29 minute read
Community Happenings
Around the Community
HAFTR Celebrates Tu B’Shvat
While we are in the midst of the cold winter here in America, in Eretz Yisrael they are getting ready for the spring. Before vacation, the children of HAFTR’s Early Childhood learned about Tu B’Shvat, the birthday of the trees. It’s a special time to plant trees in Israel and marks the blossoming of many of Israel’s most beautiful trees – the olive, date, fig, and, of course, the shkediyah or almond tree. The students made their own spectacular shkediyah trees to decorate their homes. The Pre-K students had a seder led by the Chalav U’dvash teacher Morah Yael. It featured foods to help taste the Shivas HaMinim. The yeladim can name all seven minim in Hebrew and English: wheat, barley, grape, olive, pomegranate, date, and fig.
In conjunction with the holiday, the children learned about the parts of the tree, how trees help us, and how they grow. We compared the parts of the tree to people. Roots = feet, trunk = body, branches = arms, and leaves and flowers = head. They spoke about how we start with a seed and end with the plant and learned words like sprout, bud, blossom, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. They discussed all of the essential items we get from trees such as food, paper, shade, and wood. Their favorite fun fact is knowing how to find out how old the tree is by counting the number of rings on a tree stump!
The children also enjoyed reading Tap the Magic Tree by Christine Matheson and predicting what action would come next. After, they created their own “magic tree” designs using brown construction paper strips, leaves, and pink tissue paper puffs.
Lastly, no birthday goes without cake – even the trees’ birthday! Each class enjoyed baking a birthday cake for the trees and decorating it as a tree with green, white, and pink frosting.
Around the Community
Chai Lifeline welcomes Jack Tabbush as the inaugural director of Camp Simcha Without Borders. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp Simcha Without Borders was developed to safely and innovatively deliver the magic of Camp Simcha to children and communities across the country.
Camp Simcha Without Borders operates day camps and hosts special events in cities across the United States and across the globe, providing children who are unable to travel the opportunity to enjoy Simcha in their own hometowns.
In 2020, more than 1,200 children took part in the inaugural summer of Camp Simcha Without Borders. Camps, programs and special events took place in Baltimore, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Lakewood, Monsey, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Philadelphia, Canada, England, and Israel.
Tabbush has been part of the Camp Simcha family since 2014, when he first joined as a specialty staff member. In 2016, he was named division head for both Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special, Chai Lifeline’s respective summer programs for children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses.
“Jack brings experience, excitement, and energy to this unique role,” said Nachman Maimon, director of Camp Simcha. “His creativity and passion will help Chai Lifeline continue to grow and strengthen the Camp Simcha Without Borders initiative to reach more children and impact more lives than ever before.”
Throughout the year, Tabbush volunteers with the children and families of Chai Lifeline. He resides in Brooklyn, NY, with his wife, Patricia, and their two children.
To learn more about Camp Simcha, visit www.campsimcha.org.
Rav Yitzchok Kolodetsky of Bnei Brak, a son-in-law of Maran Rav Chaim Kanievsky, shlita, addressing the Yeshiva Darchei Torah Middle School talmidim on Wednesday morning
This Purim, Send Something Meaningful, Convenient and Safe
With Purim fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about mishloach
manos.
This year, Purim falls out on Erev Shabbos, February 26. No doubt, we will all be busy getting the kids into their costumes, running to megillah leining, preparing for the seudah, and so much more. In addition, this year we are confronted with celebrating Purim during a pandemic.
To help keep the day safe, stressfree and truly full of simcha, consider sending Purim cards in lieu of mishloach manos. Purim cards are a great way to support a tzedakah you care about, while including the recipient in the mitzvah – all in a safe, meaningful, and convenient way.
Chai Lifeline, the leading children’s health support network, offers its popular Purim cards in a variety of beautiful design options. Each card you order will help support thousands of children and families living with serious illness in our community. Cards are available in packages of ten for a suggested minimum donation of $30. Order two or more sets and receive them for just $25 each. For your convenience, Chai Lifeline also offers the option to mail the cards out for you, as well as digital e-Cards to ensure timely delivery.
Avoid the Purim day frenzy. Send a Chai Lifeline Purim Card and send a message of hope. Order your cards at www.chailifeline.org/purim or call 212-699-6655.
Did you know?
Around the Community
Despite the snowfall, men davened Shacharis on Monday, February 1, at the outdoor COVID sensitive, concerned and preventive minyan (which has been continuous Shacharis, Mincha, Maariv since after Purim 2020) on Meehan Ave (nicknamed Minyan Ave) in Far Rockaway, New York, under the gabbai-ship leadership of Reb Avrami Slansky
Mishkon Celebrates Tu B’Shvat 8th Day to Headline NSN “Kosher Halftime Show”
Mishkon, the division of The Jewish Board serving people with developmental disabilities, believes in celebrations. Thanks to a collaboration with IAC, who collaborated with Ramaz School, the individuals in Mishkon day hab and homes were able to use all their senses to celebrate. They had such fun decorating flower pots with the markers and stickers, coloring in the books, making and wearing the flower wreaths, and planting the plants. Each bag had a picture drawn by a Ramaz student, and these were hung up in the homes. The day naturally included a Tu B’Shvat feast of fruits and singing. Despite the cold weather, our hearts were warm.
Next up: Purim! Mishkon will be selling Mishloach Manot cards designed by the winners of the Purim card contest. For more information about the cards or Mishkon in general, please call Faye Wilbur, LCSWR at 718-851-7100 x 471376. Top Jewish radio personality Nachum Segal and NSN (The Nachum Segal Network) will present its eighth annual “Kosher Halftime Show” on Sunday, February 7 during America’s Super Bowl LV. The show will include a highlight reel of the moments when the Jewish community rose to the challenges of 2020, along with sketches from Nachum Segal, entertainer Meir Kay, and recording duo 8th Day.
NSN’s “Kosher Halftime Show” will again present a series of unique commercials from Kosher.com, Touro and Lander Colleges, HASC – A Time for Music 34, and Saymazeltov.com.
“The regular Halftime Show is an iconic American event and true spectacle,” said Segal, president and host of NSN. “The Kosher Halftime Show has become very popular for families who are looking for an appropriate show to watch and enjoy with their families. This year, we reimagined the show in order to highlight the moments of 2020 where our community shined despite a year that was overshadowed by a global pandemic and created a show that is enjoyable and shareable for all.”
The show, hosted by Segal, debuts on www.nachumsegal.com and the network’s Facebook platform at 8 p.m. ET February 7. Sponsored by The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP, Meir Kay Productions, 8th Day, and Steinreich Communications, the show can be followed on social media using #KHS2021.
The Nachum Segal Network is committed to providing motivating, essential, and timely content to an international Jewish audience on a daily basis. The principles of its founder, Nachum Segal, guide the network and its staff by providing quality programming that appeals to a sophisticated and informed audience. Nachum Segal uses the network as a platform to show unity, support, and care for Jews throughout the world. NSN proudly features content that is dedicated to family values and that encourages a life committed to spiritual growth and the love of Israel. For more information and live coverage visit: www. nachumsegal.com and download the NSN app.
Around the Community
Tu B’Shvat at Siach Yitzchok The Friedberg JCC celebrated Tu B’Shvat last week
HAFTR Teacher Selected for Prestigious Fellowship
Mr. Jason Gelman, chairman of Humanities at HAFTR High School, has been selected to participate in an exciting new initiative, the Abraham Lincoln Teachers Fellowship, an advanced seminar on American history and civilization created by the Tikvah Fund.
The Abraham Lincoln Teachers Fellowship is aimed at creating a community of exceptional Jewish day school and yeshiva educators interested in strengthening how we teach American civilization. A selected group of teachers of American history and related disciplines will spend time in intensive study together with their peers and with world-renowned guest speakers – reading about and discussing the great themes of American history, with a special emphasis on Jewish themes, taught with imagination and spirit.
The program began this month and runs through May 2021, with advanced seminars every other week on Zoom and guided independent study on subjects of special interest to each individual teacher. The process was a competitive one, with 200 applicants competing for 36 spots. The fellowship culminates with a research paper where participants work closely with a faculty advisor.
Mr. Gelman, a highly respected department chair and revered social studies teacher, is excited to participate in the Fellowship.
“I spend my days teaching history and loving every minute of it,” said Mr. Gelman. “It is not a job but a way of life, one that brings me a great amount of happiness and fulfillment. I’m truly grateful to work with smart and insightful students who help me create an environment where ideas and intellectual curiosity are celebrated.”
He looks forward to sharing what he learns with teachers and students at HAFTR High School.
For the First time, matzah Bakery estaBlished at the home oF hagaon rav Chaim kanievsky
Special Matzos Being Sent by Hagaon Rav Chaim to Supporters of Hagaon Rav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin’s Yeshiva Ateres Shlomo, with Rav Chaim’s Blessings of Abundance and Eternal Salvation
For the first time ever, Maran Hagaon Rav Chaim Kanievsky is baking matzos for the supporters and donors of Yeshiva Ateres Shlomo, the renowned network of mosdos haTorah headed by the venerated rosh yeshiva, Hagaon Rav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin. Until Pesach, Rav Chaim will be sending these special matzos to those who assist Rav Sorotzkin in his harbotzas haTorah.
As is well-known, since the outbreak of the coronavirus, the olam haTorah at large and kollelim in particular have experienced severe economic hardships, causing a significant reduction in the support of mosdos haTorah. During the last few weeks, Rav Sorotzkin, one of today’s most prominent marbitzei Torah, delivering shiurim each week and leading Eretz Yisroel’s largest Torah empire, has discussed the financial challenges with Rav Chaim, who serves as the nosi hayeshiva of Ateres Shlomo. Rav Chaim expressed his desire to reciprocate for the support of those who have stepped up to assist Yeshiva Ateres Shlomo by sending them matzos from the special chaburah that he
bakes in every year before Pesach.
Due to the current difficulties involved in transporting matzah from Eretz Yisroel to the United States, Rav Sorotzkin asked Rav Chaim if he would advance the baking of his matzos in order to allow for them to be shipped to the United States in time for the yom tov of Pesach. Rav Chaim happily agreed to the request.
In recent weeks, despite major logistical challenges, it was arranged for a matzah bakery to be built in Rav Chaim’s very home on Rechov Rashbam in Bnei Brak. This “bakery” includes the traditional “water room” and “flour room,” as well as tables for the dough to be rolled on and a proper matzah oven. The matzos are being prepared by a select group of men, all close talmidim of Rav Chaim, with the operation being carried out under the supervision of the She’airis Yisroel hashgachah.
Before the start of the baking, Rav Chaim inspected the entire bakery to ensure that it is in accordance with the strictest level of hiddur. Rav Chaim then poured the water into the flour to begin the process, later rolling out the dough himself. After each matzah emerges from the oven, Rav Chaim himself examines them. They are then placed in special boxes and prepared to be transported overseas for use on the leil haSeder, sent to a select group of outstanding Torah supporters in appreciation of those who have come to the aid of Rav Sorotzkin.
Rav Chaim has bentched all the supporters and donors of Yeshiva Ateres Shlomo, blessing them with the brachos assured to those who are machzik Torah. Rav Chaim likewise expressed his heartfelt brachahto Rav Sorotzkin that he have the koach to continue shepherding the citadel of Torah that operates under his aegis.
PURIM CARDS!
CAHAL is offering beautifully designed and colorful cards!
Send Purim greetings to family and friends
while supporting this vital program educating children in our local yeshivas in the Five Towns, Far Rockaway, West Hempstead and Greater Nassau County Pick up your cards today at CAHAL:
516-295-3666 sheldon@cahal.org 540-A Willow Avenue Cedarhurst NY 11516
(entrance in municipal parking lot)
Pack of 10 cards - $18 3 packs (30 cards) - $50
Around the Community
Math Moments
Division, denominators, decimals, digits…and dreidels!
The month of December gave HAFTR Lower School students the perfect opportunity to apply their mathematical thinking to Chanukah. Students and their families stepped up to the challenge by creating Math Moments. Students created budgets for making latkes, used mathematical tools for measuring ingredients, doubled recipes, and divided their latkes evenly among their family. Others played dreidel, assigning different amounts to each of the letters and adding their total winnings at the end of the game. A popular activity was figuring out the total number of hours the candles or oil burned each night and then over eight nights in total.
All participants proudly shared their Math Moment with their classmates and picked up some maththemed prizes for their efforts. Stay tuned for making more family moments.
Welcome Back, Shulamith
Students and teachers of Shulamith Middle Division came together on Monday for a very different “Welcome Back From Vacation” program. Alhough the snowstorm prevented everyone from heading back to school, it was fun to get together on Zoom after midwinter break. Mrs. Danyel Goldberg, Assistant Principal of Shulamith High School, and Morah Chana Schwartz, Judaic Studies Coordinator for the Middle Division, prepared a variety of activities for students to enjoy, including “Minute to Win It” and “Snow Bingo.” We were privileged to be joined by Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner who shared words of wisdom about the importance of being careful about what we broadcast to others.
After the Zoom meeting, students had the chance to enjoy additional activities ranging from “Escape the Digital Room: Yitro Style,” to baking cookies with a recipe provided by Atara from Atara Sweet Gourmet, to participating in the “Chesed Challenge” by sending in photographs of themselves helping others during the rest of their snow day.
Emma (8th grade) and Rina (6th grade) Rosenberg, captured the thoughts of so many when they wrote to Morah Chana to thank her for creating a fun-filled event. “We really had a great time!”
Around the Community
COVID-Related Unemployment in Israel Hits Women Twice as Hard as Men
By Marlene Goldman
As a third nationwide Covid lockdown weighs on Israel’s economy, the Employment Service reported that twice as many working women were laid off or put on furlough, as compared to their male counterparts.
More than two-thirds – 68.5 percent – of Israel’s unemployed, as of the third lockdown, are women. Already, 84,493 women have lost their jobs since the beginning of the lockdown, which began December 27 and has already been extended into February with no end in sight.
Figures from one year ago, two months prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, indicate that the percent of unemployed men (49.4%) was nearly identical to that of women (50.6%).
In families where single women are the household heads the impact of losing income is devastating, immediately plunging the already struggling family below the poverty line.
That’s precisely what Meir Panim’s Restaurant-Style Soup Kitchens encounter daily. As COVID lockdowns continue to take their toll on Israeli society and its economy, more and more single-parent families suffering from food insecurity are finding themselves at Meir Panim’s doors for the first time in their lives.
Meir Panim has done an impressive job keeping up with this ever-increasing influx of families who are new to the world of poverty...but there’s more to the problem. The economic crisis is not only increasing the demand for Meir Panim’s services, it is also straining its financial resources to keep up with the higher costs of meal production.
That’s why Meir Panim is now turning to friends of Israel around the world to open their hearts and take action for their brothers and sisters abroad.
Can you take a moment to support Meir Panim’s efforts?
If the answer is yes, make your donation online at www.mpdonate.org, through our toll-free number (877) 736-6283, or by mail to American Friends of Meir Panim at 88 Walton Street.
NY Office of American Friends of Sheba Medical Center Welcomes Brian Abrahams as New National Director
By Ken Stevens
Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer is proud to announce the appointment of Brian Abrahams as the new CEO of the American Friends of Sheba organization. American Friends of Sheba comprises a growing number of branches across the U.S., including in New York, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles and South Florida.
Abrahams, who is based in Chicago, has over 35 years of experience as an executive in fundraising, communications, and marketing in both the private sector and the world of non-profits. He has devoted extensive energies to promoting issues relevant to Israel as well as matters of local import.
For 15 years he worked with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), including 12 years as the organization’s Midwest Director. He also spent 11 years with the Jewish Federations of North America and its predecessor organization, the United Jewish Appeal.
In the private sector, Brian has worked in national marketing and sales management roles with a number of technology companies.
His many volunteer roles include serving as a board member and Development Chair for a Jewish day school in Chicago. He was also founding board member of a new synagogue in Chicago directed at millennials that now serves a congregation of 3,500.
“It’s a great privilege to welcome Brian Abrahams to Sheba Medical Center during one of the most challenging times in our hospital’s history,” remarked Yoel Har-Even, Director of Sheba International. “Sheba Medical Center has been a global leader in innovation and research for over 70 years. During the current COVID-19 crisis, Sheba has been assisting hospitals, healthcare systems and state governments across America to thwart this devastating disease. I am confident that Brian, with his vast experience in many arenas, will help us accelerate our outreach to the business, healthcare and philanthropic communities across the country.”
Abrahams acknowledged, “Israel is viewed as a global leader in technology. I am confident that because of Sheba Medical Center, Israel will also be viewed as a leader in healthcare innovation, providing ideas, breakthroughs and treatments that will help people around the world.
“And I’m proud to lead the American organization that will support that work.”
By Shira Perlstein
With thousands of seminary students in Israel under lockdown, educating them on their future degree options is more difficult than ever.
“Students need this information, and they need it now,” explains Mrs. Batsheva Shonek, director of Sara Schenirer. “Many of them will be looking for jobs for next year when they return home for Pesach, and a lot depends on which degree program they will join. Under normal circumstances, we would travel to Israel to host open houses and visit seminaries, but this year, that has proven impossible.”
Students, however, are not the only ones reaching out for help. Parents are also making phone calls, sending emails, and chatting with advisors, seeking to understand their daughters’ options.
“With so many undergraduate options such as psychology, business, accounting, and social work, parents and seminary students need personal guidance, and we’re committed to providing it,” shares Mrs. Shonek.
To help parents understand their options and prepare their daughters for the coming year, Sara
Schenirer will be hosting a unique Virtual Open House for parents only on Monday, February 15 at 8:00 PM.
The one-hour program will cover topics such as financial aid, credit transfers, student support, academic integrity, and a review of available degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The program is free and will be online via Zoom Webinar, but pre-registration is mandatory.
Around the Community
On Thursday, January 28, Senator Todd Kaminsky met with AIPAC activists to update them on the work he is doing in the State Senate to combat the Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) movement and foster New York’s integral bonds with Israel
Halftime for Torah
Yes, it has already been a year. The Kansas City Chiefs are back to defend their title in Super Bowl 55 as they face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In a year of firsts, the Bucs will battle it out for the Lombardi Trophy in their very own Raymond James Stadium. The incredible quarterback Tom Brady will make his tenth Super Bowl appearance as he takes on Patrick Mahomes, a force to be reckoned on the Chiefs.
When halftime rolls around, the Jewish world is encouraged to join an all-star roster of premier Torah authorities! Tune in live to hear the awe-inspiring words Rav Gav Friedman, Rabbi Yoel Gold, Charlie Harary, and Rabbi YY Jacobson for a halftime show that is as entertaining as it will be stimulating to children and adults alike.
Halftime for Torah, originally developed by Rabbi Eytan Feiner of the White Shul in Far Rockaway, was devised to give those partaking in the spirit of the game with a riveting dose of Torah as a kosher alternative to the typical distractions.
This year has certainly been one filled with its struggles, and while many would normally spend their Super Bowl Sunday afternoon with family or friends, this year many will be confined at home. Take comfort and relax for the sensational presentation.
This year, Halftime for Torah will once again feature a fascinating account delivered by Rabbi Yoel Gold, world renowned orator Charlie Harary whose inspiring persona is unmatched, and the vibrancy and energy of the illustrious Rabbi YY Jacobson. The program also welcomes the heartwarming enthusiasm of Rav Gav and his closeness to Eretz Yisrael.
The project is spearheaded by the Chazaq Organization headquartered in Queens, NY. Robbie Aboff, Chazaq’s events coordinator, said, “We thank the local and national organizations, respectable media sponsors, and all who have agreed to partner in streaming Halftime for Torah. We understand the excitement of the game, and we acknowledge everyone who has chosen to help ignite the fire of Torah in their homes.”
This Sunday, during halftime, visit www.TorahAnytime.com/halftime for the streaming event or dial-in at (718) 298-2077 ext. 46 to experience Halftime for Torah and take part in the revolution of Torah.
GIVE 2
Give this Purim card to your friends! Give a neighbor in need Shabbos and Yom Tov food!
In the spirit of Purim a donation has been made in your honor to TOMCHEI SHABBOS YAD YESHAYA
Providing families in need, in our community, with food for shabbos and yom tov.
To:
From:
634 Oak Drive Far Rockaway, NY 11691 718-327-7283 tomchei5tfr.org
Packages Available 10 Cards $36 36 Cards $100 50 Cards $136
Pickup Locations 200 Card $360
Bayswater Judy Merlis 718.327.5294
Cedarhurst Edana Tuchman 516.791.0987
Far Rockaway Sima Krischer 646.875.9027
Lawrence Sori Laufer 516.647.8577
Woodmere Marilyn Blau 516.295.1175
Amen Group Dawn Goldstein 917.863.5846 Tomchei Order Online 5tfr.org
100% of proceeds will purchase food for families in the Five Towns & Rockaways!
Around the Community
SKA Art Student Wins Honorable Mention
Congratulations to SKA 10th grader Aliza Zilberberg for receiving honorable mention in the 2021 New York State Art in Month Flag Design Contest on the high school level. Sponsored by the New York State Art Teachers Association, this contest fosters student growth in art. There were over 200 submissions!
Thanks go to Mrs. Suzy Libin, Head of SKA’s very popular Art Academy, for her encouragement and support.
Yeshiva Nishmas Hatorah recently ran a fabulously successful three-part series on “Positive Connections and Technology.” Presenters were Rav Heshy Blumstein, rav of Yismach Moshe; R’ Asher Halpert, Solutions Architect at Google; and R’ Nachi Gordon, founder of Meaningful Minute and an alumnus of the yeshiva
LinkedIn or Left Out? JCCRP Provides New Service
During COVID-19, the community and world underwent many changes. Relying on technology was certainly a significant one. Zoom, WebEx, Amazon, Instacart and the like became household names as their use skyrocketed during the pandemic. The demand for businesses, professionals, services and job candidates to pivot from in-person to online platforms has never been greater.
LinkedIn is among the most popular online platforms to utilize during this culture shift. LinkedIn has evolved from being a mere platform for job searchers into a social network which allows users a chance to create a personal brand. The platform is mainly used for professional networking and allows job seekers to post their resumes and employers to post jobs.
LinkedIn needs no introduction to many of us. It is a great resource to network, find new clients, explore new job opportunities and stay upto-date with the latest news in your industry. However, maximizing LinkedIn to its fullest is a challenge and a crucial skill.
Enters Chaim Shapiro and the JCCRP. Chaim Shapiro, M. Ed is the director of the Office for Student Success at Touro College, a freelance writer, public speaker and social media consultant specializing in LinkedIn. Chaim has guided hundreds in the creation, enhancement, and optimization of their LinkedIn profiles. Chaim educates his clients on the best practices for a successful LinkedIn journey. His hands-on approach (over Zoom, of course) methodically and strategically assists each client in their own career path and industry.
The JCCRP is proud to partner with Chaim in providing these services to community members free of charge. Due to a generous grant from the UJA Federation of NY, these services are now more accessible. The UJA’s mission is dedicated to helping community members improve their employment and financial situations leading toward financial freedom.
Moshe Brandsdorfer, JCCRP executive director, expressed, “We are so excited to have Chaim on board to help people with their parnassah goals. At my first meeting with Chaim, he helped me improve my LinkedIn profile in an instant. His skills are really impressive. I implore you to take advantage of these services.”
Stay tuned for upcoming LinkedIn webinars and other career-related services.
For more information or to make an appointment with Chaim Shapiro, please email info@jccrp.org or call 718-327-7755.
Around the Community
A Mezuzah on the Israel Diamond Exchange’s Office in Dubai
Last Thursday, Rabbi Elie Abadie, senior rabbi of the Jewish Council of the Emirates (JCE), and Alex Peterfreund, co-founder and cantor of the JCE, installed a mezuzah on the new representative office of the Israel Diamond Exchange in Dubai’s Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). They were joined by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman of the DMCC.
“The mezuzah is a constant reminder of G-d’s presence and installing it on the doorframe of the Israel Diamond Exchange’s office in the DMCC reminds epitomizes just that. It is with G-d’s help that these new Jewish and Israeli businesses moving into the UAE will flourish,” said Rabbi Abadie. “We look forward to placing many more mezuzot for Jewish-owned businesses throughout the Emirates in the days and months to come.”
“The placement of a mezuzah on the doorframe of the representative office of the Israel Diamond Exchange here in Dubai is an homage to our founding father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose fundamental belief in inclusiveness has been a driver of our country’s strength and significance on the global stage, ultimately leading to the signing of the Abraham Accords,” said Executive Chairman of the DMCC Ahmed Bin Sulayem.
“Yesterday, I accompanied Rabbi Abadie for this very special event. When I opened my own office for Espeka in DMCC seven years ago, I would not have dreamed that in 2021, I would have the honor to assist in putting a mezuzah on the doorframe of the representative office of the Israeli Diamond Exchange in the same building. It is truly remarkable,” said Alex Peterfreund.
The Power of Positivity An Interactive Event to be Held in 18 Shuls Across the Community
What a year it has been! We have been challenged in so many ways! Wouldn’t you love to put the “Power of Positivity” back into your everyday life? Well, now you can by joining a unique and wonderful program on Motzei Shabbos, February 13, 2021.
“The Power of Positivity: Finding peace through our hidden strengths” is a special program in which 18 shuls from our community will be hosting simultaneous workshops on the power of finding positivity within an era of challenges facilitated by the shul’s rebbetzin or a volunteer facilitator of the congregation.
The workshop will feature psychological insights and tools that can generate discussion among members, along with interactive activities and exercises for each participant’s personal growth. They’ll laugh and enjoy while fostering bonds within the group. Guaranteed fun with practical insights!
The host rebbetzin/facilitator will be trained in advance by Rachel Pill, LCSW, who will provide the outline and materials in a short educational session. Rachel Pill is a therapist in the Five Towns who has been practicing for over 30 years. Rachel lectures nationally and internationally on all areas of relationships and positivity.
Early registrants from each shul – those who sign up for this free event by February 9 – will receive a complimentary gift bag from the Jewish Women’s Leadership Council of the Five Towns (JWLC).
This exclusive event is presented by the JWLC, which is comprised of local Orthodox rebbetzins and community leaders. The UJA Federation of New York and the Marion and Aaron Gural JCC are coordinating and sponsoring this event. There is no charge for the event but registration is required at www.guraljcc.org/jwlc. Sign up today!
The JWLC was created to help strengthen the Jewish community in the Five Towns by uniting the women leaders to collaborate and address issues, trends and concerns impacting our community. So far, they have sponsored two highly successful events. The first was an evening of “Love and Laughter” with comedian Ashley Blaker, Dr. David Pelcovitz and Rachel Pill, LCSW. The second was a special Erev Rosh Chodesh Elul program with renowned speaker Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi. Both programs were extremely well attended.
This program, on February 13, continues JWLC’s goal of strengthening our connections, bonds and the power of positivity amongst the women of the Five Towns.
Members of the JWLC include: Rebbetzin Ruchy Axelrod, Rebbetzin Rookie Billet, Suri Lenore Davis, Rachayle Deutsch, Dr. Debbie Dienstag, Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner, Stacey Feldman, Rebbetzin Makli Feigenbaum, Rebbetzin Corrine Fuchs, Rebbetzin Margie Glatt, Debbie Greenblatt, Rebbetzin Nancy Hain, Rebbetzin Sara Hopkovitz, Rebbetzin Chansie Horowitz, Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, Elisheva Kaminetsky, Ina Kupferberg, Rebbetzin Elana Lebowitz, Rebbetzin Shani Lefkowitz, Rebbetzin Nava Orlian, Rachel Pill, Rebbetzin Tova Polakoff, Rebbetzin Pagit Ralbag, Rebbetzin Lisa Septimus, Shoshana Soroka Halpern, Leanne Taylor, Rebbetzin Sori Teitelbaum, Rebbetzin Malka Trump, Mindi Werblowsky, Rebbetzin Myrna Weinberger, Rebbetzin Tzipora Weinberger, Debra Weinrib, Rebbetzin Chani Wolowik, Rebbetzin Yael Willig, and Myrna Zisman, along with Sepi Djavaheri, community mobilizer at the UJA-Federation of New York.
If you have any questions about the upcoming event on February 13, 2021, please contact Sori Teitelbaum at soriteitelbaum@yahoo.com.
Did you know? According to the Guinness World Records, the largest snowflake in the world was 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick, recorded by Matt Coleman at Fort Keogh, Montana, on January 28, 1887.
