Five Towns Jewish Home - 6-24-21 by The Jewish Home

June 24, 2021

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50 Spirited Chanukas Habayis and Hachnosas Sefer Torah at Sulitzer Shul

54 Summer Kicks Off Upstate See pages 17–19

42 Appreciation and Farewell to a Beloved Principal

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JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

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Dear Readers,

’ve realized recently that I’m very bad at packing. My lack of talent isn’t connected to a challenge in how to fit shoes in the right crevices in the suitcase or how to place shampoos in little baggies before I pack. No, my handicap when it comes to packing is that I tend to bring way too much stuff with me when I leave my house. This, of course, doesn’t only happen when I pack for long vacations. It also comes up when we head out on day trips. Or to the park. Or go away for Shabbos. Or on the train to the city. I find that when I come home, much – or at least, some – of what I pack comes back in the exact same condition as when we first left. That is, never even used once. I’m aware of where my problem comes from. I’m of the philosophy that you never know what you may need. And in that spirit, I tend to pack with the you-never-know attitude – and you know where that ends up leading: to too much stuff. Say, for instance, I’m taking the train to Manhattan (in the days when Manhattan was actually an enjoyable place to be). In the event that I may end up being bored with nothing to do on the train, I’ll pack a book – or two – some snacks (because you never know when hunger may strike), a few water bottles, a notebook for work, and maybe even my laptop. That, of course, makes for a very heavy bag to lug up the stairs in Penn Station and ends up aggravating me as I rub elbows with my fellow commuters on the way home. But, hey, you never know what you’ll end up needing…

As a mother, this outlook extends to me packing for my family as well. I always end up taking along Children’s Tylenol and Band-Aids and extra sleeves of diapers when we go away. And many extra sets of clothing. Oh, and food. Because, if you eat kosher, you know that that’s the most important part of packing. And it’s not just the food that you worry about. You end up bringing along a George Foreman and a Betty Crocker and an urn and a stack of knives and a few Kosher Lamps. The TSA agents probably wonder if all Orthodox Jews own electronic stores. Now, I’m helping my son pack for camp. And I’m trying – really trying – to hold myself back from packing too much. It’s not that I don’t think that he may just need 12 undershirts, seven yarmulkas, three different types of slippers, and a fridge over the next few weeks. It’s just that when it comes to camp, it’s guaranteed that once things leave the house they are never coming back home in the same condition as when they left. Either they’ll come back broken or dirty – or not even come back at all. Still, as we attempt to stuff everything into two duffel bags, and I try very hard to hold myself back from overpacking, I know that I’m going to be getting phone calls during the summer about all the things that my son still needs. You know the “Hello, Mommy? Can you send me…? Thank you so much!” phone calls? Yup, you can never pack enough… Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

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JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

COMMUNITY 8

Readers’ Poll Community Happenings

NEWS

Global

National

That’s Odd

ISRAEL Israel News

World Builders

JEWISH THOUGHT Rabbi Wein on the Parsha

Toras Moshe vs. Parshas Bilaam by Rav Moshe Weinberger

Bounty and Boundaries by Shmuel Reichman

Delving into the Daf by Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

The Fast of Shivah Asar B’Tammuz Revealed by Rabbi Daniel Glatstein

PEOPLE The Rabbi Who Ran an Undercover Intelligence Unit by Tzvi Leff

86 110

The Ritchie Boys by Avi Heiligman HEALTH & FITNESS “That’s Who I am” by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn

Foods for a Good Night’s Sleep by Cindy Weinberger, MS RD

FOOD & LEISURE The Aussie Gourmet: Cheese Noodle Kugel

100

LIFESTYLES Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW 90 Parenting Pearls

Mind Your Business

102

Your Money

116

Bored is Beautiful by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS 118

POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes

104

Pelosi’s Excuses for the Vile Bigotry of Ilhan Omar by Marc A. Thiessen

108

Democrats Know Big Government is a One-Way Ratchet by Marc A. Thiessen

109

CLASSIFIEDS

Dear Editor, Love Sara Rayvych’s article this week about Father’s Day! Fathers truly are special and offer children another aspect to their lives. They’re generally more “fun” and add spice to their kids’ days. Just a reminder: there are some individuals who do not have their fathers in their lives. There are many individuals who can give them that “father” aspect – a rebbe, a neighbor, an uncle or a grandfather. Those people are just as special and should be celebrated as well. Naftali Rothchild Dear Editor, I can postulate why a parsha is named after Korach. Based on the idea that we know who we are by what we are not, Korach serves as the primary example of what not to be in life. By giving him a portion in the Torah, we are shown that one who

is embroiled in the traits of kinah, taiva and kavod are literally “taken from this world,” swallowed by the earth. The message is clear: adopt an opposite lifestyle of this person. But what’s the message of naming a portion after Balak? On the one hand, he persisted in trying to realize a curse against Israel, yet Ruth is a descendant of his, due to his unintentional deliverance of sacrifices. What is to be learned? Perhaps it’s a simple point that Balak missed. He hired Bilam because he believed the Jewish military victories came by way of sorcery. This was a fundamental error. It’s incumbent upon a king to be a student of history. Unlike Yitro who “heard,” Balak merely “saw,” without internalizing who was behind the Jewish victories. Being blind to the Al-mighty and reaching for honor are two egregious sins, and the Torah gave us two characters to study in order to avoid these pitfalls. Steven Genack Dear Editor, Put yourself in the position of a police officer constantly wearing a camera and a recorder. Whenever you have a serious confrontation with someone, you will be analyzed first as to whether you made the right move and/or used the correct verbal exchange. How can you do a decent and reContinued on page 10

HUMOR Centerfold

Dear Editor, I thought that your article written by Rabbi Orlofsky about his mentor and rebbe was wonderful. It shows that a rebbe does not have to bend his values in order to connect with his students. Rather, his students will feel connected to his authenticity and sincerity and his connection to the Truth. Keeping true to your values does not mean that you love someone any less. Sincerely, R. Gordon

112

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Continued from page 8

sponsible job in such a stressful situation? You may be either a daredevil or just a member of the police force. To stay out of trouble, I’m sure you will go for the second choice. In each profession, there are some troublemakers who go overboard. This is also true for the police force; however, this does not justify going after the entire police force and stamp it as a none disciplinary crowd. Let’s make changes where necessary and reinstate greater trust in the police officers so they are able to do their job. Downgrading the police results in upgrading crime! The current situation in larger cities all over the nation demonstrates this loud and clear! Heinz Mayer Garden City, NY

Dear Editor, This is in response to Chana, who wrote into the Navidaters column about not finding a shidduch because her parents are divorced. It sounds like her parents’ divorce has been hard on her, particularly since she is seeing that as the obstacle to marriage. There are many reasons why someone is not married, primarily, that it’s not yet their time. But to see her parents’ divorce as the prime reason why she’s not married means that she has been deeply hurt by it. I strongly suggest she head to therapy to go through the emotions she feels about what happened in her parents’ home years ago. Ironing out those emotions will help her get over this hump and will hopefully make her a healthier individual who will be a better candidate for a solid relationship and marriage. Hatzlacha! Sori Friedman

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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.

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JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

The Week In News

Newspaper Editors Arrested in Hong Kong

On Thursday, Hong Kong police arrested five editors and executives of a pro-democracy newspaper, on charges of colluding with foreign powers. The arrests were conducted under a new national security law, marking the first time the legislation has been used against the press. Police claimed they had evidence that over 30 articles published by the Apple Daily had played a “cru-

cial part” in a “conspiracy” with foreign countries to impose sanctions against both China and Hong Kong. In a statement, the daily, one of Hong Kong’s most vocal against the Chinese and Hong Kong governments, said it was “speechless” but promised to continue its reporting work. Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai is serving 20 months in prison on charges of playing a role in unauthorized protests in 2019. Among those arrested last Thursday are the paper’s chief editor, Ryan Law; the CEO of its publisher Next Digital, Cheung Kim-hung; the publisher’s chief operating officer; and two other top editors, according to the newspaper. In addition to the arrests, police froze 18 million in Hong Kong dollars ($2.3 million USD) in assets belonging to three companies linked to Apple Daily, AP said, quoting senior superintendent at Hong Kong’s National Security Department Li Kwai-wah. In a letter to readers, Apple Daily wrote, “Today’s Hong Kong feels unfamiliar and leaves us speechless. It feels as though we are powerless to stop the regime from exercising its power as it pleases. Nevertheless, the staff of Apple Daily is standing firm.

We will continue to persist as Hongkongers and live up to the expectations so that we have no regrets to our readers and the times we are in.” At a news conference, Hong Kong Security Minister John Lee said police will investigate those arrested and others to establish if they have assisted in instigating or funding the offenses, and said that the Apple Daily arrests were not connected to “normal journalistic work” but that “the action targeted the use of journalistic work as a tool to endanger national security.”

Taliban Overtakes Afghan Forces

At least 24 Afghan commandos and five police officers were killed last week in northern Afghanistan,

after they were surrounded by the Taliban. The New York Times noted that the troops are often the only units preventing the Taliban from making additional territorial gains. According to the Times, the battle took place in Dawlat Abad in the Faryab Province, during the early morning hours on Wednesday. In the battle, Afghan forces attempted to retake the area from the Talban. However, they were forced to declare defeat several hours later, after larger Taliban forces surrounded them. Mohammad Hakim, a militia commander who escaped the district, recounted, “When the Taliban came to Dawlat Abad, they surrounded the commandos and killed them in less than an hour.” According to Afghanistan’s Tolo News, Thursday saw fighting in 80 of Afghanistan’s approximately 400 districts in the country. On Thursday, the neighboring district of Shirin Tagab fell to the Taliban, as the terror group seized at least 100 vehicles and hundreds of weapons. Several hundred Afghan security forces were either captured or surrendered. U.S. and international forces are slated to leave Afghanistan by mid-September but will likely leave

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

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by July, the Times added, noting that the impending departure has emboldened the Taliban.

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Calls to Investigate Iran’s New President

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versal jurisdiction.” Turning to the United Nations Human Rights Council, Amnesty International called for “concrete steps to address the crisis of systematic impunity in Iran” and for the establishment of “an impartial mechanism to collect and analyze evidence of the most serious crimes under international law committed in Iran to facilitate fair and independent criminal proceedings.”

Tasmanian Devils Feast on Penguins Amnesty International has called for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to be investigated on suspicion of committing crimes against humanity and a “spiraling crackdown” on human rights. Raisi was declared Iran’s new president on Saturday. In a statement, Amnesty International said, “That Ebrahim Raisi has risen to the presidency instead of being investigated for the crimes against humanity of murder, enforced disappearance and torture is a grim reminder that impunity reigns supreme in Iran.” The rights group added that the “fate of the victims and the whereabouts of their bodies are, to this day, systematically concealed by the Iranian authorities, amounting to ongoing crimes against humanity.” According to them, Raisi “presided over a spiraling crackdown on human rights” during his time as Iran’s judiciary chief. During that “crackdown,” Amnesty said, “hundreds of peaceful dissidents, human rights defenders and members of persecuted minority groups arbitrarily detained.” The group added, “Under his watch, the judiciary has also granted blanket impunity to government officials and security forces responsible for unlawfully killing hundreds of men, women and children.” Raisi also subjected “thousands of protesters to mass arrests and at least hundreds to enforced disappearance, and torture and other ill-treatment during and in the aftermath of the nationwide protests of November 2019,” Amnesty noted. “We continue to call for Ebrahim Raisi to be investigated for his involvement in past and ongoing crimes under international law, including by states that exercise uni-

An attempt to save the Tasmanian devil by sending an “insurance population” to Australia’s Maria Island has brought about “catastrophic” results, including the complete elimination of little penguins, BirdLife Tasmania reported. The island, 116 square kilometers, is located northwest of Tasmania and was home to 3,000 breeding pairs of little penguins ten years ago. Since 2012, when Tasmanian devils were introduced, the number of little penguins has diminished. According to BirdLife Tasmania, the most recent survey conducted by the parks department showed that the penguins had vanished completely. Dr. Eric Woehler, the convenor of BirdLife Tasmania, told The Guardian, “Every time humans have deliberately or accidentally introduced mammals to oceanic islands, there’s always been the same outcome … a catastrophic impact on one or more bird species.” He added, “Losing 3,000 pairs of penguins from an island that is a national park that should be a refuge for this species basically is a major blow.” Noting anecdotal evidence of behavioral changes in Cape Barren geese on Maria Island, Woehler said, “We’re getting reports of geese trying to nest in trees to avoid devil predation. “It’s very clear that the devils have had a catastrophic ecological

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impact on the bird fauna on Maria Island.” Woehler added, “You have a range of insurance populations around Tasmania and on the mainland of Australia [now]. I would argue that the removal of one insurance population will not have any adverse consequences for the devil.” Last year, research found that Tasmanian devils had decimated colonies of short-tailed shearwaters on Maria Island.

The Olympics are Here

Olympic organizers will allow up to 10,000 spectators at this summer’s Tokyo Games, The Washington Post reported this week.

In an announcement, the organizers of the Games said the limit would be 10,000 or 50% of a venue’s capacity, whichever is smaller. However, the limit will not include VIPs, officials, other “stakeholders,” or school groups. Spectators may, however, be banned entirely if there is a drastic deterioration in the country’s coronavirus infection rate prior to July 23. Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic organizing committee, said, “We acknowledge that there’s uncertainty on the situation with the pandemic during the Games, so we need to be very flexible.” He added that an “abrupt change in the situation” would create a situation in which “all the options, including no spectator games, will be examined by the stakeholders.” The Tokyo 2020 Olympics is set to begin on July 23, with 206 nations participating. Tickets have been sold for an average 42% of venue capacity but exceed the cap for approximately 10% of scheduled events. For these events, a new lottery is expected to be held to allocate tickets.

Esther Molly Abrams Chaya Sara Ament Emunah Baron Malkie Bernstein Nechama Bogopulsky Jordy Burger Miriam Englard Tzivia Etra Leah Faska

Allie Feit Batya Fischman Leora Friedman Ariella Garrett Miriam Ghoori Esther Glatt Aviva Gluck Lily Hecht Avigail Hellman

On Sunday, Iran’s national electric company called on Iranians to reduce electricity consumption, due to “limitations in power generation due to ongoing repairs at [the] Bushehr plant.”

Iran’s Nuclear Power Plant Shut Temporarily

Venezuela Exodus Hits Record High Iran’s Bushehr facility was removed from the power grid for several days due to a “technical fault,” the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran claimed in a statement. In a statement on its site, the organization wrote, “Following a technical fault at Bushehr power plant, and after a one-day notice to the energy ministry, the plant was temporarily shut down and taken off the power grid.” The statement emphasized that the plant will be reconnected to the grid and the issue resolved “in a few days.” The company also said that repairs on the plant may continue until the end of the week.

Lea Herskovic Rayna Hoffman Zahava Hoffmann Amalia Jaffe Esther Klein Gabriella Klein Daniella Landau Miri Mandelbaum Gaby Meisner

Aliza Mezei Rachel Nefas Rivka Neufeld Aliza Newman Ayala Pearlman Zeeva Pilevsky Talia Pinchasov Miriam Portal Daniella Rodriguez

Over 5.6 million people have left Venezuela since 2015, when the country had a population of 30 million, The Guardian reported. Most of the emigrants left to escape economic, social, and political hardships. Eduardo Stein, special representative of the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), said, “Never in our history in Latin America have we faced such movement

Aliza Schaulewicz Kayla Sherman Lyla Shuval Leah Sorotzkin Rivky Stawis Ramie Wieder Lianna Winkler Atara Zharnest

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

The Torah World Phenomenon Inspires Again

By Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

Post-Covid 19 Farher in Yerushalayim

The heartfelt words of admiration in the box below, followed an amazing ‘postCovid 19’ public farher in Yerushalayim conducted by these two Geonim, which covered the entire Shas in depth! “Such proficiency in Shas causes one’s reasoning not to be simply a personal opinion, rather true Talmudic reasoning. Thus, you will readily come to the halacha throughout the Torah.” Maran, the Rishon l’Tzion, was expressing his amazement to the avreichim geonim of the Kollel Shas Yiden, after the public farher from in-depth reasoning on Shas through to practical halacha, and he enjoyed their absolute mastery of each subject discussed.

Shas Yiden’s Remarkable Growth

In just the last seven years, Shas Yiden has grown from one Kollel in Beit Shemesh with just over a minyan of avreichim to five Kollelim! There are now 82 avreichim geonim. The kollelim are in Yerushalayim, Bnei Brak, Beit Shemesh, Beitar and London, UK. The big

motivator for the expansion is the Nasi of Shas Yiden, Maran Sar Hatorah, Hagaon Hagadol Rav Chaim Kanievsky, shlit”a. After testing the avreichim geonim for years, he gave his brocha to the founder, the Pozna Rov, Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, shlit”a, to open further kollelim. Planning is underway for a sixth kollel to open by Kislev 5782 (December 2021).

A Unique Program

The idea of having each avreich submit to such a very demanding daily regimen and to complete Shas so thoroughly each year, is unique in the Torah world. They each conclude the entire Shas FIVE times a year (13,555 blatt) with every Rashi and Tosfos, all of which they learn to master b’al peh! Acceptance is through a searching

examination on 450 blatt and the ability and commitment to keep up with the pace of learning, namely, 7 days a week.

Public Farheren

The idea of public oral examinations of Shas Yiden has become very popular. This wondrous spectacle, for that is what it is, to see such incredible scholarship on display, has been repeated regularly, sometimes three or four times in a year. The frequency notwithstanding, every time such a test takes place, the spectacle reverberates throughout the Torah world and causes waves of amazement. This has an incredible impact on those who study Torah, and who are able to view the past farheren on the Shas Yiden website (www.shasyiden.com).

“You are all so proficient in Shas, Rashi and Tosfos, that your minds are Talmudic minds and your reasoning is Talmudic reasoning,” declared Maran Hagaon, the Rishon l’Tzion, Harav Yitzchak Yosef, shlit”a, to the avreichim geonim of Shas Yiden. “Such an assembly as this, is an incredible Kiddush Hashem, and hastens the Geulah,” added Maran Hagaon Harav Bezalel Rudinsky of Monsey, NY.

L-R: Hagaon Harav Moshe Isaac Samet, Rosh Hakollel Shas Yiden Maran Hagaon Harav Bezalel Rudinsky, Rosh Yeshiva Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY

“I was Blown Away”

The public farher exam was also conducted by Maran Hagaon Harav Bezalel Rudinsky, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva Ohr Reuven and Rav of Cong. Ahavas Yitzchok in Monsey, NY. He is known for his erudition in all Torah subjects, and who personally completes Bavli, Yerushalmi and the entire Shulchan

L-R: Hagaon Harav Moshe Isaac Samet, Rosh Hakollel Shas Yiden, Maran Hagaon Harav Bezalel Rudinsky, Maran Rishon l’Tzion, Hagaon Harav Yitzchak Yosef, Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, Founder Shas Yiden, Pozna Rov

JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Avreichim geonim Shas Yiden

L-R: Maran Hagaon Harav Bezalel Rudinsky, Rosh Yeshiva Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY, Maran Rishon l’Tzion, Hagaon Harav Yitzchak Yosef, Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, Founder Shas Yiden, Pozna Rov

Entire gathering at the Shas Yiden Shas Farher in Yerushalayim

L-R: Maran Rishon l’Tzion, Hagaon Harav Yitzchak Yosef Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, Founder Shas Yiden, Pozna Rov

l-r: Hagaon Harav Moshe Isaac Samet, Rosh Hakollel Shas Yiden, Maran Hagaon Harav Bezalel Rudinsky, Rosh Yeshiva Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY, Maran Rishon l’Tzion, Hagaon Harav Yitzchak Yosef, Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, Founder Shas Yiden, Pozna Rov

Some of the wide-ranging questions:

A short selection of questions referencing numerous sources from across Shas that led to extensive debate between the questioners and the avreichim geonim. QUESTIONS: •

•

How many implications are there if we say safek d’oraisa is l’kula implies being lenient d’oraisa or d’rabbanan? It is known from the Brisker Rov that it is preferable if there is a support from the Torah, more than if we know the matter itself from real life, because the Torah verse is of greater reality than the object or matter itself. What are the supports for this statement from across Shas?

•

As well, when a Tanna says a reason in a Mishna, where does the Gemara still attempt to bring support statements from the Torah?

•

Is there a concept of arvus applicable to

geirim? •

Is there a chazaka for someone who says that he paid a debt within 30 days – because we say that there is a chazaka that one does not pay before the time limit of the loan?

•

Is the birth of twins considered an extra ‘plus’ for the father?

•

Can you bring a support for the Bach that rov ganvei Yisrael is not the simple meaning?

•

When may one tell an untruth, and under what conditions, and how many times and where is it mentioned in Shas?

•

What is the source in Shas for a Mora d’asra?

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

be ready in your mouth so that if any man will ask you a question, you shall not fumble; rather you should be able to respond immediately’, which is the way of Shas Yiden,” he said.

New Questioning Format

The gathering, as on the previous occasions, amazed all who attended, with a Entire gathering at the Shas Yiden Shas Farher in Yerushalayim continuous flow of brilliant questions. However, on this Aruch every year. The two Geonim occasion by way of a change, most of the examiners questioned the avreichim questions were in-depth questions. The geonim for well over an hour, and derived much satisfaction from the amazing avreichim geonim had to draw examples mastery of every corner of Shas by the Shas from all over Shas to Halachic-Conceptual questions where the answers could not Yiden. At the conclusion of the farher, Rav be derived from superficial Rudinsky was all-American when he a knowledge level declared, “I was blown away by the Shas of Shas. Not Yiden. This gathering is an incredible Kiddush Hashem - that Jews should know u n e x p e c t e d l y, avreichim Shas in such a manner! Such a gathering the geonim weighed hastens the Geulah (Redemption), and and considered if I can be part of it, I feel a great zechus all the volumes (merit).” of Shas, and delivered in Impact Worldwide Rav Rudinsky said that so many Jews depth reasoning throughout the world have been inspired while throwing and have increased their Torah learning out ideas from all since they heard about the phenomenon over Shas, as well of the Shas Yiden Kollel network. “You have as from halachic strengthened thousands of Jews in the sources and the mitzvah of acquiring Torah knowledge, to latter-day poskim. Avreichim geonim Shas Yiden the point that ‘the words of Torah should This was all to the

amazement of the Rabbonim examining them, and who declared: “You also know Choshen Mishpat by heart?” This amazing rischa d’oraisa (tumultuous Torah discussion) closed with the heartfelt words of the Rishon l’Tzion, who told the story of how his late revered father, Maran Hagaon Ovadia Yosef, zt”l, who had mastered Shas at age 15, would encourage others to master Shas. He also spoke about those who support and ensure the vibrant continuity of Shas Yiden. “Shas Yiden is unique in the Torah world,” he declared. To see the letters of the Rishon l’Tzion and Rav Rudinsky and to see the dynamic farher, or for more information on Shas Yiden, or to donate click on www.shasyiden.com or call 718-702-1528 or Mail: 1274 49th Street #562, Brooklyn, NY 11219

After the farher, the examiners with the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim, in the center L-R, Hagaon Harav Moshe Isaac Samet, Rosh Hakollel Shas Yiden, Maran Hagaon Harav Bezalel Rudinsky, Rosh Yeshiva Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY, Maran Rishon l’Tzion, Hagaon Harav Yitzchak Yosef, Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, Founder Shas Yiden, Pozna Rov

JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

of people out of a country that was one of the richest in the region and a country that is not at war.” Stein noted, “Whatever fails in one of the largest and richest countries in the subcontinent is going to affect the rest of the region. Latin America will never be the same.” He also warned that “this pandemic has hit very hard those developed countries who have been traditional donors.” “We do not think that Latin American countries by themselves will be capable of dealing with this,” he added, expressing hope that a Canada conference last week will help raise awareness of the issue. Stein also said that between 1,800 and 2,000 people have left Venezuela daily in the past three months, with many taking dangerous paths out, including using people traffickers. Most Venezuelan refugees are being hosted in Latin America and the Caribbean, with Colombia hosting more than any other country, The Guardian noted. Last year, a United Nations response plan received less than half of the $1.41 billion requested; meanwhile, the Red Cross has said it needs $264 million to support the exiled Venezuelans and their host countries.

Belarus Sanctions

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New sanctions were imposed on Belarus this week by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom and Canada in a coordinated response to the Lukashenko government’s forced landing of a Ryanair flight and arrest of an opposition journalist last month as well as the “continuing repression” in the former Soviet state. In a joint statement, the partners said they were “united in our deep concern regarding the Lukashenko regime’s continuing attacks on human rights, fundamental freedoms, and international law.” “Today, we have taken coordi-

nated sanctions action in response to the May 23rd forced landing of a commercial Ryanair flight between two EU member states and the politically motivated arrest of journalist Raman Pratasevich and his companion Sofia Sapega, as well as to the continuing attack on human rights and fundamental freedoms,” the statement said. Pratasevich, a critic of Lukashenko, was arrested after his Ryanair flight from Greece to Lithuania was forced to land in Minsk. The diversion of the flight and his arrest sparked international outcry. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced visa restrictions on Monday on 46 officials “for their involvement in undermining or injuring institutions in Belarus, making these individuals generally ineligible for entry into the United States.” “These individuals hold key positions in the Presidential Administration, State Security Committee of the Republic of Belarus (Belarusian KGB), Ministry of Internal Affairs, Investigative Committee, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Sport and Tourism, State Border Committee, Ministry of Health, Constitutional Court, Prosecutor General’s Office, and district courts in Minsk,” he said. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned an additional 16 individuals and five entities, including Lukashenko’s press secretary and his former chief of staff, who currently serves as chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly. “The persons designated today have harmed the people of Belarus through their activities surrounding the fraudulent August 9, 2020, presidential election in Belarus and the ensuing brutal crackdown on protesters, journalists, members of the opposition, and civil society,” the Treasury Department said in a press release on Monday.

Most Expensive in the World The capital of Turkmenistan in Central Asia has been named as the world’s most expensive city for foreign workers. Ashgabat, a city of about one million people, topped a 2021 costof-living survey by consultancy firm Mercer. The ranking puts Ashgabat above

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last year’s priciest city, Hong Kong, which was placed second, followed by Beirut in Lebanon and Tokyo in Japan.

Of the priciest Chinese cities included, Shanghai climbed one spot to number six while the capital, Beijing, rose to ninth. Singapore, an island city-state known for its flourishing financial sector, took seventh place. At the bottom of the list, Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek was ranked as the least expensive city for foreign employees by the survey.

The annual report ranks 209 cities based on the cost of expenses such as housing, transport and food. Mercer said it evaluated more than 200 goods and services for the report, which is designed to help companies and governments around the world determine how much they should pay expatriate employees. Expatriates, or expats, are people who live or work outside their native countries. Most of the cities in Mercer’s top 10 are business hubs where economic growth has led to a hike in the price of housing and other living costs. But Ashgabat owes its high ranking to economic woes rather than prosperity, making it an outlier. Inflation has driven up the cost of living there. Known for its autocratic government and large gas reserves, Turkmenistan has been grappling with a long-running economic crisis that has plunged many citizens into poverty. Formerly part of the Soviet Union, the country is highly dependent on natural gas exports to Russia. The coronavirus pandemic also drove up food costs. Beirut also jumped this year on the list, as it took the 45th spot on last year’s rankings. Three Swiss cities were in the top 10, including Zurich, which dropped to fifth.

Mice Evacuate Prison

Many areas of Australia have been overrun by mice. This week, scores of mice in the Australian state of New South Wales forced a prison to evacuate at least 420 inmates and 200 staff, according to local authorities. The mouse infestation at the Wellington Correctional Centre broke down parts of the prison building’s infrastructure, damaging internal wiring and ceiling panels. Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin said that inmates will be transferred to other prisons and that staff would be relocated while authorities battle the infestation. “The health, safety and well-being of staff and inmates is our number one priority so it’s important for us to act now to carry out the vital remediation work,” Severin said. Steve Henry, a researcher with CSIRO, the national scientific body,

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said the mice broke into the prison as a result of its location in a rural area. “There are lots of fields with crops around the jail,” he said. “The mice invaded the jail looking for food and shelter as the weather gets colder outside.” Parts of Australia have been plagued by mice since last August. Since then, rodents have ravaged fields and infested homes, causing millions of dollars of damage to crops and machinery. But this is not a new phenomenon – the country has been seeing these outbreaks for the past decade. Farmland conditions have become more favorable for a mice invasion, and as a result, farmers have been dealing with significant losses, Henry said. “One of the things that happens is that the numbers of mice usually drop dramatically in the winter,” Henry said. But this year, farmers are concerned the plague may continue into summer because of the unusually high number of mice compared to past years. Mice are “carpeting the roads” in rural towns like Wellington this year, Henry said, something he has never seen before. New South Wales saw almost as much rain in 2020 as in the previous

two years combined, creating fertile ground for a bumper harvest and ideal conditions for mice. The state’s government has looked into tools to help farmers in ending the mice plague, including free rodenticide poison and mice-killing chemicals.

Chinese Crew Enters New Space Station

Three Chinese astronauts arrived at China’s new space station on Thursday for the start of a threemonth mission. The craft, a Shenzhou-12, dropped its boosters approximately two minutes into the flight and separated from the rocket’s upper section ten minutes into the flight, after which it extended its solar panels and entered orbit. Approximately six hours after

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taking off from the Jiuquan launch center at the edge of the Gobi Desert, the craft connected with the space station module. Three hours after that, the three astronauts opened the hatches and entered the Tianhe-1 living module, where they unpacked their equipment. The astronauts have been named as commander Nie Haisheng, 56; Liu Boming, 54; and space rookie Tang Hongbo, 45. During their mission, the astronauts will conduct experiments and maintenance, test equipment, and prepare the station to receive two laboratory modules next year. State broadcaster CCTV noted, “This represents the first time Chinese have entered their own space station.”

big clue that starting the disease with very low vitamin D leads to increased mortality and more severity.” Dr. Amiel Dror, a GMC physician and the Bar Ilan University researcher who led the study, said, “In short, after conducting this study I would say to people that during this pandemic, you certainly want to make sure that you have adequate vitamin D, because if you contract the coronavirus, it will help you. “We were very interested to see just what a big difference this made, with these patients some 14 times more likely, on average, to end up in severe or critical condition.” He added, “This study is important because of the results, because of the fact that it uses data from before admission, and also because we were careful to isolate all factors like age and diabetes. We saw that vitamin D deficiency is an independent factor that significantly influences the status of the patient.” The study has not yet been peer-reviewed.

The Importance of Vitamin D

Reckless Manslaughter for Police Officer

Covid-19 patients who are hospitalized while they are deficient in vitamin D are more likely to end up in severe or critical condition or die, Israeli researchers discovered. In a new study of Covid-19 patients hospitalized at the Galilee Medical Center (GMC), researchers found that 26% of those who were deficient in vitamin D died, compared to just 3% who were not deficient. Of the 1,176 patients admitted to GMC for Covid-19, 253 had vitamin D levels on record, and half of them were deficient in vitamin D. While most studies on vitamin D measured patients’ levels after they were already diagnosed with the coronavirus, this study used data from before the patients became ill with coronavirus. Speaking to The Times of Israel, endocrinologist Dr. Amir Bashkin, who was part of the research team, shared, “This is a very, very significant discrepancy, which represents a

The Border Police officer who fatally shot an autistic Palestinian Arab in May 2020 has been charged with reckless manslaughter, the Justice Ministry’s Police Internal Investigations Department announced last week. The officer had fired at the Arab, 32-year-old Iyad Halak, after mistaking him for an active terrorist. According to reports, Halak had been on his way to a local special education school when the 20-yearold police officer noticed his unusual behavior while walking in the tension-filled Old City of Jerusalem and mistook his phone for a gun. The officer’s commander, who was also at the scene, will not be tried. In a statement, the prosecutors said, “The policeman fired at the late Iyad Halak even as the deceased did not hold anything in his hands, nor did he perform any action that justi-

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JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

fied that he be shot. As such, he must be put on trial.” Attorneys Efrat Nahmani-Bar and Alon Porat, who are representing the police officer, said, “The decision indicates a complete lack of understanding by PIID. A situation in which an officer acts in good faith in an operational event and finds himself in the defendant’s chair is an intolerable situation.” If the officer is convicted, he faces up to twelve years in prison.

A Bedouin Town Operation

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Just prior to the formation of Israel’s new government last week, police officers warned that 30 illegal structures in the Bedouin town of Bir Hadaj would be demolished, Zman Yisrael reported last Wednesday. The move nearly prevented the formation of the government, the site said. The United Arab List (Ra’am) party’s voter base is scattered among the Bedouin villages in southern Israel, and the party’s coalition agreement includes a promise to end demolitions of the illegal structures rampant in the area. Former Bir Hadaj town council member Salman ibn Hamid, who now serves as director-general for the Neve Midbar Regional Council, said, “We haven’t seen anything like this for years — so many inspectors and police officers. “This was like a military operation,” he added. While Bir Hadaj is a legal village, the structures in question were constructed without the necessary permits, and many of the other Bedouin villages are illegal. Following the operation, Bir Hadaj residents asked Ra’am’s MK Saeed Alkharumi to vote against the new coalition. In respect to that request, Alkharumi abstained from the vote, allowing the new government to pass 60-59.

Justice Tzvi Tal Dies

Former Supreme Court justice Tzvi Tal, who oversaw the trial of Nazi guard John Demjanjuk and famously headed a committee for regulating delayed military service for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, died this week at the age of 94. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett mourned Tal, saying in a statement that he had been “a man of truth, wise and humble, and did much for the people of Israel from the day he immigrated to Israel from Poland… “The late Judge Tal was never afraid to express his conservative views, even when he was in the minority.” President Reuven Rivlin said Tal “was one of the most special judges of Israel.” “His wealth of knowledge in Torah and justice enabled him to feel at home in both the Israeli and Jewish law worlds and thus build a stable, balanced link between Israel’s Jewish and democratic characters,” Rivlin added. “His calm, direct and warm nature will be dearly missed.” Born to a chassidic family in Poland in 1927, Tal’s family moved to Israel when he was eight years old. He studied at the Bnei Akiva yeshiva in Kfar Haroeh before joining the Haganah paramilitary group and later the Israel Defense Forces. After completing his law studies at Hebrew University in 1953, Tal worked as a lawyer until 1978, when he was appointed a Jerusalem District Court judge. In 1988, he was on the panel of judges that convicted Demjanjuk of committing war crimes as a guard in the Treblinka death camp during the Holocaust and sentenced him to death. The conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court five years later, after new evidence cast doubt on Demjanjuk’s identification as Treblinka’s “Ivan the Terrible.” Tal also presided over cases regarding Reform conversion and the opening of a Jerusalem main street going through charedi neighbor-

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hoods on Shabbat. He convicted nuclear spy Mordechai Vanunu of espionage and treason in 1988, but wrote later in his memoir that the state had gone too far in barring from publication details of the trial and in keeping Vanunu in solitary confinement for a long time. He became a Supreme Court justice in 1994 and served there for three years until his retirement at age 70. In 1999, Tal was appointed head of an eponymous committee that formulated recommendations to the Knesset, which resulted in the so-called Tal Law regulating a delay in army service for charedi yeshiva students, a highly contentious issue in the ultra-Orthodox community, where many oppose serving in the IDF. The law for the first time required yeshiva students who wanted to work to first serve a shortened period of time in the army or in national service. However, the High Court of Justice nullified the law in 2012, arguing that it didn’t uphold the principle of equality. In 2005, Tal was a fierce critic of the plan to evacuate all settlements in the Gaza Strip, and slammed the High Court for rejecting petitions against it. “This is simply an injustice, uprooting people from their homes,” he said at the time, adding that had he been a soldier, he would have refused the evacuation order. “The Supreme Court didn’t act reasonably. It definitely disappointed me. I don’t know how the justices explain that to themselves.”

Clashes in East Jerusalem

PA Refuses Israel’s Vaccines

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oNTech vaccine and reject the first 100,000 doses transferred to it. In its response, Israel’s Health Ministry expressed surprise at the move, emphasizing that the vaccines were “perfectly sound” and “identical in every way to the vaccines currently being given to citizens of Israel.” The doses were set to expire at the end of June, while the rest of those to be delivered expire at the end of July, the Health Ministry said. It added that the PA knew of the dates in advance and had agreed to the shipment. “We hope that the vaccination campaign in the Palestinian Authority will begin soon,” the Israeli Health Ministry said. Hebrew media reports said Israel hopes to reach agreements with the PA to prevent the doses from going to waste. Officials noted that it is standard practice to use vaccines with an expiration date in the near future and that such vaccines are perfectly safe. For its part, the PA claimed the dates would cause skepticism and fear of inoculation. The PA has so far vaccinated 436,275 people with one dose of the vaccine, and 260,000 with two doses, its health department claimed. While Israel has made efforts to provide the PA with vaccines, it is not required to do so under the Oslo Accords.

On Saturday, Israel responded to claims by the Palestinian Authority (PA) that vaccines delivered to it had close expiration dates. The PA had cited the dates as its reason to cancel the vaccine agreement, which included approximately 1 million doses of the Pfizer-Bi-

Palestinian protesters and Jewish residents clashed late Monday in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem before police moved in to disperse the Palestinians. At least 20 Palestinians were wounded in the clashes. Protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails at Jewish homes, lightly wounding a pregnant woman who was hit in the back with a stone. The neighborhood has been the scene of frequent clashes in recent weeks over the impending eviction of Palestinian families. The violence

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has also spilled over into wider conflict in Jerusalem and beyond. The Hamas terror group in the Gaza Strip used the clashes as a pretext to fire rockets at Jerusalem in May, sparking an 11-day conflict with Israel. After the protesters attacked a Jewish home, residents responded with rocks and pepper spray and a brawl broke out. Police then used riot dispersal munitions, including batons, tear gas, “skunk” water cannons and sponge-tipped bullets, to disperse the protesters. The Israel Police said Tuesday morning that four Palestinians were arrested, one for shooting fireworks at police forces and Jewish homes and the rest for “causing unrest.” The pending Sheikh Jarrah evictions have sparked widespread anger among Palestinians and Arab Israelis and international condemnation. They are based in part on a 1970 Israeli law that allows Jews to reclaim East Jerusalem land owned by Jews before 1948. The evictions are for Arabs who have been living in those properties but refuse to pay rent to their Jewish landlords.

SCOTUS Upholds Obamacare

U.S. President Joe Biden and Democratic lawmakers praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act (ACA), otherwise known as Obamacare. In a statement, former U.S. President Barack Obama wrote, “Today, the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act. Again. This ruling reaffirms what we have long known to be true: the Affordable Care Act is here to stay.” Biden, who was vice president when Obamacare passed, tweeted:

“A big win for the American people. With millions of people relying on the Affordable Care Act for coverage, it remains, as ever, a BFD. And it’s here to stay.” Later, in an official statement, Biden said, “Because of this law, they don’t have to worry about being denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition like diabetes or watching their coverage being capped during a cancer treatment. Because of the law, they are able to get free preventive screenings that can save their lives and improve their health.” He added, “Today’s victory is also for all the young people who can stay on their parents’ insurance plan until they turn 26 years old, and for the millions of low-income families and people with disabilities receiving health care because their states expanded Medicaid under this law.” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi lauded the ruling, and asserted, “We will never forget how Republican leaders embraced this monstrous way to rip away America’s health care in the middle of a deadly pandemic.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed her sentiments, “Today, the American people have won again! After over a decade of Republican attacks: The ACA is here to stay.” On the other side of the aisle, lawmakers were less jubilant. Sen. John Barrasso, R-WY, said, “The failed Obamacare system will stagger on as a result of this decision. Every American’s healthcare has been harmed by Obamacare.”

Juneteenth a Federal Holiday

President Joe Biden signed legislation last Thursday adding Juneteenth to the list of federal holidays, making it the first holiday to be added in nearly 40 years. The day marks the end of slavery in the U.S., when the last enslaved African Americans were ordered freed 156 years ago, three years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Most U.S. government employees were granted paid leave on that day. During the White House ceremony, Biden said, “Great nations don’t ignore their most painful moments. They embrace them.” He added, “I’m especially pleased that we showed the nation that we could come together as Democrats and Republicans to commemorate this day with the overwhelming bipartisan support of the Congress. I hope this is the beginning of a change in the way we deal with one another.” Though 47 U.S. states and the District of Columbia already recognized Juneteenth, very few companies and local governments listed it as a paid holiday.

Shoplifting Rampant in San Fran

A San Francisco Walgreens suffered another shoplifting incident on Monday, in what officials say has become a consistent problem in the city. The daytime incident, captured on video by a reporter for CNN’s affiliate, KGO, shows a suspect removing items from Walgreens and placing them in a black garbage bag, ignoring three people, including a security guard, who filmed the incident on their cellular phones. The suspect can then be seen placing the bag on his bicycle and riding towards the security guard, who attempts to confiscate the bag but allows the suspect to leave the store. No one was injured in the incident, which San Francisco Police spokesman Adam Lobsinger said the SFPD Northern Station Investigations Team and the SFPD Burglary Unit are investigating. Meanwhile, Walgreens spokesman Phil Caruso said in an email that, “unfortunately, this is another example of blatant retail theft which is an ongoing problem for several retailers in San Francisco.” At a hearing last month, San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Ahsha Safai said the issue, which af-

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San Francisco Mayor London Breed acknowledged, “We know that some of the Walgreens and CVSes sadly have been hit hard.” But, she said, “there’s no easy solution to this, but having police officers is definitely a need in a major city like San Francisco.”

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fects CVS as well as Walgreens, “has been out of control. People are scared to go into these stores: seniors, people with disabilities, children. And it’s just happening brazenly. We can’t just as a city throw up our hands and say this is OK.” Thefts at Walgreens in San Francisco are four times the national average of the chain’s stores nationwide. A CVS statement said that the chain has 155 locations in the Bay Area, but

its 12 San Francisco branches suffer 26% of the region’s shoplifting incidents. According to CNN, SFPD data shows that just 2.8% of larceny theft crimes this year have been cleared; the vast majority are unresolved. San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin’s office called the videos and stories “infuriating,” and noted, “Unfortunately, because arrests happen in less than 3 percent of

reported thefts, these cases are rarely presented to us for prosecution — and when they are, we prosecute the vast majority of them. But because arrests are so infrequent, our office has been proactively partnering with stores like Walgreens on prevention programs as well as partnering with other jurisdictions — which last year, led to the recovery of over $11 million in stolen merchandise.” In comments to KGO on Tuesday,

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders hinted over the weekend that he may be open to changes proposed by West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin for legislation with regard to voting changes. Speaking to CNN, Sanders said: “Sounds like I’m open to doing everything I possibly can to protect American democracy. We’re going to do the best ... I like what the House passed, HR 1.” He added that he considers the House bill a “serious, comprehensive effort to protect American democracy.” “We will see what evolves here in the Senate.” The Senate is set to vote on whether to advance the legislation, dubbed the For the People Act, which among other things would declare Election Day a public holiday, expand early voting, and ban partisan gerrymandering. In exchange for his support of the bill, Manchin demands the addition of a requirement that a utility bill be a mandatory part of voter’s identification in order to vote.

10 Mass Shootings in 1 Weekend

The United States saw 10 mass shooting incidents over the weekend. According to the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), seven people were

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

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killed and at least 45 were injured in the incidents. The victims included at least two children, ages 10 and 15, police added. Last weekend, also saw 10 mass shootings across seven states; those shootings left 12 dead and 57 injured, GVA data showed. According to the Archive, 2021 has seen 293 mass shootings. CNN defines a mass shooting as “four or more people shot, not including the shooter” and defines “weekend” as “Friday afternoon through Sunday overnight.” This weekend’s shootings occurred in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where one person was killed and three were injured; Newark, New Jersey, where four people were injured; Aurora, Colorado, where one person was killed and four were injured; and Granger, Indiana, where one person was killed and four were injured. Other shootings this weekend occurred in Richmond, Virginia, where four people were injured; Dallas, Texas, where eight people, including two children, were injured; Oakland, California, where one person was killed and at least six wounded; Anchorage, Alaska, where one person

was killed and four others injured; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where two were killed and four were injured; and Minneapolis, where five people were wounded.

Pistachio Pilferers

The Touchstone Pistachio Company noticed during a routine audit earlier this month that over 42,000 pounds of pistachios were unaccounted for, The Washington Post reported. The company turned to the Tulare County, California, sheriff’s office, which on Saturday located the nuts and arrested the thief. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, “Investigative leads in Fresno and Kern County discovered the tractor trailer containing the pistachios had been moved from

the Montemayor Trucking lot in Delano to a nearby lot.” According to police, Alberto Montemayor, 34, was hiding the pistachios in a tractor trailer parked in a nearby parking lot and then repackaging them to sell. Last August the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 23-yearold and accused him of stealing two trucks filled with $294,000 worth of pistachios. Between 2014-2017, over $7.6 million worth of nuts was stolen.

SCOTUS Rules for Athletes

A decision out of the Supreme Court this week could mean big bucks for student athletes. In a unanimous Supreme Court decision, the Court ruled that student athletes could receive education-related payments, in a case that could reshape college sports by allowing more money from a billion-dollar industry to go to the players. College sports raise billions of dollars from ticket sales, television contracts and merchandise, and supporters of the students say the players are being exploited and barred from the opportunity to monetize their talents. Justice Brett Kavanaugh said the NCAA is essentially acting “above the law” in how it treats athletes and questioned if more spending limits should fall. “Nowhere else in America can businesses get away with agreeing not to pay their workers a fair market rate on the theory that their product is defined by not paying their workers a fair market rate,” Kavanaugh wrote. “And under ordinary principles of antitrust law, it is not evident why college sports should be any different. The NCAA is not above the law.” “It is our hope that this victory in the battle for college athletes’ rights will carry on a wave of justice uplifting further aspects of athlete compensation. This is the fair treatment college athletes deserve,” Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman which represented students

in the case, said in a statement on Monday. The ruling is the first time in decades the Supreme Court has considered the issue and is a dramatic win for a class of students who said that they were being exploited. The NCAA had argued that the spending caps at issue were necessary to preserve a distinction between amateur and pro sports. Before the lawsuit, schools were allowed to provide tuition and fees, room and board, books and other expenses related to the cost of attendance. They are permitted to make payments for certain athletic participation awards, tutoring and study abroad expenses related to a course. Multiple bills have been introduced in Congress since 2019 to address college athlete compensation. Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio’s “Fairness in Collegiate Athletics Act” called for the NCAA to implement rules for college athletes to be compensated by third parties for their names, images and likenesses by June 30, 2021. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, an Ohio Republican and a former NFL player, along with Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Missouri Democrat, also introduced bipartisan legislation aiming to compensate college athletes. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat, also led legislation for athlete compensation with “College Athletes Bill of Rights.”

American Airlines Chaos

American Airlines on Sunday said it would cancel approximately 1% of its July flights. In a statement, the airline said, “(We) feel these schedule adjustments will help ensure we can take good care of our customers and team members and minimize surprises at the airport.” The airline added that it aims to impact the smallest number of customers possible “by adjusting flights in markets where we have multiple options for re-accommodation.” According to American Airlines, some of its vendors are struggling with labor shortages, along with the

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multi-hour delays bad weather often causes. Additionally, many more passengers are heading to the skies. In May, nearly 50 million airport passengers passed through TSA, up 19% from April. So far, in June, the TSA has registered almost 35 million passengers.

Claudette Rips Through Alabama

Claudette gained power as it rushed off the coast of the Carolinas on Monday, regaining its tropical storm status after ripping through Alabama. The storm killed 14 in Alabama, including nine children who died on Saturday in a multi-vehicle crash along with one of the children’s 29-year-old father.

Another victim, a 31-year-old man, died after falling into floodwaters, while a 24-year-old man and a 3-year-old boy were killed when a tree fell on them outside their home. The storm hit a maximum sustained wind speed of 45 miles per hour, the National Hurricane Center said. Claudette is expected to pass just south of Nova Scotia, Canada, on Tuesday. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as many as ten hurricanes could form this season, including 3-5 possibly “major” storms with windspeeds of 111 miles per hour or higher.

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supermarket. Picasso painted “L’Atelier” in October 1955 in memory of his close friend, Henri Matisse. The painting belongs to the permanent collection of the Centre Pompidou Museum in Paris, but is now on display in the grocery store as part of a project to make art more accessible to the public.

Lest you think shoppers may haul the artwork home with their tomatoes and cucumbers, the painting is being watched very carefully by police officers and clandestine security officers. “I am delighted that this work is presented in the midst of pumpkins, watermelons, and beers, where reality is, where people’s lives are,” Serge Lasvignes, president of the Centre Pompidou, said. “It is not the collection of the Centre Pompidou but that of France, because it is national, and we share it with all French people, wherever they are.” One customer spoke to the Capital about the painting, noting that the painting “does something to me.” Sylvie Carillon, the mayor of the nearby town of Montgeron, found the display quite touching. “I was very moved to see that even supermarket employees were looking at the painting with big eyes,” Carillon said. “There was a lot of emotion.” The installation is part of an ongoing attempt to take art masterpieces out of “ordinary locations” in the heart of Paris, squiring them out of high-priced museums and plopping them smack dab in the midst of the public. Previous works have popped up at a courthouse and several prisons. I can definitely picture it there.

England, spent hours stacking M&Ms. After exerting lots of effort he managed to stack five little candies and was crowned the champ. Cutbill always dreamed of earning a Guinness accolade but Covid pushed him to achieve his goal. “It was during the third lockdown in January. I was in the living room, eating a bag of M&Ms, and I was incredibly bored, and I just decided to see how many of them I could stack on top of each other,” Cutbill told Birmingham Live. “I started thinking: I wonder if there’s a world record for this, so I looked it up online and found out the most anyone had ever stacked was four,” he said. It took Cutbill two to three hours full of attempts before managing to stack all five chocolate candies. “It’s not something I would normally have taken the time to do – especially now that the sun is shining and the pubs are back open – but at the time, there wasn’t much else to do so it seemed like time well spent,” he said. The record of four M&M’s had been jointly held by Silvio Sabba of Italy and Brendan Kelbie of Australia before the record-keeping organization verified Cutbill’s video and issued him a certificate. “When I managed to finally stack five M&Ms, I was absolutely ecstatic. I thought, ‘Oh, my goodness, I’ve actually done it,’” he said. “Five M&Ms doesn’t sound like a lot, but it was near impossible to do. So, I was chuffed when I achieved it. I thought about attempting six, but there’s no chance. Five was hard enough.” Talk about dreaming big.

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It may not sound all that exciting, but Will Cutbill is now a Guinness Book of World Records winner. The 23-year-old from Solihull,

One intrepid canine made the trek from Manhattan to Queens last week after crossing the boroughs via the Queens Midtown Tunnel. Indie, a dog rescued three months

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ago from Kolkata, India, gave his sitter the slip on the evening of June 8 from the Upper West Side. He was spotted on security cameras heading into the Midtown Tunnel. “I started to feel hopeless but I received a call that night from a Bridge and Tunnels officer who said she tried to stop a dog with an appearance similar to Indie while she was bolting through the Queens Midtown Tunnel,” Heather Angus told the New York Post. Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials said workers were unable to capture Indie, but they directed tunnel traffic to keep the canine safe during her dash between boroughs. Indie emerged on the Queens side of the tunnel and gave MTA workers the slip on the Long Island Expressway. It wasn’t until seven days later that a worker at a warehouse in Queens’ Long Island City spotted a dog wandering in an area of the building known to be home to a family of feral cats. The worker contacted Angus after seeing a flyer about Indie when he went to lunch. Although Indie is a bit thinner

and slightly dehydrated after her marathon, she is doing well back at home and is a bit dog tired.

What a Gem!

Botswana is now home to one of the world’s largest diamonds. The 1,098-carat stone, believed to be the third largest “gem-quality” diamond ever found, was presented to President Mokgweetsi Masisi last Wednesday. The diamond was unearthed earlier this month at the Jwaneng mine, around 75 miles from the country’s capital, Gaborone. The mine is operated by Debswana, a diamond company jointly owned by Botswana’s government and the De Beers Group, according to its official website. An official government Twitter account wrote that “proceeds from the diamond will be used to advance

national development in the country.” “Debswana should use this latest discovery as an inflection point, for the mine to use its technology to realize more of these large discoveries,” it added. Officially opened in 1982, the Jwaneng mine usually yields between 12.5 million and 15 million carats of diamonds a year. This month’s find is the largest gem unearthed by the company since diamonds were first discovered in Botswana in 1967. The largest diamond ever recorded is the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond, discovered in South Africa in 1905. The Cullinan was subsequently cut into smaller stones, some of which form part of British royal family’s crown jewels. The second largest discovery is believed to be the Lesedi La Rona, a 1,109-carat stone found by Canadian firm Lucara Diamond at the Karowe mine, also in Botswana, in 2015. The diamond was sold to luxury jeweler Graff for $53 million two years later. Rough diamonds are usually classified as being gem-quality, near-gem or industrial-quality, depending on their color, clarity, size and shape. Another, even larger diamond was found in Botswana in 2019 – a 1,758-carat stone dubbed Sewelô – but that was not gem-quality. French luxury brand Louis Vuitton bought that stone in 2020 for an undisclosed sum. That’s a gem of a find.

Supersize Me A pair of Egyptian siblings now have five Guinness World Records between them after their hands, feet and arm spans were measured and deemed to be the largest in the world. Mohamed Shehata, 34, and Huda Shehata, 30, both developed a condition that involves a benign tumor of

the pituitary gland that causes the excess production of growth hormone. Mohamed Shehata now holds two Guinness World Records: widest hand span on a living person (male) and widest arm span on a living person (male). The span of his left hand was measured at 12.32 inches, and his arm span was measured at 8 feet, 2.5 inches.

“Since the age of 12, my life has been turned upside down. I wasn’t used to the new lifestyle of tall people. Everything seems small in my hands, even shaking hands with people has become a reminder of how I differ from others,” Mohamed said. Huda Shehata holds the records for largest feet on a living person (female), largest hands on a living person (female), and widest arm span on a living person (female). Her right foot was measured at 1 foot, 1.02 inches; her left hand was measured at 9.56 inches; and her arm span was measured at 7 feet, 8.4 inches. The siblings have a combined height of 13 feet and 7 inches, nearly as tall as a double-decker bus. They live in a small village in Egypt with their mother. Generally, their clothes are custom-made by their local tailor, Terzi, who produces mostly Galabiyah, a loose-fitting garment, for them. “I have always dreamed of dressing like other women, but I accept myself now and live with satisfaction and conviction,” Huda Shehata told Guinness officials. Walk tall, Huda.

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The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

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Around the

Community Shulamith Bids Farewell to a Legacy Principal

n Wednesday, June 16, Shulamith School for Girls bid a fond farewell to Mrs. Joyce Yarmak, their beloved founding principal of over 21 years in a grand outdoor celebration. The warmth and love were palpable as she walked among her adoring students, faculty, parents and alumni. The school playground was filled to capacity with people coming from near and far to express their gratitude and hakarat hatov for all that Mrs. Yarmak has accomplished for the school as well as their best wishes for a wonderful retirement. With music playing and balloons floating in the air, the atmosphere was festive as students held up posters and signs of admiration, thanks, and good wishes. Mrs. Yarmak, who began her career as the vice principal of Shulamith Brooklyn, was chosen to

open Shulamith School for Girls in the Five Towns in 2001 with three classes – kindergarten through first grade. She has successfully been the principal of the Lower Division since Shulamith’s opening and was instrumental and responsible for our great success in the Five Towns. Mrs. Yarmak’s vision and mission for Shulamith students was to develop a love for Torah and mitzvot, instilling fine middot and character, and nurturing a love for and appreciation of the land and people of Israel. Today, Shulamith is a school of over 700 students, well-known for its excellence in academics, both in limudei kodesh and limudei chol. We know the school will miss Mrs. Yarmak, but the legacy she leaves behind will impact generations of Jewish women for many years to come!

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

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BAR YOḤAI — you are fortunate — Bar Yochai! You were anointed with oil of joy from your fellows. Bar Yoḥai! With oil of sacred anointment measure. you were anointed from the holy of holiness, You bore the headplate, a crown glory. bound upon your head is your

Bar Yoḥai . . .

did you settle Bar Yoḥai! In a goodly dwelling fled. on the day you ran, the day you — In rocky caves where you stopped there you acquired your glory and your strength. beams, Bar Yoḥai! Like standing acacia the teachings of God they study. An extraordinary light is the light of the fire that they kindle — you. they, your teachers, will teach

SOME CONTINUE WITH KIDDUSH ON P. 12. Some have the custom to sing Bar Yoh ̣ ai (p. 26) at this point.

(The Name of HASHEM is a tower of strength; through it a righteous person will race and be strong.1 For through Me your days will be increased, and they will increase years of life for you.2 It is a tree of life to those who grasp it, and its supporters are praiseworthy.3 Its ways are ways of pleasantness and all its pathways are peace.4) ATKINU SEUDATA

Bar Yoḥai . . .

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ּ‫ ַא ְת ִקינּו‬Prepare the feast of perfect faith, the joy of the Holy King. Prepare the feast of the King. This is the feast of the Field of Sacred Apples.

(And the Miniature Presence and the Ancient Holy One come to feast with it.)

‫ֲאַהלְ ָלה‬

Bar Yoḥai . . .

of Apples Bar Yoḥai! You came to a Field and entered it to pick confections: The mystery of Torah like blossoms and flowers — of you. ‘‘Let us create man’’ was said because

Bar Yoḥai . . .

strength, Bar Yoḥai! You were girded with and in the war of the fiery Torah up to the gate. You pulled a sword from its scabbard, you drew it against your enemies.

Bar Yoḥai . . .

the first In each stanza except the last, after the Spanish Inquisition. Raaya the acrostic of his name (see word after “Bar Yoḥai” forms on custom to sing this pizmon Mehemna, Ekev). It is a prevalent qualities (see Bẹt Menuḥah 25b). Friday night, for it has wondrous and ‫ַאַז ֵּמר ּבִ ְׁש ָב ִחין‬. Some sing it between ‫ֵא ֶׁשת ַחיִ ל‬

‫‘‘ ר‬Many daughters have amassed achievement, but you surpassed them all.’’ ‫ ש‬False is grace and vain is beauty, a God-fearing woman — she should be praised. ‫ ת‬Give her the fruits of her hands and let her be praised in the gates by her very own deeds.

I shall praise the Name of God with song, and I shall magnify it with thanksgiving.5 HASHEM is my strength and my shield, in Him my heart trusted and I was helped; and my heart exulted, with my song I praise Him.6 AZAMER BISHVAḤIN

Although Arizal composed the following piyyut to be recited during the meal, the prevalent practice is to recite it before Kiddush.

‫ ֲאַז ֵﬦר‬I will cut away [the accusers] with praises,

bringing them up through the portals that are in the Apple Orchard, for they are holy.

(1) Mishlẹ 18:10. (2) 9:11. (3) 3:18. (4) 3:17.

(5) Tehillim 69:31. (6) 28:7. ♭ ‫ ֲאַז ֵﬦר ִּב ְׁשָב ִחין‬/ Azamer Bishvah ̣ in. This piyyut is replete with Kabbalistic allusions. The initials of its verses form the acrostic: ‫ֲאנִ י‬

‫לּורָיא ֶּבן ְׁשלֹמֹה‬ ְ ‫יִ ְצָחק‬, I, Yiṣḥak Luria son of Shelomo.

5 x 7½” size

Available at your local Hebrew bookseller or at www.artscroll.com • 1-800-MESORAH (637-6724)

JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Yeshiva Darchei Torah kindergarten boys celebrated with a siyum on Alef-Beis

Touro College Class of 2021

ouro College Division of Graduate Studies (DGS) celebrated the achievements of 1,300 graduates from its six schools at the division’s second virtual commencement, held Thursday, June 17. The ceremony was a mix of celebration and optimism combined with recollections of adversity overcome and reminders of the value of helping one another, and the world, heal. Over 1,000 tuned in, and nearly as many comments were posted on a live chat by friends, family and faculty – from as far away as Bangladesh and as close as Hicksville, Long Island, where a 5th grade class joined the celebration. Speakers included Touro leadership and the deans and top students from each of the division’s graduate schools: Business, Education, Health Sciences, Jewish Studies, Technology, and Social Work. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer delivered a congratulatory message as well. “Be a Healer” In his congratulatory remarks, Touro College and University System (TCUS) President Dr. Alan Kadish said, “For the rest of your lives, I am certain that you will be presented with personal and professional challenges. And I am equally certain that you will draw upon the skills and experiences you gained from Touro and harness the same engines of perseverance and dedication that brought you to this moment, to make

a marked difference in the lives of those around you. Everyone has an opportunity to be a healer in a world that truly needs healing. Never has that been true more than today.” DGS Vice President Dr. Nadja Graff congratulated the graduates and urged them to accept the challenges ahead. “Be confident in the knowledge that you have the skills, dedication and determination to make a positive impact on our global society,” she said. Top Students Deliver Reflections The students thanked family, friends, and their professors for their support and kindness, and shared their thoughts about their journeys: Miriam Kleiner, M.S., Industrial Organizational Psychology, School of Health Sciences, obtained her B.S. in psychology at Lander College of Arts & Sciences and currently is Director of Investor Relations and Human Resources at Shelbourne Co., a real estate investment syndication and management company. A native of Brooklyn and 4.0 honors student at SHS, where she tutored advanced courses, Kleiner is admired for her passion for growth and helping people make positive changes in their lives. At work, she manages over 300 investors and over 20 employees. “IO is the perfect combination of the psychology world, which I love, and the business

Ian Baum

Aharon Friedler

world, which is fast-paced and constantly evolving,” says Kleiner.

both acceptable and expected. But we did not. We lifted ourselves up and we pushed through. Because that is who we are,” he said. Aharon Friedler, M.A., Graduate School of Jewish Studies, is a Torah scholar and a member of the faculty of the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, where he has taught at the high school, middle school and elementary school levels. He received Semicha from Rabbi Zalman Nechemia Goldberg, z”l. In his remarks, Rabbi Friedler noted that using Zoom and other remote media during the pandemic forced him and his classmates to experience what their own students experience as learners. “For many in the world, and especially for us graduate students, the world as we knew it…and the world we live in now has changed dramatically,” he said. “But while the platform for delivery has been one untested…the goal has never changed,” he said. Paraphrasing the Talmud, the goal of an educator must be to “ignite that candle in their students until the flame within their students will rise by itself.”

Ian Baum, MSW, Graduate School of Social Work, earned a B.A. at Touro’s School for Lifelong Education and a M.S. in General and Special Education before pursuing social work. A 4.0 honors student, Baum was chosen by classmates to speak because of his positive attitude and commitment to help others in need. His interest in social work began as a counselor and then administrator at a treatment center for children with behavioral disorders. During school, he worked three jobs: as an administrator at Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island, a high school teacher at Mesivta Ateres Yaakov in Cedarhurst, and administrator of a behavior modification program at the Diamond Program in Far Rockaway. He also interned at Outreach House in Ridgewood, Queens and was a UJA Graduate Fellow. “Our world, our nation, our communities and our families have experienced such pain and tragedy, with the burden so overwhelming, that to give up would be

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

HAFTR Middle School Class of 2021

s a class that has thrived in the face of unprecedented challenges with the Covid pandemic, HAFTR Middle School’s Class of 2021 has learned what it means to innovate when facing problems, has developed a rich reservoir of resilience to draw from, and has seen and experienced firsthand what it means for a community to band together during a difficult time. From this, they have emerged more confident, battle-tested, and secure in their ability to grow and thrive no matter what obstacles they face in the future. HAFTR Middle School proudly recognizes eighth grade Valedictorian Quinn Oliner. In addition to achieving the highest grade point average in the class, Quinn is a student who has demonstrated a wide range of talents and leadership qualities that buttress his academic excellence. He has been a member of HAFTR Middle School’s math team and basketball team and has completed both the ninth and tenth grade regents math curricula in addition to his regular courses of study. Outside the classroom, Quinn has demonstrated a commitment to chessed programs and lifelong learning by being a consistent presence at our Tomchei Shabbat program, and a member of the Tikvah Online program, which offers high level seminars for middle and high

Megan Scharf

school students. Quinn is highly respected by his peers and has cultivated a stellar reputation for scholastic achievement, as well as having refined character, making him a fitting recipient of this honor. Congratulations to Quinn and the entire Oliner family! Salutatorian Megan Scharf is a student whose accomplishments and endeavors have been wide ranging and impressive during her time at HAFTR Middle School. In addition to the outstanding academic achievement that qualified her for this honor, Megan has been a member of the Torah Bowl team and basketball team and has been a STEM Summit finalist with her project that proposed an entrepreneurial solution to the problem of young chil-

Quinn Oliner

dren being unintentionally left unattended in vehicles. As a complement to her accolades and accomplishments, Megan is a young woman who has tremendous character and personifies so many of HAFTR Middle School’s core values, including having a growth mindset, being loyal and honest, and working collaboratively with peers. Congratulations to Megan and the entire Scharf family! At the commencement, Principal Mr. Joshua Gold discussed how HAFTR Middle School teaches that lifelong success is not academic achievement or performance by itself, rather, having a healthy relationship with failure, embracing it as part of the growth process, and being able to reflect on and learn from

mistakes. This formula characterizes someone who is best positioned to realize his/her potential. Removing the fear and stigma from failure is a necessary component in unleashing someone’s ability to be creative, innovative, and, ultimately, grow. As he addressed the eighth grade graduates, Mr. Gold said, “As you prepare to graduate from middle school, remember that it is your charge to dare to succeed, dare to lead, dare to dream big, dare to enter this next chapter of your life with optimism and ambition, and never forget that Judaism is a religion that finds spirituality in the midst of life itself. True success will require a growth mindset, healthy habits of mind, and self-reflection. Be sure to never fear how successful you can be and never forget what you have done here at HAFTR Middle School. I can say with great confidence that if you dare to lead and succeed in the ways we know you can, the future of the Jewish people, and the world at large, will be very bright.” The HAFTR family is incredibly proud of all of our well-deserving young men and ladies who excel in and out of the classroom, and we congratulate, once again, the Class of 2021 on their growth in Torah knowledge and love of Torah, middot, and excellence in all the life skills and knowledge they have gained over the last four years. Mazal tov!

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

CAHAL 4th and 5th grade students at YKLI celebrated with an end-of-the-year BBQ with their teachers Rabbi Dov Langer and Mrs. Leah Ross

Eighth grade students in the CAHAL class at TAG celebrated their graduation with their star teacher Mrs. Malkie Hyman

HANC Middle School’s Eighth Grade Graduation

ANC Middle School’s eighth grade graduation took place on June 15 at The Space in Westbury, NY. The room was adorned with balloons and “2021” under which the graduates could take pictures. The graduates looked extremely proud as they walked down the aisle, and their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents were certainly shepping a lot of nachat. The graduation began with a “walk down memory lane.” The graduate’s baby pictures and current pictures were projected on the huge screen and then a montage of the Middle School years definitely caused some tears. After the procession and the anthems, sang by graduates Mark

Rosenstock and Matan Galanti, Pras Hitztaynut award recipients Rebecca Ehrenhaus, Shoshana Eisner and Matan Galanti, delivered the invocation. They spoke about the theme of the graduation, which was Livnot U’l’hibanot. Following the invocation, Mrs. Morey, the Assistant Principal, offered words of greeting. She explained that our goal at HANC is to help develop within each student intelligence and character. Alex Brand, one of the Torah Umada Award recipients, connected his family’s relationship with Rabbi Moshe Gottesman, zt”l, Dean Emeritus of HANC. Next came the president of the Yeshiva, Dr. Ruchi Kushner. She spoke about the

students’ resilience and everything they accomplished, even during this unprecedented year. The program continued with a performance by the graduates on the theme of the evening. Leora Peyser, Torah Umada award recipient, spoke about doing righteous things in a righteous way. Leora thanked her own family and her HANC family for everything they did for her during her Middle School years. Mr. Charlie Harary, noted speaker and proud parent of graduate Elisha, gave a wonderful message to the graduates. He spoke about the idea of “yachol nuchal lah.” You can do it. It was such a motivating message. Rabbi Hecht, principal, spoke

about the importance of having a mission and being the best “you” that you can offer to the world. He spoke about how one should never be jealous because each individual has their own purpose. Next, came the distribution of diplomas. The evening concluded with a benediction delivered by Alana Rubensohn, Rachel Wieder, and Noam Weissman who were Pras Hitztaynut award winners. They spoke about the importance of building up oneself and others. They concluded by asking the members of the class of 2021 to help each other in good times and hard times. We wish all of the graduates and their families much bracha and hatzlacha!

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Grand Chanukas Habayis at Newly Renovated Sulitz Shul By C.S.Teitelbaum

unday was a day steeped in sentiment for Congregation Kehillas Yaakov Sulitz, Far Rockaway. A momentous hachnosas sefer Torah coincided with the shul’s chanukas habayis, as well as the eighth yahrzeit of the Sulitzer Rebbe, Rav Shmuel Shmelka Rubin, zt”l. Founded in 1951, the Sulitz Beis Midrash has been in unending service to the Far Rockaway-Five Towns community for 70 years. It has drawn a large following of devoted mispallelim who regarded the Rebbe as a father figure – and his shul their home for Torah and tefillah. After decades of intense operation, the shul fell into disrepair, and a committee set out to carry out a refurbishment project. Last week saw the culmination of their dreams, with a one-week campaign quickly filling the final gap of funds in the enormous $1.7 million project. All fired up with their deep passion and gratitude to Sulitz, the members reached out to friends and family from a campaign hub in the Beis Midrash premises, reaching over and above their original goal. The public’s overwhelming response to the cam-

paign was cause for celebration – and indeed a grand l’chaim was held with the Rebbe, shlita, Rav Yaakov Rubin, last Thursday night at the campaign’s finale – but their enthusiasm was hardly a surprise. The previous Rebbe established the Beis Midrash when Far Rockaway was largely deserted Yiddishkeit. With sweat, toil and a gargantuan generosity of heart, he forged on, building a fortress of Torah, mesorah and warmth. Sulitz is today a historic landmark among the local mosdos, one the community prides itself in calling their own. With the funds covered and the works completed, the new Beis Midrash on Beach 9th Street opened its doors on Sunday, welcoming the members back from their adjacent temporary accommodation, into a majestic new edifice. To mark the great milestone, longstanding mispallel and leading building-committee member Moshe Mandel donated a new Sefer Torah, which was escorted in a joyous celebration that started from his home in Lawrence. Hundreds of Yidden partook in the simcha and, despite the weather peaking 90 degrees, the fervor and joy

did not wane over the hourlong procession. The new scroll reached its new abode in a ceremony of true glory. Inside, the dancing continued against the backdrop of its resplendent interior decor, infusing the crowd with pride and gratitude at having personally sanctified their Beis Midrash. As the sunlight streaming through the elegant arched windows turned to dusk, the crowds returned from a twohour interval to the Beis Midrash, which was exquisitely prepared for the threefold seudas mitzva; a hachnosas

sefer Torah, chanukas habayis and yahrtzeit seuda. Opening the event, the Rebbe’s son, Rav Yitzchok, welcomed the large crowd, expressing his awe at the commitment and constant achdus that permeated the entire project and thanking them for their dedication. All local Rabbonim graced the dais with their presence. Among the lineup of speakers was Rav Pinchos Frankel of Kehal Agudas Avreichim, Flatbush, who extolled the virtues of the current Rebbe’s uniquely warm and genuine leadership and how privileged the mispallelim should feel to be affiliated. Rav Naftoli Weitz of Ishai Yisroel, Woodmere, who davened in Sulitz before he moved away, spoke about how shul members merited the combined combination of the previous and current Rebbes’ revered influence, which implants them with a profound kesher to the Eibishter. The Yedidim choir performed intermittently, lending to the beautiful elevated atmosphere of the entire eve-

ning. In honor of the Rebbe zt”l’s yahrzeit, a grandson, Rav Yisochor Rubin of Kozhnitz, Seagate, took the mike to reflect on his grandfather’s steadfastness to his mesorah. He spoke about how his grandfather overcame obstacles and broke barriers on the barren turf to achieve his goal of strengthening Yiddishkeit. Standing beneath the intricately decorated ceiling and hallowed mahogany-lined walls, the Rebbe, shlita, then addressed the crowd, starting by conveying his depth of gratitude at his kehilla’s realization of their goal. It was an apt date to host a chanukas habayis, given that his father, zt”l, had worked tirelessly to build the shul and build the community. Looking around, at the thriving multi-generational audience, it was clear that his efforts bore fruit. To convey his father’s emeskeit, the Rebbe shared a heartwarming story. An old man once dropped by his shul and got talking to the Rebbe, zt”l. Immediately, he

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

Around the Community PHOTOS BY IVAN H NORMAN

The Sulitza Rebbe speaking

Local rabbanim at the event

Dancing after the seudah

was struck by the Rebbe’s greatness, and, although he wasn’t religious, he confided that he was estranged from his only daughter and therefore wanted to endow his entire inheritance to the Rebbe. Before he passed away, the Jew had left a request to be cremated. Using the money he left him, the Rebbe quickly arranged for him to be buried k’halacha. With the remainder in his ownership, he phoned the deceased’s daughter and told her what transpired. She said she didn’t want the money; if her father had granted it to the Rebbe, it was rightfully his. The Rebbe could have used the funds towards his rundown shul, but he did not hesitate, sending the entire sum to Eretz Yisroel to establish a gemach in the niftar’s name, in an unparalleled and eternal form of chesed shel emes. The Rebbe, shlita, also

related a story of when the Nazi guards came to take his father, then a bachur, to the labor camps. As they dragged him out the door, the young boy remembered that he didn’t have his gartel. He called back to his father, who took off his own gartel and threw it towards his son. Of all things, the gartel was his only concern at that critical moment. That was the last time father and son saw each other, but the Rebbe forever held onto that gartel, its silk threads binding him to the mesorah of his noble dynasty. With that gartel, he carried out countless mitzvah tantzen, holding on to the tangible piece of tradition that was the raison d’etre of his Beis Midrash. Then, in a poignant move, the Rebbe, shlita, took out the cherished gartel and presented it to his devoted son, Rav Yitzchok, as a gesture of hakaras hatov for his

Rabbi Pinchus Frankel speaking

Dancing during the Hachnoses Sefer Torah

tirelessness throughout the campaign, passing on the chain of tradition from father to son further. Wrapping up his stirring drasha, the Rebbe, shlita, had bentching, which was followed by kvias mezuzah at the two main doors of the Shul. The mezuzos were affixed by Rabbi Chaskel Rubin

of Tomoshov, Flatbush, and Rabbi Yisroel Chaim Friedman, shlita, of Spinka, Bayswater. Not only did the participants, regular mispallelim and many other from the community, celebrate the ushering in a new era for Sulitza Beis Mendrash, but they all felt a new respect and

reverence for the important role which the Beis Medrash plays in the Far Rockaway community. The guests went away inspired, enriched and privileged to have played a role in keeping the blazing flame of the revered dynasty of Sulitz burning.

JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Rav Elya Ber Wachtfogel, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of South Fallsburg, inspiring Yeshiva Darchei Torah

i-Shine Five Towns Celebrates a Successful School Year

-Shine Five Towns finished the school year with a celebratory barbecue on July 15. The event was generously hosted by the Hiller Family, catered by Traditions, featured DJ

David Wexler and entertainment by Wacky Chad. Smiles Through Cars provided exotic cars for kids to ride in and enjoy. “This past year has been a par-

ticularly challenging one,” said Andy Lauber, director of i-Shine. “It’s incredible to be able to host an in-person event and provide an outlet for our families.”

i-Shine is Chai Lifeline’s afterschool program for children living with illness or loss in the family. To learn more or make a donation, please visit www.chailifeline.org/ishine.

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

YLX

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JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community The Nikolsburger Rebbe opens up his heart and shul for his fellow Yidden in Woodbourne, NY, as summer 2021 begins

Cross River Opens New Branch in Brooklyn

ross River Bank (“Cross River”), a technology-forward community bank known for its robust commercial real estate lending and deep market knowledge, announced this week that its Brooklyn Banking Branch is now offering additional local service to new and existing clients and customers. The Branch, which officially opened on April 15, 2021, was established to greater serve Cross River’s customers and broader communities in the tristate area with personal and business banking services, commercial real estate lending, healthcare financing, small business lending and financial literacy programming.

“Cross River was founded on the tenets of working with a purpose and serving our community,” said Kathy Nelson, Chief Operating Officer of Cross River. “We are now open in Brooklyn to greater deliver for our customers with the service you’ve come to know and love from Cross River.” Founded in 2008 in Teaneck, New Jersey, Cross River is an FDIC-insured bank, as well as an Equal Housing Lender. When clients bank with Cross River, they enjoy a secure personal banking experience, with no monthly maintenance or check printing fees, cash management and merchant services, and

competitive yields on both Checking and Savings accounts, among other benefits. Cross River’s Commercial Real Estate and Small Business Lending teams possess deep market knowledge to assist property owners, investors, small businesses and institutions in accessing the right financing product with a simplified and efficient approval process, resulting in faster closing times. “We already serve your commercial real estate and small business needs, and now you can bank with us as well, right in your own backyard,” said Gregory Wassinger, Cross River Brooklyn Branch Manager. “My team and I are excited to be opening and

expanding our customer-first, whiteglove level of service in Brooklyn and are ready to serve businesses and families across the community.” Cross River is deeply committed to serving the needs of its surrounding communities, and its Brooklyn Banking Branch is also home to HOPE Inside Cross River, a community center that provides financial programming and coaching center in partnership with Operation HOPE. The center serves both youth and adults with financial literacy and training to equip them with the financial knowledge and tools to create a secure future.

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Congratulations to the graduates of the CAHAL K-1 class at HANC and to their outstanding teacher Mrs. Melody Harris

A Pillar of the Community is Moving On

ebbetzin Sori Teitelbaum has been a foundation of the HAFTR family for 33 years. At HAFTR, in addition to teaching Chumash, Rebbetzin Teitelbaum

also created numerous programs including the chessed program, tefillah program, Merry Makers committee, bat mitzvah and Jewish philosophy classes, Meaningful Munchkins te-

t u 1 o r l b o a a f i c k e 3 p r S As u o

fillah discussion group, the “What are you Thanking Hashem for Today” tzedakah program, the Thank You Hashem book, and the regular participation with the Amen Group She radiates professionalism, sophistication, and wisdom, yet there is a warmth from within that makes everyone who comes in contact with her feel loved and valued. Not only was she a talented master mechanechet, she never settled for the status quo. She always looked for ways to enhance her lessons and ensure that students reached their potential. As a teacher, she taught her students countless pesukim and life lessons. As a colleague, she taught her fellow teachers to stand up for what is right in a dignified manner. She is truly an inspiration to everyone who interacted with her. We bid Rebbetzin Teitelbaum farewell and wish her and her family mazal tov as they will be making Aliyah this summer. Although Reb-

betzin Teitelbaum will no longer be in our building, every single one of her students is walking around with a piece of her knowledge and inspiration. Every room at HAFTR has her teaching engraved in it, and everyone who worked with her has learned so much from her. Even though she will truly be missed, the impact she has made on the HAFTR family will be ingrained in us forever.

Did you know?

347.572.8973 Instagram: miriamjacobovitsphotography

Watermelon is actually part of the cucumber family

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

Around the Community

The HALB Lev Chana preschool staff enjoyed a beautiful end-of-the-year celebration at Gotta Get A Bagel with enormous gratitude to Hashem for allowing us to teach in the classrooms this year

Esplanade of Woodmere Championed the Alzheimer’s Association’s® The Longest Day® to Raise Funds and Awareness

splanade of Woodmere, a kosher memory care community opening soon in Five Towns, is honored to have supported the Alzheimer’s Association® event: The Longest Day® on Saturday, June 19, 2021, to raise awareness and funds to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. Each year on the summer solstice, the Alzheimer’s Association hosts The Longest Day, a team event that supports its mission to fight Alzheimer’s. This day with the most light symbolizes that people across the globe fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through a fundraising activity of their choice. On The Longest Day, Esplanade of Woodmere, managed by national seniors housing operator Meridian Senior Living, collaborated with the Friedberg JCC and the local Alzheimer’s Association to conduct fundraising activities. The event featured a purple-themed table, supporting the Alzheimer’s Association’s color of unity, which displayed refreshing blueberry lemonade spritzers and homemade blueberry chia jam. Visitors enjoyed the treats and learned more about the Longest Day, helping the team successfully raise awareness and $508 for the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 25 Meridian communities across the nation formed teams to take part in this event by engaging in activities that they enjoy and honor someone living with the disease. “Meridian Senior Living is proud to support The Longest Day and the Alzheimer’s Association,” says Sue

Johnston, VP Program Development. “The Alzheimer’s Association diligently provides valuable support services to individuals living with the disease and their caregivers, while also supporting crucial research. We understand the challenges that these individuals, families and companies face, so we are dedicated to support the Alzheimer’s Association in their efforts to fund research for a cure.” More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 16 million family members and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Esplanade of Woodmere will benefit from Meridian’s exclusive MONTESSORI MOMENTS IN TIME™ programming for memory care. Consistent with this program is the community’s dedication to nurturing a safe environment that promotes dignity for each and every resident in a warm, home-like setting. Esplanade’s approach is to give seniors a place where they are cared for and where they can thrive. For more information about Esplanade of Woodmere, go to www. esplanadeofwoodmere.com or call (516) 418-3338. For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day, visit https://msl.life/ LDay and #TheLongestDay. About Esplanade of Woodmere Esplanade of Woodmere, a vibrant, beautifully renovated senior living community, is coming soon to Woodmere, NY. Now under construc-

tion, this community will offer a kosher dining experience and a distinctive dementia care program based on a Montessori methodology for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia in the Nassau County, NY, area. Esplanade of Woodmere is a 70unit memory care community that is the result of an impressive $25 million

conversion of a former commercial building at 130 Irving Place in Woodmere. Esplanade of Woodmere will deliver exceptional, dignified care to their residents as expected from Esplanade, a local well-respected, family-owned and operated organization. Visit www.esplanadeofwoodmere. com for more information.

JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

The Siach Yitzchok summer month began this month. While Limudei Kodesh continues its regular schedule with its regular rebbeim, the afternoon program brings a whole different feel for the boys. Reb Yosef Richtman runs an absolutely amazing program in the place of secular studies. Whether it be baseball leagues, swimming, waterslides, trips, and many other sports or activities, the boys go home with a very fulfilled day of learning and fun.v

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The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccines: What You Need to Know

H #1 YT

I can get COVID from the vaccine.

Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association

H #5 YT

The Science: The coronavirus vaccines cannot give you COVID-19 because they do not contain live SARS-CoV-2 virus. H #2 YT

The Science: SARS-CoV-2 infection presents a health risk to everyone. Young people can get seriously ill and even die. Even after recovering from COVID-19, they can

The vaccine changes your DNA.

experience symptoms months after infection and are susceptible to other long-term effects.

The Science: Neither the mRNA nor DNA-based COVID-19 vaccines interact with, integrate into, or alter your DNA. H #3 YT

H #6 YT

The COVID vaccine has not been tested enough to prove it is safe.

The COVID vaccine causes infertility. The Science: There is no factual or theoretical evidence that the COVID vaccine affects fertility.

with tens of thousands of participants. Since then, over 100 million doses of vaccine have

H #4 YT

If I had COVID, I do not need to get the vaccine. The Science: The strength and length of natural immunity varies from person to person and cannot be predicted. New variants also make people more vulnerable to reinfection. Therefore, the CDC recommends people who had COVID-19 in the past to still get vaccinated.

The Science: All vaccines receiving FDA emergency use authorization in the United States have been tested in preclinical, phase I, II and III trials to determine safety and efficacy

been administered in the US and over 448 million doses worldwide.

I’m young and healthy, I don’t need the vaccine.

H #7 YT

My community has “herd immunity” so I don’t need to get the vaccine. The Science: “Herd immunity” doesn’t protect every individual from getting COVID-19 and can drop when individuals start losing immunity or the community is exposed to a new variant.

For more information about COVID-19 and the COVID vaccine, check out JOWMA’s Preventative Health Podcast, available on all major podcast platforms. Or, call the JOWMA Preventative Health hotline at 929-4-GEZUNT. All New Yorkers age 16 and above are now eligible to receive the vaccine. To find a vaccination site near you, visit: VaccineFinder.org

This content is for general educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment about your particular condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association

qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

BottomLineMG.com

‫הלכות החג בזמנו‬

This year the limudim of Daf HaYomi Bavli and Dirshu Daf HaYomi B’Halacha are incredibly coinciding with each other in the months preceding the Yom Tov of Succos. This gives us a rare opportunity to prepare for the Chag with a deep understanding of the complex Mesechta and Halachos behind this extraordinary Yom Tov.

‫ | כ״ט תמוז תשפ״א‬JULY 9, 2021 Start of Daf HaYomi ‫מסכת סוכה‬ ‫ | ד׳ אב תשפ״א‬JULY 13, 2021 Start of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha ‫הלכות סוכה‬ Join us at t he s t ar t of t his moment ous jour ney. Take this incredible chance to learn with a depth you’ve never before experienced. To join these programs contact Dirshu today! 888-5-DIRSHU

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‫‪The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021‬‬

‫אדר א' תשפ"ב‬

‫‪MARCH 2022‬‬ ‫סיום של‬ ‫דף היומי בהלכה‬ ‫סיום על סדר מועד‬

‫דבר‬ ‫בעתו‬ ‫מה‬ ‫טוב!‬

‫אימתי דברי תורה נעימים?‬ ‫בזמן שתשמרם בבטנך‪.‬‬ ‫ואימתי תשמרם בבטנך?‬ ‫בזמן שיכונו יחדו על שפתיך‪.‬‬ ‫רבי זירא אמר מהכא‪:‬‬ ‫״שמחה לאיש במענה פיו‬ ‫ודבר בעתו מה טוב״‪ .‬אימתי‬ ‫שמחה לאיש? בזמן שמענה‬ ‫בפיו‪ .‬לשון אחר‪ :‬אימתי‬ ‫שמחה לאיש במענה פיו?‬ ‫בזמן שדבר בעתו מה טוב‪.‬‬ ‫— עירובין נד‪.‬‬

‫אימתי שמחה וכו’ בזמן‪ :‬שיודע לדרוש הלכות חג בחג דבר‬ ‫אחר אימתי שמחה לאיש אימתי אדם שמח בתלמודו בזמן‬ ‫שיש לו מענה כששואלין ממנו דבר הלכה‪:‬‬ ‫— רש"י —‬

‫!‪This unique opportunity is less than TWO WEEKS away‬‬

JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

A Memorable Graduation

n Wednesday evening, June 16, the Shulamith eighth grade graduating class of 2021 enjoyed a magical graduation ceremony. The event was held on the grounds of the school in a tent festooned with balloons, banners, and spectacular lighting. Each family table was set with a personalized cake, photo enlargement, and grab and go refreshments. From the elegant processional... to the meaningful speeches... to the wonderful video that accompanied

the distribution of the diplomas, graduation night was truly a memorable occasion.

On Wednesday evening, June 16, 2021, Senator Todd Kaminsky attended the Shulamith Middle Division graduation and presented Mrs. Rookie Billet, who is retiring, with the Senate Commendation Award for her years of service to the school and the community.

Darchei Bulldogs Champions

T Did you know? The Eiffel Tower actually “grows” about six inches in the summer due to the heat in the area

he 2021 Softball Championship game of the Metropolitan Yeshiva High School Athletic Varsity League was a true nail-biter. This year’s championship game featured the two top seeded teams facing off against each other last Tuesday, July 15. The Darchei Bulldogs, with 7 season wins and only 1 loss, went head-to-head with Brooklyn’s YDE Thunder, with a season record of 6-2. Grabbing a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first, Darchei Bulldogs were cruising along until YDE Thunder answered with 4 runs of their own, evening out the score in a rocking 4th inning. At the top of the 7th (and final inning) YDE tacked on another run and took the lead at 5-4. Not to be deterred, and with the same determination as their first two play-

off games, Darchei Bulldogs fought back in the bottom of the 7th, staging a heroic comeback and tying up the game at 5-5. They then proceeded to score the sixth and game-winning run and walk-off win, with MVP Menachem Kleinman sliding into home on a sacrifice fly. Huge shout outs to Darchei’s very first championship trophy and to their fearless leader, Yehoshua Krasnow aka “Coach K.” for doing a great job in guiding his team to victory! (#DoubleCakeFrosting) Additional shout-outs to the season’s MVP, Shmuel Olshan, for his tireless and on-target pitching, Aaron Taub for the Silver Slugger Award, and Dovid Foxbruner for the Golden Glove Award!

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

Around the Community

Dirshu, Together with Rav Chaim Kanievsky’s Siach Emunah Organization, Announces New Kinyan Sheviis Program motzoei sheviis, means that the fact that Yidden will properly observe the halachos of sheviis will serve as the catalyst to bring Moshiach. From here we see how important it is for people to know the laws of sheviis. That is why Dirshu is doing such a wonderful thing by encouraging the learning of these halachos. This will empower talmidei chachomim to be available to rule and guide their fellow Yidden on these matters.”

By Chaim Gold

nyone who has merited to enter the hallowed home of the Sar HaTorah, Maran HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, shlita, can attest to the overwhelming feeling of awe and kedusha permeating the air. Just being in the presence of the Sar HaTorah is a deeply life-altering experience. Receiving his bracha and haskama is an even greater experience. What is, however, the ultimate climax and bond with the Sar HaTorah? The pasuk in the Torah commands us “l’davka bo” to cling to Hashem. The Gemara asks, “Is it possible to cling to the Shechina? The Shechina is a pillar of fire that consumes?” The Gemara gives a profound answer, “Cling and attach yourself to talmidei chachomim!” The ultimate way to cling, to have dveikus in a talmid chochom, is to partner with him. That is exactly what happened earlier this month at Rav Chaim’s home. An exciting new initiative was announced. Dirshu partnered with the “Siach Emunah” Organization, led by Rav Chaim, to establish a special program for the accountable learning of hilchos sheviis during the upcoming shemitta year. Rav Chaim personally participated in the event and, even more remarkable, he penned a special letter that was read at the event by his son, Rav Yitzchok Shaul Kanievsky, shlita. The event marking the official launch of Dirshu’s Kinyan Sheviis program at Rav Chaim’s home was attended by numerous Gedolei Yisroel who joined Rav Chaim in encouraging the program. They included HaGaon HaRav Sariel Rosenberg, shlita, Av Beis Din of Rav Nissim Karelitz’s Beis Din and Rav of the Ramat David neighborhood of Bnei Brak; HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Eliezer Stern, shlita, Av Beis Din of Shaarei Hoarah and Rav of Western Bnei Brak; HaGaon HaRav Issamar Gerboz, shlita, a Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshiva Orchos Torah; HaGaon HaRav Boruch Dov Diskin, shlita, a Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshiva Orchos Torahl and numerous others. A window into the importance that Rav Chaim attaches to this program were his words said last week. “Learning the halachos of sheviis b’iyun, with the schedule of Kinyan Sheviis, is as if

HaRav Sariel Rosenberg addressing the Dirshu Kinyan Sheviis Asifa

a person has fulfilled all the mitzvos of shemitta, as the Chofetz Chaim writes in his sefer Torah Ohr, ‘those who learn halacha l’maaseah b’iyun are to be considered as if they actually fulfilled the mitzvah itself!’” What is Dirshu’s Kinyan Sheviis program? The ten-month program combines the learning of Mishnayos Maseches Sheviis with the commentaries of Rabbeinu Shimshon, the Rambam, the Rambam in hilchos shemitta and yovel. Participants in the program will then learn Rav Chaim’s sefer Derech Emunah on hilchos sheviis, which is akin to a Mishnah Berurah on the laws of sheviis. There will be ten monthly tests covering virtually all the halachos of sheviis. Rav Chaim’s Striking Letter Rav Chaim Kanievsky wrote a detailed letter on 26 Sivan of this year, where he specified the tremendous benefits of the program. He writes: “It is well known that keeping the laws of sheviis brings the geulah closer and saves us from all tzaros. Maran, the Chazon Ish, zt”l, writes that when one actually observes the halachos, he merits these things but the only way to properly observe these halachos are by learning them well. The Gemara at the end of the first perek of Kiddushin tells us that learning brings to actually keeping these halachos in a practical way. Even those who do not own fields are considered as if they fulfilled the mitzvah when they learn the halachos. “There are many instances in the Gemara [where we see] that in order to urge talmidim to properly learn the amoraim tested their talmidim on

what they learned… The Dirshu organization has merited to encourage and urge talmidei chachomim through their testing programs. Now, in advance of the upcoming shemitta year, they are strengthening themselves in this even more. I have therefore joined with them [in this endeavor.] May we be zoche to the geulah sheleima bimheira b’yameinu amein. “[signed] Chaim Kanievsky” The Catalyst to Bring Moshiach! At the event at the home of Rav Chaim Kanievsky, Rav Sariel Rosenberg cited the well-known words of the Mishnah Berurah in his introduction to hilchos Shabbos wherein he writes that it is impossible to refrain from transgressing the laws of Shabbos if a person does not comprehensively learn the halachos. Rav Rosenberg extrapolated, “If this was said regarding hilchos Shabbos for which we have a mesorah for generations upon generation, how much more so for the laws of shemitta which, for most of the galus, we were not able to keep and for which we don’t have the same mesorah passed down from generation to generation! “It is well known that during the summer zman before a shemitta year, the Chazon Ish instituted that his kollel would learn the laws of sheviis so that people would know what to do during the upcoming shemitta. That is what the Dirshu Kinyan Sheviis program is doing as well!” In his speech, Rav Chizkiyahu Avrohom Broide, Rav of the Ganei Ayalon neighborhood, related that the Chazon Ish writes that “this which the Gemara teaches that Moshiach will come on

Who is a Gibor Torah? The final drasha at the event was given by the Nasi of Dirshu, Rav Dovid Hofstedter. Rav Hofstedter cited the pasuk in Tehillim that states, “Giborei koach oseh divaro – the strong warriors who do His bidding.” Chazal teach that this pasuk refers to a few different things. 1. The strong warriors are the Jewish people who said “naaseh” before “nishma”; 2. they are those who observe shemitta and let their fields lie fallow and; 3. he who overcomes his yetzer hara. The common denominator is that each overcame their natural instinct. Our instinct is not to accept something before knowing what it says. Our instinct is to feel ownership over our fields and not let them be hefker without earning money. Our instinct is to give into the natural pull of the yetzer hara. “Avos D’Rabi Nosson,” Rav Dovid continued, “adds one more pshat. He says giborei koach are giborei Torah. Who is a gibor of Torah?” Rav Dovid asked. “Perhaps we can say that a gibor of Torah is someone who overcomes his natural instinct to limit his learning to things with which he is familiar and rather takes upon himself to learn something obscure and different because this is what Hashem wants. “As we embark on the Dirshu Kinyan Sheviis program, it is important to emphasize that the learners of hilchos sheviis in this program are the true giborei koach, the true warriors of spirit!” Rav Hofstedter concluded his drasha by expressing his wish that it be Hashem’s will that in the zechus of learning hilchos sheviis, Hashem should send the geulah sheleima bimheira! The enthusiastic “amen!” by the Sar HaTorah, Rav Chaim, said it all!

JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

SOME SEE BUILDINGS. O T H E R S S E E E T E R N I T Y.

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s new capital project will encompass a Mesivta Beis Medrash and its first-ever Residence Hall. This project will empower generations of talmidim to learn, thrive and grow in an environment conducive to their lofty calling. Long after the final brick is laid, your gift will continue to accrue dividends. Some look at these plans and see bricks and mortar. Our visionary builders see eternity.

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

MR. & MRS. YITZCHOK & SHOSHANA GANGER

MESIVTA BEIS MEDRASH

ANONYMOUS

ANONYMOUS Residence Hall Cornerstone

‫לע”נ ישראל הלוי לעווין ע”ה‬ ‫ואלישבע בתיה קפלן ע”ה‬ Beis Medrash Vestibule Entrance

‫לע”נ‬ ‫דוד בן משה ע”ה‬ ‫הר‘ משה נתן בן יחזקאל ע”ה‬ ‫וישראל בן אברהם ע”ה‬

MR. & MRS. SHAYA & ALIZA ACKERMAN

Mr. & Mrs. Simcha & Shani Applegrad

MR. & MRS. BENZION & MIRIAM HEITNER Entranceway to Mesivta Beis Medrash Building

MR. & MRS. ALON & CHANIE GOLDBERGER ‫לע”נ ר‘ ישראל‬ ‫ בן ר‘ בנימין הכהן ע”ה‬Sha’ar of New Beis Medrash THE BLOOM FAMILY

Mr. & Mrs. Berel & Sherry Daskal

Mr. & Mrs. Naftoli & Chani Einhorn

THE SCHRON FAMILY DEDICATION OF CAMP ORAYSA CAMPUS In Memory of Mrs. Marta Schron ‫ע”ה‬

GYMNASIUM WING

DR. & MRS. YOSSI & ZIVIA SCHWARTZ

MR. & MRS. NASSAN & DEVORAH TREITEL

Dedicated by Mr. & Mrs. Yaakov & Rivky Jacobovitch

Mesivta Beis Medrash Building Cornerstone

Preschool Cornerstone

‫לע”נ חוה בת דב ע”ה‬

MR. & MRS. NACHMAN & ESTHER GOODMAN Entrance of Beis Medrash Building

Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Sholom & Rivky Leibowitz

MR. & MRS. MOTTY & HADASSA JACOBOWITZ

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

MR. & MRS. MOTTY & HADASA MENDELSOHN

Mr. & Mrs. Mr. & Mrs. Mr. & Mrs. Andrew & Morris & Devora Yehuda & Mindy Stephani Serotta Zachter Smith

MR. & MRS. MENASH & MIMI ORATZ Basketball Court in Elementary School Gym

‫ לע”נ‬The children,

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

‫לע”נ זעליג‬ ‫בן מרדכי ע”ה‬

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. 706 brothman@darchei.org

darchei.org

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

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JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

TJH

Centerfold

Golf Truisms

} } } } } } } }

The game of golf is 90% mental and the other 10% is mental. If you want to get better at golf, go back and take it up at a much earlier age. A golf match is a test of your skill against your opponent’s luck. If your opponent has trouble remembering whether he shot a six or a seven, he probably shot an eight. Your natural ability as a golfer is in inverse proportion to the amount of money you spend on new equipment. Counting on your opponent to inform you when he breaks a rule is like expecting him to make fun of his own haircut. The shortest distance between any two points on a golf course is a straight line that passes directly through the center of a very large tree. There are two kinds of bounces: unfair bounces and bounces that are just the way you meant to play it.

} } } } } } } } }

Golfers who claim they don’t cheat also lie.

The less skilled the player, the more likely he is to share his ideas about the golf swing. For most golfers, the greatest handicap is the ability to add correctly. A good golf partner is one who’s always slightly worse than you. If there’s a storm rolling in, you’ll be having the game of your life. It is twice as difficult to hit a ball over water than sand. Your favorite golf sweater is the one that gets shrunk in the wash. Your first hole-in-one is always achieved when playing alone. Your greatest round takes place against an important business contact who you can’t afford to humiliate.

You Gotta be Kidding Me! Yankel comes home after his regular Sunday golf game and his wife asks why he doesn’t play with Moishe Goldman anymore. Yankel asks, “Would you want to play with a guy who regularly cheats, makes a fuss over everything, lies about his score, and has nothing good to say about anyone else on the course?” “Of course, I wouldn’t,” replies his wife. “Well,” says Yankel, “neither does Moishe Goldman.”

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Golf Trivia 1. What is the maximum number of clubs you are allowed to carry in your bag during a PGA governed competition? a. 9 b. 12 c. 14 d. 20 2. Match the words with the correct definitions: 1. Eagle 2. Birdie 3. Albatross 4. Bogey A. Three strokes under par B. Two strokes under par C. One stroke over par D. One stroke under par 3. What do you say when you hit a golf ball and you want to warn someone who might get hit by it? a. Mulligan! b. Head’s up! c. Fore! d. Four! 4. Which state has the most golf courses per square mile? a. Florida b. Rhode Island c. Maryland d. California 5. When a golfer is referred to as a “scratch golfer,” what does that mean?

a. He has a handicap of zero or better b. If he is not winning when he enters the last three holes, he will make up a reason why he can’t complete the game c. He takes a practice shot before each hole d. He has a handicap above 100

Riddle me This? John, Bob, and Steve all played golf recently. One played

6. List the following players in order of amount of golf Majors that they have won: a. Phil Mickelson b. Walter Hagen c. Jack Nicklaus d. Ben Hogan e. Tiger Woods

Answers: 1. C 2. 1-B, 2-D,3-A,4-C 3. C 4. B 5. A 6. Jack Nicklaus (18); Tiger Woods (14); Walter Hagen (11); Ben Hogan (9); Phil Mickelson (5) Scorecard: 5-6 correct: We got a scratch golfer! 3-4 correct: Want to take a mulligan? 0-2 correct: Fore! Watch out…we have a real brain surgeon here!

Augusta,

one

played at Pine Valley, and one played at Pebble Beach. If only one of the following four statements is true, who played where? 1. Steve played at Augusta. 2. Steve did not play at Pine Valley. 3. John did not play at Pine Valley. 4. John did not play at Pebble Beach.

Answer below

Bonus Riddle Why did the golfer wear two pairs of pants? Just in case he got a hole in one!

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Answer to Riddle: The third statement is the only one that can be true and satisfy the conditions of the puzzle. Therefore, Steve played at Pine Valley, John played at Pebble Beach, and Bob played at Augusta.

JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Torah Thought

Parshas Balak By Rabbi Berel Wein

he Talmud incisively comments that it is not the mouse that is a thief but, rather, it is the hole in the wall that allows the mouse entry into the house that is the culprit. There is no question that the villain in this week’s Torah reading is Bilaam. His hatred of the Jewish people is longstanding. He was one of the advisors to the Pharaoh of Egypt who encouraged that tyrant to enslave the

people of Israel. Even though it is obvious, even for him, that the will of heaven is that he should not accept the invitation of Balak to embark of the mission of cursing the Jewish people, he forces the issue, and accepts the mission willingly and enthusiastically. Even a talking donkey cannot sway him from pursuing his evil path and destination. Yet, it is Balak

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who initiates the entire scenario. He is, so to speak, the hole that allows the thieving mouse Bilaam to enter a situation that will enable him to curse the Jewish people. Balak is the king of Moav and was guaranteed by heavenly decree that his land would not be invaded or annexed by the people of Israel, as his ancestors were descended from Lot, the nephew of Abraham.

those hated but is equally destructive to the hater as well. Even after the failure of the mission of Bilaam and the clear realization that the L-rd is protecting the Jewish people, Balak searches for other means to annihilate the Jews. He makes a covenant with ostensibly the mightiest king in that area and of that time, Sichon, the head of the tribe of the Emorites. And Sichon will

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Hatred blinds the eyes of even the most previously wise and powerful.

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Because Lot kept faith with Abraham when they were in Egypt and did not inform against Abraham and Sarah, he was aﬀorded almost continual protection and a guarantee that his descendants would not be harmed by the descendants of Abraham. According to the Midrash, even though Balak is aware of all of this, he is still determined to destroy the Jewish people by whatever means are required. And the curses of Bilaam are one part of the plan. We are taught that hatred is unreasoning, illogical, destructive, and devoid of any rational behavior. All human history shows us the truth of this Talmudic observation. Hatred leads not only to the destruction of

dutifully set out to attack and destroy the Jewish people. He is defeated by the Jewish nation, and because Balak and Moav entrusted their sovereignty and independence to Sichon, with his defeat, the lands of Moav also fall under Jewish sovereignty. This is illustrative of the power of hatred. People will surrender their own rights and property in the mistaken belief that their hatred will somehow translate into the annihilation of their enemy. The whole exercise of the hatred by Balak of the Jewish people transforms itself into his own defeat and demise. Hatred blinds the eyes of even the most previously wise and powerful. Shabbat shalom.

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

!‫אשרינו מה טוב חלקינו‬ It is with great joy that we wish ‫מזל טוב‬ to ‫הה"ר דוד טייטלבאום שליט"א‬ 6th Grade Rebbi at Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island on his recent siyum on Talmud Yerushalmi We take great pride that our children continue to be developed and inspired by a Talmid Chochom of such caliber

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JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

From the Fire Parshas Balak

Toras Moshe vs. Parshas Bilaam By Rav Moshe Weinberger Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

hereas in many other parshios we focus on deriving lessons from the subtleties of various pesukim, the whole Parshas Balak is diﬃcult to understand. Adding to the mystery, the Gemara (Bava Basra 14b) says, “Moshe wrote his book [the Torah], Parshas Bilaam, and Iyov.” Rashi explains that “Parshas Bilaam” refers to “his prophecy and parables, even though these do not serve the needs of Moshe, his Torah, and the events of his life.” This is very diﬃcult to understand. Moshe wrote the whole Torah, including “Parshas Bilaam” within Parshas Balak according to G-d’s command. Why does Rashi explain the nature of “Parshas Bilaam” in a way that implies it was not part of the Torah at all? The Torah also includes Sefer Bereishis which took place before Moshe was born and certainly does not include “the events of his life.” So why is Bereishis considered part of “Toras Moshe?” In order to understand what Rashi

teaches us, we must ﬁrst deﬁne “Toras Moshe.” Rashi on the Gemara (Chulin 137a) explains that the word Torah comes from the root word horaah, teaching, so that the essence of the Torah is that it is a “teaching for all generations.” The Maharal at the beginning of Gur Aryeh explains along the lines of the following words of the Ramban that “the Torah includes the stories from the beginning of Bereishis because this teaches people the path of emunah.” All parts of the Torah which teach the Jewish people what they need to know to live as Jews are considered part of “Toras Moshe.” This seems to imply that Rashi teaches us that “Parshas Bilaam” has nothing to teach the Jewish people. How can we understand this idea? The Midrash (Sifri on Devarim 34:10) says, “‘No other prophet has arisen among the Jewish people like Moshe. Among the Jewish people there has arisen no prophet like Moshe, but there has arisen [a

prophet like Moshe] among the nations of the world. Who? This refers to Bilaam.” How could the Midrash compare this sorcerer’s “prophecy” to Moshe, the master of all prophets? The Ramban explains that Bilaam was not a prophet at all and was certainly not even on the level of regular prophets, much less Moshe. What, then, was the similarity? He explains that it was in the clarity of the message. When Moshe opened his mouth, the Divine presence spoke. Similarly, Hashem placed His words directly into Bilaam’s mouth without any room for interpretation. All other prophets received visions which required interpretation through their own human, albeit lofty, understanding. But Bilaam’s prophetic message was perfectly clear because it came straight from Hashem. Why did Hashem give Bilaam such a clear prophetic message? The Ramban explains that He did so in order to deprive the nations of the world

of the ability to claim, “If only we had a prophet like Moshe, we would serve Hashem, too.” He explains (commenting on Bamidbar 22:31) that Bilaam was merely a sorcerer, not a prophet, and that Hashem only gave him the ability to prophesize in order to increase the honor of the Jewish people “because it was Hashem’s will that the Jewish people be blessed through the mouth of a prophet of the nations.” If so, who was the primary beneﬁciary of Bilaam’s prophecy? The Jewish people or the nations of the world? I believe that we can understand the answer to this question by studying the Ramban on Parshas Ha’azinu (Devarim 32:26, 40). There, he explains that the Jewish people are G-d’s nation, the only people who know Hashem and through whom G-d’s name becomes known in the world. In addition, he explains that the fundamental reason for anti-Semitism in the world is the fact that we reveal G-d’s presence in the world. We bring G-d, and therefore con-

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The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

science, obligation, and responsibility, into a world that doesn’t want to hear of such things. The deeper reason anti-Semites hate Jews is because they hate G-d. The natural result is that they hate Hashem’s messengers in the world. Dovid Hamelech said (Tehillim 44:23), “It is for Your sake that we are killed all of the time.” Based on this, the Ramban says, “Because of their hatred for Hashem, they do all of these evil things to us ... He must take vengeance on them.” Since their hatred and oppression of us is because of Hashem, it is His obligation to punish them. It appears that the nations have two basic choices with regard to how to approach the those who reveal Hashem’s presence in the world, i.e., the “Jewish problem.” They can join with us in revealing the Divine in this physical world by accepting the seven mitzvos which are applicable to them or by converting. Alternatively, they can pursue, oppress, and enslave us.

They learned of this choice through the prophecy of Bilaam. He taught them that the Jewish people are “a nation which dwells alone.” As Bilaam says in various ways throughout perek 24, the Jewish people will successfully conquer Eretz Yisroel, the land primed to reveal

This is their purpose, their raison d’être. The purpose of Bilaam’s prophrecy was to deprive them of the ability to excuse themselves by claiming that they did not know their purpose. We now understand why Hashem wanted the Jewish people to be blessed by a gentile prophet. He wanted

We bring G-d, and therefore conscience, obligation, and responsibility, into a world that doesn’t want to hear of such thing.

Hashem’s presence in the world, and ultimately, Moshiach will come, and all of the nations who have oppressed the Jewish people will be punished. Bilaam’s prophetic message was that the nations’ true mission is to follow the Jewish people by partnering with them to reveal the Divine presence.

the nations to understand clearly, from one of their own, that the role of the Jewish people is to bring about the revelation of G-dliness in the world. After receiving that message, the nations must now choose which side of history they will be on. We can now understand why

Rashi explains that “Parshas Bilaam” is something separate from “Toras Moshe.” The purpose of the latter is to teach the Jewish people what is expected of them for all generations, while the former was meant as a message primarily for the nations of the world and not the Jewish people. The nations had to be told about the Jewish people’s purpose in creation, as well as a clear understanding of their own choice in how to relate to the Jewish people. May we merit, soon in our days, to see Hashem take revenge upon those who have tormented us throughout the generations and the reward of the righteous people among the nations who have joined with us to reveal Hashem’s presence in the world.

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

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JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Think, Feel, Grow

Brachos and Klalos Bounty and Boundaries By Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

hanukah was approaching, and a first grade teacher wanted to give his class a fun assignment. He asked his students to draw a picture of something they were thankful for, and at the end, they would hang them all together in a collage. Most of the students drew Chanukah-related images, but Yaakov drew a different kind of picture. Yaakov was a different kind of boy. He came from a disadvantaged family, he struggled in school, and he had trouble making friends. As the other children played, Yaakov was likely to stay back and stand by his teacher’s side. The picture that Yaakov drew was an outline of a hand. Just an empty hand, nothing else. Yaakov’s abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose hand could it be? One child guessed that it was Yaakov’s own hand. Another suggested that it was a police oﬃcer’s hand, because the

police protect and care for people. Others guessed it was the hand of Hashem, because Hashem takes care of us and gives us everything. And on the discussion went. When the children had gone on to other assignments, the teacher paused at Yaakov’s desk, bent down, and asked, “Whose hand was it?” The little boy looked away and whispered, “It’s yours.” Yaakov recalled the times his teacher had taken his hand and walked with him here or there. How often he had said, “Take my hand, Yaakov, and we’ll go outside.” Or, “Let me show you how to hold your pencil.” Or, “Let’s do this together.” Brushing aside a tear, Yaakov’s teacher went on with the class, touched by Yaakov’s gratitude.

Life is Filled with Brachos A hallmark of the Jewish experience is the myriad brachos intertwined into the fabric of daily living.

From the moment we wake up (Al netilas yadayim) until the moment we fall asleep (Hamapil), we recite bracha after bracha on every imaginable aspect of our lives. Before and after eating, throughout davening, even after going to the bathroom. Every milestone of life is accompanied by a unique bracha as well: from the birth of a child, followed by bris milah and pidyon haben, and subsequently to mark marriage and even death. Life’s milestones are marked and elevated through brachos. In Parshas Balak, Bilaam is hired by Balak to curse the Jewish People. He attempts to do so, but unwittingly proclaims elaborate blessings instead. On the surface level, it is clear that brachos reflect a positive force, while curses signify the opposite. However, there are layers of depth beneath the surface. Let us delve deeper into the true nature of brachos and klalos in order to un-

derstand their profound spiritual nature.

From Oneness to Twoness The prerequisite for any discussion of brachos is understanding of how Hashem relates to the physical world. Hashem is infinite – beyond physicality, unconfined by time or space. He is not within this world, nor is He a being; the world, and being itself, are within Him. Hashem is absolute oneness, without any components, finitude, or multiplicity. The physical world, in contrast, is finite, existing in a realm of time, space, and multiplicity. How, then, does Hashem connect to this physical world? How can that which is transcendent and infinite connect to, and manifest within, our finite, particular world? The answer is through bracha – the flow of abundance and multiplicity (tosefes v’ribuy) that stems from Hashem’s transcendent oneness. Bracha rep-

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resents the transition from infinite oneness to particular twoness – the process by which Hashem’s Divine energy, sheaf, flows into this world. There is an enigmatic Midrash which states that the letter Beis was chosen from all twenty-two letters of the aleph beis to begin the Torah – Bereishis. The midrash clarifies Hashem’s decision by explaining that the letter beis stands for the word bracha. Many commentators, especially the Ibn Ezra, struggle to understand this explanation. After all, the letter beis is the first letter of many negative words as well. Why is its connection to bracha the only one considered? The Maharal (Tiferes Yisrael 34) explains this Midrash in a profound and beautiful fashion. Beis doesn’t “stand” for the word bracha, it is the letter of bracha. Beis is the letter of twoness and multiplicity; bracha is the word of twoness and multiplicity. Beis, reish, and chaf, the shoresh (root) of the word bracha, are each letters of multiplicity. Beis has the numerical value of 2, chaf is 20, and reish is 200. These are all the letters of twoness, and bracha is the paradigmatic concept of twoness as well. Bracha is the mechanism of expressing Hashem’s oneness into the world, expanding into twoness through tosefes vi’ribuy. This is why the Torah begins with the letter beis. Torah is a physical array of finite words, all of which are a loyal reflection and emanation of Hashem’s wisdom and absolute oneness. Furthermore, the Torah begins by describing Hashem’s creation of the physical world, a process most appropriately embodied by the letter beis – the letter of twoness that stems from oneness. The letter beis reflects the process of Hashem’s oneness becoming expressed into our physical world. This is in contrast to the Aseres Hadibros, which begin with an aleph. While the episode of Creation epitomizes the finite expression of multiplicity that stems from oneness, Matan Torah was the exact opposite; the giving of the Torah was the elevation and ascension from twoness to oneness, an unparalleled experience of truth, oneness, and

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

the transcendent spiritual dimension of reality. It was an experience of Hashem Himself and therefore begins with the letter of oneness and transcendence – aleph.

Receiving Bracha The Ramchal (Da’as Tevunos 46) explains at length that Hashem created this world for the sole purpose of giving us bracha. The Ramchal translates bracha as goodness, shefah (spiritual energy), and light. In other words, bracha is Hashem’s expression into, and revelation in, this world. Receiving bracha means

tov (recognition of the good) and a practice of sourcing all multiplicity and bracha back to its source. In essence, when we make a bracha we are recognizing Hashem as the Source of all bracha. Our second intention, as the Rashba (Shu”t- 5:51), Vilna Gaon, and Nefesh Ha’Chaim (2:2, 2:10) explain, is asking Hashem to continue to abundantly manifest into this world and into our personal lives. The first step is recognition and connecting back to Hashem – our Source. The second step is an exercise of will; we attempt to bring

If used correctly, the middah of klalah can actually be constructive.

receiving Hashem’s goodness and expression in this world. At this point, we need to make an important distinction. There is a fundamental difference between twoness that is connected to oneness and spirituality – which we will refer to as bracha – and twoness that is purely physical and disconnected from spirituality. Detached and disconnected twoness is lifeless, purposeless, and dead. Twoness that is connected to oneness is a physicality infused with vibrancy, always expanding beyond its apparent limits and borders. Such physicality is constantly expanding, as it is connected to a higher source. This is a physicality rooted in bracha, fully connected to its spiritual root. When we recite brachos and say, “Baruch atah Hashem,” we are not blessing Hashem. Hashem, infinite and perfect, does not need our blessings. Rather, there are two simultaneous intentions that we must have when making a bracha. The first, as Rabbeinu Bachyah explains ((Kad Ha’Kemach – Bracha), is to acknowledge Hashem as the Source of all blessing, abundance, and goodness in the world. This is a meditation of hakaras ha-

Hashem into this world and ask that He manifest abundantly – both into the world, in general, and into our individual lives.

Curses of Limitation Klalos (curses) are the exact opposite of bracha. If bracha is the overflowing and boundless expression of goodness and shefah into this world, klalah represents the limitation and constriction of Hashem’s flow into this world, replacing abundance with boundaries and restriction. A curse is the attempt to limit Hashem’s manifestation and presence in this world. It is important to note that while the concept of klalah is often perceived as inherently negative, this does not have to be the case. Bracha represents outflow and endless abundance while klalah represents a limitation of that abundance. If used correctly, though, the middah of klalah can actually be constructive. When the use of limitations are implemented only in order to help make the bracha useful and real, the klalah itself ends up becoming part of the bracha. For instance, too much rain results in flooding. A limitation on rain, resulting in a proper

amount of water, is a necessary and productive form of limitation. The problem is when klalah is used for the purpose of destroying bracha and preventing any bracha from manifesting. We can now understand Bilaam’s attempt to curse the Jewish People in an entirely new light. Bilaam attempted to curse Klal Yisrael, to cut off their spiritual connection with Hashem. In response, Hashem did more than just negate Bilaam’s curses, He turned these very curses into brachos, strengthening the connection between Hashem and Klal Yisrael and reinforcing the channel of bracha that flows from Hashem into this world. Our mission is to use the physical world as a medium through which we connect to Hashem. We no longer see reality with a clear lens. But that gives us a unique opportunity – to create light within the darkness, to use our free will to choose to see Hashem. We don’t only ask for bracha, we create it by actively seeing Hashem’s presence flow into every aspect of our lives. May we be inspired to live lives full of bracha, sourcing every dimension of our lives back to Hashem, and living a life of oneness within this world of twoness.

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. Rabbi Reichman received semicha from RIETS, a Masters degree in Jewish Education from Azrieli, and a Masters 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, completing graduate coursework there as part of his PhD. To find more inspirational content from Rabbi Reichman, to contact him, or to learn more about Self-Mastery Academy, visit his website: Shmuel Reichman.com.

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Delving into the Daf

Who Was Rav Papa? By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

av Nachum Bar Papa is mentioned in Yoma (67a) on a daf that was recently learned by Daf Yomi participants. What he was quoted as saying is certainly important. Yet, some commentators chose to focus on the name itself. Was there really an individual named Rav Nachum Bar Papa? Why would one even question this fact? The names of Rav Papa’s sons are recited at every siyum. Rav Nachum is not listed there as one of the sons. If he did exist, why didn’t he make the list? Some commentators suggest a slight textual change to conform with a name that is on the list. Still, others suggest he was known by two names and that his alter ego made the siyum list. A rather simple answer offered is that Rav Nachum was not the son of the famous Rav Papa mentioned all over Shas but was the son of a different person named Papa. Why did Rav Papa, in fact, merit having the names of his sons recited at every siyum of a Mesechta? Rav Shimoshon Aharon Polinsky suggested that the answer to this enigma is spread all over Shas. In Brachos (59a), there is a dispute about the appropriate blessing to recite upon seeing a rainbow. One scholar says that we should recite, “Who remembers the covenant” The other scholar says that we should recite, “Who is trustworthy in His covenant and fulfills his word.” Whereupon Rav Papa comments, “Therefore we should recite both.” The halacha follows Rav Papa and we recite, “Blessed are you Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe Who remembers the covenant, is trustworthy in His covenant and fulfills His word.” In Brachos (60b), there is a dispute

regarding the end of the Asher Yatzar blessing. One scholar says that we should recite, “Who heals all flesh.” Rav Sheishes says that we should conclude, “Who acts wondrously.” Whereupon, Rav Papa comments, “Therefore we recite both.” The halacha follows Rav Papa and we recite, “Blessed are you Hashem Who heals all flesh and act wondrously.” The Gemara in Megilla (21b) records a dispute about the appropriate conclusion of the blessing recited after the Megillah reading. One scholar

it generally does not rain all summer.) Rebbe Yochanon says we should conclude the blessing with “Who receives much thanksgivings.” Rava says, “The G-d of thanksgivings.” Whereupon, Rava Papa comments we should recite both: “Blessed are You Hashem who receives much thanksgivings and is the G-d of thanksgivings.” The chazan says Modim out loud during his repetition of the Shemoneh

It was in the merit of honoring Torah scholars that Rav Papa was blessed with (at least) ten sons who were Torah scholars.

opines that we should recite, “Who exacts vengeance for His people Israel from all their foes.” Rava opines that the bracha should conclude, “The G-d Who brings salvation.” Whereupon Rav Papa comments we should recite both formulas. The halacha follows Rav Papa and we recite, “Blessed are you Hashem Who exacts vengeance for His people Israel from all their foes, the G-d Who brings salvation.” The Gemara in Taanis (6b) records a dispute over the appropriate conclusion to the blessing recited upon the first rainfall after a drought. (The Rema notes that this blessing has fallen into disuse and offers an explanation. Some say that this blessing should always be recited in Eretz Yisrael on the first rain of the winter season since

Esrei. There is a dispute in Mesechta Sota (40a) about what the congregation should recite while the Chazan is reciting Modim. Rebbe Simai says, “Our Moulder, Moulder of the universe.” Shmuel says, “The G-d of all flesh.” The Nehardeans say, “Blessings and thanks to your great name.” Rav Acha Bar Yaakov says we should conclude, “So may You continue to give us life…” Whereupon Rav Papa comments, “We should recite all of them.” This is, in fact, our practice. All of the formulas are included in Modim Derabanan. The Gemara in Chullin (65b) records a dispute regarding how to determine which grasshoppers are kosher. Sadly, we have lost the tradition regarding the correct identifying symbols and the vast majority of

Orthodox Jews do not currently eat grasshoppers. One of the signs of a kosher grasshopper is that its wings cover most of its body. Some say the wings must cover most of the length of the body. Some say the wings must cover most of the circumference of the grasshopper. Rav Papa commented, “Therefore, to be considered a kosher grasshopper, the wings must cover the majority of its length and circumference.” There are similar comments found in other places in Shas made by Rav Papa; the aforementioned are just a sampling. Indeed, according to one count, there are exactly ten such places where Rav Papa makes a similar comment. Rebbe Shimshon Aharon Polinsky says that we can conclude that Rav Papa always held Torah scholars in high esteem. He didn’t want to disregard any of their opinions. As long as he was able to satisfy all of their opinions, he did so. It was in the merit of honoring Torah scholars that Rav Papa was blessed with (at least) ten sons who were Torah scholars. This is the fulfillment of the Gemara in Shabbos (23a), “Whoever loves Torah scholars will merit to have sons who are Torah scholars.” We recite the names of his sons at every siyum to remind us of this important lesson.

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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The Fast of Shivah Asar B’Tammuz Revealed BY RABBI DANIEL GLATSTEIN

he Mishnah in Maseches Taanis lists five tragedies that occurred to our ancestors on Shivah Asar B’Tammuz and another five on Tishah B’Av. Shivah Asar B’Tammuz was the date on which Moshe Rabbeinu shattered the Luchos when he descended from Har Sinai and found the Jewish people worshiping the Eigel. It was also the date on which Kohanim were no longer able to bring the korban tamid in the Beis HaMikdash and when the walls of the city of Yerushalayim were breached. On that date, Apostumos set a Sefer Torah on fire and erected an idol in the Beis HaMikdash.

WHEN DID THESE TR AGEDIES TAKE PLACE?

Let’s begin by analyzing these tragic events and identifying when they actually occurred. • Breaking of the Luchos The ﬁrst of the list, nishtabru haLuchos, took place in the Midbar, shortly after the Bnei Yisrael left Mitzrayim. They were encamped around Har Sinai awaiting Moshe’s return when they succumbed to the pressures of Moshe’s absence and sinned with the Eigel HaZahav, the Golden Calf. • Cessation of the Korban Tamid There are several opinions as to when the cessation of the korban tamid occurred. The Yerushalmi brings two viewpoints. Rav Shimon posits that it was during the time of Bayis Sheini, the Second Beis HaMikdash, when the Greeks rendered it impossible to continue to bring the daily sacriﬁce. Rav Levi agrees that it happened during the Second Beis HaMikdash era, but he is of the opinion that it was the Romans who stopped the

korban tamid from being brought. The Rambam writes that the Bavliim, the Babylonians, stopped the korban tamid from being brought during the time of the First Beis HaMikdash. Rashi on Sefer Daniel (8:14) advances that the decree to stop offering the korban tamid was the result of another edict issued by the Greek general, Apostumos. • The Walls of Yerushalayim Were Breached The walls of Yerushalayim were breached on the seventeenth of Tammuz during the period leading up to the destruction of the Second Beis HaMikdash. There is a disagreement between the Talmud Bavli and Talmud Yerushalmi as to when the city wall was breached during the era of the First Beis HaMikdash. The Bavli, based on a pasuk in Yirmiyah, tells us that the walls were breached on the ninth day of Tammuz. The Yerushalmi states that they were breached on the same date as at the time of the Second Beis HaMikdash: on Shivah Asar B’Tammuz, the seventeenth of Tammuz. The Yerushalmi then explains that the pasuk in Yirmiyah is in error. Tosafos wonders what the Yerushalmi means. After all, how can a pasuk in the Navi be wrong? Tosafos explains that there was great chaos during the period leading up to the destruction of the First Beis HaMikdash. The citizens of Yerushalayim were confused, and they lost track of the date. They mistakenly thought that the day on which the city walls were breached was the ninth of the month, when, in fact, it was the seventeenth. In recording the tragic events of the Churban, Yirmiyah HaNavi intentionally wanted to preserve this sense of confusion that was prevalent at that time.

He deliberately wrote the wrong date in the pasuk to impress upon us the hardships of the Jewish people. They were so overwhelmed that they could not even keep track of the date. • Apostumos Burned a Sefer Torah The Mishnah mentions Apostumos and the heinous acts he committed. Apostumos was a Greek general, and it was toward the beginning of the era of Bayis Sheini that he set a Sefer Torah ablaze. Tiferes Yisrael comments that the Sefer Torah burned by Apostumos was written by Ezra, and it was known as the authoritative text. Alternatively, Tiferes Yisrael oﬀers that Apostumos actually tried to burn all Sifrei Torah. • An Idol Was Erected in the Beis HaMikdash The Mishnah teaches us that this was a second nefarious act committed by Apostumos; namely, erecting an idol in the Heichal. Rashi, however, writes that this odious act was actually performed by King Menashe, during the First Beis HaMikdash era.

WHY DOES THE MISHNAH PLACE THEM IN THIS ORDER?

The shattering of the Luchos clearly occurred many years before any of the other events listed in the Mishnah. According to Rashi, the next event listed should be the atrocity of placing an idol in the Heichal, committed by King Menashe during the First Beis HaMikdash period. Why, then, is it listed last, after events that clearly happened during the Second Beis HaMikdash era? According to the Bavli, the walls of Yerushalayim were breached only on the seventeenth of

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When Mashiach comes and we are redeemed from this long and bitter exile, the seventeenth of Tammuz will no longer be a day of mourning — it will transform into a day of celebration.

Tammuz in the days leading up to the destruction of the Second Beis HaMikdash, not the ﬁrst. Why, then, does the Mishnah place this event prior to mentioning that Apostumos burned the Sefer Torah, which happened many years earlier? The Mishnah seems to be compiling a random list of tragedies that transpired on the seventeenth of Tammuz, and then lists them in a haphazard fashion, disregarding chronicity. Why? Let us explore these ﬁve tragedies, and perhaps we will identify a common thread that unites them and thereby achieve a better understanding of the order in which the Mishnah lists them.

WHY DID BILA AM CHOOSE THE EIGEL?

Balak employed Bilaam to curse Klal Yisrael. Bilaam set out to identify a point of vulnerability that he could use to undermine the Jewish nation. The Torah tells us, “Balaam saw that it was good in Hashem’s eyes to bless Israel, so he did not go as every other time toward divinations, but he set his face toward the Wilderness” (Bamidbar 24:1). Rashi advises us to utilize the interpretation of the Targum as we seek to understand the pasuk. “And Bilaam saw that it was correct before Hashem to give Klal Yisrael a bracha, and he did not do what he ordinarily would have done, to seek counsel from the snakes, and instead he faced the Eigel that the Jewish people worshiped in the desert” (Targum Onkelos, ibid.). Bilaam was unable to find a point of vulnerability at that time, so he opted instead to turn to the sin of the Eigel that had taken place many years prior. He sought to hone in on the sin of the Golden Calf in his quest to bring about the downfall of the Jewish people. Why did he choose to utilize the Eigel as his point of attack against the Bnei Yisrael? In Tehillim Chapter 106, David HaMelech relates various events that transpired while Klal Yisrael was in the Midbar. Included in this perek is a verse that references the Cheit HaEigel. “They exchanged their Glory [i.e., Hashem] for the likeness of a grass-eating ox” (Tehillim 106:20). Why does David HaMelech mention the ox’s diet? It would suffice for him to merely mention that the Bnei Yisrael sinned by directing their service to an ox rather than to the Ribbono Shel Olam. Why mention that the ox eats grass? The last two words of the pasuk seem superfluous.

The Arizal teaches that the soul of Bilaam’s father, Be’or, was somehow trapped in the Eigel. It was he who cried out, “Eila Elokecha Yisrael.” This gives us insight into Bilaam’s fascination with the Eigel, as his father’s soul was contained within it. In the sefer Shaar HaGilgulim, the Arizal uncovers an incredible revelation. The wicked Bilaam had two sons, Yunus and Yumbrus. It was they who actually made the Eigel in the month of Tammuz. The pasuk in Tehillim is describing this when it states “in the likeness of a grass-eating ox.” This further explains why Bilaam employed the Cheit HaEigel in his quest to destroy Klal Yisrael: His sons had been the creators of the Golden Calf, and it therefore held special meaning for him. When Bilaam traveled with Balak’s messengers, the pasuk tells us: “He was riding on his she-donkey and his two young men were with him” (Bamidbar 22:22). Targum Yonasan ben Uziel is quick to point out who these two servants were: “He sat upon his donkey, and his two young men, Yunus and Yumbrus, were with him.” The Arizal then explains why the pasuk in Tehillim references the diet of the ox. David HaMelech is not merely informing us of the eating habits of the ox and its choice of food. He is telling us the date the Eigel was created, when the sin of the Golden Calf occurred: It was on the day whose acronym spells eisav, grass: Shivah Asar B’Tammuz! That was the date on which the Eigel was created and worshiped. Klal Yisrael is likened to a bride and Hashem to the groom. Har Sinai was the site of the wedding, the location where we married our Betrothed, Hashem. We were still at the chuppah when we were unfaithful to Hashem. We committed this sin with the Golden Calf during our wedding ceremony! This is one of the most disgraceful things imaginable – a bride who is unfaithful to her new husband while still under the wedding canopy. The Gemara applies a pasuk that drives home this point: “While the king was (still) at His table, my nard gave forth its foul stench” (Shir HaShirim 1:12). Hashem, our King, was still at His wedding, and we, Klal Yisrael, exuded the horrible odor of idolatry when we sinned with the Eigel. The Rokeach directs us to the roshei teivos, initial letters, of the ﬁrst three words: “b’msibo she’hamelech ad, While the king was (still) at His table,” They spell the word eisav, which, as we stated earlier, is a reference to the date that the sin of

the Eigel occurred Shivah Asar B’Tammuz, when we stood under the chuppah with our Chassan and committed the ultimate betrayal.

THE HISTORIC REVELATION OF THE ARUCH LANER

The Aruch LaNer 1 presents to us a profound understanding of the Mishnah that lists the five tragic occurrences that transpired on the seventeenth of Tammuz. The Mishnah is not merely providing a list of occurrences. Rather, it is teaching us a pattern, a progression that takes place when Klal Yisrael experiences a downfall. We are being provided with an outline that demonstrates how we experience a yeridah. A five-step path is followed, as seen time and time again throughout our history. • Nishtabru HaLuchos — The Tablets Were Broken The first step down the road of spiritual decline is nishtabru haLuchos. As long as Jews are engaged in the study of Torah, we are secure. Keviyus itim laTorah, setting fixed times to study Torah, protects us. Learning Torah keeps us from falling prey to the wiles of the yetzer hara; it keeps us from sinning and from pursuing our taivos. If learning slackens and Torah is no longer the priority, it is likened to the breaking of the Luchos, and it is the first step of Klal Yisrael’s downward spiral. • Bateil HaTamid — The Daily Offering Was No Longer Brought We are required to follow certain routines and we have regular practices in which we engage. Regardless of how little Torah an individual learns on a given day, he still prays three times, puts on tallis and tefillin, and observes Shabbos and Yom Tov. Next along the progression of decline is the abolishment of these routines that identify us as Jews. When the commitment to limud haTorah falters, the “tamid,” the daily avodah, begins to dissipate. It may start with someone brushing off davening Maariv, saying, “It’s only a reshus, not a chiyuv” (when, in fact, the Rishonim pasken that the Jewish people have accepted it as a chiyuv). Perhaps one may miss zman Kriyas Shema, at first once in a while, then with more frequency. Davening with a minyan begins to falter, and people may daven in shul only on Shabbos morning. This may progressively decline over time, until the individual is showing up only on Yamim Noraim or even

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If Klal Yisrael were to collectively utilize these twenty-two days properly, maximizing them to their fullest, we can bring the Geulah.

only for Kol Nidrei — if at all. Failure to maintain the temidus, the consistency, of our avodas Hashem is the second rung on the downward spiral. It all started with disregarding limud haTorah; while this progression may take years and decades to evolve, this is the tragic manner in which Klal Yisrael falters. And it does not end there. Once the steadiness of our mitzvah performance is no longer present, Klal Yisrael is at risk of falling to the next step on the road to destruction. • Huvk’ah Ha’ir — The City Walls Were Breached Without Torah learning and without consistently performing mitzvos, without the daily avodah, the neshama is open prey to the attack of the yetzer hara. Koheles compares the neshama to an ir, a city: “There was a small town with only a few inhabitants” (Koheles 9:14). Now, the city, the neshama, is unfortified. The yetzer hara attacks, and it succeeds in causing rampant violation of Torah prohibitions. The walls of the proverbial city are breached in all areas, now leading to the complete destruction and conflagration of one’s Torah, the fourth step on the path of destruction. • Sreifas HaTorah — The Torah Scroll Was Burned Limud haTorah became unimportant, consistently performing mitzvos was neglected, and aveiros were being committed. What follows is the total destruction of one’s Torah. No longer present even in an incomplete form, the person’s Torah is now eradicated. There is no vestige of Torah left in him. Not a single mitzvah, not a single Torah commandment is observed. And still the yetzer hara is not content with this penultimate step downward. • He’emid Tzelem B’Heichal — An Idol Was Erected in the Beis HaMikdash The final step is the active introduction of idol worship into our holy places. Where there once were Torah and mitzvos, there is now a symbol of idolatry. The yetzer hara will not stop until one’s Torah is replaced by the unthinkable and there is an actual tzelem erected in the very places where Hashem’s Shechinah had resided. While in the past one may have had a “star of David” hanging around his neck, this final departure from Hashem ends with displaying the symbol of a foreign religion. More than providing a list of historical happen-

ings, the Mishnah is informing us of the progression with which we as a nation can fall away from the Ribbono Shel Olam. These are the ﬁve steps that can lead to the demise of the Jewish nation.

THE KEY TO THE INGATHERING OF THE EXILES

From the onset of the Bein HaMetzarim, beginning with the seventeenth day of Tammuz through Tishah B’Av, these twenty-two days consist of 528 hours. The Bnei Yissaschar points out that this number is signiﬁcant in that it is the gematria of the word maftei’ach, key. This is no coincidence. This time period holds the key to our redemption. If Klal Yisrael were to collectively utilize these twenty-two days properly, maximizing them to their fullest, we can bring the Geulah. The Midrash tells us the secret to achieving the Final Redemption: Ein kol hagaluyos hallalu miskansos ela b’zechus Mishnayos, The exile we are in will be brought to an end only in the merit of learning Mishnayos. The Midrash ﬁnds its source in a pasuk in Hoshea: “Gam ki yitnu ba’goyim atah akabtzeim” (Hoshea 8:10). Literally, this pasuk means, Although they pay tribute to the nations, now I will gather them. However, the word “yitnu” can also be understood as a reference to Mishnayos, as a Mishnah is called masnisin. The ingathering of the exiles will take place in the merit of the study of Mishnayos. It is in the zechus of the Torah Sheb’al Peh that we will be redeemed. The Bnei Yissaschar draws our attention to the number of perakim that are contained in the six sedarim of Mishnah, citing the Megaleh Amukos, Rav Nosson Nota Shapiro, who was the Rav in Cracow in the times of Taz and the Bach. The Megaleh Amukos was zocheh to gilui Eliyahu; as it says on his gravestone, Eliyahu HaNavi would visit him and they would speak face to face. The Megaleh Amukos notes that there are 528 perakim in Mishnah. Likewise, there are 528 hours in the Bein HaMetzarim, the time period that symbolizes the key to the Geulah, corresponding to the 528 perakim in Mishnah, which is the vehicle through which the Geulah will come. The initiation of the process that ultimately led to the downfall of Klal Yisrael and the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash was the Cheit HaEigel, upon which Bilaam was trying to capitalize. This event precipitated the actual breaking of the

Luchos, and it introduced shikchas haTorah to the world. As Chazal teach, “Had the Luchos not been broken, the Torah would never have been forgotten.” The Bein HaMetzarim is therefore a time to rectify what happened in our past. It is time for increased Torah study when we intensify and strive to remember our learning in order to counter the process that ultimately led to the Churban and our being exiled. There are 528 hours corresponding to the 528 perakim of the Mishnah, which are the key to bringing the Geulah. Rav Yeshaya Berlin (1719-1799) wrote haga’os on the mesores haShas. At the conclusion of Maseches Bikkurim, he writes that there are actually only 523 perakim in Mishnah, five fewer than the calculations of the Megaleh Amukos. The Bnei Yissaschar explains that, in fact, there are five perakim that are not actual Mishnah; rather they are Baraisos or Tosefta. These have been added to the body of the Mishnah, but they are not Mishnayos proper. They are: the fourth perek of Bikkurim, the sixth perek of Pirkei Avos, and Tosefta on Pesachim, Kiddushin, and Sotah. Together with these perakim, we do arrive at a total of 528 perakim. The last five hours of the Bein HaMetzarim, after chatzos on Tishah B’Av, are when we rise from the floor and the stringencies of aveilus begin to lift. These final five hours of the Bein HaMetzarim correspond with the time when David HaMelech was born. Symbolically, there are 523 hours from the onset of the Bein HaMetzarim until the birth of Mashiach ben David, after midday on Tishah B’Av. There are an equal number of perakim proper in the Mishnah. There are then five hours in the afternoon of Tishah B’Av that have more lenient levels of aveilus and the time when the mourning begins to lift. These correspond to the five perakim that are not Mishnayos proper. Thus, the hours of the Bein HaMetzarim precisely correspond to the perakim contained in the Mishnah.

HIDDEN MESSAGES IN THE NAME TAMMUZ

Rav Nachman of Breslov writes that the letters of the name of the month of Tammuz, when rearranged, form an acronym for Zichru Toras Moshe

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It is teaching us a pattern, a progression that takes place when Klal Yisrael experiences a downfall.

— remember the Torah of Moshe. We are instructed to recall the Torah speciﬁcally at this time of the year, during this month, because of the sheviras haLuchos, the breaking of the Tablets, that transpired in this month and which precipitated the forgetting of the Torah. As the anniversary of this tragic event approaches, we are cautioned to remember the Torah, to work on ensuring that the Torah we learn is ingrained in our memories. Rav Nachman then addresses why the month of Tammuz would be spelled chaseir, without the vav that would typically be present. The dimension of the Luchos, the Tablets that Moshe Rabbeinu broke, were six tefachim cubed. The vav, which in gematria is six, was removed from the name Tammuz as a symbolic gesture memorializing the fact that the Luchos, with their dimensions, which were vav-by-vav, were broken. Rav Nachman then points out another acronym that Tammuz spells out: Zman Matan Toraseinu. This allusion seems misplaced, however, since the Torah was actually given to Klal Yisrael in the month of Sivan, not in Tammuz. Rav Nachman explains that while the Torah was gifted to us on Shavuos, in the month of Sivan, the actual Luchos were not physically brought down by Moshe to be given to Klal Yisrael until the seventeenth of Tammuz. Hence, the actual giving of the physical Torah took place in Tammuz. When the patience of the Bnei Yisrael ran thin as they were awaiting Moshe’s return, they approached Aharon and asked him to manufacture a new deity for them to worship, since they had given up on Moshe ever returning. Aharon instructed them to bring him their wives’ jewelry. After the men had collected their own jewelry, the Eigel was created. Aharon then told the people to return the following day, for he was designating it as a holiday, as the pasuk states, “Aharon saw and built an altar before him. Aharon called out and said, ‘A festival for Hashem tomorrow!’” (Shemos 32:5).

The Chida expresses amazement at Aharon’s statement that the next day would be a holiday. They were worshiping a golden calf, violating one of the most stringent aveiros in the Torah, and he calls for it a holiday? The Chida explains that we find the word machar, tomorrow, used to refer to a far-off date in the future, not literally the very next day. As an example, the Torah says, “If your child asks you tomorrow” (Devarim 6:20). This pasuk refers to a future generation in which a child will ask his parent about the Exodus from Mitzrayim. Machar, therefore, is not limited to the very next day, and, in fact, Aharon was not referring to the next day; rather, he was referring to the distant future, when at long last that date, Shivah Asar B’Tammuz, will be a holiday. When Mashiach comes and we are redeemed from this long and bitter exile, the seventeenth of Tammuz will no longer be a day of mourning — it will transform into a day of celebration. “Thus said Hashem, Master of Legions: The fast of the fourth [month], the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth will be to the House of Yehudah for joy and gladness and for happy festivals. [Only] love truth and peace!” (Zechariah 8:19). Thus, l’asid lavo, Shivah Asar B’Tammuz, Tishah B’Av, Tzom Gedaliah, and Asarah B’Teves will all become days of celebration. Standing in front of Klal Yisrael on the eve of Shivah Asar B’Tammuz, Aharon HaKohen was looking forward to the day when this metamorphosis will finally take place. He understood that the very next day would be tragic, as Klal Yisrael would worship the Eigel. But in the distant future, when we will finally merit the Geulah, it will be a chag, a festival. The vehicle through which it will become a chag will be our utilization of the 528 hours to commit ourselves to the study of Torah Sheb’al Peh. These hours will become the maftei’ach haGeulah, the key to the Redemption. We will be able to rectify the first step of the downward spiral — nishtabru haLuchos and the resultant shikchas haTorah, the forgetting of one’s Torah learning. The haftarah that always precedes the Bein HaMetzarim is the haftarah of Parshas Balak. This haftarah contains the prophecy of the Navi

Michah. The prophet states, “The remnant of Yaakov will be in the midst of many peoples like dew from Hashem, like raindrops upon grass, which is not hoped for from man and not awaited from a human being” (Michah 5:6). The she’eiris Yaakov, the remnant of Yaakov, refers to the Jewish people, the small remnant who has survived the trials and tribulations of Jewish history. B’kerev amim rabim, we will be among the mighty nations. K’tal mei’eis Hashem, k’rivivim, like the dew that falls from Hashem, like the rain. This means that Hashem will send His heavenly rain; ein mayim ela Torah, there is no water other than the Torah. Hashem will send a great influence of Torah upon Shivah Asar B’Tammuz and transform it into an eternal day of celebration. May we all be zocheh to the fruition of the pesukim, “The fast of the fourth [month], the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth will be to the House of Yehudah for joy and gladness and for happy festivals. [Only] love truth and peace!” and may we be zocheh to see the fulfillment of the prophecy of Aharon HaKohen, machar chag l’Hashem.

1 The Aruch LaNer, Rav Yaakov Ettlinger, lived from 1798 to 1871. He was a student of the son of the Shaagas Aryeh, Rav Asher Ginzburg-Wallerstein. He was also a talmid of Rav Avraham Bing of Wurzburg, where he attended university. Eventually he had to leave the university because of anti-Semitic riots. He authored the Aruch LaNer on many masechtos in Shas. He wrote Bikkurei Yaakov on Hilchos Succah, which is often cited by the Mishnah Berurah, as well as the sefer Minchas Ani on Chumash. He was also a great mekubal. The Aruch LaNer established great talmidim throughout his life, while leading a kloiz in Manheim and later as Chief Rabbi of Altona. Many of the gedolei Ashkenaz were students of the Aruch LaNer; notable among them were Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch (18081888) and Rav Azriel Hildesheimer (1820-1899). Rav Ettlinger’s diligence in Torah study was exceptional. He would retire at 2 a.m. after a mournful recitation of Tikkun Chatzos, and at 5 a.m. he was already adorned in tallis and teﬁllin, in which he learned until the afternoon. The Aruch LaNer’s holy soul ascended on the ﬁ rst night of Chanukah 1871.

This article has been excerpted from Rabbi Daniel Glatstein’s sefer, The Darkness and the Dawn, published by ArtScroll.

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World

Builders

Still Rescuing Others After 25 Years By Raphael Poch

ne Wednesday morning just after 10:00 a.m., David Birnbaum, who works as the director of a yeshiva in the city of Hadera and also volunteers as a United Hatzalah EMT, received an emergency alert from his communications device notifying him of a medical emergency occurring near-

by. David, who is a veteran EMT, quickly stopped what he was doing, got into his car, and drove to the given address. He arrived at the same time as the ambulance crew. A 45-year-old man was lying unconscious on the floor in the living room of his apartment. When David walked in, he saw a number of

alcohol bottles open and some pill jars not too far away, all lying on their sides, empty, with their covers removed. The team initiated CPR and relayed to dispatch that they required a mobile intensive care unit (MICU) to assist, both with the CPR and with counteracting the overdose. As David was performing compressions, the ambulance team attached a defibrillator, which did not advise any shocks. It took about 20 minutes, and some medications from the MICU, but the combined

or titles. I care about getting the work done. Everything beyond that I don’t have the need or energy for any longer.” When Hatzalah Hadera joined United Hatzalah after its founding in 2006, Birnbaum was offered the position of Chapter Head of the region, a position he turned down. “It’s about saving people,” he said. “That is what I want to do. That is what I have energy for. I can rush out to medical emergencies and save lives. Running a chapter, taking care

“My goal is simply to help people; I’m not interested in honorifics or titles.”

team managed to regain the patient’s pulse. Once he was stable enough, he was loaded onto the MICU and transported to Hillel Yaffe Medical Center. “I’ve been a volunteer EMT for the past 25 years,” said Birnbaum, who was one of the two people who founded Hatzalah of Hadera back in the 1990s. “I’ve responded to thousands of medical emergencies and very little surprises me anymore. “My goal is simply to help people; I’m not interested in honorifics

of all the logistics behind everything for all of the volunteers in the area, I think I’m thankfully done with that for now,” he added. Birnbaum, who is married with seven children and close to 50 grandchildren, volunteers for other rescue organizations as well, including Zaka. After having helped literally thousands of people in and around Hadera, Birnbaum still has the energy and drive to continue responding to medical emergencies whenever they occur in his vicinity.

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The Rabbi Who Ran an Undercover Intelligence Unit Rabbi Tzachi Fenton Talks about Advancing Israel’s Cause in the Arab World BY TZVI LEFF

t’s Friday morning, which means that it’s time for Rabbi Tzachi Fenton to release his weekly dvar Torah. From the study of his home in Elkana, a Religious Zionist community in Samaria, Rabbi Fenton sets up his laptop, and begins. “Shabbat Salam, Ya Jamiah Al-Kheir,” begins Fenton in his fluent Palestinian-dialect Arabic. “Hal-Usbua Rah-Nikrah Parshat Tazria-Metzora.” The 53-year-old father of six goes on to explain the biblical prohibition of spreading gossip, highlighting the importance of watching one’s tongue. Rabbi Fenton then shares the short minute-long video clip on social media, where it quickly racks up 74 thousand views within days. His Torah commentary soon sparks religious dialogue. “The Torah is distorted; it is full of myths,” comments Nuwaf, whose Twitter profile identifies him as a resident of the Islamic holy city of Medina in Saudi Arabia. “Do you want to learn or do you want to debate?” Rabbi Fenton replies back in Arabic. Rabbi Fenton started releasing his short Arabic-language sermons as a way to expose the Arab world to Judaism following the Abraham Accords, a historical breakthrough that saw Israel establish diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. “I disseminate, every week, a dvar Torah on the parsha, a verse, and its explanation in Arabic along with a timely anecdote. It is already being viewed by tens of thousands of people from the Persian Gulf, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait,” Rabbi Fenton said in an interview with The Jewish Home. “You see people responding with curses and insults but many also accept it with nuance – they listen and are interested. It’s a beautiful thing to see,” he continued. Nothing encapsulates Rabbi Fenton’s two professional personas more than his Ara-

bic-language Torah sermons. Today, Rabbi Fenton is a community rabbi who manages a Kollel in Petah Tikva while simultaneously running Bareket, a private business intelligence firm. But prior to that, Rabbi Fenton ran agents for years in Arab countries as a case manager for one of Israel’s most secretive intelligence units. This unit is so secret that its name cannot be mentioned in this article; it was until recently one of the country’s “invisible units” which officially do not exist. This unit is tasked with collecting human intelligence, running undercover agents throughout the Arab world, and penetrating Israel’s most lethal adversaries. Case managers must frequently infiltrate enemy territory in order to recruit and debrief agents and are guarded by a secretive commando unit tasked with protecting them. Officers sometimes pay the ultimate price for their work on behalf of G-d and country. During the Second Intifada, a senior officer in the unit was gunned down by his agent during a debriefing near Bethlehem. With only a few dozen operational case managers at any given time – far smaller than corresponding units and agencies – its successes are legendary despite its size. In 2018, the unit received a coveted official commendation from the head of IDF Military intelligence for a series of operations it ran overseas in the preceding years.

orn to a British father and Israeli mother, Rabbi Fenton received a classic Jerusalem Religious Zionist upbringing. After graduating high school, he studied in Yeshivat Hakotel as part of the hesder program combining military service and Torah study. Following 18 months in yeshiva, Fenton drafted into the Givati Infantry Brigade. Fenton soon rose through the ranks. Beginning as an ordinary conscript, he was quickly sent to Sergeants School and was promoted

again and again. By the time he left the IDF five years later, Fenton had reached Company Commander, a position making him responsible for 80-100 troops. After leaving the IDF, Fenton returned to the study hall. He planned to become a rabbi and had almost completed his studies for the Rabbinate ordination exam at Yeshivat Maale Adumim when he received a call from an unknown number. “They approached me from one of the units in the Israeli intelligence community and requested that I join their ranks,” recounted Fenton. “I passed their long screening and testing process and joined.” There, Fenton was taught “everything,” from Islam and Arabic to the fine art of running agents. Other parts of the training regimen included learning about the different religious and cultural norms prevalent in the Middle East. “After this grueling yet fascinating training course, I began working as a case manager running agents in Arabic countries,” said Rabbi Fenton, going on to call the job “fascinating; something that brings out your creativity, cleverness, and daring.”

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Forbidden from recounting virtually anything he did, Fenton says simply, “Everything you see in James Bond and other espionage movies is only a trailer to the real thing.” He would go on to serve seven years as an active member of the unit, rising to command one of its key divisions. Even after leaving active duty, Rabbi Fenton’s connections to the national security and intelligence community remained strong. Continuing to serve in the unit in a reserve capacity for an additional 11 years, Rabbi Fenton today commands a sensitive operations center in the IDF’s Northern Command with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. “There’s no real separation between active duty and the reserves in this unit,” shares Rabbi Fenton. “Reserves duty here is extremely intensive. Every week, I would disappear for a few days.” Returning to civilian life, Fenton finished his studies and received rabbinical ordination. When asked why he decided to put off his dream of becoming a rabbi in favor of handling agents in enemy countries, Rabbi Fenton says that he saw no contradiction between the two. “In my eyes, the intelligence and Zionist activities in the Land of Israel is part of the Torah,” Fenton declares. “There’s a direct line connecting halachic, religious, and spiritual activities to protecting the State of Israel.” Running agents “is completely part of serving G-d and doing mitzvot,” Rabbi Fenton continues. “It’s true that it sometimes can be on the account of learning Torah but serving in the IDF and the security establishment is a massive mitzvah.” “I’m sure that my grandparents and all of our ancestors before them over the last 2,000 years are extremely proud of us. They prayed for this moment where they could fulfill this mitzvah of sovereignty [over the Land of Israel] and to protect themselves. Once they only

yearned for this, but today we merited to actually do it.”

ase managers tasked with collecting intelligence from human sources (known in the industry as “HUMINT”) are considered the elite of Israel’s Defense Establishment. Ever since Moshe Rabbeinu dispatched spies

“Everything you see in James Bond and other espionage movies is only a trailer to the real thing.”

to scout out the Land of Israel, HUMINT has been the backbone of intelligence and used by every empire in history. In Israel, agent handlers ﬁll the most secretive and classiﬁed units in the Mossad, the Shin Bet internal security service, the Israel Police, and IDF intelligence. Becoming a member of these hallowed units means passing a grueling barrage of tests that can often last for more than a year, including a security clearance in which candidates are grilled on every detail of their lives followed by a polygraph. Through the recruitment process, candidates are scrutinized by a battery of behavioral psychologists to see if they indeed possess the rare skill set required to run agents. These include charisma, the ability to convince people

to betray everything important to them, and to pretend to be someone they’re not. A special focus is on honesty. Handlers must pass on what their agents told them precisely and accurately, with even a slight deviation or exaggeration potentially having a dramatic effect in how decisionmakers understand the enemy. Officers sometimes disguise their true allegiance when attempting to extract information from agents who would never agree to work with the Jewish State. Rather than identify themselves as Israeli intelligence officers, case managers can present themselves as a representative of a foreign hedge fund seeking knowledge relating to their investments or even members of a different country’s espionage agency. Paradoxically, people tasked with consistently lying to garner information must display high levels of personal integrity towards their bosses and colleagues. As legendary Mossad chief Meir Dagan would frequently say, “The dirtiest work must be done by those with the cleanest hands.” An unscrupulous officer can lead to devastating results. To illustrate, legendary Mossad agent runner Yehuda Gil almost led Israel to attack Syria in 1996 after supplying false reports of imminent war from a nonexistent agent. According to Rabbi Fenton, the skills he utilized to run agents in Arab countries helps him today in his career as a rabbi, using his proficiency in body language and ability to accurately read people. “The art of running agents is first and foremost the art of listening,” he relates. “We learn what’s called ‘active listening,’ which is an entire discipline and means how you move along a conversation and improving the quality of information you’re getting by listening correctly and letting the other person talk,” Rabbi Fenton says.

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“Another thing is learning to look for the personal factors that motivate a person,” he continues. “When running agents, this is obviously our bread and butter – the ability to provide a solution to the person’s psychological needs, not just his physical ones. You need to examine the situation a person finds himself in and how to properly answer to that situation.” He continues, “This is something which I find very helpful in the halachic world. Two people can ask the same question yet will get a different answer. The circumstances, the person, and basing everything on a [halachic] opinion that is relevant at that moment, to that situation, to me is something very important, and not just to be an ‘answer machine’ but to know how to accommodate the person asking. “This includes what stage of his life he is in and his family and psychological status. The two fields are exactly the same in this regard,” Rabbi Fenton asserts. He adds that, like with running agents, a rabbi needs to understand the importance of respecting religious and traditional family customs. “We returned to the Land of Israel after a very lengthy exile. Something that to one person appears legitimate to a different person looks like running afoul of the worst prohibition. Before everything, I give my full-hearted respect to people’s traditions,” says Rabbi Fenton. “This is completely legitimate and it’s something I advocate for,” he continues, “That’s one of the beautiful things we have here in Israel. When 12 tribes come together with their ‘different flags and colors,’ they transform the picture into something richer and more colorful. Not everyone needs to be the same.”

abbi Fenton’s unusual professional background has become particularly relevant following the Abraham Accords. Inked this past September, the groundbreaking agreement saw Israel normalize relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and likely Sudan, triggering a geopolitical alignment that essentially stymied the greater Arab-Israeli conﬂict. Unlike previous agreements Israel reached with Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority, the Abraham Accords included an explicit message of religious-based coexistence. Deciding to name the diplomatic breakthrough after Abraham, the ancestor shared by both Jews and Muslims, the peace agreement text explicitly acknowledged that shared heritage and called for it to be “a spirit of coexistence, mutual understanding, and mutual respect.” Invoking the history of the three Abraham-

ic religions marked a sea of change. For the ﬁrst time, the Jewish people were recognized as a nation, not just a religion, counteracting years of propaganda contending that the Jews were not a People and were thus not entitled to a state of their own. The agreement also references the Jewish People as descendants of Abraham whose origin and homeland are in the Middle East, diverging from the long-held narrative that Israel is a foreign colonial occupier. In addition, the Abraham Accords draw inspiration from

“There’s a direct line connecting halachic, religious, and spiritual activities to protecting the State of Israel.”

Arabs’ and Jews’ common ancestor, implicitly recognizing the validity of the Jewish religion. Over the last eight months since the festive signing agreement at the White House, the Persian Gulf has seen an explosion of Jewish-Muslim interfaith activities. Israel’s Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef paid an oﬃcial visit to Dubai in December and was treated like royalty, meeting with the Emirates’ most senior religious and governmental oﬃcials. Three new academies that teach Hebrew to local Arabs have sprung up in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, with organizers reporting a waiting

list lasting for months. Jewish holidays have become an opportunity for Israel and the Gulf States to connect, leading to scenes of royal princes attending public Chanukah lightings, Passover sedarim and Lag Ba’omer bonfires throughout the UAE and Bahrain. In a meeting with the Emirati Jewish community in late 2020, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs Shamma Al Mazrui extolled the “message of Shabbat,” telling her spellbound audience that the customs she witnessed had turned her into “a new student of the Jewish tradition and wisdom, your values, your ethics that guide you through a full year of weekly Torah portions.” “I want to learn from you today,” she added. The explosion of local interest in Judaism spurred by the Abraham Accords has led to a renaissance of Jewish life. In February, the Jewish communities in the Gulf Arab states announced that they had united to form an umbrella organization, the Association of Gulf Jewish Communities (AGJC), that will oversee some of the key aspects of “building and enhancing Jewish life in the region.” Based in the United Arab Emirates, the AGJC has since run a slew of religious events in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia and has established a kashrut organization and the first Beth Din of Arabia. With his extensive knowledge in both Judaism and Islam and fluent Arabic, the unprecedented interest in religious dialogue takes on added resonance for Rabbi Fenton. “As an Arabic-speaking rabbi, I sense a tremendous growth in interfaith relations. If the ties were once mainly economic or based on interests, today the relationship is more about mutual respect and understanding between Islam and Judaism,” he says. “I’m in contact with all sorts of imams, sheikhs, qadis and preachers, and there is a significant interest. Until today, we were locked in a battle with an enemy with horns ‘beyond the hills of darkness’ yet suddenly they can approach me directly without risking arrest immediately after,” Rabbi Fenton points out. “People speak to me from the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other places. After the tragedy in Meron, I received so many messages from people who emphasized with our pain and consolations...something very human between two people. “In the background of the economic peace and security relationship, I think there is something very beautiful between people. Remember that fervent Muslims believe that the Torah was counterfeited and taken from somewhere else. I can’t underestimate the value of this respect. It is a huge revolution.”

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Dating Dialogue

What Would You Do If… Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. I appreciate your shidduch column more than any of the others, so thank you. I am a serious and educated guy approaching my mid 30s..

I really want to get married. I do not have a lack of dates, nor do I have a lack of people trying to set me up. It simply happens to be that the girls I like don’t seem to like me back. The most common reaction from girls as to why they give a no is, “He’s such a nice, sweet guy, but I need someone more edgy.” Or, “He’s going to be an amazing husband but he’s too much of a soft, sweet type.” I take charge on my dates, plan nice outings, splurge on the girls I go out with. I certainly do not think I come across as timid. But I really want practical tips. How do I come across as more of a “gavrah” (strong/manly) type when intrinsically I’m just a more laid back/sweet type? Thanks, Ben

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

Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S. ear Ben, Here is a thought from this panelist. I don’t think you need to change your personality or style. There are people looking for a supportive, sweet man. I do think you need to be more assertive with shadchanim, friends, and family and go about it in the opposite way than you think. Present yourself as a person who has these particular qualities to offer and tell them, “I am looking for someone who can appreciate these qualities. Whom do you know that would value gentleness, listening, menchlichkeit, and caring?” What you are hearing as a negative should be reframed. Do go on the offensive. Don’t be passive in this effort to cast yourself in a desirable mode for a particular kind of woman seeking this kind of man. Go out there and do it!

your life. Reality sets in, and a more internal appreciation is built. If your letter does anything, I hope it helps one woman decide that marrying a nice guy is a good thing to do. Although I cannot change reality, I can tell you that the right woman for you will appreciate you for who you are. Do not change yourself to be what others want. Here are some basic tips to help your dating etiquette. 1) Plan the dates with thought; don’t go in without a plan. 2) A bit of banter is fun and OK to build a connection. 3) Don’t act over-eager, leave some room for mystery. 4) Sell your strong points, don’t self-depreciate or put yourself down. 5) Whatever you are doing with yourself (career, volunteer, learning, etc.), sell yourself. Build yourself up. The worst thing you can do is sound wishy-washy about who you are and what you are doing with your life. Build up your confidence, and it’s sure to come out on your dates.

The Shadchan

The Single

Michelle Mond

Rivka Weinberg

The Rebbetzin

always say that the divorce rate is so high because singles are looking for a guy who’s going to be a great boyfriend rather than a great husband, wanting an appealing and charismatic accessory to go with the perfect sheitel and Dior heels. Unfortunately, many don’t wake up to the desire for marrying a “nice guy” until after marriage. Let’s face it: when a woman is engaged there is so much externality going on. The Guy, The Family, The Look, The Ring, The Bracelet, The Dress, The Hall, The Flowers, The Limo, The Societal Perception. But once the doors close and the wedding is over, real life begins. No longer will you want your friends staring into

his is a great question, so thank you for writing in. In short, I don’t think you should try to be someone you’re not. So, if you’re not more of the “gavrah” type, then do not try to be. It is important to be genuine and honest about who you are. With that said, it is also important to be vulnerable and step out of your comfort zone to some extent. Each person needs to figure out for him- or herself what exactly that means and how to execute it. I do not think there is a generic answer that can be provided to make you more of a “gavrah” type. I encourage you to continue to take charge on dates, plan nice outings, and be the best version of yourself. Putting your best foot forward and

being real is crucial in shidduchim. Food for thought – I was recently speaking to one of my rebbeim about this topic of guys being the “gavrah” type in shidduchim. Unfortunately, because of the crazy world we live in today, men are told that their “gavrah” qualities are entirely negative. My rebbe said that he has seen guys intentionally tone that trait of theirs down because of the negative connotation associated with it in the secular world today. This has seeped into our Yiddishe culture and is sadly taking a toll on young men in shidduchim. I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that toning down or ramping up certain personality traits to “play the game” of shidduchim will only backfire in the long run. A guy who is more timid and gentle should be proud of that, just as a guy who has more of a “gavrah” vibe should present that way. Of course, there needs to be an underlying theme of respect across the board, but I do not think that either type of guy should try to be someone he is not. I would like to note that I believe it is the same with girls. Often in shidduchim, girls are told to be meek and timid, as that is the “appropriate” and “tzanua” way to act. However, that is beyond absurd and ridiculous. At the end of the day, Hakadosh Baruch Hu created each of us in a specific way for a certain reason and our goal is to channel our traits to serve Him the best way we can. Time and place is key with everything in life, so being self-aware and utilizing your kochos will enable you to grow and succeed. Much hatzlacha!

The Zaidy Dr. Jeffrey Galler

ave you tried getting an edgy Mohawk haircut, a menacing tattoo, a Hells’ Angels leather jacket,

Singles are looking for a guy who’s going to be a great boyfriend rather than a great husband.

and arriving for a date on a motorcycle? OK, I understand, you were hoping for a serious answer. To be more successful at dating, it’s important for you to understand that many women seem to be attracted to “Bad Boys.” They are often attracted to the kind of men that their mothers always warned them about. Sociologists explain that “bad boys” exude high levels of self-confidence and physical vigor. And, some women deduce that men with these characteristics are better able to protect them. Yes, I know that my feminist friends and relatives will criticize this statement, but respected psychologists and researchers have concluded that many women are genetically wired to seek strong, alpha males who can protect them. Yes, it’s true that women no longer need protection from saber-toothed tigers and roving bands of marauding pirates, but remnants of this DNA-based need seem to endure. Note, also, that “bad boys” radiate a streak of rebelliousness that attracts the latent spirit of adventure and nonconformity that beats in the hearts of many women. Psychologist Robyn McKay, Ph.D., wrote, “Girls who have a concealed inner rebellious side are easily attracted to men who can release that.” So, how does it help you to know

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that women are often attracted to men who are self-confident, strong, assertive, and rebellious? Please don’t turn yourself into a “bad boy.” But, you can learn from what makes them attractive. Here are some suggestions: First, plan activities that seem adventurous and exciting. Instead of taking your date to the museum, how about going hiking, or boating, or to an amusement park, or an archery range? Instead of dinner at a highclass restaurant, how about a kosher hot dog at Yankee Stadium? Second, how about a wardrobe up-

grade? Try going to a more upscale, modern, clothing store and ask for sartorial advice. Avoid dressing for a date like you’re going to a kollel shiur or a job interview. Third, do not belittle yourself with self-deprecating statements. You should not be saying, “My last date thought that I should be more assertive,” or, “If you don’t like the jacket I’m wearing, I can go home and get a different one,” or, well, you get the idea. Most girls do not want boyfriends who need to be mothered. Fourth, women seem to be attracted to men who seem a

bit unattainable. So, even if you really, really like the girl you’re dating, don’t propose marriage on the first or second date. And, don’t come across as being so very overly-anxious to please. You want her to feel that you are a worthy prize that she must work hard to successfully catch. It might go against your sweet nature, but it doesn’t hurt to play hard to get, early in a relationship. All this may seem a bit counter-intuitive. You’d think that a woman would jump at the opportunity to seriously date a nice guy who will make a wonderful husband and fat her. But,

Pulling It All Together The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

i Ben, Thank you for writing into our column. Right off the bat, I’m going to suggest working with a dating coach, even if it is for one or two sessions, just to have a professional’s opinion. This may prove to be very valuable to you. As much as we can offer advice or insight into what may or may not be going on, having someone who can sit down with you and witness you and read your energy and vibe may be very helpful. I am wondering if you’ve ever been in a relationship or have become serious with any woman. I’m also wondering about the girls you don’t like. You wrote that the girls you like don’t seem to like you back. (Maybe I’m a progressive feminist over here and there is no place for this remark,

but girls your age aren’t girls, they are women.) Do you notice a pattern of the kind of women you are attracted to who are not liking you back? And I will ask the same question of the women you are not attracted to. What attracts you? And is it possible that what you are attracted to is not attracted to a softer man? I could be completely missing the mark here, but it’s possibly worth exploring with your dating coach. And if this runs deeper, it’s possibly worth exploring with a therapist. A personality should never be changed! Hashem created it. And there is someone who will love you for you. It shouldn’t be any other way. However, if you’ve been dating for an extended period of time and have

had no success, I am wondering if there is something you are doing on dates, or an energy you are giving off unbeknownst to you, that could stand to use a little tweaking. My intuition tells me one of three things: A. You haven’t met the one yet. B. There is something in your communication or style or something that isn’t getting you to the secyond date. C. You are attracted to the wrong women. You are worth figuring this out. I have worked with some pretty fabulous men and women over the years. People who have come to my office, unable to “figure out” what is going on. Sometimes, it’s simply because they haven’t met the right one. And sometimes, we found a little something in the energy they were exuding

Yes, it’s true that women no longer need protection from saber-toothed tigers and roving bands of marauding pirates.

remember that Leo Durocher, a famously successful baseball manager, declared, “Nice guys finish last.”

that actually did need to be tweaked. Some examples: The beautiful, successful woman who has it all but is giving off an air of desperation. The perfectly together guy who starts confiding in his dates about all his baggage and unknowingly turning his dates into therapy sessions. The woman who doesn’t know her value and bends over backwards too early on. The funny guy who is cracking inappropriate jokes relentlessly. The men and women who are attracted to the wrong type for the wrong reason. I hate to plant any seed of doubt that there is something you may be doing “wrong.” Most likely, you halven’t met your bashert. But in the slightest case there is something you could actually work on, please see someone. It’s worth it, even if it’s to simply to rule out the possibility. Sincerely, Jennifer

Jennifer Mann, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and 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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Dr. Deb

“That’s Who I Am!” By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

argie had been begging and pleading. There was the time Sam forgot her birthday and the time he outright lied to her that there wasn’t enough money in their investment account to pay the tuition on time. There was the other time Sam let her birthday go by with a nice card and flowers but no gift. Margie spent many nights crying herself to sleep. And it didn’t work. Showing Sam her pain, her needs, explaining till she was hoarse just didn’t work. Years of it went nowhere. Decades disappeared down the road to an end she was not up to looking at. So she got tired of it. She came right out and told her husband, “You must not love me or you would do these small things for me. I have not been asking much.” And that’s when Sam came up with the tired, old excuse that I have heard way too many times, “That’s who I am.” Other variations of it are: “I can’t change.” “This is how I’ve always been.”

Is This Who You REALLY Are? It applies to addictive watching of

what you shouldn’t on the internet, overdoing the schnapps at Kiddush, casting eyes where they ought not go, putting money on risky things under the guise of “investing,” and omitting the little niceties like saying “thank you” for a nice dinner and complimenting an attractive outfit. It applies to yelling, sarcasm, putdowns, ignoring, neglecting, controlling, dismissing, one-upping and other forms of verbal or emotional abuse. So here is my question: Is that really who you are? Is that how G-d made you when you popped out into this world? Weren’t you pure and holy then, ready to become whoever G-d gave you the promise to be?

The Real Cause of This Behavior When people (usually men) would say to me, “I couldn’t help it,” and that’s what they were used to, that’s their comfort zone, and so forth, I knew it was caused by abuse that they had received. What I hadn’t known was (1) the eﬀect this had had on their brains, and (2) what it really was, above and beyond mere “abuse.” Recently, I re-read Bessel van der Kolk’s book, “The Body Keeps The

Score.” Remember, this is what got me started on my trauma-focused path, learning EMDR followed by Internal Family Systems (IFS) with Richard Schwartz and another trauma researcher, Janina Fisher. In a previous article, I also highlighted the movie about Gabor Maté, “The Wisdom of Trauma,” in which he not only backed up all these people in a chorus that makes the same point, but illustrated it with his personal trauma of having been handed off to strangers at age one when his mother was grabbed by the Nazis and how all that affected his life, his work as a psychiatrist, and his marriage. OK, you were not captured by the Nazis and neither were you abused in any way - that you know of. I get that. But (please refer to previous articles) trauma doesn’t have to be the big deal that is the stuff of airplane-crash movies. That is why I recommend the Maté movie: It describes “ordinary” emotional neglect and insensitivity that creates little “t” trauma. Ongoing, daily trauma can come from any of these things: • Hearing parents continuously argue • Noticing that parents sleep in two different bedrooms

• Not seeing love, harmony, or fun growing up • Needing to get out of the house to avoid being picked on • Needing to get out of the house to avoid seeing what children should not see • Not hearing praise for hard work or innate abilities • Not being encouraged to do your best with words of confidence and love • Not being told “I love you” by parents • Not believing you’re loved because you get yelled at or criticized so much • Needing to somehow earn your parent’s praise when it’s nearly never good enough • Having parents who divorce • Having a parent die • Having a parent that is too ill mentally or physically to create a stable environment • Having parents that must work too hard to put food on the table to have time or energy left over for all the above niceties • Contending with a single parent’s dating partners or step-parents of yours who try to control you when they did not first create a relationship • Being adversely compared to a sibling for any skill or behavior

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• Dismissing your hurts and wounds from schoolyard bullies, either because the bullies pick on you or ignore your presence

So How Do You Recover from This? Now, one of the things that I’ve wondered about a lot is whether Schwartz is Jewish, but I certainly know that Bessel van der Kolk is not. Yet, on page 285, he cites Schwartz saying that one of the assertions that Schwartz makes is that this Self does not need to be cultivated or developed. Beneath the surface of the protective parts of trauma survivors there exists an undamaged essence, a Self that is confident, curious, and calm, a Self that has been sheltered from destruction by the various protectors that have emerged in their efforts to ensure survive. Now, what does that sound like to you?

It sounds to me like your neshama. Your neshama is untainted by the coping skills you learned in order to contend with the onslaught of daily misery. Your neshama, in the

themselves listening for answers. The answers come from someplace inside them that they didn’t even know existed. It’s their Self, in Schwartz’s terms.

The answers come from someplace inside them that they didn’t even know existed.

words I just quoted above, is “undamaged.” Not only that, I am surprised every single day when a client reaches out to me for advice of one sort or another at how well they come up with their own answers. The answers do not come from thinking about it. On the contrary, they go open-mindedly “inside”

It’s their neshama. So the key to recovery is to access the neshama. Couples therapy cannot start with laying all your flaws and faults on the table. That is totally counterproductive. Nope. The first step is knowing that those things (that I learned in my Tanya learning so many years

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ago) are called klippos, just coverings of the soul, or as modern therapists like to call “coping mechanisms” and Schwartz calls “parts.” That’s what Sam was so comfortable with, so familiar with, that he thought they were “him.” They never were. They are not the “real” you because the real you is your beautiful soul, your undamaged Self. So if Sam realizes that in working together with me, we will search for and find his untarnished soul and allow it to come out into full blossom, then he no longer has to fall back on “that’s who I am.” Because that is exactly who he isn’t.

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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Health & F tness

Foods for a Good Night’s Sleep By Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN

“I

’m tired” is probably the most common complaint people have. Sleep disturbances are a real issue. Some suffer from insomnia; some from waking up multiple times at night – some from sleep apnea, others from bad dreams or a partner’s snoring. Sleep problems are rarely blamed on the food one ate before going to sleep, yet experts agree that eating certain foods before bedtime might hinder a good night’s sleep. “Some foods are downright energizing, and others can aggravate conditions like heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux,” explains Lisa Richards CNC, nutritionist and founder of The Candida Diet. Eating late at night can affect your body. If you’ve tried all of the sleeping remedies and still can’t seem to get a good night’s sleep, it may be because you are eating the wrong foods. By making a simple switch to certain food and drinks, you might be able to get the beauty sleep that you deserve. Below is a list of foods that should not be eaten close to bedtime. 1. Avoid spicy food before bedtime. Especially if you suffer from heartburn, eating spicy foods late at night can set off acid reflux even while you are sleeping. Spicy foods also contain capsaicin, which may alter your body temperature and interrupt your sleep. 2. Although it might seem like a glass of red wine or a beer will help you sleep better, alcohol should be avoided close to bedtime. Alcohol interferes with REM sleep and can make waking up the next morning difficult. 3. Fried or fatty foods should

not be eaten late at night, either. They might hurt your stomach overnight and can trigger reflux as well. Healthy fats such as nuts or avocado are fine, yet saturated fats

High levels of caffeine in chocolate make it a poor choice for late-night snacking. It is smart to pick a time during the day as your cut-off time from caffeine. I do not recommend

Going to sleep with a full stomach will leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable.

should be avoided before bedtime. 4. Cheese is a poor choice of foods to eat before bedtime. Cheese contains an amino acid, tyramine, which makes us feel alert – not exactly the feeling that you want when trying to fall asleep. 5. An obvious item to stay away from before bedtime is anything caffeinated. Caffeine is found in coffee, teas, sodas, and chocolate.

having caffeine past 5 p.m. 6. Acidic foods are another nono before bedtime. The goal is to reduce stomach acid production at night, and eating acidic foods will inhibit this goal. Refraining from all foods close to bedtime will help achieve this goal. For this reason, meals in general should not be eaten close to bedtime. In general, you should not be eat-

ing big meals before you go to sleep. Going to sleep with a full stomach will leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. For this reason, try to eat your dinner in the early evening. If you are hungry later in the evening, have a snack that will not interfere with your sleeping patterns. For those who need a quick snack before bedtime, have something rich in magnesium. Magnesium is known for supporting sleep. Enjoy a banana, chickpeas, nuts (especially almonds), seeds, or dark chocolate. Cherries are another great pre-bedtime snack since cherries contain melatonin which helps you sleep well. A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that people who drank just one ounce of tart cherry juice a day reported that they slept longer and more soundly than those who didn’t. Honey also contains melatonin, and for this reason, many people drink tea with honey before bedtime for a soothing night’s sleep. After enjoying a bowl of cherries and almonds and sipping a chamomile tea with honey, curl up into bed with The Jewish Home and have sweet dreams!

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 nutrition consultant. She can be reached at CindyWeinberger1@gmail.com or 917-623-6237.

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Parenting Pearls

Make the Summer a Splashing Success By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

s the summer approaches, the pool is usually one of the first things kids think about. Swimming and water play is truly one of the joys of summer. Along with water comes the need for extra safety measures and awareness. As parents, we are all aware that water comes with its own set of precautions, but as the proud mother of two lifeguards, I’ve gained a new appreciation and awareness. I’d like to thank the lifeguards that took the time to review this article and added their insights. I just found out that Bracha Goetz has a new book on water safety, Let’s Swim Safely, designed for the youngest of swimmers. I haven’t had a chance to thoroughly review it, but it’s worth checking out on your next trip to the bookstore.

Constant Supervision It is never safe to leave children of any age alone near water, irrelevant of how little water is present. This applies to everything from a bathtub to a pool. In fact, nobody should swim alone. Even adults should have a buddy or someone with them. There are

too many stories of tragedies to be lenient with this rule. Sadly, there have even been deaths recorded in men’s mikvaos because someone was alone when a medical emergency occurred. After swimming, the pool should be drained, locked or otherwise secured. Don’t leave even a baby pool with water in it unattended. The same applies to baths or anywhere water is gathered. Ensure nobody, not even a neighbor’s child, has access to your child’s pool. Other parents may allow their child to play outside unaware there is water present. Inflatables, water wings, and other items are not a substitute for adult supervision. Ironically, some of those very items are considered dangerous in the water despite how they’re marketed. I know from my sons that there are very good reasons why pools limit certain pool toys and items. Others are allowed in but require extra vigilance. It’s a shame that they’re marketed as they are.

Learn the Signs Many of us have seen drownings depicted in movies or television. As the victim desperately screams for

help, their arms flail as they splash and make a scene. The movies show drownings just about as inaccurately as they portray Orthodox Jews. I never knew differently until a homeschooler put out a public service announcement after the unfortunate drowning of a relative of hers. The young man was an excellent swimmer and drowned surrounded by family as nobody knew that he was struggling. It is worthwhile to watch a video online showing how someone actually looks when they’re having trouble. You want to know the first signs of trouble and daven you never need to use it.

Professional Lifeguards Parents are wonderful and love their children to no end. Parents, though, are not substitutes for a lifeguard. I’ve been very impressed with seeing how my sons have learned the signs of distress and know the safest way to help. An untrained eye is no substitute for a professional. I’ve been called to see if my children are available for pool parties as many parents recognize that having a lifeguard present is the safest way to

host others in your pool. On the other hand, I’ve had parents argue with me that they don’t really need that much professional supervision since parents will be present. Parents generally don’t watch swimmers as carefully as a lifeguard, and they’re rarely able to spot the first signs of danger, chas v’shalom. Parents cannot take the place of a trained lifeguard. I’ve been impressed when rebbeim or parents added a second lifeguard because they knew it was safest, and I have been disappointed when adults have refused to properly staff their pools. Don’t allow your child to swim unless there is proper supervision. Lifeguards are the trained staff and authority at the pool, and children should be taught to listen to the lifeguards. Lifeguards may be predominantly teenagers but they need to be taken seriously. If the lifeguard asks them to stop running, leave the pool or stop their game, then they need to listen. You would never encourage your child to disregard an authority figure, and the pool’s lifeguard is no different. It’s for your child’s safety and benefit that they listen to the ones trying to keep them safe.

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Often, kids don’t understand the rules and try to flaunt them. Many water toys, games or activities are not permitted, and kids will try to ignore the rule. You’d be surprised how many kids try to dive, head first, into shallow water and then argue with the lifeguard that tries to stop them. Some games, such as contests to hold your breath underwater, seem innocent to children but are actually a serious potential danger. Kids jump into the water without looking, potentially landing on another child. Some toys increase the risk of drowning. These are risks that kids don’t understand but trained lifeguards are taught to watch out for. Your child shouldn’t ignore rules they don’t understand. Many lifeguards won’t mind explaining the reason behind the rules, and kids can ask but children should follow the safety rules whether they understand them or not. Children should never distract or annoy a lifeguard on duty. You would think this would be obvious, but I’m shocked each year how many kids think it’s funny to block the lifeguard’s view, argue with them or otherwise take their attention away from the pool. If a child or adult thinks they were treated unfairly, then they can speak to the lifeguard later when he/she is off duty or speak to someone higher up. They shouldn’t argue their point while the guard is on duty. Children should know they can go to a lifeguard if they need assistance but they should never play around with the lifeguard’s view or attention.

Water Safety Parents have the important role of teaching children water safety. Just like teaching how to safely cross the street, stranger danger and locking up poisons, water safety is no different. Children should be taught not to play near water where they, chas v’shalom, have the risk of falling or injuries. It can be helpful to remind children again, especially little ones, of the rules when they’re near the water. Children need to be taught how to swim or at least how to safely manage in the water. Besides being fun, knowing how to swim is an important safety skill. While not everyone can afford swim lessons, it is worth at least looking into if you see your child is

not safe around water. The price may be more affordable than you thought. It’s an investment in their safety, and a few lessons can make a difference. Do not rely on water wings, floaties or other water devices. They’re generally not approved as water safety devices and are not a replacement

for people of all ages. A walk or bike ride on the boardwalk is not only an enjoyable way to exercise but also a fun activity for chol hamoed or school breaks. We are fortunate to live close to so many beaches. What is less known is that the water at the beach is very different

Let’s do all we can to ensure the water remains a fun and enjoyable experience.

for proper supervision. Many water toys are actually more of a hazard than a safety device, and a parent should never remove their gaze from their child, even if they’re right next to them in the water. Some of these items are either discouraged or banned in public pools for a reason. If the device has the approval of the Coast Guard, then the item can be considered more of a safety device than a toy but it still doesn’t negate the need for proper supervision. A properly approved life jacket/ vest is different from a water toy. Children that are boating or doing other water activities should be encouraged to wear their life vest, even if they feel foolish looking. In fact, it’s the law in New York for many water activities and boats. Even a proficient swimmer can benefit from this extra level of protection. There are too many things that can happen for a person to think accidents won’t happen to them, only to others. Like a helmet, they should be secured properly and the right size for your child. Wearing one yourself shows your child, by example, that water safety really is important to you, too. Adults need to be safe in the water, as well. Each year we hear of tragedies, lo aleinu, many to adults that knew how to swim. Let’s teach by example and protect ourselves in the process.

Beaches I am not discussing any halachic issues that may arise at the beach. What I can discuss is how beautiful, peaceful and enjoyable the beach is

from pool water. The ocean water is far more unpredictable and far more dangerous. The difference is so great that beach lifeguards are required to have special certification and equipment, over and above what pool lifeguards are required to maintain. Nobody, neither children nor adults,

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should ever enter the water at a beach without a lifeguard present. Never swim or enter the water outside the area that is designated for swimming or outside the area patrolled by the lifeguard. Wanting a private swim may seem like fun or more tznius but it’s not safe. As gentle and peaceful as the water may appear, sadly, it can be misleading, and each year we hear of tragedies, may Hashem protect us. Water play is one of the best parts of summer. Kids and adults alike look forward to a cool dip in the pool on a hot day. It’s great exercise and a wonderful way to relax. Let’s do all we can to ensure the water remains a fun and enjoyable experience as we teach our children to understand and respect the risks that come with the fun.

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.

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

In The K

tchen

Cheese Noodle Kugel By Naomi Nachman

My friend Esti Kafra gave me this recipe years

ago. It’s my go-to dairy dish to serve when breaking a fast. This recipe makes three kugels, and they freeze well.

It’s the “cook

once eat twice” prep ahead concept that also makes it a winning dish for me.

Ingredients

b1 package (10.5 oz) ﬁne egg noodles b1 package (10.5 oz) medium egg noodles b2 tablespoons of butter b16 oz. farmer cheese b16 oz. cottage cheese b8 oz. sour cream b8 oz. cream cheese b1½ cups sugar b2 tablespoons of sugar b8 eggs CRUMB TOPPING b¼ cup butter b1½ cups panko crumbs b1 cup sugar b½ tsp ground cinnamon

Preparation 1.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain but do not rinse.

2. While noodles are cooking, make crumb topping.

3. To make the topping: Melt butter in pan and add crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix to form coarse crumbs. Remove from heat as soon as ingredients are combined. Set aside. 4.

Place remaining kugel ingredients in a large bowl and mix well (you can use an immersion blender or hand mixer). Add cooked noodles and stir well until everything is combined. Line three round 9-inch pans or an 11-inch x 16-inch roasting pan with parchment paper and pour batter into it. Cover with crumb topping. Bake 1½ hours. Smaller kugels may take less time to bake, so check them after an hour of baking.

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.

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Mind Y

ur Business

Jake Marder & Abe Klugman By Yitzchok Saftlas

Jake Marder, CEO

Abe Klugmann, President of Sales

his column features business insights from a recent “Mind Your Business with Yitzchok Saftlas” radio show. The weekly “Mind Your Business” show – broadcasting since 2015 – features interviews with Fortune 500 executives, business leaders and marketing gurus. Prominent guests include: John Sculley, former CEO of Apple and Pepsi; Dick Schulze, founder and Chairman Emeritus of Best Buy; Beth Comstock, former

Vice Chair of GE; among over 400+ senior-level executives and business celebrities. Yitzchok Saftlas, President of Bottom Line Marketing Group, hosts the weekly “Mind Your Business” show, which airs at 10pm every Sunday night on 710 WOR and throughout America on the iHeartRadio Network.

n a recent 710 WOR “Mind Your Business” broadcast, Yitzchok Saftlas (YS) spoke with guests Jake Marder (JM) and Abe Klugman (AK) of YM Ventures. As the company’s CEO and President of Sales, respectively, they strive to finance businesses of every variety. Helping businesses grow, expand, and support their operations is at the forefront of YM Ventures. * * * YS: Jake, can you explain the difference between a bank loan, a private loan, and what YM Ventures provides? JM: What it boils down to is communication. For a bank loan, for example, you may walk into your local Chase or Bank of America and wait until you get an appointment to speak to a loan officer. Besides for the application taking usually four to six weeks just to get an answer back, if you’re in a tough position and you need it quicker, there’s no one really to urge it along. And let’s say it’s later in the afternoon. Most bankers are

already home. So, in addition to us not being that 9-to-5 kind of company, we’re really there whenever you need us – obviously, except for Shabbos – and we know how to package a loan so that a lender may be more agreeable to take your loan application. We also find the best product to suit your needs. If you walk into any institution or call up a private company, they’ll most likely pitch you the product that they want you to take, which may actually not be the right fit for you. The advantage of going to a company like YM Ventures is that we partner with a whole facet of different products, such as lines of credit, factoring, SBA loans. We’ll actually have a conversation with you, determine what the best product is for long-term growth, and advise you in that direction, as opposed to just pushing something on you that doesn’t really make sense for the long-term. And last of all, because of the relationships we have with our partners and investors, we often have an advantage over you going to them directly. Because of the volume of

business that we do, we get significant discounts on some of the products, which translates into savings for you, as well as the ability to push your loans through quicker, with more expertise. What’s the advantage of coming to YM Ventures versus trying to go to the Small Business Association (SBA) directly? AK: When you’re dealing with brokers, you’re looking for someone who has knowledge. And I’ll explain to you why that is so valuable. People think it’s just knowledge and sales. When we’re bringing a deal to the table for our client, we ultimately need to sell the funder and the investor as well. If we have knowledge in multiple different industries, we can come to the investors and come across as someone who understands what they’re looking for. So, they give us an offer faster, and they provide us with better rates. Knowledge is something that we’re really focused on at YM Ventures and we’re constantly training ourselves and our team to gain ex-

perience on different industries and lending rules. I think that is what ultimately allows YM Ventures to stick out and be different. Jake, before establishing YM Ventures, my understanding is that you saw how other loan companies weren’t being so straight about the fees. Can you discuss what goes on in the industry and how you’re set to change that? JM: One of the reasons why I left the last company I was at was because there was a client of mine that I had been funding for a long time. I brought him over to this new company, and we funded a deal for him. On the funding call, as is typical in our industry, they go over all the numbers. The owner of the company spoke very quickly under his breath and mumbled something about fees, and the client called me the next day and said, “I ended up with a lot less in my bank account than I thought I was getting.” I asked the owner, and he told me, “I went over it with him on the funding call.” Apparently, he

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snuck in something about an extra fee that nobody knew about. I lost that client, who was a great client, and shortly thereafter I left the company for that specific purpose. Fees are definitely something on which I advise all business owners to not only read any materials or contracts that are sent to you but also to personally ask your loan adviser or broker what fees are involved. Because there are not just fees from a lender. A lot of brokers typically will charge a fee just for getting the deal done. At YM Ventures, a lot of times we won’t even charge a client a fee, or we’ll charge them something very minimal. For example, there are PPP loans from the government, which we don’t charge any fees for. We do it at no cost to our clients. And for nontraditional financing, it really depends on the risk. But we’re here to keep our clients in business and bring them back. So, if it means making a very small fee, it’s worth it for us because we know we’ll keep this guy coming back to us for 10 or 20 times, as opposed to a one-anddone mentality. Abe, how do you recommend people educate themselves when they head into the world of getting capital for their business? AK: I think that it is extremely important to have a proper relationship with the broker you’re working with. The brokers all know how fees are structured. They know how it works. If you have someone that you can have a proper relationship with, ultimately, they’re going to review those contracts for you and they’re going to let you know, “Hey, this is the fee structure. This is what it’s going to cost you.” It’s the famous saying, “never assume.” You’ve got to review it a few times. Look through the contract, don’t rush into anything. Take your time. It’s extremely important to mention – people tend to forget that in this industry, the value that allows us brokers to be successful is residual income. We’re not focused on making that quick buck. It’s about the future relationship that you can build. People that you take care of, that you don’t take advantage of

when it comes to fees, they come back to you. It’s small-minded to not be transparent with fees. Jake, a common practice in the industry is that there are some companies that keep on drawing money, even after the loan is repaid. Is this legal? Do people know about this? How can they avoid it? JM: What a lot of clients don’t realize is that the way our lenders get paid back is through an ACH draw from the client’s bank account. While the payment may come out of the account today, it won’t clear into the lender’s bank account until three or four days later. So, they’ll continue to draw until the full amount is repaid. Very often it happens where a client will call us, “Hey, you guys took an extra payment or two,” and

bel the “secondary finance arena” with that negative label. I think it’s an injustice and is unfair to the industry. Certain companies, I can’t mention the names, obviously, but companies we’ve worked have been helped through our program. Although it was alternate financing, and the rates were a bit higher, we had the ability to help them scale. We have a client that we do some business with. They service the oil industry. They called us up, and they said, “We’re looking for immediate financing.” We looked at our documents, we underwrote it, and we saw they are doing around $34 million in business a year. That’s a nice number. We said, “Why would you guys need us for financing? You don’t have the banks, the regular source?” The response was simple. “We have a line of credit out with Bank of

“Don’t lose track of your ultimate goal.”

we explain, “That’s just the way the system works. You’ll get that money back that we overdrew within a few business days.” However, you do need to be wary of this because from personal experience, I know of a few companies that deliberately continue to draw well after the loan is paid off. What I would advise any business owner is this: Don’t just assume. Keep a ledger of all your payments. I personally recommend something like QuickBooks, where you can link your bank account and it automatically categorizes all your transactions. You can be on top of the payments to make sure that it’s not overdrawn. There apparently is a negative stigma that surrounds the nontraditional financing industry. Is it fair that that there is this stigma and where does it emanate from? AK: I’m happy you asked that question, so let me elaborate on that. It is very unfortunate that people la-

America. Bank of America has something called a UCC lien, also called a blanket lien, that they have on our business. We can’t get additional financing through the regular source. We need to get financing without liens, which means unsecured.” All right. They had Exxon, Chevron, U.S. Wells and some of the largest companies willing to give them millions of dollars of business. All they needed was to deal with the immediate liquidity issue that they had. They needed cash; they needed to move fast. Currently, we’ve been working with them for over two years. Right now, their revenue flow annually is over $48 million. That’s an example of secondary financing helping a business grow. A quick thought based on either both your initials, or just one of your initials. First, I’m going to turn to Jake. Jake Marder, your pick and your take. JM: I’m going to go with the M,

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which is “mindfulness.” My wife recently bought me a calendar which has these daily tips on it for happiness. I saw a great quote in there that I’d like to share with you. It says, “So many of us live our lives as if the secret purpose is to somehow get everything done. We stay up late, we get up early, we avoid having fun and we keep our loved ones waiting. And after we finish our To-Do list, there’s always a new one that’s going to take its place.” For me as a business owner, and I’m sure all business owners out there, we took the risks to start our companies for a specific reason, whether it’s flexibility, whether it’s security, or financial freedom. Don’t lose track of your ultimate goal, being mindful of what your purpose was, why you started your company, and don’t lose track as a result of the day-to-day stresses. Special, special. Abe Klugman. A? K? Both? AK: I’ll start with the A. As a person in my position as president of Sales, A is about “always be closing.” People in the sales industry in general, we all share the same challenges of rejection, having a challenging time, sometimes a few weeks with no sales. It’s hard. We’re commission-based. A stands for “always be closing,” focus on closing, don’t focus on the negativity, keep pushing forward and you’ll succeed. And K, this is not related to business – I’m just a big foodie. K stands for Kugel. My favorite food. It’s delicious.

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Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

CTE is coming at some point…without a doubt. – Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler in a Barstool Sports interview, stating that he suffered at least 15 concussions while playing in the NFL and he is certain that he will get the progressive brain disease, CTE

I am delighted that this work is presented in the midst of pumpkins, watermelons, and beers, where reality is, where people’s lives are. - Serge Lasvignes, president of the Centre Pompidou Museum, which lent a Picasso paining to a French supermarket as part of a project to make great works of art more accessible, in an interview with ABC News

I see people on the street walking outside with a mask on, like you [silly] moron! I just want to shout at them outside the car, you’re a moron! You never could get it outside, really, and you’re alone walking on the street with a mask? You can’t say on one end, we’ve got to listen to the science and the data, and then when science says you can’t get Covid outside and you never could and you don’t need a mask anymore, be like, oh, I’m just not going to do it! - Bill Maher, HBO

Now we’re over the – it’s over. Can we just say it’s over? I know it was great fun to have a pandemic and order Grubhub every night, but… - Ibid.

Being the very newest of our holidays, white people, I must say, are very confused. Do we barbecue? Is there a mattress sale? What is the right time to start drinking? 2!

Everybody involved on the American side working with the Chinese scientists circled the wagons and dramatically came out against the idea that it was a lab leak. In the February 19 letter by 27 scientists, they said that anybody who suggested it was a lab leak was a right-wing conspiracy nut, particularly Trump. Now, why did they circle the wagons? Because if it had been a lab leak, they’re implicated because they have a relationship with the lab, and … I think it puts everything they did very much at risk. So, that February 19 letter by 27 scientists in 2020 saying that if you believe it’s a lab leak, you’re a nut, tells me everything I need to know. I think they knew it was a lab leak, and they tried to bury it. - Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) discussing the origins of coronavirus, on Fox News

- Bill Maher, talking about the newest federal holiday, Juneteenth

MORE QUOTES [

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JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Seth, you can’t even get 1 million viewers a night. Why, you wonder? Your show [stinks], and you are not funny. You are locked into partisan politics of which you know nothing. It’s just a matter of time before your boring [bad] show is cancelled. Did I mention your show is boring, dull and is unwatchable? - Tweet by Sean Hannity after NBC Late Night Host Seth Myers criticized Hannity

When I play chess, it’s as close as I’ve ever come to a sense of equality. When you start the game, no matter who you are, no matter what your physical condition is or where you come from or whether you have money, both sides start with the same thing. - Jessica Lauser, 41, who is legally blind and who is a competitive chess player

I have read and heard a lot of times that if you don’t achieve mastery by a certain age, you never will. I don’t have the same life trajectory as most people. - Ibid., who is hoping of becoming a world renowned chess master

The more extreme they get, the more obvious how political it is … “Fauci has blood on his hands.” Are you kidding me? … Here’s a guy whose entire life has been devoted to saving lives, and now you’re telling me he’s like Hitler? You know, come on, folks. – Dr. Fauci, defending himself in a New York Times podcast appearance

Sold almost all of my bitcoin. Don’t need it.

Tony Fauci is not acting as a scientist or a doctor anymore. He’s acting as a Democratic Party activist in a white lab coat. Why doesn’t he tell us what science, what data, backs up the Biden administration’s stupid mask mandate for airports and airplanes? I mean, are you more likely to get the coronavirus at an airport than you are a shopping mall or an airplane with its massive filtration systems? - Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) on Fox News

Is it really necessary to kick off a family with an autistic child who can’t wear a mask peacefully for an entire airplane? Does Dr. Fauci have evidence to support that from the data and the science? I mean, we shouldn’t allow Tony Fauci and Facebook to determine what we can and cannot say about this virus because, from the beginning, he’s been giving politicized advice. – Ibid.

The Olympics are almost here, and today organizers announced that venues will be at 50 percent capacity. That’s right. Fifty percent, which means only four people will be allowed to watch fencing instead of the normal eight. — Jimmy Fallon

- CNBC’s Jim Cramer, who soured on cryptocurrency

Also they said fans aren’t allowed to cheer. Although they say that at the beginning of every graduation, and parents are still like, “Thomas, yeah! Tommy, you did it. That’s my boy, Tommy!’” — Jimmy Fallon

MORE QUOTES

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I think the people who are running the place are still working on that. I’m sorry that it hasn’t happened yet. – Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), who has given impassioned speeches about George Floyd and racism on the Senate floor, when asked why he is a member of an allwhite beach club, even though when confronted about the same issue four years ago, he said that things would change soon

It’s a long tradition in Rode Island and there are many of them, and I think that we just need to work through the issues. – Ibid., when asked if he – who has been a vocal Democrat on matters of racism – is OK with there being white-only beach clubs in his hometown

Sheldon Whitehouse has been a fighter for racial and economic justice his whole life. Full stop. - Tweet in support of Sen. Whitehouse by fellow Democrat Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.)

You can’t even have fun nowadays without these characters trying to get you canceled and things like that.... I’m trying to hang on for another couple of years until I’m 60, and then they can [all go jump in a lake]. I’m only working until 60. I’ve already told them that. I’m not working until the day I die. That’s just stupid. And if I don’t have enough money by now, I’m an idiot, anyway. They should fire me, anyway. - NBA Hall of Famer and analyst Charles Barkley

All that I have done through my years of service has always been towards defending human rights. - Iran’s new President-elect Ebrahim Raisi at a press conference, defending his role in a mass execution of approximately 30,000 people in 1988 when he served as the judiciary chief of Iran

My goal is to win the Olympics so I can burn a U.S. flag on the podium. - From a Facebook post by BMX freestyle Olympian Chelsea Wolfe who is competing in the women’s Olympics despite having an unnatural advantage

In life, there is no happiness. – Russian President Vladimir Putin at his press conference last week quoting Leo Tolstoy

That’s actually an excerpt from Putin’s new book, “Chicken Soup for the Russian Soul.” — Jimmy Fallon

“There’s no happiness in life” sounds like the slogan for Russian Applebee’s. — Jimmy Fallon

I’m guessing this is probably why Putin isn’t asked to speak at a lot of graduations. — James Corden

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Political Crossfire

Pelosi’s Excuses for the Vile Bigotry of Ilhan Omar are Disgraceful By Marc A. Thiessen

ast week, House Democratic leaders issued a rare joint statement about comments by Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., declaring: “Drawing false equivalencies between democracies like the U.S. and Israel and groups that engage in terrorism like Hamas and the Taliban foments prejudice.” But now House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is walking back that admonishment, telling CNN that “we did not rebuke her,” but rather “acknowledged that she made a clariﬁcation” and added that Omar is a “valued member” of the House Democratic caucus. A valued member? Omar is a bigot with a long history of making virulent anti-Semitic remarks. She has said that when she hears people call Israel a democracy “I almost chuckle,” that “Israel has hypnotized the world,” and that she prays that Allah will “awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel.” She shared a cartoon on social media that was drawn by the second-place winner of Iran’s Holocaust denial cartoon contest. She supports the anti-Semitic BDS movement, which seeks the economic destruction of Israel, and introduced a resolution in Congress comparing a boycott of Israel to boycotting Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. She

said that U.S. support for Israel is “all about the Benjamins,” insinuating that Jews buy American influence. And she has said that politicians who support Israel “push for allegiance to a foreign country” – accusing Israel supporters in Congress of dual loyalty, a classic antisemitic trope. After that last comment, when House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., accused her of “a vile anti-Semitic slur,” Omar was unrepentant. “I should not be expected to have allegiance/pledge support to a foreign country in order to serve my country in Congress or serve on committee,” she replied, doubling down on her dual-loyalty calumny. So, her most recent invective was not an isolated comment that needed “clarification.” It was the latest in a long string of anti-Semitic diatribes that have disgraced the House Democratic caucus. Yet despite this history, not only has Pelosi tolerated Omar’s abhorrent behavior, she also appointed Omar to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which helps determine U.S. policy on the Middle East. And this year Pelosi elevated Omar to serve as vice chair of the subcommittee on Africa. A person who compares America and Israel to the Taliban and

Hamas has no business serving on that panel. Omar’s defenders respond by asking: What about Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.? Greene is a disgraceful conspiracy theorist who said, “There’s never any evidence shown for a plane in the Pentagon” on 9/11, called the 2018 Parkland school shooting a false flag operation, speculated that California wildfires were caused by a Jewish space laser, and most recently compared mask mandates to the Holocaust (a remark for which she, unlike Omar, apologized on Monday after a visit to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum). But in February, the House’s Democratic majority stripped Greene of her committee assignments. How can Democrats justify removing Greene from her committee assignments but not doing the same for Omar? When Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, wondered publicly in 2019 why terms such as “white nationalist” and “white supremacist” had suddenly “become offensive,” Republicans stripped him of his committee assignments. Yet Omar makes repeated anti-Semitic comments, and Democrats keep her on the very committee that sets U.S. policy with regard to Israel? Omar’s latest anti-Semitic outburst comes amid a surge in anti-Semitic violence in this country. Why won’t Democrats hold her accountable for inflaming that violence? After all, when Republicans criticized President Barack Obama for refusing to call out “radical Islamic terrorism,” many on the left accused them of

stoking anti-Muslim violence. When President Donald Trump referred to the “China virus,” the left said he was stoking anti-Asian violence. But when Omar says hateful things about Israel, no one suggests she is stoking anti-Semitic violence. In defending Omar, Pelosi said she “clariﬁed” her latest comments. Please. Omar never apologized; instead, she defended her remarks by claiming, “I was in no way equating terrorist organizations with democratic countries with well-established judicial systems.” Yes, she was. She said, “We have seen unthinkable atrocities committed by the U.S., Hamas, Israel, Afghanistan, and the Taliban.” Moreover, she made that comment while urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken to consider allowing the International Criminal Court – a tribunal that is supposed to investigate rogue regimes and terrorist states – to investigate the United States and Israel for “crimes against humanity.” That is moral equivalence. Pelosi’s willingness to excuse the vile bigotry of Ilhan Omar is disgraceful. The fact that she needs the votes of Omar and her fellow Squad members in a narrowly divided House is no excuse. Democrats routinely chastise Republicans for putting power over principle but then sacriﬁce principle when their own power is at stake. Pelosi is more than willing to police the ranks of the Republican Party – but she shamefully tolerates anti-Semitism in the ranks of her own party. (c) 2021, Washington Post Writers Group

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Political Crossfire

Democrats Know Big Government is a One-Way Ratchet By Marc A. Thiessen

hy are so many Democrats hellbent on shunning bipartisanship and ramming trillions in spending through Congress on party-line votes? Why are they pushing to rid of the filibuster so they can pass the most radical elements of their agenda over Republican objections – even though it would strip them of the ability to block GOP legislation when they return to the minority? For the answer, just look at the Supreme Court’s 7-to-2 decision to uphold Obamacare. The Affordable Care Act, which Senate Democrats passed in 2010 on a party-line vote, has faced three Supreme Court challenges and multiple efforts to repeal it in Congress. Yet more than a decade later – despite periods of unified Republican government and the appointment of three conservative Supreme Court justices – the law is still standing. The lesson for Democrats is clear: government is a one-way ratchet. Once a new entitlement program is created, it never gets dismantled. So, if you believe in big government, compromise is foolish. You should go for broke whenever you have power – because while doing so may cost you power temporarily, the gains you make will be permanent. Many Democrats knew they were risking political suicide by voting for Obamacare. In the 2010 midterm elections that followed its passage, Republicans gained six seats in the Senate and 63 seats in the House – the largest shift since 1948. A 45% plurality of voters said that they cast their vote as a message of opposition to Obamacare. And the losses kept coming. During President Barack

Obama’s term, the number of Democratic senators dropped from 60 to 46, while the number of Democrats in the House fell from 257 to 188. But Democrats were willing to sustain those losses because they knew the fruits of their sacriﬁce would never

leave, they will never be repealed. If Democrats lower the age at which Americans can receive Medicare, Republicans will never raise it. If they create a “public option” for health care, it will be irreversible. So, they want to enact as much as they can, as

You should go for broke whenever you have power.

be undone – and they were proved right. This is why so many Democrats have no interest in reaching across the aisle today. They understand they don’t have a mandate for socialism – voters elected a 50-50 Senate and the narrowest House majority in decades. But they also know that if they create new programs and entitlements such as free higher education, government-funded child care, universal pre-K and paid family

quickly as they can, while they still hold the reins of power. And if doing so costs them power, so be it. Make no mistake, Democrats don’t want to lose power. That is why they are so frustrated with Sens. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., who are blocking their efforts to get rid of the legislative filibuster. The filibuster not only stands in the way of their most radical agenda items, it also prevents them from building a firewall against

the inevitable conservative backlash. With the filibuster in place, Democrats can’t create two safe Democratic Senate seats by making D.C. a state, or pass a partisan election law that will make it harder for Republicans to win back power. But even if Republicans manage to win back the House, the Senate, and eventually the White House, Democrats know it will be only a temporary setback – because the GOP will not enact irreversible accomplishments of their own. If Republicans cut taxes, Democrats will raise them when they return to power. If Republicans cut budgets and repeal regulations, Democrats will restore them. If Republicans pass protections for unborn children, Democrats will simply repeal them. Other than judicial appointments, there is little Republicans can do in power that Democrats cannot undo when they regain it. That’s because of a difference in philosophy: Democrats seek to expand government, while Republicans seek to limit its size and scope. So, the worst that happens under GOP rule is a temporary pause in the expansion of government. Then Democrats return and pick up where they left off – and the inexorable march toward socialism starts up again. This is why Democrats are willing to risk their majorities by doing things that go far beyond the mandate Americans have given them at the polls. They know if voters punish them by electing Republicans, what they do in power will be temporary and reversible, while what Democrats do is lasting and permanent. Just look at Obamacare. (c) 2021, Washington Post Writers Group

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Forgotten Her es

Jewish Ritchie Boys By Avi Heiligman

Three Ritchie Boys who were German-born Jews

hile drafting and enlisting soldiers during World War II, the U.S. Army was look-

Martin Selling, a German-born Jew, questioning German prisoners, 1944

ing for multilingual candidates. In particular, they were recruiting soldiers to be trained for the Military Intelli-

Practicing interrogation skills at Camp Ritchie

gence Service that had two branches. Japanese-speaking Americans were trained in Monterrey, California. Most members of this unit were Nisei, or second-generation Japanese Americans. Another unit was based in Camp Ritchie, Maryland, and consisted of men who spoke European languages, especially German. The Ritchie Boys, as they were soon called, consisted of many Jews born in Germany and other European countries. A recent documentary was recently made on the Ritchie Boys, but there is a lot more to the story and their heroic exploits with the Allies in Europe. The United States entered the war immediately following the Japanese attack on their naval base at Pearl Harbor. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill agreed that resources should be allocated to forces fighting Germany and then to fighting Japan in the Pacific. Military intelligence knew that this policy would mean that they would need language and cultural experts on Germany sooner than later. This paved the way for a course to be set up to train American soldiers that came from Germany and other European countries. The eight-week course taught the soldiers to be effective translators and interrogators and trained them in intelligence, counterintelligence, and physiological warfare. They often told German prisoners of war that if they

remained silent, they would be transferred to the Russian POW camp. This tactic worked many times. After training, the Ritchie Boys went on to serve in various units, and many were embedded with divisions that raced through Western Europe starting in mid-1944. Many of the Jewish soldiers were refugees from Germany, and several still had families in Europe. These soldiers not only were proficient in the German language but also knew the culture and mentality of the POWs they were interrogating. One of the Ritchie Boys was with the 82nd Airborne when a German POW (prisoner of war) came in for interrogation. The POW eventually gave him a map of a recently laid-out minefield. Martin Selling was another Ritchie Boy who was able to persuade a German medic to give his away his unit’s positions. Stephan Levy from the 6th Armored Division was yet another Ritchie Boy who got information out of a German officer as to the exact location of his unit’s position. The intelligence from these last two interrogations led to successful American attacks on the German positions. This type of information was invaluable – and time sensitive –and was directly responsible for the saving of countless Allied lives. Knowing troop movements, how many enemy soldiers there were, and the morale of the enemy proved to be vital intelligence for the Allied commanders.

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

Manny Steinfeld moved to Chicago when he was just 14, leaving behind most of his family in Germany. After basic training, he attended the school at Camp Ritchie and was attached to the 82nd Airborne Division. He was with a three-man team in Holland, where he provided intelligence for the entire division. On May 2, 1945, he translated the surrender document of the German 21st Army Group for the commander of the 8nd Airborne, General James Gavin. Steinfeld was also present by the American-Russian meet-up at Elbe. Afterwards, he interrogated German POWs and discovered that one officer was the former deputy commandant of the Ravensbruk concentration camp. This interrogation led to the Nazi’s arrest. Several Ritchie Boys landed with the 4th Infantry Division as they came ashore on Utah Beach on June 6, 1944. These D-Day veterans served throughout the rest of the war and took part in the battle for the Hurtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge. The most

famous of these soldiers with the 4th Division was writer J.D. Salinger. He was born into a Jewish family (although his mother may not have been Jewish, even though she proclaimed to be) in New York and was drafted into the army in 1942. After completing the

Ritchie Boys were also used as document translators and were expected to inform their superior officers if they came across anything significant. This required many hours, and some became very proficient at this skill. Sergeant T-3 Julius Siegel was awarded the

Afterwards, he interrogated German POWs and discovered that one officer was the former deputy commandant of the Ravensbruk concentration camp. course at Camp Ritchie, he was present at all three battles mentioned above and was mainly used as an interrogator of POWs. He came ashore on Utah Beach with the 12th Infantry Regiment and had the first seven chapters of the book that would make him famous, The Catcher in the Rye, in his backpack.

Bronze Star for working many sleepless nights at translating captured German documents and being very good at gleaning information from POWs. As the war came to a close, there was still plenty of work for the Ritchie Boys. Many of them were in army units that liberated concentration camps,

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and they were used as interpreters as well liaisons for the Holocaust survivors. Several Ritchie Boys were utilized as translators during the Nuremberg Trials where many top Nazis faced judges from four Allied countries for their crimes during the war. The dedication that the Ritchie Boys showed from the invasion of Normandy to the unconditional surrender of Germany and beyond was above the call of duty. For years, their exploits had been kept a secret from the public, and only recently are military historians beginning to delve into their exploits in their successful drive to defeat Nazi Germany. Many of them were immigrants or refugees. The stories of these Forgotten Heroes deserve to be told.

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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Elementary and Junior High General Studies teachers and Preschool assistant positions available in BYAM for the coming school year. Email resume to teachingpositions1@gmail.com

Company with convenient locations in/near Five Towns, Brooklyn, and Queens (with possibility for remote work) looking to hire 2-3 AR Specialists (Nursing Home Billers). Hiring for non-experienced and experienced positions. All applicants are requested to submit their resume and pay requirements to newyorksnf@gmail.com

Are you a warm experienced Morah seeking a position in a well established school? The Ganger Early Childhood division of TAG is looking for you! Morah and assistant positions available. Please send resume to csender@tagschools.org **Playgroup Assistants** Looking for 2 heimish, warm and loving assistant Morahs in a 2 year old Far Rockaway playgroup (starting September). 1 full time (9-3) and 1 part time (12-3) Perfect for post-seminary girl... For more information, please text your name and 2 references to 718-926-9336 Now Hiring! Are you looking for a Promising New Career? A positive work environment with a rewarding quality of life? Are you ambitious and goal-oriented? Now is the time to join our sales team! We are a thriving, established company looking to take you to the next level. No experience necessary, we provide all the training and support you need to be successful. Skills required: excellent communication skills, strong work ethic, desire to learn and succeed. To apply contact hr@arkmortgage.com

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Girls School in Five Towns / Far Rockaway area is looking for an Administrative Assistant for Elementary School Office. Must be computer literate and proficient in G-Suite (Google docs, forms, etc.), as well as Word and Excel. Applicants must be organized and personable, a team player, able to multitask, and creative with good writing and grammar skills. Please email resumes to apply.2.work4us@gmail.com Substitute Teachers CAHAL is seeking Permanent AM and PM substitutes for 2021-22 school year. Also, Secular and Judaic Substitute Teachers to cover Maternity leaves in the fall months. Send resume to shira@cahal.org. Call 516-295-3666.

Hebrew Academy of Long Beach seeks a part time afternoon Rebbe to teach 4th grade boys. Competitive salary and collaborative work environment. Send resumes to raltabe@halb.org Education Asst. Admin. Education Assistant Administrator for Yeshiva-based Special Ed Program. Must have educational experience, good organizational, supervisory, and interpersonal skills, classroom management sk ills, computer skills and flexible hours. 5-Towns/Far Rock SpecialEd Program. E-mail resume to nnadata@gmail.com. Yeshiva Ketana of Queens is seeking a Junior HIgh social studies teacher. Mon.-Thurs. 2:30-5:30. Warm environment, good salary. Please call 917-742-8909 or email resume to rlswia@aol.com Torah Academy for Girls has full time and part time secretarial positions available for qualified candidates. Please send resumes to sreisbaum@tagschools.org Part Time Social Worker Cahal is seeking a licensed school psychologist or social worker to provide individual counseling, staff and parent support, and social skills program. Part time position (3 days a week) to start at the end of August. Please send resume and cover letter to shira@cahal.org

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

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HELP WANTED

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 5-Towns non-profit seeking energetic person to plan and coordinate fundraising events, cultivate relationships with donors and Rabbinic and community leaders, disseminate positive PR. PT or FT. E-Mail Resume and cover letter to dirdevjob@gmail.com.

Five Towns/Far Rockaway area school seeking third and fourth grade general studies teachers for the '21-'22 school year, Monday through Thursday afternoons. Supportive, warm environment. Competitive salary. Please send your resume to teachersearch11@gmail.com

ASSISTANTS NEEDED FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AFTERNOON SESSION. Email: fivetownseducators@gmail.com

Yeshivath Gesher/Gesher ECC a growing school is looking for a • First Grade English teacher (special education or speech/ language background) • Preschool Teacher (special education or speech/language background) • Teacher Assistant for the upcoming 2021-2022 academic year Please submit resumes jobs@gesher-ecc.org

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

CATAPULT LEARNING Teachers, Title I Boro Park, Williamsburg and Flatbush Schools *College/Yeshiva Degree *Teaching experience required *Strong desire to help children learn *Small group instruction *Excellent organization skills Competitive salary. Send resume to: Fax: (212) 480-3691 ~ Email: nyteachers@catapultlearning.com

CAHAL is seeking P/T Limudei Kodesh teachers for Grade 1-2 and Middle School.in a Bais Yaakov school in Far Rockaway. Send resume to shira@cahal.org. Call 516-295-3666 for information. Local Five Towns school is seeking an administrative assistant to run its office. Candidate should be proficient in both computer hardware and software, as well as have a background in design software. Applicant should be creative, personable, with good grammar and writing skills. Competitive salary. Email resume to: office@ykli.org

SHEVACH HIGH SCHOOL is seeking a Global Studies teacher, Algebra teacher. Please email resume to Office@shevachhs.org

FIVE TOWNS/ FAR ROCKAWAY AREA school seeking third and fourth grade general studies teachers for the '21-'22 school year, Monday through Thursday afternoons. Supportive, warm environment. Competitive salary. Please send your resume to teachersearch11@gmail.com

SHULAMITH EARLY CHILDHOOD is looking to hire a full time teacher assistant for the current school year. Please email resume to earlychildhood@shulamith.org 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 CAHAL is seeking afternoon middle school secular studies teacher for boys’ class in a Five Towns yeshiva. Send resume to shira@cahal.org.

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Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island in the Five Towns, seeks experienced, dynamic and qualified teacher for 2 periods of 8th grade English Language Arts and a licenced, dynamic teacher 2 periods of 7th Grade Math for afternoon position (M-Th). To join our professional staff, please email resume to office@ykli.org ASSISTANT TEACHERS CAHAL, the Special Education Program in our community Yeshivas is seeking Assistant Teachers for the 2021-22 school year. FT or PT, AM or PM. Classes are located in yeshivas in the Five Towns/Far Rockaway schools. Send Resume to shira@cahal.org or call 516-295-3666 for information.

3 Bedrooms 2 Full Bath Mint Expanded Cape in Desirable Area w/ Extra Large Yard. New Updated Kitchen and Bath. Beautiful Rear Enclosed Porch for Family Room. Fully Finished Basement. Won't last at this price.

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Cozy 3 bedroom, 3 full bathroom colonial in the heart of West Hempstead. Additional den and fully finished basement. Low taxes.

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Your

Money

Eat the Rich By Allan Rolnick, CPA

ost A mericans would agree that capitalism is the greatest wealth creation engine the world has ever known. But it’s hard to argue that capitalism distributes its rewards equally – today’s “winner take all” economy is concentrating wealth beyond Gilded Age levels. Forget about that top 1% the “Occupy Wall Street” movement targeted; we’re talking the 1% of the 1%. That drives the central question of today’s political economy: how hard should government work to combat inequality? People can and do argue in good faith from “not at all” to “lots harder than we are now.” Last week, the non-profit newsroom ProPublica cannonballed into that debate with a mighty splash – a report called The Secret IRS Files. Someone risked serious jail time to leak 15 years’ worth of tax returns from bold-face names like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Warren Buffett. “IRS records show that the wealthiest can — perfectly legally — pay income taxes that are only a tiny fraction of the hundreds of millions, if not billions, their fortunes grow each year.” Pretty bold, and pretty damning, right? ProPublica continues, “Amer-

ica’s billionaires avail themselves of tax avoidance strategies beyond the reach of ordinary people…. We compared how much in taxes the 25 richest Americans paid each year to how much Forbes estimated their wealth grew in that same time period. We’re going to call this their true tax rate.” But anyone who’s

Publica calls a “true” tax rate of just 0.10%. Scandalous, right? Storm the castle with torches and pitchforks! Well, no. Over that same period, Buffett reported $125 million of “income” under the statutory definition. So the $23.7 million he paid represents a far-less-scandalous 18.96%.

Someone risked serious jail time to leak 15 years’ worth of tax returns from bold-face names like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Warren Buffett.

taken a class in Federal Income Taxation can spot the flaw here – as the report itself acknowledges, those gains don’t count as income “unless and until the billionaires sell.” What sort of numbers are we talking about? From 2004-2018, Warren Buffett’s wealth grew by $24.3 billion. Yet over the same period, he paid just $23.7 million in federal income tax, for what Pro-

So, billionaires like Musk watch their stock soar and borrow against it to spend tax-free loan proceeds instead of selling it to spend taxable income. And the fabric in his socks is probably finer than the suits most men are buried in. But that strategy isn’t limited to billionaires. If you bought a house 10 or 20 years ago, you’ve probably seen its value double or triple. You haven’t paid any

tax on that gain either. And you can borrow against it, just like Musk, with a home equity loan. Use the proceeds for business or investment and you can even deduct the interest you pay! Oh, and when it comes time to sell that house? You’ll get to exclude up to $500,000 of gain from your income. Elon Musk paid $17 million for a Bel-Air house in 2013, then sold it last June for $29 million. He’ll pay a much bigger percentage of his gain in tax than you will. We’re not here to defend the tax system. But like it or not, it’s the only one we’ve got. And as Judge Learned Hand famously said, “Anyone may so arrange his affairs that his taxes shall be as low as possible…. There is not even a patriotic duty to increase one’s taxes.” (With a name like Learned Hand, he would know.) So count on us to help you pay less. ProPublica says it’s perfectly legal…and Learned Hand says it’s ethical and moral, too!

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 | JUNE 24, 2021 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

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JUNE 24, 2021 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Life C ach

Bored is Beautiful By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

hen I was a kid, one of my biggest fears was being bored. I was so nervous that if maybe I had 10 seconds unaccounted for that I might not know what to do with myself I might get BORED. Throughout life, I retained this

niggling fear in some form. I’d even do things like sticking a book in my purse just in case the line in the supermarket was long and I had no one familiar to talk to. I know corn has ears and potatoes have eyes, but something has to have a mouth to keep you from being bored.

But all that was yesterday, so to speak. What I’m noticing these days when I’m completely overwhelmed, overworked, and overwrought is that sometimes bored is beautiful! Sometimes so many life obligations are pulling at us simultaneously that we realize, hey, wouldn’t it be great to have some downtime-boredom moments? Boredom moments mean something like moments to think, What do I want to do? Rather than having ev-

little bit too stressful these days. And really, who needs that?! But often it’s outside circumstances or events beyond our control causing it. So, what’s a human to do? Try to find those boredom moments and embrace them. Maybe they are there somewhere, and we are just missing them?! If not, create them. Yes – I said “create them.” Literally, find someone or something to help cover for you.

Try to find those boredom moments and embrace them.

ery second plagued with an obligation of something you must do, or worse, should be doing! With life’s complexities, we are pulled in many directions. I guess I’m pining for a little simplicity. Just time to be staring out into outer space and staying there for a bit – guiltlessly! That would be the new luxury. It used to be about being able to eat a triple scoop ice cream banana split or a whole bunch of junk food guiltlessly or actually doing some other extreme activity, guiltlessly. But with overload comes this desire for time to just be. If that sounds enticing to you. Oy! I’d venture to guess your life’s just a

Create some clear-head moments. And then don’t fill them up! Just sit and stare at the world. Let your mind and body rest. And for that limited space in time, you may appreciate that bored can be beautiful…. And rejuvenating. Cleansing. Inspiring. And helpful in getting you ready for the next leg of your journey.

Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or rivki@rosenwalds.com.

The Jewish Home | JUNE 24, 2021

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Five Towns Jewish Home - 6-24-21

Articles inside

Bored is Beautiful by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

Your Money

The Ritchie Boys by Avi Heiligman

Democrats Know Big Government is a One-Way Ratchet by Marc A. Thiessen

Notable Quotes

Pelosi’s Excuses for the Vile Bigotry of Ilhan Omar by Marc A. Thiessen

Mind Your Business

Parenting Pearls

Foods for a Good Night’s Sleep by Cindy Weinberger, MS RD

The Aussie Gourmet: Cheese Noodle Kugel

Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW

The Fast of Shivah Asar B’Tammuz Revealed by Rabbi Daniel Glatstein

The Rabbi Who Ran an Undercover Intelligence Unit by Tzvi Leff

World Builders

Rabbi Wein on the Parsha

Centerfold

Delving into the Daf by Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

Toras Moshe vs. Parshas Bilaam by Rav Moshe Weinberger

That’s Odd