling strongly resonates. But from your question, I am inferring that this is an important point to address.

You have to know that it is not your fault! Your parents had all kinds of issues in their marriage, and it is far more likely that your troublesome behavior was a product of those issues rather than the other way around.

You describe the circumstances as horrific. It is no surprise that you were dysregulated and had a hard time functioning. If you were “not an easy kid,” it is not hard to figure out why. The fact that you are here, at age 16, trying to put things back together and make a life for yourself attests to your strength, courage, and fortitude. These qualities will be crucial as you begin to forge forward and begin the process of healing.

Now let’s turn to some practical advice and ideas for getting into a pattern of forward progress and growth in your personal life.

There is no question that there are aspects of your life circumstances that are beyond your control. For

one, you cannot undo what has been done and you cannot un-remember traumatic memories and experiences you have had. However, that doesn’t mean that you are completely powerless to impact the future. In my experience, the overwhelming majority of divorced parents are extremely good people with the absolute best intentions. If you ask them what their most important priority in life is they will tell you, unequivocally, that it is their children, and they would pass a polygraph saying as much. Oftentimes, all that is needed to get them to see how their behavior is impacting their children is to shine a bright light on it. Bring it into view in a serious way without pulling any punches. Brutally honest communication.

I have made this suggestion to many teens over the years who have initially scoffed at the idea – variations of “You think I haven’t tried that?!” “They won’t listen!” “They just don’t care enough about me!”

Upon further reflection and examination, it often emerges that the attempt at communication was not communication at all. They have tried telling their parent(s) how much pain they’re in but only in the heat of crisis.

When something is going on that has everyone triggered and upset, it can be difficult to express yourself properly. It can also be especially difficult for the other person to really understand what you are saying and respond appropriately. This is why such situations are really the worst time to attempt constructive communication. Instead, I recommend finding a calm time to sit down

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and talk. Yitzy, your greatest source of pain right now can quickly turn into your greatest source of strength and support. Try approaching each parent separately,and ask for a good time to sit down and talk. When you have that one-on-one time, try as much as possible to tone down the inflammatory rhetoric which usually includes many “you” statements, such as “you ruined my life” or “you never cared about my feelings.” Instead, try to keep the focus on your feelings. You may say something like,

Here are some ideas for boundaries that you may want to share with each parent: 1- Never talk negative about my other parent in front of me 2- Please schedule calls with my other parent for times that I am not home 3- Don’t ever ask me to choose a side between you two 4- Never share details of your fights or disagreements with me 5- Please listen to me and take me seriously when I express myself

The fact that you are here, at age 16, trying to put things back together and make a life for yourself attests to your strength, courage, and fortitude.

“I have been feeling such despair” or “I have felt so alone for so long.” Obviously, you will have to share how their behavior has led to those feelings. We are not looking to sugarcoat or gloss over things.

It is important that you have the opportunity to give your parents some true insight into your experience. Just keep the conversation focused on your feelings, rather than how bad they are. In doing so I believe that you will find that your parents are eager to help and support you. You can discuss boundaries and guidelines that make you feel safe and protected from the chaos.

Of course, you may want to add to this list, but it is definitely a good starting point. Hopefully, after an honest conversation, they will be open to hearing and acting upon these guidelines.

Beyond communication with your parents, I would strongly recommend opening up to a trusted adult.

Do you have a rebbe or a mentor who you trust? Someone who you know cares about you and loves you? If so, share with him. Sharing your burden can be such a powerful experience.

Along these lines, you mentioned that you were in therapy but that it ended rather abruptly. Seeking

out professional help can be a life-changing decision. Together with an experienced therapist, you can explore the heavy feelings from the trauma of growing up in such a chaotic environment. You will learn so much about yourself and your strengths, as well as gain tools to “move on…and feel good,” as you mentioned.

Another idea I would recommend is to look for ways that you can help others. Particularly, if you can find ways of helping kids who are going through similar experiences to what you have. A great way to do this would be by reaching out to My Extended Family and inquiring about our Big Brother program. We have teens who are inspired to help by coming to our after-school clubs where they interact with kids and ensure that the clubs are fun and exciting. This sort of thing could be very fulfilling, and you can find information on our website www.myef.org.

Beyond all of this, just know that you are your own person. Your own story is only in the earliest stage, and the script is not yet written! You are not doomed in any way, nor are you bound to make any specific mistakes in the future. You possess wonderful qualities that can be used to build an amazing life for yourself. You are 16 years old and have so much to look forward to. Focus on your studies and also find time for fun and leisure. Consider what you enjoy and make time for those things.

Take care of yourself because you are worth it!

Rabbi Doniel Drandoff is a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in the Five Towns/Far Rockaway community, as well as Clinical Director of My Extended Family. He works with teens, young adults, families, and couples. You can reach Rabbi Drandoff at Dndrandoff@gmail.com.

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Dating Dialogue

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

Dear Navidaters,

A friend told me that he thinks that his advice to his son may have backfired. Throughout all his years in yeshiva, he advised his son to implicitly trust his rebbe and not debate or ask the rebbe about his advice and decisions.

His son has been dating a wonderful girl whom he is extremely fond of. He has considered getting engaged to her. However, his rebbe disapproves. The boy won’t ask his rebbe why he disapproves and doesn’t want his parents or anyone to intervene. His parents are upset that the rebbe would disapprove of what could be a good shidduch. However, they also respect their son’s wishes and realize that this is how they have taught him to behave regarding his rebbe. The parents wonder if they should change their policy and how they could do it without upsetting their son or his relationship with his rebbe.

- Shimmi L.

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

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The Panel The Shadchan Michelle Mond

I

firmly believe that parents who have healthy relationships with their children will have an open dialogue throughout the dating process; note I call it a dialogue and not a dictatorship. The parents should give the single child guidance, offer advice and encouragement, all the while giving the child independence to make his/her own decisions.

Breathing room is a necessity for older children. The more you try to control the lives of adolescents, the more they push back.

Now let’s talk about a rebbi-talmid relationship. A rebbi is there to offer guidance and hadracha, halacha and l’maysa. The place for a rebbi in a young man’s life is essential and the importance of it is discussed at length in the Torah but it should never come at the cost of a good relationship with his parents.

These parents should not regret their decision to advise their son to trust the advice of his rebbi. But to advise one to trust a rebbi implicitly without ever asking questions seems extreme. What these parents could do is work on building a close enough bond with the son to have just enough credence and open communication with their son as the rebbi does.

Your friend’s son’s rebbi had enough of a good impression on his family that they originally encouraged him to trust rebbi implicitly.

Now that he is nixing a shidduch, they are back-tracking. It seems that there is a lot more under the surface. Could it be that this boy is on a different hashkafic wavelength as his parents, which is why they are not so involved? Could it be that this boy really ended the shidduch but does not want his parents to know, so he blamed it on his rebbi? Could it be the rebbi picked up on severe

red flags that he is aware will not be good for the bochur? All these are possibilities.

Perhaps I am naive, but I highly doubt this is a case of a rebbi trying to cause harm to his talmid. I would encourage the parents to have a meeting with the rebbi in person and discuss the scenario before their son makes any decisions. I do believe the parents should be told what is going on, because, after all, it is their son.

Lessons we can take from this scenario are plenty. Parents, build close relationships with your children while they are little and let it mature with the relationship. Show them that they can always talk to you about everything. Encourage your boys to find a rebbi but not in a way where you are relieving the yoke of parenthood responsibilities onto the rebbi. Encourage discussions and important conversations; don’t merely push the child off and say, “What are you asking me for? Ask your rebbi.” If you do this enough times, the child will learn to only trust his rebbi, leaving you completely out of the discussion.

Finally, remember Hashem is in control, and it is very important to daven to Him for clarity.

The Single Tzipora Grodko

I

am very confused. Throughout Tanach, we are taught to question, ask, understand, delve deeper and commit to a truth that provides our lives with purpose, meaning, and guidance. Judaism is not a dogmatic religion. It’s a relationship. Frankly, a rabbi is not G-d; they are also humans there to help provide one with insight and guidance. I believe that their guidance cannot be properly provided if one is not being honest in sharing their feelings and expe-

rience to the insight or solution provided. Even the greatest leader in the world Moshe Rabbeinu asked G-d, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Asking is not the problem if one is able to maintain respect and dignity.

I completely respect anyone choosing to live their Jewish lifestyle in the way that works best for them and truly feel that there is so much to learn from one another. I am not imposing my belief on anyone nor am I stating it is the “golden rule” that everyone should practice. I’m simply sharing my humble opinion.

On another note, I wouldn’t be concerned about the parents upsetting their son if they told him they made a mistake about blindly trusting his rebbi. On the contrary – don’t you think the son would be more upset if his parents didn’t take ownership of their mistake if it directly impacted his entire future?

The Zaidy Dr. Jeffrey Galler

Y

our “friend’s” dilemma raises three issues.

Issue #1 involves the son and is fairly straightforward. People confide in their rebbi, and this rebbi might be privy to confidential information that leads him to discourage this shidduch.

This situation is similar to an issue raised in this column last year, where a pediatrician told his daughter not to date a certain boy who had been his patient. The doctor’s daughter in that scenario, and the rebbi’s student in this scenario, should understand that there may be confidential information that cannot be revealed.

Despite what the young man says, the parents must meet with the rebbi. Is he discouraging this

Is he discouraging this shidduch because he has some confidential knowledge that he cannot and must not disclose?

shidduch because he has some confidential knowledge that he cannot and must not disclose?

If so, the family may choose to do some deeper background research about the girl and her family and then decide whether to follow, or not follow, this rebbi’s advice.

If, however, the rebbi’s advice is based upon other criteria (e.g., he worries that the girl will encourage the boy to pursue a secular education rather than remain in yeshiva), that’s an entirely different issue.

Issue #2 involves the parents.

Proper parenting involves choosing a rebbi to instruct children in Torah and Yiddishkeit. Proper parenting does not involve abrogating parental responsibilities or allowing even a very respected and revered rebbi to usurp their authority as parents.

Let me elaborate as respectfully as possible: Your son’s rebbi should be his authority on matters of Torah.

But, here’s a question for parents: Should the rebbi be definitively deciding – or should he be merely advising – where your son should live, what (if any) secular education he should pursue, how he should earn

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a living, or whom he should marry?

Why would a parent tell a child to “implicitly trust his rebbi and not debate or ask the rebbi about his advice and decisions”? This is not proper parenting. Our strength as a people is to never accept anyone’s opinion unconditionally. Our Gemara is filled with questions, arguments, counter-arguments, and demands for proofs and justifications.

Issue #3 involves our community.

As Orthodox Jews we have an innate faith and trust in our talmidei chachamim. We acknowledge and respect their leadership when it comes to daas

Torah, halacha, and limudei kodesh.

In many cases, however, we have put an unfair burden upon our rabbis by asking them for rulings, decisions, or advice on matters far outside their field of expertise. We should not be demanding definitive guidance regarding matters that they are spectacularly unqualified to assess.

Ask my patient, who, after I recommended the immediate extraction of his wisdom teeth, consulted his Rebbe, followed the Rebbe’s advice to not extract his wisdom teeth, and wound up hospitalized with a serious jaw infection.

(By c ont r a s t , regarding COVID-19, we all followed the advice of a prominent local rabbi who is also a medical doctor specializing in infectious diseases.)

Ask your rabbi about embarking on a course of Talmudic study?

Kashering a kitchen? Studying a sefer? I say, “Absolutely yes, trust his judgment completely.”

Ask your rabbi if you should start a business? Move to a different neighborhood? Change jobs? I say, “Sure, but trust your own judgment.”

I hope it does not sound sacrilegious to suggest that while it might be smart to seek advice from wise and experienced rabbanim, it is not smart to “implicitly trust and not ques-

Parents, build close relationships with your children while they are little and let it mature with the relationship.

tion” their non-halachic advice or opinions.

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

D

ear Shimmi, Thank you for writing into the panel. I will cut to the chase and say that in upsetting the status quo of the well-defined relationship and rules of the relationship between the rebbi and your friend’s son either or both may be upset. But that is OK. People are allowed to be upset and have all sorts of feelings. I believe we have to follow our hearts and intuition as parents, regardless of who we may upset when it comes to the well-being of our children. Many people have been upset with parents when they speak up and advocate for their children – from teachers to rebbeim to doctors to therapists, to neighborhood and

school moms, to camp staff and the children themselves.

With my philosophy out t here in the paragraph above, it goes without saying that there is a polite way to interact with those whom we feel are hurting our children, and there are also situations when parents should not get involved. I am not suggesting fighting everyone or protecting our children in every situation. Sometimes, we have to let our kids figure things out for themselves. I believe that this is a situation that requires these parents to get involved and

speak up.

What strikes me most is that the young man is very fond of this woman, and he will not speak up and ask the rebbi why he disapproves. This concerns me. And I don’t know who concerns me more: the rebbi or the son. Let it be said that it is quite possible that the rebbi would allow the conversation and that it is the son who refuses to approach the rebbi. It is also possible that this rebbi doesn’t allow anyone to question him.

If I could wave a magic wand around the situation, I would have the parents talk to their son about the importance of communication with the rebbi and how he is so willing to let go of this girl of whom he is extremely fond. If the son cannot or will not approach the rebbi about this matter to find out why he said no

to the shidduch, this young man may be in some trouble. Blindly following what anyone tells you to do doesn’t bode well for a marriage when your wife disagrees or is hurt by the rulings. It is unhealthy and unnatural and a recipe for resentment.

Let’s be optimistic that the son will approach the rebbi. If he won’t, I believe the parents may want to approach the rebbi and find out what is going on. We are the people who ask questions. We ask why. We have open dialogue and debates strewn across pages of Gemara. Since when can we not ask questions? Something is off, and I don’t know the origin of it. The son? The rebbi? The parents? I’m not sure. It feels like there is more to this story.

I do wish your friends well, and I hope this has a positive outcome.

Sincerely, Jennifer

Jennifer Mann, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and certified trauma healing life coach, as well as a dating and relationship coach working with individuals, couples, and families in private practice at 123 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst, NY. She also teaches a psychology course at Touro College. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 718-908-0512. Visit www.thenavidaters.com for more information. If you would like to submit a dating or relationship question to the panel anonymously, please email JenniferMannLCSW@gmail.com. You can follow The Navidaters on FB and Instagram for dating and relationship advice.

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Dr. Deb

When You Say You’re Sensitive

By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

I

t’s the strangest thing but I often find people who tell me that they are highly sensitive to be insensitive to others.

I truly believe them when they say they’re sensitive. They are. Their feelings get hurt easily. In fact, they’re suffering.

Their suffering is so great that they can’t take their focus off of it.

I get that.

But the unfortunate result there is that they can be quite insensitive to others.

In fact, it’s often the case that a married couple will each be easily hurt by their spouse – and highly reactive to it.

Which means they end up hurting each other over and over again.

Now, the paradoxical solution to their pain is to become more sensitive to others and less so to themselves.

Why is that?

Think about it. Suppose you injured your foot, and it’s bothering you. A small child that you love is crying, and while you stoop down to find out the problem and comfort the child, you hardly notice your throbbing foot. You say some magic words to the little one, and she feels better.

Meanwhile, your subjective feeling of pain diminished. You might even feel good for having taken a bit of a burden off of an innocent child.

Research supports this: The more you focus on pain, the more painful it feels; the less focus, the less pain you experience.

Now, the sad reality is that once a person is in intense emotional pain from a spouse, it is nearly impossible for them to be sensitive to that same spouse who is hurting them. Human nature rebels against that.

This is true even when the facts have been pointed out to the hurt person that the person who is hurting them is only doing so because they are hurt.

Decades of marital work have taught me that facts, reason, and good advice don’t work when someone feels hurt. So the one solution that works in theory seems to be out the window.

But there is a solution. And it works wonders: Separate the couple and work with each one in a different appointment towards expressing their own pain, disappointments, fears, and vulnerabilities in the relationship to the therapist.

As they unburden their own pain,

they also learn to feel strong inside.

This is key. It means that when their spouse might toss a vulnerability back at them, they literally can say to themselves, “That is something my partner has to work on,” i.e., it’s their problem, not mine.

See, the beauty of this method is that people are ready to be vulnerable in front of me but not each other.

When you think about it, that doesn’t make sense. The one person that they ought to be comfortable with they aren’t, and the stranger with whom they “shouldn’t” be comfortable with they are.

But that is because, sad to say, hurt people – sensitive people – may use the information their spouse told them in privacy and trust against them. So their very vulnerability was punished.

That’s a serious problem because vulnerability is very the essence of a relationship. There is no relationship without it. And if yours was thrown in your face, or mocked, or dismissed, or criticized, well, that would explain your fear of making a mistake like that again.

But what I’d really like to do right now is take a look at your spouse’s

sensitivities. See, let’s just say that your spouse did all the things I’m listing right here, and that hurt. But I am wondering what came before that.

I am wondering if something got triggered within the heart of your spouse that caused the nasty response.

Because what I’ve found out is that abusive people – ready for this one?

– are particularly sensitive people.

Okay, not sensitive to others’ needs and feelings, but to their own. They hurt.

And when they do, they strike out.

Or, as one man just said to me, “I’ll get a text, and I just write back quick. Then I look at it and I say to myself, ‘What did I say that for?’”

Yeah. When the horses are out of the barn.

But it makes perfect sense if you think about it. I recall a story told to me back in Florida. I was interviewing a detective with the Department of Children and Families for a paper in grad school. He told me that, at one time, he was getting to know a small child. The child might have been removed from an abusive home; that part of the story isn’t the main piece here. Anyway, they would play a board game or shoot baskets when

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

they had sessions, he and the boy.

They got along well, until the detective noticed that over the last couple of weeks, the boy became more and more agitated. Finally, on one visit, the boy screamed, “Get it over with, will you!”

Perplexed, the detective asked, “Get what over with?”

“The beating!” the boy shouted.

All he knew was that if he had a relationship with someone, there would surely be a beating coming.

That’s how we are. We are programmed from childhood to expect certain reactions of people. So anyone who was programmed to expect abuse expects abuse.

Now, there are two ways of handling that. One is the way the child reacted – to beg that the abuser get it over with. But another reaction to constant abuse, chaos, turmoil, sickness, neglect or abandonment can be to strike out first.

It is highly unpleasant to receive that, I know. In fact, it’s a repetition

of the abuse.

But for the abuse survivor, striking out first and asking questions later may be the only way that person would have survived.

So here is the revised definition of the word “sensitive”: It’s the amaz-

starts to get upset and that is normal, so that person maybe starts attacking.

At this point, the abuser is correct when he thinks trouble is coming!

In fact, research also shows that abuser, victim, and observer will

Vulnerability is very the essence of a relationship.

ing capacity to sense trouble coming, whether it’s your trouble or someone else’s.

The sensitive abuser senses their trouble coming and strikes out preventively. Except, of course, there was no trouble coming in the first place.

Or at least, it wasn’t in the beginning.

But then it could have turned bad. After all, the victim at the receiving end

change roles in the course of a short amount of time. That is why it’s also considered abuse for children to witness the abuse of their parents: It teaches them how to be abusers and how to be victims.

So let’s put all this together.

Abusers are sensitive to abuse coming at them, even when it isn’t abuse at all because that is how they

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learned to protect themselves.

Victims may turn into abusers because they’re sick and tired of being abused.

This means that, some of the time, when the abuser preemptively strikes out to prevent getting abused, they are correct that they were about to be abused.

The defenses that get raised this way totally prevent the logical thing from happening, which is “Can we just start over and be nice?” No, they can’t.

The best solution is to do the couples work individually until the hurts are healed and each one has the inner strength to be vulnerable for themselves without fear of reprisal.

Dr. Deb Hirschhorn is a Marriage and Family Therapist. If you want help with your marriage, begin by signing up to watch her Masterclass at https://drdeb. com/myw-masterclass.

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Health & F tness

The Nursing vs. Formula Battle

By Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN

T

he first thing on every new mother’s mind is whether to nurse their newborn baby or give their little one formula. Well, maybe the second thing. The first thing is probably will I ever sleep again?!

On Friday, February 18, several powdered infant formula products were recalled by Abbott Inc., following reports of four infants developing bacterial infections after consuming the products. The Food and Drug Association (FDA) commissioner stated, “As this is a product used as the sole source of nutrition for many of our nation’s newborns and infants, the FDA is deeply concerned about these reports of bacterial infections. We want to reassure the public that we’re working diligently with our partners to investigate complaints related to these products... while we work to resolve this safety concern as quickly as possible.”

The agency is investigating three Cronobacter sakazakii infecC tions and one Salmonella Newport infection among four infants in three states – Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas.

All of the infants were hospitalized, and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case. While this is extremely alarming for mothers, this also happens to be rare and should not influence the way you decide to feed your baby one way or another. Formula and nursing each have their pros and cons.

For optimal nutrition, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends exclusive nursing for the first six months. In addition to providing the best nutrition, nursing provides a unique and emotional connection between mother and baby. Plus, it decreases your baby’s risk of ear infections, respiratory illnesses, sudden infant death syndrome, obesity, and hypertension. Mother’s milk’s unique antibodies help protect infants from numerous illnesses and diseas-

es. Nursing also provides mom with benefits including aiding weight loss after delivery and reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers – not to mention that nursing is obviously cheaper than buying formula. It also cuts out the costs of buying bottles and saves you the time from washing all those bottles!

Nobody ever said nursing is easy.

Many mothers admit that nursing their newborns is harder than labor. Not

the mother is eating. Some foods, like spicy foods or gas-producing vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli, may not agree with the infant. This may require you to restrict certain foods from your diet. Nursing is definitely a challenge, and although many mothers are willing to struggle and fight through the battle, nursing is not possible for every mother.

Formula feeding has its advantages, too. My favorite part about giving

Many mothers admit that nursing their newborns is harder than labor.

every baby nurses well, and it can be very stressful. Firstly, the babies fall asleep while eating and then wake up hungry soon after. Nursing babies are also known not to sleep for long periods of time. Supposedly, formula-fed babies feel fuller and sleep better. Furthermore, you don’t know how much they are actually eating, as opposed to a bottle which is clearly marked.

Lastly, a nursing baby may develop adverse reactions to certain foods that

newborns formula is that someone else can feed the baby and the exhausted mother can rest. Especially if one hires a nurse for the first few weeks, those undisturbed night sleeps can really help the new mother recover quickly and get back to herself. This way, she will also have energy to deal with her other kids, if this is not her first. Additionally, nursing a baby can be inconvenient when caring for your other kids simultaneously. Feeding on the go

with a bottle of formula is also much easier than finding a private place to nurse.

If one does decide that nursing is the better option, what should be eaten and what should be avoided while nursing?

As a nursing mother, you should consume about 12 cups of fluids daily to compensate for the extra water used to make the milk. If your body is dehydrated, you will produce less milk. Experts recommend drinking a large glass of water each time you nurse your baby.

Since caffeine is limited during pregnancy, many are wary of drinking it while nursing too. The truth is, about 300 milligrams of caffeine spread throughout the day is OK while nursing. Small amounts of caffeine is unlikely to affect a newborn’s sleep patterns.

If nursing, it’s best to abstain from alcohol. Many women have heard that drinking beer increases milk supply, but this is not true.

There are certain foods that increase one’s milk supply such as oatmeal, flaxseeds, garlic, barley, fennel, carrots, nuts, spinach, hummus, papaya, asparagus, brown rice, and salmon.

If you are exclusively nursing, talk to your pediatrician about supplementing your baby with vitamin D. Caring for a newborn can be exhausting and stressful. Make sure you set aside time to rest and take care of yourself.

Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN, is a Master’s level Registered Dietitian and Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist. She graduated CUNY Brooklyn College receiving a Bachelor’s in Science and Master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences. She is currently a private nutritionist. She can be reached at CindyWeinberger1@gmail.com or at 917-623-6237.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Parenting Pearls

Simcha in the Home

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

H

appy Rosh Chodesh Adar (again)! What better time to discuss simcha than in the month of simcha? It was either that or talk about fish/dagim, and my expertise on fins and gills is not quite up to scale.

Simcha is so important to have in our lives. Children do better when raised in a happy home. There are tons of studies that show the importance of shalom bayis in a child’s environment. A house should be a refuge from the outside insanity.

The world around our children has only gotten more stressful and risky to their emotional health. At least when they come home, they should feel comfort and security.

Additionally, we adults also thrive from a calmer, happier home.

Ideally, we should be running towards our house and not away from it. For parents, the many duties they have at home can be a source of stress. I’m not unrealistic, and I know that you can’t expect every residence to be filled with each occupant eternally happy, but we can at least create a calmer, more peaceful place for our family.

I am a volunteer with the Torahmates kiruv program through Oorah. Often, a Torahmate comes into the program with little or no

knowledge of Judaism, and l often try to include various fundamentals of Yiddishkeit into the topics as we go. One of the concepts I try to mention, when applicable, is that rather than repeat Menachem Av with its sadness or Elul with its intensity, during a leap year, we repeat the month of Adar, which is a time of increased simcha. How incredible that we get two months of the most joyous time of the year! While some have a misconception that we are inappropriately serious, in reality, Yiddishkeit a lifestyle that’s meant to bring happiness and true contentment into our lives.

Please note that we often confuse momentary enjoyment with longer term happiness. A person can have joy in their life even during times of increased tension or, alternatively, an individual can be in the midst of a deep depression yet still have moments of laughter. We and our children benefit from having both joyful moments and profound contentment in our life but, as many would suggest, the focus is on having a deeper, more meaningful simcha.

Top-Down Management It’s tempting to say the problem with finding simcha is the kids fighting or some other reason but the

leadership comes from us. The kids follow the adults in the home, and we take the responsibility for the mood in our house. When we take the initiative to create a welcoming space for our children, then they will follow our encouragement.

The most important point in this article is going to be that children take their lead from us, and we need to set that tone. I could actually sum up the entire article by just making the point that the simcha in the home starts (and ends) with us. The rest is just suggestions of some ways that may help parents to succeed in that crucial task. Take what works and leave the rest.

Simcha doesn’t pop out of nowhere. We need to have it first before we can pass it on to another. The first location we need to have happiness is in our own lives. If we’re miserable, we won’t be able to fake it for the kids. Also, if we’re yelling or acting erratically, then the kids will notice and feel the insecurity.

There are so many ideas for how to create the appropriate atmosphere in our homes. I’ll list only a few but feel free to look around further and see what feels natural to you. Whatever feels normal and fun to you will be easiest and most comfortable for you to incorporate into your routine.

The First Steps We easily forget the basics such as proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise. I know it’s hard to find time to eat healthily or work out when there is so much else going on. I totally understand the challenge of getting sleep. I joke that it’s been years since I routinely slept through the night.

There can be so many other people to prioritize that we can quickly forget ourselves. It’s not selfish to set aside some time to meet our own needs. A hungry or tired parent can’t be the loving, calming presence they want to be. Giving to yourself can be giving to your child. You can only give your best when you are your best – or the best you can be under the circumstances.

There is more to self-care than just the absolute basics. Taking emotional time for yourself is another way to begin to create that inner peace. Pursuing a hobby, spending time with friend,s or any other relaxing activity will make a calmer parent.

Decrease the Tension There are some simple steps we can take to decrease the tension in our homes. Being overwhelmed by how much needs to get done and the seemingly inevitable raised voices all

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

contribute to increased stress.

There is so much to do on any given day. We don’t need to do all of it. When the world gets overwhelming, prioritizing your to-do list and removing what you can helps take off some of the pressure. Delegating tasks is another way to whittle down your list. Children may not like chores, but they prefer it to a stressed parent.

Maintaining an even tone, even when there is chaos, can go a long way towards soothing the crowd.

You’d be surprised how calming it is for kids when they hear an adult speak in a serene voice. It’s normal to raise our voice or sound shrill when tensions rise but keeping yours reassuring and relaxing gets kids to follow your lead.

We can take our voice-tuning a step further. While it sounds counter-productive, talking in lower voices usually causes children to do the same. When I’ve lost my voice, I’ve found that my kids, on their own,

started to whisper since my volume is so low. This is also a technique teachers use in loud classrooms.

Rather than trying to talk over their students, a rather pointless gesture, the teachers lower their own voice, which can often get a rowdy group to hush down. Talking over your students in school doesn’t work and yelling at home tends to cause more of the same.

Increase the Joy Music and/or dancing around the house are pretty simple to add into your day, and they’re fun, too. They make weddings and other simchas more lively, so why shouldn’t that work in your home, as well? Even if your kids don’t join you, I find it lightens the mood and makes the adults calmer. Calmer parents lead to calmer children. If all else fails, it’s at least entertaining to see how far kids can roll their eyes.

Act silly. Kids like silliness, laughter, and humor. Feel free to

sprinkle them in liberally when you can. It’s not only fun for the kids but can be a great way to ease parental nerves.

Family-focused activities, such as games or any shared experience, create a feeling of camaraderie.

Praising children while showing you value them creates positive feelings.

Just because we love and value them doesn’t mean they always recognize it. While kids might not like chores, contributing in some way makes them an involved member of the family.

When Times are Harder We can’t always be cheerful and calm. We can’t always be happy.

That’s not only OK; it’s also normal.

If you find that you’re struggling too often, then it’s time to ask for help.

There is no need for embarrassment or shame. Even some temporary support can make a big difference and help someone get out of that rut.

We’ve all been there, and knowing

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when to ask for assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Children, too, can go through hard times and that can bring challenges to the entire family. A difficult-acting child can affect the whole household. It’s not uncommon for children to need some form of assistance or interventions, similar to adults. Follow up with a professional, when necessary.

Don’t be hard on yourself during moments of weakness. We all have them, and moving forward toward success is better than dwelling on failure. We all want a simchadik, peaceful home filled with happy occupants. Let’s do our part, along with heartfelt tefillos, to make it happen.

Happy Adar!

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.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

jewish women of wisdom

Purim Prep

By Miriam Liebermann, MSW

W

ith two months of Adar this year, we certainly have more time to get into the Purim mood, more time to contemplate the miracle of the Purim story.

Here’s the challenge: How are we to elevate our simcha up a notch or two – and keep it there for weeks?

With all the busy-ness of our contemporary lifestyle, all the demands on our time and energies, is that at all within the realm of possibility?

Yes, it is. Please allow me to explain.

I have adopted a most enjoyable approach. Before each major yom tov, I’ll decorate a corner of our home accordingly. In our earlier home, I would decorate the windows of our dining room. Today, I work on the marble fireplace gracing the back wall of our dining room, the backdrop of my dear husband’s grand chair.

As we “speak,” I’m in the process of creating a collage. I have a collection from years back of Purim cards, attractive mishloach manos cards, and fabulous photos of family members celebrating the chag in full costume. I just contacted our adult children asking them to please

send me more Purim photos of their families from recent years. It’s quite a large fireplace! I’ve a large area to cover. Just yesterday, I discovered a marvelous photo of my dear mother, a”h, who passed away close to ten years ago, on Shushan Purim, actually. My dear mother appears armin-arm with a beloved grandchild.

They are wearing matching, shiny gold Purim-style hats. I remember

was her adorable bodyguard! Yuda, super creative, created her costume, using items from my wardrobe. And there’s Menachem as Bustenai. He had put together his costume by himself, availing himself of my scarves, headbands, and various other items.

And there’s Racheli in her Austrian dirndl.

I love these photos. They make me happy! They raise the level of simcha

They raise the level of simcha in my life.

that Purim well. Although my mother was quite ill at that time, she participated in that Purim with such joy.

The menfolk made a big fuss over her and danced around her; she reveled in every moment.

A long while back, my dear friend Susan hosted a pre-Purim costume show as a fundraiser for a local yeshiva. Our children Yehudis and Menachem were part of the show. Yehudis was dressed as an exotic Persian princess, while Menachem, half her size,

in my life. Having them displayed for two months, easy visible, is just fabulous. Most of our photos are hidden away in boxes or in photo albums, or deep inside our phones, to be viewed maybe once a year if we’re lucky.

Being able to relive these wonderful memories is a simcha in its own right.

We’re all a bit nostalgic as we wistfully try to recapture the joy of years gone by.

Rabbi Avrohom Neuberger wrote a recent piece in the MIshpacha dis-

cussing the recent reunion of the London School of Jewish Song with their beloved choirmaster, Reb Yigal Calek.

He points out that nostalgia is very much a Jewish sentiment. He quotes Rav Eliyahu Boruch Shulman, stating that Hashem too experiences a sense of nostalgia for His people: “Haben yakir li Ephraim, im yeled sha’ashuim, Ephraim is a precious son to Me, a child of delight, for when I speak of him, I remember him still….”

How blessed we are. We can live mindfully today, whilst simultaneously anticipating tomorrow, as well as waxing nostalgic over yesterday.

So take out those Purim photos of yesteryear, of your own children as well as of your grandchildren, and display them where you’ll see them regularly. And voila, simcha! How much we have to be grateful for.

Hodu l’Hashem ki tov! May everyone be blessed.

Wishing all a simcha-filled season. May we always have reason to celebrate!

Join the conversation and email list of JWOW! by writing to hello @jewishwomenofwisdom.org.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

In The K

tchen

Pizza Hamantashen

By Naomi Nachman

Adar Sheini has finally arrived. Purim is

getting closer, and I have such a cute and

tasty hamantashen idea to share with you.

The notion of pizza and cookies coming

together to make a Pizza Hamantashen is novel and also is really delicious. Who said you can’t have a dairy hamentashen?

Ingredients

Preparation

◦ Pizza dough (from my book Perfect Flavors) ◦ 2 teaspoons dry yeast ◦ 1 teaspoon sugar ◦ ¾ cup very warm water (115°F) ◦ 2 cups flour ◦ 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine yeast, water, and sugar in a medium bowl; proof for 5 minutes, until bubbling.

Add flour and salt; knead for 2-3 minutes until flour is well blended and a dough ball forms.

Cover; let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.

Roll your dough out to 1/8 inch thick (or less) on a floured surface. You want your rolled dough to be as thin as possible, while still being thick enough to hold the shape when forming the hamentashen.

Using an upside-down drinking glass to guide you, cut the dough into in 3-inch circles.

Fold the circle to form a triangle and seal the edges really well.

Fill the hamantashen with a bit of your favorite pizza sauce and top with some cheese.

Place each triangle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

When tray is full, bake for 20 minutes or until done when the cheese bubbles and the edges are tinged brown.

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.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

If you are white, male, or someone privileged by the racial and gender structures of our society to have your voice easily voiced and heard, we will often ask you to hold off on your questions or comments to give others priority and will come back to you a bit later or at another time.

- From SUNY Binghamton professor Ana Maria Candela’s sociology syllabus

My feeling is that I won’t debate the science. So the science is set.

- Andrew Dessler, a climate scientist who formerly worked in the Clinton administration and is a professor of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University, when asked by Joe Rogan whether he would debate climate change with a scientist who is more skeptical about mainstream beliefs on the topic

Mr. Putin has made a serious miscalculation. He forgot he’s no longer dealing with Trump.

-Tweet by liberal author Stephen King

In Beijing, the world’s two most powerful autocrats – Putin and China’s Xi Jinping – cemented their deepening alliance. In the United States, where American leaders should have been unified in championing democracy against these aggressive adversaries, the opposite happened: The Republican National Committee formally declared the violent insurrection of January 6, 2021, to be “legitimate political discourse.”

Even famously neutral Switzerland is taking action against Russia. Switzerland, the people who never take a side, are taking a side on this…. So to recap, Russia has now lost the Taliban and the Swiss. The most and least violent people in the world are united against Russia right now.

— Jimmy Kimmel

Ukraine is a country in Europe. It exists next to another country called Russia. Russia is a bigger country. Russia decided to invade a smaller country called Ukraine, so basically that’s wrong.

-Vice President Kamala Harris on a radio show when asked to explain the Ukraine conflict in layman’s terms

The U.S. economy has been hit with increased gas prices, inflation, and supplychain issues due to the Ukraine crisis .- Predictable tweet by CBS News

- Hillary Clinton in an Atlantic Op-ed managing to equate Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin, China’s leader Xi Jinping, and the Republican party

Sometimes help comes in all shapes and sizes!!

I need ammunition, not a ride.

- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy responding to Pres. Biden’s offer to help get him out of Ukraine

- From a Facebook post by a Virginia sheriff department after a goat helped two officers chase down a fleeing suspect who ran into a forest

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Women’s sports are for women, not men pretending to be women.

- Tweet by Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MI), resulting in Twitter locking her out of her account

As you just heard, tonight is 2/22/22, also known as the day the calendar maker fell asleep on his keyboard.

— Jimmy Kimmel

As you know, Russia is now at war with Ukraine. It is a crazy world we’re living in.

In fact, today President Biden asked the C.D.C. to find a new variant just to lighten the mood.

— Jimmy Fallon

We’ve done everything together since the day we were born.

- Norma Matthews, at her and her identical twin sister’s 100th birthday party in Florida

But it could have a profound negative impact on the climate obviously. You have a war and obviously you’re going to have massive emissions consequences to the war. But equally importantly, you’re going to lose people’s focus, you’re going to lose certainly big country attention because they will be diverted, and I think it could have a damaging impact.

- President Biden’s climate czar John Kerry in a BBC interview one day before the Russian assault on Ukraine began

So, you know, I think hopefully President Putin would realize that in the northern part of his country, they used to live on 66% of the nation that was over frozen land. Now it’s thawing, and his infrastructure is at risk.

And the people of Russia are at risk. And so I hope President Putin will help us to stay on track with respect to what we need to do for the climate.

- Ibid.

Well, I’m scared of what’s going to happen in Western Europe, too….

I’ve wanted to go to Italy for four years, and I haven’t been able to make it because of the pandemic. And now this.

- Joy Behar on “The View” the morning after Putin attacked Ukraine

Blaming inflation on supply lines is like complaining about your sweater keeping you too warm after you’ve added several logs to the fireplace.

- Former Obama economic adviser Steven Rattner criticizing President Joe Biden in a New York Times Op-ed for blaming inflation on supply chain issues

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Now, I’ve always seen the opposition party give a rebuttal. This is from the same party.

This is like sacking your own quarterback.

– Bill Maher, on Rashida Tlaib giving a rebuttal to Pres.

Biden’s State of the Union address

I remember she’s very us versus them. I remember because she’s one of the Squad members. And I remember we talked about BDS on this show one night, which is the boycott that some people want to do against Israel, because Israel somehow got to be the Nazis. And I said, “No! That BDS is a bunch of [garbage]. And then Rashida Tlaib called for me to be boycotted, [because I was saying] we shouldn’t boycott, and then her answer was: “We’re gonna boycott you!” So when people say, “You know, why are you so hard on the left these days?” [Garbage] like that is why. We have a different opinion about this issue called BDS, and you want to just boycott me.

It was a fat finger mistake by one of our social media guys. He undid it immediately.

- Jon Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, explaining to Politico why Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin retweeted a screenshot from one of Tucker Carlson’s pre-invasion monologues

- Ibid

Mom, I’m in Ukraine. There is a real war raging here. I am afraid. We are bombing all of the cities, together. Even targeting civilians. We were told that they would welcome us, and they are falling under our armored vehicles, throwing themselves under the wheels and not allowing us to pass. They call us fascists. Mama, this is so hard.

– Texts retrieved from a dead Russian soldier’s phone and read to the UN General Assembly by Ukraine’s ambassador to the UN

For decades, Stoli Group has supported the marginalized and those at risk of unwarranted aggression. We stand now with all Ukrainians and Russians calling for peace.

- From a statement by Stoli vodka, which many believe is made in Russia but is actually made in Latvia

Yep, Russian president Vladimir Putin has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. I think Putin has lost his mind. Even Kim Jongun was like, “You’re not actually supposed to do it.”

— Jimmy Fallon

I put as much stock in Trump saying that Putin’s a genius as I do when he called himself a stable genius.

- President Joe Biden when asked about former President Trump calling Putin a genius

I just said that to make you laugh.

– First Lady Jill Biden at a Black History Month event after mistakenly introducing Kamala Harris as “the President”

When folks vote, they order what they want, and in this case, they got what they asked for... I went off script a little bit.

- Vice Pres. Kamala Harris, at the same event

Yeah, World War III, a global pandemic, the queen has Covid, rising inflation. Billy Joel’s already working on a remix of “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”

— Jimmy Fallon

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Political Crossfire

Biden’s State of the Union Address: On a “Lighter Note”

By Nate Davis

F

or a while, it seemed like President Biden may just skip the State of the Union address. After all, he really has nothing good to report. Runaway inflation… A broken supply chain… More Covid deaths during his presidency than Trump’s…

A porous border… Iran on the brink of obtaining nuclear weapons… But sometimes presidents get lucky, and there’s a big event that changes the news cycle. Sometimes, it’s a big sports game.

Maybe it’s a wild celebrity car chase.

Occasionally, it’s a catastrophic weather event, which is always good for some hugging photos. For President Biden, his lucky event is that we are on the brink of World War III. How’s that for a conversation changer— “I’m sorry that every one of my policies failed.

On another note, let’s talk about the pending nuclear war, shall we?”

President Biden declared that Ukraine will win this war because “Putin may circle Kyiv with tanks, but he’ll never gain the hearts and souls of the Iranian people.”

That is very reassuring. Put that up there along with “Ask not what your country can do for you” and “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.”

If President Biden was playing a game of telephone with himself, it’s not a bad line – the Ukrainians will win because the Iranians love shawarma and there’s a shawarma store in the Five Towns and there are often long lines which means that “as we speak, many Ukrainians are waiting in long lines to get shawarma in the Five Towns! We must help them be able to do that.”

Glad we’re taking this crisis seriously.

The President aptly referred to Kiev as “Keeeeeev.” There must have been some memo that went around last week to everyone but me that, from now on, in order to sound like the experts, we are no longer calling the capital of Ukraine “Key-ev” as we have for the past hundred years. From now on, it’s

maybe telling him that troops aren’t coming is good. Just in case, Biden did both in his State of the Union address.

I am confident that everything is going to be just fine because the President brought his voice down to a hush and whispered, “I know the news about what’s happening can seem alarming to all Americans. But I want you to know that we are going to be OK. We are going to be OK.” That whisper gets me every time. “Shhhh… We are going to be OK… Sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.”

“Keeeeev.” Let me get out my international statesman notepad and jot down “Keeeeev” right near “POKistan” and “Eeeeeron.”

During his address to the nation, the President declared that Russia’s madman President Vladimir Putin will be stopped. “He has no idea what’s coming,” declared Biden. Well, now might just be a good time to tell him, don’t you think?

The President noted that “we are giving more than $1 billion in direct assistance to Ukraine and will continue to aid the Ukrainian people as they defend their country and help ease their suffering,” before adding, “But let me be clear: Our forces are not engaged and will not engage in the conflict with Russian forces in Ukraine.”

Hmm… I guess Putin does have an idea of what’s coming.

In fact, Biden very deliberately stated, “Our forces are not going to Europe to fight in Ukraine, but to defend our NATO allies in the event that Putin decides to keep moving west.”

In other words, Mr. Putin, if you see a buildup of NATO troops, have no worries. You are still free to kill Ukrainian civilians indiscriminately because they are not part of NATO. But if you touch a NATO country, then it’s all-out war.

Yep, this is pretty complicated.

Reminds me of the story about a shtetel’s wagon driver who was retiring

and held auditions for his replacement.

He asked the same question to each applicant: What would you do if you are driving the Rebbe and your horses get stuck in the ditch?

One applicant responded, “I would detach the wagon to lighten the load.”

Another said that he would whip the horses. A third applicant said that he would put a piece of plywood under the horses’ hooves. None of them got the job.

“You are all wrong,” declared the wagon driver. “The answer is: don’t let your horse get stuck in a ditch!”

Would things be different right now if President Biden listened to senators on the Foreign Services Committee who begged him to sanction Putin six weeks ago when the military buildup on the Ukrainian border began?

What about if Putin didn’t see Americans abandoning Afghanistan and literally running onto planes to get out of there?

Maybe things would be different if Putin had to deal with an unpredictable leader of the free world who tweeted crazy stuff, wore long red ties, but was very clear that if you punch him once, he’ll punch you twice.

Well, the horse is now in the ditch.

And it’s stuck in a lot of mud. Now, it’s about getting Putin to stop his war crimes. Maybe not telling him what’s coming is good. On the other hand,

T

he speech was delivered to a mostly mask-less Congress since the Biden administration coincidentally lifted the federal mask mandate three days before his big speech. We are now able to see the full faces of our representatives in Washington. Not surprisingly, they look just as smug as ever. And Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is still trying to get the popcorn kernels out of her teeth. I have an idea for her – maybe don’t eat a big-sized popcorn bucket right before the State of the Union Address. (Or, just, um, now that your mask is off…uh, maybe book a visit at the prosthodontist.)

History was made at the SOTU address this week because it was the first time that behind the President sat two women – Speaker Pelosi and President Kamala Harris…I mean Vice President Kamala Harris. History was also made because it was the first time that the combined IQ of the two people sitting behind the president was less than 100.

No, I’m not making fun of women –I’m making fun of some not very bright politicians who happen to be women.

Hey, that’s their choice – just ask them.

Speaker Pelosi and Vice President Harris did spend an inordinate amount of time whispering to each other. I’m not sure what they were talking about.

You said TWO tablespoons of red wine? Yes, make sure to remove the tin

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

foil after 40 minutes, though…

On the other hand, maybe they were doing the Bigson and Seresh thing…. “Kamala, you’re having coffee with him tomorrow. Did you get the ricin yet?” “Nancy, trust me, all this guy needs is one melatonin pill, and he’s out… I got this.”

Regarding masks, the President said, “Under these new guidelines, most Americans in most of the country can now go mask-free.”

On the one hand, I am thrilled that people will stop wearing diapers on their faces. On the other hand, I kind of enjoyed analyzing that guy at the red light near me who is alone in his car, with his windows closed, and is double-masked. It was at those moments that I always felt very psychologically healthy. My sense, though, is that if he is still listening to NPR, he will still be wearing his mask.

A

s most presidents do at their State of the Union addresses, Mr. Biden delivered a litany

of promises about what he is going to do, which sounded as convincing as me telling my wife that I am going to change the outdoor lightbulb.

“My plan to fight inflation will lower your costs and lower the deficit,” Biden said. For some reason, I am not confident that the guy who got us into the ditch will get us out of it.

in America makes so much sense. I really wonder why more stuff is not made in America. Ding! Ding! Ding! The President answered that question 30 seconds later: “Let’s make corporations and wealthy Americans start paying their fair share.” In other words, “Hi, corporations. Please try to figure out a way to take whatever you can overseas

“Nancy, trust me. All this guy needs is one melatonin pill, and he’s out… I got this.”

The President argued that we must start making more things in America.

“Instead of relying on foreign supply chains, let’s make it in America,” he said. This led to a rare moment of bipartisanship, with chants of “U.S.A., U.S.A” echoing in the chamber…as well as the sound of AOC gagging.

The truth is that making more stuff

because in America we like taxing the daylights out of you.” If you doubt this interpretation, you should have seen how Sen. Pocahontas Warren jumped out of her seat. It was almost as if Chief Tatanka Iyotanke (AKA Sitting Bull) walked into the room with a buffalo slung over his shoulder.

President Biden ended his speech

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on a soaring note: “And my report is this – the state of the union is strong because you, the American people, are strong.”

Yay! “We are stronger today than we were a year ago.”

Yay! “And we’ll be stronger a year from now than we are today.”

Yay! “This is our moment to meet and overcome the challenges of our time.

And we will, as one people. One America. The United States of America.”

Yay! “G-d bless you all, and may G-d protect our troops. Thank you. Go get him!”

Yay! Wait, who are we going to get?

Who’s him? You mean Putin? Or did you just spot a guy blowing spitballs?

Am I supposed to get him or are you talking to someone else?

I’m confused...the State of our Union.

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Political Crossfire

Putin’s Assault on Ukraine Will Shape a New World Order

By David Ignatius

W

hen Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his all-out invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, he effectively ended the post-Cold War era. A new architecture for global relations must be built, and its shape will depend on whether Putin’s brutal campaign succeeds or fails.

Putin’s attack awakened the ghosts of war that had haunted Europe for a century. The world watched in horror as a massive assault force attacked Ukraine from three sides with missiles, bombs, tanks, and the electronic wizardry of cyberwarfare. Scores of nations condemned the invasion. But the gut-wrenching fact is that Ukraine is fighting Putin by itself.

This conflict isn’t a case of sleepwalking toward war, as historians have described the blind march into World War I in 1914. It is closer to the attack that a bitter, vengeful German leader launched on neighboring Czechoslovakia in 1939. Putin isn’t Adolf Hitler – yet – but he shares a similar brooding obsession with settling scores by military force.

Putin’s willingness to escalate all the way to war has been increasingly clear to the Biden administration since CIA Director William J. Burns visited Moscow in early November. He traveled there to warn Putin that U.S. intelligence had concluded that behind a Russian troop buildup along Ukraine’s border lay serious war-planning.

Burns told colleagues that Putin, normally a cool calculator, seemed ready to go to war. Partly, it appeared to be a sense of personal destiny as Putin neared age 70, partly his calculation that the moment was ripe because the United States and its allies were disoriented while Russia was rel-

atively strong. At the core was Putin’s long-standing obsession with a defiant Ukraine, which he saw moving inexorably toward the West despite Kremlin warnings – and against the weight of Russian history itself.

Putin had expressed his fixation with Ukraine to Burns back in 2008, when Burns was the U.S. ambassador to Moscow. That conversation, described in Burns’s 2019 memoir, makes for eerie reading now, with missiles falling on Kyiv. “Doesn’t your government know that Ukraine is unstable and immature politically and NATO is very divisive there?” Putin admonished Burns. “Don’t you know that Ukraine is not even a real country? Part of it is really East European and part is really Russian.”

Putin repeated those words almost precisely this week in announcing the war. Ukraine is his rawest nerve. He evidently believes that Russia cannot be a great power unless it controls Ukraine.

The Biden administration tried to deter Putin by warning him of potentially crippling sanctions, which it imposed on Thursday shortly after the invasion began. The White House also adopted a novel disruption tactic of revealing Russian military planning, false-flag plots to provoke war, and even schemes for targeted killings.

Officials believe this information barrage checked some of Putin’s plans; it also shattered the narrative Putin had hoped to create. For once, the United States had the initiative in the information wars in which the Russian leader has been so adept.

As Putin moved toward all-out war, he was counseled by a tiny inner circle, led by three hard-liners: Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu; FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov; and security council chief Nikolai Patrushev.

Lower down in the military and Kremlin bureaucracy, some were skeptical about the Ukraine war plans, U.S. officials believe. But that question-

ing clearly didn’t penetrate to Putin himself.

Now that Russian troops have surged into Ukraine, how does Putin plan to extricate himself? It’s likely that he hopes to keep Russian ground troops out of Kyiv and other big cities, instead using Spetsnaz special forces and FSB operatives to neutralize these targets. He will probably seek to install a puppet government. But here’s where U.S. officials believe Putin’s planning breaks down.

What Putin doesn’t appear to realize, with his vision of Russian-Ukrainian oneness, is that his bullying has deeply alienated Ukrainians. I saw that anti-Putin sentiment when I visited Kyiv in late January, and it’s undoubtedly even stronger now that Russian tanks are on the streets and jets are in the sky. Putin obviously believed his own rhetoric that Ukraine wasn’t a real country.

That level of self-absorption so often leads to mistakes.

With his unprovoked invasion, Putin has shattered the international legal rules established after World War II, along with the European order that followed the Cold War. That old architecture was getting shaky, and it was destined to be replaced eventually.

The Ukraine assault, pitting a messianic Russian autocrat against the wishes of every other major nation, perhaps including China, will determine the shape of the new order to come. If Putin loses his battle to subjugate Ukraine, the new order will have a solid and promising foundation. If Putin wins, the new era will be very dangerous indeed.

(c) 2021, Washington Post Writers Group

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Political Crossfire

Biden’s War on Fossil Fuels Has Strengthened Putin and Weakened America

By Marc A. Thiessen

R

ussian President Vladimir Putin was emboldened to launch his full-scale invasion of Ukraine because he believed that President Biden was bluffing when he threatened serious consequences.

On Thursday, Biden proved him right.

Not only did the United States and its NATO allies fail to kick Moscow out of the SWIFT banking network used by almost all major financial institutions to wire money – which would effectively exclude Russia from the global economy – Biden failed to sanction Putin’s two most significant exports: oil and natural gas. To the contrary, Biden announced that he had specifically designed the sanctions “to allow energy payments to continue.”

Putin gambled that Biden was not willing to risk sanctioning his lucrative energy exports and thus driving up energy prices for U.S. consumers just months before the midterm elections. The bet paid off.

This failure of deterrence shows the folly of Biden’s war on fossil fuels. He inherited a nation that was an energy superpower. During his four years in office, President Donald Trump opened 100 million acres of public land and water, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, to exploration. He withdrew from the Paris climate accord, approved the Keystone XL pipeline between the United States and Canada, and rolled back Obamaera regulations such as the Clean Power Plan that held back domestic exploration and production. Trump’s policy was “drill, baby drill.” The re-

sult? On his watch, the United States supplanted Russia and Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest oil producer.

This newfound energy independence transformed the national security landscape, strengthening the United States vis-a-vis Russia and other revanchist powers. But on taking office, Biden squandered the position of strength he inherited from Trump.

He prioritized climate change over energy independence and launched a policy of energy disarmament. Biden rejoined the Paris agreement and canceled the Keystone XL pipeline, which by itself would have transported 830,000 barrels of oil per day from Alberta to refineries on the Gulf Coast of Texas – far more than the 538,000 barrels we import every day from Russia. He suspended oil and gas leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and sought to deliver on his campaign promise to ban all “new oil and gas permitting on public lands and waters.” And he made clear his intention to tax and regulate the fossil fuel industry out of business, promis-

ing that his administration would “end fossil fuel.”

These policies have backfired – undermining the United States in its confrontation with Russia today. Thanks to Biden’s climate policies, and the record inflation his administration has helped unleash, the price of gasoline has risen from an average of $2.38 a gallon under Trump to $3.53 today – the largest year-over-year price rises in at least 30 years. That leaves little room to absorb the impact of massive oil and gas sanctions on Russia. The highest U.S. price for a gallon of regular gas has been $4.11. If Biden were to impose the kinds of crippling energy sanctions required to truly punish Russia, prices could rise far higher.

Putin knew Biden couldn’t take that risk. He saw that Biden’s approval rating was in free fall and that the U.S. president had no political capital to spend at home in confronting Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

And Putin had prepared for this moment by amassing more than $630 billion in reserves of gold and hard

currency to ride out any sanctions we impose. When it came to an energy standoff, Putin knew Russia had the upper-hand. He was right.

On Tuesday, after the first Russian forces crossed Ukraine’s border into the Donbas region, a senior U.S. State Department official told Putin he need not worry about his energy exports if he launched a full-scale assault on Kyiv. “The sanctions that are being imposed today, as well that could be imposed in the near future, are not targeting and will not target oil and gas flows,” said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “We would like the market to take note that there’s no need for increasing the price at the moment.” This is pathetic. The Biden administration publicly announced that it was more concerned about the reaction of the energy market than about how Putin would react in Ukraine.

Biden’s war on fossil fuels has weakened America and strengthened Russia – because he apparently cares more about fighting climate change than he cares about stopping Putin’s aggression or the cost to Americans at the gas pump.

What Biden and the Democrats don’t seem to understand is that you cannot simultaneously wage war on fossil fuels and stop Russia from waging war against Ukraine. Biden’s energy disarmament has weakened America on the world stage. The first step in reversing Putin’s aggression is to restore American energy independence. (c) 2021, Washington Post Writers Group

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Forgotten Her es

Amazing Aces

By Avi Heiligman

R

arely seen in modern history are two combatants fighting it out the battlefield alone. With the dawn of aviation in the early 20th century, aerial dogfights usually see just two fighters chasing down one another with guns blazing. Their battlefield is the sky, and it takes great skill to become a master flying ace.

This fascinating type of combat has seen many fighter pilots become aces of the sky. From David McCampbell with 34 enemy aircraft shot down to Michael Arooth with 19 planes to his credit as a tail gunner on a B-17 bomber, these men are among the best fighters in the sky.

One of the major advantages that the Americans had over the German Luftwaffe during World War II was their long-range bombers. The four-engine heavy bombers were durable, capable of flying after many hits, and had a much longer range than their German counterparts.

However, until late in the war, only bombers were able to fly these long distances and they would have had to go over enemy territory without fighter escort. To combat the German planes that would come up in droves to knock the Americans out of the sky, the bombers would have several gunners with machine guns blasting away at the enemy.

The best non-pilot ace in American history was Staff Sergeant Michael Arooth who flew as a tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress named “Tondelayo.” The Massachusetts native joined the army in 1942 and took part in many important missions while flying for the 8th Air Force.

On July 30, 1943, Arooth’s B-17 was flying over enemy targets in Germany when a large formation of enemy fighters came up to attack the American bombers. Arooth destroyed three enemy planes, but his oxygen supply was severed by an exploding shell. His leg was wounded, and one of his guns was put out of action. Despite several of the crew bailing out of the crippled

plane, he chose to stay. Ignoring the danger, Arooth used the remaining gun to fight off determined German attacks despite not having an oxygen supply. He shot down his fourth plane for the day while the plane was able to escape the enemy. However, the B-17 was doomed and made it as far as the English Channel where it sunk.

Thankfully, all hands were rescued by friendly forces.

For his actions that day, Arooth was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. By the end of the war, he had shot down an incredible 19 planes from his tail gunner position.

Technical Sergeant Arthur J. Benko was another bomber gunner that achieved the status of triple ace. He was from Arizona and was an amateur rifle champion before joining the army. After basic training, he went to aerial gunnery school and was assigned to fly in the top turret of a B-24 Liberator. His unit was sent to the China-Burma-India Theater when, on October 1, 1943, he shot down seven Japanese Zeros over Japanese targets at Haiphong, Vietnam. A few weeks later, he and the rest of the crew bailed after their plane was crippled on a mission to Hong Kong. Benko landed in Japanese territory and wasn’t seen again, with varying reports detailing as to what happened to him.

Benko is the highest scoring gunner of the theater with 16 aerial victories and was awarded the Silver Star for bravery in action.

Another major advantage that the Americans had over the Germans was their aircraft carriers. Some American carriers were deployed to the Atlantic and Mediterranean where they were the center of a task force designed to hunt down German U-boats. In the Pacific, the Japanese had aircraft carriers but had a difficult time replacing sunken carriers and pilots lost in combat. The U.S. Navy, on the other hand, had carriers being delivered to them on a regular basis thanks to the level of production of the American naval

shipbuilding industry. Pilots were usually rotated after a specific number of missions, and the replacements pilots were much better trained with many more flight hours than their Japanese counterparts.

David McCampbell was the leading Navy all-time ace with 34 enemy aircraft shot down while flying in a F6F Hellcat mainly flying off of the carrier USS Essex. He was from Alabama, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1933, and earned his pilot’s wings in 1938. Before the war started, he was assigned to the USS Ranger and then was transferred to the USS Wasp. As the landing signal officer (LSO) on the Wasp, it was his job as an experienced naval aviator to facilitate the safe landing of returning aircraft to the carrier’s deck. In September 1942, the Wasp was sunk by a Japanese submarine near Guadalcanal. McCampbell survived the sinking and returned to the U.S. as an instructor.

In September 1943, he formed a fighter squadron and in February 1944 was assigned as commander of Air Group 15. This air group was assigned to the USS Essex’s air group and in a period of six months destroyed more than 650 Japanese planes and sank more enemy shipping than any other air group in the Pacific. McCampbell himself shot down 34 Japanese planes and holds the distinction of being the only American pilot to twice achieve the title of “Ace in a Day.” During the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944, he shot down nine enemy aircraft in one day – the most ever for an American in a single mission. He returned to another carrier because the Essex’s flight deck wasn’t clear, and upon inspection there were just two rounds of ammunition left in his machine guns.

For his actions on both days that he achieved “Ace in a Day” McCampbell was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Aerial dogfights are physically and mentally demanding, and the sudden turns and maneuvers can be

Staff Sergeant Michael Arooth

Technical Sergeant Arthur J. Benko

David McCampbell

fatal if a pilot isn’t trained properly or wearing proper equipment. These pilots’ heroics are often relegated to the back pages of history books, if they are mentioned at all, thereby making them Forgotten Heroes.

Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@gmail.com.

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SERVICES

PEACEFUL PRESENCE STUDIO Men's private yoga, Licensed Massage & Holistic Health Guidance 436 Central Ave, Cedarhurst Info. & free video training www.peacefulpresence.com 516-371-3715

HANDYMAN AVAILABLE For big or small jobs, Sheetrock, carpentry, painting, electrical, plumbing, install & repair appliances Call Ephraim at 347-593-4691

VACUUM SALES AND REPAIR All areas call Max Flam 718-444-4904

Alternative Solutions Geriatric Care Management staff will assist you with: * Obtaining Medicaid and Pooled Income Trust * In-home Assessments, Individual and Family Counseling * Securing reliable home care assistance * Case and Care Management services Dr. S. Sasson, DSW, LCSW (718) 544- 0870 or (646) 284-6242 SHALOM HANDYMAN Plumbing, heating, boiler, installation, sewer, locks, dryer vent cleaning and more…

CALL 917-217-3676

MOONBOUNCE FOR RENT $100/day.

Holds up to 500lbs.

Perfect fun for ages 3-8 Call or text 516-220-0616 to reserve your date GERBER MOVING FULL SERVICE MOVING Packing Moving Supplies Local Long Distance Licensed Insured 1000’S Of Happy Customers Call Shalom 347-276-7422 For all your Property Management Services Call/Email ALL AMERICAN PROPERTY SERVICES allamericanpropertyservices99 @gmail.com. 516-400-0487

WOODMERE

Mint ranch w. 4 bdrms, 4 baths, radiant heat, quiet block. Call Raizie (917)903-1778 $1,299M

DON’T GET STUCK WITH A TWO STORY HOUSE YA KNOW, IT’S ONE STORY BEFORE YOU BUY IT BUT A SECOND STORY AFTER YOU OWN IT! Call Dov Herman For An Accurate Unbiased Home Inspection Infrared - Termite Inspection Full Report All Included NYC 718-INSPECT Long Island 516-INSPECT www.nyinspect.com

HAIR COURSE: Learn how to wash & style hair & wigs. Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling Private lessons or in a group Call Chaya 718-715-9009

HOUSES FOR SALE WOODMERE PRIME LOCATION! 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, LR, DR, EIK, pool, stucco siding Patino, Fenced yard. 2 car Garage, big driveway, must see!

Call now All Going Realty at 516-206-2005 Hurry won't last!

CEDARHURST – OPPORTUNITY STRIKES! 4bdrm, 2.5bth, 1 fam home on 10,000sf property in grt cond.

C/A, generator, pvt drv + 2 story 2 car gar Brisman RE/Raizy 718-677-0988 or 917-975-8550

WOODMERE

New Construction colonial home coming soon in ABC Streets in Woodmere! Call Avigail for details (516) 316-3452

HOUSES FOR SALE

WOODMERE: Beautiful, brick, colonial boasting 5 bdr 3.5 Bth in pristine condition.

Excellent location, near all! Move right in! RCUSA 516-512-9626 Far Rockaway: House For Rent On Beach 12th. 3 1/2 bedrooms.

Just renovated, Central HVAC,LR/ Dr, Finished basement.. $3800/m Call Raphael 917-822-1726

LAWRENCE

WOODMERE PARK

New to Market! 3 bdrm, 2 bth cottage in back Lawrence.

CallAvigail

516-316-3452 $3,750/m

Price Reduced!! 12 year old colonial on quiet street in Woodmere Park. 6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. $1,999,999

CEDARHURST

FAR ROCKAWAY

Newly renovated 3 bdrm, 1 bth duplex.

Call Ludwing (516) 757-4570 $3,100/m

Renovated 6 bdrm, 4 bth duplex w nice yard & private driveway. Call Malka 516-967-1967 $979K

CEDARHURST

Custom luxury offices built to suit on the border of Cedarhurst/ Woodmere Call Raizie 917-903-1778

CEDARHURST

1 bedroom apartment in the heart of Cedarhurst. Bryna (516)322-4831 $1,895/m

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

135

Classifieds classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com • text 443-929-4003

HOUSES FOR SALE CAN’T AFFORD YOUR PROPERTY TAXES? MORTGAGE? Must sell for any reason?

Call for FREE Consultation.

Call now 212-470-3856 Cash buyers available!

WOODMERE Magnificent Home in the Heart of Woodmere constructed in 2020, 5 Bedrooms, 3 Full Bathrooms, detailed moldings throughout, maple wood floors, Anderson windows + doors, custom closets, dimmers & timers, 2 zone CAC, EIK w/2 sinks, 2 dishwashers, 2 microwaves, double oven, Island, close to all. Sound system, camera system, 4 car driveway.

Call for details Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

HOUSES FOR SALE

HOUSES FOR SALE

HOUSES FOR SALE

LAWRENCE NEW TO THE MARKET MOVE RIGHT IN!!!

1st Floor apartment, elevator and doorman build-ing, underground parking, in-ground pool. 1 Bedroom 2 Full bathrooms, CAC, terrace facing courtyard, laundry room, storage. Close to railroad, shopping & houses of worship.$379k Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE BRIGHT & SUNNY 3 bedroom 3 bathroom townhouse, central air conditioning, hard-wood floors, skylights, eat in kitchen, formal living room and dining room, finished basement, enjoy the community pool and tennis court, close to the railroad, shopping, and the houses of worship $719k 5 Clubside Dr Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@ bhhslaffey.com

HEWLETT NEW TO THE MARKET 5 bedroom 3 bathroom colonial, open floor plan, large eat-in kitchen, formal living room and dining room, main floor den and playroom, master bedroom suite w/full bath& sitting room/nursery close to the schools, railroad, shopping and houses of worship $899K OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY MARCH 6 11:30-1:30PM 1361 KEW AVENUE HEWLETT Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE JUST LISTED Beautifully maintained Split Level home in the heart of Woodmere.

This home boasts 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Eat-in Kitchen, Formal Dining Room, Living Room, Fin-ished Basement and office.

Beautiful and spacious Backyard.

Great location, SD#14. Close to all & houses of worship. P.O.R. Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey Interna-tional 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

WOODMERE Beautiful & Spacious 2 Bedroom Apartment Across From The Golf Course. Ele-vator Building, Updated Kitchen, Gas Cooking, Granite Countertops, Washer/Dryer In Unit, High Ceilings, Great Closet Space, Storage in Basement, Close To RR, Shopping & Houses Of Worship.$349K Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@ bhhslaffey.com HEWLETT new to the market This home in SD#14, was expanded and completely renovated in 2008, with all the bathrooms redone in 2016. It consists of 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, fin-ished basement with separate rooms. Detached garage and park-like private backyard. Upgraded CAC, hardwood floors, hi-hats all around, ceiling fans in all the bedrooms, security system, in-ground sprinklers, new washer/dryer, many closets, PV solar electric panels, and smart home features.

200 amp service, auto surround sound system. The kitchen has granite countertops and custombuilt wood cabinets, top-line appliances. The First-floor bedroom has an adjacent full bathroom. Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom with radiant heat. Close to schools, shopping, and transportation.$799k Open House Sunday March 6 2:003:30pm 1589 Hewlett Avenue Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

COOP FOR SALE HEWLETT BRIGHT AND SUNNY 2 bedroom 2 bathroom co-op, elevator, doorman building, in ground pool storage, card room, indoor and outdoor parking, washer/dryer in the apartment, renovated kitchen with granite countertops, ss appliances, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, formal living room and dining room, close to all $479k Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hatha-way Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com Hewlett two 3 bedroom 2 bath co-ops with central air conditioning, terrace, washer/ dryer, hard-wood floors, recessed lighting, magnificent kitchens, ss appliances, l/r, d/r, close to the railroad, shopping, and houses of worship.

Open House Sunday March 6 1201East Broadway H-23 2:00-4:00pm 1215 East Broadway A-12 12:00—2:00PM Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

COMMERCIAL RE

COMMERCIAL RE

APT FOR RENT

HELP WANTED

INVESTORS WELCOME GREAT DEAL IN WOODMERE, amazing location, double lot, low taxes ,SD 14 Asking $599, won’t last 25 CONKLIN AVE, WOODMERE Call Alexandra at Realty Connect 1-516-784-0856

EAST ROCKAWAY: Retail Stores on Busy Corner, 1000SF& Up Available, Great High Visibility Location, For Lease…

Call for More Details Broker (516) 792-6698

FAR ROCKAWAY: House For Rent. On Beach 12th.

3 1/2 bedrooms. Just renovated, Central HVAC,LR/Dr, Finished basement.. $3300/m Call Raphael 917-822-1726

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT RE Management Office (Five Towns) seeks f/t admin to handle all aspects of office management.

Email resume and salary requirements to jordan@imc.net

HEWLETT TOTALLY RENOVATED 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments with washer/dryer, kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances. Recessed lighting, hardwood floors, storage in basement. Close to RR, shopping, and houses of worship.

Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hatha-way Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

Gesher (located in Cedarhurst) is looking for a part-time Rebbe beginning in January for First Grade boys. · Approximately a half-hour a day, Monday through Friday · Small group lessons · The goal of the Rebbe is to provide faster paced exposure to higher level kriah and chumash skills · Curriculum support provided · One-on-one private pay tutoring opportunities may also be available Please email your resume to jobs@gesher-ecc.org or contact (516) 730-7377 to set up an interview.

STORE FOR RENT BORO PARK 4406-16 ave. Bet 44 and 45 st.

700 square feet.

Ideal for Jewelery store.

2300 dollars monthly rent.

Call 917 833-3838 LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN! 500-7000 Square feet gorgeous office space with WATERVIEW in Inwood! Lots of options.

Tons of parking. Will divide and customize space for your needs!

Call 516-567-0100 SF MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE Available, Reception Area, Waiting Room, Kitchenette, 2 Consult, 4 Exam Rooms, 2 Bathrooms, 30 Car On-Site Parking, For Lease …Call Ian 516-295-3000 www.pugatch.com

U

N

WOODSBURGH Magnificent 2K sq. Ft. Co-Op. 3br/2bth, eik, lr, dr, w/d in unit, gar, 2 stor units, elev, near all $775k 516-846-1032 no brokers

APT FOR RENT LAWRENCE JUST LISTED Jr. 4 furnished apartment, doorman, elevator, garage parking, gym, card room central air conditioning, terrace, hardwood floors, custom closets, built ins, kitchen with quartz countertops, 2 sinks, 2 dishwashers, sub zero refrigerator, washer/dryer close to railroad, shopping and houses of worship $3,200 monthly Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hath-away Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

CEDARHURST 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments, totally renovated, private entrance , central air condi-tioning, hardwood floors, washer/dryer, garage parking, dishwasher, recessed lighting, private playground, close to railroad, park, shopping and houses of worship.

Call for more details Mark Lipner Associate Broker Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International 516-298-8457 mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS CAHAL is seeking a secular studies MATERNITY SUBSTITUTE for February for a small boys 6th grade class and a PERMANENT AFTERNOON SUBSTITUTE. Email resume to shira@cahal.org or call 516-295-3666.

Lawrence Hardware D

ER

CO

N

589 Burnside Ave. Inwood, NY 11096 (516) 371-2900 In the Burnside Plaza

TR

Sunday 9:30-3:30 Mon-Thurs 8:00-5:30 Friday 8:00-4:30

AC

T

Under Contract! Magnificent 18,500 sq ft property in desirable “Tree Streets” location in Woodmere.

New exclusive! New construction in Academy Area of Woodmere! Classic center hall colonial, 6 bedrooms/ 3 baths on 2nd floor, full finished basement. $1.95M

Custom Pesach Plexiglass Countertops

Call for an appointment (We come to you) FOR OUR 13TH YEAR!!!

New exclusive! Charming colonial on an oversized lot in prime Woodmere location.

New kitchen, new bathrooms, CAC, IGS, beautiful block! $1.399M

Leah Scheininger Realty Connect USA Licensed Real Estate Salesperson (516) 884-6530 Lscheininger@realtyconnectusa.com

New exclusive! 5 level split in Saddle Ridge in Woodmere! Gorgeous EIK & baths, large family room with radiant floors, great yard! $999K

Jordan Goldschmidt Guaranteed Rate Vice President of Mortgage Lending (516) 998-6201 Jordan.Goldschmidt@rate.com

NMLS 2012660 Licensed by The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. nlmsconsumeraccess.org 1400 Old Country Rd Suite 206N, Westbury, NY 11590, (212) 318-9432, Guaranteed Rate, Inc. NMLS 2611 3940 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 (866) 934-7283 • rate.com Equal Housing Lender www.rate.com/privacy

LOOK FOR OUR UPCOMING PESACH PRODUCT LIST & EXTENDED HOURS!!!

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The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

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

Expanding Healthcare Company Seeking to fill full time positions in our Bookkeeping Dept ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND PAYROLL SUPERVISOR Must be detail oriented analytical, organized, outstanding communication & leadership skills Great Pay & Benefits.

Located near the 5 towns area.

Email resume: adass@carenetworkhealth.com

HELP WANTED

JOIN OUR TEAM! Nursing Home Management Company in Mill Basin is seeking a Full Time

RECEPTIONIST/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT o Office experience required o MS Outlook, Excel and Word proficiency

FUNDRAISING & DEVELOPMENT Manager (part -time -25 hours/wk) The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC seeks an individual with experience in setting and executing an annual fundraising and development plan, identifying and developing prospective donors, creat-ing fundraising events and maintaining a donor database.

Please send resumes to hir-ing@guraljcc.org

required o Frum environment o Excellent growth potential o Great salary & benefits

APPLY WITH THIS LINK: https://jobs.apploi.com/view/591640

Early Childhood Center Full-Time & Part-Time Staff Needed in Lawrence Due to 2 new classrooms opening (1 infant, 1 toddler), the Gural JCC's Early Childhood Center is actively looking for full-time & part-time staff to fill these positions.

Interested and qualified candidates please call (516) 239-1354 or e-mail JCC.Nursery@guraljcc.org.

Whether buying or selling real estate get...

Give me a call today!

516-298-8457 Licensed Associate Broker, G.R.I.

mlipner@bhhslaffey.com

I am proud to be recognized as a top Berkshire Hathaway network agent for 2021.

Top 1/2 of 1% of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network agents nationwide!

OPEN HOUSE SUN 3/6 - 12:00-2:00PM

OPEN HOUSE SUN 3/6 - 2:00-4:00PM

OPEN HOUSE SUN 3/6 - 2:00-3:30PM

1215 E. BROADWAY, APT A12, HEWLETT

1201 EAST BROADWAY #H-23, HEWLETT

1589 HEWLETT AVE., HEWLETT

3BR, 2Bath Co-op, Magnificent Apt on the 1st Fl., CAC, HW Floors, Kitchen w/Granite Countertops, SS Apliances, W/D, Spectacular Moldings, Built Ins, Close To All. $319,000

OPEN HOUSE SUN 3/6 - 11:30AM-1:30PM

Totally renovated, 3BR, 2 Bath Co-op, Gorgeous Kitchen, 2 Sinks, SS Appliances, Quartz Countertops, CAC, New Floors, W/D, Terrace, Close to all $339,000

Co-Ops:

1361 KEW AVENUE, HEWLETT

5 CLUBSIDE DR., WOODMERE

5BR, 3Bath Colonial, Open Floor Plan, Large EIK, F L/R & D/R, Den, MBR Suite w/ Full Bath & Sitting Room/Nursery, Close to all. $899,000

3BR, 3 Bath Bright & Sunny Townhouse with a Finished Bsmt, Garage, MBR Suite, Formal L/R & D/R, EIK, CAC, Community Pool & Tennis Court.

Close To All. $719,000

WOODMERE

4BR, 3FBath Beautifully Maintained Split Level Home in the Heart of Woodmere, EIK, F D/R, L/R, Finished Bsmt., CAC, P.O.R.

Cedarhurst Cedarhurst Hewlett Hewlett Hewlett Lawrence Lawrence Lawrence Lawrence Woodmere Woodmere Woodmere

1589 Hewlett Ave, Hewlett 4BR, 3Bath & Finished Bsmt, Smart Home, CAC, IGS, Surround Sound System, Kitchen with Granite & More! $799,000

Homes: 2BR • 2BA 1BR • 1BA 2BR • 2BA 2BR • 2BA 2BR • 2BA 2BR • 1BA 1BR • 1BA 1BR • 1BA 3BR • 3BA 2BR • 1BA 2BR • 1BA 3BR • 3BA

$364k $219k $199k $319k $479k $299K $339K $379K $P.O.R. $199k $349k $769k

And many more...Call for details!

Atlantic Beach Lawrence

4BR • 4BA 8BR • 9BA

Hewlett Harbor Inwood Woodmere Woodsburgh Woodmere Woodmere

7BR • 4BA 4BR • 3BA 4BR • 3BA 4BR • 4BA 4BR • 3BA 7BR • 6BA

$1,299,000 $599k $849k $P.O.R. $P.O.R. $P.O.R.

Cedarhurst

2BR • 2BA

$3,495/monthly

Rental:

Cedarhurst Lawrence Lawrence Lawrence

3BR • 2BA JR4 Furnished 2BR • 1BA 5BR • 3BA

$1,695,000 $P.O.R.

$3,695/monthly $3,200/monthly $2,500/monthly $8,200/monthly

138

MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

General administrative support needed for busy Five Towns office.

Part Time, in-office position.

Flexible hours. Looking for someone who is detail-oriented and dedicated. Proficiency in Excel/Word a must.

Please send inquiry/resume to flexiblestaffpositions21 @gmail.com

PEYD is seeking a full-time Executive Sales Assistant.

The candidate must be detail oriented, creative, personable, able to articulate clearly and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, organizational and time management skills, and effective customer service skills.

Candidates should submit their resume and inquiries to admin@getpeyd.com.

Local Yeshiva looking to hire a mature, capable F/T front desk receptionist. Job responsibilities include answering phones and door, data entry & database upkeep, & mail responsibilities.

Candidate must be detailoriented, organized, and have the ability to multi-task.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office preferred.

Enjoyable working environment, personal, sick, vacation days offered, Yom Tovim and certain legal holidays off.

Please email resume to admin@shoryoshuv.org

General administrative support needed for busy Five Towns office.

Part-Time, in-office position.

Flexible hours.

Looking for someone who is detail-oriented, dependable, and dedicated. Proficiency in Excel/ Word a must.

Please send inquiry/resume to flexiblestaffpositions21 @gmail.com

Job description: Great Opportunity. Fast growing.

Amazing team and work environment.

Must be organized, positive & comfortable on the phone.

Flexible schedule. Competitive compensation with room for growth.

516-430-5503 hello@goventright.com Seeking Asst. Editor New York-based publication seeking assistant editor. Strong administrative and organizational skills required as well as solid understanding of Orthodox Judaism. Ideal for student graduating in May with B.A. in journalism, English or related field. Copyediting, proofing and clerical du-ties.

Email renee@ou.org.

JOB OPPORTUNITY Looking for a female worker to work with a high functioning 6 y/o female in the Far Rockaway area, twice a week from 2:30-5:00pm. Hours are flexible.

Great pay!

Please call: 718-854-2747 Ext 1110.

Refer to job ID 6666

Shulamith School for Girls in Cedarhurst, NY, is looking for teachers for the 2022-23 school year in elementary school, special education, and all middle school subjects. For Torah Studies and Lashon teachers, fluency in spoken and written Hebrew is required.

Also looking for bright, motivated assistant teachers to help classroom teachers by working with the students either directly or indirectly; some substitute teaching is involved. Looking for all grade levels. P/T - perfect for college students.

Salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience.

Please send resumes to tshapiro@shulamith.org Experience in not-for-profit Jewish organizations is a plus.

Excellent part-time opportunity with competitive hourly compensation.

Candidate will work with the director in developing budget and fundraising initiatives and generating reports to present to our Board of Directors.

Send resumes to info@legacy613.org

ASSISTANT REBBEIM and TEACHERS CAHAL, the community Special Ed program in Five Towns and Far Rockaway yeshivas has immediate openings available for: AM ASSISTANT REBBES for a 4th-5th grade class and a 6th grade class PM ASSISTANT TEACHERS for a 2nd-3rd grade class and a 6th grade class We have small classes and flexible hours.

Email resume to shira@cahal.org or call 516-295-3666.

ASSISTANT TEACHERS CAHAL is seeking PM Assistant Teachers for young classes in 5-Towns and Far Rockaway.

E-mail resume to Shira@cahal.org or call 516-295-3666.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS CAHAL is seeking afternoon maternity leave substitute secular studies teacher for a small 6th grade boys class and PM secular studies permanent substitute.

E-mail resume to Shira@cahal.org or call 516-295-3666.

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 SPEECH THERAPIST CAHAL is seeking a Speech/ Language Therapist for Special Ed classes in 5-Towns /Far Rock yeshivas. E-mail resume to Shira@cahal.org or call 516-295-3666 Growing Back Office Accounting firm looking for experienced accountants and bookkeepers.

Please email us at jobs@riveredgeadvisors.com or call 516-548-1622 NEW YESHIVA IN QUEENS SEEKING SECRETARY Must be detail-oriented, have great organizational skills, able to multi-task. Experience in school programs a plus.

Send resume to: office@yeshivatbneitorah.org or call/text: 347-351-4573 SHULAMITH EARLY CHILDHOOD is looking to hire a full time teacher assistant for the current school year.

Please email resume to earlychildhood@shulamith.org

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

139

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

MISC

MISC

Shulamith Early Childhood Center in Woodmere is looking for lead teachers and assistants for the 22/23 school year. Warm, nurturing working environment with full support and guidance provided to new teachers.

Please send your resume to ekirschbaum@shulamith.org

Special Care seeks patient Male or female com/hab worker 5:30-7:30 P.M. for 7-year-old boy with autism in Bayswater, full or partial coverage.

718-252-3365 ext: 102 or renay@specialcarefor.com

Gemach Zichron Yehuda In memory of R’ Yehuda Aryeh Leib ben R’ Yisroel Dov We have a library of books on the subjects of loss, aveilus, grief, & kaddish. We have sets of ArtScroll Mishnayos to assist with finishing Shisha Sidrei Mishna for Shloshim or yahrtzeit.

Locations in Brooklyn, Far Rockaway, & Lakewood.

Email: zichronyehuda@yahoo.com

COTTON CANDY PARTY MACHINE FOR RENT $100 an event.

All Proceeds to tzedakah For more information call or text 917-923-0011

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 Junior Accountant/Full Charge Bookkeeper RE Management Office (Five Towns) seeks junior accountant.

Hours 10-4 (Flexible).

Email resume and salary requirements to jordan@imc.net

JOIN OUR TEAM! NurNursing Home Management Company in Brooklyn Looking to fill the following positions: Administrative Assistant MS office suite proficiency required Administrative Assistant experience required WE ARE LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED FULL TIME BOOKKEEPER Excellent growth potential Frum environment Excellent salary & benefits Email resume to: resumetfs1@gmail.com Please put position title and FTJH in subject line

Small Ads at Work Classifieds

se inating rvices; d r o It’s not about co al impact. e r g it’s about creatin Join Comfort Health as an HCBS coordinator and help children acquire the services they need to gain daily living and coping skills; while ensuring their ongoing success.

Requirements: Organizational Skills Communication and Interpersonal Skills No degree required

Why you’ll love it here: Seamless training process Multiple growth opportunities Fast-paced, supportive environment

Ready to make a difference?

Email your resume to: Williamsburg positions: stessler@comforthealthny.org Boro Park positions: cgreenfeld@comforthealthny.org Five Towns positions: Claufer@hamaspikkings.org

140 14

MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Your

Money

I’m Listening

By Allan Rolnick, CPA

F

rom 1993 through 2004, Kelsey Grammar became the highest-paid actor on television, playing the psychiatrist and radio host Frasier Crane in the critically-acclaimed sitcom Frasier. Every weekday at 2:00 PM, he took to his mic on Seattle’s KACL and opened his show with the soothing words, “Hello Seattle, I’m listening.” Invariably, hijinks ensued. (Little-known fact: KACL was owned by the same nationwide media company that also owned WKRP in Cincinnati.)

Two decades after Frasier signed off KACL to follow Charlotte to Chicago, it seems harder than ever to just find someone willing to listen. This is especially true at the IRS. Customer service agents are still struggling to answer calls from 2019. Hold times have increased to an average of over 70 minutes, if they answer at all. (At one point last year, the Washington Post reported, the Service was answering just one out of every 50 calls.)

There’s even a private service for tax professionals, starting at $99/month, that sits on hold for them to connect them to the next available agent.

That’s why it’s such good news to see the IRS actually listen to a couple of recent outcries over announcements that rubbed taxpayers and professionals the

wrong way.

Earlier this month, we wrote about an IRS plan designed to relieve call times by switching communications to the web. The Service still doesn’t use email to communicate with taxpayers – maybe they’re still waiting to see if this new faxing technology catches on? Nevertheless, with 2 billion annual visits to their website, they need a reliable way to verify online identities. Their solution? Up-

The second example should serve as a splash of cold reality to those who watched all those TurboTax commercials during the NFL playoffs and think tax preparers lead lives of constant glamour and intrigue. On January 18, the IRS issued final instructions for the new partnership and S corporation Schedules K-2 and K-3 reporting international-source income and expenses. Those instructions implied that every one of the

It seems harder than ever to just find someone willing to listen.

load a video of your face, along with a drivers’ license or other state-issued ID, to a private contractor and let the facial-recognition algorithms go to town!

Fortunately, most of us who read 1984 understood that Orwell intended it as a warning, not a playbook. Members of Congress, privacy advocates, and plain old taxpayers raised an uproar. The IRS said, “We’re listening,” and quickly backed off the plan.

country’s eight million flow-through entities would have to fill out an extra 40 pages of forms unless the preparer knows that every partner or flow-through investor is exempt from filing Form 1116. Even worse, the IRS wouldn’t accept electronic filing for the new schedules until after the returns themselves are due on March 15!

Now, you may not think that Facebook groups for accountants are as lively as, say, groups for people trying

to warn us about the lizard people or UFOs coming to take over the planet.

Usually, you’d be right! But the new forms and instructions, along with the potential $195/month penalty, prompted the closest you’ll find to an uproar among that usually mild-mannered community. Last week, the IRS said, “We’re listening,” and announced penalty relief for good-faith efforts to adopt the new schedules and transition relief for entities with no foreign activity or entities with no partners or shareholders who need that information to complete their personal returns.

The best tax professionals divide their time between two activities: planning to take advantage of concepts and strategies to help you pay less, and putting numbers in boxes to tell the IRS how they’ve succeeded. Last week’s announcement frees up time to plan and answer other important questions. Like…what are you going to do with all those tossed salads and scrambled eggs?

Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

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43

Life C ach

Be Unlimited

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

W

ait a minute. If I’m looking down at the clouds, then what’s above me

now?

So these little fluffy cotton swabs I’m looking down at are actually those massive clouds we see in the sky? Or is it the other way around?

Maybe those big clouds in the sky are really mere cotton balls.

Will it rain up at me or snow up this way? Or am I above it all?

There’s certainly nothing clouding my view of the heavens above, but now I can’t really see the earth below anymore.

I’m flying sky high! What’s this all about? If just getting on an ElAl airplane can change my physical perspective, will my intended destination change my spiritual perspective?

Are the clouds that usually hover over us really threatening or are we just seeing them that way? Maybe they are blocking us from seeing the truth that the sky keeps going on and on. You are not hemmed in. As the saying goes: the sky’s the limit.

In other words, potential is endless!

Just because sometimes we can’t see past a point or what’s ahead,

should we succumb to feeling discouraged, dark, or defeated?

This morning, I was solidly planted on the ground, and suddenly, with one simple running jump, the plane swooped me above the seeming limits.

OK, I’ll be honest! It did first take getting my nose irrigated

And after that, of course, shlepping more bags than the hands you’ve been blessed with from your front door to attain an exo tensive tour of the air por t.

And finally, undergoing the 3rd,4th, and 5th degree to see if you are a lethal threat to some new country.

But, then, with a running jump,

If just getting on an El-Al airplane can change my physical perspective, will my intended destination change my spiritual perspective?

about 10 swabs’ worth around and around in each nostril to make sure no trace of COVID showed up.

A nd, then, confronting packing – that torturous task one must complete if one wishes to move their entire life – shoes, clothes, electronics, and chargers – to another destination.

the plane had me up in…

OK, I’ll be a little more truthful. It did take about an hour of remaining parked at the gate and another hour or so of endlessly driving down the runway to the point where I suspected we’d be going by ground transport to Israel before we got up in the air.

But, then, honestly, within seconds, we were above the clouds and up in the wide blue yonder.

My point is we don’t always see it, but in a wink of an eye things can change. (Maybe a shlepped-out wink.)

Should we doubt then that the Grand Maestro can orchestrate that same turnaround in other areas of our lives as well?

Well, here I am, off to the Holy Land to reconnect more consciously to that truth. I’ve seen it already physically just by getting on the plane. Now all I need to do is close my eyes and take myself to the next level.

Why not close your eyes and join me on the ride?

Rivki Rosenwald is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with both couples and individuals and is a certified relationship counselor. Rivki is a co-founder and creator of an effective Parent Management of Adolescent Years Program. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or at rivkirosenwald@ gmail.com.

The Jewish Home | MARCH 3, 2022

Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services proudly announces

Support groups for individuals touched by grief and loss

Trauma team responding nationally Counseling for individuals experiencing trauma

Teacher Support Helpline

Led by: Tzivy Reiter, LCSW

Director of Children’s and Trauma Services

Dr. Norman Blumenthal

Director of Trauma

Training and implementing a TraumaSensitive approach in schools

Resilience resources for educators and families

www.ohelfamily.org

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MARCH 3, 2022 | The Jewish Home

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