Five Towns Jewish Home - 8-12-21

August 12, 2021

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Community 39 Mayor Benny Kashriel of Maale Adumim Visits the Five Towns

Recocgnizing the Hewlett House

TJH ith ks w S p e a ch a S im m p a Day C

TJH Sp e ak s with C amp MaTov

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Your Favorite Five Towns Family Newspaper

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

8.25.21 7:00-9:00 PM

reception committee Rabbi Shalom & Rachel Axelrod Rabbi Hershel & Rookie Billet Avi & Ester Bohorodzaner Gabriel & Rebeka Boxer Ben amin & Lynda Brafman Dr. Rubin & Mandy Brecher Dr. Bentzy & Rena Chill Rabbi Dovid & Ruchi Cohen Martin & Zena Cohen Dov & Rikki Eisner Rabbi Aaron & Blema Feigenbaum Rabbi Eytan & Aviva Feiner Aaron & Esti Felder Dr. Joseph & Jenny Felder

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Dear Readers,

M

ost of us haven’t been traveling out of the country over the past few months. Even Israel, which is many people’s go-to vacation destination, has become almost off-limits with all its Covid restrictions. But people have an innate desire to explore and to spend time away from home.

Someone once told me that they loved watching Anthony Bourdain’s travelogue because they felt like they were going to another world, learning about the locals, seeing the sights, hearing the different dialects, and absorbing the tastes and smells of another culture. It’s fascinating to learn about another part of the world, something that we would never encounter on the streets of Central Avenue.

Every country has its own culture; every nation has its own values; every community has its own habits and traditions.

But you can learn a lot about a people from its food.

I recently spoke with a cookbook author of Sephardic heritage. Flipping through her book, you can see how her Moroccan culture influences her cooking. But more than that, you can tell a lot about the Moroccan culture from its food. She explained that Moroccan cooks don’t use written recipes; they cook by “feel,” and recipes are passed from generation to generation, mothers

bringing their daughters into the kitchen and showing them how the dishes are supposed to be flavored. There are a lot of spices in their dishes; food simmers on the stove, lovingly prepared by the women in the home.

In this week’s issue, Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz writes about chicken soup and about how the traditional Ashkenaz Friday night dish is more than just a broth. She talks about the love and attention that’s put into every pot – the various vegetables that are added, the garnishes and accompaniments that flavor the food.

Chicken soup, she says, characterizes the Jewish home. A home that has been filled with the proper ingredients, imbued with love and simmering with the right values, is a place perfect for inviting guests who are thirsty for more than just a bowl of chicken soup.

This week, as I serve my family their steaming bowls of soup on Friday night, I will have Rebbetzin Horowitz’s words in mind. Food doesn’t just fill their bellies; food is a symbol of who we are. With the right ingredients, we will be preparing a recipe that can be passed down for generations.

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

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PUBLISHER

publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Yosef Feinerman MANAGING EDITOR

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Nate Davis Editorial Assistant Nechama Wein Copy Editor Rachel Bergida Berish Edelman Mati Jacobovits Design & Production Gabe Solomon Distribution & Logistics P.O. BOX 266 Lawrence, NY 11559 Phone | 516-734-0858 Fax | 516-734-0857 Classified Deadline: Monday 5:00PM classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com text 443-929-4003 PAYMENT VIA CREDIT CARD MUST BE SUBMITTED ALONG WITH CLASSIFIED ADS The Jewish Home is an independent weekly magazine. Opinions expressed by writers are not neces­sarily the opinions of the publisher or editor.

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Shabbos Zemanim

Weekly Weather | August 13 – August 19

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Yitzy Halpern

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Few Showers AM Showers

77° 69°

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Friday, August 13 Parshas Shoftim Candle Lighting: 7:36 pm Shabbos Ends: 8:38 pm Rabbeinu Tam: 9:06 pm

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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COMMUNITY Readers’ Poll

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Community Happenings

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This Week We’re Talking to…Simcha Day Camp

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This Week We’re Talking to…Camp MaTov

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NEWS

24

Global

12

National

26

That’s Odd

36

ISRAEL Israel News

22

World Builders

70 72

Middle East Musings by David Billet JEWISH THOUGHT Rabbi Wein on the Parsha

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Trust Me by Rav Moshe Weinberger

62

Willpower by Shmuel Reichman

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Delving into the Daf by Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

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PEOPLE TJH Speaks with Dorian Barak, Co-Founder of the UAE-Israel Business Council 74 Hero of Israel Awardees by Avi Heiligman

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HEALTH & FITNESS Is Abuse About Domination and Control? by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn

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Foods Full of Fiber by Aliza Beer, MS RD

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FOOD & LEISURE The Aussie Gourmet: Fried Goat Cheese Salad

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LIFESTYLES

Dear Editor, I noticed that on rosh chodesh and chol hamo’ed, as well as on Monday and Thursday, shuls start Shacharit earlier. I get it. They want to end at the same time.

But I think shuls should base starting time on parsha length. Longer parshiot requires earlier starts.

And what about Shabbat? They don’t start earlier for a longer parsha or double parsha. What about when there’s a Bar Mitzvah, aufruf, extra aliyot, extra-long drasha, or extra-slow guest chazan? They should start earlier based on those factors.

Why is getting to work on time more important than preventing burnt kugel and chulent?!

Daniel Feldman Dear Editor, I have been reading The Jewish Home for many years. It’s been a mainstay in my home every Shabbos. And so, I feel that I “know” you as I am an avid reader of your note to readers to each week.

I was shocked by the vitriol thrown at you by letter-writers this week.

Firstly, there is no need to print every letter that comes your way.

Kudos to you for being brave and for not hiding criticism in your paper.

But then, I went and re-read your letter to readers from the week before. (Yes, I don’t throw out your paper by Havdalah, as there’s always

something more I “need” to read!)

Your note to readers spoke about one instance and noted that Biles’ withdrawal should not be commended or given accolades by the public.

At no point were you discussing that she was a black American who succeeded despite all odds (please read the many bios of other Olympic athletes who also succeed despite odds), who got up early to train, and who suffered from abuse. Surely, those points are all true. But that is not what you were talking about.

You clearly noted that dropping out should not be applauded.

I know that you need no one defending you. I just felt that those who were writing these letters clearly did not read your note to readers carefully. In their rush to judgement, they missed several key points.

Sincerely, Racheli Samet Dear Editor, I was so excited to find The Jewish Home at The Kosher Inn at Woodbourne. As always, I begin with your editorial. I loved your description of the good ol’ days in the bungalow, and until last year would have nodded along with your next piece about those of us living in the Five Towns don’t need to go to upstate. Last summer, as a post-Covid need for a change of scenery, we took Continued on page 10

Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW 95 Parenting Pearls

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JWOW! 88 Your Money

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It’s Calling Me by Rivki D. Rosen104 wald Esq., CLC, SDS

HUMOR Centerfold 58 POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes

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The Latest Revolutionary Tools in Warfare? by David Ignatius

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Most U.S. Olympians Love America by Marc A. Thiessen

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CLASSIFIEDS

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August 4 was National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. What type of chocolate chip cookie do you prefer:

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The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Continued from page 8

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a bungalow in Monticello. It opened my eyes to a whole new world! We may have grass trees and the boardwalk back home but there’s so much more to gain from the bungalow life.

There are Sunday morning baseball games where the pitcher takes 3 steps forward to help the struggling athlete make a hit and everyone is included. The Shabbos afternoon ladies shiur on the grass… Sunday night kumzitz bonfires… you don’t get that in the city.

The slower pace of living lends itself to a less harried and calm mother and all the good that filters down to. The children gain independence and friendships to last a lifetime. Now that remote employment is more common, many husbands are staying upstate all week as well, and there’s lots of opportunity for quality family time. While people don’t go to a bungalow colony for the amenities, and it’s certainly not for everyone, there’s so much good for a family to gain if you do… even if you live in the Five Towns!

Wishing summer would last a bit longer, Monticello, NY Dear Editor, This letter is to address Shira, who wrote into the Navidaters about dating a guy who loves to barbecue.

In marriage, you will never marry someone exactly like you. That, actually, is a good thing. By marrying someone with different interests and likes and dislikes, you can develop a more well-rounded outlook on life and your children will be able to see a balanced perspective on many things.

While dating, though, you will notice that there are some “definites” that you feel are very important in a potential spouse. If someone

feels very strongly that they need a spouse who davens with a minyan three times a day or wears a sheitel, then that is something that they can’t compromise on. But it’s not just about halacha and hashkafa that people can feel strongly about.

Say, for example, if someone is going to school to become a cardiologist. That person should probably not marry someone who eats meat and doughnuts all day. Or, perhaps someone is a personal trainer. They will probably live a happier life with someone who sees fitness as something that is important in their lives.

For you, Shira, you need to know if this of the utmost importance to you. Perhaps you may want to speak with a physician to find out how “dangerous” barbecued foods are.

Perhaps this young man can grill chicken cutlets on the grill some days instead of hamburgers. Maybe you can make him salmon once a week. This does not have to be a make-it or break-it issue.

One thing I will point out: someone should not go into a marriage expecting the other person to change. That means that if minyan is important to you, don’t marry someone who doesn’t go to minyan, even if they promise to get up early each day to catch a minyan. Or if fitness is important to you, don’t marry someone who never exercises, even though they promise that they will begin running marathons.

Or don’t marry someone who says they’re going to quit smoking if you hate smoking.

Shira, get some medical advice, find out why barbecued food bothers you so much, talk to your date about it and ask him to grill you some pineapple at his next cookout. It tastes great – and is good for you too!

Sincerely, Cindy L.

Views expressed on the Letters to the Editor page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jewish Home.

Please send all correspondence to: editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com.

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

The Week In News

Tanker’s Crew Thwarts Hijacking

The crew of the Panama-flagged Asphalt Princess, hijacked last week off the coast of Oman, reportedly thwarted the impending attack by Iranian gunmen by sabotaging their ship’s engines.

Initial reports said that five or six Iranians had boarded the Asphalt

Princess last Tuesday, but the numbers quickly jumped to eight or nine operatives. Following the boarding, the Asphalt Princess’ crew quickly acted to sabotage the ship’s engines so as to immobilize it, UK officials told The Times.

At the time, the tanker was heading into the congested approach to the Strait of Hormuz. Supposedly, the hijackers ordered the ship to be sailed to Iran; Tehran has denied any involvement in the attack.

The gunmen fled the ship after U.S. and Omani warships arrived at the scene.

No one was injured in the attempted hijack, and no one has yet taken responsibility for the attempted takeover.

The incident occurred less than a week after an oil tanker operated by an Israeli-owned company was attacked by an Iranian drone off Oman, killing two security guards – one British and the other Romanian.

The Asphalt Princess is owned by a Dubai-based company that had one of its ships hijacked two years ago by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

Athens’ First Chief Heat Officer

Europe’s first chief heat officer has been appointed in Athens, Greece.

The appointment comes as southeastern Europe struggles its way through one of its worst heat waves in decades, with wildfires raging in Turkey, Croatia, Italy, Greece, and Albania.

Eleni Myrivili, former deputy mayor of Athens for urban nature and climate change resilience, has been granted the title of chief heat officer, marking history as the first European and second globally to

claim that title.

The appointment is part of an initiative led by the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center. Earlier in 2021, Florida’s Miami-Date County also appointed a chief heat officer; Freetown, Sierra Leone, is expected to appoint someone to the post later this year.

Myrivili’s task is to find ways to keep Athens cool and its residents safe from heat waves and extreme heat, which experts believe will worsen in the coming years.

Speaking to The World, Myrivili said, “I think one of the main things that I have to do is to make sure that there is more nature brought into the city: green and blue and generally natural solutions.”

She added, “The second thing is, in the short-term, being prepared and making sure that we can protect the most vulnerable during extreme heat.

“And the third thing is raising awareness about the severity of heat waves and how dangerous they are.

Of all the weather phenomena, this is the most deadly one.”

She noted, “Athens is definitely

Celebrate a Sweet and Safe New Year!

Enjoy Rosh Hashanah safely by being fully vaccinated by September 6. Even if you had COVID-19, the vaccine provides more protection, especially against the highly contagious delta variant.

Get your first dose of Pfizer by 8/2

OR

Get your single dose of Johnson & Johnson by 8/23 All currently authorized vaccines are highly effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths.

Vaccinate So We Can Celebrate!

Shana Tova!

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

You’re Invited to

Accelerated Admissions Day at Touro’s Lander Colleges August 17, 2021 Come meet our deans and advisors, bring copies of your transcripts and receive an immediate admissions decision. Learn more about financial aid, scholarships and your potential career path.

We make it easy for you. Transfer credits will be reviewed and application fee waived. Placement exams available onsite.

Touro’s Lander College for Men 75-31 150th Street, Kew Gardens Hills 12-5pm | Rabbi Aryeh Manheim | 929.235.8530 Touro’s Lander College for Women 227 W. 60th Street, New York 9:30am-4:30pm | Sarah Klugmann | 212.520.4263 Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences 1602 Ave J, Brooklyn Women 10am-2pm • Men 4:30-6:30pm Rabbi Justin Gershon | 646.531.0026 Machon L’Parnasa 1602 Ave J, Brooklyn Women 10am-2pm • Men 4:30-6:30pm Florence Cohen | 646.495.3816 ext. 59405 Touro’s School for Lifelong Education 1273 53rd St, Brooklyn 10am-7:30pm | Yaffa Kohen 718.871.6187 ext. 30011 Admissions decisions will be based on Touro’s admission criteria at Touro’s sole discretion.

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

“Rav Chaim’s Brocho” Spawns yet ANOTHER Kollel Plus ANOTHER Farher

By Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

It was just four years ago, at a Shas Yiden farher on the entire Shas at the home of the Nasi of Shas Yiden, Maran Sar Hatorah, Hagaon Hagadol Harav Chaim Kanievski, shlit”a. “Rav Chaim” had made a request to the founder of Shas Yiden, Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, the Pozna Rov, shlit”a, to open a Shas Yiden kollel in Bnei Brak. Rav Eisen did, and it took off with a minyan of avreichim geonim.

Now, he told “Rav Chaim” that he had been asked by Rabbonim in Yerushalayim and other Torah communities to open more Shas Yiden Kollelim. They saw how unique the program was, especially with each of the avreichim geonim completing Shas every year. Aside from finding suitable avreichim geonim, it would be a tremendous fiscal responsibility. He asked for “Rav Chaim’s” opinion and for his brocho.

Without batting an eyelid and with a

broad smile “Rav Chaim” gave a warm brocho and said that Rav Eisen should blessed to open TEN such kollelim! He well knew the worth and ‘product’ of Shas Yiden, after all he had tested them for years, and the Sar Hatorah gave an amazing approbation - “I can say that they know Shas!”

Now - A Sixth Shas Yiden Kollel With this Rosh Chodesh Elul, a SIXTH Shas Yiden Kollel was opened in Kiryat Sefer – Modiin! The excitement at grooming Shas Yiden in this Torah community has stirred the imagination of tens and tens of avreichim, all who wish to learn how to master Shas by heart. They are expected to cover 13,555 blatt a year – the entire Shas 5 times! The aim is also to master every Rashi and Tosfos b’al peh! While there are so many applicants for the twelve slots, competition is fierce and the

L-R: Hagaon Harav Yaakov Yehoshua Englander, Rosh Yeshivas Machnovka; Maran Hagaon Harav Matzliach Mazuz, Rosh Yeshivat Kisse Rachamim; Maran Harav Chaim Tzvi Shapira, Raavad Belz in Eretz Yisroel; Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, Pozna Rov, Meyased Shas Yiden; Hagaon Harav Moshe Isaac Samet, Rosh Hakollelim

entrance examinations are grueling.

Twelve tears ago. Shas Yiden started with 6 avreichim geonim in Beit Shemesh, where there are now 23, Yerushalayim (15), Bnei Brak (18), Beitar (12) and London (13). With the new Shas Yiden in Kiryat Sefer, the total will be 93. The Rosh of all the kollelim is Hagaon Harav Moshe Isaac Samet, shlit”a.

Another Dynamic Farher What better a way to celebrate the opening of another Shas Yiden kollel than with another dynamic farher of all the avreichim geonim? This, just within two months of the last farher, and which is posted on the Shas Yiden website (www.shasyiden.com). The avreichim geonim gathered in Bnei Brak and were tested vigorously back and forth throughout Shas. Each Shas Yid had his own microphone, and the responses were like a Torah tidal wave.

L-R: Hagaon Harav Moshe Isaac Samet, Rosh Hakollelim; Maran Harav Chaim Tzvi Shapira, Raavad Belz in Eretz Yisroel; Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, Pozna Rov, Founder - Shas Yiden

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

Avreichim Geonim - Shas Yiden

L-R: Maran Hagaon Harav Matzliach Mazuz, Rosh Yeshivat Kisse Rachamim; Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, Pozna Rov, Founder - Shas Yiden

As well, there were individual debates between the Shas Yiden and the examiners.

Each of the examiners came with his own style and searching questions.

Some involved identifying passages and even specific wording used in various masechtos, others contextual or contrasting, and many others in depth and explanations of Rishonim.

There were also ‘trick’ questions that tested their mettle. One examiner was Maran Hagaon Chaim Tzvi Shapira, shlit”a, Rav Khal Chassidim Ramat Aharon, Rosh Av Beit Din Belz in Eretz Yisroel and Rosh Yeshivas Belz in Bnei Brak. The other examiner was Maran Hagaon Harav Matzliach Chai Mazuz, shlit”a, Rav in Rishon Lezion and Rosh Yeshivat Kisei Rachamim, Bnei Brak.

Gedolim and Luminaries of the Generation

Avreichim Geonim - Shas Yiden

Rav Shapira said that he felt inadequate to express his amazement and surprise when he examined the Shas Yiden.

“Not only do they know Shas, but the commentaries as well, with incredible clarity… praised is the eye that has witnessed this.” With that he turned to the supporters of Shas Yiden who were present and declared: “You should know that Shas Yiden is the best investment of your lives – in this world and the World-to-Come.”

He then went on to say, “For me, today is like a Yom Tov. There was not a question that I asked from across the entire Shas that they did not answer, whether relating to exact recall or clear analysis as required

by Chaza”l… Without doubt, the future gedolim and luminaries of our generation will come from Shas Yiden.”

Commenting on the farher, Rav

Mazuz said, “Aside from asking many questions, I was privileged to ‘walk’ with them through all the areas of Shas. I so enjoyed hearing their full and all-encompassing answers and was amazed by the breadth and full mastery by all the avreichim geonim.

The entire Shas is sharply honed in their mouths, including Kodashim and Taharot. They are like those rare ones who can claim that ‘I am versed in all Six (Sidrei Mishna)’ (refer Bava Metzia 114b and Rashi’s comment).

“Praised is a generation that such has been possible in its time!”

To watch the dynamic farhers, or for more information on Shas Yiden, or to donate click on www.shasyiden.com or call 718-702-1528 or Mail: 1274 49th Street, #562, Brooklyn, NY 11219.

London: UK Registered Charity #1191225 – 2 Timberwharf Road, London N16 6DB, England

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

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the hottest capital because it’s very densely built with not much green at all. And it has a lot of non-permeable surfaces that are dark — like asphalt and cement — and a lot of buildings that are built close to each other. So they have a high urban heat island effect, which means that they trap heat and radiate heat, even during the night, so it never really cools down. The western part of Athens is the hottest. It’s very densely built with not much green at all.”

In her opinion, “Even though air conditioning is not a panacea … it’s something that we really need to protect people. So, when the heat waves are happening, we really need to have the people in cool places and we have to figure out how to make that possible and be really prepared for the next heat wave so that we reach more people and make sure that we keep them cool.”

Myrivili warned, “I’m afraid that if we don’t move now, it’s going to be too late. I think this is the last opportunity we have to change how we design this city and how we live in this city,” she concluded.

“Butcher of Tehran”: Iran’s New President

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Iranian cleric Ebrahim Raisi on Thursday was sworn in as the Islamic Republic’s eighth president, promising to defend his country’s “legal rights.”

At the parliamentary ceremony, broadcast live on state television, Raisi, elected in June, said, “The policy of pressure and sanctions will not cause the nation of Iran to back down from following up on its legal rights.

“The sanctions must be lifted,” he said, adding, “We will support any diplomatic plan that supports this goal.”

He asserted, “We are the true defenders of human rights, and we do not accept silence against oppression and crime and the violation of the rights of innocent and defenseless human beings.”

Nicknamed “The Butcher of Tehran,” Raisi is accused of aiding the execution of approximately 5,000 prisoners at the end of the Iran-Iraq War in 1988.

Attending the ceremony were Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah’s second-in-command Naim Qassem, as well as European Union official Enrique Mora.

Qatar’s Airport Reigns

Singapore’s Changi Airport is no longer the world’s best airport in the Skytrax Annual World Airport Awards, Travel and Leisure reported. Instead, the top spot is now claimed by Qatar’s Hamad International Airport.

After opening in 2014, Hamad has been rising in global airport rankings, and last year took third place in a ranking of the world’s best airports. However, this year, the airport unseated Changi, which had claimed the top spot eight years running.

In a statement, Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said, “As travel hubs worldwide have been impacted by the pandemic, Hamad International Airport was undeterred by the global travel disruptions and continued with its expansion plans while introducing additional airport health and safety standards.”

Changi, meanwhile, still ranks high on the list, coming in third behind Hamad and Tokyo Haneda Airport.

At the same time, Istanbul’s airport became the most improved airport in the world, rising from number 102 last year to number 17 this year.

Traveling? The world’s top ten airports, in descending order, are: Hamad International Airport, Tokyo Haneda Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, Incheon International Airport, Narita International Airport, Munich Airport, Zurich Airport, London Heathrow Airport, Kansai International Airport, and Hong Kong International Airport.

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China Cracks Down on Tech Titans for $87B

A regulatory crackdown by the Chinese government has caused the country’s richest tech titans to lose $87 billion in personal wealth, calculations by the Financial Times showed.

The Financial Times examined two dozen Chinese billionaires tracked by Bloomberg, and discovered that their combined net worth had fallen 16% since the end of June, when the Chinese government began its campaign against Didi Chuxing, the world’s largest ride-hailing company.

Rupert Hoogewerf, chief researcher at the China-focused outfit Hurun Report, noted, “We’ve seen a realignment of wealth creation.”

Some of the biggest losses have been in tech. Colin Huang, founder of the e-commerce site Pinduoduo, has lost a third of his wealth, worth $15.6 billion, since the beginning of July. Alibaba’s founder Jack Ma lost $2.6 billion since the beginning of July.

Some Chinese have benefited from the crackdown, as have industrialists in the auto and renewables sectors.

India’s Camels are Dwindling

National Geographic, “Our camels are an extension of our families. Our children bond with them from when they are young. They live with us and die with us.”

When the dry season comes, the pastoralists herd their sheep, goats, and camels up to a thousand miles across the Thar Desert, to their summer pastures. Now, a decline in the camel population, together with a surge in road construction and imported vehicles and irrigation projects which led to the increase of farmlands, as well as new wind and solar farms reducing grazing space for camels, have all led to the disappearance of camel festivals.

In addition, a hurting tourism industry and a 2015 law banning the sale and export of male camels and camel meat have led to families’ decisions to send their children to school and learn to make a life for themselves outside the ages-old camel industry.

“The only thing that is still sustaining us is sale of camel milk. Unless the government gives us some incentives, sets up camel-milk dairies, and allows us to sell male camels, we are doomed,” Bhanwarlal said.

He noted, “We have bank loans for all kinds of vehicles,” but “there is hardly any financial help” for herders.

“This is what our ancestors have done, and I hope that we are able to continue it, too. It’s a sacred vocation and cannot be allowed to die.”

Ilse Köhler-Rollefson, a German veterinarian who cofounded the nonprofit Lokhit Pashu-Palak Sansthan in 1996 to protect the Raika and their livelihoods, said, “It’s not practical to restrict the sale of domesticated animals, which is inextricably connected to profitability.

Male camels have to be sold for the Raikas to make a living.”

Military Parade in Brazil

A series of threats is endangering an annual Hindu ritual of the Raika ethnic group, National Geographic reported.

Bhanwarlal, 35, a camel herder who goes by a single name, told

Was a military parade in Brazil a show of intimidation or a planned ceremonial event?

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Due to a technical glitch, the roadway at London’s Tower Bridge was stuck in an upwards position for more than three hours on Monday

This week, Brazil’s armed forces put on an unusual display of military hardware for far-right President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday. The parade came right before a likely setback in Congress for Bolsonaro’s plans to alter the country’s voting system.

Many politicians called the parade of navy tanks, armored personnel carriers and amphibious vehicles a form of intimidation hours before lawmakers were expected to vote against a constitutional amendment backed by Bolsonaro.

The navy, for its part, said the parade was planned long before the vote in the lower house of Congress was scheduled and that it was meant to invite the president to an annual military exercise on Sunday.

With his popularity flagging amid the world’s second-deadliest COVID-19 outbreak, Bolsonaro has insisted in recent weeks on adopting paper ballots for the 2022 election, based on claims of fraud in Brazil’s electronic voting system.

He has threatened not to accept the results of next year’s presidential election, which polls show him losing to former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Neither of them have officially announced their candidacies.

Flanked by the commanders of the armed forces, Bolsonaro stood outside the Planalto presidential palace as the military parade passed by. A Navy officer in combat gear walked up the ramp to hand him the invitation.

Lawmaker Arthur Lira, speaker of the lower chamber of Congress, called the military parade ahead of a major vote a “tragic coincidence” and did not accept an invitation to attend the armed forces’ exercise.

Other lawmakers said the un-

usual military presence in front of the presidential palace was meant to intimidate them.

“Tanks in the street, precisely on the day of the vote on the paper ballot amendment, is real, clear and unconstitutional intimidation,” Senator Simone Tebet of the centrist Brazilian Democratic Movement party said on social media.

“Bolsonaro has turned a military training exercise into a political spectacle,” said leftist Congresswoman Perpetua Almeida, calling it a show of force in reaction to his dropping poll numbers.

“This shot will backfire,” she tweeted.

Hijab Hit and Run

A driver ran over two women in Iran because he said they were not wearing a full hijab.

According to Iran’s Labor News Agency Ilna, the two women are in critical condition after being targeted on the busy street in northwestern Iran.

The driver had reportedly first yelled at the women that they were being “un-Islamic” because he did not think they were sufficiently well-covered. All females over the age of 9 are required to cover their

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heads and bodies after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, but it is increasingly common for women in Iran’s larger cities to defy the ruling.

The man then drove over them in his Peugeot, causing serious, but not life-threatening injuries. Images show a woman dressed in a pink smock lying on the pavement.

While Iran’s leadership supports the hijab rule, Hojjatoleslam Behnam Delrish, the secretary of the headquarters for the group that enforces such rulings, condemned the attack.

“Yesterday’s behavior is the wrong behavior,” he said. “We ask the media to enlighten because such scenes are not related to enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, and people should not be allowed to abuse.”

The driver, who fled the scene, was identified and arrested late Monday night.

Iran’s vice president for Women’s affairs, Masoumeh Ebtekar, has asked that the charges be increased to include attempted murder.

Iran is notoriously easy on crimes against women. In 2019, a bill meant to provide greater protections was heavily criticized by the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) which said it “does not provide effective and sufficient guarantees to protect wom-

en against violence and, in many cases, promotes and supports stereotypical, discriminatory, and [certain] views toward women.”

The group said the bill, which did eventually pass, did not clearly define the term “violence” or “domestic violence” as punishable crimes. Nor did it provide for the removal of victims from their abusers. The bill also requires women who file complaints against their abusers to go through a one-month reconciliation process before court proceedings can begin in case the dispute can be resolved outside the judicial system. The group also condemned the absence of any measure for an abused woman to get a divorce on the grounds of abuse until and unless her husband is convicted three times.

Paul Whelan Out of Solitary Paul Whelan, a U.S. citizen detained in Russia, has been released from solitary confinement and was allowed to speak with his parents, his brother David Whelan said on Sunday.

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detained in a Mordovian penal colony and was released either Thursday or Friday, after being prevented from speaking to his family, lawyer, or the U.S. Embassy for a month.

or Reed,” who is another American detained in Russia, the spokesperson said.

Iran to Israel: “Don’t Test Us” David noted that his brother has not yet been allowed to speak to the Embassy or to his lawyer Olga Karlova.

David shared, “He seems to have survived solitary confinement none the worse for wear but he was wary on the phone.” Paul, he said, “mentioned to our parents that his ability to call is ‘on sufferance’ and so perhaps he anticipates additional retribution.”

In a Monday email to the press, David added that his brother had not been permitted to either shower or exercise during his time in solitary confinement and was only allowed to shower last Wednesday, when he received an unexpected visit from UK Embassy officials. At the time, he was also permitted to exercise for one hour.

David added that Paul – who is a U.S., Irish, British, and Canadian citizen – does not know why he was placed in solitary confinement. At the time of his detention in December 2018, Russian authorities claimed he had been involved in an intelligence operation.

David said, “Russian prison monitor Valery Krutov was quoted by Russian media as saying Paul had accumulated ‘more than 10’ minor infractions. The prison has not provided this information to either Paul’s lawyers or any consular representatives, despite being requested.

“Paul has never mentioned anything beyond things like his uniform being out of alignment, things that are apparently documented in Russian but not explained to him in English.

Paul has asked to see the list of infractions but they have not been provided to him either.”

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said that the Department is “aware of reports that authorities have released Paul from isolated detention.”

“We remain focused on securing the release of Paul Whelan and Trev-

Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday warned Israel against taking military action in retaliation for the recent attack on the MV Mercer Street tanker.

In a tweet, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh wrote: “In another brazen violation of Int’l law, Israeli regime now blatantly threatens Iran with military action.

“We state this clearly: ANY foolish act against Iran will be met with a DECISIVE response. Don’t test us.”

In the drone attack on the MV Mercer Street, two people – a British citizen and a Romanian citizen – were killed. Several countries have condemned Iran for the attack, and analysis of the drone used in it proved Iran to be the responsible party.

Iran has denied any connection to the incident, calling the accusations “baseless and provocative.”

New Green Pass Rules

Israel’s renewed Green Pass restrictions went into force on Sunday after receiving approval Thursday night.

Beginning on Sunday, gatherings

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of all sizes, indoors and outdoors, will be restricted to those who are vaccinated against coronavirus, recovered from it, or present a recent negative coronavirus test.

The restrictions will apply to cinemas, hotels, restaurants, gyms, and various other venues. Exempted are places of worship with less than 50 people in attendance. Currently, the restrictions apply only to individuals over age 12, but on August 20, with the initiation of rapid testing stations, the restrictions will be expanded to include individuals of all ages.

Voting against Green Pass rules in protest of the exemptions were Internal Security Minister Omer Barlev (Labor), Education Minister Yifat Shasha-Biton (New Hope) and Economy and Industry Minister Orna Barbivai (Yesh Atid).

Joining them were Foreign Minister Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) and Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beytenu), both of whom were exposed as not having attend the Coronavirus Cabinet meetings.

After coming under fire, both men announced that they will attend future meetings, as much as possible.

According to the Times of Israel, the decision to exempt places of worship stems from an agreement

between Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz (Meretz) and Deputy Attorney General Raz Nizri, who raised concerns that limiting the number of people in places of prayer would harm the right to freedom of religion.

Yossi Cohen Being Probed

Israel’s State Prosecutor’s Office will examine claims that former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen illicitly accepted a gift of $20,000, as well as other allegations.

The gift, given by Australian billionaire James Packer, was in honor of Cohen’s daughter’s wedding and was first reported by Haaretz.

Kan News reported on Monday that Israel’s Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit told State Attorney Amit Aisman to thoroughly investi-

gate the allegations.

In a June interview aired on Israeli TV, Cohen spoke about the gift and said he was in the process of returning it. He also emphasized that he had accepted the gift only after consulting with Mossad’s legal adviser.

Kan News added that the other allegations against Cohen could not be discussed due to privacy laws.

Following the initial examinations, Mandelblit will decide if there is reason to conduct a full criminal investigation, the report added.

In a July report, Channel 13 claimed that Cohen is suspected of sharing classified information with a flight attendant. The report at the time said the incident was under review by Mandelblit’s office.

Likud MK Indicted on Graft Charges Likud MK David Bitan was indicted on Monday on multiple charges of corruption, just days after his lawyers told Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit that he would not request

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parliamentary immunity.

Last month, State Prosecutors announced that barring parliamentary immunity, Bitan stood to be indicted on charges of bribery, fraud, breach of trust, money laundering, and tax offenses, following accusations that he took 715,000 shekel ($220,000) in bribes during his time as deputy mayor of the central city of Rishon Lezion and later as an MK.

In a Thursday statement, Bitan’s attorneys said, “MK Bitan decided not to ask the Knesset for immunity from prosecution but will contend with the charges in court, out of full confidence that at the end of the legal proceedings it will be determined there was no wrongdoing in his actions and that his name will be cleansed of any blemish.”

Bitan has denied the charges but left his role as coalition whip in 2017, after the investigation went public.

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Bennett: Lebanon Responsible for Rocket Fire

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Sunday that Lebanon’s government and army “must take responsibility” for the recent rocket fire from its territory.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet meeting, Bennett said, “It is less important to us whether it is a Palestinian organization or rogue factions.

The State of Israel will not accept firing into its territory.

“On the Lebanese front, there is a very important awakening of many citizens in the country against Hezbollah and the Iranian involvement in the country, which in [the midst of] the severe economic and political

crisis there, are also embroiling them on the front with Israel.”

Bennett’s statement follows a barrage of 19 rockets fired from southern Lebanon into Israel on Friday morning. Three of the rockets fell short and landed in Lebanon, ten were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, and the remaining six fell in open areas in Israel.

IDF spokesman Ran Kochav on Friday told reporters that Israel does not intend to start a war, “but we do not want to turn the Lebanon border into a line of confrontation.” He also confirmed that Nasrallah does not want war, bringing as proof that the rockets had been fired intentionally at open areas.

The Hezbollah terror group took responsibility for the attack, claiming it was retaliation for Israel’s Wednesday night strikes in Lebanon, which followed the Wednesday firing of three rockets from Lebanon into Israel. One of those rockets landed in Lebanon while the other two landed in open spaces in Israel.

Israel retaliated both immediately and during the night following the attack.

On Saturday, Hezbollah’s Sec-

retary General, Hassan Nasrallah, warned in a televised speech: “We wanted to tell the Israeli enemy that any air strike against Lebanon will be met with an appropriate, proportional, response.”

He also said that his group’s greatest achievement was the Second Lebanon War, which he said brought quiet “such as had not been seen since 1948” to the residents of southern Lebanon.

Israel Celebrates Best-Ever Olympic Games

The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games have come to an end, with Israel bringing home a total of four medals – two gold and two bronze – marking Israel’s best-ever Olympic season.

Prior to the Tokyo Olympics, Israel had won just seven medals total, over all its years in the Games.

The 2020 Olympics saw Israel win two gold medals, its second and third ever, with its third gold medalist making history as the first-ever Israeli woman to win Olympic gold and the first non-Russian to bring home the gold in rhythmic gymnastics since 1996.

Israel’s first medal came as Avishag Semberg took home the bronze in Taekwondo; its second bronze was earned by its judo team in the mixed team event. Later in the competitions, Artem Dolgopyat won the gold in the men’s artistic gymnastics floor routine, and Linoy Ashram took home the gold for the women’s rhythmic gymnastics all-around competition.

The four medals mark the first time ever that Israel – which this year sent a record 90 athletes to the Games – has won more than two medals at a given Olympics.

In addition to its medalists, several other Israeli athletes earned honorable spots, coming in among the top athletes in their field. Israel also sent for the first time athletes to compete in archery, baseball, and

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surfing.

Another historical event happened at the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony, when a memorial ceremony was held for the 11 Israelis murdered by terrorists at the 1972 Munich Games.

International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said that the “unprecedented” games were a symbol of hope for the world.

At the closing ceremony, Bach said, “In these difficult times we are all living through, you give the world the most precious of gifts: hope.”

Two days before the end of the Olympics, Bach said the Games – held with COVID-19 precautions – “far exceeded my personal expectations” since after spectators were barred, he had feared that the event “could become an Olympic Games without soul.”

“In many cases, you did not realize that there were no spectators,” he added. “Maybe in some cases you could even experience the feelings of the athletes closer and better than being surrounded by so many spectators.”

The 2022 Winter Games are scheduled for less than six months from now, in Beijing, China.

“Growing Concern” Over Havana Syndrome

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said there is “growing concern” about the “unexplained health incidents” affecting dozens of U.S. personnel worldwide.

Promising to meet “soon” with staff and families affected by “Havana syndrome,” Blinken wrote in a note, “Those of you who’ve been directly affected are urgently seeking clarity. Employees going abroad are

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anxious about whether they or their families are at risk. That’s completely understandable, and I wish we had more answers for you.

“We can and will do a better job keeping you informed of our efforts to get answers, support those affected, and protect our people.

“The investigation into what’s causing these incidents and how we can protect our people is ongoing.”

The syndrome, named after the Cuban capital where the first cluster of cases were diagnosed late in 2016, is characterized by feelings of pressure, of vibration and a screeching sound, as well as headaches, nausea, cognitive deficits, and difficulties seeing, hearing, or balancing.

In addition, several officials have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries, though it is not clear how many. For now, investigators are seeking, among other things, the number and location of these incidents.

In addition to the cases in Cuba, incidents have been reported in China, Uzbekistan, Russia, Austria, and within the U.S., although according to the White House, the “vast majority” of cases occur overseas.

So far, despite U.S. President Joe Biden’s government-wide investigation into the incidents, no answers have been found. Meanwhile, the CIA, State Department, and Pentagon each have their own internal task forces to investigate the issue.

However, in December 2020, a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine issued a report that concluded that “directed, pulsed radio frequency energy appears to be the most plausible mechanism in explaining these cases, especially in individuals with the distinct early symptoms.”

King Cuomo to Resign It took months, but on Tuesday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that he will be resigning.

Cuomo said he would be abdicating his position in two weeks’ time; Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will be taking over the reins after Cuomo relinquishes the throne that he sat upon for a decade.

Calls for Cuomo to step down have been made over the past few months, but it was last week’s report by the state attorney general that found that Cuomo was inappropri-

ate with females that pushed Cuomo to leave Albany.

“Given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing,” Cuomo said in remarks from New York City. “Therefore, that’s what I’ll do.”

Hochul will become the state’s first female governor when she takes over. She is expected to run again for governor when elections take place next time around.

Democratic state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a female, will replace Hochul.

Cuomo is leaving on a low note.

Last year, the governor touted his progress in handling the Covid-19 pandemic in New York State in the spring of 2020, but that slowly became a source of condemnation when it was revealed that his directives led to many deaths in nursing homes and when it was revealed that there was underreporting of nursing home deaths related to corona.

Cuomo wrote a book, American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic, about his role in handling the pandemic, which netted him $5 million from Crown publishers. But sales for the book dropped precipitously, especially after the governor was accused of abusing public resources to write the tome.

Still, Cuomo denied and deflected and refused to leave office. But slowly and steadily female accusers came out against the governor, accusing him of being inappropriate.

Even now, as he prepares to leave office, Cuomo could potentially face criminal charges related to the allegations against him. He is also being sued by one his accusers, former aide Lindsey Boylan.

Cuomo has denied all of the allegations, saying he never touched anyone inappropriately, but acknowledged that some of his behavior made others uncomfortable.

During his remarks on Tuesday, Cuomo thanked the women who came forward with “sincere” com-

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plaints, but – as he did earlier this year – he insisted that he was, politically, the victim of evolving social norms.

“In my mind, I’ve never crossed the line with anyone. But I didn’t realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn,” Cuomo said this week. “There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn’t fully appreciate. And I should have – no excuses.”

Many people are happy to see him go.

Some have described Cuomo’s office as one of “bullying” and are happy to be rid of that toxic culture.

President Joe Biden and other Democratic leaders, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and NY Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, called for Cuomo to step down.

In a recent poll by Quinnipiac University, seventy percent of New York voters said that they wanted him to leave. That number included 57% of registered Democrats, 76% of independents and 88% of Republicans. Among Democrats, the figure had risen 34 percentage points since Quinnipiac last asked the question in March.

It seems that Cuomo has finally gotten the message: Marvin K. Mooney will you please go now?

Expanded Citizenship Rules

The current U.S. administration has announced that it will expand the eligibility criteria for granting U.S. citizenship to children born abroad to U.S. parents.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy, children born abroad to married couples where one spouse is a U.S. citizen will no longer be required to prove a biological connection to the U.S. citizen parent in order to gain citizenship and family-based immigration benefits.

Under the new guidelines, so long as one of the parents is a U.S. citizen and one of the parents is genetically related to or gave birth to the child, the child will be eligible for U.S.

citizenship. However, the parents must be married to each other and must be the child’s recognized legal guardians.

In a statement, USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou said, “USCIS is taking a crucial step towards ensuring fair access and support for all families and their loved ones. We are committed to removing unnecessary barriers promoting policies for all people as they embark on their jour-

ney to citizenship and beyond.”

In a statement, Immigration Equality’s Executive Director Aaron Morris said, “The recent change in USCIS policy is an important step in overcoming the federal government’s previous archaic, narrow, and unlawful definition of what a family is. We look forward to working with the Biden administration going forward to ensure recognition for all … families.”

Arizona’s Extreme Drought Farmers in central Arizona are finding it difficult to impossible to grow their crops.

Cotton and alfalfa crops, both of which require large quantities of water, have led to the decimation of farms near the Arizona reservoir

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Over a third of Arizona’s water is sourced up the Colorado River to Lake Mead, but because of the lake’s dwindling water supply, the southern desert state will be forced to make do with less water.

Stephanie Smallhouse, a fifth-generation cattle rancher on the far outskirts of Tucson who is the president of the Arizona Farm Bureau, told the Los Angeles Times, “Arizona is pretty much an irrigated state, and we’ve managed our water resources generally well. But it’s near impossible to manage yourself out of a drought.”

Prior to the Western settlement of North America, indigenous people relied on the Verde, Gila, and Salt Rivers outside Phoenix, as well as on the Colorado River on Arizona’s western border. Melting snow from New Mexico’s Black Mountain Range supplied the Gila River with water, allowing farmers to prosper.

However, dams and reservoirs later diverted the rivers’ water, and a series of canals was created to irrigate the state’s various districts.

With not enough water to go around, prices are rising and the state’s various regions are battling with golf courses, demanding they cut back on water use: the $23b agriculture industry uses over 70% of irrigated water.

Sarah Porter, the director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University, explained, “Water policy in Arizona is also rooted in the idea that a person who comes and diverts water for a beneficial use should have higher priority than the next one who comes along if there is a risk for shortage.”

Paul Orme, an attorney who represents several irrigation districts in the county, related, “There’s nothing nefarious about how the water is divided. But because of agreements

that have been negotiated and where these farmers have fell in those, you could see up to 30% of farmland in Pinal County no longer irrigated over the next few years.”

For Nancy Caywood, an Arizona farmer, that time has already come.

“We’re wiped clean,” she told the Times. “You can’t grow.”

Mike Mercer, a 54-year-old rancher, said, “You just keep saying we can’t have another year this bad and then we have another year even worse.... Leave it in G-d’s hands. Because I don’t know what else to do.

You pray for rain. Oh, G-d, yeah.

Pray for rain.”

Vaccines Mandatory for the Army?

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is working to have all active-duty members of the U.S. military vaccinated against COVID-19.

In a memo, Austin wrote, “I want you to know that I will seek the President’s approval to make the vaccines mandatory no later than mid-September, or immediately upon the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensure, whichever comes first. By way of expectation, public reporting suggests the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine could achieve full FDA license early next month.”

The memo noted that Austin was asked by U.S. President Joe Biden to “consider how and when we might add the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines to the list of those required for all Service members.”

“The intervening few weeks will be spent preparing for this transition. I have every confidence that Service leadership and your commanders will implement this new vaccination program with professionalism, skill, and compassion.

We will have more to say about this as implementation plans are fully developed.”

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley said in a memo that the “health and readiness of our force is

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

critical to America’s defense.”

Also on Monday, Biden wrote, “I strongly support Secretary Austin’s message to the Force today on the Department of Defense’s plan to add the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of required vaccinations for our service members not later than mid-September.

“Secretary Austin and I share an unshakable commitment to making sure our troops have every tool they need to do their jobs as safely as possible. Being vaccinated will enable our service members to stay healthy, to better protect their families, and to ensure that our force is ready to operate anywhere in the world.”

Kids Overeat Ultra-Processed Foods When it comes to kids’ diets, there are less and less broccoli and cauliflower on the menu.

According to an analysis of almost two decades worth of data, children and teens in the United States now get more than two-thirds of their calories from ultra-processed foods.

Ultra-processed foods – such as frozen pizza, microwave meals, packaged snacks and desserts – accounted for 67% of calories consumed in 2018, up from 61% in 1999, according to research published in the medical journal JAMA on Tuesday. The study analyzed the diet of 33,795 children and adolescents nationwide.

While industrial processing can keep food fresher longer and allow some foods to be fortified with vitamins, it modifies food to change its consistency, taste and color to make it more palatable, cheap and convenient – using processes that aren’t used in home-cooked meals. They are also aggressively marketed by the food industry.

Not all ultra-processed foods are unhealthy.

“Some whole grain breads and dairy foods are ultra-processed, and they’re healthier than other ul-

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tra-processed foods,” said senior author Fang Fang Zhang, a nutrition and cancer epidemiologist at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University in Boston.

“But many ultra-processed foods are less healthy, with more sugar and salt, and less fiber, than unprocessed and minimally processed foods, and the increase in their consumption by children and teenagers is concerning.”

According to the study, the biggest increase in calories came from ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat meals such as takeout and frozen pizza and burgers: from 2.2% to 11.2% of calories. The second largest increase came from packaged sweet snacks and desserts, the consumption of which grew from 10.6% to 12.9%.

The link between child health and ultra-processed food is complex but one recent study in the United Kingdom found that children who eat more ultra-processed food are more likely to be overweight or obese as adults.

On the other side of the scale, the study did produce good news when it comes to eating habits: calories from sugar-sweetened beverages dropped from 10.8% to 5.3% of overall calories.

Zhang said that the same fervor at targeting sugary drinks should extend to other sweets.

“We need to mobilize the same energy and level of commitment when it comes to other unhealthy ultra-processed foods such as cakes, cookies, doughnuts and brownies,” said Zhang.

Monday in the Senate Democrats’ fiscal year 2022 budget proposal. If passed, the proposal would create a legislative process allowing Democrats to pass legislation with a simple majority in the Senate, preventing Republicans from blocking it via the filibuster.

Under the plan, an unspecified number of illegal immigrants would receive lawful permanent status.

The plan also includes “smart and effective” border security measures, unspecified border management programs, and $37 billion for the purpose of replacing all federal vehicles with electric vehicles.

“We are carefully coordinating our work on the budget with our House colleagues,” Schumer said.

Dixie Fire is CA’s 2nd Largest The Dixie Fire in California has become the second-biggest wildfire in California’s history.

So far, the fire has left 463,477 acres of land in northeastern California scorched; only the August Complex Fire last year was larger, burning over one million acres.

The Dixie Fire began on July 12 and was 21% contained as of Sunday evening. So far, it has destroyed over 100 buildings, nearly leveling downtown Greenville.

Schumer’s $107B Plan for Immigrants

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has presented his plans for passing legislation granting legal status to some immigrants residing in the U.S. illegally, the Washington Examiner reported.

The report said the bill would also help fund border security improvements.

The measures were included on

On Sunday, the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office said that around 40% of the county’s residents are under evacuation orders due to the fire, and four people are unaccounted for.

It is not yet clear what caused the fire.

In a tweet, CalFire wrote that across the state, “Today there are 8,574 personnel battling 39 new wildfires that in total have burned over 876,055 acres.”

NIFC added that nearly 24,000 wildland firefighters and 30 incident management teams are working to contain the fires, which continue to “reflect warmer and drier conditions leading to the high potential for severe wildfire activity throughout the

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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western United States through the rest of the summer and into the fall.”

Top Cuomo Aide Resigns

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s top aide, Melissa DeRosa, announced on Sunday that she had resigned her position.

DeRosa, 38, was one of Cuomo’s most loyal aides and most trusted strategists. In her position as Cuomo’s secretary, DeRosa was New York’s most powerful appointed official, as well as one of the youngest in that role and the first woman to hold her office. She was involved in navigating Cuomo’s priorities through the State Legislature and chaired the New York State Council on Women.

In a Sunday statement, DeRosa said that “the past two years have been emotionally and mentally trying.”

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve the people of New York for the past 10 years. New Yorkers’ resilience, strength, and optimism through the most difficult times has inspired me every day. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such talented and committed colleagues on behalf of our state.”

Condo Evacuated in Miami

Just weeks after the tragic collapse of a condo in Surfside, Florida, Miami officials ordered residents of a condo building to evacuate in the

middle of the night.

The residents were ordered out of the building at 5050 NW 7th St. by 8 a.m. Tuesday after the property was officially deemed unsafe on Monday.

“My grandfather just comes in the house screaming that we have to leave immediately,” resident Mya Ncastanedo said.

Unpermitted work on the 130unit building, which last month failed its 40-year recertification, was halted on Friday. Footage released showed multiple worn-down columns.

“As can be expected, they’re upset that they have to leave their belongings behind and that this is happening all of a sudden,” Karla Fortuny, Chief of Staff and Communication for Miami City Commissioner Alex de la Portilla, said.

“The city had been working with the engineer for this building for weeks now, and they had been given specific instructions on what to do in the building,” explained Fortuny.

“Unfortunately, those instructions were not followed.”

Miami will provide housing for the displaced residents until the issues are resolved, although it’s unknown how long that will take.

Ninety-eight people were killed a mere six weeks ago when a condo crumbled suddenly in the middle of the night in Miami’s Surfside community.

Chicago Police Officer Killed

Chicago Police Officer Ella French was killed over the weekend while she and her partner conducted a traffic stop around 9 p.m. on Saturday.

Her partner is fighting for his life at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

When Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot approached a group of around 30 officers at the hospital after the shooting, the officers “did the about-face,” the Chicago Sun-Times reported, citing two sources who were there.

“It looked like it had been choreographed,” one of the sources told the newspaper.

It occurred moments after the male officer’s father, who is a retired Chicago officer, yelled at Lightfoot when she tried to talk to him.

In a statement, the mayor’s office said that “in a time of tragedy, emotions run high and that is to be expected.”

It added: “The mayor spoke to a range of officers that tragic night and sensed the overwhelming sentiment was about concern for their fallen colleagues.

“As the mayor stated yesterday, now is not the time for divisive and toxic rhetoric or reporting. This is a time for us to come together as a city.

We have a common enemy and it is the conditions that breed the violence and the manifestations of violence, namely illegal guns, and gangs.”

At a news conference on Sunday, Lightfoot declared an official day of mourning and said all city buildings would have flags lowered to halfstaff.

She also called for an end to the acrimony over police reform and for critics of police to “just stop.”

“There are some who say we do not do enough for the police and that we are handcuffing them from doing their jobs,” she said.

“There are others who say we do too much for the police and that we never hold them accountable for what they do, particularly in black and brown neighborhoods. To all of this, I say stop. Just stop. This constant strife is not what we need in this moment. Of course, we have to continue the journey to achieve constitutional and accountable policing. That cannot be in debate at this point.”

She also urged Chicagoans to say thank you to police officers.

“These officers deserve to make it home safely, today, and every day. We owe them a debt of gratitude that we will likely never be able to truly repay,” she said.

Two brothers have been charged in connection with the shooting.

Emonte Morgan, 21, is facing one count of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and one count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. Eric Morgan, 22, faces charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and obstruction of justice.

Officer French, 29, is the first Chicago police officer killed in the line of duty in the city since 2018 and the first female killed on the job since the 1980s.

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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Last month, Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed a bill dropping the requirement that high school students prove proficiency in reading, writing or math before graduation.

The Oregonian reported that the governor has seemed to avoid discussing Senate Bill 744. Her move to sign the bill was “not public until recently, because her office did not hold a signing ceremony or issue press release.” The paper also pointed out that the bill was first signed on July 14 but was not added into the state’s database until July 29 due to a glitch in the system.

In June, state lawmakers voted to approve the bill that suspended the requirements for students for

three years. Foundations for a Better Oregon said in a statement at the time that the bill is intended to “truly reflect what every student needs to thrive in the 21st century.” Supporters of the bill insist that considering math and reading essential skills has been an unfair challenge for students who do not test well.

The report said the requirement was first suspended at the start of the pandemic.

Republicans have come out against the bill and claim that it lowers “expectations for our kids.” Still, there was some bipartisan support.

Charles Boyle, the deputy communications director from Brown’s office, said that the new standards for graduation will help benefit the state’s “Black, Latino, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Tribal, and students of color.”

“Oregon schools were among the last in the country to reopen to in-person instruction during the pandemic,” an editorial by the Oregonian read. ”Our legislators should be focused on how to help students regain the ground they’ve lost after a year and a half of distance learning and hybrid instruction – not on lowering our standards.”

Did you know?

Around 50% of the volume in ice cream is air, which gives the dessert its light texture.

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The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Swim ‘N’ Win

James Savage is now the youngest person to swim the entire length of Lake Tahoe and complete the alpine lake’s coveted Triple Crown.

He is 14 years old.

Savage completed the 21.3-mile trip across the scenic lake, which straddles the California-Nevada line, in 12 hours on August 1. He earlier swam the other two legs of the Lake Tahoe Triple Crown, all 10 miles (16 kilometers) or longer.

James said he enjoys swimming in pools, but they’re pretty much “all the same.”

“Open water, you can swim in oceans, lakes, and you get to travel around,” he said.

Last August, at age 13, Savage became the youngest to complete the 12-mile (19-kilometer) “true width swim.” He also swam the 10-mile (16-kilometer) Vikingsholm route that traverses the southern portion of Lake Tahoe, known for its pine tree-lined beaches and ski resorts.

James has been swimming since he was young.

And at age 8, he swam from Alcatraz to San Francisco.

James’ mother was concerned that James would get bored during the long swim.

“It’s not like he can sit and talk to us when he gets bored. His face is in the water and so really, he’s by himself,” Jillian Savage said.

“But this time, he kept telling me, ‘Mom, I feel so much better mentally prepared this time.’ And he went out, and he just did such a great job,” she said.

With the title of the youngest person to ever achieve the Triple Crown, James said he isn’t sure what he wants to do next.

His mom says he’ll likely set his sights high.

“When he started this whole open

water thing and he told me, ‘Mom, I want to swim from Alcatraz,’ and we kind of laughed in his face,” she said.

“We let him do it kind of hoping and thinking it would be a one and done, and he got out and he said, ‘I want to do this again. When’s the next one?’” she said. “And it just kept going and going and going and his feats kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger, and I’m kind of afraid to see what he wants to do next. But whatever it is, we’ll make it happen.”

Sounds like he’s really making waves.

The dolls have proven to be a popular throwback gift for newlyweds, to give to their parents. These examples of the gift represent gratitude for giving them life and feature an old baby photo and their birth weight.

“In the case of the wedding celebration goods, the bride and groom give them to the respective parents with their pictures on them from when they were babies as a way of showing appreciation for giving birth to them,” Naruo said.

Sounds really rice, I mean, nice.

Rice Babies

Collecting Coca-Cola

Some grandparents in Japan are being held back from holding their newest descendants by the coronavirus pandemic. In an effort to make up for the lack of cuddles, Japanese companies are offering rice babies instead.

Japanese parents send the grandparents a bag of rice designed and shaped like a baby with the new arrival’s face printed on the front.

They are then able to cuddle with the rice bag, as if they’re holding their newest grandchild for the first time.

The rice babies are available in a whole range of designs and some are even shaped like a baby.

They are even sold at the same weight as the baby’s birth weight.

The weight determines the price.

Some firms are charging one yen per gram, meaning a 3.5kg pack is priced at 3,500 yen ($33.77).

Naruo Ono, the owner of Kome no Zoto Yoshimiya rice shop, shared how the idea of rice babies was born.

“I first had the idea about 14 years ago when my own son was born and I was thinking about what I could do for relatives who lived far away and couldn’t come and see him,” he explained. “So we decided to make bags of rice that were the same weight and shape as the baby, so relatives could hold them and feel the cuteness.”

Interestingly, it’s not only newborns that the rice babies represent.

Thought that the price of soda was going up? Perhaps it is, but nothing beats a purchase of a bottle of Coca-Cola that recently sold for a whopping $2,500 on eBay. This was no ordinary bottle of Coke sold on the shelves at Target.

The special bottle commemorated the Summer Olympics that took place in Seoul, South Korea, in 1988.

It was auctioned off in a commemorative cardboard box that had the Olympic art of that year on all sides.

Despite the exorbitant price tag, this is not the most expensive bottle of soda ever sold.

The modified prototype bottle of Coca-Cola from Root Glass Co., sold in 2011 at a price of $240,000.

According to Morphy Auctions, Coca-Cola’s parent bottler, Bottling Company in Atlanta, launched a call in early 1915 for several large glass houses to submit designs for the standard bottle of the drink. Eight of these companies sent their prototype, and in the end the

Root Glass Co., designed by Earl R. Dean, won, although in the end it had to be modified.

It was one of those bottles that demanded the high price tag.

Snake Fest

This is one party I am happy I wasn’t invited to.

Last month, for ten days, hundreds of snake enthusiasts battled it out in the Everglades in Florida at the state’s 2021 Florida Python Challenge.

The goal of the contest is to remove as many Burmese pythons as possible. The creatures are not native to Florida and a bad effect on wildlife in the state. They are found primarily in and around the Everglades, where they prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles. They can grow to be 26 feet long and over 200 pounds when fully grown.

This year’s contest, held from July 9-18, led to the removal of a record 223 pythons from South Florida. Two of those slithering critters were more than 15 feet long.

Six-hundred people participated in the hunt but Charlie Dachton came out on top.

The snake-hunter from Southwest Ranches in Broward County, earned the $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize for collecting a whopping 41 pythons. The local adventurer got a little help from his son Chance. Together, they scoured in the dark and encountered a nest with 22 python eggs. A female Burmese python may lay 50 to 100 eggs at a time.

“Every one of those babies becomes a little monster,” Charlie Dachton said, “and each one of those monsters reproduce.”

Brandon Call nabbed the longest snake, a 15-foot, 9-inch-long critter.

Professional Dusty “The Wildman” Crum snagged the second longest python at 15-feet, 5-inches.

Sss-ounds sss-pectacular.

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

New Releases from The Laws of Shabbos have not changed...

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hirty years ago, Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen published his halachic masterwork, The Shabbos Kitchen. Tens of thousands turned to it to understand the often complex halachos of preparing food and other kitchen activities on Shabbos.

With the passing of time and massive changes in technology, many new questions have been raised. For example, what issues are raised by modern-day water coolers, warming drawers, and digital features on refrigerators?

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Around the

Community Areivim Juniors Enjoyed a Long Day at Diggerland Last Week

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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Around the Community

Mayor Benny Kashriel of Maale Adumim Visits Lawrence PHOTOS BY SHEREE BROWN-ROSNER

M

ayor Benny Kashriel of Maale Adumim was recently hosted by the Village of Lawrence led by its own mayor, Alex Edelman. Together with his Assistant for Foreign Affairs, Rachely Vassal, Mayor Kashriel was in town for the first time since the beginning of COVID to celebrate the sister-city agreement between the

Village of Lawrence and Maale Adumim. Joining them were Lawrence Deputy Mayor Jeff Landy, Village Trustee Paris Popack, Village Administrator Ronald Goldman, and Scott M. Feltman, Executive Vice President of One Israel Fund who brokered the sister-city relationship.

Town of Hempstead Council-

man Bruce Blakeman also attended and presented Mayor Kashriel and Ms. Vassal with citations from the township as well as the official flag of the Town of Hempstead to both mayors.

Keep watching this paper for updates regarding some exciting upcoming events and opportunities borne out from this growing

association between the Village of Lawrence and Maale Adumim. Additionally, for those Lawrence residents who either own their own homes or have relatives living in Maale Adumim, please contact Mr. Feltman at scott@oneisraelfund. org to learn more about experiences uniquely being arranged for you.

Emet Celebrates Mothers & Daughters at Spiritual Summer Event

O

ver 120 mothers, daughters, sisters and friends recently gathered at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates for an evening of celebration and inspiration. Hosted by Emet Outreach, the summer soiree was intended to bring about a spiritual connection for women in the community.

“We wanted to take a moment this summer to bring women together with a multi-generational event,” said Ms. Adina Fendel, Emet Women’s Director. “Our goal for the evening was to recognize the power of both women’s connection to Hashem through tefilla as well as our connection and support of one another.”

When guests arrived, they were met with a musical medley of tunes spun by DJ Amnon. The mood was relaxed as the women mingled and enjoyed a beautiful and delicious buffet dinner catered by Simcha Palace.

Emet student Victoria Khaimov set the tone for the evening when she posed the question to the crowd, “What does Judaism mean to you?”

She explained that since discovering Emet, a woman’s role in Judaism has taken on an entirely new meaning in her life. She also discussed the power of Jewish women.

Adina Fendel then introduced another student, Esther Mavlyanova.

Esther delivered a d’var Torah about

the importance of being “grateful” and appreciating all the good that Hashem does in our lives. She ended by expressing hakarat hatov to her mother. In a memorable moment, Esther invited all the mothers in the room to stand up and receive a resounding round of applause for their important and tireless role in their families.

Along the family theme, Miriam Musayev told the crowd about EmetMatch, an exciting new matchmaking initiative to connect Emet students with like-minded individuals looking to build Torah- true homes.

The highlight of the evening was when Mrs. Charlene Aminoff, renowned speaker and owner of Gali’s Couture Wigs, charmed and enthralled the crowd. She spoke about “How to Make Hashem Your

Best Friend – In 4 Easy Steps.” She discussed how communicating with Hashem throughout the day really enhances our lives. Charlene ended by having all the women say Nishmat together. Everyone was invited to use the evening as the start of a new 40-day cycle of saying the tefilla, which would be poignantly completed on Shabbat Shuvah between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

“Last night was an amazing way to reunite and spend quality time with all the ladies, friends and moms after being apart for so long,” said Khana Zavulunov, an Emet student for over 10 years. “I’ve attended many Emet events, and I especially love the mother/daughter programs because they focus on the most vital relationship we have as we grow into strong women. It was an oppor-

tunity to learn together and I felt so inspired by Mrs. Aminoff and all the speakers.”

In an uplifting conclusion, the women put their arms together and sang “Tov Lehodot L’Hashem,” followed by dancing.

“It was truly an incredible evening and a big kiddush Hashem,” Adina Fendel said. “We not only got to enjoy the company of women of all ages, but were all given chizuk in the month before the Yamim Noraim.

May Hashem answer all of our tefillot.”

For further information about Emet programs visit EmetOutreach.org, and to experience Emet’s comprehensive video library of Torah lectures visit EmetTorah.com.

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Color War and Lots of Cheers at Camp Machaneh Hakayitz

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

Help Your Struggling Neighbor Bring In A Sweet New Year DONATE TODAY!

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Zees – Spread the Word!

T Ruach Day Camp color war 2021 was brought in by the famous Jack Ryan from the Hoop Wizards. Continuing with the theme for the summer, the two teams are Aish (fire, red team) and Mayim (water, blue team). Campers had an amazing time at all of the innovative new activities, competitions and races for this season. Amazing banners, songs and dances were the final determinants of which team won.

nuva USA is proud to announce the addition of a brand new product: Zees, a smooth, creamy spread that comes in four delectable flavors: Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, and Chocolate with Hazelnuts. All are pareve under the strict supervision of the Badatz Eidah Chareidis.

With a silky texture and rich, chocolate flavor that pops in your mouth, Zees (Yiddish for “sweet”) was specially formulated to appeal to all ages. Enjoy it as a snack, spread it

on a bagel or a cracker, in your baking, or spooned straight out of the jar (we won’t tell…). Try each flavor – you won’t be disappointed.

“We at Tnuva USA are proud to look back on 15 years of loyal service to the kosher market in North America, and look forward to continue developing and evolving,” says CEO and President Yoram Behiri. “Our latest product, Zees, underscores our dedication to the North American Jewish family, as we further contribute to the mehadrin kosher market.”

Avnet Campers Raise Thousands for Tzedakah

T

he last few weeks at HALB’s Avnet Country Day School have seen campers partake in some important tzedakah initiatives – aside from all the amazing activities. The fourth annual “Chessed Car Wash” was a sudsy success when campers scrubbed away at a steady

stream of cars at the DRS campus.

Benefitting Tomchei Shabbos Yad Yeshaya of the Five Towns, parents and community members took advantage of the top-notch shining services for their vehicles, and over $300 was raised.

Over at the pools, swimming

has taken on greater significance as campers have been converting their free swim into a “swim-a-thon” to benefit Chai Lifeline. What started as a program for the Nine Days has catapulted into an ongoing tzedakah drive, and over $14,500 has been raised to-date.

“We’re incredibly proud of how our campers have been so enthusiastic and committed to raising tzedakah for important causes in our community,” said Daniel Stroock, Camp Director. “We strive to give them daily opportunities to perform mitzvos while they enjoy their summer.”

4.5” x 11.25”

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The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

Around the Community ‫בס״ד‬

Areivos campers had a blast on their second overnight last week

AUGUST 2021

A CURE FOR AN 8-YEAR-OLD It was a bitter pill to swallow. How could such a gorgeous, healthy child suddenly be so sick? The diagnosis was shocking. Their eight-year-old daughter was battling the dreaded machalah, and the prognosis was not good. The parents took her to the greatest specialists who, after running a battery of tests, proclaimed that there was simply no hope. “It is only a matter of time,” they told the panic-stricken parents.

Humans can give up. But a Yid does not. Even the unkindest predictions cannot weaken our burning bitachon that Hashem, the Kol Yachol, can do anything.

“Everything is guided from Above,” the distraught yet hopeful father told the Tehillim Kollel office as he asked to have his daughter’s name added to the list, “we know that we can merit miracles. Our tefillos and Tehillim can defy the most discouraging prognosis that a doctor can give.”

It’s hard to describe the fervor, the sincere passion and feeling, that was palpable when the special minyan of yungerleit began to recite Tehillim on this girl’s behalf the next morning. They davened for the girl to be healed from Above and granted long healthy years.

Shortly after, the child suddenly collapsed. The ambulance was called and she was zoomed over to the emergency room where a new round of tests was ordered.

The parents, fearing the worst had occurred, waited in desperation for the results to come back.

Nothing could have prepared them for the report. There was no sign of the illness! All that was left was a small growth that could easily be cured.

The doctors were in shock. It was too unbelievable to believe. But the elated parents accepted the news with serenity. After all, nothing is beyond the power of our special Tehillim’l.

WEEKLY COLUMN OF RECENT EPISODES

BY TEHILLIM KOLLEL Sign up for our annual mermbership:

718.705.7174 Info@TehillimKollel.org www.TehillimKollel.org

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

New Beginnings for Older Adults

By Sharon Gelbach

W

ho doesn’t love those videos of silver-haired, wizened old folks running marathons and lifting weights? I think they appeal to that part of us that is in denial about our own aging prospects – and besides, don’t we all aspire to be among those select non-aging nonagenarians?!

Genes notwithstanding, no one knows what lies in store for them in the future. And whether you belong to the elite club of golden agers or are close to anyone in this category, the introspection that generally accompanies the New Year takes on a greater sense of urgency as we prepare for our second Rosh Hashanah under the cloud of COVID. Mira McEwan, a geriatric nurse in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was dismayed by the effects of COVID-19 on her patients, many of whom had been living independently at the onset the pandemic. “In my work, I observe firsthand the importance of community support within the older adult population. Following the enforcement of COVID restrictions and the loneliness that it caused, I saw many seniors languish. Lacking a framework, their nutrition, mobility and cognitive ability suffered irrevocably.”

Here in Israel, older members of the Anglo community are expressing interest in a unique concept for senior living in the Greater Jerusalem area, called Beresheet.

“Longer life expectancy and the desire to do something meaningful after retirement have created a new generation of seniors who wish to make the most of the present, yet still want security for the future,” said founder Avi Lichak.

“Our idea was to create a safe environment for residents to enjoy an unmatched quality of life as they pursue the interests and hobbies that they love or that they always dreamed of – all on their own terms. With an array of trips and social and cultural events to choose from, everyone will be able to find their niche, in the manner that suits them best,” he said.

According to McEwan, “Older people really like to be with their peers. A senior community environment can provide the stimulation and positive environment that they would otherwise not have in an independent setting.”

Beresheet’s luxury apartments are situated in a sprawling, 4.5-acre forested campus. Surrounded by greenery and adjacent to an archeological park and nature reserve, it is not only a feast for the eyes and spirit; it’s a walker’s paradise. The feeling is decidedly rural, although, in true Israeli style, it is

just minutes away from the bustling center of Jerusalem.

Behind Beresheet’s revolutionary concept is Avi Lichak and his siblings. The owners of a chain of nursing homes with a sterling reputation, these three brothers and one sister are not your typical entrepreneurs.

“When our mother became widowed at a young age, she supported us by working as a cook in an old age home, which became our second home.

Years later, when our mother declined, we were unable to find accommodations that met our standards. That was when we decided to open our own facility, and since then, we’ve been catering to the senior population with the same care and devotion that we wanted for our own mother.”

With occupancy slated for August 2023, the Lichaks invite Anglo seniors to join at the founding stage and enjoy the best years of their lives.

true community resource, and I am pleased to see its significant history to be preserved for our children and future generations.”

Hewlett House was built circa 1740 by the descendants of George Hewlett, the first of his family on Long Island. The home, which still sits on its original site now almost 300 years later, is a community learning resource center for cancer patients and their families.

Pictured, left to right: Nassau County Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello; Past President of Peninsula Kiwanis Dominic Curra; President of Peninsula Kiwanis Michael Gliner; Nassau County Deputy Presiding Officer Howard Kopel; Hewlett House Director Geri Barish; Town of Hempstead Councilman Bruce Blakeman; Peninsula Kiwanis member Frank Tavella; and Nassau County Legislator Bill Gaylor.

Historic Hewlett House

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his past week, Nassau County Deputy Presiding Officer Howard Kopel joined with Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello and Legislator Bill Gaylor, Town Councilman Bruce Blakeman, Hewlett House Director Geri Barish and members of the Peninsula Kiwanis to debut a restored historic marker at Hewlett House in Hewlett. The marker restoration was spearheaded by the offices of Presiding Officer Nicolello and Deputy Presiding Officer Kopel.

“This was a sign from the first generation of State Historic Markers, a program launched in 1926 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Revolutionary War. It was an honor to attend the unveiling of the restored Hewlett House Historical marker alongside Geri Barish, President of Hewlett House, and Peninsula Kiwanis members,” Deputy Presiding Officer Kopel said.

“The Hewlett House supports cancer patients at every stage of treatment. This organization is a

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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Around the Community

New Jewish Day School to Open in Plainview

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he excitement in Jewish communities throughout central Long Island is palpable: a new Jewish day school will open in September 2022 in Plainview. The new yeshiva, Mercaz Academy, will continue the uniquely welcoming educational path which has been the successful signature style of the Plainview campus of the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County (HANC), which Mercaz will buy and operate independently as an Orthodox nursery and elementary school after this coming school year. Mercaz will also blaze its own trail in expanding student services and educational offerings while taking academic excellence to new heights.

Mercaz, meaning “center” in Hebrew, selected its name to reflect various important features of the new school. Not only is the campus centrally located on Long Island, to serve a large Jewish population of families who span the spectrum of religious observance, but “Mercaz” also reflects the school’s central role as a pivotal component of Long Island Jewish life. Jewish families in central and eastern Nassau (Roslyn, Merrick, Syosset, to name a few) and in western Suffolk (Huntington, Melville, and Dix Hills, among others) look forward to enrolling their children in Mercaz and eagerly anticipate its exceptional educational atmosphere. Jodi Gallaer, a current HANC-Plainview parent, is among them.

“Living in Commack, the only Jewish day school option within the free busing range is HANC-Plainview. If it would have closed, we would have been left without Jewish education for our son,” she said. “We are thrilled that Mercaz Academy will be opening in its place to ensure my family and all of the families in my area will continue to receive outstanding Jewish and secular education on the campus my son already considers his second home.”

Mercaz Academy will provide a religious and secular education to students, from toddlers through sixth grade, and will serve parents in ways that parents rightfully view as essential components of the Jewish day school experience. With enhanced and innovative offerings, Mercaz will provide a center of aca-

demic excellence to educate students according to their individual capabilities and talents and develop the whole child emotionally as well.

Frank Haftel, a current HANC-Plainview parent with three children who have graduated from the elementary school and one child entering third grade, embraces the change.

“The middle school teachers constantly say that the students from this elementary school are very well prepared for middle school, proving the academic success at the elementary level of the Plainview campus, which I am confident will continue and even improve. If anything, Mercaz will be even better than what exists today,” he observed.

Dr. Craig and Ora Fryman, a physician and a science writer who recently moved to Plainview, shared their enthusiasm about Mercaz Academy’s academics as well.

“Being scientists, it was a requirement to us that the school we send our sons to has an excellent STEM program.

When we learned more about Mercaz Academy, and its curriculum’s strong emphasis on math, engineering, technology, and art, we were comfortable committing to a school for our sons. We’re so happy to know that he will have a stellar education both in terms of secular and Judaic studies.”

Mercaz Academy’s ambitious mission is matched by its facilities.

The spacious building has undergone a major, recent renovation. It houses rooms and spaces dedicated to science, technology, art and indoor play, supplemented by its large gymnasium and auditorium. The campus boasts a baseball field, basketball courts, and playgrounds that surround the school, with space to

add more features soon.

“The building was previously a public school with large classrooms that accommodate uncrowded classes. When walking through the halls, it’s clear that every inch of the school is utilized to its maximum potential,” said Stephanie Bobroff, the school guidance counselor and former HANC-Plainview parent.

Mercaz is proud to assume a centrist position in the Orthodox world. With an outstanding reputation for welcoming families into an embracing and non-judgmental Orthodox Jewish environment, Mercaz will enthusiastically continue its non-polarizing tradition of providing a gateway for families who seek for their children an education steeped in Jewish values and Jewish learning that is simultaneously ancient, highly relevant and rewarding, while nurturing an atmosphere of community and family among its multifaceted parent body.

Melissa Refael, a parent of an incoming first grader, shared, “Neither I nor my husband went to yeshiva as children but sending our son to a Jewish day school was paramount for us. We were not sure if an orthodox school would be right for us. But the minute we stepped onto the campus and met the teachers and staff, we felt welcomed into an amazing family and the decision was made easily. We have been very happy with our decision.”

The Hebrew language is a deliberate focal point of the name. The prominence of Hebrew in the name demonstrates the school’s unifying connection to Israel and to Jewish life both across the world and across the ages. As such, the name Mercaz demonstrates the school’s commitment to modernity and to timelessness, as well as its unbreakable bond

with Israel and the Jewish community.

As Mercaz organizes for its opening in September 2022, parents and the general community are volunteering to serve on its Board of Trustees and Board of Education.

The outpouring of support is just one indication that Mercaz is ready for the long haul. It is carefully charting a plan for financial stability, with the needs of parents and the community in mind.

Gary Katz, a long-time resident of Plainview and one of the community leaders who has been spearheading the project, shared that he and his wife Shelley are excited to be part of a larger team of families dedicated to making improvements on top of the already strong bedrock that exists at the school today.

“We have other parties interested in naming opportunities and other educational programs that will fund the ongoing operations of Mercaz Academy for years to come. We are all in this for the long-term and are confident that Mercaz Academy will be a financially sound center of academic excellence for generations of children on Long Island.”

Excitement for this new school radiates deeply into the classrooms, too. Mercaz has launched a logo contest to encourage ideas for its new look. Along with creative submissions from adults, the logo contest has ignited enthusiasm from students for the launching of Mercaz.

Max Goldberg, an incoming fifth grader said, “Coming up with a new logo for the school made us all feel like we are connected to it. We even came up with ideas for mascots and we liked that the adults really wanted to see and hear what we were coming up with. I am excited to be in the first graduating class at Mercaz Academy!”

Dozens of heart-warming and adorable logo designs were crafted by children in first through sixth grades and even from those in the early childhood center. With support like this, and with G-d’s help, Mercaz is guaranteed to succeed.

To learn more about Mercaz Academy and for contact information, please visit mercazacademy.org.

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Achiezer at 13: A Talk with Suri Bender Part 11 of a Series

By Avi Shiff

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n honor of Achiezer’s 13th year, we are conducting a multi-part series celebrating the various facets of this remarkable organization. For Week #11, we spoke to Suri Bender of Achiezer’s Meals N’ More division.

Suri, thanks for giving of your time to speak to us. Please tell us about the Meals n’ More division of Achiezer.

Suri Bender: The Meals n’ More division provides complete Shabbos meals – plus – for those who are hospitalized over Shabbos and yom tov. Volunteers deliver homemade meals to designated hospitals upon families’ request. Food packages include grape juice, chal-

lah, main dishes, side dishes, hot kugels with warming bags, cookies, candy, magazines and more.

We deliver all this to St. Johns, South Nassau, Mercy, Northshore, LIJ, Winthrop NYU, Nassau University Medical Center and other Manhattan hospitals by special request.

These meals are especially appreciated in hospitals that do not have respite rooms or in situations where a patient, such as a kimpeturin, can’t get to a respite room.

How do people request such meals?

Achiezer has a phone extension and email address for meals, where people provide their information, letting us know which hospital they are in. People usually call on Thursday and Friday for that week.

That doesn’t give much notice for you to prepare the meals.

How do you do it?

At this point, we’ve been doing this for many years, so we have an idea of approximately what’s needed each Shabbos, but I am in touch with the office staff who let me know if it’s been a busy week or a quiet one at the local hospitals. I send out a text message to our three coordinators, who direct the volunteers, instructing them on what to make. Each volunteer is responsible for one food item, such as kugel, egg salad or gefilte fish.

Each food is covered by several volunteers. It’s an organized system. And let me tell you: We send a lot of food!

The packaging is always the same, so people know what they’re getting and have a certain familiarity.

Once the food is prepared by the volunteers, what happens next?

The volunteers deliver their food to the kitchen at Achiezer’s Far Rockaway headquarters. Everything is carefully labeled and refrigerated.

On Friday, at midday, we coordinate for volunteers to package the food.

Friday afternoon, the packages are delivered to the various hospitals by yet another volunteer. When we receive calls very close to Shabbos, we have the packages delivered via a non-Jew. Sounds like a truly outstand-

ing operation!

It really is. The packages are amazing, thanks to the selfless volunteers, who take such pride in what they do and go out of their way to make the packages as nice as possible.

There’s one volunteer who sends separate containers of ketchup, mustard, pickles and olives every week to top off each package, and she did so after she had a baby. Another volunteer prepares delicious dips and packages them professionally. The small touches and creativity of these volunteers add so much to each package.

There are young girls who, at their bas mitzvahs, had an activity to create flower arrangements or challah covers to be included in these hospital packages, enhancing them. We also have candle packages prepared

by TAG’s preschool division. Everyone wants a part in this special mitzvah.

The feedback is really tremendous. People love the small “addons.” They really make a big difference.

Your volunteers’ devotion is deeply inspiring.

The volunteers never fail to amaze us. One Friday, I met someone who was dropping off fresh challah that she had made for that week’s packages. She was celebrating her son’s bar mitzvah that Shabbos, yet she made fresh challah Friday morning!

Sometimes we need more food at the last second, and there are people who just never say no! They are always there for Achiezer.

We are very heavily volunteer-based in this division, with about 100 people who cook the food for Shabbos, plus the packagers and the drivers. We couldn’t do it without all these extraordinary people.

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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Around the Community

How to Protect Your Heirs from Bad Decisions and Preserve Your Legacy

By Monet Binder, Esq.

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fter years of hard work and preserving your assets, you’re ready to decide who will receive your belongings. Although you may be able to control the gifts you make to your children and grandchildren while you’re living, you may have come to recognize there are limits to your influence.

One thing to carefully consider is that your plans for passing money onto the next generation may never be realized for various reason. Some include: • Your spouse remarries, unwisely; • An unanticipated or unforeseen tax consequence drains the estate; • A chronic illness or lengthy nursing home stay disrupts the plan; • Financial mismanagement or irresponsible spending • An aggressive creditor, fraud, or some other unfortunate act When leaving an inheritance to the next generation, it is common to create a staggered plan of

giving, such as one-third at age 21, one-third at age 25, and the rest at age 30, or outright gifting with no strings attached. This approach seems straightforward and therefore sensible. However, staggered or outright distributions are less than ideal because they leave your heirs’ inheritance vulnerable to creditors, predators, and interference from courts.

So, what is the preferable solution?

Here’s one powerful answer: Leave an inheritance in a discretionary lifetime trust, rather than outright or staggered.

What is a discretionary trust?

This type of trust allows you pass assets along to beneficiaries now and after your passing. You give your Trustee discretion over how and when beneficiaries may receive your trust assets. Your trust instructions can include acceptable and unacceptable uses of funds.

For instance, acceptable uses can

include funds for a wedding, down payment on a new home, graduate school, or seed money for a business.

Trust funds can be restricted for ideas inconsistent with your trust terms. With proper planning, trust funds can remain intact and last for generations.

How Does This Tool Shield an Inheritance?

Discretionary lifetime trusts protect the inheritance by providing a protective layer against various situations that can occur with your beneficiary, such as a vengeful exspouse, business partner, unshakeable creditor, or lawsuit. Of course, no wall is impenetrable, but this one can be made quite strong.

Another major benefit is that you can direct where remaining trust assets will go, after a beneficiary’s passing. For instance, the remainder can pass to a grandchild, a sibling, or charitable organization, if you wish.

You can also maintain your stan-

dards by imposing them as conditions on receiving trust funds. If you have a child who is not responsible financially, the Trustee can be given the discretion to deny or limit the flow of trust funds.

This type of trust has helped protect countless people across the entire wealth spectrum, from the modest to the wealthier. It may be a good solution for your family as well.

Please call us today with your questions, 718-514-7575. Setting up a smooth inheritance isn’t as hard as you might think.

Monet Binder, ESQ., has her practice in Queens and Brooklyn, New York, dedicated to protecting families, their legacies and values. All halachic documents are approved by the Bais Havaad Halacha Center in Lakewood, under the direction of Rabbi Dovid Grossman and the guidance of Harav Shmuel Kaminetsky, shlita, as well as other leading halachic authorities.

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community Thousands of Jews flock to the Woodbourne shul for the Nikolsburger Rebbe’s trademark warmth and ahavas Yisroel

Long Beach’s BACH Jewish Center Grows 15%

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s more young couples and families look to move out of New York City and find a warm community to call home, Long Beach and its new dynamic rabbi and his family have welcomed them with open arms. As a result, the BACH Jewish Center has experienced a 15-percent growth during Rabbi Benny Berlin’s first year leading the synagogue. The synagogue has nearly doubled its programming to meet the needs of its growing

community with events geared toward congregants in all stages of life from youth through senior citizens.

The rise in membership was sparked by a combination of the 75-year-old-synagogue bringing on one of the country’s most energetic young rabbis as well as the recent migration of families leaving New York City for the suburbs. Since assuming the helm of one of Long Island’s oldest synagogues in June 2020, Rabbi Berlin has created in-

Did you know?

The Romans sent slaves up into the mountains to collect snow that they flavored with fruits and juices to create their version of ice cream.

novative programs for both adults and children, created engaging social media series and more, all with an eye toward bringing in young families. These families are further attracted to the wonderful lifestyle Long Beach affords its residents, including easy access to the beach, day schools, kosher restaurants, regional transportation, and access to Manhattan.

“It’s wonderful to see BACH and Long Beach become one of the top community prospects for young families,” Rabbi Benny Berlin. “This last year, we have seen tremendous growth and already going into our second year, we have more couples moving in and expect the number to double in the coming year. We’ve increased our programming dramatically as a result and have multiple events and lectures each week to accommodate our growing community.”

“We always knew the Long Beach offered a wonderful lifestyle for Jewish families and knew that the key to bringing more families into our community was bringing on a rabbi who they would relate to and want to grow with,” said long-time community member Joe Strassman.

“Immediately upon meeting Rabbi Berlin, we knew that he and Sara were the perfect couple to join us and help grow our community. What they have done in just one year has far exceeded our expectations and is the fastest growth our shul has encountered to date.”

Founded in 1946, Bachurei Chemed – BACH Jewish Center is one of Long Island’s most prestigious and oldest synagogues. Members hail from Long Beach, Lido, Atlantic Beach and Island Park. For more information, please visit https://www. bachlongbeach.com/.

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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Around the Community

Historic Visit of Gerer Rebbe Infuses Chassidim Thousands to Spend Shabbos in Boro Park

Ger Rebbe arriving in New York

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he joy and the elevation is already coursing through the thousands within the Gerer community in the United States, already being afforded glimpses upon the Rebbe shlit”a, who has taken the historic step of spending weeks of chodesh Elul among his chassidim here—and hold the wedding of his granddaughter, bringing the joy and the holiness to chassidim on these shores.

Light from Yerushalayim The historic nature of this visit is manifold—with its most important focus to serve as a source of chizuk to each and every Gerer chassid individually, as well as to strengthen the many initiatives that the Rebbe has implemented in the community here and to build upon the successes of the past.

Upon landing in the United States at the end of last week, the Rebbe was awaited by a select group of askonim, and from there he was whisked off to his residence at the Monsey home of the noted philanthropist and Agudah askan, Reb Shloime Werdiger, a pillar of the Gerer chassidus.

Shabbos was spent in private,

in the presence of family and close askanim, and generous supporters of the Gerer institutions.

On Sunday, the “doors were opened.”

Chassidim from throughout the tri-state area—many of whom had not laid eyes on the Rebbe in two years— were privileged to join the Rebbe for Shacharis of Rosh Chodesh Elul, when masses of chassidim gathered at the Vilchovitz hall in Monsey. Following davening, the Rebbe warmly greeted those who were gathered.

Soul to Soul At the Rebbe’s strong insistence, every single chassid will be able to go in to the Rebbe privately with a kvittel, along with his sons, in advance of the coming new year, and to receive “birchas hakodesh,” brachos for a good, sweet year.

Incredible efforts have been expended in order to implement an orderly process by which the thousands of chassidim will be able to enter, each at a designated time, in a calm, orderly manner, so the Rebbe may lavish his attention upon each one during the precious moments in his presence.

Many have already been privi-

Ger askanim visiting the RCC Complex in Monsey, where the historic Ger wedding in New York will take place next week

leged to meet the Rebbe, and many more will merit to do so in the coming weeks.

Shabbos in Boro Park For the Shabbos of the aufruf, thousands will descend upon Boro Park for events the likes of which this town has rarely seen.

The Belzer community in Boro Park has been especially gracious in assisting the Gerer chassidim logistically in advance of Shabbos. The entire enormous Talmud Torah on 38th Street, which has only recently been completed, has been designated for the simcha. The gigantic hall will host the tefillos and tischen. Immense efforts and resources have been allocated by the askanim to make this logistical feat happen. As per the Gerer custom, the Rebbe does not conduct a tisch every single Shabbos and has not done so on prior visits to Boro Park.

But in honor of the simcha in the court, this will be an added feature of the Shabbos.

Chassidim in America have not merited a Shabbos in the Rebbe’s presence for two years, and this promises to be one pulsing with holiness and joy.

First-ever Gerer Wedding in America Finally, Tuesday will find thousands gathered that the Rockland Community College campus for the first-ever chasunah in the Gerer court to take place on American shores, a historic decision by the Rebbe, shlit”a, so the American chassdim may participate in the simcha.

The Rockland Community College Campus holds a massive arena that will be able to accommodate the massive crowd—both of American chassidim who will be participating, as well as the chassidim from Eretz Yisroel who will be making their way here.

A separate venue for the children, called the “kinder tisch,” as well as the Kabbolas Panim, has been graciously hosted in the large Viznitz Monsey beis medrash on Phyllis Terrace. The chuppah and the rest of the wedding will then take place on the RCC campus.

These special days are a dream come true for the chassidim in America who are experiencing incredible days of joy and elevation and a unique focus from the Rebbe on them, their children, and their future.

Ger Rebbe davening Shacharis on Rosh Chodesh Elul in Monsey this week

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Dirshu Daf HaYomi B’Halacha L’Bochurim Ignites the Hearts of 2500 Bachurim in 12 Mesivta Camps!

Rav Dovid Hofstedter Visits and Addresses Three Camps

By Chaim Gold “The Dirshu Daf HaYomi B’Halacha L’Bochurim did so much for us here at Camp Merkaz HaChaim. It taught us what ol Torah is, what it means to learn in a misgeres. It has given us great chinuch lessons s in the area of ‘kovata ittim l’Torah.’

Every day is a new shiur, a new set amount to learn. There is no day off.

Every day we must learn and know and eventually get tested. That is what Dirshu has taught us this summer. Aside from the learning itself, the importance of kevius is a Dirshu lesson for life that each of us will, b’ezras Hashem take with us!”

These were the words of Rav Aharon Shea Brecher, menahel of Camp Merkaz HaChaim, as he introduced the Nasi of Dirshu, Rav Dovid Hofstedter to address the camp.

Camp Merkaz HaChaim is one of twelve camps comprising some 2,500 bachurim who have participated in Dirshu’s Daf HaYomi B’Halacha L’Bochurim program this year, the fifth year since the program was established.

On Wednesday, 19 Av/July 28, Rav Dovid Hofstedter visited and addressed three of the participating camps, meeting with bachurim and staff. The three camps were Camp Chazak, Camp Teumim, and Camp Merkaz HaChaim.

A Lifelong Lesson Rabbi Shaul Pinter, the maggid shiur who ran the program in Camp Teumim and who introduced Rav Hofstedter, explained the tremendous impact that the program had on his talmidim.

“One of the critically important things that enhance learning in the summer is structure. When bachurim know that they have a certain amount that they have to learn every day and when they know that if they are tested on that learning and achieve good results, they will be rewarded, it transforms the learning experience in camp into a goal-oriented, geshmake experience.”

Rabbi Pinter continued, “Here in camp we have the zechus to be-

Rav Aharon Shea Brecher, menahel, addressing the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha L’Bochurim Summer Program at Camp Merkaz HaChaim

come part of a worldwide movement that seeks nothing more from every Yid other than that he should learn more Torah and maximize his Torah learning. Not only that, but they are willing to reward you for your effort!

Some of you might focus on the rewards, but the truth is, the ultimate reward is that you have now experienced what it means to learn with a cheshbon, in a structured way. That is a reward from which you will gain for the rest of your lives!”

As the car bringing Rav Hofstedter to Camp Merkaz HaChaim pulled into the camp, the bachurim surrounded the car and began to sing in greeting. The bachurim took the opportunity during the visit to personally give shalom to Rav Hofstedter, and many shared with him how they felt that the program had done so much for their learning.

Indeed, most of the bachurim took the test, and many were rewarded for their achievements and perseverance by being able to participate in various raffles and receiving rewards for good results.

During Rav Brecher’s introduction, he pointed out that this is the fifth year that the camp is participating in the program. He then related how much the bachurim gained from learning the many halachos that are so relevant in their daily lives. He said it was a tremendous honor for the camp to hear divrei Torah from Rav Dovid Hofstedter.

“Yes! We CAN do It!” Rav Hofstedter began his address to the bachurim by expressing how

fortunate he feels to speak before such a wonderful group of young bnei Torah. He urged them not to take anything for granted.

“The fact that we can go to camp and learn Torah in camp with our chaveirim is not something we can take for granted in these times in which we live.”

Rav Dovid pointed out that this year’s limud, the halachos of Yom Kippur, were an appropriate hachana for the Yomim Noraim.

“As we prepare for the Yomim Noraim throughout Elul, we say the kapitel of L’Dovid Hashem Ori twice daily.

One of the pesukim towards the end of the kapital is the pasuk (Tehillim 27:13) of, ‘Lulei he’emanti lir’os b’tuv Hashem b’eretz chaim – had I not believed that I would see the goodness of Hashem in the land of life.’

“This pasuk is a very important one. The Baal Haturim explains that the word lulei, is spelled with the same letters as ‘Elul.’

“The Vilna Gaon says that at the time of the meraglim the Yidden were scared to go and try to conquer Eretz Yisrael saying, ‘We will not be able to go up [and fight against] the nation, for they are stronger than we.’… In response, the next generation, the one that did go into Eretz Yisrael said ‘Yes, We CAN conquer Eretz Yisrael.’

On that, the [the pasuk] states, ‘Lulei he’emanti… [I would not have been able to go to Eretz Yisrael] ‘If not for the fact that I believed that I would see the goodness of Hashem in the land of life.’…

“What does this pasuk have to do with Elul?” Rav Hofstedter asked.

“Very often, people find themselves overcome with despair at the beginning of Elul and the season of teshuva,” Rav Hofstedter answered. “It is common to entertain thoughts such as, ‘This is not the first time I’ve engaged in teshuva during the month of Elul, yet every year I find that I don’t live up to my own aspirations, and I’ve never properly completed my teshuva process.’

“The Vilna Gaon, however, is teaching us that this pasuk is the answer to the yetzer hara’s efforts to cause a person to despair of succeeding in avodas Hashem and of its magnification of the difficulties and failures one will have to endure in doing so. If we learn how to respond to the yetzer hara’s claims, by saying what that generation who went into Eretz Yisrael said, ‘Yes! We can do it!

Yes, we can conquer the yetzer hara.

All we need is the emunah, the ratzon and the sheifos!’”

“Dirshu Limud Was a Highlight of the Day!” Rabbi Shaul Pinter related how appropriate the limud of hilchos Yom Kippur are as hachana for Elul.

“It wasn’t only learning about teshuva and fasting on Yom Kippur that so made an impact on the boys.

It was also the halachos of bein adam l’chaveiro, about the need to ask for mechilah. I found that it made them much more cognizant about getting along with others in the summer months as well.”

Rabbi Tzvi Goldstein of Camp Chazak put is so succinctly when he said, “The Dirshu program was the optimum way to start off the morning for our mesivta bachurim. It was a seder that was geshmak, that they so loved and were so excited to attend. In addition, it gave them a feeling for learning halacha l’maaseh.

Just looking at the ruach in the beis medrash when the Dirshu Daf HaYomi B’Halacha L’Bochurim was being learned, showed how the Dirshu limud was a highlight of their day.”

Indeed, as the bachurim filed by Rav Hofstedter to give him shalom, their heartfelt expressions of gratitude said it all.

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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AUGUST 2021 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER12, 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

THIS WEEK, WE’RE TALKING TO…

Simcha Day Camp

BY SUSAN SCHWAMM

1, 2, 3…8 weeks of amazing summer fun! For the last few weeks, our children have been basking in the sun, swimming, singing, and soaking up the fun every day. How are they spending their time away from their desks? In this series, we speak with camp directors and head counselors to learn more about our community’s amazing, spectacular, incredible, marvelous, unbelievable (you get the point!) camps.

NESTLED IN THE HEART OF FAR ROCKAWAY, SIMCHA DAY CAMP IS WHERE HUNDREDS OF CAMPERS ENJOY THEIR SUMMER SPLASHING IN THE POOL, SWINGING THEIR BATS, SMILING, AND SINGING THE WHOLE SEASON THROUGH. WITH NINE ACRES OF FUN – COMPLETE WITH BALLFIELDS, A HUGE IN-GROUND POOL, AND AN AIR-CONDITIONED GYM – THE BOYS ARE CONSTANTLY ON THE GO. THIS WEEK WE SPOKE WITH RABBI TAUB AND RABBI SUDWERTS TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THE NONSTOP FUN AND RUACH THAT PERMEATES THE CAMPUS EACH DAY.

Rabbi Taub and Rabbi Sudwerts, thank you for chatting with us in the midst of your busy day. Simcha Day Camp has been around for a long time. Tell us how it all began.

Rabbi Sudwerts (RS): As one of the longest standing day camps in the neighborhood, SDC has been around since 1978.

How many campers spend their summers at SDC? Rabbi Taub

(RT): We have around 900 campers from the Five Towns, Brooklyn, Queens and West Hempstead. We even have some boys from as far as Texas, Florida, Ohio, Brazil and Canada.

That’s huge but you manage to be so organized. Tell us about your different divisions.

RS: There are seven divisions in SDC. Our Juniors division is led

by Morah Etty

Slansky, who has over 25 years of preschool experience to draw from.

SDC Juniors has their very own Sports Director, Rabbi Shmuel Rada, who focuses on teaching the boys the fundamental skills of all the major sports. These precious 4- and 5-yearolds learn to swim in deep water with WSI certified swim instructors in our Olympic-sized in-ground pool.

The MIDs division goes on various trips throughout the summer as well as en-

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joying late nights here in camp. The MIDs division is led by Rabbi Rosenblatt as Head Counselor, and four Division Heads: Rabbi Yoni Sokol, Rabbi Menachem Hildeshaim, Rabbi Shaya Samet and Donny Rudansky.

The 4th grade and up make up our Senior Leagues division. They add an in-camp overnight trip for the 40’s and two 2-day overnight trips for the 50’s and up. They are led by Rabbi Shragi Polter, our Head Counselor.

He is assisted by Yaakov Shapiro, Dovid Zedner and Noam Wine, his trusted division heads.

Our CIT division, led by Rabbi Avromi Meyer, trains our future staff members and gives them hands-on experience in working with campers in their respective bunks. They have their own trips, play ball, and join the Seniors on their overnights.

Your campus is huge. Tell us about it.

RS: Our campers spend their whole day on our 9-acre shady campus. We have a massive, Olympic-sized in-ground pool, 4 baseball fields, 8 basketball courts, a hockey court, an air conditioned gym, a volleyball court, a soccer field, and a turf gaga pit! There is no need to be bused around all day. On top

of that, Yidel Wiener and Rafi Guberman are constantly replenishing our freezing cold ice water throughout the campus to ensure the boys are well hydrated.

That sounds spectacular! What would you say sets SDC apart from other camps?

RT: in SDC we live by the mantra “Safety first.” We pride ourselves in having an on-site nurse. We are an allergy aware camp, with our very own Rabbi Moshen who runs the kitchen, Menachem Ross and their amazing kitchen staff, who cater to the camp-

ers’ needs and wants. Above all, our professionalism and attention to detail ensure that every camper has the best and safest summer experience available.

The rest is the ruach! How could you not walk around with a smile when everyone around you is having such a blast?! SDC rocks!

With all that ruach, what’s a “regular” day like at SDC? RS: Our day starts with a hearty breakfast followed by 2 geshmakeh hours of davening and learning with professional rabbeim, then

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transitions to a day jam-packed with bunk games, organized leagues, instructional and free swim, catered lunches, pumping dining room ruach, and surround sound fun!

What are the boys’ favorite activities?

RT: Besides for all the daily fun, the kids look forward to the entertainment that is brought to camp each year. We have been amazed by shows such as our concerts by the likes of Yoni Z, Simcha Leiner and Benny Friedman, to name a few. We have also seen magical magi-

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cians, acrobats, puppet shows and live game shows.

The SDC carnival is a sight to see – with 40-foot slides, bouncy jousting, bungee jumping and more, it’s every child’s dream come true!

What’s SDC known for?

RS: I would say that the things that we are known for, what we focus on the most, would be our learning program, our sports program and our swim instruction.

Our learning program is led by Rabbi Aharon Rosenberg who guides our professional rabbeim to ensure that the hard work that the rabbeim and students put in all year is not lost, and is strengthened and solidified.

Our sports program starts with our Juniors sports coach and contin-

ues with every counselor. Our campers not only have fun playing ball but learn real life, fundamental sports skills. Daily leagues begin as early as

a common occurrence in SDC. Our focus on swimming starts in our Juniors program. Mr.s Leff and her WSI certified instructors teach

“HOW COULD YOU NOT WALK AROUND WITH A SMILE WHEN EVERYONE AROUND YOU IS HAVING SUCH A BLAST?!”

2nd grade. Our staff puts a huge emphasis on balancing competitiveness with the importance of sportsmanship and achdus. Cheering on the other team or giving compliments to others who strike out or miss a shot is

the campers the fundamentals of water safety and basic swimming skills.

It is truly an amazing sight to see so many of the boys comfortable swimming in deep water by the end of the summer.

In our MIDs

and Seniors division, Mr. Eric Maslin and his amazing lifeguard staff train the boys, following the American Red Cross rubric, to hone their skills and advance from level to level.

Do the boys go on any trips during the summer?

RT: As we just mentioned, we are primarily a swim and sports camp.

Our huge campus makes it almost a crime to take campers away from our 9-acre campus to sit on a bus to a trip. Still and all, a change of pace can be therapeutic as well. We do take our campers to fun-filled places like Adventureland, Luna Park, Kzam, Laserbounce, Active Kidz, Funstation USA, and Bounce U. we also go on bigger trips including Rye Playland, Dave & Buster’s and Launch Trampolines.

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Senior overnights head to amazing places like the American Dream Water Park, Aquatopia and Six Flags New England.

What specialty activities do you have in camp?

RT: We have 2 art rooms, one for the Juniors with Ms. Ruchama Ryback as art head, and 1st grade and up with Mrs. Malky Ross. We have a playroom, dedicated just for Lego and toys. There is also a state-of-theart computer lab with Mrs. Sandy Bienenstock at the helm, complete with games and typing fun. We have a creative movement room, a funwith-food room, and a baking room.

Do you do anything special for the Three Weeks or the Nine Days?

RT: While we always have a strong focus on middos and sportsmanship, during the Nine Days the focus on bein adam l’chaveiro is heightened.

Our boys collect money for Chai Lifeline and every camper participates in the annual Bowl-a-Thon. Our excited campers have raised tens of thousands of dollars to help Chai Lifeline continue doing its amazing work.

What brings you the biggest “nachas”?

By the Numbers...

18,689 chicken nuggets served over the summer 892 campers enrolled in camp 36 camp days of geshmakeh-pumping ruach!!!!!

26 outdoor water stations to keep hydrated while playing sports

25 experienced rabbeim 23 buses bringing in kids from Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island

20 caring morahs nurturing their Junior division 9 acres of fabulous campus

RT: My biggest nachas is seeing my staff at the staff minyan and shiur.

Here are a group of the most talented growing teenagers who could be doing so many other things with their time, and instead choose to spend their summer giving SDC campers the time of their lives. That chinuch

begins with a strong foundation of davening and shiur. The staff is lucky to hear shiur from two amazing rabbeim, Rabbi Gold and Rabbi Brazil.

What’s this year’s camp slogan?

RT: “SDC’s ON FIRE!” from YoniZ’s latest album! Whoopwhoop!

8 basketball courts 7 dedicated division heads 5 full-time security guards 4.5 deep fryers (for those, mmm, favorite homemade fries) 4 baseball diamonds 3 fish tanks 3 pumping head counselors 2 indoor air-conditioned gyms 1 is Hashem, Who watches over all of our precious campers

and staff and makes sure they have a fun and safe summer

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THIS WEEK, WE’RE TALKING TO…

Camp Matov

BY SUSAN SCHWAMM

1, 2, 3…8 weeks of amazing summer fun! For the last few weeks, our children have been basking in the sun, swimming, singing, and soaking up the fun every day. How are they spending their time away from their desks? In this series, we speak with camp directors and head counselors to learn more about our community’s amazing, spectacular, incredible, marvelous, unbelievable (you get the point!) camps.

CAMP MATOV HAS BEEN IMBUING THE SUMMER MONTHS WITH TORAH LEARNING AND LOTS OF FUN FOR THE SCORES OF CAMPERS WHO SKIP INTO CAMP EACH DAY. THIS WEEK, WE WERE ABLE TO SPEAK WITH RABBI MOSHE SHONEK, HEAD COUNSELOR, AND RABBI YISROEL MEIR SHONEK, DIRECTOR, ABOUT THE RUACH THAT PERMEATES EACH DAY AT CAMP MATOV.

Rabbi Shonek, I see there’s a new face in the room since we last spoke.

Rabbi Yisroel Meir Shonek (R’ YMS): Yes, that is true, that would be me.

Rabbi Moshe Shonek (R’ MS): A lot has changed in the two years since we last spoke. In the world, obviously, was Covid. But specifically in Camp MaTov, much has changed, while at the same time remaining the same.

yeshivos and could easily choose to take the summer to relax in whatever way they would enjoy. Yet, they instead choose to come teach in Camp MaTov year after year, putting in all their kochos to our wonderful campers. And it shows; Baruch Hashem our campers really shteig in the summer and come back to yeshiva ready to continue growing, ready to jump right back in, as if yeshiva had just ended yesterday.

Wow, do explain!

R’ MS: As of last summer, we took over as the owners of Camp MaTov. Our mission has been to continue the mesorah of Camp MaTov from all the years, while at the same time adapting to the changing times.

That sounds like true avodas hakodesh! So, Rabbi Yisroel Meir Shonek, what’s different?

R’ YMS: Well, first, the owners.

Second, the logo. But seriously, immediately after deciding to take over the camp, we sat down with our dedicated division heads to figure out ways to improve the camp and make it a better experience for both the campers and their parents, without compro-

Sounds like quite a challenge.

R’ MS: Yes, it definitely is. But the Camp MaTov slogan has been, is, and always will be “The Community Camp Where Learning Comes First.”

We take this slogan very seriously; this is truly our mission statement.

The rabbeim in camp work very hard throughout the year in various

mising on our unwritten slogan, “Providing a fun, wholesome summer experience in a Torahdike environment.” To balance the two can be a challenge, but we worked and implemented numerous changes that we felt would meet all criteria.

Can you enumerate some of those changes?

R’ YMS: Well for one, we changed our dismissal time. Until two years ago, dismissal for the entire camp was 3:30 PM Monday-Thursday, which the staff members loved…but the parents, not as much. Last year, we implemented a 4:15 dismissal for our two younger divisions,

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 2015 The Jewish Home | AUGUST 29, 12, 2021

and a 5:00 dismissal for our senior division, now dubbed the “MaNa’im division.” Additionally, our MaNa’im division also has one “late night” per week, usually Thursday, where they have a dismissal of 6:00 PM or later.

Some of our late nights include Escape Your Own Room, barbecue and kumzitz, laser tag, evening fishing, night swim, and more. We also committed to offering swimming every day for all campers and have been renting a gorgeous pool, which the campers thoroughly enjoy.

Wow, talk about wholesale changes! Rabbi Moshe Shonek, how have the campers – and parents – taken to these changes?

R’ MS: Everyone has enjoyed immensely! At the end of the day, we still believe that most kids just want to play ball and have a good time, which we, baruch Hashem, provide them on a daily basis. The campers enjoy the leagues, the swimming, and the late nights and come home gushing to their parents and friends about what an amazing summer they’re having in Camp MaTov! And the parents, they love the later dismissal, but more than that, they love the fact that their boys are coming every day, seriously learning, and then having an absolutely amazing day.

Rabbi YM Shonek, can you tell us about your position in camp? And can you give our readers a picture of a regular day in Camp MaTov? R’ YMS: Regarding a picture of a regular day in Camp MaTov, I will leave that to my father, the head counselor, who is more hands-on than I am. Baruch Hashem, I’ve been involved in Camp MaTov for over 25 years, first as a camper, then a counselor, moving up to a Rebbe, then a division head, up to a part-owner, and now, having relinquished my division head duties, to being the director. My position entails much of the behindthe-scenes work throughout the year, in terms of campers signing up for camp, camp finances, and then running some of the behind-the-scenes scheduling and purchasing throughout the summer.

Our incredible Division Heads: Rabbi Yaakov Engel (Hinei/Junior Division), Rabbi Menachem Engel (MaTov/Intermediate Division), and Rabbi Dovid Libman (MaNa’im/Senior Division), under the direction of my father, the head counselor, enable me to focus my efforts on these areas while they run an amazing program for the campers.

Thank you for the background.

Rabbi Moshe Shonek, can you give us a glimpse into a

day in the life of a Camp MaTov camper?

R’ MS: The day starts off with learning with our amazing rabbeim, from 9:30-12:30. Whether they’re learning k’riah or Kiddushin, alef beis or Tosafos, the boys are shteiging each and every day; the walls and halls of the building are filled with the sounds of Torah throughout the morning. Following learning, the campers enjoy delectable lunches prepared by Yaakov Dubovick of Y and Y Catering. During lunch, they may be treated to a Minute To Win IT contest, run by R’ Menachem Engel, or it may be a short skit put on by the Rabbis Engel. Lunch is always a happening time! Once everyone is notified of the activities for the day, it’s time to bentch and head off for a fun afternoon.

Within a few days of the start of camp, we launch our leagues, which are always enjoyable yet competitive. There’s also swimming every day, as well as various specialties, such as science ex per i ment s, guitar classes, rhythm instruction, and arts and crafts, among others.

Ever y a f ternoon, a camper can wonder if he’ll get to see

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Rabbi M Engel pull off some crazy science experiment or maybe he’ll come home with a container of slime! The possibilities are endless.

Another important part of camp is our staff. Under the dynamic leadership of Rabbi Akiva Balsam, the staff rebbi, the learning is fantastic.

The first trip, Rabbi Balsam made a siyum with the staff on Mesechta Tamid, and the second half, they will be finishing Horiyos. The staff shiur is alive, leibidik, and on a very high level.

R’ YMS: One last thing I would like to mention. The camp season revolves around the Three Weeks, the Nine Days and then Elul. We work very hard to have these z’manim come alive. The “Al naharos Bavel” sung during the Nine Days, the Erev Tisha B’Av cantata, the shofar workshops during Elul, these are just a few of the examples of “A Community Camp Where Learning Comes First.”

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1.

TJH

*

Centerfold

Being a Lefty is Al-Right August 13th is Left-Hander’s Day. Here are some facts about lefties that may make you feel that they’re more than just in their “right mind.”

3.

Those in the British royal family chain of succession are all lefties—Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Prince William are all lefties.

4.

Researchers believe that the proportion of lefthanders has remained constant throughout history.

5.

When placed on their stomachs, right-handed babies tend to turn their heads to the right. Left-handed babies usually turn their heads to the left or don’t show any preference.

7.

Although approximately 90% of all humans are right-handed, cats, rats, and mice that show handedness seem to be equally split between right- and leftpawedness.

8.

At various times in history, left-handedness has been seen as many things including a sign of neurosis, rebellion and criminality.

ed u n i cont

Mothers who are over 40 at the time of a child’s birth are 128% more likely to have a left-handed baby than a woman in her 20s.

Riddle me This A vacationing family sitting around the campfire has the following conversation: Father: What day is it? I am sure it isn’t Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Mother: Well, that’s not very helpful. Besides yesterday was Friday.

Father: No, now that I think about it, yesterday wasn’t Friday. Tomorrow is Friday.

Dave: The day after tomorrow is Thursday.

Sarah: You are funny. Tomorrow is Thursday.

Mother: Actually, it’s probably Thursday today.

Danny: All we know for sure is that it wasn’t Sunday yesterday.

If only one statement above is true, what day of the week is it?

Answer to the right

Answer to Riddle: Monday.

Ultrasounds show that in the womb, 90% of babies appear to favor the right thumb, which corresponds to population breakdowns of right-handers and lefthanders.

6.

How to get to the answer: Number each statement and write down the list of days that it could be according to each statement. 1. Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday; 2. Saturday; 3. Thursday; 4. Tuesday; 5. Wednesday; 6. Thursday; 7. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Between 10-12% of people on earth are lefties.

The only day mentioned one time is Monday.

Therefore, it must be Monday; otherwise, one of the other statements would be true.

1.

2.

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 29, 12, 2021 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 2015

9.

The word left in English comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lyft, which means weak or broken.

10. In Italian, the word for lefty is mancino, which is derived from “crooked” or “maimed” (mancus) and is also used to mean deceitful or dishonest. In Russian, to be called a left-hander (levja) is a term of insult.

11.

Certain phrases in English suggest a negative view of left-handedness. For example, a “left-handed compliment” is actually an insult.

12.

In many Islamic countries, people are forbidden to eat with their left hand.

13.

According to tradition, an itchy left hand indicates you will lose money. An itchy right hand indicates you will receive money.

14.

According to the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, lefties are more susceptible to negative emotions because they engage in the right side of their brains more aggressively. In a scientific experiment, lefties who were shown a clip from a scary film showed more fear.

15.

The longest words that can be typed using only the left hand with conventional hand placement are sweaterdresses and tesseradecades.

16. Lefties are more likely to loathe spiral notebooks, because it’s nearly impossible not to smudge what you have just written. (Before the current hyper-tech era, notebooks were a common contraption which held numerous papers together. People would use a device called a “pen,” which was a narrow tube with ink inside, to write things down.)

17.

Left-handedness is associated with creativity and musical abilities. Rachmaninoff, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Mozart and Beethoven are among extraordinary talented lefties.

18.

Studies have suggested that left-handers are more talented in spatial awareness, math, and architecture.

Right-handers tend to be more talented verbally.

19.

Left-handedness is also associated with being smart.

Famous left-handed intellectuals include Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Benjamin Franklin (and the TJH Centerfold Commissioner).

20.

Being left-handed also means you may be more likely to become president. Although only a small percentage of the population is lefty, five out of the last nine presidents were lefties: Presidents Obama, Clinton, Bush #41, Reagan and Ford. (Carter was a righty. Take that, you righties!)

You Gotta Be Kidding Me! Seymour and Sarah were out for dinner. Seymour seemed a little distracted so Sarah turned to him and said, “Seymour! You’re not listening to a word that I’m saying, are you?”

Seymour, somewhat miffed, responded, “Sarah, that’s an odd way to start a conversation.”

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Torah Thought

Parshas Shoftim

By Rabbi Berel Wein

T

his week’s Torah reading envisions for us an efficient, organized system of law and order, justice, and fairness. The Torah set a very high bar regarding the selection of judges and police. They are to be free of prejudice, bias, and personally-held agendas and social ideals. They are literally to be blind, without knowledge as to the nature

and personalities of the litigants who appear before them and whose cases they must decide. The judges must be free of any form of corruption, from open graft to simple courtesy.

The Talmud records for us that the great Mar Shmuel, the head of the Academy of third century, Nehardea in Babylonia, was walking across a narrow bridge when the per-

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son coming towards him honorably made way so that the rabbi could pass. Later in the day, this very same person appeared as a litigant before Mar Shmuel in a case before his court. Afraid of being influenced by the courtesy extended to him by this person, by allowing him to pass first on the narrow bridge, Mar Shmuel disqualified himself from judging the matter.

While such standards of justice that are outlined in this week’s reading are almost impossible for human beings to achieve, we all are influ-

try and achieve. It never demands the impossible from human beings.

So, the requirements set forth in this week’s reading are the goals that we must try to achieve. We must pick the best, wisest, least prejudice, most honest people of integrity, that we can find in our midst, and appoint them as judges and police. Yet, the Torah reminds us that ultimate justice belongs to the L-rd.

Mistakes that we make here on earth, in the long run of time and eternity, are always rectified by Heaven.

We should be comforted by this. The

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Mistakes that we make here on earth, in the long run of time and eternity, are always rectified by Heaven

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enced by great and small things that occur to us and by previous prejudices that have been instilled into us by events and societies. Though justice may be blind, the justices themselves rarely, if ever, are able to obtain the necessary level of fairness that the Torah seems to demand. Yet, we are aware that the Torah was not granted to angels, but rather, to human beings, and human beings are never perfect and always have, within themselves, prejudices and preconceived ideas regarding policies and judgments.

The Torah set standards for us to

Talmud teaches that a judge can only judge what he sees and understands, with the human condition appearing before him. Heaven, however, has the ability to see everything, in terms of eternity, in terms of ultimate justice and fairness to all. It is without limited knowledge, therefore, that we are to do our best, and realize that ultimate justice is not done here on earth, but, rather, subject to the guidelines of Heaven. We can only attempt to create the best system of justice that is possible, within the constraints of human behavior and society.

Shabbat shalom.

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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From the Fire Parshas Shoftim

Trust Me

By Rav Moshe Weinberger Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

T

he Sefer Mitzvos Katan (“Smak”) counts one seemingly ambiguous mitzvah as one of the 613 mitzvos (Devarim 18:13): “You shall be wholehearted, tamim, with Hashem your G-d.” The Hebrew word translated here as “wholehearted” does not always have a good connotation. We are accustomed to hearing it in the context of one of the four sons in the Haggada, the Tam, the simple son. When he asks, “What is this,” we recognize that this simple son is not very bright. It seems he is “not the sharpest tool in the shed.” The Yerushalmi even identifies the son as the “fool,” rather than the “simple son.” Even the Maxwell House Haggada’s illustration of the simple son is not very complimentary.

In addition, the Even Shoshan dictionary explains that a tam is a “simpleton, naive, not proficient in the ways of the world.” Can it be that one of the 613 mitzvos of the Torah is that we must be naive simpletons?! That is clearly absurd.

While the connotation of the

word tam in recent millennia is not complimentary, we see a completely different usage in Tanach. The Torah (Bereishis 6:9) glowingly calls Noach a “righteous man, perfect, tamim, in his generations.” Onkolus, in his Aramaic translation of the Torah, translates tamim as “a righteous man, perfect.” The Torah even calls Yaakov (ibid. 25:27) “a simple man, tam, dwelling in tents.” Onkolus again translates the word tam as “perfect.”

Hashem even tells Avraham (ibid.

17:1), “Be wholehearted, tamim.” And the pasuk describes Iyov as “perfect, tam, and straight” (Iyov 1:1). How did the word tam go from describing a perfect tzaddik to connoting a naive simpleton? What is the connection between these two meanings?

Let us return to the meaning of the mitzvah in this week’s parsha.

Onkolus, as expected, translates the commandment to be tamim as: “You shall be perfect in your service of Hashem your G-d.” But Rashi, who normally follows Onkolus’s translation, abandons it here, instead ex-

plaining as follows: “Go with Him with simplicity and hope in Him. Do attempt to predict the future. Instead, accept whatever happens to you with simplicity. Then, you will be with Him as His portion.”

Why did Rashi choose not to follow Onkolus’s explanation of the mitzvah? Why did he say that it means to accept Hashem’s will simply without trying to predict the future?

Why did he not explain, as Onkolus did, that it is a mitzvah to be a perfect tzaddik to the extent one is able?

To understand the answer to this question, we must examine the context of this mitzva to be tamim.

It follows a long list of prohibitions against sorcery, witchcraft, divining auspicious times, soothsaying, necromancy, and fortune-telling. Following those prohibitions, the pasuk preceding the mitzvah says, “Because of these abominations, Hashem your G-d is dispossessing them [the nations living in Eretz Yisroel] before you.” According to Onkolus, who maintains that tamim simply means

“perfect,” it was not necessary for the Torah to use that word here. It could have simply said, “And you shall fear G-d” like it does after many other mitzvos. But the use of the word is completely understandable according to Rashi’s explanation. Each of the prohibitions which preceded this mitzvah share a common denominator: G-d does not want us to seek out tricks or schemes to predict the future. Our actions must be guided by what the Torah teaches us is Hashem’s will – not that which will allow us to achieve or avoid some prediction made by a fortuneteller.

Rashi explains as he does because of the context of the pasuk.

Rashi’s understanding of the pasuk also jibes with the Smak’s explanation of the mitzvah: “To be simple; meaning not to ask sorcerers or astrologers to know the future. Rather, one should say, ‘Whatever Hashem desires will happen.’ As the Gemara in Brachos (10a) says, ‘Why are you concerning yourself with the secrets of Hashem?’”

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

It is very instructive to read the context of that Gemara, which explains the back-story of the encounter between King Chizkiyahu and Yeshayahu Hanavi when Chizkiyahu was critically ill (Yeshaya 38:1-5).

According to the Gemara, after Yeshayahau told Chizkiyahu, “You are dead and will not live,” Chizkiyahu asked “Why is this?” In other words, Chizkiyahu was a great tzaddik. Why was he suddenly facing death? Yeshayahu answered him, “Because you did not involve yourself in the mitzvha to be fruitful and multiply.” Chizkiyahu responded that it was “because I saw with my Divine inspiration that I would produce sons who would not be worthy.” Yeshayahu answered, “Why are you concerning yourself with the secrets of Hashem? Do whatever it is that Hashem expects of you.” Yeshayahu essentially gave Chizkiyahu a lesson in the mitzvah to be wholehearted with G-d according to Rashi’s explanation.

Taking that lesson to heart, Chizkiyahu said to Yeshayahu, “Now, give me your daughter [as a wife]. Perhaps my and your merits will cause [the decree to be changed, and I will live and have children who will not be wicked].” But Yeshayahu answered, “The decree [that you will die] has already been made.” Essentially, “Your future is that you have no future.” Seeing the irony in Yeshayahu’s response, having just told Chizkiyahu not to base his actions on predictions about the future, he responded, “Ben Amotz [a derogatory way to address Yeshayahu], finish your prophecy and go. I received a tradition from my grandfather [Dovid Hamelech’s] house, ‘Even if a sharp sword is placed on one’s neck, do not give up hope of [Hashem’s] mercy.’”

Chizkiyahu internalized the lesson and realized that a Jew must not be concerned with people’s predictions for the future, even if those predictions are based on Divine inspiration or prophecy. A Jew is obligated to focus on prayer, mitzvos, and Torah.

He must do what Hashem demands of him, regardless of whether experts predict that he will be “successful” if he does so. Vindicating this approach, Hashem answered Chizkiyahu’s sincere prayer and granted him an additional fifteen years of life.

This lesson is certainly fitting this time of year, having just entered the month of Elul, the time of teshuva and preparation for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. We are preparing to say, “Teshuva, prayer, and tzedakah re-

that he lives with the knowledge of the presence and providence of G-d such that he knows that all of the negativity, uncertainty, confusion, and evil are not the whole picture.

Material existence may seem bleak

We must have wholehearted, simple trust in G-d that He knows what He is doing.

move the evil decree.” The mitzvah to “be wholehearted with G-d” frees us of the shackles of the fortunetellers of today, whether they are statisticians or political analysts.

A Jewish publication recently printed an article claiming that if a girl is not married by a certain age, she only has a 15% chance of getting married.

While it is certainly important to evaluate any situation using whatever data we have at our disposal, still, the effect such statistics can have upon individuals can be devastating. Can you imagine a girl reading that article who is probably already broken-hearted in what is often a difficult situation? Does the author believe that Dovid Hamelech’s exhortation that “even if a sharp sword is placed on one’s neck, do not give up hope of [Hashem’s] mercy” does not apply to this young woman? Does he believe the Jewish people are subject to statistical calculations? Does he think that G-d and the Jewish people are not above all of that?

The mitzvah to be “wholehearted with G-d” tells us to put our trust in Him alone, and not in the modern-day sorcerers and fortunetellers. Just as Hashem told Chizkiyahu (Yeshayahu 38:5), Hashem tells each of us, in whatever straits we find ourselves, “I have heard your prayers, I have seen your tears.”

Being a tamim, a perfect, whole person means being childlike (not childish) in a sense. One must look past all of the evil, complications, deficiencies, and cynicism of the world.

It does not mean that one must not be sharp, bright, or deep. But it means

and pessimistic but one must know that this is only one part of reality.

Hashem and spiritual realty extend far beyond that which we can grasp intellectually. We must have wholehearted, simple trust in G-d that He knows what He is doing. All we have to do is fulfill His will to the best of our ability and trust that He will work everything else out in the end.

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A Jew must re-center himself and realize that there is a G-d in the world. The Jewish people are not the hapless subjects of statistics and political realities. We are children of the Living G-d, and there is much more to His plan than any of us can possibly know. We need not become stressed about the unknown future. Instead, let us simply trust in G-d and rely on Him. May Hashem soon send the ultimate redeemer who will unravel all of the puzzles of this world, when we will finally see how all of the twists and turns of life in this world were all pieces in the great puzzle of the ultimate revelation of His will.

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

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Think, Feel, Grow

Willpower Generating Momentum for Our Return

By Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

T

here’s a story about two elderly men who were childhood friends but had not seen each other in many years. One day, they ran into each other on the street and were delighted to recognize one another. One of them lived in the area, so he invited the other into his home. They happily caught each other up on their lives, getting lost in their stories and jokes as the day went on. The guest finally noticed that it had become dark outside, so he asked his friend if he had the time.

“I don’t have a watch,” his friend replied.

“So look at the clock, and tell me what time it is.”

“I don’t have a clock either,” his friend replied.

Puzzled, the first man asked his friend, “If you don’t have a watch, and you don’t have a clock, how do you tell the time?”

“I use my trumpet!” the second man proudly replied.

“A trumpet? How can you tell

time with a trumpet?”

“I’ll show you.”

He picked up his trumpet, opened the window, and blew a long, deafening blast. A few seconds later, a window opened below and his neighbor shouted, “Three o’clock in the morning, and you’re playing your trumpet?!”

The man turned to his friend and proclaimed, “It’s three o’clock in the morning.”

The shofar is Hashem’s trumpet, begging us to wake up from our slumber. When we hear it, we must remind ourselves what time it is.

It’s Elul; it’s time to question, to think, to redirect. Often, though, life has a way of running on autopilot, controlled only by the flow of momentum. When things are going well, they flow forward, steadily picking up speed. When things fall apart, they tumble downhill, refusing to ease up.

The feeling of making a great decision leads you to another great

decision, which will perpetuate a positive cycle. Making a healthy eating choice can serve as inspiration to wake up early the next morning and exercise.

The energy and confidence from this positive momentum leads to an increased surge of confidence, leading to another great decision, perhaps a push forward in your career, or a positive development in your relationships, or a focus on the next step of your spiritual growth. This is the beauty of momentum. This is also the psychological and practical root of the concept “mitzvah goreres mitzvah,” one mitzvah leads to another (Avos 4:2). However, this same momentum can be the cause of our undoing as well. “Aveirah goreres aveirah,” one misstep leads to another.

Maybe it starts with a small slip up in our diet, when we promised ourselves we would do better. Now, we feel weak and foolish, and begin muttering degrading insults to ourselves. Our confidence takes a major

hit, and we begin to see ourselves as a failure. The next morning, we hit snooze, making ourselves feel even worse, even weaker, even more of a failure. Next, we sabotage our relationship with our spouse, miss a meeting, or let our growth and spirituality slide. Of course, this makes us feel even worse, so we break our diet again, making us feel even worse, yet again.

This is the deadly cycle of momentum. One thing leads to another, creating a cataclysmic landslide towards complete and utter breakdown.

While this picture is extreme, we can all relate. Sometimes things seem to fall apart in our lives, and we struggle to pick up the pieces.

When we start that downhill slide, how do we stop the momentum?

How do we pick ourselves up?

To understand this, we need to develop an important theme connected to the month of Elul as a whole.

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Teshuva Hashem presents us with the choice between blessing and curse, between good and bad (Devarim 11:26). In a few parshios from now, the Torah states: “u’bacharta b’chaim,” you shall choose life (Devarim 30:19). This is cited by most commentators as the source for the principle of free will, the power of choice.

The month of Elul is deeply tied to the theme of teshuva, usually translated as repentance. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuva, Chapter 5) includes the concept of free will within the laws of teshuva. This seems both strange and unnecessary. The necessity and nature of free will appears more philosophical than legal, so why does the Rambam include this in his work of halachic codes? And more specifically, why include this in the context of teshuva?

To understand this, we must delve into the true nature of teshuva.

While teshuva is often translated as repentance, its literal meaning is “return,” as in the root “shuv,” to return. The goal of teshuva is not only about freeing ourselves from punishment and responsibility for our past. Teshuva is about self-transformation, returning to a higher, better version of ourselves. We don’t only wish to escape; we wish to ascend. It is on this premise that the Rambam describes the three-step process of teshuva (Hilchos Teshuva 1:1).

The first step of teshuva is recognizing that there is a problem to fix, that a mistake has occurred. It is impossible to solve a problem without first admitting that the problem exists. It is all too easy to simply push forward in life, ignoring our inner and outer struggles. But that results in the downward cascade described above. Only by acknowledging the problem can we stop the downward momentum and actually solve it.

The second step of teshuva is to regret one’s mistake. Often, we know that a problem exists, but we don’t feel ashamed, hurt, or even bothered by it. Without internal regret or hurt, we will not be motivated enough to take the actionable steps required to make change.

When we yearn for the truth and allow ourselves to powerfully feel the inner contradiction between how we could be living and how we currently are living, we generate the emotional response necessary to genuinely regret our past mistakes.

Third, one must commit to an improved future, one in which this mistake will not be repeated. We must commit to strive towards a greater version of ourselves, where-

dation of hilchos teshuva. Without free will, one could never change, one could never become something else, someone new, someone better.

Strikingly, Rav Eliyahu Dessler, zt”l, explains that many people never experience a true assertion of their free will due to its immense difficulty. This is why many people do not change. Change is hard, uncomfortable, and often requires sacrifice. One must fully and whole-

This means giving up who we are for who we want to be, sacrificing what we think we want for what we truly want.

by if given the chance to repeat this mistake, we would not give into temptation but would overcome the challenge instead.

The Necessity of Free Will In order for the process of teshuva to exist, there is one essential element: free will. The only way we can genuinely change, transform, and evolve is if we have the capacity to assert our inner will, to create a new reality within ourselves. This requires a complete re-creation of self within our consciousness, a remolding of our inner world. While yesterday, we were the type of person who did one thing, today, a new decision is formed, a new reality is created within our inner world. This requires a complete assertion of willpower, an overcoming of self, a breakdown and reformation of inner drive and character. This means giving up who we are for who we want to be, sacrificing what we think we want for what we truly want (See Rambam, Hilchos Gerushin 2:20).

It means overcoming the emotional and overwhelming pull of current desire and generating a new “want” within our very core.

This is why the Rambam places his seemingly philosophical discussion of the concept of free will amongst the halachos of teshuva; free will is the very root and foun-

heartedly believe in their new future in order to give up their current lifestyle. However, when we push with all our might, expressing a full force of our inner will, we get a taste of truth, an experience of destiny, and a glimpse of our true self.

Breaking Momentum We can now return to our original question regarding how to stop the downwards momentum of failure and bad decisions. The answer is simple, a single word: decide! Choice is the most powerful tool Hashem has granted us. The power of choice allows us to accomplish anything.

When life begins to fall apart, and bad decisions start piling up, we must cut off the downward momentum before it grows out of control, before it destroys us. The key is making the decision, asserting your inner will, and focusing its full force towards cutting off the momentum.

If you can stop the momentum of bad decisions, of a lifestyle that is draining the life out of you, you can stop it from spreading. With nowhere to spread, negativity is like a flame without oxygen – it simmers out and disappears.

It all starts with a single decision to turn the tide, to begin building positive momentum, to start climbing uphill, to start heading towards your ultimate destination. If you can

19

take that first step and push towards your greatness, you will suddenly begin riding that new wave. This is the power of choice; this is the power of positive momentum.

Free will – choice – is the root of teshuva.

Teshuva is about reengineering our will, recreating our desire, rewiring our wants. It’s about the decision to be better, to be great, to become our best and truest selves.

As the Ramchal explains in Mesilas Yesharim, if you change what you want (akiras ha’ratzon), you change who you are. When you make a new decision, you create a new reality for yourself.

When the shofar blows this year, let us truly awaken. In some sense, we all need a shofar for the shofar, we need a wakeup call to listen to this year’s wakeup call. Many are numb to the wordless blast, deaf to its existential calling. Some have given up on change, while others are too busy with life to stop and truly consider the possibility of more, of a greater life. This year, let us embrace the shofar’s call and tap into our higher purpose.

May we all be inspired to fully utilize this Elul, to embark on a journey of genuine teshuva, and continue the process of becoming our ultimate selves.

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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Delving into the Daf

No Person Left Behind

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

T

he Gemara in Sukkah (28a) relates that Hillel the Elder had 80 students. Thirty of them were of the stature that they should have merited the Divine Presence descend upon them as it did on Moshe Rabbeinu. Nevertheless, at that point in Jewish history, there was no longer any prophecy. The generation was not sufficiently righteous that there should be individuals with that level of Divine inspiration. Yet, according to the Ben Ish Chai, these students were so awesome that had they lived at the same time as Moshe Rabbeinu, they might have achieved the same stratospheric level of prophecy.

Another group of 30 students were of such great stature that it was fitting that the sun should stand still (as it appears to us) for them as it did for Yehoshua bin Nun. The remaining group of 20 students were somewhere in the middle of the first two groups.

The greatest of all of Hillel’s students was Yonasan ben Uziel. When he studied Torah, birds that were flying overhead were immediately scorched. It is interesting to note that the Gemara implies that this phenomenon did not occur while Hillel himself was studying Torah. Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Kotzk explains that Hillel achieved a higher level of greatness than his student. The birds potentially could have been scorched when he learned as well, but he was able to conceal the awesome power that his Torah contained.

A visitor to Radin on Tishah B’Av once watched the Chofetz Chaim closely. He wanted to be inspired by the Chofetz Chaim’s recital of Kinnos.

However, to his surprise and consternation, the great tzaddik recited Kinnos in the same manner as everyone

else. Yet, later that evening, he passed by the Chofetz Chaim’s home and witnessed his uncontrollable sobs.

In public, the Chofetz Chaim didn’t want to demonstrate an extra piety over anyone else.

If Yonasan ben Uziel was Hillel’s greatest student, who was on the other end of the spectrum? Rabban Yochanan ben Zakai. He was Hillel’s “worst” student. Yet we find that before Hillel passed away, his students entered his residence to visit him. Rabban Yochanan ben Zakai remained in the courtyard. Upon noticing Yochanan ben Zakai’s absence, Hillel proclaimed, “Where is the most diminutive of you, who is a father in wisdom and a spiritual father of all future generations?” Rav Chaim Kanievsky explained that, in truth, Rabban Yochanan ben Zakai was initially the most minor of students, but through superhuman perseverance and determination he excelled.

When Hillel became sick, Rabban Yochanan ben Zakai assumed the office of Nasi, the leader of Klal Yisrael, at the time of the Churban.

He had five outstanding disciples.

Among them were Rebbe Yehoshua and Rabbi Eliezer. They, in turn, taught Rebbe Akiva. Rebbe Yehudah HaNasi, the redactor of the Mishnayos, studied under Rebbe Akiva’s students. The Talmud that we have today can be traced directly back to Rabban Yochanan ben Zakai. Yet we cannot even single out by name most of Hillel’s other students.

Rav Moshe Chait, zt”l, once remarked: can you imagine if Hillel had decided to only focus on his greatest students? Many times, a rebbe might feel more satisfaction by having a give-and-take with the smartest and

brightest kids in his class.

On the flip side, can you imagine if Rabban Yochanan ben Zakai sat dejected in class? After all, there were 79 students better than him! Why should he even bother? What if he had decided to give up on his studies?

What would Torah look like today?

But Hillel taught all his talmidim, from the strongest to the weakest.

He did not ignore student number 80. Further, Rabban Yochanan ben Zakai himself didn’t give up in the face of stronger talmidim. He persevered until he became the leader of all Klal Yisrael.

Although the above stands on its own, I heard an interesting anecdote from a friend.

Steve Moss is a credit-risk manager for a multinational financial-services firm. (Years ago, in his capacity as a vice-president with American Express/Shearson Lehman Hutton, he directed a donation of a truckload of computers and accessories to be delivered to Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim.

One of those computers had a fullheight 10-megabyte hard drive!)

During the summers, Steve coaches archery at a camp in New Hampshire.

Understandably, the vast majority of kids do not practice their archery skills during the year. The summer is usually the only time they have to learn and master these skills. Consequently, their archery performance is significantly reflective of the coach who has but a few short weeks to

teach them these skills.

A highlight of his summer is the Robin Hood Invitational Tournament, where many camps compete in archery. Almost invariably, Steve’s camp wins the tournament.

Steve explained that the format of the tournament is that in any given age group, the top six archery scores are counted. Other camps may have one or two superstars in each age group. Their coaches focus on the kids with the most latent talent. After the first- and second-ranked campers compete, there is a precipitous decline in the scores of the lower-ranked archers. However, Steve attends to all the campers. In any given age group, his first- and second-ranked campers may very well score worse than similarly ranked archers from a different camp – yet he always wins with “bench” of positions 3, 4, 5, and 6. Other coaches in the tournament tend not to focus on those campers who don’t seem to have the knack for archery. But in Steve’s group the lower-ranked members carry the team.

It’s this philosophy of focusing on the weaker students that ensures his camp victory year after year.

Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow is a rebbe at Yeshiva Ateres Shimon in Far Rockaway. In addition, Rabbi Sebrow leads a daf yomi chaburah at Eitz Chayim of Dogwood Park in West Hempstead, NY. He can be contacted at ASebrow@gmail.com.

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World

Builders

Between Delivery and Deliverance

By Raphael Poch Gili with his United Hatzalah ambucycle and his postal motorcycle

Z

ichron Yaakov - 46-year-old Gili Gahuzi is a married man and father of three who has been working as a deliveryman for 20 years now. On a regular workday, Gili covers approximately 16 kilometers of ground, drinks a few liters of water, and continues his deliveries

of packages across 35 square blocks, mostly in Zichron Yaakov but also in Binyamina. According to Gili, the packages grow heavier every year. Despite the workload of his job, in his spare time, Gili volunteers as an EMT for United Hatzalah and sometimes uses his EMT skills even during his

working hours.

Gili joined United Hatzalah in 2014 together with his friend Pinchas Sterling, who is now the head of the Yokneam chapter. The two EMTs were of the first volunteers of the organization in the Yokneam chapter, and now, responding to emergencies has become ingrained in their daily routines. Gili often bumps into medical emergencies while delivering packages. He ends up switching hats and begins performing lifesaving treatments and, then, when the emergency is over, he returns to delivering packages. One of these incidents occurred just last

until the ambulance arrived. After the ambulance came to transport the woman, I returned to my motorcycle and continued delivering mail.”

Gili said that in recent years when ordering a package online is a matter of a click, packages have become larger and heavier to deliver, people are receiving fewer letters and more packages. In the first half of 2021 alone, there was a 70% increase in the number of packages being delivered in Zichron Yaakov. 112,000 packages have been ordered and eventually delivered in Gili’s motorcycle.

“As a deliveryman, many custom-

Gili often bumps into medical emergencies while delivering packages.

week when Gili saved a life in Binyamina while on his delivery rounds.

“I was parked with my delivery motorcycle at the Binyamina chapter headquarters when I was alerted to a medical emergency occurring in the train station,” Gili shared. “The Binyamina train station was very close to where I was parked, so I jumped on my motorcycle, where I keep my medical bag at all times, and rushed over to the train station.

“I was the first emergency medical personnel at the scene. I assessed and treated an injured woman who had fallen and kept her in stable condition

ers have my phone number,” added Gili. “The other day, a woman called my phone and told me her father had collapsed in their home. I rushed over and began performing CPR that ended up saving his life.

“Spontaneously switching hats has become part of who I am. Sometimes responding to emergencies takes a person away from their job, it takes a person away from spending time with their family, or even disturbs their sleep. However, in the end, it is worth it because there’s no greater feeling in this world than being able to save a life.”

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5

Middle East Musings

Will Anyone Ever Respond to Iran?

By David Billet

R

emember when there was no such thing as negotiating with terrorists? When those who harmed innocent citizens were punished for their cruelty rather than appeased for their actions? I do, but it seems that the Biden administration has blatantly chosen to ignore these principles while watching in silence as Iran sows chaos throughout the Middle East.

Iran recently attacked an oil tanker, known as the Mercer Street, in the Arabian Sea and off the coast of Oman. This attack was carried out with an unmanned drone that was programmed to explode on impact and led to the death of two crewmembers. The primary reason for the attack was that the ship is connected to Eyal Offer, an Israeli billionaire.

While the United States, the United Kingdom, Romania, and Israel have all held Iran responsible, they have also failed to carry out any collective response. When will the world finally make Iran understand that a price will be paid for attacking our citizens?

Just this past week, Iran attempted to hijack a British vessel, called the Asphalt Princess, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. A crew member of the Asphalt Princess stated in an audio that approximately five or six Iranian agents had boarded the ship.

These attacks are only the latest in a series of hostilities that prove Iran will only become more aggressive if not held accountable.

The chaos that Iran is seeking to create with its navy is only one part of a greater strategy to inflict harm on Western countries and to destroy the State of Israel. Iran currently funds Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad

in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, and radical Shiite militias in Iraq. Most recently, Hezbollah fired more than twenty rockets at Israeli towns, even while Lebanon is engrossed in one of the worst financial crises in recent history.

Only three months ago, Israeli towns were shelled by over 2,000

bloodshed and chaos throughout the Middle East?

Iran recently elected a literal mass murderer, Ebrahim Raisi, as its new president. Raisi is widely known for orchestrating mass executions of political prisoners in the 1980s and is currently subject to U.S. sanctions for various human rights abuses. Raisi

When will the world finally make Iran understand that a price will be paid for attacking our citizens?

rockets that were fired by Hamas. In essence, Iran is striving to create a metaphorical noose around the State of Israel, whereby the terror groups that it funds will obey Iran’s command while also enabling it to deny responsibility for any attack. How can the world continue to watch in silence as Iran solely strives to inflict

was the lead prosecutor on a “death commission” in 1988, is responsible for the death of thousands of men, women, and children, and is a close confidant of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

Acting against any sense of human decency, the European Union has sent a diplomat to Raisi’s inauguration as

president, essentially supporting a man whose greatest achievement was in torturing and murdering political prisoners. Western nations applaud themselves for acting as the protector of human rights around the world but have turned a blind eye to a leader whose hands are filled with the blood of the innocent.

The world must finally recognize the Iranian ayatollahs for the danger that they are to human life and immediately implement backbreaking sanctions. These sanctions will prove that condemnation by Western countries is not mere rhetoric and will act to alter their dangerous behavior. Iran has proven that their thirst for bloodshed outweighs their desire for peace, and sanctions can enable Western countries to inflict a price for harming their citizens without resorting to direct confrontation.

If Iran continues to harm the interests of the United States, the State of Israel, or any other Western country, military action must be taken to rein in this murderous regime.

While Iran has only attacked one naval vessel this past week, it does not take a gambler to bet that they will attack others in the future.

David Billet is a student at Fordham Law School, where he is an Associate Editor of the International Law Journal. In May of 2018, David graduated from Queens College, CUNY, with a B.A. in Accounting and a minor in Economics. David additionally writes articles that focus on foreign affairs, domestic policy, and global anti-Semitism. To date, his work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Israel Hayom, and almost twenty other media publications.

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A Year Since the Abraham Accords TJH Speaks with Dorian Barak, Co-Founder of the UAE-Israel Business Council

BY SUSAN SCHWAMM The Abraham Accords became official a year ago, when, on August 13, 2020, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States issued a joint statement about normalizing relations between the UAE and the State of Israel. The Abraham Accords were record-breaking as they marked the first public normalization between an Arab country and Israel since 1994, when Jordan issued an agreement with Israel.

Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco quickly followed suit in establishing relations with Israel.

This week, we spoke with Dorian Barak, who co-founded the UAEIsrael Business Council with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum. Although born in the U.S., Barak lives in Israel. He has been doing business in the UAE for many years, spending much of his time there.

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Dorian, good morning. You look like you’re in some sunny location.

I’m in Malta.

Do you live in Malta?

No, I live in Israel. I generally travel between Israel and the UAE. But I’m in Malta on business.

Tell us about your background.

Well, I’m a fund manager and business person who’s been involved in UAE-Israel trade for a long time.

I was born in the U.S. and was educated in the U.S. I went to Yale for law school and business school, and I was in England for years and I worked on Wall Street in different areas. I was a consultant with the Boston Consulting Group.

I was a lawyer with Skadden, Arps. And then I came to Israel to run M&A for Bank Hapoalim. I oversaw the global activities of the bank.

When I left the bank to start my first of several funds, I found myself, not intentionally, working a lot in the UAE. This was over a decade ago. Since then, I’ve been in and out of the UAE several times a year. I’m kind of part of what I would call a global business community based in Israel, which tends to do a lot of business outside of Israel. It’s very common in Israel. The joke is that in the city of Ra’anana everyone leaves on Sunday and comes back before Shabbat. That’s been my life for many years. But I do a lot of business in the Gulf.

Over the years, I’ve had companies that were operating in the UAE. I set up companies in the UAE. And there was a community of people I knew – both Emiratis and Israelis – who were working together for a very long time and were looking for pathway to do it in more open and transparent way. With the advent of the Abraham Accords, which very few expected to happen, we were able to bring things out into the open and really ramp them up in a very material way.

Well, so let’s talk about those years before the Abraham Accords, the nine years that you were working with UAE businesses. Did you ever experience any anti-Semitism, any anti-Israel sentiment, during those times?

No. In fact, although I’m an American, people can always find with a little bit of Google searching that I live in Israel. I never had any overt hostility. I knew it made some uncomfortable that I was Jewish and live in Israel, but I never faced any hostility. On the contrary, a lot of people were just delighted to meet with somebody from Israel. They had a sense that Israelis – from a technological perspective and from a finance perspective – were extremely advanced.

It’s natural in many parts of the world to con-

flate being a Jew and being an Israeli. Conflating Jews and Israelis is very, very common in places other than western Europe and the States – and even in western Europe and the States. “Your nation” is what people refer to. That’s a common perception of citizenship and nationhood. I never really faced any overt hostility other than from a few people who were uncomfortable, but only uncomfortable because it was novel and strange and they were fearful they might be doing something wrong. In fact, I’ve encountered over the years a lot of Palestinians and Jordanians of Palestinian extraction, and no one’s ever made me feel uncomfortable at all.

Do you feel like you swayed anybody’s perception about Jews or Israel by interacting with them?

Absolutely. I think encountering Israeli businesspeople, especially people who have integrity and are good business partners, is something that creates a lot of appreciation for Jews and Israelis.

Israelis and Jews are many things. People can say, generally, that they’re very transactional, especially Israelis – they’re aggressive in business, straight to the point, direct. But what is clear to most people who deal with Israelis, or American and British Jews in the UAE, is that they find very good business partners, serious people with a lot of experience who are educated in the West.

I think there’s an appreciation for that, especially around finance and fund management. These are people, especially American Jews, who strive to be part of the world’s leading capital market and the world’s leading financial ecosystem. And it’s natural when they come to the UAE that they’re considered impressive by the locals.

I also think that Israelis tend to be very solution-oriented, very resourceful people, and very hard workers. And that’s something that impresses the locals very much, although business can be a little bit slower here at times.

What was your first thought when you heard about the Abraham Accords and

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what the Trump administration was orchestrating in the Middle East?

Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum and I had actually put together the UAE-Israel Business Council even before the Abraham Accords came out. As soon as the Accords came out, we decided to come out of the dark. We already had a community of people that were involved.

Today, we have over 5,000 people that are registered with us, which is an enormous group.

We have online events; some in-person events, although it’s more difficult these days. We have a very active newsletter and a community of businesspeople on both sides who are helping us to meet counterparts on the other side. It’s incredibly rewarding.

Why did you start the business council?

We started the council in June of 2020. There was a bunch of us, especially in Israel, who were eager to meet others who were doing the same thing in the UAE. It was an open secret that we were all doing business together. Half of my shul had been to the UAE, because I go to a very international shul. I’ve been for chagim to the UAE. Many people, like me, felt that we should have a forum for doing business together.

The most active of us are reaping the benefits of creating much closer ties with a very interesting cross-section of Emiratis on the other side of the aisle.

Since the Abraham Accords came out, how many more members did you gain?

Well, initially, we were just a handful of people who established this as a forum for discussing the common issues we face – flights, visas, restrictions, opening bank accounts – the plumbing that gets business going. And then we went live, and we attracted a very broad group of people. I think most of the people that we attract – the vast majority of people – had never been to the UAE and had never done business there.

It’s funny to me when I get people calling me and saying, “I’m an expert in UAE-Israel rela-

Dorian with Deputy Mayor Fleur HassanNahoum, co-founder of the UAE-Israel Business Council, meeting with Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, founding chairman of the Al Habtoor Group

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tions. I really need to educate you about doing business there.” People have called me about this.

And I say, “What are you going to educate me about?”

They say, “Well, I’ve been doing business in the UAE…” And I answer, “For how long?”

“For the past six months.”

I tell them, “I’m sorry. Good luck. We’ve been there for a decade.”

But you know how Israelis are. There’s an expression we say in Hebrew, “Thank you for introducing me to America,” meaning that I’m already

the time in the world. They’re more interested in doing business with people with whom they have preexisting relationships and developing the relationship for business to come out of than the other way around.

Israelis and Jews – these are generalizations, of course – who are active in business, they’re very bottom-line. For Emiratis, trust is the paramount quality. The way you establish trust isn’t necessarily through commercial ties. It’s you knowing each other as individuals, through family relationships and friendships. It’s a very pleasant and warm place to do business from that perspective.

The success of the Abraham Accords from a business perspective will be judged not just by the quantity of goods and services bought by Emiratis and Israelis from each other but by how Israelis were able to integrate into the greatest commercial center in the region.

very aware of what you’re trying to sell me…

What language do you speak to your UAE counterparts?

Only English.

The truth is the real Emiratis – and they’re a very educated group – most of the people have studied in the UK or the U.S. It’s a very sophisticated community.

Are there any cultural traditions or values that people should know when they do business in the UAE? Yes. Israelis are very transactional: “Okay, what’s the price? How much are you going to put in? How much money?” Money, money, money...

And Emiratis, they’re in no hurry. They have all

Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif alZayani, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the signing of the Abraham Accords at the White House, Sept. 15, 2020

Do you feel the Trump administration was correct in establishing Middle East peace with the advent of the Abraham Accords?

Yes. The Trump administration came to two conclusions. The first is that Arab-Israeli peace doesn’t depend on the Palestinians. The Palestinians don’t define the terms of an agreement and shouldn’t be an obstacle for relations between Israel and the rest of the Middle East. I think everybody felt that people were afraid of the reaction of the street and the “everyman.” And as we saw, it was fine. It didn’t have the far-reaching negative consequences that the naysayers said it would.

And the second thing is the Trump adminis-

tration, because they are businesspeople working in this area, assumed that diplomatic progress and a warm peace would follow only if there was economic cooperation. Economic cooperation would really be the basis of building ties between the people of the UAE and Israel and the broader Gulf region.

I think they were right on both counts. I hope that the Trump administration’s legacy here won’t be erased by the current administration, which is very eager to kind of deal with the Iranians and whose starting point is that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the touchstone of the relationship between Israel and the broader Arab world. Anyone who spends time in the Arab world and identifies openly as a Jew or an Israeli will tell you that’s absolutely not the case. It’s a shame that we’ve wasted decades assuming that the Palestinian issue is all that Arabs care about.

It’s not. And it shouldn’t be an obstacle to Middle Eastern peace.

If you had your way, what would be the next few countries that you would want to have sign on to the Abraham Accords?

Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabia.

Do you think Prime Minister Bennett’s government will be pursuing more Middle Eastern partners with whom to establish relations?

They understand the importance of this. But they’re focusing on what they view as rebuilding Israel’s civil society and political culture. This is going to be a secondary focus for them. They have a coalition to keep together and internal stuff to contend with that is more important than the international issues.

A year ago, the Abraham Accords was in the news. Last week, the news was dominated by Ben & Jerry’s and how they’re not going to be selling in the “Occupied Territories.” What do you say about these divergent themes: BDS on one hand, and Israel establishing business partners in the Middle East on the other hand?

Israel has more startup unicorns than all of Europe. And Israel, as we see, directed investment every month essentially for the past two years, even during COVID. So from a factual standpoint, an empirical standpoint, BDS is irrelevant or is not that significant. If all people can point to is that Ben & Jerry’s decided that ice cream produced in Israel should not be distributed in the West Bank after 2022, or whatever the agreement is, and if that’s what we’re fighting about, we should be happy that those are our problems. It’s so insignificant.

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BDS has been made into a much larger issue than it actually is. I mean, generally, people not wanting to deal with Israel is a problem. But

The Abraham Accords Declaration

– ask any economist about this – BDS has not had any significant impact on the Israeli economy. True, it’s difficult to know when someone doesn’t do business with you why they didn’t do business with you. But I think BDS is not the reason why.

I also think that the Ben & Jerry’s thing was really blown out of proportion. The Israeli company isn’t even owned by Unilever. It’s owned by a local company here. It’s just a lot of noise.

I don’t believe BDS is an existential threat to the Israeli economy. I don’t think it ever has been. I think it’s overblown, and sometimes we give it credibility by speaking about it incessantly. At the same time, there are people who don’t want to trade with Jews, period, and they’re finding a voice within the BDS movement to justify what they already they didn’t want to do.

To close out this point, I think BDS has been over-hyped. I think as a phenomenon it’s much less common than people think. And as I mentioned, if the best example of BDS that we can find is Ben & Jerry’s, we’re in a really good place.

What have you seen in UAE-Israel relations over the past year since the Accords came out?

We’re going to have, this year, close to a billion dollars in trade over the course of 2021 between the UAE and Israel. I think that in 2022 it’ll double. And it may double again by the end of 2025.

The UAE is a natural transit point for business. Much of the business that was conducted in Hong Kong and Singapore shifted to the UAE during the pandemic. It’s a great business hub; it’s a great base from which to conduct business.

And Israelis lack a home market which is very large. The fact that they’re able to tap into the most important commercial center in the region, in the very middle of this region, is key.

It’s also kind of the commercial capital of South Asia. For Israelis who want to access India, which is a much, much, much bigger market, the UAE is a natural place for them to do it.

I think the success of the Abraham Accords from a business perspective, or the success of the UAE-Israel agreement from a business perspective, will be judged not just by the quantity of goods and services bought by Emiratis and Israelis from each other, but by how Israelis were able to integrate into the greatest commercial center in the region and make it part of their broader ecosystem.

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Dating Dialogue

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

Dear Navidaters,

I

am engaged to a guy who I really like, after dating in the shidduch world for five years. (For the sake of this letter I will call him Noam.) We got engaged after dating for two months – and I did not have a chance to meet his parents. When we made calls we heard very nice things about them “baalei chessed, pillars of the community,” etc... Looking back, it seems like he was purposely avoiding interactions where I would end up meeting his parents.

I am from an out-of-town city. At one point, his parents were stopping over in my city for the day.

I proposed the idea that he come to town and we all go out together but he insisted gently that they did not have much time and were only here on business (am I paranoid to think that they were scouting out my family & home??).

After getting engaged and meeting them, I really see a bigger picture. His parents are completely emotionally stale, fancy, stuck-up people. I would not be surprised if they had some sort of psychological condition based on their behavior at our l’chaim. We were having the l’chaim, which was the first place I met them, and they were extremely standoffish.

His mother had a sour expression on her face the entire time, and the father would not do anything to make himself look comfortable. They seemed to be looking down at everybody, would not touch the food my parents offered them, and gave very stale “mazel tovs” to our friends and family.

This is their oldest and very independent son, and I am the youngest in my family with lots of nieces and nephews.

The noise level seemed to bother them as well.

I really don’t feel comfortable around his family – and think they are straight up rude. Should I say something to Noam? I am truly happy with him as a partner but I’m nervous I will regret it now that I met his family.

Thoughts? *Shevy

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 Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

S

hevy, you owe it to yourself and to your relationship with Noam to bring up the matter of his parents.

You must realize that communication is vital to a relationship, and you have held back from engaging in communication about his parents. The hesitation to put this matter on the table tells me that you noticed warning signals that something is off and that Noam avoided introducing you to his parents before the l’chaim. In most circles, meeting parents before an engagement is announced is de rigueur.

It’s not just a social nicety; it is a sign of respect for the role of parents in Jewish family life.

Your radar is functioning well. But I wonder why you did not talk about family heretofore. You may have been anxious to get engaged and not risk the expected commitment. You need to learn to address orange and red flags with communication. You probably could benefit from some professional support with self-understanding and communication skills.

Nonetheless, the time is now to put this on the table. Do it gently and carefully even though this is a very important discussion to have. This is much more important than arrangements. Do it face-to-face. You may open with your observations that Noam’s family did not seem so at ease at the simcha.

You need to talk about his family, his relationship to them, their relationship to you and your family, and more. Heading towards marriage without it is very unwise. I suspect that a lot of issues will surface in this conversation. Get help. Stat.

If you navigate this big challenge with improved communication, sharing, and maturity, and with help, you will have greater insight as to how the

two of you can support each other going forward in meeting the challenges that life will inevitably bring. You will have proof that the two of you have what it takes to succeed as a couple.

The Shadchan Michelle Mond

Y

ou are a very astute young lady, put into a very difficult position.

Before getting to the details which put you off, I would like to make an observation. Reading your email made me wonder if you trust and respect Noam. Do you see qualities in him that will make a quality husband?

You say at the end of your letter, “I am truly happy with him as a partner.” I challenge you to think about what this is based on. Are you happy that after five years you have finally met someone who wants to settle down with you? Or are you happy to be marrying someone with stellar qualities which makes you want to be his partner? There is a big difference between the two.

The reason I ask this is because you seem to be hurt, above all, by the fact that Noam hid his family from you until after engagement. You even go as far as wondering if the family was in town spying on your family.

This hints to a lack of trust, which is not a good thing to go into a marriage with.

Before all, assess whether you respect and trust Noam. I also wonder, where are your parents in all this?

You made no mention of them and I wonder why they allowed an engagement to happen before a Meet-theParents session, which is standard.

If you trust this man wholeheartedly, your next step is to approach the topic with him in a mature and respectful manner. Firstly, look out for the red flags: Is he letting you

speak? Is he getting defensive? Is he brushing you off or making you feel “crazy’’ for thinking he would do such a terrible thing as hide his parents from you? If he does any of the above, it is grounds to be worried, and you should speak with your parents, a therapist or mentor about the entire situation for more accurate guidance.

If he is understanding, compassionate, patient, and genuine, that’s a good sign! Perhaps his parents are just nebach and socially off, but he himself is extremely with-it and on the ball. It could be he was genuinely scared that you would judge him based on his parents. You must, however, get to the bottom of why he was not straightforward with you before the engagement and recognize that this was wrong.

In reality, if you and Noam have a great relationship and are on the same page about his parents, things could work out. You might not love going there for Shabbos, but your relationship with Noam is what will be what’s most important.

The Single Rivka Weinberg

S

hevy, I am sorry you are going through this. It must be extremely difficult to enjoy someone and his company, but then have that image tainted by that individual’s family.

It is important for you to remember that you are marrying Noam, not Noam’s family. Yes, in-laws make a tremendous impact on a relationship, but keep in mind that Noam is not his family. It is clear that they are so entirely different because if they were similar, then you would not be shocked by his parents’ behavior.

In shidduchim, we look into a single’s family background and ask questions, as we should. However, unfor-

Unfortunately, more times than not, we fault the single because of the way he or she grew up.

tunately more times than not, we fault the single because of the way he or she grew up. Is it fair to hold it against the single if his or her father went to jail for a white-collar crime? What about the single who comes from a family of a certain hashkafa but that individual has moved more to the right? Or, my favorite: an individual who comes from a home where they are “standoffish” and “rude,” and this person has worked hard on him or herself to avoid acting in such ways. We cannot always hold every person accountable for his or her family.

In a very calm and non-judgmental manner, on a very high level, tell Noam how you feel. Granted, I do not think you should use the wording written in your question describing them as “emotionally stale, fancy, stuck-up people.” Assuming that Noam has social skills, he is probably aware of his parents’ behavior, which is why he avoided having you meet them. Yes, if this is the case, he should have expressed how he felt and not just dodged the topic. However, if it is something that is difficult and embarrassing for him, have compassion and be there for him.

If you are going to marry Noam, then you must have open communication and be honest with one another.

At the end of the day, you and Noam will decide how much of a role (or not) both of your families will play in your married life, so do not focus as much on his family as you should on him.

I wish you much hatzlacha!

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The Zaidy Dr. Jeffrey Galler

I

am shocked that anyone would consider getting engaged without first meeting with, and spending considerable time with, potential in-laws.

In any event, it is not too late. Before you consider making any wedding plans, please insist on spending a few Shabbosim with your chassan and his family. Accept no excuses whatsoever. None. Whatsoever.

When you meet them, please observe carefully. Were their actions at your engagement party merely the result of jet lag? Are their family interactions happy, loving, and healthy?

Or, is there some unhealthy family pathology present that will negatively affect your own marriage and family life?

Remember that even if you plan to live far away from your in-laws, they will be a major part of your life, and the lives of your children, for many years to come.

And, please re-

Pulling It All Together

member: Painful and heartbreaking as it may be, it is far better to “disengage” now, rather than get out of a bad marriage later.

And now, for some lighter thoughts. For all single women who are planning to spend a Shabbos with their potential in-laws, consider it a red flag if your potential mother-inlaw: Talks about you with her family, in your presence, in a language that you do not understand (Hungarian?

Russian?).

Expects you to regularly prepare and serve her son food that you cannot spell (Crêpes suzettes?

Hors d’oeuvres? Foie

Always, always, always, (and one more “always” for the cheap seats in the back!) trust your gut! gras?).

Critiques what all the other women wear in shul.

Or, if any family member flosses at the dinner table.

Good luck.

The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

D

ear Shevy, Thank you for writing into our panel! The beauty of open and honest conversation is that you will likely receive the answer you are seeking. If I were to look back on all the Navidaters columns, my bet is that the vast majority of them center around questions like yours: “should I say something?” This is under?standable as vulnerability is never easy. We also don’t like the idea of potentially losing someone or making the wrong decision or having to start over. There is a lot to lose when we are honest, I guess.

I believe you owe it to yourself to say something to Noam. Your intuition tells you that something is rotten in the state of Denmark. And I want to come alongside you and val-

idate your intuition.

Something indeed seems to be off.

People come from all sorts of complicated or embarrassing family situations. What concerns me is not so much that Noam’s family may be strange or off or rude, but that Noam may have kept this from you. It is the secrecy and manipulation surrounding hiding his family from you that bothers me.

Now, in all fairness to Noam and for the sake of exploring his potential behavior, the shidduch system truly gives people with difficult family situations a hard time. He may have been rejected many times over due to his family and learned from this that he must hide his family. I’m not excus-

ing his behavior (and quite frankly, I have no idea if any of this is remotely on target) but only trying to understand it.

Do not throw out the baby with the bathwater just yet. If you haven’t done so already, please speak with Noam right away. Simply tell him how you feel. Ask him questions. And always, always, always, (and one more “always” for the cheap seats in the back!) trust your gut! While we don’t want to make him feel as though he is under interrogation, you have every right to ask him whatever questions you’d like, so come prepared. The only path forward through this heaviness, in my opinion, is if Noam is agreeable to this conversation and makes you feel comfortable during the conversation. At this point, though he may feel uncomfortable, as a mature adult about to get married, we need to see

his maturity level now. He should be comforting you through this conversation and making you feel good about asking him whatever you need to ask him. If he shuts you down in any way or makes you feel as though your questions are silly or unnecessary, if he “poo-poos” you or any of your concerns as to why you never met them before, that is not a good sign.

As much as you can, approach this conversation from a standpoint of curiosity rather than rebuke. It’s time to be very real with Noam, and in return, you will hopefully get some real clarity. My gut tells me that something hasn’t been shared with you.

It’s time to find out what that is. And Shevy, you deserve to be in a healthy relationship where communication and honesty flow freely. Let’s see if that can happen with Noam.

All the best!

Jennifer

Jennifer Mann, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and dating and relationship coach working with individuals, couples, and families in private practice at 123 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst, NY. She also teaches a psychology course at Touro College. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 718-908-0512. Visit www.thenavidaters.com for more information. If you would like to submit a dating or relationship question to the panel anonymously, please email JenniferMannLCSW@gmail.com. You can follow The Navidaters on FB and Instagram for dating and relationship advice.

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 2015 The Jewish Home | AUGUST 29, 12, 2021

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Dr. Deb

Is Abuse About Domination and Control?

By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

I

n Lundy Bancroft’s book, Why Does He Do That? Inside The Minds Of Angry and Controlling Men, Bancroft goes through all the “myths” that men use as “excuses” for their abusive behavior and uses logic to show why each of these reasons is not accurate.

In every single case, his argument makes sense. Yet, that doesn’t jive with a view of humanity as being “tov meod.”

How do we reconcile the view held by Bancroft that “the abuser’s problem lies above all in his belief that controlling or abusing his female partner is justifiable [italics in original]” with the opposite view, held by Richard Schwartz, creator of IFS (Internal Family Systems), that, as his most recent book is called, there are “No Bad Parts”?

Well, there IS an answer. And it’s elegant. It takes into account every single “explanation” of why the “myths” are wrong – and shows that not only are they correct, but Bancroft simply did not go far enough.

Before I walk you through it, I’d still like to give a shout-out to Bancroft who wanted to protect hurt women and to change their lives by teaching abusers how to change.

He meant well, but progress means you build on the ideas of those that came before you and sometimes must stomp them into the ground to make a firm foundation.

One reason, by the way, why Bancroft must be wrong is because his success rate is or was poor. He states in his introduction, “If even one man out of a ten-person group makes substantial and lasting

changes, then my time and energy have been invested well” (p. xxi).

But the 90% that were not helped represents millions of men, unfortunately.

Compare this to Schwartz’s bold statement in the 2021 book about his work with certain offenders. On the one hand, he’s saying the same exact thing as Bancroft might – that the perpetrator’s behavior was “heinous.” He adds, “The kick in molesting a child came from being able to hurt and have power over someone weak and innocent” (p. 20).

But – and this is a very big but – the heinous behavior did not come from the person’s Self, but from a part of him, a protector part, to be exact. Why would that matter?

It matters because he has been able to cure these people.

Schwartz would hear the same sort of scenario over and over: “While the offender was being

abused as a child, one of their protector parts became desperate to protect them and took on the rageful or … violent energy of their perpetrator and used that energy to protect themselves from that abuser” (p. 20).

However, “as we healed their parts stuck in early abuse, their perpetrator parts unloaded their parents’ violent or … energies and, like other parts, quickly transformed and took on valuable roles. During this period, I had the opportunity to work with other kinds of perpetrators (including murderers) with similar findings” (p. 21). Schwartz has earned his stripes, too. He has not only had “thousands of clients” of his own, but has taught “thousands of therapists doing IFS around the world” (p. 16).

The bottom line is that while the evil of the abusive behavior is being accurately described, the reason for

it is not. And that makes all the difference in the world.

Why? Because how you treat someone will be the outgrowth of how you think about them and that will get you entirely different results.

(Please check out for yourselves the poor results of batterer’s programs, for example.)

As Schwartz cautions, “Any approach that increases your inner drill sergeant’s impulse to shame you into behavior (and make you feel like a failure if you can’t) will do no better in internal families than in external ones in which parents adopt shaming tactics to control their children” (p.12).

Now, let’s analyze the first of Bancroft’s “myths” from an IFS perspective.

Bancroft’s “Myth #1: He was abused as a child” (p. 24).

Bancroft’s argument: “If abusiveness were the product of childhood emotional injury, abusers could overcome their problem through psychotherapy. But it is virtually unheard of for an abusive man to make substantial and lasting changes in his pattern of abusiveness as a result of therapy” (p. 25).

Well, this, of course, begs the question of what kind of psychotherapy was it? He cites that often the therapy provides more “excuses” to the person without changing his behavior.

Okay, let’s look at the world of therapy out there. I Googled “how to handle your inner critic” and had a sharp intake of breath when I read this by a psychologist:

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“Think of your inner critic as if it is a parasite, feeding energy off you” (https://medium.com/science-soul/ how-to-effectively-deal-with-yourinner-critic-20297da6e78f).

Oh, no!

But your inner critic is part of you.

Next, the author does one thing right and one thing deadly wrong: He advises people to feel separate from the critic; the critic is not You. That’s true. Next, he advises giving the critic a name like “Mr. Know-itall Crusher” to “Miss. Negativity” to “Mrs. Annoying” or “Mr. Loudmouth.”

So we are back to shaming.

And further, the author advises, “Tell it that you are on to this, that you know it is a big, fat liar, and that you want it to go away.”

And here, we are back to rejecting, abandoning, stigmatizing – without ever tracking the childhood origin of this part and understand-

ing the magnitude of the role it has taken on, just to protect you.

Schwartz calls the roles that parts have taken on to protect us “heroic.” Ironically, these parts don’t even like these roles any better than we like hearing them loudly berate us inside. But they feel compelled to

his family. Just making that separation can give him breathing room to explore further. For a person who has always thought of himself as evil – and therefore acts accordingly – this is refreshing.

Step Two is for the person to discover who he really is. Underneath

He has a part that has taken on the legacy of abuse in his family.

keep up tirelessly with it in order to keep us safe.

How do we use this perspective to help abusers to change?

Step One is teaching the abuser that he is not evil. He has a part that has taken on the legacy of abuse in

all the parts trying to run his life, there is a Self, and according to Schwartz – and Torah – the Self is more than the sum of its parts.

The abuser can – and will – change when he or she starts to identify himself as capable of con-

trolling and channeling this part’s energy. The part will surely be shocked to learn that it does not have to dominate others to avoid being put down; it does not have to strike first in order to not be left bleeding on the ground.

Finally, Step Three is for the Self to take leadership of all the parts inside. When the Self can appreciate the intentions – however misguided – of the hurting and controlling parts and can assure them that he, the Self, can handle the situation, then the part can unburden itself from its extreme role and be a source of inner richness to the person in ways that are both normal and positive.

Dr. Deb Hirschhorn is a Marriage and Family Therapist. If you want help with your marriage, begin by signing up to watch her Masterclass at https://drdeb. com/myw-masterclass.

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Health & F tness

Foods Full of Fiber

By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN

W

e are always being told to incorporate more fiber into our diets. However, many times it can be confusing as to which types of fiber to include and how much we should be having.

Dietary fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate found in food and comes in the form of soluble fiber and

insoluble fiber. Dietary fiber is very important for gut health and can help control body weight, regulate bowel movements, regulate blood sugar, control hypertension, and signal satiation. It is found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, and fiber supplements.

Women are recommended an in-

take of 21-25g of fiber each day, while men are recommended 30-38g each day. However, the average fiber consumption in the United States is only 15g fiber per day! Although fiber is essential for a healthy gut and digestive system, there are also risks involved with consuming too much fiber. Too much fiber can cause gastrointestinal issues such as gas, bloating, and stomach pain. The key to including more fiber in your diet is to do it slowly and to drink more water.

The Benefits of Fiber 1. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements: Fiber helps regulate bowel movements by increasing the size of stool and softening it. Essentially, fiber bulks up the stool, making it easier to pass. This will help prevent constipation. Fiber also bulks up watery stools, thereby preventing diarrhea.

2. Promotes healthier gut bacteria: Fiber feeds the good bacteria in your microbiome and helps produce short-chain fatty acids that combat inflammation. Studies have shown the benefits of fiber for people with gastrointestinal disorders like colorectal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and diverticular disease.

3. Encourages a healthy weight: High-fiber foods are more filling and satiating than low-fiber foods and can help keep you full longer. Thus, if you choose high-fiber foods, you’ll consume less calories than if you choose low-fiber foods.

4. Lowers the risk of heart disease: High fiber intake has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease

in many large studies. In a Harvard study, researchers found that a high fiber intake decreased the risk of coronary heart disease by 40%.

5. Prevents and helps manage type 2 diabetes: A diet high in fiber and low in high-glycemic index foods may help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Soluble fiber can slow the absorption of sugar and improve blood sugar levels. A high-fiber diet can help control blood sugar levels because when it is ingested, it doesn’t spike blood sugar levels like refined carbohydrates do. Fiber doesn’t need insulin to digest it so it is not counted as part of your carbohydrates. Therefore, if a food contains 30g carbohydrates and 15g fiber, it’s counted as only 15g carbohydrates.

6. Lowers cholesterol levels: Studies have shown that soluble fiber may lower cholesterol levels by lowering the bad cholesterol called LDLs. 7. Keeps you feeling full: Fiber bulks food, expands in the stomach, and makes you feel full. High-fiber foods also take longer to digest than low-fiber foods, making you feel fuller for longer amounts of time. When fiber is digested, acetate is released, and it sends a signal to the brain to stop eating. High-fiber foods also involve more chewing, which also helps signal to the brain that you are full.

Soluble vs. Insoluble Fiber: Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like material. It is important for digestion, lowering blood sugar and LDL cholesterol. Types of soluble fiber include oats, beans, avocados, apples, brussels sprouts, sweet

potatoes, carrots, barley, peas, broccoli, turnips, pears, figs, sunflower seeds, and psyllium husk.

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and instead, attracts water into your stool, making it softer and easier to pass. Insoluble fiber is important for healthy bowels, insulin resistance, and digestion. Types of insoluble fiber include potatoes, wheat bran, beans, nuts, dark leafy greens, blackberries, unpeeled apples, whole wheat flour, and cauliflower.

Tips to Increase Fiber 1. Keep the skin on fruits and vegetables to get more fiber. For example, a large apple without its skin contains 3g fiber, while a large apple with its skin contains 5g fiber.

2. Add seeds to your meals to boost fiber content. Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain 10g fiber, while two tablespoons of flax seeds contain 6g fiber.

3. Choose whole-wheat options instead of white flour. Whole- wheat

bread contains about triple the amount of fiber than white bread.

4. Take fiber supplements if your doctor recommends. Psyllium husk is a great fiber supplement that can be added to smoothies or other beverages. To reduce stomach discomfort,

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7. Include more fruits and vegetables in your meals. Fruits and vegetables are packed with fiber! One cup of raspberries contains 8g fiber and 1 artichoke contains 6.9g fiber.

8. Avoid juices and opt for whole fruits and vegetables. Juices are

High-fiber foods also take longer to digest than low-fiber foods, making you feel fuller for longer amounts of time.

add fiber supplements in slowly and increase water intake.

5. Add soluble or insoluble fiber according to your needs. For example, if you suffer from IBS, soluble fiber may be a better option for you.

6. Choose high fiber flours such as almond flour, coconut flour, or oat flour.

stripped of fiber and only have carbohydrates in the form of sugar.

Dietary fiber has many benefits and should be included in your daily diet. It will feed the good bacteria in your gut, form short-chain fatty acids, and help regulate your digestion. Soluble fibers can be a good source when looking to lower cholesterol levels,

sustain your appetite, and decrease the rise in blood sugar levels. Insoluble fiber supports insulin sensitivity and promotes bowel health. However, if you have any kind of inflammatory bowel disease like IBS or leaky gut, a lot of fiber can induce symptoms.

It is important to note that regardless of how healthy your digestion is, it is important to introduce more fiber into your diet gradually. Eating too much fiber too quickly can cause abdominal and digestive discomfort.

Fiber is found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains and is crucial for a healthy gut and digestive tract.

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

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Parenting Pearls

Becoming Community Focused

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

I

’ve always felt that part of the beauty of the Jewish community is how much we truly are a community and not just strangers haphazardly living in close proximity. As a community, we ensure every possible need is being met for everyone. We see ourselves as a cohesive group and not as separate individuals. This important trait may be one reason why even many schools incorporate chessed into their students’ schedules. Who could forget after Superstorm Sandy the contribution made by high school students when schools were closed? From serving food to those displaced to cleaning and sanitizing water damaged homes, we saw how every member of our community could contribute. I hope those teens (now adults) recognized how much they could give despite their young age.

There is a way for each member of a family to contribute to our community, each in their own way. My extended family has a long-time connection to Chai Lifeline, an organization many of you have heard about. The incredible work they do for sick children and their families is legendary. My sister has not only ran their marathon to raise money but she’s very involved in Camp Simcha. My son gave from his maaser money to them, and my daughter helped collect for them when her schooled peers did. My cousin, Malya Goldberg, will soon be running the marathon again (fifth year in a row!) to raise money and as part of Team Abba, in memory of her father, Yitzchak Zelig ben Yaakov Mordechai (teamlifeline. org/miami22/TeamAbba). I will be honest – I can’t run a marathon but I sure can be proud of those who do.

After the yomim noraim, our family will be participating in a virtual walk to raise money for the KAT6A foundation (KAT6A.org). As my adorable niece, Shifra bas Chana Dina, has this very rare (but not hereditary) disease, this is one way we can contribute towards raising money for research and treatment options for my incredi-

We certainly don’t want children to associate helping others with being miserable themselves. Giving should be pleasant and positive for children, otherwise it could, chas v’shalom, be something they develop an aversion to.

Avoid Frightening Your Child

ble niece and those like her.

As you can see, there are many ways to help contribute to many different needs. I could have listed more but then you would’ve gotten bored and stopped reading. Our community is blessed to have so many wonderful groups doing so much good for so

it makes it more meaningful and enjoyable. It is my humble opinion that you don’t want to force a child to do chessed. What could be meaningful for one child could be frightening for another. For example, visiting homebound seniors or visiting nursing homes could be enjoyable for one

There is a way for each member of a family to contribute to our community, each in their own way.

many different people. It seems like every conceivable need has a group or organization involved in meeting that need.

Choose Wisely Each member of the family can find their own place, a chessed that speaks to them, or you can contribute together as a family. I know families that packed Tomchei Shabbos together. Our family, as mentioned above, supports Chai Lifeline together.

When children have the opportunity to choose where they can help,

child; other children may find it too far from their comfort zone or even scary.

Allow your child to try different options and find their unique niche. We all know how we can best assist others, and your child’s special personality is no different. Let them find what best suits them so they’ll be motivated to continue.

As mentioned above, I personally don’t see there being an advantage to forcing a child to do chessed, as important as it is. I’m concerned the negative experience could turn a child off more than suddenly inspire them.

Chessed organizations are helping individuals and families that are in serious situations. Sometimes those needs can be scary or upsetting to an adult; certainly, they can terrify a child.

It’s my personal opinion that it’s not a good idea to give all the explicit details to a child if it may cause them anxiety. It’s not a chessed to your child to give them nightmares. For example, cancer is a serious disease, lo aleinu.

Discussing all the details may overwhelm some children; saying they’re helping sick children may be sufficient for one but still too much for another child. Telling in-depth stories of starving families may frighten a child more than motivate them to assist in the food pantry. In fact, I would even hesitate to discuss my niece’s diagnosis with an expectant couple even though there are only about 300 known cases of the disease worldwide; certainly not the top concern expectant parents should have.

Emotions don’t always match facts and everyone has what they are sensitive to at different times. Respect your child’s emotional needs, even while encouraging them to do good and help others.

Chessed Begins at Home We tend to forget that chessed begins at home and with family. Calling a grandparent, helping out after a new baby, or just tidying up without being asked are all ways children can help.

Even a child afraid to visit seniors will often be comfortable calling a grandparent. My toddlers do a great job coloring pictures that their grandparents are thrilled to receive. There’s something for everyone.

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My cousins, Malya and David Goldberg, with some of their children before participating in Team Lifeline

Chessed can even be close to home.

My daughter enjoyed playing with our neighbor’s adorable toddler while the new mother took care of their new-

born. Shoveling snow for neighbors is another great way for the kids to make a difference for someone without needing much fanfare or creativity. Children are often less nervous helping those they know than total strangers.

This can be a simple, yet effective way to incorporate the idea of chessed into your child’s life.

Obviously, ensure your child will be safe wherever they go, particularly if they will be at a neighbor’s house.

Know who your child will be exposed to and working with. Your child and his/her safety come first. Make sure you know all the arrangements and what will be expected of your child.

Ensure that your child is only being asked to do that which is age- and emotionally-appropriate for them.

Speak up if the expectations aren’t fair.

While chessed at home is important, it still shouldn’t be forced. It can be too easy, especially when your family is going through a difficult time, to place too much on a child who isn’t capable of bearing that load. Carefully

evaluate what any given child is able to handle. It may be better to ask for help from an outside organization rather than overburden a youngster. When I was hospitalized with COVID just before Pesach, our children did have to help extra but we still reached out for communal assistance. It would have been unfair to our children to have the extra burden of assisting that much in maintaining our household while emotionally dealing with a hospitalized parent.

Davening I ask you to please keep in mind Shifra bas Chana Dina and all the sick children in your tefillos. Davening and learning in someone’s z’chus could also be a form of chessed and one that even the more hesitant children can do.

Even children busy with schoolwork can often find a few quiet moments to learn a little extra on Shabbos or say some Tehillim before Shabbos.

Many children may not have the time or emotional comfort to person-

ally assist others but davening and learning is something that can be done at any time and without others present. Children benefit from knowing their tefillos and learning matter and can help others. While there are many different needs in our community, from issues with parnassa to shidduchim, davening is one solution to all of them. The added advantage is children realizing the power of their tefillos and creating a greater awareness of their connection with Hashem.

We want our children to grow up to become involved members of the Jewish community. Children, even at the youngest of ages, can contribute and learn how powerful their actions can be and how great an impact their involvement can make.

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

Chicken Soup for the Family and Beyond

By Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz

I

t’s become a Jewish expression connected to welcoming guests for Shabbos. We invite people and tell them if they decide to come at the last minute, we’ll just add some water to the chicken soup. The message is warm and inclusive. We are saying: it’s not a problem. We will graciously expand our resources to meet the need.

Please come.

As I ladled my soup into plastic freezer containers one recent evening, I thought about this paradigm for hospitality. Adding water only works when you have a full-bodied soup in which plenty of chicken and lots of wholesome vegetables have simmered for a long time. The flavor is subtle but strong.

Therefore, you can add volume without additional ingredients without compromising on taste.

The same is true of bringing strangers into your home. If you have created an atmosphere of authentic values with ingredients that have cooked a long time on the stove, the soup does not lose flavor or strength when you add water afterwards. There is no risk of diluting your chinuch or your message when you bring in outsiders who lack the strength and depth of your Torah values and commitments. If the ingredients that you have put into your home are plentiful, fresh and varied

hashkafa, middos, and modeling, in addition to the chicken (unembellished Torah), your stock will be hearty and wholesome. And you can sneak in some water to stretch it for another few seats at the table.

There are no shortcuts to making a good chicken soup. None of us would think of using consommé cubes for a

many ingredients. And they all need to be cooked for a long time so that the subtle flavors merge and the vegetables and chicken become soft and easy to eat. It takes time and effort to concoct the delicacy we take for granted every week. We need to purchase the veggies, check them, peel them, cut them up, wash them, and monitor the flame

If you have created an atmosphere of authentic values with ingredients that have cooked a long time on the stove, the soup does not lose flavor or strength when you add water afterwards.

Friday night seudah; it’s just not the real thing and it’s obvious at first sip.

You generally need to have most of the following fresh vegetables: onions, parsley root, celery, greens. a beet (for color), carrots, and squash.

There are no shortcuts, either, for creating a warm Torah home. It takes authentic Torah and lots of modeling, guiding, learning from others, among

once all of the ingredients are ready. It’s a labor-intensive process with a quality output from a watchful process in which we skim the scum and adjust the flame under the pot several times. We don’t just turn on the fire and forget about it. Paying attention, monitoring the heat, and preventing overflow onto the stove is part of it once you have assembled the ingredients.

And so it is for our chinuch efforts.

We labor. We learn. We check. We remove inedible parts. We monitor and adjust as needed. Ultimately, there is a strong, full bodied message that is easy to imbibe and digest.

And it’s strong enough, if cooked long enough, to withstand the extension to others who may not have had the opportunity to taste of authentic Jewish tradition. Let’s not be so scared.

We have learned to master the art of creating Torah homes. And we can share them easily with the uninitiated if we have mastered our craft well.

Bring on the guests as we add water to the chicken soup.

What’s delicious is the soup itself, not the garnishes and add-ons.

Whether you add croutons, chickpeas, lokshen, or retach, the soup itself is the main attraction. It’s not about how your kids behave at the table or whether the cutlery is all of one pattern. It’s about the strong message of full-bodied Torah values that your guest experiences at your Shabbos table. That’s what will restore him, not the starchy accompaniments.

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

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

In The K

tchen

Fried Goat Cheese Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

By Naomi Nachman

The first time I had fried goat cheese, I

teared up from its deliciousness! I had never tasted anything so yummy. Afterwards, I

developed this recipe to add to my cooking demo repertoire, and I created a raspberry dressing to go with it. The combination of flavors is the perfect blend for summer dinners.

Cheese Discs

Ingredients b ½ cup flour

b 1 egg, beaten b ¾ cup plain panko crumbs b 1 tablespoon sesame seeds b ½ tablespoon black sesame seeds b 1 10.5-ounce log plain goat cheese b ½ cup canola oil

Preparation 1.

Set up three dishes on the counter: Fill the first with flour, the second with the egg, and the third with the panko crumbs and the sesame seeds.

2. Slice the goat cheese into at least 10-15 slices and form each slice into disc about the size of a quarter. Coat each disc in flour, then in egg, then in the panko crumb mixture. Once they’re all coated, set them aside while your

pan heats up.

3. Place a sauté pan over medium heat and bring ½ cup oil to 360 degrees using an oil thermometer. Once the oil is hot, place the coated discs of goat cheese into the pan and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 1 minute. Drain on paper and cool. Set aside and prepare dressing.

finely. Add preserves and vinegar.

2. Then, in a steady stream while the machine is running, add the olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. You can do this by hand with a whisk but it is a smoother consistency in a food processor.

Salad Dressing

Ingredients

b 1 tablespoon shallots, finely minced b 3 tablespoons raspberry preserves b 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar b 1/3 cup olive oil b Salt and ground black pepper

Preparation 1.

Place shallot in a food processor and mince

Ingredients

b 3 cups mixed greens b ½ red onion slices, optional b ½ cup honey glazed pecans, halved

Preparation 1.

Place salad greens on a large platter, scatter red onions and pecans over the top.

2. Add the cheese rings around them and drizzle with dressing.

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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Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

I’ll still chase a bargain, and I definitely won’t be paying £6.50 for a bacon roll at the golf club.

- Paul Louise Drake, 47, of Scotland, in a TV interview, after winning approximately $7 million in the UK’s National Lottery

What would motivate a Hasidic rabbi and his followers to leave a Brooklyn enclave where they’ve lived for generations and establish a quickly growing community in Wimauma, Fla., a semi-rural area near Tampa Bay? The same reasons that have led to an unprecedented wave of Orthodox Jewish families moving to South Florida: education choice, low taxes and good governance.

If you’re coming after the rights of parents in Florida? I’m standing in your way. If you’re trying to deny kids a proper in-person education, I’m gonna stand in your way and stand up for the kids in Florida.

If you’re trying to restrict people and impose mandates and ruin their jobs and livelihood, if you are trying to lock people down, I am standing in your way. I am standing for the people of Florida.

- Gov. Ron DeSantis responding to Pres. Biden’s criticism of his Covid response

– From a Wall Street Journal article titled, “Why Orthodox Jews Are Leaving Brooklyn for Florida”

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics ended yesterday, and the U.S. athletes brought home 39 gold medals, 41 silvers, 33 bronze, and four new variants.

— Seth Meyers

Governor who?... That’s my response.

-Pres. Biden when asked about his response to DeSantis

I’m not surprised that Biden doesn’t remember me. The question is what else has he forgotten?

- Gov. DeSantis in response

By the way, Mr. Former President, my own 60th birthday is coming up in three years, and you, sir, are not … going to want to miss it.

Please come. I’d be so honored if you came. I’ll scale me back to make room for you — and Michelle, obviously.

— Stephen Colbert, host of a show which is supposed to be funny, openly begging Barak Obama to attend his upcoming birthday party

Well, last night was the closing ceremony for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics which, because of Covid, were actually held in 2021, which means it’s only three more years until the 2024 Olympics are postponed to 2027.

– Seth Meyers

This is going to be safe. This is a sophisticated, vaccinated crowd.

– The New York Times White House correspondent Annie Karni on CNN explaining why Obama’s mass-gathering birthday bash did not pose any Covid risks

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91 27

He lied about contagiousness and while locking down his own country, he was pressuring other countries not to impose travel restrictions and quarantines on arrivals from China. You put those two things together, and there are more, but you put just those two things together, and this shows that this was a deliberate spread of the disease.

– Chinese expert Gordan Chang talking about Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Newsmax

I wonder if the people who printed fake ballots are going to start a vax passport division.

- Jenna Ellis on Twitter

Being unvaccinated and/or unmasked at a large indoor gathering is like literally begging to get COVID. Please don’t do that to yourself, your family or your neighbors.

- Tweet by singer John Legend last week, days before he performed unmasked for an unmasked gathering at Obama’s 60th birthday party

You never see a U-Haul behind a hearse.

You can’t take anything with you.

— Dominick Oliverie, owner of famed Dallas sandwich shop Great American Hero, explaining why he is retiring and closing his shop

It’s time for us to resist. They can’t arrest all of us. They can’t keep all of your kids home from school. They can’t keep every government building closed, although, I’ve got a long list of ones they might keep closed or might ought to keep closed. We don’t have to accept the mandates, lockdowns and harmful policies of the petty tyrants and bureaucrats. We can simply say, “No, not again!”

- Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)

Children are falling behind in school. They are being harmed physically and psychologically by the tactics that you used to keep them from school last year. We will not allow that to happen again.

- Ibid.

What’s up with that? What did I do wrong?

- Quarterback Tom Brady upon being booed when introduced at Peyton Manning’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony

It’s been a very long week. it’s been a very long five years. I didn’t expect a medal today; I just wanted to go out there and do this for me, and that’s exactly what I did.

- Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, after winning bronze in the balance beam competition

China’s a very important market for us.

- Nike CEO John Donahoe when asked on CNBC why he does not criticize China’s human rights abuses if his company is so vocal about social issues in the U.S.

Well, this is tragic news: Barack Obama’s long-awaited birthday bash has been ruined by climate change as his mansion sank into the sea thanks to global warming.

- The Babylon Bee website

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Political Crossfire

The Latest Revolutionary Tools in Warfare? Microwaves.

By David Ignatius

T

he video, prepared by a defense start-up called Epirus, shows a swarm of eight drones advancing across a government test range in Nevada. As they come nearer, a mobile ground station fires a high-powered microwave pulse toward the attackers.

The drones tumble from the sky like dead birds.

Welcome to two of the most powerful new trends in warfare. Small, cheap, lightweight drones are the new “improvised explosive devices” that can threaten military or civilian targets anywhere in the world. But Epirus is among the leaders in a promising defense technology that uses the directed energy of microwaves to disable the drones’ electronics.

What’s potentially revolutionary about this approach is that, using artificial intelligence, it can target precise frequencies with a densely concentrated pulse of energy. In the video demonstrations I watched, the Epirus system, known as Leonidas, can disable an adversary drone but leave untouched a friendly one a few feet away. It can take down big, fixedwing drones as well as tiny quadcopters. Epirus executives say their system can disable a drone’s rotor, or its camera, or its GPS navigation system, or even implant code to manipulate its movements.

The Pentagon has been slow to embrace this new microwave technology, which China has been developing for more than a decade. But it’s finally getting serious attention. Former defense secretary Mark Esper just joined the Epirus board, and the Pentagon plans to start deploying the company’s counter-drone systems to U.S. forces around the world this year. Skeptics argue that the Epirus approach won’t

be proved until it’s been shown to work in complex, real-world battlefield environments.

A new Air Force study explains the urgency. “We are approaching or have passed the tipping point for the criticality of Directed Energy capabilities as applied to the successful execution of military operations,” argues the study, “Directed Energy Futures 2060.”

The Pentagon had been focusing on lasers as its directed energy weapon of choice. But lasers are heavy, require lots of power, can’t penetrate clouds, and can take as long as five seconds to zap a target. Adm. James Winnefeld, a former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, argued for the alternative microwave approach in a recent article titled, “Don’t Miss the Boat on High-Power Microwave Defense.”

Some versions of this technology present significant potential dangers.

U.S. officials believe that the “Havana syndrome” that has afflicted U.S. diplomats abroad may be caused by ad-

versaries’ use of microwave radiation.

But Leigh Madden, the chief executive of Epirus, says that his company’s approach can’t harm humans because, unlike other systems, it doesn’t emit any harmful ionizing radiation. The “radiation” from its solid-state chips is comparable to what’s emitted by a cellphone, he says.

Like so many technology breakthroughs, this one involves some colorful characters. The co-founder of Epirus, Grant Verstandig, dropped out of Brown as a sophomore in 2009, taught himself coding and artificial intelligence, and the next year founded a health-care company that was eventually acquired by the giant UnitedHealth, which named him chief digital officer in 2017.

Verstandig, whose mother Toni Verstandig had been a prominent State Department official, meanwhile joined the National Security Agency as an unpaid adviser in 2014, specializing in developing jamming technology against IEDs and then drones. As he

focused on national security, his investing partner was John Tenet, son of former CIA director George Tenet.

Verstandig and Tenet recruited Bo Marr, a top specialist in directed energy research at Raytheon, to help found Epirus in July 2018. Marr, now the company’s chief technology officer, remembers the “eureka” moment in 2019 when they realized that the breakthrough for anti-drone microwaves was what they call “SmartPower” – using super-dense Gallium Nitrite chips and AI algorithms to stabilize, focus and direct energy to precise frequencies.

It’s complicated technology, for sure. But you sense the youthful exuberance of a start-up in a video Verstandig showed me of a January 2019 backyard test in suburban Los Angeles that disabled three test drones.

As with so many defense technologies, the Epirus approach has some dazzling (if still unproved) potential spinoffs. Verstandig explained that the high-powered microwaves could burn the carbon out of carbon dioxide emissions, an approach more than 10 times cheaper than sequestration. He explained how his “SmartPower” technology for directing electrons could reduce charging times for electric vehicles from hours to minutes.

“Whoever owns directed energy will own the 21st century,” Verstandig told me. That’s an audacious boast, but it’s shaking up the Pentagon. If microwaves can disable drones from a distance, they can overwhelm computers, too. If they can take down a quadcopter, why not a missile? For the military, it’s a brave new world, and a dangerous one, too. (c) 2021, Washington Post Writers Group

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Political Crossfire

Most U.S. Olympians Love America Ignore the troublemakers and celebrate them

By Marc A. Thiessen Eddy Alvarez wears red, white, and blue with pride

O

ne of the things I love most about the Olympics is the chance to watch all sorts of sports that I would never otherwise see. I’ve found myself rooting for Team USA in water polo, fencing, table tennis, wrestling and even badminton. There are so many Americans who are exceptional at these sports, but who don’t get much attention – except once every four years during the Olympics.

A small number know this is the only time when anyone is going to pay attention to them and choose to use that opportunity to tear their country down. With their antics, they steal the spotlight from the vast majority of U.S. Olympians who love the United States and wear the stars and stripes with pride. We should spend more time celebrating these patriots.

We should focus on athletes such as Tamyra Mensah-Stock, who became the first U.S. Black woman to win a gold medal in wrestling. She grew up in Katy, Texas, the daughter of an immigrant from Ghana. During a news conference after her historic win, she was asked how it felt to represent the United States: “It. Feels.

Amazing!” she said, as she bounced with joy while wrapped in an American flag. Curling her hands into the shape of a heart, she added, “I love representing the U.S. I…love living there. I love it, and I’m so happy I get to represent U-S-A!” Or take Eddy Alvarez, the minor-league baseball player and son of

Cuban immigrants who was selected to carry the flag during the Opening Ceremonies.

“Just to get the honor to represent the United States of America, to hold the flag – the symbol of liberty, of freedom – my family came over to this country from Cuba…. If it wasn’t for them doing that, I wouldn’t be in the position that I am now,” he

the United States at the Olympics.

“I never thought I would come to this country. Never, ever, ever,” Ramírez says. “I wouldn’t change my story for anything.”

U.S. golfer Patrick Reed learned about patriotism from his brotherin-law Dan Karain, an Army machine-gunner who served in the Korangal Valley in Afghanistan.

He remembers watching the U.S. Olympic team on TV and thinking, “Man, if I get the chance to go to America, I would do it without a blink of my eye.”

says. “Being a first-generation Cuban American, my story represents the American Dream.”

Look at U.S. fencer Yeisser Ramírez, who grew up so poor in Guantánamo, Cuba, that he had to fence barefoot. He remembers watching the U.S. Olympic team on TV and thinking, “Man, if I get the chance to go to America, I would do it without a blink of my eye.” One day he came home from practice to learn that his father had entered him into the U.S. visa lottery – and won. Now he’s on the very U.S. Olympic team he dreamed about as a kid – he may be the first Cuban-born man to fence for

“Hearing the stories of what he had to go through,” Reed says, “soldiers are dying for us so we’re able to sleep at night and feel safe and do what we do.

And so, for me to represent my country, anytime I can wear the red, white and blue and support our troops and our country, I’m gonna do it. Getting to play for something bigger than yourself, it’s a no-brainer.”

Or take U.S. women’s boxer Naomi Graham, who became the first female active-duty service member to compete for Team USA at the Olympics.

She grew up poor in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and was homeless after her mother kicked her out of

the house. She turned her life around, joined the military, and signed up for the Army’s “World Class Athlete Program,” which helps soldiers compete in their sports while handling their military obligations. Now, Graham is representing her country in the boxing ring in Tokyo. In the United States, she says, “you can be anything you want to be. You can come from nothing and be an Olympian.”

And then there’s U.S. marathoner Aliphine Tuliamuk, who started running as a small child in Kenya carrying water home for her family, where she was one of 32 siblings. Back in Kenya, she says, “both my parents are farmers, I don’t think they would have been able to educate all of us.” But in the United States she was able to work as an Uber driver and send back money to educate her brothers and sisters.

When she arrived here, she says, she looked around and thought, “Are we in paradise?” She has a red, white and blue beanie she crocheted as “a way to say thank you America for giving me the opportunity to be who I am today.”

These athletes revere the flag for the freedom and opportunity it represents. They would never turn their backs on it or use the medal platform for self-indulgent protest. What a shame that the malcontents get all the media attention, when these American patriots deserve it so much more. (c) 2021, Washington Post Writers Group

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Forgotten Her es

Twelve Hero of Israel Recipients

By Avi Heiligman

L-R: Yohai Bin Nun, Arieh Atzmoni, Emil Brig, Aharon Feller, Yair Racheli, Ben-Zion Leitner, and Abraham Avigdorov

A

s the Israel War of Independence (1948-1949) progressed, it became increasingly clear to the IDF that one of their many tasks would be to create a system of military decorations.

Thousands of recommendations for bravery in battle poured into the IDF headquarters but they soon realized that it would take time to create this system. In the meantime, they awarded twelve soldiers with the title of Hero of Israel. Decades later, all of the awardees were automatically given the Medal of Valor, which was established in 1970. The bravery of these soldiers certainly deserves to be told.

The first action to be awarded the title of Hero of Israel was given to Yair Racheli. Born in Haifa, he was a member of the Palmach’s First Battalion, Yiftach Brigade. On January 19, 1948 (four months before Israel was officially a country), his unit was surrounded in an Arab village. Seeing that a machine gun was the instrument behind many of his fellow soldiers’ deaths, Racheli took

five grenades and at great risk threw them into the machine gun nest. The gun was put out of action, and many wounded soldiers were rescued.

Emmanuel Landau was born in Poland and fled to Russia right as World War II was starting. After his father died of disease while in the Red Army, Emmanuel and sister made aliyah in 1943 through a journey that took them through Iran. They were placed on a kibbutz, and Emmanuel went to agricultural school. After graduation, he joined the Palmach and became a soldier in the Yiftach Brigade.

In March 1948, an Arab convoy was carrying hundreds of thousands of bullets, a thousand grenades, hundreds of rifles and five grenade launchers, most of which was supplied by England and France. The Palmach sent a group of soldiers to intercept the vital munitions. Abraham Avigdorov fired first, aiming his submachine gun at the first truck. The two machine-gunners on the truck were killed immediately.

However, Avigdorov was seriously

A proclamation given to one of the recipients

wounded in the attack and had to be evacuated. Meanwhile, Landau ran towards a truck that was driverless with the intent to transfer the contents to the Palmach. The truck was full of weapons and exploded when some Arabs shot at it, killing Landau. Both Avigdorov and Landau were awarded the title of Hero of Israel as this convoy was destined for an Arab garrison that was very short of supplies and soon was taken by the IDF. Zerubavel Howoritz was an officer in the Haganah tasked with breaking the Arab blockade on Gush Etzion. They were ambushed, and after several hours of fighting, Horowitz told his men to escape. He was last seen protecting the wounded soldiers and was in a vehicle when it exploded.

Yizhar Armoni was killed at Nebi Yusha and received the award because he had covered the retreat of other soldiers and protected the wounded.

The last person to be awarded the honor of Hero of Israel before

Israel actually became a country was Sergeant Emil Brig. Born in Poland in 1927, Emil joined the underground partisans to fight the Nazis. He was caught and was about to be executed. Russian soldiers saved him and other underground members when they arrived in the nick of time. After ending the war in Russian uniform fighting the Germans, Emil immigrated to Eretz Yisrael and joined the security service. The day that the State of Israel came into existence, May 14, Emil blew up a bridge preventing Arab soldiers from advancing on his unit’s position.

Siman Tov Ganeh was born in the Old City and, along with his father, served in the British military during World War II. He was a decorated sailor in the British Navy and joined the Lechi after returning to Eretz Yisrael. During the War of Independence, he was with the 89th Battalion, 8th Brigade. In November 1948, he was driving an armored vehicle in a battle for a village on an important highway. A cannon

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

Abraham Avigdorov

shell hit the half-track and wounded the four IDF soldiers. Despite his wounds and with the vehicle out of commission, Ganeh covered the rest of his unit’s retreat with the still-working machine gun. For the next six hours, he gave first aid to the other wounded soldiers and continued to fire back on the Egyptian soldiers. His unit was finally able to rescue him. After the battle, his legs

Emil Brig

Emmanuel Landau

were amputated due to his injuries.

After the war, Ganeh became a taxi driver (he received prosthetic legs) and was very involved in shuttling soldiers around during the Six Day War. Ron Feller was born in Tel Aviv and joined the Haganah in the years leading up to the War of Independence. Once the IDF was founded, he served in the Givati Brigade. In

Siman Tov Ganeh

July 1948, he crawled in broad daylight towards a pair of Egyptian tanks that had caused damage to Israeli equipment. Feller took out a tank with an anti-tank weapon; the other tank retreated. This action ended the Egyptian attack for the day.

The dedication of these men is rarely mentioned in recent years. It took a lot of dedication and courage

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Yair Racheli

to serve during the Israeli War of Independence, and these soldiers were recognized for their remarkable bravery in battle.

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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Yeshiva Darchei Torah Far Rockaway, NY Seeks 5th Grade General Studies Teachers/ Please send resume to chantarish613@gmail.com Science Teacher, Assistant Teachers for grades 1-3 (Excellent opportunity for students pursuing a degree in education). Afternoon hours. Excellent working environment and salary.

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LEGACY 613, A DYNAMIC JEWISH INREACH/OUTREACH ORGANIZATION SEEKS A VIRTUAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. We seek a bright, self-starter with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The successful candidate will have the ability to organize and prioritize tasks. The candidate will possess the following skills: Proven work experience; Proficiency with computer and internet research abilities; Project management and organization; Assist in social media management and marketing.

We offer a highly competitive hourly wage commensurate with experience.

This is a part-time position for 10-15 hours a month, with potential for growth.

Please send a resume to info@legacy613.org.

Wanted: Exp Graphic Designer Must know how to use a MAC. Knowledgeable in Adobe, Illustrator, Indesign, & Photoshop.

Must come to our office in Flatbush for interview.

Does not need to work in office.

Email resume to graphicdesigner613@gmail.com for info call 9177018012 CAHAL is seeking PT morning Limudei Kodesh teacher for elementary school girls class in 5-Towns.

Send resume to shira@cahal.org.

Call 516-295-3666.

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The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

SHULAMITH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS IN CEDARHURST, NY, a warm, supportive, collegial, growth promoting environment, has the following openings: THIRD GRADE JUDAIC STUDIES TEACHER (preferably mornings): Fluent Hebrew speaker and writer who is dynamic, creative, committed, compassionate, and nurturing with relevant degrees and teaching experience to build skills and inspire life-long learning.

P/T ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TEACHER: Professional, dynamic, highly skilled teacher with relevant degrees and experienced in lower school science and technology.

CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS: Bright, motivated, hard working, committed assistants to help classroom teachers by working with the students either directly or indirectly; some substitute teaching involved. Looking for all grade levels. P/T - perfect for college students.

Salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience.

Please send resumes to egross@shulamith.org

Local school looking to hire a capable administrative assistant.

Job responsibilities include data entry, database management, assisting the administrator in his daily tasks.

Candidates must be detailoriented, organized, and have the ability to multi-task. Prefer full-time but would consider part-time for the right individual.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office required. Enjoyable working environment, personal, sick, vacation days offered, Yom Tovim and certain legal holidays off. Salary commensurate with experience.

Please email resume to admin@shoryoshuv.org

Virtual Administrative Assistant

Five Towns/Far Rockaway area school seeking third and fourth grade general studies teachers for the '21-'22 school year, Monday through Thursday afternoons.

Supportive, warm environment.

Competitive salary.

Please send your resume to teachersearch11@gmail.com

Needed Proficiency in computers required Part-time job Competitive hourly salary Perfect for college student or retiree Website skills and social media a bonus 917-603-1964

FIVE TOWNS/ FAR ROCKAWAY AREA school seeking third and fourth grade general studies teachers for the '21-'22 school year, Monday through Thursday afternoons.

Supportive, warm environment.

Competitive salary.

Please send your resume to teachersearch11@gmail.com

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Weekly Classifed Ads Up to 5 lines and/or 25 words 1 week ................$20 2 weeks .............. $35 4 weeks .............. $60 Email ads to: classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com Include valid credit card info and zip code

Deadline Monday 5:00pm

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

S H a lO m Ta S k FO r C e

You Are NoT ALoNe Confidential Hotline

888.883.2323 Call. Text. Whatsapp

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

HELP WANTED

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Seeking full-time paraprofessionals to work in a special education school for the 2021-2022 school year in Flatbush.

Excellent ABA training. Heimish environment! Transportation from BP provided. resumes@yadyisroelschool.org

CAHAL is seeking afternoon middle school secular studies teacher for boys’ class in a Five Towns yeshiva.

Send resume to shira@cahal.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 ASSISTANTS NEEDED FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AFTERNOON SESSION. Email: fivetownseducators@gmail.com SHULAMITH EARLY CHILDHOOD is looking to hire a full time teacher assistant for the current school year.

Please email resume to earlychildhood@shulamith.org

5 TOWNS BOYS YESHIVA SEEKING ELEM GEN ED TEACHERS Excellent working environment and pay. Only lic/exp need apply.

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Your

Money

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures Part II

By Allan Rolnick, CPA

L

ast week, we talked about one of Uncle Sam’s priciest problems.

Specifically, the current lineup of taxes on income, payrolls, corporations, gifts, estates, imports, and gas and alcohol sales isn’t getting the job done. We’re collecting almost $12 billion/day, and we’re still $29 trillion in the hole! Clearly, we need some creative thinking. So why not turn to some lesser-known taxes that different governments have used to help make ends meet? Last week we looked at windows, beards, wig powder, and baby names.

What else should we be taxing to fill the hole?

• Litigation: When Shakespeare’s dopey Dick the Butcher says, “Let’s kill all the lawyers” (Henry VI, Part II), he isn’t bashing lawyers; he’s bashing the rule of law that stands in the way of his rebellion. But that doesn’t stop Tennessee from hitting litigants with taxes ranging from $1 for parking violations to $3,000 for certain offenders.

Today’s voters are more divided than at any time since the Civil War, but does anyone doubt we could abandon partisanship long enough to slap a tax on court cases? Too bad Congress is so full

of lawyers!

• Toilets: The state of Maryland charges a “flush tax” of $60/year — more formally known as the “Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fee” — to finance upgrading 67 sewer treatment plants that discharge into the bay. (No questions on the “enhanced nutrient removal process,” please.) Flushing,

Quahog Dealers Report (Form Qua) slaps a $1.20 tax on every bushel of the briny treat. Every state should nominate one local delicacy as their tax “tribute” — how much do you think we can raise on Chicago’s gooey deep-dish pizza, Philly’s iconic cheese-steak sandwiches, and Ohio’s Cincinnati-style chili?

We’re collecting almost $12 billion/day, and we’re still $29 trillion in the hole! like air conditioning, has become a necessity of modern life. Luckily, Uncle Sam didn’t figure this out in time to tax toilet paper during last year’s shortages!

• Mahogany Quahogs: If you’re visiting Maine, love shellfish but hate lobster, and think the Pine Tree state needs more revenue, then Maine’s mahogany quahog clam tax is the answer to your oddly specific prayer. The Maine Revenue Service’s Mahogany

• Coin-Operated Laundromats: South Dakota levies a $16 nontransferable annual license on coin-operated washers and dryers — $20 if they’re located in a municipality of more than 1,000. The instructions to Form 0872 even helpfully list all 62 municipalities that qualify. (If you feel foolish because you didn’t know South Dakota taxes laundromats, imagine how foolish you’d feel if you were one of the readers just now learning we

have two Dakotas!)

• Cow Scents. When it comes to greenhouse gases, fossil fuels take most of the blame. But the European Union has found that up to 18% of the continent’s emissions come from cows. The answer? Taxing the cows is more than just hot air. Denmark currently levies the highest cow tax in Europe at €80 per head. Here in the states, Texas is home to 4,685,000 of the gassy critters, and we’ll see a Texas cow tax long before we see a Texas income tax.

We’re not sure just what to take away from this motley collection of tax bills. Be careful what you wish for, maybe? Things can always be worse?

Lie down with dogs, wake up with fleas? Maybe our current tax system isn’t as bad as we think. At least we know the “green lights” we can use to pay less!

Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.

The Jewish Home | AUGUST 12, 2021

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Life C ach

It’s Calling Me!

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

I

t’s big.

It’s round.

It’s the best staple one can find.

Should I keep going on or have you got it?

It saves Thursday nights.

Now, did you get it?

It makes Saturday night!

I’m sure you are all with me now!

Yes, I’m talking about pizza!

There’s a real dilemma here – is it an Italian food because they say it originated there or is it a Jewish food because we can’t be Jewish without needing it?

Can anyone say they go through a week without having at least one slice?

We can’t even go through a Pesach without it. Whether delivered by a soggy piece of matzoh or a potato starch pancake, we are committed to getting some version of pizza into us during those days. And we won’t be deterred by a no-bread week.

Pizza is clearly our weekday cholent!

It’s true that if you actually go out on a Saturday night there might be those occasions you wind up not eating it. Although those occasions are few and far between. But show me one

household where people are staying home Saturday night that doesn’t have a pizza box on their counter, and I’ll show you a family where it might be wise to check out their lineage.

My mother used to worry about me. She thought I was undernourished and way too thin.

(OK, she hasn’t worried about me being too thin in a bunch of years.

I guess because I clearly expanded

lem is these days I add every food group as a side dish!

Let me give you an illustration of just how alluring pizza is in our world.

My son has always been an extremely adventurous and industrious guy. There was a fellow classmate who was such a committed athlete that the school actually had him on two teams. This was really an exception to a school rule. You can imagine how

Pizza is clearly our weekday cholent!

my repertoire and some other body parts. In fact, it seems I must have inherited her worry about my being undernourished because I can’t seem to stop eating!)

So one day, my mom came home all smiles and said that she was feeling so much better about my eating.

The doctor had told her I was getting a fully balanced diet – carbs, vegetables and protein. Bread, tomatoes, and cheese! You guessed it, I survived on pizza.

Interestingly, I still do! The prob-

much he must have enjoyed sports to develop to this level.

Nevertheless, one time, when he was over at our house my son managed to lure him away from partaking in sports and had him participate in learning how to make pizza starting from square one.

You may think that once he had time to think he may have had some regrets about spending his time this way. However, the next time I saw his mom, she said her son had said he had the best day of his life at our home be-

cause he learned to make pizza from scratch.

Was it the lore of the fun my son created or the pizza? As a partial mom, I can’t say my son’s talents might not have been a big part of it.

But the pizza must have contributed somewhat.

But then again, today that very same son of mine owns his own backyard pizza oven. And I will tell you, lots of people show up at his place all the time for homemade pizza.

Again, is it his charm or is it the pizza?

Well, if it is him, the pizza certainly runs a very close second.

What’s my point?

Pizza intrigues us. It appeals to us.

It mesmerizes us!

We do out-of-the-box things just to get a slice!

There is no fighting it. It certainly is a food that speaks to us, though I don’t mean that literally. Then again, it does literally seem to call to us!

Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach.

She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or rivki@rosenwalds.com.

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AUGUST 12, 2021 | The Jewish Home

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