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May 13, 2021

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Dear Readers,

ust yesterday, I spent my morning at my daughter’s school listening to her and her classmates sing about the “heilige Torah.” The pureness and innocence of these first graders receiving their first Chumashim was poignant. Granted, they didn’t understand many of the words that they were saying, but their eagerness and desire to embark on the derech haTorah was heartwarming. I only wish that we can bottle that enthusiasm and present it to them years later, when life gets busier and when their passion may wane. Perhaps that’s what Shavuos is supposed to be about. Perhaps it’s supposed to be about opening up that “bottle” each year and embarking on the derech HaTorah with the freshness and vigor that we had when we first started that journey. Years later, we now understand the words that we’re singing and we’re learning and living more than the first pasuk in Bereishis, but that initial enthusiasm and energy and desire are emotions that can be emulated. As a woman, I find that Shavuos sometimes ends up becoming more about serving cheesecake and roasts and entertaining the children than about Matan Torah. But I have to remind myself that the Torah is not a one-size-fits-all Gift from Hashem. The Torah is tailor-made for each person. And that means that at this stage of life, I’m go-

ing to be busy with more “mundane” matters to help uplift my family’s yom tov. I recently watched a clip of a performance that took place in Israel last year. Each person in the band was so different from the other – from different parts of the world, from different streams of life. And yet, they were all Jews, all part of one nation. Isn’t that the beauty of the Torah? That it speaks and connects and is made for each person in the Chosen Nation? Each person connects to the Torah in his or her own way. A young mother hums, sweet words of Tehillim on her lips, as she soothes her infant to sleep. A sixteen-year-old boy in yeshiva works on understanding blatt of Gemara, eking out time in the early morning or at night to truly grasp what he’s learning. A businessman rushes to his Daf Yomi shiur, moving his schedule to ensure his daily dose of Torah is undisturbed. A little girl in Bais Yaakov listens, enthralled, as her morah tells her what happened in the parsha that week. Each person, on their level. Each person, connecting. Each person, reaching higher. Wishing you a wonderful yom tov, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern PUBLISHER

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

COMMUNITY 8

Readers’ Poll Community Happenings

NEWS Global

National

That’s Odd

ISRAEL Israel News Under the Chuppah at Last by Rafi Sackville

21 S26

JEWISH THOUGHT Rabbi Wein on the Parsha

The Book of Ruth by Rabbi Berel Wein S6

In Our Hands by Rav Moshe Weinberger

S10

Torah As the Medium of Revelation by Shmuel Reichman

S20

Leading a Nation of Individuals by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, zt”l S14 Delving into the Daf by Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

PEOPLE Remembering the Farhud by Yali (Menashe) Werzberger

S24

Saul Blinkoff Talks about Mulan, Mitzvos, and His Motivation to Succeed 94 by Tammy Mark The Worldwide Web of Torah by Malky Lowinger

100

The Heroes of the Higgins Boats by Avi Heiligman

134

HEALTH & FITNESS Bosses and Roommates by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn

110

Have Your Cheesecake and Eat it Too? by Aliza Beer, MS RD CDN

112

FOOD & LEISURE The Aussie Gourmet: Oreo Cheesecake

118

Sheet Pan Ravioli by Shlomo Klein

S30

LIFESTYLES Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer 106 Mann, LCSW Parenting Pearls

Dear Editor, As a former single and a shadchan, I understand the intention of this shidduch initiative to NOT share photos in order to focus more on the character of the proposed match. However, I speak from experience, more than once, I opened the door to a blind date whom I, unknowingly, knew previously and was NOT wanting to date! How awkward and embarrassing not only for me but also for the guy when he saw my face and dismay – which I tried to hide so he wouldn’t feel embarrassed! I decided this was a HUGE middot challenge and made it a short date and acted like a mentsch. It was a big test, and I made the best of it. However, had I seen a photo, the entire situation could have been avoided along with the letdown after getting dressed up for a date! There are also certain looks which absolutely turn me on or off, and a photo really does say a 1,000 words about a person’s countenance. While I take better photos in action rather than a still, there are alternatives. Selfies often show awkward poses, and I advise don’t submit them for a profile. If it’s difficult to get a good photo, I advise ask someone to take

Cover art, “The Ten Commandments” by Mira Eisen Original oil on canvas Found at 925 Sterling 576 Central Avenue Cedarhurst, NY

a photo when you’re dressed up for a simcha or ask the hairstylist to take your photo after getting your hair cut and styled. Keep the photo with profiles and avoid awkward situations for both parties! Sincerely, Shoshana Averbach Brooklyn, NY Dear Editor, Kudos on one of the finest Jewish weeklies. You have interesting articles, a beautiful layout and a readable font. My favorite column is “The Wandering Jew.” I experience the vicarious thrill of Jewish world travel from the comfort of my easy chair. I enjoy Rav Moshe Weinberger’s learned column. A minor correction to last week’s column. Rav Leizer Djhikover, zy”a, was not a son-inlaw of the Divrei Chaim. He was his mechuten. The latter’s son Reb Meir Noson, zy”a, married Reb Leizer’s daughter. Lots of hatzlacha. Sincerely, Jacob I. Friedman Brooklyn, NY Dear Readers, The Meron tragedy broke our hearts and caused me real sadness that would not go away. I just heard a shiur with the message that Hashem created darkness and He also created light. If you believe that it’s possible Continued on page 10

114

JWOW! 116 Your Money

140

Can You Sneak Me an Answer? by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS 142 HUMOR Centerfold 88

POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Kerry’s Conundrum

120

Notable Quotes

126

The Wizards of Armageddon May Be Back by David Ignatius

132

Russia’s Plot to Control the Internet by David Ignatius

133

CLASSIFIEDS

136

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CHAG KOSHER V’SAMEACH! Wishing You a Beautiful Yom Tov!

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Continued from page 8

to ruin, then believe as well that it’s possible to fix. If you believe in darkness, then believe as well in great light. If you believe in sadness, then believe as well in great joy. If you believe in machlokes, fights among friends or family, then believe as well in real shalom. If you believe in Gehenom, then believe as well in Gan Eden. If you believe in mistakes,

then believe in teshuva me’ahava which transforms the worst sins into merits. This entire shiur penetrated deeply and can be listened to by dialing (641)715-3800 code 259569# option 12. Sincerely, Debbie Dear Editor, The dating column this week touched on a very sensitive topic – but a very important topic, especially

Results for District 15 Lawrence School Board Elections Held this week, on Tuesday, May 11 School Board Trustee: Heshy Blachorsky: 1,117, winner Asher Matathias: 206 Abel Feldhammer: 1,220, winner Library Trustee, write-in: Akiva Lubin: 416, winner Amil Virani: 79

in our community. Although this woman had battled with an eating disorder and has come out on the other side, there are many others who have gone through challenges in life and are starting to date. It is an interesting question: to inform a potential suitor of what the person went through so they can better understand him or her, or to wait until they know each other a bit before relaying the information. I, for one, applaud the columnists for their answers. It seems like every one of them advised the young woman to hold off sharing the information for a short while until she gets to know the person. And their reasonings were clear. It was not because of shame, not because of a desire to dupe another person; it was from the knowledge that not everyone is privileged to know everything about a person. Nowadays, people tell the world

what they’re having for breakfast. They tell the world that they just bought a muffin or just took a test or just found a parking spot. There is no filter on what the world needs to know about a person. But there should be. Not everyone should know everything about you. And by restraining yourself from telling everyone about your breakfast and what you made your kids for lunch, you will be training yourself to filter out other pieces of information that maybe also should be kept private. Facing a challenge head-on and emerging victorious is unbelievable. But not everyone should be privileged to share in your victory. First get to know a person, be able to trust them, and then can you share the amazing success that you have achieved. Sincerely, Shira Gordon

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poverty stricken and crime-plagued cities in Brazil, racking up 3,000 murders in 2020. 22% of its 17 million residents live in Favelas, or low-income makeshift shanty towns that are hotbeds of organized crime.

25 Killed in Rio Drug Raid

Former Maldives President Targeted

At least 25 people were killed after a police raid in a Rio de Janeiro slum deteriorated into a massive shootout. The raid occurred on Thursday evening in Jacarezinho, a notorious slum run by competing drug cartels. Brazilian police had arrived in force after receiving a tip that a local crime boss had been seen in the area. But upon arriving, officers were greeted by a hail of bullets from criminal gunmen. Trapped, the officers called for backup, triggering a firefight that lasted for hours. Video footage from the slum showed AK-47-wielding criminals jumping from rooftop to rooftop as they attempted to evade the pursuing officers. According to police, 24 of those killed were criminals killed by Federal Special Forces. Police Chief Ronaldo Oliveira confirmed that the casualty rate was “the largest number of deaths in a police operation in Rio.” The raid included more than 200 officers and was supposed to be the culmination of a secret investigation lasting months. The gang is said to be responsible for drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, and weapons manufacturing. Police said that the raid resulted in the seizure of 20 firearms and “an abundant quantity of drugs.” Photos released of the evidence seized during the operation showed at least five M4 assault rifles and over 200 pounds of cocaine. “We went to that community to guarantee the rights of that population that lives under the dictatorship of drug trafficking,” said Felipe Curi, a spokesman for the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police. Rio de Janeiro is one of the most

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed is in serious condition after being wounded in a bomb blast. Nasheed, who currently serves as the parliament speaker, was seriously hurt when a bomb exploded next to his home last Thursday. According to reports, the explosives were hidden in a motorcycle that was parked next to his car. Nasheed was rushed to the hospital and underwent life-saving surgery to remove shrapnel from his vital organs. On Saturday, doctors removed him from life support for the first time. “I’m good,” said Nasheed, telling the media via his brother Ibrahim that doctors were optimistic about his chances of survival. “He is out of life support and breathing on his own,” tweeted Ibrahim. “Managed to exchange a few words. Promised to come back stronger. I believe him.” Australia dispatched a special investigative team to assist with the investigation, which is treating the blast as an assassination attempt. Police arrested two men on Saturday who they suspect were involved in what they called a “deliberate act of terror.” The blast was condemned by senior figures in the Maldives government, with President Ibrahim Solih calling it “an attack on Maldives’ democracy and economy.” Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid tweeted that “cowardly attacks like these have no place in our society. The president of the ruling Maldivian Democratic party, Shaheed was elected to the presidency in 2008 but was ousted in a coup four years later. He remains a highly influential

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figure and has served as parliament speaker since 2019. The Maldives is a group of islands in South Asia located in the Indian Ocean. It is the smallest Asian country by land and the second-least populous country in Asia, with a mere 557,426 inhabitants.

Life Sentence for Americans in Italy

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An Italian court sentenced two American students to life in prison after finding them guilty of stabbing and killing a police officer during a botched drug deal. Finnegan Elder, 21, and Gabriel Natale-Hjorth, 20, were facing a slew of charges related to the 2019 killing of Carabiniere Vice Brigadier Mario Cerciello Rega, including first degree murder and extortion. The two admitted to stabbing Rega but claimed self-defense, arguing that they thought that the plainclothes officer was a violent criminal. In the verdict, the two Americans were found guilty of stabbing Carabiniere Vice Brigadier Mario Cerciello Rega 11 times while on vacation in Rome. Natale-Hjoorth was also convicted of obstruction of justice for hiding the knife afterwards. The decision was handed down last week and came after only 10 hours of deliberations by the jury. Elder’s attorney, Renato Borzone, vowed to appeal the ruling, contending that the court ignored numerous discrepancies by the prosecution. “We will appeal and hope to find a more reasonable judge next time. What happened is unheard of,” he said. “I have never seen something like this in 40 years of career. To give life sentences to two 19-year-old boys is shameful. Italy’s justice is strong with the weak and weak with the strong.” The killing occurred in the early morning hours of July 26, 2019, hours after the pair had unsuccessfully tried to buy cocaine via a go-between who connected them with a drug dealer near a nightlife district

in Rome. They paid nearly $100 for drugs, but were duped, authorities said. Instead of cocaine, they instead received a crushed medicine tablet. Enraged at being deceived, the pair snatched the backpack of the person who connected them to the drug dealer. Inside the backpack was a cellphone, which they used to schedule a meeting with the dealer in which they promised to return the backpack in exchange for the money they lost. Elder and Natale-Hjorth were met by Rega and his partner instead after police were tipped off about the exchange. Thinking that the undercover officers were criminals sent to attack them, Elder stabbed Rega 11 times with his K-Bar commando knife.

Chinese Rocket Lands in Indian Ocean

An out-of-control Chinese rocket disintegrated in the Indian Ocean over the weekend, ending days of speculation over where the space debris would land. China’s National Space Administration said that the Long March-5B rocket booster plunged into the Indian Ocean at coordinates of 72.47°E, 2.65°N near the Maldives on Sunday morning, causing no injuries. “After monitoring and analysis, at 10:24 (0224 GMT) on May 9, 2021, the last-stage wreckage of the Long March 5B Yao-2 launch vehicle has reentered the atmosphere,” the China Manned Space Engineering Office said. The U.S. Space Command confirmed in a statement that “the Chinese Long March-5b re-entered over the Arabian Peninsula” but said that it was “unknown if the debris impacted land or water.” The watery landing confirmed predictions from NASA and other space experts that the debris would likely land in the sea, which covers 70% of the Earth’s surface. The rocket had been used to send China’s space station into orbit in April but spun out

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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GEDOLEI HADOR ABOUT SHAS YIDEN Nasi Shas Yiden: “I tested them with questions from throughout Shas. I was amazed at their incredible knowledge, and their study eefort to delve through the entire Talmud every year, both in depth and with all-encompassing proﬁciency. Happy is their portion and those who support and assist are full partners in the project. “All who support [Shas Yiden] will merit to see blessing from their livelihood many times over, and will be protected from the travails of the Messianic times. “I bless them that they shall merit to bring greatness and glory to the Torah in tranquility, and with brocho v'hatzlocho (blessing and success) in all their eeforts – Amen and may it be His will! Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Hagadol Chaim Kanievsky, shlit”a

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of control, plummeting towards Earth at a speed of 18,000 miles per hour. Many had feared that the uncontrolled reentry would crash into an inhabited area, posing a threat to human life. An analysis by the European Space Agency predicted that the rocket would land in “any portion of Earth’s surface between about 41.5N and 41.5S latitude,” a risk zone encompassing wide swaths of North America, the entirety of Africa and Australia, and much of southern Europe, including all of Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had condemned China for allowing the debris to fall out of orbit, telling reporters that Beijing should have taken precautions.

Tragic Kabul School Blast Multiple blasts shook the Kabul neighborhood of Dasht-e-Barchi on Saturday, in a set of explosions outside of a school in which 68 people were killed. The community is home to a large group of Shiites from the Hazara sect that had been targeted by Islamic

State – a Sunni terrorist group – in the past. Students were essentially trapped after a car bomb initially detonated in front of the Sayed Al-Shuhada school, causing them to rush outside in panic where two more bombs then exploded.

Most of those who were killed were schoolgirls, who are believed to have been the target. While Afghan president Ashraf Ghani swiftly blamed the attack on Taliban members, a spokesperson for the organization denied any involvement. So far, no group has claimed responsibility. “The first blast was powerful and happened so close to the children that some of them could not be found,” an Afghan official revealed. One 15-year-old who survived

the blast told reporters she “couldn’t see anything” when the explosion went off. “Everyone was yelling, and there was blood everywhere,” Zahra, whose arm had been broken by a piece of shrapnel, told the AP news agency. Kabul has been on high alert since U.S. President Joe Biden announced plans last month to pull out all U.S. troops by September 11 of this year. Officials have since reported a rise in attacks across the country, as Afghan security forces and Taliban insurgents fight to try to retain control over strategic centers across the country. The Taliban and the U.S. signed an agreement last year to end their 20-year war, which started with U.S. and allied forces invading Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks in a hunt for Osama bin Laden, who had been hiding in the country.

Too Much Force 50 Years Ago According to a coroner ruling on Tuesday, British soldiers used “clearly disproportionate” force during vi-

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olence in Northern Ireland that saw 10 civilians shot dead in 1971. The report found all the victims were innocent of all crimes.

The finding into the deaths in Ballymurphy, west Belfast, over three days in August 1971 were met with applause and tears from family members. Even so, the UK government remains determined to end “vexatious” prosecutions of any army personnel accused of wrongful deaths in past conflicts, and said it would soon introduce new legislation covering the legacy of the Northern Ireland unrest. Undoubtedly, the legislation will inflame tensions in Northern Ireland after fresh violence in recent weeks since the UK quit the European Union, a move which left the province in a half-way house between its markets in mainland Britain and in

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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Ireland. Mary Lou McDonald, president of the nationalist party Sinn Fein, said the inquest ruling was a “vindication” of a long campaign by the families of the Ballymurphy dead, who included a priest and a mother of eight children. She conceded, “Today will be bittersweet as the British government confirms that they will now attempt to block the families from getting justice, in defiance of an international agreement signed with the Irish government on dealing with the past.” The 10 people were killed at the height of “The Troubles,” a sectarian conflict over British rule in Northern Ireland which raged over three decades until 1998. The inquest found that all but one victim were shot by British soldiers, at a time when tensions were acute just after the authorities had introduced internment without trial of suspected paramilitaries. “All of the deceased in this series of inquests were entirely innocent of any wrongdoing,” the coroner, Judge Siobhan Keegan, told a hearing lasting over three hours. “The army had a duty to protect lives and minimize harm, and the use of force was clear-

ly disproportionate,” she concluded. The inquest began in November 2018 after original investigations recorded an open verdict and did not apportion blame. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said the findings were “an immense relief and vindication” for the families. “Every family bereaved in the conflict must have access to an effective investigation and to a process of justice regardless of the perpetrator,” he said. “Only through a collective approach can we hope to deal with these issues comprehensively and fairly, and in a way that responds to the needs of victims and survivors, and society as a whole.”

An Acquired Accent It was top of mornin’ to a woman from Down Under after she had surgery two weeks ago. Australian Angie Yen is originally from Taiwan but has lived in Brisbane, Australia, since she was eight and speaks with an Aussie accent. But two weeks ago, Yen woke up sounding Irish, despite having never

even been to Ireland. Yen first started speaking with an Irish accent 10 days after she had surgery to remove her tonsils. She went to the hospital the same day but as she wasn’t showing any other signs of illness, Yen was sent home and told to rest.

Still looking for answers, Yen said she will be doing an MRI and a blood test soon and is looking for a neurologist who can help her. In a video she uploaded on TikTok, Yen said, “I woke up with an Irish accent and I’ve never been to Ireland before…. “At this stage, I don’t think it’s going to get better, because this morning I woke up with an Aussie accent and I was so happy. I called one of my best friends and told her that I have my accent back but during that phone call in the space of about five

to 10 minutes, my accent was deteriorating, and it was changing from an Aussie accent to an Irish one.” TikTok viewers say she sounds like a mix between Canadian, American, Australian, Jamaican, and British, but the Irish accent seems to be the strongest. Yen said that she has never been to Ireland. Foreign accent syndrome most commonly occurs following a head injury, stroke, or some other type of damage to the brain, according to Healthline. The condition is extremely rare, with only around 100 people diagnosed with foreign accent syndrome since the first known case came to light in 1907.

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The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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FINAL CALL Thousands thronged the funeral of Yehuda Guetta last Thursday after he succumbed to his wound three days after being shot in a terror attack. A 19-year-old student at the Itamar Yeshiva in Samaria, Guetta was one of three Israelis shot during a drive-by shooting attack at the nearby Tapuach Junction earlier in the week. He was rushed to Jerusalem’s Shaare Tzedek Medical Center but passed away a day later. The funeral procession began at Yehuda’s home in Jerusalem’s Kiryat Moshe neighborhood, where an estimated 2,000 people escorted him to his final resting place at the Har Hamenuchot cemetery. Participating in Yehuda’s final sendoff was a slew of dignitaries, including MKs Itamar Ben-Gvir and Orit Strock from the Religious Zionism party, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, Jerusalem Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar, and Jerusalem Affairs Minister Rafi Peretz. Addressing the crowd was Chief Sephardic Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef and Jonathan Pollard, who recently emigrated to Israel after serving out a 30 year sentence for spying on the United States. “I’m a simple Jew, and I never expected to come home after 30 years and be faced with this kind of tragedy,” Pollard said. “I hoped and prayed that my own sacrifice would prevent this kind of tragedy. The evil that took Yehuda has a power that is incredible. It doesn’t cease, it doesn’t stop, it shows no pity, it shows no remorse. But we do. And that’s why we come here, to say ‘shalom’ to Yehuda.” “Yehuda in the last few days, we worried as you fought for your life, we prayed from the depths of our hearts that you would overcome your wounds, and across the entire coun-

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That’s according to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, which released data this week from its once-ina-decade census that showed that the nation’s population grew at its slowest pace since at least 1953. There was an increase of just 5.4% from 2010, which meant that the communist country added about 73 million people over the last decade. Still, that number is more than the populations of California and Texas, combined. “The population problem has always been an overall, long-term and strategic problem facing our country,” bureau director Ning Jizhe told journalists at a morning news conference. In total, China now has more than 1.411 billion people, up from 1.340 billion in 2010. China is now seeing a lot more elderly in its cities. “First, the size of the elderly population is huge,” said Ning. “There are 260 million people aged 60 and over in the country.” For a frame of reference, the entire population of the United States is about 330 million. “Second, the aging process has accelerated significantly,” he explained. “From 2010 to 2020, the proportion of the population aged 60 and above increased by 5.4%.” That represented a more than doubling in percentage terms from the 2.5% growth in the decade spanning 2000 to 2010. “Aging has become the basic national condition of our country for some time to come,” Ning said. Ning noted, “At the same time, the increase in the elderly population will also bring wisdom.” China is facing a problem of population replacement: Not enough people are being born to replace those who die. According to the census data, China recorded only 12 million births in 2020 – the lowest number in 49 years. In 2015, China changed its controversial, decades-old onechild policy and decided to allow every household two children, with the hope of avoiding precisely the aging population-problem the census data revealed this week. But as more Chinese citizens get higher education, more women enter the workforce and people enjoy higher standards of living, more couples are choosing to either hold off on having children, having fewer of them, or remaining child-free.

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‫‪The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021‬‬

‫אדד א' תשפ"ב‬

‫‪MARCH 2022‬‬ ‫סיום של‬ ‫דף היומי בהלכה‬ ‫סיום על סדר מועד‬

‫משנה ברורה‬ ‫תרכ”ו א (א)‬ ‫בעינן שתהא הסוכה תחת‬ ‫אויר השמים דכתיב בסכת‬ ‫תשבו חסר וי”ו דהיינו‬ ‫באחת [שלא יסוכך עליה‬ ‫בשני קירוין] ולא בסוכה‬ ‫שתחת סוכה או תחת‬ ‫הבית או אילן‬

‫מסכת סוכה‪ ,‬ט‪:‬‬ ‫סוכה על גבי סוכה וכו׳ תנו רבנן‬ ‫(בסוכות) תשבו ולא בסוכה שתחת‬ ‫הסוכה ולא בסוכה שתחת האילן‬ ‫ולא בסוכה שבתוך הבית‬

MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

try we begged for your recovery, but this morning, to our great sorrow, these prayers have turned to a eulogy,” said Mayor Lion, a distant relative of Yehuda. “Our hearts are broken – but our spirits are strong,” added Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan. Yehuda had passed away on Thursday only hours before IDF special forces nabbed his killer, 44-yearold Muntasir Shalabi from Silwad. A father of seven and a successful local businessman, Shalabi reportedly did not attempt to flee and admitted his culpability in the attack on the spot.

2 Killed by Hamas Rockets

Two women were killed and dozens were injured, including two seriously, when Palestinian terror groups in the Gaza Strip fired massive barrages of rockets at southern Israel

throughout Tuesday, drawing deadly retaliatory airstrikes from the Israel Defense Forces. The deaths marked the first fatalities in Israel in the round of fighting with Gaza terrorist groups that began Monday evening, which has seen hundreds of rockets fired at Israeli territory. The Hamas terror group claimed that at one stage on Tuesday it fired 137 rockets in around five minutes in an apparent attempt to overwhelm the Iron Dome missile defense system. In a subsequent barrage on the southern coastal city of Ashkelon, less than an hour later, two women were killed by rockets in separate hits. A technical issue with an Iron Dome battery during the massive rocket barrage toward the coastal city prevented some rockets from being intercepted and may have been responsible for the casualties and deaths. Eventually, the malfunction was repaired. Channel 12 reported that a deadly rocket attack directly struck a home where an elderly woman and her caregiver, who did not manage to get to a public shelter in time, lived. One of the women was killed.

With a number of buildings in the city suffering direct hits over the course of the day, and concerns over the number of residential buildings without bomb shelters, the Israel Defense Forces instructed residents to remain in reinforced areas. The restriction was later lifted – followed, minutes later, by additional rocket alert sirens on the city. Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam said some 25 percent of residents don’t have access to a protected area when rockets are fired at the city. “It is impossible when normal life becomes a state of emergency within minutes,” he told Army Radio. “There are houses from the 1960s where there is no basic protection – it is time for treasury officials and decision-makers to understand what is happening here in the city.” In the early hours of Tuesday, a missile hit a residential building in Ashkelon, wounding six Israelis, four of them members of the same family: parents in their 40s, an 8-year-old and an 11-year-old. The father was seriously hurt with a head wound, and the others sustained light injuries from shrapnel. The assaults continued Tuesday after a night of almost constant rocket fire on Israeli communities

near the Gaza Strip and as the IDF conducted strikes on more than 100 targets in the coastal enclave, as part of what it has called “Operation Guardian of the Walls,” the military said. The previous day saw a major outbreak of violence from Gaza, including rare rocket fire on Jerusalem, where Palestinians have been clashing with police for days. In response to the ongoing rocket rockets, IDF fighter jets, aircraft and tanks struck at least 130 targets in the Gaza Strip, most of them associated with Hamas, but also some linked to other terror groups in the enclave, including the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror groups reported that several high-ranking commanders were killed in Israeli raids, including three top PIJ leaders in a drone strike on a building in the upscale Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City. One of those killed was the brother of another top PIJ commander, Baha Abu al-Ata, who was killed in an Israeli strike in November 2019, kicking off a major round of fighting in the Strip. Islamic Jihad vowed revenge for the death of the three commanders in its armed wing, saying the response will be “harsh.”

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The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Additionally, the IDF said it killed the head of Islamic Jihad’s special rocket unit, in an operation carried out in cooperation with the Shin Bet. Sameh Abed al-Mamluk was killed along with several other senior rocket officials. According to the IDF, the military’s targets also included the home of a top Hamas commander, Hamas’s intelligence headquarters in southern Gaza, two attack tunnels that approached the border with Israel, rocket production and storage sites, observation posts, military installations, and launchpads. The Hamas Health Ministry said 28 Gazans were killed, including nine minors, and 125 wounded in the ongoing escalation with Israel. Fifteen Gazans sustained serious injuries, according to Hamas Health Ministry spokesperson Ashraf alQidra. Israel said more than half were Hamas terrorists. IDF spokesperson Hidai Zilberman said a number of those killed in Gaza, including at least three children, were hit by errant rockets fired by Palestinian terrorists, not by Israeli airstrikes. Defense Minister Benny Gantz said the IDF would continue striking Hamas and other terrorists in the

Strip until “long-term and complete quiet” is restored. Israel has fought three large operations against Hamas and other terror groups in the Gaza Strip since 2008, most recently in 2014 with a 51-day war known as Operation Protective Edge.

Did Israel Help the U.S. Track Soleimani?

A new report alleges that Israel played a key role in helping U.S. intelligence locate Iranian General Qassem Soleimani ahead of his 2020 assassination. The commander of Iran’s notorious Quds Force, Soleimani was tasked with arming and funding Tehran’s proxy militias including Hezbollah, the Islamic Jihad in Gaza,

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and the Houthis in Yemen. He was killed in a U.S. airstrike in January 2020 after landing in Baghdad’s airport. Now, a new expose says that Israel played a key role in the drone strike. According to the report, Israeli intelligence provided the numbers to three different smartphones used by Soleimani, allowing the U.S. to pinpoint his location. Israel’s assistance is said to have been crucial for the operation’s success, as the U.S. would have had a significantly more difficult time tracking down the general had it been unable to hack his cellphones. “In Tel Aviv, U.S. Joint Special Operations Command liaisons worked with their Israeli counterparts to help track Soleimani’s cellphone patterns. The Israelis, who had access to Soleimani’s numbers, passed them off to the Americans, who traced Soleimani and his current phone to Baghdad,” wrote the report. In the past, “Israeli intelligence at one point tipped off the CIA about a courier for Soleimani who would travel outside Iran to pick up clean phones for the Quds Force leader and his inner circle, recalled a former intelligence official,” noted the expose. “The CIA got wind that the courier would visit a specific market in a Gulf country to procure these devices and sprang into action. The agency executed a complex supply chain compromise, installing spyware on a set of phones that were seeded into the marketplace used by Soleimani’s courier. “The gambit worked, said the former official, and the courier purchased at least one bugged phone that was then used by someone who was often in the same room as Soleimani,” continued the report, which quoted over a dozen officials intimately involved in the assassination. “But because Soleimani and other Iranian leadership would often rotate their devices, and employ other measures to avoid being surveilled, successes of this sort were fleeting, said former officials,” stated the report. The expose also reported that at least seven Kurdish agents were on the ground at Baghdad airport, where they impersonated police officers in order to positively ID the Iranian general. Also present were U.S. special forces snipers, who fired on a vehicle in order to cause it to slow down and provide an easier target for the drones loitering overhead. Israel has long been rumored to have played a part in the assassina-

tion, with previous reports crediting Israeli Air Force intelligence for keeping tabs on Soleimani during his frequent trips to Syria. In late April, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani blamed the Jewish State for “directing” the U.S. to assassinate Soleimani. “The martyrdom of General Soleimani was directed by the Zionists, even though [former President Donald] Trump was the commander and killer,” Rouhani told a cabinet meeting.

Hezbollah Readies for Attacks

The Hezbollah terrorist organization was reportedly spooked by a massive IDF drill that began last Sunday, believing that the maneuvers are cover for a surprise attack on Lebanon. Hezbollah increased its readiness on Saturday, deploying additional fighters from its elite Radwan units on the Israeli-Lebanon border. Additional preparations were observed in the city of Quneitra on the Golan Heights as the terror group raised its alertness to levels not seen since the Second Lebanon War. According to the Lebanese newspaper Al-Nasrah, Hezbollah “recruited the necessary manpower” to “effectively respond to any Israel attack on Lebanese soil. The terror group reportedly believes that the mammoth IDF drill is designed to disguise preparations for all-out war, including calling up reservists and sending large amounts of troops to the Lebanese border. Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah warned Israel against “hasty measures,” vowing in his weekly speech last Friday that “we in Lebanon will be ready from Sunday morning, the day the exercise begins.” Nasrallah threatened that Israel would pay for “any mistake,” saying that “we will be prepared to respond to the aggression and we will not tolerate any violation in Lebanese territory.” Named “Chariots of Fire,” the IDF

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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March,” warning that the event was liable to exacerbate tensions between Jews and Arabs. The Flag March occurs every year to mark the day in which Israel freed the Old City from Jordanian hands in 1967. Beginning at Damascus Gate, the event sees tens of thousands of people dance down to the Western Wall.

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exercise that kicked off this past Sunday is the largest in Israeli history. Training the military to fight on three simultaneous fronts, the drill involves all four IDF commands, over 100,000 troops, and 25,000 reservists. The exercise will go on for the entire month of May and will replicate wartime conditions. As part of the drill, the Israeli Air Force and the Paratroopers Brigade will fly to Cyprus to practice landing behind enemy lines.

Hundreds of fighter jets and helicopters will take to the skies while three armored divisions will participate in a live-fire exercise in the Golan Heights and Negev Desert. The maneuver is the IDF’s first large drill since last year’s COVID-19 outbreak, when the military cut back on training as it was preoccupied with fighting the pandemic. “The structure of the exercise, which is being put together now, will include a scenario of a multi-front

campaign in both the north and the south, in accordance with up-to-date and worst-case scenarios,” the military said in a statement.

U.S.: Cancel Flag March Senior U.S. officials pressed Israel to limit or change completely the annual Yom Yerushalayim “Flag

On Sunday, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan called his counterpart Israeli Meir Ben-Shabbat to convey the Biden administration’s concerns about the event. Calling the march “provocative,” Sullivan pressed Ben-Shabbat for Israel to change the route or even cancel it altogether. Ben-Shabbat refused to commit to altering the route but promised that Israel would take the Biden Administration’s concerns into account. The phone call followed an earlier request from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem that was rebuffed. “Sullivan highlighted recent engagements by senior U.S. officials with senior Israeli and Palestinian officials and key regional stakeholders to press for steps to ensure calm, deescalate tensions, and denounce violence,” read a White House summary of the phone call. “Mr. Sullivan also reiterated the United States’ serious concerns about the potential evictions of Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. They agreed that the launching of rocket attacks and incendiary balloons from Gaza towards Israel is unacceptable and must be condemned.” Police had been on high alert ahead of the Flag March amid fears that it could be the spark that would ignite a Third Intifada. Recent weeks have seen escalating violence in Jerusalem, with Arab residents attacking Jews at will along with extremist right-wing protest marches. On Saturday, tens of thousands of Muslims barricaded themselves in the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount, hurling stones and firecrackers at police. Authorities responded by deploying riot control measures, setting off pitched battles that ended with 17 police officers and 150 Arabs wounded.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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Video footage on social media showed an Arab mob waving Hamas flags on the Temple Mount while chanting, “Bomb Tel Aviv” and “In spirit and in blood, we will redeem al-Aqsa.” The skirmishes triggered dozens of protest rallies in Arab cities all across Israel in which residents demonstrated their support for Hamas and the Al Aqsa rioters.

IDF Responds to Hamas Rockets

The IDF pounded the Gaza Strip throughout Monday evening in what was the biggest escalation between the two sides since 2014’s Operation Protective Edge. The IDF said in a statement that it had struck 140 targets as of Tuesday morning, killing 25 terrorists and destroying Hamas weap-

ons warehouses and terror tunnels. Other targets included “the home of a top Hamas commander, Hamas’s intelligence headquarters, two attack tunnels that approached the security barrier, and rocket production and storage sites.” Despite the barrage, Hamas rocket fire continued throughout the evening, with at least 200 missiles pummeling Ashkelon alone since Monday afternoon. Three Israelis were wounded when a rocket hit their Ashkelon apartment building, one of them seriously. Another 100 Hamas rockets hit Ashdod, while Sderot and dozens of Gaza agricultural communities were pounded with relentless mortar fire. Dozens of cities canceled school on Tuesday due to fears of additional rocket fire, including Rishon LeTzion, Be’er Sheva, Rehovot, Ness Ziona, and Ramat Gan. Train service was suspended in large parts of the country, and roads alongside the Gaza border were closed to motorists. The escalation began on Monday, Jerusalem Day, after Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif gave Israel until 6 PM to withdraw all of its forces from Temple Mount that were countering Arab rioters. After Israel failed to meet the ultimatum,

Hamas launched a barrage of missiles towards Jerusalem, paralyzing the capital and sending residents fleeing towards the bomb shelters. Israel responded by bombing what the military called “high value targets,” including the homes of top Hamas commanders and hidden weapons warehouses. On Tuesday afternoon, the IDF began deploying artillery units to the Gaza border and called up 5,000 reservists, signaling that the military was preparing for a wider conflict. “This is for the continuation of operations as part of Operation Guardian of the Walls and reinforcements for defending the home front,” said Defense Minister Benny Gantz said, invoking the operation’s official name. “We have an intense day ahead of us,” added IDF Spokesperson Haggai Zilberman. “We have a goal, and we will not stop until we’ve reached it.”

Jerusalemite family over a century ago, the homes fell into Arab hands following the Jordanian capture of Jerusalem. After Jerusalem was reunited in 1967, the Jewish owners sued for the restitution of their property. A decade-long court battle ended with a compromise allowing the Arab families to remain in the apartments on condition that they paid monthly rent. Yet the Arab families refused to pay, triggering a legal battle to evict them that lasted more than 30 years. The final decision allowing the eviction would have come on Jerusalem Day this past Monday, something police warned would trigger a new round of violence. The Sheikh Jarrah legal battle has become a cause célèbre amongst Israeli Arabs, with thousands of rioters hurling rocks and firebombs at police officers on a nightly basis.

Sheikh Jarrah Hearing Postponed The Race is On in Florida

Israel’s Supreme Court postponed a scheduled hearing regarding the fate of Arab squatters on Jewish-owned property in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. The hearing was slated to occur on Monday and would have likely seen the justices order the forced removal of the squatters. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit requested that it be delayed until after the Islamic holy month of Ramadan to refrain from inflaming the issue until tensions die down. The hearing will now occur on an unspecified date within the next four weeks. “In all the circumstances and in light of the attorney general’s request, the regular hearing for tomorrow, May 10, 2021 (is) canceled,” said the court in a statement. The court case would have been the final hearing in a long-running legal battle between Arab squatters and the property’s Jewish owners. Originally purchased by a wealthy

Democratic Rep. Charlie Crist has embarked on yet another gubernatorial run, becoming the first challenger for Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis. Crist announced his candidacy in a tweet last week, vowing to unseat DeSantis in Florida’s 2022 race for governor. “Florida should be a place where hard work is rewarded, justice is equal, and opportunity is right in front of you. That’s a Florida for all – and that’s why I’m running for governor,” Crist wrote. In his first campaign rally, Crist likened DeSantis to former President Donald Trump, slamming him for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and accusing the governor of listening to “quacks and conspiracy theorists” over medical professionals. “Just like our former president, he always claims credit and never takes

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

responsibility,” Crist said. “How many lives would have been saved if Gov. DeSantis had listened to the scientists and medical experts? If he had simply promoted a mask-wearing and social distancing policy instead of a political agenda?” Crist queried. “How many lives would have been saved if Gov. DeSantis had implemented a statewide plan to protect Floridians? How many small businesses would have been saved if Gov. DeSantis recognized that the key to rebuilding our economy isn’t politics, it’s beating the virus and ensuring people’s safety? The truth is, Gov. DeSantis has failed us.” DeSantis is renowned for being arguably America’s most lockdown-averse governor, shunning shutdowns and opening beaches and schools at a time when other governors were issuing shelter-in-place orders. Crist is attempting to win his old job back, having served as Florida’s 44th governor from 2007 to 2011. In 2010, Crist decided to contest the state’s open Senate seat as an independent but ended up losing to Sen. Marco Rubio. Crist ran again for governor in 2014, this time as a Democrat, but was defeated handedly by Rick Scott.

His third attempt for political office paid off, winning the race to represent Florida’s 13th congressional district in 2017.

Reparations for Slavery in Chicago

Not everyone is happy with Evanston’s new racial reparations program. The Chicago suburb is about to embark on an unprecedented program that will make it the first city in the United States to pay reparations for racial injustice. As a way of acknowledging past discriminatory practices, Evanston will give African American residents grants of $25,000 to be used towards home purchases. To be eligible, residents must

provide proof that they or an ancestor lived in Evanston between 1919 and 1969 and suffered from policies designed to prevent people of color from moving into the affluent city. The initiative is being hailed by Evanston officials as a way to atone for past practices that still see African Americans pay more for housing than whites. “We have a $46,000 household-income divide between black Evanston and our white neighbors and friends,” said Rue Simmons, an Alderwoman who led the reparations effort. “We have a 13-year life expectancy difference, an achievement gap, an opportunity gap, [and] the city’s homeownership rate has been declining to rates lower than before Fair Housing was passed. We have a declining black population. “We are losing our black residents because of affordability, lack of a sense of place, [and] lack of an opportunity and inclusion.” However, not everyone is happy with the reparations plan. While many Evanston residents welcome the program as “an exciting time for racial justice,” others say that it doesn’t go far enough. Pointing out that many African Americans are unable to purchase new homes even with the grants, they ask why the city doesn’t simply mail the money to eligible residents. “The bank continues to be the largest beneficiary and perpetrator of housing discrimination,” said Cindy Fleming, a black Alderwoman who voted against the bill. “It really lays under the guise of a narrative that poor and/or African American people don’t know how to manage their money. “Therefore, when the government gives them money, there are lots of parameters on how they can use it.” Others find fault with Evanston calling the program “reparations,” a term commonly used to refer to compensation for slavery. In a recent Washington Post Op-Ed, Duke University economist William Darity called the term “overused” and alleged that the bill “does more harm than good.” “That’s a good step for the city to take, but let’s be clear: This is a housing voucher program, not reparations – and calling it that does more harm than good,” he wrote. “The cause of justice demands proprietariness about the meaning of ‘reparations,’ and we object to these kinds of piecemeal and misleading

labels. “True reparations only can come from a full-scale program of acknowledgment, redress and closure for a grievous injustice.”

Montana, S. Carolina: Get a Job

South Carolina and Montana have both announced that they will end their participation in the federal government’s pandemic unemployment benefits program. Beginning on June 27, Montana will end all payments to residents in the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation programs. South Carolina will follow, starting on June 30. The decision means that an estimated 150,000 people in both states will lose their benefits entirely, while another 51,000 would see their weekly payments drop by $300. It comes despite the American Rescue Plan making the aid available until September 6. Passed in March 2020, the American Rescue Program marked the largest expansion of federal unemployment benefits in history and intended to offset the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing an additional $300 weekly to those already getting benefits, the program also applied for the first time to self-employed and gig workers. The benefits have come under fire as something that is contributing to a chronic labor shortage currently plaguing the United States, as many prefer to postpone returning to work until the payments end. The problem is particularly acute in sectors such as fast food and retail where employees commonly earn low salaries, with chains like Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc, Starbucks, and McDonalds complaining that they are unable to find workers. “Incentives matter, and the vast expansion of federal unemployment benefits is now doing more harm

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than good,” Montana Governor Gianforte asserted. “We need to incentivize Montanans to reenter the workforce.” South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster concurred, complaining that the mix of state and federal benefits were giving employees an incentive to remain on the public dole. “In many instances, these payments are greater than the worker’s previous paychecks,” McMaster noted. “What was intended to be a short-term financial assistance for the vulnerable and displaced during the height of the pandemic has turned into a dangerous federal entitlement.”

Cyberattack Shuts Down Oil Pipeline

week. “The challenges brought on by the Colonial Pipeline shutdown would only develop after a few days of outage,” said Patrick DeHaan, who runs the analytics division at the petroleum consultancy GasBuddy. “What could make a temporary pipeline shutdown much worse is if Americans wrongly fear shortages,” he added, advising Americans to resist the urge to hastily buy fuel. With Colonial responsible for transporting 45 percent of the daily U.S. oil output, the hack highlighted the growing danger cyberattacks pose to U.S. infrastructure. In April, the Biden Administration launched a 100 day-effort to make the nation’s power grid more resistant to cyberattacks after the Russian SolarWinds intrusion compromised nine U.S. government agencies.

What’s in a Name?

A cyberattack recently crippled one of largest oil pipelines in the United States, causing it to be taken offline and highlighting the growing threat to American infrastructure. The cyberattack targeted Colonial Pipeline, a 5,500 mile system that transports 100 million gallons of oil from New Orleans to Belle Harbor in New York City. In a statement on its website, Colonial said that the attack was ransomware, adding that it decided to take the pipeline offline after learning of the attack on Friday. “In response, we proactively took certain systems offline to contain the threat, which has temporarily halted all pipeline operations, and affected some of our IT systems,” said the company. “At this time, our primary focus is the safe and efficient restoration of our service and our efforts to return to normal operation.” Law enforcement is currently providing the “nature and scope of this incident” along with a series of private cyber companies. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said that it is “engaged with the company and our interagency partners regarding the situation.” Energy industry experts warn that the pipeline shutdown is liable to cause gas prices to surge if it did not resume operating within the next

There are lots of Olivias and Liams running around the United States. According to the Social Security Administration, those two names were the most popular baby names in 2020. In 2020, the top three most popular female and male names remained the same for a second year in a row. Olivia, Emma and Ava were the top three most popular names for baby girls; Liam, Noah and Oliver were the most popular for boys. For the first time in over a century, Henry joined the top ten baby names, nabbing the ninth spot on the list. It last appeared in the top ten in 1910. The Social Security Administration also revealed the top five fastest rising names in 2020. Zyair was the No. 1 fastest growing name for boys and Avayah for girls. The United States is experiencing a dramatic decline in the national birth rate. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health

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Statistics, the country’s birth rate fell more than 6% in the last quarter of 2020, a significant decrease from the same time period in 2019. According to the Social Security Administration, over the last 100 years, Michael has been the most frequently popular male baby name, earning the No. 1 spot 44 times. Mary has been ranked as the No. 1 most popular female name 35 times in the last century. The top 10 most popular girl names in 2020 were: 1. Olivia 2. Emma 3. Ava 4. Charlotte 5. Sophia 6. Amelia 7. Isabella 8. Mia 9. Evelyn 10. Harper The top 10 most popular boy names in 2020 were: 1. Liam 2. Noah 3. Oliver 4. Elijah 5. William 6. James 7. Benjamin 8. Lucas 9. Henry 10. Alexander

Vans Founder Dies at 90

Born in Massachusetts, Van Doren dropped out of high school at the age of 16 to work as a shoe designer. Originally tasked with putting sneakers into shoe boxes before shipping, Van Doren quickly won the trust of his boss who sent him to Southern California to inspect an ailing factory. While in California, Van Doren became enamored with the budding skateboard scene and the associated subculture. In 1966, he founded the Van Doren Rubber Company to sell sneakers appealing to local surfing and skateboard enthusiasts. Inscribing surfing slogans on the tongue and making the soles sticky to better grasp a skateboard, Vans began as a cult favorite amongst local athletes. “Everybody else was kicking these kids out of the park, kicking them out of pools. And here’s a company listening to them, backing them, and making shoes for them,” Van Doren recalled. The shoes enjoyed skyrocketing popularity, catapulting Southern California surfer chic as a musthave fashion item and making Vans a multi-billion-dollar company. Over the next three decades, Vans sponsored prominent surfers and skateboarders and was featured in the iconic 2001 skateboarding documentary “Dogtown and Z-Boys.” In 2004, Van Doren sold the company to McCown De Leeuw & Co. for $396 million. By 2015, Vans was valued at $2.4 billion, making the label one of the most lucrative shoe companies in the United States.

Goodbye Golden State

Paul Van Doren, whose Vans sneaker company popularized Southern California’s skateboard culture, passed away on May 6 at the age of 90. “Paul was not just an entrepreneur; he was an innovator,” the company said. “Paul’s bold experiments in product design, distribution and marketing, along with his knack for numbers and efficiency, turned a family shoe business into a globally recognized brand.”

Wildfires, runaway crime, and high taxes have led California’s population to drop for the first time in state history. Data provided by the state’s Department of Finance shows that California’s population saw an 0.46 decline between January 2020 and January 2021, a net loss of 180,000 people. The statistics mark the first

time that California’s population has dropped since the state began recording such data in 1900. According to the report, 100,000 people left due to federal immigration restrictions, while COVID-19 deaths accounted for the loss of 51,000. The loss of 24,000 people was attributed to falling birth-rates, particularly amongst the state’s middle class. “In recent years, the slowdown in natural increase – a nationwide trend affecting California more than other states – has contributed to the state’s population growth slowing and plateauing. The addition of 2020’s COVID-19-related deaths, combined with immigration restrictions in the past year, tipped population change to an annual loss,” the Department of Finance said. Suffering the biggest drop was Los Angeles, which lost 0.3 percent of its population in 2018 and 2019 and another 0.9 percent in 2020. Yet the report predicted that the trend would soon reverse itself as California’s economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. “As pandemic-related deaths decline and with changes in federal policy, California is expected to return to a slightly positive annual growth when calendar year 2021 population estimates are released in May 2022,” wrote the report. California has been struggling with population drain, with 6.1 million residents fleeing the Golden State since 2011. A recent Pew survey found Californians motivated to leave primarily by rising crime and high taxes, preferring to emigrate to nearby cheaper locales such as Texas, Nevada, and Nebraska. Recent U.S. Census data led to California losing one of its 53 congressional seats for the first time as the exodus of residents accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic amidst draconian lockdowns and spiraling crime. In 2020, moving van rental company U-Haul put California dead last on its annual index of most popular U.S. states to live in. The phenomenon has stark implications for America’s most populous state as its 13.3% tax rate sends an increasing number of tech giants packing. “Much has been made of the California exodus, and rightly so. This migration, over the decades, has the power to reshape the state,” warns the Public Policy Institute of California.

Who Are America’s Jews?

If you thought you knew American Jewry, you may be in for a few surprises. This week, the Pew Research Center published a study on Jewish Americans as a second edition to a 2013 study on the same subject. Based on the study, Jews living in America are older, more educated, richer and less religious, on average, than the rest of the country. They’re overwhelmingly white, though Jews under 30 are more diverse. Most of them care about Israel, though one in 10 supports the movement to boycott it. Most of Jewish young adults are marrying non-Jews, though the growing Orthodox community is not. Pew noted that Orthodox Jewry is growing and the Conservative movement is shrinking. The more traditionally observant Jews are, the more likely they are to consume Jewish culture. More than 4,700 Jews took part in the survey, which has a margin of error of 3%, with larger margins of error for subsets. Questions pertaining to Orthodox respondents, for example, had a margin of error of 8.8%. Here are some salient points gleaned from the study. First and foremost, there are 7.5 million Jews in U.S. – 5.8 million adults and 1.8 million children. Not all Jews identify as being Jewish. About 4.2 million of the adults identify their religion as Jewish, while the rest are what Pew calls “Jews of no religion.” On a side note, the Jewish population of Israel tallies around 6.9 million. Jews make up about 2.5% of the American population. They are slightly older than Americans overall, with a median age of 49 compared to the overall median American age of 46. Conservative and Reforms streams of Judaism are rapidly losing their members. The numbers of Orthodox Jews and nonaffiliated

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Jews are growing. Interestingly, age seems to be a factor in Jews’ affiliations. Among Jews aged 65 and older, 69% are either Conservative or Reform, while just 3% are Orthodox. But among adults under 30, 37% are Conservative and Reform and 17% are Orthodox. Just 8% of those young adults are Conservative, as opposed to 25% of Jews over 65. And 41% of Jews under 30 are unaffiliated, compared to 22% over 65. Israel tends to be a big part of a Jew’s life – but not for all American Jews. Nearly 80% of the Jews polled said that they cared about Israel or that the Holy Land is an essential part of being Jewish. Nearly half of American Jews have been to Israel, and a quarter have been there more than once. But the survey also found that the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel, or BDS, has made inroads into the American Jewish community. One in 10 American Jews – and a slightly higher proportion of young adults – said they either “strongly support” or “somewhat support” the BDS movement. Some 43% of Jews oppose BDS, and another 43% haven’t heard much about it.

What is essential to Jewish life? To many Jews – 76% – remembering the Holocaust is essential to being Jewish. A similar number said that leading an ethical and moral life is essential to their religion. At the other end of the spectrum, just 15% of Jews said observing Jewish law is essential to being Jewish, and 33% said being part of a Jewish community was essential. Among Orthodox respondents, though, the numbers were different: 83% called observing Jewish law essential, and 69% said the same about being part of a Jewish community. Slightly over half of Orthodox Jews said remembering the Holocaust was essential to being Jewish. Unfortunately, according to Pew’s numbers, a steady number of Jews are intermarrying. The 2021 study found that in the past decade, 61% of Jews married non-Jewish partners. And nearly three-quarters of non-Orthodox Jews who married since 2010 wed non-Jews. Intermarriage, it noted, is quite rare among Orthodox Jews. In total, 42% of married Jews have a spouse who is not Jewish. In terms of socioeconomic status, American Jews seem to be more educated and wealthier than the average American. The majority of Jews have

a college or postgraduate degree, as opposed to fewer than 30% of Americans overall. Jews also have higher salaries. The majority of Jewish adults have a household income of more than $100,000, including 23% above $200,000. Only 19% of Americans overall have a household income above $100,000. Jews also report being satisfied with their lives and communities at higher rates than Americans as a whole. Orthodox Jews appear to have a tougher time financially. Among Orthodox Jews, 45% reported having trouble paying bills over the past year, compared to just 26% of Jews overall.

Ammo Shortage

2020 with the Bureau conducting 12,452,319 checks in just the first quarter, January through March. The spike in gun ownership comes amid widespread shortages of key components needed to make ammunition, including lead, steel, copper, brass, powder and plastic. Compounding the problem is the recent bankruptcy of Remington, one of the biggest firearm and ammunition manufacturers in the United States. “People have purchased firearms at a record number over the last year. And in addition to that, we’ve not gotten resupplied on firearms. And we also haven’t gotten resupplied on ammunition,” said John Taylor, who manages Elite Firearms in Las Vegas. “And these people who purchased firearms took them out, fired them – and then found out that they used up all their ammo.”

Dogecoin Drama

Gun owners were already preparing for a difficult 2021. With President Joe Biden defeating Donald Trump to take the White House and the Democratic Party winning control of the Senate, Second Amendment enthusiasts readied for a battle over their rights. Then came the ammunition shortage. A recent surge in gun sales coupled with slowdowns in production is making it virtually impossible for enthusiasts to buy bullets. Gun stores once packed with boxes of bullets for dozens of different firearms are now showcasing empty shelves while prices have soared for the small quantities still available. The shortage is causing problems not only for gun lovers but for law enforcement as well, with police departments all over the country cutting back on training to conserve ammunition. “You couldn’t go to Walmart and find anything (ammo) on the shelves. They were completely barren,” said Dave Simmons, a West-Virginia-based gun instructor. “People were getting anxious...and they wanted guns to defend themselves.” Industry insiders blame the shortage on multiple factors, including a surge of panic buying, skyrocketing crime nationwide, and supply chain issues facing producers. According to the FBI, firearm background checks jumped by 40% from 2019 to

The price of cryptocurrency Dogecoin plunged by as much as 30% after billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk jokingly called it a “hustle.” Musk had hosted “Saturday Night Live” and sprinkled his appearance with Dogecoin-related jokes, nicknaming himself the “Dogefather” and yelling, “To the moon,” a favorite saying amongst fans of the cryptocurrency. But it was admitted that the digital currency was a “hustle” that sent prices plunging, causing it to lose 30% of its value within hours. By Sunday morning, Dogecoin had fallen to $0.416, fully 36% less than its quoted value of $0.65 prior to Musk’s guest appearance. Dogecoin did make a comeback, however, finishing trading on Sunday at $0.569. When queried by host Michael Che, “What is dogecoin,” Musk answered, “It’s the future of currency. It’s an unstoppable financial vehicle that’s going to take over the world.” “So, it’s a hustle?” asked another crew member. Musk replied, “Yeah, it’s a hustle.” Musk had been Dogecoin’s most prominent enthusiast, fueling its rise to the world’s fastest growing cryp-

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tocurrency. The Tesla founder has frequently touted Dogecoin’s benefits while belittling the negative interest currently offered by banks for fiat currencies. “Cryptocurrency is promising, but please invest with caution!” tweeted Musk last week. “Only a fool wouldn’t look elsewhere,” he wrote earlier this year.

Pie on the Fly

night is paying five people $1,500 each to take naps every day for 30 days. These “nap reviewers” will take part in experiments to test out theories on naps – how long a good nap should be, how helpful naps are, and the effects naps have on productivity and memory. “We wanted to test a few theories behind the pros and cons of napping to provide our community with some valuable insight,” Eachnight said in its job posting. “We know that in general different length naps have different benefits, but we are keen to put this to the test, and we need your help!” After napping, snoozers will have to answer questions about their experience. My only question is if we can continue this experiment for the rest of the year.

It’s Nonuplets! Italy is known for delicious pizza, and when you visit the country, you can literally grab a slice on every corner. Recently, Rome debuted its first pizza vending machine. The “Mr. Go Pizza” machine offers four types of pizzas, ranging from 4.5 to 6 euros. The machine kneads the dough and tops the pizzas with customers’ desired toppings. While waiting for their pie, patrons can watch the pizza cook behind a small glass window. Granted, many patrons turn their noses up at the thought of a slice on the go in the pizza capital of the world. Still, for those who tasted the cheesy delicacy, the pizza didn’t pass muster. It was on June 11, 1889 when Raffaele Esposito created the world’s first pizza in honor of the queen consort, Margherita of Savoy. Esposito used tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves to represent the colors of the Italian flag. Surely, true Italians wouldn’t dare grab a slice on the go.

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Sometimes miscounting can lead to really interesting results. A 25-year-old woman in Mali recently was told she was pregnant with seven children. Halima Cisse, from Timbuktu, Mali, was treated with kid gloves when her fellow country-people found out. The president of Mali, Bah N’Daw, sent Cisse to North Africa to give birth under specialists’ care. Finally, last week, Cisse gave birth – to nine babies. It seems that someone missed a few babies when they counted. Now, Cisse is the proud mother of five girls and four boys. Nonuplets are exceedingly rare, with only three incidents recorded since 1971, including Cisse’s pregnancy. We hope she bought stock in Pampers.

Peak Performance For those of you who never scaled Mount Everest, Kami Rita makes it seem easy. The Sherpa guide conquered the tallest mountain in the world last Friday for the 25th time, breaking his own record for the most ascents of Everest. Rita had reached the peak with

11 other Sherpa guides. The group is the first to reach the summit this year and were fixing the ropes on the icy route so that hundreds of other climbers can scale the peak later this month.

Everest was closed to climbing last year on both its southern side, which is in Nepal, and its northern side, which is in China, because of the coronavirus pandemic. Nepal has issued climbing permits this year to 408 foreign climbers despite a surging COVID-19 outbreak. Rita, 51, first scaled Everest in 1994 and has been making the trip nearly every year since then. He is one of many Sherpa guides whose expertise and skills are vital to the safety and success of the hundreds of climbers who head to Nepal each year seeking to stand on top of the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) mountain. To say that Rita is not afraid of heights is an understatement. Aside from the twenty-five times he’s stood on top of the tallest mountain in the world, Rita has scaled several other peaks that are among the world’s highest, including K-2, Cho-Oyu, Manaslu and Lhotse. We’re going to say that he’s highly successful.

A Bloody Visit

Those looking to check out Dracula’s castle may find themselves getting punctured on their way out. In an effort to get the country vaccinated, Romania has installed doctors and nurses in Bran Castle, a 14th century towering home that was supposedly the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula. Those looking to visit the tourist spot can get their COVID-19 vaccines while wandering around the vast rooms. Doctors and nurses wear special fang stickers as they offer the jabs to

visitors. Need a shot? Anyone can turn up without an appointment every weekend in May. They also get free entry to the castle’s exhibit of 52 medieval torture instruments. “The idea…was to show how people got jabbed 500-600 years ago in Europe,” the castle’s marketing director, Alexandru Priscu, explained. Fernando Orozco, a 37-year-old who is working remotely in Romania, came for his shot over the weekend. “I was already planning to come to the castle, and I just thought it was the two-for-one special,” he said. Well, I guess it depends on your definition of “special.”

Bridge to Nowhere

A terrified tourist was left stranded almost midair when the bottom of the bridge he was on flew off amidst extreme gusts of wind. The bridge the man was on was a terrifying experience before it was damaged. The suspension bridge is 260-meters high and has a glass bottom. It’s located in the Piyan Mountain Cultural Tourism Scenic Area outside the city of Longjing in China. Gusts of up to 150 kilometers per hour battered the bridge. At 12:45 PM on Friday, glass panels from the floor of the bridge dropped out. The tourist, who was clinging to the side of the bridge, was helped to safety at around 1:20 PM. China has been going extreme when it comes to bridges in the country. There are a few record-breaking glass bridges – touted as tourist attractions – in China. A new 526-meter-long structure in Qingyuan, Guangdong, holds the Guinness World Record for longest glass-bottom bridge. If you think these bridges are truly safe, well, then I have a bridge to sell you.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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Scenes from the Siach Yitzchok Bike-a-Thon this week

Jamaica Estates – Back in Person – Back in Action

oung Israel of Jamaica Estates is steadily returning to in-person activities and a touch of normalcy. What more fitting way than with the highlight of the Youth Department Programing…color war! Children of all ages enjoyed the annual Lag B’Omer bonfire in an outdoor and COVID-friendly atmosphere of marshmallow toasting and hot dog roasting when color war broke out. Relay races got underway while everyone enjoyed seeing the children be children. Over the course of the following week, the teams competed. Fun youth activities included a giant screen video arcade in the teen

game room, laser tag in the ballroom, “Paintless” Paintball in the park, and a Mitzvah Morning Marathon packing summer packages for the Common Point Panty families. During the culminating activities last Shabbat, the teams sent their best fifth grade representatives up to the main shul bima to share divrei Torah with the kehilla on Shabbat morning. Adult programing has also enjoyed refreshing topics and activities. YIJE marked Yom Hashoah with the moving story of survivor Celia Kener, a story of strength and perseverance. While on Yom Ha’atzmaut, they couldn’t enjoy the usual chagiga, the

YIJE family was treated to an inspiring in-person or virtual program. The program included music and kumzitz with Sandy Shmuely, a report from local Lone Soldier on leave, Sam Fried, as well as live-streamed programming that included a virtual tour with world renowned educator, Morduchai Cohen, and an interactive program direct from the frontlines with elite counter-terrorism specialist Steve Gar in Gush Etzion. The kids celebrated with concurrent Yom Ha’atzmaut activities and crafts. This past week, in celebration of Yom Yerushalayim, Rabbi Ahron Adler offered a livestreamed message of

the Rav’s bifocal view of Jerusalem co-sponsored by the Young Israels of Jamaica Estates and Holliswood. As the community prepares for Shavuot, the next installment of a monthly Yeshiva University GPATs Lecture series featured Devorah Silberstein with a talk on “Why the Torah belongs on earth.” Jamaica Estates looks ahead to an inspirational Shavuot with learning opportunities including Parent Child Learning, Women’s Tikkun, Sefardi Tikkun and a night of stimulating shiurim during Tikkun Layul Shavuot with Rabbi Dov Lerner and a cadre of local speakers.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

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The Shaar, a kiruv program in the Five Towns, visited Aish Kodesh in Woodmere and Beis HaKnesses of North Woodmere for Thursday night community learning programs connecting Shaar students and local community members, followed by lively pre-Shabbos farbrengens at the homes of the shul members

4,000 Students Enjoy Yom Yerushalayim Event

ow do you make Yom Yerushalayim real for 5,000 students? How do you bring Yerushalayim, the heart of the Jewish people, into the hearts of so many 3-8 graders? Rabbi Michael Merrill, assistant principal of HANC Elementary School, was seeking just that when initially meeting with Rabbi Dan Rosenstein, executive director of the Hebron Fund. Rabbi Yishai Fleisher, the international spokesperson for the city of Hebron, took the students on a meaningful virtual tour bringing to life the events that took place during the Six Day War culminating in the reunification of our sacred and eternal Capital. Yishai walked the children through Yerushalayim using photographs, slides, and videos. He explained the history of the city, why

there. Another holy city that was liberated and reclaimed the next day was the city of Hebron. Even its name has the word “friend” and “connection” embedded in it. As Yishai explained, Yerushalayim and Hebron are connected and very precious for our people. Hebron is where King David was born and ruled initially, it is the place where most of our Avot and Imahot were buried, and thereby maintains a very strong connection to our history and people. The liberation of Hebron took place the day after Yerushalayim was reclaimed. One important figure that played an iconic role in this war was Rav Shlomo Goren. Not only was he a learned Rabbi and Torah scholar, but he was also a general in the Israeli army. After liberating Yerushalayim

reclaiming it was so important to Israel and the Jewish people all over the world, and shared the events that led to this most dramatic moment in Jewish history. Yishai explained the centrality of Yerushalayim to our people, and referenced many moments in history when important events occurred

and recapturing Har HaBayit and the Kotel, he realized that more was needed. The next morning, Rav Goren took a jeep to Hebron, and when he arrived, he expected the Israeli Army to be there. He and his driver were surprised to discover that there were no Israeli soldiers in Hebron. Since the Arab residents were shell-shocked

from the events of the past few days, they hung white sheets out of their windows as a sign of surrender. Rav Goren continued further to liberate the city and the Maarat haMachpela, and upon his arrival, he hung a makeshift Israeli flag on the front of the building. For the first time in 700 years, a Jew walked inside the Maarah and was able to daven inside at the graves of our matriarchs and patriarchs who are buried there. This meaningful program achieved its goal of uniting Jewish children from across the ocean with our beloved Israel on Yom Yerushalayim. In addition to HANC, other local yeshivot joining in the program included HAFTR, HALB, Shulamith, YCQ, North Shore Hebrew Academy, Derech haTorah and Har Torah. In addition to the local schools, yeshivot from New Jersey such as Yeshivat Noam, YNJ, JEC and Moriah joined the program, as well as the Hillel Torah in Chicago and the Brauser Mai-

monides Academy in Miami. A total of fifteen yeshivot and close to 5,000 students logged on to participate in the program. Yishai invited each and every child to come to Israel and visit Hebron with their families. Following the presentation, each school participated in a school-wide Kahoot! game which reviewed the information that they learned about Yerushalayim and Hebron during the event. This interactive game provided a fun way for the children to exhibit what they had learned during this moving, informative event that brought to life this important moment in Jewish history. Each student received an “I Love Hebron” wristband and a postcard they can write to an Israeli soldier. The impact of this powerful experience will remain with the children for a long time to come. Hope to see everyone visiting Yerushalayim and Hebron really soon.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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Shavuot at Shulamith ECC

t Shulamith ECC, the children have been eagerly counting the days until Shavuot and the receiving of the Torah on Har Sinai. Each day not only brings them higher on the Sefirat Haomer chart but also brings so much learning and growth in every curriculum area. Learning about Matan Torah is very exciting for young children. The children found themselves holding their breath in anticipation as Bnei Yisrael walked through the Midbar eating the maan that Hashem sent, drinking from Be’er Miriam, and protected by the Ananei Hakavod. When they finally reached Har Sinai, the children couldn’t wait to find out what happened. They were fascinated to learn some of the important things written on the Luchot and thought about how they could practice them in their daily lives. They were delighted to learn the Midrash that Hashem chose the plainest mountain of all, Har Sinai, and then dressed it up with flowers and greenery. They took the opportunity to study flowers and plants

and find out more about their parts and how they grow. They charted, compared, labeled, sorted, and experimented with flowers and plants. Each child created her own beautiful floral centerpiece for the Shavuot table. The nursery children even gave their grass plants “haircuts” in preparation for the big day. The children are looking forward to the chag that celebrates the receiving of the best present of all – our very special Torah. Shulamith ECC wishes the entire community a Chag Shavuot Sameach

Each week, the boys at Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion learn three new yediot and have a chance to win prizes. Last week’s raffle winners were Azaryah Gurzhiev, fifth grade, and Yaakov Yunayev, fouth grade. Plus, every boy who memorized all three yediot received $100 in YSZ CA$H towards the upcoming Yediot Chinese Auction!

SKA Makes Ice Cream in a Bag

Tenth graders Bella Frogel and Ayelet Mandel make ice cream

By Naomi Sigman

ll of the sophomore chemistry classes at SKA recently had the opportunity to participate in an ice cream lab, which was a huge success. Our teachers taught us that in order to have a phase change in matter, heat must be gained or lost, which we see in our everyday lives. In this experiment, we were able to see how fast heat is lost in order to change the milk from a liquid to a solid state. This is also an example of a physical change in matter. We first took the milk, sugar and vanilla and poured it into a small Ziplock bag. Next, we took a large Ziplock bag and filled it up with ice cubes. Then we put the small bag into the large bag and started flipping it.

My classmates had a great time throwing the bag around and around. When we saw that nothing was happening, we then added salt. Adding a solute, like salt, to water lowers the freezing point of water from 0 degrees Celsius to about -10 degrees Celsius or lower. The saltwater then has a lower freezing point than pure water and stays liquid at very low temperatures. As 10-15 minutes went by, we saw our ice cream forming and removed the small bag from the large one. We then took our ice cream out and put it into bowls and added our favorite ice cream toppings. Everyone grabbed a spoon, took their ice cream outside, and enjoyed! Thank you, Dr. Kimmel, for organizing this super-cool and extremely yummy lab experiment!

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Rambam Mesivta’s 29th Annual Dinner

ast week, Rambam Mesivta held its 29th Annual Scholarship Dinner. The honorees were Jonathan and Marcy Farrell, who were recognized as the “Guests of Honor,” and Yaakov and Dina Shalev, who were chosen as “Grandparents of the Year.” The dinner was held in-person at the White Shul. Due to Covid restrictions, in-person attendance was limited with many other members of the Rambam community Zooming in. Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal served as the Master of Ceremonies and expressed gratitude to the school for educating his five sons. He noted that he does not hold the record since the Septimus family had six boys attend Rambam. He then introduced Rosh Mesivta, Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, who spoke about the importance of thinking “beyond one’s self” and

how the Shalevs embody such community involvement with “Dina volunteering to teach students Ivrit and Yaakov leading the Daf Yomi shiur for the past 15 years… It is amazing and admirable how they give of themselves.” Dani Jakubowitz, a senior at Rambam who earlier led those assembled in the American and Israeli national anthems, joined Rabbi Friedman in introducing and presenting to his grandparents, the Shalevs, a plaque in appreciation of their contributions and dedication to the community at large. Rabbi Friedman then paid special recognition to Mr. Tim Sini, District Attorney of Suffolk County. Rambam awarded him a special plaque in recognition of his efforts to stamp out corruption and MS-13 in Suffolk County. Mr. Sini then spoke about Mr. Farrell in glowing terms, and he

joined Rabbi Friedman in presenting the “Guests of Honor” award to Jonathan and Marcy Farrell. Rabbi Friedman thanked Mr. Farrell for all his work guiding the school on legal matters, and praised Mrs. Farrell for her role in the school’s Women’s League and her time and dedication to seeing that the school’s lunch program runs on time and in an expedient manner. The Farrells expressed their appreciation for everything the school has done for their children, Yakov, who is currently a senior, and Sammy, who is a junior. Other highlights of the dinner included Principal Rabbi Yotav Eliach’s speech about individual responsibility and true accomplishments. He mentioned that “Hashem leaves room in this world to give mankind the opportunity to meet challenges, change society, and grow.” The program closed with a

15-minute amazing live interview with author Silvia Foti who recently published a book, The Nazi’s Granddaughter: How I Discovered My Grandfather was a War Criminal. She spoke about the traumatic experience she went through in researching and discovering that her grandfather, Jonas Noreika, was not the nation’s hero that Lithuania celebrated but rather was a murderer of thousands of Jewish men, women, and children. Her book was distributed at the dinner, and there are some additional copies still available at Rambam. In addition to the program, which was described as “short, to the point, and meaningful,” Sharmel Caterers provided a delicious selection of dinner and dessert. Plans are already underway for next year’s 30th dinner!

program is free to the participants but sponsorships are appreciated. This program follows more than 700 prior programs throughout

the tristate area and way beyond. To learn more about this amazing program, email tefillinawareness@ gmail.com or call 646-776-2220.

Tefillin Awareness in Inwood

his past Sunday morning, Bais Tefila of Inwood (BTI), together with their rav, Rabbi Pinchus Weinberger, hosted the Tefillin Awareness Project, also known as Hanacha K’halacha. Their goal is to ensure that everyone putting on tefillin, an almost daily mitzvah d’Oraisah, is doing it properly, or k’hilchoso. Most people are unaware of the many intricate halochos that pertain to this special mitzvah. Rabbi Avrohom B. Schachter has been leading this initiative since its inception, some 14 years ago. He brought three expert sofrim to teach the proper way the shel rosh should fit, where both kesharim (knots) should be located, and much, much more. They even had a painting sta-

tion for those that needed their retzous (straps) blackened. It was a very educational program, and everyone who participated was thrilled. The

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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Embrace More

Possibilities

“Touro’s values support religious women like me, ensuring we succeed in the workplace and beyond. I truly believe that Touro undergrad was a huge driving factor in my ability to thrive in my master’s program. The classes are rigorous, but the teachers are there to help every step of the way. Now, my favorite part about being a Physician Assistant is when patients tell me I am helping them lead a better life. What more can you ask for in a career?”

Learn more about Tamar’s journey at touro.edu/more

TAMAR MERMELSTEIN, PA-C Physician Assistant, Advanced Dermatology PC Touro’s Lander College for Women  Touro School of Health Sciences

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

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Butterfly Guests at HAFTR

The yeladim at HANC ECC West Hempstead enjoyed a beautiful Yom Yerushalayim program. Each class had the opportunity to daven at the ECC “Kotel” and put notes on the “Kotel” as well.

n honor of spring, HAFTR Early Childhood has recently had some special guests in the classrooms. These guests began as caterpillars. The classes nurtured and fed their new friends, and waited excitedly as they witnessed their metamorphosis into butterflies. The new butterflies flew around their butterfly habitat waiting to be released. It was very exciting to watch the metamorphosis. Learning about the entire process, the yeladim se-

PHOTOS BY YK IMAGES

quenced the transition from egg to the final stage of the metamorphosis and painted butterflies using symmetry. Of course, what would a discussion about butterflies be without a reading (or two or three) of The Very Hungry Caterpillar? We cannot begin to explain how much the children loved watching this beautiful process. The unit culminated with the release of the butterflies who happily flew off into our flower garden where the nectar awaited them.

CAHAL’s Wax Museum

Rav Yitzchok Hauer, maggid shiur at Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s Mesivta Chaim Shlomo, addressing the Mesivta bachurim on Lag Ba’Omer

The Mesivta bonfire

Central Senior Seminar

S T

he CAHAL 6th -7 th grade class at BYAM, led by teacher Avigayil Polter, created a wax museum of prominent historical figures including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Helen Keller, Laura Bush, and Sara Schenirer. The assignment addressed many skills besides reading and writing. It required research, planning, organization, and presentation skills. It was clear to see how much the girls had

learned while doing this assignment. Due to COVID restrictions, the girls’ parents were unable to attend the presentation but were able to view it on ZOOM. All the 6th and 7th grade classes and the principals of BYAM came to view the exhibits. At the presentation, the girls answered questions about their assigned personality. Special thanks to Mrs. Polter for coordinating this exciting event.

eniors at Central enjoyed a jam-packed second week of Senior Seminar. This week’s speakers included Mrs. Danielle Sudwertz, Shalom Task Force, and Mrs. Aliza Blumenthal. On Thursday, our seniors headed out to the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates for a special “TVIEW-Panel” on women’s health and relationships in halacha. Students heard from Dr. Elana Kastner, OBGYN, Mrs. Rachel Hercman, psychotherapist, and Mrs. Nechama Price, professor at Stern College and Director of GPATs. Back in school, our seniors were engaged in activities galore, first aid, and CPR training with Mr. Marc Zahrnest and Super-Senior Pano-

ply run by Mrs. Rebecca Teper! Our students also continued learning in their chosen Senior Scholars classes. “Adulting” this week included a Hashkafa and Jewish Communities Panel, with Mrs. Audi Hecht, Ms. Bracha Rutner, and Mrs. Meira Winter, a presentation about OUJLIC on college campuses by Rabbi Shalom Axelrod of the Young Israel of Woodmere, and a session on cyber-safety with Mrs. Marci Karoll. The week ended with Zoom Friday, where our seniors learned together with their teachers and joined in a Zoom program entitled “Check Up from the Neck Up: A Teen Mental Health Workshop,” run by Dr. Rachel Goodman.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Shdeior Avrahami Moshav Maslil

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The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

Shimon Chazot Moshav Gimzo

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ׁ ּ ּ ‫ב ֶא ָחד‬+‫ל‬+++ֵ ‫ב‬ , ‫ד‬ ‫ח‬ ‫א‬ ‫יש‬ ‫א‬ ‫כ‬ ִ ְ ָ ֶ ְ

One people. One heart. One mitzvah.

MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

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IVDU LI Springs into Fun

he students at IVDU LI enjoyed a wonderful trip to Spring Gymnastics last Thursday in celebration of Lag B’Omer. Mrs. Fordsham guided the students in warm up exercises and taught them how to use all of the equipment. She then set up stations for the students to take turns using all of the gymnastics equipment. The students loved jumping on the trampoline, swinging on the bars, and running to the top of the in-

The boys in the Learn and Live program in Far Rockaway visited Oppen Scrolls to learn from R’ Eliyahu Oppen about how tefillin are made

Extraordinary Heroes Gedolei Yisroel and members of the Badatz Eidah Chareidis call for Klal Yisroel to support Shmitah-observant farmers

n order to be mekayem the mitzvah of Shmitah, the heroic farmers in Eretz Yisroel give everything they have, including their livelihood. Keren Hashviis, founded by Rab Binyamin Mendelsohn more than seventy years ago, is the only organization dedicated specifically to helping farmers observe Shmitah. The organization provides farmers with stipends as well as chizzuk and guidance. For many farmers, Keren Hashviis is the reason they can confidently commit to observing the mitzvah. Keren Hashviis’ work comes from two directions. In Eretz Yisroel, Keren Hashviis launched a huge publicity campaign aimed at encouraging new farmers to join the ranks of Shomrei Shmitah. Meanwhile, the organization is also working to raise the more than $35 million needed to support the farmers. Despite the lack of income, the farmers still have to pay leases, loans, and mortgages. Their extraordinary heroism requires extraordinary support. In a Kol Koreh distributed to Jewish communities around the world, rabbanim

call for communal support. “We are turning to acheinu kol Bnei Yisroel and asking that each and every person form a partnership with the Giborei Koach who are moiser nefesh to keep this great mitzvah,” they wrote. The partnership with Keren Hashviis is unique; by supporting a farmer with a one-time or monthly donation, every member of Klal Yisroel has the opportunity to become a legal and halachic partner in a parcel of land. Through this arrangement, farmers have the means to support their families and donors become Shomrei Shmitah, fulfilling their own obligation to be mekayem Shmitah b’hiddur. In the Kol Koreh, the rabbanim also stressed that by partnering with a farmer, donors become equal partners in the mitzvah — and therefor equal partners in the promise Hashem gives to Shomrei Shmitah, “V’zivisi es birchosi — and I will command my bracha to you.” Support a farmer and share the bracha. Become a Shomer Shmitah today at kerenhashviis.org or by calling 888.675.6694.

verted wall. They were taught how to walk the balance beam without holding on, swing on the knot rope, and climb the tall wall ladder. Each student got to showcase their unique abilities outside of the classroom and excelled at all of these exciting activities. IVDU LI thanks Mrs. Fordsham of Spring Gymnastics for being a gracious host and welcoming us into your gym.

‫אל אחינו בני ישראל‬

‫ ערב שנת השבע תשפ”ב‬,‫ב”ה‬

‫קרבה שנת השבע שנת השמיטה תשפ”ב הבעל”ט ושומרי שביעית כהלכתה‬ ‫יראי ה’ וחושבי שמו‬ ‫ כבר שיבחו חז”ל‬.‫ מתכוננים באהבה רבה לקיים המצווה בדקדוקיה והידוריה‬,‫לגיונו של מלך‬ ‫את שומרי השביעית וקראו עליהם “גבורי כח עושי דברו” המקיימים מצוה רבה זו במסי”נ‬ ‫ ובוודאי שזהו ניסיון גדול‬.‫במשך למעלה משנה שלימה שבה משביתים שדותיהם וכרמיהם‬ .‫ הן מבחינה נפשית והן מבחינה גשמית‬,‫וקשה‬ ‫והנה זכינו בדורנו בסייעתא דשמיא לגילוי התעצמות מופלאה‬ ‫בשמירת מצוות השמיטה‬ ‫כפי שהורה והנחיל מרנא בעל החזון איש זיע”א שנהיתה לנחלת רבים על ידי‬

‫״קרן השביעית״‬ ‫המרכז הארצי לחקלאים שומרי שמיטה שיסדה הגאון הגדול המפורסם חסידא ופרישא‬ ,‫מרן רבי בנימין מנדלזון זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה גאב”ד ור”מ קוממיות ת”ו‬ ‫והמשיך בדרכו בנו הגאון הצדיק המפורסם רבי מנחם מנדל זצוק”ל‬ ‫ והן‬,‫שעומדת בעזהי”ת לאחיעזר ואחיסמך לשומרי השביעית הן בהדרכה הלכתית ומעשית‬ ‫בהענקת תמיכות נכבדות כדי סיפוק צרכיהם לכלכלת ביתם בכדי שיוכלו לקיים את מצות‬ ,‫ לקיים מה שנאמר “ושבתה הארץ שבת לה’ כפשוטו וכמשמעו‬,‫השביעית בהידור ובשמחה‬ ‫ובכלל זה להחזיק ידם שיספקו לעם ד’ פירות שבשדות ובכרמים בחינם כמאמר הכתוב‬ ‫ ובזכות מפעלותיהם הכבירים זכינו שנוספו מאות חקלאים בעשרות‬.”‫“ואכלו אביוני עמך‬ ‫יישובים אל עדת מקדשי שבת הארץ והם מתרבים משביעית לשביעית כ”י ובזכות מצוה‬ ‫ מתחזקים גם סביבותיהם‬,‫השמיטה לקיימה בלי פשרות מתוך הידור ושמחה של מצוה‬ .‫בחינוך צאצאיהם לתורה ולמצוות ברוח ישראל סבא‬

‫לכן אנו פונים אל אחינו בני ישראל בכל אתר ואתר ליטול חלק ונחלה עם‬ ‫גיבורי כח בשותפות אמת עם אלו המוסרים את נפשם למען קיום מצווה רבה‬ ‫ ולהרים את נדבת לבם ברוח נדיבה ובנפש חפצה למפעלות הקודש של‬,‫זו‬ ‫‘קרן השביעית’ בראשות הגאון הצדיק רבי ישראל יצחק מנדלזון שליט”א‬ ‫גאב”ד קוממיות ירושלים תו”ב ועל ידי שותפות זו יוכל כל אחד מישראל‬ ‫לקיים את מצוות השביעית בהידור ויזכו להבטחת תורתנו הקדושה‬ ”‫“וציוויתי את ברכתי‬ ‫ויהא רעווא מן שמיא שבזכות קיום מצוות השמיטה בהידור יזכו כל המסייעים‬ ‫ בריות גופא‬,‫ בני חיי ומזוני‬,‫ לרוב שפע ברכה והצלחה‬,‫להחזקת החקלאים גיבורי הכח‬ ‫ וזכות שמירת‬,‫ פרנסה ברווח ובנקל מתוך הרחבת הדעת ושלוות הנפש‬,‫ונהורא מעליא‬ ‫ ולקרב את גאולתנו בביאת‬,‫השביעית תעמוד לנו להסיר חרון אף ולכפר על כל נפשותינו‬ .‫משיח אמן‬ ‫שמעון דוב צבי אלימלך הלברשטאם מאיר צבי ברוך דוב‬ ‫ גרשון הק׳ ישכר שלום ישראל בהה״צ מוהרמ״י ברוך מרדכי בש״ם בן ציון רבינוביץ‬.‫חיים יעקב ארי׳ י‬ ‫אזרחי בלאאמו״ר זצוקללה״ה מביאלא בעדני לנדו בן לאדמו״ר הגה״ק זיע״א ברגמן פוברסקי‬ ‫כהן‬ ‫קניבסקי אלתר אידלשטין דוב‬ ‫זצללה״ה מויזניץ‬

‫צבי יצחק‬ ‫דרבקין הקר‬

‫דוד‬ ‫כהן‬

‫דוד‬ ‫מנחם נחום בהרה״צ מוה״ר משה נחום דוב משה הלל משה יהודה‬ ‫יצחק יהודה ישראל צבי יאיר בן כ״ק מרן יעקב‬ ‫משולם זוסיא זצוקללה״ה צדקה ברייאר הירש‬ ‫שלזינגר טווערסקי זילברשטיין עדס אאמו״ר זצללה״ה מאלכסנדר הלל‬

‫ אהרן‬.‫אביעזר מנחם מנדיל האגר בהה״צ ראובן חיים שאול בהרה”צ אריה יצחק יעקב בהה”צ ברוך יהושע משה משה הק׳ מנחם אליעזר זאב ראזענבוים אברהם י‬ ‫פילץ מוהרמ״י מויזניץ זצללה״ה אלבז מוהרי״ד זצוק״ל ממאדז’יץ לייב לוי אזרחי מוהר”א זצללה”ה ויסבקר רוקח מאיה סופר בן לאותו צדיק זצללה״ה מקרעטשניף הכהן קוק בידרמן‬ ‫שמעון חיים תנחום בנימין בקר נכד הגה”ק מרדכי שמואל בן אאמו”ר‬ ‫הגר”י זצוק”ל אדלשטיין‬ ‫גלאי פיינשטין מאוז’רוב חנצ’ין זצוק״ל‬

‫נפתלי אליעזר יהודה שלמה‬ ‫גולדמן‬ ‫פינקל‬ ‫נוסבוים‬

‫אליעזר זאב בהרה״ק יהודה דוד יוסף בלאאמו”ר שרגא‬ ‫מנדברנה זצקללה״ה בויאר מרן הגר”ע יוסף זצוק”ל שטינמן‬

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

Around the Community

Become a Shomer Shmitah HAFTR children got ready for Shavuos with beautiful, homemade flowers

Bat Mitzvah Girl Brings Simcha

ur community is home to hundreds of Holocaust survivors, many of whom have been confined to their homes over the past year. This can often have a severe toll on their mental health and even bring them back to darker times in their lives, leading to great sadness. The lockdowns, quarantines, and social distancing have resulted in isolation for so many, especially seniors who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. One local bat mitzvah girl, Leora Brandsdorfer, knew she wanted to turn her simcha into the perfect opportunity to not only embark on a new chapter of her life but to bring much-needed joy to dozens of Holocaust survivors right here in our community. Months before her bat mitzvah, Leora asked her parents to do a chessed project that would cheer up local Holocaust survivors. Leora, a proud student at Torah Academy for Girls, set out to prepare

a packing event for her bat mitzvah. Together with her family, they utilized the simcha to spread joy beyond the walls of the ballroom. Beautiful summer care packages were packed, filled with summer essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, slippers, snacks and much more. Rivka, a 93-year-old Holocaust survivor, remarked, “This is really a special mitzvah. I was not expecting it. It was a surprise knock at my door, a young visitor with a big smile, really brightened up my day. Thank you.” Moshe Brandsdorfer, JCCRP’s executive director (and Leora’s father), commented, “It’s so refreshing to see young people get involved in chessed. These are lessons they will take for them for the rest of their lives. May she continue to bring much nachas to our family and community!” For more information about bringing a chessed project to your simcha, please email bsatt@jccrp.org or call 718-327-7755 ext. 6113.

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

From Carry On Album Release to Madraigos Open Mic Night: Caring Through Music

hursday evening, May 6, friends of Binyamin Zwickler, z”l, came together at The Oak by Saffron Culinary to pay tribute and celebrate the album release of Carry On, a collection of songs composed by Zwickler. These songs embody his love of life, his connection with Hashem through prayer, and his unwavering faith. Binyamin, who passed away on February 7, 2017, lived a life of enormous spirituality, and his devoted friends carried on that legacy through his songs. It was also on that evening that the Madraigos Open Mic Night Community Program debuted. How did this all start? Binyamin, raised in the Bayswater section of Far Rockaway, was an out-of-the-box, unique guy always showing signs of being on a spiritual journey throughout his short life. When he was in 10th grade, Binyamin suffered the devastating loss of his father. With tremendous strength and steadfast faith, the family came to terms with their loss as best as they could. A short time later, Binyamin, too, was diagnosed with a terminal illness. While everyone in his yeshiva was deeply affected by his illness, Binyamin never allowed it to deter him from his simchas hachayim or joy de vivre and rode his illness with his tremendous spirituality and fortitude. Binyamin had a special gift: his unique connection to music. He composed his own music in a very distinctive way. Binyamin could randomly pick up any musical instrument and play. He gravitated towards music

wherever he was. Music was Binyamin’s way of connecting to Hashem. All his songs are prayers or conversations that he had with Hashem. A few weeks before his death, Binyamin wanted to gift his family and friends with his music. He went into a recording studio, with just his guitar and no other technical assistance, and strummed, played, and recorded with profound determination. Four years after his death, close friends wanted to do something in memory of Binyamin. Understanding how much Binyamin cared about the world, and how he intended for his music to help and inspire others, they decided to re-master Binyamin’s songs into better quality in the form

of a professionally recorded album. Driven to secure the right vocal and style, Aryeh Kunstler was engaged to produce the album, where it was in his studios that Binyamin initially

recorded his songs. Aryeh Kunstler said, “This project is very special to me as I knew him and had the opportunity and honor to record his music.” His friends also chose to feature top musical artists in the Jewish music industry including Joey Newcomb, Aryeh Kunstler, the Portnoy Brothers, Eli Levin, Eli Dachs, Moishy Schwartz, and Danny Palgon. The album is called Carry On, based on the theme song by the same name. It is a real conversation between Binyamin and his father, recorded by Eli Levin as Binyamin’s father, and Eli Dachs, as Binyamin. “I find so much meaning in it and I hope I was able to convey that meaning in the song,” Levin said. The last song on that album, Mi Chamocha, was sung by Zwickler, a”h, and was left in the raw, unedited form. Joey Newcomb remarked, “You left us with beautiful niggunim. You left us with your heart. I hope this brings nachas ruach to his neshoma.” Feeling that the album is just not enough of a tribute to Binyamin’s memory, Zwickler’s friends wanted to benefit an organization that serves the needs of youth who face hardship and everyday struggles. They reached out to Rabbi Dov Silver, founder and executive V.P. of Madraigos ,to develop the collaboration. To bring Binyamin Zwickler’s, a”h, message to the broader community, Madraigos decided to form the Open Mic Night program for men and boys of all ages as a zechus for his nesaoma and as a way to bring the entire community together through music. This forum provides a unique opportunity for spiritual self-expression in a fun, positive environment. “I’m very excited about the Open Mic Night and the follow-through

of Carry On, says Avromi Meyer, MSW, Boys Director of The Lounge. “We think it will have a huge positive impact on our community while honoring the memory of Binyamin Zwickler, a”h, and we look forward to having guys of all ages benefit and enjoy.” The concept took off quickly. Touched by the meaning and mission of the project, many generous donors and corporate sponsors funded the production of the album and supported the formation of the Open Mic Night Program. Many leading Jewish musicians are also enthusiastic about the project and all that it represents. It is the fervent prayer of all who contributed to the success of the Carry On project and the formation of the Open Mic Night Program that the music of Binyamin Zwickler, a”h, will strike an emotional chord with the listener and inspire him/her to live a life of happiness and purpose despite challenges they may face. A special opening night for the Open Mic Night Program is being planned in the coming weeks featuring musicians close to this project. In line with Madraigos’ mission, the Open Mic Night Program, in memory of Binyamin Zwickler, a”h, is free of charge for all participants. Details to follow. To learn more about the Carry On Project, please go to https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6HleQMPSvk4. The Carry On album is now available on all streaming platforms. For further information about the Open Mic Program, please contact Mindi Werblowsky, LCSW, Clinical Director, at 516-371-3250 x 112 or mwerblowsky@madraigos.org.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

All Parsha: The Ultimate Parsha Platform

n the short time since the revolutionary All Daf app was introduced, the unique Daf Yomi platform has already gained a vast following and has become a household name as a foremost destination for Gemara learners worldwide. Now, the creators of the All Daf phenomenon have developed a new Torah platform, All Parsha, which melds premier content on parshas hashavuah with cutting-edge technology to create an unprecedented parsha learning experience for Jews across the globe. The goal of All Parsha is simple: to curate and create the highest caliber shiurim and divrei Torah on the parsha, delivered by the most prestigious lecturers and maggidei shiur, and to streamline them into a free, interactive app that offers an unmatched user experience. “All Parsha is a single destination for top-tier content on the parsha,” Rabbi Moshe Schwed, who heads the All Daf and All Parsha initiatives for the OU, shares. “Similar to All Daf, it will feature high-quality content in the most user-friendly format, giving users a one-of-kind experience when they use it. All Parsha will allow anyone seeking to connect with the parsha to do so in a way that is both enjoyable and meaningful.” While the All Daf app focused on providing content for Daf Yomi learners, All Parsha’s wide range of content is suitable for users in every demographic of the Jewish communities. Men and women, adults and children, laymen and advanced talmidei chachomim – everyone will be able to quickly find content on the parsha that will appeal to them. The free app, and the accompany-

ing website, features content from a wide variety of popular speakers and maggidei shiur, spanning the gamut of communities across the world. In addition to the carefully curated content, a number of shiurim and clips will be created specifically for the All Parsha platform. The new content created specially for the All Parsha platform will include parsha material from a number of sought-after speakers. Some may appreciate Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein’s weekly shiur on Midrash or Rabbi Yissocher Frand’s weekly shiur on the parsha, while others may be drawn to Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky’s 15-minute weekly shiur in which he outlines fundamental concepts found in the Rishonim. Some will find their niche in Rabbi Yehoshuah Hartman’s shiur on the Maharal, Rabbi Zecharia Reznik’s daily shiur in which he reviews the daily aliya with key pirushei Rashi, or Rabbi Yaakov Trump’s daily shiur in which he gives a concise outline of each aliya. Other prominent contributors include Torah personalities of the OU, including Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Elefant, and Rabbi Menachem Genack. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of the All Parsha app is the top-ofthe-line, innovative technology that is incorporated into its design, which allows users to see content categorized in a number of different ways, to suit everyone’s needs. One unique format through which users can utilize All Parsha is through its aliya yomi section, in which one will be able to find all the content that pertains to the aliya of the day. This allows users to learn the parsha through the course of the week in an

orderly, paced manner. Alternatively, users will be able to browse a meforshim section, in which they will be able to find content classified according to the sefer it covers. This section will include shiurim dedicated to Midrash, Ramban, the Baal Haturim, Seforno, Rav Shamshon Rephael Hirsch, the Maharal, seforim from the Lubliner dynasty, and many more of the Torah volumes that give insight to the weekly parsha. Another section of the app is devoted to general shiurim on the parsha. This section will contain weekly parsha shiurim from prominent lecturers and maggidei shiur, including Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Rabbi Shalom Rosner, Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, Rabbi Ephraim Shapiro, Rabbi Daniel Glatstein, Rabbi Yissocher Frand, Rabbi Asher Weiss, and Rabbi Eli Mansour. All Parsha will also feature noted women speakers Mrs. Michal Horowitz, Rebbetzin Shira Smiles, Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman, and others. Yet another highlight of All Parsha is the special Shabbos Table section, which will contain short clips and other content, available each Thursday and Friday. These clips, delivered by Rabbi Yissocher Frand, Rabbi Nissan Kaplan, Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Elefant, Rabbi Steven Weil, and many others, will focus on presenting beautiful, relatable divrei Torah and printable content to enhance any Shabbos seuda for both children and adults. “The content is extremely diverse, yet it is all excellent,” Rabbi Schwed points out. “Everyone will be able to ‘find their flavor’ – content they enjoy and appreciate.” Much of the content on All Parsha consists of short clips, less than 15 minutes long, and can easily be listened to on the go, making All Parsha an excellent travel companion for every commute. This is in addition to the many long-form shiurim, which are perfect for someone seeking to delve into the parsha in a more substantial manner. The aforementioned clips and shiurim make up the inaugural library of All Parsha. Additional content is in the pipeline, and will be added over time. Besides the audio and video libraries, All Parsha also features a Parsha Pages section, where a wide array of

PDFs on the parsha are available to be downloaded and printed. “What sets All Parsha apart from some of the other resources available is that All Parsha is very focused and accessible,” Rabbi Schwed explains. “Users won’t get lost in a sea of Torah shiurim, trying to find something enjoyable to listen to on the segment of the parsha they are up to. Instead, All Parsha users can open to the parsha they seek, and can easily navigate a lineup of the most prominent shiurim on it. It’s a whole different user experience.” The All Parsha app is also replete with the latest technological advancements, molded after the customizable interface of the widely acclaimed All Daf app. All Parsha allows users to bookmark shiurim, create custom playlists, subscribe to content, search effectively, and even import podcasts to the app’s feed. Another feature of the All Parsha app that has intrigued many is the Shnayim Mikrah dashboard. Users can do Shnayim Mikrah directly on the app, and it contains a built-in tracker as well, through which users can remember where they are up to in their weekly parsha learning. “Everything was created with the end user in mind,” Rabbi Schwed shares. “With that goal, similarly to what was done with All Daf, we were really able to make All Parsha into an impressive platform that people will enjoy using.” When All Daf was released a yearand-a-half ago, nobody envisioned that it would get more than 40,000 downloads and have over 10,000 daily users, but there was a need for an innovative Daf Yomi platform, and All Daf proved to be the platform that could fill the need. Today, as All Parsha first enters the Jewish market, the potential for this trailblazing parsha platform is truly limitless. “It’s a platform that can really change the way the Jewish community connects with digital parsha content,” Rabbi Schwed concludes. “It gives users the ability not only to connect to the parsha but to live the parsha.” All Parsha is available as a free download on allparsha.org, or directly from the Apple or Android app stores.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Learning the “ende” letters in Morah Shari’s kindergarten class in Gesher

YOSS Middos Parade

“Y

esh tikvah, bo nasheer kulanu yachad!” The pre-school boys at Yeshiva of South Shore sang as they marched up and down Serena Road, at our Annual Lag B’Omer Middos Parade. The Pre-1A children, dressed in red and orange shirts, proudly held their banners filled with Ve’ahavta Lereacha Kamocha

messages. The kindergarten boys, dressed in green, waved their signs filled with pictures they made of themselves and their friends. The nursery children, dressed in blue, spread simcha all over the street, while wearing giant smiles on their hats and faces. The weather was beautiful, the music was great, and the ices were delicious.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Sharona Beck Realty supports Hatzalah for their efforts in ensuring the health and wellbeing of our communities

YOSS Mechina celebrates Lag B’Omer at the park

Live Teleconference on COVID-19 Vaccination By Henya Wald

lose to 2,500 participants called into a live teleconference on Sunday night, May 9 to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines. The event was co-hosted by a coalition of organizations including ATime, Bikur Cholim Cleveland, Bikur Cholim Rockland County, Chai Lifeline, Chesed 24/7, CMADC, Ezra Medical Center, Ezras Choilim, JAPA, JOWMA, ODA, OJNA, and Oizrim. Dr. Adam Ratner, Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at NYU, opened the event by acknowledging the difficult experiences of the past year. He then discussed vaccine development, noting that the COVID-19 vaccines went through all required stages of clinical testing, including animal studies. “The idea that

these vaccines have not been tested in animals is 100% false.” He also spoke about how these vaccines were closely monitored for antibody dependent enhancement (ADE) and have consistently and thankfully been proven to not cause ADE. Dr. Andrei Rebarber, a wellknown high-risk MFM/OBGYN and professor at Mount Sinai, discussed recently published data from 35,000 vaccinated expectant mothers. While there is always, r”l, a risk of a bad outcome during pregnancy, he noted that “there was no increased risk of complications” to the mother or baby after vaccination. Dr. Rebarber contrasted this with the known serious complications of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. He also emphatically reassured listeners, “the science has never supported” a connection between

vaccines and infertility and “any suggestion otherwise came from the echo chambers of social media.” Dr. Robert Adler, a board-certified pediatrician in Brooklyn for nearly four decades, addressed safety concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine and emphasized the rigorous safety monitoring in place. This monitoring is what enabled rapid identification of rare side effects such as blood clots from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Dr. Adler cautioned, however, that VAERS is an unmonitored database and the vast majority of adverse events reported cannot be attributed to the vaccine. Other topics discussed during the teleconference included the limited available treatments for COVID-19, fears of long-term effects, vaccination in young people and those with

antibodies, and the public’s concerns about pharmaceutical companies and doctors’ trustworthiness. Rav Yisroel Kahan closed with a thought from the Skverer Rebbe, shlita, when asked about the COVID-19 vaccine. The rebbe shared that he has never seen this adversarial relationship with doctors over medical recommendations before. He related that as a child, his father’s phone would ring nonstop with requests for tefillos for those stricken with polio. And he remembered the simcha when the vaccine was developed, and the calls stopped. The conference was recorded and is available on JOWMA’s preventative health hotline 929-4-GEZUNT (929443-9868).

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

The Shaar, a kiruv yeshiva experience for young professionals based in the Five Towns, hosted Reb Eitan Katz, visiting from Eretz Yisrael, who gave a class on connecting to Hashem through davening and song

SKA’s Freshmen Experience

he freshmen class of 2024 of the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls enjoyed an exciting day-long bonding retreat at Camp Kaylie on Monday, May 3. The Freshmen Experience on the beautiful camp grounds was filled with divrei Torah, games and activities, delicious meals, and much camaraderie. It was an incredible way to solidify friendships the girls had made throughout the year and foster relationships with fellow students, faculty, and administration members alike. The team building activities – Balloon Towers, Tie-Dyeing, Cupcake Wars, See Run Build and a variety of sports – contributed to the sense of unity felt by the entire grade. A

highlight of the day was a special letter writing session in which the girls wrote to themselves! The freshmen composed memos to their 12th grade selves of what they hoped to achieve during their high school years; the letters would be opened during their senior year.

The ninth graders were joined by their Grade Level Advisors, Mrs. Rikki Ash, Mrs. Tzippy Calm, Ms. Sydney Daitch and Mrs.Sheila Liebtag, SKA Social Workers Mrs. Yael Fischman and Ms. Lisa Fogel, Associate Principal Ms. Elana Flaumenhaft and Director of Student Programs Rabbi

Yosef Zakutinsky in addition to 11th grader Miri Fein and 12th grader Kayla Frankel, who both offered assistance throughout the day. Thanks to the members of the administration and faculty, SKA’s newest students had a meaningful and entertaining experience.

Jerusalem of Gold

n celebration of Yom Yerushalayim on Monday, HAFTR kindergarten and first grade students learned the story of the eight gates of the Old City that each wanted chayalim to enter through them on their way to liberate the Ir HaAtikah. The students learned that the chayalim ultimately entered the Old City through the Lions Gate and went directly to the Kotel where the shofar was blown. They recited the bracha of Shehecheyanu just like the chayalim did in 1967 and sang L’Shana Haba B’Yerushalayim. Then our young architects got to work using blocks and Lego. They built the Old City walls, the eight gates, and the Kotel. In the afternoon, as the sun began to shine, students marched outside to celebrate Yom Yerushalayim, marking the momentous first time this year the entire HAFTR Lower School community could celebrate together. The program opened with Hatikva, the recitation of Tehillim, and fifth grade students introducing the significance of the day. Then the whole fifth grade marched to the stage, raised their flags, and presented their well-prac-

ticed daglanut for the audience. Each grade performed a song about Yerushalayim, some including dances and choreographed hand movements. Together, everyone sang “Im Eshkachech Yerushalayim” and danced to Jerusalema by Master KG.

The celebration was both meaningful and upbeat, and students returned to the building to partake in their blue and white donuts sponsored by the HAFTR PTA. Yom Yerushalayim sameach!

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Around the Community

MAY Game Day – A Huge Success

his past Sunday, Mesivta Ateres Yaakov held its inaugural Wisnicki Neuhauser, LLP “MAY Game Day” Alumni Softball Tournament at the Lawrence Middle School softball fields. A well-attended event, alumni came together to reminisce with their Mesivta friends and rabbeim for good fun, good food, and good times. Rosh HaYeshiva Rabbi Yaffe threw the first game ball to open the competition, during

which four teams of alumni, joined by some of the current Varsity and JV softball team players, played headto-head preliminary games, followed by a championship game. Although games were well-played by all teams throughout the day, a big congratulations to Team Chilzuch for winning the Tournament! A Long Throw Competition and a Homerun Derby rounded out a successful event. Congratulations to Avi

The children at the Lynbrook JCC enjoyed the beautiful sunshine last week

Weinberg (2011) on winning the Long Throw Competition and Doniel Pearlman (2008) on winning the Homerun Derby. Attendees were treated to an all-day barbecue catered by Graze and awesome swag. “It’s events like these that help maintain the connection between the boys themselves and to the Yeshiva,” commented Rabbi Yossi Bennett, S’gan Menahel. “A big yasher ko’ach to our Director of Development Rabbi

Josh Zern and Mr. Zack Kessler, our Alumni Liaison, and their entire team for organizing this beautiful event.” A special thank you to the Lawrence School District staff, who went out of their way to make the ballfields available for this event, and to the event’s many sponsors. The yeshiva and its alumni look forward to the 2nd annual MAY Game Day rematch!

Talmidim of Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s Harriet Keilson Early Childhood Center enjoying special outdoor rides and activities in honor of Lag B’Omer

Shark Tank STEM Summit Creates Quarantine Busters

few years ago, HAFTR Middle School innovated their STEM curriculum, moving away from the traditional science fair model and replacing it with the annual STEM Summit. This program is the culminating project for a unit of study in which groups of students develop innovative and entrepreneurial ideas that apply STEM concepts. Students develop their products in the STEM lab, create websites, social media presence for their products, and pitch their ideas in a formal program. In the pandemic reality, this year’s STEM Summit focused on quarantine busters. Students worked in teams to identify real life issues that span our community, creating projects to help individuals isolated in quarantine. The effort that students put in, and the values dis-

cussed, emphasized that the STEM skills and social emotional learning taught at HAFTR are essential to creating and maintaining a global community that can thrive and survive no matter what challenges they face. The HAFTR Middle School STEM Summit culminated with a

live shark tank, where two finalist teams from each grade presented their projects to our wonderful guest sharks, Mrs. Sharona Hoffman and Dr. Yali Werzberger. Sixth grade teams Hugs No Kisses and The Elite Basketball Trainer, seventh grade teams Quaran-teen Magazine and

Kwarantine Kompanion, and eighth grade teams Smash Kit and Busy Bee made fantastic video presentations of their products, as well as video documentation of a test subject actually in quarantine using their product. During the virtual presentation, the judges really grilled the finalists on their product development, price point, and marketing campaigns. We are so proud of all the students and the projects they created. The show was a real nail-biter, and in the end, Busy Bee won the hearts of the sharks and the viewers. Congratulations to Brooke Lipton and Sophie Gober! Thank you to Mr. Joshua Gold, Mrs. Gittel Grant, Rabbi Baruch Noy, Rabbi David Lamm, Mrs. Ashley Alibayof, Zachary Newmark and our amazing middle schoolers for all their help creating this magnificent event.

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epizxez ozn onf

Speci al S Suppl HAVUOS emen t

S6 S10 S14 S18

Shavuot By Rabbi Berel Wein In Our Hands By Rabbi Moshe Weinberger Leading a Nation of Individuals By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, zt”l Making Space By Rabbi Benny Berlin

S20 S24 S26 S30

Torah As the Medium of Revelation By Shmuel Reichman Remembering the Farhud By Yali (Menashe) Werzberger Under the Chuppah at Last By Rafi Sackville Sheet Pan Ravioli By Shlomo Klein Art by Mira Eisen

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TJH

Centerfold

Good Snoozers Q Q Q

They call it the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it. - George Carlin I’m trying to read a book on how to relax, but I keep falling asleep. - Jim Loy

I think sleeping was my problem in school. If school had started at four in the afternoon, I’d be a college graduate today. - George Foreman

Everyone should have kids. They are the greatest joy in the world. But they are also terrorists. You’ll realize this as soon as they are born and they start using sleep deprivation to break you. -Ray Romano

I love sleep. My life has the tendency to fall apart when I’m awake, you know? - Ernest Hemingway

Q Q

The amount of sleep required by the average person is five minutes more.– Wilson Mizener Why is the inability to sleep called insomnia and not resisting a rest? - Unknown

Some national parks have long waiting lists for camping reservations. When you have to wait a year to sleep next to a tree, something is wrong. -George Carlin

Q Q

There is no sunrise so beautiful that it is worth waking me up to see it. - Mindy Kaling I’ve stayed up all night trying to remember if I have amnesia or insomnia. – Unknown

Without enough sleep, we all become tall two-year-olds. – JoJo Jensen

Terri Guillemets

A day without a nap is like a cupcake without frosting. -

Dreaming permits each and every one of us to be quietly and safely insane every night of our lives. - William Charles Dement

I hate when my foot falls asleep during the day because I know it will be up all night. - Steven

Wright

You Gotta be Kidding Me! A man walks to the police station wishing to speak with the burglar who had broken into his house the night before. “You’ll get your chance in court,” says the police officer guarding the burglar. “No, no, no!” says the man. “I want to know how he got into the house without waking my wife. I’ve been trying to do that for years!”

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Flower Trivia 1. Who was the first flower breeder in the United States? a. George Washington b. John Flowersmith c. Alexander Graham Bell d. René Barbier 2. How many flowers are there approximately in Dubai’s Miracle Garden, a 72,000-square-foot attraction that opened in 2013? a. 4 million b. 17 million c. 24 million d. 45 million 3. What is the national flower of the U.S.? a. Daisy b. Tulip c. Rose d. Violet 4. Which flower shares its name with a musical instrument? a. Drumflower b. Flute petals c. Viola d. Harp flower 5. What is tulip mania? a. It’s a WWE wrestling match that takes place in a large city’s botanical gardens at the end of every summer. b. It’s a disease in which a person is compelled to plant tulips in every free space of their garden. c. It is a tulip competition that takes place in England. The person who harvests the nicest tulips gets to plant the garden at Buckingham Palace. d. It was a craze that took place in the Netherland’s in the 1630s when tulips were seen as a status symbol, causing them to become more valuable than gold. The market eventually collapsed and tulips became nearly worthless, leaving tulip speculators in financial ruin.

Answers: 1. A- Not only was he the first U.S. president, but George Washington was also the first American rose breeder. He had hundreds of bushes at his home and believed his ability to care for roses came from pruning cherry trees as a child. 2. D 3. C-On November 20, 1986, then-President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation certifying the rose as the national flower of the U.S. in a ceremony at the White House Rose Garden. 4. C 5. D Wisdom Key: 4-5 correct: A scent of genius…flower power! 2-3 correct: You are a carnation…eh, nothing special! 0-1 correct: Were you knocked in the head during tulip mania?

Riddle me This? When do we have kri’as haTorah five days in a row, other than on Pesach, Chanukah, and Sukkos? Answer below

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Answer to Riddle: When Rosh Hashana falls out on Thursday and Friday. The third day is the regular Shabbos leining, the fourth day is Sunday, which is Tzom Gedaliah, and the fifth day is Monday, on which we always lein.

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torah thought

Parshas Bamidbar by rabbi berel Wein

ur parsha begins this fourth book of the written Torah by stating that the L-rd spoke to Moshe in the Desert of Sinai. In fact, this entire book takes its identity from the fact that it was spoken to Moshe and written by him while in

the Desert of Sinai. A question naturally arises about the signiﬁcance that all of this was taught and expounded upon in the Desert of Sinai. What diﬀerence does it really make where it happened? Since there is nothing haphazard or extraneous in

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the Torah, it must follow that there is a lesson, a message, and insight in this detail. The desert is a most foreboding venue in which to give over lessons and ideas. The Torah itself describes its harshness and diﬃcult atmosphere – a place of serpents and scorpions, shifting sands, and the absence of water. Is that the proper classroom in which to teach the Jewish people the eternal laws and values on the

Jewish people to observe the Torah. The human mind attaches teachings to the environment and geographic location in which they are learned. If it had been given in the land of Egypt in its entirety, before the Jewish people were free from bondage, there would be room to say that it was given only to that generation of freed slaves but that later generations that have never experienced the lashes of the Egyptian taskmasters would not

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Torah is not to be limited by any specific locality or geography.

Torah? Would it not be more fitting to have a more congenial and comfortable setting, so that the listeners and students could more easily concentrate on the message and lesson being delivered? Yet, the Torah seemingly goes out of its way to emphasize that this was revealed and taught to Israel while they were wanderers in the inhospitable environment of the desert and wasteland of Sinai. One of the lessons of teaching Torah in this difficult place is that this demonstrates that Torah is not to be limited by any specific locality or geography. If the Torah had been given in the land of Israel, then there would be a tendency to say that it only applies there and that outside the land of Israel it is not incumbent upon the

be bound to keep it. Human beings are influenced not only by lessons taught in the classroom but also by the location of the classroom itself. By teaching the Torah in the middle of nowhere, the words, so to speak, show the features and eternity of Torah in a “classroom” that is not limited by any sovereignty or appealing geographic location. As such, the lessons remain as pristine as possible, unaffected by other outside environmental influences. It is the nothingness of the desert that is the proper backdrop, and it is the greatness and eternity of the words of the Torah that continually instruct and guide our lives and values. Shabbat shalom.

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Delving into the Daf

Mincha Motivation By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

he Mishna in Yoma (28a) tells of a story that once in the Beis Hamikdash they assumed that it was already considered halachicly daytime. Therefore, they slaughtered the animal designated for the Korban Tamid. They then realized that they had mistaken moonlight for sunlight. The result was that the Korban Tamid was invalid and had to be burned, something that is severely frowned upon. Therefore, they developed a system to ensure that this mistake wouldn’t occur again. The Siach Yitzchok asks: why didn’t they just wait until sunrise to shecht the Korban Tamid? There is no way that one would mistake moonlight for the light of the full sunrise! Why devise a whole new process, when the solution seems rather simple? He answers that Bnei Yisrael wanted to perform the mitzvah at the earliest possible moment. They didn’t want to wait until sunrise, if the avoda of shechita was valid before. Therefore, they positioned a lookout on the roof to ascertain the earliest possible time when the Tamid may be brought. This, the Siach Yitzchok explains, is also the connection to the next passage in the Gemara. Immediately after discussing the practice of the morning Korban Tamid, the Gemara discusses the earliest time for Mincha prayer service. There doesn’t seem to be an obvious connection. However, the Siach Yitzchok explains that once the Gemara discussed the practice of performing the avoda of the morning Tamid at the first possible moment, it discusses davening Mincha at the earliest possible time.

It is quite interesting that instead of using the term Mincha, which is the proper name for the afternoon prayer, the Gemara uses the term “Avrohom’s prayer.” The Tosfos Yeshanim wonders why the Gemara ascribed the prayer specifically to Avrohom? After all, the Gemara in Brachos (26b) says that Yitzchok Avinu was the one who enacted the practice of davening Mincha. It is based on the pasuk in Bereishis (24:63), “And Yitzchok went out

sage in the Gemara on the very same daf. The Gemara says that Avrohom Avinu kept all the mitzvos, even the rabbinic ones such as eiruv tavshilin. (The commentators explain that eiruv tavshilin wasn’t really relevant to Avrohom Avinu for various reasons.) He certainly davened Mincha as well. It must be that Yitzchok is credited with Mincha because he not only prayed it personally but instituted it as a practice that should be followed.

Someone who inspires someone to do a mitzvah gets credit for that mitzvah as well.

to pray in the field towards evening” (as understood by the Gemara there). The Gemara should have referred to Mincha as Yitzchok’s prayer. The Tosfos Yeshanim offers two answers. The first is that, after Yitzchok instituted the Mincha prayer, Avrohom Avinu adopted it as well. The second answer is that in truth Avrohom Avinu personally always davened Mincha as well. However, he did not institute it as a practice that should be followed by his entire household. Yitzchok instituted that his family and descendants should pray the Mincha service as well. The Tosfos Yeshanim offers a proof to the idea that Avrohom always had been davening Mincha from a pas-

The Ben Yehoyada finds the Tosfos Yeshanim’s answers lacking. According to either answer, Yitzchok instituted the Mincha prayer for everyone. The only difference between the two answers is whether or not Avrohom Avinu personally davened Mincha before Yitzchok made the Mincha prayer universal or only after. So why does the Gemara here call it Avrohom’s prayer? Granted, Avrohom Avinu davened Mincha as well, but still, Yitzchok instituted it! The Ben Yehoyada explains that Avrohom Avinu was the inspiration for Yitzchok to enact the Mincha prayer. It was only after he saw his father enact the morning prayer that he was inspired to enact the afternoon

prayer. Since Avrohom ultimately davened Mincha as well and he was the source for Yitzchok’s conduct, it can rightly be called Avrohom’s Prayer. Someone who inspires someone to do a mitzvah gets credit for that mitzvah as well. The Vilna Gaon says this explains the words we recite during Mussaf on Rosh Hashana “U’pokeid kol yetzurei kedem,” Hashem remembers and judges anyone who ever lived on Rosh Hashana. What is the nature of this judgement? When a person left this world, he was judged. Why does he need to be judged again every year? A person gets rewarded for any good deeds he even indirectly caused. Perhaps during his lifetime, he inspired someone. That person in turn inspired someone else. And so, that person possibly deserves reward for the tens, hundreds, or thousands of people that perform good deeds because of his actions. Therefore, the Vilna Gaon says that everyone who ever lived is judged on Rosh Hashana to see what happened during the last year as a result of his conduct. This is an idea one should keep in mind when he does mitzvos. When one does mitzvos, he is not only acting for himself but for all those people who are viewing his actions as well.

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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Living an Animated & Awesome Life Saul Blinkoff Talks about Mulan, Mitzvos, and His Motivation to Succeed BY TAMMY MARK

aul Blinkoff is entertaining even when he’s not officially entertaining. A Hollywood filmmaker, inspirational speaker, husband and father of four, he masterfully uses various voices and songs during his casual conversations and brings an undeniable energy and passion to everything he does. Blinkoff’s latest project is “Life of Awesome!” a podcast on which he aspires to inspire with new guests and lessons each week, incorporating everything from the Torah to movie clips and music to give over his meaningful messages. For his episode on “The Envy of Others,” for example, he skillfully utilizes both the biblical Cain and Abel and the animated Buzz and Woody to illustrate and deliver his lesson.

An Artist at Heart Blinkoff grew up on the East Coast, first in Philadelphia until age eight. His family moved to the Five Towns of Long Island where he attended Lawrence Number Six School and later George W. Hewlett High School. Blinkoff attend Camp Ramah in Poconos. His father is a retired allergist and his mother, Cantor Lynn Karpo, a retired chazanit. They raised Saul along with his siblings in a “Conservadox” Jewish home. His parents instilled the initial love of Judaism in their children. “Jewish values ran very very strong in my home,” Saul shares. “My parents’ love of Yiddishkeit was very in-

spiring to me. My mother lit Shabbat candles on Friday night, and my father said kiddush. Our parents’ love of Israel is very strong. They went to Israel every year for 40 years – except this year – and it was very hard for them not to go.” As a child, Blinkoff was constantly drawing. When he saw the 1982 movie E.T., everything changed for him as he decided he wanted to become a filmmaker. He didn’t know anyone in the business, or in any creative field – only lawyers and doctors and businessmen. Blinkoff went to the local library and took out books on director Steven Spielberg. “I thought, ‘Wow, the director of E.T. is a Jewish guy, and if he could do it, I can do it.’ That really inspired me. I found out that Spielberg would make movies with his friends in the neighborhood, so I got a film camera, and on weekends my older brother Jason and my twin sister Reena and I would make movies with kids in the neighborhood. I was the writer and director – I never starred in them; I was always behind the camera. Kids from the neighborhood still remember those times.” Today, Saul’s brother is a business owner and his sister is a lawyer. One comment knocked Blinkoff off-course early on. Somebody approached Blinkoff at school and told him that if he wanted to get into Hollywood to be a filmmaker, he’d have to live in LA, and there are strange people out there – and “you don’t want to end up a weirdo, do you?” This com-

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

With his mother in London in 2004

Saul, in his younger years, on a trip to Disney

ment caused Blinkoff to give up on his dream instantly. Today, when Saul lectures, he reminds his audiences how impressionable people are during the teenage years. “Somebody can say something that can inspire us and uplift us and encourage us,” Saul notes, “and somebody else can say something, and it can detract us from the trajectory that we want to be on.” Young Blinkoff decided to go back to being an artist. His parents hired an art teacher for him, and he was very grateful for her lessons. While he used to draw cartoon characters, she taught him to draw from life. “I was terrible at drawing hands – hands are very difficult for artists,” he recalls. His art instructor instructed him to draw a hand from a different position every night before bed. “She taught me a great lesson early on in life,” Sauls recalls, “which is, first of all, it’s not comfortable for us to struggle. Whenever we struggle, we usually don’t like to be in that place because it’s out of our comfort zone, it’s not comfortable. “She taught me a valuable lesson: to embrace our discomfort in order to grow. Otherwise, find out what your weaknesses are and turn them into your strengths.” “Now it’s my mantra,” says Blinkoff. He even produced a podcast on it: “Turning Weaknesses into Strengths.” One could wonder if he brought this discipline and determination to other things. When asked how he fared as a student, Blinkoff laughs, “Academics were difficult. I loved English the most because it was stories and I make my living as a storyteller – so I was always enamored with stories.” Saul adds, “I saw another movie

that changed my life. I saw The Little Mermaid, and the timing of what was happening with the Walt Disney Company lined up with my life at that moment.”

Dreaming of Disney It happened to be that after Walt Disney died, Disney had lost their vision and released a couple of movies that were dark and dated. The animation studio was at risk of shutting down. Under the new leadership of CEO Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg, a decision was made to go forth with the movie The Little Mermaid. “They put everything into that movie. That movie was so unique be-

Saul during his Disney internship

“After I saw that movie, I had the most valuable thing in my life - clarity.” Blinkoff recently interviewed the voice of The Little Mermaid, Jodi Benson, who shared her personal journey on his podcast. “When you get clarity and you’re very focused on a goal then you could build the steps that you need to take,” Saul says. “I knew I wanted to be a Disney animator; I wasn’t just going to be an artist, I wasn’t going to be a film-

“I remember feeling for the first time in my life I didn’t want to just be Jewish; I wanted to live JewisH ”. cause it was the first movie to bring back music and the Broadway musical structure. Bringing Broadway people into Disney was unheard of at that time. The Little Mermaid soundtrack took off, and the movie became a blockbuster hit and saved Disney animation and reinvented it for a new generation,” explains Blinkoff. “What appealed to me the most when watching that film was not just the music and the color and the visuals – which were so unique at the time – but Glen Keane’s animation of [the mermaid] Ariel. He’s really the most talented Disney animator that ever lived. His drawings of her and the animation of movement… you really felt for her as a character. It really spoke to me, and I was really intrigued.

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maker – I wanted to be a filmmaker and artist. That’s what animation was – it combined my two passions: my love of drawing and my love of filmmaking – and put them together. Plus, I found out that Disney had a studio in Florida, and I didn’t have to go to LA. “So there I am, a junior in high school, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life. My dream was to become a Disney animator.” But it wasn’t so simple to follow his dream. “The problem was that I didn’t know how to do that,” Saul admits, “but I did have the most supportive parents. Today, you want to be an animator, if you want to be an anything, you find out how on the internet – but back then we didn’t have that! My

mom took me on a trip to Disneyworld just to ask them how her son could become a Disney animator.” Mom and son spent four days in Orlando walking around Disneyworld, approaching all the employees, “cast members,” asking how to become a Disney animator. “It was incredible,” Saul says of that time. They were finally directed to the Disney casting building a few minutes away. They reached the beautiful building with the striking doors with doorknobs like those out of Alice in Wonderland opening to an atrium of gold statues of Disney characters. They quickly discovered that this was only where Disney casts the employees for the parks, but all wasn’t lost. The woman who had greeted them stepped out and returned a minute later with a list of eight art colleges that Disney recruits animators from. “There it was. That was the recipe,” recalls Blinkoff. “Quite often, I meet people and, for the ones that are lucky enough to know what they want to do with their lives, I ask them how they are going to achieve it. Often, I get this look of ‘I don’t know.’ If you don’t know how to accomplish something, it won’t happen,” Saul asserts. “I didn’t have the recipe of how to become a Disney animator until I

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Asher giving Dennis of Hotel Transylvania 2 a voice in the studio

Saul with his family

had that piece of paper. In my head, an equation was forming, ‘Saul plus go to one of these schools will equal dream of becoming a Disney animator.’” Blinkoff’s devoted mom took him to visit each of these art schools. Saul recalls seeing people dressed as he’d never seen before – purple makeup, piercings, streaked hair, all black clothes. They visited Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio. “I remember the guy touring me around and showing the artwork on the walls, and it was a hundred times better than anything I could ever do. I remember feeling intimidated, but I also felt like, if I’d be the worst one at this school but if I’m surrounded by great artists, I’ll probably get better. So I chose that school, and thank G-d they chose me.” Freshman year was incredibly difficult. It was one of the hardest schools with a rigorous liberal arts curriculum in addition to the art classes – with a dropout rate close to 25%. Blinkoff was up late every night, typically pulling two all-nighters per week. He studied color, design, anatomy, painting, illustration, sculpture, and more. He was lucky to make a friend, Andy, that first week – a nice guy and a great artist. “Just being friends with someone like that made me a better artist. I talk about it a lot with people; who we choose to be friends with actually affects who we become. The values that we want to have ourselves, we need to pick in our friends, because whatever values our friends have are going to rub off on us.” During the first week, a lead Disney animator came to speak to 750 students. He informed the aspiring

artists that maybe four of them will ever actually work at Disney. “When he said that, I thought to myself, ‘I wonder who the other 3 are going to be?’” Saul recalls. “You either believe in yourself that you can accomplish something or you don’t – there’s no maybe. If you believe that you can accomplish something, then you can take the steps to achieve it. However small and incremental those steps are, they are bringing you forward towards the goal, towards the desired outcome.” Blinkoff clearly believed. “I thought it may not be probable, but it’s possible. “ The speaker told the students that in order to apply to be a Disney animator one must have a portfolio of anatomy from life – no cartoon characters or Mickey Mouse. Blinkoff now felt he had the answer key to his career, and his goal became even more focused. In his sophomore year, he submitted his portfolio to Disney but received a letter from Disney stating that he did not make it into the internship program. Blinkoff was nonetheless excited to see his name on authentic Disney stationery; he put the letter over his desk and sharpened his skills for another year. It was known around campus that Blinkoff and best friend Andy were the frontrunners in college as nobody outworked them. Sketchbooks in hand, the two drew everything around them. Blinkoff recalls a trip to the zoo on a freezing cold Columbus day with 25 other students. He and Andy ventured out to draw the animals; they later find out they were the only ones who left the warmth of the zoo cafeteria. “It

was too cold,” was the surprising response from other students. “So often in life we have lofty dreams that we talk about, but when it comes to the real work, the real effort and struggle, if it’s painful at all, a lot people tend to throw in the towel and tend to do the least amount of work necessary to give them the perception that they’ve achieved what they want,” Saul notes. “But the real work – it’s few people that wind up doing that. “Of the most successful people, 99% of the time, all have one thing in common: an incredible amount of tenacity, perseverance, and willingness to fail and work through struggle and pain.” It was midyear break when Andy called Blinkoff at home to share his good news: Andy got hired for the Disney internship. Blinkoff was excited for his most-deserving pal. He then called the head of Disney internships directly; Saul was informed he did not make the cut. It was bittersweet, to say the least, as Blinkoff headed back to grey, cold Columbus to face his schoolmates and share the news, as his friend went off to “the happiest place on earth.” “I felt like a loser,” Saul admits. “Then I came up with a brilliant tool to take that feeling away – I gave up. I gave up on my dream because reality set in. Andy was an awesome artist and I was just average – why was even I trying? Who did I think I was?” Once again, thought, Blinkoff found his inspiration at the movies, this time, with Rudy, a film about an improbable football player. Tears streamed down his face as he watched Rudy overcome his limitations and succeed. “If an unathletic kid could get into Notre Dame, then an untalented artist could get into Disney,” he thought. “I decided then and there to never give up again.”

Rudy Ruettiger would later be the first guest on Blinkoff’s podcast. The next day, Saul called Disney to ask how close he was to getting chosen and found out he missed the internship by three spots – out of a group of 3,800 applicants. He then asked why he got rejected and was told he needed to work on drawing with perspective. He was also told that he was the first to ask that question. This taught Blinkoff a great practical and profound lesson. “Only when we ask why do we get the answer key to growing,” he asserts. “We can be so close to achieving our dream, but we feel like were miles away, and all we have to do is push a little bit more.” Blinkoff continued drawing nonstop; he was accepted to the internship the following year. The first film he worked on was Pocahontas, where he animated the leaves of the forest. His mom was so proud. His life began to accelerate. He was offered a five-year contract and hired to continue work on animating Pocahontas. At the same time, he got invited with another animator to travel the country and promote the film, doing live presentations in shopping malls. It was in a South Florida mall where he was reintroduced to a girl from Hewlett High School, Marion Goldenberg, who would later become his wife and true partner in life. Then came work on The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Blinkoff was living the dream – complete with his dream job, sports car and a great apartment in Florida.

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Artwork for The Long Night, the animated Holocaust film Saul is working on

Searching for Meaning On a break from work, he visited Israel with his parents on vacation. Blinkoff stopped off in Bonkers Bagels in Jerusalem and began chatting about sports with a young man from New York who said he was learning in yeshiva. “I just want to find out how I fit into the Jewish people,” the young man said. Blinkoff had no idea what he meant. The young man explained that he wanted to learn on his own what Judaism means, not simply by how he was raised. Blinkoff never met the guy again but this brief, chance encounter would later prove to have had as big an influence on him as the blockbuster movies did. Back at Disney, Blinkoff spend the next three years working on the film Mulan. He enjoyed an incredible sense of accomplishment – still in his twenties, working with his best friends and wearing flip-flops to work. There was a long break before work was to begin on Tarzan, and his “downtime” in Disney entailed riding the rollercoasters and visiting the Disney hotel pools. Blinkoff recalls floating in the lazy river, piña colada in hand, with a feeling of completeness between his dream job, his incredible girlfriend Marion, and knowing he was in “the happiest place on earth.” Suddenly, a new feeling came over him. “I remembered the kid I met at the bagel shop three and half years earlier,” Saul recalls. “I get out of the beach club pool. I dry off and I say to my friend, ‘I’m going to Israel to find out how I fit into the Jewish people.’

Meeting with a camper at Camp Morasha

Why did that hit me when I could have gone anywhere in the world?” ponders Blinkoff. “Deep down, I believe every one of us has a gnawing question mark inside us – everyone -- and that question is ‘Who am I?’ We all want to know who we are because, ultimately, if we know who we are, we want to be able to answer the questions ‘What is my life about? What am I living for?’ “While I worked so hard to get into Disney – which was wonderful – I knew it wasn’t everything.” Blinkoff joined a 10-day trip with the Isralight program, with Rabbi Binny Freedman and Rabbi David Aaron, who currently run Yeshiva Orayta in Israel. Rabbi Freedman walked in, spoke to the group for 15 minutes, and his words impacted Blinkoff immediately. “That was it,” Saul says. “After those 15 minutes, I was forever changed – the rest of my life, my wife’s life, my children lives, every part of my life, every purpose of my life, my meaning, who I am, my goals -- everything was changed.” Rabbi Freedman spoke about the mitzvah of mezuzah. The Rav explained that the Shema is inside, and it is put on doorposts as an obligation. He then told the group that the Torah was written by the Creator of the world, something that Blinkoff never heard in his Conservative Jewish education. “That was a big statement: the Torah was written by G-d. I never thought about that.” The group was broken up to study Torah portions, something Saul never experienced. He relates, “After I delved into the Torah we were learning, I realized

right then and there that the Torah was written by G-d because of the profound wisdom and intricacies of what I was learning – no human could write that. It was incredible. The light switch went off that the Torah is min hashamyim, from heaven.” Rabbi Aaron told them that the Torah is like a love letter from G-d to humanity. A love letter isn’t information and rather it’s there to connect with intimacy, when you want to have a relationship. Why is this love letter from G-d on your doorway? Rabbi Freedman explained that the mezuzah isn’t a thing, it’s an opportunity; before we go out into the world we pass through a doorway, a place of transition. “Every mezuzah in the world is only in a transitionary place. It’s there to remind us before we go out into the world to ask, ‘What am I living for?’ It’s an opportunity to clarify the goal and purpose of your life and your day. Is it to come back from the world and have made more money? Or is my purpose a little bit deeper – to give, to inspire, to nurture, to learn, to grow? Hopefully when we come back into our homes at the end of the day, we’re a different person.” Blinkoff admits that even at DreamWorks, there are frustrating days at work, like at any other job. Now, as he crosses through the threshold of his home, the mezuzah reminds him to check on his wife and children and see what they need, to leave his burden at the door and become a different person. Blinkoff learned how “Torah” means “instruction” and that the Torah is Torat chaim, directions for life. After thinking how he had accomplished “his dream,” he realized he wanted more. “I wanted a life of living my purpose,” he says. “I wanted a life of meaning, and I found out that as a Jew I’d been given the greatest gift of humanity – the instruction manual for living.”

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The Isralight rabbis shared a story of a woman who died with her infant son al kiddush Hashem in the Holocaust. Then a quote from Rabbi Noach Weinberg, zt”ll, of Aish Hatorah, “If we don’t know what we’re willing to die for were not living for anything,” really drove the point home for Saul. “I remember feeling for the first time in my life I didn’t want to just be Jewish; I wanted to live Jewish.”

A Mezuzah for Pooh Blinkoff returned to Disney to work on Tarzan. He subsequently had an opportunity to work at MTV in New York City and was advised to visit the Upper West Side to find an apartment. At this point, Blinkoff was studying the weekly parsha and had stopped going to movies on Friday nights – a huge sacrifice for a movie buff – but was not yet Orthodox. When he learned that a shomer Shabbos guy was looking for roommate, Blinkoff took the leap, made the commitment and fell in love with Shabbos. Marion was an associate producer at Disney at the time and moved to New York as well. She, too, was on a spiritual journey, having visited Israel and also learning from Blinkoff’s rabbis when they ran a Jewish retreat in Florida. The two started growing together and got married in 2002. The newlyweds settled down in Beverly Hills, and Saul returned to Disney as a director. His first movie was Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo and, since Blinkoff learned that Disney artists like to hide things in their art, he drew in a mezuzah on Pooh’s house – “Now he’s Winnie the Jew.” He also wrote Hashem in Hebrew hid-

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A mezuzah on Winnie the Pooh’s door

The word Hashem hidden in the grass

den in the grass in the first minutes of the movie. “I didn’t just see myself as a filmmaker; I saw myself as a Jewish filmmaker,” he clarifies. “Ultimately, I started putting more Jewish values into the work I did.” The Blinkoffs became fully shomer Shabbos in LA and moved into the Aish community in Pico-Robertson. They began hosting guests and estimate that over the past 20 years, they’ve hosted thousands and thousands of people for Shabbos. “Almost every Shabbos before Covid, we were hosting 5-15 students from around the world, from all of the travels and speaking engagements,” Saul says. At one point, Blinkoff met Rabbi Shalom Denbo, a student of the late Rabbi Weinberg, who taught from the book of the Ramchal, Mesilas Yesharim, Path of the Just. One key phrase changed Blinkoff’s outlook forever: What am I responsible for in this world? “Whatever we are interested in in life, we have to figure out a way to

take our passion, ambition, gifts, talents, abilities and use them and grow them in a way that will hopefully help us serve humanity, and use them to change the world,” Saul shares. “If we saw the world as ours, we’d take more responsibility for it.” Today, Blinkoff is a supervising producer at DreamWorks animation, working on a hit new TV show called Madagascar: A Little Wild, which just won a Best New Series award from Kidscreen out of hundreds of shows. He directed the very popular Doc McStuffins. He has had the opportunity to direct movies and TV shows for Disney, DreamWorks, Amazon, Hulu and Netflix. Blinkoff credits his family for so much of his success. “I couldn’t have gotten where I am if it wasn’t for the support and love and nurturing of my parents, that’s for sure. They really provided the foundation for me to believe in myself to dream big. As parents, one of the hardest things we need to do is to really become sensitive to the needs of what our children specifically need,

and my parents were very invested in me and my brother’s and sister’s lives so much so that they did whatever they could to help get us on the road that we needed to be on to be able to work hard and to encourage us to do it for ourselves. “Of course, my wife – my wife married a dreamer. It’s not easy to marry a dreamer,” Saul admits. “You bring everyone else a long for the ride, and it’s not so simple. She’s been the foundation and my partner in everything in life, and we’re very grateful.” Blinkoff’s family is a top priority, and his children have gotten to get a glimpse of their dad’s life. At age six, his son Asher was cast as the voice of the main character Dennis in Hotel Transylvania 2. “It was so cool – he was such a kiddush Hashem,” Saul says with pride. “When you went to the Sony studios and you saw the wall of all the actors doing the voices, you saw Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez -and our son Asher Blinkoff with his big felt kippah with Hebrew letters saying Asher Chaim on the front!” Daughters Meira, Lielle and Naomi have all had their turns in voice roles. While they don’t have plans to pursue careers in show business, they enjoy local Jewish theater groups as a hobby.

“Torah is a Lens”

The imposing Disney casting office, part of Saul’s recipe for success

Blinkoff is very enthusiastic about his “Life of Awesome” podcast. “I explore wisdom rooted in Torah and share meaningful messages and interviews to inspire hopefully a much bigger audience to reach for a higher more meaningful life,” he explains. The podcast is available on Apple and other platforms, as well as on his website. This endeavor came to Blinkoff after traveling the world lecturing to

several thousands and thousands of people in all corners of the world – every demographic, age, and affiliation – and he offers the same message. He explains, “I want to inspire those I speak to embrace their Jewish identity and to not just wake up and say, ‘I want to be Jewish’ but to figure out how to live Jewish every moment of our lives, because only when we do that, do we have a life that’s meaningful.” The turning point for Blinkoff that moved him from achieving his own goals to sharing his experiences and insights with others came about 15 years ago, after he reconnected with a friend from Isralight – Rabbi David Luria, a former secular Jew who returned to learn in Israel and came out six years later as a frum rabbi. Rabbi Luria invited Blinkoff to speak to the kiruv program he had launched at Brown University and tell his story, and Blinkoff shared his story with eight students. Four years later, Blinkoff found himself giving a similar talk to 2,000 people in South Africa. He now lectures for Chabad houses, outreach organizations, shuls, schools and camps worldwide. Five years ago, Blinkoff became a trip leader for a program called Momentum, leading non-observant Jewish dads on a weeklong heritage trip to Israel and discussing tools based on Jewish wisdom on how to grow as a father and husband to live a life that’s more meaningful. The program has taken over 10,000 women to Israel inspiring par-

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Inspiring a crowd of 2,000 people

ents to change their family, their community, and their world. Where did he first hone his public speaking skills? “When I was on that Pocahontas world tour – that’s what gave me the experience of learning how to speak in front of 500 people,” Saul explains. “I had coaches and directors from Disney who taught me how to do that, and I use those same skills now to share my story and to teach Jewish wisdom to audiences around the world.” Blinkoff’s energy is palpable, and the source comes from a wisdom seemingly beyond his years. “There are a bunch of things that motivate me,” he says. “One of them is the idea of death. Steve Jobs had a quote that ‘the greatest gift given to humanity is the awareness that we’re going to die.’ When we realize that life is a blink of an eye, we have to utilize every moment. I don’t want to waste time. There is so much to get done. Reb Noach Weinberg used to stay up learning and working on his organization, and he’d get a couple of hours of sleep a night, not consecutive, because there’s so much to do. I feel like when we get the clarity of how much there is to accomplish that should energize us and motivate us to keep going. “Number two,” he says, “is that it’s energizing to have the realization of being alive. The pleasure of being alive is motivating and energizing. Picture somebody who doesn’t want to get out of bed in the morning, who stays in bed and hits the snooze button over and over again because they don’t have the thrill the wonderment of being alive…” “Judaism is not a religion; it’s reality. It’s not something I do; it’s something that affects how I see everything. Torah is a lens – if you look at the world through the lens of Torah, it’s a very different world. If you go through pain in your life, most people think it’s a terrible thing, but through the lens of

Judaism, it’s an opportunity to grow.” He adds, “I have an episode on my podcast called ‘The Simplest Things.’ If you walk down the street and appreciate the smell of the flowers, the feel of the sun on your face and the breeze and the beauty of trees and the sounds of children playing – how can that not be energizing and motivating? How could you not want to get out of bed and experience life?” As we count the weeks of growth during Sefirah period, we can apply many of Blinkoff’s life lessons, both to Shavuot and beyond. “Shavuos is the giving of the Torah and it’s ‘kabbalah,’ to ‘receive’ the Torah. In order to receive something,

sons to their friends, and they always come home with an experience where they’re teaching their friends these lessons, or creating their own lessons that they’re teaching me about. Every week, when I finish a podcast episode, the kids listen to it. They love listening together. Creating it has been family affair.” With all of the lighthearted projects Blinkoff gets to work on, one can wonder if he ever sees a darker side of his industry. “I see it every day,” he admits. “One of the things that really takes a toll is seeing how much of Hollywood is working hard for things that really don’t matter – statues and accolades

“Deep down, I believe every one of us has a gnawing question mark inside us - everyone -- and that question is ‘Who am I?’” there are two things we must have: we need to have the want for it; you need to crave it. The only way to receive it is to see how much we need it. Torah is the compass that tells us which way to go. But in order to trust the Source of where it comes from – all of us need to remind ourselves every day – we need to wake up and renew that wanting, that craving and have dveikus to Hashem and His Torah and mitzvos. “As we get ready for Shavuos, may each of us take a moment and realize the need of Torah in our lives, so we can receive it again and ultimately build on the relationship with the Creator of the world – and ultimately our true limitless potential.” Blinkoff is grateful that his kids appreciate his lessons, and they actually are following on this path. “They love to teach these same les-

and fame are vapid and meaningless.” One podcast episode on envy references how actress Bette Davis still held resentment at the end of her life for losing an Oscar award. “That’s the town that I work in,” Saul points out. “At the same time, there are a few who do hold onto the precious values that I hold onto and see our jobs as storytellers as a responsibility to make an impact on the world and help shape the values of the world.” He adds, “Working in Hollywood is also a difficult thing because usually there’s one common agenda in Hollywood and often there isn’t room for multiple points of view, and that sometimes is a struggle. “ Saul says, “I wear my kippah at work. They all know I’m an Observant Jew, and I’m also in a top leadership

position at DreamWorks. I work with a great team, and I work very hard to create a culture on my show that is one of respect and one of appreciation. I want everyone on my show to feel respected and appreciated because the culture and the experience of each person on my show is more important to me than the final product. I want to make sure that everyone has a really positive growing experience on the show.” Blinkoff is currently working on an animated Holocaust movie called The Long Night. He just produced a live action short film for the JEIC organization which focuses on how yeshiva students are overloaded and aims to preserve their relationship with their Creator and Judaism. He is also Chief Creative Officer for a brandnew startup company founded by an orthodox Jew called LuvSeats, an app that helps people purchase upgraded seats during live events. Blinkoff regularly works until 4 AM and through the night on Thursdays to edit his podcasts. In 2014, Blinkoff was recognized by the Jew in the City organization as an example of an Orthodox Jew at the top of their secular field. Often asked how he balances being an Observant Jew in Hollywood, he answers simply, “How can I not? It’s my Judaism that helps me embrace my identity and inform every decision I make every moment of my life. “I live in the town where people want that gold statue – and all I want is to get to Shabbos!”

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The Worldwide Web of Torah BY MALKY LOWINGER

we boruch Hashem emerge from the difficulties and

available to anyone who could log in online (as well as those who

challenges of the past year and a half, there’s no ques-

listened by phone). All that was needed was a device and a log-in ID,

tion that the pandemic wreaked havoc on our world.

and the Torah world was at your fingertips. Creative programs for

But despite the hardships that were endured, the clouds of Covid

people of all ages on a wide variety of topics were generated, and

also produced a silver lining. Community members reached out to

they did remarkably well. Zoom became everyone’s best chavrusa

each other, families bonded, chessed opportunities flourished, and,

and friend.

in many ways, Torah learning thrived.

In honor of Shavuos, we focus on two wildly successful Torah learning programs geared towards youngsters. The kids may be back in

A plethora of shiurim and Torah study programs became instantly

Navi: More Than Knowledge Rabbi Yitzi Ross has been a fourth grade rebbi in Yeshiva of South Shore for the past twenty-five years. He remembers the horror when everything shut down last year due to Covid. “For the first few weeks after they cancelled classes,” recalls Rabbi Ross, “it was a big mess. Rebbeim didn’t know how to use Zoom, some didn’t even own devices. Learning by phone wasn’t working well. Kids were bored and antsy. It took some time to get it right.” Rabbi Ross happens to be tech-savvy so he did his best to help others navigate the technology. But he also realized that, beyond the technical diﬃculties, there was a lot more at stake. “Kids really wanted to learn. And their parents were desperately seeking a Torah-based outlet for them.” So Rabbi Ross decided to start an online Navi

the classroom, but these programs are still going strong.

And then I ran an advanced class for fourth through sixth Mishnayos shiur for seventh graders. It quickly became a and eighth graders.” huge success. Youngsters thirsting for To“I started on a Monday, rah discovered an oasis in the and a hundred kids joined. By desert, and they held on tight. Tuesday, we had five hundred “It was, baruch Hashem, children, and the next day, we amazing,” reﬂects Rabbi Ross. had a thousand. Zoom limit“Kids from about twenty diﬀered me to a thousand viewers ent states signed on as well as so I had to hook up four difboys from Eretz Yisroel, from ferent computers and have France, and from Russia. They them all going at once. At one all learned about the program point, nine-thousand kids were through word of mouth.” Zooming with me.” As yeshivas around the At one point, Rabbi Ross de- RABBI YITZI ROSS world reopened, Rabbi Ross cided to divvy up the program. thought that his job was done. “I started a morning parsha class for four- to seven-year-olds, where I told But it wasn’t. Parents were begging Rabbi Ross to continue. stories. About 1,500 kids joined that program. In the evenings, I learned Navi with the older kids. “It was a little awkward,” he admits. “Yeshivas

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were telling me that their students were logging on to my program instead of learning with their own rebbeim.” Rabbi Ross asked a shaylah and was told he could continue the program, albeit on a more limited basis. He now gives parsha classes on Tuesday evenings at 4:45 PM for young children, a Navi shiur at 7:00 PM for ages seven and up, and an advanced class in yedios klaliyos at 8:00 PM. Weekly raﬄe prizes are generously distributed to lucky winners, and monthly tests are administered to the older groups. All told, about two-thousand kids tune in to these interactive and engaging classes. There are rules that participants must follow. They must show up to shiur properly dressed (no pj’s), and they are required to be respectful. “I will remove anyone who uses virtual backgrounds that are distracting or anyone who is acting silly,” he says. The consistency of the program has led Rabbi Ross to forge relationships with many of his listeners. “I have a very close kesher to a lot of these kids,” he shares. “We have a great connection. If I would ever meet them on the street, it would be super-exciting.” Parents often ask Rabbi Ross if their daughters can join the shiur. “I don’t have an issue with it,” he says. “But I respectfully request that girls grades three and up block their video.” He chooses Navi as his go-to topic because the subject is riveting and engaging and not often covered in the standard yeshiva curriculum. But he’s careful not to present Navi as a storybook. “Navi isn’t just about the stories,” he explains. “It teaches lessons in life. It builds Yiddishkeit. We discuss Dovid Hamelech and analyze what he does. The kids really connect.” The shiur is currently learning Shmuel Beis. “We’re up to the part where Avshalom was just killed. We try to understand Dovid’s inner torment on a deeper level. We discuss what he is thinking. We are learning from the experiences and the lives of great tzaddikim.” What does Rabbi Ross say to those who are against the use of technology? “Everything Hashem created can be used for good,” he asserts. “Even a smartphone can be amazing if used properly.”

Gemara with Geshmak Rabbi Ari Schonfeld, who grew up in Queens,

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Fried. And Night Seder Ameriis currently an eighth grade ca was honored to be addressed rebbe in Yeshiva Beis Hillel of by HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky Passaic, New Jersey. His story when they celebrated their siis similar to that of Rabbi Ross. yum on a masechtah. A pandemic shut down his yeNight Seder America is first shiva, but Torah learning had to and foremost a Gemara shiur continue. “We literally closed for sixth through eighth graddown on March 12,” he rememers. The learning is of primary bers, “and by the 14th, we were importance, but there’s also lots already on Zoom.” of fun and games. In the early days of the pan“We kept it entertaining,” he demic, says Rabbi Schonfeld, says, “with music video compethere was a tremendous amount titions, Jewish trivia questions, of kosher entertainment being song and talent shows, comedy oﬀered as a chessed to chilRABBI ARI SCHONFELD skits, and music clips. As an dren who were shut in at home. added bonus, some bar mitzvah boys who had “There were lots of magic shows and concerts,” he to cancel their original plans were invited to say says. “But I wasn’t seeing much access to Torah their pshetel.” learning for kids. “ The program ended last summer, as certain So he decided to step up to the plate. pandemic restrictions eased up. “I had the skill set,” he explains. “I’m a rebbe “I thought that was the end of it,” Rabbi Schonand I also run a day camp, so I know kids. My feld says. “But there was a huge demand for it friends thought I was nuts to do this, but I raised to continue. People were telling me, ‘You can’t some money for prizes and I got started.” just walk away from this.’ So we started all over again on Chol Hamoed Sukkos and went straight through the winter.” The program currently runs twice a week on Sunday and Wednesday evenings, and the boys are now learning Masechtas Rosh Hashanah. Rabbi Schonfeld’s easygoing, personable style makes the learning exciting, riveting, and “geshmak.” He will interrupt the program regularly to On March 19, 2020, Rabbi Schonfeld began ask someone a question, share a vort, or make a to learn a masechtah of Gemara on Zoom. He totally irrelevant comment. envisioned the program would last about two “When you teach them in a way that is interacweeks. “I figured for sure they would be gotive and fun, when they feel like they’re part of the ing back to yeshiva after Pesach,” he laughs. process, then they’re Instead, the program took on a life of its in on it. They own. know that “We had three hundred kids that first their night,” he remembers. “I was like ‘Whoa! There’s a real interest out there!’” That number grew exponentially. “We averaged about 1,300-1,400 kids per night every night from Chol Hamoed Pesach until the end of June.” He enhanced the program by inviting distinguished guest speakers such as Rabbi Paysach Krohn, Charlie Harary, and Rav Eitan Feiner, as well as revered roshei yeshiva like Rav Yisroel Reisman and Rav Yaakov Bender. There were some cameo guest appearances by entertainers Eitan Katz, Rabbi Boruch Levine, and Avrohom

“At one point, nine-thousand kids were Zooming with me.”

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opinions matter. Being a head counselor, I’m really comfortable with all of this.” The real thrill, he says, is having the opportunity to bring together so many boys from around the world on one forum. “The kids know each other by now. We have inside jokes. We know all the kids from Milwaukee, from Vancouver, from Detroit. We’ve created a certain camaraderie.” When a newcomer joins, Rabbi Schonfeld attempts to play Jewish geography. “Every new kid that comes on, I try to figure out who he is. Like, ‘Are you related to the Schwartzes from Cleveland? Was your brother a counselor in Camp Romimu? Did your cousin just get married to a girl from Detroit?’ and so on. Eventually I figure out a connection.” The program is a lifeline for out-of-towners. “There’s tremendous long-term value in this,” says

Rabbi Schonfeld. “Kids in Vancouver, in Nevada, or in Hollywood don’t necessarily have a ‘chevra.’ For these kids, the program fills a void.” Even in-town boys recognize that they are part

“This is a tried-and-true experiment in Jewish unity.” of something big. “Labels don’t matter on Night Seder America. We have Sefardim, Ashkenazim, Chassidim, Litvaks, kids of all backgrounds from all parts of the Torah world. This is a tried-andtrue experiment in Jewish unity. The program has a tremendous ability to connect.”

life is not perfect, but it is beautiful. alphaonestudio@gmail.com

yaelivogel.com

info@yaelivogel.com

yaelivogel

was an experiment that was developed out of necessity during a dark and bleak period. But its incredible success is making the world of chinuch sit up and take notice. It wouldn’t be surprising if Zoom shiurim become a viable alternative for certain talmidim in the future. Neither Rabbi Ross nor Rabbi Schonfeld takes credit for their success. Instead, they credit to the youngsters of Klal Yisroel who faithfully and consistently join them night after night. “Kinderlach,” says Rabbi Ross, “love to learn Torah. It’s really them and their parents who get the credit for this.” For more information about Rabbi Ross’ shiurim, visit www.studyingnavi.com. For more information about Rabbi Schonfeld’s program, visit www. nightsederamerica.com.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 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

The vaccine changes your DNA.

after recovering from COVID-19, they can 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.

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.

The Science: All vaccines receiving FDA emergency use authorization in the United

Therefore, the CDC recommends people who had COVID-19 in the past to still get vaccinated.

States have been tested in preclinical, phase I, II and III trials to determine safety and efficacy with tens of thousands of participants. Since then, over 100 million doses of vaccine have 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 COVID vaccine causes infertility.

The Science: “Herd immunity” doesn’t protect every individual from getting

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

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.

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Dating Dialogue

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

Dear Navidaters,

I want to thank you for this opportunity to anonymously voice an issue and get opinions anonymously. I am what you would call a yeshivish girl – having gone to Bais Yaakov all my life. I am a nurse and am constantly in

touch with professional men. ‘m embarrassed to say this…but when I date I encounter this issue where I silently judge the men I am dating – since they are worlds apart from the men I work with. Their social, academic, and emotional levels just don’t match up with the professional, worldly men in my daily life. I want to marry a very frum guy who is committed to Torah and Yiddishkeit who can also hold his own in the world. Most of the time, I feel like I would be embarrassed if I married one of these men I am suggested to. Could it be that I just haven’t met “the one”? Or do I just have to recognize that frum guys these days are like that, and it is something I must get used to or expect to marry? Thanks Huvi*

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.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

WE'RE ALMOST THERE....

"ONE WHO SAVES

A SINGLE LIFE

IS AKIN TO SAVING THE

WHOLE WORLD."

DO YOUR PART TO SAVE A LIFE! Make sure to take the vaccine! All New Yorkers age 16 and older are eligible for vaccination. For more information, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine.

WEAR A MASK Until you are fully vaccinated, wearing a mask outside your home prevents the spread of the virus to your family, friends and neighbors.

STAY HOME IF YOU'RE SICK Only leave for medical care and testing or other essentials.

AVOID LARGE INDOOR GATHERINGS This is another way the virus spreads quickly.

GET TESTED If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, get tested right away.

Bill de Blasio Mayor Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc Commissioner

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The Panel The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S. uvi, you are expressing a reaction that is neither unique nor shameful. It’s a fact that sheltered young men lack the polish, sophistication, and education that you see in the doctors and professionals you work with. And it is a good thing that you are addressing this now, while you are dating. There are young women who marry yeshiva men and as they go out into the world of professions, business, and beyond, they find their marriages challenged by comparisons and more. There are several things to keep in mind. Number one, you are seeing finished professionals who are advanced in the medical profession. They competed to get into school, studied for many years, and had to prove themselves in their specialties in various fellowship programs and hospitals. Doctors are also used to being in charge and have a strong sense of their value and skills, from the teams they work with and in the community. They need to be very mature. They deal with life and death all the time. Two, is the medical environment in which skill and compassion are demonstrated. You are seeing highly developed practices of listening and caring which have been honed. Three, you have Torah values. And you know nothing about the deeper values of the people you work with. You are just seeing them function in a professional environment which demands positive qualities and good values. Nonetheless, it is fair to want to meet young frum men with some polish, maturity, and confidence, even if they cannot be as accomplished as the doctors you work with. Try to sort out what is import-

ant to you and discuss it with a professional/mentor. Maybe you have to be more specific with your dating choices as some traits have become more important to you. You do need to stop making comparisons on each date and look into yourself as far as what is valuable to you and realistic for frum men your age.

The Shadchan Michelle Mond

ou must start to compare apples to apples, not apples to oranges. While your intentions are good and I completely understand your plight, you must recognize what you are doing here is backwards. You are comparing your dates (young guys, fresh out of yeshiva or in school part-time) to full-fledged, older, professional men, likely doctors who have undergone years of training, schooling, residency, and experience. What’s to compare? If you were to see these professional men at the age of your dates (i.e., when these now-doctors were in their early 20s and likely partying in college), you would not be so impressed. As a matter of fact, it is possible you would say the guys you are dating are even more mature than they were at that age. Yes, what you are looking for is possible to find, you just have to look in the right places. If you are looking for a gown, you would not likely search for it at Costco. Similarly, when looking for a specific type of guy, you must network with yeshivos that produce the kind of guy you are looking for. Whether it be Ner Yisroel, Landers, Chofetz Chaim, Machon Yaakov/Machon Shlomo… to name a few. Additionally, I urge you to work on having an ayin tovah (good eye) when you go out. Recognize that when you get married at a young age, you somewhat “grow” togeth-

er with your husband, as the years progress. Iy”H you should be zoche to be in that stage soon!

The Single

You cannot get married to someone for whom you are settling.

Rivka Weinberg

uvi, as more women are entering the professional setting, this is an important point to address, so thank you for writing in. There are three points that I would like to make. The first is that it’s so incredibly important for you to respect your husband and for you to look up to him. If you’re embarrassed of the guy that you’re dating, it’s irresponsible for you to continue in the relationship. I don’t believe that you “must get used to or expect to marry” a guy you silently judge and aren’t confident about. You should put your best foot forward and be yourself, and if through that you believe the man you’re dating isn’t for you, that’s okay. One of my biggest pet peeves in shidduchim is when bright, intelligent, and withit girls are told to tone themselves down because they’re “intimidating and scaring away” guys. At the right time, Hashem will place the right man in front of you, and you will highly respect him and his values, as he will you and yours. However, that leads me to my next two points. Please keep in mind that the sharp, smooth, professional men you encounter in the workplace were raised with an entirely different mindset than the guys you date. If I had to guess, most of the guys you date were not taught how to be Mr. Cool and Charming and have not been associated with women throughout their lives. Many of these guys are thrown into dating without an understanding of the female species (does anyone really have a true understanding?) and are expected to figure it out. So,

obviously, when you compare those guys to Mr. Sweep You Off Your Feet from the movies, there’s going to be a significant difference. Comparing the guys you date to those you work with is simply unfair, and you’re deceiving yourself because you’re not comparing apples with apples. If we take the men you’re dating and give them the same life experiences as the men you work with, ‘m sure you would be just as impressed with both of them. Cut the nice, genuine frum guy some slack as he is trying his best with the knowledge and resources he has, just like you are. To reiterate, that doesn’t mean you should date someone who you don’t respect and admire, but it does mean to have an open mind and realize the lifestyle differences that contribute to the two different types of men you interact with. Lastly, remember that you’re only seeing a snapshot of the lives of the men who you work with. From 8 AM-6 PM these men have it together, but you have no idea what happens behind closed doors in their homes. Unfortunately, many of these individuals are not truly living the lives they appear to be. There are some smooth talkers who get carried away, it affects their marriage, and they end up lonely and depressed. Although many times they come across as the romance guy from the movies, they have their own baggage as well. So, while that guy at work may buy you a coffee or make a funny joke at the water cooler, consider the bigger picture

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and what experiences he has gone through to get to where he is now.

The Zaidy Dr. Jeffrey Galler

eing “yeshivish” is not at all incompatible with being a highly educated, worldly, dedicated professional. Today, many single men and single women, like you, are sophisticated, knowledgeable, and ambi-

tious, while still being very deeply committed to Torah and learning. There is absolutely no reason for you to compromise or “settle” for someone who does not match your professionalism and your “Yiddishkeit.” You do not need to marry someone who will “embarrass” you in either your professional world or your religious world. If you are not meeting the type of man you are seeking, you might be “looking for love in all the wrong places.”

Are you attending singles events? Do your shadchanim understand your needs, or are they continuing to recommend young men that you find unacceptable? Perhaps you need a very different shadchan who understands what you want and has access to the type of young men that you’d like to date. You are a highly accomplished professional. Utilize the same single-minded dedication and persistence that helped you succeed in nursing school to find your perfect soulmate.

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When you compare those guys to Mr. Sweep You Off Your Feet from the movies, there’s going to be a significant difference.

Pulling It All Together connect with a professional is completely reaDating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists sonable. How you feel is valid. I will say the same thing to you that I say to everyone else. You cannot ear Huvi, get married to someone worldly, polished, eduThank you for writing into for whom you are settling. Do I cated gentleman a non-neour column! ‘m not sure I fully unthink it is possible that you will gotiable for you? If you know derstand the position you find yourmeet the yeshivish man of your in your heart of hearts that you self in. Are you committed to mardreams who is not an educated proneed to be with a highly educated rying a yeshivish man, or is there is a fessional? Of course! Basherts come man, in my opinion you are entitled part of you that would like to spread in the most surprising of packages, to look for it. your wings a bit and explore outside Huvi. Do I think it is possible that I want you to keep in mind that your yeshivish community? Forgive you may meet a yeshivish man who is there are two sides of the coin. Being me if my question is off, but I couldn’t an educated professional? Of course! with a young doctor means spendwrite a response to you without acDo I think it Is possible that you ing long periods of time apart of knowledging this question. may speak with your shadchanim him while he is in the hospital and/ When I work with clients as a and explain what you are looking or studying. This can put a lot of dating coach, we talk about “non-nefor and they come back to you with stress/tension on a young marriage. gotiables.” Everyone is entitled to some suggestions? Yes! If you are When clients ask me how they should their bottom line deal breakers. not meeting the kind of man you are feel and if what they want is reasonSometimes it is helpful for people to attracted to within your community, able, I will always validate feelings figure out what their deal breakers it is up to you if you want to go a bit and I will always give my honest are when they are dating. We all outside your community to find him. opinion about what is and what need a filtering system so we aren’t Is this something, if relevant, you is not reasonable. Your desire to dating “everyone and anyone.” Is a

The Navidaters

would feel comfortable speaking to your parents about? How do you feel about a frum man who is committed to learning and whose lifestyle very closely resembles yours today but has a background a bit more to the right than yours? You may find a different pool of men just slightly to the right. Just putting that out there. While comparisons aren’t helpful, as human beings it is hard to stop making them. You wrote that the men you are dating feel worlds apart from the men you work with. I‘m wondering if the men you are dating feel worlds apart from the professional men you encounter or worlds apart from you. My job isn’t to tell people whom to like or how to feel. It is to help people deeply connect within themselves and encourage them to trust their intuition. What is your gut feeling on this one? Listen to it.

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

Bosses and Roommates By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

read a fascinating study in a book called the “Culture Code.” A brainy guy at MIT was hired by the government a number of years ago to figure out why some teams of engineers at some companies came up with precise, targeted, and elegant answers to various military defense questions while other teams did not. The researcher wondered if the answer had to do with having gone to similar, and presumably better, universities, whether they were specifically trained in this area, or any number of other high-level possibilities. But none of those ideas checked out. Instead, the evidence showed that the one key factor that made the difference in the speed, accuracy, and elegance of the results had to do with…hold on for this… …how close their desks were to each other. Proximity breeds fun, energy, and ideas, apparently. OK, we do know that it also breeds contempt. So why one and not the other? The article did not say because this point wasn’t investigated. But I have a theory of my own. When people come to work, they try much harder (usually) to be in Self than at home. Home is where you let down your guard. I mean, why keep a front up at home where you’re supposed to relax, right? That is right. We should be able to be our honest Selves at home. But as I’ve said in this column before, telling our Truth has to come with compassion. Why? Because compassion is the foundation of all existence. Were it not for the rachamim of HaKadosh Baruch Hu, He would have just let the world go “poof” and be over with. We are not

capable of adhering perfectly to a world of din. That is, of course, our aspiration. But not our capability. So, when you get home from work, theoretically you remain in Self, and when you let your guard down, all you’re doing is sharing some truths about yourself that perhaps you would not entrust to anyone else but those closest to you. And you do it with compassion. Of course, that’s not how it actually works out. The qualities of being in Self – compassion, caring, curiosity, courage, confidence, clarity, creativity, and calm (plus more that don’t begin with a C such as wisdom, intuition, gratitude, joy, persistence, and love) – are hard to come by. They’re hard to stay in, and they’re hard to get back to when you lose yourself. That’s totally normal, after all. If we would stay in Self no matter how triggered, we could dispense with Yom Kippur. So it makes sense that when we feel that ease of walking in the door and taking off both the physical and the metaphorical masks, we might

accidentally drop a bunch of characteristics of Self. We might, in fact, be left with just the truthfulness and forget the kindness. That’s my theory for why proximity may work in the workplace but not at home. Still, that doesn’t explain the spaces in life where one has a boss that is never in Self. And, like family, this problem applies to non-blood roommates, too. What do you do when the people you need to work with and get along with are just not in Self? You do the exact same thing we talked about with family: You be in Self. Because, according to Dr. Richard Schwartz, founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS), if one person is in Self when there are differences, there is less likelihood of escalation into bitterness and pain. On the other hand – and I say this whenever one person shows up to work with me on a marriage – if both of you work on getting into Self, the outcome is far better. But we left that boss and that roommate behind. Let’s return to

them. What happened that got them out of Self and why can’t they get back into it? Bessel van der Kolk, the country’s foremost expert on trauma, explains that adverse experiences growing up led children to develop coping mechanisms that were an excellent way to handle a toxic and possibly dangerous environment. So the little girl hides under the bed. The teen runs away and hangs out somewhere, anywhere but home. Another one gets straight A’s and has to be dragged out of the library, her zone of safety. These kids not only have coping mechanisms that have served them well, but along with the tzaaros they experienced come triggers. One person’s trigger is a certain look. Or tone. Or phrase. Another person’s trigger is the knowledge that they will be in for trouble. Their heart starts to pound even before anything is said. For another individual, the trigger is an invasion of personal space. The coping mechanisms do not overcome the triggers; rather, the triggers are the warning signs to activate the coping mechanisms. Whether it’s your spouse, yourself, your child, your parent, your sib, your boss, or your roommate, the process is the same. We develop mechanisms to deal with situations that were once highly toxic, perhaps even dangerous. And when something about the current situation is reminiscent of the original one, we’re triggered. Then we react. It’s automatic. And it can’t be helped. No amount of reasoning or logic will change the reaction since it is subconscious, out of our control. Certainly, understanding all this is helpful. The more our prefrontal

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cortex, the part of the brain that thinks, examines our behaviors, the more likely that slight changes in the reactions can occur. It helps a bit. But the magic really happens when we identify the parts of us that took over the roles that now seem so dysfunctional, and we talk to them and soothe them. The magic happens when we can somehow struggle to get into Self long enough and with enough confidence to reassure the wild parts of ourselves that our Selves can handle the problem. As Self grows, those wild parts can shed the burdens created from toxic childhoods – which automatically results in less of the unwanted acting out. But how do we help Self to grow? The list of characteristics seems long and challenging. That is where the brilliance of Dr Schwartz – and the IFS model that he created – comes in. Schwartz simply wants you to pay attention to when you are in Self.

Like a watered plant, it grows. But how come? So I will give an analogy. When my children were very young, I took them for violin lessons. I, personal-

ing to someone who was kicked out of the elementary school choir for being off-key.) Of course, there’s more to it. There has to be a recognition of

The better people knew themselves, including their feelings, the better able they were to sense other people’s thoughts, feelings, intentions, plans, and beliefs.

ly, considered myself tone deaf. But their teacher argued with me: The more I listen to and try to duplicate the notes, the more my brain’s music-recognition capacity will grow. (This was personally very encourag-

parts and knowing the difference between Self and parts. There has to be a healing of those child-parts that were so badly hurt at one time. Then, to deal constructively with others, there has to be the ability to

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recognize their parts so you know how to respond to them. Interestingly, neuroscience says this is the easy stuff. A 2016 study at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Science in the Department of Neuroscience found that the better people knew themselves, including their feelings, the better able they were to sense other people’s thoughts, feelings, intentions, plans, and beliefs. This process is called mentalization or theory of mind. Wow. Mah rabu ma’asecha, Hashem. If you want help with this, reach out. It will be my pleasure.

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

Shavuos Have Your Cheesecake and Eat It Too? By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN

havuos is my favorite holiday. The weather is beautiful, and there is no extra stress of turning over the kitchen or building a sukkah. One challenge this year is that Shavuos is practically like a 3-day yom tov, since we have Shabbos and the following Sunday night is the holiday. Another obstacle will be the highly caloric foods typically served on Shavuos. Let’s discuss some strategies to help you navigate through this holiday, without accumulating any significant weight gain. • Cancel Challah Culture: All of you challah bakers out there know that challah is just like cake, consisting of sugar, eggs, oil, and ﬂour. None of us should be eating cake at every meal for six meals (remember that Shabbos!) in a row. Change it up with either whole grain sourdough or whole wheat or spelt matzah. • Spectacular Sides: Consider kugels a thing of the past, and

steer yourself (and family) into the culinary delights of veggies! Experiment with cauliflower as “rice” or “mashed potatoes,” zucchini spiralized into “zoodles, “eggplant “steaks,” spaghetti squash as a faux noodle pudding, burnt broccoli, and grilled Portobello mushrooms. A salad bar is always a huge hit, and this allows everyone to control the type and quantity of dressing. For die-hard kugel connoisseurs use non-starchy veggies like broccoli or cauliflower, eggs, and spices. Avoid baking them in pie or graham crusts; use muffin or cupcake molds instead. • Go Fishing: Dairy meal options usually include lasagna, mac ‘n’ cheese, penne a la vodka, and eggplant parmesan, etc. They all have one thing in common, and that is that they are incredibly high in calories and saturated fat. For each dairy meal, always include (and eat!) a fish option. Fish is not just a better alternative, but it is

one of the healthiest proteins to consume. The omega-3 fatty acids help prevent just about all diseases including, but not limited to, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, stroke, and diabetes. Any fish you prefer is a great option, but salmon is most definitely the king, and there is no need to bread and fry your fish. Use a variety of herbs and spices to make it as ﬂavorful as you like. Another idea is to order a sashimi platter or smoked fish. It will make the meal that much more festive. • Cheese-It: If you crave the cheese, use low-fat cheeses like part-skim shredded mozzarella to make homemade pizza with no sugar-added marinara sauce on either whole grain bread/wrap or on eggplant steaks or Portobello mushrooms. Make cheese blintzes with Crepini’s Egg Thins and low-fat cottage cheese, and sprinkle on some cinnamon and berries to make it sweeter. If pasta is your preference,

try a high fiber pasta such as Fiber Gourmet and keep the serving size to 100 calorie portions. • Souper-Filling: Soups make great appetizers, because they fill you up so you are less hungry at the main meal. Make a broth-based soup like chicken soup for the meat meals and a non-carby vegetable soup for the dairy meals, such as zucchini leek soup, cauliﬂower soup, pepper soup, broccoli soup, onion soup, or cabbage soup. • Fruit for Dessert: Not every meal needs to end with chocolate lava cake! Fruit is sweet and refreshing and can be a satisfying dessert as well. Change it up and make baked apples, or poached pears, or a compote without sugar. Another nice idea is grilling fruit, especially pineapple and peaches. I often recommend making chocolate dipped strawberries with dark chocolate. Pair this with a bit of whip for a deliciously decadent but healthy dessert.

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• The Cake to End all Cakes: Cheesecake is one of the most caloric cakes in the galaxy. If you must eat it, mindfully indulge in a few bites early in the day and never at night. Whatever we eat at night just sticks to us; the food we eat earlier in the day can be at least partially burned off. Another option is to either make or purchase a diet cheesecake, usually made with low-fat cheese and a sugar substitute. Low-fat frozen yogurt is another great dessert swap and is a much lower calorie alternative to cheesecake, but is still refreshing and a sweet treat. • Walk: I encourage my clients to go for walks every yom tov and Shabbos. The days are long enough to eat, sleep, read, and walk. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise and is good for the heart as well as the head. Aim for a minimum of 20-minute walks each day, weather permitting. • Be My Guest: When you are

a guest at someone else’s table, it can be challenging to stick to your normal healthy eating plan. Please remember, just because it’s there, does not mean you have to eat it! There are almost always good options. Choose a lean protein that’s

one plate, then you are taking too much food. • Water: Everyone should be drinking at least 8 cups of water a day. Studies find that when someone drinks 1-2 cups of water before each meal, they tend to lose weight. The

Steer yourself (and family) into the culinary delights of veggies.

not breaded or fried. Gravitate towards the veggies and salads. Even if the salad seems loaded with stuff and the dressing is suspicious, you are better off with the questionable salad than with potato kugel! Also, keep your meal to the one plate meal rule. You should be able to fit all of your food onto one plate; if you cannot fit all of your food onto

water acts as an appetite suppressant and helps the stomach prepare itself to receive the food. Very often, people think they are hungry when, in fact, they are really thirsty. So first take a drink and see how you feel before you sit down to that snack/meal. Shavuos is a time to gain more knowledge of the Torah, not gain

more weight. Minimize the challah, control your portions, make better food choices, and yes, mindfully indulge in some cheesecake. Yom tov is a respite from normal, everyday life, but should include some dietary discipline and low-level physical activity, without abandoning all healthy eating habits. Additionally, if one meal was a disaster, don’t throw in the towel, but make the next meal a spectacular success! Don’t beat yourself up, always get yourself right back on track, and look forward to better and healthier days ahead. Wishing my readers and clients a wonderful yom tov!

Aliza Beer is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition. She has a private practice in Cedarhurst, NY. Patients’ success has been featured on the Dr. Oz show. Aliza can be reached at alizabeer@gmail.com, and you can follow her on Instagram at @alizabeer.

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Parenting Pearls

Encouraging a Relationship with Hashem By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

will start off by saying I don’t feel adequate to cover this topic, and I was very hesitant to take it on. Despite these misgivings, I am adding my humble and basic thoughts because I feel the topic is too important to ignore. Truthfully, few of us are capable of doing justice to such a lofty concept but it still needs to be discussed. As we are finishing these final days of Sefiras Ha’omer and we prepare for Matan Torah, it seems like an appropriate time to focus on our relationship with the Giver of the Torah. We often mention Hashem in our daily interactions with our children. They learn to daven, make bracho,s and learn Hashem’s Torah. We teach them about mitzvos and appropriate middos. These are all beautiful and important things for our children to learn. In my humble opinion, having a personal connection and relationship with Hashem goes further than that and also needs to be directly taught. When a child gets an ice cream cone, do they realize that Hashem provided them with it? If they need something, will they ask Hashem for help? These are lofty goals and concepts that are hard enough for an adult to understand. Despite these developmental

limitations, children can, on some basic level, begin to associate aspects of their daily life with a Higher Source. Children, in their own way, can begin to recognize that Hashem has an effect on their daily life and is The One they can turn to whenever they need. Their understanding may be immature but we can begin to plant those seeds in their mind. In some paradoxical way, children, with their purity and simplicity, can accept and understand some of these concepts that adults find challenging. As adults, we naturally feel a greater level of control over our lives than children do and perhaps this illusion limits our ability to recognize, in a way that children can, that Hashem is in charge of even the more minor aspects of our lives.

Thank Hashem We say brachos but do children who are not fluent in Hebrew internalize that the bracha is acknowledging that Hashem provided them with the item they’re about to eat? Children may benefit from lovingly being told, “Wow, what a treat Hashem gave you!” In the same way, children can be told when they receive a new toy or something special that it’s also from Hashem. As

they thank you for the new toy, they can also verbally thank Hashem for it as well. You’d be surprised how fast kids can pick up on this. By making a connection between what they are already receiving and the ultimate Source of it, they can begin to appreciate that Hashem has a real and active role in their life. The hope is that by recognizing, in some minor way, the continuous involvement of Hashem, they will slowly begin to feel a connection and appreciation for Hashem in a personal way. Another benefit is that they can begin to have gratitude towards Hashem for all they receive each day. When you realize that Hashem is giving you everything you enjoy, then it’s natural to feel appreciative. Appreciation is a worthy goal on its own but it can also lead to feeling more connected to the One Who has given them everything. Tell your children Hashem loves them. It’s true, so why not tell them this? This can also lead to children feeling love towards Hashem. Children will eventually learn that everything that feels both good and bad comes from the same Source. Why not allow them to first understand that Hashem loves them? It’s hard to understand that the

same One Who heals is the one that creates sickness. It’s even harder when you don’t first realize that Hashem loves you and that everything comes from that love. Children have enough trouble accepting that a parent can deny them something, but at least they recognize that the denial comes from someone who loves them. It would be much harder to parent if children couldn’t recognize that we inherently love them. Allow them to also first feel that Hashem loves them before introducing and stressing the concept of Hashem giving challenges.

Ask and Talk to Hashem Children are taught to daven but it’s hard enough for adults to have the proper understanding of the words and concentration when saying them. We should, of course, teach children the meaning behind the tefillos and encourage them to recognize they’re standing in front of the King of all Kings when they daven. I’m humbly suggesting that in addition to the set tefillos, children should be encouraged to talk to Hashem and ask for what they need, all in their own words. If something is bothering them and they’re stressed, then they should know

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effective way to encourage a relationship with Hashem. Imagine what goes through a child’s mind when they hear about Hashem punishing them before they even understand that Hashem loves them. Also, children don’t always connect the idea of receiving a punishment as being a result or a direct consequence to their actions. They may, chas v’shalom, think of Hashem as vengeful or angry, as acting without cause. It can be hard to undo those feelings. If you truly feel that it’s necessary to show their actions are wrong, then perhaps saying, “It makes Hashem sad” is a better way to convey that Hashem doesn’t approve without creating negative feelings. An older child will have a greater understanding of right and wrong, but even teenagers are often very blackand-white thinkers. It can be very easy for them to lose focus and feel like Hashem is out to get them or that they need to be afraid of Hashem. Threaten-

Building a relationship with Hashem is a lifelong process but one that can start from the youngest of ages.

children to feel something or do something isn’t as effective as showing them how you do it. It may feel awkward at first but it is much more powerful when your children see you demonstrate it rather than simply tell them. Not only will they get a better understanding of what you mean by seeing your example but they’ll take you more seriously. Do as I say and not as I do has never been good parenting.

Don’t Stress Punishment I don’t deny that there is a fundamental concept that Hashem gives reward and punishment based on our behavior. It’s an important point that children do need to be taught at some point. Knowing that our actions matter and have consequences is crucial and a basic lesson for life. That being said, we need to be careful how we approach this topic with children. Telling children that “Hashem will punish you for doing that” may not be the most

ing a child or teen with Divine punishment may not be the best way to convey the seriousness of the matter. These are simply some basic ideas to help encourage our children to see Hashem as an active and meaningful part of their lives and not something unconnected to them. Building a relationship with Hashem is a lifelong process but one that can start from the youngest of ages. This simple addition to their regular chinuch will hopefully enhance the Torah they learn, the mitzvos they do, and the tefillos they recite. May we all merit to build a relationship with our Creator. Have a wonderful and meaningful Shavuos!

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.

ׁ ֹ ‫ֹ י ּב ׁשל‬ ‫ש‬ ׂ ‫דו ַת ִ ְ ֶע ְש‬ ‫ֵר‬ ֵ

ָּ ּ ִ ‫ת ַמ ְכ‬ ‫תי‬ ‫ְית‬

Hashem will hear them and feel their sadness. If they need something, they should feel comfortable asking from the One Who can truly give it. Hashem may say “no” to certain things, like that new pony, but Hashem is listening. Understanding that Hashem can listen and say “no,” just like a parent does, is also a lesson. Still, they should feel free to ask. Perhaps Hashem will “arrange” for them to ride a pony at a fair or answer their tefillos in some other way. Children can also be taught to evaluate what is and isn’t something we daven for. When tefillos are real and being directed towards someone that listens and answers them, then they have a greater need to think through what they’re asking for first. You can model all these behaviors for your children. You can thank Hashem verbally when you are truly appreciative of something. If you’re stressed (and you know parenting can get tense), you can ask Hashem for help. Telling

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jewish women of wisdom

FOMO in the Sixties By Miriam Liebermann, MSW

admit it. I experienced FOMO – fear of missing out – over this past Pesach. While normally this “malady” is associated with adolescents, it has been known to “afﬂict” adults also. Allow me please to elaborate. With many thanks to the Almighty, we’ve had the great fortune of spending many yomim tovim with our extended family; Chag Succos and Chag HaPesach, with many days of chol hamoed – which included naturally many fabulous chol hamoed trips. I’ve always joined the young families on the trips. And we’ve had fabulous times, especially in Eretz Yisrael. Yes, it was worth traveling for hours to visit Tzfat up north, watch our young ones rappelling in Mitzpeh Rimon, and enjoying the water park on the Kinneret. Traveling throughout our beloved Eretz Yisrael is always a thrill. I’ve done many a hike in scenic spots, visited many a zoo, enjoyed boating and picnicking with our loved ones, closer to home, over the years. It’s always been wonderful. Most of the time. To be honest. At this point, my tolerance for noise, including crying, whining and kvetching, has been greatly diminished. And sitting in the car for hours at a stretch with little ones inevitably will result in some background “music.” And talking about music... whilst I’ve always enjoyed Uncle Moishe and the fabulous story tapes of Rabbi Juravel, Rabbi Hill and Rabbi Alter, listening to these recordings for an extended period of time is a bit much for me. Talking about noise, may I share with you a charming interchange with 5-year-old Avigdor this past Shabbos? I have informed my grandchildren that I am allergic to noise! And when I’m around, I plead with them, let’s keep the noise level down. This past Shabbos, Avigdor

asked if I would like to join him on the ﬂoor and play Lego with him. Dressed in my Shabbos ﬁnery, I countered with, “Avigdor, I have a great idea. How about if you come sit on the couch with me, and I’ll read you your favorite books?” “Are you allergic to Lego?” Av-

past Pesach, for the very ﬁrst time, I did not join the family on their day trips. My husband did join them for the hiking and boating. The third day, he kept me company. My dear son-in-law, when I was debating to join or not, very wisely said to me, “Mom, you’re up early

I fully acknowledge that I’m not the same person I was 10 years ago, and that’s perfectly fine.

igdor then inquired. I laughed in response and hugged him! And we sat on the couch and read our books! Another factor, as much as I love the sunshine, the sun is no longer my friend. Heat, humidity, and strong sunshine sap me of my energy. I heed the warnings of my dermatologist and do my utmost to stay out of the midday sun. And so, this

with the children... You’re with them in the evenings. You spend plenty of quality time with them… Stay home and relax.” G-d bless you, Shua. That’s exactly what I needed to hear! It also occurred to me that these trips are quite tiring for the children and for the adults. Returning home, everyone’s a bit wiped out and eager to relax and chill. I, on

the other hand, having relaxed at home all day, am ready and eager to welcome everyone home with open arms and engage with them quite joyfully! I’m sure you can picture the scene. They finally leave. The cars head out packed with food and drink and assorted paraphernalia. And don’t forget the sunscreen! And baseball caps! And I, relishing the peace and quiet, make myself a cup of coffee and sit in a comfy lawn chair, in the shade, with my phone and great reading material. And maybe a crossword puzzle or two. Just the thought of this, reminiscing for a moment, makes me smile! Post Pesach, discussing this with several close friends, I discover that many had elected to do as I did. I’m wondering… Is this a result of the wisdom we’re gifted with as we enter the 60s? Ben shishim l’ziknah... (Pirkei Avos). Must be! Did I miss out? I don’t think so. I had made a choice, an educated, calculated choice. I chose between the two options. I fully acknowledge that I’m not the same person I was 10 years ago, and that’s perfectly fine! I’ve been there and done that B”H for many years. And at this stage, I absolutely relish the peace and quiet. Initially, perhaps, I did find myself beset with FOMO. But after the fact, I’m fine. Happy to say, all had an exceedingly lovely time, myself included. FOMO – be gone! And did I share with you my dear readers a most crucial fact: I’m really loving this stage! Hodu l’Hashem ki tov. May all be healthy and well.

Join the conversation and email list of JWOW! by writing to hello @jewishwomenofwisdom.org.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

夀䬀䰀䤀吀䠀䜀刀䄀䐀䔀䈀䄀刀䴀䤀吀娀嘀䄀䠀倀刀䔀匀䔀一吀䄀吀䤀伀一

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In The K

tchen

Cookies and Cream Ripple Cheesecake Dairy / Yields 1 (9-inch) cheesecake

IR IA M PA SC

By Naomi Nachman

I’ve been making Oreo cheesecake ever since

PHOT O BY M

the cookies became kosher. Miriam Pascal kindly shared this recipe from her blog,

OvertimeCook.com, and now we are sharing

our love of cheesecake and our love of Oreos with the world.

Ingredients

b 1½ cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs b 3 tablespoons butter, melted

bowl until coarse crumbs form. Press mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Press around the edge with the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth it out. 2. Place the pan in the freezer for the crust to ﬁrm up while you prepare the cheese mixture. 3. Preheat oven to 350°F. 4.

FILLING b 3 (8-ounce) blocks brick cream cheese b 1 cup sour cream b 4 eggs b 1 cup sugar b 1 teaspoon vanilla extract b 2 tablespoons ﬂour b 1½ cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs b Whipped cream, for garnish, optional bAdditional sandwich cookies, halved, for garnish, optional

Preparation 1.

Prepare the crust: Combine cookie crumbs and melted butter in a small

Prepare the ﬁlling: In a large bowl with a handheld mixer or in the bowl of an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and ﬂour until smooth. Do not overmix.

5. Assemble the cheesecake: Remove ¾ cup of the batter and mix it with cookie crumbs. It should form a wet mixture. 6. Remove pan from freezer. Pour about half of the plain batter into the pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cookie mixture over the batter, covering as much of the surface as possible. 7. Carefully cover the cookie mixture with remaining plain batter.

8. Bake for 55 minutes. Turn the oven oﬀ; let cake cool in the oven for about 1 hour to prevent cracks. 9.

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before serving.

10. Optional garnish: Top with whipped cream and halved cookies. Recipe from Perfect Flavors by Naomi Nachman, published by Artscroll Mesorah.

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

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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KERRY’S

CONUNDRUM How far is the Biden administration willing to go to revive the Iran deal? BY SHAMMAI SISKIND

n the final week of April, the London-based news channel Iran International published details of an audio recording allegedly containing a secret interview of a top Iranian official. According to the outlet, the tape is that of Iran’s infamous Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif being interviewed in March by journalist Saeed Laylaz, a respected regime insider and a longtime adviser to Iran’s current reformist President Mohammad Khatami. In the interview, Zarif lays out quite candidly how all Iranian foreign relations have become completely subservient to the agenda of extremists

within the regime, specifically the whims of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). “[We have] sacrificed diplomacy for the IRGC’s operations,” Zarif reportedly said at one point in the conversation. As the senior diplomat went on to explain, IRGC high-ups never considered limiting their support for Shiite militias the likes of Hezbollah operating in Lebanon and Syria, a move that would have improved Iran’s standing considerably within the international community. Zarif claimed that much, if not all, of Iran’s military and civilian assets were devoted to supporting these groups. For instance, Zarif told Laylaz that Corps commanders “would

not accept to refrain from using the Iranian national airline for transportation to Syria,” referring to the massive shipments of weapons and material Tehran has been sending its regional proxies for the better part of a decade. While many of these leaked comments by Zarif are insightful, one in particular has caught the attention of American policymakers and media. As Iran International writes, Zarif claimed that John Kerry, currently President Biden’s Climate Envoy, revealed classified information to him regarding Israeli operations in Syria. “It was former U.S. Foreign Secretary John Kerry who told me Israel had launched more than

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200 attacks on Iranian forces in Syria,” said Zarif, referring to Kerry’s position as the head of the State Department for the last four years of the Obama administration.

THE FALLOUT

On May 3, days after the recording was released, Zarif essentially confirmed he made these statements, issuing a public mea culpa by asking forgiveness from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for “comments that caused [the Ayatollah] regret.” Kerry, for his part, flatly denied the allegations in a tweet shortly after the Iran International article was published. “I can tell you that this story and these allegations are unequivocally false,” wrote Kerry. “This never happened – either when I was Secretary of State or since.” As would be expected, Republicans in the United States tore into Kerry immediately after the leak was revealed. By Monday, GOP lawmakers were calling on him to resign from Biden’s National Security Council. “People are talking about treason – and I don’t throw that word around a lot,” Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) said. “John Kerry does all kinds of things that I can’t stand. But this is the one that broke the camel’s back.” Wisconsin Representative Mike Gallagher also lambasted Kerry, stating that it was “unfathomable that any U.S. diplomat, past or present, would leak intelligence to the world’s leading sponsors of terrorism at the expense of one of our staunchest allies.” Despite the hyperbole coming from the right side of the aisle, the allegations against Kerry kind of fell flat. Even if Zarif’s claim about his alleged conversation with Kerry is completely true (and that is a very large “if”), the information the former State Secretary “divulged” would have been largely inconsequential. While we don’t know when Kerry allegedly spoke with Zarif, the fact is, Israel’s activities in Syria have been publicly known for years. This was highlighted by State Department spokesman Ned Price when asked about the allegations against Kerry last week.

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

“I would just make the broad point that if you go back and look at press reporting from the time, this certainly was not secret,” Price said. “And governments that were involved were speaking to this publicly, on the record.” Even Israeli officials have been relatively open about their operations in Syria for nearly four years. Prime Minister Netanyahu said in July 2017 that Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah-bound convoys in Syria “dozens of times.” A month later, then-Israeli Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel

In Zarif’s mind, John Kerry is a benevolent ally, who wants nothing more than for Iranian diplomacy to succeed. confirmed that Israel had attacked convoys bringing arms to Hezbollah several times over the past five years. The following year, none other than Israeli Intelligence Minister Israel Katz stated in a public interview that “in the last two years Israel has taken military action more than 200 times within Syria itself.” Considering all of this, it is clear that the intelligence secrets that Kerry allegedly revealed to Iran are not too concerning However, the whole manner in which the leaked Iranian audio has been framed ignores a much more significant issue. What is important is not whether John Kerry ever discussed Israeli air strikes with the Iranians but rather the very fact Mohammad Zarif said that he did. This may seem like a trivial point. But it’s not. Context is, of course, everything. And it is im-

portant to understand why Zarif even felt compelled to mention Kerry in his interview. According to the published transcript, Zarif brought up Kerry as he was lamenting being pushed out of the loop in formulating Iran’s foreign policy. Zarif complained that his role in determining decisions had fallen to “nil.” Furthermore, claims Zarif, other governmental branches in Iran were keeping him in the dark, especially when it came to Iran’s military activities. So oblivious was he about the goings-on in Syria, he claimed, that it was John Kerry who had to inform him. In other words, in Zarif’s mind, John Kerry is a benevolent ally, who wants nothing more than for Iranian diplomacy to succeed. Whenever Iran’s own internal dysfunction threatens diplomatic processes, Kerry will make the effort to ensure a positive outcome, even if that means keeping the most senior diplomats abreast when they are purposely kept in the dark.

THE COMMITTED

Despite empty hype from the past week, the controversy surrounding the “leaked Kerry audio” underscores in a rather accurate way the nature of John Kerry’s involvement in American policy visà-vis the Iranian Republic. Reviving American ties with Iran was a major foreign policy point of President Biden’s campaign platform. This was, of course, nested within a broader objective of reversing as many initiatives of the Trump administration as possible, all of which were perceived by Team Biden as destructive and “counter to American interests.” Returning to a semblance of a deal with the Iranians, undoing Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from the Obama-era nuclear treaty, has been nearly first on Biden’s list of issues abroad. And there is no man better for that job than John Kerry. Going back nearly ten years, it is essential to understand the mindset and resultant approach of the American executive branch toward Iran. The White House, at the time, was thoroughly and utterly committed to a conciliatory path with Tehran. This was the backdrop on which Barack Obama and his people went about negotiating the Iran nuclear

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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deal, essentially trading massive sanctions relief for an Iranian commitment to curtail nuclear-related activity. From the moment the new administration came into power in 2009, it was dedicated to reaching an accord with Iran. John Kerry (at the time, Senator Kerry) strongly shared Obama’s commitment to this policy. Arguably, it was due to the fact they saw eye-to-eye on the Iran issue that Obama chose Kerry to head his State Department in 2013. From that moment, Kerry and the rest of Obama’s team worked relentlessly to come to an arrangement with the Ayatollahs. Nearly three years of negotiations went into developing the nuclear deal, what would come to be known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Referring to the eternal importance of codifying an agreement with the Iranians, Obama stated at an East Room press conference that “future generations will judge us harshly” for letting the opportunity for a deal “slip away.” Any and all evidence suggesting the deal was ill advised was dismissed. When current Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the “moderate” presidential candidate, was elected in 2013, Israel and others in the region delivered troves of evidence to the Obama administration that Rouhani simply had no influence on regime policy and that decisions were ultimately made by the hardliners (a fact we have again been reminded of by the recently leaked Zarif recording). Then-President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry, along with all of their advisers, were unmoved. It’s not that Kerry and Obama were oblivious to Iran’s rogue tendencies. On the contrary, they readily admitted that their Iranian partners were, to put it lightly, problematic. In a 2015 interview with the New York Times’ Thomas Friedman, Obama stated plainly: “With respect to Iran, it is a great civilization, but it also has an authoritarian theocracy in charge that is anti-American, anti-Israeli, anti-Semitic, sponsors terrorism, and there are a whole host of real profound differences that we [have with] them.” Indeed, no one in the White House harbored illusions as to the nature of the regime. They simply believed – and believed fervently – that reconciliation was the single best approach to ensure longterm stability in the region. It was an ideological

position that they had no interest in reconsidering. The single-minded, myopic devotion of the Obama administration – and Kerry specifically – to solidifying JCPOA literally set records in the annals of international diplomacy. During the final stages of negotiations in 2015, John Kerry stayed in Vienna where talks were taking place for seventeen straight days. Rarely does the head of the State Department personally devote himself or herself so extensively to a single deal, let alone personally participating in negotiations for over two weeks. This made Kerry the highest-ranking American official

Undoing Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from the Obama-era nuclear treaty has been nearly first on Biden’s list of issues abroad. to devote so much time to a single international negotiation in more than four decades. When all was said and done, talks surrounding JCPOA became the longest continuous negotiations ever to take place in the presence of all foreign ministers of the permanent members of the UN Security Council. Acknowledging the unnatural and gargantuan diplomatic effort invested in the Iran deal, President Obama reportedly said while meeting with Iranian diplomats at the UN: “Too much effort has been put into the JCPOA, and we all should be diligent to implement it.” With this in mind, it is easy to understand the visceral reaction Obama alumni had to the previous administration’s decision to leave JCPOA. In one fell swoop, President Donald Trump undid years of painstaking negotiations work and one of the great-

est diplomatic efforts in modern American history. Now that much of Team Obama has reoccupied the White House, it is hardly surprising that bringing JCPOA back online is a major priority. While the deal’s key orchestrator John Kerry is technically more concerned with environmental issues (his official position being that of Biden’s climate envoy), there is no doubt he is hard at work to repair the tattered agreement. For, as Kerry said at a recent Democratic Party gathering, the JCPOA is the only way to “eliminate the threat of Iran [armed with a] nuclear weapon.” There is only one small problem with pushing this agenda forward.

BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

As indirect talks continue this week in Vienna between the Iranians and their American and EU counterparts, American officials have become increasingly expansive about what they might be prepared to offer Iran. Iran has consistently demanded that all U.S. penalties be removed as a precondition, and administration representatives are reportedly trying to meet those expectations. At the same time, however, American officials have refused to discuss which sanctions are being considered for removal. All they can make explicit is that sanctions “inconsistent with the nuclear deal” or that deny Iran the relief it would be entitled to should it return to compliance with the accord are being considered. “Any return to the JCPOA would require sanctions relief, but we are considering removing only those sanctions that are inconsistent with the JCPOA,” said State Department spokesman Ned Price. “Even if we rejoin the JCPOA – which remains a hypothetical – we would retain and continue to implement sanctions on Iran for activities not covered by the JCPOA, including Iran’s missile proliferation, support for terrorism, and human rights abuses.” What Price was referring to were the sanctions imposed by Donald Trump upon leaving the Iran deal in 2018 in addition to those that snapped back due to JCPOA’s cancellation. These new restrictions, which targeted a slew of Iranian individuals

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

and entities, had nothing to do with the nuclear deal but rather were in response to Iran’s proliferation of weapons throughout the region, other forms of material and logistical support for militancy, and, of course, state sanctioned human rights abuses at home and abroad. This puts the Biden administration into a rather awkward position. Are they willing to simply lift sanctions against Iran targeting, say, the regime’s missile program and proliferation, restrictions completely outside the scope of JCPOA, simply for the sake of implementing the deal? On the other hand, Kerry and fellow diplomats can’t offer nixing nuclear deal sanctions while leaving all others active. As far as Iran is concerned, that would be like the United States offering clemency for one of

two life sentences. Interestingly, the Obama administration had to grapple with a similar problem when hammering out JCPOA some six years ago. It took the convenient position that sanctions previously imposed by it and former President George W. Bush’s administration for terrorism reasons should actually be classified as nuclear sanctions and therefore be lifted under the deal. It is doubtful, however, that Kerry and his boss Biden have the luxury for such policy acrobatics. In the current political milieu, there is potent awareness of Iran’s malign activities and the threats it poses, threats that lay far beyond any nuclear aspirations it may or may not have. It is doubtful the president could get away with letting Tehran walk away sanctions free – regardless of any deal it

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signs. Doing so would not only draw the ire of Israel and allies in the Gulf but also members of Biden’s own party. On April 28, more than 220 members of Congress introduced a bi-partisan resolution aimed at taking a tougher stance on Iran. Among other points, the resolution expresses support for “the Iranian people’s desire for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear republic of Iran” while condemning “violations of human rights and state-sponsored terrorism” by Tehran. For the time being, it seems Biden and Kerry have little room to maneuver and are caught in a catch-22 of sorts. The question, however, still stands: how much are these men willing to sacrifice to revivify the deal they labored so hard for years ago?

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Notable Quotes

[Medina Spirit who won the Kentucky Derby tested positive for elevated levels of Betamethasone.] Yeah, his racing days may be over, but on the bright side, he just joined the Russian gymnastics team.

“Say What?!”

— Jimmy Fallon

Just imagine how many hours of couples therapy you can afford when you’re among So, if you want to see crazy conspiracy the world’s richest people. Or the shared theories, you’ll have to settle for any other sense of purpose you could forge while person on Facebook. raising three children and running a $50 — Jimmy Fallon, referring to Facebook banning former President Donald Trump billion charitable foundation with your spouse. Then imagine that it’s not enough to keep you together. Yes, money is one You know, they came in. Biden does of the main things couples fight about. everything in the name of Trump reversals. But having so much of it that you can So what does he do? He turns around and give billions away doesn’t eliminate the funds the Palestinians corrupt organization Israeli airstrikes killing civilians in Gaza is an act of terrorism. questions that every couple faces: Do we again. Hamas now wants to test Biden Palestinians deserve protection. Unlike Israel, missile defense still want similar things in life? Can we still because they don’t think that he’s going programs, such as Iron Dome, don’t exist to protect Palestinian create that life together? Or would it be to do anything severe. They go and start civilians. It’s unconscionable to not condemn these attacks on the better if we forged ahead on our own? shooting rockets into Jerusalem. And what week of Eid. This is one of the reasons we regular folks does Biden do? He calls for restraint when - Ilhan Omar, member of the House of Representatives (D-Minn.) are fascinated when billionaires split. It’s what should bethe doing Israel’s Yes, I he have joined likesisofhaving Princess Diana, John Belushi, and comforting to know that relationships are is athe Member acting as the press secretary for back. Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter in leaving whileWhy still at top of of Congress difficult no matter who we are. Hamas? -Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley on Fox my game as an iconic superhero who seemed almost tooDoes goodBiden to agree? - Lisa Bonos, Washington Post, writing about Bill and News - Tweet by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) Melinda Gates’ divorce be true. – From an obituary for Thomas Lee Flanigan, age 48, which he wrote before his passing

I can’t imagine in any scenario if a terrorist organization were shooting rockets into The murderer was the manifestation of themust oldest hatred, The United States speak outmore strongly I will admit that I originally got married for the husband jokes and Washington, D.C., that we would be OK lethal than the deadliest against disease the known to man — Jew-hatred. violence by government-allied had kids for the dad jokes. It did not disappoint. The jokes I mean, with our friends and allies calling for Cold-blooded anti-Semitism. It’s the foundational belief of our Israeli extremists in East Jerusalem and but Amy and the kids were pretty good too. Going to school events, restraint. This is where Biden should be so-called peace partnersthe up West the road in Ramallah, the Palestinian Bank, and make clear that the dance competitions, and eight zillion hockey practices at the crack calling out the Palestinians. The only reason Authority, our avowed enemies in Gaza, and many of themust woke evictions of Palestinian families not go of dawn really makes a man’s life worthwhile. I also saw some other this is happening is because Hamas is bureaucrats and officialsforward. that staff the current Biden administration. delightful things in my time here – Hawaiian volcanoes, Egyptian shooting rockets and Biden needs to put a - Jonathan Pollard, talking about -the recent murder of 19-year-old Tweet by Israel-hater Sen. BernieYehuda SandersGuetta, (I-VT) while pyramids, and even the advent of air fryers. I will addressing say, it was magical, Yeshivas Mercaz HaRav on Yom Yerushalayim stop to it. He can do it by pulling money. He all of it. can do it by calling for action, and he can – Ibid. Whether you murder a Jew directly…or whether you pin his arms stop this right now. It’s a new virus. Nobody knows whether behind his back like the identity Democrats of the same Biden – Ibid. it was born in a laboratory or because a Due to the unknown and cosmic nature of my next mission, this—will administration the death of the Jew is the same. human ate some animal they shouldn’t be our last communication. It will self-destruct in- Ibid. five minutes. My have. But the military knows all about whereabouts now top but let’s I think Tucker are is running forsecret, president. Andjust say I have made some chemical, biological, and radiological new friends thehe’s names of to Elvis Kenny. This is our Land, G-d gave it to us, and if you don’t like it, that’s OK. I think that’s by what going do.and And warfare. Could we be fighting a new war? – Ibid. We set the rules. You may have heard that the U.S. wants to set up a I think he’s going to try to demonize and I wonder. Which country’s GDP has grown PA embassy in Jerusalem. We can’t allow this. If the Americans want destroy anyone who might stand up against the most? to set up a Palestinian embassy in Washington, good luck. That’s him. And that’s all that this is. - Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro insinuating that China Like you said, no one can be woke enough their business. But not here. Not in Israel. Not in Jerusalem. - Frank Luntz, a longtime GOP pollster, responding to .Comedian Dave Chappelle “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast criticism by Fox News’ Tuckeron Carlson – Ibid.

purposely started the coronavirus pandemic

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[Medina Spirit who won the Kentucky Derby tested positive for elevated levels of Betamethasone.] Yeah, his racing days may be over, but on the bright side, he just joined the Russian gymnastics team. — Jimmy Fallon

So, if you want to see crazy conspiracy theories, you’ll have to settle for any other person on Facebook. — Jimmy Fallon, referring to Facebook banning former President Donald Trump

You know, they came in. Biden does everything in the name of Trump reversals. So what does he do? He turns around and funds the Palestinians corrupt organization again. Hamas now wants to test Biden because they don’t think that he’s going to do anything severe. They go and start shooting rockets into Jerusalem. And what does Biden do? He calls for restraint when what he should be doing is having Israel’s back. -Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley on Fox News

I can’t imagine in any scenario if a terrorist organization were shooting rockets into Washington, D.C., that we would be OK with our friends and allies calling for restraint. This is where Biden should be calling out the Palestinians. The only reason this is happening is because Hamas is shooting rockets and Biden needs to put a stop to it. He can do it by pulling money. He can do it by calling for action, and he can stop this right now. – Ibid.

Israeli airstrikes killing civilians in Gaza is an act of terrorism. Palestinians deserve protection. Unlike Israel, missile defense programs, such as Iron Dome, don’t exist to protect Palestinian civilians. It’s unconscionable to not condemn these attacks on the week of Eid. - Ilhan Omar, member of the House of Representatives (D-Minn.)

Why is a Member of Congress acting as the press secretary for Hamas? Does Biden agree? - Tweet by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)

The murderer was the manifestation of the oldest hatred, more lethal than the deadliest disease known to man — Jew-hatred. Cold-blooded anti-Semitism. It’s the foundational belief of our so-called peace partners up the road in Ramallah, the Palestinian Authority, our avowed enemies in Gaza, and many of the woke bureaucrats and officials that staff the current Biden administration. - Jonathan Pollard, talking about the recent murder of 19-year-old Yehuda Guetta, while addressing Yeshivas Mercaz HaRav on Yom Yerushalayim

Whether you murder a Jew directly…or whether you pin his arms behind his back like the identity Democrats of the same Biden administration — the death of the Jew is the same. - Ibid.

I think Tucker is running for president. And I think that’s what he’s going to do. And I think he’s going to try to demonize and destroy anyone who might stand up against him. And that’s all that this is. - Frank Luntz, a longtime GOP pollster, responding to criticism by Fox News’ Tucker Carlson

This is our Land, G-d gave it to us, and if you don’t like it, that’s OK. We set the rules. You may have heard that the U.S. wants to set up a PA embassy in Jerusalem. We can’t allow this. If the Americans want to set up a Palestinian embassy in Washington, good luck. That’s their business. But not here. Not in Israel. Not in Jerusalem. – Ibid.

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It’s got to be somewhere in the $80,000 to $90,000 range, if not higher. - NYC mayoral candidate Ray McGuire, a former Citibank executive, when asked during a New York Times editorial board interview what he thought the median price of a home in Brooklyn is. (The correct answer is $900,000)

In Brooklyn, huh? I don’t for sure. I would guess it is around $100,000. - NYC mayoral candidate Shaun Donovan, who ran the Department of Housing and Urban Development in the Obama administration from 2009 to 2014, when asked the same question by the New York Times editorial board

Every day, Black birthing people and our babies die because our doctors don’t believe our pain. - Rep. Cori Bush (D-Miss) being politically correct during a speech in Congress, thus reducing mothers to “birthing people”

That is not something we recommend. - White House press secretary Jen Psaki admitting in a podcast with CNN Senior Political Commentator David Axelrod that the White House communications team prefers that President Biden not answer impromptu questions

I would – let’s be real. - Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady when asked whether he would give up a few Super Bowl rings to have won the Super Bowl against Eli Manning and Giants in 2007, when his team went 16-0 during the season

Never - Eli Manning, in response

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Political Crossfire

The Wizards of Armageddon May Be Back By David Ignatius

uclear weapons are probably the last thing the Biden administration wants to worry about right now. But given aggressive Chinese and Russian eﬀorts to build new systems, and America’s aging strategic force, the wizards of Armageddon may be back. Chinese and Russian advances were highlighted in last month’s annual “Threat Assessment” by the U.S. intelligence community. It said China was planning to double its arsenal of nuclear weapons over the next decade in “the most rapid expansion…in its history.” And it warned that Russia remains America’s closest strategic rival as it “expands and modernizes its nuclear weapons capabilities.” Unpack this bland language and you see some genuinely scary new threats. China is deploying a truckbased mobile intercontinental ballistic missile, called the Dongfeng-41, that could strike targets in the United States. China also has an intermediate-range mobile missile, the Dongfeng-26, that’s “capable of rapidly swapping conventional and nuclear warheads,” according to Austin Long, a Pentagon strategic planner, in a recent article in War on the Rocks. What this means for U.S. commanders is that in a crisis, China would have hundreds of hard-to-detect trucks roaming its highways, some carrying nukes and some not – and if the missiles were ﬁred, the United States probably wouldn’t know which were which. That, as the Cold War strategists used to say, would be “destabilizing.”

Russia is tweaking the nightmare scenarios, too. President Vladimir Putin boasted in his April 21 address to the federal assembly that Russia now has a new Avangard hypersonic ICBM, a Tsirkon hypersonic anti-ship missile and a Poseidon nuclear torpedo capable of devastating coastal cities. All these weapons have very short delivery times to defeat U.S. missile defenses. They, too, would destabilize the balance of terror. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is deliberating how to replace its 50-year-old

answer, King told journalists after the visit. Some other analysts argue that the United States should instead emulate the Chinese with a mobile ICBM system of our own, though it’s doubtful any state would welcome this nuclear caravan now any more than when it was first proposed in the 1980s. The Biden administration’s main interest in nuclear weapons so far has been limiting them. After just six days in office, Biden agreed to extend for another five years the New START treaty with Russia, which limits each

In a crisis, China would have hundreds of hard-to-detect trucks roaming its highways, some carrying nukes and some not.

Minuteman missiles technology, one leg of the “triad” of U.S. strategic forces. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, who chairs the Senate subcommittee that oversees strategic forces, told me he came away from a visit to a missile silo in North Dakota last weekend wondering, “How would you feel if your survival depended on a car you bought in 1970?” The Pentagon’s tentative answer is a new silo-based missile known as the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent. “I would say I’m convinced but not fully convinced” that this new ICBM is the

country’s warheads. But the treaty doesn’t cover China, and that’s the problem. Beijing doesn’t want to talk about curbing its nuclear forces until it reaches parity with the United States and Russia. “The Chinese are modernizing their nuclear deterrent, and ours is aging. That’s the big story,” argues David Finkelstein in an interview. He directs China and Indo-Paciﬁc security studies at CNA, an independent research institute in Arlington. Why is China moving so quickly to jettison its old doctrine of a “lim-

ited deterrent” and double its nuclear forces? U.S. analysts aren’t sure, but some judge that the Chinese may want to make any U.S. eﬀort to defend Taiwan militarily exceptionally costly. Beijing wants a low-cost walkover in Taipei, not a bloody assault. “The last thing on China’s mind is a D-Day style invasion” of Taiwan, contends Christopher Johnson in an interview. He’s a former top CIA China analyst who’s now the chief executive of China Strategies Group, a political risk consulting ﬁrm. He notes that China has halved its number of short-range missiles opposite Taiwan but boosted deployments of missiles for striking U.S. bases in Guam and Japan. China’s accelerating nuclear program vexes American analysts. During the Cold War, the United States and Russia developed a language for thinking about nuclear weapons and deterrence. Leaders of both countries understood the horrors of nuclear war and sought predictability and stability in nuclear policy. China lacks such a vocabulary for thinking about the unthinkable. Russia and America have some severe problems these days, but they know how to talk about arms control. Even as the Biden administration thinks about building a new generation of doomsday weapons, it needs to sit down and begin a conversation with China about strategic forces that’s becoming more urgent every day. (c) 2021, Washington Post Writers Group

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Political Crossfire

Russia’s Plot to Control the Internet By David Ignatius

ussia’s campaign to control the Internet isn’t just a secret intelligence gambit any longer. It’s an explicit goal, proclaimed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a key element of the Kremlin’s foreign policy. Putin complained during his annual address to the Russian federal assembly on April 21 that the United States and other Western countries are “stubbornly rejecting Russia’s numerous proposals to establish an international dialogue on information and cybersecurity. We have come up with these proposals many times. They avoid even discussing this matter.” Asking for “international dialogue” takes some nerve, coming from the world’s biggest cyberbully – a country that notoriously meddled in the 2016, 2018 and 2020 U.S. elections, and has engaged in similar Internet mischief throughout the world. Controlling the “information space,” as the Russians sometimes call it, has long been an intelligence priority for Moscow. Russia is waging its cyber-diplomacy oﬀensive on two fronts: First, the United Nations has embraced Russia’s proposal to write a new treaty governing cybercrime, to replace the 2001 Budapest convention that Moscow rejected because it was too intrusive. And second, Russia is lobbying for its candidate to head the U.N.’s International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and use it to supplant the current private group, known as ICANN, that coordinates Internet addresses.

These international regulatory battles sound obscure, but they will help determine who writes the rules for Internet communications for the rest of the 21st century. The fundamental question is whether the governance process will beneﬁt authoritarian states that want to control information or the advocates of openness and freedom. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed on Tuesday the importance of this contest. “There are relatively few items that are ultimately going to have a greater impact on the lives of people around the world than the ITU post. It may seem dry and esoteric, but it’s anything but. And so we’re very,

prerogatives speciﬁcally to the ITU, as it is a specialized U.N. body, which has the needed expertise on these issues,” Chernukhin said. “This strategic objective may be achieved by electing or promoting the Russian candidate to the position of the ITU Secretary-General in the 2022 elections…and by holding the 2025 anniversary U.N. Internet Governance Forum in Russia.” Russia’s candidate for ITU secretary-general is Rashid Ismailov, a former deputy chief of the Russian communications ministry and a former executive at the Chinese telecommunications company Huawei. In announcing Ismailov’s candidacy on April 7, Maxim Parshin, the cur-

Asking for “international dialogue” takes some nerve, coming from the world’s biggest cyberbully.

very actively engaged on this front,” Blinken said in an email message, elaborating on comments he made to me during an April 7 interview. Russia outlined its ITU game plan in unusually forthright comments by Ernst Chernukhin, the foreign ministry’s special coordinator for political use of information and communications technology. He spoke on April 21, the same day Putin made his speech. “The optimal option…would be transferring Internet management

rent deputy minister, underlined Moscow’s governance takeover plan: “We believe it is important to deﬁne an entity, within the U.N. framework, that would develop and implement legal norms and standards in the ﬁeld of Internet governance. We think that the ITU could become such an entity.” The Biden administration’s candidate for the ITU post is Doreen Bogdan-Martin, an American telecommunications expert who’s currently director of the ITU’s development

bureau. The State Department, which has sometimes been lackadaisical in such international regulatory contests, is campaigning aggressively for Bogdan-Martin, and officials hope she’ll have sufficient support in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and elsewhere to win the post. The election will take place at an ITU gathering late next year in Romania. Internet technical governance today is managed by ICANN, which stands for Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. This gathering of engineers and other experts was founded in 1998 to supervise domain names for the Defense Department’s ARPANET system, and it operated under a contract with the Commerce Department until 2016, when it went fully private. The American roots of the Internet seem to both upset Putin and fuel conspiratorial talk. The Russian leader said during a 2014 interview translated by RT that the Internet “first appeared as a special CIA project… and the special services are still at the center of things.” Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president, complained in a February interview: “The Internet emerged at a certain time, and undoubtedly the key rights to control are in the United States.” Russia is ready to rumble over the rules that will shape the future of Internet communications. Fortunately, the Biden administration seems determined to fight back hard to maintain fair and open rules. (c) 2021, Washington Post Writers Group

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Forgotten Her es

The Heroes of the Higgins Boats By Avi Heiligman

Andrew Jackson Higgins

uring the 1930s, the U.S. military knew that if they were to get into a global conflict, they would need new types of weapons, equipment, planes, vehicles and ships to fight the war. Weapons like the bazooka and M1 Garand rifle were introduced, and planes like the heavy bomber were instrumental to winning subsequent wars. World War II was a new type of war that needed never-seen-before equipment on the battlefield. The battles now started on the beaches after a landing, and a new type of ship was needed so that planners could attack an open beach instead of heavily defended ports. A new type of ship called a LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel) was introduced. Later-President Eisenhower said it was designed by the man who won the war for us. The design would be globally known as the Higgins boat and changed the way amphibious operations were conducted. Andrew Jackson Higgins started off in the lumber and boat industries and in 1926 designed the Eureka boat that was used by oil drillers. Difficulties in the lumber trade forced Higgins out of that business, so he turned his focus to the boat building industry fulltime. The Marine Corps was unhappy with the U.S. Navy’s landing craft and looked for alternative options. They soon came across Higgins’ shallow draft Eureka boat but said that it needed modifications. They specifically noted the difficulty dis-

embarking men would have in climbing over the sides of the boat, thereby adding time to get to the beach. Still, Higgins got the contact and later the ramp was added. The Higgins boat was a 36-footlong landing craft that had a crew of four and could hold 36 fully equipped men, a three-ton vehicle or 8,100 lbs. of cargo. Over 23,000 were built between the years 1942 to 1945 at the Higgins factory in New Orleans. It had a top speed of 12 knots and was armed with two .30 caliber Browning machine guns. The part of the boat that made it so unique was the front part that could be lowered and used as a ramp once the boat hit the beach. After quickly unloading its cargo, the boat was able to retract the ramp, back up into the water, and go back to the fleet to pick up another load. Higgins boats also were designed to ride high on the water and had a shallow draft to allow it to ride up to the shore. The LCVP became the blueprint for other landing craft that were designed by Higgins. During the war, Higgins boats were employed by the U.S., Britain, France, and Malta and were used during many amphibious invasions in multiple theaters of the war. There were present by the invasions of Sicily, Normandy, Tarawa, Iwo Jima and Okinawa, as well as by numerous other beaches. The Germans were not expecting an assault on Normandy in June 1944

as the closest port was not within striking distance. However, the Allied planners built artificial harbors, and with the Higgins boats, they were able to quickly get men and materials offloaded and into the battle. Eisenhower said about the planning, “[Without the Higgins boats,] we never could have landed over an open beach. The whole strategy of the war would have been different.” Over 150,000 men were landed on D-Day alone, and despite the heavy German resistance, the landings were successful. The only coast guardsman to ever receive the Medal of Honor was Douglas Munro who was in charge of a contingent of Higgins boats. He had landed troops during the Tulagi invasion on the Solomon Islands in August 1942 and had volunteered for a very risky search and rescue mission with the small boats. On September 27, 1942, he was on the island Guadalcanal and was attached to Lt. Col. Chesty Puller’s three companies of marines that were to attack Japanese positions across the Matanikau River. Munro dropped off the marines and proceeded to evacuate wounded servicemen to safety. The marine landing soon came under a fierce Japanese counterattack, and Puller asked the Higgins to evacuate the beleaguered marines. Munro wasted no time in getting to the evacuation points even though they were under heavy Japa-

nese fire. He moved his boat in a way to protect the embarking marines and directed one the LCT (Landing Craft Tank) to help another LCT extricate itself from a sandbar. During much of the battle Munro was on the 30-caliber machine gun to place suppressing fire on the Japanese positions. At one point, he was shot and mortally wounded. The Higgins boats continued with the withdrawal until all the marines were off the beach. Puller later recommended Munro for the Medal of Honor for his actions on his Higgins boat. Several Higgins boats survive and are either on display, in storage, or in the process of being restored. Higgins boats were overlooked for many years as larger ships got a lot of the credit for successful amphibious landings. Recently, they have made news stories as the landings at Normandy passed their 75th anniversary in 2019. The men who served on the boats were under immense pressure to land their troops in the correct spot on the beaches and often found themselves facing tremendous enemy fire. The boats and the men who navigated them are considered by many as the key component that won the war.

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.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Classifieds classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com • text 443-929-4003

SERVICES

Tutor available for limudai kodesh studies. Also Bar Mitzvah parsha preparation. Flexible times. Please call (516) 404-5752

MOONBOUNCE FOR RENT $100/day Holds up to 500lbs. Perfect fun for ages 3-8 Call or text 516-220-0616 to reserve your date

Yoga & Licensed Massage Therapy Peaceful Presence Studio 436 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst Separate men/women Group/private sessions Gift Cards Available www. Peacefulpresence.com 516 -371 -3715 Alternative Solutions Geriatric Care Management staff will assist you with: * Obtaining Medicaid and Pooled Income Trust * In-home Assessments, Individual and Family Counseling * Securing reliable home care assistance * Case and Care Management services Dr. S. Sasson, DSW, LCSW (718) 544- 0870 or (646) 284-6242

HOUSES FOR SALE Don’t Get Stuck With a Two Story House Ya Know, It’s One Story Before You Buy It But a Second Story After You Own It! Call Dov Herman For An Accurate Unbiased Home Inspection Infrared - Termite Inspection Full Report All Included NYC 718-INSPECT Long Island 516-INSPECT www.nyinspect.com

GERBER MOVING FULL SERVICE MOVING Packing Moving Supplies Local Long Distance Licensed Insured 1000’S Of Happy Customers Call Shalom 347-276-7422 HAIR COURSE Learn how to wash & style hair & wigs Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling Private lessons or in a group Call Chaya 718-715-9009 SHALOM HANDYMAN Plumbing, heating, boiler, installation, sewer, locks, dryer vent cleaning and more… CALL 917-217-3676

PRICE REDUCED: Sprawling 4BR, 4BA Exp-Ranch, Oversized Rooms, LR W/Fplc, Formal Dining Rm, Large Den, Master Suite, Full Finished Basement, Storage Room & Office, Deck, Fabulous Property…$1.078M Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

HOUSES FOR SALE OPEN HOUSE Sunday 5/9 & 5/16 • 10 AM – 2PM Woodmere Park Tranquil 1/3 acre, 165’ lakefront Large corner home, large backyard, 5 BR, 3+ baths Photos on Zillow.com: 874 Lakeside Drive Serious buyers only. Cindy 516-849-2406

HOUSE FOR SALE BY OWNER IN FAR ROCKAWAY/ LAWRENCE! Charming 5 BR/3 Bths, recent extension, CAC, 6250 sq lot, large beautiful yard, amazing location! Call / text for details (516) 668-5249

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Stunning new construction col. on oversized lot in Woodmere SD#15. Approx. 2,100sf/floor, 5BRs & 4bths on 2nd floor 9’ ceilings, lrge EIK, full fin. bsmnt w/ 8’ ceilings, bonus attic. Avigail (516) 316-3452 $2.49M

Prime Cedarhurst location! Lovely 3/4 br, 2.5 bth colonial with finished basement. great yard! Miri (646)515-8813 $749K

Center hall colonial with 5 massive BRs. Large 75x100 property. Renovated kitchen and baths. Miri (646) 515-8813 $1.129M

Great 3br starter house close to LIRR, park, shopping. Not in flood zone, low taxes. Chana (516)449-9692 $575K

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Brick colonial with 4 large BRs, 2 full bths upstairs. Full basement with high ceilings. Bryna (516)322-4831 $1.29M

Easy living beautiful ranch house w/ gorgeous water views on quiet cul-de-sac. 4 large BRs, 2.5bth, custom kit., 30,000+ square foot lot. Raizie (917)-903-1778 $1.469M

Beautiful 5/6BR, 3.5bth splanch in CBP Walkable to N. Woodmere. Completely renovated & updated EIK, sunny family room, great yard! Miri (646)515-8813 Price reduced! $1.149M

Quality gut renovation with designer kitchen and bths, 4BR at affordable price. Malka (516)967-1967 $649K

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Beautifully maintained 5BR, 3 full bth colonial across from Cedarhurst Park. Possible mother daughter with permits. Avigail (516)316-3452 $939K

Spacious 3BR condo with 3 floors of living space, updated kitchen, renovated bathroom, deck and private yard. Malka (516)967-1967 $475K

Sunny Split level in desirable FR Location, 5br, 3 full bths, CAC, great yard. Leah (516)884-6530 $1.099M

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4BR, 3bth brick colonial on quiet tree-lined street. Large LR & DR. Close to LIRR. Leah (516) 884-6530. $4200/month

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Spacious 4BR, 2.5bth splanch in District 15. high-end Kitchen & bths. Many upgrades throughout. Water views. Babshie (732) 239-7987 $1.199M

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Classifieds classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com • text 443-929-4003

HOUSES FOR SALE

COMMERCIAL RE

APT FOR RENT

HOUSE FOR SALE BY OWNER: Located on Cedarhill Road off Reads Lane Best Block in Far Rockaway! Text 516-360-0205 for more details

SF MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE Available, Reception Area, Waiting Room, Kitchenette, 2 Consult, 4 Exam Rooms, 2 Bathrooms, 30 Car On-Site Parking, For Lease …Call Ian 516-295-3000 www.pugatch.com

EAST ROCKAWAY: Retail Stores on Busy Corner, 1000SF& Up Available, Great High Visibility Location, For Lease… Call for More Details Broker (516) 792-6698

FAR ROCKAWAY APT FOR RENT Small Three bedroom apt 2nd floor of two family house Caffrey Ave near Darchei Torah. Newly renovated, Brand new kitchen and appliances, new carpeting, freshly painted. w/d hookup. Shared driveway for 1 car. Large backyard. $2150 per month. Available immediately. Call 347-683-8082

HOUSES FOR RENT Long Beach House for rent 5 brm/2 bathrooms 1 block from beach. Call 516-297-4976 Please call me to disacuss payment and size

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LAWRENCE OFFICE SPACE Not going to the office in Manhattan anymore? Looking for quiet office space locally? Private office space available to rent in Lawrence - with shared waiting area. Good rates. Utilities included. For more information email: Mymanagement360@yahoo.com LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN! 500-7000 Square feet gorgeous office space with WATERVIEW in Inwood! Lots of options. Tons of parking. Will divide and customize space for your needs! Call 516-567-0100

ROCKVILLE CENTRE FLEX OFFICE SPACE / LIGHT WAREHOUSING 2540 S/F - Ready for move in. Competitively priced Ideal Location / Walk To LIRR & bus - Bank, Shopping, City Center. 917-822-0499

APT FOR RENT INWOOD Brand new bright and airy basement apartment near LIRR . Never used kosher kitchen , 2 bedrooms , LR/DR central air /heat ,full bathroom washer/dryer $2000 a month Call/text Yitzi (929) 225-3616

WOODMERE: BEST BUY Spacious 2BR Apartment, Washer/Dryer In Bldg, Elevator Bldg, Open Floor Plan, 1st Floor, Close To All...$199K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Publication seeking part-time writer 4-5 hours a week Work from home Send resume to: fivetownsmarketing101@gmail.com

VACATION RENTALS

HELP WANTED

VACATION IN JERUSALEM: Beautiful Short-term rentals in Jerusalem (Sharei Chesed, Romema, Hanevi'im – City Center) Contact today for great service: Shisha Realty 718-408-8070 vacation@shisharealty.com

Early Childhood Center Staff Needed in Lawrence for Fall, 2021 The Gural JCC Early Childhood Center is hiring Head Teachers and Assistant Teachers for the 2021-2022 school year. Interested and qualified applicants should please e-mail resumes and references directly to JCC.Nursery@guraljcc.org or call (516) 239-1354

VACATION IN JERUSALEM: Beautiful 3 bedroom apartment with porch and view available for short term in the Kaduri – Jerusalem Heights project on the 8th floor. Shisha Realty 718-408-8070 vacation@shisharealty.com

VACATION SALES VACATION BUNGALOW FOR SALE Hopewell Junction,NY,4 bedroom + loft, LR, sunroom, kit, shul on grounds. 917-939-5146

HELP WANTED TORAH ACADEMY FOR GIRLS JHS Secular Studies Looking for teachers '21-'22 email resume to: tackerman@tagschools.org Yeshivath Gesher/Gesher ECC a growing school is looking for: 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 Downtown Manhattan CPA firm seeking office manager/ bookkeeper. Must be proficient in excel, have strong typing skills and be able to multitask. Accounting background preferred. Send resume to officemgr613@gmail.com Early Childhood Center SUMMER CAMP Staff Needed in Lawrence The Gural JCC Early Childhood Center camp is seeking summer staff including Morahs, Counselors, Assistant Counselors and lifeguards. Qualified and interested staff please call (516) 239-1354 or e-mail Camp@GuralJCC.org CAHAL is seeking Special Education Rebbeim, Teachers and Assistants for the 2021-22 school year. Send resume to shira@cahal. org or call 516-295-3666

Living Quarters Furniture is looking to hire an upbeat Sales Associate. Must love design and furniture, and have an affinity towards helping customers and sales. Great Pay, Commissions, plus flexibility. Email your resume to Josh@Scripson.com HALB Lev Chana Early Childhood Center is seeking caring, responsible Assistant Teachers and a part-time Art Teacher for the 2021-2022 school year. Competitive salary offered. Resumes: Levchana@halb.org The Aish Kodesh youth department is actively seeking a youth director for this coming fall. Very competitive salary. All serious inquiries and resumes can be sent to aishyouthdepartment@gmail.com 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 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

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

HELP WANTED

Due to expansion YDE Girls Elementary is seeking staff for 2021-2022: Judaic Studies Assistant Principal Judaic Studies and General Studies Teachers Middle School General Studies Teachers P3 providers Associate / Assistant teachers Permanent Sub Office Staff Come join the growing YDE Girls Elementary School family! Warm professional environment, competitive salary. Email resume to EGresumes@ydeschool.org

Seeking full time OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST for Special Education school located in Brooklyn. Experienced preferred. Competitive salary. Room for growth. resumes@yadyisroelschool.org

TEACHERS Yeshiva Kol Torah seeks dynamic educators to join our team for next year. General studies classes are held in the afternoon. Professional and supportive environment. Excellent pay commensurate with experience. Please submit resumes to srada@yeshivakoltorah.org TAG/MSHS in Far Rockaway is seeking qualified Regents Biology, Intro to Computers, and Graphic Design Teachers for the 2021-2022 school year. Email résumé to rschiffer@tagschools.org Due to expansion, YDE Boys Middle School is seeking ELA, Science, History and Math teachers for the 2021-2022 school year. Great environment, extremely competitive salaries, benefits and on time pay. Please email resume to relbaum@ydeschool.org LOCAL 5T SCHOOL LOOKING TO HIRE A CLERICAL EMPLOYEE Job responsibilities include data entry, database management, assisting the administrator in his daily tasks. Suitable for someone seeking an entry-level position. Candidates must be detailoriented, organized, and have the ability to multi-task. Proficiency in Microsoft Office required. Enjoyable working environment, personal, sick, vacation days offered, Yom Tovim and certain legal holidays off. Salary commensurate with experience. Please email resume to admin@shoryoshuv.org

YESHIVA KETANA OF QUEENS IS LOOKING FOR JR HI TEACHERS FOR ENGLISH, SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES. 2-4 periods a day. Mon-Thurs. 2:30-5:30. Warm environment, very good salary. 917-742-8909 email rlswia@aol.com DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT A multi-tasker needed for general office work. The ideal candidate is someone who is detail-oriented, responsible, and can take ownership. Looking for someone who is eager to learn, and expand his/her skill set while possessing the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience with Excel required. Five Towns location. In-office position only, not remote. Please send resume to 5tpart.timecareer@gmail.com Downtown Manhattan CPA firm seeking office manager/bookkeeper. Must be proficient in excel, have strong typing skills and be able to multitask. Accounting background preferred. Send resume to officemgr613@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 ASSISTANTS NEEDED FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AFTERNOON SESSION. Email: fivetownseducators@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

139

HELP WANTED

MISC

Looking to hire sales people to train as NY & NJ Public Adjusters. No experience necessary, flexible hours. Call 973-951-1534

ELDERLY GENTLEMAN WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE ITEMS OR SOUVINERS FROM WORLD WAR ONE OR WORLD WAR TWO CALL: BRUCE AT 516-2397444

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

Gemach Zichron Yehuda In memory of R’ Yehuda Aryeh Leib ben R’ Yisroel Dov We have a library of books on the subjects of loss, aveilus, grief, & kaddish. We have sets of ArtScroll Mishnayos to assist with finishing Shisha Sidrei Mishna for Shloshim or yahrtzeit. Locations in Brooklyn, Far Rockaway, & Lakewood. Email: zichronyehuda@yahoo.com

BAIS YAAKOV IN FAR ROCKAWAY seeking permanent substitute for Preschool and Elementary school. Please call 718-868-3232 ext 211 SPECIAL ED DIRECTOR Responsibility: Curriculum Designer Individual curriculum as needed Staff training Innovative, visionary Requirement: Masters Special Ed and Education Administration or SLP Backgroup Email Resume: specialedresume2018@gmail.com

MISC We buy records! Jazz, Calypso, Rock, Disco, Blues, Latin etc. Cash paid for LP’s and 45’s. Please call: 646-344-9551 wewantrecords@gmail.com

Shor Yoshuv Tehilim Program for kids (1-8 grade) is taking place every Shabbos afternoon at 5:50pm Boys’ location: Shor Yoshuv Girls location: 717 cedar lawn ave, Far Rockaway. Weekly pekalach and prizes sponsored by Berrylicious will be served The Yekusiel Menachem Children's Clothing Gmach in Cedarhurst is now accepting donations from newborn to junior sizes. New clothing ONLY Any questions please contact (516) 712- 7735. Thank you Tizku lmitzvos

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Your

Money

Unintended Consequences By Allan Rolnick, CPA

russian Minister Otto von Bismarck once said that laws are like sausages: it’s better not to see them being made. Frankly, that comparison is unfair to sausage makers. When was the last time a kitchen full of lawmakers cooked up something as tasty as a delicate Bavarian weisswürst, or as satisfying as a classic Wisconsin brat, or as fun as a cheddarwurst? But now the new administration has rolled out a grab-bag of tax changes as part of its American Jobs Plan (i.e., infrastructure week) and American Families Plan, and sausage makers are rolling up their sleeves. Changing the tax code used to be the sort of Serious Business you’d see in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. The landmark Tax Reform Act of 1986 was a heroic rewrite of the entire code following five days of sober hearings. A bipartisan coalition of legislative heavyweights like New York’s Jack Kemp and New Jersey’s Bill Bradley led the charge, battling a sea of lobbyists swamping “Gucci Gulch.” The final text passed with majorities in both parties. (OK, a few years later, Dan Rostenkowski, the Ways & Means Chair who finally closed the deal, wound up in jail. But nobody’s perfect.) Today that sort of coopera-

tion has vanished. (You thought it still works like Schoolhouse Rock? Awww, bless your heart.) Tinkering with the tax code is a grubby, partisan exercise in raw political power. Senate Republicans passed the 2017 tax act with hand-written edits in the margins, language we can only assume started out scrawled on the

istration has proposed hiking the capital gains rate on incomes over $1 million to 39.6%. That proposal drew fire faster than the first guy off the boat at Omaha Beach, and we’ll probably wind up around 25% there, too. Writing tax law is a collision of pain and pleasure, between the

Writing tax law is a collision of pain and pleasure.

back of cocktail napkins. (“Hearings? We don’t need no stinkin’ hearings!”) Few of the Senators voting on the $1.4 trillion bill had even seen the 479-page text before voting. Now the circus is back in town. The White House has proposed raising the corporate rate back up to 28%, halfway between where it stood in 2017 and where it stands now. But rank-and-file Democrats, who seem happier closing loopholes than raising rates, look more inclined to settle on 25%. The admin-

bite of increases in one place and the sweet relief of cuts in another. Should estate taxes go back up? Will “coastal elites” get their unlimited state tax deductions back again? Come to think of it, the whole process might not be that different from deciding how much actual “meat” to stuff into those sausage casings, along with the “filler” and other icky stuff. Whatever recipe they pick, lawmakers should consider how their plans might go wrong. In 1993, President Clinton thought it was unfair

that corporate CEOs were making 60 times more than rank-and-file workers. So he added Code Section 162(m), which limits deductions for executive pay to “just” $1 million — except performance-based rewards like stock options and grants. Compensation committees laughed and restructured pay packages to meet the new rules. The result? For 2020, the average CEO took home over 300 times as much as the average employee. We may not know until December what the tax system is going to look like in January. But our job won’t change no matter where it goes: map a course for your finances to avoid any new red lights where you have to stop and pay, and take advantage of green lights where you can go without paying. Either way, you’ll be way ahead of the people who settle for just recording their history under the new rules!

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 | MAY 13, 2021

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Life C ach

Can You Sneak Me an Answer? Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

Do they even actually make sneakers exclusively for walking, or do you just buy an old pair of running shoes that have no more energy to accelerate? Are “cross” trainers angry at you? Are “high” tops walking around on a high? For that matter, are “laced” sneakers laced with something? Are

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’ve been wondering about sneakers these days. They are so specific. Did you ever think about that? Like, let me share some meanderings. Are “running” shoes allowed to be used for walking? What I mean is, can you slow down in them, or do you need to keep following instructions?

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they a little suspect?! Is that what sparked the invention of Velcro sneakers? Was it an attempt to keep little kids safe?! Are “tennis” sneakers trained in the sport? Is it actually safe to wear “slip on” sneakers or do you slip on them? Are “canvas” sneakers good for art class? What I’m trying to get at, is why are there suddenly specifically sneaker stores nowadays? Why did we have one pair of Keds as kids and we were covered? That certainly didn’t call for its own store. Have feet changed? Is it merely an amorphous marketing thing? Or could it be some foot maven or knee expert really figured out what was better for our anatomy? And what about the tension and indecision it causes at point of purchase? Who has that figured out?! I know when I go in to a sneaker store, it seems as complicated as attending a Talmud class. There are all the different possibilities to consider. There are questions upon questions. What do I do more of: walk, run, exercise, play sports, jog, hike, bike, etc.? Do I go forward or lateral more? I certainly hope they mean when I’m doing two different activities! I definitely wouldn’t want to find myself going from side to side when I’m supposed to be moving forward. Unless they mean on Purim! I usually begin to think it sounds like I need to buy more than one pair of sneakers. It just doesn’t seem that one pair can cover all the angles. I actually think that’s why golf

shoes added those cleats on the bottom. It probably had nothing to do with stabilizing one’s feet on the grass. It’s more likely it was done just to simplify the purchase. After all, golf is a time-consuming enough sport, they likely didn’t want to burden people with the shoe-buying part of it. Shoes with cleats – done! Listen, to be perfectly honest, I’m not even sure I’m wearing the proper sneakers right now. I was in the store, I couldn’t decide what my main form of activity was, so I just took a cheap pair that felt comfortable. I said that I’d return when I figured out what I do the most of. That was weeks ago! Who knows how messed up my feet are by now? Where’s the maven when you need him?! So I’m still “sneak”ering around in these in the meantime. It should be OK, though, ‘cause I’m trying to cover all angles to hopefully address, at some point, what these sneakers are best for. Therefore, if you see me walking a little funny, don’t get worried. It’s cause I’m trying to cover all possibilities: forward, backward, lateral, high, cross, whatever. Well, enough about sneakers. I’m at that point that I would ordinarily say that I have lots to do, I just gotta run. But, then I might need to change my shoes! So I’ll just say ta-ta for now.

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

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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Those who donate to the Shavuos campaign of Kupat Ha'ir should ‫בעז"ה‬ merit the fulfillment of the Tefillas HaShlah and will enjoy great success in the chinuch of their children. Chaim Kanievsky

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SHAVUOS

By Rabbi Berel Wein

The Book of Ruth E

very biblical narrative has at its heart a main character, a hero or heroine. Even though the book and the scroll of Ruth is named for her, the true main character and heroine of the story is Naomi. This is confirmed in the book itself when the prophet Samuel, the author of the book, relates that when Ruth gave birth to Oved, the women of Bethlehem declared, “A male child has been born to Naomi.” It is obvious that they did not mean this literally, for Naomi was widowed and no longer of child-bearing age. Nevertheless, the wise women of the town recognized that, if it were not for Naomi, Ruth would never have met Boaz in a matrimonial relationship. It was Naomi who planned the entire series of events that would lead to the birth of this child and the beginning of the dynastic monarchy of the Jewish people. The book instructs us not to view things in a superficial manner but rather to analyze and understand the causes and circumstances that eventually lead to the details of the narrative. The whole linchpin of the story is the steadfast commitment of Naomi and her determination not to be crushed by the tragedies that engulfed her. Because of her, there can be a Ruth, a Boaz, and eventually, a King David. Life is oftentimes very difficult, and its burdens can be crushing. For many of us, we are passing through such a time currently. Everything that was familiar, and in fact taken for granted, has been struck from our daily lives. Our future is certainly murky and mysterious. Because of this, strength of character and an iron will to persevere and overcome is vitally necessary. Naomi is the symbol of these strengths that we desire for ourselves and our community. It is her resourcefulness and true understanding of human nature that will stand us in good stead in our hour of difficulty and adjustment that is upon us. The challenge is how to summon up these characteristics and apply them to our own lives. In this, we can also be instructed by Ruth herself. Her selfless devotion to Naomi even though

it meant the forsaking of everything she had known, and of her worldly positions, became her strongest asset. Her commitment was complete and boundless. Her determination not to aban-

by what we give, donate, and forsake. This is a diﬃcult lesson to put into practice since it runs counter to much of our innate nature, but both Naomi and Ruth rise to greatness

The whole linchpin of the story is the steadfast commitment of Naomi and her determination not to be crushed by the tragedies that engulfed her.

don Naomi, and the faith and tradition of Naomi, became the turning point in her life and brought her to unimagined glory and success. Sometimes in life, forsaking everything becomes the key to acquiring greater things. Judaism teaches that we are measured not by what we take and acquire but

on the basis of what they were willing to give up for a higher and nobler goal in life. One has to be willing to humble oneself and to sit amongst the gleaners of fallen grain in order to become, eventually, the matriarch of Jewish eternal monarchy. Chag sameach.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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From the Fire Shavuos

In Our Hands By Rav Moshe Weinberger Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

ne of the major themes in Tanach is how Hashem gives life, brings death, and rewards and punishes individuals according to their deeds. In the Book of Rus, however, the events in the story revolve around the kindness of human beings and how their good deeds brought about a good ending for the individuals in the story. The closest the book comes to highlighting Hashem’s providence is the fact that Rus came to collect grain in Boaz’s field exactly when Boaz was surveying his fields, as the pasuk (Rus 2:3) says, “V’yakar mikraha, and it was her chance to come [to Boaz’s field].” But we have all had serendipitous moments like that. What, then, is our main lesson from the book of Rus? We must compare and contrast the events in the Book of Rus with those of the Book of Iyov. Many have pointed out a number of similarities between the events in Naomi’s life and the events in Iyov’s life. First,

both of them lost all of their wealth and family and were forced to start all over again. Second, they both mourn the bitterness of their lot in the context of their recognition of Divine providence and use very similar language. Iyov said (Iyov 27:2), “V’shaki hamar nafshi, and G-d has embittered my soul,” while Naomi (Rus 1:20) said, “Hamar shaki li meod, G-d has dealt very bitterly with me.” Third, after the misfortune which befell both of them, their respective friends looked at them both in shock. The pasuk says (Iyov 2:12), regarding Iyov’s friends, “And they lifted up their eyes from a distance and they did not recognize him and they lifted up their voices and cried.” Similarly, with regard to Naomi’s old friends in Beis Lechem, it says (Rus 1:19), “The whole city was astonished regarding them and [the women] said, ‘Is this Naomi?!’” Fourth, both Iyov and Naomi experience a “happy ending,” where

both of them rebuilt new lives, with Iyov seeing four generations of descendants and Naomi also living to see four generations of descendants, including the father of the ultimate redeemer, Dovid Hamelech. And finally, the pasuk (Iyov 42:13) says Iyov had “twice-seven sons” and Naomi’s friends say regarding Rus that (Rus 4:15) “she is better for you than seven sons.” Whenever we see that two things are very similar, it means that we must look very deeply to discern the deeper distinction between them. We must therefore examine the story to discern the central point which differentiates Naomi from Iyov. In truth, the two books could not be more different. The entire Book of Iyov addresses the theological problem raised by the suffering of the righteous and the prosperity of the wicked. It is a theological dialogue between Iyov and his friends. Outside of the first two and last few chapters, there is virtually no action

and no one does anything in Sefer Iyov to rectify Iyov’s situation. The entire “story” of Iyov consists of a discussion about the problem presented by Iyov’s situation. Even at the end, Iyov never learns of the debate between Hashem and the Satan, nor does he learn of any interpretation which would help him understand everything that happened to him. Rather, Hashem tells Iyov from the midst of the storm of his theological debates, (Iyov 38:34) “Strengthen yourself like a man, I will ask you and you will tell me, ‘Where were you when I founded the earth?!’” Iyov only experiences a redemption when he finally admits to man’s inability to understand G-d’s ways, as the pasuk (Iyov 42:3) says, “Therefore I spoke but did not understand; they are hidden from me and I did not know.” Just like he never understood the reason for his suffering, he never understood why he was redeemed in the end. As we say in the Yomim Noraim davening,

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“Man comes from the dust and will return to the dust.” Based on Iyov, man cannot demand to understand the way Hashem conducts the world. As the Navi (Yeshayahu 41:4) says, Hashem “calls the generations from the beginning,” and (Id. at 46:10) “He tells the end at the beginning.” Man cannot hope to understand everything that happens. Indeed, even one’s good or bad deeds will not guarantee good or bad fortune in his life on earth. The bottom line is (Tehillim 8:5) “What is man that You should remember him and the son of man that You should be mindful of him?” Based on the Book of Iyov, it seems that everything is in Hashem’s hands and man has no determinative role in his own fate. The Book of Rus, however, is exactly the opposite. People take their lives into their own hands, rebuild after destruction, and ultimately, the kind deeds of the kind people in the story lead not only to their own redemption but to the establishment of the kingdom of the father of the final redeemer, Dovid Hamelech. Rus refused to abandon Naomi. Naomi took care of Rus. Boaz took care of Rus as well. The whole book is filled with stories of people who, with their own actions, achieve things, rectify the past, build the future, and establish the beginning of the ultimate monarchy and the final redemption. As the pasuk (Tehillim 89:3) says, “Olam chessed yibaneh, the world is built through kindness.” In fact, just two pesukim after the verse which stated, “What is man that You should remember him,” Dovid Hamelech continues (Tehillim 8:7), “You give [man] dominion over the work of Your hands, you have placed everything beneath his feet.” Man’s kindness can determine the outcome of the way Hashem conducts the world. The kindness of Rus, Naomi, Boaz, and others in the story screams out (Sifri, Devarim 26:36) “We have done what You have decreed that we do, now fulfill your promise to us!” In response, Hashem gave Rus a son, who would one day become the grandfather of Dovid Hamelech. The message of

the Book of Rus is that if a person works and lives a righteous life, he can rebuild his own life and bring about the redemption. When we received the Torah, we said (Shmos 24:7), “Naaseh v’nishmah, we will do and we will listen.” The Book of Rus corresponds to the idea of “we will do,” while the Book of Iyov, in which the individuals simply try to understand the world, corresponds to the idea of “we will listen.” Indeed, we see that Hashem has two different ways of conducting the world. On one hand, according to the Iyov method, He determines

own actions, on the second day of Shavuos. Rus teaches us about the other approach, that we have to act as if everything is up to us and do our part. At the end of the Rebbe Reb Elimelech’s life, he had no strength and hardly ate anything. Everyone begged him to eat, but he could not bring himself to do it. One day, his son, Reb Lazer, a tzaddik in his own right, begged his father to eat, arguing that he was obligated according to halacha to force himself to eat. The Rebbe responded that he simply could not, but that perhaps he could

Man’s kindness can determine the outcome of the way Hashem conducts the world.

the end at the beginning and all man can do is try to make peace with Hashem’s mysterious plans. On the other hand, He conducts the world using the Rus method, in which He gives mankind tremendous power to influence the world. Indeed, as the Midrash (Rus Raba 2) says, “Rabbi Zeira said, ‘This book teaches neither impurity or purity nor does it teach either permission or prohibition. Why was it written? To teach you the great reward for those who do kindness.’” The first day of Shavuos, on which we read the Torah portion recounting the giving of the Torah on Sinai, corresponds to the fact that (Shabbos 88a) “Hashem held the mountain over their heads.” Hashem had a plan and giving us the Torah was part of it. All we could do was go along for the ride. But the second day of Shavuos, the day we keep outside of Eretz Yisroel because of a rabbinic, human enactment, corresponds to our role in actively accepting the Torah. That is why we read Rus, the book which teaches us how to take our lives into our hands and rectify the world through our

eat Malka’s soup. Who, Reb Lazer asked him, is Malka? The Rebbe answered that she is Avremel the poor water carrier’s wife. Immediately, Reb Lazer ran to their house a few blocks away and knocked on the door. Malka answered the door, taken aback that the Rebbe’s son was at their door. He told her that the Rebbe was very sick but that the only thing that he would eat was her soup. Could she please write down the recipe for him? She answered that there was no way she could do that. And she told him the story of how she made soup for the Rebbe. Some time earlier, her husband Avremel very much wanted to invite the Rebbe into their home, but he was extremely shy. He heard, however, that the Rebbe would be passing by their house on a particular day, so he stood outside, waiting for the Rebbe to pass. As the Rebbe passed, he was too embarrassed to say anything, but perhaps sensing that Avremel wanted to invite him in, the Rebbe asked if he could visit Avremel in his home. Avremel was so happy and brought the Rebbe

back to his house. They sat down at the table, but Avremel was completely ignorant and was very shy, so he did not say anything for a few minutes. He merely sat with the Rebbe at the table. After a few minutes, he ran into the kitchen and asked Malka to prepare some food for their honored guest! She told him that she would try to put something together, but the truth was that they had nothing. They had not eaten in two days! All they had was some water and salt, so she put the water over the fire, added the salt and began to stir as her tears fell into the water. Desperate to make something delicious for the Rebbe, she davened over the water that, although they had nothing to flavor the soup, Hashem has all of the delicious tastes in the world above, in Gan Eden, so she begged Him to put the taste of Gan Eden into the soup. This was the soup that she had served the Rebbe Reb Elimelech. Reb Lazer realized that this was something no one could reproduce with a recipe. Other soups take away hunger, but Malka’s soup gave life. Those who have lost loved ones say Yizkor on the second day of Shavuos. Although we know very well that not everyone saying Yizkor is doing so for parents, when a person says Yizkor, he remembers the tears his parents and other loved ones shed on his behalf, and he should know that whatever little bit of paradise he tastes in this world comes from those tears and the other countless acts of kindness performed by those who have left the world. May Hashem collect all of our tears and the tears of those who have already entered the Next World to bring Moshiach to usher in the time when Hashem will dry all of the tears of the world, may he come soon in our days.

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

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Jewish Thought

Leading a Nation of Individuals By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, zt”l

he book of Bamidbar begins with a census of the Israelites. That is why this book is known in English as Numbers. This raises a number of questions: what is the significance of this act of counting? And why here at the beginning of the book? Besides which, there have already been two previous censuses of the people and this is the third within the space of a single year. Surely one would have been sufficient. Additionally, does counting have anything to do with leadership? The place to begin is to note what appears to be a contradiction. On the one hand, Rashi says that the acts of counting in the Torah are gestures of love on the part of G-d: Because they (the Children of Israel) are dear to Him, G-d counts them often. He counted them when they were about to leave Egypt. He counted them after the Golden Calf to establish how many were left. And now that He was about to cause His Presence to rest on them (with the inauguration of the Sanctuary), He counted them again. (Rashi to Bamidbar 1:1) When G-d initiates a census of the Israelites, it is to show that He loves them. On the other hand, the Torah is explicit in saying that taking a census of the nation is fraught with risk: Then G-d said to Moses, “When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each must give to G-d a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Then no plague will come on them when you number them.” (Ex. 30:11-12) When, centuries later, King David counted the people, there was Divine anger, and seventy thousand people died.[1] How can this be, if counting is an expression of love? The answer lies in the phrase the Torah uses to describe the act of counting: se’u et rosh, literally,

“lift the head.”(Num. 1:2) This is a strange, circumlocutory expression. Biblical Hebrew contains many verbs meaning “to count”: limnot, lifkod, lispor, lachshov. Why does the Torah not use these simple words for the census, choosing instead the roundabout expression, “lift the heads” of the people? The short answer is this: in any census, count or roll-call, there is a tendency to focus on the total – the crowd, the multitude, the mass. Here is a nation of sixty million people, or a company with one hundred thousand employees, or a sports crowd of sixty thousand. Any total tends to value the group or nation as a whole. The larger the total, the stronger the army, the more popular the team, and the more successful the company. Counting devalues the individual and tends to make him or her replaceable. If one soldier dies in battle, another will take their place. If one person leaves the organization, someone else can be hired to do their job. Notoriously, too, crowds have the effect of tending to make the individual lose their independent judgment and follow what others are doing. We call this “herd behavior,” and it sometimes leads to collective madness. In

1841, Charles Mackay published his classic study, Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, which tells of the South Sea Bubble that cost thousands of people their money in the 1720s, and the tulip mania in Holland when entire fortunes were spent on single tulip bulbs. The Great Crashes of 1929 and 2008 had the same crowd psychology. Another great work, Gustav Le Bon’s The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind (1895), showed how crowds exercise a “magnetic influence” that transmutes the behavior of individuals into a collective “group mind.” As he put it, “An individual in a crowd is a grain of sand amid other grains of sand, which the wind stirs up at will.” People in a crowd become anonymous. Their conscience is silenced. They lose a sense of personal responsibility. Crowds are peculiarly prone to regressive behavior, primitive reactions, and instinctual behavior. They are easily led by figures who are demagogues, playing on people’s fears and their sense of victimhood. Such leaders, Le Bon noted, are “especially recruited from the ranks of those morbidly nervous excitable half-deranged persons who are bordering on madness,”[2] a remarkable anticipaa -

tion of Hitler. It is no accident that Le Bon’s work was published in France at a time of rising anti-Semitism and the Dreyfus trial. Hence the significance of one remarkable feature of Judaism: its principled insistence – like no other civilization before – on the dignity and integrity of the individual. We believe that every human being was created in the image and likeness of G-d. The Sages said that every life is like an entire universe.[3] Maimonides wrote that each of us should see ourselves as if our next act could change the fate of the world.[4] Every dissenting view is carefully recorded in the Mishnah, even if the law is otherwise. Every verse of the Torah is capable, said the Sages, of seventy interpretations. No voice, no view, is silenced. Judaism never allows us to lose our individuality in the mass. There is a wonderful blessing mentioned in the Talmud to be said on seeing six hundred thousand Israelites together in one place. It is: “Blessed are You, L-rd…Who discerns secrets.”[5] The Talmud explains that every person is different. We each have different attributes. We all think our own thoughts. Only G-d can enter the minds of each of us and know what we are thinking, and this is what the blessing refers to. In other words, even in a massive crowd where, to human eyes, faces blur into a mass, G-d still relates to us as individuals, not as members of a crowd. That is the meaning of the phrase, “lift the head,” used in the context of a census. G-d tells Moses that there is a danger, when counting a nation, that each individual will feel insignificant. “What am I? What difference can I make? I am only one of millions, a mere wave in the ocean, a grain of sand on the sea-shore, dust on the surface of infinity.” Against that, G-d tells Moses to lift

people’s heads by showing that they each count; they matter as individuals. Indeed, in Jewish law, a davar she-be-minyan, something that is counted, sold individually rather than by weight, is never nullified even in a mixture of a thousand or a million others.[6] In Judaism, taking a census must always be done in such a way as to signal that we are valued as individuals. We each have unique gifts. There is a contribution only I can bring. To lift someone’s head means to show them favor, to recognize them. It is a gesture of love. There is, however, all the difference in the world between individuality and individualism. Individuality means that I am a unique and valued member of a team. Individualism means that I am not a team player at all. I am interested in myself alone, not the group. Harvard sociologist Robert Putnam gave this a famous name, noting that more people than ever in the United States are going tenpin bowling, but fewer than ever are

joining bowling teams. He called this phenomenon “Bowling alone.”[7] MIT professor Sherry Turkle calls our age of Twitter, Facebook, and electronic rather than face-to-face friendships, “Alone together.”[8] Judaism values individuality, not individualism. As Hillel said, “If I am only for myself, what am I?”[9]

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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am not a man of words” (Ex. 4:10). He thought this was a deficiency in a leader. In fact, it was the opposite. Moses did not sway people by his oratory. Rather, he lifted them by his teaching. A Jewish leader has to respect individuals. They must “lift their heads.” If you seek to lead, however small or large the group you lead, you must al-

Judaism never allows us to lose our individuality in the mass. All this has implications for Jewish leadership. We are not in the business of counting numbers. The Jewish people always was small and yet achieved great things. Judaism has a profound mistrust of demagogic leaders who manipulate the emotions of crowds. Moses at the Burning Bush spoke of his inability to be eloquent. “I

ways communicate the value you place on everyone, including those others exclude: the widow, the orphan and the stranger. You must never attempt to sway a crowd by appealing to the primitive emotions of fear or hate. You must never ride roughshod over the opinions of others. It is hard to lead a nation of indi-

viduals, but this is the most challenging, empowering, inspiring leadership of all. [1] 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21. [2] Gustav Le Bon, The Crowd, London, Fisher Unwin 1896, 134. [3] Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:4. [4] Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4. [5] Brachot 58a. [6] Beitsah 3b. [7] Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone, New York, Simon & Schuster, 2000. [8] Sherry Turkle, Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other, New York, Basic Books, 2011. [9] Mishnah Avot 1:14.

To read more from Rabbi Sacks, zt”l, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org. You can also follow @RabbiSacks on social media.

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Sparks of Light

Making Space

ART BY ALYSE RADENOVIC

By Rabbi Benny Berlin

hen we picture the giving of the Torah, we imagine the Jewish people at the foot of Mount Sinai. In turn, we often picture Moshe Rabbeinu on top of the mountain, heeding the call of the Ten Commandments from his perch high above his people. At least that is how they portray the scene in art and in the movies... However, the Abarbanel, a famed 13th-century philosopher and commentator, insists that this common visual assumption is not true. He notes that if one looks at Chapter 19 of Exodus, Moshe, the octogenarian who was running up and down the mountain again and again, actually was not on top of it at this moment. Instead, the Abarbanel posits that before G-d started speaking to the Jewish people to give them the Torah, Moshe went down to the foot of the mountain to be with the people of Israel. Why? The reason is that even Moshe, the man who was closest to G-d, could not receive the Torah as an individual. No one person could be giv-

en this divine treasure alone because it was meant to be given to us as a nation. In other words, Moshe needed to be arm and arm at the bottom of the mountain with his beloved brethren in order to receive the Torah. The Torah tells us in Exodus, “And Israel encamped, v’yichan, there opposite the mountain,” (Exodus 19:2). Our commentators say the word “v’yichan” is singular, while grammatically it should have been plural. However, picking up on this discrepancy, they fill in the gaps and reason that the Jewish people at the moment of matan Torah were k’ish echad b’laiv echad – as one person with one heart. There is a beautiful story told of the late Rav Pam, zt”l, the former head of the yeshiva Torah Vodaath in Brooklyn. He used to teach a class on Shabbos afternoon. However, one Shabbos, the weather was so bad that his wife told him he should not go out of fear for his health. But Rav Pam insisted, saying that maybe someone would brave the elements and show up to hear his shiur. Rav Pam then walked 10 blocks

to give the shiur, only to find that there was one person who showed up, albeit not any of the people he expected. That one person, Mr. Bension Lasker, did not usually attend the class. Surprised, Rav Pam asked him, “What are you doing here?” Mr. Lasker replied that he was afraid Rav Pam would travel all that way in the bad weather only to discover that no one showed up to the class. Mr. Lasker wanted to make sure someone was there to hear it. Ultimately, it is our connection to each other and our responsibility that we feel for each other that allows for Matan Torah. Our Sages inform us that when the Jewish people heard that 50 days after their departure from Egypt they would receive the Torah, they were filled with an intense desire to acquire it. As a result, they began counting the days that remained until the Torah was given. We commemorate this eagerness by counting sefiras ha’omer in preparation for Shavuos. And yet, despite all this, there is also a very different undercurrent

flowing through sefiras ha’omer, making it almost seem like this beautiful mitzvah got hijacked by Rabbi Akiva’s student’s behavior, transforming it forever into a commemoration of mourning. During that time, 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva died because they lacked basic respect for each other. What is this all about? Sefiras ha’omer was supposed to be the counting toward the joyous day of receiving the Torah. How is this related? Rabbenu Bachaya, a 11th century Spanish commentator, gave a profound answer to this question which connects to our central theme here: he said that as a prerequisite for accepting the Torah, the Jewish people had to make room for each other. Rabbi Akiva’s students were not doing that. The idea is that before we make space for our relationship with G-d, we have to make space for our fellow human beings. The two are very connected. When we make space for each other, we are emulating G-d who did the same in our relationship with Him.

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Rabbi Joseph Soloveichik suggests in his work “The Community” that G-d created the world by making room for us. At first, G-d was everywhere, and there was no room for us to exist. G-d had to do tzimtzum, or constriction, in order to make room for human beings, to make space for us to fit into the cosmic picture. G-d thereby set an example that to have a relationship with someone, you have to make room for them. Every year on Shavuos there is a renewal of G-d bringing the Torah into the world – this is where Rabbi Akiva’s students come in. Rabbi Akiva and his students introduced new understandings, new ideas, and new depth to the Torah. In the year of their deaths, they were supposed to have a Matan Torah experience on Shavuos that reflected their exalted connection to it. But they did not make space for each other. They were not k’ish echad b’laiv echad; they were not one unit. Instead, they tried to one-up each other. And so, it is not that Rabbi Akiva’s students hijacked sefiras ha’omer, it was that they failed to have the unison that was needed for a successful sefiras ha’omer and kabbalas haTorah. They did not make space for each other. The rabbis teach us that we have to get it right. Moshe needed to be at the bottom of the mountain, with his people, arm in arm with every Jew in order to receive the Torah. Likewise, the 600,000 Jews needed to make space for Moshe as he came down the mountain. Only as one unit could they receive the Torah. And only as one can we continue to re-accept it every year. One of the many powerful stories in Yaffa Eliach’s Chasidic Tales of the Holocaust touches on how deep the concept of unity is within the soul of every Jew, even the most disconnected. According to the story, in the Janowska Road Camp, there was a Jewish kapo leader named Schneeweiss. As the holiday of Yom Kippur was nearing, a few chassidim came to the Rabbi of Bluzhov and asked him to approach Schneeweiss and request that on Yom Kippur his group not be assigned to any of the 39 melachos (forbidden labors). The rabbi was very moved by the request of his chassidim and despite his fears, went to Schneeweiss and revealed himself. “You are a Jew like myself,” the rabbi told Schneeweiss.

“Tonight is Kol Nidrei night. There is a small group of young Jews who do not want to transgress this special day. It means everything to them. It is the essence of their existence. Can you do something about it? Can you help?” “Tonight, I can’t do a thing,” said Schneeweiss, because he didn’t have

to eat. If not, we will kill you!” Schneeweiss pulled himself to attention, looked one of the Germans directly in the eyes, and said, “We Jews do not eat today. Today is Yom Kippur, our most holy day.” The SS officer pulled out his revolver and pointed it to Schneeweiss’s

Before we make space for our relationship with G-d, we have to make space for our fellow human beings.

jurisdiction for that time. “But tomorrow, on Yom Kippur, I will do for you whatever I can.” The rabbi shook Schneeweiss’s hand in gratitude and left. That night was a very brutal and bloody one for the prisoners and yet, when they returned to their barracks, the Jews began to sing Kol Nidrei. When they reached the prayer, “Hear our voice, O Lord our God; have pity and compassion …” the voices were drowned in tears. In the morning, the rabbi and a small group of young chassidim were summoned to Schneeweiss’s cottage. “I heard that you prayed last night. I don’t believe in prayers,” Schneeweiss told them. “On principle, I even oppose them. But I admire your courage. For you all know well that the penalty for prayer in Janowska is death.” He took them to the S.S. quarters in the camp. “You fellows will shine the floor without any polish or wax. And you, rabbi, will clean the windows with dry rags so that you will not transgress Yom Kippur.” The rabbi stood on a ladder with rags in his hand, cleaning the huge windows while praying, and his companions polished the wood floor and prayed with him. “The floor was wet with our tears. You can imagine the prayers of that Yom Kippur,” said the rabbi to his chassidim years later. Around lunchtime, two S.S. men stormed into the room with a food cart filled to capacity. The officers screamed, “Jews, eat!” The chassidim stood frozen. The enraged S.S. men called Schneeweiss, “Tell these Jews

temple. “Jews, eat!” Schneeweiss kept his resolve and repeated the statement again. “We Jews do not eat today. Today is Yom Kippur, our most holy day.” The SS officer shot Schneeweiss and stormed out of the room. Schneeweiss died Al Kiddush Hashem, sanctifying

G-d’s name publicly for the sake of Jewish honor. Schneeweiss did not die in this manner solely because of his respect for G-d. He had never kept Yom Kippur in his life. He was brought to G-d by his respect for his fellow Jews in that room. It was that feeling of loyalty that brought him to stand up for G-d’s laws and his fellow Jews in his final moments. When we stand together, we affect each other. When we acknowledge that we need to make room for one another, we realize that we have not actually lost any space in the process, but have instead made room for something much larger: achdus or unity. On our path towards Shavuos, may we all make room for our fellow members of Bnai Yisrael in our lives, and in turn allow that to help us make space for G-d.

Rabbi Benny Berlin is the rabbi at the BACH in Long Beach.

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Think, Feel, Grow

Torah as the Medium of Revelation By Shmuel Reichman

e experience life through the medium of time. Each new moment brings with it new opportunities as we ascend through the journey of time. Amidst the constantly moving waves of time, the chagim are specific points imbued with unique energy. Each holiday presents us with the opportunity to tap into and experience the theme inherent at that point in time. If Shavuos is the time of kabbalas ha’Torah, to truly understand what we are trying to experience on Shavuos, we must first understand what Torah is. Scholars may refer to it as a history book, others may think of it as a book of law or a source of Jewish wisdom. While these are all true to a certain extent, this only scratches the surface of the Torah’s true nature. To truly understand the importance of kabbalas ha’Torah, we must understand the Torah’s true depth.

What is Torah? Torah is not simply a guide to living a life of truth within this world; it is the blueprint and DNA of the world itself. In other words, our physical

world is a projection and emanation of the deep spiritual reality described in the Torah. This is the meaning behind the famous Midrash, “Istakel b’Oraisah u’barah almah,” Hashem looked into the Torah and used it to create the world (Bereishis Rabbah 1:1). Torah is the spiritual root of existence; the physical world is its expression. To illustrate this concept, imagine

cess the spiritual, transcendent world through the physical world because the two are intimately, intrinsically connected. To relate to this concept, think of the way in which other human beings experience and understand you. All they can see of you is your physical body. They cannot see your thoughts, your consciousness, your emotions,

It is the blueprint and DNA of the world itself.

a projector. The image that you see on the screen emanates from the film in the projector, so that everything you see on the screen is simply an expression of what’s contained within the film. So too, every single thing that we see and experience in the physical world stems from the spiritual root – the transcendent dimension of Torah. Thus, the world in which we live is an avenue to the spiritual – we can ac-

your soul. All they can see are your actions, words, facial expression, and body language – the ways in which you express yourself within the world. They cannot see your inner world, but they can access it through the outer expressions that you project. The same is true regarding human beings trying to experience Hashem and the spiritual. We cannot see the spiritual, we cannot see what is ethereal and

transcendent, only that which is physical. However, we can use the physical to access the spiritual root; we can study the Torah’s expression in this world to understand its spiritual root.

The World is a Mashal The more fully grasp the depth of this concept, we must understand the nature and purpose of a mashal. A mashal is an analogy, an example one gives in order to explain something abstract and conceptual to one who does not yet understand it. If a teacher wants to share a deep principle with his or her students, they might share a story or analogy that depicts the idea through a more relatable medium. While the mashal does not fully convey the idea itself, it leads the listener towards it, aiding him or her in the process of understanding. Deep ideas cannot be taught, as they are beyond words. They can only be hinted to and talked about. The job of the teacher is to guide the student towards the idea, until the idea falls into the student’s mind with clear understanding. A mashal serves as a guiding force in this process, leading the student to-

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wards an understanding of that which cannot be put into words. This process itself can be understood through a mashal. You cannot teach someone how to ride a bike. You can only help them, holding on while they practice, and perhaps showing them an example of how it is done. Ultimately though, you must let go, and the student will have to learn how to ride it independently, on their own.1 Once you learn how to ride a bike, it’s hard to imagine not being able to ride one. We often can’t understand what took us so long to learn. Yet, despite the fact that we know how to ride a bike, we will not be able to explain how to ride a bike to someone else. It is simply beyond words. A mashal is only a tool a teacher can use to teach spiritual truths; the learning and understanding must be done within the inner mind of the student. If this is true, how are we able to understand the spiritual world? We cannot see, touch, or feel the spiritual world, so how are we to relate to it?

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If all learning occurs through the use of analogy, what mashal did Hashem give us to enable us to relate to and understand spiritual truths? The ultimate mashal is the world itself. It is here to guide us towards a deeper, spiritual truth. Everything in this world is a mashal, a tool guiding us towards a deeper reality. Every physical object, every emotional phenomenon, every experience in this world is part of a larger mashal leading us towards the root of all existence, Hashem. This idea is expressed powerfully in the use of anthropomorphism in the Torah (the attribution of human characteristics to Hashem). One of the fundamental principles of Judaism is that Hashem has no physical form whatsoever (this is one of the Rambam’s 13 principles of faith). And yet, the Torah is replete with anthropomorphic descriptions of Hashem, describing Hashem’s physical figure (Shemos 6:1, 13:9). How are we to make sense of this? One approach to this problem is

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that “Dibrah Torah k’lashon bnei adam,” the Torah speaks in the language of people (Bava Metziah 31b). In other words, in order for people to be able to understand and relate to an infinite G-d Who is beyond physical form, the Torah speaks in a language that human beings can relate to. This is problematic, though, because the Torah is the blueprint of reality, the ultimate source of truth. Every single word in the Torah is intrinsically and fundamentally true. As such, when Torah describes the “hand of Hashem,” Hashem must actually have a hand. We therefore face a real dilemma. If Hashem has no physical form whatsoever, how can the Torah describe Hashem as having a hand? There is a deeper approach to this topic which reveals a powerful principle (Nefesh Ha’Chaim- 2:5- Note 23). We think of our hand as the real hand, assuming that Hashem’s hand is being compared to our hand. But what if Hashem’s hand is the real hand, and our “physical” hand is just a mashal for the true spiritual paradigm of “hand-ness”1 In other words, everything in the physical world, including our physical bodies, is a limited, physical expression of the spiritual truth, the root and source of reality. Our goal in this world is to use the physical as a mashal, as a tool to learn the true nature of reality. With the Torah as our guide and teacher, we can navigate the physical and understand how to trace ourselves back to our ultimate Source, Hashem.

Re-Experiencing Shavuos Every Year On Shavuos, there is a custom to stand during the Torah reading. Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik explains that we stand during Torah reading on this day because we are recreating the experience of Matan Torah, when the Jewish People stood around Har Sinai to receive the Torah (Harerei Kedem Vol 2. (pg. 250). On Shavuos, we do not simply remember what once occurred, we re-experience the power of kabbalas ha’Torah – receiving and accepting the Torah. We do not simply repeat this process, rather we reaccept the Torah each year on an entirely new level, as fundamentally higher beings, growing through each revelation of Torah. Kabbalas ha’To-

rah this year is at the same point along the circle of time as last year, but one rung higher along the spiral of time. We are truly receiving the Torah anew, in a new dimension of time and spiritual energy. Hashem gave us the Torah in order to guide us on our spiritual journey in this world. Shavuos is therefore not a call to be transcendent, angelic beings, lofty and perfect, beyond the struggle intrinsic to the human condition. This is not permission to deny our humanity and restrict our sense of self. This is a calling to be human, to be the ultimate human, to bring transcendence and spirituality into this world. We don’t aim to escape this world; we aim to transform it. Kedushah is not transcendence or escapism, it’s marrying transcendence with the immanent. This is what the Torah teaches us: how to uplift our physical experience and connect it to the spiritual. When implemented correctly, Torah enables us to uplift every aspect of our worldly experience to something higher, holier, and more meaningful. Our mission is to make this Shavuos the next step in our evolutionary spiral through time. We must not only reaccept what we have already accepted, we must take it to the next level, the next rung of the ladder. We do not simply remember, we build; we do not repeat, we ascend. May we be inspired to accept the Torah this Shavuos with all of our heart, to commit to living a life of Torah truth, and to endlessly pursue higher and deeper perceptions of the physical world as an expression of a spiritual reality. This is a mashal to help explain the concept

of a mashal. Think about that.

Shmuel Reichman is an inspirational speaker, writer, and coach who has lectured internationally at shuls, conferences, and Jewish communities on topics of Jewish thought and Jewish medical ethics. He is the founder and CEO of Self-Mastery Academy (ShmuelReichman.com), the transformative online course that is revolutionizing how we engage in self-development. You can find more inspirational lectures, videos, and articles from Shmuel on his website, ShmuelReichman.com.

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the community education program

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Jewish History

Remembering the Farhud By Yali (Menashe) Werzberger

s a young girl, I remember many Sundays spent on “mailings.” My parents, Rabbi Ya’aqob and Rabbanith Ruth Menashe, a”h, founded Midrash Ben Ish Hai, a multifaceted organization committed to maintaining the authentic Jewish Babylonian traditions, derived from the teachings of the Ben Ish Hai. My parents organized many shiurim, lectures and other events, and, at a time before emails were prevalent, would send postcards and letters to their members informing them of upcoming events and lectures. My siblings and I made an activity out of stuffing envelopes and affixing labels on each envelope, often racing to see who would complete the most mailings in an allotted time rame. As a result, labels were often affixed in a haphazard, crooked fashion, and I remember my father telling us that a number of people once informed him that they received an envelope with nothing in it. In our haste to win the “mailings game,” we forgot to stuff envelopes with the material meant to go inside! One particular year, we were sending out postcards for a lecture commemorating the Farhud, with my grandmother, Mrs. Rachel Manasseh, a”h, joining as one of the speakers. The title of the postcard intrigued me as I had no idea what the Farhud was. When I learned about the Farhud, aptly described as the “forgotten pogrom” by Edwin Black, which took place during the holiday of Shavuot in Baghdad in 1941 irrevocably changing life for Baghdadi Jewry, I understood why organizing an event commemorating the atrocities that took place was so important to my parents. Indeed, this Shavuot marks the 80th anniversary of the Farhud.

The Farhud happened as a result of many factors, led to tremendous devastation, and had far-reaching consequences for Baghdadi Jewry. Jews lived in Baghdad (present day Iraq) since 586 BCE, when Jews were first exiled to Babylon. Many of the Jewish families living in Baghdad during the 1900s were able to trace their lineage back to this time. Babylonian Jews were proud of their roots, and very few were Zionists prior to the Farhud of 1941. Indeed, in 1936, the Chief Rabbi of Baghdad, Rabbi Khedouri, said that Jews of Iraq are Iraqi Jews, not Zionists. At the same time, a number of world events of the 1930s directly converged to lead to the horrific events of 1941. The first was the rise of Nazism. Nazi ideology was directly linked to the Farhud, primarily through the Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Muhammad Amin al-Husseini. As the Jewish presence increased in Palestine in the 1920s and 1930s, the Mufti called for violence and jihad against the Jews. In addition to preaching for Arab nationalism, he was also an ardent supporter of the Nazi re-

gime, working together with Nazis, including Heinrich Himmler and Adolf Eichmann, ym”sh. Treatment of Jews in Baghdad also worsened between 1935 and 1941 due to the influence of the Mufti of Jerusalem, and calls of jihad were present in 1938. Jews, however, felt that the situation was manageable as long as King Faisal, and then his son, King Ghazi, were in power. In 1939, however, King Ghazi died, succeeded by his three-yearold son, with Prince al-Ilah acting as regent. Arab nationalists were angered by Prince al-Ilah’s pro-British stance, and Rashid Ali, supported by four colonels and the Mufti of Jerusalem, along with funding from the German Nazi Party, seized control of the government, and Prince al-Ilah fled Iraq. In 1941, Shavuot fell out on June 1 and 2 (Sunday and Monday). Shabbat came the day before, on May 31, so that the Jews were anticipating celebrating a three-day holiday. On May 28, 1941, Yunus al-Sabawi, the governor of Baghdad and head of the Nazi groups in Baghdad (indeed, al-Sabawi translated Mein

Kampf into Arabic), summoned Hakham Sassoon Khedouri, leader of the Jews in Baghdad, informing him that Jews were to stay home on May 31, June 1 and 2 (Shabbat and Shavuot). Hakham Khedouri was also told to inform the Jews to pack one suitcase and to be prepared to attend detention centers. Radio broadcasts were planned for May 29, informing Iraqi Nazis to murder Jews in their homes, and a red hamsa was placed on the homes of Jews so that gangs could easily identify Jewish homes, killing the inhabitants. In a fascinating turn of events, al-Sabawi was deported to Iran the following day, and on May 31, the radio announced that the rebels had fled and that the regent al-Ilah would be returning to Baghdad, asking all residents to go out to greet him. The Jews, thinking that the worst was over, went out to greet the regent dressed in their finest Shavuot clothes. Arab nationalists, meanwhile, fed Anti-British and Anti-Jewish propaganda, did not welcome the regent’s return. They were incensed at the sight of the Jews, viewing them as spies due to the propaganda spread by the Mufti. Jews who went to greet the regent were attacked as they crossed the Al Khurr bridge, while, in other areas, mobs stopped buses, removed the Jews, and killed them. The violence escalated, and soldiers who supported Rashid Ali and policemen all joined in the looting and murders. Mobs broke into homes, killing infants and assaulting women in front of their family and murdering young and old Jews alike. Possessions from Jewish homes and stores were taken by the mobs, and a synagogue was burned, its Sifrei Torah destroyed.

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Jews standing in line to waive their Iraqi citizenship so they could emigrate to Israel, March 1950

At around 2 a.m., the violence subsided, and quiet returned to the city. By the next morning, however, the riots resumed, with Jews being killed and their possessions looted in both their homes and shops. Policemen did not come to the aid of the Jews (rather, many removed their badges to join the mob), and neither did the British, who accompanied the regent back to Baghdad. It was only close to noon on the second day of Shavuot, June 2, 1941, that the regent authorized orders, establishing a 5 p.m. curfew, and ordered the regiment loyal to him to enter Baghdad. The number of deaths of the Jews of Baghdad vary with some reports indicating that 180 were killed, and others reporting that 1,000 were killed. It seems that around 400 were killed, with many more wounded, At least 586 Jewish businesses were plundered, with 99 homes burned. As rabbis were forced to sign statements underreporting the damage and deaths, we can assume that these figures are under-representations of the atrocities committed. There were Jewish neighborhoods that fought against attackers, and there were Muslims who saved their Jewish neighbors by taking them into their own homes. Some even apologized for not being able to serve their Jewish neighbors kosher meat. In the Baghdad Central Hospital, where Jewish nurses report-

ed threats of assaults by wounded Iraqi soldiers, Dr. Saib Showkat announced on his megaphone that all soldiers must return to their beds, otherwise he would shoot them. Order was then restored. Interestingly, there was a period of relative calm following the Farhud, lasting until the end of World

Bombay 1926. Jacob Ani, who was murdered in the Farhud, is standing at right. Rachel Manasseh is seated second from right and Georgette Iny is seated on the right

eration hoping to continue to build a life in Baghdad, and the younger generation deciding that things had to change. Within the younger generation, some Jews joined the Communist party, thinking that its values of brotherhood and equality would protect them from future prejudice and aggression. Others joined the

The Jews, thinking that the worst was over, went out to greet the regent dressed in their finest Shavuot clothes.

War II. While some Baghdadi Jews took this as a sign that there was a future for them in Baghdad (indeed, two new Jewish schools opened in Baghdad following the Farhud), others felt differently. My grandmother spoke about her uncle, Ozriel Iny, who was a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Baghdad. He had two sons in the United States during the Farhud, and following the Farhud, asked them to return to Baghdad. They replied that they would not return and asked their father to come join them. Indeed, this pattern became typical of many Jewish families in Baghdad, with the older gen-

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underground Zionist movement, learning how to defend themselves and making plans to leave Iraq for Palestine. When Israel became a state in 1948, things changed dramatically for the Jews of Iraq. While Iraq assured the Jews that they would not be harmed, under martial law, anyone accused of being a Zionist was to be arrested and tortured. Many Jews were thus tortured, including those who were not part of the Zionist movement. Jews tried to leave Iraq, with many applying for visas to India (where there was a sizable population of Baghdadi Jews). Things

came to a head when Shafiq Ades, one of the most prominent members of the Baghdadi Jewish community, was framed as a Zionist and hanged. Bombs were also thrown at Jewish institutions. In 1950, Iraq passed the Denaturalization Act, where Jews were allowed to emigrate to Israel but were forced to renounce their Iraqi citizenship, leave all their assets behind, and move to Israel with only the possessions they could fit in their suitcase. My g r a nd mot her, R achel Manasseh, a”h, had never been to Baghdad. She was born in Bombay, India, to parents who were born in Baghdad and was an integral member of the Baghdadi Jewish community in Bombay. She does recall her mother, Georgette Iny, a”h, working hard to find housing and medical care for refugees who arrived at Bombay from Baghdad following the Farhud. My grandmother also shared that her uncle, Jacob Ani, a”h, was killed in the Farhud. I recently listened to the talk my grandmother gave on the Farhud, and she ended by marveling at the Divine Hand that enabled the Jews of Baghdad, a community of thousands upon thousands of people, leave the way of life they had for over 2,500 years, carrying nothing more than a suitcase, and thanking Hashem that we are able to sit in peace remembering those who perished. May their memories be a blessing.

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Under the Chuppah at Last

By Rafi Sackville

Rav

Meir Sayag radiates warmth and peacefulness. In his role as chief rabbi of Ma’alot, he approaches halachic predicaments with a hearty dose of pragmatism. One Wednesday evening, after his weekly parsha shiur, he requested a minyan of men to meet him in his office at 9 p.m. where, he informed us, he would officiate a chuppah. As I walked into the rabbi’s office, I heard what sounded like a cacophony of schoolgirl laughter coming from the conference room. The rav was in serious discussion with an elderly couple. Eli, who runs the office, sidled up to me and nodded in their direction. “They’re getting married,” he whispered. “Again!” The “young couple” was Avraham and Zumrot Avramov. Married once in Azerbaijan in 1980, the country of their birth, they were ready to renew their vows to each other, here in Ma’alot where they have lived for over twenty years. The rav gathered the pages before him. He was ready. He invited those gathered into the conference room. Avraham turned pale when he looked up to see the small army of unfamiliar faces. We gathered around the chuppah.

The rav picked up a bottle of grape juice from the table and began the ceremony. Under the chuppah, the Avramovs looked even more unsettled. It was as if they’d been caught under searchlights in the middle of noman’s land. I felt sorry for them. That is, until I glanced across at their daughters in the corner. Ranging in age from their mid-20s to late 30s, they were still laughing among themselves watching their parents under the chuppah. After the ceremony, Leah, the Avramov’s second daughter, told us that their sister Sharona couldn’t make the chuppah, which was ironical because they were there only because of her. “She walked into a beit din in Jerusalem during the initial days of Covid-19 and had been ﬂatly refused a wedding license,” Leah said. Wanting to learn more about their parents’ journey, I dropped in to see the newlyweds a week later. Along with their daughters Leah and Tamar, they welcomed us with fruit juice and cookies. Unlike their angst at the chuppah, Avraham and Zumrot were cheerful, expressive, and relaxed. Zumrot was born in the mountain region of Quba, Azerbaijan, home to

one of the largest concentrations of Jews in the region. At the time of her birth in 1956, Quba had a population of over 4,000 Jews. The oldest remains of a Jewish presence there dates back to the 7th century. The name Zumrot, or emerald in English, is Turkish in origin, which is the predominant language in that part of Azerbaijan and the surrounding area. After the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, Russian was also adopted as the language, more out of necessity than desire. The Avramovs speak Turkish at home. Their daughters understand the language, but don’t speak it. The traditional Jewish way of life in Azerbaijan was severely hindered after the Revolution. The imposition of Sovietization culminated in the restriction of cultural activities for minorities. Jewish customs that had been carried out for centuries in Lashon HaKodesh could only be continued clandestinely, if at all. With Soviet eyes and ears everywhere, this was not easy. It was under such a political backdrop that Jewish weddings became precariously dangerous to hold. Despite these restrictions, the Jews of Quba remained a well-organized community. One of the inﬂuences of the Russian Revolution

(possibly in reaction to it) was the creation of different Zionist groups. Beginning in the 1920s, these groups were vital in promoting Aliyah to Israel. Although Communism slowed down the number of Jews emigrating to Israel, there was a renewal of movement almost half a century later during the 1970s. It was not uncommon for immigrants making Aliyah from behind the Iron Curtain to do so not by choice, but for lack of it. No one would stop and ask an Azerbaijani or an immigrant from Chernobyl in Ukraine why he or she left the country of their birth; the answer is generally understood. Zumrot’s eyes glaze over as she describes her childhood. Her memories are intense and filled with longing. After 30 years in Israel, she maintains a close affinity to her birthplace. Despite the large Jewish population of her youth, there was no Jewish school in Quba, so she and the other Jewish children attended Muslim schools. Home life, however, was full of traditional Jewish life and customs. She describes in detail how family and neighbors would gather before Shabbatot and chagim when the local shochet would slaughter enough

The Jewish | MAY 29, 13, 2015 2021 The Jewish HomeHome | OCTOBER

livestock for the occasion. Over the years, she has returned to visit Quba. Zumrot is one of twelve brothers and sisters who today are spread throughout the world from Akko, to Moscow, to Ocean Parkway in New York. Avraham was a city boy whose attachment to his Jewish roots were as established as his wife’s. He was born in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. He has four brothers and a sister. Like Zumrot, he maintains a quiet nostalgia for the years of his youth. He recalls the smells of the baked pitot his family would make in outdoor ovens. “It was good enough to last a week,” he recalls. Avraham attended a Communist-run school studying alongside Christians, Armenians, Muslims, Ukrainians, and Tartars. “It was a really great life for anyone born between 1955 to 1960,” he says. “Education was free. In fact, if you had the predilection for higher learning, the Russians were happy to send you to university to learn a profession. There was always work. There was no anti-Semitism.” Like many young men, Avraham was conscripted into the Russian army. He considers himself lucky having served his military service without incident or anti-Semitism. He tells stories of his younger brother who was bullied and discriminated against. Even today, Avraham sees the detrimental eﬀects the army had on his brother. Avraham and Zumrot were married when they were twenty-six. Their youngest daughter, Tamar, who is twenty-six herself, is beginning to feel the pressure to marry. She jokingly quips that, according to family tradition, she will soon be considered an old maid. The photo of Avraham and Zumrot’s wedding in 1980 shows a simple, civil Soviet-style ceremony. This was

the same ceremony every citizen experienced; bring family and friends and line up in front of a magistrate. Were it not for the Soviets, Avraham and Zumrot would certainly have been married under a chuppah. Such was the life of minorities at the height of the Cold War. People were justifiably fearful of disobeying the authorities. Getting married civilly had become part of the social fabric. I know parents of some of my students who were married civilly in Soviet states for the same reason. A rabbi and colleague of mine, who is licensed to officiate weddings, was approached by one of our students at one time, who asked him to officiate

Avraham and Zumrot Avramov’s wedding in Baku, Azerbaijan, August 1980

almost a decade of peaceful marriage. During that time, their eldest two daughters, Eden and Leah, were born. The peace, however, didn’t last. The Nagorno-Karabakh War erupted in 1988, disrupting the lives of the citizens of Southwestern Azerbaijan. The conﬂict between the majority Armenians, backed by Arme-

“It would be nice to return to Azerbaijan for a honeymoon. I still miss it.” his parents’ second wedding according to halacha. Avraham and Zumrot met on a shidduch at the same time one of her brothers moved to Israel in 1979. Zumrot’s parents must have had a premonition of diﬃcult times ahead because they sent her youngest brother to Israel at the tender age of sixteen. Shidduchim were arranged whether one was religious or not. Avraham and Zumrot dated less than a dozen times before getting engaged on the eighth day of Pesach in 1980. This is an Azerbaijani tradition, which dates back centuries; families would gather on the last day of chag to announce engagements. Zumrot and Avraham enjoyed

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nia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, became a protracted war that would not end until the middle of 1994. The disintegration of the Soviet Union unfolded during the war. Had the war and the Soviet collapse not have occurred, it is feasible that the Avramovs would have stayed in Azerbaijan. Maybe the life of Jews in the region would have continued as it had for centuries. Although the war didn’t encroach on their lives in Baku, the eﬀects and ramiﬁcations were palpable to Avraham and Zumrot. Listening to Avraham describe the peaceful years before the war and the fall of Communism sounds seemingly contradictory to Western ears. The irony is that the fall of Commu-

nism was the final straw for families like the Avramovs. Employment opportunities dwindled as the economy began to nosedive. Once plentiful with working opportunities, the job market shrank drastically. Avraham doesn’t pass judgement. He is practical and matter-of-fact when describing life at the beginning of the 1990s. “Without Communism there was neither societal connection, nor foundation,” he explains. “I couldn’t find work in a newly created democracy.” For the Jews living around Baku and the mountainous regions like Quba, there was an alternative. Rather than remain exposed to the dangers around them, many chose to move to Israel. That’s why Aliyah was so logical. Says Avraham, “If we had stayed in Azerbaijan another five years, we would have died either because of the war or an inability to make a living.” President Gorbachev mitigated any difficulties of Jews wanting to make Aliyah by opening the doors to emigration. For the Abramovs, the choice was simple. There were some setbacks. Avraham is well-educated, but at the time, his accreditation was not recognized in Israel. Many professionals like him were forced to work at jobs many rungs lower than their expertise. When he was asked if this had been a disappointment to him, Avraham answers, “At least there was work.”

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MAY 13, 2021 The Jewish HomeHome OCTOBER 29,| 2015 | The Jewish

Their two daughters, Sharona and Tamar, were born soon after the Avramovs made Aliyah. When Tamar was ﬁnishing the army, she became interested in Yiddishkeit and began attending shiurim. She convinced her older sister Sharona to tag along. Somewhere along that journey, Tamar lost interest in religious life. Sharona, however, went from strength to strength. It wasn’t long before she moved to Jerusalem and enrolled in a midrasha. She began courting a young man. Their courtship led to their engagement. They planned to get married in Jerusalem. Sharona and her ﬁancé paid a

visit to the offices of the Jerusalem Rabbinate. She asked them what documentation she would need to get married. They told her that copies of her two married sisters’ ketubot would suffice. A date was set for the wedding. Everything seemed in order. Then the pandemic erupted across the globe. By the time of the first lockdown last April, Sharona had collected her documentation and was ready to return to the Rabbanut. The Rabbanut, however, had closed. Without their official permission, Sharona would have to put off her wedding, something she and her fiancé were not prepared to do.

Mountain Jews of Azerbaijan, circa early 1900s

Someone suggested she try the Badatz Beit Din, which had remained open for emergencies. The Badatz Beit Din was less than amenable when Sharona presented them with her documents. Their set of standards are more stringent than the Rabbanut. Yes, her sisters’ documents were in order. Yes, there was no question about her being Jewish, but no, they weren’t enough to satisfy the Beit Din. They requested Sharona’s parents’ ketubah. Without it, there would be no wedding. Sharona returned to Ma’alot perplexed. That’s when she sought the advice of Rav Sayag. Without commenting on the differing positions of the two batei din, Rav Sayag told Sharona that if her parents didn’t disagree to being married again, he’d be delighted to officiate at the chuppah. This was not the first chuppah I had attended since the outbreak of Covid-19. I was at another around the corner from where we live. It was held in the garden of my friend Uri. After the chuppah, I asked him how he compared this wedding to those of his other children. He was disheartened that his daughters living in France and America hadn’t been able to attend, although they were able to Zoom the wedding, which had brought some solace to the family. I asked if there had been an upside to having so small an affair. Uri was quick to note how intimate and

beautiful it was. There had been no grandiose pre-chuppah buﬀet and no multiple dishes to choose from, just homecooked food and recorded music instead of a six-piece band. And his wedding hall deposit had be returned. Watching the chuppah unfold before us in Rav Sayag’s conference room found me thinking about my conversation with Uri. I made a note to myself to mention it to Avraham. He laughed when I told him that his second wedding’s total cost couldn’t have come to more than 60 shekels. All I had seen were a box of cookies, a bottle of grape juice, and a glass. Avraham laughed again. “60 shekels! Let me show you something,” he said getting up from the couch. He walked to his dining room table and picked up a piece of paper. “Have a look at that,” he said, and handed me a receipt from the local rabbinate for the sum of near 700 shekels ($200). “I was happy to pay it, but believe me when I say it cost more than a box of cookies.” The suggestion of a honeymoon humored Zumrot more than Avraham. She pondered the idea for a minute before breaking into a smile. “It would be nice to return to Azerbaijan for a honeymoon. I still miss it.”

Raﬁ Sackville, formerly of Cedarhurst, teaches in Ort Maalot in Western Galil.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

SILVER SKY SPARKLING

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Sheet Pan Ravioli Serves: 4-6 By Shlomo Klein From the #milchigs issue of Fleishigs Magazine Subscribe at www.ﬂeishigs.com

The Shavuos issue of Fleishigs Magazine starts off with a simple, delicious sheet pan ravioli recipe that takes no time to throw together. We feature some unique ingredients and gadgets that were used to make the recipes, from the best springform pan for a foolproof cheesecake to the most delicious brand of ricotta to use for our whipped ricotta, the newest delicacy in dairy. Salmon is frontand-center in our Butcher’s Cut column, where we discuss the benefits and uses of salmon and many ways of preparing it. We break bread with some dairy stuffed challah concepts with delicious accompaniments like a sundried tomato tapenade. Not one, but two feasts grace the pages of the issue – one traditional (with dishes such as classic Caesar salad, eggplant parmigiana and New York style cheesecake) and one inspired by modern Israeli cuisine (with dishes such as strawberry caprese and a white chocolate cheesecake with raspberry and lychee). We bring some cheesecake 101, from tips to creating the perfect cheesecake to the best homemade toppers to adorn a shortcut store-bought cheesecake.

INGREDIENTS » » » » » » » » »

2 packages frozen ravioli 3 cups baby spinach 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup half and half 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1½-2 cups shredded cheese ½ cup grated Parmesan

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange spinach on a half sheet pan and top with ravioli. Whisk heavy cream, half and half, salt, garlic and black pepper; pour over the ravioli, then top with shredded cheese and grated Parmesan. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Subscribe to Fleishigs Magazine today and use code MILCHIGA18 (all caps) to get 18% oﬀ newsstand rates. www.ﬂeishigs.com.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Wishing everyone an UPLIFTING and INSPIRING SHAVUOS!

At Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Yomim Tovim are a sweet and uplifting experience. See photos from our most recent event, An Evening of Inspiration. Thank you to everyone who made it possible!

View the complete video on margarettietz.org/events MARGARET TIETZ Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Short-Term Care | Long-Term Care | Hospice Care

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Achiezer at 13: A Talk with Adina Rosenberg

Part 6 of a Series

By Avi Shiff

n honor of Achiezer’s 13th year, we are conducting a multi-part series celebrating the various facets of this remarkable organization. For Week #6, we spoke to Adina Rosenberg, coordinator of Achiezer’s Edith Lowinger Volunteer Network.

What is your role at Achiezer? I oversee our Volunteer Department, which, in a nutshell, involves taking calls from people who need volunteers for many different things. This can run the gamut from those who drive people to and from doctors and hospitals to delivering food to hospitals for Shabbos, to stocking local hospital Respite Rooms, to going to visit patients in the hospital or elderly people at their homes. We also receive requests for items which don’t fall under a specific category. For example, we’ve received calls from family members of a dying patient asking that an attorney come to the hospital to have a Last Will and Testament

Achiezer volunteers participating in a meis mitzvah in the snow

drawn up and executed. Sometimes, we send volunteers to greet bereaved families at an airport. We also have volunteers delivering medical equipment when needed and tending to many other tasks. Additionally, we have an entirely separate meis mitzvah WhatsApp group with volunteers who are available to complete a minyan at a levaya or a kevurah. Basically, when any need arises,

Achiezer is available to provide volunteers. How many volunteers do you oversee? That’s a hard question to answer because we have so many different volunteers for so many needs, but it’s a few hundred! Our main group of go-to volunteers consists of 250 people. Our meis mitzvah group has 65 volunteers. Then we have other volunteers who cook meals, stock our Respite Rooms weekly or are involved in chessed shel emes. Your job is to send out these volunteers when and where they are needed? Exactly. It’s simply incredible to consider how many wonderful, selfless volunteers we have. My job at Achiezer is to coordinate these volunteers and dispatch them to where they are needed in a timely and efficient manner. That being said, without our volunteers, I wouldn’t have a job! Achiezer runs on its volunteers. So, to put it mildly, this is not a “9-5” responsibility. Correct. We are basically on call all day and all night, as things come up, especially when an issue is time-sensitive.

How did the Covid-19 pandemic impact the Volunteer Department? During Covid, our volunteers did a lot of shopping for people, especially the elderly and those who were immunocompromised. Stores were limiting their daily delivery quota, so those who were homebound had no way of getting food and basic necessities. Our volunteers were out there, day after day, helping more than 500 homes. During Covid especially, I think that people witnessed that the only way that we can get through a crisis like that – and any crisis – is by helping each other and being there for one another. In fact, people who had never volunteered called us up and offered to help, recognizing that there were others who simply couldn’t survive the trials and tribulations of Covid without some kind of assistance. People realized that there was a need and rose to the occasion. Mi ke’amcha Yisroel! What, in your opinion, is the secret ingredient that makes Achiezer so unique? What is amazing is that it’s a community organization helping the community, and the only way we can help the community is by having the community help us. Volunteers who live here are the ones who make Achiezer what it is. There is so much give and take on all ends. It’s an amazing dynamic to observe. The sheer volume of what is accomplished during the course of a week is inspiring. How fortunate do you feel to be able to do what you do as your full-time job? Everyone has hard days at work, but it makes it so much easier knowing that you were instrumental in helping so many people. It makes the “hard days” easier and leaves me feeling fulfilled every day.

Did you know? Finland is the top milk drinking country in the world. People there drink, on average, 95 gallons of milk per person per year.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

MAY 13, 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 | MAY 13, 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

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

MR. & MRS. YITZCHOK & SHOSHANA GANGER

MESIVTA BEIS MEDRASH

ANONYMOUS Residence Hall Cornerstone

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

THE BLOOM FAMILY

Beis Medrash Vestibule Entrance

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

Mr. & Mrs. Berel & Sherry Daskal

In Memory of Mrs. Marta Schron ‫ע”ה‬

MR. & MRS. BENZION & MIRIAM HEITNER

MR. & MRS. YAAKOV & RIVKY JACOBOVITCH

DR. & MRS. YOSSI & ZIVIA SCHWARTZ

MR. & MRS. NASSAN & DEVORAH TREITEL

Entranceway to Mesivta Beis Medrash Building

Gymnasium Wing

Mesivta Beis Medrash Building Cornerstone

Preschool Cornerstone

MR. & MRS. ALON & CHANIE GOLDBERGER Sha’ar of New Beis Medrash

Mr. & Mrs. Naftoli & Chani Einhorn

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

Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Sholom & Rivky Leibowitz

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

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew & Stephani Serotta

MR. & MRS. MOTTY & HADASA MENDELSOHN

Mr. & Mrs. Yehuda & Mindy Zachter

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

‫לע”נ‬

The 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

ANONYMOUS

THE SCHRON FAMILY DEDICATION OF CAMP ORAYSA CAMPUS

MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Using Sefirah for Growth

abbi Jacobi’s second grade class at Yeshiva of South Shore has been working on a unique and practical application of Sefiras Haomer. Based originally on an idea from his daughter, Rabbi Jacobi created a chart that counts all the days of the Omer up to Shavous along with a “week” dial. It is called the Sefiras Haomer Middos Chart – and it is a masterpiece! Every day there is a different middah that the boys focus on and they speak about it in class. One main theme is Ahavas Yisroel and feeling the pain of another person. His talmidim also look forward to a story illustrating that day’s middah. Rabbi Jacobi has seen the fruits of his labor during recess, as the boys make sure to include one another,

make everyone feel valued, and display fantastic sportsmanship. We are

so proud of the talmidim and their hard work in this area. May their

rebbi continue to get nachas from his talmidim’s growth!

24/7, 365, Includes 4:00AM

O The talmidos of the nursery of the Ganger Early Childhood at TAG are learning all about community helpers. They got to climb inside a real Hatzalah ambulance and learn about everything inside!

ne early morning last week, a significant windstorm caused a power outage in many homes in the neighborhood. While most continued to sleep without even noticing, from one home, panic and chaos broke out as one of their residents was dependent on a ventilator and other machinery that cannot function without power. Where to go? What to do? And who to call at 3:45 AM while most people are fast asleep. At 3:45 AM, the Achiezer 24-hour

urgent hotline was accessed. Within moments, the crisis response team, led by Shalom Jaroslawicz, FNP, responded with a mobile operations center and immediately provided temporary power and life-saving intervention. The knowledge that at any time of day or night (including the middle of the night), this team is always available, gives the community the sense of security that allows others to have a better night’s sleep.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

FROM THE FRONT LINES:

The Group Tasked With Breaking the Tragic News to Meron Victims’ Families

MERON:

The crushing news hit Klal Yisroel like a ton of bricks. Within a short time, the death toll hit an unfathomable 45 of our brothers, r”l. But as the bodies were identified at Israel’s Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, the gut-wrenching job of informing families that they will never see their father or brother again required those with great skill and expertise.

The difficulty of the task was only magnified when young children were involved. Who will tell them that Tatty was taken from them and that their lives will never be the same? Enter Rabbi Meir Aker, Director of Buneinu. As part of the Tov V’Chesed network led by Rabbi Yaakov Eliezer Shisha, he and the team at Buneinu and Bnoseinu serve the emotional needs of orphaned children in Israel in many ways. Among their responsibilities is sharing tragic news with young children and guiding them through the difficult hours and days. Rabbi Aker sadly received lots of additional experience during Israel’s winter Coronavirus surge, which claimed the lives of numerous young parents. As soon as the enormity of the tragedy became clear, members of the ZAKA group contacted Rabbi Shisha to come down to their command center where many families were anxiously waiting for word on their father or brother. Some of the individuals were already confirmed dead, r”l, but word had to be passed along to the families delicately. Rabbi Shisha and his team skillfully handled this agonizing task and coordinated to update the families who were already well asleep, unaware of the news awaiting them in the morning. In the following hours, Rabbi Shisha and Rabbi Aker set up command in Tov V’Chesed’s

Meron headquarters that was originally outfitted to host the streams of Buneinu members visiting Meron. The heart-breaking work continued until Shabbos and resumed as soon as Shabbos was over. Some children had questions, others wanted to know what pesukim or tefillos to say, and many tearfully asked who would look after them. With his gentle demeanor and chinuch expertise, Rabbi Aker walked them through what it means, what to expect, and assured them that they are not alone. At the request of some of the traumatized yesomim who had visited Meron, the Tov V’Chesed staff remained locally over Shabbos and were joined by the renowned mashpia Rabbi Elimelech Biderman, shlit”a, who met with the team Friday night to hear

more about each of the families and how they are handling the tragedy. He later publicly shared how inspired he was by the strength and emunah of Klal Yisroel during this difficult period. In the ensuing days, Rabbi Shisha, who leads the organization and oversees all efforts, prepared to have Buneinu and Bnoseinu staff visit the homes of the victims and be mechazek the almanah and young orphans, as well as siblings of those who passed. Additional therapists and social workers were hired so that the children have access to the help they need. On Tuesday after the tragedy, Rabbi Shisha said, “We’ve been working around the clock and none of us have had much sleep. It has been very difficult to be at the front row and to witness such incredible pain, but this is our achrayus right now.” Rabbi Shisha shared how the children already feel like part of the Buneinu family,

and some of them have already taken time away from shiva to visit the acclaimed Buneinu Center where yesomim spend time at all hours, receiving nourishment, encouragement, and support. One group of brothers had heard that the center has hundreds of comic books, and asked if they can come by to borrow some – a request that was happily granted. As the tragic news fades from the headlines, the organization will take the new families under its wings, providing therapy and social support for the children, and sending Shabbos essentials to almanos each week. “I wish we never had to deal with such tragedies, but if this is the ratzon Hashem, it is up to all of us to help ease their pain. May it be a zechus for our entire nation,” concludes Rabbi Shisha. To take part in supporting these the relief efforts, please contact Tov V’Chesed at 845-5170656 or email Info@tovvchesed.com.

MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

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The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Teachers at HALB enjoyed a delicious lunch and coffee this week as a way to say thank you for all they do every single day

Margaret Tietz’ Evening of Inspiration in Memory of Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld Surpasses 100,000 Views

argaret Tietz, a fully kosher nursing and rehabilitation center in Jamaica, Queens, held a virtual inspiring evening program, featuring Rabbi Noach Isaac Oelbaum and Rabbi Eytan Feiner, in memory of the late Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld, zt”l, last week. Rabbi Schonfeld, a pioneer of Queens Jewry, is also credited with much of the formative efforts to welcome the Margaret Tietz facility into the homes and hearts of Orthodox Jewish family across New York State. Margaret Tietz launched the Evening of Inspiration to continue on their commitment of compassion and customized care for their residents and neighbors amidst a difficult year. Today, the center continues to welcome residents with open arms, living true to its motto of delivering quality programs and services in an environment steeped with home-like qualities. Since opening its doors in 1971, the center has embodied this spirit and foresight of its founders. At an exclusive reception held at the facility’s outdoor garden, rabbis and elected officials took a moment to remember the life and legacy of Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards declared April 27, 2021 as Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld Day on the occasion of the Evening of Inspiration held at Margaret Tietz’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The program included the participation of the center’s CEO Alex Solovey, its administrator Kwang Lee, presiding rabbinic

authority, Rabbi Zavel Pearlman, director of public affairs Linda Spiegel, U.S. Representative Grace Meng, Council Member James Gennaro, State Assembly Member David Weprin, executive director of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens Rabbi Chaim Schwartz, and Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld and his wife, Rebbetzin Peri, who accepted an honor on behalf of the Schonfeld family, as well as other honorable rabbinic figures. “We recently recognized Yom Hazikaron memorializing soldiers who lost their lives and civilians who were lost from senseless acts of terrorism,” said Borough President Richards. “As well as recognizing Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, during a number of roundtable discussions with various leaders. It is so important to recognize Israel’s independence and their meaning and importance to our Jewish community right here in Queens County – the most diverse county in the world.” Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld was remembered as the driving force behind the building of one of the strongest Jewish communities, namely Kew Gardens Hills, and was a recalled respected leader throughout Queens. “One behalf of the nearly 2.4 million residents of Queens – the World’s Borough – we mourn last year’s passing of Rabbi Fabian Schoinfeld,” stated Richards who noted that we all drew inspiration from Rabbi Fabian’s many contributions in the Jewish community and beyond. Rep. Grace Meng spoke of her connection to Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld and recalled many a moment when

he rose to the occasion as a leader for the Jewish people of Queens and the entire state of New York. State Assembly Member and Comptroller candidate David Weprin said, “Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld was the pioneer in building the Orthodox Jewish community in Queens County.” Adding, “My father was friendly with Rabbi Schonfeld and his leadership has been taken over by Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld in continuing a tremendous legacy in Queens and beyond in the entire city and state.” Council Member James Gennaro related personal recollections, “Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld was a real friend of mine.” Towards the end of Gennaro’s first Council run, he aspired to honor Rabbi Fabian who out of modesty declined recognition. Gennaro managed to award the Vaad Harabonim of Queens’ 50th anniversary instead at a well-attended City Hall event. “Together we hondeled a deal to honor the 50th anniversary of the VAAD, as Rabbi Fabian was a co-founder,” said Gennaro, adding, “This was a compromise he could not refuse.” Gennaro then spoke on a deeper level, “He was just a wonderful man; he was able to mentor me in a way and was my friend. He gave me counseling when my wife was sick, and I am happy and very blessed to have with me my wife Wendy of seven months who is here with me today.” Linda Spiegel also mentioned the extent of gratitude owed to Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld. “So many people came to Margaret Tietz because he put his hand on this facility and adopted us.”

Mr. Avi Polinsky of Your Art’s Desire has a storied history with Margaret Tietz doing the Judaic and decorative work for the facility. At the event, he presented Rabbi Oelbaum with a unique mezuzah designed from a hollowed hole where a mezuzah once rested in Polish homes pre-WWII, preserving thousands of years of Jewish life in Eastern Europe. Bronze casts of these doorposts were made to eternally remember the 3.5 million Jewish lives that once lived in Poland. Rabbi Oelbaum’s casting originates from Sokołów Podlaski, part of what was the Warsaw Principality during Napoleon’s 1807 rule. The Rivers Cup was presented to Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld and Rabbi Chaim Schwartz. Its inside mimics the pages of a sefer Torah with 64 engraved Kabbalistic words. These words have a permutation and connotation reflecting the four rivers that leave the Gan Eden, and drinking from this cup is said to have amazing healing powers and blessing. A special recognition was also prepared for Rabbi Eytan Feiner, rav of The White Shul, who had a pressing matter at his congregation and could not attend. Do not hesitate to reach out to Linda Spiegel, Director of Public Affairs, (718) 298-7838, at Margaret Tietz to learn more about their personal patient care, specializing in short-term rehab, long-term care, hospice and palliative care. With a full-time medical director, full-time rabbi, skilled nursing care, physical, occupational and speech therapies, as well as notable recreational activities, Margaret Tietz is a home away from home.

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

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MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Kupath Rabi Meir Baal Haness A Holy, Two-Century Year Old Tradition; Bridging the Diaspora and the Holy Land

he mother of all Rabi Meir Ba’al Haness funds, Kupath Rabi Meir Baal Haness was established by the great tzaddikim, the holy talmidim of the Ba’al Shem Tov, who understood the enormous zechus for the Yidden of the diaspora to support their struggling brethren in the yishuv in Eretz Yisroel. Since those times when Yidden were making their way up to the Holy Land—through great struggle and enormous sacrifice—this two-century-year-old tradition has continued uninterrupted, evolving and growing to support the ever-increasing need. As we approach Shavuos, the yohrtzeit of the holy Imrei Emes of Gur, zy”a, the Nasi of the Kollel, we bring you an in-depth conversation with Rav Moshe Betzalel Borzikowzky, shlit”a, the menahel of Kollel Polin, about the holy work that continues with increasing depth and breadth throughout the Holy Land.

RAV MOSHE BETZALEL, CAN YOU PLEASE SPEAK ABOUT SOME OF THE INCREDIBLE HISTORY OF THE KUPATH RABI MEIR BAAL HANESS? It is indeed a miraculous story. The history of the Kollel goes back about 225 years (!). It was founded in the year 5556 (1796), by the great luminaries of the Chassidic movement, including the holy Chozeh of Lublin, Rav Mordechel’e of Neschiz, the Koznitzer Maggid, and

the Apter Rov—malachim and serafim—who put out the call to their brethren in Poland to participate in this cause of supporting their landsleit from Poland who were privileged to have become Bnei Eretz Yisroel. It is important to note that Kupath Rabi Meir Baal Haness was the first to be named for the Tanna Rabi Meir Ba’al Haness—and remains that way until this day.

WHY INDEED IS THE KUPAH NAMED FOR RABI MEIR BA’AL HANESS? Much has been said about this mystical connection. The tzaddikim have given us a tradition that when one contributes tzedakah for the poor of Eretz Yisroel, and say Elokoh d’Meir aneini, it will bring great yeshu’os. There was a great mekubal in Tel Aviv who noted that there are four times when we invoke the name “Elokei” – three time in Shemoneh Esrei, and once when invoking the great merit of Rabi Meir. There was once an asifah for the Kollel in Yerushalayim, which was attended by Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l. The Ozherover Rebbe, one of the leaders of the Kollel and a great mekubal, intoned, “If people would only know the great zechus of contributing to Rabi Meir Ba’al Haness, they would give exclusively to this cause!” When Rav Moshe asked him for the source of this, he explained that was according to kabbalah.

Rav Moshe Betzalel

Furthermore, the tzaddikim promised that Kupath Rabi Meir Ba’al Haness would exist until the coming of Moshiach—implying that this would be a merit for our survival through the difficult galus. And indeed, we see how the tzedakah has only grown and spread. We are approaching the yahrtzeit of the

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

holy Imrei Emes, the Nosi of the Kollel. His time was precious to him; he did not waste a moment. Likewise, his words were extremely measured; he never exaggerated. Yet, when it came to Kollel Polin, he attended every meeting and would not cease in his effusive praise for the greatness of this cause.

HOW DID YOU COME TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH KUPATH RABI MEIR BAAL HANESS? My father-in-law was Rav Mordechai Deutch, z”l, who was appointed by the Imrei Emes as the menahel of the Kollel. In later years, his son and successor, the Pnei Menachem of Gur, asked me to take the reins of the organization. In addition, there is a board of directors that makes every decision with utmost consideration—recognizing that we are dealing with holy funds contributed with great sacrifice by the Yidden of chutz l’aretz. We meet every month to go over important decisions.

CAN YOU SPEAK ABOUT SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES OF KUPATH RABI MEIR BAAL HANESS TODAY? Although, as its name suggests, the Kollel was founded by Yidden of Poland, to support their brethren who made it to Eretz Yisroel, today we have broadened the scope. Since the contributions come from a diverse array of Yidden, not necessarily of Polish descent, we have likewise expanded our support outside the original scope of recipients. Today, Kupath Rabi Meir Baal Haness boasts a number of projects that deliver support in millions of dollars annually to needy families in Eretz Yisroel—all while preserving their honor and dignity. Rather than distribute boxes

A melave malka in Boro Park decades ago, supporting Kollel Polin

of food that would see people waiting in long lines, we deliver millions of dollars in credit cards in advance of Yom Tov, so families can go to their grocery of choice and make their Yom Tov b’derech kovod. This program alone delivers millions of dollars every Yom Tov. The famed Ezer Nisu’in wedding fund distributes funds to anyone in need when making a wedding. In addition, there are designated stores that accept our vouchers where they can shop for many things needed for their weddings at deeply discounted prices. The Ezras Cholim fund gives financial support to ease the financial plight of those with a medical condition, so that they can focus on healing. There are also designated funds for widows and orphans, people with newborn children, and a free-loan gemach, which is the greatest form of tzedakah. These are a broad overview of the activities today, which assist tens of thousands of people annually through the work of Kollel Polin.

IS THERE STILL AN ACTUAL KOLLEL, AS THERE WAS IN DAYS OF YORE? There used to be a large Kollel in the Old City. Today, there is a Kollel in Batei Warsaw for the study of Choshen Mishpat, where a number of truly chashuve yungeleit toil in Torah from morning till night.

A letter in the holy handwriting of the Imrei Emes in support of the Kollel

BATEI WARSAW—ORIGINALLY BUILT BY THE KOLLEL TO HOUSE ITS MEMBERS. IS IT STILL A PART OF KOLLEL POLIN? Up until about twenty years ago, it was. In

The Modzitzer Rebbe shlit”a supporting Kollel Polin

recent years, we have not overseen these original apartments anymore. These houses were originally built for the Yidden of Poland who arrived in Eretz Yisroel and provided to them at very low rent prices, enabling them to survive. In the 1970s the Kollel expanded this affordable housing project, in Ramat Polin—a neighborhood that bears the name of the Kollel. 720 apartments were built through this project, which continues to alleviate the housing costs for Kollel yungeleit half a century later. These apartments were designed in a unique shape that would be recognized by anyone who is familiar with the area.

MAY 13, 2021 | The Jewish Home

where Yiddishe mammes will contribute tzedakah during hadlakas neiros, or really at any time, really adds up. We often receive a pushke that can have up to $1,000 inside! People see the zechus that this is, and the pushke is their constant companion, bringing down yeshuos of Rabi Meir.

HOW DID YOU NAVIGATE THE CORONAVIRUS ERA, WHEN YOU WERE UNABLE TO FUNDRAISE ABROAD? Last year was an extremely difficult one— not so much because of the difficulty getting around, as much as the needs that skyrocketed. And rather than turn people away, we only redoubled our activities. And Klal Yisroel joined us in this. It was one of the most inspiring things to see how Yidden opened their pockets even more broadly during this difficult time.

HOW MANY OFFICES DOES KUPATH RABI MEIR BAAL HANESS HAVE? Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, speaking in support of Kollel Polin while in Eretz Yisroel

These homes are allocated to young couples for three years after their wedding, giving them time to establish themselves, after which they are given to new inhabitants. Thus, the Kollel continues to ease the plight of hundreds of families through this program.

FOR SUCH A STORIED ORGANIZATION, THE KOLLEL SEEMS TO MAINTAIN A LOW PROFILE. In general, the Poilishe Yidden are not ones for fanfare and don’t usually engage in loud

displays of publicity and noise. This is something that you continue to see among the Gerrer chassidim, preferring to keep things low profile. In recent years, when “one doesn’t exist” if they’re not heard from in the public arena, we have had to adapt to new realities—sharing with the public some insight into the incredible work of Kollel Polin. And if this endeavor can lead to more support for those in need, we must evolve. Our work, however, will always remain b’hatznei’a leches, preserving the dignity of our recipients; millions of dollars are distributed in the quietest possible manner.

WHAT IS KOLLEL POLIN’S ANNUAL BUDGET, AND HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO COVER IT?

Gaavad London speaking at an event to support Kollel Polin

Our annual budget, covering all of our programs, comes to about 15,000,000 NIS annually (!). It is miraculous that we are able to cover the budget—in the most supernatural manner. We attribute this to the merit of Rabi Meir…which enables us to bring this support to the needy, in addition to bringing down yeshuos for the donors. The rabbanim and shluchim of the Kollel are regularly mispallel at the kever of Rabi Meir for anyone who asks. However, many choose to send a donation along with their request. The majority of the funds come from our kindhearted brethren in America. In addition to the official donations, there are thousands of tzedakah pushkes. These unassuming boxes

There are a number of offices in America and in Europe, and as far as Australia and Gibraltar, France and Florida—the network of giving is truly incredible.

Posek Hador, Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, zt”l, supporting Kollel Polin

WHAT MOTIVATES THOSE NOT OF POLISH DESCENT TO NEVERTHELESS CONTRIBUTE TO KOLLEL POLIN? The truth is that when it comes to Kupath Rabi Meir Ba’al Haness, people give generously—without discriminating between the origins of the fund. They know that their monies are going to support the needy of Eretz Yisroel. People come into our offices, and they are immediately drawn in by the incredible work. At any given moment, we can pull up detailed records of years of activities, and tens of millions of dollars distributed—keeping track of exactly where they went. One inspiring example is about a Yid who

The Jewish Home | MAY 13, 2021

used to come every month to deliver his donation in person. One day, he was hit by a car outside our office, and it was only through incredible miracles that he survived and made a full recovery. He continues to attribute this personal miracle to his association and proximity to Kupath Rabi Meir Ba’al Haness. Then there are random people who drop in out of nowhere to contribute their part; it is an otherworldly thing that we do not understand; the power of Rabi Meir.

IN YOUR TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD ON BEHALF OF KUPATH RABI MEIR BAAL HANESS, YOU HAVE SURELY WITNESSED YOUR SHARE OF MIRACULOUS EPISODES RELATED TO THE TZEDAKAH. It is incredible indeed. A Yid once came to the Imrei Emes with his child, who was rambunctious, and was playing with the Rabi Meir Ba’al Haness pushke on the Rebbe’s table. The father became annoyed at the boy, but the Rebbe said, “To a child, one must explain.” And he proceeded to speak to the boy: “There are poor people in Eretz Yisroel who do to have any money. We fill these tzedakah boxes, and we send it to them.” I am constantly in awe at the siyata diShmaya. I will often speak to individuals about contributing to the Kollel. I sit and I explain to them about our tremendous activities, and then they ask me how much I expect them to give—a very difficult question. Baruch Hashem, the Eibishter puts the right words in my mouth;

whatever I ask, that is what they give. It’s pure siyata diShmaya. I once visited the noted philanthropist Reb Ellish Englander of London. He gave me a check, and then said, “I gave you a check, and you’re quiet?! Ask for more!” The Pshevorkser Rebbe of Antwerp, although not of Polish origin, is a generous donor to Kollel Polin.

to make a wedding, without a penny to his name, I know what this means… I can understand, and empathize. I was once sitting with a wealthy ba’al tzedakah who told me, “I don’t know what it’s like not to have money; I have always been blessed with wealth.” But I do know what it’s like, and it touches me to the core.

SO YOU VISIT RABBONIM AND ADMORIM WHO ARE NOT OF POLISH ORIGIN? For sure. And they all give generously, recognizing the uniqueness of this fund; it is Rabi Meir’s tzedakah. You wouldn’t believe how many Yidden—even far from Yiddishkeit, r”l— who appreciate the power of this tzedakah and want to be associated with it—donating generously large sums of money. It is all miraculous. Part of the incredible siyata diShmaya may be attributed to the fact that we are extremely meticulous with every penny; every check is signed by two rabbanim, ensuring utmost accuracy.

WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF YOUR POSITION AS MENAHEL OF KUPATH RABI MEIR? Without a doubt, it is hearing the plight of my fellow Yidden. The requests of the broken-hearted individuals who come to us for assistance. The tales of suffering and pain… it is sometimes too difficult to bear. When a Yid shares with me that he is about

The Imrei Emes of Gur, zy”a, Nossi of Kupath Rabi Meir Baal Haness. His yohrtzeit falls out on Shavuos

The Lelover Rebben zt”l, supporting Kollel Polin

I have a very hard time turning away a petitioner; I cannot do it. And Baruch Hashem, during the Coronavirus era, I resolved not to turn away anyone – a resolution that I was able to keep, Baruch Hashem. There was once a story by the Imrei Emes of Gur which applies to this. A Yid had rented his home to a widow, and when she did not have money for rent, after a while, he wanted to evict her. She came running to the Gerer Rebbe, who summoned him immediately and asked, “How can you throw an almanah onto the street?” The man explained that she had not paid rent in years… and if it was important to allow her to remain, shouldn’t the chassidim put together the funds? The Rebbe told him: If the “pekkel” is by you, then you are meant to deal with it. If Hashem ordained that you are involved with this, then He expects you to handle it. I take this as my mission statement: if I am in this position, at Kollel Polin, I cannot turn away someone who asks. As much as we will do, it will never be enough; but we must nevertheless try. We always feel as though we need to do more. But when we look back at the incredible amount that we are able to distribute—through the incredible generosity of our brethren in chutz l’aretz—we are inspired to keep going in our holy work, continuing a tradition of more than two centuries of supporting the needy of Eretz Yisroel.