Five Towns Jewish Home - 12-23-21

December 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Dear Readers,

A

s a community paper, we understand that there are many parts to our community. Isn’t that, after all, the beauty of the community in which we live? How we are all so different, yet so united?

As a paper, we strive to offer food for thought to all segments of our community.

Like news? There’s a section for you. Love to cook? Check out our weekly recipes and profiles on cooking personalities. Need a dvar Torah for the Shabbos table? We have a few you can choose from. Want to ponder dating and shidduchim questions? You know where to turn. Interested in politics?

Well, there are articles, quotes, cartoon, and interviews with political figures here for you, too. There’s something here for everyone.

But I recently noticed that there was a large segment of our community that our paper wasn’t addressing. They’re an important piece of our community and a growing one, too. And that group was our teens.

Teenagers nowadays have so many questions. They’re faced with challenges and concepts that we never had to face even a few years ago. And they’re growing up. They’re smart, they’re mature, they’re wise enough to know that there should be answers to the questions that are circulating and percolating in their minds.

What if there was a space in TJH for them? What if there was a place in TJH for teens to be able to voice their questions and hear answers that are relatable and understandable?

This week, we debut our newest column, Teen Talk.

Teen Talk is a space for teens to ask questions that they may have been wondering about but have not been able to voice. It’s a place for them to address concerns or fears that they have but may have been embarrassed to express. It’s a space for them to bring up topics that always bothered them for which they were never able to receive a satisfying answer.

Each week, a different person will be answering teens’ questions. This way, teens will be able to get answers from different perspectives. And, because the topics that teens may bring up will be wide-ranging, different people – with varied experiences and expertise – will feel more qualified to answer certain questions on specific topics.

We hope that teens will enjoy this column geared especially for them, an important segment of our community. And, if you’re a teen and you have a question that you’d like to be addressed, please email me. That’s what this column is for!

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Contents Letters to the Editor

8

COMMUNITY Readers’ Poll

8

Community Happenings

40

NEWS

80

Global

12

National

30

That’s Odd

36

ISRAEL Israel News

23

Let’s Talk by Rafi Sackville

86

JEWISH THOUGHT Rabbi Wein on the Parsha

80

The Preciousness of Life by Rav Moshe Weinberger

82

How to Overcome Fear by Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

84

PEOPLE The Legacy of MK Rabbi Avraham Ravitz by Pinchos Freidlander 88 Amazing Aces of the Air by Avi Heiligman

118

HEALTH & FITNESS Mindfulness is a No-Brainer by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn

100

Winter Smoothies by Cindy Weinberger, MS RD CDN

102

Dear Editor, Outrageous.

First, on December 15, 2021, The NY Post, and The Post alone, “reported” that Greg Meeks is collaborating with anti-Israel forces (“Rep. Greg Meeks joins anti-Israel socialists to push NYC Council speaker pick: sources”).

Then today, The Post tried to solicit angry responses based on its own conjured news (“Jewish leaders slam Rep. Meeks courting antiIsrael Dems over Speaker’s race”).

Yet despite its best scurrilous efforts, The Post could only find one Jewish Leader (please correct headline to “leader” not “leaders”) that slammed Meeks.

Truth is, most Jewish leaders, and most of my fellow Jewish constituents of Rep. Meeks, saw right through this hatchet job.

As buried late in the article, Greg Meeks is a strong advocate for a close U.S.-Israel relationship.

He has long enjoyed the support of the local Jewish community, even from my fellow Republicans.

As chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he replenished the

Iron Dome Missile Defense system, among his many actions in support of Israel.

Do we wish Tiffany Caban wasn’t taken too seriously?

Of course.

But Greg Meeks has earned our trust. We know he can talk to members of the DSA without coming under an evil spell.

Although this issue was unrelated to Israel, we know that if you put Rep. Meeks and Ms. Caban in a room and one influences the other, it is far more likely that he would get her to be pro-Israel long before she could get him to think about abandoning the Jewish State.

Indeed, if there is a villain here it is The Post.

Shame on them for trying to drag the Jewish community in to a politically motivated attack.

Jack Brach Dear Editor, A rosh yeshiva I learned by in Israel once made a very compelling comment. He said to the shiur that if you can’t say it then you don’t underContinued on page 10

FOOD & LEISURE The Aussie Gourmet: White Pizza LIFESTYLES New Column! Teen Talk

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Dating Dialogue, Moderated by 96 Jennifer Mann, LCSW Parenting Pearls

PLEASE HAVE

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Miriam bas Ina Pesia Yocheved Aliza bas Miriam Chana Eliana bas Naomi Rachael bas Tamar

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IN MIND IN YOUR TEFILLOS FOR A REFUAH SHELEIMA

JWOW! 106 You Can Become Ageless by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS 126 HUMOR Centerfold 78 POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes

110

“Defund the Police” Runs into Reality by Marc A. Thiessen

113

In Afghanistan, the U.S. Struggles to be Generous In Defeat

by David Ignatius

114

The Right Plan B for the Moribund Iran Nuclear Deal

by David Ignatius

116

CLASSIFIEDS

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Continued from page 8

stand it. Le’havdil, Einstein said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” My late relative, Rav Avrohom Genechovsky, zt”l, always told me to write down the have amina and maskana of the Gemara to become fluent in Shas and know the final halachas.

All of these statements point towards one idea: it’s important to understand. I would posit that there are two key areas that a person must become fluent in: himself and in understanding information. Knowing who you are and your essence is a key opening point to know your place in the world and understanding information brings a clarity of thought. By accomplishing this, the greatest sense of happiness can be reached as our heart and mind can meet the truth.

Steven Genack Dear Editor, Charlene Aminoff’s article on Liel Namdar, a”h, was so moving and inspirational; I felt like I really got to know Liel from what Charlene wrote.

When one reads an article or hears of a tragedy like the one that occurred, one is generally shocked and saddened. But if we take that shock and that sadness and pour it into doing something good and uplifting for Liel’s neshama, we can help her in an infinite way.

A concrete, manageable kabbala to do something in her name is what we should all do.

Chana L. Dear Editor, I appreciate your reader bringing up the topic of carpools. I, for one, have had bad experiences with carpools. I find many of the children to be very wild and rude. As a parent, I find it hard to drive and be a policeman.

Perhaps these letters will awaken an awareness in parents to remind their children to behave with middos and to have schools remind their students that derech eretz applies at all times – especially in carpool, when parents are doing a chessed, driving their kids back and forth to school.

A Reader

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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International pressure may have pushed China and Russia closer, but the two countries are unlikely to send each other military support, U.S.-based analysts say.

On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping met Russian President Vladimir Putin for their second meeting this year. Official reports gave the impression that the meeting was friendly and strengthened the bonds between the two countries.

Neil Thomas, analyst for China and northeast Asia at consulting firm Eurasia Group, noted, “Beijing and Moscow are forging closer ties because both governments view deeper bilateral cooperation as beneficial to their respective national interests, and not primarily because of an ideological affinity between Xi and Putin.”

In an email to CNBC, he explained that the two superpowers would rather “divide Washington’s political attention between strategic hotspots in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.”

Angela Stent, professor emerita and director of the Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies at Georgetown University, told CNBC’s Squawk Box Asia, “I think both sides recognize, Putin knows, that if he invaded Ukraine, China [isn’t] going to send military help. But they’ll remain completely neutral and that allows them to do whatever they want in what they consider to be their sphere of influence.”

A release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry added that China “reaffirmed China’s commitment to firmly support Russia in maintaining long-term stability.”

Around 488 journalists and media workers have been imprisoned in connection with their work as of December 2021, according to Reporters Without Borders.

That number represents a 20% rise since last year, and it is the highest the organization has recorded since it began publishing figures in 1995.

According to the report, Myanmar, Belarus, and China played central roles in the rise.

In addition, RSF (Reporters Sans Frontières) recorded a record high of female journalists imprisoned, with 33% more detained than at the same time last year. Of those, 75% are detained in the above three countries, with 19 in China, 17 in Belarus, and nine in Myanmar.

According to RSF Secretary-General Christophe Deloire, “The extremely high number of journalists in arbitrary detention is the work of three dictatorial regimes. It is a reflection of the reinforcement of dictatorial power worldwide, an accumulation of crises, and the lack of any scruples on the part of these regimes. It may also be the result of new geopolitical power relationships in which authoritarian regimes are not being subjected to enough pressure to curb their crackdowns.”

On a more hopeful note, 2021 saw the lowest number of journalists – just 46 – die in connection to their work since 2003. RSF attributed this to the lower intensity of conflicts in Arab countries, as well as to campaigning for mechanisms intended to protect journalists. At the same time, two-thirds of those killed were deliberately targeted, and 61% of those killed died outside war zones.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

10 Days of Mourning in North Korea

North Koreans observed the 10year anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s death in a solemn way – or had to face the consequences.

December 17 marked ten years since Kim Jong Il passed away, paving the way for his son, Kim Jong Un, to take over the country. To mark the occasion, the current leader decreed that the nation would observe a period of mourning for ten days.

Citizens could not drink alcohol, laugh, or engage in leisure activities.

Grocery shopping was also banned on December 17.

“In the past many people who were caught drinking or being intoxicated during the mourning period were arrested and treated as ideological criminals,” a citizen told Radio

s t ay c a t I o n s

.

Free Asia. “They were taken away and never seen again.”

Citizens cannot carry out funeral rites or services or even celebrate their own birthdays if those events occur within the mourning period.

As if ten days isn’t long enough to mourn the late leader, another citizen said that police have carried out a similar mandate since the beginning of the month to ensure an appropriate mood for the mourning period.

The state has planned several events to commemorate Kim Jong Il’s life, including a public display of his photography and art, a concert, and an exhibition of the Kimjongilia, a flower named after him.

Fatal Bouncy Castle Incident in Australia At least six children have died and nine suffered serious injuries after falling from a bouncy castle in Tasmania, Australia, on Thursday.

The bouncy castle at Devonport’s Hillcrest Primary School was lifted into the air by a gust of wind last week. The children playing on it fell

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32 feet to the ground. The children were playing on the bouncy castle as a celebration for their last day of school.

Tasmanian police said, “Nine grade 5/6 Hillcrest Primary School students fell from a height of around 10 meters after a significant local wind event caused a jumping castle and several inflatable ‘zorb’ balls to lift into the air about 10 a.m.”

Those who died in the tragic incident were Addison Stewart, 11; and Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Jye Sheehan, Peter Dodt and Zane Mellor, who were 12. Chace Harrison, 11, succumbed to his injuries on Monday.

Police added that three of the four injured children are still hospitalized.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein stated, “It’s devastating. Heart-

breaking. It’s just simply incomprehensible. What should have been a celebration for the end of the school year turned into an unfortunate tragedy for young children at Hillcrest primary. I know that this is going to be a very challenging time for this entire community.”

Police Commander Debbie Williams added, “This is a very tragic event, and our thoughts are with the families and the wider school community, and also our first responders. There is no doubt that this has been a very confronting and distressing scene. Counseling is being made available to the families affected by this in the school community along with the first responders.”

Did Gov’t Know of 1982 Terror Attack in Italy?

An Italian government body will probe documents showing that the Italian government knew about, but did not stop, a 1982 terror attack on a synagogue.

The documents, published last week, seem to confirm that Italy de-

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

cided not to interfere with Palestinian Authority terror attacks on Jewish targets.

According to the documents, Italian intelligence had clear information about the planned attack but reduced security around the synagogue instead of working to stop the attack, which left a two-year-old boy dead.

Enrico Borghi, a member of the Italian Parliamentary Committee for the Security of the Republic (COPASIR), told the La Repubblica newspaper, “Thirty-nine years after the terror attack in the synagogue of Rome, the time has come for us to hear the truth.”

He added, “A state must fully come to terms with its own history.”

In 2008, former Italian Prime Minister and President Francesco Cossiga told Yediot Aharonot that Italy “sold out its Jews.”

“In exchange for a ‘free hand’ in Italy, the Palestinians ensured the security of our state and [the immunity] of Italian targets outside the country from terrorist attacks. As long as these objectives do not collaborate with Zionism and with the State of Israel,” Cossiga said.

Italy at the time denied the claims.

According to the newly-revealed documents, Italian internal intelligence, then-known as Servizio per le Informazioni e la Sicurezza Democratica (SISDE), sent several warnings to the government that groups of Muslim students “intended” to attack Jewish targets in Rome. Later, a warning was sent to the Interior Ministry citing a “usually reliable” source as saying that the Abu Nidal terror group was planning an attack during the Jewish holidays.

Despite these warnings, security was not increased, and, in fact, on the day the attack occurred, the police vehicle which usually stood outside the synagogue was not there.

The 1982 attack included several terrorists hurling hand grenades and firing submachine guns at worshipers attending synagogue. Thirty-four people were wounded, including the parents and four-year-old brother of the sole victim who was killed, 2-year-old Stefano Tache.

$734M Divorce Settlement Join the OU Women’s Initiative at the

A UK judge ruled this week that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum must pay a £554 million ($734 million) settlement to his exwife Princess Haya.

Haya and Sheikh Mohammed, the Emir of Dubai, separated in 2019.

She fled to the UK that year with their two children, now aged 14 and 9. She had supposedly learned that Sheikh Mohammed had imprisoned another one of his children, Princess Latifa, because she tried to escape.

As part of the settlement, Justice Philip Moor ruled that Sheikh Mohammed must pay Haya £251 million ($332 million) within three months and that he must set up an education fund worth £3 million ($4 million) for the children.

Moor said the Sheikh must pay £13.6 million ($18 million) for Haya’s jewelry, £1 million ($1.3 million) for haute couture clothing, £1 million ($1.3 million) for cars, and £5 million ($6.6 million) for race horses.

The judgment also revealed the vast recesses of wealth that both parties had access to. While married, Haya and Sheikh Mohammed spent £2 million ($2.6 million) on strawberries in one summer. The two children had an allowance of £10 million ($13 million) each per year. While married, Haya was given an £83 million ($109 million) annual allowance.

In court proceedings, Haya asked the court to help her retrieve €74 million ($83 million) worth of clothing and £20 million ($26 million) worth of jewelry that the Sheikh had in his possession.

Sheikh Mohammed is worth around $14 billion.

Hostages Released from Haitian Gang On Thursday, the remaining 12 hostages from a U.S.-based missionary group were released by the Hai-

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

tian gang that had held them for two months.

Their release was secured two months to the day after they were first detained by the notoriously violent group that had demanded $1 million for each of the 16 Americans and one Canadian, including five children.

“The remaining twelve hostages are free! Join us in praising G-d that all seventeen of our loved ones are now safe. Thank you for your fervent prayers throughout the past two months. We hope to provide more information as we are able,” Christian Aid Ministries said in a statement.

The hostages were released on Thursday morning in a suburb of the country’s capital Port-au-Prince. A Haitian National Police patrol picked them up.

The gang, known as 400 Mawozo, released two of the hostages – a couple – in late November as a humanitarian gesture because one of them was sick. Last week, three more missionaries were released, but Christian Aid Ministries declined to provide more information on their identities or how their release was secured.

All 17 missionaries were taken on October 16 as they were returning from a visit to an orphanage in an area dominated by 400 Mawozo, one of the powerful criminal gangs that have operated with impunity in Haiti.

Protests in Poland Over Media Bill

Demonstrations were held on Sunday in several Polish cities, protesting a media law which would force U.S. broadcaster Discovery Inc. out of the country. Among the protesters were thousands rallying out-

side the Polish presidential palace.

The bill was rushed through Poland’s Parliament last week, and if signed into law by Polish President Andrzej Duda would force Discovery Inc. to sell a majority in its local unit, TVN. Poland’s ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party has explained that the bill seeks to limit foreign influence over local media. Meanwhile, according to Politico, Discovery is the only company which would be affected by the bill if it passed.

Speaking to demonstrators on Sunday, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski said, “This is not just about one channel. In a moment [there will be] censorship of the internet, an attempt to extinguish all independent sources of information — but we will not allow that to happen.”

In addition to the rally in Warsaw, rallies also took place in Krakow.

In a statement, TVN Discovery said the company is “extremely concerned” but “remains resolute in its defense of the rights of the Polish people and the TVN business.”

“It added, the act as adopted is an attack on core democratic principles of freedom of speech, the independence of the media and is directly discriminatory against TVN and Discovery.” The company promised to “use all legal means to continue the mission of our media in Poland.”

It is not yet clear whether Duda will sign the bill.

Japan Executes

by Hanging This week, Japan executed three prisoners on death row, the first since December 2019. The executions were the first under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who took office in October and won a general election the same month.

Japan, where more than 100 inmates await execution, is one of the few developed nations that still have the death penalty.

Public support for capital punishment remains high despite international criticism, including from rights groups.

The country executed three inmates in 2019 and 15 in 2018 – including 13 from the Aum Shinrikyo cult that carried out a fatal 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway.

Executions are usually implemented long after sentencing and are always by hanging.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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For decades, authorities have told death row inmates just hours before an execution is carried out – a process that two inmates argue is illegal and causes psychological distress.

The pair are suing the government over the system and are also seeking compensation of 22 million yen ($194,000) for the distress caused by living with uncertainty about their execution date.

Documents and news archives show that Japan used to give death row inmates more notice but stopped around 1975.

Super Typhoon Hits Philippines

At least 375 people have died from the winds, rains, and destruction wreaked by Super Typhoon Rai on the Philippines. Still, rescue workers

are attempting to reach some disaster-hit areas, and authorities warn that the death toll may even climb higher.

At least 515 people were injured in the chaos; 56 people were considered missing as of Tuesday.

The typhoon is known locally as Odette.

Philippine Red Cross chairman Sen. Richard Gordon noted that five bridges in Palawan have been destroyed by the storm. Nearly 1 million people live in the western province, according to 2020 official figures.

“Homes are completely destroyed.

We are trying to send urgent supplies including water, food and medicines,” Gordon said. “Communities have been completely cut off.”

The typhoon was the 15th to hit the Philippines this year. It made landfall on Siargao Island on Thursday, a popular tourist and surfing destination in the Caraga region of northeast Mindanao. It had initially packed winds of up to 260 kilometers (160 miles) per hour – equivalent to a Category 5 storm.

As Rai traveled west, it ripped down homes, trees and power cables in its path, bringing with it heavy rain, widespread flooding and landslides. Communities were destroyed

and hundreds of thousands were left homeless by the storm.

Scenes of the destruction were reminiscent of Super Typhoon Haiyan, known locally as Yolanda, which hit the Philippines in November 2013. That was one of the strongest storms to batter the nation, killing more than 6,000 people. Its powerful winds and enormous storm surge smashed buildings, destroyed roads, and caused widespread power and water outages.

India: Monkeys Kill Dogs in “Revenge”

Indian authorities have captured two monkeys after the primates killed approximately 250 dogs in “revenge” attacks following the death of a baby monkey. According to forest department officials from the Beed district of Maharashtra state, the two monkeys were trapped on Sunday and released in their natural habitat.

Beed forest officer Sachin Kand told India’s ANI news agency, “Two monkeys involved in the killing of many puppies have been captured by a Nagpur Forest Department team in Beed.”

The monkeys were released to a forest near Nagpur.

Radhakishan Sonawane, from Lavool village, told Press Trust India (PTI) that the attacks had been ongoing for three months, with the monkeys taking puppies and placing them in high places.

“At such heights, these puppies don’t get any food or water,” he explained. “Hence they died naturally many times. But sometimes they fell from a height and died. Over 200 puppies had lost their lives in our village.”

Range Forest Officer Amol Munde noted, “Monkeys generally don’t attack human beings but people are afraid. Some people were injured in the past few days while running away from these monkeys. However, no incident of any monkey bite was reported in this village.”

Egypt: Revolution Leader Gets 5 Years in Prison

On Monday, Egypt sentenced Alaa Abdel Fattah, a leading figure in the country’s 2011 revolution, to five years in prison.

The two others on trial in Cairo received four years in jail.

Fattah has been in pre-trial detention since September 2019. He, his lawyer Mohamed al-Baqer, and blogger Mohamed “Oxygen” Ibrahim were convicted of “broadcasting false news.” Al-Bager and Ibrahim received four years each.

The rulings cannot be appealed but require final approval by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

According to rights groups, Egypt is holding approximately 60,000 political prisoners, many of whom suffer from overcrowded cells and brutal conditions, in detention.

Chile’s Youngest President

Gabriel Boric, 35, will become Chile’s youngest-ever president, after he won the presidential runoff on Sunday.

Boric, a leftist and former student leader, won 55.87% of the vote, with opponent Jose Antonio Kast coming in at just 44.13%, the Electoral Service of Chile reported.

Boric will be sworn in on March 11.

A former student protest leader, Boric backed the mass demonstrations against inequality and alleged

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

corruption that rocked Chile in 2019 and 2020.

His rival, meanwhile, stood on a platform of law and order, pledging cuts to tax and social spending.

Kast also defended the legacy of Gen Pinochet, who took power in a coup and ruled the country from 1973 to 1990. Under his leadership more than 3,000 people were murdered by the state or disappeared.

In his concession, Kast congratulated Boric on “his great triumph.”

From his campaign headquarters on Sunday night, President-elect Boric said, “I want to begin this historical moment, which is tremendously exciting and that the eyes of Chile and the world are watching, thanking all Chileans who went to vote, honoring their commitment to democracy.”

He added, “It doesn’t matter if you did it for me or my opponent; the important thing is that you did it, you were present, you showed your commitment to this country that belongs to each of you.”

Outgoing Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said, “Chileans have given an example of democracy, you were part of that, I congratulate you.”

The Jewish Community of Chile, a nonprofit representing communal interests, congratulated Boric in a short statement, wishing him and his government “much success” and praising the transparency of the country’s elections. It concluded, “We will continue to work for a democratic, diverse Chile where minorities are respected. “ The official group representing Chile’s roughly 18,000 Jews has a complicated relationship with Boric.

In 2019, it sent him a Rosh Hashanah gift along with a note expressing a desire for a “more inclusive, respectful society with more solidarity.”

“I appreciate the gesture but they could start by asking Israel to return the illegally occupied Palestinian territory,” Boric wrote after posting a picture of the gift to Twitter.

Boric’s criticism of Israel is longstanding. As a lawmaker, he supported a bill proposing to boycott Israeli goods from the Golan, West Bank settlements, and areas of Jerusalem that came under Israeli control in 1967.

During the campaign, many members of the community expressed concern over that, along with what they said was a pattern of demanding that local Jews condemn

23

Israeli policy.

“We are of course willing to accept reasonable criticism about Israel, but what we hear from Boric is that Israel is a ‘genocidal’ and ‘murderous’ state,” Gabriel Zaliasnik, a prominent member of Chile’s Jewish community, told Israel’s Haaretz daily last week. “To make matters worse, he blames our Jewish community for Israel’s actions.”

On November 21, Chile held a general election, which ended with Kast garnering 28% of the vote and Boric nabbing 25% of the vote. With neither candidate winning over 50% of the vote, the two were forced to hold a runoff.

Once the most stable economy in Latin America, Chile has one of the world’s largest income gaps, with 1% of the population owning 25% of the country’s wealth, according to the United Nations.

Prison Officer Stabbed

An Israel Prisons Service staff member was stabbed on Monday afternoon in the Nafkha Prison.

The stabbing coincides with Hamas’ threat to respond to alleged mistreatment of female terrorists, Arab reports said.

According to the Prisons Service, the staff member was lightly wounded by a prisoner in the Hamas wing.

The wing is under control.

The Jerusalem Post quoted Arab media as saying that several Hamas prisoners were sent into isolation after the incident.

Hamas praised the stabbing, claiming it was a “natural response” to the “escalation” faced by female terrorists. Hamas also warned Israel not to “continue its crimes” against female terrorists.

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

‫בס״ד‬

heart

“Yehuda was only nine when that happened,” recalled Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan about the Disengagement from Gaza. “As a young boy he chose to carry the banner of that struggle so he could bring us home.”

Yehuda, he said, came to the Homesh Yeshiva “in rain, in the cold, in the scorching heat of summer.

When time and time again they [the IDF] came to evacuate them – he sat and studied Torah, and prayed that the people of Israel would recover, that we would all return together to our homes, to our land, without fear.”

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Yehuda Dimentman, HY”D A shooting attack in Samaria left one dead and two others injured in an attack last week.

Yehuda Dimentman, 25, lived in Shavei Shomron and studied at the Homesh Yeshiva. He was traveling home with two friends when his vehi-

cle was ambushed by Arab terrorists, who fired over 15 bullets at the vehicle.

Dimentman is survived by his wife and nine-month-old son.

12/15/21 2:41 PM

Avia Entman and Neria Shlomo Feldman, the two who were wounded in the shooting, suffered moderate and light injuries.

Preliminary investigations showed that the terror attack had been carried out by two terrorists, who were captured on Sunday. The IDF is now preparing to demolish the terrorists’ homes.

“Don’t let Yehuda’s blood be spilled in vain,” Yehuda’s brother Shlomi told the broken crowd at the levaya on Friday.

Israeli security forces arrested the terror cell suspected of carrying out a deadly shooting attack, Shabak (Israel Security Agency) said on Sunday morning.

The arrests were carried out at approximately at 2:30a.m. Sunday morning.

Six suspects were arrested by the IDF and Israel Police in the raid on the village of Silat al-Harithiya, near Jenin. The six were transferred to Shabak for interrogation.

Two of the terrorists are believed to have carried out the shooting attack in which Yehuda Dimentman, HY”D, was killed, while the other four are suspected of having assisted in the attack or otherwise involved themselves, an IDF spokesperson said. He added that he could not comment on the terrorists’ connection to any specific groups.

No terror group has taken responsibility for the attack.

Shabak said that weapons suspected of having been used in the attack were also recovered and included a locally produced submachine gun and two M-16 rifles.

“Security forces will continue to work to bring those involved in terror activities to justice,” Shabak vowed.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Authorities Want Ukraine to Open to Dismantle Diplomatic Homesh Yeshiva Office in Jerusalem

The political echelon has decided to evacuate the Homesh Yeshiva, days after one of its students was murdered in a terror attack.

Ettya Dimentman, the widow of Yehuda Dimentman, 25, who was killed in Thursday’s shooting attack, said, “Unfortunately, the rabbi learned that they are going to destroy Homesh. They are toying with a family which is sitting shiva as if we don’t have feelings.”

Turning to Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, she said, “You grew up on the values ​​of Torah and morality, and Yehuda was a man of justice.

It seems a small thing to ask that the yeshiva remain in Homesh, but it is a big step towards the redemption. On Thursday, we will go up to the grave and from there we will walk back to Homesh.

“We invite all the people of Israel to march with us, come and march with me and with David and with the whole family. Whoever builds Homesh will not regret it,” the young widow added.

Yehuda’s father, Rabbi Mordechai Dimentman, said, “Yehuda will not return to us. Our only consolation is if his blood is not spilled in vain. If, G-d forbid, the yeshiva is evacuated, then his blood will have been spilled in vain. From the cemetery we will not return to our house. We will go to the place of the murder and to the yeshiva where Yehuda was in his last hours. I call on the general public: come with us.”

Rabbi Elishama Cohen, the Rosh Yeshiva of the Homesh Yeshiva, said, “We know from senior officials that a decision was made to destroy Homesh, including assessments by the military echelon and security forces there…

“Yehudah loved Homesh with all his soul. Yehuda was full of light and goodness. We are at this time shocked and dismayed by the decision to demolish the yeshiva and uproot it and give a reward to the murderers and give a reward to terrorism.”

Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Yevhen Korniichuk said last week that his country is in the final stages of planning the opening of a diplomatic office in Jerusalem.

“My country recognizes the one and only capital of Israel, and that is Jerusalem,” Korniichuk said at an event marking 30 years of relations between Ukraine and Israel.

Korniichuk added that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit Israel next year, opening an embassy branch in Jerusalem dedicated to promoting economic and technological cooperation.

He added that the decision to open the embassy office is not yet final but that he discussed it in October with Zelensky and it is likely “a matter of months” before it opens.

Korniichuk noted that Zelensky “has certain preconditions in the security and defense relationship between the countries before that can happen.”

Soldiers Can Shoot at Fleeing Rock Throwers

The Israeli military has revised its open-fire policies for the West Bank, officially allowing troops to shoot at Palestinians who had thrown rocks or firebombs at cars, even if the assailants no longer present an immediate threat.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

The policy change was first reported by Israel’s Kan broadcaster on Sunday night and was later confirmed to The Times of Israel by a military spokesperson, who said it had been in effect for the past month or so.

The spokesperson described the change as a corrective to a situation that allowed suspects to evade justice.

The military spokesperson said that, even under the new policy, regarding what is formally known as a suspect arrest protocol – a multi-step process that begins with calls to halt, moves to verbal threats, then shots fired into the air, and ends with the use of deadly force – the military’s preferred outcome is still an arrest, not shots being fired. He also stressed that this policy refers only to rocks and firebombs that are being thrown at civilians, not those thrown at military personnel during riots.

Until now, the Israel Defense Forces’ official policy has been to allow soldiers to open fire only while trying to arrest a suspect if that person was still in the act of throwing rocks or Molotov cocktails at cars, but not after the fact. The spokesperson said this allowed suspects to flee the scene after such an attack with impunity.

Under the new policy, if soldiers see a Palestinian person throwing a

rock or firebomb at cars, they are permitted to go through the arrest protocol in its entirety, including the use of deadly force, if necessary, even if, by that stage in the process, the suspects no longer have firebombs or rocks in their hands.

Highways throughout the West Bank, particularly around Israeli settlements, are often attacked by Palestinian youths, who throw rocks, Molotov cocktails, or paint at the passing vehicles. These attacks have caused injuries, including last month when a bus driver was hit by broken glass after his vehicle was pelted with stones outside Jerusalem and last January when an Israeli woman was seriously injured when a rock hit her in the head near the settlement of Neve Tzuf.

Human Rights Watch: Israel Topped the News Want to guess what was the most-read report of Human Rights Watch in 2021?

If you answered, “A Threshold Crossed: Israeli Authorities and the

Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution,” you were right.

This report, released in April, detailed by HRW how Israeli authorities are committing crimes against humanity of apartheid and persecution. Unlike the other reports listed as most-read in 2021, the Israeli one was not a current event – written rather as an overview on the greater Israel-Palestine conflict.

HRW’s report on Israel’s conduct ranked higher than reports on topics including violence against women in India, extra-judicial killings in the Philippines, mass detention of Uyghur Muslims in China, restrictions on women’s rights in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, and massacres in Ethiopia.

“Laws, policies, and statements by leading Israeli officials make plain that the objective of maintaining Jewish Israeli control over demographics, political power, and land has long guided government policy,” the report reads. “In pursuit of this goal, authorities have dispossessed, confined, forcibly separated, and subjugated Palestinians by virtue of their identity to varying degrees of intensity. These deprivations are so severe that they amount to the crimes against humanity of apartheid and persecution.”

The report further describes instances of alleged “inhumane acts” by the Israeli side, such as the construction of barriers between Israeli and Palestinian lands, restrictions on travel, excessive force used in policing and a “suspension of civil rights,” ending with a series of recommendations for relevant United States government bodies, the International Criminal Court (ICC), UN member and non-member states, businesses active in Israel, the State of Israel itself, and even the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).

Israel was given a 15-point list of recommendations, whereas the PA was merely asked to “cease all security coordination with the Israeli army” and “incorporate crimes against humanity, including the crimes of persecution and apart-

heid, into national criminal law.”

HRW had just one recommendation for the PLO – to “adopt an advocacy strategy centered on the immediate attainment of the full human rights of Palestinians.” The PLO was recognized as a terrorist organization until 1993 and has written that “Palestine...is an indivisible territorial unit” in its charter.

Human Rights Watch has previously been accused of bias, lax fact-checking, collusion with the U.S. government, and accepting donations from foreign governments.

In 2020, The Intercept discovered that HRW accepted a $470,000 donation from a Saudi real estate magnate they “had previously identified as complicit in labor rights abuse.”

AIPAC Will Fundraise for Politicians

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) announced last week that it will now have a political action committee (PAC) to fundraise for politicians.

The PAC will funnel $5,000 maximum donations to designated candidates per race; a super PAC can raise unlimited money for a candidate.

AIPAC PAC will be the name of the regular PAC, while the super PAC has yet to be named.

“The creation of a PAC and a super PAC is an opportunity to significantly deepen and strengthen the involvement of the pro-Israel community in politics,” AIPAC spokesman Marshall Wittmann said. “The PACs will work in a bipartisan way.”

The regular PAC will be headed

by Marilyn Rosenthal; the super PAC will be helmed by Rob Bassin, AIPAC’s longtime political director.

According to an AIPAC official, the launch of the PACs was part of an effort to modernize the organization.

“The DC political environment has been undergoing profound

29

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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change,” AIPAC’s statement said.

“Hyper-partisanship, high congressional turnover, and the exponential growth in the cost of campaigns now dominate the landscape.”

Rapid Retirements in Congress

On Monday, Florida Rep. Stephanie Murphy announced that she will

not seek a fourth term in Congress.

Murphy is not alone. Less than 24 hours before her announcement, New Jersey Rep. Albio Sires said he would be retiring at the end of this Congress. California Rep. Alan Lowenthal made his retirement announcement just before Sires.

In all, there are now 22 Democrats retiring or running for other offices this election cycle. On the Republican side, 11 members are doing the same. It seems that Democrats may have a hard time holding onto their slim majority come election time.

Two years ago, just nine Democrats had announced their retirement plans at this point of the election, while 24 Republicans had done the same, according to CNN’s political unit.

Even more than that, the Democrats who are jumping ship are those who have clout within the party.

Murphy is widely regarded as a rising star within the party and was expected to run for Senate in 2022 until fellow Rep. Val Demings (D) got into the race against Sen. Marco Rubio (R).

John Yarmuth (Budget Committee) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (Sci-

ence, Space and Technology Committee) are also retiring.

First Female to Head NYPD

Keechant Sewell is set to become the first woman to ever head the New York Police Department, as well as the first black person to hold the position in nearly 30 years. Her appointment to position of commissioner was announced at a Wednesday morning press conference by NYC Mayor-elect Eric Adams.

Speaking at the press conference, Sewell said, “We are at a pivotal moment in New York. As our city faces the twin challenges of public safety

and police accountability. They are not mutually exclusive.”

Speaking on Thursday morning with CNN, Sewell said that stemming the flow of guns into the city is her “number one priority” and emphasized that it is her belief that “we certainly can stop the flow of guns.”

She added, “I will always have the backs of my officers – one hundred percent. We want the community to have the backs of the officers as well. We have to get them to talk to the community so we can build that morale and let them know they are doing the work that we asked them to do.”

Sewell, 49, has worked with the Nassau County Police Department since 1997. Fifteen months ago, Sewell became the first Black woman to oversee the Nassau County detective division.

At the time, she said, “What I’ve been able to accomplish, I hope it inspires women, young girls, men — anyone who wants to be an officer and be able to take advantage of the things that have been afforded to me. I would hope that they see representation. And representation matters.”

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MOH Awarded to 3 Heroes

U.S. President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor last week to three soldiers who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The three soldiers who were decorated were Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee, a member of the Army’s elite Special Forces who fended off an attack by Taliban suicide bombers in Afghanistan in 2013; Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Celiz, a member of the Army Rangers who died in combat in Afghanistan in 2018; and Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe, who suffered mortal injuries while famously saving several soldiers from a burning vehicle in Iraq in 2005.

Praising the soldiers, Biden said, “Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude today as we honor unparalleled courage, commitment to duty, indispensable, indisputable gallantry. It is hard to explain where the soldiers got the courage.”

Cashe is the first Black service member to be granted the honor for actions in Afghanistan or Iraq.

In October 2005, his unit was ambushed, and his vehicle rolled over a compression plate that triggered an improvised explosive device that caused the vehicle to burst into flames. At that point, Cashe began pulling his comrades from the vehicle, returning again and again even after his uniform caught fire. He later died of his wounds.

Plumlee is currently serving with the 1st Special Forces Group at Fort Lewis, Washington. The only living service member to receive the Medal of Honor on Thursday, Plumlee was joined by his wife and two young children after they were called up to the stage by the President.

placed from a Hawaiian base after jet fuel contaminated their supply of drinking water. The families were relocated due to ongoing problems from a World War II-era fuel tank farm located above an aquifer.

Earlier this month, petroleum 350 times the level considered safe was detected in a water sample from the Red Hill fuel tank farm, Hawaii’s Department of Health said. “Gasoline range organics” were found to be 66 times the safe level.

The detection was followed by calls from government officials to shut the fuel tank down.

Meanwhile, Hawaii Governor David Ige ordered the U.S. Navy to halt operations at the facility and to take steps to install a drinking water treatment system.

As of now, the displaced military members and their families are living in hotels, and thousands have been evaluated by medical staff.

In a statement earlier this week, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said, “My expectation is that military leaders in Hawaii will continue to do everything they can – as fast as they can – to return residents safely back to their homes and to communicate clearly and frequently the steps they are taking to do so.”

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inees, 21 more than former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed in 2017.

The confirmations made last week will likely be the last of 2021, but the Senate voted to advance the nominations of Gabriel Sanchez and Holly Thomas, who will have their final votes in January.

According to Thomas Jipping, a senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation, the last president to have confirmed at least 40 judicial nominees in his first year was Ronald Reagan, with 41.

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A 6.2 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Northern California rattled a wide swath of the state shortly after noon local time on Monday, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake occurred just off Cape Mendocino near Humboldt County and was felt as far away as San Francisco and Chico, California.

“It was slow rolling at first, but then it really got going,” Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal said.

“We haven’t had a shake like this since 2010.”

Thankfully, there were no major injuries reported. Some minor damage to buildings, including broken glass, occurred.

California’s early earthquake warning system worked for those who are signed up for alerts to their mobile devices. Honsal said he received the alert about 10-15 seconds before feeling the earth shake.

The state’s Office of Emergency Services is “actively monitoring” and “coordinating closely with local partners in the region to protect communities from any secondary impacts,” the agency tweeted.

Humboldt County is sparsely populated, with about 135,000

residents spread over about 4,000 square miles. The area is near the California/Oregon border, about 270 miles north of San Francisco.

Several aftershocks have been detected.

CA Sues Walmart

California filed a lawsuit against Walmart on Monday for allegedly disposing of hazardous waste at a rate of “more than one million items each year.”

The lawsuit alleges Walmart has illegally dumped 159,600 pounds of hazardous waste a year in landfills in the state that aren’t equipped to handle the materials, including lithium batteries, pesticides, and cleaning supplies, according to the complaint.

The complaint also alleges Walmart has been breaking California environmental law for the past six years. When toxic waste is in landfills, it can make its way into drinking water or into the air.

Walmart said that the lawsuit is “unjustified.”

This is not Walmart’s first legal battle in California. In 2010, the California Attorney General’s Office reached a $25 million settlement against Walmart for illegally disposing of hazardous waste. However, in 2015, an inspection revealed Walmart continued to dump waste.

Walmart said in its statement that it has met the requirements of the settlement, and it also claimed that audits of its compactors show it is “far cleaner than the state average.”

“We have met with the state numerous times and walked them through our industry-leading hazardous waste compliance programs in an effort to avoid litigation. Instead, they filed this unjustified lawsuit,” Walmart spokesperson Randy Hargrove said. “The state is demanding a level of compliance regarding waste disposal from our stores of common household products and other items that goes beyond what is required by law.”

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Haitian Migrants Sue U.S. for Mistreatment

A group of Haitian migrants is suing the Biden administration over its treatment of migrants, recounting in detail squalid conditions at a makeshift camp in Del Rio, Texas, this year and confrontations with officers on horseback, according to a lawsuit filed on Monday.

In September, an influx of migrants – primarily Haitian – caught the Biden administration flatfooted, resulting in thousands amassing under the Del Rio International Bridge waiting to claim asylum. During that time, images of Border Patrol

agents on horseback confronting migrants drew swift condemnation from advocates, lawmakers, and senior administration officials who pledged to investigate the incident.

Mirard Joseph, a plaintiff in the case, said he watched his family suffer from hunger and dehydration while waiting at the makeshift camp under the Del Rio International Bridge in September. He decided to cross into Mexico to buy food and water, but upon returning, he encountered a mounted officer.

“After Mirard stepped out of the river, holding two bags of food for Madeleine and his daughter, he encountered a mounted officer. As other officers looked on—some on foot, others on horseback or in official vehicles—the mounted officer shouted at Mirard, lashed at him with split reins, grabbed his neck, and held his collar,” the lawsuit states.

“For several minutes, the officer attempted to drag Mirard back to the river, destroying Mirard’s shirt and causing his shoes to fall off in the process. The officer released Mirard only when the horse was about to trample him,” it continues.

Monday’s lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District

of Columbia. It includes accounts from 11 Haitian asylum seekers, all of whom say they fled dangerous conditions in Haiti and in South America where some of those in the complaint had been living prior to coming to the United States.

Some of the migrants were ultimately expelled to Haiti under a public health order, known as Title 42, that allows for the swift removal of migrants. The Biden administration has leaned on the order to expel tens of thousands of migrants including many of those who had been under the Del Rio International Bridge.

Monday’s lawsuit states that the Title 42 process “has been brutally deployed against Haitians.” It also claims that the Department of Homeland Security violated the rights of thousands of Haitian migrants in Del Rio, alleging that the administration knew there would be an increase of Haitians seeking asylum.

Democrats’ $2T Bill Looking Shaky

Democratic Senator Joe Manchin on Sunday said he cannot support his party’s $2-trillion social and environmental bill, potentially dooming it.

Speaking to “Fox News Sunday,” Manchin said, “I cannot vote to continue with this piece of legislation. I just can’t. I’ve tried everything humanly possible. I can’t get there.”

He also said that the bill would not make it unless it meets his demands for a smaller package.

Currently, the bill is set to offer hundreds of billions of dollars to millions of families who would receive a larger child tax credit, free preschool, and more child care aid.

The bill also includes $500 billion in tax breaks and efforts to reduce carbon emissions, as well as provisions to cap the price of prescription drug increases and other social initiatives.

Responding to Manchin’s announcement, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the decision is “a sudden and inexplicable reversal in his position” and “a breach of his commitments.”

“We will continue to press him to see if he will reverse his position yet again, to honor his prior commitments and be true to his word,” Psaki said.

For his part, Manchin said he was opposing the bill due to concerns over inflation, increased federal debt, and a need to focus on management of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically the Omicron variant.

In a written statement, he said that Democrats were trying to “dramatically reshape our society in a way that leaves our country even more vulnerable to the threats we face.”

Biden’s Approval Ratings Plummet

U.S. President Joe Biden’s approval rating has sunk to a new low as his first year in office comes to a close.

According to the new NPR/PBS Newshour/Marist poll, Biden’s approval rating currently stands at 41%, compared to 55% who disapprove of his performance.

Among independents, Biden’s has a 29% approval rating; in the 2020 elections, 54% of independents voted for him.

Among Democrats, 42% “strongly approve” of Biden’s performance, compared to 86% of Republicans who “strongly disapprove.”

Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, noted, “There’s lots of uncertainty out there — inflation, the latest pandemic addition [of Omicron], Congress is still crawling along on his main agenda. So he’s being hit for a lack of leadership, hit for the fatigue over the pandemic and the concern over inflation.”

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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1,306 Legs

Need something to do this Sunday? Spend some time counting this elongated blind millipede’s legs – that’ll keep you entertained.

Scientists have found a millipede in Australia that actually has more than 1,000 legs.

“Previously no known millipede actually had 1,000 legs despite the name millipede meaning ‘thousand feet,’” said Virginia Tech entomologist Paul Marek, lead author of the research published in the journal Scientific Reports.

The threadlike pale-colored millipede reaches about 3-1/2 inches

(95 mm) long and about four-hundredths of an inch (0.95 mm) wide.

It has 1,306 legs and a conical head, beak-shaped mouth and large antennae. Interestingly, it lacks eyes.

The creature is called Eumillipes persephone. The handful of individuals discovered lived up to almost 200 feet (60 meters) underground.

Females had more legs than males.

“In my opinion this is a stunning animal,” said study co-author Bruno Buzatto, a principal biologist at Bennelongia Environmental Consultants in Perth, Australia.

“It represents the most extreme elongation found to date in millipedes, which were the first animals to conquer land. And this species in particular managed to adapt to living tens of meters deep in the soil, in an arid and harsh landscape where it is very hard to find any millipedes surviving in the surface,” Buzatto added.

Sure has a leg up on the competition.

Vaccination Chip Lost your vaccination card? Have no fear. You can have your vaccina-

tion status embedded into your body via a microchip.

In a film that circulated this week, DSruptive CEO Hannes Sjöblad, who is founder of the Swedish Association of Biohackers, demonstrated how a rice-sized microchip with one’s vaccination information can be implanted under a person’s skin in the arm or in their hand.

Lest you think this sounds crazy, a few years ago, companies introduced an option to employees to be implanted with a chip that would grant them access to certain rooms and the ability to pay for food and drinks in the breakroom.

“Eventually, this technology will become standardized allowing you to use this as your passport, public transit, all purchasing opportunities, etc.,” said Todd Westby, the 32M CEO at the time.

Sounds like a fast-track vax.

Flying Into an Active Volcano

Sebastián “Ardilla” Álvarez, a former Chilean Air Force pilot and wingsuit daredevil whose nickname means “Squirrel,” had a recent brush with an active volcano in a heart-pumping, adrenaline-filled stunt.

In a dramatic video posted by Red Bull, the 36-year-old became the first person to fly in and out of an active volcano. (Kids, do not try this at home!)

“Everything started because I had the dream of flying,” Álvarez told CNN. “Since I was a kid, I just wanted to fly – and somehow, I made it happen.”

The thrill-seeker jumped out of the chopper at an altitude of almost 2.2 miles and reached speeds

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of about 180 mph as he flew into and out of the 656-foot-wide crater of Villarrica, a volcano in Chile that the indigenous Mapuche have dubbed “the Devil’s House.”

“This is by far the most extreme project I’ve ever done,” Álvarez added. “That’s for sure. Especially because of all of the factors — it was an active volcano, it was at high altitude, cold, windy, and so there were a lot of things that I needed to take care of.

“Mentally, it was to me really hard because, again, my mind doesn’t want to be there, but you need to kind of force it to make it happen. I really enjoy doing these projects because I really like to push the sport a little bit more,” he added.

It took Álvarez more than a year to prepare for the stunt, which required 500 practice jumps to perfect the technique of flaring to achieve the proper vertical and horizontal speeds to make it in and out of the chasm.

“The preparation for this was all my life, pretty much, it’s been all my life,” Álvarez said. “You need to be a skydiver, a base jumper and if you are a pilot, even better. All the paths [I’ve taken] came together.

“Even if you train for two years but you’ve not been skydiving before, it’s never going to be possible.

So it was a lifetime of preparation,” Álvarez said about the three-minute flight.

“I cannot express how happy this makes me feel. But it does, you know, and I think that’s what life is about. I mean, you need to do what makes you happy,” he added.

If happiness means flying in and out of dangerous volcanoes, then by all means, “lava” your life in the way you love it most.

An Egregious Error

Remember when your third grade teacher told you that decimals

are important? Well, Max learned that lesson the hard way this week when a little dot created a lot of aggravation for him.

Max is a trader of non-fungible tokens, or NFTs. NFTs are the latest cryptocurrency phenomenon to go mainstream.

In the simplest terms, NFTs transform digital works of art and other collectibles into one-of-a-kind, verifiable assets that are easy to trade on the blockchain.

The Bored Ape Yacht Club is a collection of 10,000 pieces of digital NFT art living on the ethereum (eth) blockchain. (Yes, we don’t either understand it, and we can’t imagine why people spend so much money on things like this.)

In any case, Max, who goes by the username maxnaut, had a “a lapse of concentration” and accidentally listed the NFT for 0.75 eth ($2,844) instead of 75 eth ($284,495).

“I list a lot of items every day and just wasn’t paying attention,” he told CNN. In an instant, an automated account snatched up Max’s NFT and then resold the piece for 59.99 eth ($227,558).

“I saw the error as my finger clicked confirm, but a bot sent a transaction with over 8 eth of gas fees so it was instantly sniped before I could click cancel. I have no animosity to the botter; it’s just part of the game,” he added.

Despite the aggravation, Max didn’t allow the setback to color his day.

“Afterwards, I just took 5 minutes and then got back to work trading other stuff,” he said, adding that the “mistake is not too bad in the big picture.”

“I learned fast not to be too emotional when it comes to trading,” Max added. “The industry is so new, bad things are going to happen whether it’s your fault or the tech.

Once you no longer have control of the outcome, forget and move on.”

Wise words indeed.

A Special Honor at 105 Years Old

Some celebrate their birthdays with a cake, others with balloons.

Major Wooten celebrated his recent birthday – 105 years old! – with a medal of honor.

Wooten served in France during World War II. On his birthday on December 3, he received the French Legion of Honor at a medal ceremony/ birthday party.

Vincent Hommeril, the consul general for France in Atlanta, decorated Wooten with the medal on behalf of French President Emmanuel Macron.

“The Legion of Honor is bestowed upon French citizens as well as foreign nationals who have served France or the ideals it upholds, including individuals who have contributed to the country professionally, as well as veterans such as the Americans who risked their lives during World War II fighting on French soil,” the French consulate announcement said.

Wooten was drafted into the army in 1943 and arrived in France in 1944. He served as an Army private in Le Mans before he was sent to Paris to work at a railroad station, where he repaired bomb-damaged trains.

He returned to the U.S. in 1946 and worked for U.S. Steel in Birmingham after he left the Army.

Last year, in November 2020, Wooten tested positive for COVID-19, but recovered in time for his 104th birthday, which he was able to celebrate at home.

Looking forward to many more exciting birthdays for this young hero!

Did you know?

On the winter solstice, if you stand outside at noon and look at your shadow, it will be the longest shadow you cast the entire year

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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Around the

Community HAFTR Sweeps CIJE Robotics Tournament

Talia Platschek, Hailey Zicherman, Reanna Frand, Jessica Kass, and Rachel Stein

O

n Thursday, December 16, yeshivas from all over the tri-state area teemed into a state-of-the-art robotics arena for the 2021 CIJE Robotics Tournament, hosted at the HAFTR Lower School and Middle School Campus. The event brought out an explosion of talent, excitement, and technical skill. Although only students and coaches were permitted to attend, over 300 middle school and high school students from over 25 schools showed up to compete.

HAFTR Middle School maintained their winning streak, sweeping the top four playoff spots and taking the championship in the middle school division. HAFTR Middle School boasts over 30 team members forming six teams. The students greatly pride themselves on their impressive performances and their undefeated reign.

“In a world where athletics are so celebrated, it is powerful to see a large group of confident motivated students pursuing a cerebral accomplishment with pride and energy,” shared HAFTR Middle School robotics team coach Mrs. Gittel Grant. Mrs. Grant serves as HAFTR Middle School Department Chair of STEM and has built a strong STEM edu-

cation program that prepares students for rigorous STEM courses at the High School level.

In the High School Division, HAFTR High School was paired with Frisch in the championship round and reigned supreme, placing first, and bringing home the first ever robotics trophy to HAFTR at the high school division level. HAFTR High School robotics coach and STEM teacher, Mr. Mitchell Schanke, expressed tremendous pride in his students and expects even more precision and accomplishment come the Spring Tournament.

Rabbi Baruch Noy, HAFTR Director of STEM and Education Technology, credits HAFTR’s “STEM For All” vision with the first place wins in both the middle and high school divisions. Every HAFTR Middle School student is matriculated in a STEM class which builds on skills they began learning in kindergarten. Starting STEM from a young age breeds tremendous confidence and expertise in HAFTR’s older students. In fact, members of the team that won the High School division had themselves won the Middle School division just two years earlier, the last time that

Jack Ymar, Akiva Cunningham, and Ezra Goldstein

the competition was held in-person.

HAFTR Middle School robotics coach Mrs. Gittel Grant is grateful for all the support that CIJE provides Jewish Day Schools – direct mentor support, drone Olympics, and of course, a Yeshiva League Robotics Tournament which provides incredible experiential learning for the students.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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Around the Community

Netzach Shalsheles Melava Malka

O

n Motzei Shabbos, December 11, Mesivta Netzach HaTorah held its annual Shalsheles Melava Malka. This annual event has become a highlight

of the year as fathers, grandfathers, rebbeim and hanhala of the Mesivta gather for learning and inspiration.

Rabbi Yitzchok Yurman, the menahel of the Mesivta, led the chavru-

sa learning on the topic of Asara B’Teves, followed by an in-depth shiur on the background, halachic and deeper meaning of the fast.

After the shiur, the talmidim and

guests enjoyed a delicious Melava Malka ending with a kumzits led by their beloved rebbe and talented musician Rabbi Yechezkel Rodkin.

Learning never stops in Mrs. Salzberg’s first grade at YOSS! When we finish a test, we use our time to stretch our brains with stem challenges HAFTR Early Childhood celebrated finishing Sefer Bereishis with special Shabbat party treats, certificates, and a solid foundation of the parsha stories

Chai Lifeline Kids Enjoy Look Inside World of Fashion

O

n Monday, December 20, luxury fashion brand Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman welcomed a group of Chai Lifeline girls impacted by pediatric illness to visit its Manhattan showroom and get an inside look at the world of fashion.

The event was coordinated and led

by Teri Jon Creative Director Leora Mishan who spoke about the process of fashion design and the power of taking ideas and insight from all around. The girls then enjoyed light refreshments before leaving for the Chai Lifeline New York office for lunch.

“We wanted to give the girls an overview of the design process, from inspiration to production,” said Mishan. “More importantly, we wanted to share Rickie Freeman’s story

with them; show them that through strength and conviction they can be empowered to achieve anything they want.”

“It was really cool to see different types of dresses and how they were

made,” said Michelle, a Chai Lifeline Warrior from Manalapan, New Jersey.

“It was also great to just connect with new people and learn new things.”

Chai Lifeline is a leading internation-

al children’s health support network, providing critical support to children with life-threatening and lifelong illnesses and their families. To learn more, make a donation, or get involved, visit www.chailifeline.org

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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Around the Community

A Lyme and Tick Awareness event was held by the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce Health and Medical Division in Lawrence last Thursday evening at the Moreman home. The event brought the community’s schools and camp leaders together to help promote prevention of tick-borne infections and save lives.

Debut of HAFTR High School Morning Announcements

Living with the Parsha

A

t Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim, we don’t just learn the parshiyos, we learn to live with the parsha. The past few parshiyos have taught us what can happen when there is a lack of unity and achdus, and in order for Klal Yisroel to be redeemed from galus (exile), just like in Mitzraim, we need to live and learn, even with our individuality and differences, to work in unison and be together as one.

This past week, the talmidim had a fun time working together (b’achdus) in a team-building activity in Epic Escape the Room LI. Baruch

Kyra Seidel and Eitan Hazan

Hashem, were able to “escape the room” even earlier than anticipated.

By: Kyra Seidel

L

ast week, the Morning Announcement weekly video podcast debuted at HAFTR High School. The show is a platform to inform the student body, faculty, and everyone at HAFTR about the current happenings at school, as well as upcoming events to look out for.

This all started when sophomore Kaitlin Pollack, a sophomore, was at Debate practice and heard her fellow team members talking about previous and upcoming events at HAFTR. Kaitlin wondered, “Why didn’t I know about any of these things?” This sparked the idea that led to the creation of Morning Announcements. After Kaitlin and I

discussed the idea, we approached Ms. Ilona Diamond, Coordinator of Student Programs, and Dr. Joshua Wyner, Associate Principal, to turn this vision into a reality. Thus, Morning Announcements was born.

Kaitlin now produces and directs the filming of our two cohosts: myself and Eitan Hazan, along with the filming and editing crew of junior Corey Spitzer and freshman Zack Newmark. With the many events and programs at HAFTR, it is crucial and exciting to have these morning announcements. The podcasts can be viewed at HAFTR High School’s Instagram account @haftr_hs. We hope everyone keeps up to date and enjoys them!

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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Around the Community

It’s Time for TAG!

By Mordechai Kastlebaum

I

t’s that time of year again, when the community comes out to support one of the landmark institutions of our community – Torah Academy for Girls (TAG).

With 1,900+ talmidos from preschool through 12th grade, TAG continues to be a premier school in our neighborhood and throughout the tri-state area. The famed TAG chinuch is respected and emulated by educators far and wide.

One of the crown jewels of the school is its advanced Resource Center which enriches education for many of its students. With cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking techniques, the center enables them to flourish and thrive in their studies.

Even more important are the crucial skills that are learned in the Resource Center. These skills are taught and reviewed constantly until they become ingrained in each girl. Indeed, it is these skills that will serve them well throughout

their lives in whatever profession they choose to pursue.

The Time for TAG campaign that is going on right now is our annual campaign to support and bolster the TAG Resource Center.

With the cost of educating each student rising every year, it is more important than ever to stand with our young daughters and give them the best opportunity for success in school and in life.

TAG allocates over $1,000,000 of our budget to fund this program, and participating families are not charged extra for this valuable resource. Your generous participation in this campaign literally changes the lives of so many talmidos.

Every dollar donated is truly an investment in our future!

Please join us at any of our neighborhood parlor meetings to participate in the campaign. If you can’t attend in person to show you support, please donate generously online at TAGDonation.org.

Central Athletics is Live

C

entral Athletics is now live!

The student-run “Central Broadcasting Club” began livestreaming athletic games this week beginning with Central Wildcats’ volleyball games against the Yeshivah of Flatbush. League rules restrict spectators to parents and students of the home team, so visiting teams’ parents and friends were unable to watch and cheer their school on. Central students, along with Athletic Director Erez Bar-Levy, realized that a great way to get more involvement from both Wildcat and visiting team fans would be to livestream the games.

Under the capable direction of senior Yaira Goldress, all home games will now be broadcast on YouTube live.

Yaira, from West Hempstead, says of the new club: “Some of the exciting jobs that we get to do is work the camera, update the score of the game on the screen, or announce a play-by-play of what is

happening in the game. It is so cool to hear all the positive feedback from the students and to see this idea of the broadcast club come to life!”

Senior Bat-Zion Atik operated the camera, while senior Kayla Moskowitz and sophomore Keira Kahn provided play-by-play announcing to help viewers feel like they were at the game. Faculty Advisor and Director of Technology Mrs. Marci Karoll is bursting with pride as Central made this happen.

Mr. Bar-Levy also could not be prouder, saying, “It is during enduring times that we find out who we really are. Our student-athletes, coaches, administrators and parents have answered the call by showing character and personality to make the Basketball and Volleyball seasons happen.”

Subscribe to “Central Athletics” on YouTube and watch our games live. Let’s go Wildcats!

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Yeshiva Darchei Torah pre-1A talmid Dovid Gerson with one of the yeshiva’s in-house feathered fowl friends

Fathers and sons joined together for learning and tefillah at YSZ’s father-son breakfas

Lander College for Men Alumni Dinners

By Zak Runge

E

ach year, the Lander College for Men Alumni Dinners bring together students with alumni in their prospective fields. Lander College for Men alumni in numerous fields including medicine, dentistry, psychology, finance, and real estate visit their alma mater to share their career experiences with current students. This year’s dinner was especially valuable. “Covid threw many employers and professional schools off stride, and the challenges of landing the right job out of college have grown in complexity,” explained Lander College for Men Dean, Dr. Moshe Sokol. “Students have an opportunity to tap into the Lander network for guidance, support and honest answers to tough questions.”

These dinners, held over three consecutive nights in December,

were standing room only. The premed dinner featured three speakers who opened the floor to students’ questions about medical school. Students were reassured when the alumni, including current and former medical students, all concurred that students graduating Lander were well prepared for the experience. Doneal Bromberg, a senior pre-med student, noted, “The speakers explained the importance of serious studying.

A high GPA can get you into a medical school, but your success in medical school depends not just on what you learned but also on how well you learned it.”

At the close of the dinner, one of the speakers, Dr. David Bamshaed, a radiology resident at Mount Sinai Hospital, shared why he chose to become a doctor. “I couldn’t be happier or more grateful for the opportunity to do something I enjoy while be-

ing able to help others and trying to make a kiddush Hashem along the way,” said Bamshaed.

Avi Horowitz, CMA and Head of Financial Ops at the financial technology company Bread, spoke about entrepreneurship. He discussed the struggles of starting a new business, finding investors, creating a platform, and eventually selling the business. He explained that an entrepreneur requires a both grit and stick-to-it-ive-ness to develop a successful business. Horowitz said that there are ups and downs in business, but if you hang on and put in the work you will see success.

Students who attended the psychology dinner heard from four speakers. One is a research psychologist with a Ph.D., another is a clinical psychologist with a Psy.D, the third currently does research while finishing his dissertation, and the fourth

works at Mount Sinai Hospital. They described the process of applying to graduate schools, and the many different settings in which psychologists are employed. One of the speakers, Dr. David Hersh, said, “Touro psychology professors advised, empowered, and motivated me, and I am proud to follow in their footsteps.”

Dean Moshe Sokol summed up the evening, “Hearing from LCM alumni who’ve succeeded in their chosen fields, who know exactly what it takes to succeed, and who know exactly the kind of college experience LCM students have gone through is of extraordinary value. They tell it like it is, from the inside, and give our students just the guidance they need to succeed.”

From my own experience, these dinners were extremely helpful, and I am grateful for the opportunity Lander College for Men offered.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Community Unites to Bring Refuah After Tragedy

By Shabsie Saphirstein

T

his past Wednesday evening, Chazaq coordinated a communal unity Tehillim event for the neighborhood of North Woodmere.

Over 150 attendees gathered in person at Congregation Ohr Torah, while well over a thousand more watched online as neighborhood rabbonim took to the pulpit to recite the sacred words of Dovid HaMelech. When tragic news of a horrific fatal crash broke on Motza’ei Shabbos, December 11, there was a general understanding that every decision comes from Hashem. As a klal, we turn to tefillah when faced with tragedy and maintain a strong belief in Hashem’s ultimate plan. In recovery are Mrs. Miriam Meltser, her daughter Aliza, and Aliza’s friends Chana Eliana and Rachael.

“It is upon each of us to strengthen our mitzvos and tefilah tonight at this time is critical time,” said Robbie Aboff, Chazaq event’s coordinator.

Rabbi Yaniv Meirov, CEO of CHAZAQ, related, “It is very apropos that this community unity event is connected to this week’s parsha of Vayechi. We bless our children like Ephraim and Menashe and we know that Ephraim is younger than Menashe, but he was not arrogant at the fact that he had Yaakov Aveinu’s right hand and Menashe who was older was not jealous of his younger brother. The fact that they were united – like we are here tonight – is what Hakadosh

Rabbi Avrohom Binsky, mara d’asra, Kehilas Moreshes Yaakov, father of Mrs. Miriam Meltser

Baruch Hu wants of us.”

Rabbi Meirov pointed out that the Shechinah was removed from Yaakov Aveinu before he was niftar so that he could not reveal the end of days. The geulah will come by gathering and getting together. “Let this gathering with all the kehillos of the neighborhood bring a geulah for the community and the families affected,” said Rabbi Meirov.

Chazaq is no stranger to North Woodmere. In recent years, Congregation Ohr Torah, under the leadership of Rabbi Yehuda Eliyahu and Rabbi Aryeh Dachs, has opened its doors to the organization for children’s programming around chagim and for a Sunday school program, Shaping Lives, for children in public school.

The chizuk program began as a mere thought at the CHAZAQ headquarters and was made possible through the devotion of Rabbi Shmuel Witkin of Kehillas Bnai Hayeshivos.

The community of North Woodmere exemplifies unity. All their shuls collaborated in the program – Beis Haknesses of North Woodmere and Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, Khal Chassidim and Rabbi Teddy Newman, Kodesh and Rabbi Joey Rosenfeld, K’hal Lev Avos and Rabbi Shmuel Weinberg, the Young Israel of North Woodmere and Rabbi Yehuda Septimus – as well as the many community leaders and rabbonim lent a helping hand to connect all the dots of the evening. Chaverim of the Five Towns and Rockaway provided logistics.

In attendance was also Miriam’s

father, Rabbi Avrohom Moshe Binsky, mara d’asra of Kehilas Moreshes Yaakov in Brooklyn, and his son, Miriam’s brother, Rabbi Daniel Yoel Binsky, the assistant rav, who delivered remarks expressing thanks for the way the community has opened themselves to give.

“We are one body,” said Miriam’s brother. “The progress is such a kiddush Hashem,” said Rabbi Binsky of his sister’s continued recovery. Rabbi Binsky asked the audience to appreciate each other and ourselves and act as one and not wait for a tragedy as a merit for his sister.

In thanking the participants, Miriam’s father evoked the memory of her grandparents who were killed during the Holocaust as a merit for her recovery.

Tehilim was delivered by Rabbi Eliyahu; Rabbi Septimus; Rabbi Yaakov Feitman, rav of the Red Shul; Rabbi Meir Whiteman, rav of TAG; Rabbi Witkin; Rabbi Weinberg; Rabbi Newman; Rabbi Dachs; and Rabbi Yaakov Bender, Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei Torah.

May the continued Tehillim bring a quick refuah to Miriam bas Ina Pesia Yocheved, Aliza bas Miriam, Chana Eliana bas Naomi, and Rachael bas Tamar, amongst all who are sick in klal Yisrael. May our tefillos also uplift the neshama of Liel Dina bas Efraim, a”h, who sadly perished in the crash.

Vivid Vocabulary

M

rs. Gross’s fifth graders at YOSS are “toadally” engrossed in the Night of the Spadefoot Toads. It is an exciting story of intergenerational friendship, activism, and how our actions can considerably influence our environment. Since students all learn in different methods and at different rates, it’s vital to practice vocabulary in a variety of ways. We know that repeated, meaningful interaction with words helps students learn, understand, and use them.

Enriching our vocabulary with the words from our mentor text, the students teamed up to practice their skills with support from the good old-fashioned dictionary. Then the students met up with other groups to compare their definitions. To add another element of mystery to our vocabulary de-

tectives, the students played “Who Am I?” with the secret words attached to their backs. Only with the help of specific critical thinking questions could

the student figure out what their word was.

The class had a great time and looks forward to more fun with words.

JOIN THE FUN AT CMY The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

At the groundbreaking of a new playground in Lawrence Zion Park scheduled to open in the spring. Pictured here are Mayor Alex H. Edelman, Deputy Mayor Jeff Landy, Project Coordinator and Trustee Paris Popack, Village Administrator Ronald Goldman, and Deputy Village Administrator Gerry Castro, along with playground engineers.

Shevach Students Inspired to “Reconnect”

S

hevach High School, under the leadership of its Menaheles, Mrs. Shulamith Insel, is very excited about their new technology program, introduced this year as “Reconnect.” The goal of this initiative is to reconnect to that which is truly important in life and disconnect as much as we can from today’s greatest nisayon, technology. The program was introduced with a creative breakout that was not only enjoyed by all, but more importantly, left the Shevach students inspired to change. Kudos to the staff technology coordinator, Mrs. Chaya Swerdloff, and senior heads, Sophia Ben Baruch, Chaya Shalva Boiangiu, Ahuva Grossman, Rochel Morgenstern, and Pesha Winter.

Every month, the Shevach girls receive a kabbalah card with a calendar and several suggested kabbalos listed. At the start of the month, each student chooses a kabbalah that she feels is most applicable to her. Every girl who completes her goal receives a charm at the end of the month to add to her “Reconnect” bracelet she had received at the breakout, and is now being customized based on her accomplishments.

In order to encourage and empower the girls to keep their kabbalos, every Thursday morning,

immediately after davening, a different girl stands up in front of the entire school and speaks about her accomplishments. In the words of the students: “I feel so much freer without my phone at the dinner table,” “I realized how much of a toll my phone took on my social life.

Now I am much more in the present and feel like I can CONNECT better with my surroundings,” “I am much less distracted and can focus on what’s really important in life.” Baruch Hashem this program has been very successful, and it is amazing to see the accomplishments of the girls in this important area.

On Chanukah, “Reconnect” launched a special initiative in which the girls were rewarded for staying off their devices a half hour after lighting the Chanukah candles. The students were given special Chanukah kabbalah cards on which to track their progress. After Chanukah, all who participated received hot cocoa and delicious chocolate chip cookies. It was incredible how many girls participated and completed the challenge! In the words of Mrs. Insel, “We are extremely proud of our girls who continuously strive to grow and connect to the messages that are being imbued in them daily.”

Prewriting in Nursery

By Morah Miriam Kaplan

L

ast week, the students at HAFTR nursery began one of my favorite units of the year – the unit on prewriting/storytelling. In this unit, I ask the children to illustrate an answer to three varying topics, spread out over the year. This year, we began with the topic “My talent is.” Over the past few weeks, we have been talking about Yosef and his special talent of interpreting dreams.

At circle time, we have discussed that a talent is something that you like to do and are good at. We spent time listing the many talents of some of our teachers, classmates and families – from singing and dancing, to running, swimming and climbing trees.

We even heard about a daddy who is a talented boss!

Last week, I sat with each child individually and asked them to tell me about one of their talents. We then discussed some details of that skill, things like color, shape and size. They then drew their interpre-

tation of that talent, being sure to include those details in their drawing. This is a skill separate from free drawing (which we do plenty of!), in that it requires the kids to stop and think about what they are trying to execute before they begin. The results are amazing and hanging on our bulletin board for all to see. We can’t wait to bring them home and to see how the children progress in this skill throughout the year.

Did you know?

The winter solstice marks the exact moment when half of Earth is tilted the farthest away from the sun. This year, it was on December 21.

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JOIN THE FUN AT CMY The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

REGISTER BY

J A N U A RY 2 N D

TO RECEIVE YOUR ONCE IN A LIFETIME SWAG

AND MORE!

E A R LY B I R D E N D S

J A N U A RY 1 6 T H R E G I S T E R TO D AY AT C M Y F U N .C O M TO R E S E R V E YO U R S P OT !

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

The fifth grade talmidim of Siach Yitzchok visited the Yazlovitz Rov, Harav Ledderman, shlita, last week to receive their very first Gemara

A Day at SKA

Social Skills...But Fun at IVDU

A

A

sizeable turn-out of eighth graders from many metropolitan elementary schools received a taste of what their high school experience at the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls would be like. On Thursday, December 16, student ambassadors welcomed aspiring high schoolers who got a glimpse of some of the highlights SKA has to offer, along with the warmth and energy it projects.

Mrs. Elisheva Kaminetsky, Principal, Judaic Studies, Mrs. Bluma Drebin, Principal, General Studies, Ms. Elana Flaumenhaft, Associate Principal, Mrs. Shira Englander, Dean of Students, Ms. Lisa Fogel, SKA Social Worker and Rabbi Yosef Zakutinsky, Director of Student Programs and Admissions, personally greeted all the girls they had met during the interview process and the Open House and gave a brief description about the day.

The eighth graders then heard from SKA panelists from different grades and varying elementary yeshivot who discussed their own experiences since coming to the school.

The SKA students happily described what it’s like to enter a new school

t IVDU LI, academics are not the only focus but rather the entire child. To this end, social skills are constantly being taught and reinforced. Social work intern Tamar Lakritz runs a fun and exciting social skills group weekly for each class, focusing on a different important topic that the students need to learn. In order to make learning enjoyable, Tamar taught conversation skills through an interactive game show, where

and how comfortable they were made to feel. Each panelist mentioned how eager everyone was to make new friends and how hard the administration and faculty worked to make them feel at home and cared for.

The incoming students were able to attend several ongoing core and elective classes, giving them the chance to observe the unique academics that are available at SKA. Seats at each table at the delicious and informative lunch were filled with SKA ambassadors, enveloping the eighth graders with their enthusiasm. This was also another opportunity for the visitors to familiarize themselves with the many SKA activities and events offered.

Following lunch, it was time for clubs! The eighth graders participated in a variety of creative opportunities such as sushi making, dance and basketball, among others, and a Gallery of Inspiration workshop with Mrs. Kaminetsky. The day provided a wonderful preview of what an incredible high school experience at SKA could be.

We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2026!

students worked together as a team, taking turns to answer questions on the smartboard.

Tamar has been teaching many social skills topics through games, such as emotions charades and other game shows that allow the students to play and learn simultaneously. Social skills are a necessary skill for children to learn in order to integrate into their society, helping them join their peers and adults in everyday life.

Debate Club at YOSS

T

he debate club at the Abraham and Sara Silber Middle School of Yeshiva of South Shore is in full swing. The 7 th and 8th grade members held their first debate recently. The topic was: “Should professional athletes be mandated to vaccinate?”

Mr. Winkler, General Studies Principal, and Rabbi Greenberg are the judges for the debate club. Aside from scoring the debates, they offer critiques and advice to the debaters and help them improve their individual and team skills.

The program gives the students a chance to work on their oratory and researching skills.

“In general, people enjoy debating,” said Velvy Weber, YOSS Mechina student and member of the debate club. “The debate club offers us the opportunity to work on our debating skills.”

“I especially enjoy learning how to argue the right way,” said Hillel Cohen, another debate club member.

Good luck to both the proposition and opposition in their next debate!

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

A Meaningful Day at Shulamith

L Recent speakers at Yeshiva Nishmas Hatorah included Rav Mordechai Groner, Mr. Charlie Harary, and Rav Roitman from the Torah Codes

ast Thursday, a group of eighth grade Shulamith girls were involved in doing a chessed and team-building activity which fostered unity and achdut amongst the participants. We began the day by going to the Fountain of Kindness food pantry in Great Neck, where the main focus is to serve families in need. Afterwards, the girls went out to lunch and then completed the day in an escape room activity in West Hempstead.

The girls commented on how good they felt by being able to give back by helping others. In addition, the bonding experience they created with each other and the teachers allowed for a fun and meaningful day.

It is these events that allow for the daily learning to become a reality. Actively participating in acts of chessed gives this mitzvah a permanent place in our students’ hearts.

We look forward to many more such days in the future.

YOSS ECC Siyum Sefer Bereishis Experience

L

ast week, each class at Yeshiva of South Shore focused on one specific parsha in Sefer Bereishis, then each child shared their favorite memory of Sefer Bereishis and created their own individual poster.

Rabbi Mordechai Kamentzky ,

the Rosh Yeshiva, joined the pre-1A boys at their siyum and addressed them with words of chizuk and bracha. They boys reviewed the parshiyos with Rebbe Eli Herzberg, sang, danced and enjoyed Torah cookies.

At the nursery and kindergarten

siyum, the children were dressed as different objects from the parshiyos.

There they shared their pictures and explained them to their friends and classmates. Together they all sang parsha songs, “Hamalach Hagoel,” “Chazak Chazak Vnischazek” and en-

joyed delicious Torah cookies.

This Siyum Sefer Breishis experience encouraged creativity, self-esteem, group work, public speaking, strengthening memories, and, of course, lots of fun!

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

HEBREW ACADEMY of the

Five Towns & Rockaway ‫ישיבת חוף דרום‬

Mazel Tov! To BOTH our Middle School and High School robotics teams on their impressive performances at the 2021

Robotics Tournament.

HAFTR Middle School ranked the top four teams in the playoffs, and repeated as tournament champions!

HAFTR High School teams made it to the championship round and brought home the first robotics championship for HAFTR High School!

Congratulations to all our teams for their hours of hard work and effort!

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

BS”D

Calling ALL 8th grade post high school girls to...

t h g i n f f a t S A ! r e b m e m e r to

Featuring:

Mrs. Jackie Bitton

with a powerful interactive presentation Come hear alL about our

Join our incredible new team of warm, stafF programMing responsible, this sumMer! fun and energetic staff!

Delicious fleishige buffet will be served

Bongo Kumzitz

$50 AMAZON gift card

for AREIVOS 2022 staff that attend the event

EXCITING RAFFLE get an extra ticket just by bringing a friend!

Sunday, Jan 2nd | Doors open 7:30 TAG elementary School

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

50 Years and Counting!

By Mordechai Kastelbaum

R

abbi Zvi Bajnon is one of few mechanchim in the country who can boast of more than 50 years in the field of chinuch. His career has spanned generations and influenced thousands of talmidim from across the spectrum. He is renowned for his wisdom and cherished for his warmth, devotion, and love for his talmidim. Rabbi Bajnon has become the quintessential rosh yeshiva for the talmidim of Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island and admirers from near and far.

As an accomplished talmid chochom, he has set the tone at YKLI for many years and set the ambitious bar for the level of learning and Yiddishkeit in the school. What a wonderful lesson our young boys experience every day when they daven Shacharis with Rabbi Bajnon at their head, teaching by example how to daven, learn, and appreciate Torah and mitzvos.

Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island will be honoring Rabbi Zvi Bajnon for his more than a Yovel of Educating Generations at their upcoming 26th

HALB Middle School students packed up boxes for the JCCRP Food Drive

Annual Dinner celebration. It promises to be a most fitting tribute to the man who thousands affectionately call their Rebbi.

The event will also honor Rabbi & Mrs. Yehoshua & Danielle Robinson, Mr. & Mrs. Eddie & Allison Silver, and Dr. & Mrs. Benjie & Rocky Stern.

These exemplary couples are all beloved educators at Yeshiva Ketana as well as proud parents at the Yeshiva, and all share a longtime warm relationship with Rabbi Bajnon. They share his passion for Yiddishkeit while their sons benefit every day

from his leadership at YKLI. This year’s dinner will be especially meaningful as it comes after the challenges of last year when Covid upended so much of our children’s education. Today, Yeshiva Ketana has bounced back quickly, and every talmid is thriving in their studies as the yeshiva flourishes once again.

This year’s dinner will take place in-person at The Sands Atlantic Beach on January 3 at 7:00 pm.

Dinner reservations and ads can be placed at YKLIdinner.org or by calling 516-791-2800.

Students at Shulamith Early Childhood learned about liberation and built a cave using indoor and outdoor materials

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

J o i n D i r s h u fo r a T h r e e D ay M i s s i o n to

‫כ״א שבט‬-‫ י״ט‬,‫שבת פרשת יתרו‬ January 21-23, 2022

This mission is the first in the series of milestone celebrations marking the completion of the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha cycle.

SIYUMIM WORLDWIDE RADIN

VILNA

ERETZ YISRAEL

FRANCE

ENGLAND

NORTH AMERICA

Jan. 20, 2022

Shabbos Parshas Yisro Jan. 21-23, 2022

Feb. 10, 2022

Feb. 13, 2022

Feb. 16-19, 2022

March 3, 2022

‫ט׳ אדר א׳‬

‫י״ב אדר א׳‬

‫ראש חודש אדר ב׳‬

‫כ״א שבט‬-‫י״ט‬

February 12, 2022

‫ י״ח אדר א׳‬-‫ט״ו‬

‫י״ח שבט‬

‫י״א אדר א׳‬

Shabbos Parshas Pikudei March 4-6, 2022

‫ ג׳ אדר ב׳‬- ‫א׳‬

SOUTH AMERICA SOUTH AFRICA AUSTRALIA — DETAILS FORTHCOMING —

DirshuWorldSiyum.org

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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Kever of the Vilna Gaon

The Dirshu Mission will be accompanied by Gedolim and noted Rabbonim from around the world

MISSION HIGHLIGHTS Inspiring Shabbos in Vilna graced by Gedolei Yisrael Davening at the Kever of the Vilna Gaon Visit to the home of HaRav Chaim Ozer Grodzenski, zt”l

To join: Dirshu@DirshuGlobal.org

Shabbos will take place at the Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius

BottomLineMG.com

Tour of Slabodka and Kovno

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

YOSS Explores the Pioneers of NY

A

s 4th graders in Yeshiva of South Shore continue our study of New York State, we are currently exploring the pioneers of New York. We found out the first settlers were Native Americans from the Algonquian and the Haudenosaunee tribes. We learned many new and interesting ways in which the tribes used natural resources for food, tools, weapons, and canoes.

The Algonquian tribe used birchbark to make canoes, which were faster, sturdier, and steadier than the canoes used by the Haudenosaunee. So much so that the Haude-

nosaunee stole the birchbark canoes from the Algonquians.

To bring the canoes to life, working in groups, the boys created their own canoe to hold as much cargo as possible. Each group was given 15 popsicle sticks, 10 straws, 2 feet of tin foil, and tape to build their own canoe. The students tested to see if their canoe could float in water.

Pennies were placed inside as cargo, and we examined which design held the most pennies.

Bringing the textbook to life helps the class relate to what we are learning even more!

Something Fishy at TAG

T

he kindergarten classes at the Ganger Early Childhood Center at TAG were treated to a special presentation for their lesson on “kosher.” Mr. Dovid Scott, from Gourmet Glatt’s fish department and a proud TAG zaidy of our nursery talmidah, Hadassha Drillman, visited and taught the talmidos all about

kosher fish. He showed them the fins and scales and also taught them so many amazing facts about these beautiful brios of Hashem!

Seen here is Hadassh Drillman, who was delighted to see her zaidy, Mr. Dovid Scott, who came to teach the talmidos of the kindergarten about kosher fish.

JCCRP Food Distribution

T

his past Sunday, the JCCRP hosted another food distribution for single mothers in our community. The distribution is part of the JCCRP’s Success Space for Women program, a comprehensive social services program helping single mothers and their families.

This program is generously funded by the UJA Federation of NY and the

Cabrini Health Foundation. Packages were filled by the amazing volunteers from HALB Jr High and Central High School.

For more information about the Success Space for Women program or to volunteer, please email info@ jccrp.org.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

MTA Hosts Inspiring Yeshiva Fellowship Shabbaton

O

n Shabbos, December 10-11, MTA’s Yeshiva Fellowship program hosted its annual Shabbaton in Teaneck. The event kicked off with a Friday afternoon football game, where talmidim and rebbeim from across all grades enjoyed friendly competition. Talmidim then spent an inspirational Shabbos with their Yeshiva Fellowship Mashgichim, filled with beautiful tefillos and

zemiros, divrei Torah, lively seudahs, and learning. They also welcomed eighth graders to the Friday night Tisch, where they experienced the ways in which MTA’s Yeshiva Fellowship talmidim motivate each other to achieve higher levels of learning and spirituality. The Shabbaton culminated with an incredible Shalosh Seudos, followed by Maariv and a meaningful Havdalah.

The Yeshiva Fellowship program is a unique initiative that provides MTA talmidim with additional opportunities to grow in Torah and to develop both communally and individually.

Talmidim benefit from the personal guidance of a dedicated Mashgiach for each cohort and also participate in special trips, programs, Shabbatons, and Melaveh Malkas. With the participation of Rav Hershel Schachter,

distinguished posek and RIETS Rosh Yeshiva/Rosh Kollel, and Rav Zvi Sobolofsky, esteemed RIETS Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva Fellowship talmidim take advantage of MTA’s relationship with the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) at YU. This includes following a special halacha curriculum, participating in chaburos with RIETS Roshei Yeshiva, and a weekly night seder.

How Darwinism Led to Nazism How Will this Impact America 2022?

By Rav Yitzchok Fingerer

I

n Parshas Shemos, the 210-year enslavement of the Jewish nation begins. The number 210 is comprised of the Hebrew letters Reish, Daled, Vov. These same letters appear in Parshas Bereishis, when humanity is told to subjugate the animal kingdom. The Torah exhorts humanity, “Redu” – to keep animals under the dominion of man and not the converse. Chazal tell us that when we treat animals with too much prestige, humans end up being abused.

Throughout history, an inverse relationship exists between humans’ concern for animals and humans’ concern for other human beings.

Civilizations and societies that engaged in dressing up the animal tended to dress down the human.

Two examples, one from ancient history and one from modern history, should suffice to illustrate this point. The civilization of ancient Egypt enslaved human beings at the same time that they literally worshiped animals (according to Ibn Ezra, the Egyptians so venerat-

ed animals that they refrained from eating any form of animal life, as well as any derivative of animal life, including milk and eggs). Ancient Egypt flourished on slave labor. The pyramids and other grandiose structures were built by slaves — human beings who were cruelly mistreated, forced to work beyond their capacity, and tortured into submission. At the same time, the ancient Egyptians worshiped a whole pantheon of animals: Apis, a bull; Thoth, an ibis; Anubis, a jackal; Sekhmet,a lioness; Sebek, a crocodile; Bast, a cat; Setekh, a hound; Uadjit, a cobra; and Taurt, a hippopotamus; and, of course, the sheep.

It was partially for this reason that the Torah commanded animal sacrifice as a way of service. It was to accentuate the chasm between human being and animal, in a world where the human being was often viewed as inferior to animal. A similar inversion of values between human and animal reigned in Nazi Germany. Hitler, who murdered millions of human beings, was a vegetarian. As Nazi victims were sent to death camps, “humane societies”

were established to take care of their now abandoned pets. Rudolf Hess, the commandant of Auschwitz, had two pet dogs whom he loved. Visitors to inter-war Berlin witnessed household pets dressed in pants and sweaters.

The most emphatic contemporary effort to obliterate the dis tinction between human beings and animals comes from Princeton Professor of Bioethics Peter Singer. Professor Singer, the inaugurator of the animal rights movement, is a champion of “animal liberation,” which he equates with the liberation movements of blacks and women. Professor Singer is fond of exclaiming, “We are animals!”

Professor Singer cannot be dismissed as an eccentric intellectual.

His book Practical Ethics is one of the most widely used texts in applied ethics.

Could Professor Singer be right? Is there no essential distinction between humans and animals? And what difference does it make, anyway?

The ramifications are simple. In the animal, world there is no moral accountability. A lion is not labeled a

“criminal,” “murderer,” or “deviant” for killing. Survival of the fittest is the rule of the day. Social Darwinism, a spin-off from Darwinism, resulted in the idea that the human being, a sophisticated ape, is also subject to natural selection and survival of the fittest.

Darwin himself foresaw the consequences of his theory. He wrote: “At some future period, not very distant as measured by centuries, the civilized races of man will certainly exterminate and replace the savage races throughout the world.”

Using this idea, Hitler was able to convince much of the civilized world that a certain people, the Jews, were savage and deplorable – worthy of annihilation. German racist theory viewed man as just another species of animal, to which the laws of “natural selection” applied in full.

In theory, what could be wrong with a Darwinist, who didn’t like the color or style of your hair, weeding out your genes from the human gene pool? Scary, isn’t it?

And it all began with Egypt’s subjugation of the Jews in this week’s Parsha.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

HO

DR. & MRS.

DOVID GREENGArT

ESTEEMED ALUMNI HONOREES

NOrING

RABBI & MRS.

RABBI & MRS.

GUESTS OF HONOR

HARBOTZAS HATORAH HONOREES

URI OrLIAN Mr. & MrS. ARI HAHN KESSER SHEM TOV HONOREES

MOTZEI SHABBOS

2•12•22 ‫י"א אדר א' תשפ"ב‬

CHAIM SHLOMO METZ

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Around the Community

HANC NCSY Relief Mission to New Orleans

By Grace Herschberg

O

n December 6-9, a group of seniors from HANC High School had the opportunity to go on an NCSY Relief Mission to New Orleans, Louisiana, to assist with hurricane cleanup. It was an amazing experience.

We learned about how hurricanes have long-lasting effects on communities, specifically low-income ones, and how rescue teams are still working to rebuild homes and communities from hurricanes as long ago as Katrina.

When we arrived on Tuesday, we went to the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, a community that was never able to rebuild after Katrina. We met Burnell, who runs the only supermarket/laundromat for the Lower 9th Ward, and learned about the devastation that occurred after Katrina and how the community was never given money or attention to rebuild. It was a meaningful experience, and we got to package gifts for the community and play with kids who come to his store.

After that, we went on horse and buggy rides around the French Quar-

ter, learning about the rich history of the area and how important it is to preserve the city.

On Wednesday and Thursday, we had the opportunity to work with Nechama, a Jewish Relief Organization, to gut a house that was damaged in Hurricane Ida. We helped remove all of the family’s belongings from the house, sort the items, and start to gut the house to prepare for construction.

On Wednesday night, we took a trip to Preservation Hall in the French Quarter to listen to authentic jazz music and learn more about the musical

history of the area. We also went to Cafè Du Monde for some New Orleans-style coffee and beignets, a great end to the night.

Overall, the trip was a very meaningful experience that taught us a lot about natural disasters and the long-lasting effects on families, homes, and communities, sometimes years after the fact.

Thank you to Dean of Students Mr. Avi Smus and to Assistant Director of College Guidance Ms. Brienne Schiano for chaperoning this memorable trip.

JSL SPORTS CORNER Fall Championship Recap

T

he final week of JSL was filled with drama and intensity. Congratulations to the winning teams! But most importantly, congratulations to every JSL boy for a season of fun, middos, and teamwork!

The Champions: 1st Grade Soccer: Harmony Group 2nd/3rd Soccer: Rebbe’s Choice 1st Grade Hockey: Sharona Beck 2nd/3rd Hockey: Gourmet Glatt 4th/5th Hockey: Alpert and Associates Financial 6th-8th Hockey: Home & Stone Season MVPs Ezra Cohen Saul Nathan Gavriel Levine Chaim Stern Moshe Berg Ari Schwartz Eliyahu Zachter Ari Frankel Davey Fischler Tzvi Tempelman Zac Grauman Rephael Klein Avi Berger Tzvi Kanner Avraham Rubin Achiezer Middos Award Winners Shmaya Weinberger

Aryeh Stoll Chaim Weinberger Shua Gerson Shmuel Markowitz Shlomo Hertz Akiva Rabinowitz Yehuda Edelstein Pinny Berger Eli Buchsbayew Benjy Somerstein Itamar Garrett Aharon Feinberg Tzvi Cohen Game of the Week CNSLT had been undefeated. They were up 2-1 late but Shimshi Goldman scored the tying goal with 3 minutes left. Rephael Klein, a defenseman, made an incredible save in overtime that CNSLT parents still can’t believe it didn’t go in.

The shootout went 3-2 in favor of Alpert and Associates with Shimshi Goldman scoring the decisive goal.

Dovi Wielgus made the winning save in the shootout.

Men’s Playoff Recap Maidenbaum was down by 2 points in double OT. Team Captain and MVP Dovid Winter hit a 3 with 30 seconds left to pull out the victory. They will face the undefeated Team Cheese Store in the Championships next week.

Championship Week Fun Facts: During intermission, Eliyahu Weinberger was given a single halfcourt shot attempt to win a $25 Amazon gift card and he drained it! Well done!

Team Maidenbaum enjoyed a Hockey Skills challenge. Ari Frenkel earned the best time by finishing in 25.94 seconds.

Swag Recap Thanks to league sponsor FM Home Loans, each child this season received custom sports cards, wristbands, hockey pucks or soccer balls, stress reliever balls and bags!

Each child also got enough BOGO slices and slurpee cards to help them fuel up!

Even more awesome swag is coming for Winter leagues!

Fall Memories JSL members enjoyed free bowling, mini golf and batting cages. There was a free Men’s volleyball night and a group Chanukah Islanders game with a group picture on the ice afterwards!

Fall JSL games were

played in 4 different gyms and at Inwood Park, but parents worked alongside the league to ensure an amazing Fall Season despite Covid taking away our primary gyms! Thanks for a great season!

Winter Season Register NOW for Winter! Limited spots left! Some grades closed out! Basketball for 3rd-8th. Soccer for K-3rd.

Football for 1st-2nd. Hockey for 4th-5th. Men’s Basketball league. Lawrence Woodmere Academy Gym. Season starts Jan. 9th 5tjsl.com or questions to 5townsJSL@gmail.com

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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An important message from SBA Loan Group founder Yankie Markowitz The closing of financial records and preparing for tax return season is an important time of year for businesses.

These are the primary documents used by banks to underwrite new loans.

While most business owners seek to reduce taxes, many will do so without considering the impact this may have on access to lending in the future.

Tax planning and business expansion planning should each be considered during this time of year.

Each business and owner is different and industries vary.

Most of our clients find it useful to call us during this time of year so that they may properly balance tax and business expansion planning.

Proper planning prevents poor performance We are NOT doing disaster loans at this time

Call for more information!

Mendy (347) 409-0101 mendy@sbaloangroup.com

Yankie (718) 744-7459 yankie@sbaloangroup.com

1650 Eastern Parkway, Suite 207 Brooklyn, NY, 11233 99 Washington Avenue, Suffern, NY 10901 84 West Park Place, Second floor, Stamford, CT, 06901

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Around the Community

Celebrating a Siyum Bereishit in Lev Chana

Chai Lifeline Kids Enjoy Look Inside World of Fashion

O

n Monday, December 20, luxury fashion brand Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman welcomed a group of Chai Lifeline girls impacted by pediatric illness to visit its Manhattan showroom and get an inside look at the world of fashion. The event was coordinated and led by Teri Jon Creative Director Leora Mishan who spoke about the process of fashion design and the power of taking ideas and insight from all around. The girls then enjoyed light refreshments before leaving for the Chai Lifeline New York office for lunch.

“We wanted to give the girls an overview of the design process, from inspiration to production,” said Mishan. “More importantly, we wanted to share Rickie Free-

man’s story with them; show them that through strength and conviction they can be empowered to achieve anything they want.”

“It was really cool to see different types of dresses and how they were made,” said Michelle, a Chai Lifeline Warrior from Manalapan,

Did you know?

Winter solstice is the shortest day of the year

New Jersey. “It was also great to just connect with new people and learn new things.”

Chai Lifeline is a leading international children’s health support network, providing critical support to children with life-threatening and lifelong illnesses and their families. To learn more, make a donation, or get involved, visit www. chailifeline.org

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Netzach Shalsheles Melava Malka

O

n Motzei Shabbos, December 11, Mesivta Netzach HaTorah held its annual Shalsheles Melava Malka. This annual event has become a highlight

of the year as fathers, grandfathers, rebbeim and hanhala of the Mesivta gather for learning and inspiration.

Rabbi Yitzchok Yurman, the menahel of the Mesivta, led the chavru-

sa learning on the topic of Asara B’Teves, followed by an in-depth shiur on the background, halachic and deeper meaning of the fast.

After the shiur, the talmidim and

guests enjoyed a delicious Melava Malka ending with a kumzits led by their beloved rebbe and talented musician Rabbi Yechezkel Rodkin.

Learning never stops in Mrs. Salzberg’s first grade at YOSS! When we finish a test, we use our time to stretch our brains with stem challenges HAFTR Early Childhood celebrated finishing Sefer Bereishis with special Shabbat party treats, certificates, and a solid foundation of the parsha stories

Safety Kid in Our Schools

T

en years ago, the Jewish community was shaken to its core by the abduction and subsequent murder of eight-year-old Leiby Kletzky, a”h. Communities across the country sprang into action to figure out how to protect our children. After much research, Mrs. Sara Bergman of Lawrence, NY, spearheaded the program in the Five Towns/Far Rockaway to unite the community in the singular goal of empowering children. The tremendous unity that spanned all of the Jewish schools from Hewlett to Far Rockaway indicated the importance that everyone placed on this initiative.

At that time, emissaries from California were brought in to train parents, administrators, and teachers. Mental health professionals were involved in certain areas of training school officials. Every school required

its parent body to attend educational programs that addressed issues of child safety and signs of abuse. “Safety Kid” was introduced to us. Mothers from every school were trained by professionals to teach this program in an age-appropriate way to children in preschool through elementary school.

The playful puppet and colorful posters introduced the A, B, C, Ds of safety in a fun and nonthreatening way. The lessons were reinforced with a short video of the “Safety Kid,” explaining how to be safe in different scenarios.

Follow-up material was sent home to the parents to continue the conversation with their children and designate the “trusted adults” to turn to when feeling unsafe.

Unfortunately, we live in a world that is inhabited by predators. Children feel empowered when they have the tools to keep safe and know who

can help when in need. Dedicated women of the community have been presenting these workshops in schools every year until COVID hit. Sadly, due to the pandemic, many children have not heard the workshop in two years.

As stories appear in the news of influential people taking advantage of their position to harm children, our community is banding together to protect and advocate for our children.

Just this week, the liaisons to each of the schools and many presenters met to brainstorm how this program can be brought back to life.

Dr. Shoshana Karasick, a clinical psychologist who has been involved since the inception of the program, addressed the gathering, reminding us of how important this program is. She referred to the Mishna that states that saving a life is like saving an entire world. The tools we give our children

can protect and save lives.

In a strong expression of unity and dedication, our school leaders and parent representatives have committed to once again teach the basic lifesaving A, B, C, Ds of safety to our children in all the schools. Presenters will once again be going into classrooms across the neighborhood. We will do our part, but the rest lies with you, the parents, to keep the conversation going at home so that this important topic does not fall through the cracks.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Thanksgiving & Chanukah at the YIJE

C

ooler weather has not slowed down the constant activity at Young Israel of Jamaica Estates. Starting with another installment of the popular and inspiring Monthly Mitzvah Morning program, families came together on a Sunday morning to spread some cheer to those less fortunate and create Thanksgiving centerpieces to be included in the Queens Commonpoint Thanksgiving packages. Thanksgiving then blended into Chanukah and the fun and giving kept on coming.

Jacob Herskowitz, YIJE’s energetic youth director, led Chanukah themed “Sufganiot Games” and a Sunday morning “Chanukah Blast”

Chagiga with fun and games, and of course plenty of doughnuts and chocolate gelt! Adults and children alike were able to join in the fun with a Chanukah Melaka Malka featuring Chazan Meir Pinchas and Sandi Shmueli.

The climax of the Chanukah season was certainly the joint communal event in Cunningham Park with international sensation Nissim Black!

What an awesome display of achdut and a tremendous kiddush Hashem.

The Young Israel of Jamaica Estates proudly joined together with a dozen other shuls and organizations to all celebrate together in the park.

All this, and the winter fun has just begun!

Yaakov Hagoel, chairman of World Zionist Organization and acting chairman of the Jewish Agency, received a bracha from Moran Hagaon Rav Chaim Kanievsky, shlita, last week.

Hagoel was accompanied to Rav Chaim by MK Rabbi Yitzchok Pindrus of the Degel Hatorah party

Mrs. Traub’s first graders at YOSS used whisper phones to help them search for digraphs in their mini-readers

HAFTR Speech and Debate Team Success By: Michal Mari

L

ast week’s virtual Debate competition was a smashing success for HAFTR High School’s Speech and Debate Team. In total, the competition hosted 61 students, 23 judges, and 12 schools, some from as far as Georgia and Texas.

In the Extemporaneous debate, two sophomore teams tied for first place: myself and Maya Karasanti; and Dasi Well and Sophie Gober. Both teams won 3 of their 4 rounds. In the Lincoln-Douglas debate, sophomore Kaitlin Pollack placed first place overall, winning both of her rounds.

Following these accomplishments, the team participated in a speech competition on Monday, December 13, continuing to put HAFTR in the spotlight and emphasizing another successful endeavor for the Speech and Debate team. In Radio Speaking, sophomore Maya Karasanti and freshman Alexandra Fuchs, both of whom are new team members this year, tied for first place.

Together, they took down the reigning champion from Ramaz. In addition, junior Andrew Berg-

er placed third overall and fourth overall in impromptu speaking. Kyra Seidel also placed third overall in impromptu speaking The next competitions for the Speech and

Debate Team are the upcoming Model Congress tournament, which will be held on December 21, and a Debate competition on January 5. We wish the entire team good luck.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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Around the Community

The Ganger Early Childhood Center at TAG made a siyum on Sefer Bereishis this week. They invited the first grades to come celebrate with them.

The talmidos reviewed all of the parshios, sang songs, and enjoyed special treats.

YCQ Bakes Challah

O

n Wednesday, December 15, YCQ PTO members and their families came together in celebration of the mitzvah of baking challah at the YCQ PTO Annual Challah Bake. Inspired and guided by speaker Mrs. Naomi Elberg, of @naomi_tgis, over 100 participants baked challah in merit of tefillot for friends, family, and community members.

Mrs. Naomi Elberg, originally an early childhood educator, found her true passion in baking and the kosher culinary world. In 2014, Naomi decided to follow her dream full time by starting TGIS Challah – which stands for Thank Goodness it’s Shabbos –offering challahs, babkas and more.

“Having a live Challah Bake is such a bracha for us! While Zoom has been useful, and we did have a successful Challah Bake last year, nothing is better than being together to perform such a special mitzvah together in person! What I love about the YCQ PTO Challah Bake every year is the feeling of achdus and unity; being in the room when everyone is davening is an unbelievable feeling. We all get

busy, it’s life, and we don’t always get time to stop and appreciate and reflect, and I take such pride in helping to gift those special moments to our YCQ community,” reported Mrs. Julie Faska, YCQ PTO Co-President.

Mrs. Valerie Olsen, YCQ Parent and former YCQ PTO Co-President, stated, “The challah bake was a wonderful event! Attended by over 100 participants and sponsors, we were wowed by Instagram sensation Mrs. Naomi Elberg. Everyone learned how to braid beautiful designs with their

challah dough!”

Mr. Simon Landsberg, Co-President of the YCQ PTO, expressed, “The YCQ PTO is so appreciative of the help of countless parent-volunteers and students, who helped prepare for the Challah Bake in advance.

The shlepping of hundreds of pounds of flour, sugar, salt, yeast, gallons of water and oil, which are then premeasured for every attendee, is a lot of work and without their help we could not have held such a wonderful event.

Cross River Appoints Miriam L. Wallach as New Head of Social Responsibility

C

ross River Bank, a te ch nolog y- d r iven financial services organization, announced this week that it has appointed Miriam L. Wallach as Head of Social Responsibility to spearhead the Company’s social and philanthropic initiatives. With over a decade of experience cultivating relationships with diverse nonprofit organizations and serving as a powerful voice for the community, Wallach will further expand Cross River’s mission to support worthy or-

ganizations.

“As we approach the new year, we have big plans for Cross River particularly our philanthropy and charitable giving,” said Gilles Gade, Founder, President and CEO of Cross River. “Miriam will be instrumental to ensure we exceed these goals and provide us with the strategy to get to the next level.”

“It’s been a true privilege to serve as General Manager at the Nachum Segal Network for almost a decade, and I am incredibly blessed and excit-

ed to be joining the team at Cross River,” said Miriam L. Wallach. “Cross River truly embodies the spirit of communal engagement and charitable giving, and this new role will enable me to continue to better our communities.”

As Head of Social Responsibility, Wallach will be focused on philanthropy, charitable giving, employee engagement and corporate social responsibility. Previously General Manager and radio personality at Nachum Segal Network (NSN), she

brings strong expertise and experience in developing original content, programming, and campaigns to best serve communities, as well as building and maintaining strong relationships with pillars of the Jewish community to enact change.

“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside Miriam on many exciting projects and I am confident she will make a tremendous addition to the Cross River family,” said Phil Goldfeder, Head of Global

Public Affairs at Cross River.

“Cross River was founded on the principles of charitable giving and community engagement, and as we continue to grow, we’ll keep building on that foundation which has enabled our success.”

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

1.

TJH

*

Centerfold

KUHL ARPRT ACRNMS Each of the following is a real airport acronym, except one. Can you spot the fake acronym?

 



 

   









BAH: Bahrain International, Bahrain (Named for the local sheep, I guess) BOM: Bombay, (Mumbai), India (I feel “real secure” flying from there) BOO: Bodø, Norway (Low self-esteem) BRR: North Bay, United Kingdom (Yep, it’s cold there) BUG: Gen V Deslandes, Angola (I’ll fly to OFF instead)

BUM: Butler, MO, USA (See what happens when you don’t have good teachers?)



CIA: Ciampino, Italy (Still looking for Mussolini, I guess.)



DOA: Doany, Madagascar (Uh, I’d much rather arrive alive, but thanks for the offer!)

 

DUM: Dumai, Indonesia (Sounds pretty accurate)

EAT: Wenatchee, WA, USA (You mean like big heart attack-inducing sandwiches, right?)

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EEK: Eek, AK, United States (Guess they never heard of the mouse rabbi)

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FAQ: Freida River, Papua New Guinea (I wonder what the most commonly asked question is there)

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FOO: Numfoor, Indonesia (Must have been a rough landing) FUB: Fulleborn, Papua New Guinea (That must not be the true acronym) FUN: Funafuti, Tuvalu (What do they have – Pacman arcades or something?)

GAG: Gage, United States (Can’t smell as bad as LaGuardia)



GOO: Nevada County Airpark, Grass Valley, CA (I begged my kids not to bring their slime)

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GRR: Grand Rapids, Michigan (It is cold there,

yah)

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HIP: Headingly, Piturie Australia (Just got back from a skateboarding tour in Australia)

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HOT: Hot Springs, Arkansas (Hmm…that’s a pretty good connection…for Arkansas!)

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IOU: Ile Ouen, New Caledonia (No worries, just Zelle me!)



LOL: Derby Field airport, Nevada (You won’t be laughing when the house takes all your money)

OMG: Omega Airport, Namibia (Like, seriously)

POO: Pocos De Caldas, Brazil (Lots of stomach problems, I guess) UMM: Summit, AK (Can’t exactly put into words what I feel about this) ONTIME: Nowhere, World

You Gotta Be Kidding Me! A passenger is talking to an airline agent at JFK’s Terminal 4.

“I’m going to Miami for vacation,” he says. “I want to send the big suitcase in my right hand to Orlando and the smaller suitcase to Tallahassee.”

The airline agent replies, “I’m afraid that’s not possible.

We can’t send your luggage to two separate places.”

The passenger responds, “Great then, because that’s what you did on my last flight!”

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Airport Trivia

Hey you! Put your mask on while answering these questions!

If I see it below your nose, you will be banned from answering trivia questions ever again!

1. The busiest airport in the world is Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China, with more than 43 million passengers passing through each year. What is the busiest airport in the U.S, with almost 43 million passengers passing through each year? a. Atlanta International Airport b. JFK Airport c. San Francisco International Airport d. O’Hare International Airport 2. Before being renamed John F. Kennedy Airport, what was the airport up the road called? a. New York Airport b. Idlewild Airport c. Van Wyck Airport d. Peninsula Airport 3. Which airport sells more chocolate than anywhere else in the world, with approximately 2 tons of chocolate sold every day? a. Brussels Airport b. Amsterdam Airport c. Switzerland Airport d. Rome Airport

Answer Key: 1-A 2-B 3-A 4-C 5-A 6-D 7-D 8-B

4. Which airport is 192,000 acres, making it larger than the entire country of Bahrain? a. King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia b. JFK Airport c. Dubai International Airport d. Teterboro Airport 5. True or False: In JFK’s Terminal 5, there is a coat check area, where, for $2 a day, you can store your coat while you are hitting up Fuego, Tasty, and Harbor Grill in Miami Beach. a. True b. False 6. What did Houston Airport do that fixed the problem of travelers being unhappy with the long time it took to get their luggage? a. They hired more luggage handlers b. They added luggage carousels c. They changed their logistics system so that luggage gets to the correct carousels faster d. They moved the Baggage Claim area further away from the terminals so that travelers spend more time walking

Wisdom Key 7-8 correct: So how long have you been a TSA agent for? Do you ever steal any of those crates to store stuff under your bed?

3-6 correct: Not bad – you know a little

to get their luggage and less time standing by the carousel wondering why their luggage is not coming out yet 7. According to Sita, an international IT provider to the industry that monitors global baggage handling, how many pieces of luggage are lost from airports around the world every year? a. 100,000 b. 1,000,000 c. 4,500,000 d. 24,800,000 8. What does Ben Gurion Airport do with the helium balloons that are left behind on the tall ceiling of its arrival hall? a. There is an Israeli Hi-Tech start-up that uses the helium to make water. They are currently testing the system in Kenya b. They remove them once a week and bring them to hospitals around the country c. They shoot them down with a BB gun every night d. They keep them there for design purposes; they are up to 400,000 balloons

bit about airports. Your brain is active; it’s not “idlewild.”

0-2 correct: Try the trivia again without your mask on; the increased oxygen should give you more brainpower.

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Torah Thought

Parshas Shemos

By Rabbi Berel Wein

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othing human is ever permanent. Perhaps the only exception to this rule is human nature itself, which, seemingly, has never changed from the days of the Garden of Eden until today. So, we should not be surprised by the narrative of the Torah in this week’s portion.

The Jewish people have been in Egypt for centuries. They have lived

off the fat of the land in Goshen. They were highly respected, apparently affluent, and thought themselves to be secure in their land of exile. The memory of their leader Joseph, who was the savior of Egypt, still lingered in their minds, and also in the minds of the general Egyptian public. But Joseph was gone already for centuries, and as the Jewish people multiplied and continued to succeed within the

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Egyptian population its government, through the Pharaoh, began to look askance at them. They were no longer fellow citizens or loyal subjects, but, rather, were now seen as a dangerous and insidious minority that, because of its birthright and success, could endanger Egyptian society.

There now arose a new era, different from the centuries that preceded it. When the Talmud teaches us that there arose a new Pharaoh, one of the opinions is that a new attitude towards the Jews, one of suspicion and jealousy, was apparent. The Jews were now seen as being an internal enemy,

removed from the Jews their voluntary status, until suddenly they found themselves slaves and servants of Egypt and no longer merely sojourners in the country.

And there were Jews who were willing to cooperate with the governmental authorities in policing the Jewish slave society. Eventually, these Jews also found themselves to be the victims of the Pharaoh and his cruel decree. It is no wonder that so many Jews – according to various opinions of the rabbis of Talmud and Midrash – never were able to extricate themselves from Egypt, even when Moshe

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a disloyal section of society, an existential threat to the pharaohs of Egypt specifically, and to Egyptian society generally.

The Midrash seems to indicate that the Jews were not sensitive enough to realize how dangerous the change of attitude towards them was in the general Egyptian society.

When Pharaoh requested volunteers to come forth to help him in his great building projects, we are taught that the Jews came en masse to help build those symbols of might and wealth of ancient Egypt. The Pharaoh then, and undoubtedly with the help and acquiescence of much of Egyptian society,

successfully led the Jewish people out of Egyptian bondage, and out of Egypt itself.

There is, undoubtedly, a pattern that the Torah introduces which will apply to all later exiles of the Jewish people throughout the world. The end of an era always occurs suddenly and unexpectedly, illogically and shockingly. The story of the end European Jewry that occurred almost a century ago is a sobering reminder of this pattern of exile. Jews should be wise enough to realize that ignoring the lessons of history is a truly fatal course in life.

Shabbat shalom.

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

From the Fire Parshas Shemos

The Preciousness of Life

By Rav Moshe Weinberger Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

I

would like to speak about life, which, admittedly, is a big subject.

The pasuk which relates the story of how Moshe was born to Amram and Yocheved (Shmos 2:1) says, “and a man from the house of Levi went and took a daughter of Levi.”

The Gemara in Sota 12a explains where Amram “went” in the pasuk.

He had, after all, already married to Yocheved earlier. According to the Gemara, Where did [Amram] go? Rav Yehuda bar Zvina says: He “went after” his daughter’s advice. The Tana says: Amram was the great scholar of the generation. When Paraoh decreed that every baby boy would be thrown into the river, he said, “We are working for nothing.” He stood up and divorced his wife. Then everyone stood up and divorced their wives as well.

His daughter said to him, “Abba, your decree is worse than Paraoh’s decree.

Paraoh decreed only against the boys and your decree is also against the girls. Paraoh only made a decree in this world. But your decree is in this world and in the next world.

We can understand Miriam’s argument that, under Paraoh’s decree, only the boys would be deprived of life, but that under Amram’s decree, no girls would be born either. But her second argument – that under Paraoh’s decree, the boys would at least have a share in the World to Come, but that under Amram’s decree, the boys would not have a share in the World to Come – is more difficult to understand. Rashi on the Gemara in Sota explains that under Paraoh’s decree, the boys would still have a share

in the World to Come because “they are born and then die and then come back to life in the World to Come.”

Amram apparently agreed with Miriam’s point since he remarried Yocheved. But why did he agree? How do these children acquire a share in the World to Come after only a few hours of life? They would never have the opportunity to do mitzvos or learn Torah. On what basis can they have a share in the World to Come?

In addition, the Gemara in Eiruvin 13b concludes that it would be easier for man not to have been created, than to have been created.

If this is the case, how could Miriam have argued, and how could Amram have agreed, that it would be better for the boys to be born and then

lems, and suffering. This world itself is the smack that makes a person forget the Torah, forget why he is in this world, and forget the World to Come.

If that is the case, how can Miriam and ultimately Amram maintain that the baby boys will acquire the World to Come by entering into this world?

It is precisely this world and all of the suffering they would endure in their short lives that would cause them to forget the World to Come!

I recalled a beautiful teaching of one of the great baalei mussar of our generation, Rav Chaim Zaichik of Novarkdok, in his sefer Ohr Chadash. Rav Zaichik was explaining the purpose of a newborn baby’s life. He pointed out that a newborn baby has no daas, no intelligence. He does not

He looked at them and admitted, “I brought nothing” before he fainted and fell to the floor.

immediately killed than not to have been born at all?

In addition, the Alter from Slabodka has a fascinating pshat in the well-known Gemara in Nida 30b, which says, “They teach [the fetus] the whole Torah, and when he comes into the air of the world, an angel comes and smacks him on the mouth and he forgets the whole Torah.” The Alter explains that man’s life in this world is filled with challenges, prob-

make any choices or have any conception of what is happening around him. He cannot see or hear very much for the first few days of life.

What, then, is the quality, purpose, and nature of that life?

Rav Zaichik answered, “Nevertheless, [a newborn baby] is fortunate by virtue of his very existence in the air of this world, the world of free choice, in the air of the marketplace in which one acquires the World to

Come.” Rav Zaichik explains that merely being in the air of the world of free choice, the infant acquires a share in the World to Come. Although a newborn is the subject of others’ choices at the beginning, rather than being an active participant in the process, his mere presence in this world gives him a connection with the shuk ha’bechira, the marketplace of free choice.

Life in this world is so precious that even a one-day-old baby, who accomplishes nothing on a conscious level, acquires the World to Come through his very existence in the world of free will. If a one-dayold child’s life in this world is so precious, then our time which we can use to do mitzvos in this world must be even greater. Our entire life in the World to Come is built from the mitzvos we accumulate in this world.

In fact, the World to Come is also called Gan Eden, the Garden of Delight. When we do mitzvos and learn Torah, we are planting seeds which grow into the beautiful garden which is our life in the World to Come.

Miriam told her father, and he ultimately agreed with her, that it is worthwhile for a child to live for just a few hours in this world as opposed to not being born at all. The suffering he experiences and breathing the air of the world of choice for even a short time will give that child a place in the World to Come.

Rav Moshe Feinstein once wrote to a woman who had lost a baby that she should know that in the time of techiyas ha’meisim, the baby will come back to life and she and her husband will have the opportunity to

4.5” x 11.25” The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

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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.

!˙‫י˘ועו‬ UO

In the Chofetz Chaim’s yeshiva in Radin, there was a young man who was very sick. The bochurim in the yeshiva decided that they would take a collection and give time from their own lives to extend the sick bachur’s life. One boy gave one day, another offered two days, and some even gave a week or two of their lives. A group of bochurim went together to ask the Chofetz Chaim to see how much time he would give. The Chofetz Chaim was the first person to tell them that he had to think about it and that they should ask him again the next day. When they came to the Chofetz Chaim the next day, he answered them, trembling, that he was giving five minutes of his life for this young man. The bachurim were disappointed that the Gadol Hador had not offered more time. Some of them assumed that he did not give more because he was already at least ninety years old and that he could not afford to spare any time at his age.

The mashgiach of the yeshiva, however, explained to the bochurim that they did not understand. The Chofetz Chaim uses every single second of his life to the fullest. Every moment is so precious. The tzaddik understands the value of every ounce of “merchandise” in this marketplace of free choice. For him, the mashgiach explained, five minutes was an unbelievable sacrifice.

There is a story about the tzaddik, Reb Moshe Leib Sosover. Early in his marriage, his father-in-law supported him while he learned. He was, however, not happy that Reb Moshe Leib was still learning and wanted him to go into business. Finally, he told Reb Moshe Leib that he could no longer support his learning and that he had to go out into the business world. Although Reb Moshe Leib was not happy about it, he agreed but explained that because he had no business experience, he did not know what to do. His father-in-law gave him a considerable sum of money and told him to go to the trade show in Leipzig, where he should buy mer-

chandise at a low price and then sell it at a higher price.

Reb Moshe Leib agreed and went with the sum of money to Leipzig.

When he got there, he headed straight for the bais medrash and was approached by a few meshulachim who needed tzedaka, so he helped them out. He did not have much left, so he went to some other merchants who, as it turns out, were not very honest and asked them what he should buy. They gave him bad advice, and in the end, he had to return home to his wife and father-in-law with nothing. When he finally reached home, his children answered the door, expecting him to have brought them gifts as the other fathers who returned from Leipzig were accustomed to doing. They opened the door and said, “Welcome home Tatty! What did you bring us?”

He saw his children, his wife, and even his father-in-law waiting expectantly to see what he brought home.

He looked at them and admitted, “I brought nothing” before he fainted and fell to the floor.

Everyone was very concerned, and when Reb Moshe Leib came to, he began to cry, and he said: “When I was sent from heaven into this world, I was sent to collect Torah and good deeds, but what do I have? When I return back to my Father in heaven and he asks me what I brought back, what am I going to answer Him?!”

Every second in this world is so precious. What are we going to bring back to the next world? Are we busy collecting silliness and worthless trinkets? Or are we filling shopping bags full of Torah and mitzvos to bring home from the shuk ha’bechira, the marketplace of free choice.

We should all realize how precious every second of life is, and we should grab every single opportunity for more Torah and more mitzvos and not waste our lives with nonsense and vanity. With that, may we be zocheh to merit biyas Moshiach tzidkeinu she’yavo b’mheira b’yameinu. Amen.

SH

raise him. Even though the child had lived for a very short time, that was enough for him to acquire his “ticket” into the next world where they would be together again.

T YE

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Self-Mastery Academy

How to Overcome Fear

By Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

I

remember when I was still a college student, and I was undergoing a tremendous inner struggle.

On the one hand, I wanted to go out into the world and teach, write, and inspire. On the other hand, I had several fears holding me back. I didn’t think I was good enough or worthy of succeeding. I hadn’t yet finished semicha, completed my degrees, or positioned myself as a professional. A large part of me feared that without the credentials and professional positioning, I would fail miserably. Not only wouldn’t my skills and talent be good enough to achieve my desired results, but no one would take me seriously. Perhaps it would be better to wait several years until I finished all my degrees and successfully positioned myself, and then begin the journey of teaching and impacting others.

However, another part of me knew that even before achieving any of those things, I had the ability and responsibility to start sharing what I had learned and help inspire others to achieve their greatness. But I realized that what was holding me back was fear; I decided that the only way I would be able take the leap into the unknown and strive after my dream

would be to study the topic of fear and determine the best strategies I could use to overcome my fears.

1. Develop an Empowering “Why” While fear is a powerful and debilitating force, it has its limits. The best way to overcome the force of fear is to have an even more powerful force: the existential power of an empowering “why.”

A “why” is an underlying drive, an all-compassing vision that motivates everything else in your life. Your “why” can be centered around providing for your family, proving to yourself how great you can be, or the contribution you want to make to the world. But the greatest “why” a person can have is living their G-d-given purpose and achieving their ultimate greatness.

When you know why you are striving for greatness, when you have a crystal-clear vision and purpose, you can harness your willpower to overcome anything, even your greatest fears.

When fueled by the strength and passion of meaning and purpose, you can push forward and withstand – even embrace – the pain, doubt, and sacrifices that come with the journey.

As we discussed previously, suffering is meaningless pain, and therefore unbearable. But when our pain takes on meaning – when we understand why we are undergoing this painful process and the sweetness of the fruits it will produce – it becomes bearable, even enjoyable. When someone at the gym lifts weights, they are ripping their muscles, a painful and strenuous experience. But they know that this pain is the source of their growth, the source of their progress, so it becomes a meaningful pain. The same applies to existential growth: when we rip ourselves out of our comfort zones and push ourselves to the limit, the pain becomes the source of our growth and progress, and therefore becomes a meaningful pain that we can not only bear, but even embrace.

2. Break it Down Much of fear’s impact, especially its ability to paralyze us and cause us to shrink away from tackling our goals, is due to our tendency to turn things into something disproportionately larger than it truly is.

Fear causes us to turn things into infinitely expansive and unconquerable obstacles; our fears distort and

magnify our challenges, making them too large and overwhelming to even think about approaching. As a result, we avoid taking even the first step on the journey towards greatness.

For example, while we know that we are physically capable of spending an hour exercising or speaking up in front of a group at work, our fear of exercising or public speaking can make it seem literally impossible. Even a simple step towards our goal, like exercising for ten minutes or saying one sentence in public, can be so overwhelming that we avoid it completely.

The first step to overcoming this aspect of fear is to acknowledge what the obstacle actually is and break the obstacle down into tangible parts.

When we allow fear to live in our head unchecked, it expands infinitely.

When we acknowledge our fears for what they are, we bring the challenge into the finite, from the unspeakable to the spoken, from the theoretical to the real. Is this actually dangerous, or is this only self-doubt? Am I risking my life or my comfort? Am I scared of slipping off a cliff and falling to my death, or am I scared of failing or looking unprepared and foolish

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

in front of my peers? When we fail to understand what we are truly afraid of, our fears build up into something they’re not, taking on a life of their own, endlessly expanding into something infinite and unconquerable.

Sometimes, we even actively magnify our fears and make them more complex, just to avoid confronting them. I remember one of my clients was scared of going to the gym and exercising. I asked him, “Why do you think you’re scared to go to the gym and work on getting into better physical shape?”

He thought for a moment and answered, “It’s just too much for me.

First, I’ll need to get changed. Then, I’ll have to go to the gym and try it out.

When I get there, the gym will ask for ID and then try to get me to sign up for a trial period. When I finally get into my gym clothes, I’ll have to wait for a machine to be ready; and I’ll also have to wipe it down before I can use it. And once I finish that machine, I’ll have to wait again for the next one. And all this time, everyone else is going to be staring at me, judging how I look and how I exercise. Then, I’m going to have to go home and change. And then I’ll have to do this with a few other gyms, so that I can know which gym I should commit to. It’s just too much for me!”

Let’s be honest – this does sound like a lot. So I asked my client, “How do you eat breakfast each morning?”

He answered, “What do you mean? I eat cereal…” “Are you sure? Don’t you take out a bowl, then a spoon, then the cereal, then the milk, and then open the cereal, pour the cereal into bowl, and then open the milk, pour the milk into the bowl, then pick up the spoon, and put the spoon into the bowl, scoop up some cereal and milk, then put it into your mouth, then chew, then swallow, then place the spoon back in the bowl, then….”

If we want to, we can turn anything into an endlessly daunting and overwhelming obstacle. The key is packaging and framing. If we turn a fear, such as exercising, into something unimaginably difficult and burdensome, we will never be able to overcome the fear.

But if we acknowledge the real reason we’re not exercising, which might be our fear of failing or giving up, or the pain of the workouts, or sacrificing the pleasure of all the junk food and

unhealthy food that we eat, then we suddenly have a concrete, finite, and solvable obstacle that can be overcome when approached in the right way. In addition to having an empowering why, you can respond to the actual reason behind the fear: not only can you question the reason behind the

our fears and achieving our ultimate greatness.

The underlying principle is clear: instead of living as a victim of our fears, we need to take responsibility for our lives. As Earl Nightingale said, “All of us are self-made, but only the successful among us will admit

When we fail to understand what we are truly afraid of, our fears build up into something they’re not, taking on a life of their own.

fear to determine if the reason is valid, but you can also counter the reason with an empowering solution.

If you’re scared of failure, then think about why you’re scared of failing. If it’s because you simply don’t want to fail at your goal, then not trying will guarantee failure. If it’s because you don’t think you’re capable of succeeding, then work on developing an empowering identity and learn the importance of failure, as it’s a crucial ingredient that leads towards success.

If you’re scared of what other people will think of you, then perhaps it’s time to question why other people’s opinions of you means so much to you.

If you’re scared of the pain you’ll encounter during the process of growth, then consider the pain of a life unlived, where you let your potential go to waste. Or consider the pain of continuing to live the way you do now. Furthermore, consider the fact that the pain that comes from growth is the most meaningful and enjoyable pain imaginable. And if you’re scared of sacrificing the pleasure of your current lifestyle, consider the fleeting nature of that joy relative to the lasting existential happiness and fulfillment of becoming your ultimate self. Instead of focusing on what you’ll lose, focus on everything that you’ll gain.

Breaking down the fear you experience and understanding what exactly is bothering you is the first step in overcoming it. Once we understand exactly what we are afraid of, we can develop strategic plans for overcoming

it.” Once we acknowledge our actual fears, we can develop strategic plans for overcoming them and achieving our ultimate greatness.

In our next column, we will delve deeper into this topic and continue

exploring the strategies we can use to overcome fear.

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

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

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

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Israel Today

Let’s Talk

By Rafi Sackville

L

ooking at my schedule at the start of the school year I noticed a curiosity; a Wednesday lesson titled, “Bo’u Nedaber, Come, Let’s Talk.” The idea is simple; place a teacher in a room with a handful of students and talk to them, not necessarily about their studies, but rather about life and how they cope with its challenges both at home and at school. Rather oxymoronic, don’t you think? After all, isn’t talking to students what teacher are supposed to do? Turns out that “Come, Let’s Talk” isn’t so simple.

There are more than a handful of teachers who feel like fish out of water when doing anything other than plying the wares of their trade. One might be able to run history or math lessons, but managing a conversation not with one, but up to ten kids at once, can be a tall order. For some teachers, it is a nightmare. Touching bases with several of them was revealing.

Esther told me of the difficulty she has when weekly, three of the students in her group refuse to participate. They sit in the corners of the classroom and play with their phones. The only talking they will do is complain about “this stupid lesson” and “why do we need it, anyway?” At the best of times, Esther is quiet. She becomes anxious when the Wednesday lesson comes around. “It’s not my wheelhouse,” she explains.

Batsheva teaches a language elective, which doesn’t involve kids with behavioral issues. She told me that some of the students on her roster are anything less than compliant.

She finds herself at what she calls a “roadblock” after the first few minutes of the lesson. She might tell a story, or raise a topic, only to find

interest quickly falling.

I’ve found the experience illuminating. For one, it is apparent to me that after the last year and a half of Covid, many students are desperate for an outlet; an ear that doesn’t come from home; someone who will listen. The need to connect outside their “bubble” is palpable.

One of the major issues we have witnessed is a growing trend in increasing violence, both verbal and physical. Surprisingly, many of the instances of aggression do not warrant police involvement, but more than a few times parents take matters into their own hands. The consequences only worsen the situation. Parents will call the police over minor scuffles or leave posts on Facebook and other social platforms which more often than not lead to situations becoming blown out of proportion.

For example, during a verbal altercation between two students, one received a punch on the nose. He was understandably upset. Thankfully, the teacher in the room interceded quickly enough to prevent further escalation between the two students.

Furthermore, the school immediately intervened and put an end to the problem.

Matters would have rested there had the mother of one of the students not posted a vitriolic Facebook entry that directly led to the police being called. When they arrived, the police assessed the situation and praised the school’s response.

It was too late, however, for the mother’s post had gained traction, and before one could blink, the item had found its way to the mainstream media. I’ve seen such parents in action at school board meetings. I’ve listened to their unbridled indig-

nation, their screaming, and their uncanny knack of failing to realize that their very behavior is the type that leads their children to act the way they do. When it was pointed out to one mother that her son had been punished for the very things she thought the school was failing to enforce, she dismissed it with a banshee yell and a string of verbal venom.

It is therefore of great importance for teachers to become an independent conduit that can channel student frustration into a positive space. The adults in the room might not save the world, but any dent they make is better than no dent at all.

My students and I discuss all types of topics: the things they hate, they love, they wish they could change, their hopes and desires, their failures, their shortcomings.

There are topics I feel obliged to raise, like respect for elders, how to fill the unforgiving minutes in our lives, how to approach their studies.

Underlying these lessons is a palpable shift in students’ attitudes towards the world. The lost year of Covid finds them more addicted to the internet and more influenced by its extremities. They are more willing to challenge us on matters based on fake news. Such arguments are manageable for the most part because they tend to be political in nature, and the easiest way to circumvent such arguments is to not raise the topic of politics in class.

Social media is another matter.

The big media platforms continue to present a world which promotes ideal that don’t exist in the real world; TikTok, Instagram and Facebook’s trending pages tend to be viewed by teenagers as an ideal they should strive towards. They watch videos that show the world as imaginatively happier place than theirs.

The virtual reality some of my students live through is, in fact, the actual reality of their lives. That’s a good enough reason to try to tear them away from their phones once a week and discuss matters that are close to their hearts.

In a recent lesson, the topic of respecting the elderly was raised. Each student sitting in the circle was able to define what such respect constitutes. However, I’d seen more than one of those students speak with unguarded disrespect to teachers. I mentioned this without pointing to anyone in particular. The young man in question looked me straight in the eyes, a wry smile breaking out along his curling lips.

For many people, both young and old, a gap will always remain between the theory and practice of how to deal with the world around us. Here at Ort Ma’alot high school, it is our hope that Come, Let’s Talk just might manage to close the many gaps just a bit.

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

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

With his father, Rav Aryeh Leib Ravitz, Av Beis Din Tel Aviv

With Rav Avraham Pam

With Rav Elyashiv

With Rav Steinman

With Rav Simcha Zissel Brevda, Rosh Yeshivas Chevron

With Rav Yechiel Michel Feinstein at a family chasuna

With Rav Dovid Soloveitchik

The Legacy of MK Rabbi Avraham Ravitz TJH Speaks with Rabbi Ravitz’s children, founders of Moreshet Avraham, who reflect on his life, his message, and his ongoing mission

BY PINCHOS FRIEDLANDER Who was the legendary Rabbi Avraham Ravitz? What lay behind the colorful image of this storied character? From a young boy playing “kadur regel” in the streets of Tel Aviv, to a student in the Chevron Yeshiva.

From enlistment in the “Lechi,” to a fighter in the fledgling Tzahal. From a kiruv activist, to a rosh yeshiva, to a member of the Israeli government, R’ Ravitz’s life certainly covered a wide gamut. But how does this all come together in one man, one mission, and one vision? And how do his children keep his legacy alive today?

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Early Days

Avraham Ravitz was born in 1934, during the period of the British Mandate, in the city of Tel Aviv. His father, Reb Arye Leib, was originally from Slabodka in Poland. Avraham came to study in the Chevron Yeshiva, which, at the time, was still located in the ancient city itself. During the infamous riots of 1929, he was saved by an Arab family who hid him. After the horrific episode, he settled in the Montefiore neighborhood of Tel Aviv, where he became the rav.

When Avraham was but of three years of age, his parents divorced, a rare occurrence in those days. Much of Avraham’s early childhood was spent in an orphanage. He often lacked basic food and clothing. Though he still had a loving father, his childhood was not an easy one. Despite all this, Avraham never became bitter. He learned from his father to love, even if you lacked love; to give, even if you have received little; and to feel for others, even if life seemed unfeeling to you.

In those days, Tel Aviv was a mixed city, with religious, traditional, and non-religious families living side-by-side, and the children often played together. Young Avraham was no different, joining the soccer games and rooting for the local professional team. He once was chosen to carry their flags for them, which earned him a slap from his father.

One day, while at the Sinai Talmud Torah he attended, gunshots rang out nearby. The boys, including young Avraham, or Avreimel, as he was known, raced outside to see what had happened.

They found a cluster of people on the street, milling around numbly in shock. The British police had just murdered Avraham Yair Stern, founder of the Lechi, or “Stern Gang,” as they called it.

“The British killed a Jewish gangster,” the boys were told.

When Avreimel reported the news to his class, his rebbi (who would later become the chief rabbi of Tel Aviv) burst into tears.

“Avreimel,” he said, “this man they killed was no gangster. He was a hero, a man who sacrificed his life for the Jewish people.”

As Rabbi Ravitz recounted many years later, the class was stunned into silence. Young Avreimel’s mind churned furiously, as the concepts “murderer,” “hero,” “gangster,” and “martyr” swam around his brain in confusion.

“At that point I realized,” he later recalled, “that not everything the adults say is true, and not everything the public assumes is correct.”

A few years later, Avraham enlisted in Lechi, inspired by the events of that fateful day. His motivation was his deep pain about the British limitations on immigration. He, and the other chareidi enlisters, ached for the desperate Holocaust survivors who were stranded in dismal DP camps in Europe.

Later, during Israel’s War of Independence, he joined the IDF in fighting for Israel’s survival.

During this same time period, he was also a student in the Chevron Yeshiva under R’ Chatzkal Sarna, who influenced him deeply. He also learned

for some time in the Slabodka Yeshiva under R’ Issac Sher, who created a profound and life-long impression on him as well.

Already at this young ago, Avraham’s position as a mediator between the religious and non-religious camps was established. People noticed his ability to relate to the secular mindset and connect with the “chilonim,” while holding strong to his Torah values. As the chilonim themselves expressed: “He knew how to speak ‘Tel Avivian’ not just ‘Yerushalmi.’” For this reason, rabbanim trusted him to serve in a mediating role, a role which he continued to play his entire life.

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When Avreimel was tasked with the mission of obtaining the religious articles for the children, he had literally no money with which to buy anything.

At a loss, he approached the venerable Chazon Ish, who apparently didn’t have much money either. He gave Avreimel a lira, which was not really enough to buy anything. He encouraged him to try, though.

Wandering through the streets a bit aimlessly, Avreimel chanced across an acquaintance, who asked him what he was up to. When Avreimel related his mission, the man told him, “You have a lira from the Chazon Ish? Please give me the lira, and I will get you everything you need.”

The Making of a Leader

He learned from his father to love, even if you lacked love; to give, even if you have received little; and to feel for others, even if life seemed unfeeling to you.

As the newly forming State was absorbing refugees from all over the world, the secularist Zionists sadly exploited vulnerable religious refugees and immigrants, many of them children. They stole their yarmulkas and tzitzis, shaved off their payos, and pressured them into abandoning the faith of their ancestors. The sagas of “Yaldei Teheran” and the Yemeni and Moroccan children, among others, is well-known.

Here too, Avraham got involved, on behest of his teachers. He and his friends accomplished much, at great personal risk.

Once, he snuck into camp “Ein-Shemer,” in which child refugees were being held, by crawling under the gate. He secretly brought the religious children yarmulkas and tzitzis, which he somehow managed to obtain with a bit of money he had.

However, he was caught in the act. Instead of running away or cowing, Avreimel marched directly to the head of the camp, looked him in the eye, and told him, “Nothing will help you. We are here. We want a room to teach these children Torah.”

Unbelievably, the anti-religious camp leader acquiesced, moved by Avreimel’s determination and confidence.

This story, ironically, was publicized by Benjamin Netanyahu. Though he is, unfortunately, not religious, Bibi could not help but respect R’ Ravitz’s deep dedication and conviction.

R’ Ravitz’s son-in-law, Rabbi Avidan Buksenbaum, relates an additional aspect of this story:

Eventually, R’ Ravitz and his friends’ activities morphed into the founding of an official organization, named Yad L’Achim. He ran the organization together with the legendary Rabbi Sholom Dov Lifschitz.

R’ Ravitz went on to teach in Ohr Sameach, along with Reb Moshe Shapiro, where he influenced the early pioneers of the teshuva movement, including the famous comedian Uri Zohar, artist Ika Yisraeli, and countless others.

Later, R’ Ravitz led Kiryat Noar, a yeshiva for religious but “modern” boys. One of his students was Manny Mazuz, who would go on to become Attorney General and then Justice on the “Bagatz” (Israeli Supreme Court).

Manny had immigrated from Djerba, Tunisia, where his father, Reb Shlomo, had been a rabbi.

Once he moved to Israel, Reb Shlomo lost his position as rabbi and opened a store. Sadly, the allure of the new secularist culture they were exposed to was too much for his son Manny, and he left the path of Torah. When the administration of Kiryat Noar became aware of this, they were left with no choice but to expel Manny.

Although Manny was tragically beyond the point of return, he did realize the terrible heartache it would cause his father, if he became aware of his situation. He begged R’ Ravitz not to let his father know the true reason for his expulsion.

When R’ Ravitz heard that, he changed his mind about expelling Manny. He felt that someone who cared for his father’s feelings like that could remain in the yeshiva.

In addition to his involvement in these yeshivos and organizations, R’ Ravitz was a businessman as well, earning a living as a contractor.

Bridging Worlds

In the late 1980s, the leader of Lithuanian Jewry, Rav Elazar Man Shach, zt”l, asked R’ Ravitz to join the newly formed Degel Hatorah party.

R’ Ravitz was elected to the Knesset in 1988 and went on to serve as Deputy Minister of Housing, Minister of Education, and Deputy Minister of Welfare, throughout his years in the Knesset.

During the course of his long career, he represented both the Degel Hatorah and United Torah Judaism parties.

Here in the Knesset, his unique ability to connect with adversaries, while standing up to them

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With Ehud Olmert

A photo from his youth

R’ Ravitz, his wife Avigayil, and their son, Moshe, at the time that Moshe donated his kidney to his father

Avidan and Malka Buksenbaum, carrying on R’ Ravitz’s legacy

In Yeshivas Chevron during his youth

R’ Ravitz at a youth camp, bringing the children tzitzis and yarmulkas

Malky and Avidan’s “daughters,” the girls of Moreshet Avraham

With Shraya Schlussberg, IDF Colonel, in the reserves

Reaching across the aisle

fearlessly, really came to the fore. This, along with his keen perception of human nature, and brilliant yet practical mind, helped him find common ground with others on many thorny issues, finding creative solutions to seemingly impassible obstacles. One veteran Knesset member told R’ Ravitz’s daughter Malka that, to this day, R’ Ravitz has not been replaced. There is no longer someone in the government who can accomplish what he could.

His desire and ability to understand everybody – even those on the opposite side of a debate – is very hard to replicate.

Malka remembers the time she and her brother visited their father’s workplace, the Knesset. To her horror, she saw her father engaged in an intense shouting match with another MK, and it scared her. Later, though, she saw the two of them walk out together, friends again, as her father invited the man to their home for Shabbos. It was then that she realized that, for her father, it was never personal. He defended Torah Judaism vigorously but could still respect and connect to his opponents on a personal level. And for this reason, they too, treated him with respect – and even love. Many of his biggest political adversaries would secretly come to his house, asking him for guidance and advice. They recognized his shrewd genius and knew he wouldn’t hold their differences against them.

In a famous incident, after the Yom Kippur War, the editor of far-left Ha’aretz, Gideon Levy, desired to come to R’ Ravitz’s house for Shabbos and do a write-up on his experience. He was afraid, however. Many prominent Israeli figures before him had

spent Shabbos at the Ravitz home and were so taken by the experience that they were chozer b’teshuva. Levy was afraid it would happen to him, too, and so he hesitated. But then he heard about famed singer Paul Simon, who had spent Shabbos there as well and didn’t “come under the spell.” Levy felt “safer” then and invited himself for Shabbos. He was greatly moved by that Shabbos and wrote a beautiful article about it in Ha’aretz. In it, Levy described it as “perhaps the most beautiful Shabbos meal I have ever experienced.” Though, indeed, he unfortunately was not chozer b’teshuva, the article did give the secular public a warmer attitude and appreciation for Torah Judaism. Who knows what the indirect consequences of that were?

For The Community…

For R’ Ravitz, these government positions were not personal opportunities to shine and gain power and influence. It was about giving, giving, and giving only. He undertook and executed countless projects, to better the lives of the public, in so many ways. He arranged funding and approval for countless vital projects, including housing, schools, and hospitals. He arranged the establishment of the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood in Jerusalem, to help ease the ongoing housing crunch for religious families in Israel. Usually, contactors would sell the units to the highest bidder, resulting in higher cost to financially struggling families. As such, R’ Ravitz arranged that the units be sold by one fair estimate, easing the burden on the buyers.

He also worked to grant Shuvu schools the

same status as the Chinuch Atzmai school network, which enabled them to receive government funding. Until today, the lion’s share of their budget is covered through this arrangement. He helped Chinuch Atzmai much as well.

His motto, as he expressed it in a famous speech he gave at the founding of Degel Hatorah, was “b’zechut, lo b’chessed.” He wanted the religious community’s needs to be met in a respectable fashion. A religious family is entitled to the same rights a secular one, he asserted, and should not be made to feel like beggars asking for handouts.

…and For the Individual

At the same time, he made himself available to any individual as well, simple or distinguished. He didn’t consider himself “above” anyone and could be reached directly, with no secretary acting as an intermediary. He would actually go to sleep with a phone near his bed, in case someone needed his help urgently.

His daughter Malka remembers him sitting with someone at their house, conversing with him in an intense manner. It seemed to her that the man must have been some public figure, discussing major community affairs with MK Ravitz. It turned out, though, that the man was, in fact, a collector, who came to request a handout. R’ Ravitz treated him with the same respect and importance as he would the prime minister. Indeed, he would spend time with a collector, inquire in detail about his situation, and see whether he could find him a job or set up some other arrangement for him.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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Some of the people he spoke with were not “all there,” yet even them he treated with respect, saying, “This is my job in this world, to help every person I can.”

Getting Children into Schools

Another issue that weighed on his heart was the difficulty many children had getting accepted into schools. Their pain was his pain, and he worked tirelessly to help them.

He once was involved in a case of a girl who could not get accepted into high school. “We just don’t have any room,” she was told. R’ Ravitz called up those in charge of admissions and asked if they would accept his granddaughter into their school.

“Of course,” he was told, “we would love to have your granddaughter in our academy.” “Well, then,” he said, “if you do indeed have room, why don’t you accept this girl who is waiting to get into a school?”

The administration had no choice but to comply.

R’ Ravitz’s daughter, Malka, and her husband, Avidan, recall how, on the day of their own wedding, they were waiting to go the hall when there was a holdup.

A child was not accepted into aschool, and R’ Ravitz could not continue with his life. He told the principal, “I am not going to the chuppah of my own child until this child has a school.”

He even tried creating a system that could potentially fix the problem at its core. As of now, his system has not been adopted, though.

“Maybe one day,” says Malka, with a wistful smile.

Family First

R’ Ravitz’s relationship with his family was incredibly warm and loving. He loved them intensely, and they loved him back. When Malka talks about her father, her love and admiration for him is felt in her voice and is apparent on her face.

She relates how the children loved to help their father however they could. The minute he came home, the children would fight over who gets to bring him his slippers. When sitting around the table, he would merely look at something, and one of his children would eagerly pass it to him. In a famous incident, a few years ago, R’ Ravitz was in need of a kidney transplant. When the family became aware that the children were a good match for donating a kidney to their father, an argument broke out. The oldest son felt he should be the one to donate his kidney, given his seniority. However, the son who had coordinated the medical matter felt that entitled him to the privilege.

They ultimately brought the matter to Harav Eliyashiv, zt”l, who sent them to Rav Dov Landau.

Rav Landau ruled that it should be decided by lots.

In the end, the elder son “won” the privilege of donating his kidney to his father.

This story was publicized in the Israeli media at the time, making a tremendous kiddush Hashem. It also brought awareness of the possibility for a child to donate a kidney for a parent, helping many.

Despite his intense love, R’ Ravitz never spoiled

his children. Although he was comfortable financially, he would not buy them unnecessary items or luxuries, and the family lived simply.

Additionally, even though his position gave him status, he never used that to favor his children.

“My children can stand up for themselves,” he would say.

And indeed, they could. They were happy, confident, and strong children.

The Legacy of Avraham

The Ravitz children inherited from their father a strong sense of responsibility to the klal, the community. It is part of their DNA. Many of R’ Ravitz’s children and children-in-law are involved in helping the public in one form or another.

He told the principal, “I am not going to the chuppah of my own child until this child has a school.”

Specifically, the Buksenbaums founded an organization aptly named Moreshet Avraham, the legacy of R’ Avraham Ravitz, Malka Buksenbaum’s unforgettable father. It embodies R’ Ravitz’s legacy, to the world, and specifically to his family. A legacy of unconditional and wholehearted giving.

The organization was founded by Avidan and Malka Buksenbaum, who also run it. But it is close to the hearts and minds of the entire Ravitz family, and they contribute to the cause.

Malka had been a principal in Girl’s Town, an orphanage for girls in Jerusalem. She realized, though, that the dormitory experience could not properly prepare girls for becoming healthy, functioning wives and mothers. A dormitory, for all its merits, is an institutionalized experience, not a home. The girls needed a home. They needed a mother. And that is exactly what Malka set out to do. She started soon after her father’s passing in the month of Shevat in 2009. Malka took the bonus salary she had received that summer (the Buksenbaums are not rich) and used it to rent an apartment. But they needed furniture. Malka and Avidan scoured Jerusalem for discarded pieces of furniture. They rented a vehicle and drove it around town. They found a bedroom set here, a fridge there, and schlepped it all by themselves to the apartment. Malka describes the satisfaction they had in doing it “with their bare hands.” And so, an organization was born.

With time, they slowly expanded to four apartments, and a total of around 28 girls in the pro-

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gram at a time. The girls hail from around Israel, and beyond.

To Malka and Avidan, the girls are their children. They eat Shabbos and yom tov meals at their home. After lighting Chanukah candles at their own home, the Buskenbaums quickly run over to the apartments and give their girls the Chanukah experience of home. And the connection never stops. Fifty of their girls have since gotten married, and now have children of their own, which the Buksenbaums consider their “grandchildren.”

There are 100 of them so far, kein yirbu.

Over time, Malka showed her work to the Israeli government, who was so impressed, they went all on board, approving her organization for funding as two organizations. Truthfully, the Buksenbaums are so devoted to “their” girls that they do the work of two organizations at once. The government now covers sixty percent of their budget.

However, the remaining forty percent they must raise themselves.

The Buksenbaums recently arrived in the U.S. to raise money for this amazing program. And, Malka confides, she also hoped to collect Chanukah presents for “her” girls. She remembers how her cousin would send her own daughter presents from home in the U.S., while the daughter was in seminary in Israel. “I want my daughter to get a taste of home,” her cousin explained to her at the time. Malka feels the same way. She wants her girls, too, to enjoy a “taste of home.” A taste of being a daughter, cared for by loving parents.

Malka inspires her girls with the story of her father, showing them that they, too, can succeed.

Just as R’ Ravitz didn’t let his trying childhood break him, and instead grew up to become a true leader, they, too, can overcome their troubles and achieve greatness. And, she is blown away at the results. She has seen girls from truly tragic backgrounds rise above and beyond their difficult history and become not only successful but a shining light to others.

I

n life, there are three approaches to dealing with challenges, be they physical or spiritual.

You can succumb. Or you can fight and overcome the challenge. But the best way is to use the challenge itself as a tool for unparalleled growth.

Growth you could never had achieved had life been nice and easy, smooth sailing.

The life of R’ Avraham Ravitz is a tale of the latter. All of his varied life experiences combined inside one giant heart. A heart that understood everyone regardless of background, felt for everyone regardless of social status. A heart that could at once stand strong for truth, yet also empathize with his adversaries and ultimately gain their true respect.

And that is his legacy to his family, his legacy to the girls of Moreshet Avraham, and his legacy to us all.

If you would like to hear more about R’ Ravitz’s legacy or about Moreshet Avraham, you can contact Malka directly at bxmalka@gmail.com.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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Teen Talk

By

By Mrs. Mrs. C. C. Isbee Isbee

Dear Teen Talk, I love school and have a lot of friends. I get to-

Teen Talk , column in

a new

TJH, is geared to wards the teens in o ur commu nity.

Answered by a rotati ng roster of teachers, rebbeim, clinicians , an d peers (!), te ens will b e hearing answers to many que stions the had perco y lating in th eir minds wished th an d ey had th e answers for.

gether with them all the time – at their homes.

We never get together at my home because I don’t ever invite them, as I’m very embarrassed by my family and the condition of my house.

Firstly, my brother, who is a year older than me, is developmentally disabled and gets very excited and says crazy things to anyone that comes into my house.

Secondly, my mother, who is very warm and friendly, is not put together. For lack of a better word, she looks shlumpy.

Thirdly, my house is messy. I try to do my share to clean up, but I have other priorities too, and can’t possibly get the house to look fully clean.

In the past, when we would talk about getting together, I purposely did not volunteer my home.

Time is passing by, and my friends keep asking me why we don’t get together by me. I can’t keep making excuses! Besides, I live near all of them, and they are starting to think it’s odd that I don’t invite them. Help! What should I do?

Answer: I understand your predicament. You are a great girl and want to do the right thing.

You value your friends, but you’re scared you’ll jeopardize your relationship with them because of what they’ll think of you once they step foot in your home

and meet your family. At the same time, you can’t keep hiding. Making up reasons for why you won’t have a get-together at your house will ultimately be disadvantageous for you. If your friends knew the real reasons you haven’t invited them, I’m sure they would be mortified

and would deem your impression of them as shallow and insensitive.

Here are five ways to approach this:

1.

Mir ror Ap proach: You are like a mirror to your friends. When

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

your friends look at you, they will mirror the image you are reflecting.

Your friends are coming for you, and you only. They are not coming to keep your mother company, or to socialize with your brother, or to inspect your home. When they arrive at the door, and your brother says something silly, they won’t care. But if you are apologetic, they will start acting uncomfortable. They are not uncomfortable because of your brother; they are uncomfortable because you are uncomfortable. When they walk in and your mother greets them, they won’t flinch. But if you “make a face,” they may get distressed. They are not distressed because of your mother; they are distressed because you are distressed. When they sit with you on your couch or around your dining room table and you express embarrassment for the way the house looks, they may exhibit tension. They are

Are you a teen with a question?

If you have a question or problem you’d like our columnists to address, email your question or insight to editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com, subject line: Teen Talk.

bly display strained dispositions.

2.

It says in Pirkei Avos, “Hevay mekabel es kol haadam b’sever panim yafos.”

When you greet others with a pleasant face, they feel at ease. Moreover, you feel at ease! Your smile actually calms you and causes you to feel more confident about yourself and your situation. So smile!

3.

Invite your friends for a short period of time, perhaps for some pizza

When your friends look at you, they will mirror the image you are reflecting. not tense because of the condition of your house; they are tense because you are tense. Also, your nervousness may lead them to believe you’re irritable. Surely, then, they’ll want to leave. The respect that had for you may be diminished because of the way you’re acting.

Remember, you are like a mirror.

If you stay calm, and show kindness and warmth, your friends will respond to you in kind. The demonstration of acceptance of your family situation enables your friends to feel comfortable and relaxed in your home. However, if you model discomfort and shame, your friends will mirror those feelings and proba-

for an hour. You should not put yourself out for a whole night. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew.” Don’t feel like you have to host them for a long period of time.

4.

You may be surprised that your friends may find it comforting to schmooze with your mother. You say she is warm and friendly. Her sociable nature may make them feel welcome. There’s a lot of good in your family. Even your brother may make them feel at ease. He’s friendly too, and they know that whatever he says is not his fault, as he is developmen-

tally disabled.

When you go to your friends’ homes, and think their homes and/or families are perfect, think again. You may be oblivious to things and not realize the challenges your friends are dealing with.

Perhaps one of their parents is never home. Maybe there’s a sibling who has anger issues. Maybe the house is gorgeous, but no one is relaxed because they’re not allowed to touch the furniture. Nobody has a perfect home with a flawless family.

5.

Your popularity is likely a result of the sensitivity that developed over time by living with a sibling with special-needs. Children who have family members with special-needs often have keener social skills than others.

They know the right way to talk to people and are usually good listeners. Don’t write off your brother so fast; he is probably the catalyst that brought out your social savviness.

I am sure that with the proper attitude and outlook, you will find that hosting your friends can be a positive and stress-free experience.

Even if you have to fake the smile or force yourself to look aside from the “embarrassing” conditions, it will be worth it. Overtime, your openness will be more natural. The respect you publicly accord to your family will surely evoke feelings of esteem and high regard towards you from your friends. And, all the conditions that initially made you feel shame may likely change to conditions that evoke pride.

Mrs. Chayala Isbee is a long-time educator and school counselor at Bais Yaakov of Baltimore.

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Dating Dialogue

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

Dear Navidaters,

I went to sleepaway camp with a girl named Bina*. She was a great girl with whom many people got close – until their personal items started going missing. For the entire first

half of camp, people could not figure out who was the one taking their stuff – from deodorant, to shampoo, to nosh, to pillows, even medicine. Finally, one day, a girl in the bunk checked everyone’s suitcases in order to find the culprit, who turned out to be Bina. Turns out, she had so many more issues that all came to light after this.

This was all water under the bridge until I just found out I’m dating her brother! He’s a great guy and we really click – but I can absolutely not imagine having Bina as a sister-in-law. The thought is driving me crazy ever since I put two and two together. Is there any way to help me get over this?

Thank you so much.

-Devorah

Disclaimer: This column is not intended to diagnose or otherwise conclude resolutions to any questions. Our intention is not to offer any definitive conclusions to any particular question, rather offer areas of exploration for the author and reader. Due to the nature of the column receiving only a short snapshot of an issue, without the benefit of an actual discussion, the panel’s role is to offer a range of possibilities. We hope to open up meaningful dialogue and individual exploration.

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The Panel

The Rebbetzin

disorder? Who bullies? Think about your ability to own a serious issue among your nearest and dearest.

Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

D

evorah, what matters is your relationship with Bina’s brother. Let it grow.

If you are concerned about his/ the family’s awareness of her possible mental health and/or character issues, give him the opportunity to talk about mental health issues and children/teens. Bring them up indirectly. You can talk about the accessibility of mental health services in school settings, programs designed to combat bullying, growing awareness of social skills training, anorexia, body image, etc. In other words, bring up topics that span the gamut of behavioral, social, and mental health challenges girls have.

See what he says and gauge whether he is mature, aware, and sensitive to issues and getting professional help to address them.

In general, this is good practice in dating at some point because it gives one the opportunity to discuss reactive styles to serious issues. Will the person demonstrate understanding of the need for professional help?

That it is a process and takes work?

Or will s/he reveal lack of awareness of the complexities and realities of mental health and skills development?

Devorah, if you can’t get past the awareness of Bina’s actions in camp years ago despite the family’s ownership of problems and addressing them with sensitivity, help, and awareness, look in the mirror. Question yourself. Do you have maturity and sensitivity to understand people who struggle with issues? Mental health and personality/behavioral disorders are like physical illnesses.

They are not all man-made. Will you be able to deal with a child on the spectrum? With oppositional deficit

The Shadchan Michelle Mond

C

an we just stop for a moment and wonder what the world would look like if everybody was judged or nixed because of a sibling? I wish the thought of that comment was foreign. Unfortunately, though, in reality, this happens way too often.

We as a people seem to forget how dramatic the history of our nation’s family dynamics are described in the Torah. Yosef’s brothers tried to kill him; Yaakov’s twin brother was Eisav, the killing addict; Noach’s son Cham exploited him; Kain killed Hevel – must the list go on?

My point is, if you like Bina’s brother, go for it! Everyone has family drama.

Use this as an opportunity to work on yourself. Do you have patience for people with special needs and “issues”? We know that Hashem sends everyone personal tests that are handcrafted for their particular situation. Figure out how you can handle this one with sensitivity and grace. Maybe Hashem is giving you this test in the form of a sister-in-law rather than a child with the same issues?

When you see Bina at the l’chaim, will you look down at and sneer at her, your pathetic new sister-inlaw? Do you badmouth her to your friends? Or do you possibly give her a chance? Perhaps she has gotten help and changed over the years. Perhaps the stealing was just a cry for help, covering up a more intense emotional problem that she has overcome?

There are so many possibilities. If you are still nervous about Bina’s behavior patterns, you can lock up

your valuables when she comes to your home, iy”H. I will end with one last story.

When I was in seminary (shoutout to Sharfmans!), I had gone to Rebbetzin Henny Machlis’s Shabbos meals a few times with my close friend Tracy Lloyd (who is most likely reading this and remembers the conversation!). As many know, it was at this particular home where many of the homeless beggars and psychologically ill Jewish people of Israel found themselves once a week for a hot meal and warm atmosphere.

Seminary girls would go occasionally to help the Rebbetzin prepare cooking and serve. I shared a few words with the Rebbetzin in between serv-

Don’t you dare let the yetzer hara taint this incredible new chapter of your life with semantics.

ing the soup and fish course, and I asked her: How do you have so many homeless people at your home every week? Aren’t you worried your stuff

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will get stolen? She responded that no stuff in the world is more precious than the mitzvah of helping these lost neshamos who just need acceptance and a warm meal. “We have learned from being robbed by our guests many times to lock our personal room doors. By now, though, we don’t really need to, because many of them end up needing a place to sleep, so they sleep in our home as well. There is really not much left for them to steal. “ Halevai, we should all have such tolerance and love for our own people as Rebbetzin Machlis did.

The Single Tzipora Grodko

I

f you feel like you met your soulmate, then nothing else should get in the way. It sounds like things feel pretty serious with Bina’s brother and your thinking of taking your relationship to the next level. If you feel confident in your relationship with

Dear Readers, We absolutely love the reader engagement and weekly feedback we receive, both by email and to the editor surrounding our column. Baruch Hashem, over the (6??) years we have provided this column, we have gone through many “Single” panelists, all providing the most wonderful and quality responses to the weekly intriguing questions we receive from you, our dear readers.

All of our singles have understandably taken on pseudonyms in order to keep their identity more private.

Recently, however;,we have brought onto the team a new single panelist after our previous single got engaged (mazal tov, Rivka Weinberg!). However, our new panelist would like to present with her real

her brother, then keep this in mind: you are not marrying Bina. Marrying her brother is a whole different story.

If you feel like you met your soulmate (which is a HUGE miracle), don’t you dare let the yetzer hara taint this incredible new chapter of your life with semantics. People would give anything to be in your shoes. Part of maturity and adulthood is recognizing what should be the focus of your life. And, if you think you met your potential husband, the person who will help you maximize your growth, be your best friend, and help you achieve your goals and dreams together, I wouldn’t focus on anything else.

However, I would encourage you to ask yourself if you have reservations about your relationship with Bina’s brother and if you’re using this as an “reason” to feel justified in not feeling confident about the relationship. Sometimes, when a decision does not feel right, people find comfort in identifying potential challenges that can interfere with their current decision. Consider this approach as well. If it’s irrelevant to you, then disregard! But if it is rele-

name in order to empower the single community that their voices are important, their take is important, and their unfiltered opinions are important.

Without further ado, I’d like to present our new panelist, the single: Tziporah Grodko.

Truly, Michelle Mond The “Shadchan” (and Navidaters Panel Coordinator)

• • • • • • • • • • Dear Readers, My name is Tzipora Grodko, and I’m excited to be a part of this panel.

Yup, I’m single. Nope. That’s not a pseudonym. I was surprised when

vant, then take it into serious consideration before moving forward in your relationship.

Hatzalcha!

The Zaidy Dr. Jeffrey Galler

I

f you go ahead and marry this boyfriend, please make sure that you do not put your new sister-in-law in charge of collecting the gifts at your Bridal Shower.

Yes, yes, I know. That comment was very rude, disrespectful, and incredibly inappropriate coming from a distinguished professional and respected columnist like me. My problem is that I can’t control myself; I have this uncontrollable compulsion to be witty and facetious.

So, speaking of obsessive compulsive disorders, let’s understand the psychological disorder known as kleptomania. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “People with kleptomania cannot resist the urge to

the director of this panel informed me that no single has ever used their real name in the column. Initially, I assumed that was “protocol” and joined under a pseudonym as well.

After some time, I started to wonder: what do I have to hide? Everyone else uses their real name, why can’t I? Does the single community feel threatened or fearful that we can’t share our feelings or thoughts?

Just because we are single, doesn’t mean we are not as qualified, capable, or living as meaningful of a life.

To me, being under a pseudonym perpetuates the insecurity that, as a single 28-year-old, I cannot feel proud of my actions and intentions because of my status, instead, “protecting” my reputation while meeting the standards of my audience.

Can we just stop for a moment and wonder what the world would look like if everybody was judged or nixed because of a sibling?

steal items for the sake of stealing, not because they need or want the items, or because they cannot afford to buy them. Kleptomania is not the same thing as shoplifting. Most people who shoplift take things they want, need, or cannot afford, or — in the case of some teen shoplifters — because of peer pressure.”

This impulse control disorder is very rare and affects 0.3 to 0.6 percent of the population. About twothirds of people with kleptomania

Thank G-d, I feel so proud of the life that I live, the growth I’ve experienced, and the opportunity to share my thoughts with TJH. My intention in being super transparent is to encourage others to feel happy, confident, and proud of who they are, regardless of their life stage.

Every chapter in our lives is overflowing with tremendous purpose and meaning. We only benefit from trying to disregard the semantics of cultural pressures and judgments, for they will steal the joy from a life that we could have lived.

Looking forward to being the voice of the single on this column tackling your quandaries!

Fondly, Tzipora

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are women.

Researchers feel that kleptomania is a mental health condition, not a character flaw, and is caused by an imbalance in brain neurotransmitters. There is no test to diagnose the disease and there is no cure for the disease, but it is successfully controlled with forms of psychotherapy (like cognitive-behavioral therapy) and with medications.

So, should you keep dating your boyfriend? Here are two thoughts for you to consider.

First, psychological disorders are, for some reason, extremely common today. No matter who you meet, chances are that someone in the family will be afflicted. It is highly predictable that almost everyone has a first degree or second degree relative with some sort of disorder.

In almost every family you will find a parent, sibling, cousin, uncle, or aunt who suffers with some form of psychological problem, such as: attention deficit, hyperactivi-

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ty, anxiety, depression, compulsive gambling, obsessive video playing, trichotillomania (hair pulling), hoarding, compulsive counting, tapping, cleaning – the list is almost endless.

If you exclude, from marriage consideration all of the eligible bachelors who have an afflicted relative, you will have eliminated almost the entire pool of single, young men. So, please do not end your relationship with your boyfriend solely because of his sister.

Second, in every dating scenario, but especially in this one,

it’s important to do your due diligence. You must check the young man’s references and do research into his background. Check with his shul rabbi, school principal, rosh yeshiva, friends, and neighbors, and make sure that there’s nothing of concern in his own past.

In addition, it might be worthwhile for you (or someone on your behalf) to call former roommates and/or camp bunkmates and ask leading questions, like: “What was he like to dorm or room with?”

Good luck, and I hope you find compelling reasons to enjoy a long, healthy, and happy marriage.

this person? Does the family deny the issue? Do they cover it up? Do they enable it? Do they pretend? Do they gaslight you into feeling crazy because you see it or talk about it? Or, are they aware? Are they open about it amongst themselves? Have they acknowledged the issue? Have they offered help (counseling) to the individual? Do they even have a sense of humor about it? Have they worked through it? Have they accepted it?

Are you welcome to talk about it or express concerns about it?

Something you may be concerned about, if the issue hasn’t been resolved, is if you go to your future inlaws for Shabbos or yom tov and your diamond earrings go missing. You’re sure you put them on the dresser, and they seem to have disappeared.

Hands down, the most important thing here is the way your husband will react. Will he tell you it couldn’t have been Bina and you must not re-

member where you put them? That would be a big problem. Not because of the missing earrings. But because he wouldn’t be validating your concern, and over time this may create a rift in the relationship.

However, if he can listen to your concern and the idea that Bina took the earrings, you’re OK. If he is willing to speak to Bina and/or the parents about it, you are OK. If he is willing to put a lock on your door when you visit, you are OK. And if he is willing to ultimately make a boundary to safeguard your shalom bayis, you are OK. If you are having concerns about Bina, I think your best bet may be to talk to your boyfriend about it and simply find out what he has to say. It’s quite possible that Bina’s issues have been resolved long ago. With that information, you can decide how you want to proceed.

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

D

ear Devorah, Thank you for writing into our column! I’m so glad that you asked: “Is there any way to help me get over this?” I think we first have to define what “getting over this”may look like. Here is what “getting over this” does not necessarily mean: - Being besties with Bina; engaging in deep and meaningful conversation and doing each other’s makeup.

- Having Bina over for Shabbos.

- Including Bina in your social life.

Here is what “getting over this” in a realistic and healthy way for you may look like: - Sharing your concerns with your boyfriend and making certain there is open communication between the two of you with regard to this issue and all important matters.

- Creating healthy and safe bound-

aries around time spent with Bina. Deciding what information you will share with her and how often you see her outside of family functions.

- Structuring the relationship you want to have with Bina.

Look, marrying into a family is a big deal. Let’s not discount that in the slightest. The reality is that even most of the emotionally healthiest families out there have a family member or two with some mental health and/or behavioral challenges. In my opinion, more important than the individual family member at hand is the relationship that the family has with the individual’s mental health struggle or behavioral challenge. In other words, how does the family react to

All the best, Jennifer

Jennifer Mann, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and certified trauma healing life coach, as well as a dating and relationship coach working with individuals, couples, and families in private practice at 123 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst, NY. She also teaches a psychology course at Touro College. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 718-908-0512. Visit www.thenavidaters.com for more information. If you would like to submit a dating or relationship question to the panel anonymously, please email JenniferMannLCSW@gmail.com. You can follow The Navidaters on FB and Instagram for dating and relationship advice.

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Dr. Deb

Mindfulness is a No-Brainer

By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

T

he biggest argument I get from people on the “homework” I give is the objection to sitting for ten minutes – ten minutes, my gosh, where will I get that amount of time from? – doing what is called “mindfulness.”

After all, there are things that must be done. And done fast. For work, for the family, for oneself. “As it is,” they tell me, “I wolf down lunch or I have to skip it completely, and I’m way behind on sleep.”

They also either catch up on sleep on Shabbos or – interestingly enough – they find Shabbos irritating because there is nothing “to do.”

Hey, wait.

Something’s going on here. This almost sounds like the makings of an addiction.

What’s an addiction? It’s an unhealthy relationship with a behavior or substance, one that gobbles up all your time, energy, and thoughts. How is it possible to be so very, very busy during the week that you feel compelled to complain about it – or your family does – yet on Shabbos, when you have the chance to get a mental rest, you don’t like it?

This is a sign of a terrible disconnect.

The disconnect is between you and yourself. It’s as if you keep busy to get away from yourself.

Then, on Shabbos, the very oppor-

tunity to repair that disruption is disturbing.

Why would that be?

The job that an addiction does for us is to distract us from pain. Generally, the pain is internal. It’s all about feelings we have about ourselves that are not kind, to say the least. Or to be blunt, in the words of a number of my clients, “I don’t like myself.”

Mind you, there is no solid reason for this. These people are lovely, smart, kind people. The story of how they came to that place begins with messages from childhood that they latched onto for reasons that I’ve explained in previous articles.

The reasons and the feelings go underground but they make their positions known just the same through addictions to their busy-ness, other addictions, anxiety, worry, and depression.

This is an age-old problem with an age-old solution. That solution is called mindful meditation. Americans think that the practice of mindfulness originated in Tibet with Buddhist monks.

However, in Esther Wein’s class some years ago, I learned that on his deathbed, when Avraham Avinu gives “gifts” to the sons from his pilegesh and sends them to the “East,” those gifts may very well be the mindfulness skills we are discussing here.

Having heard about the praises

for meditation practice from a trickle of people back in 1974, Herbert Benson, medical doctor and scientist at Harvard, decided to see if the benefits could be measured. He noticed that heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure were more common than they had been five years or ten years earlier.

He reasoned that this came from the added stress our society was under (welcome to 2021, Herb) because scientists knew at that time the mechanics of the sympathetic nervous system and how it reacts when people feel under siege.

He decided to test all this, having a group of subjects practice what he called the “Relaxation Response” along with well-practiced yogis who also volunteered in his lab. He was fascinated by results that almost resembled the calmness of sleep except for several important differences: 1. The advanced practitioners (yogis) had brain alpha waves which were associated with feelings of wellbeing.

These do not occur in sleep.

2. There was a rapid decrease in metabolism rate. In sleep, it takes 4 to 5 hours to drop oxygen consumption by about 8% while with meditation, it takes 3 minutes to drop oxygen consumption by 10 to 20 %. (Subsequent research shows that meditators then have a reversal in which more oxygen is delivered to the tissues and brain

than in the general population. In fact, a 2018 study on the PubMed site of the National Institutes of Health showed that this additional oxygen delivery from meditation was a useful adjuvant to medication in glaucoma patients, of all things).

3. There is no rapid eye movement in meditation, unlike sleep.

Benson also found that there was a decrease in blood lactate in meditators. Lactate buildup in the blood is the result of metabolism, and when that process is not working as efficiently as possible, its accumulation can lead from muscle weakness to sepsis and death. What Benson also found is that the lower the lactate level, the lower the anxiety level that people experience.

This has been corroborated by more recent studies.

“But Dr. Deb,” someone recently insisted, “I am not stressed. I do not have panic attacks. I don’t have addictions and overwork is not one of them, although I am, thank G-d, successful in my business. So I’m not your guy!

I don’t need mindfulness meditation.”

Hold on there, friend.

Mindfulness could not have been a “gift” of the East if all it was there for was to solve problems. Rather, it is a life enhancer.

Here are some thoughts based on Jon Kabat-Zinn’s 1992 book, “Wherever You Go, There You Are,” that intro-

duced mindfulness meditation to this country in a big way: * In our everyday life it is easy to fall into “a robotlike way of seeing and thinking and doing.” But that very process will “break contact with what is deepest in ourselves.” Thus, the irony here is that regular waking life is “a dream” but we can counteract it by “waking up” in meditation. When we do, we can see “the interconnectedness of things” as well as the big picture look at our lives and the “direction” we are headed. * Mindfulness frees us a great deal because one of its key concepts is being nonjudgmental. Therefore, “when we commit ourselves to paying attention in an open way, without falling prey to our own likes and dislikes, opinions and prejudices, projections and expectations, new possibilities open up.” This brings clarity. * Every one of us has a lot going on that is not conscious. Mindfulness opens up “areas in our lives that we were out of touch with or unwilling to

look at…such as grief, sadness, woundedness, anger and fear.” We can also “appreciate feelings such as joy, peacefulness, and happiness.” * Because our lives are so rushed, we forget that rushing the mindfulness while we’re trying to practice it precludes having that which we are searching for. “So in meditation prac-

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that is a good thing. “Scratch the surface of impatience and what you will find lying beneath it, subtly or not so subtly is anger. It’s the strong energy of not wanting things to be the way they are and blaming someone (often yourself) for it.” This is pointless because there is no one to blame. When people act badly, they can be shown to have

It’s as if you keep busy to get away from yourself.

tice, the best way to get somewhere is to let go of trying to get anywhere at all.” This teaches us how to just “be,” which is something we are unfamiliar with – to our detriment. “Otherwise, self-involvement and greediness can sneak in and distort your relationship to the work” of connecting to yourself. * Patience is needed for this and

perhaps been given a poor upbringing.

Whose fault is that? Blame is pointless.

“When an incredulous reporter asked [the Dali Lama] about his apparent lack of anger toward the Chinese by an incredulous report at the time he won the Nobel Peace Prize, the Dali Lama replied something to the effect that: ‘They have taken everything from

us; should I let them take my mind as well?’” * Another quality to cultivate from this is generosity – to yourself first.

(That one sure reminds me of “Im ayn ani li, mi li?”) Here’s the thing: Because you are already “treating yourself” to you-time, you’re starting that path to self-generosity. *From there, of course, it expands to other wonderful middos. The Dali Lama is known for his specific focus on compassion for others when he meditates.

It’s not the 10 minutes that we all don’t have. We have it. It’s the weirdness of doing “nothing” that we have trouble with. But – like sleep in which we aren’t productive at all – it’s good for us in so many ways.

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

Winter Smoothies

By Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN

T

he winter is the perfect time to cuddle up on the sofa with a good book under a cozy blanket sipping a hot chocolate. However, hot chocolate has zero health benefits, so I cannot in good conscious rave about hot chocolate. Yes, there are sugar-free and fat-free options available, but the hot chocolate itself still offers zero nutritional value. A smoothie, however, while not as warm and cozy, has plenty of nutrition to offer. During the winter months, when our body requires utmost nutrition to avoid catching the flu, or the common cold, or even variants of COVID-19, a nutrient-packed smoothie should be the beverage of choice.

Smoothies are an increasingly popular trend, often marketed as a health food. These beverages are extremely versatile, portable, family-friendly, and can be modified for any taste or preference. You can purchase them from a smoothie counter at a store, buy them ready made in the dairy aisle, or make them at home yourself.

A smoothie is a blended drink combining any fruits, vegetables, nuts, or seeds with a water, juice, yogurt, or milk base. These combinations create a thick, creamy beverage loaded with vitamins and minerals. Depending on your mood, what nutrients you want to gain, or what you have in the fridge, you can create a delicious smoothie.

Many people opt for a smoothie as a morning meal or as a snack. It’s a great way to incorporate healthy foods into your diet. The combinations of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds in your smoothie can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, lower one’s risk of chronic diseases such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, as well as boost one’s immune system. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends consuming 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into a smoothie is a great way to mark that off the checklist.

A smoothie not only provides essential vitamins and minerals to keep your immune system strong and at its best during the winter months, it is also nourishing and a great snack which provides lots of fiber. Fiber helps keep you fuller for longer, aiding in weight loss. Fiber also helps ease digestion and bulks up the stool. Another key function of fiber is its cholesterol-lowering effects. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends women consume 25-35grams of fiber daily and that men should consume 30-38 grams of fiber daily. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of fiber.

Whichever combination of fruits and vegetables you choose to throw into your smoothies will help you achieve your fiber intake goal.

All year long, our body needs adequate levels of vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E to keep our immune system up to par. This holds true especially during the winter months when the germs are trapped indoors, and the common cold and influenza get generously passed around.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is famous for shortening the duration of the common cold. Vitamin C cannot be made by the body and therefore must be taken in through foods

on a daily basis. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and a major contributor to immune defense. It supports the barrier of cells from allowing pathogens to enter. It also functions to prevent any pathogens from entering the body through the skin. Vitamin C deficiency results in impaired immunity and increased susceptibility to infections. While some fruits have more vitamin C than others, each fruit and/or vegetable you add into your smoothie has an array of nutrients to offer. Sources of vitamin C are abundant and extend well beyond the ever-popular orange. Many fruits and vegetables supply this vital vitamin,, such as berries, beets, pineapple, mango, carrots, and of course, oranges. These fruits and vegetables can be mixed and matched in your smoothie recipes to supply you with ample vitamin C. Vitamin D is another key component of our immune function.

Vitamin D receptors are present in many immune cells including T-cells, B-cells, antigen-presenting cells, and monocytes. Vitamin D has been shown to increase all types of immunity. Vitamin D has also been found in many studies to lower one’s chances of contracting COVID-19 and helping fight off the virus if infected.

Those with higher levels of Vitamin D had better outcomes after contracting COVID-19. Green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach as well as milk are excellent sources of vitamin D. These are key ingredients in many smoothie recipes and will definitely impact your immune system for the better this winter season.

Vitamin E is another essential vitamin for our immune function. Vitamin E modulates T- cell function.

Deficiency of vitamin E has been linked to impaired immune function.

Sources of vitamin E include nuts and seeds, as well as wheat germ, which all make great additions to a smoothie. They add a nutty flavor, a thicker texture, and many key nutrients to your smoothie.

By blending fruits or vegetables, you are not losing any nutritional value. Freezing fruits and vegetables also preserves its nutrition. Don’t worry about consuming sugar from the fruits. The sugar in fruit is natural and is paired with fiber and is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. In addition, you are not consuming an entire portion of each of the ingredients. The more fruits and vegetables you add, the smaller the portion size should be. If you are simply having an orange-banana smoothie, then feel free to use a whole orange and a whole banana.

You can either follow a recipe for a precisely measured and thought-out, delicious smoothie, or be creative and use your judgment and preference to invent your own personal smoothie.

Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN, is a Master’s level Registered Dietitian and Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist. She graduated CUNY Brooklyn College receiving a Bachelor’s in Science and Master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences. She is currently a private nutritionist.

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

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Parenting Pearls

Let’s Discuss Communication

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

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n a previous article, I mentioned that communication is so important that even though it’s been discussed before, you should expect to see it again – and I wanted to keep my word.

Communication is the basis of all relationships. In fact, we know that being able to speak is part of what separates us from animals and makes us distinct from Hashem’s other creations.

Children, being young humans, also need to connect as part of their relationships. They need to talk, not just to communicate and bond with us now, but also to learn how to effectively converse with others as they grow.

We want that as their friendships mature and relationships develop, their communications skills do, too.

Communication is Assumed It’s easy to take for granted both that our children are naturally close to us and that our children will have an innate ability to speak to others.

There is a good reason for us to make these assumptions but, sadly, we can’t rely on them. Life would be so much less complicated if our assumptions were always valid.

Children are inherently close to their parents. We are their caregivers, and much literature has been written about the crucial role a caregiver plays in the life of a little one.

Still, this assumption isn’t reliable because as children grow, they may drift away, chas v’shalom, if we don’t build on that relationship. The relationship may come naturally but it requires further building right from the start. By feeding, changing, and comforting an infant, we are communicating security and comfort. As they continue to develop, they need more than just a burping to feel connected. As exhausting as those early months are, there is something to be said for when a tummy full of milk makes you a hero.

prised to find out just how entertaining and what good conversationalists kids can be. Just as they benefit from being connected to us, we easily benefit from being connected to them.

Being a Communication Role Model

By meeting a child’s needs from the beginning, we start the process.

As their mind develops and their needs become more complex, we will start to rely on communication to enhance the relationship more and more. It’s near impossible to have a relationship with a teenager who has been ignored since infancy.

We assume that as talking comes naturally to most people, so will communication skills. As most of us know at least one adult that consistently fails to communicate effectively, we can cancel this assumption, as well.

Being able to speak is completely different than being able to communicate. While one (speech) does help the other (communication), it’s simply not sufficient. Alternatively, even nonverbal individuals can often convey their needs, so we see that the skills of speech and communication are not completely intertwined.

Let’s bring this one step further.

There’s knowing how to communicate and then there is knowing how to communicate effectively. We can compare this to writing. While even young kids can write, it’s a lot more complicated to correctly articulate words and accurately express thoughts.

Trust me, all of us who write for TJH have to do this each week – it’s not easy! We want our children to be able to share their thoughts, express their needs, and build relationships with those around them. This is also part

of their chinuch.

Making it a Priority to Connect It’s important for our children to feel close to us, and continuous communication is one way to make this goal a reality. It’s naturally harder for some people than others but we can all try to make conversation with our children a priority. Some parents’ personalities may require them to maintain a conscious awareness of this. As an example, at some point I noticed I’m not naturally the “hugging type.” I had to make an effort throughout the day to remind myself to hug the little people I live with. Fortunately, the kids are cute and I’m fond of them, which made remembering to hug them that much easier. It may feel unnatural to some but please don’t let that hold you back from verbally showing you care.

Constant conversation is how parents can keep their finger on the pulse of what kids are feeling and what they’re up to. When communication is ongoing, we have a better chance of recognizing changes in a child’s mood and when something needs further attention. A stubborn teen is unlikely to divulge anything to a parent they feel disconnected from, while an engaged teen will know their parent is available to talk.

Additionally, kids really are a lot of fun. Parents may be pleasantly sur-

Let’s bring this to the next level. There’s a tremendous amount of personal growth worked into being a parent. It’s only after we improve ourselves that we can pass those skills onto the next generation. When we model appropriate communication skills, we are demonstrating to our children the appropriate way to interact with others. It’s easy to assume that children, being social creatures, will have an innate awareness of how to interact. Anyone who has seen toddlers whacking each other over a toy can attest to this not being the case.

Children need to learn by example, and we are meant to be that model.

When we speak to our children and to others, we are role modeling what we consider appropriate speech.

When we speak to our children in a way we’d like them to speak to others, we are demonstrating our expectations. Parents shouldn’t feel paranoid every time they open their mouth but should be aware that children are learning each time we do.

We, too, can say “thank you” after a child helps out, compliment them, and speak in a positive way towards them. It’s important to think extra carefully before speaking when angry; it’s best to first think how those words will sound. Certainly, parents shouldn’t use foul language. Even when correcting a child’s errors, it’s possible to maintain the child’s dignity.

It’s important to speak with respect and dignity to others at all times but especially when a child can hear.

Kids don’t always get sarcasm; what sounds like an innocent or humorous comment to an adult can be perceived

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as mean or demeaning when a child hears it. As adults, we can be a positive example of how to treat others with respect and not talk down to others. How often do we see someone treat a waiter with contempt?

How often does someone chat on their phone as the cashier rings them up, completely pretending the employee isn’t helping them? “Please” and “thank you” aren’t just cute things we teach kids to say but sentiments we all should express. Adults need to act menschlech, too.

speak more appropriately; they just don’t always know how to do so. This is similar to when a child says, “Give me” and someone repeats back to them, “May I please have?” The tone of voice shouldn’t be degrading or belittling but similar to the tone you’d

between the times they intend to be rude and the times they simply are incapable of explaining themselves appropriately gives a more targeted chinuch.

As parents, we don’t owe our children an explanation for everything

Constant conversation is how parents can keep their finger on the pulse of what kids are feeling and what they’re up to.

Actively Teaching Communication We have many options when it comes to teaching communication.

One technique is to model a better way to make a point or to explain themselves. If they speak disrespectfully, it’s not enough to just say, “That’s chutzpah.” It’s more helpful to give them a better script to use to respectfully make their opinion heard.

Kids often appreciate being able to

like them to use. Using the correct tone of voice is also part of communicating effectively.

It’s difficult but it’s important to be cautious and not confuse a child speaking with an “attitude” with a child unaware that they’re being inappropriate. Sometimes, they really are just being rude, but by differentiating

S H a lO m Ta S k FO r C e

You Are NoT ALoNe Confidential 888.883.2323 Call. Text. Whatsapp Hotline Call our Confidential Hotline to discuss any issues about relationships or domestic abuse. We provide a listening ear to all.

Our referrals help our callers gain access to helpful resources, including legal assistance, counseling, and safe shelters. For more information and to speak with a trained advocate, please visit www.shalomtaskforce.org.

No oNe Deserves To Be ABuseD

we do, even when kids want one. But, there are times when it can be beneficial to explain why you chose to do a particular action. In this case, your child may learn something from hearing how you made a point or effectively communicated something. For example, it’s easy for kids to see parents calmly disagreeing on a particular

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issue and assume there is a fight. It can be healthy for children to learn that adults can have different opinions and express them respectfully.

When you’ve had a thorny discussion with someone else, you can share with your child how you managed to appropriately transmit your opinion.

This can be done without giving all the details so as to maintain your privacy, even while sharing these real-life examples.

Effective communication skills are crucial for adults but learning those skills begins when children are young. As parents, we have the opportunity to help our children learn to effectively communicate their needs as they begin to build strong, future relationships.

Sara Rayvych, MSEd, has her master’s in general and special education. She has been homeschooling for over 10 years in Far Rockaway. She can be contacted at RayvychHomeschool@gmail.com.

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jewish women of wisdom

Infinity

By Miriam Liebermann, MSW

I

recently read of a young man who, whilst experiencing a challenging time in his life, approached a prominent rav to ask his advice and get a bracha. He recounts the details of his challenge in great detail. The rav responds with a nod of his head and just one word.

“And?” The young man believes that the rav did not get the gist of what he was sharing. He again imparts all the details. And the Rav responds as he had done so earlier. “And?” Now the young man understands. He was telling his story… but the story isn’t over yet. We’re all still in the thick of our stories.

We’re seeking the happy ending, but it’s not time yet. We have a while to go. We must sit tight, watch the show unfold and bide our time. Of course, we can’t understand the whys and wherefores; we’re too deeply involved in our own stories.

There’s so much more ahead of us.

What we can do is live each day to the maximum. Savor each day. Fill each day with meaning, with joy to the best of our abilities. And of course, acknowledge and be grateful

for the many gifts and blessings G-d grants us.

I think of this concept often these days. Allow me please to explain.

I’ve always been a major walker.

I was a regular in Riverside Park when we lived in Manhattan. I witnessed the changing of the seasons

concept of infinity that moves me so.

I gaze out onto the horizon that goes on and on, absolutely forever. The waves keep charging the shore; no break for weary waves. Although the sun moves across the sky and throws its light at changing angles throughout the day, the heavens and the waters are in their place, exactly

I gaze out onto the horizon that goes on and on, absolutely forever.

from up close. I observed my favorite trees as they shed their leaves each fall. When the crocuses reared their heads in the early spring heralding the new season, I was enthralled. I was so connected. In our new hometown, Lawrence, heading out often to the boardwalk in Long Beach, during the early morning hours, I am now totally enamored by the ocean view. I believe it’s the

where they belong. And life goes on.

As I stand along the shore, I sense this vast universe. I’m part of an entity so much larger than myself. Absolutely awesome. It strikes me anew each time I venture out.

The ultimate lesson? The story goes on and on and on.

May I point out, our story, my story – and your story, too! – actually begins with our Avos and Imahos.

That’s where our collective family has its roots. We are all connected. Their spiritual DNA is floating through our psyches. Their inspiration keeps us going on our long, sometimes convoluted journeys. We are part of an entity much greater than ourselves. That reality should give us strength and courage, grit and stamina. That also forces us to assume responsibility. What am I doing for my extended family?

What role am I playing? How am I relevant?

These past few weeks, as we read through Sefer Bereishis, studying the details of various major episodes in the lives of our Avos and Imahos, we took note of the relevant lessons.

These lessons are certainly not just for our schoolchildren; they are even more essential for us, the adults.

What’s the point? Infinity is still a long way off. What’s behind the horizon? Only G-d knows.

And our story, your story, goes on and on.

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

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

66

107

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

In The K

tchen

White Pizza

By Naomi Nachman

My family loves pizza! Then again, what’s not to love, especially when you make it yourself? This

dough recipe is quick and easy to make so you can throw together homemade pizza at the drop of a

hat. It is one of the most popular recipes in my book Perfect Flavors.

When I make pizza, I try to come up with interesting toppings. I recently made this one

for my family, even though I wasn’t sure if they would like a tomato-less pizza. Amazingly,

it was a huge hit and now I have gotten them to try all kinds of assorted topping, sauces, and vegetables on their pizza. (BTW, Australians love pineapple on their pizza.)

The recipe makes one 12-inch pie, which usually comes out to four servings.

Quick and Easy Dough Ingredients

◦ 2 teaspoons dry yeast ◦ 1 teaspoon sugar ◦ ¾ cup very warm water ◦ 2 cups flour

let proof for 5 minutes, until bubbling.

3. Add flour and salt and knead for 2-3 minutes

until flour is well blended and a dough ball forms.

4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

Roll dough to fit a 12-inch disposable pizza pan or pizza stone.

◦ ½ teaspoon garlic powder ◦ ½ teaspoon salt ◦ ¼ teaspoon oregano ◦ 8 oz can pineapple chunks ◦ ½ small onion sliced

Preparation

1. Mix cheeses, oil, milk, garlic powder and salt together in a bowl until smooth.

◦ 1 tsp. salt

Topping

Preparation

◦ 1 cup ricotta cheese

Ingredients

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.

◦ ¼ cup parmesan cheese

2. Combine yeast, water, and sugar in a bowl and

◦ 1 tablespoon milk

◦ 1 tablespoon olive oil

2. Spread all over pizza dough, leaving a crust.

Top with pineapple, onion, and sprinkle with oregano.

3. Bake for 20 minutes in a oven preheated to 450°F.

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

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

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

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

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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

MR. & MRS. BERISH & HANNAH FUCHS

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MR. & MRS. URI & ESTHER KAUFMAN

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THE BLOOM FAMILY

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

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MR. & MRS. URI & DEVORAH DREIFUS

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

Ner Tamid

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

DEDICATED ANONYMOUSLY

In Memory of Mrs. Marta Schron ‫ע” ה‬

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Lobby, Mesivta Beis Medrash Building

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

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ANONYMOUS

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THE SCHRON FAMILY

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

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

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110 26

DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

For those wondering, I will pay over $11 billion in taxes this year.

- Elon Musk in a tweet

Based on watching the full clip and reading the entire transcript, it’s more than clear that Jesse Watters was using a metaphor for asking hard-hitting questions to Dr. Fauci about gain-of-function research and his words have been twisted completely out of context.

-Fox News responding to Dr. Fauci’s call for the firing of Jesse Watters after the Fox anchor said that journalists should go for the “kill shot” when interviewing Dr. Fauci who repeatedly denies that the U.S. helped fund the lab which released Covid-19, even though there is strong evidence that it did

The last time inflation was this high, I had an afro.

- Sen. Tim Scot (R-SC)

The White House is skipping their annual holiday parties because of Covid this year, and because Joe Biden goes to sleep at 4PM — Jimmy Kimmel

This is in stark contrast to the previous White House’s “Catch the holiday fever” themed droplet jamborees.

— Ibid.

The White House just announced, due to Covid concerns, instead of the traditional holiday parties, he’s inviting guests to come see the decorations on a 30-minute self-guided tour, which is just a fancy way of Biden saying, “Come if you want, but I ain’t gonna be there!”

- Jimmy Fallon

That’s right, a self-guided tour of a historic Washington building.

That’s basically how Fox News described Jan. 6.

– Ibid

It’s time the reign of criminals who are destroying our city, it is time for it to come to an end. And it comes to an end when we take the steps to be more aggressive with law enforcement, more aggressive with the changes in our policies, and less tolerant of all the [garbage] that has destroyed our city.

- San Francisco mayor London Breed, who used to support defunding the police, singing a different tune now that the criminals who have been giving free rein over her city have ravaged it

What you see now with the rise of this woke ideology is an attempt to really delegitimize our history and to delegitimize our institutions, and I view the wokeness as a form of cultural Marxism.… They really want to tear at the fabric of our society and culture.

- Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) talking about his legislation to ban state funding from schools that teach critical race theory and prohibit corporations from including it in employee training programs

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

111 27

It’s tremendously frustrating for me as a Black man in America because once again, it’s an example of Joe Manchin as a White man showing that he doesn’t care about Black people, he doesn’t care about Latinos, he doesn’t care about immigrants, he doesn’t care about women, and he doesn’t care about the poor.

- Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), using the race card on Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.VA) after Manchin refused to support the massive Democrat spending bill that would add an approximate $5 trillion in debt to the economy

What Joe Manchin, who represents a population smaller than Brooklyn, has done to the rest of America, who wants to move forward, not backward, like his state, is horrible. He sold us out. He wants us all to be just like his state, West Virginia. Poor, illiterate and strung out.

- Singer Bette Midler showing what she thinks of people from West Virginia in her temper tantrum tweet about Sen. Manchin (D-W.VA) who refused to support the Democrats’ massive spending bill

They figured, “Surely to G-d we can move one person. Surely, we can badger and beat one person up. Surely, we can get enough protesters to make that person uncomfortable enough they will just say, ‘OK I’ll vote for anything, just quit.’” Well guess what – I’m from West Virginia. I’m not from where they’re from and they can beat the living [garbage] out of people and think they will be submissive.

– Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.VA), on Fox News, talking about resisting the pressure to vote for the massive spending bill

We’re not going to win scoring no points.

- Tampa bay quarterback Tom Brady after the Saints shut him out, ending his 255 game no-shutout streak

The airplane is the safest place you can be indoors...safer than an ICU. - American Airlines CEO Doug Parker at a hearing on airline oversight before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, while talking about air filters on planes

It turns out Democrats are exactly what they appear to be. They’re the party of neurotic, personally unsatisfied White ladies who live in the suburbs. You know, the pretty little signs you see in the lawns of affluent neighborhoods telling you how the people who live inside love BLM and support Tony Fauci? That’s the real Democratic Party. It’s not a national political party. It’s a professional class cultural movement that is highly unappealing to normal people. In a functioning democratic system, people, those little signs on their lawns would never be allowed to run anything because nobody likes them.

- Tucker Carlson, Fox News

As of tonight, in this country of 334 million people, there are no confirmed deaths of the Omicron variant of COVID. At the same time, just this month, many thousands of Americans have passed away from heart disease and cancer, suicide, diabetes, murder, drug overdoses, not to mention car accidents, Parkinson’s, emphysema, Alzheimer’s, asthma attacks, choking to death on lobster at a crowded restaurant – just to name a few causes. Lots of people still die in America, but they are not dying of Omicron. No one in this country is. And yet, it’s Omicron that our leaders and their vessels are suddenly hysterical about.

– Ibid.

President Biden attended the DNC’s annual holiday party last night and gave a 10-minute speech in just under an hour.

— Seth Meyers

I don’t think so.

– Dr. Fauci, when asked on ABC whether the day will ever come when people will no longer have to wear masks on planes

MORE QUOTES

28 112

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

It used to be that Israel had absolute power over Congress, and today I think it’s the exact opposite. And I think Obama and Biden did that. And yet in the election, they still get a lot of votes from Jewish people, which tells you that the Jewish people – and I’ve said this for a long time – the Jewish people in the United States, either don’t like Israel or don’t care about Israel.

I mean you look at The New York Times, The New York Times hates Israel. Hates them. And they’re Jewish people that run The New York Times, I mean the Sulzberger family.

- Donald Trump in an interview with Axios

Now we look at 2022. I wanna tell my Republican friends: Get ready, pal! You’re gonna in for a problem!

- President Biden at the Democrat National Committee holiday party

The House January 6th Commission released all of these texts from Trump’s people saying that they have to get the riots to stop.

Well, thank you January 6th Commission for proving that there was no insurrection.

– Mark Simone, 710 WOR

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

6

113

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Political Crossfire

“Defund the Police” Runs Into Reality

By Marc A. Thiessen

I

rving Kristol famously said that “a neoconservative is a liberal who’s been mugged by reality.”

Well, in San Francisco, it appears that liberal Mayor London Breed, D, has not only been mugged, but assaulted, robbed, and smash-andgrabbed by reality.

In July 2020, Breed announced her plan to defund the police – cutting $120 million from law enforcement to fund social programs.

Result? Crime skyrocketed. Today, San Francisco is more dangerous than 98% of U.S. cities. In November alone, there were 3,375 reports of larceny theft citywide. In the Central District, home to many of the city’s tourist hot spots, there were 876 reports of smash-and-grabs – almost 30 a day – a 98% increase from the year before. In the Tenderloin district, there are midday shootings and residents are forced to walk in the middle of the streets to avoid drug dealers and homeless people lying on the sidewalk shooting up. San Francisco residents now have a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime.

This crime wave finally convinced Breed to reverse course. “It’s time the reign of criminals who are destroying our city…to come to an end,” the mayor declared in a news conference last week. She is refunding the police, increasing the SFPD budget to $689 million in the 20222023 fiscal year, nearly matching the all-time high in 2019-2020. And she is ordering police to combat the rash of retail thefts, conduct felony warrant sweeps, stop open air-drug dealing and substance abuse, and establish safe passage for citizens.

“What I’m proposing today, and what I will be proposing in the future will make a lot of people uncomfortable, and I don’t care,” Breed said. The time has come to be “more aggressive with law enforcement, more aggressive with the changes in our policies, and less tolerant of all the [junk] that has destroyed our city.”

Good for her. One of the hardest things to do in politics is admitting that you were wrong. So, when will her fellow Democratic mayors across the country do the same? San Francisco is far from alone. At least 12 cities have already broken annual homicide records in 2021 – five topping records that were just set or tied last year – and homicides are rising in other major cities across the country as well.

While some cities experiencing a crime surge have increased police budgets, many of the worst hit cities have defunded the police and eliminated officer positions. Minneapolis cut $8 million from the police budget. Oakland cut $14.6 million. Portland cut $15 million. Philadelphia cut $33 million. Seattle reduced its

police budget by $46 million, and the SPD has shrunk by nearly 270 police officers in the past 18 months.

New York cut police funding last year by a whopping $1 billion, while more than 2,500 officers left the department.

And yet many of the Democratic mayors who backed these cuts are in denial about their impact. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot recently blamed the victims of smash-andgrabs, declaring that too many retailers had failed to hire private security. They would not need to hire private security if Lightfoot hadn’t let the city’s police force shrink by nearly 400 officers. Or take New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, who recently boasted that New York is “the safest of the top 20 big cities in this country.” Last year, New York saw a 44% increase in homicides over 2019. This year, the homicide rate is down 0.5% -- virtually unchanged.

So de Blasio wants credit for maintaining the disastrous homicide rates of 2020?

It’s not just police funding, but police morale has plunged. Officers no longer believe politicians have

their backs, which has led to less vigorous policing and more difficulty in recruiting new officers along with soaring retirements and resignations. According to NPR, there has been a 45% increase in police retirements, a nearly 20% increase in resignations and a 5% decrease in new police hiring nationwide.

It’s time for all of America’s major cities to take the same steps as San Francisco and restore police funding. But refunding the police is not enough. As Breed explained, “It’s critical that our entire criminal justice system holds these individuals accountable when arrests are made. Our residents should not see the same criminals back on the streets…again and again, in an endless cycle of fear and frustration.”

It’s also time for President Joe Biden to exercise some leadership on crime. On taking office, Biden ended the Justice Department’s Operation Legend – named for 4-yearold LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed in Kansas City last year – which deployed federal officers to aid and assist local law enforcement and helped arrest more than 6,000 violent criminals.

A new ABC News/Ipsos poll finds only 36% of Americans approve of Biden’s handling of crime – down from 43% in late October. If the president wants to change that, maybe he should order the Justice Department to stop using the FBI to intimidate school board moms and focus on arresting violent criminals again. If not, Republicans will lay blame for the current crime wave at his feet – and deservedly so. (c) 2021, Washington Post Writers Group

114

DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

4

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Political Crossfire

In Afghanistan, the U.S. Struggles to be Generous In Defeat

By David Ignatius

A

mericans have been generous after military victories. Just look at the postwar economic miracles in Germany and Japan. But it’s harder to be generous in defeat – as we see in the Biden administration’s wary response to the humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s seizure of power there in August.

As winter approaches, Afghanistan’s battered population faces food shortages approaching famine; its financial system has imploded, thanks in part to U.S. Treasury sanctions.

There is, literally, no cash to conduct many transactions. According to the World Food Program, the nation “is on the brink of economic collapse.”

“What is at stake is the survival of millions,” Saad Mohseni, the chief executive of Moby Group, Afghanistan’s largest media organization, warns in an email. “The tsunami of crises that Afghanistan is currently facing can claim more lives than the two decades of war,” in which the United States sought to vanquish the Taliban and failed.

Biden administration officials say the Treasury Department is preparing to announce an expansion of licenses for trade with Afghanistan that will make it easier to send humanitarian assistance there. But Treasury sanctions aren’t being lifted. That means the squeeze will continue for Afghanistan’s central bank and commercial banks that have been unable to provide the liquidity the country needs.

The Treasury’s licensing move is good, but more should be done – and too much time has been wasted as Afghanistan heads toward disaster.

Helping the Afghan people (but not the Taliban) should have been a no-brainer weeks ago. The fact that it has taken so long illustrates an unfortunate quality about the Biden

happens next week) will come only after a bipartisan group of 39 House members sent a letter Wednesday to the Biden administration urging it to provide humanitarian aid direct-

The Biden team sometimes seems to care more about the optics of policy than about the substance.

administration: Too often, policy is reactive; it’s made with a closer focus on likely political reaction than on what’s happening on the ground. The Biden team sometimes seems to care more about the optics of policy than about the substance.

An illustration of this reactive approach: The Treasury’s modest revision of U.S. policy (assuming it

ly to the people of Afghanistan. “No one benefits from a failed state in Afghanistan,” they wrote. The letter was signed by many of the Afghanistan and Iraq veterans who serve in Congress.

Global aid organizations have been slow, too, in part because they have been following the American lead. The World Bank announced

Dec. 10 that by year’s end, as a “first step,” it would release $280 million from the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund to two U.N. agencies, UNICEF and the World Food Program, for humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.

The World Bank’s last official Afghanistan project listed on its website was a June 30, 2021, plan for “Incentivizing Reforms in the Attorney General’s Office.” That has a macabre quality now, following the sudden collapse of the Afghan government.

At the International Monetary Fund, the latest official word from spokesman Gerry Rice in September was that “our engagement with Afghanistan has been suspended until there is clarity within the international community on the recognition of the government.” That means Afghanistan hasn’t been able to access IMF aid.

Afghanistan was a toxic war – for the Biden administration and its predecessors. The United States seemed always caught between doing too much and too little. The Taliban and al-Qaeda were the targets, but as in most wars, it was ordinary people who paid the price.

I hear the anger in Mohseni’s voice when he texts me that the administration’s “indecisiveness and lack of leadership [is] shameful.” He describes it as “dereliction of duty and abandonment of a commitment to a nation that was promised so much.”

Generosity should be an American virtue – in times of success or failure. (c) 2021, Washington Post Writers Group

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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5

Political Crossfire

The Right Plan B for the Moribund Iran Nuclear Deal

By David Ignatius

F

or a Biden administration that has hit an impasse in trying to contain Iran’s surging nuclear program, this week offered a lesson in what can actually make Tehran back down – the threat of global condemnation by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Iran dithered for months about reinstalling IAEA surveillance cameras that it removed from a centrifuge plant in Karaj in June. Then the United States signaled it might call a special meeting of the IAEA board of governors to discuss Iranian noncompliance and – poof! – Tehran announced this week that the IAEA can replace its cameras. (The IAEA should demand control of the cameras’ recordings, too!)

The Karaj cameras are a tiny step, but this case suggests a diplomatic “Plan B” for the United States in the dangerous deadlock in the Vienna talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, known as the JCPOA, may be dead – strangled by Donald Trump and the Iranians. A new forum for nuclear pressure may be the IAEA, whose board includes Russia and China and which could refer some Iranian nuclear issues to the U.N. Security Council.

Here’s a starting suggestion: The Biden administration should ask the IAEA board to rule in four cases of “Possible Military Dimensions,” or PMD, in Iran’s nuclear activities.

Three involve uranium particles discovered at sites Iran never declared as nuclear facilities – Turkuzabad, Varamin and Marivan, sources tell me. A fourth PMD investigation involves undeclared fissile material and other activity at a site the sources didn’t identify.

Adding a new IAEA initiative to the stalled JCPOA-revival talks to the robust IAEA would put the emphasis back where it belongs – on Iran’s secretive nuclear program. Right now, Iran is using the talks as a propaganda forum to demand compensation for Trump’s 2018 decision to abandon the JCPOA. Trump’s move was idiotic, even in the view of many senior Israeli officials, but that shouldn’t allow Iran to race toward the nuclear-weapons threshold.

The agonizing reality is that without JCPOA limits, Iran is nearing breakout capability. It resumed 20 percent enrichment in January, breaking the JCPOA cap; it began enriching at 60 percent in April, and Iranian officials have said they’re considering enrichment at 90 percent bomb-grade level. Iran is using advanced centrifuges and the deep bunker at Fordow, both of which were excluded by the JCPOA. Another ominous step came in February, when Iran began producing uranium metal plates, which can be used in the core of a nuclear bomb,

again in violation of JCPOA limits.

British, French and German officials warned: “Iran has no credible civilian use for uranium metal. The production of uranium metal has potentially grave military implications.”

The bottom line: By Israeli estimates, Iran has enough material for three bombs and is less than a month from completing the enrichment of that fuel, sources tell me. Building a weapon would take another 18 months to two years, the Israelis reckon – but that’s still a very short fuse.

President Biden wants to rebuild the guardrails Trump destroyed, but so far he’s stuck in neutral. He told Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in August: “We’re putting diplomacy first and seeing where that takes us.

But if diplomacy fails, we’re ready to turn to other options.” The problem is that Iran clearly isn’t deterred by Biden’s gently phrased threat.

The United States’ inability to deter Iran is worrying beyond enrichment levels or uranium plates.

Deterrence is about credibility – and that unfortunately is sagging with

the Biden administration. The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan was harmful. So is the perception the United States is retreating in the Middle East. Sensing American weakness, Russia is pushing at the Ukraine border and China is threatening Taiwan – even as Iran is accelerating its nuclear program. It’s all part of the same story.

The United States is lucky to have good allies that can help in moments of peril. Israel, often described an “an unsinkable aircraft carrier” for the United States in the Middle East, has become the backstop for Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other gulf countries against Iran.

In Asia, countries worried about a rising China can look to the growing military power of the United States’ Quad partners, Australia, India, and Japan. But that doesn’t make up for Uncle Sam. The IAEA can’t limit enrichment or other activities covered by the JCPOA. But it may be the right backstop now on Iran. It’s a global organization, chartered by the United Nations to deal with nonproliferation issues. It’s backed by Russia and China as well as the United States and its allies. Referring Iranian noncompliance to the Security Council could jumpstart a new effort to constrain Iranian nuclear-weapons development. That effort began (with Russian and Chinese support) in the now-enfeebled JCPOA. Maybe it’s time for a rebranding.

The United States needs to redraw the line on Iran’s nuclear program.

The best way to begin may be an aggressive campaign through the international watchdog, the IAEA. (c) 2021, Washington Post Writers Group

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Forgotten Her es

The Amazing Aces of the Air

By Avi Heiligman

Adolphe Pegoud

S

hortly after the Wright brothers flew their famous first flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903, militaries around the world became interested in adapting aviation to their arsenal.

In early World War I (1914-1918), the skies became a testing ground of sorts for reconnaissance flights and later for bombers and fighters. Pilots were being trained in aerial combat, called dogfights, and soon the term “ace” became part of aviation lingo.

A pilot who shot down five enemy aircraft earned the title ace, and while some aces received attention in the news, many are relatively unknown outside history books. Here are some incredible stories of aces throughout history.

Frenchman Adolphe Pegoud was already an accomplished pilot at the start of World War I. He had been in the French Army until 1913 when he left to earn his pilot’s license. Later that year, he became the first to use a parachute while jumping from an airplane. Military planes were getting more sophisticated, and Pegoud was a test pilot for these new planes experimenting with their capabilities. He developed new maneuvers, including the first to fly a loop and inverted flight (flying upside down).

At the beginning of World War I, he volunteered to join France’s aviation unit and was selected to fly an observation plane. On February 5, 1915, he shot down two German planes

Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron

and by July had shot down four more aircraft. However, on August 3, 1915, the world’s first air ace was killed by a German pilot whom he had previously trained. Pegoud was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his actions and contributions to military aviation.

The top ace from World War I was Prussian-born Manfred von Richthofen, who flew several types of

Richard Bong

U.S. entered the war in late 1941, the Lockheed P-38 Lightning with an innovative twin boom design was introduced into the Army Air Corps.

Richard Bong flew the P-38 while fighting Japanese planes and in the process shot down an American record 40 enemy aircraft. Before being sent overseas, he raised eyebrows by buzzing (flying really) over San Fran-

Before being sent overseas, he raised eyebrows by buzzing (flying really) over San Francisco and knocking off laundry from a clothesline.

planes, including the Fokker Triplane.

Richthofen, known as the Red Baron, was credited with 80 kills before being shot down in 1918. The leading Allied ace was French Colonel Rene Fonck with 75 confirmed kills, with dozens more claims listed as probable. Eddie Rickenbacker was the top American ace of World War I with 26 aerial victories and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

Planes steadily advanced in technology and firepower during the years between the wars. Before the

cisco and knocking off laundry from a clothesline. Since he considered himself to be a poor shooter, Bong contributed his successes by flying as close as possible to make sure he hit his target. Once on a rescue mission to find lost downed pilots in New Guinea, Bong spotted them drifting in a rubber boat. Close behind them was a crocodile that was putting the hapless men in danger. Bong flew in close and hit the crocodile, saving his buddies.

After achieving his 40th victory

the “ace of aces” was sent home but was killed before the end of the war while testing the P-80 Shooting Star jet fighter.

Shooting down five enemy aircraft is an incredible achievement for a fighter pilot. To top that, there are pilots that achieved the status of “ace in a day.” Marine pilot Jefferson DeBlanc had a total of nine Japanese planes to his record and shot down five of them on January 31, 1943.

Flying his F4F Wildcat fighter over the Solomon Islands, he was on an escort mission for Dauntless dive bombers looking for enemy shipping.

The Wildcat was leaking fuel but that did not deter DeBlanc from continuing the mission. He noticed two enemy floatplanes getting into position to attack the dive bombers and shot them down after evading enemy fire. On the return trip, DeBlanc shot down an “Oscar” Japanese fighter, and two other Oscars joined the aerial dogfight. He recorded his fourth and fifth kills of the day when one he shot down one and the other overshot his Wildcat. This put DeBlanc in a position to record his fifth enemy plane, and right after he shot it down, he himself was knocked out of the sky by an undetected enemy. DeBlanc was badly injured in the crash and landed in the ocean. He managed to swim to shore, survived off of coconuts, and was helped by local indigenous people before being rescued by Australian

TheJewish JewishHome Home| DECEMBER | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The 23, 2021

Coastwatchers. Soon an American Catalina flying boat came, and he was finally able to receive adequate medical attention for his festering wounds.

Following World War II, jets took the place of propeller planes and were now the premier front line fighters.

Many pilots who stayed in the Army Air Corps (in 1947, it was made an independent branch of the military and called the U.S. Air Force) were retrained to fly jets. Six World War II aces also became jet aces during the Korean War. One of these was Pennsylvania native Gabby Gabreski. Gabby had been a P-40 Warhawk pilot in the months leading up to the U.S. involvement in World War II and heard about the Polish pilots who achieved success with the RAF (Royal Air Force) during the Battle of Britain. Since he knew Polish, he requested assignment in England and flew 20 missions with the Poles in a Submarine Spitfire. After his stint with the RAF, he became a flight leader in the 8th Air Force flying the

Gabby Gabreski

Jefferson DeBlanc, with his wife, receiving the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman

P-47 Thunderbolt. He achieved ace status while flying cover for bombers in December 1943 when he knocked out a Bf-109 that was attacking a B-17.

In total, Gabby recorded 28 kills over Europe during World War II, making him the leading American ace in the European Theater of Operations. He was present over the beaches of Normandy on D-Day protecting the landing troops from air attack. However, on July 20, 1944, he went too low on a strafing mission over an airfield in

Germany and was forced to crash land, becoming a prisoner of war. After the war, he returned to the U.S. as a war hero and became a test pilot.

During the Korean War, Gabby commanded the 56th Fighter Interceptor Wing flying F-86 Sabres. Under his command, the wing shot down 96 enemy MiG jets, with Gabby getting credit for 6.5 kills.

Over-claiming aerial victories was a common problem during the two World Wars, and the number of

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planes actually downed by pilots from all nationalities is far fewer than actually recorded. Standards for claiming a kill were put into place during World War II. Many ace pilots received decorations and medals for the heroism in the air. DeBlanc, for example, received the Medal of Honor, while many others were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross. Aerial dogfights are physically and mentally demanding and the sudden turns and maneuvers can be fatal if a pilot wasn’t trained properly or wearing proper equipment. Except for a small handful of pilots whose stories do reach the press, most aces are unknown, making them Forgotten Heroes.

Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@gmail.com.

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

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HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

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BUSINESS MANAGER P/T (mostly) Remote Legacy 613, a dynamic Jewish outreach organization based in the NYC metro area, seeks a Business Manager.

The successful candidate will be responsible to oversee the budget.

We are looking for a dynamic selfstarter with excellent people and organizational skills.

Experience in not-for-profit Jewish organizations is a plus.

Excellent part-time opportunity with competitive hourly compensation.

Candidate will work with the director in developing budget and fundraising initiatives and generating reports to present to our Board of Directors.

Send resumes to info@legacy613.org

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS CAHAL is seeking a secular studies MATERNITY SUBSTITUTE for February for a small boys 6th grade class and a PERMANENT AFTERNOON SUBSTITUTE. Email resume to shira@cahal.org or call 516-295-3666.

Nursing Home Management Company in Brooklyn Looking to fill the following positions: Administrative Assistant MS office suite proficiency required Administrative Assistant experience required WE ARE LOOKING FOR AN EXPIERENCED FULL TIME BOOKKEEPER Excellent growth potential Frum environment Excellent salary & benefits Email resume to: resumetfs1@gmail.com Please put position title and FTJH in subject line

NEW YESHIVA IN QUEENS SEEKING SECRETARY Must be detail-oriented, have great organizational skills, able to multi-task.

Experience in school programs a plus.

Send resume to: office@yeshivatbneitorah.org or call/text: 347-351-4573

CERTIFIED MALE CAREGIVER FOR OVER 25 YEARS Expert full time care. Experienced with many conditions. Upscale references available. Will travel.

Call Ralph (212) 658-0542.

(561) 351-7944 (cell)

HEBREW ACADEMY OF LONG BEACH, WOODMERE NY Seeks Limudei Kodesh and General Studies substitute teachers for grades 1-8.

Send resumes to hweiselberg@halb.org DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT A multi-tasker needed for general office work. The ideal candidate is someone who is detail-oriented, responsible, and can take ownership. Looking for someone who is eager to learn, and expand his/her skill set while possessing the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Experience with Excel required.

Five Towns location. In-office position only, not remote.

Please send resume to 5tpart.timecareer@gmail.com

SHULAMITH EARLY CHILDHOOD is looking to hire a full time teacher assistant for the current school year.

Please email resume to earlychildhood@shulamith.org

ASSISTANT REBBEIM and TEACHERS CAHAL, the community Special Ed program in Five Towns and Far Rockaway yeshivas has immediate openings available for: AM ASSISTANT REBBES for a 4th-5th grade class and a 6th grade class PM ASSISTANT TEACHERS for a 2nd-3rd grade class and a 6th grade class We have small classes and flexible hours.

Email resume to shira@cahal.org or call 516-295-3666.

Special Care seeks patient Male or female com/hab worker 5:30-7:30 P.M. for 7-year-old boy with autism in Bayswater, full or partial coverage.

718-252-3365ext:102 or renay@specialcarefor.com

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

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The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

MDS REGIONAL NURSE: 5 Towns area Nursing Home management office seeking a Regional/Corporate level MDS Nurse to work in our office.

Must be an RN. Regional experience preferred. 2-3 years MDS experience with good computer skills required.

Position is Full Time but Part Time can be considered.

Great Shomer Shabbos environment with some remote options as well.

Email: officejob2019@gmail.com

Torah Academy for Girls seeks a vendor to provide breakfast, snack and lunch for our students for school year 2021-2022.

To submit a proposal, contact Mrs. Obadia at nobadia@tagschools.org for bidding criteria.

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Locations in Brooklyn, Far Rockaway, & Lakewood.

Email: zichronyehuda@yahoo.com

TAILOR WANTED KGH dry-cleaners is seeking a tailor for p/t or f/t work.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday preferred, other days available.

Call or text 917-435-9753

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!

D E D EN

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

EXT

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Ecco: $180.00

Rockport: $130.00

Now $104.00

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Florsheim: $125.00

Alfonsi: $169.00

Badesi: $129.00

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Regal: $139.00

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456 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst NY 11516 | 516.791.1925 Sunday 11-6, Mon-Thurs 11-7, Friday 10:30-1:30 BALTIMORE • BROOKLYN • CEDARHURST • CHICAGO • LAKEWOOD • MONSEY • TORONTO Prices shown above are examples. Sale ends 1/7/22. Must mention this ad. Not valid with any other offer, special or discount.

We are not responsible for typos. All prices are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

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EN

SO D O ING N !

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

43

Life C ach

You Can Become Ageless

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

T

he aging process?

At any age, the best way to confront it is to forget it. Only your birth certificate knows for sure!

It’s the last thing that defines you.

It’s not something physical – you don’t wear it or display it anywhere.

It’s not something intellectual – learning more or less doesn’t change it.

The truth is, it has nothing to do with who you are.

In fact, most of the time, it’s just something you don’t want to dwell on. When you’re young, you want to grow up already. When you’re old, you think you want to be young again.

But how you actually feel has more to do with your mindset, the energy you put in, genetics, and a large dose of good, old-fashioned mazal than anything else. How you look probably has to do with just that, too.

So forget about age. It locks you in a cage. Go for a new page. Set a different stage.

Stop thinking that you want to be younger or older or date someone

younger or older.

Think about the things that really make a difference. What am I doing right now? What do I want to be doing? What qualities does that person I want to be with have that I like?

When you are dating, see the ac-

ability – none of it is about years you’ve been on earth.

Some people stop “growing” way too young. And I don’t mean in height! Some are born with wisdom beyond their years. Some are late bloomers. Nothing is set in stone.

We can’t flip back calendar pages and magically become younger or older.

tual person. Check that you’re at a similar stage. Stop using numbers to decide whether to engage. Age can be so misleading. For example, there are people numerically younger who are way older than you – with their outlooks, looks, or even destiny. And there are people older than you who are actually young, energetic, and on the move in so many ways.

Fun, maturity, intellect, drive,

Don’t get hung up on age – yours or others. It’s not something we can actually change. We can’t flip back calendar pages and magically become younger or older. instead, expend your time and eno ergy on things that you can affect and that can affect you. The kind of things that help you grow up when you need to. The kind of things that help you stay young when you want to. And the

kind of things that keep you moving ahead and getting the most out of each day.

When you or anyone else focuses on age, you are actually losing focus.

It doesn’t even predict health or longevity.

What matters is what we can impact. You want to think about time and not wasting it, using it well.

Sure, you can use birthdays to celebrate life. And parties to enjoy others and to make people feel important and valued. But it’s not the number of candles on the cake that defines you.

It’s what you do with your flame!

Rivki Rosenwald is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with both couples and individuals and is a certified relationship counselor. Rivki is a co-founder and creator of an effective Parent Management of Adolescent Years Program. She can be contacted at 917705-2004 or at rivkirosenwald@gmail. com.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 23, 2021

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DECEMBER 23, 2021 | The Jewish Home

rehab

VIRTUALLY

and confidently!

New modern look.

Same tradition of care.

• 85% Private Rooms • Separate Kitchens for Meat & Dairy (Cholov Yisroel | VHQ) • Full time Rabbi On-Staff

Quick recoveries - both physically and virtually - is where we excel.

Introducing the REAL Therapy System, a state-of-the-art virtual reality rehab system - exclusive to Margaret Tietz - that helps you rehab confidently and conquer injury anxiety. This VR rehab technology helps patients heal body and mind in a fun, positive and virtual environment.

• Special Shabbos & Holiday Meals • Beautiful Outdoor Gardens • Shabbos Elevator • Community Eruv

Unique to Margaret Tietz • Virtual Reality REAL Therapy System

Combined with 0% COVID-19 recurrence rate, beautiful new Synagogue and

• Daily & Shabbos Minyanim

renovated gym, cafe and recreation center, you’ll rehab comfortably in our

• Full Holiday Schedule

five-star rated, fully Kosher facility.

• Shabbos Hospitality Apartment

Contact us to learn how our new virtual reality REAL Therapy System will get you back on your feet... and back home quickly.

Scan to read article! ”Margaret Tietz Leads As Trailblazer With Virtual Rehab Tech” (printed in the Queens Jewish Link)

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

718-298-7806 • 164-11 Chapin Parkway, Jamaica Hills, NY 11432 • margarettietz.org/jewish