That’s Odd

facilities has “evidence of systemic failures” and “large amounts of standing human sewage,” according to Fox News.

That facility also had the water “shut off for days.”

The surprise inspection was conducted during the week of October 18 by the U.S. Marshal for the District of Colombia. It focused on two DC detention centers, including the Central Treatment Facility and the Central Detention Facility, according to a press release which noted that “minimum standards of confinement” were not met at the facility.

Following the inspection, the U.S. Marshals Service said 400 inmates at the Central Detention Facility would be moved to the U.S. Penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. The inmates are under custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

In a November 3 letter to DC Department of Corrections Director Quincy L. Booth, Lamont Ruffin, the acting United States Marshal for the District of Columbia, noted that food and water seemed to be withheld as punishment, and that “the water in many of the cells within South 1 and North 1 had been shut off for days, inhibiting detainees from drinking water, washing hands, or flushing toilets.” The food given to the inmates was “cold and congealed” and “evidence of drug use was pervasive.”

It noted that the DC Department of Corrections staff at the Central Detention Facility seemed “unaware or uninterested” in any of the issues. Facility staff were also observed failing to follow COVID-19 policies and “antagonizing detainees,” the letter added.

The investigation results have been forwarded to the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

DC Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Christopher Geldart said the findings are “deeply concerning,” adding, “The charge and mission of the DC Department of Corrections (DOC) is to provide a safe, orderly, and humane environment for the men and women under our supervised detention.”

Geldart added, “We take seriously the responsibility of caring for justice-involved DC residents and believe they should remain in DC. DOC leadership is evaluating moving inmates within the facility so that issues raised can be addressed efficiently and expeditiously.”

NYC Marathon Moments

Runners from Kenya crossed the finish line first in New York City’s Marathon on Sunday. Albert Korir won the men’s race; Peres Jepchirchir took the women’s competition.

Korir, who came in second in the 2019 race, finished in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 22 seconds. Jepchirchir came in at 2 hours, 22 minutes and 39 seconds.

It was 28-year-old Jepchirchir’s first time running the New York City Marathon, and she was not expecting to win after taking gold in the Olympics marathon in August.

“I thank my G-d for the energy he has given me,” she said.

“I’m going to say this course is not bad, but it’s not easy,” especially the finish.

She is the first runner to win both Olympic gold and the New York City Marathon.

Viola Cheptoo, also from Kenya, was just seconds behind Jepchirchir.

Ethiopia’s Ababel Yeshaneh took third in the women’s race, finishing in 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 52 seconds.

Molly Seidel finished as the top American woman, taking fourth in 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 42 seconds. Seidel won bronze in the women’s marathon at the Tokyo Olympics.

The victory was Korir’s fifth in a marathon, after Vienna City in 2017, Cape Town in 2018, Houston in 2019, and Ottawa the same year.

Mohamed El Aaraby of Morocco came in second in the men’s race, finishing in 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 6 seconds. He was followed by Eyob Faniel of Italy, who came in at 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 52 seconds.

Elkanah Kibet finished as the top American, taking fourth with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 15 seconds.

About 30,000 people were registered to take part in Sunday’s event, the 50th New York Marathon, which travels through the city’s five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. The race starts on Staten Island and ends in Central Park.

This is the first marathon to take place in New York City in two years, as the marathon was canceled last year due to the pandemic.

Camel Conference

The streets of Madrid, Spain, became circus-like over the weekend after a flock of camels and a llama escaped from the circus and wandered around the city.

On its Instagram page, the Gran Circo Quiros circus said that it had “suffered an animal sabotage” on Friday night but confirmed that “the animals are well.”

Bactrian camels are originally native to central and Eastern Asia and are usually more accustomed to desert terrain than the streets of Madrid, although they are able to survive in a variety of extreme conditions. Most of these camels are now domesticated.

Police were able to round up the rowdy crowd in the wee hours of the morning and returned the group to the circus. Spain’s national police confirmed the news on Twitter, sharing images of the animals walking along the streets and signed off with the hashtag #WeLoveAnimals.

Well, we love camels – as long as they’re not in spitting distance from us.

Doug the Spud

Doug may be the world’s biggest potato head.

Recently, Colin and Donna CraigBrown were weeding their garden in New Zealand when Colin’s hoe struck something huge just beneath the soil’s surface. As he knelt down to dig it up, Colin tasted the huge object. Turns out, the giant specimen

was a potato that weighs more than 17 pounds.

“We couldn’t believe it,” Donna said. “It was just huge.”

They named the tuber Doug, because it was “dug up.”

Truly, Doug does not look like a potato. It is flat and not round. But it may be the largest potato on record. After weighing it, the couple realized that Doug weighed in at a remarkable 7.9 kilograms (17.4 pounds). That’s equal to a couple of sacks of regular potatoes, or one small dog.

In the weeks since their unusual find on August 30, the couple’s potato has become something of a celebrity around their small farm near Hamilton. Colin even built a small cart to tow Doug around.

“We put a hat on him. We put him on Facebook, taking him for a walk, giving him some sunshine,” Doug said. “It’s all a bit of fun. It’s amazing what entertains people.”

A more official weigh-in at a local farming store put Doug at 7.8 kg. The current Guinness World Records entry for the heaviest potato is a 2011 monster from Britain that weighed in at just under 5 kg.

“It’s a mystery to me,” Colin said. “It’s one of nature’s little pleasant surprises.”

For now, Doug is residing in the couple’s freezer. It had been developing mold and drying out. Still, Colin may pull Doug out for one last hurrah. An amateur brewer, Colin said he’s keen to turn Doug into a nice drop of potato vodka.

We’re diggin’ it.

It’s a Bird…It’s a Bat?

A bat is now the newest winner of the New Zealand Bird of the Year award.

The Forest & Bird conservation charity said the pekapeka-tou-roa, or long-tailed bat, was included in the list of finalists to raise awareness and support for the species and that the bat was chosen from the list of finalists by online voters.

This is the first non-bird to ever have entered the competition.

“Kiwis clearly love their native bat,” Bird of the Year spokeswoman Laura Keown said in a statement. “A vote for bats is also a vote for predator control, habitat restoration, and climate action to protect our bats and their feathered neighbors!”

Long-tailed bats are listed as “nationally critical” by the New Zealand Department of Conservation.

Forest & Bird said 56,733 votes were cast this year, the most in the competition’s history. The longtailed bat received 7,031 votes, giving it a steady lead against the second-place finisher and last year’s winner, the kakapo, which received 4,072 votes.

Sounds like this flying mammal won this competition off the bat.

We are excited to announce the production of a brand new haggadah shel pesach

by Rav Moshe Weinberger, Shlit"a

For all inquiries, including sponsorship opportunities contact: Haggadah@aishkodesh.org Aishkodesh.org/rebbe-haggadah

Repeat Offender

He just couldn’t help himself.

Kendrick Archibald was arrested again last week in Chicago for stealing $5,400 worth of cigarettes. That may be bad enough, but Archibald was already out on bail – for stealing $1,400 worth of cigarettes.

Seems he just can’t kick the hab-

it.

In a video of Archibald’s first arrest, he was shown with an accomplice behind the counter of a Walgreens sweeping packs of cigarettes into black trash bags. He was soon out on bail and then proceeded to steal more cigarettes from another Walgreens.

Archibald has very sticky fingers. Less than two months ago, Archibald was arrested in the theft of a charity fundraising jar from the restaurant counter of a sandwich shop. The store’s employees had been raising money to donate to a sick co-worker.

He is known to police in the Chicago area. Archibald has previous felony convictions for forgery in 2019 and 2005, theft in 2018, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon in 2017, and retail theft in 2012.

What would Archibald and his friend be doing with all those cigarettes besides for burning up their lungs? Well, it’s highly likely that they will selling them, which is referred to as “buttlegging,” a combination of “bootlegging,” which refers to the illegal sale of goods, and cigarette butts.

It’s time for law enforcement to stick Archibald with a real conviction and get him off the streets.

NY Goat Yoga

Looking for a way to add some pizzazz to your yoga routine? Consider Goat Yoga. It’s just like regular yoga but includes little, friendly goats jumping on you as you “downward dog” and nipping at your yoga gear.

This week, NY Goat Yoga announced that it will be kicking off its 2021/2022 College Tour. Instead of patrons traveling upstate to their farm, the team at NY Goat Yoga is heading to college campuses to help ease students’ anxieties and stresses.

According to NY Goat Yoga, nearly 90% of college students report experiencing above-average stress levels. It is important for colleges to provide ample opportunities for students to decompress, relax and relieve anxiety, NY Goat Yoga says. What better way than to do yoga with playful goats running around?

“What results is goats on yogis’ backs and smiles on everyone’s faces,” the group says.

Sharon Boustani, an owner of NY Goat Yoga, adds, “It’s goat magic!”

Sounds like the GOAT.

Around the Community

SKA Honor Society Welcomes New Members

Mazel tov to the 63 new members of the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls Re’ut Chapter of the National Honor Society! Membership to the National Honor Society is based on scholarship, leadership abilities, character, and service to the school and community.

The 53 juniors and 10 seniors were welcomed to the induction ceremony on Wednesday evening, November 3, by the SKA principals, Mrs. Elisheva Kaminetsky and Mrs. Bluma Drebin. The keynote address was delivered by Mrs. Rachel Geisler, Senior Staff Engineer at Google, who spoke about the balance of working for Google as a woman, mother and, Orthodox Jew. A wonderful role model for the new Honor Society members, Mrs. Geisler focused on the rapid pace at which society has changed. Using Torah sources, she emphasized the importance of resilience. “The only constant in life is change,” she said. Noting that Jews have always concentrated on rebuilding after tragedy, she stressed the significance of always showing up and being resilient.

After Mrs. Geisler’s inspiring talk, the evening’s co-chairs, Mrs. Shira Greenberger and Mrs. Arielle Parkoff, introduced the inductees, who presented poems, songs and graphics on the evening’s theme, “Finding Meaning in the Journey,” to administration, faculty members and parents who physically attended the event and to other family members who viewed the proceedings online.

The new inductees were then awarded their certificates welcoming them to the Re’ut Chapter. Thanks go to faculty members Mrs. Greenberger and Mrs. Parkoff for guiding the SKA students through the induction process and organizing this impressive ceremony.

Welcome to the new SKA Honor Society members!

Around the Community

YSZ Holds Special Challah Bake

The middle school girls at Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion enjoyed a special Challah Bake program last week. Rebbetzin Tzivia Khiyayev addressed the girls on the topic of the beauty of Shabbat and the bracha that challah brings to our lives and the lives of our families. There was a buzz in the air as the girls mixed, kneaded, and shaped their challah; the bond between teacher and student could be tangibly felt in the room. After Rebbetzin Khiyayev did the hafrasha, the girls had a chance to put in their own bakashot to Hakadosh Baruch Hu. It was an emotional and uplifting moment as each girl stood immersed in her own personal prayers and utilized the special et ratzon.

“The tefillot were my favorite part,” said 7th grade student, Lianna Hanna Boruchov. “As we all said the Yehi Ratzon together, I felt a deep connection to Hashem.”

HANC Live! at Open House

On Sunday, November 7, eighth grade prospective students and their parents had the opportunity to experience HANC Live! the fantastic and innovative drive-in open house for HANC High School.

In order to accommodate the over 500 people, two showings were held. Guests were greeted by the principals and various key members of the HANC faculty as well as HANC reps, current students who were on hand to greet guests, cheer on their classmates’ appearances, and enjoy the show.

As each family arrived, they received a pie of Sauly’s Pizza, along with important HANC information, a playbill, and movie snacks.

Viewers settled in to experience HANC through a dramatic presentation that followed the format of the ever-popular Tonight Show. In addition to the classic opening monologue delivered by HANC’s principal, Rabbi Eli Slomnicki, the show included interviews with both student and staff celebrities, HANC classes, and comedy sketches often involving funschool themed games. The program was enhanced by the in-house band, HANC’s very own, BluSoul.

Rotten Tomatoes has the show at 97% praising HANC for its creative and out-of-the- box depiction of the dynamism of the HANC High school education and student experience. Admiration and appreciation for creating an “open house experience” that demonstrated what HANC High School is about.”

“It was amazing! HANC took the open house to another level, thinking out of the box! Wow! We were totally entertained as the cast provided a glimpse of life at HANC, and the warmth of the HANC family.”

Thank you to those students who starred in the show, the student producers, and all who helped to create an amazing and memorable open house.

We look forward to greeting prospective students and their parents at our upcoming events. To apply to HANC High School, please visit hanc.org or contact Director of Admissions, Mrs. Miriam Steiner, at msteiner@hanc.org.

Around the Community

CAHAL 5th Grade Hascholas Gemara

Rabbi Dov Langer’s 5th Grade CAHAL class at Yeshiva Darchei Torah celebrated their next step in the journey of Torah Shel Ba’al Peh, the learning of Gemara, on October 31. How exciting and inspiring it was to hear from the beloved Rosh Hayeshiva Rabbi Yaakov Bender and Menahel Rabbi Dovid Morgenstern. Other noteworthy speakers included choshuve grandfathers in the grade such as Rabbi Respler, the Rosh Yeshiva of Long Beach. Students, fathers, grandfathers, and rebbeim ate brunch and learned together.The class is excited and ready to begin learning Gemara.

May the families continue to enjoy nachas from their children and grandchildren.

Front Row Seats with DRS Greenhouse

After almost a year and a half without sports, and with much anticipation, DRS athletes and fans were excited to come back to the “Greenhouse,” DRS’s hometown gym, to cheer on the DRS Wildcats! Last week, the DRS JV and Varsity Hockey teams took on the North Shore Stars in our hockey home opener, where both teams shut out their opponents.

Due to the fact that the league’s rule calls for not allowing outside fans to games, the “DRS Live” team has really stepped up their production this year to allow fans at home to watch the games. This student-led department in the yeshiva has worked hard to create a high-level online production, which captures each game played in the DRS gym. The broadcast now features three camera angles, color and play-byplay commentary, commercials, improved audio, and replays. Fans watching at home get a “front-row” seat to the action in the Greenhouse.

Rabbi Libman’s and Rabbi Steinberg’s classes at HALB enjoyed an in-school planetarium experience to help children understand the astronomy behind the Mishnayot they were learning in Mesechet Rosh Hashana

The yeladim in Morah Shani’s Nursery Aleph class at HANC ECC learned about Parshat VaYeitzei this week. They matched up popsicle sticks to make Yaakov’s ladder.

Did you know? There were no squirrels in Central Park or other major parks in New York, Boston, or Washington, DC, before the 19th century. They were brought in to liven up the parks for urban dwellers.

Around the Community

A Heartfelt Message

On Tuesday, November 2, the third grade talmidos of TAG were privileged to hear from Rabbi Eliezer Feuer, Rav of the Young Israel of Bayswater, who came to celebrate with them their haschaloa Shemonei Esrei in their tefillos.

Rabbi Feuer spoke about the power of Shemonei Esrei. He used a moshul from the Nesivos Shalom regarding a prince, who, after many years, wished to reunite with his father, the king. Despite many challenges and attempts which failed, he achieved his goal only when he cried about his yearning for a relationship with the king. The Rav beautifully expressed how the heartfelt tefillos of these young talmidos will be their opportunity to connect to Hakadosh Boruch Hu.

The girls ate cupcakes and designed their own “heart” bookmarks for their siddurim.

Anyone who saw the faces of these talmidos understood how they absorbed and internalized this vital message. It was truly a case of “devorim ha’yotzhim min halev, nichnasim el halev.”

Flag Football

What a season for the 5 Towns Flag Football League presented by FM Home Loans! Under the leadership of Rabbi Eli Brazil and Larry Gross, the league just completed its 11th season. Congratulations to the champions in each division. The season and playoffs were beyond amazing as many of the games were decided in the final seconds or overtime.

The league, which is open to 1st8th grade boys in the Five Towns and surrounding areas, had 5 divisions with over 30 teams. Free ice cream and amazing giveaways are also a trademark of this great league. The ability to play competitive flag football in a structured and safe environment makes this league such a great success. Boys play with middot and respect for every player. Plans are underway for next season, which will hopefully begin in March.

We would like to thank the league sponsors: FM Home Loans, Gourmet Glatt, S. Adelsberg & Co. Certified Public Accountants, Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, and Holy Schnitzel.

Advisory at HAFTR

The Advisory program is in full swing at HAFTR Middle School. As part of this program, small groups of students are paired with a faculty adviser. Students meet with their adviser throughout the school year, enjoying conversation and hands-on activities.

Dr. Yali Werzberger, the program’s director, explained, “School connectedness, where all students feel that they have a connection with other peers and adults in the building, is associated with numerous positive outcomes for students and schools, and we are excited about the positive ripple effects this program has on school culture and student academic, social, and emotional development.”

Students have already participated in a number of activities this year. In addition to building cohesion among members, the activities are based on principles of Positive Psychology. This week, seventh grade students wrote a letter to their future selves, where they identified the hopes, goals, and dreams they have for themselves this year. A discussion about how to set, visualize, and accomplish goals also took place in advisory groups. These letters were then put away to be reviewed at the end of the school year.

As the year progresses, advisory sessions will continue to focus on developing relationships and student growth, with activities that are engaging and empowering. We thank Dr. Werzberger for developing this enriching program!

Around the Community

YCQ Early Childhood Program Open House a Huge Success

Prospective parents and students attended the Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) Early Childhood Program Open House on Sunday, November 7. Rabbi Mark Landman, YCQ principal, and Mrs. Sharon Korn, YCQ Early Childhood program director, welcomed the future YCQ families.

Parents heard glowing testimonials from Eva Kandinov and Max Olsen, YCQ Grade 8 students, Mrs. Julia Faska, current YCQ PTO Co-President, and Mrs. Valerie Olsen, YCQ Parent and former YCQ PTO Co-President.

Mrs. Korn outlined the YCQ Early Childhood Program curriculum with a comprehensive video presentation, offering a glimpse into the typical day of a YCQ early childhood student. Mrs. Korn reported, “It was exciting to meet so many new families and to share all of the wonderful happenings at YCQ. The children were enthusiastic and engaged, and we can’t wait to welcome our new students.” While touring simulated classes, prospective parents visited a Grade 8 science classroom and attended a 3-minute class reviewing the miracle of the Asher Yetzer prayer. The cafeteria, art room, gymnasium, library, computer room, grade 1 classrooms with Morah Leah Greenwald and Mrs. Allison Blass, and STEAM Lab with Mrs. Jen Jaffe were all presented and approved by guest families. While some parents toured YCQ, other parents participated in YCQ Early Childhood Program curriculum activities with their child. In addition to a music lesson and gym session, families worked with Morah Michelle on a lesson in picture matching on her smartboard. Morah Janet created a Parsha Puppet Show. Morah Adina worked with shapes, and Morah Rivky constructed beautiful collages.

Rabbi Landsman, principal of YCQ, said, “It was such a pleasure to welcome new families to our wonderful school and show them the energy and ruach that has made our yeshiva so incredible for so many years.”

Students and faculty enthusiastic about Jewish education and spiritual inspiration form the foundation of Yeshiva of Central Queens, and on Sunday, families had the opportunity to experience YCQ in person.

For more information about the YCQ Early Childhood Program, please contact Mrs. Sharon Korn, Director of the Early Childhood Program, skorn@ycq. us., 718-793-8500, ext. 313, as soon as possible.

Packed Open House at Netzach HaTorah

On Sunday, October 31, Netzach HaTorah in Woodmere hosted its annual open house to a packed auditorium. The event included both parents and talmidim and afforded the opportunity to learn up close all about the Mesivta. Following presentations by the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Yitzchok Yurman, and the principal, Rabbi Yirmiyahu Lebowitz, the crowd got to see inside the Mesivta with an in-depth video presentation taking them through the front doors of the building and into the classroom and facilities. Following the video, the boys split into groups meeting with different rabbeim, students, and faculty, while the parents participated in a panel discussion featuring current parents and rebbeim. The open house was once again a wonderful way for prospective parents and talmidim to see firsthand how the Mesivta is “learning Torah and living Torah.”

For those that missed the open house or would like more information, please visit Netzachhatorah. com/openhouse.=

Around the Community

True Community Helpers

HAFTR first graders began their social studies curriculum with a unit on community helpers. After meeting the members of our school community, students were introduced to members of the larger community. Parent volunteers, including EMTs, doctors, and nurses, met with students and discussed their roles in the community. Students visited The S.H.O.P., the Gural JCC’s food pantry, and brought canned food items to donate to the store. They learned how this store provides a vital service for our community, and by working together, we can keep our community safe and healthy.

As an introduction to the unit on map skills, students took a walk on Central Avenue. They noted the addresses, types of stores, and how important stores are to our community. Students created maps of the blocks they visited and are looking forward to learning more about being a cartographer when a visitor from the New York Historical Society comes to school.

One Israel Fund Announces New President of its Board of Trustees

One Israel Fund, the premier organization in the United States providing humanitarian support and essential needs for the residents of Judea and Samaria, is delighted to announce the appointment of Jacqueline L. Herman of Englewood, NJ, as its new president of the board of trustees. Mrs. Herman has been a dedicated member of the organization’s board of trustees for many years and has worked tirelessly to raise funds for a variety of the organization’s important projects providing for the safety, security, and well-being of the residents of Judea and Samaria.

Mrs. Herman’s tenure as the president of the board of trustees, which started earlier this month, coincides with the organization’s former president’s appointment as Trustee at Large. Jonathan L. Sherman, the organization’s former president of its board of trustees, presided over the organization’s growth over the last several years and raised much needed resources for its community, security, medical, educational, and recreational programming. Under Mr. Sherman’s leadership, the organization also began construction of the Binyamin Medical Center, a primary urgent care and general medical center serving the medical needs of the 128,000 residents of the Binyamin region, the largest regional council in Israel.

One Israel Fund Executive Vice President Scott M. Feltman said, “One Israel Fund is appreciative to Jonathan for his leadership over these last several years and for the tireless devotion he invested in our organization’s continued development. I am grateful that Jonathan will be remaining as a valued member of the trustees so we will all benefit from his leadership for many years to come.”

Feltman went on to say, “Jacqui has been an outstanding member of our board of trustees constantly seeking out opportunities to help enhance our organization’s programming and fundraising infrastructure. She has been a pleasure to work with all these years as a trustee; and we are truly honored to officially have her serving as our new president. Everyone is very excited to work with her in building this organization to even higher heights.”

“I am extremely excited about this new chapter in my service to One Israel Fund, an organization I feel incredibly proud to have been a part of for so many years,” explained Mrs. Herman.

She continued, “The organization’s mission is one my family and I consider to be of vital importance, and I look forward to working with Scott, his staff, and our wonderful board of trustees and board of directors to continue providing for the essential needs of the residents of Judea and Samaria.”

Since its inception in 1994,

One Israel Fund has re-

mained committed to the safety and wellbeing of the nearly 500,000 residents of Judea and Samaria – our Biblical Heartland. As the premier organization supporting these regions, One Israel Fund works tirelessly to facilitate, on average, over 200 unique projects annually, filling gaps in medical, educational, recreational, preventative security and all other forms of communal and social welfare. By working in tandem with community and regional leadership as well as government officials, One Israel Fund enables Jewish life to flourish in all areas of our Biblical Heartland.

Around the Community

HAFTR Alumni Association wishes mazal tov to HAFTR

parents Alissa (HAFTR

Early Childhood Morah) and Yoni, and to Noah

Nierenberg (HAFTR

High School Class of 2019) on completing his

IDF training in the tank

combat/sniper unit

On Election Day, children at HANC ECC voted on what kind of cookie the class would prefer for snack – Oreos or chocolate chip cookies. The results were

delicious!

Rabbi Eisikovic’s seventh grade class of Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island had an enjoyable Melave Malka at their rebbi’s house this week. The Melave Malka was a fun event and was used to spearhead the class’s new davening initiative.

Parshas Toldos at YOSS ECC

Parshas Toldos is one of my favorite parshios, as it is filled with so many lessons for our children to learn from. The children of Yeshiva of South Shore ECC learned the story of Yaakov and Eisav and, of course, how twin brothers can be alike and can be different. They worked together to cook lentil soup, cutting, chopping, measuring, and mixing. The delicious smell of soup drifted through the hallways and the pre-1A boys wrote instructions, “Do not touch – hot soup.” The boys also worked on their pre-math skills as they compared, contrasted, and learned about opposites and pairs.

Around the Community

Lev Chana Preschool students at HALB participated in their very own Election Day

Shulamith Torah Bowl

What a great start for the year for the Shulamith Torah Bowl team! The girls earned a total of 29 points out of 60, winning against several other local schools. Even more impressive than their win, however, is that the girls showed extensive mastery over the first 11 perakim of Sefer Devarim. They answered questions posed by Rabbi Wolofsky, the head of the Torah Bowl for the Jewish Day schools in the tri-state area, on a Zoom conference call by buzzing in through a special app. The questions were asked on the pshat, the simple understanding of the text, as well as the explanations of Rashi. Their breadth of knowledge is outstanding, and we are looking forward and preparing diligently for the next meet that we will cover Parshios Re’eh and Shoftim next month, G-d willing.

Classroom Champions at HANC

It was an amazing Rosh Chodesh Kislev morning at HANC-Plainview! After a beautiful morning davening, the program director Mrs. Liz Danizger, along with Mrs. Lynda Last and Mrs. Francie Goldberg, officially kicked off the school’s partnership with Classroom Champions with all students in first through the sixth grade. Each grade had representatives running through the sports fields, passing a torch from grade to grade. Mrs. Last then introduced the highlights of Classroom Champions, a social-emotional learning curriculum for students connecting them to volunteer Olympians, Para-Olympians, student-athletes and professional athletes who will be sharing real life stories, lessons, and challenges surrounding perseverance, goal setting, leadership and more. Mrs. Francie Goldberg then challenged every class to a See-Run-Build teamwork competition, and Mrs. Danziger then announced the winning team in different categories.

The program officially ended with Rosh Chodesh treats sponsored by Morah Meryl and Aaron Chaitovsky, and a small musical celebration led by Mr. Yoel Hecht, which put everyone in the Kislev spirit to get ready for Chanukah!

Central Open House

The Central Open House on Sunday, November 7 was a smashing success! The crowd streamed into the building to the greetings of excited student ambassadors and faculty.

The day began with breakfast and a chance to mingle with other prospective families, as well as teachers and administration. The main program began with a beautiful dvar Torah from our Mashgiach Ruchani, Rabbi Joshua Goller, who then introduced his chevruta, senior Aliza Beer of White Plains, NY. Aliza spoke about the “homeyness” of Central and how welcome she felt from the minute she stepped in the building as a freshman. She listed many of the amazing opportunities for learning and chessed provided to her by Central, saying, “Recently, I even had the chance to go with Ms. Rutner to Yeshiva University to meet the national security adviser of Bahrain and the Saudi Arabian head of the World Muslim League. The opportunities for me beyond the classroom at Central and the YU community have been endless.”

Head of School Ms. Bracha Rutner illustrated what a typical day at Central looks like, taking the audience through the school building, feeling the buzz and hearing the laughter and learning taking place in every classroom, with every program, and every extracurricular activity. Following speeches from Lois Rifkin, a sophomore from Great Neck, and Central alum and Associate Principal Ms. Leah Moskovich, prospective students and their parents split up for special programming.

Parents were treated to presentations by various departments and teachers, such as Mrs. Ruth Fried, head of the science department, and Rabbi Elie Weissman, Judaic Studies Coordinator. They were informed about academics, student life, the ruchnius in the building, the meaning of Torah U’Madda, the guidance and support at Central, and heard from a panel of current parents. Parents then had a tour of the building and culminated with a yummy lunch at the curriculum fair. Meanwhile, students went on a tour of the building, led by our amazing student ambassadors, where they stopped into six different classes. After meeting some of our amazing teachers, students entered the Central Playhouse for a special student life performance! Through a fun game of Family Feud, prospective students learned about all that we offer in Central, and their morning concluded with a stop in our student life tent, where they met with club heads, ate a delicious lunch, and filled up their jars at Central’s Candy Bar.

Leah Moskovich noted after Sunday, “The best part of the day was meeting so many excited new families, greeting and welcoming back current Central families, and watching our students shine as they spoke about their high school experience. The energy in the building was awesome.”

We look forward to starting our visit days this week! Apply today at yuhsg.org/apply.

Around the Community

Parsha Comes Alive at BYAM

Each week, our incredible Preschool Director, Morah Deenie Schuss, makes the parsha come alive for the girls at Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam. Excitement rises as the girls come off the bus, wondering what parsha surprise is in store. Will they be met with a Taivah? A bus to take them to Eretz Canaan? Will it be Sarah’s tent or Yitzchak and Rivka’s chuppah? This past week it was a giant pot of red “soup”!

We can’t wait to see what next week brings!

Neither Rain Nor Shine…

While this may be the motto of the Post Office, it could definitely apply to the 200 dedicated mothers of TAG who braved torrential rains and came to be inspired at the Women’s League’s Membership Tea held on Tuesday, October 26. Equally amazing was the fact that our featured guest speaker, Rabbi Ephraim Eliyahu Shapiro, also managed to fly in from Florida. He was totally awed and amazed at the unbelievable turnout, and we, at TAG, came to believe it was all gishmei bracha straight from Hashem.

The beautiful home of the gracious hostess, Mrs. Shari Taub, proved to be the perfect backdrop for the beautifully arranged table of desserts and salads prepared by Women’s League’s own volunteers. The dynamic team of chairladies, Racheli Blumenkrantz, Edna Ershowsky, Mindy Glaser, Suri Feuchtwanger, Chayale Gorlin, Nataly Magendzo, Naomi Newman, and Tziporah Sax, outdid themselves and proved again what teamwork can accomplish.

The mothers were greeted warmly and presented with the handy, adorable lunch bag designed specifically for TAG talmidos (and mothers as well). After words of divrei bracha from TAG’s dean, Rabbi Meyer Weitman, all eyes were riveted on Rabbi Shapiro as he delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking presentation on how to “Build A Happy Home.” In his usual warm and witty style, he outlined three steps to help make our houses true Jewish homes. He reminded the audience never to lose sight of their goal in being mechanech their children and to recognize what is important and what is not. His many stories beautifully depicted his vital points. He emphasized that our children are always watching how we behave and that we must always act like true role models.

After the official program ended, many of the mothers stayed to continue enjoying the food while socializing and getting to know each other. It indeed was a memorable evening and a great way for the Women’s League to kick off what promises to be a successful new school year.

Around the Community

Rabbi Shmuel Bloom discussed the dinim of the mitzvah of Shemittah and shared firsthand accounts of miracles the farmers experience in Eretz Yisrael with talmidim at Yeshiva Ketana of

Long Island

Bringing Parsha to Life

HAFTR Lower School Kindergarten students were in “Charan” last week where they prepared and cooked lentil soup in honor of Parshat Toldot. Volunteer students reenacted Yaakov giving soup to Eisav in exchange for his birthright. The soup was delicious and the experience was memorable.

Bikur Cholim Lil’ Leaders Program

Our Lil’ Leaders program is focused on investing in our future leaders to teach them the importance of giving back and to educate them in being kind to others and giving back to the community. We have an array of events and activities that children can participate in so that they can feel good inside and do something empowering to inspire them to keep giving back.

Join us at our next event happening on November 14th from 2 to 3:30 PM at 7 Manor Lane in Lawrence. Bring a new gift, come wrap it, send a card, and decorate a doughnut! We ask that each participant bring one gift to wrap.

For more information about Bikur Cholims Lil Leaders program, please message us at events@bikurcholimfr5t.org.

We can’t wait!

MTA Brings Ruach and Energy to Queens

MTA talmidim had a blast bonding with their rebbeim and friends at the yeshiva’s Queens Shabbaton. Held on October 29-30, the Shabbaton featured lively minyanim and zemiros, inspiring divrei Torah, a Friday night seudah, an inspirational program with Maggid Shiur Rabbi Rafi Pearl and Dean of Student Life Rabbi Danny Konigsberg, a tisch with guest speaker Rabbi Shmuel Marcus, and Shalosh Seudos with Rabbi Konigsberg and guest speaker Rabbi Shmuel Lemann. MTA enjoys bringing the yeshiva’s signature ruach, achdus, and energy to its communities and enabling talmidim to experience all of the different communities that make up the MTA family.

Pomology at HANC

Experiential learning both in and out of the classroom allows students to keep engaged in their academic experience while bringing direct meaning to the lesson at hand. HANC High School consistently provides its students with a well-rounded educational experience, keeping topics alive and focused. As the high school is studying the perek of Masechet Sukkah that deals with the four species, Rabbi Daniel Mezei’s shiur was excited to participate in a hands-on lesson in pomology.

The students dissected etrogim in an effort to identify the signs of a kosher etrog versus those of a grafted species. The leftovers were sent home for jelly production!

Around the Community

A Special Visit

Talmidim of Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim visited and heard words of chizuk from HaRav Yechiel Michel Stern, shlita. HaRav Yechiel Michel Stern is the rav of the Tirot HaCarmel community in Eretz Yisrael. He is also a posek in Ezras Torah where he resides and is the mechaber of many sefarim. He is known to be a poel yeshuos and is sought after for his insights and advice.

Thank you to our esteemed board member Mr. Avi Englard for arranging this visit.

The New Green Deal

The Early Childhood Division of TAG held elections last week on Election Day. However, it was not about any political views, but rather about the important topic of selecting their favorite vegetables. The talmidos cast their ballots, received “I Voted” stickers, and helped tally up the votes. The winner by a large margin was cucumbers.

Rosh Chodesh Mesiba at Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim

An amazing Rosh Chodesh Kislev Mesiba was held at the Yeshiva this past Thursday evening. The talmidim enjoyed divrei Torah, delicious food from Mechy’s Deli, and were treated to a very special musical performance by their own talmidim! On Friday, the Rosh Chodesh festivities continued with a lavish breakfast and geshmake oneg.

Election Day at Shulamith ECC

The pre-1A classes at Shulamith Early Childhood Center had an exciting time learning how to do their civic duty and vote on Election Day last week. This provided a wonderful opportunity to strengthen their skills in so many important curriculum areas.

The first thing the girls needed to learn was the concept of voting and that the majority rules. They voted for favorite books and activities first by hand, then by name, and finally by using a paper ballot. This required them to count, to compare, and to read the written choices. When Election Day finally arrived, the girls were primed to vote “for real.” They designed a voting booth and a scanner from cardboard cartons and even made signage (in phonetic spelling) to remind everyone not to peek. The girls took full charge of running the election, from manning a registration table where each child signed her name, to explaining how to fill out the ballot and how to insert it into the scanner. When the polling station closed, the excitement reached a fevered pitch as the ballots were counted using math cubes. The winner served a one-day term at our snack table!

Concurrently, the girls learned about polls. They were very excited to walk around with clipboards asking their friends’ opinions about important matters like favorite colors. Taking polls was a wonderful exercise in literacy and math. They wrote down the choices, read their friends’ names, and recorded their choices in the appropriate columns. At the end, they tallied up the results and determined which number was greater.

At Shulamith ECC we are grateful to be living in a country that gives us the freedom to practice our beliefs, and we are happy to teach our students how to be productive citizens who have a say in their government.

Around the Community

Bais Yaakov of the Five Towns Open House

Some of the speakers at the open house of Bais Yaakov of the Five Towns this week

The enthusiasm and excitement were palpable at our introductory open house on Sunday, November 7th, 2021. It was with great siyata dishmaya, that we introduced Bais Yaakov Five Towns to a large and eager audience.

Amidst beautiful decor, snacks and drinks, the concept of an innovative new Bais Yaakov school opening in September ‘22 was introduced. The program began with a message from R’ Moshe Plutchok where he praised both the idea of BY5T and the talents and chinch capabilities of the hanhala.

Mrs. Bracha Wrona, menaheles, spoke about the philosophy and hashkafa of the school, which will include a warm welcoming environment that will focus on the whole child and inspire each student to learn, cultivate her inner strengths, and grow into a proud Bais Yaakov girl.

Mrs. Temima Feldman, educational consultant, introduced the innovative and up-to-date programs that the curriculum will be built on.

Miss Racheli Gross introduced the female educational advisory board that will assist the hanhala in professional and educational decisions regarding many areas of chinuch.

A moving video depicted the vision of BY5T. A question and answer session followed, which clearly expressed the passion and enthusiasm of the Five Towns community and beyond.

The overwhelming response of applications, interest, and a request for further information and meetings was heartwarming. Please go to our website hwww.by5t.org to download an application and be informed of future meetings being planned. It was a pleasure greeting such a wonderful crowd.

Traveling to Israel and need MEDICAL INSURANCE? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

PSG offers travel medical plans that feature:

Covers Covid-19 Letter from Insurance carrier for Ministry

Purchase policy within minutes International medical insurance coverage for a deened period of time Israel and other international destinations Reasonable rates

Call Tiffany at Preferred Services Group: 516 247 6448 X 227

psg-insurance.com

Around the Community

PHOTOS BY MHB

Rav Elya Brudny, Rosh Yeshiva at the Mirrer Yeshiva in Brooklyn and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah, discussing a sugya with the eleventh grade talmidim of Rav Shloime Eisen at Mesivta Chaim Shlomo on Tuesday. Looking on is Rav Zevi Trenk, menahel. Rav Brudny visits Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s Mesivta on a weekly basis to visit shiurim and enhance the Rischa D’Oraysa.

The “Heart” of the Matter

In honor of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, TAG Elementary Limudei Kodesh division launched their innovative program “BILVAVI,” which will be the focus for the entire school year. Joining the Elementary School will be the Ganger Early Childhood Division.

Our goal is that each talmidah should be empowered and inspired to guide and channel her positive as well as negative emotions to serve Hashem with her whole heart.

The Rosh Chodesh Assembly focused on our ability to think before we react on instinct and give expression to the voice in our heart that tells us to give Hashem nachas by doing the right thing.

The girls were treated to pink doughnuts, a powerful video, and an interactive game to really take these lessons “to heart.” They learned the meaningful song that portrays the goals of this amazing initiative.

We look forward to a year of “Bilvavi” ruach and inspiration!

Each week, the talmidos are taught the lesson of the week and have an activity that follows that lesson. Here is a sampling of some of the many responses we received about how they connected with the “real me,” which last week asked them to tell us about a time you chose to control your emotions.

Tehilla W. Kitah beis: Tehila really wanted her regular seat at the Shabbos table, but a guest came and sat there. She was very strong and reined in her emotions and gave the guest the seat without saying anything. Wow! Submitted by her mother

Racheli L. Kitah beis: Racheli didn’t want to watch her baby brother on Shabbos morning so her parents could sleep, but she did it anyway without a fuss! Submitted by her mother

Batsheva F. Kitah daled: “When my friend and I were playing ball in the grass, my little sister came and started bothering us. Instead of getting upset, I let her play and even taught her how to catch better.”

Mali W.- Kitah daled: “I was having a hard day and I was so hungry, which makes everything even harder, but I waited as patiently as I could for supper to be ready and I even told my mother how good everything was.”

Ilana M - Kitah daled: “My brother went ice skating without me and I got very upset, but then my mom brought me to a very fun place and I realized that even though I didn’t go ice skating, Hashem always gives me what I need.”

Learning the words to the new theme song

Around the Community MAY Open House

It was standing room only at the Mesivta Ateres Yaakov Open House this past Sunday, as the Yeshiva hosted close to 150 prospective students, along with their parents, all eager to learn about what Ateres Yaakov has to offer. Held in the yeshiva’s beautiful facilities, and with the Rabbeim, faculty and Hanhalah present to answer questions, the day’s program was an opportunity to educate parents and students about the Yeshiva’s unique mission, objectives, and resources.

It was a busy, exciting, and educational experience that included informative panels, video displays, passionate presentations, engaging dialogue, Torah brain teasers, sports challenges, raffles, a gala luncheon, prizes, custom Swell bottle, an elaborate Student Fair, slushies, competitions and more.

Upon arrival, attendees were warmly greeted by the MAY Hanhalah, its talented and dedicated faculty and scores of student and parent volunteers. Guests were ushered into the elaborate Student Fair, held in the Yeshiva’s expansive Shaulson Gymnasium where a multitude of booths, manned by current Ateres Yaakov talmidim, described the school’s myriad extracurricular programs and activities.

Following the Student Fair, the Rosh HaYeshiva, Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, addressed the enormous crowd in the Mesivta’s Bais Medrash. He explained that “the goal in our Mesivta extends far beyond the high school years” and that “the ultimate purpose is to build better husbands, fathers, and ovdei Hashem. Therefore, literally everything that occurs within the yeshiva is aimed at facilitating that goal.” Rabbi Yaffe concluded his remarks by clearly explaining each phrase of the Mesivta’s slogan “Rabbeim for Life. Education for Life. Torah for Life.” Rabbi Yaffe’s address was followed by an emotionally charged, informative video presentation that immersed the guests virtually into the Mesivta experience.

Following the video presentation, the students then enjoyed a science presentation with 9th grade science teacher Mr. Pinchas Fiber, a stimulating brain-teasing shiur delivered by 9th grade Rebbe Rabbi Tsvi Greenfield, and a Q & A About MAY. The afternoon concluded with a delicious Chinese buffet and a grand raffle!

Parents attended panel discussions focusing on Limudei Kodesh, General Studies, MAY Parents, and MAY Alumni. Prospective parents asked current parents and panelists a variety of questions and received enthusiastic responses. These included:

Are the Rabbeim really involved in the lives of the talmidim even after graduation? Alumni talked about their many experiences receiving weekly calls in Israel from multiple members of the faculty, about daily conversations and weekly chaburos or Shabbos meals with rabbeim, about rabbeim helping them with challenges after marriage, about rabbeim making their shidduchim, and more. Mr. Mark Gold, President of MAY, noted, “Our talmidim are often shocked to find that their yeshiva peers in Eretz Yisroel do not have the kinds of close relationships with, and ready access to, their Mesivta rabbeim, that they take for granted.”

How does MAY challenge their Honors level students? Rabbi Sam Rudansky, General Studies Principal who moderated the General Studies Panel, noted that “MAY has adapted its curricula to challenge our students. In ELA, for example, we assign frequent essays and other writing assignments to build advanced writing and communication skills and to provide constructive criticism to facilitate revision.”

How does MAY compare to the other Yeshivos in our community? A member of the Hanhalah responded that “there are many excellent local options. Each school has its own emphasis and areas in which it excels. MAY is uniquely outstanding in that it excels in Limudei Kodesh, Limudei Chol, and in Extracurricular activities. With its expansive, state-of the-art campus, there is always something exciting going on but doesn’t impede the personal attention and long-lasting relationships that help students of all capabilities succeed.”

One parent noted that “It’s clear that the Rabbeim I spoke with are very sincere and have a very strong emotional connection with their talmidim and truly care about their success.”

The MAY talmidim really made the event a success. Visitors challenged Ateres Yaakov talmidim in Ping-Pong, football and basketball while being cheered on by friends. Attendees picked up the Mesivta’s Chesed Directory, listing the ample opportunity for different chassadim available to its talmidim. Athletics and Competitions were represented by various members of the Mesivta’s football, basketball, softball and Torah bowl teams who were happy to display the school’s jerseys and many championship trophies! The ample Torah L’shma opportunities were represented by regulars of the Pre-Shacharis Cocoa Club, Post-Shacharis Mishnayos Shiur, 12th grade Advanced Bikiyus and Night Sedarim, Shakla v’Tarya Ba’al Peh Club, Bein Hazmanim Learning Program and voluntary Monday and Tuesday Night Sedarim. The Mesivta’s Extracurricular Activies, Clubs, and Ruach & Recharging booths were represented by the MAY student’s showcasing the myriad opportunities and activities the Mesivta provides for its talmidim.

Applications for the 20212022 z’man are now being accepted. For more information contact the Mesivta at (516) 374-6465 or visit their website at www.ateresyaakov.com.

Around the Community

Chai Lifeline Retreats Give Families Opportunity to Recharge and Reconnect

Chai Lifeline ends off the year with a series of weekend retreats for families impacted by pediatric illness and volunteers of Chai Lifeline. Hosted on Chai Lifeline’s beautiful Camp Simcha campus in Glen Spey, NY, the retreats help recharge participants for the year ahead.

“Connection is vital during illness, no person or family should go through sickness alone,” said Chai Lifeline Director of Volunteer Services Faige Yudkofsky. “Our retreats allow parents and kids to connect with people just like them to form a vibrant community of support.”

On October 23, Achim B’Yachad, the Chassidic division of Chai Lifeline, hosted a retreat for girls. Children impacted by pediatric illness were offered a fun weekend full of activities such as arts and crafts, singing, dancing, and special gifts. The weekend allowed parents to unwind at home while giving kids a fun-filled experience and a chance to connect with peers of similar backgrounds.

“I saw a huge difference over the weekend retreat.… My kids blossomed overnight,” said Chani, a mother of seven. “I was emotional just watching them act like kids again, and I am so thankful they got this experience.”

On November 6, Chai Lifeline hosted a retreat for families living with a cancer diagnosis. Cancer is an isolating experience that COVID-19 has only exacerbated. This retreat provided a chance for families to meet other families just like them and form a community as they support one another through the difficult journey. Over the weekend, parents had a chance to join support groups led by mental health professionals while kids enjoy special activities.

On the weekend of December 11, Chai Lifeline will host its volunteer drivers for a weekend of appreciation. Volunteer drivers transport sick children and their parents to and from medical appointments. This lets the parent be fully present with their child during a deeply difficult time. Drivers commit their time at all hours of the day and night in order to help these families. As a gesture of appreciation, drivers will enjoy a relaxing weekend of spiritual connection, delicious food, and uplifting speeches from parents and families helped by Chai Lifeline.

The last winter Chai Lifeline retreat will take place on December 18 for families with children living with disabilities or chronic illness.

Chai Lifeline is an international children’s health support network providing social, emotional, and financial assistance to children with life-threatening or lifelong illnesses and their families. To learn more, visit www.chailifeline.org.

Around the Community

Rabbi Uri Orlian spoke at the new night seder program run by Rabbi Wahl for middle age school boys at Bais Tefila of Inwood

Chessed is Fun at YIJE

The Young Israel of Jamaica Estates has been organizing a monthly Family Mitzvah Morning for the more than seven years now. Originally conceived of by Rabbi Emeritus and Rebbetzin Shlomo and Karen Hochberg, and now continued under the leadership of current Mara D’Atra Rabbi Dov Lerner and his wife Miriam, families, including kids, parents and grandparents, come together each month for a fun activity or project to support an organization or chessed program in need. The monthly program is coordinated by volunteer Yael Schreiber and YIJE’s Youth Director Jacob Herskowitz.

This year, the program kicked off during Aseret Yemei Tshuva when the kids worked with their parents to create 40 special sukkah gift packages and decorations which were then delivered to Ohel Family Children’s home. The packages were sponsored by Moreen and Zach Lockerman.

The chessed continued in October when families came together to decorate 50 baseballs to be sent to American troops on their military bases around the world. For Billy Cook’s bar mitzvah project, he decided to collect and decorate baseballs with personal messages to troops to put a smile on their faces! Years after his bar mitzvah, he still organizes collections, and the kids and the families in Jamaica Estates decided to help with this chessed.

Each month, Rabbi Lerner reviews the importance of chessed and taking time out to help those in need. YIJE is well-known for their many youth programs and events, but during the Family Mitzvah Morning the fun is directed outward as kids and their families return each month to help another group in need!

On November 21st, the Mitzvah Morning team will be back in action as coordinator Yael Schreiber has arranged for the group to create centerpieces for the Queens Commonpoint Thanksgiving packages.

For more information about Young Israel of Jamaica Estates and upcoming programs for kids and adults, visit yije.org.

SHS Senior Shabbaton

By: Elisheva Jaffa

Following our amazing Open House this week at SHS, the seniors had the pleasure of riding the wave of school pride straight into Shabbos at their grade Shabbaton.

The program began Friday night with beautiful davening in our auditorium. We then got to hear an inspiring dvar Torah from SHS’s very own history teacher, Mr.Lazar, followed by a delicious meal with the seniors, the faculty, and their families. We had the pleasure of hearing words of wisdom from Rabbi Munk who spoke to us about the words of zemirot, and that when we say “tzeischem,” we say goodbye to the angels of weekdays and welcome the Shabbos angels to be with us throughout Shabbos.

We continued our beautiful meal with lots of zemirot, laughter, and smiles. The night ended with a very fun oneg that took place in our Student Center, where the seniors were greeted with board games and fun activities to enjoy with the children of faculty members.

On Shabbos day, we all joined together for tefillah at the Young Israel of Woodmere, followed by teachers hosting students in their homes for Shabbos lunch. Meals were hosted by Mrs. Gaerman, Rebbetzin Wolf, Mrs. Herskowitz, Mrs. Klein and Principal Munk. All of the students greatly enjoyed spending time with their teachers and their families. One senior commented, “It was amazing to see our teachers welcome us into their homes with open arms.”

After lunch, many of the students gathered at Mrs. Gaerman’s house to spend Shabbos afternoon relaxing together. As Shabbos was coming to an end, Seudah Shlishit was hosted at the home of fellow senior Meira Goldstein in Woodmere. During Seudah Shlishit, we were all privileged to hear from our very own Rebbetzin Katzenstein, who spoke about going through life with happiness of doing mitzvot and the happiness of recognizing what you have and how to utilize that in everyday life. We sang zemirot and reminisced about how the last four years at Shulamith High School have been such a life changing experience and that we can’t wait to see what the future holds for each and every one of us.

Around the Community

Out of This World at YOSS

Hashem may have the whole world in His hands, but 2nd grade boys at YOSS have the whole solar system in their hands. They know the names of the planets and their composition – rock or gas. The boys studied important facts about each planet and their distance from the sun. Individually, boys created a standing solar system craft to exhibit each planet and its corresponding facts.

The class was very well prepared for their visit to the Cradle of Aviation Museum, as they recognized so much of what they have been learning about. The History of Flight was entertaining and a great segue into approaching the planets. The boys said it was a blast!

Wacky Science in IVDU LI

The students in Morah Frumit Fruchtzweig’s class have been enjoying the Wacky Science projects that they have been doing each week during STEM time. In addition to the many skills that they are working on, the students get to work on key executive functioning skills like looking at the whole picture and breaking things down into smaller parts. They are required to help plan for the activity, including making lists of the items they need, retrieving them from the correct location, and setting up the activity. It is always exciting for them to actively participate in the science activities, watching things explode, and come to life!

NOVEMBER 2021

ד״סב

Stop, Think and See

When I heard about Tehillim Kollel, I decided to sign up. I thought it was a nice idea, and though I wasn’t going through any particular challenge, it sounded like something I wanted to be part of. They told

me I could give in two names. I thought of a close friend who was going through a very difficult time financially. It seemed his business would soon need to file bankruptcy, leaving him with a huge debt. I also shared my niece’s name. She was of age, yet nothing seemed to be moving in the shidduch line.

I paid for a one-month membership, and after hanging up with the representative, didn’t give it much thought. Time moves on, and the month was over. I didn’t remember to renew.

At one point, I realized that both of the people I had put on the Tehillim list had

seen a yeshuah. My niece had gotten engaged soon after, and my friend had unbelievable siyatta d’Shmaya with an unexpected offer that saved his business.

Could it be that the minyan of Tehillim effected these yeshuos? I thought to myself. More interestingly, I noted, I hadn’t even paid it much heed. How could I have neglected to notice? These

tefillos put some wheels in motion, and I didn’t even stop to watch them roll!

I called the Tehillim Kollel office right away and asked for a steady membership. Indeed, it is never too late to notice…

WEEKLY COLUMN OF RECENT EPISODES BY TEHILLIM KOLLEL

Sign up for our annual mermbership: 718.705.7174

Info@TehillimKollel.org

www.TehillimKollel.org

Around the Community Senior Poskim and Rabbanim of Lakewood Encourage Daily Halacha Learning

By Chaim Gold

“Ifelt like I was in the lishkas hagazis of Lakewood,” said one Daf HaYomi B’Halacha maggid shiur, after attending a unique, unprecedented gathering of leading senior poskim and rabbanim in Lakewood this past motzoei Shabbos, Parshas Chayei Sarah.

What was the nature of the gathering at the home of senior Beis Medrash Govoha Posek, HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Meir Katz, shlita? Why was it was so significant that it was attended by the most august senior poskim of Lakewood such as HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Ephraim Forchheimer, shlita, senior posek of Beis Medrash Govoha and rav of Khal She’eiris Adas Yisroel, HaGaon HaRav Osher Chaim Leiberman, shlita, senior posek of Beis Medrash Govoha and rav of Khal Zichron Shneur, HaGaon HaRav Avrohom Spitzer, shlita, the Skverer Dayan of Lakewood, as well as numerous other prominent rabbanim and poskim including Rav Moshe Chaim Kahan, Rav of Khal Yoel Meir and a posek of Beis Medrash Govoha, Rav Moshe Zev Feldman, a posek of Beis Medrash Govoha, Rav Simcha Bunim Londinsky, Rav of Khal Ohr Gedalya and a senior Rosh Chaburah at Beis Medrash Govoha, Rav Chaim Weg, Rosh Kollel L’Dayanus, Bais HaVaad?

The answer? They came to give chizuk to the ideal that every Yid, whether kollel yungerman, baal habayis, or bachur, must incorporate the learning of daily halacha into one’s schedule.

These senior poskim came to give chizuk to the daily leaning of halacha through Dirshu’s Daf HaYomi B’Halacha Daily Mishnah Berurah program and to hail the program in advance of its upcoming historic siyum on the second machzor of Mishnah Berurah. Dirshu’s Nasi, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, also attended and addressed the event.

Rav Moshe Chaim Kahan, the chairman of the evening, opened the event by thanking Rav Katz for opening his home to host the distinguished guests and noting how the presence of poskim and rabbanim of such stature is a testament to the importance that they attach to daily limud halacha for all Yidden.

“A Loyal Citizen Must Know the Law!”

Rav Spitzer, one of Lakewood’s most prominent poskim, cited the words of the Peleh Yoetz, who writes, “It is an obligation to learn the Orach Chaim order of Shulchan Aruch every day just as it is an obligation to put on tefillin every day!” Rav Spitzer explained that every move a Yid makes from the moment he opens his eyes in the morning until he closes them at night is dictated by halacha. It is impossible to observe halacha if one does not learn it regularly. Rav Spitzer then illustrated his point with a fascinating story about a driver who had a clean record but was nevertheless pulled over because he had snow on the roof of his car. When he came to fight the ticket in court he said, “Your honor, I am a loyal citizen. I am very careful to comply with the law. I have a clean driving record, but what can I do? I was not aware of this law. Please forgive me.”

The judge said, “You say you are a loyal citizen. How could a loyal citizen not be aware of the law? A loyal citizen must know the law!”

“We Yidden,” the Dayan exclaimed, “must realize that we are obligated to know and observe halacha. ‘I didn’t know’ is not an excuse. Baruch Hashem, Dirshu led by Rav Dovid Hofstedter, has made a revolution in this inyan. They have facilitated the knowledge and learning of halacha by tens of thousands through their testing system. Ashrei Dirshu! Ashrei chelkam and ashreichem maggidei shiur who stand at the front lines of the revolution! It is such a zechus!”

A Combination of Torah and Chessed

The arrival of Lakewood’s senior posek, Rav Yaakov Forchheimer, was greeted with tremendous yiras hakavod. Rav Forchheimer, in his clear, methodical way, imparted a strong message of chizuk regarding the importance of learning daily halacha. Rav Forchheimer focused on the tremendous zechus and chessed in which the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha maggidei shiur are involved as they imbue so many Yidden with knowledge of daily halacha. He said, “Eliezer’s first words to Lavan and Besuel were, “Eved Avrohom anochi, I am a servant of Avrohom!” Eliezer didn’t exist on his own, his whole existence was the fact that he was Avrohom’s servant. Chazal tell us that he was the main conduit of Avrohom’s Torah. He was doleh u’mashkeh, he drew out and gave to drink Avrohom’s Torah to the world. The Torah says that he therefore merited ascending to Gan Eden alive. That is the power of someone who gives over Hashem’s Torah to others.

“Eliezer was so effective in giving over emunah that Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky points out that even reshaim such as Lavan and Besuel were forced to admit that ‘M’Hashem yatzah hadavar.’ That is the great zechus and Toras chessed that of the maggidei shiur of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha – the greatest zechus of Torah and the greatest zechus of chessed.”

L-R: HaRav Avrohom Spitzer, HaRav Shmuel Meir Katz, and Rav Dovid Hofstedter

HaRav Yaakov Ephraim Forchheimer offering divrei chizuk

Performing Every Action

Al Pi Halacha Brings Bracha

Rav Dovid Hofstedter began by thanking all the distinguished rabbanim for coming and giving chizuk to Dirshu. He then expressed his hakaras hatov to the rabbanim and maggidei shiur for their vital role in helping Dirshu succeed in its mission of bringing awareness of halacha to the daily lives of Yidden world over.

Rav Dovid gave over an intricate dvar Torah where he masterfully showed how we can learn from Avrohom Avinu and the avos the ideal that a person must live with the Shechina during every second of his life. “Every act and thought must be weighed and judged on whether it is appropriate for the Shechina. ‘Hashem has nothing else in his word other than the four amos of halacha.’ Thus, the Shechina rests on the lomdei and Shomrei Halacha, and therefore we must judge every act and thought.

“Every Yid must, judge his every action – even the most mundane – according to the din, to halacha.”

Rav Dovid then reminisced, “When we were planning the Kinyan Halacha program, we visited Rav Elyashiv. His response to the concept was ‘Avada! Hein hein gufei Torah – halacha is gufei Torah!’

“Baruch Hashem, Klal Yisrael is blessed with so much limud haTorah, learning is thriving in yeshivos, kollelim, by baalei battim. Nevertheless, we must remember the gufei Torah, the learning of halacha. We must realize that everything in our lives is dictated by din. We are obligated to know these dinim, not challilah at the expense of regular learning of Gemara and iyun, but in addition! Learning these dinim brings us great bracha from Hashem.”

“On Behalf of Klal Yisroel,

I Would Like to Thank You!”

Rav Shmuel Meir Katz, the host of the evening, ended the evening by offering tips on how best to learn and remember halacha, and how every person, before paskening should think thoroughly about what he is about to say and not just pasken off the cuff. He explained that every Rav has to also know how to say, “I don’t know.” There are difficult shailos that come up that for which you won’t know the answer. There is nothing wrong with saying, “I don’t know, or I need to look it up.”

Rav Katz concluded by praising Dirshu for the revolution that they have made in the Torah world. Upon taking leave of Rav Hofstedter, Rav Shmuel Meir Katz said something that encapsulated so much, “Rav Dovid, on behalf of Klal Yisroel, I would like to thank you!”