Community Happenings

Around the Community

YOSS Dedicates “Cross River Field” with Kickoff Event

This past Sunday, Yeshiva of South Shore hosted elected officials and the senior management of Cross River Bank for a unique ceremony. Realizing that the boys need additional outlets to enhance their day and complement their day of learning, the yeshiva set a goal last year to construct a 1,600-square foot artificial turf football field on their campus. This project was spearheaded by a group of parents from the Young Leadership committee of YOSS and was completed thanks to the generosity of Mr. Yaakov (Gilles) Gade, President and CEO of Cross River Bank. With the completion of the project, the field was named “Cross River Field at YOSS.”

Mr. Yaakov Gade and Hon. Phil Goldfeder, senior VP of Cross River Bank, graced the event, as well as Town of Hempstead Supervisor Donald X. Clavin and Councilmen Anthony D’Esposito and Bruce Blakeman. Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetzky, Director of Advancement of YOSS, remarked how Mr. Gade saw a way to enhance the yeshiva experience for the boys and then practiced genuine leadership, as he followed through and made it happen.

The short program included a gift presentation to Mr. Gade, a ribbon-cutting ceremony by elected officials, and the highlight – Mr. Yaakov Gade “kicking off” the field with a 30yard punt!

The hanhala of Yeshiva of South Shore is excited for this new addition. The rabbeim and teachers are seeing the boys’ day enriched by quality physical exercise and enjoyment during their recess time.

Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetzky presenting a gift to Mr. Yaakov Gade (L) and Phil Goldfeder (R)

Around the Community

A Love For Israel

MTA’s immersive ming includes visits from Ivrit curriculum IDF soldiers who share their fosters a love for experiences with talmidim in Israel and enables talmidim conversational Ivrit, playing to enhance their Hebrew fun Hebrew games to reinlanguage skills through cre- force lessons learned in class, ative and interactive learning and project-based learning experiences. Spearheaded that promotes teamwork. by award-winning educa- Juniors in Morah Haibi’s tor Morah Liora Haibi, the Ivrit class have spent the past program enables talmidim quarter learning about the to explore Israeli culture, Israeli election process. For increase their use of the He- their final project, the class brew language, and strength- was divided into two political en their love for Israel. Morah parties and are responsible Haibi’s innovative program- for creating their own election campaigns entirely in Ivrit. The talmidim are working hard on writing campaign ads and speeches and coming up with creative slogans. Each party will present their campaign to the class next week, and they look forward to an exciting competition!

Netzach HaTorah Scholarship Campaign

On Monday, January 4, the grand prize winner of the annual Mesivta Netzach HaTorah $18,000 Scholarship Raffle sponsored by Cross River Bank was chosen. This annual raffle benefits the Mesivta’s scholarship fund supporting families in need of financial assistance. Since the launch of the raffle on Chanukah, much excitement and energy were in the air, with the eventual winner taking the grand prize of $18,000! The Mesivta invited Rabbi Dov Silver, a well-known rav, community leader and friend of Cross River Bank, to join for the ceremonial drawing of the raffle winner. In-line with the Covid-19 restrictions, the raffle drawing was held with one in-person cohort in the Mesivta present, with the other cohorts watching via livestream throughout the building.

In thanking and introducing Rabbi Silver to spin the wheel and announce the winner, Rabbi Ahron Rosenthal, Executive Director, noted, “Rabbi, we stand here at a momentous occasion, knowing that you are about to change someone’s life!” The wheel spun around, finally slowing to a stop and landing on Benny Davidowitz who was now the 2020 annual scholarship raffle winner! The Mesivta wishes mazal tov to Benny on this exciting win!

“This raffle was once again a great support for the Mesivta’s scholarship fund,” said Rabbi Rosenthal. “We could not have run this raffle without the partnership of many businesses in the community, even during this difficult time period.”

The Mesivta thanks Cross River Bank, the many corporate sponsors, and the families of Netzach Hatorah who helped make this annual scholarship raffle in support of families in need into the great success that it was.

Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehab Center Staff Receive Second Dosages of Pfizer Vaccine

Staff members at Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack were first in line to receive the initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in December, and they made history again 21 days later as those who received their first dose of the two-dose Pfizer BioNTech vaccine on December 21 received their second at a clinic run by Walgreens at the skilled nursing facility today.

The vaccine, a two-dose regimen that provides up to more than 90% resistance to the COVID-19 virus, received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA in December, and long-term care workers and residents were prioritized to receive the potentially life-saving vaccines ahead of the rest of the population.

“I received my second dose of the vaccine today, along with many of my colleagues and residents,” said Julia Salmon-Allen, a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Gurwin Center. “I have been worried about getting COVID-19 since March, and if this will protect me, my family and our residents, I’m happy to sign up.”

“I feel great physically, and also reassured knowing that this is a step forward,” said Stuart

B. Almer, president and CEO of the Gurwin Healthcare System, of which the nursing and rehabilitation center is a part of. “Our community has been on edge for months, especially our family members who have not been able to visit since March. The vaccine is a positive step in the direction of bringing families back together with their loved ones.”

NYS mandates still require nursing homes to go 14 days without any positive cases of COVID-19 among staff or residents in order to allow visitation.

In addition to providing second doses, Walgreens staff also began vaccinating additional staff and residents with their initial dose. They will receive the second dose on the 1st of February.

Around the Community

ELA at YOSS ECC

The Pre1A boys at Yeshiva of South Shore ECC are immersed in creative ways to improve their literacy, reading, and writing skills.

After the boys dressed themselves as snowmen, they read a book together, called “Snowmen and Night.” The boys began to hypothesize: what they think snowman do at night. Each child wrote down his to develop math, science, literacy and fine motor skills than through exploring winter! The children at HALB’s Lev Chana have been immersed in a multi-sensory exploration of winter, the season they are experiencing right now. At Lev Chana, we know that children learn best through hands-on hypothesis, and then illustrated a snowman.

They are also playing amazing games to sharpen these skills. They enjoy our new game, bowling for sight words. Another favorite game that works on fine motor skills, hand eye coordination, focus and attention, and math and building skills is our creative (an inexpensive cup

HALB Lev Chana Winter Fun

A Covid-friendly individually wrapped birthday “cake” was enjoyed by all of William’s friends at HANC ECC in honor of William’s fifth birthday this week

Chanukah Screen-Free Initiative

What better way for children stacking game). activities and by being given many opportunities to explore a topic. Our children have been involved in playing with snow, creating pretend snow, freezing and melting, learning about winter’s impact on animals, plants and people, making winter creations, reading, writing and more.

Of course, the children are enjoying every minute of their learning! Chanukah is a time to spend focusing on the light of Torah and not other distractions that can get in the way.

Baruch Hashem, this year, hundreds of YOSS students were able to participate in the worldwide “Savor the Moment Screen Free” initiative. Following hadlkas neiros of every day of Chanukah, the boys set aside their electronic devices and instead focused on what Chanukah is all about. By spending time with family by the candles and discussing divrei Torah, the boys were able to experience the true joy of the yom tov. All students who participated received doughnuts and chocolate milk. Amazon gifts card were also raffled off to everyone who participated. Special thanks to TAG International for spearheading this program.

Around the Community It’s All About the Talmidim: Darchei Torah’s Evening of Celebration

On Motzei Shabbos, January 16, 2021, Yeshiva Darchei Torah will join its parents, teachers, rebbeim, alumni and the entire klal in an Evening of Celebration. This year’s dinner is not a dinner in the traditional sense; it will be an event to watch from the comfort of your home. And the focus will be on the talmidim, allowing them to shine.

This Evening of Celebration will feature a unique and inspiring program, preceded by a pre-program segment at 8:40 PM EST where you can hear from the Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Shlomo Avigdor Altusky. During the program which will commence at 9:00 PM EST, watch the riveting conversation with the Rosh HaYeshiva, Rav Yaakov Bender, and one of his students. Sing along with original music videos by Joey Newcomb, Benny Friedman, Rivie Schwebel and the Darchei Choir. The music videos will also feature the voices of some of the outstanding Darchei rabbeim and students, who will be revealing additional talents. Watch a short documentary about how the talmidim of Darchei flourished during this unprecedented time.

It will be an event like no other, one for the entire family to enjoy.

This year’s awardees have shown their support for the Yeshiva through thick and thin. It is the Yeshiva’s honor to recognize the dedication of Mr. and Mrs. Dovy and Devory Freund, Mr. and Mrs. Steven and Shira Stein, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew and Stephani Serotta, and Mr. and Mrs. Shlomo and Deborah Katz.

Additionally, special tributes will be made in memory of Mrs. Shoshana Strickman and Leiby Minzer, a”h.

Join the Darchei Talmidim in this special moment. Watch the live event from the comfort of your home at Darchei. org/Talmidim. No purchase necessary.

Munchy’s Feeds Woodmere FD

Gesher’s blue room enjoyed playing bowling this week

Social Skills Come to Life

Social skills is not just a single period during the week at IVDU Long Island but skills that are incorporated throughout the day on an ongoing basis. Our students are constantly using what they are taught during their social skills lessons led by our clinical team and applying those skills in every interaction. Children are seen playing structured board games, taking turns, and following directions independently, as they are able to bring their classroom lessons to life!

Our social work interns push into classrooms during recess, lunch and special activities times to support classroom staff in carrying out the lessons that are being taught. The students have learned how to initiate play amongst their peers and enjoy using their newfound skills to interactively play together from board games and beyond! On Wednesday, January 6, “Munchy’s 24/6” was proud to sponsor a hot and tasty dinner for the Woodmere Fire Department as a thank you for their tireless dedication and commitment to the Five Towns during the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the Department’s training session, over forty members enjoyed freshly made-toorder burgers, hot dogs, French fries, chulent, potato kugel, and pasta with a hearty meat sauce.

“Munchy’s 24/6” thanks Chief Adam Slotnick and Superintendent Ed Kraus for coordinating with them to help put together this memorable unique dinner for our bravest!

Joseph Sauer commented, “The food was hot and delicious; perfect for a hungry group after an intense training on a cold night.”

“The chulent was great,” said Steven Mann. “Just the right texture, spice and taste. I definitely look forward to Munchy’s Thursday night kugel and chulent.”

“The surprise of the night was the pasta Bolognese,” said Daniel Zolty. “No one really knew what to expect, but once we tried it, we were very impressed. Almost all of us went back for seconds on everything!”

In addition, “Munchy’s” will also be adding more menu items such as dried beef sausage sticks, soup, and salad options. “Munchy’s 24/6” is under the supervision of the OU & Tarnopol hashgacha.

“Munchy’s 24/6” is available for private events and parties. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @ munchys246 for further information and their vending routes as they become available.

Around the Community

TEAM Shabbos Opens Comfortable Discussions about Uncomfortable Topics

More than 600 communities across North America took part in the sixth annual TEAM Shabbos, an event that takes place every Parshas Vayechi.

The focus of TEAM Shabbos, a project of the National Association of Chevra Kadisha (NASCK), is twofold: to open the conversation on end-of-life matters and to empower people to take the steps that ensure Torah guides every moment of their lives, especially their last ones.

Many people find it difficult to discuss end-of-life issues, but this year, more than ever, it is imperative that we address them. TEAM Shabbos provides the venue for a comfortBusiness” with Yitzchok Saftlas has brought you hundreds of informative interviews from Fortune 500 executives, business moguls, and marketing gurus. Now, “Mind Your Business” is proud to begin 2021 with new content, a fresh new look, and a new home on WOR 710 and on the powerful iHeartMedia network, America’s #1 audio company.

WOR 710, the “Voice of New York,” features iconic hosts such as Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, and Rush Limbaugh. Yitzchok Saftlas try grapple with membership and engagement challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the BACH Jewish Center has experienced unprecedented growth as new families move to the community and join the synagogue. In the past six months, synagogue membership has grown by 10 percent, a record for the 75-year-old synagogue.

The rise in membership was sparked by the hire of a new spiritual leader, Rabbi Benny Berlin, who assume the pulpit in June of 2020. Over the past several months, the able discussion about these uncomfortable topics.

In order to bring its message to every community despite the challenges of Covid, this year, TEAM Shabbos expanded its programming to include a webinar series on many end-of-life topics, led by some of the most prominent speakers in the Jewish world.

Response to the webinars has been enthusiastic, with hundreds of viewers requesting access to webinars they missed. In response to this demand, all TEAM Shabbos videos will be available on-demand during a webinar marathon that starts this coming Motzei Shabbos, January 16, joins this powerful lineup to bring you more business content to help you succeed in business. As always, “Mind Your Business” will continue to cover important topics such as corporate culture, sales, entrepreneurship, business coaching, and other critical business subjects.

“Mind Your Business” features top-tier business executives who new families, many young and with children, have moved to the beach community because of its lifestyle benefits, access to day schools, kosher restaurants, regional transportation, and access to Manhattan.

Since beginning his position at BACH, Rabbi Berlin and his wife, Sara, have started several new initiatives to safely engage the community despite COVID-related restrictions. Among these initiatives were launching a wide-reaching social media campaign focused on highlighting Jewish life in Long Beach and supporting small businesses in the area; through Sunday, January 24.

Webinar presenters include: Rabbi Chaim Aryeh Zev Ginsberg, Rabbi Paysach Krohn, Rabbi Ephraim Shapiro, Ms. Saraa Adelson, Mr. Yoel Yitzchok Bodek, Dr. Christopher Comfort, Rabbi Doron Kornbluth, Rabbi Yaakov Lyons, Rabbi Akiva Males, Mrs. Robin Meyerson, Rabbi Rachmiel Rothberger, Rabbi Mordechai Willig, and Rabbi Elchonon Zohn.

Topics include: the Value of Every Moment of Life, the Necessity of Life Insurance, the Cremation Crisis and the Frum Community, Caring for Elderly Parents, Jewish After-Life Traditions and the Soul, Sanctity of Life share real-life advice to grow your business. In the past, it has hosted names such as Beth Comstock, former Vice Chair and CMO of GE; John Sculley, former CEO of Apple and Pepsi; Dick Schulze, founder and chairman of Best Buy; and Joe Hart, president and CEO of Dale Carnegie. The audio and video of previous episodes are available at performing weekly check-ins on seniors in the community to see if there is anything they need and to combat isolation; delivering welcome packages in a socially-distant manner to new members of the community; and various youth-focused events with activities and entertainment, each with significant turnouts. These efforts, along with the appealing atmosphere of Long Beach, have generated a record interest in the BACH community and have drawn new families to become members of the synagogue.

“Over the last six months, our and Hospice, Halachic Living Wills, and End-of-Life Decision Making, among others.

NASCK encourages everyone to view and share these informative and timely webinars on-demand between Motzei Shabbos, January 16 and Sunday, January 24.

The entire series is free to watch with registration. To view all webinar topics and register, visit teamshabbos.org/webinars.

Although Parshas Vayechi has already passed, individuals and rabbanim are still encouraged to register their shul at teamshabbos.org in order to gain access to all materials,

710 WOR “The Voice of New York” Now Featuring a Voice for Your Business

For over 5½ years, “Mind Your

including future webinars. MYBradio.com.

The “Mind Your Business” weekly radio broadcast and podcast is presented by Bottom Line Marketing Group “BLMG,” an award-winning marketing agency helping hundreds of corporate, political and non-profit clients since 1992.

So get ready to get ahead! Tune in every Sunday night at 10 p.m. on 710 WOR and the iHeartMedia network for “Mind Your Business,” the weekly show by BLMG, to hear from today’s top business leaders for advice, tips, and fresh ideas to help you and

Bach Jewish Center’s Growth

As synagogues across the coun-

your business be successful! synagogue has developed creative programming and used social media as a way to reach perspective families and individuals to show them that while we must remain physically distant, we must be socially together,” said Rabbi Benny Berlin. “We were able to reach people from all over the country who have subsequently moved into our community to join our synagogue, including people from Seattle, Venice Beach, and others. Our warm atmosphere and close proximity to New York City make us an ideal location.”

Around the Community

Meir Panim: Redefining Giving with Dignity

By Hadassah Bay

COVID-19 has altered all our lives irrevocably, but for the Meir Panim organization, which for 20 years has been feeding Israel’s hungry, it has upended operations, forcing them to come up with creative solutions.

“We’d always received donations of fruit and vegetables, but all our cooked food came ready-made, rescued from event halls and hotels that were happy to send us their surplus at the end of the day. Today, with hotels and establishments closed, along with the shuttering of our own restaurant-style soup kitchens, we’ve had to start a whole new enterprise of cooking and packaging for delivery,” explains Mimi Rosmaryn, Meir Panim’s director of global development.

That means outfitting kitchens, purchasing raw materials and hiring cooks, without missing a beat – or a day’s worth of meals – for people who depend on it. And then, there was the Meals on Wheels delivery service that needed to be greatly expanded.

If that doesn’t sound complicated enough, consider that since last March, Meir Panim has had to triple its output, due to the lockdown and skyrocketing unemployment which suddenly thrust families beneath the poverty line.

Meir Panim’s patrons come from across the spectrum of Israeli society. In addition to the elderly, who can’t make ends meet on their pensions, Meir Panim caters to single-parent families, people on disability allowances as well as the working poor.

“Many of our new patrons were breadwinners who, pre-Covid, had been getting by, living from paycheck to paycheck. However, being out of work after the first or second lockdown destroyed their safety net,” explains Mimi. “We’re there so that they don’t have to decide between buying groceries and paying the rent.”

Despite Israel’s growing food insecurity since Covid, Mimi and the managers of the Meir Panim branches in Jerusalem, Tiberias, Safed, Dimona and Or Akiva are gratified by the increase in volunteers among the general public.

Harvey Peretz is an acclaimed chef who had a successful career preparing gourmet cuisine at the upscale Dan hotel in Caesarea. When the corona crisis closed his hotel and left him without a job, Harvey didn’t hesitate and showed up at the Meir Panim kitchen in nearby Or Akiva. Like the other Meir Panim kitchens, the Or Akiva kitchen was equipped to refrigerate and warm up food but not to cook whole meals. Harvey taught the staff all the logistics, including how to create a supply chain, how to order, and more. Harvey continued to work on a voluntary basis for several months, until recently when branch manager Ilanit found him a new job working for the local police department cafeteria.

Meir Panim also relies on its corps of dedicated volunteers to distribute the 2,000-3,000 meals that are prepared daily across Israel.

“When people visit us and see the devotion and caring of our staff and managers, they get energized and are eager to support our work and take an active part in what we do,” says Mimi.

A prime example are Mrs. Miryam and Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins, a couple from Princeton, New Jersey, who recently made Aliyah. In honor of their wedding anniversary, their children sent them a check for them to give to the charity of their choice. The very day before the current lockdown, Miryam came to present the check together with the tin Meir Panim charity box they’d kept all these years in their New Jersey home. While the staff counted out the dimes, quarters and dollar bills, the couple watched, amazed and moved, by the dignity and care shown to patrons who came to pick up their meals.

Mimi Rozmaryn, originally from Manhattan, had been similarly impressed on her first visit to Meir Panim (so much so that she decided to apply for a job there!).

“As a teen, I used to volunteer at the local soup kitchen. When I came to Meir Panim, I was shocked to see people, after finishing their meal, coming to the counter with plastic containers and filling them up to take home. That could never have happened in Manhattan, but at Meir Panim it was a matter of course. Today, too, our portions are usually generous enough to suffice for more than one meal.”

While feeding the hungry comes first, the organization has widened its view to the next generation in an effort to break the cycle of poverty. Meir Panim has initiated various social programs to rehabilitate at-risk youth, provide tools for a better future and promote social mobility. In the Gaza border town of Sderot, Meir Panim operates three neighborhood-based teen centers from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., offering workshops, leadership development and pre-military counseling. In a community where 40% of young adults suffer from PTSD, programs like these have proved life-changing. During the lockdowns, the centers moved all activities outdoors so that programs could continue, ensuring the youth would be productively occupied.

In Dimona, a development town with rampant poverty and crime, Meir Panim’s tireless branch manager arranged for a grant from the Mandel Foundation. At the height of the corona crisis, Meir Panim overcame all odds and organized a 24-week intensive course for at-risk teens to build a career in the food industry. With courses including a chef training program, the teens use their talents to benefit of Meir Panim’s local branch, reinforcing the culture of giving back.

“These are just a few of the programs we have for different sectors,” says Mimi. “We have a lot more in the pipeline, but we’re limited by budgeting constraints. The more help we get, the more we’ll be able to do.”

Donations can be made online at www.mpdonate.org, through our tollfree number at (1877) 736-6283, or by mail to American Friends of Meir Panim at 88 Walton Street, Suite B1 Brooklyn, NY 11206-4479. All donations made in the U.S. are tax-deductible under EIN# 20-1582478.

Around the Community

Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar

Mazal tov to SKA twelfth grader Priva Halpert who has been named a top 300 scholar in the 80th Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competition for high school seniors. The scholars were selected out of 1,760 applications from 611 American and international high schools. They were chosen based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking, and promise as scientists.

In addition to the $2,000 Priva will receive from the Regeneron Science Talent Search, SKA will Experience entire MTA experience, and talmidim are privileged to have a variety of extra Torah learning opportunities throughout each day. From pre-Shacharis chaburahs to lunch time chavrusahs, Night Seder, dynamic shiurim and so much more, every talmid has a chance to enrich their lives through limud haTorah.

Recently, a special group of talmidim who have been learning V’Ani Tefillah with Head of School Rabbi Kahn every morning before davening celebrated a siyum together at Rabbi Kahn’s home.

“The commitment and enthusiasm our talmidim show towards learning is inspiring,” shared Rabbi Kahn. “It’s a privilege for me to learn and grow with them and we are extremely proud of all of our talmidim also receive $2,000 to use toward STEM-related activities.

Congratulations, Priva, on this

An Enriching Torah Learning prestigious honor! for utilizing their free time to learn in such meaningful ways.” In addition, MTA rebbeim are always creating new ways for talmidim to engage in Torah learning outside of shiur. Rabbi Gopin started an optional Night Seder on Tuesdays for talmidim in his junior shiur, in addition to MTA’s regular Night Seder program. Each week, the shiur gathers together on Zoom for 30-45 minutes of uninterrupted learning. As an added incentive, talmidim who participate are entered into a weekly raffle for exciting prizes. “While we only have one raffle winner each week, all of my talmidim who participate in our optional Night Seder win the greatest prize of all – connecting to Hakadosh Baruch Hu!” said Rabbi Gopin. HALB’s Stock Market Club

HALB seventh grade girls in Mrs. Chubak’’ Stock Market Club are making profitable investments and are leading the way in the statewide stock market competition. They are currently number one in the region! The girls are beunits of engineering, forces, and friction, Mrs. Kastriner’s fifth grade class at Yeshiva of South Shore was tasked with engineering bridges constructed from only spaghetti and marshmallows. Parameters for the coming experts at researching stocks and investing their money. They are managing their large portfolios by buying and selling stocks. It is exciting to learn how to invest money. The club is looking forward to a very

Budding Engineers

Torah is the foundation of the

In conjunction with the science rewarding year! bridges were 5 inches off the floor or desktop and as close to 12 inches in length as possible. The boys figured out just how difficult it is to remain within the assignment’s constructs. Despite the challenges, there are smiles beneath the masks!

Around the Community

Teens and Screens Virtual Roundtable Discussion About Teens and Tech

On Tuesday, January 5, Madraigos hosted “Teens and Screens,” a live-stream roundtable discussion to help parents navigate their children’s use of devices and new technology. This Parenting Matters event, sponsored by Cross River Bank, featured Dr. Eli Shapiro, founder and director of the Digital Citizenship Project; Rabbi Moshe Taub, Mara D’Asra. Young Israel of Holliswood; and Rabbi Dr. Dovid Felt, Director of School-Based Services at Madraigos, who participated in the discussion panel. Mr. Phil Goldfeder, former NYS Assemblyman and Senior Vice President for Public Affairs, Cross River Bank, enthusiastically moderated the program and managed the questions received via the online chat. The combined professional rabbinic, clinical, and educational backgrounds of the panel led to a purposeful and thorough presentation of the many complex topics at hand.

Mindi Werblowsky, Clinical Director, Madraigos, opened the program by sharing some thoughts about the impetus for addressing the topic of technology. She expressed that while technology has been a major challenge for countless families for many years, Covid-19 has exacerbated these issues to a level of intensity never seen before in the clinical office. For this reason, Mrs. Werblowsky aimed to provide parents with direct, live access to experts in our community for targeted advice for their individual situations.

In the end, parents took advantage of this opportunity in full force. Hundreds of parents gained insight and hands-on advice both from a clinical, as well as a Torah, viewpoint. Numerous questions were asked via the online chat. Among the questions submitted were “When is the right time to get your child a cellphone?” and “What are the warning signs that I should be aware of regarding my child’s use of devices?”

Rabbi Dr. Felt said, “I want to thank the other panelists, the staff at Madraigos, and the people who sent in the questions. While the answers may not be suited to everyone or to all situations, they can be helpful as springboards for further discussion.”

The lively exchange of relevant

Did you know?

March 4 used to be Inauguration Day

data and case studies gave the attendees a more concrete understanding of the various aspects of gaming, social media, and technology and how it pertains to teens in today’s society. The speakers also discussed a teen’s critical need for socialization and how peer pressure plays a strong factor in their attitudes towards devices and technology. However, above all, the point most strongly emphasized by all panelists was the importance of the parent-child relationship in addressing technology in the home.

Dr. Eli Shapiro said, “It is my hope that parents came away with not only a recognition of the inherent challenges of technology in a social, psychological, behavioral, and spiritual realm, but more importantly, their crucial role in the process of management with open dialogue and setting appropriate guidelines. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in this important educational community forum.”

Rabbi Taub’s insights from a spiritual context brought the discussion to a whole new level. “This Madraigos evening was a critical event; honest in its presentation, clear in its guidance, and a value to Am Yisroel. I am humbled to have taken part!” Rabbi Taub remarked.

Teens and Screens was extremely well-received by all attendees, and many inquiries were made regarding the new parenting support group in formation. One parent said, “The discussion was unbelievably interesting and useful. Thank you!”

“As a father of three young children, I understand the challenges parents are facing when dealing with technology. As usual, Madraigos recognized the need in the community and arranged this timely event with leading experts. It was my greatest honor to moderate this insightful conversation and hope we can do it again soon,” commented Mr. Goldfeder.

Madraigos strives to keep their finger on the pulse of the issues facing the community by providing practical support and guidance at no charge.

Mrs. Werblowsky remarked, “We, at Madraigos, are so grateful to hear the tremendous positive feedback from the Teens and Screens event. The panel of speakers was outstanding and we want to once again express our utmost appreciation to each of them, as well as the moderator, for their time, effort and enthusiasm.”

To access the recording of the program produced by Creative1080, please visit https://youtu.be/j4FjBVTv9Sw.

The conversation continues. Parents are invited to join Madraigos’ new parenting group beginning on February 8, 2021 to gain valuable parenting tips and tools. For information about the new parenting group or to inquire about clinical support on an individualized basis, contact Mindi Werblowsky at mwerblowsky@madraigos.org or call 516371-3250 x 112.

Dirshu’s Kinyan Torah: The One Constant in Abnormal Times

By Chaim Gold

“What I see from observing the large tzibbur here, and what fills me with awe, simcha and gratitude, is how in these very difficult times we can not only overcome the difficulties and persevere in our learning, but we can shteig even higher and reach even greater levels of learning, yegias haTorah and yedias haTorah!”

Those were the emotional words of Rav Dovid Hofstedter, shlita, Nasi of Dirshu, at the Dirshu testing site in Boro Park last week. Rav Hofstedter, who for so long has not visited the Torah centers of Brooklyn and Lakewood due to the corona pandemic, was visibly moved at the opportunity to reconnect with beloved chavrei Dirshu during his visits to Dirshu testing sites in Boro Park and Williamsburg as well as to numerous Gedolei Yisrael.

Indeed, it was almost a surreal sight. Klal Yisrael and the world have been through so much in the past year. Yet, from observing the Yidden at the testing sites in Boro Park and Williamsburg, it was clear that despite the turmoil, despite the tremendous disruption to life as we once knew it, one thing has remained constant. What is that one thing that has remained constant despite the world having been turned on its head, despite the fact that nothing is normal anymore? That one thing is limud haTorah – an indescribable dedication to limud haTorah! A profound and eternal bond with learning Torah and knowing Torah! An insatiable drive to continue to learn with accountability and taking tests! That has been the one constant in the lives of Dirshu Yidden!

From the World Siyum to Lockdown to…Kinyan Torah

In fact, Reb Chaim Bauer, a years’ long, devoted Dirshu adherent, remarked, “I have been just amazed by the dedication of the lomdei Dirshu to persevere, no matter what is going on in the world. I think back to the Dirshu World Siyum and its aftermath before the pandemic hit. There were so many new Dirshu Kinyan Torah learners at that time and then Covid-19 hit. Life was shut down. We were relegated to our homes. We wondered how we could learn as normal during such times. The testing sites were also closed during the first phase of the pandemic and yet, I was amazed to see how when we were again allowed to gather for the tests in the large Spinka Beis Medrash in Boro Park, hundreds flocked to take the tests. With masks, without masks, they came and showed how their bond with limud haTorah. Limud haTorah the Dirshu way, with multiple chazaros and tests, continued.”

This past test, in particular, was a special maamad that showed, more than anything else, the tremendous kesher that Dirshu learners have with the Torah. The news that Rav Dovid Hofstedter, the nasi and visionary leader, would be coming spread through the olam. More than 500 people came on Sunday night to take the test. Some completed their tests before Rav Hofstedter’s arrival, but they felt compelled to stay so they could hear his divrei Torah and diveri bracha and express their personal hakoras hatov to him with their presence.

In Williamsburg, too, hundreds flocked to the testing site in Bnos Yaakov Vizhnitz to take the test and to greet and hear words of chizuk from Rav Hofstedter. After the drasha, one Dirshu learner spontaneously rose to express his hakoras hatov to Dirshu and Rav Hofstedter for having a transformative impact on his learning and his life, echoing the feelings of so many participants.

“Torah Learned in

Difficult Times”

The long period of separation aroused a special outpouring of ahavah as could be seen by the spontaneous, enthusiastic explosion of song that greeted Rav Dovid’s arrival.

As for Rav Hofstedter? To him, it was clearly about the lomdei Dirshu. In his remarks, he expressed his tremendous admiration for the fact that, despite everything, thousands upon thousands of lomdei Dirshu shteiged.

“Recently, the lomdei Dirshu learned the difficult masechta of Eruvin. Even more recently, they learned the very difficult sugya of Rav Chananaya Segan Hakohanim and were tested on it. The Dirshu olam is a manifestation of that which the Gemara says, ‘Torah shelamadeti b’af omdah li – the Torah that I learned in times of great difficulty is what preserved me.’”

“The Zechus of Torah!”

Perhaps the Rachmastrivka Rebbe, shlita, of Boro Park, put it most succinctly when, after the visit to the testing site, Rav Hofstedter visited the Rebbe in his home and the Rebbe, with remarkable love of Torah visible on his countenance, kept on repeating, “The zechus of Torah!”

Those words, “the zechus of Torah,” perhaps most encapsulate the miracles that the Dirshu extended family has experienced since the Dirshu World Siyum celebrated all over the world, just one

Rav Dovid Hofstedter meeting with HaRav Shlomo Feivel Schustal in his home

year ago.

At that point, when Shas with tests had been completed by many thousands of Yidden and Dirshu had given Klal Yisrael a massive new cadre of true Shas Yidden, the enthusiasm for the new machzor of Shas peaked. The World Siyum showcased the ideal of not just coasting through the Daf but rather learning and chazering it to the extent that one could take a test. This standard took root among thousands of new chavrei Dirshu.

Underground Seeds,

“Underground” Learning

And then? The pandemic struck. No one knew what would happen. The World Siyum seemed to have transpired in a different world, a different universe, a different reality! Despite everything, however, the seeds that had been planted “under the ground” began to flourish.

Chazal share a fascinating thought about Tu B’Shevat, the time when the Siyum HaShas was celebrated and the time that we are currently fast approaching. Despite the fact that Tu B’Shevat is in the middle of the winter when no tree grows, that is when, under the ground, the sap enters the roots of the trees, the sap that will enable them to bear fruit. This is analogous to what happened during the pandemic. Everything went underground, but the sap was in the trees and the trees were poised to flourish. The Dirshu family may have been stuck in their homes, but they were learning new masechtos and finding ways to chazer despite the turmoil, and they bore beautiful fruit, the fruits of masechtos: Brachos, Shabbos, Eruvin and now the first perakim of Pesachim. Kinyan Torah is not only alive and well but is tremendously shteiging.

In his remarks at both testing sites, Rav Dovid Hofstedter gave voice to these ideas. He asked, “Why does the pasuk say that the Yidden groaned from the avodah after Pharaoh’s death? Shouldn’t they have been happy that he died?

“The answer,” Rav Dovid continued, “is that until then, they thought their salvation would come through nature. Pharaoh would die, there would be a new king and finally, things would change. Instead, now that Pharaoh died, they saw that things got even worse! Davka then, when they realized that they had no other hope, was when they truly groaned and cried to Hashem from the depths of their hearts, praying that Hashem should remember them and his covenant with the avos. It was specifically at that time that the pasuk says, ‘Hashem knew.’ There was a sense of deep attachment to Hashem.

“Now too,” Rav Dovid concluded, “during these difficult Corona times when there is no teva – the doctors don’t know and can’t help, the politicians have all been rendered powerless – now, davka at this time, we and especially lomdei Dirshu have connected with Hashem and the essence of life, ‘ki heim chayeinu!’”